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FNM PRO MISES
BA N K RE F OR M S
Pintard said he would expand Central Bank fee assessment abilities
By RASHAD ROLLE
Editor
Tribune N ews
rrolle@tribunemedia.net
MICHAEL Pintard said the FNM would reform the banking regime in the country if elected to power, expanding the Central Bank’s ability to assess fees and preventing unjustified “junk fees”.
He accused the Davis
administration of “idle talk” and “handwringing” over the issue, noting that Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell has repeatedly railed against banking issues, but the government has not taken action.
“The Free National Movement remains deeply concerned about the
MP SAYS SORRY AFTER CAR PICTURED IN DISABLED SPOT
By LYNAIRE MUNNIN GS
Tribune Staff
Reporter
lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
STATE Minister for Housing and Urban Renewal Lisa Rahming apologised after her government-issued vehicle was photographed in a disabled parking space on West Bay Street. Ms Rahming, the former
State Minister for Social Services and Urban Development, said her aide was responsible. She called the action “careless” and contrary to her values, emphasising that it disrespected the rights and dignity of the “differentlyabled community”.
“As a minister of state,
By LE ANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
DAYS before his tragic death, James Sands complained to his family that his alleged killer was jealous of
him and had been causing trouble at work.
Sands, 32, affectionally known as “Boo” from Abaco, was shot dead on Thursday afternoon at Fisherman’s Village Marina in Bimini, the island’s first
murder of the year.
Sands, who had just turned 32 on August 8, had relocated to Bimini for work only weeks before his demise.
Hanna Martin: We’re encouraged by test results
By LYNAIRE MUNNIN GS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
EDUCATION officials defended the country’s latest national exam results amid criticism that they painted an overly positive image of students’ performance. The Ministry of Education released the results from the Bahamas Junior Certificate (BJC)
Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) exams during a press conference on Friday. During the question and answer period, a reporter described the results as dismal — an “annual crisis” — and urged other reporters to avoid being “hoodwinked” by the
By FAY SIMMON S Tribune Business Reporter
jsimmons@tribunemedia.net
THE New York legal clash between Baha Mar’s main contractor, China Construction America (CCA), and Sarkis Izmirlian involving claims of fraud and breach of contract wrapped up with the contractor claiming that debt led to a $1.5bn loss and not construction delays - a claim contended by Mr Izmirlian’s legal team. Nassau &
SCENES from Goombay Summer Festival 2024 where revelers, food vendors and performers took over downtown Nassau on Firday. See more photos on PAGE TWO.
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
Goombay on Bay Street
GOOMBAY Summer Festival 2024 where food vendors, revelers and performers took over downtown Nassau on Friday.
Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
Stubbs: National Development Plan needs update to address emerging priorities
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
FELIX Stubbs, chairman of the National Development Plan (NDP) Secretariat, said efforts are underway to update the plan to address emerging priorities such as climate change, irregular migration, and crime.
He said a draft plan released in 2016 must be revised to reflect current events and incorporate public feedback.
His comments followed Friday’s IDB workshop on the NDP, where stakeholders and policy specialists proposed solutions and priority actions for the plan’s full implementation.
Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis outlined the government’s priorities for Vision 2040, including tackling climate change, diversifying the economy, strengthening food security, and building a resilient nation.
“They reflect our commitment to building a Bahamas that is stronger, more resilient, and more prosperous than ever before,” he said. “By focusing on these areas, we can ensure that our nation not only survives but thrives in the years to come.”
Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard highlighted areas such as enhancing the country’s storm resilience, developing a framework to boost human capital, improving public and social infrastructure, and “providing a roadmap for a merit-based civil service” to increase accountability and transparency.
“We cannot and must not shortchange this process. We must take the time and we must do the work,” Mr Pintard said.
“There must be earnest engagement of political parties and the smaller
upstarts.”
Mr Stubbs said recommendations from the workshop will be compiled into a report by the IDB, which is expected to be released in several weeks. He added that several agreements were reached at the workshop, including the need for funding and establishing the technical team to continue the plan’s work.
Ambassador Joseph Curry has been recommended to lead the technical team as executive director. Mr Stubbs also mentioned that the steering committee will be reappointed, adding: “Once we’ve done that, we can then begin our meetings again to complete the original draft from 2016.”
He expects the team to be fully engaged by the
end of September.
He said a small group has already begun some work, but the full team will be coming together soon. He said the appointments need to be finalised through the government, and the team is working out short-term payment arrangements. Additionally, they need to find office space, which will take a couple of weeks.
Coleby-Davis: Efforts underway to prevent repeat of widespread recent power outage
By LEANDRA ROLLE
Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
AFTER a major blackout plunged half of New Providence into darkness on Thursday night, Energy Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis said efforts are underway to prevent a recurrence and enhance power reliability.
The outage, which affected several areas in the eastern and western part of the island, was reportedly caused by a cable fault at Bahamas Power and Light’s (BPL) Clifton Pier Station, which triggered a generation trip.
In a statement, BPL described the blackout as “unpredictable” but noted that quick action from its teams led to full restoration
“within a short period of time”. BPL said while some areas had power restored quickly, others experienced prolonged outages due to additional work required on the company’s transmission lines.
Mrs Coleby-Davis said the recent power cuts highlight the country’s urgent need for electricity reforms.
“The state of the country’s infrastructure, transmission, and distribution lines is strained, trying to meet the high demand for power from homes and businesses,” she told reporters on the sidelines of an event Friday.
“There is great urgency to focus our efforts on addressing these challenges and to communicate with the public about the work we are doing.”
She emphasised that BPL’s teams have been working to address critical areas needing upgrades, especially with hurricane season underway.
She also reiterated BPL’s commitment to ensuring power reliability for all customers should any unexpected issues occur.
“Our teams at BPL have been working to address these challenges quickly and to prevent a repeat of Thursday evening’s outage,” the minister added. “We do not expect this to be a consistent issue. We are working to ensure that system improvements are made, increasing reliability while reducing costs.”
The Davis administration has introduced several initiatives to reform BPL, including transferring New
Providence’s electricity grid to Bahamas Grid Company, now 60 percent privately owned. Island Grid, managed by Eric Pike, will oversee operations, with Pike Electrical providing the necessary workforce, equipment, and resources.
Pike’s teams and trucks have already begun arriving in The Bahamas.
On Friday, Mrs Coleby-Davis said the government’s plans are progressing “pretty well” but acknowledged that more work remains.
“We still have many technical discussions happening. Planning and designing are ongoing, and as things ramp up, there will be a need for more public consultation on the technical plans that will be implemented,” she said.
The Christie administration planned to pass a National Development Plan Bill before the 2017 general election, believing the plan would be a groundbreaking document central to the nation’s development. The plan is supposed to include accountability mechanisms, with the University of The Bahamas expected to release regular reports on milestones. A comprehensive 491page draft of the NDP was released in December 2016. In early 2023, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis announced the reappointment of the NDP committee.
Mr Stubbs said he spoke to Mr Davis over the weekend and is expected to meet with him in about two weeks to chart the way forward.
MINISTER of Energy and Transport
JoBeth Coleby-Davis speaks to reporters during an event to discuss a National Development Plan hosted by the Inter American Development Bank (IDB) at The Island House on Friday.
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
NATIONAL Development Plan Secretariat chairman Felix Stubbs speaks during an event to discuss a National Development Plan hosted by the Inter American Development Bank (IDB) at The Island House on Friday.
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
FNM promises bank reforms
ever-increasing consumer fees in the domestic banking sector and, more broadly, the state of retail banking in The Bahamas,”
Mr Pintard said in a statement yesterday. “Bahamians continue to pay higher fees, charges, and interest rates, but too many find that the quality and access to banking services keep getting worse.”
“We call on the government to give more than lip service to Bahamians’ concerns regarding the state of commercial banking. Bahamians need more than inflammatory rhetoric from Minister Fred Mitchell — we
need action. FNM Parliamentarians have challenged him to get his colleagues on board so that we can come up with bipartisan solutions.”
“We need to revise the banking framework to create a sector that is both inclusive and costefficient, ensuring banks remain viable while truly serving Bahamians. The FNM respects the need for commercial banks to operate profitably. While we will never propose anything that undermines the viability of this sector, we are deeply concerned about the unchecked fee increases that burden customers without a corresponding improvement in service quality or access.”
Mr Pintard said an FNM administration would ensure bank fees are transparent and fair, “not simply ‘junk fees’ with no justification.” He said his party would increase the reach and powers of the Central Bank’s Office of the Ombudsman, ensuring people are aware of the office and that complaints against banks are handled effectively. He said the FNM would support qualified Bahamains seeking licenses for commercial banking and financial services. He also said his party would “work with the banking sector to expand branch banking in Family Island communities” and
MP says sorry after car pictured in disabled spot
before coming into my present portfolio, I had the great honour to represent and advocate for those with disabilities,” she said in a statement. “I understand only too well how access and accommodation can make all the difference in the lives of individuals who depend on such spaces for mobility and independence. Therefore, I wish to make it clear that I maintain strong support, respect and am anti-discriminatory to all persons with special needs.”
Ms Rahming said she
spoke to her aide to ensure respect for designated spaces in the future.
To all those affected, I extend my heartfelt apologies. My focus remains on promoting an inclusive society where everyone, regardless of ability, is treated with the respect they deserve,” she added.
“implement targeted subsidies to ensure that Family Islanders have access to banking services, enabling banks to at least break even in remote operations.” CIBC First Caribbean recently announced that personal, business, and corporate customers will face increased bank fees starting September 1. Jacqui Bend, managing director of CIBC Bahamas, told Tribune Business that the fee structure adjustments are due to rising business costs.
In July, the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) announced a 50-cent decline in debit card transaction fees for ATM transactions involving other banks in the
country and purchases at local points of sale.
Last week, Mr Mitchell urged the Central Bank to be more proactive in regulating commercial bank fees, citing the Central Bank of Barbados as a successful example.
In May 2023, Central Bank Governor John Rolle said The Bahamas will cause more problems than it solves if it seeks to cap bank fees without tackling “structural inefficiencies” in the industry. Gowon Bowe, the Clearing Banks Association chairman, has said that regulating bank fees is a slippery slope and that the country is moving toward communism with such an approach.
A MOTORCYCLIST was killed in a serious accident in Grand Bahama last night. The man was in an incident in the area of Seahorse Road and East Sunrise Highway and was taken to hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. Further details were unavailable at the time of going to press.
STATE MINISTER FOR HOUSING AND URBAN RENEWAL LISA RAHMING’S VEHICLE
MARCO City MP and Opposition Leader Michael Pintard speaks to reporters during an event to discuss a National Development Plan hosted by the Inter American Development Bank (IDB) at The Island House on Friday.
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
from page one
Hanna Martin: We are encouraged by test results
from page one
overly positive portrayal.
Acting Director of Education Dominique McCartney-Russell responded: “That might be your narrative, but it’s not ours.”
She claimed the exams are assessed over a threeyear period, making year-over-year comparisons challenging.
“Our goal is to ensure that children not only have access to education but that it is of high quality and holistic,” she added. She also said changes in exam subject composition over three years complicate direct comparisons.
Education Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin took issue with the term “hoodwinked”, which she found offensive.
“The numbers are there,” she said. “I invite members of the media to look at the numbers and make your own judgment. We have seen improvement this year and we are encouraged.”
“I invite the country to recognise the positive developments. We are moving in a direction that will enhance the outcomes and performance of our young people.”
Ms Hanna-Martin also said the results reflect efforts to mitigate the learning losses caused by the pandemic.
In the 2024 BJC, 10,745 candidates from 63 government schools and 74 independent/private centres participated, a slight
decrease of 1.7 percent from 2023. Of these, 1,388 candidates earned grades of C or higher in at least five subjects, a minor drop from 1,417 last year. Additionally, 1,948 candidates achieved grades of D or above in five or more subjects, up slightly from 1,945 in 2023. The number of students securing at least a C in Mathematics, English, and Science decreased to 1,298 from 1,402.
For the BGCSE, which marked its 32nd sitting since 1993, 5,935 candidates from 41 government schools and 66 independent/private centres participated, a 10.05 percent increase from 2023. The total number of grades awarded rose to 20,598, a 9.99 percent increase from 18,727 grades in the previous year. Both male and female candidates showed improvements, with higher percentages of A to C grades and reductions in D to G grades. Although girls continue to outperform males overall, boys progressed in achieving B grades and reducing D and F grades. This year, 653 candidates earned grades of C or higher in at least five subjects. Additionally, 1,009 candidates obtained a minimum grade of D in five or more subjects. Four hundred and thirty-one candidates secured at least a C in Mathematics, English, and Science.
MINISTER of Education and Technical and Vocational Training Glenys Hanna-Martin speaks to reporters outside the House of Assembly erlier this year.
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
A C TING Director of Education Dominique McCartney-Russell speaks during a press conference announcing BGCSE exam results. Photo: Patrick Hanna/BIS
The Tribune Limited
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Can we achieve a bi-partisan plan?
THE National Development Plan seems to have been going nowhere fast since the draft was released back in 2016.
On Friday, a workshop brought the prospect of nudging the plan back to life. The challenge any such plan faces of course is ensuring that anything put in motion is taken up by the following administration, or the one after that, or the one after that.
Readers will be very familiar with the common habit of different administrations to stop, review and cancel projects under way in the hands of the previous government.
The Tribune has often been told too of policies that were halted simply because, as has been whispered to us, it was the other side’s idea.
After all, often politicians will have spoken out against one policy or another in opposition – which makes it quite hard to embrace that same policy in government without accusations of hypocrisy.
On Friday, both sides of our very binary political dynamic were present at the workshop. FNM leader Michael Pintard was there, Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis was there… but will that crystalise into a mutual agreement?
In the short term, the progress was small. There were agreements reached, notably in terms of funding and allowing a team to continue the work.
There are of course significant updates to be carried out since 2016. We have had much that has happened in our country since then. The destruction of Hurricane Dorian brought home the need to focus thoughts on climate change. The pandemic hammered home how dependent our economy is on tourism. There have long been talks about our nation’s dependence on food imports – albeit we do not appear to have made vast strides in remedying that.
What happens next? Well, a report will be compiled and sent to the Inter American Development Bank (IDB). We must hope this is not the end of the
matter, but rather the beginning – and that we are not looking on in a year’s time as we are with the resolution to create a Human Rights Committee that has had no members appointed nor meetings held.
A National Development Plan must not just be a talking shop, but must be a plan of action. And the first action to take is to overcome our divides to focus on taking one step after another, and another, and another, regardless of who is taking the step.
The plan reached draft form under the Christie administration. It takes this next step under the Davis administration. It should not just be a PLP plan. Or an FNM plan. But a united national plan. Can we achieve that?
If we cannot, then it will go back on the shelf under a future administration, to gather dust rather than to carry us forward.
Part of our efforts to move forward as a nation must focus on our education system. The latest exam result were released on Friday – and were a mixed outcome.
There was a slight drop in the number of candidates in both the BJC and the number of candidates earning C or better in at least five subjects.
There was an increase in the number of candidates securing D or above in five or more subjects – but a drop in the number getting at least a C in maths, English or science.
In the BGCSE, however, there was a ten percent increase in candidates, and improvements for both boys and girls in their grades. These grades compare year on year, so they both involve children who had their education disrupted by the lockdowns of the pandemic. The effects of that should not be dismissed – but nor can it be an excuse for any decreases.
We must keep striving to improve for the sake of our children. After all, if we truly are to implement a National Development Plan, it will be those children who see it through.
Tips for hiring child caretakers
EDITOR, The Tribune.
“CHILDREN are our most valuable resource and the most vulnerable. We must protect and nurture them, for in their safety and well-being lies the future of our society.” – Nelson Mandela As summer draws to a close and families prepare for the back-to-school season, many parents are likely considering hiring caretakers or after-school nannies for their children. In doing so, it is crucial to remember the significant responsibility that comes with selecting individuals who will be trusted with the care of our most precious assets—our children. Recent reports have highlighted the disturbing reality of child abuse, neglect, and exploitation by individuals who were entrusted to care for children. These incidents serve as a stark reminder that the process
of hiring a caretaker must be approached with utmost caution, diligence, and thoroughness.
When hiring a caretaker, parents should take the following steps:
1. Conduct comprehensive background checks: It is essential to perform thorough background checks, including criminal history, references, and past employment. This step, although time-consuming, can reveal red flags that may otherwise go unnoticed.
2. Interview thoroughly: A face-to-face interview is critical. This allows parents to gauge the caretaker’s personality, attitude, and compatibility with the family’s values and expectations.
3. Verify qualifications and experience: Ensure that the caretaker has relevant qualifications and experience, particularly if they will be caring for infants or children with special needs.
4. Trust your instincts: If
PICTURE OF THE DAY
Your voice matters, let it be heard
EDITOR, The Tribune.
I FIRST started writing articles during my sophomore year of college. As a voracious reader, I often articulated my views through conversations and presentations. As the semester ended, an old friend encouraged me to write for the student newspaper. Having nothing to lose, I wrote my first op-ed, focusing on the complexities of being an international black student in the United States. I was drawn to writing because I wanted my voice heard. Op-ed writing complemented my pursuit as a leader and scholar-activist. Fast-forward, and I have continued writing prolifically. I have been writing for local newspapers like The Nassau Guardian and The Tribune for the last few months. Yet, people often ask, “How and why do you write for the newspapers?”
expressed. It’s a platform that welcomes and values your unique perspective.
something feels off, it probably is. Parents should trust their instincts and not hesitate to continue searching until they find the right fit.
5. Ongoing monitoring: Even after hiring, it is vital to remain vigilant. Drop in unexpectedly to observe how your child is being cared for, and maintain open communication with both the caretaker and your child. The well-being and safety of our children depend on the careful selection of those who care for them in our absence. By taking these precautions, we can help ensure that our children are placed in the hands of responsible, caring, and trustworthy individuals.
Thank you for the opportunity to remind our community of this critical issue.
SHERVONNE CASH-HOLLIS New Providence August 8, 2024.
For us in Generation Z, it’s easy to feel that our voices don’t always matter in the grand scheme of things. You might wonder, “Why would older people listen to me? I’m no expert, so why would they?” But here’s the thing-writing in the newspapers is for everyone. It’s a space where all voices, regardless of expertise or experience, can be heard and all views can be
Writing in the newspapers can serve as an effective medium for communicating ideas to the public. Your words have the power to influence and shape public discourse. For me, newspapers serve as a platform to express my views on various policy issues, ranging from climate change to economic development. Write with an end goal in mind, both for yourself and your readers. This goal will be met by conducting thorough research on your piece. If you continue to write, you will begin to notice progress in your portfolio. My writing has advanced dramatically from my first article. Your voice is a powerful tool for self-expression and a catalyst for empowering others to raise theirs. Writing for newspapers is not just a serious endeavor; it’s also fun and rewarding. Imagine seeing your thoughts printed on ground-wood paper, ready to be viewed by thousands. People may come across your piece and agree or disagree with your stance. You may
encourage someone with similar or dissimilar views to write their own article. This cycle complements the spirit of democracy. Whether you choose to write about the impact of bunker oil on marine ecosystems, revamping gender rights education in The Bahamas (shoutout to Ashley Hanna and Crystal King for their column in The Nassau Guardian), make an argument for the decriminalization of cannabis, discuss the importance of cultural maintenance (shoutout to Jervon Sands in The Tribune), or analyse the Drake vs Kendrick beef (FYI, Kendrick won), your words have the power to invoke passionate discourse and inspire constructive change. Don’t let the seemingly more significant frontpage topics or the images of prominent figures make you feel like an imposter. Your voice matters, and the newspapers are the perfect platform to make it heard. In the spirit of the slogan “Read Bahamas Read!”, I echo the sentiment: ‘Write, Bahamians, Write!’ This sentiment primarily targets the youth of The Bahamas. Your voice is essential, and it deserves to be heard.
LIAM MILLER New Providence August 18, 2024.
Have a cool, fun, interesting, amazing photo? Have it featured here in The Tribune’s picture of the day! Email your high quality image to pictureoftheday@tribunemedia.net
A GENTLEMAN set and ready to enjoy the night at Goombay Summer Festival on Bay Street on Friday night.
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
Man killed in Bimini complained to family of trouble with jealous worker
His older sister, Jimallie Sands, said he worked at a car rental company and enjoyed his job because “the money was good,” but he disliked some of the people on the island.
“He told mummy to keep praying for him at his job,” she said. “He mentioned that one boy had a problem with him, but he wasn’t paying it much mind because everyone was there to make money.”
“He only went there to earn some money, pay off the car he wanted to give to Mummy, and then come back home.”
According to the grieving sister, the same man James complained about killed him. The alleged shooter reportedly worked at a different rental company nearby to Sands’ workplace.
The family was informed that the two men argued just before Sands was shot.
Ms Sands claimed her brother’s killer was jealous of his success and told residents he was “trying to take over Bimini” after he started doing well.
“To me, it seemed like more than just a golf cart situation,” she said. “You really wanted him gone that badly? It would’ve been better if you’d shot him in
GOVT NOT CONSIDERING ANY TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AFTER RESURGENCE OF MONKEY POX, SAYS DARVILLE
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
THE Davis administration is not currently considering any travel restrictions for countries affected by the resurgence of monkeypox, according to Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville. On Wednesday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the mpox outbreaks in Africa a global emergency for the second time in two years due to the virus’s rapid spread across the region. A deadlier strain of mpox has also been confirmed in several African countries.
MAN SHOT AT BAIN T OWN EATERY DIES IN HOSPITAL
Police were alerted to the
on Hospital Lane
on Friday via ShotSpotter technology.
Initial reports indicate that the victim was at the eatery when a man approached and fired shots at his upper torso. The victim fled the scene and was transported to the hospital by a private vehicle, but he died hours later. His death brings the country’s murder count to 82 for the year, according to The Tribune’s records.
the leg and he lost his leg, but to shoot someone in the face and then turn around and give him two more shots in the stomach?”
Ms Sands said her brother’s death has deeply affected the family, adding that their mother has been dealing with high blood pressure since the incident. She described James, the youngest of their parents’ seven children, as the glue of the family.
“He was a loving person. He was our supporter. He was our everything,” she said.
Recalling their final conversations, Ms Sands said her brother was looking forward to celebrating their mother’s 60th birthday with them in Eleuthera next month.
He was planning to buy her a car and build her a house.
“I spoke with him that morning, and those were his plans,” she said. “He didn’t like the car she was driving and wanted to finish paying off the one he had, then replace it.”
“He told me to go to the place, get a quote for the house and we just gon’ surprise her. We was going to start it and let her know that no more renting from after she turn 60.”
Ms Sands also recalled that her brother told their
mother, just hours before his death, “God ain’t going to take none of us unless we’re ready to go.” He then said: “Girlie, this the last time I’m going to make a trip away for you.”
The sister said she constantly reflects on her brother’s last words and wonders if he made it to heaven.
“I always wonder if he made it in,” she said. “To die badly and stay in hell, that’s hard. I don’t even know if he had time to ask for forgiveness and change his life because they say (the man) just ran up and shot him in the face.”
In a widely circulated voice note, Sands’ mother, Mary, expressed forgiveness towards her son’s killer, saying: “I find it in my heart to forgive him, even though my heart is torn apart. My son is gone at an early age.”
She urged the man to surrender his life to God before it’s too late, adding: “He needs to be delivered. That’s only the plan of the enemy. Tell him I say Boo’s mother forgives him.” However, Jimallie Sands said that while their mother may be forgiving, others in the family are not.
She said the family suspects her brother’s killer may never be found, believing he escaped abroad.
Sweden recently reported its first case of the viral infection, with experts warning of more imported cases in the coming days.
Dr Darville told reporters his ministry is on high alert and has activated emergency response protocols due to the outbreak.
“We had a case of monkeypox in The Bahamas about a year ago. We have vaccines in the country, trained staff, and a surveillance unit. We are very vigilant,” he said.
“The Department of Public Health has now activated essential protocols throughout the country, and we’ll be strengthening those protocols. Should we have a case or a few cases in the country, our systems, quarantine measures, and modalities are in place to protect every citizen in the Commonwealth.”
He added that his ministry would be increasing public awareness about pox in the coming days. Mpox is a viral disease that spreads easily between people through close contact.
Symptoms include skin rashes or lesions, fever, headache, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion.
A MAN who was shot while visiting a local eatery in the Bain Town community died in hospital over the weekend.
shooting
after 2pm
JAMES SANDS
MINISTER OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS DR MICHAEL DARVILLE
THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS
MONDAY, AUGUST 19, 2024
Confidence in govt declines as deadlines swoosh on by
“Some of these deadlines are not just being missed by weeks, but by years.”
By MALCOLM STRACHAN
“THAT ain’t happening.”
That’s what an Abaco resident told me when I asked him about the promise that Abaco’s new shelter will be ready by the end of the year. The Disaster Risk Management Authority says different – though the language has changed a little in the past week.
Aarone Sargent is the managing director of the DRM – and the previous week he said tha thte building would be “ready and operational by the end of the year”.
On Friday, that had become that it would be “substantially completed by December”.
Government and official bodies are good at missing deadlines of course. We’ll cover a few in this article.
My buddy is not the only one to doubt the shelter deadline. The chief councilor for Central Abaco, Faron Newbold, said it is “quite evident they need extra time”. He was generous enough to say that he thought they were “doing their best to get it completed”, but that it was “probably a bit more
challenging than they expected, which could be why it’s taking extra time”. The president of the Abaco Chamber of Commerce, Daphne DeGregoryMiaoulis, also said it would be difficult to finish the shelter by the end of the year without working overtime.
That would see extra cost added to the project of course – which has already ballooned from an estimated $1.8m when it was announced in 2020 to $4.5m. That’s public money, take note.
Should the shelter miss the deadline, it will not be the first one it has seen swoosh by. It was originally expected to be completed by May 2021. It missed that deadline by so much that a whole new government has now been in charge for longer than the entire construction period was expected to be.
Mr Sargent may of course be right this time around, but it will not be the only time Bahamians wonder why things take so long to get done. Also in the news last week was a story about two vessels stuck – again
at Abaco – in a protected marine area, doing nothing but causing damage to coral reefs and the loss of sand.
One is a barge, the other is a tugboat, and they have been stuck in Fowl Cays National Park since getting in trouble in rough weather while headed to Baker’s Bay back in March.
The Bahamas National Trust manages the area and is calling on the government to ensure the vessels get moved. The BNT noted that previous salvage efforts “have been unsuccessful due to unfavourable weather conditions and a lack of adequate equipment”.
Chief park warden for Abaco David Knowles said: “Too much time has passed, and more urgency and action from government authorities and the vessel owners are needed to prevent the situation from worsening.”
Olivia PattersonMaura, executive director of Friends of the Environment, said: “Nearly five months later, and at the height of hurricane season, we implore the government to open lines of communication with local stakeholders and facilitate
the swift removal of the vessels while mitigating any further damage.”
Back in April, the director of the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection said the vessel owners would likely face fines. No word on that since.
One of the key words mentioned by Ms Patterson-Maura is communication – something that is often missing in such cases, though credit to Mr Sargent for speaking up on his issue. Take a separate issue, that of the women’s shelter promised by the government.
In July, the Social Services Minister said that would be ready in a few weeks. Oh, wait. That was July 2023, when Obie Wilchcombe, sadly no longer with us, was in the role.
There were going to be four such shelters in fact. Fast forward to April this year and his successor, Myles Laroda, was saying they were in the process of acquiring a property. What was quite a few weeks away back in 2023, we will never know.
By June, women’s advocates were expressing their
doubt, with the Budget including funds for a shelter, but so did the previous one and that never seemed to get spent. There has also been talk of a lack of communication, that word again, with the ministry on not just that matter but various issues, including promised consultation on issues such as marital rape and domestic violence.
Basic details about how the shelter would be operated have remained a mystery to those activists too – who are in the ideal position to be able to advise on issues such as the support people in need of the shelter ought to receive. When will this shelter actually open its doors and serve to protect the women and children who need it?
Who knows? Certainly the minister has not been forthcoming about it. How about the Grand Lucayan sale? Back in March, we were told there were three “credible offers” on the table. Word was that an announcement was imminent. Five months later, and imminent seems to have slipped a little. Even the US government
got in on criticising delays in governance – last month a report pointed out that enactment of anti-corruption laws had been stalled. Now let’s be fair, governing can be hard. You hit problems along the way, all while having to be mindful of the cost to the public purse. But that’s where that word communication comes in. Is there a reason we shouldn’t know the state of things when it comes to pulling some boats out of the water and whether their owners have been fined, and how much? Is there some secret over the progress of the women’s shelter? The Grand Lucayan, sure, there will be commercial contracts involved, we can understand that – but the outcome is the same, nothing seems to have happened.
Some of these deadlines are not just being missed by weeks, but by years. So is it any surprise that locals express doubt when looking at the shelter progress in Abaco?
At the end of the year, someone will be right, someone will be wrong. We’ll see who it is.
THE ABACO hurricane shelter, which has been promised to be completed by the end of this year, has already missed several deadlines.
Nothing to lose
OVER a hundred years ago, life was remarkably different from what it is today. Among the many staggering differences is that life expectancy for white Americans during the early 1900s was just 48 years old. Conversely, African Americans during the same time period could expect to only live to age 33. All the more disturbing is that one in four children died before the age of five. Former US President Theodore Roosevelt was horrified by this and spent most of his political career campaigning for the improved health care of Americans.
President Roosevelt’s unique sensitivity to healthcare can likely be attributed to the debilitating asthma that afflicted him throughout most of his childhood. Despite breathing struggles that would have brought a less courageous man down, Roosevelt served as governor of New York
for two years before being appointed to serve as Vice President under President William McKinley. Just six months later in 1901, at the age of 42, McKinley was assassinated and Roosevelt became the youngest president in American history. With a commitment to improving health care, he served for eight years and to this day remains highly regarded as one of America’s greatest presidents. Decades later and thousands of miles away, my patient (hereafter referred to as) Toni had no idea that she and President Roosevelt’s life would share anything in common. Born in Nassau in 1955, Toni
spent most of her childhood summers in Abaco. On Saturdays, her grandmother, like most island grandmothers, baked bread and while it was still hot, she’d spread jam on top made from the guavas picked the week prior, ripened on the stem and bursting with flavor. Toni ate slowly and respectfully, licking the jam before taking each bite and smiling as her toes wiggled. Unlike President Roosevelt, Toni’s childhood was full of freedom and free of illness.
When she was 16, she met her future husband (hereafter referred to as Marvin) at the general hardware store where he worked. Marvin’s sister and Toni were
By DR KENNETH D KEMP
friends and from that day forward, their lives became inseparable. They dated for two years before getting married. Eventually they had two daughters (and now three grandchildren) and for a while they even worked together in different departments at the same dealership. As they got older, Toni remained vigilant about getting annual medical check-ups for both her and Marvin. This proved to be life-saving because when she was 27, Toni was diagnosed with kidney problems sustained during a fall but it fortunately improved without incident under the supervision of her family
“Courage is not having the strength to go on, it’s going on when you don’t have the strength.” - Theodore Roosevelt
physician. Then, when Marvin was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2011 and given five years to live, she became especially more mindful about monitoring their health and well-being. As the years passed, both Toni and Marvin grew more grateful for every year he proved the prognosis wrong. 2016, 2017, 2018 and then in 2019, it was Toni who was in for a sudden shock when during a routine medical check things took a dramatic turn.
While vacationing in Cat Island for her 64th birthday, Toni received a phone call from her doctor asking her to return to Nassau immediately for more tests, his lack of detail leaving her to imagine the worst. Two days later, she underwent a breast biopsy and it was confirmative for cancer. Toni was devastated and it was Marvin who held her hand and supported her from collapsing in a state of shock. Two weeks later, Toni underwent a right breast mastectomy and was discharged from the hospital the same day. She had a drain inserted at her surgical site but was advised to move around as much as possible. So, when her sister-in-law invited her out for lunch a few days later, she happily accepted. It was refreshing to spend time with family out of the house. They were having a really nice day until the moment Toni stood up after eating and nearly lost consciousness. Her head started to spin. She was sweating profusely and became notably weak and light-headed, the fear in her eyes prompting her sister-nlaw to call Marvin who was, fortunately, nearby. Meantime, as he was making his way to the restaurant, Toni’s feet were swelling by the second and turning the most shocking blue her sister-in-law had ever seen on a human. They sped to the hospital. Toni’s heart was racing and she was desperately afraid of what was happening to her. It hurt to move. It hurt to breathe. Many things flashed through her mind but most of all, she thought of her children and began to cry. At the hospital, doctors examined Toni and her intense chest pain led them to believe that she had a heart attack. It wasn’t until she mentioned between breaths that she’d had a surgical procedure nine days prior that their expression changed.
Toni was taken to have a CT scan and based on those results, she can recall her doctor telling Marvin that she had more blood clots throughout her body than anyone he’d even seen clinically or read about in a medical journal. He told them to prepare for the worst because in all likelihood, she wouldn’t survive
the night. The multiple pulmonary embolisms, or blood clots, that now littered her chest as diffuse as specks of sand on a beach created severe arterial blockages within her lungs. The situation couldn’t be more dire.
Certain cancers increase the risk of blood clots, while chemotherapy and surgery further increase this risk. Toni flat-lined before being resuscitated and transferred to the ICU. Marvin could barely get the words out, his throat was so tied in knots, but he asked, then begged Toni’s doctor if there was anything they could do to save her life. The physician said they could go in and surgically remove the clots using a catheter but there was a 50/50 chance that she’d die on the operating table. The risk was high, but Marvin and Toni agreed to the surgery because at that point, Toni felt like she had nothing to lose. Contrary to all expectations, the operation was successful. Toni survived the night and another surgery a few weeks later when a vein filter had to be inserted. Her pulmonologist told her that God saved her life and it was an absolute miracle that she was still alive. Toni’s had 25 sessions of radiation and since then has been on chemotherapy meds and anti-coagulants.
Toni is grateful for the care she received from her oncologist and pulmonologist but she tears up when thinking about the overwhelming love and support she received from her husband - the gentlest and kindest soul that God ever placed on this earth. While all odds were against Toni’s survival, it would be Marvin who would go first. In 2022, during the COVID19 pandemic, he developed a severe case of pneumonia. He outlasted the doctor’s prognosis by six years but succumbed to his condition in the hospital enveloped by memories of the scores of people who loved him. Marvin and Toni were married for almost 50 years. Toni misses him dearly. She feels lost without him because they did absolutely everything together but every day she wakes up and makes it through the day knowing that in the words of Theodore Roosevelt, “courage is not having the strength to go on, it’s going on when you don’t have the strength”.
In 1880, President Roosevelt’s first wife Alice died from kidney failure just two days after giving birth to their daughter and just 11 hours after his mother died in the same house. Then in 1912, he was shot in the chest in a failed assassination attempt. At the advice of his doctors, the bullet was left lodged in his chest. But it was the scars of the day that his first wife and mother died that stayed with him until he himself died on January 6, 1919, at age 60 from a pulmonary embolism.
Toni says that the days don’t get easier but she knows that Marvin would want her to be there for their kids and grandkids as long as possible. Her takehome message to readers is to be vigilant about getting regular health check-ups. She also advocates that we live life to the fullest with the people we love and who love us back. In the end, she says, you’ll have absolutely nothing to lose with possibly a lifetime of happiness to gain. This is The KDK Report.
What is mpox? A microbiologist explains what’s known about this smallpox cousin
By RODNEY E ROHDE
Texas State University
ON August 14, 2024, the World Health Organization declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern. There have been over 15,600 cases and over 530 deaths reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring countries in Africa. The disease had previously caused a global outbreak from 2022 to 2023.
Mpox – previously called monkeypox – isn’t a new disease. The first confirmed human case was in 1970, when the virus was isolated from a child suspected of having smallpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Though usually mild, mpox can still potentially cause severe illness. Health officials are concerned that more cases will arise with increased travel.
I’m a researcher who has worked in public health and medical laboratories for over three decades, especially in the realm of diseases with animal origins. What exactly is happening in the current outbreak, and what does history tell us about mpox?
A COUSIN OF SMALLPOX
Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to a subset of the Poxviridae family of viruses called Orthopoxvirus. This subset includes the smallpox, vaccinia and cowpox viruses. While an animal reservoir for monkeypox virus is unknown, African rodents are suspected to play a part in transmission. The monkeypox virus has only been isolated twice from an animal in nature. Diagnostic testing for mpox is currently only available at Laboratory Response Network labs in the US and globally.
The name “monkeypox” comes from the first documented cases of the illness in animals in 1958, when two outbreaks occurred in monkeys kept for research. However, the virus did not jump from monkeys
to humans, nor are monkeys major carriers of the disease.
EPIDEMIOLOGY
Since the first reported human case, mpox has been found in several other central and western African countries, with the majority of infections in the DRC. Cases outside of Africa have been linked to international travel or imported animals, including in the US and elsewhere.
The first reported cases of mpox in the US was in 2003, from an outbreak in Texas linked to a shipment of animals from Ghana. There were also travel-associated cases in July and November 2021 in Maryland. The outbreak of mpox that began May 2022 is ongoing. Because mpox is closely related to smallpox, the smallpox vaccine can provide protection against infection from both viruses. Since smallpox was officially eradicated, however, routine smallpox vaccinations for the US general population were stopped in 1972. Because of this, mpox has been appearing increasingly in unvaccinated people.
TRANSMISSION
The virus can be transmitted through contact with an infected person or animal or contaminated surfaces. Typically, the virus enters the body through broken skin, inhalation or the mucous membranes in the eyes, nose or mouth. Researchers believe that human-to-human transmission is mostly through inhalation of large respiratory droplets rather than direct contact with bodily fluids or indirect contact through clothes. Health officials are worried that the virus may currently be spreading undetected through community transmission, possibly through a new mechanism or route. Where and how infections are occurring are still under investigation.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
After the virus enters the body, it starts to replicate and spread through the body via the bloodstream. Symptoms usually don’t appear until one to two weeks after infection.
Mpox produces smallpox-like skin lesions, but symptoms are usually milder than those of smallpox. Flu-like symptoms are common initially, ranging from fever and headache to shortness of breath. One to 10 days later, a rash can appear on the extremities, head or torso that eventually turns into blisters filled with pus. Overall, symptoms usually last two to four weeks, while skin lesions usually scab over in 14 to 21 days.
While mpox is rare and usually nonfatal, one version of the disease kills around ten percent of infected people. The form of the virus currently circulating is thought to be milder, with a fatality rate of less than one percent.
VACCINES AND TREATMENTS
Treatment for mpox is primarily focused on relieving symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, no treatments are available to cure mpox infection.
Evidence suggests that the smallpox vaccine can help prevent mpox infections and decrease the severity of the symptoms. One vaccine known as Imvamune or Imvanex is licensed in the US to prevent mpox and smallpox.
Vaccination after exposure to the virus may also help decrease chances of severe illness. The CDC currently recommends smallpox vaccination only in people who have been or are likely to be exposed to mpox. Immunocompromised people are at high risk.
Originally published on www.theconversation.com.
This is an updated version of an article originally published on May 20, 2022.
The Presidential Opportunity at University of The Bahamas
The Board of Trustees of University of The Bahamas (UB) is pleased to announce an intensive search for the next President of UB and invites nominations and applications for this exceptional leadership opportunity. The Board seeks a dynamic and inclusive leader who will embody a commitment to the values and traditions of the University. The next President will be an effective and transformational leader who builds on the exceptional strengths of UB, whose mission is to advance and expand access to higher education, promote academic freedom, drive national development, and build character through teaching, learning, research, scholarship, and service. The President will have a deep understanding of and appreciation for the culture of The Bahamas and will position the University for continued growth and success.
This presidential opportunity arrives at a pivotal moment in the history of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas as the nation celebrates 51 years of post-colonial progress and the 50-year legacy of UB. The University has expanded its focus to include continuous quality improvement, demonstrated by its commitment to achieving national and international accreditation. UB is publicly funded with locations on the islands of New Providence, Grand Bahama and San Salvador. UB offers diplomas, graduate, baccalaureate and associate degrees, as well as certifcates across approximately 60 academic programmes. The University serves approximately 4,500 students, has an alumni base of over 22,000 and is one of the largest employers in The Bahamas.
A comprehensive Leadership Profle outlining the University’s priorities as well as the characteristics and attributes of the next President is accessible at https://www.agbsearch.com/searches/presidentuniversity-of-the-bahamas
Additional information about University of The Bahamas is available at: https://www.ub.edu.bs/
AGB Search is assisting the Presidential Search Committee. To assure best consideration, applications and nominations should be received by September 19, 2024. All inquiries, nominations, and applications will be held in the strictest confdence.
Candidates are requested to submit the following documents in Microsoft Word or PDF format:
• A letter of interest describing relevant experience;
• A complete CV or resume; and
• Five professional references with email addresses, and telephone numbers. References will not be contacted until a later stage of the search and without the formal permission of the candidate.
All application materials should be submitted through the AGB Search portal system: http://bit.ly/45x16JU.
Candidates are invited to speak with the search consultant before submitting an application. Questions regarding the application process should be directed to UBahamasPresident@agbsearch.com.
A WOMAN bathes her daughter who is suffering from mpox at a treatment centre in Munigi, eastern Congo, on Friday.
Photo: Moses Sawasawa/AP
Climate change and heat
WHY is it so hot these days?
The short answer is climate change. Using its most basic definition, climate change refers to the increasing changes in the measures of climate over a long period of time.
This means that climate change is not only limited to temperature changes, but also alterations in precipitation and wind patterns. These changes in climate measured over significant time periods are attributed to natural climate variability.
However, the climate emergency being faced globally today is a result of the direct and indirect consequences of human action on earth’s climate.
In addition to natural climate variability, humanity has exacerbated global average temperature rise with excessive greenhouse gas emissions, thereby disrupting natural climate cycles and causing detrimental impacts on vulnerable populations like our own.
The Bahamas is located in the tropics. The region lies between 15 degrees latitude north and south of the equator and is the hottest region on our planet year-round. This geographical position makes our nation particularly susceptible to impacts arising from the temperature-related aspect of climate change known as global warming. Global warming is a term used to describe the rise in global temperatures primarily resulting from the increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Those greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide, are byproducts of the way we currently power our society.
When released from our power plants, factories, transportation modes, and commercial farms those greenhouse gases assemble in earth’s atmosphere forming a blanket that traps heat. If you want a practical understanding of what is causing the extreme heat we are experiencing, simply take your thickest quilt with you to the beach and wrap yourself in it.
Bahamians are especially known to boast of our proclivities for sun, sand and sea. Unfortunately, the rising temperatures and subsequent rising sea levels will continue to issue serious consequences that threaten our lives and livelihoods.
The greater climate fight demands mitigation through a reduction of emission by high emitting countries and industries. Our government is involved on an international level to advocate for climate change mitigation as well as financing to safeguard our islands from future impacts.
Although those actions are important, the average Bahamian is more concerned about surviving the intense heat that has created the recent conundrum where days are often too hot and sunny to venture beyond airconditioned environments let alone to somewhere as exposed as the beach. Missing out on the feeling of sand between your toes isn’t the only consequence of the heat. This
summer we have witnessed multiple forest fires on three of our major islands. Food sources spoil more rapidly when exposed to high temperatures. Heat related illnesses are on the rise and a heat wave warning is shared almost every week. Patients with specific medical conditions are at risk of their condition, medications or treatment being negatively affected. Warm ocean temperatures
put our entire archipelago at risk of major hurricanes. The list goes on.
The good news is that we are not entirely out of options to reduce the effects of the intense heat felt daily on our islands. One of the ways we can possibly reduce high surface temperatures is by responding to a phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect. Heat islands have become a part of our archipelago due to an increase in infrastructure such as buildings, parking lots and roads that absorb then re-emit the sun’s heat in greater capacities than natural landscapes. This phenomenon is a result of heat magnifiers that exist in the form of building materials – especially concrete. The increase in motor vehicle usage also adds heat to our immediate environment. It has been reported that the combination of these heat sources can raise temperatures by up to 22 F in urban areas.
There are many innovations that already exist to diminish the urban heat island effect and those can be implemented on an individual basis.
For instance, Bahamians can begin “depaving” their residences by replacing concrete or asphalt driveways with and parking areas with plants, soil or other alternatives.
Growing green roofs is another way to reduce heat in our communities.
There are also obvious co-benefits involved with taking these steps
to reduce the heat island effect.
Ultimately, an overhaul of transportation and urban planning on a national level is needed to cool off our islands. However, small steps like mandates for contractors and construction supply companies to provide research-informed alternative building materials/methods that help to reduce heat, encouraging the use of lighter colors in residential and commercial construction practices, and increasing public transportation can go a long way. Environmental organisations of The Bahamas can play a crucial role in both advocacy and action. Tree-planting campaigns that feature depaving public spaces have been gaining popularity and can be implemented in the Bahamas. Spreading awareness about ways that all citizens can be involved in limiting the levels of heat felt on our islands is also crucial.
If you are a Bahamian who is uncomfortable in the heat, loves the beach and wants to reduce the heat island effect so that you can cool off, you should start taking action today using the information outlined above. Please stay tuned for upcoming articles on topics related to climate change impacts in the Bahamas. You can also get updates on more of our work by following us @bccya.242, @cceaubahamas, & @sdgunit242 on Instagram.
JERVON SANDS
POLL reveals widespread impact of extreme heat on Americans’ daily lives and finances, with 7 in 10 reporting effects on electricity bills.
Photo: AP
Pintard hosts school supplies giveaway
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
FREE National Movement leader
Michael Pintard distributed about 1,300 school supply bags in Marco City as part of his annual back-toschool initiative over the weekend.
“Since 2016, we’ve been organising back-to-school giveaways, investing in our children’s education,” he said.
The giveaway happened on Saturday at the Gladstone ‘Moon’ McPhee Community Park, where backpacks were distributed, and students enjoyed snacks and various fun activities.
“We encourage corporate and private citizens to support our children by lessening the burden on parents through contributions to school supplies,” Mr Pintard said.
Mr Pintard stressed the importance of unity between the union and the government regarding the readiness of schools.
“We cannot have differing opinions on whether schools are ready,” he said. “We trust the educators, as they know what’s needed to fully prepare their spaces. We hope the Ministry of Education will ensure schools are ready, as everyone suffers when the physical environment or availability of teachers or resources is compromised.”
FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard distributed about 1,300 school supply bags in Marco City as part of his annual back-to-school initiative over the weekend. Photos: Dave Mackey
Paetongtarn Shinawatra becomes Thai prime minister after royal signoff
BANGKOK Associated Press
PAETONGTARN
Shinawatra, daughter of the divisive former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, became Thailand’s prime minister after receiving a royal letter of endorsement Sunday, two days after she was chosen by Parliament following a court order that removed her predecessor.
She replaces another leader from the same Pheu Thai Party, at the head of a coalition that includes military parties associated with the coup that deposed the party’s last government.
Paetongtarn is the third Shinawatra to hold the job, after her billionaire father and her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra. Both were removed from office and forced into exile in coups, although Thaksin returned to Thailand last year as Pheu Thai formed a government.
She received the letter of appointment in a ceremony at the party’s headquarters in Bangkok, attended by senior members of parties in the governing coalition and her father, who has no formal role but is widely seen de facto leader of Pheu Thai.
The father and daughter held hands as they walked in with beaming smiles.
Both wore white civil servants’ uniforms, which are used for royal and state ceremonies.
Paetongtarn thanked the king, the Thai people and lawmakers, saying she will perform her duties “with an open mind,” and will “make every square inch of Thailand a space that allows Thai people to dare to dream, dare to create
and dare to dictate their own future.”
Paetongtarn became Prime Minister days after the Constitutional Court removed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, after less than a year in office. The court found him guilty of a serious ethical breach for appointing a Cabinet minister who had been jailed for contempt of court after an alleged attempt to bribe a judge.
Paetongtarn is also Thailand’s second female prime minister after her aunt, and the country’s youngest leader at 37.
Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Paetongtarn said she is determined to push forward key policies such as economic stimulus, improvement for universal healthcare and promoting cultural “soft power” on the global stage.
She did not initially mention Srettha’s signature proposal for a digital cash handout of 10,000 baht (about $275) to 50 million citizens to spend at local businesses in order to boost the economy.
The project has been criticized as an ineffective way to contribute to sustainable economic growth, and has faced several hurdles that include its sources of funding.
When pressed by reporters, Paetongtarn said she still has an intention to push forward a major economic stimulus for Thailand, but she will need to “continue to listen to opinions.”
She also said she will ask for her father for advice when she needs, but insisted that she would make her own decisions. “I
am my own person. I have my own things and my own goals that I have to achieve in the future, but of course all the comments from him (have) value to me,” she said.
Pheu Thai is the latest in a string of populist parties affiliated with Thaksin, who was ousted in a 2006 military coup, which triggered nearly two decades of deep political divisions that pitted a mostly poor, rural majority in the north that supported Thaksin against royalists, the military and their urban backers. Parties linked to Thaksin
won the most seats in every national election from 2001 until 2023, when it lost to the more progressive Move Forward Party.
Pheu Thai was able to form a government after Move Forward was blocked by the military-appointed Senate, partnering with former rivals in what was widely interpreted as a political bargain with the conservative establishment to stop Move Forward from forming a government.
The same day, Thaksin returned from exile and briefly reported to prison to for an eight-year
sentence on charges related to corruption and abuse of power. He was moved almost immediately from prison to the hospital on grounds of ill health, and about a week after that the king reduced his sentence to a single year. He was released on parole in February after spending six months serving time in the hospital. Since his release, Thaksin has maintained a high profile travelling the country, making public appearances. On Saturday, Thaksin’s lawyer Winyat Chatmontree posted on
Facebook that Thaksin was among the convicts granted a royal amnesty by the king on the occasion of his birthday in late July. It took effect Sunday, which means Thaksin is free ahead of his original parole schedule. However, the amnesty does not protect Thaksin from an ongoing case for defaming the monarchy, which was indicted in June after being originally filed in 2016. It has been seen by some analysts as a warning from Thaksin’s enemies that he should tone down his political activities.
Cholera outbreak in Sudan has killed at least 22 people, health minister says
SUDAN has been stricken by a cholera outbreak that has killed nearly two dozen people and sickened hundreds more in recent weeks, health authorities said Sunday. The African nation has been roiled by a 16-month conflict and devastating floods.
Health Minister Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim said in a statement that at least 22 people have died from the disease, and that at least 354 confirmed cases of cholera have been detected across the county in recent weeks.
Ibrahim didn’t give a time frame for the deaths or the tally since the start of the year. The World Health Organization, however, said that 78 deaths were recorded from cholera this year in Sudan as of July 28. The disease also sickened more than 2,400 others between Jan. 1 and July 28, it said.
Cholera is a fastdeveloping, highly contagious infection that causes diarrhea, leading to severe dehydration and possible death within hours when not treated, according to WHO. It is transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water.
The cholera outbreak is the latest calamity for Sudan, which was plunged into chaos in April last year when simmering tensions between the military and a powerful paramilitary group exploded into open warfare across the country.
The conflict has turned the capital, Khartoum and other urban areas into battlefields, wrecking civilian infrastructure and an already battered health care system. Without the basics, many hospitals and medical facilities have closed their doors.
It has killed thousands of people and pushed many into starvation, with
famine already confirmed in a sprawling camp for displaced people in the wrecked northern region of Darfur.
Sudan’s conflict has created the world’s largest displacement crisis. More than 10.7 million people have been forced to flee their homes since fighting began, according to the International Organization for Migration. Over 2 million of those fled to neighbouring countries.
The fighting has been marked by atrocities including mass rape and ethnically motivated killings that amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity, according to the UN and international rights groups. Devastating seasonal floods in recent weeks have compounded the misery. Dozens of people have been killed and critical infrastructure has been washed away in 12 of Sudan’s 18 provinces, according to local authorities. About 118,000 people have been displaced due to the floods, according to the UN migration agency.
Cholera is not uncommon in Sudan. A previous major outbreak left at least 700 dead and sickened about 22,000 in less than two months in 2017.
Tarik Jašarevic, a spokesman for WHO, said the outbreak began in the
eastern province of Kassala before spreading to nine localities in five provinces. He said in comments to The Associated Press that data showed that most of the detected cases were not vaccinated. He said the WHO is now working with the Sudanese health authorities and partners to implement a vaccination campaign.
Sudan’s military-controlled sovereign council, meanwhile, said Sunday it will send a government delegation to meet with American officials in Cairo amid mounting US pressure on the military to join ongoing peace talks in Switzerland that aim at finding a way out of the conflict.
The council said in a statement the Cairo meeting will focus on the implementation of a deal between the military and the Rapid Support Forces, which required the paramilitary group to pull out from people’s homes in Khartoum and elsewhere in the country. The talks began Aug. 14 in Switzerland with diplomats from the US, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, the African Union and the United Nations attending. A delegation from the RSF was in Geneva but didn’t join the meetings.
THAILAND’s new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, right, pays respect to former Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, left, after receiving the royal endorsement for the post yesterday at the Pheu Thai party headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo: Sakchai Lalit/AP
CAIRO Associated Press
A WOMAN sorts through floodwaters near her damaged home near the city of Abu Hamdan in Northern Sudan on August 7, 2024.
Photo: Samira Hassan/AP
Byfield and Munnings advance to 200 semis
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
Timothy Munnings and Miriam Byfield are both now into the semifinals of the men and women 200 metres at the World Masters Athletics Championships. The duo, who are a part of a three-member team representing The Bahamas, competed in their respective heats of the event yesterday at the Slottsskogsvallen, Björlandavallen & Ullevi in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Athletes competing at World Masters Athletics Championships
in Sweden
By TENAJH SWEETING
“The weather was not the best because it was a bit chilly along with some torrential rain just as my race was to begin,” Munnings said. “But the performance was still a good one.”
Munnings will be back for the semifinals today.
“I know the competition will definitely be a lot
Munnings, competing in the first of his two events at the week-long competition for athletes over the age of 35 years, was entered in the men’s 50. He won his heat in 24.81 for the third overall time in the preliminaries. The fastest qualifying time was 24.62 by Pablo Artero of Spain in heat four. Darren Scott of Great Britain had the second fastest in 24.70 in heat four.
stiffer,” Munnings said. “I have a relatively slow start, but a strong finish so I will need to put it all together.
“I am healthy and feeling comfortable to meet the challenge ahead of me to make the final.”
Byfield is also looking to make it to her second straight final in the ladies’ 35-plus division. On Sunday, she advanced out
of the preliminaries of the 200m with a second-place finish in her heat in 26.74 as she trailed American Odeika Giscombe, who won in 25.23. The ladies’ semifinals is also set for today.
Byfield got into the final of the 100m on Thursday where she was seventh in
Bahamas seventh overall
TOP Bahamian sailors Spencer Cartwright and Joshua Higgins hit the waters in Maryland and England respectively over the weekend.
Cartwright sailed the Doomsday along with crewmates Sonia LingosUtley, Colin Merrick, Claire Buckley, Mackenzie Bryan and Michaela O’Donnell for a fourth-place finish overall at the 2024 US Team Racing Championship hosted by the Severn Sailing Association in Annapolis, Maryland. Higgins, a native of Harbour Island, placed eleventh in the ILCA 7 class at the 2024 ILCA UK Open & National Championships at the Isle of Portland, Dorset on the south coast of England.
The Doomsday team had a good showing in their bid to try and win the George R Hinman Trophy.
The six-member crew won 11 out of 17 rounds sailed in for a win percentage of 64.71 per cent.
THE RAB Operators routed the Lady Marlins in the only game played in the New Providence Softball Association on Saturday night in the Bankers Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.
The men’s feature game saw the Chances Mighty Mitts win by default over the Cyber Tech Blue Marlins in the final game of the men’s regular season. In the abbreviated ladies’ opener, the Operators pulled off a 26-3 win over the Lady Marlins as Mia Turner got the win over Edricka McClair on the
THE SPORTS CALENDAR
teams, left the country on Sunday for the University of Miami Hospital in Florida for PET scan and chemotherapy. With the expenses mounting for his medical care, persons are invited to
make a contribution through Resias’ CIBC account 201759233 through transit 09788. BOXING FOX NEEDS SUPPORT THE boxing fraternity is praying for s successful recovery for fellow boxer Alex ‘The Great White Hope’ Fox, who underwent a successful surgery at Doctors Hospital for a tumour in his brain. Fox was discharged from hospital
at
and is currently recuperat-
The boxing community is being asked to continue to pray for him.
BAHAMIAN pro Jonquel “JJ” Jones and the New York Liberty have emerged as frontrunners for the chip during the first half of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and have picked up right where they left off post AllStar break. While other teams in the Association are jockeying for playoff spots, the Libs were the first team to clinch their playoff berth with Saturday’s 79-67 victory against the Las Vegas Aces at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Eastern Conference leaders kept on rolling against
GO TEAM BAHAMAS: The 25-member team representing The Bahamas at the 2024 CARIFTA Triathlon, Aquathlon and Mixed Relay Championships placed seventh overall in the standings with 33 points in Bridgetown, Barbados, over the weekend. Team Bahamas hauled in three bronze medals in two days of competition.
CLIFF RESIAS
ALEX FOX
TUA TAGOVAILOA PLAYS 1 SERIES AND THROWS TD PASS IN DOLPHINS’ 13-6 WIN OVER COMMANDERS
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla.
(AP) — Tua Tagovailoa
went 5 for 5 with a touchdown pass in his only series to help the Miami Dolphins to a 13-6 preseason victory over the Washington Commanders on Saturday night.
Playing for the first time since he signed a four-year, $212 million extension, Tagovailoa was sharp, throwing for 51 yards on a 61-yard scoring drive that he capped with a 13-yard pass to River Cracraft on fourth-and-1.
“It feels good any time you start to get back into a routine and get back into the games,” Tagovailoa said. “Jitters will always be there going into the first series and first plays. Other than that, we executed the way we wanted to and did what we wanted to do.”
Washington rookie Jayden Daniels was solid as
well, playing two series and going 10 of 12 for 78 yards and rushing for 13 yards.
The No. 2 overall pick in the NFL draft led drives of 46 and 52 yards. The first ended on a missed field goal from 49 yards by Riley Patterson, who connected from 46 yards on the second.
“Go out there and just trying to execute at a high level,” Daniels said. “I wished we would have finished with some touchdowns but put the team in position to score points.” Patterson went 2 for 4 on the night, also connecting from 38 yards and missing from 43.
Jason Sanders made field goals from 39 and 33 yards for the Dolphins (2-0).
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel appeared to follow the formula he has used in his previous two preseasons with Tagovailoa,
who has sat out the opener and the finale while making a brief appearance in the second game.
“I thought it was probably the least amount of nerves that he’s had the first
time stepping out on the football field,” McDaniel said.
“He didn’t force any issues. I really liked his decisions, his ball placement. It was nice to see him
out there. I know he was fired up.”
The Dolphins converted two fourth downs during the drive. “Mike just trusted us that we’d get it done,” Tagovailoa said.
“Very proud of it.”
After Daniels departed in the second quarter, backup Jeff Driskel took over for Washington (0-2). He completed 11 of 15 passes for 82 yards.
Trace McSorley, signed by the Commanders this week after quarterback
Sam Hartman suffered a right shoulder injury in the team’s preseason opener, played in the fourth quarter. He went 11 of 21 for 93 yards with an interception. For the second consecutive week, the Dolphins closed out the game with a stop on downs inside their 10 in the closing seconds. Washington’s bid to
tie or win the game ended when McSorley’s fourthdown pass to Mitchell Tinsley in the end zone fell incomplete.
“That was a real cool game to be a part of at the end,” Commanders coach Dan Quinn said. “A number of the players absolutely emptied the tank. Here in the locker room you could see guys who were gassed but were also (upset) because they really went for it.”
Rookie edge rusher Chop Robinson, the Dolphins’
first-round draft pick, made his preseason debut and stopped Michael Wiley for a 4-yard loss late in the second quarter. Tagovailoa was missing top targets Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, who combined for 2,813 receiving yards last season. Neither was in uniform.
Bears beat Bengals 27-3, Caleb Williams leads two scoring drives
By The Associated Press
CHICAGO (AP) —
Caleb Williams made another good impression in his first appearance at Soldier Field since Chicago drafted him with the No. 1 overall pick, running for a touchdown and leading two scoring drives, and the Bears beat the Cincinnati Bengals 27-3 on Saturday.
Williams got off to a slow start coming off an impressive and brief showing last week at Buffalo in his first preseason appearance. Chicago went three-and-out on its first three possessions on a rainy afternoon.
The former USC star then showed the arm and elusiveness the Bears are banking on, leading them to a field goal and scrambling for a touchdown.
Williams completed 6 of 13 passes for 75 yards against Cincinnati’s backups, including a 45-yarder to fellow rookie Rome Odunze. He ran for a 7-yard touchdown late in the second quarter.
Odunze, the No. 9 overall draft pick, also had a 16-yard run on an endaround to help set up a field goal. Khalil Herbert carried five times for 31 yards.
Tyson Bagent started the second half for Chicago and threw two touchdown passes to Dante Pettis. He was 7 of 8 for 87 yards with a 151.6 rating before Brett Rypien took over midway through the fourth.
Simone Biles, fresh off winning three more Olympic gold medals in Paris and wearing a Green Bay Packers jacket, cheered on her husband, safety Jonathan Owens from the Chicago sideline. Owens signed with Chicago after spending last year with the rival Packers.
RAVENS 13, FALCONS 12
BALTIMORE (AP) — Josh Johnson completed all 11 of his pass attempts and Emory Jones added a long touchdown throw in the second half to lift Baltimore to a victory over Atlanta.
The Falcons scored with 36 seconds remaining on a 3-yard run by Jase McClellan, but McClellan was stopped well short on a 2-point conversion by Tavius Robinson. Atlanta did not bother trying an onside kick after that.
Lamar Jackson and Kirk Cousins, each team’s No. 1 quarterback, did not play. Neither did Atlanta rookie Michael Penix Jr. Johnson and Jones each passed for a TD, and Jones rebounded from a fumble last week that led to the decisive field goal in Baltimore’s loss to Philadelphia.
Younghoe Koo kicked two field goals for the Falcons, including a 54-yarder in the first quarter. But he missed from 40, 45 and 49 yards — all wide left.
With Cousins and Penix staying out of harm’s way, Taylor Heinicke was the starter for Atlanta and went 8 of 16 for 114 yards.
TEXANS 28, GIANTS 10
HOUSTON (AP) — New York’s Daniel Jones threw two interceptions, one which was returned for a touchdown in his first action since a season-ending knee injury last year and Houston won. Jones tore the ACL in his right knee on Nov. 5 and had recovered for the start of training camp but was held out of New York’s preseason opener last week against Detroit. He played until halftime Saturday and was 11 of 18 for 138 yards. Houston’s C.J. Stroud threw for 88 yards in one quarter after playing two series in his preseason debut last week. The Texans didn’t score on his first drive and he was lifted for Case Keenum in the middle of the next one at the start of the second quarter. Jones was under heavy pressure in the end zone on his second drive when he threw a desperation pass which was picked off by Jalen Pitre and returned 5 yards for a touchdown to make it 7-0.
The Giants were driving on the next possession when Jones attempted a deep throw to Jalin Hyatt. But Derek Stingley jumped in front of him near the end zone for another interception.
VIKINGS 27, BROWNS 12
CLEVELAND (AP) — Nick Mullens threw a touchdown pass on the heels of Minnesota’s quarterback rotation getting jumbled this week by J.J McCarthy’s season-ending injury and they beat Cleveland.
Mullens connected with wide receiver Trishton Jackson on a 14-yard TD in the first quarter for the Vikings (2-0).
Minnesota’s third-string QB Jaren Hall had two second-half scoring passes, the second a 71-yarder to wide receiver Jeshaun Jones. Rookie Will Reichard kicked field goals of 41 and 38 yards for Minnesota.
D’Onta Foreman had a 1-yard touchdown and Cade York kicked a 33-yard field goal for the Browns (0-2).
Minnesota coach Kevin O’Connell and Cleveland’s Kevin Stefanski chose to sit their starters as well as most backups, feeling they had gotten adequate work when the teams practiced twice this week.
LIONS 24, CHIEFS 23
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes completed a slick behindthe-back pass to Travis
Kelce while throwing for 93 yards in two tidy series of work, though Kansas City lost to Detroit.
Detroit rallied to the victory when Jake Bates hit a 43-yard field goal with no time remaining.
Mahomes was 8 of 14 through the air while leading the Chiefs to a pair of field goals against the Lions’ backup defense. He also led Kansas City to a field goal in his only series in its preseason opener against the Jaguars last week.
But the highlight of the game came as Mahomes was rolling to his right and started to get pressure from Detroit defensive lineman Josh Paschal. He zipped the pass behind his back to Kelce, who was dragging across the field, and the completion on third-and-3 at the Detroit 33 was good for a first down and helped to set up an eventual field goal.
Tyler Bass kicked three field goals for the Bills (1-1), who were more engaged against Pittsburgh than during a lifeless loss to Chicago last week, even with Allen watching from the sideline.
Buffalo coach Sean McDermott kept his franchise quarterback out of the lineup following a pregame thunderstorm that made the field slick and forced fans to clear the stands twice.
JETS
15,
PANTHERS
12
CHARLOTTE,
N.C.
(AP) — Rookie Brandon Codrington returned a kickoff 63 yards and a punt 31 yards to set up scores and New York beat Carolina in a game in which both teams rested almost all of their starters and several key reserves.
Austin Seibert kicked four field goals, including a 52 yarder, and Greg Zuerlein added another for the
Mahomes has fooled around with behind-theback throws in practice but has never completed one during a game. He said on the TV broadcast later that Kelce ran the wrong route so he threw the behind-theback pass “out of spite.”
BILLS 9, STEELERS 3
PITTSBURGH (AP)
— Russell Wilson slogged through a forgettable preseason debut in Pittsburgh, mustering little before giving way to a more dynamic Justin Fields as they lost to Josh Allen-less Buffalo.
The 35-year-old Wilson, slowed by a calf injury for much of training camp, completed 8 of 10 passes for 47 yards. He also took three sacks during five scoreless series of work. Fields fared marginally better, finishing 11 of 17 for 92 yards. He also ran for a teamhigh 42 yards, showcasing the versatility that led the Steelers (0-2) to trade for him in March, though he was also stopped for a loss on a fourth-down run in the third quarter that ended a scoring threat and threw incomplete on fourth down at the Buffalo 20 in the final minutes.
Jets.
The Jets’ Aaron Rodgers and Panthers’ Bryce Young sat out after both received extensive snaps during a joint practice Thursday, which got heated at times. The primary backup QBs — New York’s Tyrod Taylor and Carolina’s Andy Dalton — also sat.
That gave the sparse crowd at Bank of America Stadium a long look at a pair of rookies starting at quarterback, with Andrew Peasley for the Jets and Jack Plummer for the Panthers. And both struggled.
COLTS 21,
CARDINALS 13
INDIANAPOLIS (AP)
— Jason Bean, Tyler Goodson and Zavier Scott each rushed for one touchdown, helping Indianapolis hold off mistake-prone Arizona in a matchup of backups. Coaches Shane Steichen and Jonathan Gannon each opted to sit most of their starters after holding two joint practices earlier this week.
Bean took advantage of his most extensive playing time in two weeks by going 7 of 9 with 94 yards, one interception and the 1-yard TD run on fourth down to open the fourth quarter. Goodson started and ran
six times for 35 yards and the first score of the game as he battles Zavier Scott for the No. 3 running back job. Scott had 11 carries for 55 yards and now has four TDs through the first two preseason games. Clayton Tune started at quarterback for the Cardinals and was 8 of 10 with 79 yards and a 12-yard TD run late in the first half while Desmond Ridder finished the game 6 of 10 for 71 yards. Trey Benson carried nine times for 43 yards, but Arizona had nearly as many penalties (11) as first downs (13).
RAMS 13, CHARGERS 9 INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Stetson Bennett threw for 213 yards, including a 47-yard touchdown pass to JJ Laap in the fourth quarter, and Los Angeles rallied for a victory over Los Angeles.
Bennett, who completed 17 of 31 passes, connected with Laap after the undrafted rookie wide receiver beat Chargers cornerback Zamari Walton on a go route down the middle with 9:48 remaining. The touchdown made up for the previous two Rams drives, when Bennett threw an interception to Deane Leonard deep in the end zone on fourth-and-goal at the 1 and Joshua Karty was wide right on a 52-yard field goal attempt.
Karty did have a pair of field goals for the Rams (2-0). Bennett has gone the distance at quarterback in both games with starter Matthew Stafford and backup Jimmy Garoppolo on the sideline.
Cameron Dicker kicked three field goals for coach Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers (0-2). Their offense showed improvement from the first preseason game, but still failed to produce a touchdown. The Bolts and Bills are the only teams that have not scored an offensive TD in their two preseason games.
TITANS 16, SEAHAWKS 15
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Brayden Narveson kicked his third field goal of the game as time expired, helping Tennessee rally twice in the fourth quarter to beat the Seattle.
Narveson, a rookie from North Carolina State in camp to ease veteran Nick Folk’s workload, made field goals of 21, 59 and 46 in the fourth quarter. That final one capped a nine-play drive with Mason Rudolph proving why he deserves the job backing up Will Levis at quarterback for Tennessee.
Jason Myers kicked his third field goal, a 50-yarder, for a 15-13 lead with 1:55 left as the Seahawks appeared ready to turn safety Ty Okada’s late interception into a victory. Titans first-year coach Brian Callahan started Malik Willis, the thirdround pick in 2022 out of Liberty, giving him a chance to show what he could do with backups. His best drive used up 14 plays and 9:23 setting up
goal early in the fourth quarter to pull Tennessee within 12-10.
Rudolph didn’t need the start to show why he’s the Titans’ better option at backup quarterback. One drive was more than enough as he drove the Titans 78 yards in 10 plays and found Nick WestbrookIkhine for a 15-yard TD pass pulling them within 9-7 of Seattle.
JAGUARS 20, BUCCANEERS 7 JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Mac Jones threw for 210 yards and two touchdowns, taking a step toward formally securing Jacksonville’s backup job, and they beat Tampa Bay featuring few starters.
Jones got the nod in place of Trevor Lawrence and completed 16 of 23 passes, including TDs to Parker Washington and Brevin Easton. He also scrambled six times, including a nifty, duck-under move on linebacker Vi Jones in the second quarter to avoid a sack.
Jones’ best throws were for scores. He hit Washington in stride for 25 yards and a 7-0 lead that capped a 17-play drive. Washington finished with three receptions for 38 yards a week after returning a kickoff 73 yards against Kansas City.
Jones returned in the fourth quarter after C.J. Beathard was ruled out with a groin injury and lofted a perfect pass to Easton for a 31-yard score. Jones finished with a QB rating of 127.1. Beathard was 5 of 7 for 40 yards and was sacked three times.
COWBOYS 27, RAIDERS 12
LAS VEGAS (AP) — The competition for the Las Vegas’ starting quarterback job remained murky after both Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew were outplayed Saturday night by Trey Lance, a third-stringer who threw a touchdown pass and rushed for another to lead Dallas to a victory.
Lance, a former No. 3 overall draft pick who is trying to remain on the Cowboys’ roster, completed 15 of 23 passes for 151 yards. He played the final three quarters for Dallas (1-1).
With starter Dak Prescott watching from the sideline, Cooper Rush played the first quarter and completed 1 of 3 passes for 6 yards.
Dallas kicker Brandon Aubrey ended the first half with a 66-yard field goal to give the Cowboys a 13-6 halftime lead. That kick would have tied Justin Tucker’s NFL record if the game had been played in the regular season.
O’Connell looked ready to make a case to be the starter for the Raiders (0-2), but a 69-yard interception returned for a touchdown by cornerback Kemon Hall on the first play of the fourth quarter undid his earlier work. He finished 14 of 20 for 96 yards with a touchdown and the interception.
Narveson’s first field
DOLPHINS quarterback Tua Tagovailoa throws during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
BEARS quarterback Caleb Williams breaks away from a tackle against the Bengals on Saturday at Soldier Field in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Olympian Charisma Taylor gets warm welcome home
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
OLYMPIAN Charisma
Taylor knows if there’s one thing she’s always been assured of, it’s the love and affection from her family since she started competing in various sports from the age of seven.
On her return home from her debut at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, Taylor was greeted at the Lynden Pindling International Airport on Saturday by her family members, some of whom made the journey to watch her compete in both the women’s triple jump and the 100 metre hurdles.
Although the Queen’s College graduate missed out on making the finals in both events, Taylor said just knowing that her family was there to support her and now to welcome her home in the manner that they did, she is more than appreciative.
“It was a great surprise. I love my family so much. They always support me in anything I do and everywhere I go. They support me,” said Taylor, who competed collegiately for the University of Tennessee after transferring from Washington State.
“So it was just great to walk out and see my whole family out here with a banner and flowers and balloons and they are here cheering for me. I am so blessed to have a family like this.”
Taylor, 24, said she knows that her family loves her, but it was good for her to come home and feel their warm embrace after such a long season.
“I’m just grateful and very proud of them,” said Taylor, who will be here until Wednesday before she leaves, hopefully to compete in a meet on the international circuit later this week.
It was so coincidental that her flight from Charlotte was delayed and it arrived just in time with a flight from Orlando, Florida tht her mother, Patrice, caught.
As fate would have it, the two walked out together, affording her mother the opportunity to join in the welcome home reception that she would have missed, had it not been for her daughter’s delayed flight.
“It’s so heartwarming because, at the end of the day, family is what matters,” her mother stressed.
“Your biggest supporter is your family and when you have the support of your family, you can do great things.
“I know for her, just last week, she said ‘mom, I need to come home. I need to see you all for a bit.’ So to have this kind of welcome is what she needed.”
Although she will only be here for such a short period of time, her mother said they will make the most of
it, bonding together in love and unity. Her father Dewey Taylor said the first thing they did was to ensure that they got the stewed fish that his daughter craved for because she enjoys eating her Bahamian dish.
“I was just happy, especially because she didn’t have a clue. So to see that look upon her face was such a joy,” he said. “We thought she would go right to Europe and try to get in a meet there.
“But it’s a joy to have her back here, knowing that we can celebrate all of the hard work she put in. I’m very happy for her accomplishments.”
Grandmother Helen Stubbs was more thrilled than the parents.
“Everything she does, I am so proud of her,” she stated. “I remember when she started competing as a young girl at seven years old, pushing her way through.
“So to see her excel to the heights of the Olympics, I know she can go further in her performances I’m sure, but at this height, I’m grateful, I’m thankful.”
When she was informed of the homecoming celebrations, she said there was no way that she was going to miss it as she squeezed the hand she held of her granddaughter as they embraced.
At the Olympics, Taylor finished 9th in Group B of the women’s triple jump qualifying round with 14.01m for 15th overall and she was third in her heat of the 100 hurdles in a lifetime best of 12.63 seconds for 12th overall.
Angel Willie, a younger cousin of Taylor, was among the group of family members in Paris for the Olympics. She said she was thrilled by her accomplishments. “It was a surreal experience to watch Charisma compete in her journey and to see
her achieve her dream is inspiring,” said Willie, who herself is a former athlete.
“It’s an honour. We are very proud of her, so we just wanted to make sure that the celebrations are still there. We’re still proud of her accomplishments and to let her know that greater is to come.”
Despite not getting into the finals of either event in Paris, Tylor said it was a great Olympic experience that she will cherish for the rest of her career.
“I definitely found out some things about myself that I need to find out,” she said without elaborating. “I think that’s the most important thing.’
“The next time they see me on the track at another (global) meet, it’s going to be a scary site.”
The World Championships in Tokyo, Japan from September 13-21 is the next biggest global event before the trek starts towards her anticipated return to the Olympics in 2028 in Los Angeles, California.
12.70. Paula Suchowiecka of Canada won the gold in a championship record of 11.86, followed by Sara Wiss of Sweden with the silver in 12.22 and Odeka Giscombe of the USA with the bronze in 12.25. Byfield came into the final with the sev-
OLYMPIAN Charisma Taylor and her pet dog are greeted by family members.
OLYMPIAN Charisma Taylor is flanked by her family members on her arrival home.
FATHER Dewey Taylor leads a group of family members as they wait for the arrival of Olympian Charisma Taylor.
MIRIAM Byfield gets ready to compete at the World Masters Athletics Championships in Gottenburg, Sweden.
place finish overall.
Joshua Higgins finishes 11th at the UK Nationals, Spencer Cartwright 4th overall
Placing first in the event for the second straight year was the Los Huevos team that prevailed in 15 out of 17 events sailed in for a winning percentage of 88.24.
The Rock City Cruising Club was second and the Jet Leg team finished the event in the third spot. The Doomsday crew did not have a chance to challenge the victors for a top spot due to insufficient winds which caused the remaining stages of the event to be abandoned. Despite not finishing in the
Jonquel
Jones leads Liberty over Aces, becoming first team to clinch playoff berth
the second time this season on the road. The Libs trailed for a majority of the first quarter against the Aces.
The latter pulled away 20-13, following a threepoint stepback shot drained by Kelsey Plum.
Despite the hometown cooking from the Aces to start the game, the Big Apple team only trailed by four (28-24) going into the second period.
The Grand Bahama native got to the line and knocked down a free throw to give her team a slim 30-28 lead with less than nine minutes to go in the
second quarter. The Libs made up ground and after being outscored by four points in the first period, they held the Aces to eight points in the second quarter to create a 42-36 advantage at the halftime break.
Jones scored her eighth point of the contest early in the third. She made a layup off an Ionescu assist to keep New York ahead 44-40.
The 2023 WNBA champions continued to hang around on the scoreboard but hit a dry spell during the last 2:04 in the third quarter which kept the NYC Liberty in the driver’s seat 59-51.
With the ball game hanging in the balance, the
top three, the four-time Bahamas Optimist National champion and company were just one of the 24 best teams in US team racing to be selected for the annual event.
Over at the 2024 ILCA UK Open & National Championships, Higgins
capped off his UK experience ranked eleventh out of 60 sailors and fifth overall in his age category. After competing in 11 rounds, with two discarded, he accumulated 107 points in total. The 21-year-old had scores of 11,6,25,11,3, 24,7 15 and 5 across nine rounds.
Finley Dickinson, representing the Royal Southern Yacht Club/ Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA), was the overall winner of the ILCA 7 class with a net score of 21. James Foster, of Poole Yacht Club, trailed the winner by eight points with 29 overall. Great Britain’s Arthur Farley totalled 33 points in the nine rounds of competition. The ILCA UK Open & Nationals brought out 252 sailors to compete in ILCA 7, ILCA 6 and ILCA 4 classes from August 11-17.
Liberty pushed the score into double-digit territory.
Kayla Thornton got a timely pass from Jones for a big bucket from long range which changed the score to 75-63 with under five minutes of play remaining.
A’ja Wilson, 2023 WNBA Finals MVP, pumped in a game-high 24 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.
The Libs crashed the board 46 times to outrebound the Aces by 16.
The Eastern Conference’s top team went up by as much as 16 in the fourth quarter leaving the Aces in the rearview while picking up their sixth straight win.
For New York it was their second consecutive victory since returning from the WNBA All-Star break. They defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 103-68 on Thursday at the Crypto. com Arena.
New York got great production from their starting five. They shot 45 per cent on field goals while the Aces shot 39.2 per cent.
The Grand Bahamian big put together nine points, five rebounds and four assists in that game.
While other teams in the WNBA are preparing to make a playoff push, the New York Liberty seem to exist in a league of their own. Jones will be back in action against the Dallas Wings 7pm Tuesday night in the Barclays Center.
FROM PAGE 15 NPSA: OPERATORS ROUT LADY MARLINS 26-3
mound. RAB scored 11 runs on five hits in the first inning and came up with another 15 runs on 11 hits in pulling off the massacre. The Lady Marlins countered with a run each in the first, second and third on no hits. Aaliyah Ferguson had a perfect 4-for-4 night with two doubles and a home run with five runs batted in and three scored to lead RAB to victory. Kendalia Turner was also a perfect 3-for-3 with a RBI and four runs scored. Mia Turner helped her own cause with a 2-for-4 night with a double, four RBI and three runs scored, Melinda Bastian was 2-for-2 with two RBI and as many runs scored, Kenisha Kelly was 2-for-2 with a double, three RBI and two runs scored and Ramona Hanna was 2-for-2 with two RBI and two runs scored. Edricka McClain, Nadia Hopkins and Althea Green scored the three unearned runs for the Lady Marlins.
Prior to that, there was also only one ladies’ game played on Thursday night when the Black
Scorpions knocked off the Johnson Lady Truckers 18-5 as Dorinda Knowles got the win over Grwce Chea.
In that game, the Scorpions got an unearned run in the first and second innings before they produced three runs on three hits in the third and exploded for 13 runs on three hits in the fourth.
The Lady Truckers got all their five runs in the second on two hits.
Vashawna Bastian went 2-for-4 with a triple, two RBI and three runs scored and Dorinda Knowles helped her own cause with a 2-for-3 night with a home run, four RBI and three runs scored.
For the Lady Truckers, Rikara Allen and Grace Chea were both 1-for-3 with a RBI and a run scored each. On Tuesday, the final two games in the ladies division will be played. The RAB Operators will take on the Johnson Lady Truckers in the opener at 7pm. That will be followed by the UB Mingoes and the Sunshine Auto Wildcats at 8:30pm. The playoffs
Thursday night.
BAHAMIANS IN ACTION: Harbour Island native Joshua Higgins braved the seas at the UK ILCA 7 Nationals for an eleventh
will get started on
NEW York Liberty forward Jonquel Jones (35) drives against Las Vegas Aces centre A’ja Wilson, right, during the first half of a WNBA basketball game on Saturday in Las Vegas. (Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun via AP)
BAHAMAS 7TH OVERALL AT CARIFTA TRIATHLON, AQUATHLON & MIXED RELAY CHAMPIONSHIPS
By TENAJH SWEETING
Reporter
THE 25-member team representing The Bahamas at the 2024 CARIFTA Triathlon, Aquathlon and Mixed Relay Championships placed seventh overall in the standings with 33 points in Bridgetown, Barbados, over the weekend.
Team Bahamas hauled in three bronze medals in two days of competition despite not having their usual full complement of athletes due to the Goodwill Swimming Championships which happened this weekend as well.
The host country continued to show their dominance in the sport, winning the junior regional meet with a total of 207 points. Bermuda settled for the second spot with 180 points. Trinidad & Tobago was third overall with 58 points.
Cameron Roach, head coach of Team Bahamas, talked about the team’s performance over the weekend.
“We dropped out of the top three this year, but it wasn’t necessarily due to the performances of the athletes. The athletes performed very well. We had one or two illnesses on the trip and some performances by a couple of the athletes weren’t what we were hoping for, but the rest of the team performed very well. Everybody has improved. Everybody looked really good and really sharp out there,” he said.
The coach said numbers played a big role in the team’s finish this time around.
“The fact that we dropped from number three this year is really a numbers game. What we noticed this year is that countries are now coming with up to 70 athletes on their squad, and it just becomes a numbers game. We have quality athletes. We only fielded 25 athletes compared to some of the bigger teams so unfortunately, we didn’t get all the points that we needed to stay in third place but our athletes performed very well,” he said.
Erin Pritchard brought The Bahamas a bronze medal in the female 16-19 triathlon (750m swim/20km bike/5k run) event for the second straight year. The bronze medallist earned six points after completing the trio of events with a time of 1:16.19. Barbados’ Isis Gaskin got the win in this event, crossing the line first in 1:10.33. Grenada’s Nina James hauled away the silver medal in the female event with a second best time of 1:13.30. Gaskin and James doubled up on their gold and silver medals in the aquathlon portion of the event
Team bringing home 3 bronze medals
while Pritchard finished fifth. She concluded the swim and run in 40:44.04.. Launy Duncombe made the top three in the male 16-19 aquathlon event. It was a close race between the host nation’s Fynn Armstrong and Luke Mcintyre at the end for the first and second place spots. Armstrong ran away with the gold medal in 32:30.49 and Mcintyre took the silver medal with a time of 32:46.00 Duncombe trailed both competitors for third in 34:02.00. He would cap off the triathlon portion of competition in ninth overall.
Malcolm Menzies had a tough time in the male 16-19 aquathlon event for a tenth place result.
Torion Turner made his presence felt in the male 11-12 aquathlon event. He finished the event behind Barbados’ Yele RenwickWilliams and Trinidad and Tobago’s Aiden Nixon. Renwick-Williams finished the race ahead of the field with a time of 10:59.08. Nixon was close but not close enough, leading to his time of 11:00.56 for silver overall. The Bahamian bronze medallist was right in the fold, crossing the line at 11:01.31 to hold off his
teammate Blair Thompson who came behind in 11:01.33.
Turner did not fare as well in the triathlon. He ended the event in fifth position with a time of 23:09.
“These athletes performed amazingly. We were lucky enough to come away with three medals, and our 11 and 12 boys themselves were photo finished shots
away from being silver and bronze. The athletes again performed outstandingly. The conditions were pretty brutal. “The weather was beautiful, but really hot and long days made fatigue set in, especially on day two.
But we actually were able to get the most medals on day two,” the coach said. Lyall Menzies ended the 11-12 male triathlon in eighth place and the
aquathlon in the eighth position.
Out of the 10 countries present in Barbados, The Bahamas was awarded the most organised federation at the 2024 Carifta Triathlon, Aquathlon and Mixed Relay Championships.
Rounding out last year’s top three podium spots were reigning champions Barbados, Bermuda and The Bahamas.
ERIN Pritchard places third in the 16-19 triathlon for the second straight year.
LAUNY Duncombe wins bronze in the 16-19 triathlon event.
GO TEAM BAHAMAS: The 25-member team representing The Bahamas at the 2024 CARIFTA Triathlon, Aquathlon and Mixed Relay Championships placed seventh overall in the standings with 33 points in Bridgetown, Barbados, over the weekend. Team Bahamas hauled in three bronze medals in two days of competition.
TORION Turner picks up bronze in the 11-12 boys aquathlon.