08212024 NEWS AND SPORT

pUZZler

The Tribune

‘WHY T HE SILENCE’ ON INTERNATIONAL POLICE?

Sands concerned probe lacks the urgency to maintain public trust

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement (FNM) chairman Dr Duane Sands yesterday criticised the police force for its silence on when international investigators would arrive to assist with an ongoing corruption probe after they failed to show up last week.

Dr Sands expressed concern that the investigation

lacked the urgency and sincerity needed to maintain public trust.

Senior members of the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency were expected to arrive in The Bahamas on August 14, but did not do so as scheduled. Police officials did not respond to requests for comments on the reason for the delay or provide a new arrival date up to press time

CONCERNS OVER SLOW PROGRESS ON DOMES TIC VIOLENCE SHELTERS

By KEILE CAMPBELL

Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

Hanna Martin inspects scHool repair progress

Prodesta Moore, president of women’s rights group Women’s United, who has been at the forefront of the campaign for the shelter, shared her concerns with The Tribune

“The last update that

ACTIVISTS and women’s rights stakeholders raised alarms over the seeming lack of progress on the domestic violence shelter, despite promises and budget allocations by the government. The frustration follows continued delays from the Ministry of Social Services.

...as minister defends curriculum progress

By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunmedia.net

EDUCATION Minister Glenys Hanna Martin yesterday defended her ministry’s efforts to reform the curriculum. The minister emphasised the implementation of various programmes focused on technical and vocational education for students - and came in response to Bahamas Teachers Union president Belinda Wilson, who claimed that such programmes do not exist within the country’s public education system.

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

EQUIPMENT and road paving materials arrived yesterday morning in South Andros following a protest by residents on Monday about the island’s deteriorating road conditions. The Minister of Works and Family Island Affairs, Clay Sweeting, also provided

updates on roadworks in Eleuthera and on Tonique Williams-Darling Highway in Nassau.

The Tribune received a video from Leon Lundy, MP for South Andros and Mangrove Cay, showing road material being unloaded from a vessel. The video included a message stating, “Equipment on the

Mrs Wilson also criticised the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training for attempting to justify national exam results each year, arguing the academic curriculum needs revision, as only a small percentage

MINISTER of Works Clay Sweeting.

MINISTEROF EDUCATION, Technical and Vocational Training Glenys Hanna Martin and Minister of Works Clay Sweeting inspect ongoing work at Uriah McPhee Primary School during a walkthrough yesterday.

Photo: Chappell Whyms Jr

of students excel in these exams.

Mrs Hanna Martin said the annual reading of national exam results is a traditional practice that promotes transparency, helping the Bahamian public understand student performance.

“It’s an accountability measure and the curriculum is being reformed on a number of levels,” she said on the sideline of a school repair tour. “I’ve spoken publicly about it and the chief one is the major thrust of technical and vocational education. We’re looking at performing arts, sports. We are concentrating on literacy and numeracy. In fact, last term, and I think the president of the BUT would know this, we in the primary school grades one to three, we did in the curriculum literacy and numeracy.”

The minister acknowledged that education reform takes time and cannot produce instant results, though she would like to see immediate changes.

Education officials revealed this year’s results last Friday, but there has been criticism that an overly positive image of student performance was presented.

Mrs Wilson pointed out that decades ago, when the General Certificate of Education (GCE) and General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exams were administered, only about 15 to 20 percent of students achieved successful results. She said the same situation is occurring with the BJC and BGCSE exams. She also said there have been no technical and vocational programmes for students who may be more skilled in a trade rather than academics.

When asked about Mrs Wilson’s comments regarding the lack of technical and vocational programmes, Mrs Hanna Martin suggested that Mrs Wilson might not be aware of the existing programmes.

Mrs Hanna Martin highlighted the cluster programme offered to students in grades seven to nine and noted that many teachers are introducing technical and vocational studies in early stages within primary schools. She also mentioned the construction of a new polytechnic on Wulff Road, which will serve as a centre for technical and vocational education.

Last week, education officials revealed that 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.

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

Minister defends curriculum progress HANNA MARTIN INSPECTS SCHOOL REPAIR PROGRESS

directed towards schools redevelopment.”

Nurse anaesthetists administer more than 32 million of the anesthetics given to patients each year in the US.

AN Andros woman has taken the next step in her medical career by completing a Doctor of Nurse Anaesthesia Practice programme. Rosheeda Jolly, of Mangrove Cay, completed the programme at the College of Health Sciences at Midwestern University. A graduation ceremony was held at the university’s Glendale campus in Arizona this month. She is the daughter of Mangrove Cay residents Jeffrey and ReJane Jolly, and previously earned a BSc in biology from Texas Christian University in 2011 and a BSc in nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2016. While at Midwestern, she received the MWU Spirit of Service Scholarship and the Dr and Mrs Devinder Singh Endowment. She completed her degree graduating with honours summa cum laude. She now plans to accept a locum tenens position as a doctor of nurse anaesthesia practice.

REPAIRS at several public schools in New Providence are on track to be completed ahead of the new academic year, according to government officials. Yesterday, officials from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Works took the media on a tour of four schools undergoing government-funded renovations. These schools included Uriah McPhee Primary, RM Bailey Senior High School, Government High School, and AF Adderley Junior High School.

Minister of Works and Family Island Affairs Clay Sweeting said school repair projects in New Providence and the Family Islands are progressing on time and within budget. Mr Sweeting acknowledged there have been challenges in the past but noted that this year the process is running smoothly. When asked about instances where schools

failed to open on time due to ongoing renovations, Minister of Education Glenys Hanna Martin dismissed concerns about school reopening delays.

Mrs Hanna Martin said if repairs are expected to extend beyond the start of the academic year, they are not commenced. She explained her ministry has consistently managed to open schools without interruption, despite narratives suggesting delays in previous years.

“We are seeking to really enhance the environment that our students, teachers, administrators and support staff operate in. They spend a lot of hours in these spaces and we want to ensure we provide a conducive environment,” she said.

“The Minister of Finance, who happens to be the prime minister, he understands this extremely well, and he has thrown his full support behind the work that they’re doing with these projects, and significant public funds have been

Timothy Johnson, chief architect at the Ministry of Works, provided an update on Uriah McPhee Primary School. The parking lot has been completely refurbished, and new parking spaces have been added in front of the campus. The restrooms were upgraded, deteriorating ceiling tiles were replaced, and the floors were redone for a smoother finish.

At Government High School, extensive renovations have transformed the campus. Kavon Knowles, architect at the Ministry of Works, said this year’s focus is on upgrading classroom facilities by replacing old panel walls from the 1970s with concrete walls. New science labs will also be added. Government High is one of the schools where a swimming pool is being constructed. While officials could not provide a completion date for the pool, they confirmed that work is ongoing. A technical and

vocational block is also being constructed at Government High.

During the tour, officials were unable to provide an exact cost for the various school projects. However, it is expected the total cost will be released to the public once repairs are completed. Mr Knowles estimated that repairs at Government High alone could cost up to $3m.

At AF Adderley Junior High School, the basketball court floor was completely refurbished. Meanwhile, RM Bailey Senior High School is seeing the construction of a new pavilion and tuck shop. Additionally, last week, debris from demolished buildings at Harbour Island All-Age School caught fire. The Minister

ROSHEEDA JOLLY

Delight for Rosheeda Jolly

MINISTER of Education, Technical and Vocational Training Glenys Hanna Martin yesterday speaking on progress of repairs at schools, and defending exam results after comments from BUT president Belinda Wilson.

Photos: Chappell Whyms Jr

PROJECT architect Kavon Knowles speaks with Education Minister Glenys Hanna Martin during a tour of schools yesterday.

MINITERS Clay Sweeting and Glenys Hanna Martin and media inspect the location for the new pool at The Government High School.

CONSTUCTION workers put finishing touches on the ceiling of the pavilion at RM Bailey High School ahead of the school’s reoening just weeks away.

Sweeting gives updates for roadwork projects

ground for the road repair to start.”

Mr Sweeting, upon taking office, noted receiving “a lot of complaints” about the current paving in Andros, which he described as “sand and seal paving”.

He said: “Upon looking at that, the ministry cancelled that contract, renegotiated with a new contractor and now we’re providing not only asphalt paving there, but also new water mains that will be inclusive in this project.”

Mr Sweeting said the contract was signed “about four weeks, or five weeks ago”, and the equipment should be in South Andros this week.

Mr Sweeting also provided updates on other roadworks across the country. He revealed ongoing roadwork in Deep Creek and Wemyss Bight on Eleuthera and expressed enthusiasm about the benefits of improved asphalt roads for Family Islanders.

Regarding the Tonique Williams-Darling Highway,

W ILSON C RITIC ISES CONSULTATION BETWEEN Union and govt as ‘always insUfficient’

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

THE president of the Bahamas Union of Teachers, Belinda Wilson, criticised the ongoing consultation and collaboration between the union and the Ministry of Education, calling it “always insufficient” and saying that the union has seen no documentation on school repairs.

“They announce so many things in the media that the union, which you call a partner or stakeholder, is hearing about for the first time. If you are announcing something in the media that your partner stakeholders are unaware of, how do you expect to be successful? And wouldn’t you expect a pushback from the union?” she said yesterday during a press conference.

Ms Wilson’s comments follow Education Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin’s tour of five schools yesterday in preparation for the upcoming school year.

he acknowledged the frustration caused by the timing of these projects, especially with schools reopening in two weeks.

He explained that the roadwork was being conducted in phases, with crews already making progress. “We do understand that sometimes roadworks is uncomfortable, because if you do it during certain periods in regards to school opening, then other times you have issues with a lot of water, rain, so you have to try balance all of that out,” he said.

According to Mr Sweeting, to minimise disruption, the Ministry of Works schedules work to avoid peak traffic times.

“Most of the time you’ll see Ministry of Works start to pave around nine and stop around three because they’ll start after the major traffic with persons going to work, then they’ll stop before persons leave work to go home,” Minister Sweeting explained. Beyond the Tonique

Williams-Darling Highway, Minister Sweeting outlined a broader plan for completing several other road projects across the capital. The next roads planned for work include areas in Killarney, Bay Street, Shirley Street, Marathon Road, Mount Royal Avenue South, Fifth Terrace, Sears Road, Golden Isles Road, Baillou Hill Road, Carmichael Road from Antigua Way to Golden Sun Drive, Carmichael Road from Cedar Way to Antigua Street, Palm Beach Street, Refugee Court, and Doweswell Street.

“We completed a lot of road work,” Mr Sweeting said, highlighting recently completed road works on East Bay Street between Mackey Street and William Street, West Bay Street, Augusta Street, Nassau Street, Charles Drive, Apple Street, Gladstone Road, and Cowpen Road, which were completed in July.

Looking ahead, the

ministry plans to begin major works on Joe Farrington Road in October, which had been delayed due to adverse weather conditions.

“There will be some inconveniences in regards to traffic there, but once it’s completed, motorists will be happier,” Mr Sweeting assured.

Additionally, the ministry signed contracts with seven local young entrepreneurs to handle smaller roadworks within the inner city, focusing on areas that the major contractor, Bahamix, would not cover, emphasising that the goal of completing 65 miles of road this year would be met.

Minister Sweeting concluded by reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to improving road infrastructure, despite the challenges posed by weather and traffic.

“At the end of the day, I think once the roadwork is complete, persons will be much happier,” he stated.

BUT launches $20m initiative with TSWCCU that will benefit members

In New Providence, where 50 of the country’s 150 government schools are located, the ministry is conducting “a very aggressive” repair programme, which goes beyond basic repairs. Wilson expressed frustration over the lack of communication regarding school repairs, an issue she noted recurs each year.

“The minister said it’s a school repair programme. Well, please ma’am, could we see the documentation? Because we’ve not seen it.

We have not seen any scope of work. I’ve written to the permanent secretary months back about what is happening with school repairs and schools that have been under construction for years.

We have nothing in writing detailing the scope of work, the contractors involved, or the timeline for completion,” Wilson said.

Ms Hanna-Martin previously stated that school repair work underway on every island is more comprehensive than usual, with a strong focus on redeveloping school infrastructure.

She added: “What they fail to realise is that if they do not communicate with us, teachers and students will not be able to use incomplete facilities. They will not be able to work in an unsafe environment. If contractors are still on site, classrooms cannot function. It is essential for them to speak with us, communicate with us, and consult with us. Once we get the information, we will work with you. When you choose not to engage with the union, then the union has to respond accordingly.”

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) and the Teachers and Salaried Workers Cooperative Credit Union have launched a partnership that will enable members to make use of a range of financial services, including mortgage and loans.

The $20m initiative includes mortgages for home and investment properties, mortgage refinancing, home renovations, debt

consolidation, and personal education loans. The partnership is designed to benefit teachers, teacher aides, guidance counsellors, and librarians.

Belinda Wilson, president of the BUT, described the partnership as “historical” and stressed the union’s dedication to improving members’ lives.

“My heart is really full because from 2009 we’ve been trying to get our members into houses and all of you know that a house would be the single largest investment that an individual can make, and for us to have our teachers in their own homes, that goes well with our vision to ensure that we are able to assist our members, for our members to benefit, for their lives to be better,” Ms Wilson said yesterday during a press conference.

Byron Miller, general manager of the Teachers and Salaried Workers Cooperative Credit Union, encouraged BUT members to take advantage of the financial solutions offered

and highlighted the goal of helping members achieve their objectives for home ownership, education, and financial stability.

“We know that there are financial institutions out there that are competing, offering similar financial solutions to us. We are providing mortgages, loans of every kind, credit cards, debit cards and the likes, so we make doing business far easier,” Mr Miller said yesterday.

“It is not as complex. It is not complicated like the banks. Our turnaround time, a level of responsiveness, connectivity with our members remains at a very high level. Fact, we are bragging of a member retention rate of 98 percent, other financial institutions cannot brag of that.

“So that tells you, our members are in this for the long haul, and we want to deliver these solutions to our members that they need without the hassle, without the interrogation and maintaining the level of respect for the members.”

CON C ERNS OVER SLOW PROGRESS ON DOMESTI C VIOLEN C E SHELTERS

from page one

I heard was little about almost two months ago when I had spoken with the minister and what was going on,” Ms Moore said.

“He mentioned that it was over to, I guess, an individual who was going to be responsible for spearheading that initiative, but as far as the progress, I was waiting to hear further, and I have not heard anything regards to that.”

Ms Moore expressed they were sensitive towards Minister of Social Services Myles Laroda handling a “personal matter”.

She highlighted the urgency of the situation: “I think it’s really lagging too long. It’s taken forever for

us to see progress. I don’t know who the group that was assigned to this, but I think for sake of transparency, that we need to be given more information as to which organisation is taking this on who the individuals are, so we can hold them accountable till we see some action happening.”

Opposition Senator Maxine Seymour, who serves as shadow minister of social services, echoed these concerns.

She said: “Every day without tangible progress is another day a woman is victim to abuse. It is critical that those responsible are held to account and that further delays are avoided. I remain willing to assist in any way possible as this

goes beyond politics to the preservation of human life and dignity.”

She continued: “This is the third budget cycle and still no shelter for women. I have been unable to access concrete updates or information of any kind. The minister promised that a building would be purchased by the end of June. It’s now August and there is still no word on whether that commitment has been fulfilled.”

She also emphasised the need for transparency regarding the shelter’s operations.

“The public needs to know how many women will be housed; whether their minor children will be accommodated, without

age or gender restrictions; how long they will be allowed to stay—the list of questions is endless. It is not merely about logistics as the answers may help to influence a victim’s decision in escaping harm,” she said.

Questions have been raised by activists concerning the government’s choice as to who will “spearhead” the shelter’s development instead of collaborating with established NGOs and activists.

Efforts to schedule a follow-up meeting with the minister have been unsuccessful.

“We were trying to be sensitive to the fact that the minister was going through a personal matter, but now it’s time to get back to the

people’s business. We need answers, and we need them now,” Moore emphasised.

Ms Seymour stressed the importance of involving those who have been working directly with victims to take part in the shelter’s development.

She said: “Whoever is appointed to this position should involve the NGOs that have been working on the ground. It’s important to include the citizens who are about to be the beneficiaries, to get their input. Otherwise, you risk offering something that doesn’t meet the actual needs of the community.”

As the situation stands, the lack of progress on the domestic violence shelter remains a critical issue

raised by women’s rights activists repeatedly, continuing to push against what they view as a lack of transparency and accountability.

The long-awaited shelter for domestic violence victims, which the Davis administration had allocated $500,000 for, was expected to be bought by the end of this budget year back in June.

During the budget debate in the House of Assembly, it was revealed that in addition to buying a building by the end of this month, another shelter was said to be on the way that will be operated with the Ministry of National Security through the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s domestic violence unit.

BAHAMAS Union of Teachers (BUT) piresident Belinda Wilson.

Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

‘Why the silence’ on international Police?

from page one

yesterday.

Meanwhile, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe has distanced himself from the investigation, insisting that he would not get involved.

“This is a matter that’s being driven by the security and intelligence branch. I leave investigations to police and I leave the oversight of it to the partners they have chosen,”

Mr Munroe recently told reporters when asked about the expected arrival of the group.

Dr Sands said he found the minster’s comments unusual, noting that Mr Munroe often speaks on various issues under police investigation.

“Well, you know, the minister has not been shy about full throated commentary on all manner of

issues about matters before the court. We have raised concerns that he has been acting more like a defence attorney and less like a cabinet minister so why this peculiar approach now, which is not in keeping with his ordinary demeanor,” Dr Sands told The Tribune yesterday.

“It is a significant aboutface for somebody who has been quite willing and able and capable to speak on all manner of issues about all aspects of cases being investigated by the Royal Bahamas Police Force and being even before the courts.”

Dr Sands stressed that the public should not have to “beg for” updates surrounding the investigation.

“We’ve made it very clear that this matter touches at the very heart of the democratic process and public confidence in the

criminal justice system,” Dr Sands continued. “We have not deviated from that position, and we believe that the urgency and the sincerity that this issue demands has been lacking and you know, there is nothing about this process over the last week or two that has done anything to increase public confidence,” he said.

The police force was plunged into controversy in July after voice notes allegedly captured conversations involving a senior police officer, a lawyer, and two murdered gang leaders, Michael Fox Jr and Dino Smith, which purportedly reveal a quidpro-quo arrangement.

The conversation on the voice notes centred around a $1.5m airport bank car heist in November.

Fox Jr and Smith were suspects in that matter but

FIRE DESTROYS A ONE FAMILY WORK SHACK

from page one

The shack was a satellite shack used by the group, located at Market Street and Old Boat Alley.

Taj-Mon Thompson, head of communications, said no one was injuried.

“While this setback is significant, we wish to reassure everyone concerned that we will overcome this obstacle with the help of the divine creator. We remain committed to continuing

the high standards and excellence our organisation has exhibited at the cultural and community levels since its inception,” he said.

Mr Thompson said the group have been “deeply moved” by the outpouring of support received from the surrounding communities in the aftermath.

The Tribune understands from a source no costumes were burned and the group is still determining the cost. In November 2022,

Prodigal Sons Junkanoo group was devastated by fire at its shack within weeks of the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day Parade.

Eric Knowles, the group’s leader, revealed the group had lost everything in the fire at its Yellow Elder shack location. He said he believed the welding of the Junkanoo costumes played a significant role in the fire as the costumes are highly flammable.

Police question man in connection to recent murder of Philip Adderley

POLICE questioned a high-ranking male official as part of investigations into last week’s murder of a man found submerged in waters near the old Stuart’s Cove, The Tribune can confirm.

were never charged.

Two other men, Oral Roberts, 34, and Akeil Holmes, 26, were charged in connection with the robbery. Roberts was killed in the Fox Hill area last month.

Michael Johnson, the

head of the Central Investigations Department, has taken garden leave as authorities investigate.

Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander has said the Security and Intelligence Branch of the police force is investigating the

matter with the assistance of outside help. He said the Police Complaints Inspectorate, a little-known body that has traditionally lacked the resources to perform its duties, would supervise the SIB’s investigation.

A police official told The Tribune yesterday that the man is not a suspect but was questioned because he is a tenant of the victim, who was identified as 36-year-old Philip Adderley, of Garden Hill Estates.

Police said the manner in which the body was found is disturbing to police.

Adderley was found submerged in waters near an abandoned building near Stuart’s Cove on August 15. He had multiple stab wounds and was bound at the hands and feet.

“When you see someone bound by the hands and legs, it will raise a concern for us. We will do our best to determine what happened,” Assistant Commissioner of Police Roberto Goodman told reporters on the scene.

VACATIONING COUPLE ALLEGES THEY WERE ASSAULTED BY A IRBNB HOST WITH A SWORD

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

A MAN has been charged after a viral video captured an incident in which a couple claimed they were assaulted by their Airbnb host while vacationing in The Bahamas.

The couple alleged the host attacked them with a two-foot double-edged sword. Police officers were also seen in the video.

Police have reported that a 34-year-old man, Jan-viraj Biere, from Coral Harbour Road, has been arraigned before the Magistrate Court on a charge of assault with a deadly instrument. The

alleged incident occurred on August 7. On August 12, the sitting magistrate granted bail in the amount of $5,000 with specific conditions. The defendant must report to the Western Police Station every Wednesday and Sunday by 6pm. The case has been adjourned to September 19, 2024.

FNM CHAIRMAN DR DWAYNE SANDS

THE CHARRED remains of a One Family Junkanoo group satellite shack on Market Street.

The Tribune Limited

NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI

“Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”

LEON E. H. DUPUCH

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH, Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972

Contributing Editor 1972-1991

RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B.

Publisher/Editor 1972-

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

Trust being lost in the silence on probe

WHEN the police probe into allegations of corruption began after several voice notes were circulated, we wrote in this column of the need for transparency with regard to that investigation. Since then, the probe has been proceeding – but in truth the transparency has not been as forthcoming as we might have hoped.

The probe itself reaches towards the top of the police force itself, and a senior officer has gone on gardening leave while that work is done.

There has been word of senior officers coming from the UK to play a role in the investigation – but after that visit was announced, it appears the officers have not arrived. Quite why that is or when they are now scheduled to join investigators here has not been expanded upon.

The announcement of an officer going on leave took place at the start of July. Since that time, a man suspected in a theft of $1.5m from a security car at an airport has been murdered. His family said he had been questioned by officers as part of the probe, and they said he had been warned by investigators not to talk to other police officers.

Another suspect in that case failed to show up at court for his latest hearing in the matter.

Two other men who appear on those leaked voice notes are also dead, each having been murdered. The voice notes feature a discussion between those two men, a senior officer and a lawyer.

The gravity of the accusations is such that former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has called for a commission of inquiry – while Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell warned has argued against such a move, and also warned Dr Minnis must not undermine the police force with his comments.

In this column, we have argued that

holding individuals to account does not undermine an organisation – and transparency in that process reinforces the belief that an investigation is being carried out thoroughly.

FNM chairman Dr Duane Sands yesterday weighed in on the absence of updates on the investigation, saying that the investigation lacks the urgency and sincerity needed to maintain public trust.

This is exactly why we said at the outset that the public needs to see that this investigation is both transparent and being conducted with the highest importance.

Dr Sands said the public should not have to “beg” for updates on the investigation. He is right.

He said: ““We’ve made it very clear that this matter touches at the very heart of the democratic process and public confidence in the criminal justice system. We have not deviated from that position, and we believe that the urgency and the sincerity that this issue demands has been lacking and you know, there is nothing about this process over the last week or two that has done anything to increase public confidence.”

There is nothing to stop this concern from being turned around. A more forthright approach to updates, including on issues such as the timing and role of international investigators as part of the probe, would be a start.

But it may also be a matter of attitude. Being up front with the public about the progress of the investigation, and speaking out on each occasion about the importance of ensuring any possible corruption is stamped out, would encourage confidence in the police. Silence does not. Rather that leads in the opposite path.

Call for condo regulations

EDITOR, The Tribune.

BREA president seems to want to support the minority folk who get on Condo Associations and weld almighty to suit themselves not for the interest of all condo owners. Government should pass a Condo Association Restrictive Practice Act…Yes, basically safeguard the condo buyer from the whims of usual minority ‘power group who get control of the Condo

Association and impose conditions not on a unanimous approach where all owners agree simple majority disallowed. Just how can the Condo Association override covenants of the original purchase? If short lets or no lets at all are included how can the association decide anything different and change a covenant? A condo should/maybe sold with restrictions can short let - may not short

let - may not let at all and these covenants may not be changed on the whim of an Association but requires 100% all owners to agree. Now BREA wants to control the market? Why? Not to the advantage of government especially if they are collecting VAT and look at the positive tourism aspect. Condo Restrictive Practice Act, please asap AG...now.

K ALBURY Nassau, August 15, 2024.

EDITOR, The Tribune

SO far this week we have seen a number of protests on several of our Family Islands relating to the lack of essentials such as electricity and water and the ever increasing costs of these absent services. I spoke on this in my last letter to the press along with the absence of proper banking facilities on many of our islands. As it relates to banking there are some crucial issues that I must pose. In The Bahamas, we have compliance and confidentiality laws and employees are made to sign such forms with the understanding that a breach of same could have serious consequences. Yet, for the sake of cheap labour, many banks and corporations have outsourced client information to countries far and near. Are they governed by the same regulations? Is our personal information guaranteed confidentiality? We have seen a tremendous increase in fraud and identity theft since widespread outsourcing. I may be wrong, but I feel that some of the cybercrime happening here is due to vast outsourcing. One cannot call a bank for personal information without being answered by a foreigner, be it Indian, Jamaican, Trinidadian etc. Why not have a national call centre and keep our business here? Govern the employees by our laws and regulations and keep a better handle on our privacy. Do we feel or believe

that “Foreign” is better even with our services? Our phone and cable companies have also jumped on the band wagon and outsourced their call centres. These same banks are continuously raising fees while cutting services. There is almost nothing personal about “Personal Banking” as the human touch is slowly being replaced. Our information is sent to others and we have no way of knowing who else it is shared with. We must protect our banking laws. Think about it. The time is now to look at keeping our business in The Bahamas. We need to invest in our local Banks and Credit Unions and build their capital allowing them a greater opportunity to cater and service our domestic banking and lending needs. It is quite evident that the Foreign Banks, namely Canadian, are more interested in Corporate and Wealth Management as the profit lines are higher. If we are serious about “Nation Building” then we must build up our reserves in our banks so that the money stays home. We must also put in place laws and regulations that would prevent the Bahamas government from using these banks as a “Cash Cow” without repayment. The government should continue to seek its financing elsewhere

and not from the “Peoples Bank”. We should also look more seriously at promoting the Savings Bank at the Post Office. While that is not a lending institution, it can teach the discipline of saving. A penny saved is a penny earned is an appropriate cliché right now. As a people, as a nation, we must stand up and stand together for the betterment of country. We are all affected by these injustices and we, the people, have a voice and the power to make a difference and demand the change. I do believe we have a ministry, or at least a minister, of Financial Services. A National Call Centre can fall under this government agency and rather than outsourcing out of the country, banks and corporations can transfer the basic information necessary for efficient and effective follow up to this Agency. Many Government agencies are overstaffed with entry level employees that can be trained and seconded to a call centre. We can do this. Let us continue to build our Nation and economy for a brighter future for all. Let us invest in us. Essential services are a necessity, not a privilege, and should be afforded to all. Keep our lights on, give us clean water, and enable us to do banking at a savings, not a loss.

May God Bless our Bahamaland.

VANESSA A SCOTT, JP Nassau, August 14, 2024.

SUPER blue Sturgeon moon over The Bahamas captured on a Canon R6 Mark II and the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary Lens, handheld, and edited with the photo editor in the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Photo: Eric Rose

Johnson: URCA rightful regulator of power companies in country

By DEN ISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

OUTSPOKEN attorney

Osman Johnson believes the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) is the rightful regulator of electricity across The Bahamas, including in Grand Bahama, where a fierce battle over regulatory control has erupted.

Mr Johnson told The Tribune yesterday that statutory law takes precedence over any contractual or commercial agreements, including the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, which the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) currently relies on. The Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC) has applied to the GBPA for a proposed 6.3 percent rate increase for all customers in Grand Bahama. Last Monday, residents protested in front of the company’s headquarters, voicing their opposition to the rate hike and their frustration over frequent power outages and property damage due to power surges.

Meanwhile, URCA has responded, insisting it has the proper legal authority to regulate electricity in the country and that GBPC had not filed any application with URCA for consideration.

Mr Johnson said

there have been numerous rate increases over the years and that the 6.3 percent increase “is a continuation of what has been a long-term trend by this company”.

He added: “This company has not only introduced these wholesale rate increases, but they also increase fuel surcharges and other subsidiary levy charges which they usually bill.”

GBPC also charges a storm recovery fee to all customers to recoup costs associated with the 2019 Hurricane Dorian restoration. The Storm Recovery and Stabilization (SRS) charge, approved by the GBPA, came into effect on April 1, 2020. The SRS charge for residential customers is 1.3 cents per kilowatt-hour and 0.8 cents per kilowatt-hour for commercial customers.

Despite the island’s unreliable electricity supply, Mr Johnson said the power company continues to charge a premium for substandard service.

“I think that obviously we have to object, but more importantly, the government needs to take steps to challenge what is taking place,” he said. He criticised the continued regulatory role of the Port Authority in 2024, calling it a “travesty and a conflict of interest”. Mr Johnson pointed out that

TWO YEARS JAIL OVER LOADED GUN

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was sentenced to two years in prison after he admitted to having a loaded gun in his home on Golden Way Drive last week.

Senior Magistrate Shaka Serville arraigned Deon Cooper, 47, along with Diego Cooper, 39, Corrado Darville, 37, and Indera Henfield, 31, on possession of an unlicenced firearm and possession of ammunition.

Police reportedly found

the GBPA and its subsidiary companies own a 20 percent stake in the GBPC, which he believes leads to a significant conflict of interest.

“So, this is an example of why the public and the commercial community in Grand Bahama, in my

a black and silver Taurus .45 pistol and 20 rounds of ammunition in their residence at 2am on August 17. Deon Cooper was the sole defendant who pleaded guilty to the charge, as his three co-accused all pleaded not guilty to their charges. The charges against these three defendants were withdrawn. Deon Cooper was ordered to serve two years at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. He was allowed a moment with relatives before his remand.

18 MON T HS JAIL FOR $42K OF HEMP

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A JAMAICAN man was sentenced to 18 months in prison after he admitted to having $42,000 worth of marijuana in his apartment in Kim’s Crescent last week.

Senior Magistrate Raquel Whyms arraigned

Aniff Steve Fong-Yee, 42, on two counts of possession of dangerous drugs with

intent to supply. Police during a raid of Fong-Yee’s apartment found 42lb of marijuana in two separate caches at 5pm on August 14.

After pleading guilty to the charges, the defendant was ordered to serve an 18-month prison term at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. Fong-Yee must also pay a fine of $15,000 or risk an additional six months in prison.

M AN ON PROBAT ION FOR BREAK-IN

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was placed on probation yesterday after he admitted to breaking into a woman’s home in Mangrove Cay earlier this month.

Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley arraigned Themo Stubbs, 41, on house breaking. Stubbs reportedly broke into the residence of Christina Bullard in Victoria Point, Mangrove Cay, with intent to steal therein between May and August. After pleading guilty to the charge and apologising for his actions, the defendant was placed on a one-year probation where he is bound to keep the peace. Should Stubbs breach his probation he would face a six-month prison term. Stubbs will return to court for report on August 27, 2025.

TWO MEN CHARGED WI T H S T EALING

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

TWO MEN had charges of stealing over $3,000 worth of beer from Jimmy’s Wines and Spirits over the summer dropped in court yesterday.

Senior Magistrate Algernon Allen Jr had arraigned Rodger Miller, 32, and O’Neil Tulloch, 33, for stealing by reason of employment - over the

alleged theft of 56 cases of Michelob Ultra Beer valued at $3,259.26 on July 2 from the Jimmy’s outlet at the Airport Industrial Park. Before the defendants could enter a plea to the charges, the virtual complainant stepped forward and indicated she no longer wished to pursue the charges. The charges against the defendants were withdrawn and they were told they were free to go.

opinion, have been taken advantage of by this state of affairs for so long,” he said. He emphasised that no country or territory with a free trade system would allow an entity that oversees the territory to also serve as the regulator for a company in which it holds

an interest.

“It is a massive conflict of interest. I believe their process of so-called vetting of applications for rate increases really amounts to a rubber stamp process. There is no real oversight in my view,” he claimed.

Mr Johnson mentioned

that the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority Act, which created URCA as the regulator and competition authority, clearly intended for URCA to function as the regulator for the GBPC.

“For some reason, there appears to be an aberration from what should be the norm, and we have this relationship between the Port Authority and the Power Company, which is a conflict of interest and stands directly contrary to the interests of Grand Bahama and its residents,” he added.

Mr Johnson said the situation also affects the business community, making it commercially unattractive to operate in Grand Bahama.

“On the issue of rate increases, the Port Authority as a whole has failed the stakeholders of Grand Bahama for decades now,” he concluded.

The government initially amended the Electricity Act in 2015 in an attempt to strip the Port Authority of its power, leading to a case where Cable Bahamas filed a claim against URCA, seeking to have the amendment deemed unconstitutional.

However, because the 2015 amendment was insufficient and caused confusion in the statute, the government’s recent amendment to the act gives URCA responsibility for all electricity in The Bahamas.

ATTORNEY OSMAN JOHNSON

Best practices and tips for students

THE new school year has already started for some and will open for others in the coming weeks. The month of August is usually full of preparation, from uniforms and school supplies to paying the balance on fees and figuring out transportation. It is easy to get caught up in these tasks because they are expensive and time-consuming, but there also needs to be investment in the students returning to school and increasing their readiness for the year ahead. Especially for high school students, it is important to be equipped with good practices. Children are sent or dropped to school and expected to simply do well. There is more we can do to prepare them for the high school environment and what it requires of them.

Here are eight tips to share with the high school students in your life—especially those entering grades seven through ten.

Get restful sleep every night.

Between the ages of 13 and 18, you need eight to ten hours of sleep per day. The teenage years are a time of mental, physical, and social changes. It can be difficult for you to regulate your emotions and make good decisions, and not getting enough sleep can make it more difficult to make the best possible decisions. For the best quality of sleep, set a bedtime routine that can reasonably be followed on a consistent basis. Your bedtime routine should be relaxing and signal your brain and body that it is time to rest. Phones, tablets, and other blue light devices should be avoided close to bedtime because they affect the production of melatonin which signals the body to sleep, and it is prompted by darkness. Your bedtime routine should involve ending the use of blue light devices. It can be helpful to talk to other people about what helps them to relax and fall asleep easily. Baths or showers, stretching, prayer or meditation, reading (excluding on blue light devices), taking prescribed medication, playing soothing music, and settling into bed with a favorite pillow or blanket can all form a part of the bedtime routine.

It may take some time to find the right components and the best order, so start testing it out tonight. Once you find the one that is right for you, be consistent in starting it at the same time each night. Also try to end the routine at the same

By Alicia Wallace

time, in bed and positioned for sleep.

Have breakfast.

A big, hearty breakfast may not be possible or even desirable every day, but it is important to eat before leaving that house for a full day of school. Whether you are having eggs and bacon, grits and tuna, or cold cereal and fruit, ensure that you are putting something in your body. Not only is breakfast important for meeting nutritional needs of the body, but it is also fuel for the brain. A study over more than 4,600 students at 97 schools in Nevada, US, found that students who ate breakfast every day were 72 percent more likely to get As and Bs.

Pay attention in class. This phrase is repeated often, by parents, friends of the family, principals, and many others, and it seems obvious. It is good advice. Still, it can benefit from some elaboration. Paying attention in class is more than just sitting and looking at the teacher. It is about being fully engaged. When you are attentive, you are not only hearing the teacher’s voice, but listening to what they say. This becomes more important when the teacher is speaking while doing something else, or expecting you to do something else. For example, the teacher may give an explanation while writing on the board. The students’ instinct may be to immediately copy what the teacher is writing on the board, assuming that it is the most important thing, but they may focus entirely on the act of copying from the board rather than listening to the explanation of what is there. Listen to understand what is being said. Take clear notes.

Whether notes are dictated, written on the board, or entirely produced by you based on what the teacher is saying or what is taking place in class, it is important to take notes in a way that helps you to understand them later, when you are alone with your notebook and there is no one to explain or demonstrate anything. Find systems that work for you. This may mean the notes you write

in class are a draft, and you later rewrite them in a format that makes sense to you, even including diagrams, key points, and questions that come up as you rewrite. Remember that every important note may not be given to you in writing or in dictation. Think for yourself. Process the information being shared as you record it in your notebook.

Review notes daily.

Review the notes you take in all of your classes at the end of the day. You may be surprised to see what you wrote, what you did not write, and what does not make sense when you read it later, outside of the classroom. You may remember pieces of information that you can add to your notes to give them some context. You may also find yourself confused. In that case, make note of the places in your notes where there seems to be missing information. Write down any questions that come to mind. When you go to school the next day, you may want to check with classmates to see if anyone else has the information you need, but it is a good idea to check with the teacher. Take your notebook, let them know that you were reviewing your notes, and show them the part where you were confused and ask your questions. Not only should this help you to get the clarifying information you need to improve your notes and make it easier for you to complete assignments and study when there is a test coming up, but it also shows your teacher that you care about your education and you have the confidence to ask for help. Ask clarifying questions. You may sometimes find that the textbook and your notes are not quite enough. You may even find contradictions between the two. Before approaching the teacher, write your questions down. Make note of what you thought, or continue to think, is the case, and what other information makes you question it. If you are missing a connection between two pieces of information, try to

“...it is important to take notes in a way that helps you to understand them later, when you are alone with your notebook and there is no one to explain or demonstrate anything.”

make it for yourself using the information you already have. Are there context clues? What can you assume? You can also try to find information online, but try not to do this until you have used all of the knowledge you already have. When you go to your teacher, share your thought process and ask whether or not you are on the track. Do as much as you can with what you have. This will help you to develop critical thinking skills, and it will demonstrate to the teacher that you are willing and able to think for yourself, and that you are invested in learning.

Take notes as you read your text and your own notes.

This is a good exercise for improving note-taking skills which becomes more important later in high school, in university, and in the world of work. Test your understanding of what you read. Test your understanding of what you wrote earlier. Write it in your own words. Check the textbook or your class notes to see

if your version is accurate and has enough detail. It is important to make these notes in the way that you would speak or write without prompting. This will ensure that you have a set of notes to read that make sense to you and is in your natural voice. It will be easier for you to write short answers and essays when you sharpen the skill of writing in your own words. It will also make studying a smoother process because you will be reading notes in the language you use instead of the language of a textbook or teacher. In addition, it can help you to avoid plagiarism.

Start working on homework the day it is assigned.

When an assignment is due one week later, it is tempting to wait. You may be more excited about other activities and want to put the homework aside. This means the homework stays on your list of things to do and your time to do it gets shorter and shorter every day. It is usually not a good idea to put off tasks that can be done now. The

earlier you do your homework, the more likely it is that you retained the information shared in class, and this usually means you can finish it faster. When you put more time between the lesson and when you do the homework, you have to refer to your textbooks and notebook much more. Doing it earlier gives you the opportunity to finish it in less time. It also gives you time to ask clarifying question if any part of the assignment is confusing. Asking a question about the homework one day before it is due is usually not very well-received by teachers, parents, or other who can help you. Even if you do not finish it all at once, read the instructions and start working on the assignment, whether it is doing a few of the math problems, writing an outline for the essay, or making a list of the supplies you need for the project. Give yourself time to ask for help, to get stuck, to fix a problem, and to start over.

The internet’s love for

‘very

demure’ content spotlights

what a viral trend can mean for creators

By WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS AP Business Writer

IT’S NOT just you. The word “demure” is being used to describe just about everything online these days.

It all started earlier this month, when TikTok creator Jools Lebron posted a video that would soon take social media by storm. The hair and makeup she’s wearing to work? Very demure. And paired with a vanilla perfume fragrance? How mindful. In just weeks, Lebron’s words have become the latest vocabulary defining the internet this summer. In addition to her own viral content that continues to describe various day-to-day, arguably reserved or modest activities with adjectives like “demure,” “mindful” and “cutesy,” several big names have also hopped on the trend across social media platforms. Celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Penn Badgley have shared their own playful takes, and even the White House used the words to boast the BidenHarris administration’s recent student debt relief efforts.

The skyrocketing fame of Lebron’s “very mindful, very demure” influence also holds significance for the TikToker herself. Lebron, who identifies as a transgender woman, said in a post last week that she’s now able to finance the rest of her transition.

“One day, I was playing cashier and making videos on my break. And now, I’m flying across country to host events,” Lebron said in the video, noting that her experience on the platform has changed her life.

She’s not alone. Over recent years, a handful of online creators have found meaningful income after gaining social media fame — but it’s still incredibly rare, and no easy feat.

Here’s what some experts say.

How can TikTok fame lead to meaningful sources of income?

There is no one recipe.

Finding resources to work as a creator full-time “is not as rare as it would have been years ago,” notes Erin Kristyniak, VP of global partnerships at marketing collaboration company Partnerize. But you still

have to make content that meets the moment — and there’s a lot to juggle if you want to monetise.

On TikTok, most users who are making money pursue a combi nation of hustles.

Brooke Erin Duffy, an associate professor of com munication at Cornell University, explains that those granted admission into TikTok’s Creator Marketplace — the platform’s space for brand and creator collaborations — can “earn a kickback from views from TikTok expressly,” although that doesn’t typically pay very well.

of income — but

then also months with nothing. “It’s akin to a gig economy job, because of the lack of stability,” she explained.

“The majority of creators aren’t full-time,”

SAN FRANCISCO TACKLES DEEPFAKE NUDE WEBSITES

NEARLY a year after AI-generated nude images of high school girls upended a community in southern Spain, a juvenile court this summer sentenced 15 of their classmates to a year of probation.

But the artificial intelligence tool used to create the harmful deepfakes is still easily accessible on the internet, promising to “undress any photo” uploaded to the website within seconds.

Now a new effort to shut down the app and others like it is being pursued in California, where San Francisco this week filed a first-of-its-kind lawsuit that experts say could set a precedent but will also face many hurdles.

“The proliferation of these images has exploited a shocking number of women and girls across the globe,” said David Chiu, the elected city attorney of San Francisco who brought the case against a group of widely visited websites tied to entities in California, New Mexico, Estonia, Serbia, the United Kingdom and elsewhere.

Other avenues for monetization include more direct brand sponsorships, creating merchandise to sell, fundraising during livestreams and collecting “tips” or “gifts” through features available to users who reach a certain following threshold. A lot of it also boils down to work outside of the platform.

And creators are increasingly working to build their social media presence across multiple platforms — particularly amid a potential ban of the ByteDance-owned app in the US, which is currently in a legal battle. Duffy notes adding that many are working on developing this wider online presence so they can “still have a financial lifeline” in case any revenue stream goes away.

Is it difficult to sustain?

Gaining traction in the macrocosm that is the internet is difficult as is — and while some have both tapped into trends that resonate and found sources of compensation that allow them to quit their nine-to-five, it still takes a lot of work to keep it going.

“These viral bursts of fame don’t necessarily translate into a stable, long-term career,” Duffy said. “On the surface, it’s kind of widely hyped as a dream job ... But I see this as a very superficial understanding of how the career works.”

Duffy, who has been studying social media content creation for a decade, says

Eric Dahan, the CEO and founder of influencer marketing agency Mighty Joy, added. Burnout is also very common. It can take a lot of emotional labor to pull content from your life, Duffy said, and the pressure of maintaining brand relationships or the potential of losing viewers if you take a break can be a lot. Ongoing risks of potential exposure to hate or online harassment also persist.

Is the landscape changing?

Like all things online, the landscape for creators is constantly evolving.

Demand is also growing. More and more platforms are not only aiming to court users but specifically bring aspiring creators on their sites. And that coincides with an increased focus on marketing goods and brands in these spaces.

Companies are doubling down “to meet consumers where they are,” Raji Srinivasan, a marketing professor at The University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business. YouTube and other social media platforms, such as Instagram, have also built out offerings to attract this kind of content in recent years, but — for now — it’s “TikTok’s day in the sun,” she added, pointing to the platform’s persisting dominance in the market.

And for aspiring creators hoping to strike it big, Dahan’s advice is just to start somewhere. As Lebron’s success shows, he added, “You don’t know what’s going to happen.”

ELECTRONIC ARTS ANNOUNCE OCTOBER 31 RETURN FOR DRAGON AGE SERIES

ELECTRONIC

Arts Inc and BioWare have announced that Dragon Age: The Veilguard will launch globally on Thursday, October 31 for PlayStation5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam, EA App and Epic Games Store.

In Dragon Age: The Veilguard, players will step into the role of Rook, a fully-customisable protagonist who must rise up, unite their crew and become the hero Thedas needs in a time where legends are born or slain.

“As someone who’s been working on Dragon Age for over 15 years, I know just how much our community has been looking forward to this day, and I’m equally excited to share and celebrate that the game will officially launch on October 31,” said

John Epler, creative director of Dragon Age: The Veilguard. “We wanted to give you the choice to really express yourself, and do that in a world full of adventure and danger.

“So whether you’re a Warrior, Rogue or a Mage, we can’t wait for you to gear up, gather your party, and set out for another thrilling adventure through Thedas this Halloween.”

Fans who pre-order the standard or deluxe editions can receive extra cosmetic item for use in-game.

In addition, the BioWare Gear Store has been outfitted with a variety of new merchandise.

“These images are used to bully, humiliate and threaten women and girls,” he said in an interview with The Associated Press. “And the impact on the victims has been devastating on their reputation, mental health, loss of autonomy, and in some instances, causing some to become suicidal.”

The lawsuit brought on behalf of the people of California alleges that the services broke numerous state laws against fraudulent business practices, nonconsensual pornography and the sexual abuse of children. But it can be hard to determine who runs the apps, which are unavailable in phone app stores but still easily found on the internet.

• • •

A GROUP of authors is suing artificial intelligence startup Anthropic, alleging it committed “large-scale theft” in training its popular chatbot Claude on pirated copies of copyrighted books. While similar lawsuits have piled up for more than a year against competitor OpenAI, maker of ChatGPT, this is the first from writers to target Anthropic and its Claude chatbot.

The smaller San Francisco-based company — founded by ex-OpenAI leaders — has marketed itself as the more responsible and safety-focused developer of generative AI models that can compose emails, summarise documents and interact with people in a natural way.

But the lawsuit filed on Monday in a federal court in San Francisco alleges that Anthropic’s actions “have made a mockery of its lofty goals” by tapping into repositories of pirated writings to build its AI product.

“It is no exaggeration to say that Anthropic’s model seeks to profit from strip-mining the human expression and ingenuity behind each one of those works,” the lawsuit says.

Anthropic didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment Monday.

The lawsuit was brought by a trio of writers — Andrea Bartz, Charles Graeber and Kirk Wallace Johnson — who are seeking to represent a class of similarly situated authors of fiction and nonfiction.

While it’s the first case against Anthropic from book authors, the company is also fighting a lawsuit by major music publishers alleging that Claude regurgitates the lyrics of copyrighted songs.

Biden and Clinton’s speeches highlight DNC opening night

WAS Monday evening at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago historic? Did the huge United Center crowd’s energy and enthusiasm herald a ten-week American presidential election campaign that could transform both major US political parties?

Is the Kamala Harris–Tim Walz ticket too good to be true?

Monday night in Chicago at the huge arena that Michael Jordan

filled during so many seasons of peerless basketball excellence and NBA championships was a brilliantly scripted spectacle that tapped into the immense creative Hollywood and Manhattan resources that are now eager for deployment by the Democrats.

Kamala Harris replacing Biden at the top of the Democratic ticket has made that possible. And her brief surprise appearance at 8.10pm was a highlight.

The Dems trotted out a formidable lineup of speakers through a long evening that began before 6pm and ended at nearly midnight in Chicago –and after midnight in the eastern time zone – with a teary but defiant Biden essentially bidding farewell to the epicenter of American politics after nearly 40 years of relevance there.

An early highlight was the venerable Jesse Jackson being wheeled out onto the stage with his successor as the black talisman of Democratic politics, smart and edgy Al Sharpton, among his escorts. It seemed like the final chapter in a long relevant career for Chicagoan Jackson as he almost literally passed the torch to Sharpton. Throughout the afternoon and evening on Monday’s first convention day, the feeling of vibrancy was unavoidable. The huge crowds were buzzing. And those crowds were clearly representative of the numerous key components of the contemporary Democratic Party.

Groups of African Americans, women, LGBTQ, Latinos and young people of all sociological persuasions were predominant. They moved with a degree of assurance and ease suggesting that so many of these activists feel at home in the Democratic Party. Party leaders will hope that all the energy flowing here in Chicago this week will be sustained

STATESIDE

and translate into actual votes in November. Despite the euphoria now, Donald Trump and the Republicans loom just offstage. Indeed, throughout an exciting evening of political entertainment, Trump was one of the three key unifying themes as the starstudded lineup of speakers trashed him repeatedly. While the barbs and taunts flew everywhere, Biden himself and the surprising Hillary Clinton spoke most forcefully. Repeatedly and emotionally interrupted as chants of “We love Joe” and “Thank you Joe” rang out in the packed, 23,000-seat arena, Biden accepted his daughter Ashley’s touching tribute and started strongly and with palpable passion. He repeated his core message several times, jabbing the air with an index finger to underline its significance. Biden clearly believes that November’s election will move the US in a dark

and destructive direction if Trump wins. He described the upcoming election as basically a crusade “to save democracy in our country”. Biden seemed to sustain his firm hold on his subject matter throughout a lengthy oratory, faltering only a few times and perhaps too obviously straining to read his prompts.

All in all, the president did well. But at the same time, he still looks old and gray. There’s a haunted look about him, accentuated by his involuntarily wide-eyed, almost glassy expression. He alternated between moods of unmistakable venom, even hatred, for Trump and a kind, gently smiling avuncular persona reserved for his family members and the thousands of loyalists calling his name from the crowd.

Many in the giant crowd didn’t really know what to expect when Hillary Clinton took the stage about midway through the

prime-time portion of the evening’s schedule. She has been an enigmatic figure at the centre of the party for over 30 years.

First, she burst upon the scene with her electric, charismatic husband Bill, as he came out of nowhere to capture the unwanted Democratic nomination for president in 1992 against an incumbent in George HW Bush who seemed invulnerable at the time. She cultivated the image of a woman of surpassing intelligence and breadth.

After Clinton swept to victory in 1992, the unelected Hillary made headlines for developing and promoting her own healthcare plan, and openly pushing her husband to adopt it. People noticed. There were murmurs that she had not been elected by voters and was straying out of her lane as First Lady.

That set the tone for a lingering disconnect between Hillary’s obvious preference for exercising intellectual and

policy authority inside the White House and the popular image of a traditional president’s wife adopting an uncontroversial charitable activity and hanging admiringly on her husband’s arm as he governed the country. That was not for Hillary. She didn’t sign up for the traditional role. The couple’s marriage seemed strained from the start, and she did little to dispel the image of her dissatisfaction. Remember when she declared that she didn’t see herself as “baking cookies” in the White House?

There was Monica Lewinski and Clinton’s impeachment. Hillary stood by her man. After he left office in January 2001, Hillary, now nearly 77, shifted immediately from First Lady to election as junior US Senator from New York, an office gifted to her by a Democratic Party led by her husband. She served eight years in the Senate, was appointed Secretary of State by Barack Obama, and ran for president in 2016 against Trump.

There have always been grumbles that Hillary never really earned any of these immensely influential positions. And her inexperienced, halting response to the onslaught of Trump’s campaign style led to a disastrous election outcome for the Dems eight years ago. So it surprised many Monday evening when Hillary swept onto the convention stage to a sustained, heartfelt, fullthroated cascade of cheers from the floor. She was clearly surprised herself by the warm response. It almost felt like the evening was a grateful sendoff not only for Biden but also for the woman who, as she admitted in her speech, set the stage in 2016 for Harris to break through the “glass ceiling” and at last become the first woman president of the US She did well. Hillary stuck to the party line of heaping praise on Harris and running mate Tim Walz and vilifying Trump.

But her central thesis was that the “cracks in that glass ceiling” for women are about to be finally shattered. “Women,” she pleaded, “must keep going. We are so close to finally earning what we have so long sought. We cannot, we must not, stop

now.”

There were many other standout speeches during the evening. Among the best were delivered by congresswomen Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York City and Jasmine Crockett of Texas. AOC was clearly stunned by the rapturous shouts of approval that welcomed her on stage. And when the crowd finally quieted so she could speak, she delivered a stirring message of optimism, hope, faith and patriotism. She was also the only speaker to directly reference the ongoing war in Gaza that spurred mostly peaceful protests outside the arena on Monday but may resurface later in the week.

Crockett, best known for her sassy rejoinders to rude and reckless Georgia congresswoman Marjorie Taylor-Greene in televised Congressional hearings, told a touching story of Harris’s gentle mentoring of her when she was a rookie on Capitol Hill.

Women dominated the proceedings throughout the evening. State legislators and other congresswomen from across the country came to the podium underscoring the urgency of defeating Trump, maintaining party unity in that pursuit and their unstinting support of the middle class in America.

Volunteers duly distributed signs reading “We Love Joe” at one point in the program, carefully timed to coincide with the president’s appearance on stage. In an obvious and effective nod to the television audience watching at home, other placards with “USA” or “When we fight, we win” or “Thank you, Joe” were passed around to reinforce messaging from the podium. As the evening gathered momentum toward the inevitable outpouring of gratitude and relief offered to Biden for his grudging yet gracious decision to save the party this year by deciding not to run for reelection, the floor of the arena, reserved for party delegations, filled to bursting. No arena seat was empty.

Everyone present wanted to witness what might have been the end of the era of male-dominated US politics and maybe the end of Trump.

with Charlie Harper

FORMER Secretary of State Hillary Clinton speaks during the first day of Democratic National Convention, yesterday in Chicago.

Photo: Jacquelyn Martin/AP

PRESIDENT Joe Biden speaks during the first day of Democratic National Convention, yesterday in Chicago.

Photo: Jacquelyn Martin/AP

76ers to bring training camp to Atlantis resort

By BRENT STUBBS

Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

The Philadelphia 76ers will be the latest National Basketball Association team to host part of their training camp here in The Bahamas. The 76ers, featuring Bahamian descendant Eric Gordon, announced on Monday that they will hold their camp from Tuesday to Saturday, October 1-5, at the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island. The camp would have also included

Philadelphia will be latest NBA team to host part of their training camp in The Bahamas

Grand Bahamian Chavano

“Buddy” Hield, but he moved from the 76ers to the Golden State Warriors in a sign-and-trade in July. Gordon and Hield, along with Deandre Ayton, now with the Portland Trail Blazers, teamed up for Team Bahamas at the Olympic qualifying tournament in Valencia, Spain, in July. However, The Bahamas got to the final, losing to Spain, who advanced to play in the Olympic Games in Paris, France, from July 17 to August 11.

Sprinter Miriam

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

SPRINTER Miriam

Byfield said she couldn’t ask for a better experience competing in her first World Masters Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden.

The 36-year-old is one of three Bahamians competing at the weeklong meet that will wrap up this weekend in the Slottsskogsvallen, Björlandavallen & Ullevi Stadium.

Entered in the youngest age group, ladies 35-andover, Byfield was seventh in the final of the 100m in a season’s best of 12.70 seconds and she got to the semifinal of the 200m where she was sixth in her heat in 26.70.

“My performance was fairly okay in the 200m,” said Byfield, who has now decided to compete in the 400m as well. “The goal was to make the finals but I experienced some discomfort in my leg in the semis and had to ease off near the end of the race. “It was

just one of those races that us as athletes have to shake off and say ‘maybe it could have been better under different circumstances but that’s all that the body could’ve given today.’ You shake it off and move onto the next.”

But the real gratification for Byfield is just to be able to compete against some of the top competitors around the world on an even playing field.

“Early in the year I established a goal to attend, made the necessary plans and physical preparation and I am now executing,” she said.

“I am proud of my performance at the meet. With the different factors to consider such as weather, different time zones, different food, my body can only produce what it is able to, considering all the variables and I’m okay with that.”

Unlike the athletes competing at the professional level and being at the Olympic Games or the

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor

ROADRUNNERS

“It is a privilege to see that our Bahamian pro players build upon the momentum of our national team and foster relationships in The Bahamas with their teams,” he said.

Eugene Horton, president of the Bahamas Basketball Federation, said it’s a golden opportunity for The Bahamas to get the exposure and to showcase those players who are a part of the Bahamas.

“This will provide opportunities for NBA players and other team members to visit and learn more about The Bahamas which, I am sure, will be economically beneficial.”

head coach Dexter Bodie can now boast of being one of the few certified kids’ athletics coaches in The Bahamas.

This is the third consecutive training camp that the 76ers, coached by Nick Nurse, are staging away from home. They went to Charleston, South Carolina

Yesterday, Bodie completed the course in St Vincent and the Grenadines where he spent the past few days going through a vigorous training programme.

Hosted by the St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Amateur Athletic Association and their Olympic Committee, the course got started on Monday and featured representatives from nine other countries in the Caribbean.

“It was a learning experience. It’s something different. It was a lot of imput shared,” he said. “We had two days of outside competition and flexibility.

“We had some kids from St Vincent, who we had to teach what we learned during the course. All of that was a part of it. We had two days of that.”

During the course, Bodie said they had to teach athletes the method of competing in kids athletics.

“It was a good course, very intense, very scrutinised, the lecturers were on point and I really enjoyed it,” Bodie said. “It was a learning experience. I gained a lot of knowledge and I hope to implement some of what I learned into my club and share it with others who would like to share in some of the things that I learned when I get back home.”

Bodie, who is scheduled to return home today, said the sessions ran daily from 8:30am to about 5pm with a

CARIBBEAN HOOP FEST DRAWS ENTHUSIASTIC CROWDS WITH OVER 1,000 SPECTATORS

the expenses mounting for his medical care, persons are invited to make a contribution through Resias’ CIBC account 201759233 through transit 09788. BOXING FOX NEEDS SUPPORT THE boxing fraternity is praying for s successful recovery for fellow boxer Alex ‘The Great White Hope’ Fox, who underwent a successful surgery at Doctors Hospital for a tumour in his brain. Fox was discharged from hospital yesterday and is currently recuperating at home. The boxing community is being asked to continue to pray for him.

THE Caribbean Hoop Fest returned to the beautiful shores of The Bahamas for the second time, orchestrated by the visionary founders Donald Francois and Stephanie Halstead. This year’s event showcased the best of basketball talent with over 14 teams from around the globe converging for an adrenaline-fuelled, three-day competition, drawing in a remarkable crowd of over 1,000 spectators. The basketball extravaganza featured a diverse pool of talent, including three standout teams hailing from New York and a powerhouse Freeport team. The tournament was divided into three competitive divisions - the 14 and under category, the intense

Lucaya in a thrilling showdown.

Photo: Nikia Charlton

CLIFF RESIAS

ALEX FOX

MIRIAM BYFIELD, of The Bahamas, is all smiles after her 200 metres debut at the World Masters Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Tamirat Tola and Hellen Obiri look to defend titles in New York City Marathon

By DOUG FEINBERG AP Sports Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — Tamirat Tola and Hellen Obiri will look to defend their New York City Marathon titles this November.

The pair headline strong fields in the annual race around New York’s five boroughs.

Tola is coming off a win at the Paris Games where he set an Olympic record in the race. The Ethiopian broke the New York course record last year.

“I’m excited to defend my title in New York, especially coming off an Olympic-record marathon performance,” said Tola. “The hilly course and crowds in Paris definitely prepared me well for the bridges and spectators in New York, where maybe I can go even faster this year.”

Other top runners in the men’s field include past winners Geoffrey Kamworor (2017, 2019), Albert Korir (2021) and Evans Chebet (2022), who all are from Kenya. Belgium’s Bashir Abdi won the silver

medal in Paris and is also in the race. Conner Mantz and Clayton Young, who

finished eighth and ninth in Paris, are the top American men.

Obiri of Kenya won a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics and was excited to compete in New York again.

“There’s no place like New York, and I am so ready to defend my title on what has become one of my favourite days of the year,” said Obiri. “I have been racing very well on the roads in the U.S., and I hope I can have another good day that sees me in contention once we enter the final stages in Central Park.”

The women’s field features past champions

Sharon Lokedi (2022) and Edna Kiplagat (2010) of Kenya. American standouts Des Linden, Aliphine Tuliamuk and Jenny Simpson also are competing.

Swiss Marcel Hug and Manuela Schär, who have won nine New York City marathons, headline the wheelchair fields.

The most recent man to repeat as New York City Marathon champion was Kenyan Geoffrey Mutai in 2011 and 2013. The 2012 race was cancelled because of Hurricane Sandy. Obiri will look to be the first repeat champion since Mary Keitany won three in a row from 2014-16.

Tola will look to join Kenyan Peres Jepchirchir as the only runners to win an Olympic gold and NYC marathon in the same year. Jepchirchir did so in 2021 during an eight-month stretch when she became the

“I’m excited to defend my title in New York, especially coming off an Olympic-record marathon performance. The hilly course and crowds in Paris definitely prepared me well for the bridges and spectators in New York, where maybe I can go even faster this year.” – Tamirat Tola of Ethiopia

first person to win the Olympics, New York City and Boston marathons over a career.

Stephen Kiprotich and Tiki Gelana both would have had the chance in 2012, but the race was canceled because of Superstorm Sandy. The New York City Marathon has been held since 1970 and had more

ETHIOPIA’s Tamirat Tola celebrates after crossing the finish line to win the gold medal at the end of the men’s marathon competition at the Olympics on August 10, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)

ETHIOPIA’s Tamirat Tola celebrates after crossing the finish line to win the gold medal at the end of the men’s marathon competition at the 2024 Summer Olympics on Saturday, August 10, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)

HELLEN OBIRI, of Kenya, looks at her bronze medal for the women’s marathon during the Olympics closing ceremony. (AP Photo/ Natacha Pisarenko)

THE EXCITEMENT IS BUILDING FOR CIBC CARIBBEAN’S WALK FOR THE CURE 2024

GRAND Bahama —

As excitement builds and planning continues for this year’s CIBC Caribbean Walk for the Cure (WFTC), cancer care organisations are still benefitting from the support garnered during 2023.

The Cancer Association of Grand Bahama and Grand Bahama Senior Citizens Home were recently presented with donations by CIBC Caribbean Grand Bahama representatives Quarindo Davis, the bank’s East Mall Branch senior branch manager and Renae Simms, the East Mall Branch’s customer service manager.

Jacqui Bend, CIBC Caribbean’s managing director, underscored that WFTC is “more than just a fundraiser because for many, it is a lifeline of hope.”

“In October, WFTC will again span New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco and Eleuthera - the four islands where CIBC Caribbean has a presence in The Bahamas,” she added.

Across the bank’s 11-member footprint, walk managers have been meeting with their committees and fine-tuning this year’s fundraising activities aimed at surpassing the over USD$450, 000 raised in support of cancer care and support organisations across the region last year.

In addition to donations and sponsorship, other fundraising activities held around the region include Paint for the Cure, Hike for the Cure and Golf for the Cure.

“Since its modest beginning in 2012, Walk for the Cure has raised over USD$4 million across our regional footprint.

“Every penny raised and donated has been shared among cancer care organisations and charities committed to the prevention and early detection of the disease, to education and outreach and to the care of persons with cancer and their families that are impacted,” said Mark St Hill, the bank’s chief executive officer and chair of its charitable arm, the FirstCaribbean ComTrust Foundation, which hosts the walk along with regional partners.

He praised staff members who eagerly volunteer every year to ensure the walk comes off successfully.

“Your efforts, strengthened by the scores of dedicated corporate sponsors and individual contributions, have seen us make a real difference in the lives of persons with cancer, their families and care givers. It is not an exaggeration when I say that your collective efforts have saved lives.”

a

demonstration of the bank’s commitment to the communities where they are located.

“No other activity more clearly demonstrates our commitment to our communities than Walk for the Cure which yearly attracts thousands of walkers and runners across the region.

“I am hopeful that again this year our sponsors and thousands of supporters around the region will rally to this cause, resulting in record numbers on the roads and breaking records with our fundraising as well,” she stated.

The walk began as part of the celebrations to mark the bank’s 10th anniversary in 2012 and takes place across its 11-member footprint.

The funds generated from the walk are used primarily to assist with the purchase and maintenance of equipment used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients.

They are also used to provide assistance, care and counselling to patients and their families.

In addition, to raise awareness and stress the importance of early detection through education campaigns across the region.

Donations to the walk can be made online using CIBC Caribbean’s mobile app or 1stPay Service.

Trustee of the FirstCaribbean ComTrust Foundation and director of Corporate Communications at CIBC Caribbean, Debra King said the annual event was

SHOWN, from left to right, Quarindo Davis, CIBC Caribbean senior branch manager, East Mall Branch and Agatha Thompson, founder and president, Grand Bahama Senior Citizens Home.

SHOWN, from left to right, Quarindo Davis, CIBC Caribbean senior branch manager, East Mall Branch, Marlene Ritchie-Knowles, treasurer, Cancer Association of Grand Bahama, and Renae Simms, CIBC Caribbean customer service manager, East Mall Branch.

SHOWN, from left to right, Quarindo Davis, CIBC Caribbean senior branch manager, East Mall Branch, Norma Headley, founder and president, Cancer Association of Grand Bahama, and Renae Simms, CIBC Caribbean customer service manager, East Mall Branch.

Caribbean Hoop Fest fosters camaraderie and sportsmanship

FROM PAGE 11

The 16-and-under title was claimed by Xaverian High School from New York, after an edge-ofthe-seat battle against a formidable opponent. The ultimate champions in the 19-and-under division were none other than the outstanding team from IBA, showcasing their prowess on the court. The Caribbean Hoop Fest not only celebrated the spirit of competition but also fostered camaraderie and sportsmanship among players and spectators alike. This event served as a testament to the unifying power of sports and the boundless talent present in the basketball community. With the continued expansion of tournaments, the plan is to add more divisions next year to support the basketball community locally, nationally and globally.

Photos by Nikia Charlton

Jonquel posts double double23 points and 12 rebounds - to help Libery beat Wings 94-74

NEW YORK (AP) — Breanna Stewart had 26 points and 12 rebounds, Jonquel Jones and Courtney Vandersloot also had a double-doubles, and the New York Liberty handed coach Sandy Brondello a 94-74 birthday victory over the Dallas Wings last night. Jones had 23 points and 12 rebounds and Vandersloot 15 points and 11 assists for the Liberty (24-4), who gave Brondello

four red velvet cupcakes before the game.

Kennedy Burke added 13 points off the bench in New York’s seventh-straight win, helping offset the absence of Sabrina Ionescu, who sat out with a sore neck.

Satou Sabally had 24 points for the Wings (6-21), giving her 44 in two games after missing the first 25 games of the season, before she played in the Olympics.

Arike Ogunbowale had 17 points, including 13 in the second quarter, and Natasha Howard had 13. Maddy Siegrist had six points in her return from a broken finger.

New York was up nine entering the fourth quarter when Sabally scored five quick points, pulling the Wings within 69-65, the closest they got in the second half. New York responded with a 14-0 run, seven from Jones.

The Chelsea women’s soccer team, which beat Gotham 3-1 earlier in the day, watched the game between the teams who will play again on Thursday.

Stewart had 14 points and Jones 12 as the Liberty took a 48-39 lead at the half. The Liberty had 15 assists on 19 baskets and finished with 25 on 34 makes. New York closed the first quarter with a 16-5 run and scored the first five points of the third quarter for a 31-16 lead before Ogunbowale scored her first basket. The teams traded short runs in the third quarter and finished where they started with New York up nine. Sabally kept Dallas close with 11 points while Stewart had her 12th double-double before the Liberty took a 69-60 lead into the fourth quarter.

ROADRUNNERS HEAD COACH DEXTER BODIE COMPLETES KIDS’ ATHLETICS CERTIFICATION

FROM PAGE 11

lot of theory and implementing some of the things they learned in teaching the athletes.

“You had to be able to answer questions, you had to be able to explain your answers and you had to break it down in whatever terms the lecturers asked you to do,” he pointed out.

“You also had to answer some questions on paper, which you had to answer correctly in order to score some additional points to pass the course.”

Bodie, who operates one of the most successful youth track and field programmes in the country, said he is excited about passing the course and looking forward to implementing what he learned when he starts his off-season training at the end of the month.

COACH Dexter Bodie holds his certification he earned in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Philadelphia 76ers to bring training camp to Atlantis

FROM PAGE 11

in 2022 and Fort Collins, Colorado, last season in head coach Nick Nurse’s first year on the job.

“I really put a lot of stock in training camp,” Nurse said on July 23. “I think that we’ve normally come out of training camps fast. It’s really the crux of your practice time and I would expect this to be no different. We are going to be prepared to get every ounce of time used wisely to get our guys ready to go.”

The Sixers, centred around Joel Embiid, who played on the USA team that won the gold medal at the Olympics, will be showing some new talent in their line-up, including Paul George, whom they acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers. On their return from The Bahamas, the Sixers will begin their pre-season on October 11 against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Des Moines, Iowa. Their final game will be played on October 18 in Orlando against the Magic.

Their regular season will begin on October 23 with a matchup at Wells Fargo Center against the Milwaukee Bucks as the Sixers attempt to win their first NBA title since 1983. It was the third title for one of the storied franchises, who won previous titles in 1955 and 1967, but have been to the NBA finals on nine occasions and are considered to be one of the top contenders coming out of the Eastern Conference this year. The last NBA team to host their training camp

here was the Miami Heat, who did it three times in the past decade.

Their initial trip took place in 2013 and again in 2016 at Atlantis.

But, on their last visit here in 2022, they staged their training camp at the Baha Mar Convention Center in Cable Beach, West Bay Street. The Heat also took advantage of the close proximity from Florida to The Bahamas to hold some individual team bonding here in between their training camps.

FROM PAGE 11

World Championships, Byfield said she didn’t have to put so much pressure on herself but, instead, she just enjoyed the ride.

“I don’t have that pressure on me because it was all a personal goal to keep my love for the sport going,” she pointed out.

“I would love to see other former track athletes get involved in these competitions to challenge themselves and remind themselves of what they used to love. Doing what you love just adds flavour to life, doesn’t it?”

Although she would have liked to go on and win a medal in her first two events, Byfield said she will have one last shot as she will join Timothy Munnings and Michael Armbrister as they compete in the 400m in their various age groups.

“The discomfort I experienced in the 200m yesterday almost hindered my appearance in the 400m today but I decided to show up anyway and now I am onto the semis,” Byfield said.

“Sometimes just showing up is the hardest part so I am proud of myself for being able to continuously do that, in spite of.”

Munnings has already secured the Bahamas’ first medal at the championships with his bronze in the men’s 55-and-over 200m. He will be competing in the 400m, while Armbrister, the veteran of the team, will compete in his only event in the men’s 60-and-over 400m.

As the youngest member of Team Bahamas, Byfield said her debut here has been a reality check for her because she didn’t realise that she has now become a master athlete. She said

they are all masters of their craft in track and field.

“We are just perfecting it at different levels in our lives. Being able to attend a track meet where you see people of all ages, races, and body types who are just excited about what they love and not caring about what others think, it’s an awesome experience,” she said.

“Pride is what we Bahamians need to let go of. Imagine seeing your grammy or grand daddy on the track giving it their best and everyone is just cheering for them no matter what place they are in because there is only one common goal, to finish the race that they have started.

“That is what we need in The Bahamas and not just in track and field, other sports and all areas of life. Take the age limit off because there is no age limit for greatness.”

Byfield admitted that it’s so cool watching 90 and 100-year-olds setting and breaking world records. These types of performances have been an inspiration for her and she hopes that she can now inspire others to get involved as there is no excuse except for the excuses they created themselves. “If grammy can shuffle around the track, risk breaking a bone by pole vaulting, what excuse do we have, who are so much younger and stronger?” she questioned.

TEAM EFFORT: Jonquel Jones had 23 points and 12 rebounds last night when her New York Liberty defeated the Dallas Wings 94-74.

(AP Photo)