The Tribune
Andros residents
s Ay ‘fix our ro A ds’
MP says roadworks will start soon but anger over long wait
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter
lrolle@tribunemedia.net
AFTER several South Andros residents protested the island’s deteriorating road conditions, MP Leon Lundy assured yesterday that road repairs will begin soon and criticised those he accused of “trying to stir up confusion” about the project.
Residents have long
complained about the poor state of the roads, saying it affects their quality of life. Some have lost their vehicles or had to replace car parts due to damage from potholes, while others have raised safety concerns. “This road break up my car over a year now,” said one protestor, “I’m without trans and I’m a lifelong PLP but I am ashamed of what’s
‘Davis hypocritical on climate as govt neglects local issues’
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter
lrolle@tribunemedia.net
FREE National Movement (FNM) leader
Michael Pintard criticised Prime Minister Philip
“Brave” Davis of being hypocritical, arguing that it’s contradictory for him to advocate for global climate action while neglecting
New school year with old friends
environmental issues at home.
Mr Pintard highlighted the government’s failure to prioritise the removal of vessels stranded in a marine protected area in Abaco as a key example of this hypocrisy.
A barge and tugboat became stuck in Fowl Cays
Mitchell: Govt may intervene if Central Bank won’t act on fees
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell said legislators may need to intervene if the Central
Bank fails to take more aggressive action on commercial bank fees.
Minister Mitchell previously urged the Central Bank to be more proactive in regulating these fees, citing the successful
example set by the Central Bank of Barbados.
Gowon Bowe, chairman of the Clearing Banks Association, expressed concern that regulating bank fees
But chief criticises moe for justifying results
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net
BAHAMAS Union of Teachers President Belinda Wilson, criticised the Ministry of Education for annually attempting to justify national exam results when she says it is evident the academic curriculum needs revision. Mrs Wilson was a guest caller on Guardian Radio’s
“Morning Blend” show, where the latest Bahamas Junior Certificate (BJC) and Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) exam results were discussed. Education officials revealed the results last Friday. However, there has been criticism that they presented an overly positive image of student
president Belinda Wilson
Fall semester begins at UB
BUT chief criticises MOE for justifying results
performance.
Mrs Wilson noted that decades ago, when the General Certificate of Education (GCE) and General Certificate of Education and Secondary Education (GCSE) was administered, only about 15 to 20 percent of students achieved successful exam results. She said the same is now happening with the BJC and BGCSE exams.
“It behooves me though, that every year you have ministers of education who are not technocrats, who are not educated, who painstakingly sit down trying to explain the results of BJC and the BGCSE. It makes no sense to continue to do that annually,” Mrs Wilson said.
“What I’m trying to find
out is why is the Ministry of Education every year regurgitating that which we can read instead of them focusing on revising the curriculum, ensuring that schools have adequate teachers, investing more in teacher training and professional development.”
Mrs Wilson acknowledged the learning gap in the education system but questioned the lack of intervention for struggling students. She expressed concern that special needs students are treated as if everything is normal when they need diagnosis and special education. She added that multiple factors influence the country’s national exam results.
Regarding curriculum revision, Mrs Wilson said that students are being required to take up to 13
subjects when some can’t even read. She stressed the need for intervention when students struggle with basic skills, questioning how they are expected to excel in various subjects under these conditions.
The national exam results over years have indicated that some students may not be academically inclined but excel in trades or technical work. While the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) offers relevant training, Mrs Wilson said it is becoming increasingly difficult for students to enter the institution due to academic requirements.
“What is it that we’re doing for the 80 to 85 percent of our students who will not pass a BJC or BGCSE if they stay in school for 100 years. So
we need to accept what the reality is. The examinations are geared toward your top tier academic students who are between 15 to 20 percent of your student population throughout the country.”
Additionally, the Ministry of Education has participated in several international conferences to learn and implement strategies beneficial to the country’s education system. However, Mrs Wilson expressed her frustration, saying she is “sick and tired” of ministers attending these conferences without understanding the best practices needed for the country’s educational system.
“We go to these conferences, we show off as if The Bahamas is up there and then we come back and we
do nothing,” she said. 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.
from page one
StudentS getting adjusted to their first day back to classe at the University of the Bahamas yesterday.
Photo: Chappell Whyms Jr
Andros residents say ‘fix our roads’
going on in South Andros. Lundy ain’t doing nothing in South Andros.”
Community activist Julian Gibson claimed that a new contractor was hired a while ago to begin roadworks, but nothing has been done. He accused the contractors of dragging their feet.
“It seems like we have to cry out which is disrespectful for anything we want and these things that we want, we deserve to have because we
are Bahamians. Yes there is a process, but there is no process when it comes to Abaco and Exuma so why we have to wait months and months. The people are frustrated,” Mr Gibson said.
“We’ve been pleading with the government. The contractor might have his issues trying to get tar and trying to get his equipment but just scrape the road a little bit smoothly so people can transit over the road.”
Mr Lundy dismissed the criticism yesterday, explaining
Mitchell:
Govt M ay intervene if Central Bank won’t aC t on fees
and services could lead the country towards a “communist state”, describing it as a “very slippery slope”.
In response, Mr Mitchell argued that the real slippery slope would result in improved service in his opinion.
“Hyperbole is sometimes useful, but in my view, not in this instance. Business people reading that stuff about slippery slope and communist state would think twice about coming to a communist state to do business, if that’s what’s in The Bahamas. So the comment was not helpful, apart from being inaccurate,” he said.
He emphasised that banks are currently regulated; they cannot charge any interest rate they choose and must obtain a licence to operate.
“They have to get a licence to operate. There’s a cap on the interest rate now, right now, but the response from the clearing house bank’s chair portrays a larger issue and problem, which is service to the Bahamian public will not improve if the banks just don’t get it.”
“They keep trying to force us to swallow digitalisation when the internet doesn’t work here. The service are second-rate at the banks, and they charge fees for keeping our money. If the Central Bank does not intervene more aggressively, as they have
in Barbados, then perhaps the legislature will have to intervene.”
In January, the Central Bank of Barbados mandated that no fees could be charged for electronic transactions, including Automated Clearing House (ACH) and real-time payments (RTP) transfers. The bank also requires all commercial banks to offer at least one savings account that is free from fees or charges. Guidelines introduced in July mandate that banks and finance companies must seek a non-objection from the Central Bank at least 60 days before implementing or increasing fees. Additionally, there are to be no fees for electronic transfers and no cash management fees for transactions under $10,000 per day.
Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard said his party would reform the banking system if elected, expanding the Central Bank’s authority to assess fees and prevent unjustified “junk fees”. He accused the Davis administration of “idle talk” and “handwringing” on the issue, observing that while Mr Mitchell has frequently criticised banking problems, the government has not taken meaningful action.
Mr Mitchell also alleged that all ATMs were down in Exuma, but The Tribune was unable to verify this up to press time.
that the contractor’s contract was finalised only a month ago.
He noted that the new contractors have already begun prepping the roads, with equipment expected to arrive this week.
“They know the work is about to be done,” Mr Lundy added. “I fought to make sure they got asphalt rather than the sand seal which was signed in the new contract.”
He added that a water component was added to the project, with plans to pipe
water from Bluff to Smith’s Hill to improve the water supply in the southern part of the island.
Mr Lundy said Ministry of Works officials visited the island last Friday to ensure the work would be done properly and suggested that the protest organisers had a hidden agenda.
“At the end of the day, like I told people, I’m not doing this for praise. I’m doing this to ensure the island gets the needed upgrades,” Mr Lundy said.
However, Mr Gibson countered that residents are tired of hearing excuses and just want the work completed. Earlier this year, the Davis administration canceled an $8m contract with the initial contractor, KW Paving, following residents’ complaints about the quality of their work.
“Y’all done send down two contractors and nothing happen yet,” another protestor added. “We ain’t want to hear about tomorrow. Let’s hear what’s going on today.”
In this screen capture from a social media video residents of South Andros held a protest yesterday over what they is the long overdue road repairs.
‘Davis hypocritical on climate as govt neglects local issues’
from page one
National Park, a protected area managed by the BNT, after encountering rough seas en route to Baker’s Bay, Abaco, on March 27.
“We have raised issues such as this on a regular basis where the prime minister is travelling internationally talking about a good stewardship of our environment both marine as well as terrestrial,” Mr Pintard said. “However, at home, he has a number of significant issues that he is not addressing. One of those issues is not just sunken vessels in abaco. There are multiple vessels that have sunk that the government has not been able to address.”
Mr Pintard also noted acts of deforestation for coal production, saying the government is aware the problem, but “seems unwilling to address it.”
“So, yes, we believe the prime minister has to not only talk the talk. He has to walk to the walk and make sure that his minister address these issues urgently.”
Local environmental watchdogs have reported significant damage to coral reefs in the Abaco National Park and warned that further delays in removing the vessels will result in even more extensive damage.
Darville: Country has vaccines available and protocols
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net
THE Ministry of Health and Wellness said vaccines for monkeypox are available, following the ministry activating emergency protocols to protect against the spread of the viral disease in The Bahamas.
The Ministry of Health in a statement yesterday said the emergency protocols were activated following the declaration of monkeypox/M-pox in Africa. On Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global emergency in response to the rapid spread of the virus across the African continent and a newly reported case in Sweden.
Minister of Health Dr Michael Darville confirmed that protocols and response measures to protect against the spread of M-pox in the country were activated and that quarantine measures and modalities are in place. The ministry also has retains antivirals and the M-pox vaccine for people seeking preventative treatment or who may be high risk.
“We also would wish to
note that we are now able to test for monkeypox in country via the National Reference Library (NRL). This significantly reduces wait times on samples and offers the opportunity to rule out or treat persons presenting with symptoms,” Dr Darville said. The vaccines are available at any public clinic and free of charge.
Last week, Dr Darville said the Davis administration is not currently considering any travel restrictions for countries affected by the resurgence of monkeypox.
The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies the following individuals as high risk but not exclusively; gay, bisexual, men who have sex with other men (MSM) or individuals with multiple sexual partners. Other persons at risk of exposure include laboratory personnel performing diagnostics testing and designated response team members. Symptoms of M-pox include skin rash/ lesions, fever, headache, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion. Symptoms can last two to four weeks.
The death rate associated with the disease is low, ranging between three to six per cent of persons infected. The public is encouraged to adhere to safety protocols for M-pox which include: washing your hands properly and often with soap
and water, using an alcohol based hand sanitizer, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces regularly, and maintaining physical distance from others, particularly if you feel ill. If you suspect that you or
someone you know has monkeypox, contact your primary health care provider or nearest public health community clinic to be evaluated. Information can be obtained by
Minister of HealtH and Wellness dr MicHael darville
42-year-old GB man dies after motorcycle accident
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
A 42-YEAR-OLD man has died in hospital after sustaining severe injuries in a traffic accident on Sunday evening.
Galen Godet was riding a red-and-yellow Kawasaki 636 ZX6 motorcycle when a black GMC Yukon XL driven by an adult male was in collision with him. <zf”-webkit-standard”>According to police, the incident occurred shortly before 9pm on Seahorse Road, near Coral Court.
Preliminary reports indicate that Godet was traveling north on Seahorse Road, while the Yukon was heading south. The collision happened when the Yukon attempted to turn west onto Coral Court.
Godet was severely injured and was transported to the hospital by EMS, where he later succumbed to his injuries. A close relative expressed on Facebook that she and her husband are “shattered by the loss”.
Godet was known as an animal advocate and was actively involved in animal rescues. Police investigations into the accident are ongoing.
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
A 27-YEAR-OLD
Bahamian woman was reportedly arrested for retail theft in the US, after being accused of skip-scanning over $210
worth of merchandise. According to Leesburg News, Lake County Sheriff’s Office arrest report stated Tenneille Geisha Rahming was observed by loss prevention associates using the Walmart’s selfcheckout on Wednesday afternoon.
Man charged with the Murder of M an in south beach
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter
pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was remanded in custody yesterday after he was accused of killing Angelo Weech in South Beach earlier this month.
Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley arraigned Wendriko Kerr, 24, on murder. Kerr allegedly shot and killed Weech as the two were walking on a dirt road off Holiday Drive leading to the South Beach canals at 2.30pm on August 10. When authorities arrived on the scene, they found the lifeless body of the victim with multiple gunshot
area
wounds to the upper body. Weech was described by police as being of medium brown complexion and black low cut hair. At the time of his death, he was wearing a white undershirt, dark long jeans and black and white tennis shoes. Kerr was informed his matter would be transferred to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). The defendant will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his VBI is served on January 30, 2025.
Donna Major represented the accused.
Man accused of atte Mpting to assault woM an with a car
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was granted bail yesterday after he allegedly threatened to run a woman over with his car in Fox Hill last week.
Senior Magistrate Anishka Pennerman arraigned Ravano Lightbourne, 35, on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon. Lightbourne after a verbal alteration allegedly assaulted Parraneka Davis with a car on Fox Hill Road South on August 16. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge. With the prosecution raising no objection, Lightbourne’s bail was set at $2,500 with one or two sureties. Lightbourne’s trial begins on October 31.
“Rahming would stack numerous items of clothing together, scan one or two items, then place the stack into the bagging area. She paid for the scanned items and proceeded to exit past all points of sale without paying for the unscanned items in her cart,” the report said.
“Upon loss prevention associates contacting the
LCSO, it was discovered that Rahming failed to scan 23 items with a retail value of $211.06. This was ultimately recovered.”
Ms Rahming reportedly claimed it was a misunderstanding as she reviewed the store’s security footage of the incident. She was arrested, transported to Lake County Jail, and released after posting $500.
Man re M anded, accused of raping a woM an
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A 34-YEAR-OLD man was remanded in custody yesterday after he was accused of the rape of a 31-year-old woman in New Providence this spring.
Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley arraigned Ricardo Lightbourn on a charge of rape.
The defendant allegedly forcefully had sexual
in a pril
intercourse with a woman without her consent on April 15.
Lightbourn was silent as the he was informed his matter would proceed to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).
The defendant will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his VBI is served on January 30, 2025.
Donna Major represented the accused.
Man charged with ar M ed robbery not granted bail
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was remanded yesterday after he allegedly robbed a man at gunpoint earlier this month in New Providence.
Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley arraigned Lavardo Dean Jr, 22, on a charge of armed robbery. Dean and accomplices while armed with a silver
handgun are accused of robbing Omar Clarke of $700 cash on the night of August 2. Dean was told his matter would move to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). The defendant will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his VBI is served on January 30, 2025.
baha Mian woM an reportedly arrested for stealing froM a wal M art in florida
GB traffic accident victim Galen Godet.
Termeille Geisha Rahming
The Tribune Limited
NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI
“Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”
Publisher/Editor 1903-1914
Picture of the day
LEON E. H. DUPUCH
SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH, Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .
Publisher/Editor 1919-1972
Contributing Editor 1972-1991
RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B.
Publisher/Editor 1972-
Published daily Monday to Friday Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207 TELEPHONES
News & General Information
(242) 502-2350
advertising Manager (242) 502-2394
Circulation Department (242) 502-2386
Nassau fax (242) 328-2398
Freeport, Grand Bahama (242)-352-6608
Freeport fax (242) 352-9348
WEBSITE, TWITTER & FACEBOOK
www.tribune242.com @tribune242 tribune news network
US strategy to reduce plastic pollution
PLaSTIC waste is piling up at a daunting pace around the world. The World Bank estimates that every person on the planet generates an average of 1.6 pounds (0.74 kilograms) of plastic waste daily.
To curb this flow, 175 nations are negotiating a binding international treaty on plastic pollution, with a completion target of late 2024. In July 2024, the Biden administration released the first U.S. plan for addressing this problem.
The new U.S. strategy covers five areas: plastic production, product design, waste generation, waste management and plastic capture and removal. It also lists actions that federal agencies and departments are currently pursuing. I study environmental law, including efforts to reduce plastic pollution. as the world’s largest economy, the U.S. is a critical player in this effort. Based on my research, here are three proposals in the U.S. plan that I believe are important and one omission that I view as a major gap.
A federAl stAndArd for me Asuring micropl Astics
Studies have detected tiny plastic fragments, known as microplastics, in settings that include the atmosphere, drinking water sources, wild animals and human food chains.
While scientists have found that wildlife, such as seabirds, can be harmed by consuming plastic, the effects on human health are less clear. Unlike other pollutants, microplastics have different effects depending on their size, their shape and where they are found, such as in food, air or water. and humans can be exposed to them via many different pathways, including inhalation, ingestion and touch.
There is no federal standard for measuring microplastics in various media, such as water and soil, so studies lack standardized definitions, methods and reporting techniques. In 2023, California launched a microplastic monitoring program, which includes developing a standardized method for measuring microplastics in drinking water.
The Biden administration’s plan calls for developing standardized methods for collecting, quantifying and characterizing microplastics and nanoplastics, which are even smaller. This will help scientists generate consistent data that regulators can use to set limits on microplastics in food, water and air.
e xtended producer responsibility
all plastics contain chemicals that add properties such as strength, softness, color and fire resistance. a subset of these chemicals, including bisphenols and phthalates,have been linked to adverse health effects that include fetal abnormalities, reproductive health problems and cancer.
Some scientists argue that certain types of plastic waste with particularly harmful ingredients or properties, including PvC, polystyrene, polyurethane and polycarbonate, should be classified as hazardous waste. Currently, the U.S., europe, australia and Japan consider items made from these plastics as solid waste and treat them in the same way as kitchen food scraps or used office paper.
The fact that only about 5% of U.S. plastic waste is currently recycled, while 9% is incinerated and 86% is buried in landfills, has sparked calls for assigning some responsibility to plastic producers. extended producer responsibility laws, which exist for other products such as paint and electronics, make producers responsible for collecting and disposing
of their products or paying part of the costs to manage these wastes. Such requirements give producers incentives to create more environmentally friendly products and support recycling.
as of mid-2024, California, Colorado, Maine and Oregon have adopted extended producer responsibility laws for plastic waste, and about a dozen other states are considering similar measures. Studies show that when such policies are adopted, recycling rates increase.
The Biden administration plan calls for launching a national extended producer responsibility initiative that would allow state, local and tribal governments to develop their own approaches while offering a vision for a harmonized national system and goals for plastic waste management. Support at the federal level could help more jurisdictions enact rules that require producers to help manage these wastes.
bAnning single-use pl Astics
Bans on plastic items are a tool to reduce waste generation. Most of these measures apply to items that are used once and discarded, such as shopping bags, food wrappers and plastic bottles. Items like these are the most common plastics in the environment.
The U.S. plan calls for developing strategies to “replace, reduce, and phase out unnecessary use and purchase of plastic products by the Federal Government,” including an end to the purchase of single-use plastic items by 2035. although this action applies only to use by federal agencies, the U.S. government is the largest single purchaser of goods and services in the world, so this step can send a powerful signal in favor of alternative products.
cApping pl Astic production
Current projections suggest that global plastic production will double by 2040, with an accompanying surge in plastic waste. In response, 66 countries have formed the high ambition Coalition, co-chaired by Norway and Rwanda, to support stringent provisions in the global plastics treaty. One of their central goals is limiting global plastic production.
early in 2024, several nations participating in the treaty negotiations proposed to cut world plastic production 40% below 2025 levels by 2040. This concept is still under discussion.
Plastic manufacturers and companies reliant on plastic argue that a production cap would drive up the costs of all plastics. Instead, groups like the World Plastics Council are calling for steps that would reduce plastic waste generation, such as using resins with more recycled content and increasing recycling rates.
Through mid-2024, the U.S. had not endorsed a cap on plastic production. however, in august, press reports stated that the Biden administration was changing its position and will support limits, including creating a global list of target chemicals to restrict.
This is a major change that I expect could move more countries to support limits on new plastic production. Details are likely to emerge as the final round of negotiations, scheduled for November 2024 in Busan, South Korea, approaches. The plastics industry strongly opposes limiting production, and Congress would have to ratify a global treaty to make its provisions binding on the U.S. But U.S. support could boost the chances of capping the ever-increasing flow of plastic into the world economy.
Sarah J. Morath, Wake Forest University
Observed changes in elected MPs
EDITOR, The Tribune.
I have lived long enough to observe, intimately, the transition of many current and former Members of Parliament from being an apparently humble and publicly ‘motivated’ run of the mill individuals to narcissistic individuals. It is an eight wonder of the world to see the groveling antics and hear patently bogus promises and speeches during political campaigns. Once elected or appointed to a public office, those who would have been thrust into positions of ‘power’ and ‘influence’ morph into the smartest and know it all individuals since bread was first sliced.
It is my estimation that if general elections were to be called today, that close of 65% of the individuals who hold political sway right now would Never be reelected or reappointed. This is across the board and applies to both political parties. The fringe groupings, as usual, will not even recover their deposits. It would seem that many of them develop an allergy or the syndrome of ‘artful ducking’ once they enter the hallowed halls of parliament.
It must be borne in mind that a large number of them were noticeably unsuccessful in business or the professions before elevation. Some of them could not run a petty shop or even make weekly/ monthly salaries. They declare massive amounts of ‘assets’ and few liabilities when they initially disclose before elections. Once creased up in parliament and appointed to cabinet or a governmental sinecure such as a Commission and they become Chairman, all hell breaks loose and they morph into demigods and iron clad damsels.
Often it is a complete waste of time bring constituency concerns and issues to the attention of the average MP. he/she is really not into all of that. In Mount Moriah, where I and my family reside, I used to be impressed with the former MP, arnold Forbes. That was before he was elevated to a Parliamentary Secretary position
within the then Ministry of Works & Utilities. The level of his representation, in my view, quickly went South and he, rightly or wrongly, developed a reputation and nick name of ‘Ducking arnold’. Many longstanding PLPs and their allies abandoned him long before the house of assembly was dissolved. he had to go and that position was made clear to the powers that be in the visionary Progressive Liberal Party. The party in its collective wisdom then selected the hon McKell Bonaby (PLP-Mount Moriah) I fully embraced him, even though he was not a resident of this great constituency. This is yet another strange wonder that often the people offered as electoral candidates have absolutely Nothing to connect them to a particular constituency. as such, I fail to appreciate just how they view a constituency and the unwashed residents. as a mere vehicle to achieve political ascendency and the perks which go along with the same?
Bonaby was ‘my man of business’ for quite awhile and apart from photos of the current Prime Minister; the late indomitable arthur D hanna, our former Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Finance and that of the ‘greatest’ Bahamian of his generation, the late great and sorely missed, Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling, one of Bonaby is prominently placed on the wall in my waiting room at my private business offices. he holds a place of honor and appreciation. he started out nicely and was all gong ho. he was accessible and one could usually reach him or his administrative Secretary. he would even reach out to constituents on a regular basis and would call or text often.
This, of course, is the modus operandi of many of our home grown politicians and carpetbaggers.
I am persuaded that the Davis administration
will be reelected by a comfortable margin but a number of constituencies will unceremoniously reject some of the individuals who appear to have let influence; money and power go to their collective heads. I recently had a long chat with one of those such MPs this past Sunday. he waxed on ad nauseum about how he had a Lock on a particular constituency; about the favors he would have done for individuals, mind you not out of his pocket or own funds but with taxpayers’ monies. he also bragged that he was okay because the PM was his Godfather! What is so appalling and insulting is the fact that in his constituency there is the highest number of alleged homicides amongst the younger residents and tens of alleged domestic abuse cases, which often end up fatally. What are some of these visionless MPs doing, on the ground and what solutions, in conjunction with the stressed out Police Force. are they proposing? Mere photo opportunities and preening?
Rebuilding The Bahamas after the devastating hurricanes and the political disaster of the now defunct Minnis administration and the FNM regime will not be a cake walk. The enlightened Prime Minister, if he wishes another term, as he is ordained to do, must occasionally crack the political whip to keep about 45% of his current crop of MPs, especially cabinet level ministers and Board Chairpersons, level headed and responsive to the issues and concerns of their unwashed constituents. What are they in front line politics for if not to Serve and effectively communicate with them? If they are incapable or unwilling so to do, they should either: fish; cut bait or get the hell out of the boat. They are a potential danger to the reelection of the Davis administration. To God then, in all things, be the glory ORTLAND H BODIE, Jr Nassau, august 14, 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
Angry clouds gathering over New Providence yesterday evening.
Photo: Craig Lowe
Central and South a baCo MP holdS baCk to SChool
A BACK to school summer bash was held in Abaco on Saturday at the BAIC Park in Marsh Harbour. The event was hosted by Central and South Abaco MP John Pinder II and friends. It included free hot dogs and burgers, free drinks for children, food vendors, a bouncing castle, face painting, entertainment featuring the Urban Renewal Band and a Junkanoo rushout and more. Bags were also given away to children.
CHILDREN took part in a Sea Breeze Constituency Summer Fun Camp hosted by Leslia Miller-Brice MP. They learned how to make arts and crafts, they travelled around New Providence visiting historic sites and they shared in the music, tastes and culture of being Bahamian. As the camp wrapped up, a Back to School Jamboree was held for children in the constituency. Hundreds of children turned out with their parents to the Charles Carter park on Charles Saunders Highway.
Remembering a Bahamian music legend - Paul Hanna
Today, august 20, 2024, marks exactly one year since we lost one of the greatest legends in Bahamian music history. Paul Hanna has left an indelible imprint in the tapestry of music in the country. He and his wife, Tanya represent an important pillar of society - a powerful couple committed to family, community, country, humanity, and most of all – music.
Paul’s music career spans over five decades. He performed with countless musicians in The Bahamas and around the world, beginning as early as the 1950s. His vast knowledge of different genres of music, and his exceptional ability to compose and play music, is legendary.
“With his passing, a curtain fell on a golden age of Bahamian musical excellence,” said fellow artist dr Tyrone “Butch” Bartlett, aka Plati dread.
“With a career that spanned six decades, he was the last of an era of Bahamian greatness. With every virtuoso performance, we were a witness to history. a giant walked among us.”
Together, Paul and his beloved muse, professional singer, pianist and wife, Tanya, have touched the lives of many as musical mentors and as philanthropists. She is honouring his legacy this week by blessing fans with free Cds of his music while supplies last. Tune in to ZNS Radio 104.5fm and 1540am to find out when to call in to win one of these priceless Cds. ZNS will air a special concert in honour of Paul Hanna on august 28. Today, august 20, Steve McKinney will host a special edition of his radio show, Hard Copy, on Peace 107.9FM from 5pm to 7pm. although Paul battled cancer, he wore his genuine, broad smile to the end. He was honoured during a special event on June 27 this year called “an Evening of Creative Elegance with Tanya Hanna and Friends”. Hosted by Erin Brown, Tanya tantalised the audience with her performing elegance and the spirit of her husband emanating through her. Plati dread returned to the stage to join Tanya after a hiatus from music production, bringing new music to the pleasure of all who came together to honour Paul. Princess Pratt performed native storytelling and Raquel Rolle showed off her talents as a visual artist.
Tanya shared with me an essay she wrote, called “What Makes Paul Hanna Special”. I give her space to share it here: Paul alexander Hanna, fondly known as Mace, is special because of his deep humility and passion for music. What makes Paul
Face to Face
By FELICITY DARVILLE
special? To discover this we will have to go back to his beginnings. Paul spent many years as a young boy learning how to play the piano - firstly with his mom Louise Hanna and then later with Mr Russell from Farm Road (Market Street). But there is a story to this. Back in the day, there were talent shows and Paul won many, but this particular show was held at the Savoy Theater and Fred Munnings Sr heard Paul. He sponsored Paul’s piano lessons with Mr Russell. He was very diligent at practicing, and this earned him the ability to be humble and sit at the feet of many great pianists such as al davis, Eric Cash, Wally Badarou, and Chic Corea. This demonstrated his willingness and tenacity to never give up. This was the beginning of Paul’s finding his purpose and the gift he came to bring to The Bahamas and later the world as toured Canada, Caribbean, Mexico, amsterdam, USa Paul never erred in developing his craft at all costs, there was nothing to keep him from becoming the best at what he set out to be. This made him a top class, and most desirable pianist and vocalist, he was always studying and perfecting his gift - this was another ideal that made him special. He literally practiced daily for at least three to four hours. His great quest was how to practice and when Chic Corea told him to always be clear. I remember how it took him years to unravel its meaning. It’s always amazing how great artists revel in mystery. They like riddles and want you to figure it out. Perhaps it’s because it comes so easy to them, they think you understand or know it also. Paul’s pureness of heart made him special. He never talked badly about anyone. He liked being alone yet was never alone because there was always someone in his presence even though he practiced alone. He had a specialness in being comfortable with being alone. He could choose to be alone just to be with his piano and discover more. Paul not only practiced the piano, he practiced how to practice. He discovered and shared his secrets - especially in his later years - and shared his secret of practicing –“always practice what you play” and another – “scales and arpeggios in all the keys
ing well and especially improvising”.
Paul had learned so much after his first two marriages that he brought forgiveness and communication to our life together. He was cautious and took a very long time to open up. after learning his style of loving, we were able to solve our problems together after many years. He was a great son. His tenacity was another special quality, which kept life alive and interesting. We almost did not get together. There was an amazing shyness which I could not understand especially in a male and especially in Paul Hanna; but then again, no one wants to get hurt and love has a way of hurting. Paul had an incredible love for family and especially his mom. He respected his mom Louise Macie-Lee Toussainte-Hanna. When she went to the hospital, Paul stayed with her for days and slept in the hospital, not leaving her side. He would drive around with her in the car, taking her everywhere she wanted to go. If someone was going out, Louise Macie-Lee was gonna be there. Then again, he demonstrated this unconditional love for our son, Troika, when he had a life threatening illness which hospitalised him for nearly two years and he was staying in Miami’s Children’s hospital and St Jude in Kentucky. Paul loved in a special kind of way. He just would be at your side saying nothing. He internalised and processed love from within - speechless. as a result of him internalising life, we had less arguments… of course most of our conversations took place at the piano. This special way of communicating through music, gave way to
many songs. never stopped playing. There was no break from the stage and home, because another special quality of his performance was that of constant practice. This made me remember my dad’s playing. While mom cooked, he would be at the piano.
Most of all, Paul shared his deep relationship and love for God which was undying, as he was always searching, seeking, reading. We wrote many unrecorded gospel songs together, which got heard at church, but never in the studio. His deep love for God brought deeper meaning to our relationship. also it was this that gave us the extra gift. He had a way of allowing our stage life to be the canvas for all the things he did not say at home. The stage gave him the freedom and ability to be and express himself. The shyness was removed and the real Paul was able to stand up. It became the place for expression especially in his later days which kept him alive. after discovering that Concerts and Recordings was his true platform, he wanted to have a concert every month.
Paul found his true voice on stage and in the studio. yes, Paul’s specialness is found in him discovering his purpose and ability to gift it to the world, selflessly. There was also Paul the humanitarian, community builder, on Evans street, who played a great part in creating the awareness of a more beautiful Bahamas in clean up events and in our songs. Songs like, “Team up
you Can”, and attitude of Gratitude” were some of the many character development songs. We coined the name “Musication & Student Spotlight” in the schools in the 90s. Then he started his own personal feeding program for the disabled. He did this for the past 20 years. Even up to his last month of life, Paul walked his last bag of food to one of his disabled friends. The place was so deplorable, he would never allow me to come out of the car. He wanted to do it alone. I never realised love or understood how much it meant until now.
Paul was a super dad. It was special watching Mustapha and Troika grow up with so much love. He always did school and after school drop offs and pick ups, homework, and organised the chores, taught the boys how to swim, taught them how to fish and ride bicycles, skate and have fun in the go carts at disney World. He stood in the long long lines for rides at disney and Carnival or school fairs. He loved all his children incredibly. I must also mention that I grew to understand, love and appreciate debbie, Phelan, and devaldo, his children before our marriage, through the
Paul is indeed unique and special to his family, to his friends and to me. I am richer, wiser and more loved because of having had the opportunity to share in Paul’s gifts and presence, especially as one of my best music teachers. I am grateful for having the opportunity to have shared life with him. Because life is a gift, every experience is also a gift and an opportunity to grow. It’s not enough to love and be alone but also to love with trust - trust to share in the challenges of love together. In the end Paul became music - words were secondary forms of expression. - Tanya Hanna.
Linc Scavella, president of the United artists Bahamas Union, paid tribute to Paul, his friend and colleague, and it was recorded by the Bahamas Chronicle: “Like many Bahamian music legends, before and even during his time in the music industry, Paul Hanna became one of the greatest jazz musician and singers in the music history of The Bahamas. We remember him from as far back as the Show Club on Bay Street and the historic Graycliff Hotel and many other unique places that showcased top class Bahamian musicians, entertainers and their music.
“We remember those wonderful concerts featuring Paul and his exceptionally wonderful wife, Tanya, and sometimes even his son, Troika, who were a part of those enchanted evenings of smooth Jazz and other genres. We remember Paul as a great music educator, who was instrumental in developing the musical talents of many of the musicians and entertainers in the country today.
“We remember Paul as one of the great crooners of our time. He was an exceptionally unique but great recording artist. as we respect Michael Jackson as the King of Pop, we respect and pay homage posthumously to the legacy of Paul Hanna as our King of Jazz. Should anyone dispute his Kingship of Jazz, let them take it up with the many Bahamian musicians, entertainers and music lovers who share our thoughts regarding the same.”
TOP: Paul and Tanya Hanna with their son, Troika and grandchildren. Bottom: Paul and Tanya Hanna, center, having a special day with close family members.
Paul studies with Jazz Grammy winner and friend Chic Corea
Paul Hanna performing on stage on a grand piano back in the 1970s
Ukraine holds Kursk region in Russia, concern over how Putin will respond
As more details emerge about Ukraine’s stunning incursion in to Russian territory two weeks ago, its significance has become more apparent so that the subject is now unsurprisingly top of the world’s news agenda.
This lightning assault on the Kursk region inside Russia came as a huge surprise to all. It has reshaped the military and political dynamics of the Ukraine war, and there are now genuine fears of a wider conflict – with the threat of deployment of nuclear weapons ever present.
As soon as it became clear that the Ukrainians’ action was considerably more than just a small raid but instead a full-fledged mechanised operation, the world’s media has been focused on it with a vengeance. It is the biggest such incursion since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine more than two years ago.
At the time of writing, the latest information is that Ukrainian forces have demolished a second major bridge after destroying last week a strategically important one over the river seym that was used by the Russians to transport troops and supplies. The Ukrainians are said now to be strengthening their positions around Kursk and have set up an administrative office there to maintain law and order and meet the immediate needs of the local population. They now control over 1,000 square kilometres of territory comprising some 80 settlements, including the border town of sudzhato, and have successfully attacked and occupied the neighbouring Belgorod region. They are continuing to advance while the Russian
The Peter Young column
response remains unclear. All the while, however, President Zelensky and his colleagues have provided assurances that they do not wish to occupy Russian territory on any sort of permanent basis. As I wrote in last week’s column, their stated aim is to stretch Russian positions, to inflict maximum losses and to destabilise the border area, forcing Russia to redeploy its forces away from the eastern part of Ukraine. They also calculate that, if the incursion continues successfully, Ukraine’s negotiating position in any peace talks will be strengthened. In one of his nightly addresses to the Ukrainian people, Zelensky has said that he wants to get Russia to “negotiate on our terms”. He made it clear that he was trying to persuade Moscow to “enter a fair negotiating process and restore a just peace”. I recorded, too, last week that the Russians had evacuated large numbers of civilians – with some 120,000 fleeing to
safety – from the affected regions. since then, evidence has also emerged of a measure of apathy about the fighting among ordinary Russians in the border areas who, in some cases, appear even to have welcomed the arrival of Ukrainian troops. In the Western media, there is now endless speculation about the implications and potential danger of Ukraine using, within Russia, weaponry supplied by the Us and other NATO countries specifically to enable it to defend itself within its own boundaries. As the biggest Western supplier, Washington’s stance on how American-supplied weapons can be used is said to be “long-shifting”. While trying to empower the Ukrainians to defend themselves, President Biden imposed limits to avoid the
FAIR AND FIRM APPLICATION OF THE LAW
HAVINg written two weeks ago about the recent riots on the streets of Britain, I should like to follow up today by examining further the way the authorities handled them and the implications of cracking down hard on the miscreants.
Amongst the comprehensive coverage in the UK press of the violence up and down the country in July and early August, one commentary caught my eye as an accurate assessment of events. Dynamic resolution – the author wrote in thunderous tones – displayed by government, the courts and the police showed that lengthy jail sentences and tough policing do work.
How right that must be on the basis that if the state locks up sufficient miscreants they are at least unable to misbehave further because they are off the streets. But it also acts as an effective deterrent.
The commentator went
on to state that, in the darkest moments of the violent unrest after the murder of three young girls attending a dance class at their school, parts of Britain tottered on the brink of anarchy. Now, the storm had subsided but the new government’s authority had been enhanced as a result of its firm action during this baptism of fire, and it had no doubt helped that some years ago the new prime minister, Keir starmer, had been the nation’s director of public prosecutions.
Later in the article, the author opined that this handling of the crisis resembled a born-again Conservative since, traditionally, the Tories have a reputation for being tough on crime. By contrast, progressive campaigners and the Labour Party preach leniency and tend to paint criminals as victims of society because of economic deprivation and mental health problems while also putting the
human rights of offenders before the needs of the public.
Liberals also tend to give greater weight to invented grievances and cultural sensitivities while preaching that prison does not work so that what is needed is community sentencing and a greater emphasis on rehabilitation. It is said that, according to socialist doctrine, jails are “colleges of crime” and allegedly make bad people worse. By contrast, Conservatives tend to think that, although rehabilitation is a key element of the British penal system, there is often too great an emphasis on that rather than punishment for those convicted of a crime – and that the longer the sentence the lower the chance of recidivism.
The general conclusion following the riots is that the kind of dynamic resolution already mentioned that was displayed by government, the police and
REMEMBERING HIROSHIMA AND NAGASAKI
MANy believe that in a modern world of nuclear arsenals, the importance of remembering the dropping of atom bombs by the Us on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 should never be underestimated.
It was on August 6 and 9 that year that these heavily populated urban areas were obliterated by the unimaginably catastrophic impact of single such bombs. They caused wholesale destruction and some 200,000 deaths and injuries.
President Truman’s decision to use the atom bomb on civilians to force Japan to surrender and bring to an end the second World War remains controversial to this day on ethical, moral and even military grounds. The Allies were already conducting conventional bombing raids on the Japanese mainland after progressively driving their military forces out of islands in the Pacific. But some historians argue that Truman’s decision was justified in order to avoid the massive casualties that
risk of escalation of the war which Putin portrays as a conflict between Russia and the West. But the Kursk operation has raised new questions for the White House about whether the boundaries or limits can be expanded.
some say that, in practice, any widening of the limits would be meaningless because of difficulty in determining for sure what weapons are being used at any particular time. so, it is hard to know to what extent Western-supplied weapons can be used within Russia without crossing Moscow’s red lines about Washington’s involvement? But the risk of a wider conflagration and the nuclear threat remains real.
Nonetheless, most observers consider that use by Ukraine of such weapons in the incursion was highly
the courts should be the default mode. But, as more evidence emerges, others worry whether such tough action and long prison sentences can be justified in all such circumstances – and, in cases which do not sound right to the man in the street, there is sometimes the need even in a well-run functioning democracy to limit action by authority against the public that it is deemed to be undeservedly or unjustifiably harsh. In the interests of the majority, there must always be curbs on the exercise of excessive official power and protection against any perceived hint of collusion between the executive and the police and the courts that goes beyond providing them with a firm lead.
likely and the Us maintains officially that that would be “within policy boundaries”, since in May Biden reportedly authorised use of American weapons across the border into Russia but only in proximity to the border. Officials are now saying that Ukraine could anyway legitimately use them in self-defence – and determine themselves how this should be done – in accordance with their rights under the United Nations Charter.
In Britain, the Ministry of Defence has said that Ukraine “had a clear right” to use UK-supplied weapons for “self-defence against Russia’s illegal attacks”; and it is worth noting that the UK was one of the first countries to provide modern Challenger 2 battle tanks to the Ukrainians. According to reports, these were used in the cross-border incursion. Western commentators are now saying, almost with one voice, that for Vladimir Putin all this has been an international embarrassment and personal humiliation, not least in relation to the large numbers of Russian soldiers who have been captured or have surrendered. His much-vaunted “invincibility myth” has been severely dented, and a separate Ukrainian strike on Crimea – which cannot now be ruled out – would be a disaster for him. The past two weeks allied to two and half years of Ukrainian resistance have shattered the Kremlin’s strategic assumptions. Following the Kursk incursion, Western nations will presumably need to reassess their policies and options. But – with the Russian leader in power for some 25 years, making his stint as a Kremlin leader the longest since stalin – the consensus is that no coup in Moscow is looming at the moment, though his position within the Kremlin will have been weakened.
The latest developments seem to have put paid to Putin’s vision of a restored pan-Russia encompassing Ukraine and Belarus. His authority has been undermined; and it is said that, as a despot and true fanatic accustomed to getting what he wants whatever the price, being forced to face up to that failure might produce an irrational response. so there is widespread grave concern about how he will react in the longer term to Zelensky’s latest daring initiative which no one predicted.
That said, some commentators are now arguing that, in addition to strong action by the authorities in face of mindless violent unrest, the government has much work to do in addressing the problems that some maintain have been precipitated by the existing cultural and ideological divide in Britain, exacerbated by unsustainable levels of immigration in recent years. The riots have revealed fractures in UK society and the new government must deal with the deeper causes of public dissatisfaction – not just economic inequality shown by some of the worst rioting in northern towns like Rotherham and Hartlepool that have high levels of joblessness and deprivation but also grievances connected with, for example, anti-semitism and Islamophobia together with illegal immigration which successive governments have failed to act on despite the public making clear its serious discontent.
A destroyed Russian tank lies on a roadside near Sudzha, Kursk region, Russia, on Friday. This image was approved by the Ukrainian Defense Ministry before publication.
Photo: Ap
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks following a knife attack in which children were killed, in Southport, Britain, Tuesday, July 30, 2024.
Photo: henry nicholls/AP
Police prepped for pro-Palestinian protest as Democratic convention set to begin
CHICAGO, Illinois
- THe weather here in Chicago is fine, especially considering that it’s midAugust in the American Midwest, where high air temperatures, high humidity and the threat of severe thunderstorms or even tornadoes is an annual menace.
But as the Democratic Party gathers here in enormous venues purpose-built for occasions such as this quadrennial presidential nominating convention, there’s a different kind of menace overshadowing the planned coronation of the first female major political party candidate in American history.
The Democrats have rallied convincingly and resolutely behind the candidacy of Vice-President Kamala Harris of California as their standard-bearer in the upcoming November election. In the process, many of the concerns and divisions in this ideologically sprawling, intentionally diverse party have been suppressed in a wave of relief and enthusiasm at the departure of “old” Joe Biden, whose age caught up with him in a disastrous late June debate failure.
A vibrant symbol of the Democrats’ change in outlook since that grim occasion is their excitement and anticipation of Harris’ now-confirmed September 10 debate date against their personification of the evil emperor – Donald Trump. And it is of course progressives’ total allegiance to the concept of ensuring that Trump never again darkens the White House door that unites Democrats as surely as Vladimir Putin’s invading Russian army unites the Ukrainians in defence of their nation.
But amid all this excitement and apparent unity, a menacing storm cloud rests on the Chicago horizon. That’s the possibility of significant protests against the consistently pro-Israel stance adopted by President Joe Biden during the ten months, so far, of the Israeli invasion and occupation of Gaza.
Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey told the New York Times that Gaza “is a reality, and it cannot be ignored. There’s too much tragedy, there’s too much loss of innocent life, and by the way, there’s still too much — at a very high level — of geopolitical risk, and that is not going away, unfortunately, anytime soon”.
Still, the Times opined that compared to big issues like inflation, housing costs and abortion, the war in Gaza is not such a big deal for most Democratic voters including young voters. The Times cited a poll released yesterday by the University of Chicago finding that
STATESIDE
there was a roughly even split on the issue. 36 percent of Democratic voters disapproved of military aid to Israel, while 33 percent approved and 29 percent had no opinion. No one knows how protests by Palestinian supporters will ultimately impact the convention that got underway yesterday morning, but the memory of bloody clashes between Chicago police and antiVietnam War protesters at the last Democratic convention here in 1968 does linger in many minds. Those violent protests, broadcast around the world in living color on television, doomed the candidacy of Minnesota senator and Vice-President Hubert Humphrey in that year’s election won by Richard Nixon. Now, another Minnesota legislator, Tim Walz, is the vice-presidential candidate on a ticket designed to defeat Trump, who in many minds is the spiritual successor to Nixon in the Republican Party. But it’s clear that Chicago won’t allow another 1968 bloodbath. On the ground in what is now America’s fourth-largest city, Chicago police are everywhere. especially
around the mammoth McCormick Place complex of gargantuan meeting place structures located on Chicago’s edgy near South side, police even on Sunday morning were ubiquitous. And they were decked out in partial combat gear and obviously armed.
Heavy steel fencing surrounded McCormick Place and a nearby hotel. Dozens of heavy, rust-pocked saltdelivering snow plow trucks lined nearby streets, ready to be deployed as formidable blockade elements to frustrate potential violent protests.
There was a quiet around the venue where much of the daytime activity at the convention would begin in earnest less than 24 hours later.
Further uptown in the city’s fabled centre, Grant Park and Millennium Park along the Lake Michigan shoreline which defines Chicago’s most famous landscapes were thronged with summer crowds. There was a distinctly holiday feeling in the air. Parents with young children in strollers, kids on various types of sports boards, locals and visitors just out to see the scene crowded sidewalks and parks.
Also present were even more Chicago police, relaxed-looking but also ready to ensure that things remained peaceful. Several cops with NYPD shirts had obviously been brought in as reinforcements. While things were peaceful in parks that have witnessed the exultation of Barack Obama’s coronation in 2008 as well as the awful strife that surged through the area 40 years earlier, law enforcement was obviously ready to keep the peace.
As the convention actually began with numerous state delegation caucuses at breakfast yesterday morning, a buoyant mood prevailed. One delegate said she shared an almost unanimous sense of relief in her young Democratic group.
“I was actually resigned to a November loss even before Biden messed up so badly in his June debate with Trump,” she said. “Our party had lost its zeal and zest. everyone was flat. Biden seemed just too old, and Trump, for all his deficiencies, just projected more life, more vitality. We were cooked.
“Now,” she continued, “it is exactly the reverse. everyone I’ve met here at
the convention is bubbling with enthusiasm. We think we’re going to win, hold the Senate and regain the House of Representatives. Unless things change in the next couple of months, I think we’re in.”
Determination even more than confidence was the prevailing emotion at a well-attended Labor caucus meeting yesterday morning as convention activities swung into high gear.
Clearly illustrating the pivotal role that organised labour will play in this year’s election, the Labor meeting attracted some of the biggest stars in the Democratic Party.
Stuart Applebaum, president of the hotel and retail workers union, moderated the session. He began by reminding the thousands who attended this meeting that “the Labour movement in the United States created the modern Democratic Party”.
Over the past four years, he said, the Biden-Harris team had “restored the seat at the head table for the labour movement”.
As did many who followed him, Applebaum reminded the raucous crowd of the infamous GOP blueprint for 2025 and its strongly anti-union bias. “Trump is no friend of labour,” he said.
Following the littleknown Applebaum to the podium were Senate majority leader Chuck
Schumer of New York; Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro; Kentucky governor Andy Brashear, and labor leaders AFLCIO president Liz Shuler and longtime national teachers’ union chief Randi Weingarten.
The symbolism was clear. While Schumer’s support for the Harris-Walz ticket was sincere and expected, Shapiro and Brashear were two of the losing finalists in the race to be chosen as Harris’s vice-presidential running mate. The audience perked up noticeably when they took the stage. Shapiro was first. He began with a lengthy recitation of the good things he has done as governor for labour. “I will always have your back,” he told the gathering. But he also seemed to dwell a bit too long on his own achievements and waited longer than expected to pivot to his support for the HarrisWalz ticket.
Shapiro, who reportedly focused too much on his own future in his discussions with Harris over the vice-presidential nomination, boasted that he removed a college degree requirement for 92 percent of Pennsylvania’s government jobs, and reminded the audience that he had led the state government to invest heavily in trade union apprenticeships. The crowd grew noticeably restless. But eventually, the governor showed his ardent support of the Democratic ticket. even then, however, he stressed his own common experiences with Harris such as holding his state’s position as attorney general. Shapiro brought the crowd to its feet with a rousing, energetic finish. If there were lingering doubts about his loyalty to Harris-Walz, he seemed to dispel for the crowd.
Bashear was less dynamic than Shapiro, and notably more modulated than Shuler and Weingarten. Shuler, the first female president of the giant labor umbrella organization AFL-CIO, fired up the crowd, but the most passionate orator of the day was certainly Weingarten, who showed the same passion that has characterized her 16-year career at the helm of the national teachers’ union. Gradually, the mammoth crowds left their caucus rooms and headed uptown to the United Center, where Biden would later appear and deliver what might be his valedictory as a national political figure.
Protesters march to the Democratic National Convention at the United Center after a rally at Union Park Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago.
Photo: Alex Brandon/AP
President Joe Biden checks out the stage before the Democratic National Convention yesterday, in Chicago.
Photo: J scott Applewhite/AP
with Charlie Harper
30th annual AID Clay Court Championships wraps up
THE 30th annual AID Clay Court Championships wrapped up on Saturday afternoon at the Gym Tennis Club in Winton Meadows. The event ended after two weeks of exciting tennis, with the final two matches both going to decidingmatchtiebreaksin frontofarecordcrowd.
Newcomer to the local tennisscene,NicolasDuret, squeaked by Bradley Fowler in the Open Singles division,6-2,4-6,11-9inthe decidingtiebreak. He clinched his second title after previously winningtheJuniorVetsSingles crown over Johnnie Fong, 6-0, 6-1. The other nailbitingfinalinvolvedthetop
two seeded teams with the #2 team of Johnnie Fong and Franklyn Williams holding off the #1 seeds, Cory Francis & Ken Kerr, 6-3,3-6,14-12. Williams was a double winner having won the mixed doubles crown earlierinthedaywithpartner, Marion Bain, 6-2, 7-6 over Tom Mcdermott & Sh’ron
Saunders. The winners in the other three divisions were:
Ladies Open Singles –SaraiClarke
Ladies Jr. Vets Singles –Sh’RonSaunders
Men’s Open Doubles – Marvin Rolle & Wayne Thompson Following the last match on Saturday, Harold Watson, chairman of the boardofAID-alsothetitle sponsor - presented attractive trophies and other prizes to the winners and runners-up. The Gym Tennis Club thenpresentedWatsonwith a special award in recognitionandgratitudetoAID.
For a long time, the company has generously supportedthepopulartournamentandtheclub. The organising team at the Gym were also thanked fortheirroleinthesmooth runningoftheevent.
In addition, Mickey Williamsreceivedaspecialgift fromWatsoninrecognition of having been the referee since the tournament’s inception.
BAHAMAS WINS 28TH GOODWILL SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR SECOND STRAIGHT TITLE
FROM PAGE 16
Samirah Donaldson, girls 13-14,silverin36.36.Madyson J lien, bronze in 3•.50. Rafael McBroom, boys 13-14, gold in 32.24. Jahan
Chatlani-Pickstock, bronze in32.69.
Tia-Isabella Adderley, girls 15-17, gold in 35.07. Kieran Sealy, boys 15-17, bronzein31.81.
100m
Backstroke
Isabella Munroe, girls 9-10, silver in 1:18.89.
Nai’ABelton,girls11-12, gold in 1:13.75. KeironLloyd,boys11-12, silver in 1:15.47, Tyler Cartwright, bronze in 1:16.06. Trinity Pratt, girls 13-14, gold in 1:10.10 for a new record.
Rafael McBroom, girls
13-14, gold in 1:02.61. Bianca Johnson, girls 15-17, gold in 1:10.25. Anjaleah Knowles, silver in 1:10.52.
Donald Saunders, boys 15-17, gold in 59.89 for a new record. Kieran Sealy, bronze in 1:02.61.
100m IM
Isabella Munroe, girls 9-10, gold in 2:44.18. Logan Comarcho, boys 9-10, silver in 2:50.88.
Nai’ABelton,boys11-12, silver in 2:46.98. Gillian Albury, bronze in 2:50.35. Tyler Cartwright, boys 11-12, silver in 2:36.37.
Samirah Donaldson, girls 13-14, silver in 2:41.50. Trinity Pratt, bronze in 2:44.34. Rafael McBroom, boys 13-14, gold in 2:19.11. Noah Knowles, bronze in 2:27.11. Donald Saunders, boys 15-17, gold in 2:14.70 for a newrecord.
50m Freestyle Anthonique Rolle, girls 8-and-under,silverin36.81. Milana McDonald, bronze in 37.04. Isabella Munroe, girls 9-10, gold in 29,08 for a new record. Kymani Cooper, boys 9-10, silver in 30.23. Semaiah Rolle, girls 11-12, bronze in 30.13. Dexter Russell, boys 11-12, gold in 26.76. Tyler Cartwright, bronze in 27.78.
Madyson Julien, girls 3-14,silverin28.38.ChristiAlyssa Clarke, bronze in 28.70. Noah Knowles, boys 13-14, silver in 25.20. Caleb Ferguson, girls 15-17, gold in 24.06. Donald Saunders, silver in 24.59. Isabella Mnroe, girls 9-10, gold in 1:24.23. Logan Comarcho, girls 9-010, silver in 1:28.49. Kymani Cooper, bronze in 1:29.59. Noel Pratt, girls 11-12, gold in 1:25.22. Gillian Albury, silver in 1:26.87. Samirah Donaldosb, girls 13-14, gold in 1:20.25. Madyson Julien, bronze in 1:27.09. Rafael McBroom, boys 13-14, gold in. 1:12.14. Jahan Chatlani-Pickstock, brone in 1:13.14. Tia-Isabella Adderley, girls 15-17, gold in 1:17,.56 inanewrecord. Kieran Sealy, boys 15-17, silver in 1:10.13. 50m Butterfly Kyrie Smith, boys 8-andunder, bronze in 36.47.
Isabella Munroe, girls 9-10, silver in 32.28. Noel Pratt, girls 11-12, silver in 32.67. Dexter Russell, boys 11-12, gold in 29.36. Tyler Cartwright, bronze in 29.95. Madyson Julien, girls 13-14, silver in 31,.11. Christi-Alyssa Clarke, bronzein31.34. Rafael McBroom, boys 13-14, gold in 26.63 in a newrecord.DamariButler, bronze in 27.82. Rayven Ward, girls 15-17, silver in 30.86. Caleb Ferguson, boys 15-17, gold in 25.77 for a new record. Donald Saunders,silverin26.46.
200m Freestyle Nai’ABelton,girls11-12, gold in 2:21.44. Samalah Rolle, bronze in 2:25.03. Dexter Russell, boys 11-12, gold in 2:13.67. Nityo Knowles, bronze in 2:20.19. Rafael McBroom, boys 13-14, silver in 2:03.21. Damari Butler, bronze in 2:10.14. Bianca Johnson, girls 15-17, silver in 2:17.67.
Donald Saunders, boys 15-17, gold in 1:55.69 for a new record. Michael Fox, bronze in 2:00.36.
50m Backstroke Skyrah Chambers, girls 8-and-under,silverin42.66. Kyrie Smith, boys 8-andunder, brone in 40.84. Isabella Munroe, girls 9-10, silver in 35.57. Nai’ABelton,girls11-12, silverin34.12. Dexter Russell, boys 11-12, silver in 33.54. Trinity Pratt, girls 13-14, gold in 32.06. Christi-Alyssa Clarke,bronzein32,99. Rafael McBroom, boys 13-14, gold in 28.76. Anjaleah Knowles, girls 15-17, bronze in 32.53. Donald Saunders, boys 15-17, gold in 27.40 in a new record. Kieran Sealy, bronze in 28.30.
100m Butterfly Isabella Munroe, girls 9-10, silver in 1:11.92 for a newrecord. Semaiah Rolle, girls 11-12, bronze in 1:18.85. Dexter Russell, boys 11-12, gold in 1:07.29.
Nitayo Knowles, brone in 1:10.64. Trinity Pratt, girls 13-14, silver in 1:12.53. Rafael McBroom, boys 13-14, gold in 1:00.09 in a newrecord.DamariButler, bronze in 1:08.13. Donald Saunders, boys 15-17, gold in 57.75 in a new record. Caleb Ferguson, silver in 59.09. 200m Freestyle Relay Girls 8-and underSnthonique Rolle, Zeni Dorsett, Milana McDonlad andSkyrah,goldin2;31.42. Boys8-and-under-Kyrie Smith, Avyn McKenzie, Lynden Feaste and Mason Hanna, silver in 2:21.19.
Girls 9-10 - Isabella Munroe, Caliyn Dean, SamaiyaColemanandDeineia Hamilton, silver in 2:10.42. Boys 9-10 - Kymani Cooper, Logan Comarcho, Dyklan Musgrove and Deon Morris, silver in 2:05.04.
Girls 11-12 - Semaiah Rolle, Nai’A Belton, GillianAlburyandNoelPratt, silver in 2:02.80.
Boys11-12-DexterRussell, Tyler Caertwright, Keiron Lloyd and Nitaayo Knowles, gold in 1:52.52.
Girls 13-14 - Madyson Julien, Trinity Pratt, Samirah Donaldson and Christi-Alyssa Clarke, bronze in 1:56.28.
Boys 13-14 - Rafael McBroom, Damari Butler, Jahan Chatlani-Pickstock and Noah Knowles, gold in 1:42.09 in a new record.
Girls 15-17 - Anjaleah Knowles, Rayven Ward, Tia-Isabella Adderley and Bianca Johnson, silver in 1:54.59.
Boy 15-17 - Donald Saunders, Kieran Sealy, Michael Fox and Caleb Ferguson, gold in 1:38.06 in a new record.
FINALISTS of the 30th annual AID Clay Court Championships pose with their awards. The event wrapped up on Saturday at the Gym Tennis Club in Winton Meadows.
TEAM BAHAMAS at the 28th Goodwill Swimming Championships in St Lucia. The Bahamas accumulated a total of 1,487.5 points to dominate the meet for their second straight title. Their nearest rival was Trinidad & Tobago with 925. Barbados got third with 892, Jamaica was fourth with 798, Suriname fifth with 473, St Lucia sixth with 443, Antigua & Barbuda seventh with 95 and Grenada brought up the rear with just three points.
Ricardo Miller All-Stars out-slug
the Henry Dean All-Stars
RBI and three runs and Sherman Ferguson went 3-for-4 with four RBI and a run scored.
Drifters 20, Vipers 15 Keino Stuart was the winning pitcher and Phillip Humes was tagged with the loss.
and three runs scored, Fritz Antoine was 1-for-3 with three RBI and two runs scored and Tiko Green was 2-for-5withadouble,aRBI and two runs scored.
In a losing effort, Mario Ferguson was 2-for-3 with two runs scored, Cardinal Gilbert was 4-for-5 with a double, two RBI and two runs scored and Jamal Johnson was 2-for-5 with a double and three RBI.
For the losers, Shanal Henfield went 2-for-5 with two RBI and a run scored, Warren Butler was 2-for-3 with three RBI snd a run scored and Phillip Humes was 2-for-3 with a RBI and a run scored. FROM PAGE 16
Lynden Gaitor went 3-for-4 with a double, three RBI and a run scored to lead the winners. Wayne Farquharson went 2-for-4 with two RBI and four runs scored, Dillion Bethel was 3-for-5withadouble,aRBI
Photos by Chappell Whyms Jr
MEADOWS WINS IT IN 10TH AS TIGERS EDGE YANKEES 3-2 IN MLB LITTLE LEAGUE CLASSIC
By DAN GELSTON AP Sports Writer
WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
(AP) — Aaron Judge sure got the rock-star treatment from hundreds of Little Leaguers who went wild for the New York Yankees slugger — holding out baseballs for autographs, pleading for selfies, even asking him about the size of his muscles — from the moment he stepped off the planetohislastat-bat.
“They’re making me feel like The Beatles out there,” Judgesaid.
Judge even wore a Little Leaguehattohispressconference, proud of the deal he swung with some kids to obtain the cap and collectiblepinsforYankeesswag.
He would have traded a littlemoreforawin.
Parker Meadows set off fireworkswitha10th-inning single that brought hundreds of Little Leaguers to their feet and scored Zach McKinstry on a headfirst slide to give the Detroit Tigersa3-2victoryoverthe YankeesonSundaynightin the Major League Baseball LittleLeagueClassic.
The Little Leaguers who made Judge the star attraction — he finished 1 for 4 — had to wait until the ninth inning for the real excitementtostart.
“Some memories I’ll never forget,” Judge said. “Ijustwishthegameturned outalittledifferent.”
Detroit rookie Jace Jung tied it at 1 when he ripped an RBI single against Clay Holmes with two outs in the ninth. That scored Colt
Keith, who hit a one-out double off the All-Star closer to spark a rally that handed Holmes his 10th blownsavethisseason.
DJ LeMahieu’s single in the top of the 10th brought home the automatic runner for a 2-1 Yankees lead, only for McKinstry to make it 2-all when his single scored Detroit’sautomaticrunner.
McKinstry stole second and dashed home on Meadows’ base hit to left field off Mark Leiter Jr. (3-5), as Yankees prospect Jasson Domínguez hesitated for a moment before throwing latetotheplate.
Beau Brieske (2-3) worked one inning for the win.
Gleyber Torres scored on a wild pitch by Tigers ace Tarik Skubal in the sixth to giveNewYorka1-0lead.
The crowd of mostly Little Leaguers and their coaches and families — oh, and injured Yankees infielder Jasrado “Jazz”
ChisholmJr.—wereamong the 2,532 fans at Historic Bowman Field who came to see Judge go deep. Or maybeJuanSoto.
What they got was a game that resembled so many Little League matchups each year across the globe. A run scored on a wild pitch. A batter who struckoutreachedfirstbase on another wild pitch. A runner was out at the plate by a mile trying to make somethinghappen.
The big leaguers were supposed to rub off on the kids playing in the Little League World Series. Turned out the Tigers and Yankees made a few silly
mistakes themselves. The final score didn’t seem to matter much to most of the kids who cheered in their Little League uniforms and lined the first few rows of a stadium that opened in 1926.
Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole joined the ESPN broadcast booth — well, make it a few stadium seats behind home plate — and chatted with one Little Leaguer.
Chisholm Jr, who used a handheld video camera to capture the action, said he made friends with a player named Russell McGee from Nevada and even followedthekidonInstagram.
“Now he’s like my little brother,” Chisholm Jr stated.
Sure beats catching a foul ball.
With fans clamouring for Judge to add to his MLB-best 44 home runs, he instead grounded into a double play against Skubal in the sixth inning that did move Torres to third base.
Ratherthantakeadvantage of getting Judge out of the way, Skubal threw a wild pitch with Giancarlo Stanton at the plate that sent Torreshome.
“He’s the best player in the game,” Skubal said of getting the better of Judge.
“It’satonoffunandIenjoy thatmatchupeverytime.”
Marcus Stroman struck out five over six shutout inningsforNewYork.
The Classic certainly had the charm of a local Little League game. Kids sipped on drinks, waited in line for hot dogs, and buckets full of chips and bottled water
were stationed behind everysection.
Buy them some peanuts and Cracker Jack? Sure, why not, at these concession stand prices — just $3 each for a hot dog, water, and, yes, Cracker Jack — it sure beat the inflated cost found at most big league stadiums.
Australian players served as public address announcers when the Tigers hit in the third inning. About the only person — thing? — as popular as Judge was Paws, the Tigers mascot. Paws had a steady line waiting in the concourse for selfies, a perfect time for kids to tug atitstail.
Yankees and Tigers players hung on the dugout railing and applauded when the 20 regional championship teams were introduced inapregameceremony.
Maybe there’s a reason so many players related so well with the kids — most of them aren’t too far removed from their youth baseball days. The Tigers, who needed the Classic to make their first appearance on ESPN’s Sunday night telecast since 2017, had six players24oryoungerinthe startinglineup.
“We believe in these guys; we believe in these guys from the beginning,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said.
SEE YA NEXT YEAR
The Seattle Mariners and New York Mets will play in next season’s Classic on August 17, 2025. The Metswillmaketheirsecond appearance in the Classic andwillbethehometeam.
Chisholm Jr, Yankees and Tigers are kids for a day, mingling among Little Leaguers
By DAN GELSTON AP Sports Writer
WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
(AP)—AaronJudgeheard steady cries of “Judge!” from kids who flocked to the New York Yankees slugger from the moment he stepped off the team plane to his appearance at the Little League World Series.
One of the biggest stars in baseball, Judge was certainly the biggest attraction aroundWilliamsport.
Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr. tossed souvenirs to pleading kids and captured the commotion on an old-school handheld video camera. Wearing his Yankeesuniformtop,Giancarlo Stanton showed Little Leaguers a proper grip of a baseballonabusride.
Through it all, the best Little League baseball players in America were awestruck by the sight of real-lifebigleaguers.
“They were blown away by how big G and Judge were on the bus,” Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe said.
Yankees and Detroit Tigersplayersgrabbedtheir hunks of flattened cardboard and took flight for the traditional slide down the outfield hill outside the Little League World Series stadium. Judge handed out collectible pins to the players. Tigers played video games and table tennis with kidsinthegameroom.
It was hard to tell who hadmorefun.
“Just to get a chance to share that moment with them, talk to them, sign a couple of autographs, I think if you ask both teams, we all enjoyed that experience,”Judgesaid.
On a rainy Sunday afternoon that delayed Little League World Series games, the Yankees and Tigers acted like kids again as they mingled with elite 12-year-olds from around the globe at the site of the pinnacleofyouthbaseball.
The Tigers then went out and rallied in the ninth and 10th innings to beat the Yankees3-2.
“I had dreams of playing in the Little League World Series,” New York manager AaronBoonesaid.
Boone had to settle for a role in the Major League Baseball Little League Classic on Sunday night at 2,366-seat Historic BowmanField.
The Yankees and Tigers played two games in Detroit over the weekend and took a quick flight to Williamsport to finish the series Sunday. They were mobbed in the morning at the airport by smiling Little Leaguers. Both teams rode the bus with the youth players to try and watch the Series at Lamade Stadium in South Williamsport, though rain thwarted those plans. New York and Detroit later made a short ride to Bowman Field, which openedin1926.
“Ijustcouldn’timagineat that age being able to hang outwithbigleaguersatthat time,”Stantonsaid.
Kids had questions for the major league stars. WhatisitlikeinTheShow? Who is the hardest pitcher
you’ve faced? How do you gettothemajors?
“They’re pointing at your muscles and asking how you get big and strong,” Judge said, laughing. “It’s prettycoolstuff.”
Some of the kids were celebrities already to the Yankees and Tigers who followed along with the Little League World Series bracket.
“The cool thing is I recognised some of the kids from watching them play thisweek,”Stantonsaid.
The Little League Classic is one of MLB’s experiments to try and attract new fans — and reignite the passion of lapsed ones — through offbeat settings, such as games this year like the Phillies-Mets series in London. The St. Louis Cardinals played the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2017 in the first Little League Classic.
Dillon Phelan of the Great Lakes region (out of Hinsdale, Illinois) mingled in full uniform with teammates near the Tigers dugout ahead of Sunday’s night’sgame.Dilloncatches
for his baseball team, which lost both games it played in the World Series, but he found his mitt handy as he hoped to catch some baseballs from the Tigers. He already knew how to snag an autograph. Dillon removedhiscapandflashed scores of autographs under the bill he already got earlier in the day from the YankeesandTigers.
Stanton and Volpe signed the hat. So did Yankees slugger Juan Soto. Detroit outfielders Kerry CarpenterandRileyGreeneadded their signatures to the souvenirtosavourforDillon.
“It’s been cool,” Dillon said. “It’s been a good memory that I won’t forget foralongtime.”
Little Leaguers were treated like MLB All-Stars for most of their time in Williamsport. They were celebrated by thousands at adowntownparade.
ESPN spent 2 1/2 hours interviewing kids and collecting fun facts from each one as part of its TV coverage.
father, said the team spent eight days in town before it evenplayedagame.
“There’s so much prep that goes into the games, everything from the boys getting new uniforms, cleats, all new batting gear, catcher’sgear,”hesaid.“It’s likeChristmasinAugust.”
The best gift of them all just might have been making friends with the YankeesandTigers.
Great Lakes coach Damon Phelan, Dillon’s
JASRADO “Jazz” Chisholm Jr videotaped New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge on SundaynightasJudgewas introduced before the Little League Classic baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Bowman Field in Williamsport, Pa., on Sunday. In his appearance at the game, Chisholm Jr tossed souvenirs to pleading kids and captured the commotion on an oldschool handheld video camera. (AP Photo)
NEW York Yankees’ Aaron Judge, centre, is seen as the New York Yankees arrive at the Little League World Series Complex to watch the Little League World Series tournament in South Williamsport, Pa., Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024.
(AP Photo/Tom E. Puskar)
Clarke hopes to play in pro tournaments
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor
SINCE graduating from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Sydney Clarke was hoping to get her breakthrough on the professional circuit as a tennisplayer.
But the 22-year-old 5-foot, one-inch player noted that it has not been easyaftershelostherranking in May which resulted inherhavingtostartover.
“Soit’sachallengetoget into tournaments because it’s ranking-based,” she said. “I wasn’t able to play any tournaments prior to the month I lost my ranking because I was still in school.
“I’m hoping that later in this year I will be able to get into a pro tournament. However, if I don’t, I will have to wait until January which is a slower time and it’llbemucheasier.”
Clarke, however, did manage to get into the BattleofBocaTournament over the weekend in Boca Raton, Florida , where she
played in both singles and doubles.
After making an exit in the round of 16s in singles, Clarke teamed up with Najah Dawson from Jamaica, who is also playing professionally after graduating from Louisiana TechUniversity,indoubles where they made it to the final, only to lose 6-4 to S AliceaandRLacasse.
“I felt the tournament went really well for me,” Clarke said. “Sadly I fell short than I expected but that’s tennis. “I am glad I played because I can go back to the drawing board to work on the weak areas ofmygame.I’mnotableto get this kind of match play athomesoIamverygrateful and proud of myself for entering.”
Looking at her performance in the tournament, Clarke said she pushed mentally, which is one of the weakest areas of her game that she feels she has toworkon.
“I think I did a great job being mentally tough and holding myself more accountable despite things
Tim Munnings wins The Bahamas’ first medal at World Masters Athletic Championships
FROM PAGE 16
continue to work on to improveon.” Miriam Byfield was scheduledtocompeteinthe women’s 35-and-over 200m semifinals to determine if she advanced to the final, but the results were unavailable up to press time last night. Munnings will be rightbacktocompeteinhis
specialtyinthemen’s400m, along with Mike Armbrister, the senior member of the team, who will compete in the men’s 65-plus division.
“After a day’s rest and recovery,IamsureIwillbe ready to tackle the 400m,” Munningssaid.
“Myimproved200mtime should help me to remain competitive throughout the rounds.”
not going my way in singles,”shesaid.
“Improving my mental and tactical skills will help me in the near future so I’m going to work on those things in practice going forward.”
Despite losing in the final, Clarke said she enjoyed playing with Dawson.
“This was our first time playing together, so I am happy with the results,” said Clarke, who indicated that they hope to continue to play together as a doubles team whenever the opportunitypresentsitself.
Although this was just her first tournament, Clarke said she will take some time off from tournaments and start playing againinOctober.
“I’ll be doing lots of rehab and light workouts for the rest of August and beginregularhighintensity training September 1,” she stated.
Perennial Billie Jean King Cup player Clarke, a former student of CR Walker Secondary High and Windsor Academy, is the daughter
and Bernard
SABALENKA WINS FIRST TITLE SINCE AUSTRALIAN OPEN
By JEFF WALLNER Associated Press
MASON, Ohio (AP) — Aryna Sabalenka won her first title since the Australian Open in January, beating Jessica Pegula 6-3, 7-5 in the Cincinnati Open yesterday.
Sabalenka, who moved up a spot to No. 2 in the rankings before the match, didn’t lose a set en route to her15thWTAtitle.Shehad never gotten past the semifinals at Cincinnati, losing threetimesinthatround.
The 26-year-old Sabalenka can now be considered a favourite at the U.S.Open,whichbeginson August26inNewYork.
The Belarusian missed Wimbledon with a shoulder injury, then returned to the tour at Washington two weeksago.
In the men’s final, topranked Jannik Sinner was set to face Frances Tiafoe lastnight.
Against Pegula, Sabalenka took 17 minutes to build a 4-1 lead in the first set. Pegula, who double-faultedfivetimes,broke serve for the first time to tie the second set at 5-all, butSabalenkawonthenext two games to finish off the 1-hour,14-minutematch.
The sixth-ranked Pegula had a challenging road to the final. After defending her title at Toronto, the American played two matches on Friday because of weather-related postponements and had three matches go three sets. Her time on the court exceeded Sabalenka’s by more than twohoursenteringthefinal.
Sabalenka joined topranked Iga Swiatek as the only players with 10 or more WTA titles since 2020. She beat Swiatek in theCincinnatisemis.
LEICESTER, England
(AP) — Jamie Vardy still knows how to score in the PremierLeague.
The 37-year-old striker rescued a point for Leicester in its return to the Premier League yesterday by heading home a secondhalf equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Tottenham, which had largely dominated the firsthalf.
Tottenham had plenty of opportunities to build a bigger lead but new signing Dominic Solanke was among those guilty of missingchances. Instead it was Spanish defender Pedro Porro who made Tottenham’s early superiority count after 29 minutes when he got between two Leicester defenders to head James Maddison’s cross into the net at the far post. But Vardy, who was key to
Leicester’s stunning Premier League title win in 2016andhasremainedwith the club since then, was left unmarked to head home an equaliser.
A corner count of 9-0 gave some indication of Spurs’ dominance in the first half but Vardy’s goal changed the game completely.
Steve Cooper’s team suddenly looked a lot livelier andbothteamshadchances to win in a busy last half hour.
“Tottenham are a really good team but we gave them too much respect, and we started getting after them and it changed the momentum,” Vardy told SkySports.
Vardy spurned a good chance in the 70th minute when he was able to run clear on goal but his low shot was saved by
Guglielmo Vicario. At the other end, Richarlison sent a header wide deep into injury time with the last chanceofthematch.
“It is a disappointing night for us,” Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou said.
“We need to be more ruthless in front of goal. We were that dominant, we should have been well away from the opposition. To be that wasteful tonight when we had so much of the ball and territory, it is disappointing.”
The game was halted for eight minutes late in the second half after Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur sustained a head injury.
The Uruguayan received oxygen and taken off on a stretcher, but Postecoglou said he was “conscious and communicating.”
of Shayvon
Clarke and the older sister to Sarai Clarke.
SYDNEY CLARKE, left, and her Jamaican doubles partner Najah Dawson.
TEAM Bahamas is being represented by four members at the 2024 World Masters Athletics Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden. Team members are Natasha Brown, Miriam Byfield (not pictured), Timothy Munnings and Michael Armbrister.
BAHAMIAN Sydney Clarke and her doubles partner Najah Dawson.
Reaching the Family Islands
FAMILY Island professionals can take advantage of the same level of education and training to advance their careers, thanks to the University of the West Indies Global Campus Bahamas (UWIGCB) Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) Courses.
According to Keri Cartwright, an executive living on the island of Exuma, she was in no way disadvantaged from learning because she was not in the capital city. She is a recent graduate of the law for human resource professionals course, which has positioned her for the career advancement she desires.
“I had the pleasure of taking the law for human resource practitioners course with UWI Global Campus Bahamas,” she shared.
“The course was nothing short of amazing. It was very informative and very useful for our daily lives.”
“Going into the course as a person living on a Family Island, there was a bit of trepidation going forward,” Cartwright admitted. She wondered if it would be difficult to register, if she would have any problems getting into the course, and if she would encounter any problems during the course.
“Even though it’s all online, you know you always have those thoughts,” she said, “But it was nothing short of amazing!”
“There was a very smooth enrollment process during the course. If I had any problems, I could
easily reach out to my class lecturer. The lecturer was amazing - attorney Bianca Rahming-Brown. I have nothing but good things to say about her! She was very informative; she made the class enjoyable; and she was able to take the information concerning the law and bring it on our level. She would constantly ask for involvement in the class. If we had any questions, they were easily answered. She asked what professions we were in so that she could relate the subject matter to our daily lives.”
In addition to the law for human resources course,
the UWIGCB has rolled out a series of CPE courses as well as a workshop for the Fall 2024 season. They include: Business and commercial law; supervisory management I & II; project management; quality control management; and a monitoring and evaluation workshop webinar. Family Island professionals are encouraged to apply, as the UWIGCB continues to expand its reach to make a positive impact on the entire country. In this regard, a national campaign has been launched in partnership with the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas and the ZNS News network to share these course offerings with the wider public, throughout the entire archipelago.
Cartwright flew in from Exuma to receive her law for human resources certificate: “It was a very good, very informative, very interactive class. The lecturer made it amazingly fun with
a game at the end of each class. We are all adults here, but everyone loves a good competition, so that was good. Amazing class, good lecturer, no complaintsI would recommend this course to anyone!”
Registration for CPE courses is currently open. For more information, email bahamas@open.uwi. edu; call (242) 323-6593; Whatsapp (242) 456-6687, scan the QR code on
CAMP CLIMATE ACTION ‘A MAJOR SUCCESS’
STUDENTS learned about the impact of climate change and mitigation at the Ministry of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting’s Camp Climate Action.
Forty children ranging in ages from 4-14 participated in the camp aimed at raising awareness about climate change and its impacts, while encouraging campers to become climate action advocates in their homes and communities.
During the camp, students took a field trip to the Bahamas Department of Meteorology where they were provided with first-hand knowledge of how the office functions; how Forecasters prepare weather forecasts and/ or hurricane forecasts, in addition to the various models and instruments used in weather forecasting.
Acting director Jeffrey Simmons facilitated the visit that included a tour of the Met Department’s Forecast Section and said the visit was “a major success”.
“The children were very excited. They had a good time and asked a lot of questions. It was a major success.”
Mr Simmons said the visit was an extension of the Met Office’s ongoing education and awareness programme that is facilitated throughout the country by team members in both the New Providence and Grand Bahama offices.
“The visit is an extension of our year-round efforts to educate members of the general public, including children, not only about our role in forecasting weather, but also the negative impacts climate change is having on our weather, in terms of larger, more intense hurricanes, and on our marine ecosystem,
especially our coral reefs,” Mr Simmons said.
“The visit also gave us another opportunity to promote hurricane preparedness among our younger citizens which is really important and it bodes well for future generations.”
Dr Neely-Murphy, director of the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, said the camp provided education and awareness to the reality of climate change and its impacts on the environment; and facilitates interest in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) for primary school students.
“We have found that after grade 6 if we haven’t held their attention in maths and science, especially with the girls, we have lost them by 11 years of age, and so it is important for little girls in particular, to see that they can
do math, that their brains are good enough to work out scientific problems and that it is not just for boys. We need more girls, more women in STEM fields and so it is very important that we make it very exciting so that they can view a career in the STEM field either as an employee or an entrepreneur.”
Dr Neely-Murphy, explained conservation methods such as the ban on single-use plastics and climate change in a simplified, entertaining, and informative manner.
“It is important to not complicate the matter for them; to make it as simple as possible. For example, we discussed boiling water in a tea kettle and what that looks like, what it means and how you translate that into the environment in order to be able to connect the dots for them at an early age.”
UNITED WORLD COLLEGE OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS
UNITED World College (UWC) is accepting applications for students aged 15-18 wishing to apply for placement at UWCs for 2025-2027.
UWC is a global community of aspiring leaders comprising over 9,000 students across the globe each year.
FRANCESCA Sands is a
dent at The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science
(BAMSI). She is also an Eco Warrior for the Bahamas National Trust and is passionate about the environment and learning about climate change. Francesca is also an environmental writer and posts about the national parks of The Bahamas and climate change on her blog www.ecofrannie.com.
• Do you know a student you would like to feature in our spotlight section? Email details to jsimmons@tribunemedia.net.
“I sharpened my mind not just with textbooks but with the synchronised movements of Kung Fu practice,” said Gia.
“A week immersed in organic farming with a monk in Thailand gave me a language for the interconnectedness of mind, body, spirit, and earth. And when I helped to orchestrate a week-long cultural extravaganza, I felt like I was bringing Bahamian culture to a global stage.”
UWC graduates also benefit from scholarship programmes for further study. The
Since 1971, 128 Bahamians graduated from one of the 18 UWCs in Canada, Wales, the USA, Norway, and elsewhere Bahamian UWC student Gia Paige Soles shared her excitement after participating in a dragon boat competition in Hong Kong. She said the experience felt as though she was highlighting The Bahamas on a global stage as she excelled in education and extra-curriculars.
students are selected by alumni bodies in their home countries.
Barbara Ann Bernard, a UWC Hong Kong alumnus and president of the UWC Bahamas National Committee, said the programme fosters an environment for future leaders by providing the platform for them to collaborate youth from around the world.
“UWC schools are like no other, as are UWC students,” said Ms Bernard.
ARIEL GARDINER, a 2023 graduate of Armand Hammer UWC USA, carries the Bahamian flag proudly, followed by her peers from across the globe.
TUESDAY,AUGUST20,2024
Munnings wins the bronze in Sweden
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
Tim Munnings captured The Bahamas’ first medal at the World Masters Athletic Championships yesterday in Gothenburg,Sweden.
Competing in the men’s 55-plus 200 metre final, Munnings clinched the bronze in a season’s best of 23.83.
The gold went to Great Britain’s Darren Scott in 23.63 with Spain’s Pablo Artero getting the silver in hisseason’sbestof23.77.
Captures The Bahamas’ first medal at World Masters Athletic Championships
“Winning a medal here is a great feeling,” said Munnings, who is a part of a three-member team representing the Bahamas.
“I really had my sights set on the gold medal, but the competitionwasverystiff.
“All of the finalists in the call room before the race knew that it would be a tough race so everybody hadtheirgamefaceon.”
Munnings came out of the semifinal with the third fastest qualifying time of 24.81 after winning his heat. Artero posted the fastest qualifying time of 24.62withScottsettlingfor thesecondfastestin24.70.
Looking back at his performance,Munningssaidit wasgreat.
“Eachroundintheheats and semifinals, I ran faster,
setting season’s bests along theway,”hesaid.
“My recovery was excellent after each round and there was no sign of any pain,injuryorstiffness.
“This gave me increased confidence that I would perform well in the final.
Unfortunately, I had a slow start, which I must
‘Jazz’ appears at Little League Classic
THE SPORTS CALENDAR
AFTER watching the Bahamas Aquatics national teamwintheirsixthstraight CARIFTA Championships here at home in April, the Goodwill Swimming team picked up their second straighttitle.
Competing at the 28th Goodwill Swimming Championships in St Lucia, the Bahamas accumulated a total of 1,487.5 points to dominatethemeet.
Their nearest rival was Trinidad & Tobago with 925. Barbados got third with 892, Jamaica was fourth with 798, Suriname fifthwith473,StLuciasixth with 443, Antigua & Barbuda seventh with 95 and Grenada brought up the rearwithjustthreepoints.
• Among the medal winners for Team Bahamas werethefollowing:
100m
Freestyle Anthonique Rolle, girls 8-and-under, silver in 2:20.80. Skyrah Chambers, girls 8-and-under, bronze in 1:24.37.
Kyrie Smith, boys 8-andunder,bronzein1:14.92. Isabella Munroe, girls 9-10, gold in 1:03.42 for a newchampionshiprecord. Kymani Cooper, boys 9010,bronzein1:07.32.
Semaiah Rolle, girls 11-12,bronzein1:06.59. Dexter Russell, boys 11-12, gold in 59.58. Tyler Cartwright, boys 11-12, silverin1:01.01.
Madyson J¨lien, girls 13-14,silverin1:P02.91. Rafaek McBroom, boys 13-14, gold in 54.87. Noah Knowles,bronzein56.38. Bianca Johnson, girls 15-17,silverin1:01.38. Donald Saunders, boys 15-17, gold in 52.27; Caleb Ferguson,silverin53.35. 50m
Breaststroke Anthonique Rolle, girls 8-and-under, bronze in 48.47.
Mason Hanna, boya 8-and-under,goldin45.36. Isabella Munroe, girls 9-10,goldin38.50. Logan Comarcho, boys 9-10,silverin40.02. Noel Pratt, girls 11-12, gold in 37.40. Gillian Albury,bronzein38.38. Tyler Cartwright, boys 11-12, silver in 34.90. Dexter Russell, bronze in 36.81.
medical care, persons are invited to make a contribution through Resias’ CIBC account 201759233 through transit09788. 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 tumourinhisbrain. Fox was discharged from hospital yesterday and is currently recuperating at home. The boxing community is being asked to continue to pray for him.
THE New Providence Oldtimers Softball AssociationplayeditsAll-Stargame on Saturday in the Archdeacon William Thompson Softball Park at the SouthernRecreationGrounds.
The Ricardo Miller AllStars out-slugged the Henry Dean All-Stars 17-12 as Vernon Clarke got the win on the mound over Vernon Bowles. Randy Andserson, who was named the most valuableplayer,went2-for-4with two home runs, five runs batted in and three scored to pace the winners. Troy Bodie helped out by going a perfect 2-for-2 with three RBIandtworunsscored. In a losing effort, Timothy Clarke went 2-for-5 with a home run, three RBI and a runscored.
The Ricardo Miller AllStars exploded for 10 runs on eight hits in the sixth inningastheyextendedtheir lead
NEW York Yankees’ Aaron Judge, left, is videotaped by Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr, centre, as he his introduced before the Little League Classic baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Bowman Field in Williamsport, Pa., on Sunday. In his appearance at the game, Chisholm Jr tossed souvenirs to pleading kids and captured the commotion on an old-school handheld video camera. SEE FULL STORIES ON PAGE 13
(AP Photo/Gene J Puskar)
CLIFF RESIAS
ALEX FOX
TIMOTHY MUNNINGS