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‘No more public details o N probe’
Commissioner says no more statements in corruption case
By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Digital Editor aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
POLICE Commis-
sioner Clayton Fernander has advised that police will not release any further statements regarding their investigation into voice notes that allegedly captured a quidpro-quo arrangement between suspects, a lawyer, and the former head of the Criminal Investigations Department. His statement comes amid public calls for more details about the status of the probe. Free National Movement chairman Dr Duane Sands recently criticised the police
ministeR pRomises gR a Dual Decline on elect Ricity Bills
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS
Staff Reporter
lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
ENERGY Minister
JoBeth Coleby-Davis said Bahamians can expect a gradual decline in their electricity bills as efforts continue to introduce cleaner, cheaper fuel and more efficient generators. Her comments follow public complaints about high electricity costs despite the new Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) rate structure, which took effect on July 1. Under the revised plan, residents no longer pay for the first 200 kWh of electricity used each month, eliminating the previous
‘RBDF t Roops in pRe- Deployment
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
FOREIGN Affairs
Minister Fred Mitchell said Bahamian troops are currently in the predeployment phase for their mission to Haiti and added that their specific role will be determined once all agreements are finalised.
“At this point we are in pre-deployment phase,” he said. “We have been asked to provide the management
phase FoR h aiti’
talent and there is a certain number of people that will go. When all the agreements are worked out, we will know what the specific role of our troops will be,” he said. Due to security concerns in Port-au-Prince and ongoing negotiations with Haiti and Kenya, he said specific details will be limited.
He added: “I can’t say
Bpl outages
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter
jrussell@tribunemedia.net
RESIDENTS in several areas of New Providence will experience power outages today as Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) conducts overhead maintenance, according to Energy and Transport Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis yesterday.
BPL announced the planned outages on its Facebook page, listing areas including Marathon Road,
in nassau toDay, says ministeR pinDeR: miDDle gRounD FounD on canna Bis’ Religious use
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder says there has been “constant communication on the cannabis bills” after reports that the Rastafarian community is considering legal action on the issue.
Mr Pinder said last night the government believes it has “established an appropriate middle ground on how we will treat religious use like marijuana and cannabis in the framework”.
‘No more public details on probe’
for their silence on the case, expressing concern that the investigation lacks the urgency and sincerity necessary 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 didn’t do so as scheduled.
Ahead of yesterday’s statement, police officials did not respond to requests for comments on the reason for the delay or provide a new arrival date.
“It is announced for general public information that, upon advice and in order not to compromise the investigation into the voice notes with regard to the former Head of the Criminal Investigations Department, there will be no further public statements about the investigation until the investigation is complete, except to confirm from time to time that the investigation is still ongoing,” Mr Fernander said in a statement.
He added: “The public
is assured that the investigation is proceeding with integrity and dispatch.”
In a statement yesterday, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe expressed confidence in the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s Security and Intelligence unit, saying he was assured they would investigate the allegations with “probity and expedition”.
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.
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 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, CID’s former head, has taken garden leave as authorities investigate.
‘RBDF troops in pre-deployment phase for Haiti’
from page one
when the pre-deployment phase will be wrapped up. I know they asked us if we can get our people in on the management side as quickly as possible.”
Mr Mitchell said an operational forward base has been secured, and Bahamian troops will need to familiarise themselves with operational procedures.
“There will be a requirement for Bahamians to go in the pre-deployment phase to get acclimated to the decision-making processes of the Kenyans, who are taking lead on this, and also to do some further risk assessment of
the role they will be playing. That is not finally decided, but in this predeployment stage it is important for us to get in operationally at the top. That is what is being done in the next few weeks,” he continued.
He confirmed that the overall mission remains the same, with the government still committed to deploying 150 defence officers to Haiti.
Mr Mitchell added that the Status of Forces Agreements (SOFAs) still need to be signed to ensure legal protections for the troops. Issues such as immunities, conduct, and use of force must be resolved, with the from page one
July collections up, but ‘we have to do a lot more’, says DIR chief
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
THE Department of Inland Revenue has collected $16m more than its tax target for July.
Acting director Shunda Strachan said the department budgeted $138m in collections for July but collected approximately $154m from real property tax and business licence fees collections.
Ms Strachan gave an update on tax collections during yesterday’s Office of the Prime Minister press briefing.
“So our budget for July was $138m and we brought in around $154m. So we’re so far first month out of the gate above target, which is a good thing.”
However, she admitted the department fell slightly short of its revenue goal last year, though it was still above previous totals.
“So the revenue goals or the forecast, they are not easy goals and they require
us doing different things. So for us to meet that $1.6 billion goal, it was $1.3(billion) last year. It wasn’t even in the billions the year before that, and so the goals keep getting steeper and steeper, which means we have to do a whole lot more.”
She revealed there were other large enterprises like Sandals that owe government in taxes, but could not say how much is owed. However, she maintained the plan is to still pursue the resort for $30.8m in back taxes.
Sandals is disputing assertions by the Bahamian tax authorities that its Emerald Bay resort only reported 40 percent of revenues earned as it defended its one-of-akind “business model”.
The department’s audit findings, which covered six years between 2017 and 2022, claimed the tax arrears had arisen because Sandals Emerald Bay and its operator, Clearview Management Ltd, had under-reported gross revenue income for the period by more than $284m.
Bahamas Attorney General’s office working swiftly with Haitian authorities and Kenyan officials to finalise these agreements.
The current focus is on deploying management personnel to begin their engagement, which is why it is termed the predeployment phase.
Mr Mitchell also discussed the recent visit of the CARICOM Eminent Persons Group to Haiti, where they spent ten days working to improve conditions.
The delegation included former Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding and former Saint Lucian Prime Minister Kenny Anthony, supported by a team from the Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs and security provided by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. Former Prime Minister Perry Christie was absent due to his recent hospitalisation.
According to Mr Mitchell, most people are “pleased” with the Haiti’s current direction.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell
Police coMMissioner clayton Fernander
PM to meet with regulators to ‘neutralise any conflicts’ with regard to bank fees
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
PRIME Minister Philip
“Brave” Davis plans to meet with regulators to find a balanced approach and “neutralise any conflicts” regarding commercial bank fees.
Acting press secretary
Keishla Adderley said this meeting is part of ongoing discussions, as the government frequently engages with banks to encourage their participation in the economy and address consumer needs.
During a press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday, Ms Adderley
said the prime minister has noted “with interest” the ongoing debate about the justification of banking fees.
“Again, nobody wants the banking sector to be unhappy, but the government is also very concerned about making sure consumers are safeguarded. So those discussions will get to the nitty gritty.”
“Of course, the industry is something that’s always changing. Perhaps that’s a discussion that will have to be had and explain what the implications are, and, you know, just sort of justify whether these fees should be put in place and what it will mean for the business.”
“So we you can come to
an understanding of what is needed, what is not, what may be too burdensome. Is this taking advantage? All of those angles will be discussed and we will take it from there.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell previously urged the Central Bank to take a more proactive stance in regulating these fees, citing the successful example of the Central Bank of Barbados.
Gowon Bowe, chairman of the Clearing Banks Association, expressed concern that regulating bank fees and services could push the country towards a “communist state,” describing it as a “very slippery slope.”
Minister promises gradual decline on electricity bills
from page one
charge of 10.95 cents per kWh. This change results in a monthly savings of $21.90, and the fuel charge has been reduced by 2.5 cents per kWh for the first 800 kWh.
Yesterday, Mrs ColebyDavis addressed concerns from many consumers who have inquired about their bills, expressing worries about rising costs.
She said her ministry has reviewed these concerns and advise consumers to check the bar charts on their bills, which display energy usage and consumption over the past 12 months.
These charts help users understand fluctuations in their bills due to seasonal changes.
“During cooler months, you will typically see lower usage and bills,”
Mrs Coleby-Davis told reporters yesterday.
“Conversely, in hotter months, increased air conditioning use can lead to higher energy consumption and costs. For example, one case showed a usage of 1,642 kWh in June with a bill of $720 and a usage of 1,978 kWh in July with a bill of $706. This indicates that while usage increased, the cost did not rise as significantly as it might have under the previous rate structure.” She also noted that while some bills have decreased, there are cases where higher usage did not lead to a proportional increase in costs.
Nonetheless, Mrs Coleby-Davis assured that officials are working to further reduce electricity costs and promote energy conservation.
She had previously said energy costs should decrease over time due to efficiency upgrades at BPL, including the installation of a new HFO boiler at Clifton Pier and two new 30MW LNGburning units.
“We are going to have gradual declines throughout the coming months because we are working on bringing in cleaner fuel, cheaper fuel, and more efficient generators,” Mrs Coleby-Davis added. “It will be a gradual decline that we hope to see. But sometimes it happens in the timeline you wish, and sometimes it doesn’t.”
The government’s equity rate adjustment will be in effect until the comprehensive tariff review is completed and approved by the government and URCA.
BPL Outages ex Pected in nassau tOday fOr rePairs
from page one
Carmichael Road, Southern Shores, and London Terrace among those affected. Yesterday, outages were scheduled to occur in Prince Charles, Nassau East South, Farrington Road, and on Bimini.
The planned outages are necessary for BPL to carry out overhead maintenance. Some areas require tree trimming, while others need equipment upgrades or line maintenance.
Mrs Coleby-Davis said the overhead maintenance exercise is crucial because
many areas with power sources have not been maintained properly over the years.
She noted concerns in the past about sparked wires or trees coming into contact with electrical wires.
“We’re working in updating and upgrading our maintenance programme at BPL,” she told reporters after a tour at CH Reeves yesterday. “So that we can ensure that we’re able to address these situations right away, as opposed to having such a long extension for maintenance, and
then when we have real issues, real problems, it causes frustration on the consumers.”
“The importance now is we put out that detail of planned maintenance and advised persons that there will be some electricity turned off during the time that we are maintaining but after the maintenance it’s right away back on.”
The energy minister emphasised how updating consumers about planned outages is needed to assist with clear communication and understanding of what’s happening.
Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis
minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis speaks with reporters while touring the solar panel project at C H Reeves High School yesterday.
Photo: Chappell Whyms Jr
Pinder: Middle ground found on cannabis’ religious use
from page one
Reportedly, the Rastafarian community are against the provision of the bill which outlines the religious use of cannabis which states “an organisation of the Rastafarian faith or a person who is responsible for the administration or management of a place of worship of the Rastafarian faith may apply to the authority for a religious organisation licence to distribute cannabis to members for use as a sacrament in an assembly of or in association with other Rastafarians in a place of worship in accordance with the provisions of this act”.
The Rastafarian community say that no faith pays or has to register to use their sacrament.
A Rastafarian leader, speaking anonymously, confirmed the community recently held a fundraiser cookout to raise funds for legal counsel.
Mr Pinder told The Tribune the Rastafarian community had requested representation on the cannabis authority, a regulatory body that will oversee the
cannabis industry in the Bahamas.
In response to their request, he noted: “We complied with that and amended the bills to ensure that they have their say on the regulator and on the authority as well.”
Regarding the timeline for the cannabis industry’s implementation, Mr Pinder stated that the cannabis authority is expected to be appointed in September, with its members approved by the Cabinet.
“Once we bring them into force, then we appoint the cannabis authority, which is the regulatory body. Cabinet will approve the membership. The membership, or the criteria for membership, are set forth in the legislation,” he said, adding that the authority will work throughout the remainder of the year to establish the necessary regulatory framework, policies, and procedures, aiming to issue licences by early 2025.
Senator Pinder also acknowledged the right of the Rastafarian community to review their legal options but remained confident in
the government’s approach to the legislation.
“Certainly, they have every right to review their legal rights with respect to the framework that we propose,” he stated.
Earlier this week, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Jomo Campbell acknowledged concerns from the Rastafarian community stating that the Office of the Attorney General will address them sometime this week.
Mr Campbell also revealed his ministry moved to secure approximately 25 acres for qualified participants in the medical marijuana industry.
He confirmed ongoing discussions with Health Minister Dr Michael Darville and Mr Pinder, with plans to meet again soon to finalise the establishment of the regulatory authority for the cannabis industry.
As the government moves forward with the cannabis legislation, it remains to be seen whether the concerns of the Rastafarian community will be fully addressed as they remain doubtful that the proposed framework will meet their needs.
CH Reeves High School latest public school to be solarised
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
ENERGY Minister
JoBeth Coleby-Davis announced the installation of over 100 solar panels valued at $127,000 at CH Reeves Junior High School.
CH Reeves is the latest school to have solar panels installed, following similar upgrades at Doris Johnson Senior High School, TG Glover Primary School, and CV Bethel Senior High School over the past two years. The University of The Bahamas and CI Gibson Senior High School are next on the list, according to Mrs Coleby-Davis.
The solar project, which began three weeks ago, is expected to be completed before students return in the first week of September.
“When the installation is complete, we will be able to assess the energy generated through documented reports and receive updates from the Ministry of Education regarding savings and cost reductions in electricity for this school,” Mrs Coleby-Davis said during a school tour.
She added, “We’ve already seen substantial savings in three other schools. Since these schools use electricity during peak sunlight hours, we anticipate similar benefits here. We are excited to see how this will further our goal of reducing electricity costs while enhancing student education.”
Mrs Coleby-Davis also highlighted plans to integrate renewable energy technology into more public schools, providing students with valuable learning opportunities about the sector. While she could not confirm if the solar panels will power the entire school, she emphasised that the initiative aims to maximise solar energy use during peak hours, reducing grid dependence and fully utilising the power generated. This initiative sets a new standard for incorporating renewable energy into everyday school operations, demonstrating how schools can leverage solar power to foster a greater understanding of sustainability among students. Anotech is the company managing the project.
Drone photo shows installed solar panels on CH Reeves High School.
Photo: Anthon Thompson
ATTorney GenerAl ryAn PinDer
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“Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”
LEON E. H. DUPUCH
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Why the about face on transparency?
EARLIER this week in this column, we reported on the need for transparency to ensure public confidence in the police probe into allegations of corruption. Yesterday, we got the answer to that call.
Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander advised that there will be no further statements regarding the investigation, other than to note that it is still ongoing. This will be the case until the investigation is complete.
Meanwhile, Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe said that following the statement that he defers to the judgement of the Royal Bahamas Police Force “in exercising their constitutional function”.
He added: “I reiterate my confidence in the Security and Intelligence Branch’s ability, competence, and professionalism to conduct this investigation with probity and expedition.”
Previously, it had been announced that international investigators from the UK would be arriving to play a role in the investigation. That arrival appears to have been delayed. When asked for comment on the reasons for that delay, or a new arrival date, the police force did not respond.
When this investigation was launched, Commissioner Fernander had this to say: “The Royal Bahamas Police Force remains dedicated to transparency, accountability, and the trust placed in us by the Bahamian people. We will continue to provide updates as the investigation progresses and ensure that appropriate actions are taken based on the findings.”
Yesterday’s about-turn on such a promise came with an explanation that it was “upon advice”.
Quite who the advice came from was not explained.
Police said that the decision was “in order not to compromise the investigation”.
Commissioner Fernander said that
the investigation “is proceeding with integrity and dispatch”.
We are now in a position where a police investigation into police corruption will provide no further public updates and, it would seem, we simply have to take the police force’s word for it that it is progressing at pace, and that we cannot even find out when the promised international investigators will be in the country.
This is the exact opposite of what will provide public confidence.
It is also the exact opposite of what the commissioner himself promised at the start of the investigation.
There have been calls for more transparency.
Former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has called for a commission of inquiry into the matter, calls that have been opposed by Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell.
Free National Movement chairman Dr Duane Sands has criticised the police for silence on the case – but it would seem he is as likely to get an answer from the force on the status of the investigation as any of the rest of us now.
Without transparency, there is little to provide accountability or to ensure that the investigation progresses apace from an external point of view.
Should the investigation end in an absence of charges or disciplinary measures, what then? We simply accept that everything was done and nothing was found to be wrong? Innocence is of course the presumption in all cases – and that may well be the finding, but for it to emerge privately and be taken on trust is asking for a lot of faith from the public. A reminder for justice to be done it must also be seen to be done. Whether that leads to innocence or guilt is a different matter, but it is exactly why the transparency of the investigation is important.
But we have our answer. Transparency is no longer being offered.
No reason to applaud exam results
EDITOR, The Tribune. PUBLIC Examination results…just how can any official of Ministry of Education keep a straight face and try to tell us ‘we’re improving?’ Since 1967, the tax payers through the Treasury have spent billions and any rational fair analysis would say... not a good investment... yes some singular success but on
average a ‘C-’ after 50 plus years. Schools are still never repaired ready. Just why can’t renovations happen year-round is totally beyond me except the colonials taught us that so we obey!
Truancy. How bad is it as in COVID and after it is reported to have reached an unacceptable level and guess what it took a lot
Picture of the day
Have a cool, fun, interesting, amazing photo? Have it featured here in The Tribune’s picture of the day! Email your high quality image to pictureoftheday@tribunemedia.net
to chase them down... must ask where were the parents - parent - guardians - where were the ministry and basic head teachers? If with urgency, we don’t correct third-world status will be nothing. Wake up... can’t officials hold a straight face an accept ‘C+ C-’ are failing grades?
STEPHEN MOSS Nassau, August 21, 2024.
EDITOR, The Tribune
I READ in your paper that the chairman of the clearing banks advised against the regulation of bank fees. In my opinion this man does not care about the Bahamian people who are being strangled by ridiculous fees. One bank’s credit card late fee and over the limit fee is so high, when they are combined they are equivalent to an actual payment. This same bank offers no interest on savings but charges ridiculous fees for everything.
Yet the chairman of the clearing banks says regulating banks is “a slippery slope”. He nor the government in my opinion cares about the average Bahamian who is struggling to survive in this country.
What is a slippery slope is trying to find a reasonable place to rent in a decent area or having a budget of 150 dollars to buy grocery for a month.
Why is the government happy to regulate gasoline and propane prices… They refuse to let Bahamian owners of these businesses raise these prices so that they can meet their overhead expenses. Bahamians can understand a reasonable increase for these services because they are long overdue.
Banks on the other hand consistently increase their fees and offer nothing in return. They make large sums of money from
Banks nor govt care about us Consider
the exorbitant interest rates on their loans and yet want to add high fees for simple services.
The chairman of the clearing banks in my opinion is simply looking out for the industry with which he is affiliated.
Very few people have the guts or integrity to speak up for what is right even if it means going against the majority or people they know.
When are Bahamians going to rise up and speak up against the poor treatment we receive?
When is this government going to actually do something that benefits the average Bahamian?
Why are they allowing banks to do as they please when it is us the people that keep them in business?
I have yet to see any sign that this government or many of the people who hold high office in any industry, who have the power to make changes that will help everyday Bahamians do anything that actually matters
Most of these people are paid well and are content because all is well in their lives and in the lives of their family members.
Is there any individual who falls in this category who is willing to rise up and say let us do this and that to help the people in
a meaningful way?
Money is wasted on trips for government officials and digging up roads and paying consultants while teachers and nurses are given salary increases of 100 dollars. Can we give them an increase that they can actually do something with?
How about a four hundred dollar a month increase at one time and then decrease the number of consultants and trips and the amount of money spent renovating homes for ambassadors and those in similar positions.
How about we not buy a bunch of tablets or install swimming pools but instead hire reading specialists and place them in the schools according to the number of non readers and low level readers in a particular school. Why don’t we go solar to help our people and lower light bills instead of continuing to buy fuel from a particular company in which certain Bahamians have a great interest?
The answer is that no one truly cares enough to do what really needs to be done. This is why our country is suffering morally, spiritually, financially, academically and in every other way. The game will continue to be played until the next election.
A BAHAMIAN WHO SEES Nassau, August 18, 2024.
Emily, a new born Rothschild’s Giraffe, born on Aug. 11, 2024. stands in front of her mother Katharina, during a name giving event at the Tierpark zoo in Berlin, Germany, yesterday.
Photo: markus Schreiber/AP
Teen charged in armed robbery which ended in shootout with police
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A 16-year-old male was remanded yesterday after allegedly robbing a Popeye’s Restaurant on Mackey Street at gunpoint in an incident that ended in a gun battle with an officer last week.
Senior Magistrate Algernon Allen Jr arraigned the teenage defendant, whose name is being withheld due to his age, on charges of armed robbery, possession of an unlicenced firearm, and possession of ammunition.
The juvenile’s guardians were present during his arraignment.
The defendant and an accomplice, both armed with handguns, allegedly robbed the cashier of $800 in cash after seizing two cash register tins valued at $200 as restaurant employees fled at 8pm on August 12.
As the suspects attempted to escape, they reportedly engaged in a firefight with an officer at
the scene before making their getaway. No one was injured in the incident. The defendant was allegedly found with a black Smith & Wesson Springfield .40 pistol and 12 rounds of ammunition after being stopped and searched on Deanza Close at 7pm on August 16. He pleaded not guilty to both firearm charges but was informed that the armed robbery charge would proceed to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).
Magistrate Allen denied bail for the firearm charges but informed the juvenile of his right to reapply for bail through the higher court. The defendant will be remanded to the adolescent unit of the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his gun trial begins on October 9. The VBI is set to be served on January 30, 2025. Before being taken into remand, the defendant was allowed an emotional moment with relatives in court.
Woman accused of harming husband in domestic dispute
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A WOMAN accused of harming her husband in an alleged domestic dispute last month was granted bail yesterday.
Senior Magistrate Shaka Serville arraigned 41-yearold Sharez Boyd on a charge of causing harm.
Boyd allegedly injured her husband, Welton Boyd, during a verbal altercation on July 26 in New Providence.
After pleading not guilty to the charge, her bail was set at $1,000 with one or two sureties.
Boyd’s trial is scheduled to begin on August 29. Inspector Deon Barr served as the prosecutor.
accused of assault W ith shotgun
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter
pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was granted bail yesterday after being accused of assaulting someone with a shotgun on Prince Charles Drive earlier this month.
Senior Magistrate Shaka Serville arraigned 23-year-old Nicholas Brooks on a charge of assault with a dangerous instrument.
Brooks allegedly assaulted Vasco Brooks with a shotgun during an altercation at 8.20pm on August 10.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge. His bail was set at $2,500 with one or two sureties.
Brooks is scheduled to return for trial on November 1.
Inspector Deon Barr served as the prosecutor.
fined $18k for drug possession
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was fined $18,000 yesterday after police found a large quantity of marijuana in his car and at his home last week.
Senior Magistrate Raquel Whyms arraigned 29-yearold Kristian Williamson on two counts of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply and possession of dangerous drugs. Williamson was reportedly found with a quantity of drugs in his vehicle, parked at West Bay Street beach at 6pm on August 20. Later that day, police discovered more drugs during a search of his residence. In total, police confiscated 17.6lb of marijuana and 25g of hashish during the bust. The marijuana has an estimated street value of $17,600. Williamson pleaded guilty to all charges. Magistrate Whyms fined him $18,000, with a default sentence of 18 months in prison if unpaid. Additionally, Williamson was placed on a two-year probation. He was told that failure to comply would result in a seven-month prison term. He is scheduled to return to court next February.
BAMSI expecting landmark year as it celebrates 10th
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
THE Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) is gearing up for a landmark academic year as it celebrates its 10th anniversary.
As BAMSI prepares to welcome a new cohort of students, the institution is solidifying its position as a leader in agricultural and marine science education in The Bahamas.
BAMSI president Dr Raveenia Roberts-Hanna expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming year.
“We are expecting over 100 students and counting, as registration is still ongoing. They will be joining our campus this coming Monday, August 26, our move-in day,” she said.
This academic year marks several milestones for BAMSI, including the full occupation of all its buildings and spaces, according to Dr Roberts-Hanna.
“We’ve also acquired container farms as well as aerial and underwater drones. So all of these new activities will be incorporated into our curriculum.
I’m expecting a very exciting academic year,” Dr Roberts-Hanna added.
She explained, “We are making plans for the construction of newer
anniversary
buildings, which will include additional specialty labs, office spaces, and classroom spaces.”
She confirmed that the campus spaces are ready for use and revealed that BAMSI has initiated plans for campus expansion.
This year’s registration numbers have significantly increased compared to previous years, which Dr Roberts-Hanna attributes to growing awareness of the importance of food security in The Bahamas.
“We find an uptick in registration. People now understand the importance of food security for The Bahamas, and we are
getting an increase in registration for both our online and face-to-face courses,” she said.
In April, a forest fire on Andros reportedly caused damage to fruit-bearing crops, livestock pastures, and bee hives. However, Dr Roberts-Hanna clarified: “We didn’t lose any fruit-bearing crops or anything like that. Those fields have already recovered, and we’ve started planting our winter crops. You can expect a lot of good things from BAMSI this year.”
When asked about the cost of the expansion project, Dr Roberts-Hanna said no figure has been set yet.
BAMSI has also made significant strides in technology and innovation. The institute has acquired container farms and drones, both aerial and underwater, which will be integrated into student training.
“We’ve had faculty attend a national certification in drone piloting and analysis under the Ministry of Agriculture, so we have certified drone pilots for this project,” Dr RobertsHanna added.
The BAMSI faculty comprises local and global experts, aiming to produce “globally conscious students”.
Container farms arrive at BAMSI as they gear up for an ‘exciting’ academic year ahead.
The power of non-profits
“So, what do you want to be when you grow up?”
In the United States, and I am sure in The Bahamas as well, many children are asked this question early in their academic careers. When I was growing up, the answers were always more similar than not: a teacher, a doctor, or a firefighter mixed in with the occasional astronaut, movie star, or professional athlete.
Several years ago, I was shocked to read that a survey showed that 54 percent of American youth and adults aged 13-38 would choose a very different career path from those my friends and I would have selected years earlier: influencer. Yes, that’s right. not a doctor, not a lawyer, not a professional athlete, but a YouTuber.
For several years now, I have served as a Professor of Practice in non-profit Leadership at Clemson University in addition to my work with One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF). I typically teach 100 students each semester the basics of establishing and managing a non-profit in the US. Students represent all different majors, and I am sure that many of these highly intelligent and driven students will be launching their own non-profits down the road.
By
Lane Glazer
I agreed to serve in this teaching capacity because I know the important role that non-profits fill in my country. Since the late 18th century, nonprofits in the US have led the way in addressing societal challenges that the for-profit and governmental sectors are not well suited to tackle. Today, thousands of non-profits provide many essential services and support to our communities. From an economic impact, the US non-profit sector accounts for 5.6 percent of US GDP while contributing $1.4 trillion to the overall economy. nearly 13 million Americans are employed by a non-profit.
At the beginning of each semester, I tell students that I am teaching nonprofit Leadership because I believe in the power of nonprofits in our communities and world. At the end of each semester, I challenge my students to consider how they can support the
sector as a part of their life as they move into the workforce. Using the image of concentric circles, I talk about the different levels of participation in the nonprofit sector that they might pursue in the years to come. I offer this same advice to students and people of all ages in The Bahamas looking to contribute to the positive growth and wellbeing of their communities and country. My first recommendation is to volunteer. If you have never dabbled in the non-profit world, start out
by volunteering for a few hours per week somewhere. Choose a passion that you have – feeding, mentoring, or housing people, for example - and contact a local non-profit doing work in this area. These organisations will be thrilled that you reached out, and you will be blessed more than you can imagine as you serve several days a week or even a few hours. Don’t underestimate the impact your time and talent can bring to an organisation where understaffing and financial constraints are a very real challenge.
Consider becoming a donor. As you grow in your service to the non-profit sector, the next step is to become a regular donor to one or more non-profits to aid their work. The monthly donation does not need to be great. The non-profit of your choosing will be grateful, and your ongoing, reliable financial support will fuel their respective missions.
The next step in your service may come if you agree to serve on the Board of Directors for a non-profit. non-profits are always looking for gifted and talented people willing to serve as board members. Board members typically serve in an oversight role while also assisting the executive director in fundraising for the non-profit. This support is crucial to the stability and longevity of the organisation.
If you follow in my footsteps, you may choose to become an officer or employee and work for a non-profit one day. While I loved my 13 years in the for-profit world, where I worked as a CPA and private banker, these last nearly 25 years working in the non-profit sector have been the most fulfilling. They have contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth, exposure, and network. Because we are constantly growing and evolving in our pursuit of purpose, meaning, and happiness, you can ask yourself the same question I started this article with at any phase of life. Over the last four decades, I have answered that question in many different ways: business executive, pastor, chaplain, nonprofit executive, and professor. While my path has seemed more circuitous than not, there has been a thread that ties all of my experiences together: giving back to my community and serving a higher purpose through my non-profit work. While the US non-profit sector is much larger and more developed than in The Bahamas, this sector continues to grow exponentially each year in The Commonwealth. An integral part of this growth is the willingness of gifted and talented Bahamians like you to give their time, talents, and treasure to
support local nonprofits of their choosing. I encourage you to get involved. Our world needs fewer people interested in being influencers and more people interested in influencing their neighborhoods and communities through service. I have no doubt that you will be blessed as you seek to uplift and serve your community and nation!
• A former CPA and private banker, Lane is a native of Charleston but now makes his home in Clemson, South Carolina with his wife Anne. An ordained United Methodist minister, Lane has served as president for OEF-US since its inception in 2016. He is also Professor of Practice at Clemson University, teaching in the area of non-profit leadership. Established in 2012, the One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) is a nonprofit organisation located in Rock Sound, Eleuthera. For more information, visit www.oneeleuthera.org or email info@oneeleuthera. org. The Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI) is the first and only postsecondary, non-profit education and training institution and social enterprise on Eleuthera. CTI operates a student training campus in Rock Sound, Eleuthera, with a 16-room training hotel, restaurant and farm. For more information about CTI’s programmes, email info@oneeleuthera.org.
of One Eleuthera Foundation
Lane GLazer
VoLunteers at One Eleuthera Foundation’s free Learn to Swim Summer Camp.
VoLunteers serVinG with a smiLe
The best lens doesn’t come in a box with a price tag
The world’s most expensive camera lens, the Leica Apto-telyt-R 1600 5.6, is valued at a whopping $2m. One report places its value even higher, at $2.6m. The lens is just under four feet long and is so heavy and protection-dependent that it must be transported by trolley. At that price, it is easy to understand why demand is hardly overwhelming, Only two have been sold, one to the Sheilkof Qatar who had a Mercedes built specially to carry the lens safely.
For any photographer, Leica and hasselblad camera equipment are to photography what the Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Ferrari and McLaren all rolled into one would be to a car enthusiast. They’ve been top tier competitors in the rarefied air of capturing life in split second doses, recording it and holding it in stills till the last person wearies of seeing it.
In The Bahamas, the late great photographer Antoine Ferrier who produced the most memorable portraits of the nation’s high and mighty and with equal drama told the story of the less fortunate in black and white, had a hasselblad. In the years when photography was a big part of my life, one of my most precious memories was an aging Antoine letting me hold the hasselblad so I could peer through its upside-down view of the world before it. To this day, how it works is still as much a mystery to me as how radio waves carry sound. The technology has
By Diane Phillips
advanced so much. The same device that allows us to reach a friend in the middle of a desert in Africa, puts the world at our fingertips or finishes our sentences serves as our own personal camera. We take it for granted until we hear of a single lens that costs more than it would cost to build a small school or hospital. Maybe it can focus in so sharply on a face that it can spot a pimple before it has burst through the skin or distinguish between the shades of colour on a Dendrobium that we would normally just think of as a purple orchid.
For decades, the hubble was the largest telescope, letting researchers peer into the unknown worlds of the sky. While the hubble remains the Leica of telescopes, a new Swedish lens allows even greater vision than the millions of light years away. even a single light year – the distance light travels in a year – is hard to fathom. But science is never satisfied, always looking for the next envelope to push, open and help make sense of the universe.
Our Own lens
These are but examples of what the finest, most powerful lenses in the world
can do, lenses so strong and expensive that it is said that even the most successful hollywood producer chooses to rent rather than own top of the line photographic equipment. We may never hold a basic hasselblad or Leica, let alone see or touch its new $2m-plus extraordinary lens. I once had a 35 Nikon 16 mm wide angle lens. It cost $450 and was the shining star of my overstuffed camera bag. Just pulling it out of its case gave me a sense of self-worth from owning something so special. Then one day, it was stolen when I was shooting Janet Jackson at the Straw Market for AP. I put the bag down to change film (yes, we had film in the 90s). When I turned to pick up the lens case, it was gone. The job probably paid $35. I never replaced that lens. Not long after that incident, a burglar broke into my office and stole my entire photography equipment collection along with other goods I had been gathering for a school fair. Distraught beyond words, I gave away the last rolls of film and put down the few pieces of equipment left behind, a tripod, some lens caps, a few old lenses, and turned to words alone, hoping to
paint a picture that told the beginning, middle and end of a story. There were others who could do a better job than I had in photography. I was hoping I could do a better job with words.
Creating the view
Years passed. I continued to focus on words and often massaged them to draw attention to ethical or environmental issues that mattered.
Lately though, I have been thinking a lot about lenses – not the kind you buy, but the lens through which you see life. My older daughter reminded me of this, and I am grateful.
You see, we don’t need a $2m viewer or even a 16mm Nikon wide angle. The lens we wake up with is what shapes our day. We can choose to see the morning light through a soft and silvery lens, a happy place. Or we can don a look at the
same sky and seem gloom and sadness, We can make the midday lens narrow and focused or choose a broad look at what remains to be done. We can greet the sunset with a sense of achievement or disillusionment. happy, sad, fast, slow, eager, dread, excitement, fear. emotions that shape the lens through which we see what lies in our view.
The lens we need cannot be found in a store. It does not come in a box, nor is it stored in a case, It rests in our minds, our hearts, our spirit, waiting patiently and silently for us to decide what lens through which we choose to see the world.
It’s really that simple.
PeaCemaker
COrreCtiOn
In last week’s column, I included a small piece about Peacemaker, an abandoned fibreglass sailboat in Montagu Bay and indicated that BASRA had towed it out
to a safer distance from shore. It was not BASRA that towed the vessel and I do apologise to Chris Lloyd and BASRA for the error. Now, whoever has been moving the stripped vessel around the harbour is as much of a mystery as the boat itself. But what is not in doubt is that should a strong north wind blow, either from east or west, Peacemaker is going to be a troublemaker blowing onto shore, being tossed about in the winds and waves and damaging homes or individuals. The Port Department has been advised. It is time to stop pointing fingers and whoever is the responsible party, take action, The owner who sailed into The Bahamas onboard Peacemaker died several years ago. I do not know any other legal action that may be involved, but I do know that many residents have expressed deep concerns and what-if fears.
The Leica Apto-telyt-R 1600 5.6 (above) is the world’s most expensive camera lens at $2m. Only two of these lens are owned, one by Sheilkof Qatar (top right) who had a special Mercedes (botom right) built just to safely carry the lens.
Peacemaker sailboat
Walz brings an ‘everyman’ appeal as Harris’ VP choice
Chi Cago, illinois
In one of the thousands of chance meetings that are the lifeblood of a gathering like the Democratic national Convention that continued yesterday, a couple of reporters from Wisconsin’s largest circulation daily newspaper, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, were talking about the Democratic ticket. A delegate from Florida overheard their conversation, approached them, and inquired about Tim Walz.
The Floridian asked if Kamala Harris’s choice of the Minnesota governor as her vice-presidential running mate gives her an edge with voters in Wisconsin, just next door.
The reporters smiled, and one of them answered. “not really. We Wisconsinites are fond of Minnesotans, don’t get me wrong. But no. Voters in Wisconsin aren’t going to give the Democratic ticket any special favors because Walz is from Minnesota. We’re like a lot of Midwesterners. We tend to take stock of people and judge them as individuals.” nevertheless, the prospective appeal of Walz, in many respects a quintessential Midwesterner, in the key states of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, had to be a major factor in his choice as Harris’s election partner. Bluff, outspoken and friendly, Walz looks and talks like someone from America’s heartland. He projects the kind of unscripted spontaneity that characterises his region. Fresh from a successful rally in neighboring Milwaukee the previous evening, Walz took the stage on Wednesday as the featured speaker for the evening. He appeared at 10: 20pm Eastern time, and while he was far from the most dazzling speaker on this night, he definitely did deliver what the Harris campaign expects from him.
“neighbours look after each other; Donald Trump doesn’t,” Walz repeated to thunderous applause. And he used a couple of his other now-familiar lines: “The Republican ticket (of Trump and JD Vance) is weird – but they’re also wrong about the issues, and they’re dangerous.” And, finally: “Out here in the Midwest, we have a
STATESIDE
kind of golden rule – Mind your own damn business!” He was referring mostly to the Republican push to circumscribe women’s reproductive rights. Walz is a sympathetic everyman. He is clearly eager to adopt the attack dog stance that many presidential candidates, certainly including Kamala Harris, prefer in their running mate. But some cracks in the wall of praise for Walz are appearing.
For example, he keeps hammering at his opposite number JD Vance for “going off to Yale”. A couple of things about that. Vance went “off to Yale” to attend its law school, which is among the very most selective in the US. Vance got his bachelor’s degree not in the Ivy League but from Ohio State, where he graduated summa cum laude.
Bill and Hillary Clinton both attended Yale Law School. That’s where they met. So the “elite tag” isn’t accurate or very likely to be effective. And if Walz persists, he risks looking foolish.
Secondly, Minnesota’s senior senator Amy Klobuchar, who introduced Walz on Wednesday evening as the “plaid dad”, actually did go off to Yale, as an undergraduate. So did many of the leaders of both American political parties. Vance may have turned into Trump’s own attack dog for this campaign, and his behaviour doesn’t bespeak a surpassing intellect. But he has earned what he presently enjoys. Walz is going off the rails if he persists with this line of attack.
And by comparison with the true oratorical superstars on the DnC stage on Wednesday evening, Walz frankly falls short.
Consider the Democratic line-up: TV and culture goddess Oprah Winfrey. Former president Bill Clinton. Transportation Secretary and media darling
Pete Buttigieg. Hard-charging Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro. Future presidential candidate and present Maryland governor Wes Moore. House of Representatives minority leader Hakeem Jeffries of new York. Former Speaker of the House nancy Pelosi.
Clever Saturday night Live star Keenan Thompson, who trotted out the now-infamous Project 2025 that outlines possible GOP strategies for a second Trump administration and is actually scary. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who was the first Muslim elected to the House of Representatives, assured the crowd that antiZionists are “heard” by Harris and Walz.
Except for Buttigieg and Pelosi, every one of these personalities outshone Walz. Buttigieg, looking youngish and a bit dorky, had a couple of good lines (“my life choices have moved from impossible to possible to real to, maybe, ordinary”), but overall, he seemed flat.
And Pelosi, now 84, is really showing her age. While she has been perhaps the most consequential female politician in American history, Pelosi seemed weary and a bit frail on the big stage. She has reportedly been very active at and around the convention, and maybe she’s tired. But her endorsement of Harris was tepid and lackluster.
Jeffries, in a lengthy address that notably gained intensity and momentum as he spoke, pushed hard on the notion that a Harris administration will transform the country. This theme, also sounded by several others on this night and previously, seems to aim to portray Harris-Walz as a brand-new administration, not a continuation of most if not all of the major Biden-Harris administration policies. Such an approach could get problematic as the weeks roll by, but it had the
enthusiastic crowd believing in Chicago. Then Bill Clinton appeared. The effect on the audience was one of awe. Clinton left office almost 25 years ago, and while his wife has been in the spotlight for many of those years, he has gradually receded from public view. now 78, much thinner and clearly older, and speaking now with a raspy voice and some hesitation resulting from the failure of the teleprompter system, Clinton’s stature and rather careful, measured delivery hushed the crowd. They were rapt.
While praising Harris, Biden and Walz appropriately, Clinton assured his audience that he had “triple-checked” the following statistic – “The Democratic Party has presided over creation of 50 million new jobs in the past 25 years; the Republican Party has been in power for the creation of one million jobs.” We’ll see how long this remains in the party’s rhetorical playbook. Clinton also offered the following: “With Trump,
don’t count the lies. Count the I’s.” And: “Your children and grandchildren will be proud of you for electing Kamala Harris.”
It was like old times for the Dems with the former president at the podium. He retains an uncanny ability with small trademark gestures to attract and compel the attention of an audience. There’s still a feeling with him of a personal connection with every individual in the crowd.
Shapiro and Moore were good with their speeches, building on events in their states to praise the BidenHarris administration and promising more and better under Harris-Walz. nothing extraordinary there.
In the midst of all of this, a real legend and John Legend both offered rousing musical performances that had the grateful audience rocking in their seats and in the aisles. The real legend was the prolifically creative Stevie Wonder, now 74 years old.
But the undisputed highlight of the evening was the unannounced appearance of a woman who many believe could easily run for president herself and sweep to victory – if only she could accept the practical demotion such a step would entail!
The incomparable Oprah Winfrey, long a resident of Chicago, appeared without introduction and was serenely confident in her
tature and her influence.
This woman whose book club endorsement can enrich authors overnight took the stage without seeming overly impressed with the rapturous applause of the crowd.
Winfrey has been careful with her involvement in politics over her lengthy, peerless career in American television, so her agreement to join Wednesday’s program was a clear sign that she is jumping off the political fence to get involved in the current campaign.
It’s hard to imagine anything bigger, except perhaps for Taylor Swift following in Oprah’s footsteps, as has been rumored for a while.
Oprah obviously has no use for Trump. “Stand up to life’s bullies,” she told the crowd. And “when we stand together, it’s impossible to conquer us. Complicated times require adult conversations, not childish rants. Vote your values. Choose common sense over nonsense.” Winfrey did draw some personal comparisons with Harris and praised her “grace and guts”. But the biggest impact of Oprah was simply her surprise appearance. The euphoria at the Democratic Party national Convention continues. But as many speakers have warned, it’s still a long campaign.
with Charlie h arper
Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Governor Tim Walz speaks during the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday in Chicago.
Photo: Paul Sancya/AP
oPrah Winfrey speaks during the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday in Chicago.
Photo: J. Scott applewhite/AP
World Masters still in medal contention
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
Timothy Munnings and Michael Armbrister are still in contention for another medal for Team Bahamas at the 25th World Masters Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden. The duo, along with sprinter Miriam Byfield, are representing The Bahamas in the weeklong track and field championships this week at the Slottsskogsvallen & Ullevi Stadium.
‘Jazz’
Munnings, who captured the first medal at the championships with a bronze in the 200m metres of the men’s 55-plus age group, easily advanced to the semifinals of the men’s 400m in a time of 56.78 seconds. He left his nearest rival, Andreas Habermacher of Switzerland, trailing behind in 59.47. As an Olympiqn who ran on several men’s 4 x 400m
SEE PAGE 15
takes part in batting practice, close to returning
THE SPORTS CALENDAR
scan and chemotherapy. With the expenses mounting for his medical care, persons are invited to
THE Bahamas Youth Flag Football League (BYFFL) is scheduled to make its return to the sporting scene on Saturday, August 31, on the fields opposite the original Thomas A Robinson Stadium from noon until 3pm. The youth league has steadily increased its membership each year while also fostering the growth of the sport for young boys and girls alike.
Registration opened last week for aspiring players from ages six to 18 and will continue into next week.
Last season was an impressive one for the BYFFL and, according to programme director Jayson Clarke, this season promises to be even bigger and better.
“We have a lot in store. It’s been a great year so far and we have had a lot of activities from January up to now. We took a break for the last four to five weeks and that has given us a lot of momentum going into this current season which we know is going to be our biggest and best season ever.
“We have close to almost 100 kids already registered and we expect the number to double over the next week. We are definitely looking forward to an exciting season this year,” he said.
During the 2023-24 campaign, the BYFFL hosted a number of marquee events which included a free offensive and defensive football camp, their second high school tournament and the Spring Bowl. The high school tournament, which was started
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 has been discharged from hospital and is currently recuperating at home. The boxing community is being asked to continue to pray for him.
AS the new school year begins, student-athletes are faced with the challenge of balancing academics and athletics while striving to achieve their goals. Whether you’re aiming to make the varsity team, improve your performance, or excel in your studies, setting clear, actionable goals is essential. But how do you stay focused and motivated throughout the year? Let’s break it down. The Importance of Setting SMART Goals When setting goals, it’s important to make them SMART—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This framework helps ensure that your goals are clear and realistic, which increases your chances of success. For example, instead of setting a vague goal like
“I want to get faster,” a SMART goal would be “I want to improve my 100metre sprint time by 0.5 seconds by the end of the semester.” Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve. The more specific your goal, the easier it is to plan how to achieve it.
Measurable: Ensure your goal has criteria for measuring progress. This way, you can track your improvements and stay motivated as you see your hard work pay off. Achievable: Your goal should be challenging but attainable. Setting unrealistic goals can lead to frustration and burnout, while achievable goals keep
CLIFF RESIAS
Chisholm
Powerlifter Kraschanda ‘confident’ ahead of USA Nationals
By TENAJH SWEETING
Tribune
Sports Reporter
tsweeting@tribunemedia.net
BAHAMIAN power-
lifter Kraschanda Oliver has been in preparation mode for the last couple months in efforts to perform well at the 2024 USA Powerlifting Raw Nationals slated for September 5-8 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
She is coming off the heels of a big victory in the women’s raw open 90kg class at the 2024 USA Powerlifting Ghost Summer Slam 2 competition which took place in Miami, Florida, three months ago. Oliver, 36, is pretty confident headed into next month’s competition despite it being her first time competing at an event of this calibre.
“I am hoping to get first, second or third. We are gonna see how it goes because this is my first nationals and I will be competing against a whole different class of people
so I am hoping for a good turnout.
“If not, I am hoping that the experience just takes me to another level and pushes me to wanna be even better at the sport,” she said.
She has been training alongside her coach Domonique Munroe for the entire summer and, although the process has not been seamless, it has certainly been effective, according to her.
“Training has been a bit more difficult this cycle because I have been doing competitions basically back-to-back so I haven’t really had any downtime.
“It has been harder but still effective. Also, I was nursing a minor injury so it has been a bit difficult but we are getting through it,” Oliver said.
While competing in Miami, Oliver went on to prevail in the women’s raw open 90kg class with totals of 162.5kg (358 lbs) in the squat, 95kg (209 lbs) in the bench press and a personal
best 192.5kg (424 lbs) in the deadlift. She accumulated a grand total of 450kg (992 lbs) to qualify for the USA Powerlifting Raw Nationals.
Back in May, she told Tribune Sports that her goal is to try and raise the numbers achieved at the USA Powerlifting Ghost Summer Slam 2 competition.
“So far, so good. I am pretty confident in my squats and my deadlifts. My bench [press] has been a bit shaky but we are working on getting it up to par because last competition was pretty decent so we are trying to get it to that standard again.
“That is the only thing I am really working on right now so we are just tapering coming down to the competition,” she said.
The personal trainer turned powerlifter has two major wins under her belt so far since joining the sport in January this year. She earned the first win of her young career in Atlanta,
Georgia, at the USA Powerlifting TruBorn Rookie Rumble.
She picked up two firstplace finishes in the adult women’s 82.5kg class and was awarded as the best overall female lifter.
NEW YORK (AP) — Breanna Stewart scored 19 points, Grand Bahamian
Jonquel Jones finished with her third straight doubledouble and the New York Liberty upped their win streak to eight with a 79-71 victory over the Dallas Wings last night.
Stewart made just five of 18 shots from the floor for New York (25-4), missing all three of her 3-pointers, but she made nine of 11 free throws and added seven rebounds, six assists and three steals.
Jones totalled 13 points and 13 rebounds as the Liberty picked up their second win over Dallas (6-22) in three days.
Leonie Fiebich and Kayla Thornton both scored 16 for New York.
Arike Ogunbowale had 19 points, eight assists and six rebounds to pace the Wings, who have lost three in a row and six of their last seven.
Natasha Howard had 16 points, eight rebounds and half of Dallas’ 14 turnovers before fouling out.
Teaira McCowan scored 13 of her 14 points in the
second half and added eight boards. Satou Sabally pitched in with 10 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
Stewart scored six points in the first four minutes to help New York jump out to a 9-3 lead.
Dallas battled back for a 17-14 advantage after one quarter on Ogunbowale’s 3-pointer with two seconds left.
Kennedy Burke scored the first two baskets in the second as the Liberty regained the lead and Stewart hit the second of two free throws to make it 28-19 with 4:21 left before halftime.
Ogunbowale had a layup and a three-point play and Sabally hit a jumper to cap a 7-2 spurt in the final 1:53 to get the Wings within 35-32 at intermission.
Dallas tied the score at 44 apiece at the 4:31 mark of the third and got within one (50-49) in the final minute of the quarter but New York answered with Fiebich’s 3-pointer with 17 seconds remaining to take a 53-49 advantage into the final period.
With back-to-back victories on her résumé so far, Oliver is optimistic that her recent strides in powerlifting will lead to good results in Salt Lake City, Utah. “I am simply surprising myself with how well I am doing in the meets and even in training with the PRs, lifting weights that I didn’t think I would ever get to.
“I am pretty confident going into this USA Nationals.
“I don’t know what is going to happen. It’s a bigger stage with a whole lot more people and a whole lot more competitors so we are just hoping for great numbers and a great outcome at the end of the day,” she said. She is headed to Miami, Florida, this week to complete the remaining portion of her training before heading to Salt Lake City, Utah closer to the competition date.
Ogunbowale had a threepoint play with 6:47 to play to put Dallas ahead 56-55. New York responded with layups from Jones and Stewart, allowing the Liberty to regain the lead, 59-56. The Stars would twice more cut the deficit to a point, but a late 9-2 run by the Liberty wrapped up the victory.
New York’s Sabrina Ionescu (neck) and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (knee) missed both games against the Wings with injuries. UP NEXT New York: The Liberty host the Connecticut Sun on Saturday.
Dallas: The Wings host the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday.
BAHAMIAN powerlifter Kraschanda Oliver has been in preparation mode for the last couple months in efforts to perform well at the 2024 USA Powerlifting Raw Nationals slated for September 5-8 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
BAHAMIAN powerlifter Kraschanda Oliver in action at the 2024 USA Powerlifting Ghost Summer Slam 2 in Miami, Florida, in May this year.
Photos
by
UB Athletics
UB Mingoes are undefeated to open international tour
MIRAMAR, Florida
-- The University of The Bahamas Mingoes men’s soccer team came away with a draw and a win to open their 2024 International Tour in Florida this past weekend.
They got an historic 9-2 victory against the Millenia Atlantic University Macaws on Saturday in Miramar, Florida.
Those nine goals were the most scored in international play in the programme’s history.
The first game saw the Mingoes battling to penetrate the Ave Maria University Gyrenes but came away with a 0-0 draw yesterday in Naples, Florida.
Midfielder and captain Ronaldo Green and striker Stanley Grand Pierre picked up a hat-trick each en-route to the win on Saturday. Kevin Thomas, O’Bryan Hinds and Alix
St. Hilaire also got on the scoresheet with a goal.
“Our expectation was to come out and fight because the last time we played this team, over the span of two games, they beat us 9-2,” Green said.
“We went home for a year and trained, ran and went to the gym and hard work paid off.”
St. Hilaire scored the historic ninth goal with a header on a perfectly placed corner from Thomas as time expired.
Thomas got the scoring underway for the Mingoes with a goal in the 18-yard box in the first minute of the game.
The Mingoes got two goals from Green and Grand-Pierre to go into the half with a 4-0 lead.
The Mingoes continued to pressure the Macaws defence in the second half and was successful by pouring in five more goals. That
half saw Green and GrandPierre completing their hat-trick as well as Hinds and St. Hilaire joining the party.
“It was my first goal for the team,” St. Hilaire said.
“Before the game started, I told myself that I can get a goal and when I went up for the corner, I had some confidence to score.”
Thursday’s game saw the Mingoes having their fair chances to score goals against the Gyrenes.
However, they could not get the ball in the back of the net as goalkeeper Joshua Dames made some key saves to finish with a clean sheet.
The Mingoes are undefeated in their past six games in international play. They have two more games left on the international tour. Those two games are set for September against Atlantis University.
UNIVERSITY of The Bahamas Mingoes players in action against Millenia Atlantic University in Miramar, Florida. The Mingoes defeated MAU 9-2.
Munnings, Armbrister still in contention for another medal at the 25th World Masters Championships
FROM PAGE 12
relay team, Munnings is completing his appearance at the championships after he secured the bronze in the 200 metres.
He noted, however, that just as competitive as it was in the half-lap 200m, he expects that the competition will be very stiff in the one-lap 400m.
Competing in his first event at the championships, Armbrister placed third in the men’s 60-plus preliminaries in a season’s best of 1:02.44, posting the fifth fastest time going into the semifinals. Winning the heat was Great Britain’s Tennyson
James in 1:01.84 with Brazil’s Israel Ferreira De Melo in second in 1:02.10.
Armbrister, the president of the Bahamas Masters Association and an assistant coach of the Red Line Athletics Track Club, also competed in his finals of the long jump where he was 11th overall with a best leap of 4.51m.
Byfield, competing in the women’s 35-plus division, was sixth in her semifinals of the 400m, but she won’t advance to the final as she wrapped up her initial appearance in the championships. Earlier in the championships, Byfield also competed in both 100 and
200m. She made it to the final of the 100m where she was seventh, but she didn’t get into the final of the 200m after falling short in the semifinals.
The championships, which allow athletes to compete in a global event past their prime against competitors from around the world, will wrap up this weekend.
The biennial championships for masters athletics events is being held under the auspices of World Masters Athletics, formerly called the World Association of Veterans athletes, for athletes 35 years of age or older and are divided into five-age groups.
The inaugural championships was held at Centennial Park Stadium in Toronto, Canada in 1975. The previous championship was staged at the Ratinan Stadion in Tampere, Finland, in 2022.
Since 2004 at the Glaspalast Sindelfingen Stadium in Sindelfingen, Germany, athletes also get to compete in indoor championships as the elite world-class athletes.
The last indoors was staged at the Arena Torun in Torun, Poland in 2023.
The next indoors will be at the Alachua County Sports & Events Center in Gainesville, Florida, March 2-30, 2025.
Flag football season set to begin August 31
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in 2023, featured a total of 11 teams including competitors from St Augustine’s College, Queen’s College, Kingsway Academy, Doris Johnson, CV Bethel and Windsor in the junior and senior divisions.
The tourney was so successful that some of the high school flag football squads opted to join the BYFFL regular season.
“Besides the numbers being up, I am really looking forward to far more and broader participation. We would’ve done our second high school tournament where we had more schools involved and now I am really excited because this year a lot of those high schools have been infused into our season
“What that does is not only bolster our programme but also get those kids playing flag a whole lot more to have them better prepared for when the high school tournament comes up next year.
“I am really excited about how it is taking off and the support we are getting from schools we are working with,” the programme director said.
The newest editions to the 2024-25 BYFFL season are the CV Bethel Stingrays, Doris Johnson Mystic Marlins, and Windsor. Also joining this season are players from QC and Kingsway Academy.
For Clarke, it is truly fulfilling to witness the growth
of the programme and watch their goals turn into reality in real time.
“It feels really good because now you see some of those plans coming into fruition.
“You also see the desire in the youth to play the sport. A lot of the schools
didn’t even know the sport kind of existed so now I am really excited because it is just telling us that the plans we have put in place are now taking shape. “I am also very happy to see some of the new schools coming on board like Doris Johnson and Windsor,” he said.
He added that he hopes one day the sport can be added to the school curriculum but, for now, he is happy to have the teams play in the league externally. The season will run from August 31 until December 7.
The first four weeks will be dedicated to training before the actual gameplay starts. Interested individuals can register via email at byffl242@gmail.com or visit the BYFFL Facebook page to access the registration link.
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you motivated. Relevant:
Your goal should align with your broader objectives, whether they are academic, athletic, or personal.
Time-bound: Set a deadline for your goal. This creates a sense of urgency and helps you stay on track.
Staying Focused: The Power of Routine
Maintaining focus throughout the school year can be tough, especially with the demands of both academics and athletics. One effective strategy is to establish a routine.
A consistent daily schedule can help you balance your commitments and ensure that you’re dedicating enough time to each area of your life. For instance, consider setting aside specific times each day for training, homework, and rest. This not only helps you manage your time but also reinforces good habits that lead to long-term success.
According to research, routines can significantly reduce stress by providing structure and predictability, which is crucial during the busy school year.
Overcoming Obstacles:
Staying Motivated Even with the best-laid plans, obstacles will arise. Whether it’s a tough loss, a poor grade, or simply feeling overwhelmed, staying
motivated can be challenging. Here’s where mental toughness comes into play.
Break Your Goals into Smaller Steps: Large goals can feel daunting. Breaking them down into smaller, more manageable tasks can make them less intimidating and give you a sense of accomplishment as you complete each step. Stay Positive: A positive mindset is key to overcoming setbacks. Instead of focusing on failures, learn from them and use them as motivation to keep pushing forward. Visualize Success: Visualization techniques, where you imagine yourself achieving your goals, can be
incredibly powerful. This mental practice can boost your confidence and keep you motivated, even when the going gets tough.
Seek Support: Surround yourself with a strong support system—coaches, teammates, teachers, and family. They can provide encouragement, advice, and perspective when you need it most.
Tracking Progress: The Role of Reflection Regular reflection is essential for staying on track. Set aside time each week or month to evaluate your progress. Ask yourself what’s working, what’s not, and what changes you can make to stay aligned with your goals.
Keeping a journal can be an effective way to track your journey. Documenting your experiences, successes, and challenges can provide valuable insights and keep you motivated.
The Benefits of Goal Setting Beyond Sports
While goal setting is crucial for athletic success, the skills you develop through this process extend far beyond the playing field. The discipline, time management, and perseverance required to achieve your goals are invaluable in all areas of life, including academics and future careers. As the new school year unfolds, remember that
success is a journey, not a destination. Set your goals, establish your routine, and stay focused on what you want to achieve. With the right mindset and strategies, you can make this school year your most successful yet. And as you pursue your goals, keep this
in mind: “Athletes should eat like a racehorse, not a bikini model.”
Just as proper nutrition fuels your body, a strong, focused mind fuels your success. So, set those goals, stay motivated, and watch yourself soar this school year. • Dr Kent Bazard, a sports medicine physician at Empire Sports Medicine, specializes in ensuring athletes reach their peak
MICHAEL Armbrister at the 25th World Masters Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden.
READY TO BEGIN: The 2024 Bahamas Youth Flag Football League (BYFFL) season will return to the grass fields opposite the original Thomas A Robinson Stadium next week Saturday, August 31
Photos: OL Wilkinson