09122023 NEWS AND SPORT

WOMAN & HeALtH

Juicy, Cheesy

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Volume: 120 No.174, September 12, 2023

UNION DEADLINE ON CUBAN TEACHERS

Ministry challenged over investigation of English speaking ability

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE BAHAMAS Union of Teachers has given the Ministry of Education until tomorrow to complete its investigations on Cuban teachers, saying it stands by its earlier comments that the new hires cannot speak English.

“Although the Ministry of Education has denied

the concern that the Bahamas Union of Teachers has about the recently hired Cuban teachers, who are unable to speak English fluently, or clearly, I stand by my position, I have received the information from teachers and students throughout The Bahamas, at the schools where they have been assigned,” BUT president Belinda Wilson said in

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LLOYD SUGGESTS NEW EDUCATION AGENCY TO ASSESS LEARNING LOSS

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Education

Minister Jeff Lloyd urged officials to consider separating the Department of Education from the Public Service, adding that an Education Authority would have its own pay scale and more “proficiently and efficiently” respond to a crisis,

such as the educational assessments needed to address learning loss after Hurricane Dorian.

Mr Lloyd was responding to concerns regarding how conducive the current education system is in a country that is frequently susceptible to hurricanes. He spoke yesterday afternoon on The Foundation with Grant

SEE PAGE FIVE

ABACO PLANE CRASH SURVIVOR THANKS GOD FOR LIFE

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

ABACO resident Justin DeCosta is lucky to be alive after surviving a plane crash on the island on Sunday. Police reported that a plane with five people on board was inbound to Marsh Harbour from Eleuthera when it began to experience engine failure.

SIX MONTHS

AND STILL NO ANSWERS ON DISCLOSURES

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

SIX months after the deadline for financial disclosures by parliamentarians had passed, Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard said he is “not surprised” that the list of those who failed to disclose has still not been revealed.

The initial deadline for officials to disclose their assets and liabilities was March 1.

BIG SHIPPING COMPANIES MAY BE EYEING SHIPYARD IN GB

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

The pilot crash landed in bushes near Spring City, south of the airport; however no one was injured.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority said it is investigating the incident.

“Thank you Lord for preserving the lives of everyone, including my grandson and myself, that

MULTIPLE sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, yesterday told this newspaper that Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and Maersk, the world’s two largest container shipping companies, were partnering with Italian shipbuilding giant, Fincantieri, to make an approach for the GBPA or its Port Group Ltd affiliate. The latter holds the majority of the two families profit-making assets, such as Freeport Harbour Company and Grand Bahama Development Company.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

plane that crashed in Abaco

‘coral catastrophe’ discovered in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Parks

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

THE Perry Institute for Marine Science and The Bahamas National Trust recently discovered a “coral catastrophe” in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Parks, with reports of the most drastic coral bleaching events in recorded history.

In a press statement yesterday, Perry Institute for Marine Science said the discovery is a testament to the accelerating threat of climate change as scientists have observed up to 100 per cent of coral bleached in certain areas, with resilient reefs showing a concerning 50 per cent bleaching rate.

Lindy Knowles, senior science officer at BNT, called the site of the Shroud Wall depressing.

“The bleached corals were glaringly white, so different than their usual vibrant colours. We immediately could’ve seen the massive amount of bleaching on the reef as soon as we got to the site, before even getting in the water.”

Perry Institute for Marine Science is hoping for immediate relief from the bleaching crisis, saying a drop in ocean

temperatures could bring temporary relief.

“Tackling climate change isn’t a matter of choice but of survival,” said Will Greene, a scientist at Perry Institute for Marine Science.

“We can’t stop the currnt bleaching event at a meaningful scale, but we can prevent environmental disasters like this from happening down the line by addressing climate change. In the interim, our focus is on helping the park recover by rebuilding resilient reefs engineered to withstand thermal surges.”

Previous models estimated that global warming could annihilate most coral reefs by 2050, however, the study projects that this reality could manifest earlier than expected.

“Global coral reefs contribute $2.7 trillion annually, so their importance cannot be overstated. They fortify coastlines, bolster fisheries, drive tourism, and form the bedrock of marine ecosystems. With the reefs of The Bahamas alone potentially contributing up to $135m per square kilometre, the ecological and economic implications are profound,” the statement said.

PM MEETS WITH COMMUNITY LEADERS AND INVESTORS IN CHICAGO

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis will return to the Bahamas today after meeting in Chicago yesterday with several community leaders and investors.

In a statement yesterday, OPM explained the purpose of the Prime Minister’s visit to the city which it said was to deepen ties to city and state leaders and the Obama Foundation to promote investment opportunities in our country’s tourism, clean energy and digital assets sectors.

“In a meeting at City Hall with Mayor Brandon Johnson, a young progressive black leader elected in an upset victory earlier this year, the Prime Minister and the Mayor discussed policies to fight crime and violence, strengthen urban communities, and improve learning recovery in schools after the pandemic,” OPM said.

“In a visit to the Obama Foundation, the Prime Minister spoke with senior Foundation executives about the organisation’s projects to both provide community support in Chicago and to nurture a new generation of leaders globally. The Prime Minister expressed particular

interest in My Brother’s Keepers, an initiative to bridge opportunity gaps faced by young black men. The Obama Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 2014 by former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama.”

“At the City Club of Chicago, Prime Minister Davis met with prominent investors to promote opportunities to partner with Bahamians in accelerating the development of diverse sectors of our economy, from tourism to agriculture, from clean energy to digital assets, and more. The Prime Minister positioned The Bahamas as a country that is welcoming to investment, which can advance the country’s development. “

OPM said the prime minister participated in interviews and a roundtable conversation on climate change at Loyola University, where he repeated his calls for action in the fight against climate change.

Mr Davis also called for the US to reconsider assisting small island developing states with climate financing to support rebuilding and recovery efforts in the

wake of disasters.

“The Prime Minister has become a strong advocate on the global stage for urging the wealthiest nations to do more to halt the carbon emissions which are warming oceans and causing more intense hurricanes,” OPM added.

“The Prime Minister also urges action on fair climate finance to help small island nations like ours prepare for the new climate era and describes our country’s steps to grow stronger, including scaling up our mitigation and adaptation initiatives, working with scientists to map and protect our carbon-absorbing seagrasses, and strengthening our new Youth Guard, in which young Bahamians will work alongside our national security forces to offer communities support before and after storms.”

At the end of the meetings, the Prime Minister thanked the city’s leaders for the warm welcome, saying: “It is wonderful to meet with a new generation of young black leaders who are bringing energy and innovation to public policy. When we share experiences and solutions, we all benefit.”

MOMENT OF SILENCE OBSERVED AS US EMBASSY MARKS 22 YEARS SINCE 9/11

THE US flag stood at half-mast and a moment of silence was observed to mark the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks yesterday.

US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken said in a statement: “The men and women of the US Department of State will never forget that tragic day, the many lives lost, and the first responders who rushed into danger to save them. We also remember our colleagues who were killed on this day in 2012 in Benghazi, Libya. Their bravery and sacrifice continue to be an inspiration for this department and our nation.”

In The Bahamas, the Chargé d’Affairs and staff took part in the moment of silence to remember the attacks.

LINDY KNOWLES, Senior Science Officer at BNT, surveyed white and pale boulder star coral colonies suffering from the summer 2023 mass bleaching event in The Bahamas.

US Military personnel stand at attention to observe a moment of silence as the US Embassy marked the 22nd anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis is set to return to New Providence after meeting with several community leaders and investors in Chicago yesterday.

Photos: BIS

Layla Leathen of GB wins Bahamas Junior Minister of Tourism speech competition

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Staff Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

GRAND Bahama

Academy of Seventh-Day Adventist School declared September 11 as ‘Layla Leathen Day’ in honour of Leathen’s victory in the Bahamas Junior Minister of Tourism Speech Competition held in Nassau.

This is the third time a student from Grand Bahama has won this prestigious title.

Layla will represent The Bahamas at the Regional Tourism Youth Congress in the Turks and Caicos Islands from October 9-13, where she will compete against her peers from the Caribbean region.

The school’s principal, Jeffrey Jervis, expressed how proud he was of Layla’s achievement and described it as an historical moment.

The ceremony was attended by Dr Kenneth Romer, Deputy Director General of Tourism, and Iram Lewis, MP for Central Grand Bahama.

In March, Leathen won the Junior Director of Tourism Speech Competition in Grand Bahama.

Mr Jervis said Leathen’s determination of not giving up after losing her first speech competition serves as an example for many.

“Even though she was disappointed, she used that as (motivation). And, that is why we are here today to celebrate Layla Leathen for what she has accomplished,” he said.

Dr Kenneth Romer said Grand Bahama is known for producing winners, noting that William

Maynard, of Sunland Baptist Academy, and Gabrielle Josephs, of Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Academy, had also carried the title of Junior Minister of Tourism. Josephs also won the regional title.

“I wish to recognise our Junior Minister of Tourism Layla Leathen. This distinction sets her apart as an exemplar, role model, and a difference maker. This is a call to excellence, and a call to service, said Dr Romer.

The deputy director general of tourism also noted that Grand Bahama is regaining some ground in tourism.

He reported that GB has recovered 75 percent of pre-pandemic levels, despite being devastated by Hurricane Dorian. He also noted that Grand Bahama is outpacing all the other islands percentage wise in overall visitor arrival gains.

Dr Romer commended tourism professionals in GB for their hard work.

In addition to promoting awareness of the tourism industry among high school students, Dr Romer said the Junior Minister of Tourism programme’s long-term goal is to generate a talent pool of young professionals to serve in the tourism industry, and by extension the economy. The programme encourages high school students to develop leadership, public speaking, problem solving, and team building skills, while promoting an understanding of the importance of tourism to the country, economy and culture.

TEMPORARY BUILDING WILL BE SET UP FOR NORTH ELEUTHERA Airport - new terminAl ‘A priority’, sAys cooper

Plane crash survivor thanks God for life

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

TOURISM Minister Chester Cooper said temporary facilities will be set up for the North Eleuthera airport to provide relief, saying a new airport for the island is still a priority of the government.

“We have heard the cries of the people of North Eleuthera and tourism stakeholders about the state of the airport,” said Mr Cooper in a statement on his official Facebook page. “We can assure you a new airport is coming sooner rather than later. In the meantime, we are doing something about the situation by sending a temporary lounge to the island to provide some immediate relief.”

The disrepair of North Eleuthera’s airport is a major problem, especially due to it being one of the busiest airports in the country. Many have complained about the inadequate bathroom facilities, lack of seating, non-working air conditioning, and the congestion of the airport.

During an Office of the Prime Minister press briefing on Thursday, Mr Cooper was asked further

about the relief provided to the North Eleuthera airport.

“As it relates to North Eleuthera this is the second or third busiest airport in the country,” Mr Cooper told reporters on Thursday. “This environment is booming for tourists and residents. The circumstances at the airport were completely unacceptable.”

“While we acknowledge that it will take some time to build a new airport. In the short term, we see the need to provide some immediate relief and therefore we have sought temporary facilities that we have acquired through the airport authority and they are enroute to North Eleuthera to provide temporary accommodations. I want to emphasise to the people of North Eleuthera that this is a temporary facility and North Eleuthera is high on the agenda by way of the government’s priority to ensure that it also has a world-class airport.”

The government launched the $260m Family Island Renaissance Programme to transform 14 Family Island airports. Exuma and North Eleuthera are projected to require the greatest capital to be spent.

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was on board the plane in the photos that crashed in Marsh Harbour on yesterday,” Mr DeCosta said in a Facebook post yesterday.

“We are all thankful and grateful to have survived

and with no major injuries and it was all because of Your grace, mercy and loving kindness and protection towards us, that we are all still alive and well today and that we still have the chance and opportunity to live out your plan, purpose and desire for our lives.”

He also thanked the pilot for remaining calm during the entire ordeal.

“You did a wonderful and amazing job to ensure that all passengers and yourself were in the best position possible to survive the crash landing. I pray that God will cover

your mind and heart from all fear or doubt of flying a plane ever again.”

“With God’s help you did your best and that is what’s important. Just trust God and continue flying and pursuing your dreams and goals young man and God would do the rest.”

ABACO resident Justin DeCosta is lucky to be alive after surviving a plane crash on the island on Sunday.

TOURISM Minister Chester Cooper said temporary facilities will be set up for the North Eleuthera airport to provide relief, saying a new airport for the island is still a priority of the government.

‘I never want to experience’ dengue fever again, says woman

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

MAKERIA Tucker is one of the 88 confirmed dengue fever cases in the country, calling the experience one of a kind.

As of yesterday, there were 88 confirmed cases in the country, up from 70 cases last week.

Having experienced extreme symptoms of

dengue fever for the past week, Ms Tucker advised people to take the necessary precautions.

In her initial stages, she was faced with a slew of symptoms, adding that as the week progressed her symptoms intensified before she felt better.

“I went to bed completely fine and woke up the next morning feeling like a completely different person,” Ms Tucker said

yesterday.

“I had awful back, joint and muscle pains, extreme thirst, a non-stop headache, nausea, fever, cold sweats, tiredness, weakness, and dizziness.”

“My symptoms worsened. As time progressed, I started experiencing eye pains and my gums were swollen and sore to the point where I couldn’t eat or drink. The pain was unbearable most time.”

However, as of yesterday, Ms Tucker said she has got some relief and is hoping for a full recovery.

As it relates to treatment, health officials said there is no specific treatment for dengue fever, advising people not to self-medicate.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is currently not considering bringing dengue vaccines into the country, as officials are

waiting for more data to ensure the vaccines’ safety.

As a result of this news, Ms Tucker said she would be open to taking the vaccine.

“I would be open to a vaccine for dengue fever.

“I’d never experienced anything like this, and I never want to experience anything like this again.”

There are four types of the dengue virus, all capable of inducing severe

illness.

The country last experienced a significant virus outbreak in 2011, with 205 confirmed and 7,200 suspected cases.

Dengue fever causes severe flu-like illness and sometimes a potentially lethal complication called dengue haemorrhagic fever.

Other symptoms can include headache, muscle and joint pains, and rash.

Letters seeking apoLogy and reparations from royaL famiLy to be sent by yea r’s end

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas National Reparations Committee is in support of preparations being made for formal letters to be sent seeking an apology and reparations from the British royal family by the end of the year, as talks on the issue should involve communities not individual nations.

Dr Niambi Hall Campbell-Dean, head of the Bahamian Reparations Committee, said as The Bahamas is a part of the 15-nation CARICOM Reparations Commissions, The Bahamas is in support of moves made by the Caribbean community.

This comes as the CARICOM Reparations Commission prepares to take action seeking an apology and reparations from the British Royal family for its historical involvement in slavery, especially the exploitation of enslaved people in the Caribbean region, hailing from Africa.

According to international reports, the commission is planning, by the end of the year, to send formal letters to Lloyd’s of London and the Church of England with “demands of financial payments and reparative justice for their historic role in the slave trade”.

Dr Hall Campbell-Dean told The Tribune yesterday: “One of the important things to note is that The Bahamas National Reparations Committee, just like the committees in Barbados or Grenada or Guyana or Jamaica, is a member

of the larger CARICOM Reparations Commission.

“So, when progress is made, or when the Heirs of Slavery group or the Repair Campaign does an initiative in Guyana, for example, where they had the Gladstone family make an apology and donate $100,000, while that does directly affect Guyana, it overall speaks to the CARICOM reparations commission, because we work as a unit,” she said.

“While that does directly affect the Guyana, it overall speaks to the CARICOM reparations commission, because we work as a unit,” she said.

Both the Heirs of Slavery group and the Repair Campaign follow the lead of the CARICOM Reparations Commission and their aim is getting reparatory justice for the effects of slavery in the Caribbean.

“So when one country is advancing, or getting reparations from non-state actors, that is sort of, you know, a notch in the hat for everyone,” she said.

Last month, the descendants of William Gladstone, the former British Prime Minister and his father John Gladstone, gave a formal apology to the descendants of those enslaved by the family in the past.

According to international reports, Charles Gladstone apologized for his ancestors being enslavers in Guyana, promised to support a department at the Georgetown University and urged the British Royal family to hold talks with the Caribbean Community.

Dr Campbell-Dean said national repatriation committees are of the view that due to the widespread impact of institutions such as the Church of England, or Lloyd’s of London on whole regions, these institutions, would have to hold talks with entire communities, instead of individual countries.

“When we look at issues with the Church of England, or Lloyd’s of London; even though these individual countries might be talking about speaking to the non-state actors, their businesses, specifically, when we think of an institution like the church, affected everyone in the region.

“There was no island within the region in which the Church of England did not have some sort of impact, especially in the English-speaking Caribbean, right.

“So those types of conversations, the church would have to have with everyone within the region. They can’t just say, we’re going to go to Barbados, because we hear Barbados is making noise. No. So that’s how the individual committees are moving.

“You have to do something that recognizes and includes all of us. So that’s where we’re moving right now,” Dr Campbell-Dean said.

Dr Campbell-Dean added that the committee is working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to establish programmes and initiatives that will be announced on the committee’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

GB ENTREPRENEURS WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN UP TO $10K IN UB PITCH COMPETITION

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Staff Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

SMALL business entrepreneurs in Grand Bahama will have an opportunity to compete for $10,000 in cash prizes at UB IGNITE first annual Pitch Competition on October 6.

Joye Ritchie, the coordinator, said the competition is open to anyone who has registered or participated in the business incubator programme launched in June.

The first session was held from June 12 to June 23, and the second session will commence on September 18. It is free to participants.

Through a partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank, the University of the Bahamas Northern Campus received a $500,000 grant to fund the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation to stimulate small and medium-sized businesses.

As a result of the technical agreement signed with IDB, UB North is mandated to enroll 640 participants, of which 50 percent must be females.

Mr Ritchie and Dr Andrew Moxey, Dean of Faculty, are appealing to persons who have a small

business or are interested in starting one to sign up for the next session in September.

The cash prizes will be split among competition winners.

“We have about 10,000 up for grabs and other incentives and prizes for participants,” she said.

“We really want the GB community to embrace this opportunity to take their businesses to another level.”

Ms Ritchie said they are excited to have the Grand Bahama Port Authority as a partner in the competition.

Dr Yuliana Topazly, faculty coordinator at UB-IGNITE, said that the incubator programme is beneficial and provides workshops with local, national, and international business experts.

She added that participants are also paired with a mentor who will provide them with guidance.

Lashawn Dames, business development manager of the GBPA, with responsibility for investment attraction, business services, and the Invest GB Small Business Bureau, said their relationship with UB spans more than 30 years.

“I am excited about being a part of the pitch competition as a judge. I

think this is a wonderful opportunity,” she said.

Ms Dames said the GBPA is committed to demonstrating its commitment to building and growing the economy of GB and its people.

“This business incubator and the IDB Bank project is a true demonstration of how organisations can combine the resources we have to invest in our people and the economy’s future growth,” she said.

Participants Keira Fox, of Luxury Island Scents, and Nicoya Cambridge of Blue Marlin Bahamas, said the incubator programme was very beneficial.

“I am grateful to be among the first to participate in the UB Ignite programme and be able to engage with various entrepreneurs who provided expert advice,” said Ms Fox.

She said she will take the strategies she has learned and apply them to help grow her business.

Ms Cambridge said: “UB Ignite provided us valuable insight into the business world that will benefit my business,” she said.

Persons may visit the UB Ignite website at www.ubignite to register for the next session.

DR NIAMBI HALL CAMPBELL-DEAN, HEAD OF THE BAHAMIAN REPARATIONS COMMITTEE

Lloyd suggests new education agency to assess learning loss

Howard on the Guardian Radio show.

However, Bahamas Union of Teachers president Belinda Wilson told The Tribune yesterday that Mr Lloyd should “sit small” as he is no longer in government.

“I take Jeff Lloyd, the former Minister of Education’s comments, with a grain of sand. Jeff Lloyd has all the answers now, but he is not in the chair. He has no credibility to speak on any education issues, because he had an opportunity to fix the problems and he squandered his opportunity. So, Mr Lloyd, sit small,” she said.

Mr Lloyd said: “I wish to suggest that whoever has the authority, separate the Department of Education from the public service. Why? I don’t believe that teachers are going to achieve the respect that they deserve, certainly from a compensation and a work environment standpoint, as long as they are in the public service.”

“Here’s what I think, teachers with a master’s degree who sit in a classroom and have to manage the number of students that she does and has to do the work that she does, in the public sector at the moment makes exactly the same salary as another

master’s degree holder anywhere else in the public service; whether it’s Ministry of Agriculture or Ministry of Social Services, and that’s rabidly unfair.

“That teacher’s responsibility and the demand and expectation on that teacher and those other master’s degree holders could not come even close.

“Separate them, so that they can have meaning. Separate the department, so the teachers and all others can have their own pay scale, the same way that NIB has its own pay scale, the same way that Water and Sewerage has its own pay scale, like Airport Authority has its own pay scale,” he said.

Mr Lloyd also spoke of challenges that the Ministry of Education has had during the summer with school repairs and how this process would be improved with the establishment of an education authority.

“That’s not the blame to be placed on the Ministry of Education as such, because you don’t have the control over the infrastructural development of our industry; 260 buildings under the remit of the educational establishment,” Mr Lloyd said.

“You have to go to the Ministry of Works for those buildings, if there is need for repairs to be assessed, of

course, the Ministry of Works for those contracts to be prepared on negotiations with those respective contractors. In many instances, despite the Herculean effort by the Ministry of Works, and I don’t want to down them, because I know they’re working very hard.

“They simply don’t have the resources to manage 260 buildings wherever there might be repairs needed. Plus, the many other ministries and departments of government that they also have responsibility for. Plus, their own work, whether it’s road building, road repairs, bridges, docks, and so on. It’s just unfair.

They do a great job, but there’s a certain limitation, because of resources, principally technical resources and persons and most people are not going to come back with a master’s degree in engineering and work for the government for $25,000/$35,000 a year when that’s one project for them.

Mr Lloyd continued: “When we separate the department of education and make it its own authority, educational authority, then you have control of your budget, then the minister or the executive director, or whoever is in charge at that time, can operate according to your own schedules.

“Nobody is saying that you just have a run of the muck, be accountable, you have responsibility, you have control of your own schedule, your own paradigms, your own budgets, you now can execute with responsibility and proficiency and efficiency in a manner that the system deserves.

“You see what happened with Hurricane Dorian. You need to be able to respond on a dime, with an educational assessment, and you need to be able to do it without having to go through all of the bureaucracy that now obtains in the Public Service.

“Of course, I know that some educators and some people who are in the ministry may say, Oh, well, you know, we leave the public service, we’re going to lose all of our benefits. No, they all can be imported into that new authority. You’ll lose absolutely nothing. What you do gain is efficiency, proficiency and a dynamism to respond as needed when needed for the benefit of your clients who happen to be students and their families.

“You leave the Ministry of Education, as it is; the ministry regulator responsible for the governing in terms of policies, regulations, so on. But the executive management of education, I say, respectfully, an authority,” Mr Lloyd said.

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a recording yesterday.

“So, I’ve written to the Ministry of Education, again, I’ve given them until Wednesday, to complete their investigation and to decide what it is that they’re going to do about the Cuban teachers who are unable to speak English because what happens is it negatively impacts our students and their learning process.”

Last week, Mrs Wilson called on the Ministry of Education to investigate the new recruits after local teachers complained about language barriers.

However, the Ministry of Education refuted the claims, saying the Cuban teachers were recruited “as a result of a scrutiny process” which involved seasoned public servants from several ministries and agencies.

The ministry also said it is confident that the new recruits are competent in English.

“It was unfortunate that the BUT was unable to send a representative interview panel,” the ministry said.

A teacher, who spoke to The Tribune on the condition of anonymity, claimed

the ministry hired nonEnglish speakers “only to show that they have a body in the classroom.”

“They cannot speak any English and they are using their other friends to assist with interpreting what she wants to say,” the teacher said.

Yesterday, Mrs Wilson recalled when a group of Cuban teachers had to be sent home several years ago because of similar issues.

“If they are here to complement our educational system, then definitely English - the speaking of English - must be the first basic tenant of their employment so I await until Wednesday for the ministry of education to respond to me on the investigation that I’ve asked them to conduct and I also say that I do have names of the teachers and the schools and the subject that they are here to teach,” she said.

“I don’t want to go public with that information so I impress upon the Ministry of Education to ensure that they complete the investigation and they give a response to the Bahamas Union of Teachers.”

SIX MONTHS AND STILL NO ANSWERS ON DISCLOSURES, SAYS PINTARD

people to act on delinquent filings: the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.

Either of them can publish the information through communication in the House of Assembly or cause for it to be laid in the Senate. Either can authorise that the information be presented to the attorney

general or commissioner of police so those who failed to disclose could face a penalty.

The penalty for not disclosing is a $10,000 fine and/or up to two years in prison.

Repeated attempts to contact Bishop Cooper by The Tribune yesterday were unsuccessful.

“I only got the list for the senators who did not disclose but not the members of parliament,” Mr Pintard told The Tribune yesterday.

Mr Pintard has called on the Davis administration repeatedly to comply with the Public Disclosures Act. Under the law, parliamentarians and senators, along with senior public officers, are required to submit their disclosures to the Public Disclosure Commission by March each year.

When asked if he was frustrated that a list of

which elected officials had not disclosed was still not provided to him, Mr Pintard said no.

“Quite frankly, I wouldn’t want to be dishonest about it - I am not frustrated because I have very little expectation of the government,” Mr Pintard said. “They’re not given to honouring their commitments to follow up on these matters or comply with the law in general. So, this is just par for the course. This is how they function while they’re being bullish about others complying with a whole host of other laws in the country as they

should.”

The Public Disclosure Commission chairman Bishop Victor Cooper said in July that many senators and senior civil servants failed to disclose their assets, income, and liabilities this year as the law requires. He could not say for certain whether any elected officials failed to follow the law.

Mr Pintard said that the opposition will write to Mr Cooper tomorrow regarding the members of parliament who failed to disclose.

“Our letter to the chairman will go out tomorrow,

relative to the members of parliament and then we’ll go from there,” Mr Pintard said.

Mr Pintard said the government has a track record of not complying with the law. “This matter of public disclosure, this is not at all surprising.”

In July, Bishop Cooper said he had sent a letter to Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis and Opposition Leader Michael Pintard with names of people who did not comply with the law. The Public Disclosure Act empowers only two

FORMER Education Minister Jeff Lloyd urged officials to consider separating the Department of Education from the Public Service, adding that an Education Authority would have its own pay scale and more “proficiently and efficiently” respond to a crisis, such as the educational assessments needed to address learning loss after Hurricane Dorian.

PRESIDENT of the Bahamas Union of Teachers Belinda Wilson has given the Ministry of Education until tomorrow to complete its investigations on Cuban teachers, saying it stands by its earlier comments that the new hires cannot speak English.

SIX months after the deadline for financial disclosures by parliamentarians had passed, Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard said he is “not surprised” that the list of those who failed to disclose has still not been revealed. from page one

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The Tribune Limited

Cash bail affects marginalised more

IT TOOK four and a half months for Shannon Ross’ life to unravel.

Ross, who describes himself as Indigenous and a person of color, was arrested in Chicago in October 2019 on weapons charges and ultimately found not guilty. But that came only after he spent months in jail awaiting trial, lost his home, car, job and countless moments with his children.

Ross couldn’t afford the $75,000 bond set during a hearing that he recalls lasted only a few minutes.

“I had to lose everything to prove that I wasn’t guilty,” he told The Associated Press. “It messes with you mentally, psychologically. It messes up relationships; it messes up the time you put in to build your life up.”

But Illinois is about to overhaul the system that upended Ross’ life. Illinois’ Pretrial Fairness Act, which abolishes cash bail as a condition of pretrial release, will take effect Sept 18, making Illinois the first state to end cash bail and a testing ground for whether — and how — it works on a large scale.

Judges can still keep people accused of serious crimes behind bars pretrial, but first would have to go through a more rigorous review of each case.

Critics say cash bail policies are especially unfair to black people and other people of colour.

A 2022 federal civil rights report on cash bail systems found that courts tend to impose higher pretrial detention penalties on black and Latino people, citing a study that showed black men received bail amounts 35% higher than white men, and Latino men received bail amounts 19% higher than white men.

Cook County Public Defender Sharone Mitchell Jr described Illinois’ previous cash bail system as “a cousin to slavery”.

“The vast majority of people in the system are poor, and they’re Black and brown, and they have no power. It is an incredibly unfair system,” he said. “You go to a bond hearing, it sounds like a slave auction. People are talking very fast. They’re putting price tags on people’s freedom.”

Between 1970 and 2015, there was a fivefold increase in the number of people jailed before trials, according to the 2022 US Commission on Civil Rights report. Data shows more than 60% of defendants were detained prior to trial because they couldn’t afford to post bail, and that nearly 74% of the 631,000 people jailed daily in the United States are awaiting trial. Typically in state courts, a judge decides if a defendant poses too much of a threat to the community to be released, or if they can be freed with conditions, according to the nonprofit Bail Project.

Some states have tried to ease cash bail rules.

In 2017, New Jersey essentially replaced its cash bail system with a risk assessment process that gauged the potential danger a released defendant could pose to the community. But cash bail is still allowed in some instances in that state and others that have curtailed the practice, such as New York and Alaska.

California has made several efforts to reform its cash bail system, but lawmakers balked at sweeping reform.

Proponents of cash bail argue that it ensures released defendants show up for court proceedings, and say that without it, violent criminals who are released pending trial could have the opportunity to commit more crimes. But New Jersey data showed that after the state moved away from cash bail, the number of defendants who were charged with a new crime or who failed to appear in court remained steady.

Illinois state Senate minority leader John Curran, a Republican representing suburbs southwest of Chicago, said he’s not opposed to changing the system but wants judges to retain more power than Illinois’ new law grants.

“I’ve always said that New Jersey has done this mostly right,” Curran

said. “All felonies are put before a judge and a judge can consider if a person is a danger to the community or a willful flight risk or whether there is a history of intimidating witnesses, and they can detain on those standards and it gives judges full discretion.”

The loudest opposition to the change in Illinois has come from law enforcement. Jim Kaitschuk, executive director of the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association, said members’ focus is now on trying to “work through it the best we can.”

“I think we’ll be searching for a lot of people” because defendants who don’t post bond have no incentive to return to court, Kaitschuk said.

Although setting people free before trial will become the default in Illinois, there will still be cases that warrant detention, including for those accused of violent or sexual offences or facing charges involving a gun, according to the public defender Mitchell.

In such cases, the judge must weigh several factors in deciding whether to keep someone jailed, including evidence, previous convictions, and whether that person is a flight risk.

“It won’t make the system perfect for everybody. But what it will do, we think, is puts us in a better position to make a more thoughtful decision,” Mitchell said.

Race certainly seemed to play a role when Nikuya Brooks’ bond was set at $150,000 after her firsttime arrest on drug charges in 2017, according to the Chicago mother of three. No one in her family could pull together 10% of the bond for her to walk free. Brooks, who is black, said a white woman she was jailed with had prior convictions and the same charges as Brooks, but received a lower bond.

According to Brooks, she didn’t know her ex was transporting ecstasy while she was in the car. Police stopped the vehicle and arrested both. She said she spent a year in DuPage County Jail before her trial, unable even to hug her children.

“I really wanted to fight my case because I’m not a criminal,” she said. “I’m not a drug dealer. I’m a mom. You know, I bake cookies for the PTA. I ran a Girl Scout troop.”

Brooks said other women in jail told her if she pleaded guilty, prison visits offered more freedom and that she might be able to hug or kiss her children. She told her public defender she wanted to make a deal, and ended up serving about two more years in prison.

Years later, she still struggles to find employment because of her criminal record.

“You’re already being punished because you’re being detained,” she said. “But you’re also being punished twice because you’re poor.”

Ross, who was cleared of the weapons charges that put him in jail, said he also struggles to find secure housing and income four years later. He lost his job as a forklift operator while jailed. Once he made bail with the help of the Chicago Community Bond Fund, Ross started a business online during pretrial house arrest. But he said his credit score tanked after he couldn’t make payments from jail.

“I feel like it was a Catch-22,” Ross said. “And the worst part about it is I knew I was not guilty.”

Reflecting on their experiences, Brooks and Ross said being locked up pretrial harmed their chances in court.

“You’re automatically stigmatized if you’re incarcerated and you’re fighting your case, especially black women,” Brooks said. They hope the new law will change that for others in Illinois.

“It’s more equal for everyone,” said Ross. “I feel like it’s more justice in the criminal justice system.”

By CLAIRE SAVAGE and COREY WILLIAMS Associated Press

Respect for our soldiers

EDITOR, The Tribune.

NOT TOO long ago we all would have been made aware via announcement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the Government of The Bahamas has pledged a 150 personnel contingent to a multinational force (spearheaded by Kenya) with the goal of stabilising Haiti and ending the ongoing crisis there.

The announcement was short on details, other than the number pledged and that Bahamian commitment would hinge on the United Nations sanctioning any multinational deployment into Haiti.

Like I imagine many Bahamians did, I had mixed personal feelings about our country committing serving men and women to what is doubtlessly a dangerous mission. On the one hand, I am sympathetic to the suffering of the Haitian people, and I believe that geopolitically what happens over there today matters over here tomorrow. On the other hand, I am cognisant

of the pressing needs of our own nation. I am not sure how to square that circle, but I eagerly awaited more information about our commitment.

Then, it was revealed by the Commodore of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force several days later while responding to media inquiries that he had not been made aware of the government’s intention to commit to such a force until personally reading it in a newspaper.

This was alarming. The Commodore is the overall commanding officer of our armed forces. A very public international commitment had been made, and it is likely the bulk or entirety of the pledged 150 strong force will be RBDF personnel. How had the Commodore not been consulted on such a commitment? How can

we expect success if our military leadership is sidelined and kept out of the loop from the get go? Had we based our commitment on any sound military strategy?

For now, it appears the proposed multinational force is still in a lull. But the fact remains we have made a serious commitment which we may someday soon be called to honour. Much is at stake in Haiti. If we are serious about this, we need to realise that our goals will likely mean placing Bahamian men and women in harm’s way. Their safety and the safety of our mission depends on the Commodore and other senior officers being involved and kept in the know at every level. If we wish to win respect as a nation for our willingness to take on this fight, we should in turn show respect to the men and women we expect to fight on our behalf.

JAMES ALBURY Nassau, September 11, 2023.

Govt arrears

EDITOR, The Tribune.

SO GOVERNMENT has tax arrears of $864 million plus or for every year since Independence unpaid Tax arrears has been $17.5 million and continues. Can the Financial Secretary assure us that at least since September 2021 all due annual taxes have been collected or are we continuing our merry way adding to the vast total already

uncollected? If a Government wishes to suggest it is fiscally prudent then surely collecting of revenue should be high on their to-do list?

Let’s hear what percentage annually for 2021 - 2022 -2023 Government has actually collected?

Motor vehicles … let’s save the use of the Police to collect taxes. Road Traffic publish the names and licence numbers and ask those people to contact

Road Traffic in 10-days or … guarantee the same day of the advertisement appearing 25 plus percent will be paid and very quickly the balance … 50% of all supposed vehicles are either not licensed or insured...Cause in midst of COVID someone at OPM advised the public no need to pay.

J BURROWS Nassau, September 10, 2023.

Road repairs

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I SAW a letter to the Editor on the dislevel and repair of the Lyford Road right before the shopping centre passed there boy that’s bumpy… Minister Sweeting go check... get it redone please cost to contractor. Why did the contractor leave all that road material on the once grass verge? Flags for Commonwealth Women’s Affairs meeting

still up till yesterday - what that’s some six-weeks — boy like those new deep blue — black and gold flags — which country is that flag of, certainly not The Bahamas? Writers have commented that still OPM flies an incorrect national flag kudos to all concerned. Ministers travel... Auditor General needs to be watchful on this... there must be sense in reason for official travel... certain Ministers there seems to be little if any sense.

September 16th anniversary like the school kids grading.... no more than a C+ and that’s honestly high... too much PR... too much talk and no concrete actions... too many project proposals all pies in skies.

Those Yellow-Golden Eggs…bought Eggs from foodstore at $1.68 extra large … Compete with that BAMSI?

K ALBURY Nassau, September 10, 2023.

ICELANDIC horses play at a stud farm in Wehrheim near Frankfurt, Germany, as the sun rises on Tuesday, September 5.

Photo: Michael Probst/AP

Businesses forced to close doors after extensive power outage

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

SOME businesses were forced to close their doors yesterday after an hourslong power outage.

Around 2.36pm, Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) advised The Tribune they had an issue affecting some customers in the Dowdeswell Street area. BPL said: “Our crews are on their way to the area.”

The Tribune canvassed some local businesses that said they experienced an interruption in power.

Danielle Sands, owner of Crave at Studio Deli, said the power turned off at 8am yesterday at her deli before her employee was even able to prepare breakfast orders for customers.

Ms Sands said half of the restaurant had electricity while the other side with kitchen appliances didn’t. She expressed concern that her kitchen appliances could have long-term damage due to the power outage. “I’m hopeful it doesn’t

damage any of the appliances because we don’t need any additional cost right now.”

Ms Sands revealed she eventually had to close the deli for the day after the electricity still was not on around 1pm. She said her employee was unable to prepare food in the unbearable circumstances.

She stressed it was a total “day of sales” lost.

“I called the hotline, I haven’t heard anything back as yet,” Ms Sands said regarding BPL’s hotline service for customers.

“It’s an inconvenience, you know,” Ms Sands said. “On top of having this increase in BPL bill, you’ll at least want to get a good service. If I’m going to pay more for my bill, I could at least get better service and an update as to a call back to the hotline. An update as to what is happening and some type of expectation as to when power would be restored.”

Kara Nottage, owner of the Little Schoolhouse, had to advise parents to pick up their children from school

due to the power outage. However, she expressed gratitude that her school often didn’t experience interruptions in electricity.

“I’m more on an optimistic scenario with it in more than two decades of running my pre-school business right here on Dowdeswell Street this is the first time we’ve had this happen,” Ms Nottage said. “It’s unfortunate, and we have persevered with it. For sure we’ve had some of our lessons outside and we’ve done the best that we can with it. However, I am just making the call now to ask parents if they would kindly come and collect their child.”

“We did well this morning with it and I do remember the olden days when no schools anywhere on the island had a lick of AC. And we’re fortunate to have the comfort of a nice, cool school. But that was not the case this Monday morning. But this is the first time we’ve really ever had a power outage that has interrupted our day. So, it’s unfortunate,

but I do wish the best for our power company,” Ms Nottage said. Ms Nottage added that the interruption in power occurred at 8am yesterday, noting her pre-school has 45 students. She said

the school was ultimately closed for the day to ensure the students’ and staff’s well-being.

“Some of the kids have respiratory issues that we want to be conscientious and compassionate to.

And I mean just everyone’s level of comfort through the afternoon is waning,” she added. Meanwhile, The Tribune also experienced several power interruptions throughout the day.

Funeral Service For Mary Thelma Sweetnam, O.B.E, 93

of Yawl Close, Georgetown, Exuma, will be held on Thursday, 14th September, 2023. Musical Tribute at 10:30 a.m., Service time at 11:00 a.m. at St Francis Xavier Cathedral, West Street North. Officiating will be the Most Reverend Patrick Pinder, Archbishop of Nassau, assisted by other ministers of the clergy. Interment will follow at Lakeview Memorial Gardens and Mausoleum, J.F.K and Gladstone Road.

MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held in George Town, Exuma, on Saturday 16th September, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, George Town, Exuma. Officiating will be Rev. Fr. Reginald Demeritte.

Aunt Mae was predeceased by her Parents, Robert Leecher Demeritte born in Governors Harbour, Eleuthera and Annie Lee Demeritte née Morris formerly of Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera; and also by her loving husband Rudolph E. A. Sweetnam, her sister, Ambassador Margaret E. McDonald (Ret.), Brothers: Robert Leecher Demeritte II, and Morris Demeritte.

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was sentenced to two years in prison yesterday after admitting to having a loaded gun his home, along with 32 rounds of live ammunition.

Another man was also ordered to pay a fine of $1,600 after a collective 12oz of cocaine and marijuana were also seized in the same police raid.

Jermaine Virgil, 42, with Marvin Curtis, 45, Mary Ann Curtis, 66, and Mario Jones, 43, were charged before Magistrate Lennox Coleby with possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition and possession of ammunition with intent to supply.

Virgil and Jones faced additional charges of possession of dangerous drugs and possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

Levan Johnson was represented Virgil while Keevon Maynard represented the remaining accused. Police executed a search

warrant on the defendants’ residence on an unnamed road off Stack Avenue in Nassau Village at around 4.30pm on September 7. Officers with the aid of K-9 units found a tan and black Canik 9mm pistol along with 26 rounds of 9mm ammunition. A further eight rounds of .40 ammunition were uncovered in a school bag on the premises. A search of a shed on the property found 8oz of cocaine along with 4oz of marijuana which have a collective street value of $1,600.

In a subsequent police interview, Virgil admitted to owning the gun and 9mm ammo but denied any knowledge of the .40 ammunition.

Virgil alone pleaded guilty to the gun charges, while Jones pleaded guilty to the drug charges. The remaining accused all pleaded not guilty, resulting in the charges against those two defendants being withdrawn.

During Mr Johnson’s mitigation he stated that Virgil was gainfully employed and

is the provider for three children. The attorney also stated that his client was remorseful and admitted to the offence at the earliest opportunity. For these reasons, he asked the court to be as lenient as possible in its sentencing.

Meanwhile, Mr Maynard stated that Jones was also remorseful for his actions and had spared the court’s time with his early plea. The attorney also told the court that his client takes the drugs for his own personal use to cope with a bad leg before asking for the court’s leniency.

Magistrate Coleby sentenced Virgil to 24 months in prison for the gun charges. He was further ordered to pay a fine of $3,500 for the ammunition offences or risk an additional 15 months in custody.

Jones was fined $1,200 or 12 months in prison for the coke charge and $400 or 6 months for the marijuana charge. Jones was expected to pay half his debt before his release with the remainder to be paid at a later date.

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A 39-year-old man was sent to prison yesterday after he was accused of twice molesting a 15-yearold girl in Harbour Island last month.

Senior Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans charged Willam Lewis with two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse.

Lewis allegedly had unlawful sexual intercourse with a female minor in Harbour Island, Eleuthera, on August 12 and 29.

Lewis was informed his matter would be moved to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment, due to be served on January 25. He will be sent to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until the higher court grants him bail.

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was fined $4,000 after he admitted seriously injuring a woman with a hammer at his house last week.

Magistrate Raquel Whyms charged Patrick Wallace, Jr, 40, with assault with a dangerous

instrument and grievous harm.

Wallace reportedly assaulted Garcia Hall with a red-handled hammer at his residence on Lawton Avenue in Nassau Village on September 8, seriously injuring her. Wallace pleaded guilty to assault, but not guilty to the remaining charge, resulting in it being withdrawn.

The defendant was fined $4,000 - or one a half years in prison if he does not pay.

Wallace was ordered to pay half his debt before his release and is expected to make monthly payments of $500 thereafter.

Wallace was also placed on a two years of probation for which defaulting would carry a three-month prison term.

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN on release for murder was granted bail again after he was accused of failing five times to obey his curfew.

Magistrate Raquel Whyms charged Michael Preval, 36,

with five counts of violation of bail conditions.

Preval was on release for a pending murder charge before the Supreme Court over the fatal shooting of Craig Davis on Wulff Road on May 24, 2016. The defendant allegedly breached his residential curfew five times between

July 7 and August 2.

After pleading not guilty to the charges, Preval’s bail was set at $2,500 with one or two sureties. Preval is expected to sign in at Carmichael Road Police Station every Tuesday and Thursday by 6pm. Preval’s trial begins on September 21.

Left to cherish her memories are her, Nieces and nephews: Donna Smith, Luther (Michelle) McDonald, Val Cooper, Patricia (Nelson) Bethel, Vealthia Demeritte, Annalee Huyler and Therese Demeritte; Grandnieces and grandnephews: Leroy (Shavonne) Smith, Kimberley (Donovan Jason) Rolle, Laurenne McDonald, Luther Haldane (Carla Marie) McDonald, Monique and Michelle Cooper, Denise (Darcy) Louis, Deidre Cooper, Rissie Demeritte, Gia Drummond, Una, Nelson Jr., Nelvolari and Sylvanus Bethel, Gekeria and Gregory Simms, Terrence Chisholm, Norissa Johnson, Diann Elliott, James, Alicia, Melissa, Kashala, Danielle, Avania, Emmanuel, Amanda and Christian Albury; Great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews: Adam and Noelle Smith, Jayden and Jaylen Rolle, Luther IV and Celine McDonald, Errol, Eamon and Erin Collie, Niah-Mandi and Noah-Mandel Louis, Amari Drummond, DeAngelo Hopkins, Zamar Williams, Navon, Natalia, Nelson III and Godfrey Bethel; Amari Bethel; Elijah Higgs; Nero Knowles, Liro Barr and Lesliyah Elliott; The Morris Family; The descendants of the late Henrietta Carey of Miami, Florida, including Dr. Karen Edwards, Albert (Ivy) Edwards and family, Ed Kyler, Keith W. Braynon and son, Kobe Keith, Wendy Carey and family, Roland Carey Jr. and family. The descendants of the Morris, Major, Allen, Nottage, and Carey families, of Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera including Maria, Carl, Mark (since deceased) and Brian Nottage; The Demeritte Family; The descendants of the late Reverend Jeremiah Demeritte, The descendants of the late Reverend Daniel Demeritte, including Michelle (Wilshire) Dames, Larry and Chappelle Demeritte, The descendants of the late Thomas Demeritte, including Blanche Moss-Allen, Anastasia “Stacy”, Hubert, Cecilia, Matt, Marichael Maura, Jovita (Marco) Chea, which also include the descendants of the late Sybil Butler, The descendants of the late Annette “Doss” Demeritte Williams, including Anita Williams and Agatha and Akobe Cumberbatch,The descendants of the late Hortence Demeritte Sawyer of Miami, Florida, The descendants of the late Syberline Demeritte Archer, including Anna and Hilton Archer, Kevin Archer and Laverne Crawley; The descendants of the late William Demeritte including the family of the late Carlton and Kathleen Demeritte; The descendants of the late Fealey Demeritte and their respective families; The descendants of the Fox Hill Demerittes including Fr. Reginald Demeritte; and The descendants of the Andros Demerittes including Mr. Richard Demeritte and family; Extended Family: Cyprianna Fleischer, Jeanne Brown, Theresa Kemp, Camille, James, Celine and Jaime Thompson, Evangelist Shirley Burrows, Mrs. Mary Davis; Godchildren: Deanne Johnson-Anderson, Paulette Davis, Myra Mitchell, Ian (Eleanor) Philips, Steven Johnson, Trevor (Bethany) Fleischer; Other Relatives and Friends: Mrs. Charmaine Johnson, Anita Patty nee Johnson, James and Velma Abrahams of Upper Carters Gap, Barbados, Irma Abrahams, Hon. Wilfred Abrahams of Barbados, M.P., Justice & Mrs. Joseph Strachan, Sir Burton Hall & Lady Hall, Constance Joseph and family, the descendants of Sir Cyrus (Ulysees) and Mrs. Hilda Davis and their respective families, Evangelist Shirley Burrows, Jerome, Teresa and Katherine McKinney of Pittsburgh, Pa.; Mr. Trevor Boothe of Washington, D.C., Ms. Emily Petty, Mrs. Audrey Tucker and family, Mr. & Mrs. Dudley Sawyer, Diane Johnson, Mrs. Michelle Lloyd (nee Mitchell) and Mr. Jeffrey Lloyd, Mrs. Janice Johnson; the McCartney, and Edwards families of Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera, the Culmer and Mingo families of Savannah Sound and Palmetto Point, Eleuthera, the Symonettes of Rock Sound including the descendants of the late Georgiana Symonette and their respective families, the Larry Simms family, Mss. Rosemary Hanna and the ‘Ova da Hill’ Reunion Community, Chrystal Cheung; Jonas Alphonse, Members and Friends of the Carver Garden Club, Officers and Members of The Bahamas Girl Guide Association, clergy and members of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, St. Anselm’s Church and the wider Catholic Church Community; The Exuma Family: Clergy and Members of the following: St. Theresa’s Catholic Church; St. Andrew’s Anglican Church; Church of God of Prophecy, Georgetown; Church of God of Prophecy, Farmers Hill; Mt. Olive, Hartswell; St. John the Baptist Church, Georgetown; Palestine Baptist Church, the Forest, Rev. and Mrs. Williams, Stuart Manor; Ms. Cora Balido, Ms. Dorcas Shuttleworth; Mrs. Paula LaPlant, Mr. Carlton and Mrs. Janice Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. James Holtzman, Ms. Blanche Watson, Ms. Joan Rolle, Ms. Hedy Felice, Ms. Elvira Brotam; Mr. Leon Mars, Principal of St. Andrews School, Ms. Shirley Musgrove, Ms. Rosemary Minns; the Exuma Garden Club and Officers of the Exuma Branch of the Royal Bahamas Police Force. The Family is deeply appreciative of the kind acts of numerous persons in Exuma who ‘adopted’ Aunt Mae and took thoughtful measures to ensure her safety; Special Thanks to: Archbishop Patrick Pinder, Father Kendrick Forbes, Monsignor Alfred Culmer, Monsignor Simeon Roberts, Father Reginald Demeritte, Father Glenn Nixon, Father Paschal Ukpeh, Father Devereaux King, Father David Cooper, Mr. Davy Rolle and the Knights and Dames of the Holy See in the Archdiocese of Nassau, the Pontifical Equestrian Order of St. Sylvester Pope and Martyr and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, the Organist and Choir of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Ms. Stacy Maura and Support Team at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Dr. Charma Jagadeesh, Dr. R. Geoffrey Sweeting, devoted Godchildren, Renee and Joey Turnquest, the staff of Bethel Brothers Morticians and others too numerous to mention In lieu of flowers, financial contributions in memory of Mary Sweetnam may be made to either (1) the Catholic Archdiocesan Annual Appeal (CAAA) –for assistance, please contact Mrs. Michelle Mitchell-Lloyd at (242)322-7711, email: parishoffice@stfrancisxaviercathedral.org; or (2) The Bahamas Girl Guides Association – for assistance, please contact Secretary, Girl Guide Headquarters at (242)322-4342, email: Bggassociation@yahoo.com.

May Her Soul Rest in Peace! Cremation was held.

MAN ON BAIL FOR MURDER GRANTED BAIL AGAIN AFTER FIVE CURFEW VIOLATIONS

MAN FINED $4,000 FOR SERIOUSLY INJURING WOMAN WITH A HAMMER WHILE AT HIS HOUSE

HARBOUR ISLAND MAN REMANDED AFTER BEING ACCUSED OF MOLESTING 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL

MAN GETS TWO YEARS IN JAIL FOR POSSESSION OF A FIREARM AND 32 ROUNDS OF AMMUNITION

Bishop Dr J Carl Rahming -

Celebrating a Faithful Servant of God

Face to Face

By FELICITY DARVILLE

HE is a Fox Hilllian to the core. The village where he was born has remained his homestead for his entire life. It is one of the oldest African settlements in New Providence and one where a tradition of celebrating Emancipation has survived for two centuries.

In Fox Hill, the young boy affectionately called “Junior” would climb up a guinep and dilly tree, and he would ride his bicycle all the way to the Southern Recreation Grounds just to hear Sir Lynden O. Pindling speak.

The young Junior thought he might be a comedian when he grew up, because he was so good at making people laugh. He pondered being a politician, inspired by the black Bahamian movement towards Majority Rule. But there was “an anointing” on him as a young child, the elders said. His childish but Godcentred chatter, the games he played in his back yard with friends from Sandilands All Age School and Southern Senior High School, and his enthusiastic involvement in Sunday School, gave early signs of his prophetic calling.

Junior would grow up to become Bishop Dr J Carl Rahming, a steadfast in the Fox Hill community, and one whom people still flock to today. I visited him this weekend at his church, St Paul’s Baptist Church, the third oldest church in Fox Hill. St Paul’s, a 153-yearold church, came out of the oldest church in Fox Hill, Mt Carey Baptist Church.

The young Junior started taking the lead in Sunday School as a youngster at Mt Carey, and continued with zeal as his family moved to St Paul’s. He was an exuberant young man, and serves in various capacities for the church. He was lead bass player in the Christian band “Sons of Thunder”, and he was a committed Sunday School teacher at a very early age. His call to ministry became more insistent during his term as youth director of the Bahamas Baptist Training Union.

In response to this divine call, he attended Baptist Bible Institute and Universal Bible College, Inc after graduating from high school. At the age of 24, he was ordained as a Deacon of St Paul’s. Under the tutelage of the late Rev Leroy Roker, his path to becoming a pastor at St Paul’s seemed clear. J Carl was an industrious young man. So while he served as church deacon during week nights and weekends, he found gainful employment during the day. He became a cook and worked in the hotel before becoming employed at Chelsea pottery where he would make plates, figurines and other items for painting.

All along, his faithful service to St Paul’s continued. He was 15 years old when he delivered his first sermon in Fox Hill. He spoke on the Bible verse John 3:16. He received such a rapturous applause from

the elders that it solidified his decision to enter pastoral life.

However, his first calling as a Minister for the Baptist Church was not on his stomping grounds. Rev Roker, his beloved mentor, asked him to take up the mantle at Progressive Baptist Church, Brougham Street West.

When the newly ordained Rev Rahming went to Progressive, there were only six consistent members. He ministered to the people of Brougham Street through this church and its community programmes for 12 years. By the time he left, there were more than 70 committed members and an active and growing church well revived as Rev Roker had asked of him.

He left Progressive only because his beloved mentor had left this Earthly plane.

When Rev Leroy Roker died, he was the fifth pastor of St Paul’s. Every leader before him was also a Roker - all relatives committed to growing a church of family, Fox Hillians and the wider community. Rev J Carl Rahming would become the first leader of the church who was not related. Rev Roker considered J Carl as a son, and so did the entire church. They welcomed him home and there began a 41-year career of distinction as a spiritual and community leader in Fox Hill.

His doors were always open. It would be no surprise to find his church office open every hour of the day. He wanted to be there to help with guidance and advice, and to use his comedic nature to help people laugh and see the bright side, even through the toughest of trials.

Through the years, Rev Rahming’s ferverence for God and riveting messages have brought many to the fold. The church was able to grow and also expand its edifice during the 41 years he pastored it. Many people who were not church members also came to the church for help. He never turned them away. If he could not help directly, he would find someone who could or give the best advice he could. But he never turned away anyone, especially the hungry or those in need. On one occasion, he suggested to a visitor that his qualms may better be dealt with by the Fox Hill Member of Parliament. The man exclaimed that he may have an MP, but Rev Rahming is the Mayor of Fox Hill! The name stuck ever since. And while more people came for assistance, somehow Rev Rahming found a way to touch them all.

His messages from the pulpit called for a love for God; His forgiveness of sins; His promise of salvation and eternal life through Jesus Christ; our oneness and equality in the eyes of God; our God-given right to freedom; and the Godimposed obligation to love each other as ourselves. As his church grew, so did his responsibility. He was

ordained as Bishop and he also received an honorary doctorate degree from Baptist Christian University. Bishop Rahming gained recognition as a wellversed, articulate, dynamic, humble, compassionate and well loved church leader. He was sought after as a guest preacher throughout the Bahamas and the world, especially in the USA, where he gained popularity at affiliated Baptist churches in Atlanta, Georgia and Detroit, Michigan. A good leader knows not only how to lead, he says, but when to give up the reins and allow a younger leader to rise up.

After 53 years of exemplary pastoral service, Bishop Dr J Carl Rahming is stepping down as leader of St Paul’s the church where he spent practically all his life. But he is not doing so without a strong chain of command. There are seven ordained Ministers, four licensed Ministers and a dynamic team of Associate Pastors, Deacons, Auxiliary Leaders and administrative officers. His support team includes the chair of the retirement committee, Rev George Bodie, and co-chairs Rev Scott Glinton and Minister Denise Johnson.

Bishop Rahming says the

church has conducted at least 11,000 weddings and countless baby christenings in its 153-year history. During his tenure, he has ordained more ministers than ever before in the church’s history. He will announce his successor in the coming weeks. His family life has been just as important to him. His wife, Minister Evangelyn Rahming, has been by his side since she said “I do” 62 years ago. They are the parents of six children - Anton, deceased; Senator Reuben Rahming, former MP; Lolita Michelle, former NIB executive; Carl, a Customs officer;

Kimberley, an insurance executive; and Carla, a Walmart executive. Bishop Rahming invited the public to join him in a service of thanksgiving as he demits office at St Paul’s Church on Sunday, December 3, at 3.30pm under the theme: “Celebrating a Faithful Servant of God”. The public is also invited to attend a thanksgiving banquet in his honour on Friday, November 24, at Breezes hotel. Tickets are available for purchase at the church on Bernard Road just before the Fox Hill Park, or by calling the church office at 435-2372.

A good leader knows not only how to lead, he says, but when to give up the reins and allow a younger leader to rise up.

Royal Navy in The Bahamas - a reminder of the benefits of our relationship with the UK

AS A former High Commissioner here, what a pleasure it is to be able to write today about two notably positive examples of Britain’s involvement in The Bahamas and of significant cooperation between our two countries.

VISIT OF ROYAL NAVY WARSHIP

On the first weekend of this month, four years to the day since the horrifically destructive Hurricane Dorian hit The Bahamas, HMS Dauntless docked in Nassau for a short visit as a part of a Caribbean tour. This ship is a Type 45 Destroyer and is the second of the Royal Navy’s Daring Class Air-Defence Destroyers. She was here to demonstrate Britain’s commitment to assist The Bahamas, if needed, during the current hurricane season.

Having been deployed in the Caribbean region this year, HMS Dauntless has already become involved in drugs interdiction operations. With a crew of over 200, this impressive warship is 500 feet long and has a top speed of more than 30 knots. During the hurricane season the ship carries a helicopter, suitable engineering equipment including water production facilities and substantial stores to be used according to local need during an emergency.

It may be of interest to readers to learn about some of the details of the visit.

But, first, they might like to be reminded of the support Britain provided to The Bahamas at the time of Hurricane Dorian in 2019 through the RN Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship ‘Mounts Bay’ which was on the scene almost immediately after having been pre-positioned in the region ahead of the hurricane season that year.

This not only demonstrated the UK’s commitment to assist in potential emergencies but also showed how effective these ships can be – and there is evidence that people locally are pleased to know that in the event of such disaster international help is invariably not far away.

Most people are aware that the Category 5 Hurricane Dorian, with maximum sustained winds of 185mph, which struck The Bahamas on September 1, 2019, made landfall on Abaco. Grand Bahama was later affected with the same intensity. Dorian caused death and destruction on a huge scale that was unprecedented in The Bahamas. It was the strongest hurricane on record ever to have affected the nation.

It is interesting that Mounts Bay had been tracking Dorian from this side of the Atlantic so was well placed to be the first ship of any nation to deliver, in coordination with The Bahamas’ own National Emergency Management Agency, immediate assistance and relief to Abaco and, later, to Grand Bahama. Moreover, being a support vessel for the Royal Navy it was notably well suited to carry out this sort of task.

Writing about it at the time, I recorded that, using helicopters and landing craft, Mounts Bay carried out search and rescue, casualty management and the clearance of debris to reopen roads while also delivering food, water, medical equipment and a variety of other supplies. In addition, a helicopter was deployed from the British overseas territory of the Cayman Islands to bring in supplies and equipment and to transport helpers, including RBDF personnel, and to evacuate casualties.

In Nassau, a UK crossgovernment team was rapidly assembled from British diplomatic missions in the wider region and organised locally by the newly-arrived High Commissioner, Sarah Dickson, who was responsible for coordinating the UK’s response. A team from the Department for International Development in London was also deployed in support of the Bahamian authorities and alongside

The Peter Young column

bodies like the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency. Since the UK was the only EU nation with a resident diplomatic mission in Nassau, a team from the then Foreign and Commonwealth Office supported EU nationals as well as British citizens in distress.

It was clear to many people at the time that the British involvement in search and rescue operations and the provision of support and assistance for recovery and relief work made a strong contribution to the overall humanitarian operation. It was an impressive effort carried out in difficult, challenging and distressing conditions and it reflected well on all concerned.

Against a background of more or less permanent deployment in the Caribbean for many years of what became known as Britain’s West Indian guard ship to combat drug trafficking there was confidence locally that assistance would always be made available to The Bahamas in the event of any major natural disaster in the future. So, how good it is to know that this policy has indeed been maintained and that HMS Dauntless is fulfilling the task this year.

I trust people locally will be partially reassured by this as they also hope fervently that The Bahamas will be spared the wrath of Mother Nature this hurricane season.

Meanwhile, members of the ship’s company volunteered to help local communities prepare for the hurricane season and a team headed to Bain Town to help ‘Lend a Hand Bahamas’, a non-profit organisation focused on community development to create more resilient communities. The sailors assisted with maintenance and a general clean-up.

The visit of HMS Dauntless also enabled a number of individual reunions to take place between members of the ship’s company and RBDF officers who have attended training courses recently in the UK. It was likewise an opportunity to welcome aboard a range of Bahamian visitors from various walks of life.

From all reports, the visit was a great success. It was a fine example of continuing cooperation between The Bahamas and Britain – and long may such collaboration continue in a spirit of comradeship and warm friendship.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDY IN BRITAIN

Over the years, I have found that many people have heard about Chevening scholarships but do not really know what they are all about. It is the case, of course, that numerous Bahamians have won these scholarships in the past that have taken them to Britain to study, after which they have returned home and pursued successful careers in their particular field. But the subject has come to the fore recently because this year - when, as it happens, the UK’s Chevening scheme celebrates its 40th anniversary - a record number of Bahamians have won such scholarships.

Chevening is the UK government’s international scholarships and fellowships programme. It derives its name from Chevening House in Sevenoaks in the English county of Kent which is currently the joint

official residence of the British Foreign Secretary and the British Deputy Prime Minister.

This awards programme is aimed at developing global leaders. It offers a unique opportunity for future potential leaders in their own countries around the world to study in the UK and later return home to become influencers and decision-makers. Periods of study there enable them to develop academically and professionally and, through networking, to succeed in building lasting relationships with people and institutions in the UK.

A record number of Bahamian scholars are departing to study in the UK this year because the availability of awards has increased thanks to new generous sponsorship by the Charles Hayward Foundation in Grand Bahama. The foundation is keen to support scholars wanting to focus on environmental management and climate change, in both of which areas it believes The Bahamas is well placed to take a lead in relation to research. In addition, BHM, the British company which has won the contract to rebuild Grand Bahama airport, has committed to supporting Bahamian

students wishing to pursue studies in the UK.

The scholars this year will be pursuing studies in various different fields. They include Tereah Albury, a serving RBPF officer who will be studying forensic science at Cranfield University; Paige Bastian, studying environmental and waste management at Glasgow University; Nasia Colebrooke, studying journalism at London’s City University; and Ann-Marie Carroll, studying environmental management at Stirling University in Scotland.

The system of Chevening scholarships has worked particularly well here in The Bahamas as many students have returned home to develop careers. I found it gratifying to meet again recently one such wellknown Bahamian doctor who may not relish publicity and whose name I shall therefore not divulge -- and there have been other similar cases. How good it is to learn, therefore, of plans by British High Commissioner, Thomas Hartley, to develop the scheme further in the coming years. This can only be good for all concerned as the number of Chevening alumni continues to grow.

So, all power to his elbow. There can surely be no better activity than seeking to provide educational opportunities to young people and enabling those who are suitably qualified and committed to fulfill their dreams - both for their own benefit and as a welcome contribution to the welfare of others in their own country.

G20 SUMMIT AGREES JOINT DECLARATION

To many observers, the number of global summit meetings seems to be forever proliferating. But, in the famous words of Winston Churchill, it is always better to talk and negotiate at the highest levels of international relations than to use force to resolve differences – as he is reputed to have said, ‘Jaw, Jaw is better than War, War’. Despite its inherent importance, there is space today to comment only briefly on the G20 summit – 19 nations plus the European Union - that has just taken place in India’s capital Delhi. But, reportedly, it has been seen by some countries as one of the most important of the annual gatherings of this group of countries, which was founded in 1999 and which accounts for some 85 per cent of the world’s economic output, more than 75 per cent of global trade and two-thirds of the world’s population.

The G20 was originally designed as a forum for finance ministers to discuss ways to restore economic stability and to promote international cooperation after the financial turmoil of 2008. Inevitably, however, the group has broadened the range of its discussions. This year, its main focus was supposed to be on issues like sustainable development, climate change, poverty, debt forgiveness and restructuring for developing countries and striving for equitable

growth around the world, together with reform of the World Bank. But, as always, politics takes pride of place and global security is important to all countries so Ukraine inevitably overshadowed proceedings.

When the gathering broke up yesterday, the talk in the world’s media was about what was seen as India’s significant diplomatic success in securing consensus in producing a final declaration showing that, although the G20 lamented the war in Ukraine, the group would not explicitly and directly criticise Russia and place blame on it. This was because members of the group had starkly divergent views on the issue. However, the statement said that all countries ‘must refrain from the threat or use of force’. The eventual language of the declaration satisfied Russia – though not, of course, Ukraine - and also gave enough to Western countries for them to accept it.

All concerned are aware that there are various forces at play here – including the emergence of the BRICS group after its recent summit in South Africa and the West’s wariness of China’s growing clout and influence with developing countries and its efforts to create an alternative world order. India is increasingly being seen as a counterweight to China and as a new pivotal player in world diplomacy. Last week’s G20 was the biggest state event the country had ever hosted and the success of it was important for prime minister Narendra Modi who faces an election next year.

As the African Union accepts an invitation to join the G20, it is now being said that all eyes should be on whether the group can bring together the rich and developing nations of the world or whether they will remain divided into two camps.

HMS Dauntless

The US marks 22 years since 9/11 with tributes and tears, from ground zero to Alaska

NEW YORK Associated Press

FROM ground zero to small towns, Americans looked back Monday on 9/11 with moments of silence, tearful words and appeals to teach younger generations about the terror attacks 22 years before.

“For those of us who lost people on that day, that day is still happening. Everybody else moves on. And you find a way to go forward, but that day is always happening for you,”

Edward Edelman said as he arrived at New York’s World Trade Center to honour his slain brother-inlaw, Daniel McGinley.

President Joe Biden was due at a ceremony on a military base in Anchorage, Alaska. His visit, en route to Washington from a trip

to India and Vietnam, is a reminder that the impact of 9/11 was felt in every corner of the nation, however remote. Nearly 3,000 people were killed when hijacked planes crashed into the trade centre, the Pentagon and a Pennsylvania field, in an attack that reshaped American foreign policy and domestic fears.

On that day, “we were one country, one nation, one people, just like it should be. That was the feeling — that everyone came together and did what we could, where we were at, to try to help,” Eddie Ferguson, the fire-rescue chief in Virginia’s Goochland County, said in an interview before the anniversary.

The predominantly rural county of 25,000 people, more than 100 miles (160 kilometres) from the Pentagon, has a Sept. 11

memorial and holds two anniversary commemorations, one focused on first responders and another honouring all the victims.

At ground zero, Vice President Kamala Harris joined other dignitaries at the ceremony on the National Sept. 11 Memorial plaza. Instead of remarks from political figures, the event features victims reading the names of the dead and delivering brief personal messages.

Some included patriotic declarations about American values and thanked first responders and the military. One lauded the Navy SEALs who killed al-Qaida leader and 9/11 plotter Osama bin Laden in Pakistan in 2011. Another appealed for peace and justice. One acknowledged the many lives lost in the post9/11 “War on Terror.” And many shared reflections on

one of the hijacked jets hit the military headquarters.

“As the years go by, it may feel that the world is moving on or even forgetting what happened here on Sept. 11, 2001,” said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who deployed to Iraq in the war that followed the attack. “But please know this: The men and women of the Department of Defense will always remember.”

Harris’ husband, Doug Emhoff, is expected at an afternoon ceremony at the Flight 93 National Memorial near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where another plane crashed after passengers tried to storm the cockpit.

At a morning observance, Rabbi Jeffrey Myers of Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue, where a gunman killed 11 worshippers in 2018, called for ensuring that younger people know about 9/11.

“With memory comes responsibility, the determination to share our stories with this next generation, so that through them, our loved ones continue to live,” he told the gathering.

The National Park Service-run memorial site is offering a new educational video, virtual tour and other materials for classroom use. Educators with a total of more than 10,000 students have registered for access, organizers say.

Many Americans did volunteer work on what Congress has designated both Patriot Day and a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Others gathered for anniversary events at memorials, firehouses, city halls, campuses and elsewhere.

In Iowa, a march set off at 9:11 am Monday from

missing loved ones.

“Though we never met, I am honoured to carry your name and legacy with me,” said Manuel João DaMota Jr., who was born after his father and namesake died.

Jason Inoa, 20, found it nerve-wracking to tell the crowd about his grandfather, Jorge Velazquez. But Inoa did it for his grandmother, who has Alzheimer’s disease.

“The one thing she does remember is her husband,” he said afterward.

Biden, a Democrat, will be the first president to commemorate Sept. 11 in the western US He and his predecessors have gone to one or another of the attack sites in most years, though Republican George W. Bush and Democrat Barack Obama each marked the anniversary on the White House lawn at times. Obama followed one of those observances by recognizing the military with a visit to Fort Meade in Maryland.

First lady Jill Biden is due to lay a wreath at the 9/11 memorial at the Pentagon, where a giant American flag hung over the side of the building, bells tolled, and musicians played taps at 9:37 am, the time when

the Des Moines suburb of Waukee to the state Capitol. In Columbus, Indiana, observances include a remembrance message sent to police, fire and EMS radios. Pepperdine University’s campus in Malibu, California, displays one American flag for each victim, plus the flags of every other country that lost a citizen on 9/11.

New Jersey’s Monmouth County, which was home to some 9/11 victims, this year made Sept. 11 a holiday for county employees so they could attend commemorations.

Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts raise and lower the flag at a commemoration in Fenton, Missouri, where a “Heroes Memorial” includes steel from the World Trade Center’s fallen twin towers and a plaque honouring Jessica Leigh Sachs, a 9/11 victim with relatives among the St. Louis suburb’s 4,000 residents.

“We’re just a little bitty community,” Mayor Joe

by phone before the anniversary,

continue

Maurath said

but “it’s important for us to

to remember these events. Not just 9/11, but all of the events that make us free.”

PEOPLE pray before the commemoration ceremony on the 22nd anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terror attacks on yesterday, in New York.

Photo: Yuki Iwamura/AP

MARK COLKER, right, dressed out to see his favorite firefighters alongside his father, Steven Cocker, left, who works in the music department at the Cathedral of Christ the King as they both watched Atlanta firefighters post an American flags between two ladder trucks. Atlanta police and firefighters were in attendance on yesterday in Atlanta. The annual Mass honours public safety officials and first responders. Wreaths were posted in front of the of the church, honouring those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

Phone: John Spink/AP

LEAGUE

BAHAMAS CONFIDENT AHEAD OF GUYANA MATCH

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

WHILE the Bahamas

men’s national team is in Guyana playing their second match in the 2023 Nations League, Puerto Rico will host Antigua & Barbuda in their home game tonight at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium.

The Bahamas men’s national team, coached by Nesly Jean, will be out to redeem themselves after losing 6-1 to Puerto Rico in their opening game on Saturday at the TAR Stadium.

Antigua & Barbuda are coming off a 5-1 loss to Guyana, but on their arrival to the Bahamas on Monday, head coach Anthony Ferguson said they are eager to turn things around when they play Puerto Rico.

In making his median voyage to the Bahamas, Ferguson said he heard about the facilities and they are looking forward to playing here, especially after the warm reception they have received from the Bahamian people.

“We have players who are home based and they have been joined by players overseas,” Ferguson said. “Over the last few weeks, we have been working out in preparation for the tournament.

“It’s been a fantastic experience so far. We lost our first game on Saturday, but we are here to compete and we want to make sure that eve rybody knows that we can compete with our opposition.”

Ferguson said all of their players are looking forward to the challenge and compet ing at the best of their abilities, but the goal is to come here to win.

DeAndre Bishop, also making his first trip to the Bahamas, said the team are mentally, physically, spiritually, technically and morally ready to compete. And Myles Weston, back in the Bahamas for the first time since he played against the Bahamas about four years ago, said he’s excited about his team’s chances in the match against Puerto Rico.

He noted that as long as they trust in their coach and trust in them selves as players, they will be a team to reckon with. He admitted that the players on this team have not played against Puerto Rico before, although there are former players who did.

Once they come out and play with a lot of “excitement” and are “organised,” he said, they will be ready to play, even though he noted that they are not taking Puerto Rico for granted.

Having settled in Guyana, coach Nesly Jean said the Bahamas team spirit is up and they are confident that they can compete at this level of competition.

“It’s about taking risks. Speaking to them and getting them to believe in themselves and also slight technical changes,” said Jean about the approach the players and coaches have made to get ready for the tournament.

SEE PAGE 13

BOC president Knowles to run unopposed in elections

Set for second four-year term after this Saturday’s vote

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

ROMELL Knowles will return to office unopposed for his second four-year term as president of the Bahamas Olympic Committee.

The BOC’s elections will take place on Saturday at 10am at the Royal Bahamas Police Force headquarters following the annual general meeting.

The former long-time executive in softball and volleyball said he’s always been interested in giving back to the development of sports, especially considering the fact that he played just about every sport and at a high level.

“What really motivates me to do what I do in sports administration is to see the accomplishments and the development of young people in sports,” Knowles said. “There’s no greater joy, I can tell you, when in 2012 in London when the Bahamas had not won any medals at the Olympic Games.

“Then in the last event, the Golden Knights came through with a magnificent performance, capturing the gold on the world stage in the men’s 4 x 400m relay. I can tell you the sense of pride, the accomplishment, the tears of joy hearing the national anthem played and the flag being raised was one of the greatest experiences in my life.”

Behind the scenes, Knowles said there’s tireless hours being spent to prepare teams to compete in the Central American and Caribbean Games, the Pan American Games, the Commonwealth Games, the Youth Commonwealth Games, the Youth Pan Am Games and the Caribbean Games.

“To see Team Bahamas assemble and to see our athletes with the guts and pride get set to go out represent

the country is an awesome experience,” Knowles said. “To know that you played a hand in that behind the scene is just awesome.

“I think one of the greatest take aways from being in office was the hosting of the Commonwealth Youth Games. More than 100 athletes paraded during the opening ceremonies. I believe it was one of the largest team’s contingent of athletes assembled on home soil.”

After working with the National Sports Authority to get the facilities ready, Knowles said he commended the federations and associations, who all pitched in to make the event a grand success.

“One of the young ladies in judo had only been practicing for a year, but she captured our first youth Commonwealth Games medal,” he said. “We captured 15 medals and it turned out to be our largest haul at the games.

“Then, to have been able to travel to the Family Islands to see young athletes compete in the trials or the team with less than adequate facilities as well to get ready for our own Bahamas Games, these were priceless moments for me as an administrator.”

When he looks at federations like track and field, swimming, soccer and now basketball with the men’s national team on the verge of qualifying for the Olympics next year in Paris, France, Knowles said it brings a lot of satisfaction to be president of the largest sporting body in the country.

Knowles said he will be content knowing that he has given the best of his service as an administrator, just as he did when he was on the other side of the playing field as an athlete.

Nominations for the elections closed on Saturday and from the list of nominees, Knowles, secretary general Derron Donaldson and treasurer Dorian Roach will not be opposed.

However, there are three candidates for assistant secretary, which include Jennifer Isaacs-Dotson, the Bahamas Softball Federations first female president; Catherine Ramsing-Pierre, Equestrian Bahamas president, and Oria Wood, the assistant secretary general of the Bahamas Baseball Association.

Isaacs-Dotson; Adam Waterhouse, of the Bahamas Rugby Football Union and Vincent Strachan, president of the Bahamas Boxing Federation, have been nominated for the post of assistant treasurer.

There are also 17 persons running for six vice president posts, including incumbent members of the past

administration – Roy Colebrook, Robert Butler, Joseph Smith, Clarence Rolle, Cora Hepburn and D’Arcy Rahming.

The new additions are Gina Rolle from the Bahamas Golf Federation; Drumeco Archer from the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations; Brian Cleare from the Bahamas Basketball Federation; Algernon Cargill from Bahamas Aquatics; Theodore Sweeting from the Bahamas Baseball Federation; Catherine RamsinghPierre from Equestrian Bahamas; Sean Bastian from the Bahamas Handball Federation; Lori Roach from the Bahamas Triathlon Association; Vincent Strachan from the Bahamas Boxing Federation; Shane Albury from the Bahamas Softball Federation; Moses Johnson Jr from the Bahamas Basketball Federation.

XAVION JOHNSON WINS BRONZE IN CANADA

SEE PAGE 13

FRANCIS ADDERLEY WINS PRESIDENT’S CUP TOURNAMENT

BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

FORMER softball/baseball player Francis Adderley, who has played well in partnership with others in recent times, emerged as the champion of his first individual tournament over the weekend.

Competing in the Bahamas Golf Federation’s two-day President’s Cup Tournament on Saturday and Sunday at the Royal Blue Golf Club and sponsored by Royal Fidelity, Adderley emerged with a one-stroke win over Nolan Johnson.

After taking the lead with a score of 71 on day one, which was hampered by the rain, Adderley held on with a 72 to out-score Johnson, who came back on the final day with a 70 to add to his 74 on day one for his total of 144.

Andrew Benjamin got third place with 146 (76-70); Anthony Hinsey got fourth with 147 (77-70) and Horace Miller rounded out the top five with 148 (74-74).

Adderley, who normally teams up with Richard Gibson Jr, who is currently in New York participating in the 43th US Mid-Amateur Golf Championships, said he was pleased with his performance.

“I’ve been trying to get my game to the level where I can be competitive,” Adderley said. “The competition is always keen when you are playing these types of events, but I was very pleased with my performance.

“The course was in very good condition. Even though we had some rain on the first day, it was pretty sunny on the final day. So I’m very pleased that I was able to get a good start on the first day and it held up for me on the final day.”

Adderley said he’s now looking forward to teaming up with Gibson Jr on September 18 in the 2nd annual Tee Off For Hunger Golf

12

BOC president Romell Knowles.

CHAMPION Francis Adderley receives his awards from Jim Wilson from Royal Fidelity and BGF president Lyford Miller.

JUDO

FRANCIS ADDERLEY WINS PRESIDENT’S CUP TOURNAMENT

Tournament at the Ocean Club on Paradise Island, where they will be out to defend their title and to cart off some of the exciting prizes that will be up for grabs.

Johnson, the latest Bahamian to secure a ranking on the USGA’s world ranking where he’s pegged at 887, said he was delighted to be able to perform as well as he did in the tournament.

“I played okay. I started the first round and finished two-over-par and I shot the final round two-under-par,” Johnson said. “I stroked the ball very well, but Francis just shot a little bit better, especially on day one and he held on longer than I did.”

Johnson is now preparing to team up with Gibson on October 10 as they participate in the US Amateur Four-Ball Championship qualifier at the Bayou Oaks South Course in New Orleans, Louisiana. If they qualify, they will participate in the championships at the Philadelphia Cricket Club from May 25-29, 2024.

While Gibson Jr heads the list for Bahamians on the world stage at 245, BGF president Lyford Miller trails Johnson at about 1,459 and Heathcliff Kane is sitting about 2,452.

Although it wasn’t a big field as the BGF had anticipated, Miller said they were still pleased with the turnout and the results posted.

“The crowd wasn’t as big as we wanted too. We felt it was attributed to the hurricane that was passing and some people didn’t know if it as going to affect us or not,” Miller said.

“We had some rain on the first day, but the remainder of the day and the second day was all good. “

Miller, who also played and finished 17th overall and was fifth in the MidAmateur division, said the competition was extremely tough amidst the golfers who came out and anticipated.

He thanked their main sponsor Royal Fidelity, whose vice president of corporate Finance, Jim Wilson, was on hand to assist in the awards presentation. The BGF will stage its qualifier on Saturday and Sunday at Royal Blue for the men’s senior team for the 2023 Four-Ball Championships from October 15-20 at Royal Blue.

Here’s a breakdown of the top performers in the various categories:

Ladies division - Rosa Lua with 172 (83-89); Mia Underwood - 180 (84-96); Payton Haye - 185 (87-98) and Thaddia Simms - 223 (87-98).

Legends - Oswald Moore - 155 (77-78); James Steven Wallace - 157 (71-86).

Mid Amateur - Nolan Johnson - 144 (74-70); Trevor Wallace - 151 (74-77); Livio Bisterzo159 (78-81); Christopher Adderley - 159 (78-81); Lyford Miller - 163 (8281); Evan Cartwright - 168 (85-83) and Ural Pratt - 169 (85-83).

Regular - Andrew Benjamin - 146 (76-70); Juan Wilson - 149 (76-73); Malcolm Adderley - 173 (92-81) and Travis Cartwright -215 (104-111).

Seniors - Peter McIntosh - 152 (7379); Neil Abrahams - 156 (77-79); Dwight Tinker - 158 (78-80); Lawrence Glinton - 161 (82-79); Kelsey Rolle - 167 (85-82); 82; Colin Lightbourn - 178 - (83-95); Marc Robinson181 (84-97) and Crestwell Gardiner - 188 (100-88).

Super seniors - Francis Adderley - 143 (71-72); Anthony Hinsey - 147 (7770); Horace Miller - 148 (74-74); Raymind Gibson - 156 (76-80) and Larry Wilson - 174 (86-88).

President’s Cup - Francis

Adderley - 143 (71-72);

Nolan Johnson - 144 (7470)’ Andrew Benjamin - 146 (76-70); Anthony Hinsey - 147 (77-70)’

Horace Miller - 148 (7474); Juan Wilson - 149 (76-73); Trevor Wallace - 151 (74-77); Peter McIntosh - 152 (73-79); Oswald Moore - 155 (77-78) and Neil Abrahams (77-79) and Raymond Gibson (76-80) tied with 156.

RUNNER-up Nolan Johnson receives his award from BGF Director Fred Taylor.

BASEBALL BRANDON WOODRUFF TOSSES A SIX-HITTER AS THE MILWAUKEE BREWERS POUND THE MIAMI MARLINS 12-0

By STEVE MEGARGEE

AP Sports Writer

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Brandon Woodruff pitched a six-hitter and Willy Adames had four RBIs, helping the Milwaukee Brewers pound the Miami Marlins 12-0 on Monday.

One night after Milwaukee lost 4-3 at New York despite Corbin Burnes, Devin Williams and Abner Uribe holding the Yankees hitless for the first 10 innings, the NL Centralleading Brewers collected a season-high 17 hits.

Milwaukee’s onslaught began right from the start. Mark Canha led off the bottom of the first with his 10th homer, sending a 2-2 changeup from Jesús Luzardo over the left-field wall.

Adames delivered a triple and two doubles.

Tyrone Taylor went 3 for 5 with two runs and two RBIs. Canha, William Contreras, Andruw Monasterio and Sal Frelick added two hits apiece.

Woodruff (5-1) struck out seven and threw 106 pitches in his first nineinning complete game. His only previous complete game came in a 4-2 loss to St. Louis in a seven-inning doubleheader matchup during the pandemicshortened 2020 season.

Woodruff recorded the Brewers’ first completegame shutout since Adrian Houser threw a threehitter in a 4-0 triumph over the Cardinals on Sept. 4, 2021.

Woodruff’s outstanding performance came six days after he allowed two hits over seven innings in a 7-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Over his last four starts, Woodruff has yielded just three runs in 28 innings.

Luzardo (9-9) was on a similar run heading into the night, allowing two runs in 18 innings over his previous three starts. But he lasted just five innings Monday, and he was charged with six runs and 10 hits.

The Brewers scored three runs in the third and two in the fifth against Luzardo.

After Contreras walked and Carlos Santana singled with one out in the third, Adames hit an RBI double to left. Josh Donaldson and Taylor added runscoring singles to give the Brewers a 4-0 edge.

Donaldson, the 2015 AL MVP, was called up earlier in the day for his Brewers debut. He signed a minor-league deal with Milwaukee after he was released by the Yankees.

The base hit was Donaldson’s fifth single of the season. During Donaldson’s 33 games with the Yankees this year, 10 of his 15 hits were homers.

Milwaukee extended the lead to 6-0 in the fifth. Adames hit a leadoff double and scored on a two-out double from Taylor, who came home on Frelick’s single.

The Brewers added five more runs — four earned — off Daniel Castano in the seventh. Adames highlighted that inning by driving in three runs with a bases-loaded triple down the left-field line.

Miami fell so far behind that catcher Jacob Stallings pitched the eighth for the Marlins. Joey Wiemer hit an RBI double off him.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Marlins: RHP Sixto Sánchez is expected to work either one inning or 20 pitches in a rehabilitation appearance Tuesday for Double-A Pensacola as he attempts to come back from shoulder issues that have prevented him from pitching in the majors since 2020. Sánchez threw 25 pitches in a bullpen session Saturday.

Brewers: LF Christian Yelich missed a third straight game due to a sore lower back.

“He’s better today,” manager Craig Counsell said.

“He’s going to run around a little bit today, which is a good sign. We’re ramping up activity.” ... RHP J.C. Mejía (shoulder) was transferred to the 60-day injured list. Mejía last pitched on Aug. 13.

REGATTA DESK MEETS WITH THE NATIONAL SAILING COMMISSION

THE Regatta Desk, a division of Family Island Affairs, met with the National Sailing Commission recently at Margaritaville in Nassau.

The Mandate of the Sailing Commission is the advancement of Sailing as the national sport.

Each country has its own national sport that garners pride and respect both within the country and worldwide – uniquely, the Bahamas to date is the only country in the world with sailing as its national sport.

XAVION JOHNSON WINS BRONZE IN CANADA

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

AS he continues to improve on his career as the next Bahamian judoka to watch on the global stage, Xavion Johnson completed the 2023 Pan American Oceania Championships in Calgary, Canada with a bronze medal in the 60 kilogramme cadet division on Friday.

However, he didn’t place in the junior category on Saturday where he admitted that the competition was very stiff.

Despite his mixed results, Johnson, now ranked at

number 38th in the world as a junior, said he was pleased with his performance overall.

“My performance was really good throughout the tournament. Winning the bronze medal was really good too,” Johnson said.

Although he would have liked to have placed in the junior category, Johnson said he will definitely use it as a learning experience.

“I’m really happy that I could get a medal in my last year as a cadet and my last time fighting in this weight division,” said Johnson, who is now gearing up to fight in the youth under-21 division where he will be

fighting in the 66kg division.

Johnson, who resides in Alberta, Canada, is currently being trained by Russell Gallant and Evan Beaton out of the Lethbridge Judo Club.

“I just have to be more calm and work on my gripping a little better,” he said. “Other than that, everything is working out quite well.”

The 17-year-old Johnson still has about seven more tournaments to compete in this year before he begins college at the University of Lethbridge in January having completed his high school tenure at Capstone Academy where he was the

Salutatorian.

“I am excited about college. They have a very good programme for international business,” said Johnson, who will also be competing on the judo team. “My first priority is school. But I’m looking forward to competing in college.

“I will be moving up to a heavier weight class, so I

just need to get bigger and stronger because I know the opponents will be harder to compete against.”

He thanked his mother, Ordain Moss, and his family and friends, the Bahamas Judo Federation and the Bahamas Olympic Committee for their financial contributions in helping him to get to where he is right now.

BAHAMAS CONFIDENT AHEAD OF GUYANA MATCH

FROM PAGE 11

“The last game in the second half, we were far behind, but obviously, it showed that we wanted to improve and shoe the fans and to the world that we could play.”

Jean said there are some players who played on Saturday who didn’t make the trip, but he said they will make the adjustment with who they have and he’s confident that they have a team that could win.

With the first game against Puerto Rico game over and done with, veteran Lesly St Fleur said they have to regroup and get prepared for Guyana.

“The game (tonight) is a more important game, so we have to come out much better than we did in the first period, just like how we played in the second period,” St Fleur said. “The confidence is there and the players are there.

“There are a few things we have to change. We have to communicate a little more and move together as a team and pull each other up. Tomorrow (tonight) is going to be a difficult game, but we have to pull through.”

Playing on the road is not the same as playing at home, so St Fleur said if they can’t win, they need to at least end up with a draw.

Goalkeeper Vance Wheaton said after getting off to a great start in the first half against Puerto Rico, they let the game slip away from

them until the second half when they switched their formation.

“We are hoping that we can switch back to that in the Guyana game and we can come back just as hard,” Wheaton said. “Hopefully the line up will change and it will help us get better. I’m looking forward to it.

“Playing at home, I was really nervous representing my country on our home field in front of my family and friends., I felt more pressure,” he said. “I’m hoping that we can do that same thing again, but this time we can win.”

Walter Sawyer, who came in to play in the 57th minute of the game, said he had a good experience.

“I got to do a lot of running, so it was a good experience,” he said. “To see the home fans cheering me on when I came in, was really good.”

Learning from the experience, Sawyer said if he gets the call from coach Jean to play, he hope he won’t make the same mistake that he made against Puerto Rico.

“I wasn’t taking all of my one on ones, so that’s something I would look forward to doing, instead of passing the ball all the time,” Sawyer said.

The Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Antigua & Barbuda and Guyana are all playing out of League B and Group 4 in the Nations League that will run for the next three month in a home and away series.

XAVION Johnson (second from right) sharing a moment with the cadets medalists.

XAVION Johnson with his bronze medal.

ANTIGUA & Barbuda’s DeAndre Bishop, head coach Anthony Ferguson and Myles Weston at the press conference at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium.

SEASON-OPENING WIN BOLSTERS BUCCANEERS’ BELIEF THEY CAN BE SUCCESSFUL IN POST-TOM BRADY ERA

By FRED GOODALL

AP Sports Writer

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers launched their post-Tom Brady era with a victory that bolsters the team’s belief it can be successful without the seven-time Super Bowl winner.

It wasn’t pretty.

However, a 20-17 seasonopening win at Minnesota underscored what coach Todd Bowles has been preaching since the day Brady retired last winter: Replacing the winningest player in NFL history is impossible, but there’s still enough talent on a revamped roster to be competitive and win games as the Bucs chase a third consecutive NFC South title.

That includes Baker Mayfield, the former No. 1 overall draft pick of the Cleveland Browns who shrugged off a slow start Sunday to deliver a solid, turnover-free performance in his debut for his fourth team in just over two years.

“The great thing is, when he was having problems, he wasn’t turning it over,” Bowles said, noting Mayfield’s ability to take care of the ball gave a rejuvenated defence a chance to keep the Bucs in the game.

“Baker’s a winner,” Bowles added. “He’s done this before, and the guys love to rally around him.”

Despite being outgained 369 yards to 242, Tampa Bay had three takeaways to undermine a potentially high-scoring day for the Minnesota offense.

Vikings star Justin Jefferson had nine receptions for 150 yards; however, the Bucs kept him out of the end zone.

With Brady leading the way, Tampa Bay won 37 games (including postseason) over the past three years — third-most in the NFL behind the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills.

The 2020 Bucs won the Super Bowl and followed with the first back-to-back division championships in team history in 2021 and 2022.

Most prognosticators expect the Bucs won’t have that kind of success this year.

“I don’t know what it told them. It told us what we knew all along. We can go in and win the ballgame,” the coach said of beating the Vikings on the road. “If I paid attention to it, I would actually have something to say, but I don’t.”

WORKING

WHAT’S

The defence, which wasn’t as reliable as usual last season, was resilient against the Vikings. In addition to three takeaways, the unit led by linebackers Devin White and Lavonte David limited Minnesota to 41 yards rushing on 17 attempts. Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. and linebacker Anthony Nelson had sacks, and undrafted rookie nickel back Christian Izien had a goal-line interception.

WHAT NEEDS HELP

Tampa Bay had the worst rushing attack in the NFL last season and wasn’t much better against the Vikings, averaging just 2.2 yards per carry and finishing with 73 yards on 33 attempts. If there was an encouraging aspect to the performance, though, it was that the Bucs never stopped trying to run and did manage to produce a couple of crucial first downs late.

“The run doesn’t always have to be pretty. If you can get 33 runs in and keep the defence off the field, it keeps (the opposing defence) out there longer and keeps them off Baker some,” Bowles said. “The amount of carries was just as important as the yardage, if not more important.”

EXTRA WORK AND FAMILIARITY WITH THE DOLPHINS’ SYSTEM ARE HELPING TYREEK HILL EXCEL

By ALANIS THAMES AP Sports Writer

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Tyreek Hill was at a Miami bar during the preseason when Hall of Famer Dan Marino walked in.

“Hey, Reek, man, you’ve been doing a great job,” Hill recalled the former Dolphins quarterback saying. “You guys need to start meeting together. I used to do that with all my guys back in the day.”

Since then, Miami’s receivers have been getting together after practices to work on being in the right spots for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The Dolphins’ performance in Sunday’s opener suggests that extra work is paying off.

Hill had 215 yards on 11 receptions with a pair of touchdowns in a 36-34 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Tagovailoa passed for 466 yards and three TDs. Seven Dolphins players had at least two catches.

“Those two guys are a great example of not focusing on anything but their craft,” coach Mike McDaniel said of Tagovailoa and Hill. “That’s the ultimate hope as a coach — all that time invested and those high standards that you’re holding yourself to — that’s rewarded. ... They were on the same page for sure.”

Hill is coming off a 2022 season in which he set career highs in receptions (119) and yards (1,710) while acknowledging he hadn’t fully grasped McDaniel’s offence. He said he was mostly relying on athleticism and speed.

Now, after a full season in the Dolphins’ system and a strong training camp, he can feel the difference.

“Everything is more fluid this year,” Hill said. “I was in my bag a little bit more on release moves and just routes at the top. That’s how I was able to get my first catch, I had a dagger. Last year we ran the same exact route, and I wasn’t open. But this year it’s a

whole lot different because I know how to run it, and I know exactly how many steps I need to be at.”

McDaniel said all of Hill’s catches Sunday would have probably gone for half as much yardage a year ago.

“Understanding how to beat coverage is not something that we needed to teach him,” McDaniel said, “but understanding when to separate and how to get the ball, that’s what he’s really majored in this year.”

That was a huge help for Hill’s connection with Tagovailoa, who targeted him 15 times.

Tagovailoa played in his first regular-season game since Week 16 last year. He missed Miami’s final three games because of a concussion, his second of 2022.

He made huge plays late to seal the win, including a clutch throw on thirdand-10 when he hit Hill on a go route for a 47-yard completion.

Tagovailoa found Hill in the end zone

five plays later on a ball that he dropped into a tightly covered Hill’s hands for the decisive score.

Miami’s offence was formidable last year when Tagovailoa was healthy and connecting with his receivers on those kinds of plays. That connection alone could carry the Dolphins far in 2023.

WHAT’S WORKING

McDaniel’s play-calling and game management put his team in position to answer every score by the Chargers.

The coach decided to go for it on fourth and 7 at the Chargers 42, leading to a touchdown. He took a timeout with 14 seconds left in the first half before a Los Angeles field goal, and Miami used that time to make a kick of its own before halftime.

Despite a couple mishaps on the snap exchange between centre Connor Williams and Tagovailoa, Miami’s offensive line,

which was without star left tackle Terron Armstead, didn’t give up a sack against Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack and the Chargers’ defensive front.

WHAT NEEDS HELP

The defence allowed the Chargers to convert 60% of their third downs and gave up 234 yards on the ground. The last time Miami gave up that many rushing yards was in Week 9 last year when the Bears ran for 252.

STOCK UP Tagovailoa. The fourthyear quarterback has been compared to Justin Herbert since they entered the league in 2020. Herbert was selected one pick after Tagovailoa and secured a mega-deal this offseason, but Tagovailoa bested him Sunday. Only three players have passed for more yards in an opener than Tagovailoa’s 466, and it was the second time in the past two seasons that Tagovailoa passed for more than

450 yards and at least three touchdowns.

STOCK DOWN Williams had a few issues snapping the ball in the preseason, and it happened early in the opener. Problems with the quarterback-centre exchange caused two fumbles on Miami’s opening drive. The latter happened on first-and-goal and gave the Chargers the ball at the 6. Williams was also flagged for holding, which wiped out a third-down conversion.

INJURIES

The Dolphins didn’t report any injuries after the game.

KEY NUMBER 3-0 — Tagovailoa’s record in Week 1 starts.

NEXT STEPS

The Dolphins play another road game, at division rival New England on Sunday night.

THE RAVENS’ SEASON-OPENING VICTORY OVER THE TEXANS CAME AT QUITE A COST

By NOAH TRISTER AP Sports Writer

BALTIMORE (AP) — J.K.

Dobbins was a picture of health when he jumped into the end zone for the game’s first touchdown.

Two quarters later, his season was over.

Dobbins’ torn Achilles tendon was the biggest blow to the Baltimore Ravens in a 25-9 victory over the Houston Texans on Sunday that came at quite a cost. The standout running back — who is in the last year of his rookie contract — now faces a long road back, and he’s not the only Baltimore player who was injured in the game. Coach John Harbaugh said Monday that safety Marcus Williams could be out a while with a pectoral problem. “May not be a season-ender though,” Harbaugh said. “There’s

different options that he has, so we’ll keep you updated on that soon because he’ll have to make a decision soon on a possible surgery there.”

Harbaugh said centre Tyler Linderbaum is week to week with a sprained ankle, and tackle Ronnie Stanley has a sprained knee.

Aside from those injuries, the Ravens (1-0) have other concerns, such as an offence that struggled to get untracked. But in the end, they did win fairly comfortably. With a schedule that includes three divisional road games in the first five weeks, Baltimore did what it needed to do at home against one of the NFL’s worst teams from a season ago. Harbaugh said he didn’t think the Ravens would look outside the organisation for running back help. Melvin Gordon was signed before

the season and has been on the practice squad.

“He’s here for a reason,” Harbaugh said. “Certainly didn’t expect it to be this quick, but that’s why he’s here. That’s why he wanted to stay here because he likes it here. He likes the offence, and he likes the environment.”

WHAT’S WORKING

The linebacking duo of Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen picked up where it left off a season ago. Each had a sack. Smith had 16 tackles and Queen had 11. The Texans let C.J. Stroud, a rookie making his first start, throw 44 times. That suggested a lack of confidence in their ability to run the ball against the Ravens.

WHAT NEEDS HELP

If Ravens fans were looking

forward to a coming-out party for their offence under new coordinator Todd Monken, they didn’t really get one.

Baltimore managed only two drives longer than 26 yards, and quarterback Lamar Jackson turned the ball over twice.

Jackson led the Ravens in rushing with 38 yards, but even his elusiveness didn’t prevent Houston from sacking him four times.

“He wanted to sit in the pocket as much as he could, more than he wanted to run.

“He was trying to stay in the pocket,” Texans defensive end Jonathan Greenard said.

“It kind of worked to our advantage at times. “We wanted to attack him going into the game, and him staying in the pocket, it made our job easier.”

MIAMI Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill celebrates his touchdown catch during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

MIAMI Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, left, escapes from the pressure applied by Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa (97) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Support for De’Andre to give him college help

DE’ANDRE Forbes

was awarded with the EY Bahamas Jamaine McFall Memorial Scholarship.

The scholarship is valued at $30,000 annually and provides students, who have shown academic excellence, the opportunity to gain higher education, and build careers in the professional services industry. It will be used to fund his attendance at Saint John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota where he will be pursuing an undergraduate degree in Accounting.

De’Andre said that he was grateful to EY, his family, peers and teachers for providing him the opportunity and support in this chapter of his life.

He said: “Before applying for the EY Bahamas Jamaine McFall Memorial Scholarship, I had a clear vision of working in an environment that fosters

growth, transformation and a meaningful career.

“The opportunity fills me with immense gratitude towards family, teachers and friends, whose unwavering support and guidance propelled me to this important milestone in my life.”

Michele Thompson, EY regional managing partner for The Bahamas, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands, said that the company is committed to investing in ‘exceptional’ student and that they will continue to aid the next generation. She said: “The EY scholarship reflects EY’s commitment to supporting talented individuals like De’Andre and nurturing their potential. EY believes in investing in exceptional students who exhibit the qualities and values that

align with the organisation’s vision and culture.

“Through the scholarship programme, EY aims to empower the next generation of leaders and contribute to their success.”

The scholarship also includes an eight-week summer internship to gain practical experience and an offer for full-time employment at EY upon successful

completion of the university programme.

Tiffany Norris-Pilcher, EY Bahamas country managing partner and emerging manager platform leader added that De’Andre is dedicated to his education, has strong leadership skills and embraces new challenges.

She said: “De’Andre’s selection as the recipient of the EY scholarship is a

testament to his outstanding achievements and potential. His dedication to academic excellence, coupled with his strong leadership skills, have set him apart as an exemplary student.

“Throughout his academic journey, De’Andre has consistently demonstrated a commitment to surpassing expectations and embracing new challenges with enthusiasm.”

INTERN PROGRAMME A WIN-WIN FOR BANK AND STUDENTS

CIBC FirstCaribbean had 73 interns take part in its regional summer internship initiate, a record for the company. The internships took place at the bank’s branches and offices in Barbados, The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Curacao, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.

The interns were immersed in the daily operations of the bank’s retail, corporate and investment banking, finance, human resources, wealth, operations, property services and technology.

Jewel Clarke, the bank’s director of talent acquisition and development, said the decision to nearly double the intake of summer interns this year was due to the “excitement and success” of their Summer Internship Programme across the technology segment last year. She noted that the internship programme was “a highly anticipated programme that is the cornerstone of our Early Career Initiatives”.

She said: “[CIBC FirstCaribbean is] very pleased to increase the number of interns from 40 to 73 to accommodate the demand by student for opportunities to gain valuable exposure to business. It is an incredible testament to the power of investment in future talent.

“[The internship is a] win-win for the bank and the students since we are providing them with valuable experiences and also learning from them as the next generation of talent. It is a win-win partnership with our communities, businesses, and interns.”

Maximus Boxill, 21, a recent graduate of the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill campus with a degree in computer science and accounting said that his time in the information security section of the bank has brought home the importance of data security to. He said: “Before my stint at

CIBC FirstCaribbean, I severely underestimated the importance of data security in organisations. Thankfully, with the help from great team members and colleagues, I was able to gain a greater appreciation for the need of data security and understand why heavy emphasis is placed on creating well integrated solutions to protect the bank, its employees, and clients.”

Dwayne Archer, a computer science with economics student at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, said he was “overjoyed’ for the opportunity to participate in the summer

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

internship. He said: “My colleagues have really made the internship a welcoming experience thus far. Two highlights from the internship are working within a supportive team setting where I can voice my thoughts about my progress on the tasks allocated, and the interactive sessions held for the interns to allow us to get to know each other,” he said.

Andrew McLaughlin Jr, 21, is back for the second year as an intern with technical support in The Cayman Islands and he has described his experience as “amazing so far” noting that there was something new every day.

He said: “I have been kept on my toes with all sorts of different situations and clients every day that need assistance from the tech support department.” Another intern, Kimani Nugent, 20, described his attachment to the corporate investment banking team in Jamaica as a “phenomenal experience”. He said: “I have been exposed to the complexities of corporate credit operations … additionally, I have been able to sharpen my skills in performing financial and credit analysis and learned how to build proper financial models.”

EXPLORERS TO SPONSOR ATTENDANCE AT YOUTH CONFERENCE

YOUNG Marine Explorers (YME) Bahamas will sponsor two young people, between the ages of 18 and 35, from each of the 33 Caribbean regions and territories with travel and accommodations to participate in-person at this year’s UNFCCC YOUNGO Caribbean

Regional Conference of Youth (RCOY).

The event will be held in Barbados from October 16-20, under the theme “Building Financial Resilience for Youth-Led Climate Adaptation in the Caribbean”.

The conference aims to forge

regional networks, create space for adaptation strategies grounded in equity through technology transfer across the countries, to ensure that community projects are fundable and that vulnerable communities are empowered.

YME is looking to platform

young people passionate about addressing the environmental and socio-economic challenges in their respective countries and developing innovative climate solutions.

Organisers anticipate 150 participants inclusive of young people from Barbados.

KEANNAH Russell, above, graduated from St George’s High School, Grand Bahama with honours.

She received achievement awards in physical education, biology, civics, family life, religious studies, food and nutrition, front office accommodation and food preparation. Keannah will be attending the University of The Bahamas to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing.

Charissa Taylor, below, graduated from Kingsway Academy High School with honours.

She received awards for Dean’s Honours; accelerated track; history, AP English language, Christian education, AP human geography, physical education, and SAT mathematics.

She will be attending Barry University to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in marine biology.

• Do you know a student you’d like to nominate for Student Spotlight? Email details to jsimmons@ tribunemedia.net.

‘De’Andre’s selection as the recipient of the EY scholarship is a testament to his outstanding achievements and potential.’

INDIA OLIVER, above, and Kaviann Gardiner, right.

Photos: Ashley Albury