PM FIRES OFFICIAL AS 3 FACE COURT
Men to be charged in connection with Adderley murder
By TRIBUNE STAFF REPORTER
MARIO Bannister has been fired as the managing director of Clifton Heritage by Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis – days after it was reported that a highranking male official had been questioned as part of investigations into the murder of Philip Adderley. The news comes as three men are due to be arraigned at magistrate’s court this morning in connection with that murder. Police also said they were investigating a series of graphic video and text messages that were circulating on social media
‘I w Ill not let the pol Ice sweep Invest Igat Ion away’, says father
By TRIBUNE STAFF
THE father of a mur-
dered man connected to a corruption investigation says he will not let the police sweep the investigation away.
Michael Fox Sr is the father of Michael Fox Jr, who appeared in voice notes alongside Dino Smith that allegedly captured a quid-pro-quo arrangement between the two men, a lawyer, and the former head of the Criminal Investigations Department. Last week, Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander said that there would be no further public
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
FNM leader Michael Pin-
tard has reiterated the need for bank reforms, doubling down on his proposals to
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
CENTRAL Grand
change the sector.
In an open letter sent to The Tribune yesterday, Mr Pintard has challenged the government to move beyond discussions and implement substantial changes to create a more
Bahama MP Iram Lewis has categorically denied rumors of a conflict between himself and the Free National Movement (FNM) party leadership regarding his candidacy for the next general election. In an interview with The Tribune, Mr Lewis
dynamic, competitive, and inclusive retail banking environment in The Bahamas.
Last week, he promised that the FNM would reform
dismissed reports circulating on social media about disagreements with the party leadership as “pure rumours” and “pure speculation”. He said there had been no official communication on the matter.
“There’s no disagreement between me and the party leader,” Mr Lewis said.
“There’s been no official
CHILDREN gathered at Englerston Park being entertained by the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF), as a back to school event was held on Saturday. See PAGE TWO for more photos.
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
as 3 face court
that purported to provide a detailed account of the events leading up to the murder of Mr Adderley.
The messages appeared to be Whatsapp notes, purportedly saying how those involved took Mr Adderley into a bush area to kill him, and including pictures and video of the body.
Mr Adderley was found murdered on August 15. His body was found partially submerged in waters
near an abandoned building near Stuart’s Cove. He had multiple stab wounds and was bound by his hands and feet.
At the time, police said the manner in which the body was found was disturbing to them. Assistant
Commissioner of Police
Roberto Goodman told reporters at the scene:
“When you see someone bound by the hands and legs, it will raise a concern for us.”
The Tribune previously reported that a police
official had told The Tribune that the high-ranking official questioned by officers as part of the investigation was not a suspect, but was questioned because he was a tenant of the victim.
Last night, the Office of the Prime Minister issued a statement saying: “This afternoon, Prime Minister Davis directed the immediate termination of Mr Mario Bannister from his position as managing director of Clifton Heritage.”
‘I w Ill not let the pol Ice sweep Invest Igat Ion away’, says father
from page one
statements made about the investigation until it is complete.
In response, Mr Fox Sr said in a video on Facebook:
“You may silence another set of people, but not me. I just let you know we going to keep talking about this issue until we get, the Bahamian people get the results that they need to get.
“So you might as well do what needs to be done and deliver the truth or be stink enough to tell us some more lies, but the truth will be better.”
The voice notes appeared to be connected to a $1.5m airport bank car heist in November. Mr Fox Jr and Dino Smith were suspects in that matter but were never charged. Both men were murdered in May and January respectively. Two other suspects were charged in connection with
t wo shoot Ings over the weekend leave one dead and two In hosp I tal
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter
kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
T WO separate shootings in the capital early on Sunday have left one man dead and two others injured.
The first shooting occurred around 1am during a party in the Bozine Town area, off Tonique Williams-Darling Highway.
According to initial reports, two men were attending the gathering when gunshots were fired in their direction.
Both men attempted to flee. A 20-year-old victim was struck multiple times.
He managed to run into a nearby residence, where he collapsed and succumbed to his injuries.
A second victim, aged 30, sustained a gunshot wound to his leg. He sought medical attention and is currently in stable condition at the hospital. Shortly after the first incident, around 2am, a second shooting took place on Soldier Road, east of Old Trail Road.
A 31-year-old motorist was injured after a red Japanese vehicle allegedly overtook his car and opened fire. The victim was struck in the left arm but managed to drive himself to
the hospital, where he is being treated for nonlife-threatening injuries. Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding these shootings to come forward. They have asked the public to contact them at 919/911, the Criminal Investigation Department at 502-9991/2/3, or Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS.
Police have not yet identified any suspects in connection with either shooting but continue to investigate both incidents. The public is reminded to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.
the robbery – Oral Roberts, 34, and Akeil Holmes, 26. Roberts was killed in the Fox Hill area last month.
Mr Fox Sr on Thursday lambasted the statement in a nearly six-minute video on social media, saying one could smell the “stinkness all over that statement”.
He said: “Commissioner, we know what really taken place and you don’t want them talk to me. You don’t want them to have anything to say to people who really know about this case because you know they will be pointing finger back at you. You know just what you dealing with.”
In a separate statement, 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 father also criticised the minister, accusing him of not bringing forth any evidence and wondered if Mr Munroe is attempting to make this issue “hush-hush”.
He said: “I wonder what else you’re gonna throw to the public and believe that you can throw any old bone to us, as dogs, as citizens and we accept it. Some of us don’t eat dog bone and ain’t none of us no dog.”
The father warned them
to stop putting “perfume” on the situation.
He said: “I hope you’re smart enough to realize y’all season are closed. You’re going to make it hard on this next election. I hope how Brave holds you accountable for causing him his seat. Not just his seat, his position.”
Mr Fox Sr added: “This one ain’t going away, not right now. Take too much of a big broom to sweep. Bahamian people ain’t gonna let you sweep this one and I ain’t one of them who will let you sweep it. We gonna clean this one up, and we gonna clean this one up here properly.
“This gonna get clean up in the way that God wants us to be clean up. This for you commissioner and everybody else who touching this matter in the wrong way. I’m telling you now, be careful how you deal with this fire. Be careful and you think you outing it. You could be well, burning it, and that’s what you’re doing. You could be well, burning it, and that’s what you’re doing. That statement this morning is more wood added to the fire than ever.”
In a separate video on Friday, the father warned to be prepared as in three days “something coming” but did not say.
The mother of Dino Smith, Sandra Smith, said she believed the case is
lagging and accused the police of protecting their own.
“I want the investigation happen anytime now. If they hush us now, we ain’t gonna hear about it no more,” she told The Tribune on Friday. Her son was killed in January in a daylight shooting on Prince Charles Drive. She admitted the situation has hurt her as a parent.
She said: “You know it hurt me so much that’s the only way that I had to help me. I just had two deaths aside him. Two children death before him and a space of three years I had three dead.
“So you know, as a parent, I hurting to know if my child was wrong I’d rather y’all send him to prison than to kill my child at home like a dog. Now, who gonna to take care of his four little girls?” Both parents said they had been informed about the existence of voice notes by their sons before their deaths.
Ms Smith said she never got the voice notes. Mr Fox Sr said he had them but was not responsible for their release.
A man who broadcast the voice notes on Facebook, Sylvens Metayer, was shot in July during a Facebook Live broadcast. He survived the incident and was helped by police in the US, where he lives.
SCREEN capture of Michael Fox’s social media video - father of murder victim that was a suspect in airport robbery.
POLICE on the scene of the murder of Philip Adderley on August 15, 2024.
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
Man seeking to sue government over land where $290m hospital is to be built
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net
A MAN is seeking to sue the government for $25m, saying that land where the new $290m New Providence hospital is to be built has been in his family for centuries.
Anthony Cunningham, 61, told The Tribune that the Perpall Tract, in western New Providence, is his property. Mr Cunningham claims ownership through a probate process, stating that the land has been passed down through his family for generations. Originally covering over 350 acres, Mr Cunningham said that in 2008, he received $56,000 for four lots of the land under the Ingraham administration, which acquired the land through compulsory
acquisition for road construction.
Mr Cunningham alleges that no one from the Davis administration has contacted him regarding acquiring the land for the hospital. He first became aware of the situation in March 2022, after reading a newspaper article about deforestation in the area. Upon visiting the site, he discovered tractors on the property and subsequently hired a lawyer who informed the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DPP) of his ownership.
After two years without a response, Mr Cunningham said the DPP dismissed his claim of ownership due to an ongoing court case regarding the land.
A deed shown to The Tribune indicates Mr Cunningham is a descendant
of the original landowner, making him the current heir. The deed describes the land as “all that piece parcel or tract of land situated in the Western District of the Island of New Providence comprising 350 acres, situated at Fort Charlotte, granted to Robert Cunningham and bounded on the North by the sea and by the land”.
The government plans to break ground this year on a new $290m hospital. The 50-acre facility, proposed for the Perpall Tract Wellfield, will be a 200-bed specialty hospital primarily serving women and children. It will include a neonatal unit, imaging services, morgue and pathology services, and telemedicine. The facility will be located off the New Providence Highway between the six-legged
roundabout and Saunders Beach roundabout.
Last week, the Nassau Guardian reported the Ministry of Health and Wellness received approval from the Ministry of the Environment to proceed with the hospital’s construction. Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Michael Darville confirmed officials received the green light to move forward with building plans.
Mr Cunningham said while he supports the development of a new hospital, as the country desperately needs one, he insisted on being compensated for land he believes is rightfully his.
The retired hotelier is plans to take legal action against the Attorney General’s Office, seeking $25m in compensation.
Mario McCartney, Mr Cunningham’s attorney from Lex Justis Chambers, has represented him in the land dispute for over a year. Mr McCartney said legal action would be taken against the government before the end of the year.
“The overall goal is for him to be compensated adequately,” Mr McCartney said. “I know he has expressed being a
nationalist at heart and he does want to see good opportunities from the recent developments, he doesn’t have a problem with that. But you simply cannot acquire property without adequately following through, especially with regards to our constitutional rights regarding land itself.”
Mr McCartney said they will be pursuing constitutional redress, citing Article 27 of The Bahamas Constitution, which states: “No property of any description shall be compulsorily taken possession of, and no interest in or right over property of any description shall be compulsorily acquired, except where the following conditions are satisfied, that is to say- (a) the taking of possession or acquisition is necessary in the interests of defence, public safety, public order, public morality, public health, town and country planning or the development or utilisation of any property in such manner as to promote the public benefit or the economic well-being of the community; and (b) the necessity therefor is such as to afford reasonable justification for the causing of any hardship that may
result to any person having an interest in or right over the property; and (c) provision is made by a law applicable to that taking of possession or acquisition.” The Davis administration’s plan for the new hospital has faced significant opposition. Last week, Terry Miller, executive director of The Bahamas Association for Social Health and founder of EARTH Village, called on the government to halt construction, highlighting the eco-sensitivity of the Perpall Tract, which is home to over 150 plant species.
In May, during a heated town hall meeting, residents from the Stapledon, Rock Crusher, Dolphin Drive, and West Grove communities voiced their opposition to the hospital’s construction at Stapledon School Auditorium.
Dr Gemma Rolle, president of the Medical Association of The Bahamas, also expressed concerns, saying that doctors were unaware of the plan and questioned how the government would staff the facility given the current burden and manpower shortages at Princess Margaret Hospital.
Bimini residents are ‘not worried’ over cancelled Carnival cruise ship
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
DESPITE a cruise line removing Bimini from some of its scheduled visits, residents are not expressing great concern at the move.
The Carnival Spirit will no longer visit as part of its eight-night itinerary, according to Cruise Industry News, although it will still be a part of the ship’s six-night cruises.
West Grand Bahama and Bimini MP Kingsley Smith said officials are still awaiting a reason for the move but said that Bimini’s economy is “robust”.
He said: “They have more than one cruise line coming to Bimini – Virgin, Celebrity X, Carnival, different ships, etc. So in the immediate, presently, we don’t see anything that would affect Bimini’s economy in the immediate future, but long term we still waiting on response from them as to why.”
According to the Cruise Industry News report, ten sailings removed the Bimini visit next year, including
those set to depart on November 8 and 22, December 6, 20 and 28, and sailings in 2026 on January 31, February 14 and 28, and March 14 and 28. The eight-night sailings would include stops in Nassau, Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay or Princess Cays, setting sail from Mobile, Alabama.
Valon Rahming is president of Bimini Vista, the only Bahamian, owned and operated air tram tours that brings tourists in the community.
She said the move has not affected the business at all.
She said: “They’ve put on another vessel that’ll pick up the slack. So the same thing with Virgin. Virgin had one. They now have two. They stopped one again, and the other one just picked up the slack.”
She said that people were not panicking about it “not if they get not if they understand what’s going on”. Glenrick Rolle, of Bimini Blue Water Taxi, a ferry service between north and south Bimini, said while the removal might affect the island, Bimini people are
resilient and this is nothing new to them.
He said: “Bimini survived before the cruise ships and Bimini will survive after the cruise ships. So this is a blessed island, so we’re the closest Island to the United States. A gentleman can wake up in the morning and say, ‘Honey, let’s go to Bimini for breakfast’.
“So I’m not worried about Carnival. If Carnival wants to pull out, that’s Carnival. But I’m saying Bimini is a destination that people come from all over the world. I mean, we survived before them, and we’ll survive after them.”
Another business owner who sells items such as bags, bracelets, and T-shirts said she does not think it is a big deal at all. “Before that was coming to Bimini, it never affected us,” she said.
The cruise company will automatically refund the shore excursions for the cancelled ports of call to the original form of payment. Attempts to contact Carnival Cruise Line for comment were unsuccessful by the time of going to press.
CARNIVAL SPIRIT CRUISE SHIP
Pintard reiterates need for banking sector reforms and shares proposals
the banking regime in the country if elected, including expanding the Central Bank’s ability to assess fees and prevent unjustified “junk fees”.
Yesterday, he reiterated the need for reforms the Free National Movement (FNM) believes are necessary.
Mr Pintard suggested simplifying the process for Bahamians to open banks or become authorised financial service providers. He emphasised the need for a clear and transparent application process.
“The application process and criteria will be clear and publicly available, with transparent evaluation mechanisms and timelines. If applicants meet the core requirements, they should be granted a licence to operate,” Mr Pintard said.
To address inefficiencies in the banking sector, Pintard proposed implementing a blockchain-based KnowYour-Customer (eKYC) portal.
housing market.
He explained: “The Central Bank, in concert with the clearing banks, should develop and implement a blockchain-based KnowYour-Customer (eKYC) portal that would enable all Bahamians and Bahamian businesses to securely upload KYC information with a click of a button.”
in-bank and inter-bank transactions. He highlighted the current inefficiencies, citing a June 2023 Central Bank survey which revealed that new business account applications took an average of more than two months to process.
The Opposition leader also called for setting ambitious standards for efficient
Lewis: No conflict over candidacy
communication on that end and so there’s been no discussion with respect to a meeting being held where I would not be given the nomination.”
Mr Lewis reaffirmed his intention to run for Central Grand Bahama in the 2026 election, saying: “I have every intention of running for Central Grand Bahama in the next election, 2026.”
The denial comes after a Facebook post
suggested internal conflicts within the FNM, particularly in Grand Bahama, claiming that some sitting MPs, including Mr Lewis, might not receive nominations.
Mr Lewis said every constituency is open for those interested in seeking nominations, but he did not say whether there have been discussions within the party about his potential re-nomination or the selection process.
He said he sees no reason why he wouldn’t be chosen
Mr Pintard said: “According to a June 2023 survey by our Central Bank, applications for a new business account took, on average, over two months to be processed. Two months! Only 11 percent of accounts were opened in a week or less.”
to run as the FNM candidate for Central Grand Bahama.
Addressing allegations of an unauthorised backto-school giveaway event at his constituency office, Mr Lewis chose not to comment directly, but said he focused on his ongoing work and achievements in his constituency.
“I’ve been working from day one, and I’m still working. I will continue to work on behalf of the people,” Mr Lewis said, highlighting projects such as backyard
The opposition leader stressed the importance of updating legislation and policies, especially around home mortgages, to stimulate the
“The Bahamian government must do its part by updating legislation and policies—especially around home mortgages—that, while well-intentioned, have stifled the housing market,” he said. The FNM leader also proposed leveraging concessionary financing from multilateral banks to support local banks in lending to Bahamian small and medium-sized businesses. He said: “The government should better leverage concessionary financing from multilateral banks like the IDB to provide guarantees for local banks lending to Bahamian small and medium-sized businesses. This is crucial for expanding home ownership and increasing capital for Bahamian entrepreneurs.”
Mr Pintard emphasised that these reforms aim to expand banking options for Bahamians, increase home ownership, and provide more capital for Bahamian entrepreneurs. He also stressed the importance of reducing banks’ reliance on fees and charges for income,
saying: “It would also help domestic banks focus more on lending, reducing their reliance on fees and charges for income.”
Mr Pintard said similar banking reforms have been implemented in other countries, including the US, Canada, and Barbados.
He said: “Just as other governments have recognised the need to enhance consumer protections and push for more inclusive and more efficient banking services, so must the Bahamian government. Big and small countries are managing to undertake necessary reforms without undermining the viability of their banks.”
He said his party will consult with the Central Bank, commercial banks, civil society, and Bahamian citizens to incorporate their best ideas before proceeding with reforms.
He added: “What we will not do, though, is accept that we cannot improve the efficiency, quality of service, and reach of banking services in The Bahamas. The people of The Bahamas deserve better.”
“My record speaks for itself,” Mr Lewis asserted. “I remain focused. I’ve been working. I have a proven track record, and I will continue to build on the record, and the whole focus is making it better for the people.”
Mr Lewis also denied online claims that FNM leader Michael Pintard favours a different candidate - and that Mr Lewis’s previous public support for former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ return to party leadership might be a factor.
farming initiatives, smart parks, and community centre renovations. While acknowledging that challenges exist within any organisation, Mr Lewis said he would keep internal party matters private.
CENTRAL GRAND BAHAMA MP IRAM LEWIS
FNM LEADER MICHAEL PINTARD
The Tribune Limited
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Finding middle ground on regulating banks
T H E topic of banking reform has been in the headlines of late – and while the focus of the discussion has been on regulation, for most citizens they care most about the frustrations of the day-to-day experience.
I n today’s Tribune Business, a story details a report from the Central Bank, which details which bank has the highest – and lowest – fees in a range of categories.
That is but one part of the equation, however. One might read the story and think oh I will switch to this other bank, because that suits me better – but that is sometimes easier said than done.
I n today’s I nsight section, you can read about some of the frustrations people have experienced – from lengthy delays in opening an account to excessive fees on wire transfers that are far greater than those charged by banks in other nations.
You can also read in today’s Tribune of some of the proposals by FNM leader Michael Pintard for tackling some of the issues surrounding banking.
Changing banks is not a common occurrence for most people. I t is not just changing the bank itself, but changing all the payments connected to our account. The mortgage, the utility bills, the deductions and so on. I t is a hassle, so people have to be very motivated to actually do it.
Then there are the other frustrations – such as the difficulty with carrying out international transactions, say, or online banking that is sometimes less intuitive than we are encouraged to believe.
There are changes we find frustrating – like the recent move by one bank to relocate its card pickup to a single location, with the end result that people queued for two hours and more, sometimes only to find the card was not there to be collected anyway.
There are two sides to the equation, of course. Customers want services that are efficient and not too expensive. Banks want to offer services too
– but they have to cover the costs.
The suggestion of tightening regulations on banks – be it through the Central Bank mechanisms or through legislation – have been greeted by suggestions that this would be a slippery slope. The word “communist” was even mentioned at the prospect of regulations – though there are plenty of capitalist nations that regulate banks appropriately. Appropriate being the important part of that.
We do not want to clamp down on the bank sector so much that there is no reason for them to do business here, nor do we want to permit excessive fees that harm the consumer overly. What is left is a middle ground. But it is a middle ground that needs to be found not just for the consumers we have today but for the market we have tomorrow.
There is a lot of talk about digital banking, but that exists in an environment hit too often by power outages, internet outages, infrastructure failures. Then again, non-digital banking can equally often be hit by ATMs that don’t work or particularly on the Family I slands are not serviced often enough to keep them up and running.
Banking has a cost. That staff member you want to answer the phone quickly has a salary. That ATM has an installation cost. And so on. I t has to be paid for, but fairly.
We hope that the conversation that has started has not just begun because we are in the summer doldrums when Parliament is in recess – and that the conversation continues with the goal of helping to ensure citizens have the banking services they need at a price that is right. But a strong banking system is not just something we need now – if we truly want to attract international investment, then it is something we need to build on for those opportunities.
We hope that goal can mean this is more than just talk.
Questions on Sandals’ sea bed lease
EDITOR, The Tribune.
SANDALS application to construct on their water frontage, presume they have government sea bed lease a wedding chapel. How on earth doesn’t Town Planning-Physical Planning don’t think this application merits a public hearing? What is projected to be built? How much sea bed is involved? The sea bed lease was given for what commercial purposea boat dock is one thing a chapel is something totally different. When you construct in the sea anything alters the currents etc, areas where today you might have sand suddenly sand disappears...To those in the area what recourse would they have if their beach disappears? Easy say go to court but the mistake is the Town Planning Authority.
PICTURE OF THE DAY
FNM bank regulation proposal
EDITOR, The Tribune
THIS past weekend, I released a brief outline of the key reform efforts that the FNM believes are necessary to create a more dynamic, competitive and inclusive retail banking sector in The Bahamas.
We encouraged the government to move past talking about the issue, and we pledged to advance necessary reforms if the current administration does not act before our return to office. We were pleased to see Minister Fred Mitchell react positively to our position, foreshadowing that the Davis administration may take action. We would support any substantive move forward in this regard.
Not everyone was happy with our proposal, though. Some reacted with predictable opposition to what we maintain are necessary and straightforward recommendations. Unfortunately, much of the critique so far does not speak to what the FNM actually put forward.
I’ll say it again: The FNM has always supported a strong and vibrant free market in The Bahamas where private businesses can compete and seek profits. This naturally applies to commercial banks operating in the domestic space. We have not and do not advocate for fixed price controls or anything of the sort. Financial service providers must have the flexibility to set prices and rates in a way that allows them to be competitive and profitable.
At the same time, we do not apologize for saying the regulatory regime should ensure that bank fees are fair, transparent, and conducive to promoting the broadest possible access for Bahamians to the formal banking sector.
Chapel for weddings...for the civil, very important “civil ceremony” but does that include receptions etc...? Noise level. Sandals need to correct the annoying lack of parking for their employees their employees park all over the place...they park everywhere.
PAULA MINNS Nassau, August 20, 2024.
Our ambition must be much more than tackling ever-increasing bank fees; We in the FNM believe the banking sector in The Bahamas needs more competition and dynamism. Our proposals speak to this. We plan to make it easier for Bahamians to open a bank or become authorized financial service providers. The application process and criteria will be clear and publicly available, with transparent evaluation mechanisms and timelines. If applicants meet the core requirements, they should be granted a license to operate. We will do what we can to expand banking options for Bahamians.
Right now, it takes too long to open a business bank account and conduct many critical transactions.
According to a June 2023 survey by our Central Bank, applications for a new business account took, on average, over two months to be processed. Two months! Only 11 percent of accounts were opened in a week or less. Unsurprisingly, almost 80 percent of respondents
were dissatisfied with how long it took to open their bank account.
To make our banking sector more dynamic, we will require the Central Bank to set ambitious standards for efficient in-bank and inter-bank transactions. We know that strict global Anti-Money Laundering protocols force The Bahamas to comply with tougher KYC requirements than other financial centres. This can be considered an opportunity for our country to be more innovative and efficient—to do more in less time.
For example, the Central Bank, in concert with the clearing banks, should develop and implement a blockchain-based KnowYour-Customer (eKYC) portal that would enable all Bahamians and Bahamian businesses to securely upload KYC information with a click of a button. This would save customers time, allow banks to process applications more promptly, and make our banking sector more efficient and agile. The government of The Bahamas must give the mandate for this to be done.
To strengthen the vitality of our financial sector, banks need more opportunities for business in their core function as financial intermediaries in the country. The Bahamian government must do its part by updating legislation and policies—especially around home mortgages— that, while well-intentioned, have stifled the housing market.
The government should better leverage concessionary financing from multilateral banks like the IDB to provide guarantees for local banks lending to Bahamian small and medium-sized businesses. This is crucial for expanding home ownership and increasing capital for Bahamian entrepreneurs. It would also help domestic banks focus more on lending, reducing their reliance on fees and charges for income.
The FNM’s preliminary proposals for consideration exist in an environment where many desire reform but have not formally stepped forward or have been invited to share their views. In other words we have brought reform to the forefront of public conversation because those who should be doing more have not adequately stepped up to the plate.
Much of what we’ve said is not new. Those who follow global trends in retail banking would be keenly aware that other countries have taken recent steps to protect consumer interests and to ensure fairness and transparency in banking fees.
The Biden administration in the United States announced through its Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in October 2023 that it was cracking down further on what it termed to be “junk fees” charged by financial service providers while requiring greater transparency on the disclosure of legitimate charges levied by banks and credit union customers. Around the same time, Canadian government announced what it described as “new measures to ensure that Canadians are treated fairly by their banks”. These included planned requirements for banks to offer low-cost bank accounts and more online banking features at no cost to customers. The Canadian government also consolidated consumer financial ombudsman services and made that office more independent.
Closer to home, the Barbados government secured its commercial banks’ commitment this past July to adhere to new “Market Conduct Guidelines” issued by the Barbadian Central Bank. These new guidelines mandate several important undertakings: Banks must now obtain the Central Bank’s non-objection for fee increases; they must provide an extended notice period to bank customers before introducing or increasing fees; they have eliminated charges on lowvalue electronic transfers; they must offer improved access to in-person and electronic banking services for persons with disabilities; and they must implement more efficient and responsive bank account opening protocols—with a goal to open even business accounts within five days.
Just as other governments have recognized the need to enhance consumer protections and push for more inclusive and more efficient banking services, so must the Bahamian government. Big and small countries are managing to undertake necessary reforms without undermining the viability of their banks.
We certainly can—and must—do the same.
Of course, before proceeding, an FNM government will earnestly consult with the Central Bank, the commercial banks, civil society, and Bahamian citizens to incorporate their best ideas. Over the coming days, we expect to meet with the Central Bank and the Clearing Banks Association to keep the ball rolling in the right direction.
What we will not do, though, is accept that we cannot improve the efficiency, quality of service, and reach of banking services in The Bahamas. The people of The Bahamas deserve better.
MICHAEL C PINTARD Leader of the Free National Movement August 25, 2024.
ELBOW Reef light station on Elbow Cay, Abaco is one of just three remaining fresnel lens handwound kerosene light house remaining in the world today. Photo: Timothy Roberts
GB residents expected to protest GBPC’s proposed electrcity fee increase today
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
PROTESTERS in Grand
Bahama are set to return to the streets today as part of the ongoing efforts to oppose the Grand Bahama Power Company’s proposed 6.3 percent rate hike.
Richard Johnson, one of the rally’s organisers, is organising a “Bend or Break Rally in the Alley” at 6.30pm on the vacant property adjacent to the Pro-Cathedral of Christ the King Church on Pioneer’s Way. Mr Johnson said the group is committed to keeping up the pressure after last Monday’s protest drew strong bipartisan support from residents united against the rate hike.
“People are sending me their light bills every day, complaining about it and
that power is still going off. So we are going to strike at them again and hold a rally in GB,” Mr Johnson said.
Residents have expressed concerns not only about the proposed rate hike but also about frequent power outages, damage to appliances due to power surges, high fuel surcharges, and the Storm Recovery and Stabilisation (SRS) fee currently added to their monthly bills. Mr Johnson noted that despite the initial protest, the situation with the power company’s service has not improved.
“We want people to come dressed in Bahamian colors as we show solidarity and stand up against what’s happening,” Mr Johnson said, adding that the rally is not about politics.
“This is not about political grandstanding for anybody, including myself. We want to focus on the
business owners, homeowners, and others affected by the poor service and lack of concern over the light bill increase,” he added.
Johnson said an invitation has been extended to the Minister for Grand Bahama “out of respect” to attend the rally and address the audience if she wishes to provide updates on the island or the government’s actions.
The Grand Bahama Power Company filed an application on August 1 with the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) for a base rate increase for all consumers. Meanwhile, the GBPA, which claims regulatory authority over the Port Area, is locked in a dispute with the government’s Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA), which asserts that it is the legal regulator for electricity in The Bahamas.
Family of man murdered at airport increase reward to $50k
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
THE family of Geovani Rolle, who was murdered in June as he arrived at his workplace, have increased the reward for information that could lead to justice to $50,000.
The reward for information was previously set at $25,000 after the murder of the 38-year-old.
Melanie Rolle-Hilton, one of Geovani’s four sisters, said the reward has been effective but the family want to ensure they are getting the best possible outcome.
She said the increase in the reward is not meant to give the impression that nothing is happening,
She said: “To date as you know no one has been formally charged in connection with this matter and as a family we just want to do everything possible to assist in bringing in a person or persons responsible to justice and we felt that that this could possibly be an avenue that we could make use of.”
Mr Rolle, a Jet Nassau employee, was shot multiple times after arriving at work on June 16. He died in the ambulance on his way to Doctors Hospital, surrounded by relatives.
He left behind a 12-yearold son and a six-year-old daughter. He worked an early morning shift to spend that evening celebrating Father’s Day with his
children.
Police said he was approached and shot multiple times by the occupant of a white Nissan Note. Later, officers arrested a 25-year-old man from Fire Trail Road in the departure lounge of the domestic terminal at the Lynden Pindling International Airport. However, the man was released from custody pending further investigations.
Mrs Rolle-Hilton expressed frustration over the lack of progress in the case three months after her brother’s death.
“Like I said before, you know, every day there’s another murder happening, and we just want to ensure that Geovani’s case is kept on the forefront because for us this is the priority.”
“I mean, I know everyone’s family member’s a priority, but like I said, we just have to do everything that we can and sometimes to just feel like nothing is happening. So yeah, it’s very frustrating.”
She noted that, according to the latest update from police, they are actively pursuing the case.
The sister said the family has been getting by emotionally with prayers and spending time together to lean on each other.
She said: “We’ve always been a closeted family, but just staying focused, making God the centre of our lives, and trying to lean not on our own understanding but relying on our faith.”
GEOVANI ROLLE
GRAND Bahama residents protesting outside of Grand Bahama Power Company earlier this month.
THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS
Are we confident in our criminal rehabilitation?
By MALCOM STRACHAN
A NUMBER of concerns were raised last week when word went round that a prisoner guilty of a crime that shocked the nation back in the 80s was said to be back on the streets.
It turned out not to be quite the case – but it did throw the issue of parole into the spotlight.
The prisoner in question was Kevin Patrick Hanna, who killed his father, mother, brother and two sisters in 1984. He was a teenager at the time. He is now over 60 years old and has spent the time since in prison after being sentenced to life imprisonment.
Prison Commissioner Doan Cleare spoke to the case and said that Mr Hanna will have been seen in public as he has been part of a prison work release programme – but he has not been released. Yet.
The outrage at Mr Hanna’s presence in public
makes me wonder if we are really ready for a parole programme – and if we really believe in the idea of rehabilitation. Do we truly want prisoners to be rehabilitated or do we just want to throw them into prison forever and never have to think of them again, let alone see them? What do we really want our justice system to be about? What happens with the prisoner who truly does regret his actions, who serves his sentence, does his time and is able to come back out of prison and not go back down the path of committing crime? Are we ready to accept that people can change, and that people can pay back society for what they’ve done and then be reintegrated into that society?
Commissioner Cleare was very open about Mr Hanna’s case. He said: “Kevin Hanna is one of the best residents we have in this institution.
‘...are we really ready for a parole programme – and do we really believe in the idea of rehabilitation?’
He ain’t showing no signs, he is rehabilitated.”
Mr Hanna, he says, has done everything asked of him. The commissioner said: “There is no more programme I can push Kevin Hanna into in this institution. He has been through all of them, some six, seven or eight times.”
He added that “society
has more dangerous people on the road than Kevin Hanna right now”.
Social media, as you might imagine, was far less generous, with talk of why would we want to have convicted murderers walking among us. We are a small country, it is true, and the likelihood is that with parole, relatives of victims may well see their loved ones’ killers once they are released. This may be 20,30,40 years on from the crime – but I doubt it becomes any easier for those close to a victim to see the killer walking around when the victim was deprived of such a possibility.
The crucial part of this is rehabilitation. Does it work? We know that worldwide there are plenty of statistics to look at, in terms of reoffending rates by those on parole and so on.
A study in the US back in the 80s and posted on the Bureau of Justice Statistics website showed that 69 percent of parolees in the 17-22 age group were rearrested for a serious crime within six years of the release – although almost 40 percent of the arrest statistics came from just ten percent of the parolees.
A more recent study in California in 2019 found a significant change in those figures, however – with 2.3 percent of offenders convicted of a new misdemeanor or felony within three years of their release, and just 0.4 percent convicted of a felony against a person.
However, a study of those in prison long-term found that 47 percent, nearly half, presented a
moderate risk for future violence and 28 percent presented a high risk. Note that those individuals are staying in prison – and that’s crucial in our judgement on who to release and who not to release.
Thorough assessments by professionals in the field can help to identify who is a risk, and who is not. It is not infallible, of course, but that 0.4 percent risk of a felony against a person might well be lower than from anyone other than the released prisoner.
I imagine the other risk to be considered is violence toward that individual. Revenge killings are far from unknown in The Bahamas – we hear it every time the police say there is a gangland connection in a new killing.
What are the advantages of parole? Well, we cannot get away from the fact that one of them is cost.
Keeping someone locked up forever costs money, both in food and the ever-needed expansion of prison size if everyone is kept there long-term. That appeals to administrations always in need of saving money – but money should of course not be the sole criteria.
We should not be a nation that locks people up forever when there is no need to – but we also need to be confident that when we talk about rehabilitation, we can trust that it is actually taking place, and that we are not adding greater risk to our already dangerous streets.
I applaud the goal – but I don’t have that confidence yet, and Mr Cleare’s admonition that we just need to accept it and “move on” is not enough to give that reassurance.
More importantly, it gives offenders a pathway to being a working part of society again, without leaving them with only one option – a return to criminal ways. In theory, that sounds good – although given the stories we hear about how our prisoners live their day-to-day lives, with stories of slop buckets and tightly packed cells, it’s hard to accept that we have such primitive conditions in one sense yet our rehabilitation programmes are state-ofthe-art. How good are the programmes we operate, and how confident are we in their outcome? Are we really turning these people around as individuals when they have to go back to a cell and empty a bucket? How possible is it to leave the past behind when we hear stories of abuse and violence within the prison walls?
Rising gun crimes in Caribbean: Urgent action required by all
THERE is an alarming surge in gun-related violence, particularly among younger people and gangs. This plague has now spread from other parts of the Caribbean into Antigua and Barbuda which has recently suffered a spike in gun crimes. Throughout my lived experience, Antigua has traditionally enjoyed a low rate of homicides. Sadly, this treasured tradition has been shattered by a surge in broad daylight robberies, particularly of small supermarkets, and even more tragically, by an increase in killings.
Antigua’s current wave of violence, while deeply troubling, mirrors a broader trend that has been prevalent in other Caribbean countries for much longer. Haiti, for instance, bears the notorious distinction of being the most affected, with armed gangs controlling large areas of the country despite the presence of a Kenyan military force, invited by the government and approved by the UN Security Council.
My friend and colleague in Antigua, Lennox Weston, recently published me a sobering account of the murder rates in CARICOM countries in 2022 per 100,000 persons, as compiled by the World Population Review: Jamaica (53.4), St Vincent and the Grenadines (40.41), Trinidad and Tobago (39.52), St Lucia (36.7), Bahamas (31.22), Belize (27.88), Haiti (18.02), Barbados (15.27), and Antigua and Barbuda (10.67). Based on anecdotal evidence and media reports of killings, these figures have likely increased over the last two years, underscoring the gravity of the problem across the region.
The continued illegal trafficking of guns into the Caribbean fuels this violence. The origin of most of these weapons is the United States. Despite undertakings by the current US administration, the flow of illegal arms has not slowed. This issue is tied to the ease with which Americans can purchase weapons, inadequate record-keeping, and the internal politics of the US, where the gun lobby—along with many citizens—fiercely advocates the right to bear and purchase arms.
As long as gun purchases remain a domestic political issue in the US, the provision of critical information regarding the shipment of guns to the Caribbean will remain sporadic, limited to occasions when US customs
World View
By SIR RONALD SANDERS
officials manage to intercept illegal shipments at their ports. This reality necessitates that CARICOM countries adopt cooperative measures to police their territorial seas collectively, with overlapping jurisdiction to interdict ships carrying illegal weapons. The problem is as regional as it is national, and while countries like Antigua and Barbuda are enhancing their maritime capacity, regional collaboration is essential. This includes the right to pursue suspected vessels in each other’s territorial waters. Historically, the Caribbean’s geographic position has made it vulnerable to illicit trafficking routes, and this challenge has evolved as modern criminals exploit regional integration efforts to expand their networks. Organised criminals are taking advantage of economic integration to grow a lucrative network of crime, particularly for gun and drug trafficking, establishing local “branches” across the region. In truth, these criminals are better organised regionally than are the law enforcement agencies of CARICOM, despite the efforts of the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) and the Regional Security System (RSS), which lack comprehensive region-wide enforcement mechanisms.
It should be noted that IMPACS itself has drawn attention to the facts that “regional gangs are increasingly integrating with international criminal networks” and “gangs are increasingly diversifying into a broader spectrum of criminal activities”.
IMPACS also reported that in 2023, firearms accounted for 80 percent of all homicides in CARICOM countries.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda, alarmed by the presence of “474 repeat offenders who are roaming our streets with impunity”, has announced that while Antigua has pursued a liberal immigration policy, there will be “no tolerance for any immigrant involved in criminal activities”. Such individuals will be deported
immediately upon conviction and completion of their prison sentences. This stance is directed at persons of all nationalities, not only CARICOM nationals. It is also not “anti-regionalism”; regionalism was intended for the law-abiding, not for the lawless.
Beyond regional efforts, there is an urgent need for stronger international cooperation. The issue of gun trafficking from the US is part of a broader, global problem of arms proliferation. The US gun lobby’s influence extends beyond domestic politics, affecting neighbouring regions like the Caribbean. Greater collaboration is needed not just within CARICOM but with broader alliances, including nations and organisations like the Organization of American States (OAS), UN organisations and even European states with territories in the region that are affected by similar issues.
As President of the Permanent Council of OAS in December 2023, I introduced a resolution on “Guns, Gangs, and Violence”, which recognised the interconnectedness of transnational organised crime. The resolution called for a cross-border, collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach to address the root causes and consequences of criminal gang violence, particularly gunrelated violence. While this resolution was a step in the right direction, the wheels of establishing effective enforcement mechanisms move slowly. Unfortunately, addressing the issue of crime cannot afford to grind slowly. Lives and livelihoods are at stake, as is the right of people to live in freedom—freedom from fear of crime and the right to live in peace. Therefore, national action, such as Prime Minister Browne is taking, is imperative.
Economic implications of rising crime are also dire. Tourism, a critical sector for many Caribbean nations, could be severely impacted if the region continues to be perceived as unsafe. This would not only affect national economies but also the livelihoods of millions of citizens who depend on
tourism. Moreover, the high unemployment rates, particularly among youth, contribute to the rise in gang-related activities. Economic policies that create jobs and opportunities are vital in steering young people away from crime.
Prime Minister Browne has announced a series of measures designed to curb crime, stating, “The consequences of allowing these criminals to destabilise our country are too dire to
contemplate. We cannot grow our economy or build a prosperous future for our people in an environment riddled with crime and violence. Defeating these criminals is not just a priority—it is an absolute necessity for the continued safety and prosperity of our nation.”
Few in the Caribbean would disagree with him, particularly as crime is no longer random or occasional; it is now an
organised enterprise. Dismantling it requires strong, consensual action by governments, businesses, civil society organizations, and all who wish to live in peaceful and law-abiding societies.
The Presidential Opportunity at University of The Bahamas
The Board of Trustees of University of The Bahamas (UB) is pleased to announce an intensive search for the next President of UB and invites nominations and applications for this exceptional leadership opportunity. The Board seeks a dynamic and inclusive leader who will embody a commitment to the values and traditions of the University. The next President will be an effective and transformational leader who builds on the exceptional strengths of UB, whose mission is to advance and expand access to higher education, promote academic freedom, drive national development, and build character through teaching, learning, research, scholarship, and service. The President will have a deep understanding of and appreciation for the culture of The Bahamas and will position the University for continued growth and success.
This presidential opportunity arrives at a pivotal moment in the history of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas as the nation celebrates 51 years of post-colonial progress and the 50-year legacy of UB. The University has expanded its focus to include continuous quality improvement, demonstrated by its commitment to achieving national and international accreditation. UB is publicly funded with locations on the islands of New Providence, Grand Bahama and San Salvador. UB offers diplomas, graduate, baccalaureate and associate degrees, as well as certifcates across approximately 60 academic programmes. The University serves approximately 4,500 students, has an alumni base of over 22,000 and is one of the largest employers in The Bahamas.
A comprehensive Leadership Profle outlining the University’s priorities as well as the characteristics and attributes of the next President is accessible at https://www.agbsearch.com/searches/presidentuniversity-of-the-bahamas
Additional information about University of The Bahamas is available at: https://www.ub.edu.bs/
AGB Search is assisting the Presidential Search Committee. To assure best consideration, applications and nominations should be received by September 19, 2024. All inquiries, nominations, and applications will be held in the strictest confdence.
Candidates are requested to submit the following documents in Microsoft Word or PDF format:
• A letter of interest describing relevant experience;
• A complete CV or resume; and
• Five professional references with email addresses, and telephone numbers. References will not be contacted until a later stage of the search and without the formal permission of the candidate.
All application materials should be submitted through the AGB Search portal system: http://bit.ly/45x16JU.
Candidates are invited to speak with the search consultant before submitting an application. Questions regarding the application process should be directed to UBahamasPresident@agbsearch.com.
Nominations and confdential inquiries should be directed to: Dr. Carlton Brown, Executive Search Consultant, AGB Search carlton.brown@agbsearch.com / (912) 247-8661
WEAPONS used in recent homicides are displayed during a press conference at the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) Headquarters on July 22, 2024.
PHOTO: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
National School Breakfast
Programme to go nationwide
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunmedia.net
THE National School
Breakfast Pilot Programme will expand nationwide in the upcoming academic year, according to Minister of Education Glenys Hanna Martin.
The programme provides free breakfasts to students in public schools across the country. The Davis administration has said the initiative seeks to ensure no child goes hungry, allowing them to focus and learn effectively in school.
Mrs Hanna Martin told reporters this week that the programme’s expansion will include schools on the Family Islands, as well as primary and comprehensive schools.
“Training will begin
very shortly and some I believe already is underway,” she said during a school repairs tour.
“The Ministry of Health is involved in how the menu is developed, the combination of values of food. It’s a very carefully thought-out project, and it’s going to expand in a few weeks.”
She also noted that the programme is producing positive results, with more students attending school without the concern of missing meals. She said officials search indicates a correlation between higher attendance and the breakfast programme.
In April, the programme expanded to five schools in New Providence: CW Sawyer Primary School, Stephen Dillet Primary School, Woodcock Primary School, Yellow Elder Primary School, and EP Roberts Primary
School. The expansion provided 2,300 students within these schools free breakfast.
In October 2023, the $1m National Breakfast School programme officially launched in New Providence with four primary schools and expanded to four Family Island primary schools in November 2023. Mrs Hanna-Martin said participant schools in New Providence student attendance at the time had increased by 3.9 per cent during the initial months of the programme. Family Island schools recorded an increase of 7.2 per cent in attendance, she said.
After its launch last year, officials defended the programme after online criticism of photographs of the food, saying that the nutritional value of the meals had been evaluated.
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A 26-YEAR-OLD man admitted to molesting a 14-year-old girl he met online in 2022.
Senior Justice Cheryl Grant Thompson presided as Quincy Edgecombe pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful sexual intercourse.
Edgecombe had unlawful sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old female in New Providence.
Edgecombe reportedly met the underaged girl on Instagram.
Edgecombe will next appear in court for the first phase of his sentencing on September 18.
FIVE MONTHS JAIL FOR M AN WHO INJURED EX-GIRLFRIEND
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was sentenced to five months in prison on Friday after he admitted to injuring his ex-girlfriend and assaulting her with a knife.
Senior Magistrate Anishka Isaacs arraigned Johnitan Neymour, 20, on causing harm, threats of death, and assault with a dangerous instrument.
Neymour reportedly assaulted Star Knowles with a knife and injured her when a verbal confrontation escalated on August 14 in New Providence. He also threatened to kill Ms Knowles.
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was granted a conditional discharge on Friday after he admitted to stealing $1,590 while working at Burger King on Bernard Road in July.
Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley arraigned De’Shaun Wells, 24, on six counts of stealing by reason of his employment.
Wells reportedly stole a total of $1,590 while working at the fast food restaurant between July 14 and 24.
The defendant pleaded guilty to the charges. Neymour said he had lost his temper while the pair were arguing and apologised for his actions. After admonishing Neymour for his actions, Magistrate Isaacs sentenced him to three months at the Bahamas Correctional Services for the causing harm charge and five months for the assault with a dangerous instrument charge to be served concurrently. The threats of death charge against Neymour was withdrawn.
After pleading guilty to the charge, Magistrate Reckley ordered that the defendant be of good behaviour for a period of 12 months. Wells must fully financially reimburse the complainant and is expected to give 200 hours of community service. Failure to comply with any of these conditions would incur a nine-month prison term.
Wells must make his first payment of $800 towards his debt on August 30.
Inspector Deon Barr served as the prosecutor.
MINISTER of Education and Technical and Vocational Training Glenys Hanna-Martin
NASA astronauts who will spend extra months at the space station are veteran Navy pilots
Associated Press
THE two astronauts who will spend extra time at the International Space Station are Navy test pilots who have ridden out long missions before.
Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have been holed up at the space station with seven others since the beginning of June, awaiting a verdict on how — and when — they would return to Earth.
NASA decided Saturday they won’t be flying back in their troubled Boeing capsule, but will wait for a ride with SpaceX in late February, pushing their mission to more than eight months. Their original itinerary on the test flight was eight days.
BUTCH WILMORE
Wilmore, 61, grew up in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, playing football for his high school team and later Tennessee Technological University. He joined the Navy, becoming a test pilot and racking up more than 8,000 hours of flying time and 663 aircraft carrier landings. He flew combat missions during the first Gulf War in 1991 and was serving as a flight test instructor when NASA chose him as an astronaut in 2000.
Wilmore flew to the International Space Station in 2009 as the pilot of shuttle Atlantis, delivering tons of replacement parts. Five years later, he moved into the orbiting lab for six months, launching on a Russian Soyuz from Kazakhstan and conducting four spacewalks.
Married with two daughters, Wilmore serves as an elder at his Houston-area Baptist church. He’s participated in prayer services with the congregation while in orbit.
His family is used to the uncertainty and stress of his profession. He met wife
Deanna amid Navy deployments, and their daughters were born in Houston, astronauts’ home base.
“This is all they know,” Wilmore said before the flight.
SUNI WILLIAMS Williams, 58, is the first woman to serve as a test pilot for a new spacecraft. She grew up in Needham, Massachusetts, the youngest of three born to an Indian-born brain researcher and a Slovene American health care worker. She assumed she’d go into science like them and considered becoming a veterinarian. But she ended up at the Naval Academy, itching to fly, and served in a Navy helicopter squadron overseas during the military buildup for the Gulf War.
NASA chose her as an astronaut in 1998. Because of her own diverse background, she jumped at the chance to go to Russia to help behind the scenes with the still new International Space Station. In 2006, she flew up aboard shuttle Discovery for her own lengthy mission. She had to stay longer than planned — 6 1/2 months — after her ride home, Atlantis, suffered hail damage at the Florida pad. She returned to the space station in 2012, this time serving as its commander.
She performed seven spacewalks during her two missions and even ran the Boston Marathon on a station treadmill and competed in a triathlon, substituting an exercise machine for the swimming event.
Husband Michael Williams, a retired US marshal and former Naval aviator, is tending to their dogs back home in Houston. Her widowed mother is the one who frets.
“I’m her baby daughter so I think she’s always worried,” Williams said before launching.
IN this photo provided by NASA, Boeing Crew Flight Test astronauts Butch Wilmore, left, and Suni Williams pose for a portrait inside the vestibule between the forward port on the International Space Station’s Harmony module and Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft on June 13, 2024.
Photo: NASA/AP
Munnings wins gold at World Masters
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
Olympian Timothy Munnings completed Team Bahamas’ appearance at the 2024 World Masters Track and Field Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden, by winning the men’s 55-plus 400 metre gold medal. Munnings, one of three athletes representing The Bahamas in the weeklong competition at the Slottsskogsvallen & Ullevi Stadium, added the gold on Saturday to the bronze he captured in the 200m earlier in the week.
In the 400m, his season’s best time of 53.05 seconds enabled him to hold off a pair of competitors from Italy, who trailed him for the silver and bronze as Claudio Fausti ran 53.88 and Francesco D’Agostino ran 54.40.
“Having won the Bahamas’ first ever medal in the 200m at this elite masters level competition was a great feeling of accomplishment in itself, particularly as my time steadily improved as I progressed through the rounds,” Munnings said.
“But winning the gold medal in the 400 metres, an event which I am best at, and to hear the national anthem played and the announcer to refer to me as world champion was awesome.”
In making his debut at the championships, along with team-mates Michael Armbrister and Miriam Byfield, Munnings said he was pleased with his performance because he was
well prepared for the challenge ahead of him.
“Winning the gold was always my intention even though I was aware of some of the top competitors listed to compete,” he said. “After reviewing some race footage, I knew I was capable of going faster.”
It was his return to Gothenburg where Munnings actually got his international career started as a
member of the men’s 4 x 400m relay team at the1995 World Championships when he teamed up with Troy McIntosh, Dennis Darling and Carl Oliver for 12th place overall. Munnings then helped the relay team of Avard Moncur, McIntosh, Oliver and Chris ‘Fireman’ Brown capture the bronze in 2000 in Sydney, Australia. And he also ran at the 2002 Commonwealth
Games in Manchester, England, as his team-mates of Brown, McIntosh, Dominic Demeritte and Oliver picked up the bronze. At age 58, Munnings has not booked any immediate plans, nor has he decided on whether or not he will return to defend his title at the next World Masters in 2026. “For the time being, I will just take this
SEE PAGE 18
‘Buddy’ Hield gives back to youth
By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net
LESS than two months before the start of the 79th National Basketball Association (NBA) regular season, Chavano “Buddy” Hield returned home to give back to the youth of Grand Bahama and New Providence.
The Buddy Hield Foundation offered a oneof-a-kind experience to the Bahamian community last week in efforts to foster youth development and build the community.
While on home soil, Tribune Sports caught up with the three-point specialist who gave his thoughts on what it means to pour into the youth of The Bahamas.
“It feels good seeing these little boys everyday. There is a new youth wave coming in and they are inspired to play basketball and they want to chase the hoop dream that can change their lives forever. “I am here to pass on the little bit of knowledge I know to help these boys apply it to their games here in The Bahamas or when they get to school in the states. Hopefully, I can serve as a role model or spark plug for them to spark their careers in the right direction,” Hield said.
“Buddy” returned to his roots down in Eight Mile Rock to host a basketball camp from August 20-21 along with a family fun day and giveaway at the Pinedale Park last
THE SPORTS CALENDAR
Thursday. He then commuted to the capital to work along with aspiring basketball players over the weekend and was happy to give back.
According to the former three-point champion, it is a very humbling feeling to go from being a student to being a teacher at camps.
“Being more mature and seeing how undisciplined I was as a kid and now I have to know how to deliver the message better to the kids that are here. I try to find a way to deliver it in the right way where they can understand it. Sometimes you wanna get emotional at times but these kids know I love them a lot and I want to see them succeed.
“Hopefully, one day they can all one day figure it out
AUGUST
TRACK HIGH PERFORMANCE
TRYOUT THE High Performance Athletics Track Club is scheduled to hold a team tryout for sprints and hurdles on Friday, August 30, from 9am to 1pm at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium. It’s open to all athletes between the ages of 12-18 who want to become a part of High Performance Athletics Club. All interested persons are asked to contact 456-2115 for more details.
TRACK RED-LINE CROSS
COUNTRY
IN preparation for the off-season training, the Red-Line Athletics Track Club is scheduled to hold its inaugural Cross Country & Fitness
Run on Saturday, September 14, at the St Augustine’s College Campus. The categories for the male and female runners are under-9, under11, under-13, under-15, under-17, under-20, under-30, under-40, under50 and over-50. The male and female walkers will compete in the under20, under-30, under-40, under-50 and over-50 categories. The course length will be one-mile over two hills, a staircase, road and grass surfaces that will feel like two miles. Trophies will be distributed to the first three all age groups and divisions for both the walkers and the runners. The registration fee is $20 per athlete and interested persons can register online at redlineathletics242@gmail.com
because being an athlete is tough and everybody is not going to make it but I am just happy that I can be here and just give back to them,” the NBA veteran said.
The eight-year NBA pro guard is coming off a very busy summer. He teamed up with NBA players Eric “EJ” Gordon and Deandre Ayton in a bid to become the first Bahamian sports team to qualify for the Olympics at the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Valencia, Spain.
Ultimately, The Bahamas came one game shy of qualifying due to a 86-78 loss to the host country in the finals.
Despite all of that, the Golden State Warriors newcomer is expecting The
Bahamas to bounce back in the next four years for the LA Summer Olympic Games.
“It is really a lot of buzz there. We were a couple of possessions away from finishing and getting to the Olympic stage and being at the highest level in the world. There are a lot of guys that have paved the way for a long time to put us in this position so we just gotta keep chipping away. We have four more years at it and I think that we will be ready in four years” he said.
Hield is now preparing to start his 2024-25 season with the Warriors, starting with training camp which begins on October 1 for the decorated NBA organisation.
THE Cyber Tech Blue Marlins and R&B Operators took the initial lead in their New Providence Softball Association men and women best-of-five playoff series on Saturday night at the Bankers Field in the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.
They join the Chances Mighty Mitts and the Sunshine Auto Wildcats, who prevailed in their openers on Thursday night.
While all four series will continue this week, here’s a summary of the respective games played in their opening series this past weekend.
Blue Marlins 7, Titans 0
This one only lasted five innings as Cyber Tech had an easy day in the office Saturday night as Thomas Davis was stingy on the mound, giving up just three hits for the win over Jamel King, who issued six hits.
The Blue Marlins came up with a run in the first, three in the second, one in the fourth and two in the fifth in the abbreviated affair.
Angelo Watson went 1-for-1 with a two-run home run, scoring twice, while Stephen Russell was 1-for-3 with a two-run double and Aaron Wood was 2-for-3 with a run scored.
Deshawn Wood provided some offensive spark for the losers as he went 2-for-2.
Operators 17, Black Scorpions 7
This game had a little more fireworks in Saturday’s opener, but R&B had a little bit more energy as Diva Burrows held down the pitching chores to get the job done over Dente Colebrooke in another
‘JAZZ’ CHISHOLM JR RETURNS TO ACTION FOR THE YANKEES
By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net
THE dynamic Bahamian MLB star Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr is getting back into his groove at third base since being activated by the New York Yankees on Friday night against the Colorado Rockies. He made his return after being sidelined with an ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury for 10 days. While the flashy third baseman gets back into the swing of things, the Bronx Bombers are hitting the right notes in the American League East with a leading 77-54 win/loss record to top the standings. Chisholm Jr, 26, rejoined his newest team for the first time since August 12 in the series opener against the Rockies on Friday night. According to Chisholm Jr,
the left elbow feels great in action. “It feels great. I have no pain in it and no thoughts of second guessing myself at any play so I think we’re good,” he said. The former MLB All-Star had a slow night in the series opener, recording just one strikeout while going 0-for-3 in the Yankees’ 3-0 victory against the Rockies. However, on Saturday night, he had a much better offensive and defensive showing against the Colorado-based team in New York’s 9-2 loss.
YANKEES’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. walks to the dugout during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the
OLYMPIAN Timothy Munnings added the gold in the 400 metres on Saturday to the bronze he captured in the 200m. Here, he is flanked by his support team at the 2024 World Masters Track and Field Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Munnings wins gold in 400m at World Masters
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achievement in and look at what the future holds for me in the coming days,” said Munnings, who celebrated in Gothenburg with his family members.
Among the persons present were his wife, Ruth, and his son, Timothy Jr, Leslie and Jennifer Munnings and their son, Leslie Jr, Alecia Munnings, Andrew Munnings, Dr Brian Humberstone, Natasha Brown and Cynthia Rahming.
“This crew made the most junkanoo noise with cow bells and whistles and screams,” he recalled.
“There was no way I could lose with all that.”
As for Team Bahamas, Munnings said he was
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from Michael Toglia. He gathered himself and threw the ball across the diamond to complete the out.
He gave his thoughts on the performance after the game.
just as pleased with their performances.
“It takes a lot of courage to step out into competition. I am proud of both Miriam (Byfield) and Mike (Armbrister) performances,” he stated.
“Miriam ran the 100, 200 and 400m with incredible performances and advanced in at least two of the events. Likewise, Mike ran the 400m and competed in the long jump and advanced in the 400m.”
While he had time to celebrate with the whole entourage in Gothenburg, Munnings, the immediate past director of sports in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, is calling for a national day holiday at home to commemorate his historic performances.
“I feel pretty good today. Yesterday, I felt more just trying to get my timing back but today I felt pretty good. I felt like I didn’t lose a step after yesterday and it’s time to get back to work and go win this division,” he said.
In yesterday’s 10-3 win against the Rockies,
Chisholm Jr went 0-for-4 and ended the game with one strikeout. The Bronx Bombers are happy to have the newest cog in their machine back in the lineup for the stretch run in the American League.
The team seems to be trending in the right
direction at the right time with American League MVP favourite Aaron Judge leading the charge.
The 2022 AL MVP launched two homers in the first inning against the Rockies on Sunday to become the fifth player in MLB history with three 50-homer seasons.
As for Jazz, he is thriving with the Yankees hitting .313 with seven homers, 12 RBIs and 13 runs scored.
The Yankees will be back in action against the (59-72) Washington Nationals tonight at the Nationals Park in Washington DC. The game begins at 6:45pm.
BAHAMAS LAWN TENNIS ASSOCIATION HOSTS SUCCESSFUL SUMMER CAMPS
THIS summer was hot and so were the tennis activities all across The Bahamas. A number of successful programmes were held at the National Tennis Centre (NTC) this summer.
Firstly, the NTC held both morning and afternoon tennis camps that allowed children to learn tennis in a fun-filled environment.
There were approximately 100 students and the participants included first timers and active players. Forehands, backhands, serves, volleys and overhands were just a few of the skills taught.
The kids were also taught to work together in teams and to exhibit good sportsmanship.
During camp there were opportunities to teach life lessons that they can carry with them. We thank all those who assisted with the NTC camps.
Coach Steve Taylor also held a summer camp at the NTC. Coach Taylor is consistently impacting the lives of kids through tennis. Other summer tennis camps were also held in Nassau that made a positive contribution to the sport.
Eleuthera Coach Artie Johnson also held a very successful summer camp in Eleuthera. The 24th Annual All Eleuthera Youth Summer Tennis Camp was once again a huge success.
Coach Artie Johnson is a testament to consistency
and dedication in the sport of tennis. The president of the Eleuthera Tennis Association extends thanks to all of the camp managers, coaches, speakers and sponsors. The camp ended with a beach party and awards presentation.
President Johnson thanked Elva Nixon, camp manager for 24 years, the first year assistant camp manager and major fundraiser Lisa Penn, coaches Chris Evans and Mechelle Walker. Thanks was extended also to sponsors Juan Bacardi of Bristol’s Wines & Spirits, Robert D’Albenas, Mr Wesley Lambert, Pineapple Fields, Tipys Restaurant, French Leaves Resort c/o 1648 Restaurant, Sunset Inn Restaurant, Ronnie’s
Hideaway Restaurant and Bar, Denise Johnson, Pauline Cardy-Johnson, and all of the volunteers that made this year’s camp a success.
Grand Bahama Summer camps also took place in Grand Bahama. At one of the camps coach Sharon and Gregory Greene held the 242Tennis summer camp at the Grand Lucayan courts introducing the kids to tennis in a fun environment. The kids were also taught paddle tennis and golf.
Inagua Coach Danny Rigby from Grand Bahama helps to conduct a summer tennis programme in Inagua.
Earlier this year, coach Paula Whitfield from the BLTA Play Tennis programme was also in Inagua
OPERATORS, MARLINS IN WIN COLUMN
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abbreviated five-inning game. Melinda Bastian led an offensive tear by going 3-for-4 with four runs batted in and scored three times. Michelle Thompson was 2-for-4with RBI and three runs scored; Mia Turner was 2-for-3 with two runs scored; K4neisha Kelly was a perfect 2-for-2with a RBI and two runs scored and Aaliyah Ferguson was 1-for-3 with a triple, a RBI and two runs scored.
For the Black Scorpions, Akia Rose was perfect at 3-for-3 with a triple, an RBI and a run scored; Jhzell McKenzie was 2-for-3 with a triple as well, two RBI and two runs scored and Vashawna Bastian was 2-for-3 with two RBI and a run scored, The Operators scored two runs in the first and eight in the second to set the stage for the early night at the park. They added four more in the third and three in the fourth to seal the deal. The Black Scorpions answered with four in the second and three in the fourth, but it wasn’t enough.
Mighty Mitts 11,
Renegades 0 In Thursday’s feature contest, Chances got a nohitter from Alcott Forbes as they scored five runs in the first and third with one more in the second to pull off their abbreviated shutout victory. Jahari Davis suffered the loss.
Junel Bain was a perfect 2-for-2 with a double, two RBI and a run scored to lead the Mighty Mitts offensively. Stefon McKenzie was 1-for-2 with a homer, an RBI and two runs scored; Sherman Ferguson was 1-for-1 with two RBI and two runs scored and Forbes helped his own cause going 1-for-2 with a double, a RBI and one run scored.
Wildcats 15, Lady Truckers 0 Sunshine Auto wracked up a pair of runs in the first inning and erupted for 10 more in the second and three in the third to clinch their abbreviated shutout victory as Thela Stevens spun a no-hitter in Thursday’s opener. Grace Chea was tagged with the loss. Stevens helped her own cause by going 2-for-3 with a double, three RBI and a run scored to also lead the Wildcats’ offensive attack. Larikah Russell went 2-for3 with a RBI and three runs scored; Tyrice Davis was 1-for-3 with three RBI and a run scored; Jasmine Scavella was 1-for-2 with a RBI and two runs scored and Dwayna Pratt was 1-for-1 with two RBI and a run scored.
assisting Sophia Smith and Inagua Tennis in a developmental clinic. The BLTA sent some equipment to assist the development in Inagua. It is great to witness this sharing between the islands in laying the building blocks of growth as coach Rigby, who is from Grand Bahama, also gave back with the Inagua Tennis Camp. At the end of the various tennis camps in the country, there was a marked improvement in the tennis skills of the children.
The camps were enjoyable and exciting and will spark the tennis journey for many. The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) congratulates all the coaches and assistants on a job well done.
BODYBUILDING NOVICE SHOW THE Bahamas Bodybuilding Wellness and Fitness Federation will hold its 2024 Novice and National Bodybuilding Competition on Saturday, September 7 at the University of the Bahamas. Competition will be held for men and women in fitness, classic, physique, figure, bikini, wellness and bodybuilding.
Tickets are priced at $30 for general admission and $40 for VIP and can be purchased from any of the bodybuilding gymnasiums. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $35 general admission and $45 for VIP.
FOR
JAZZ
TIMOTHY Munnings celebrates his gold medal with his Italian rivals Claudio Fausti and Francesco D’Agostino.