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GAS MARGIN RISE OF

25 CENTS APPROVED

PM does not say when new rate will be effective

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip

“Brave” Davis announced last night that his administration has approved a margin increase for gas retailers, with prices set to rise by 25 cents per gallon for gasoline and 15 cents per gallon for diesel. Mr Davis did not specify

when the new rates will take effect but said the impact on the Bahamian people would not be as severe as in the past. “It is manageable when we look at first of all how our gas prices have declined over the last year and continue to decline, and we expect that gas prices will continue decline through

...BUT DAVIS SAYS BPL BILL S TO BE CHEA PER THIS MONTH

BY LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip

“Brave” Davis said Bahamians will soon see the “fruits” of his administration’s efforts to reform the country’s electricity sector, adding that power bills should start to decline this month. His comments follow public complaints about

high electricity costs despite the new Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) rate structure, which took effect on July 1. Acknowledging the public’s frustrations, Mr Davis said last night: “There was a hit in the bill for July and August but that’s now being corrected. I invite them to look at what is coming for their September bills.”

‘Public right to be concerned over probe into corruption allegations’

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip

“Brave” Davis said the public is right to be concerned over the Royal Bahamas Police Force

probe into allegations of corruption.

Mr Davis was speaking last night during an interview by Clint Watson on ZNS, his former press secretary and the general manager of the Broadcasting Corporation of The

Bahamas - and spoke about the investigation into controversial voice notes that allegedly reveal a quid-proquo arrangement involving a senior police officer, a lawyer, and two deceased

14 P O L ICE SUMMONED OVER SHOOTINGS

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

ACTING Coroner Kara Turnquest has summoned 14 police officers linked to killings that resulted in adverse inquest findings since May 2023, ordering them to appear on Wednesday for committal hearings before the Supreme Court. She initially issued arrest

warrants for the officers but dismissed those at the request of their lawyer, K Melvin Munroe. The officers were the subjects of inquests that prompted a homicide by manslaughter ruling. One officer was involved in two separate killings. The coroner’s rare action comes a week after FIVE

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

ROYAL Bahamas Defence Force Commodore Raymond King said the country is expected to deploy a five-member team to Haiti at the end of the week.

He said the advanced team, assigned to the Joint Multinational Security Support Mission headquarters, will be tasked with providing command, planning and logistics support. Their deployment was recently approved by the National Security Council.

THE HISTORIC Reinhard Hotel collapsed yesterday, sending debris across Baillou Hill Road and destroying a neighbouring home. See PAGE TWO for story.

Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

Historic hotel collapses into street

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

A HISTORIC hotel collapsed yesterday, sending debris across Baillou Hill Road and destroying a neighbouring home.

The historic Reinhard Hotel, just off Meadows Street, began to collapse shortly after 3pm - and nearby residents alerted Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs officials.

Building control and civil engineering teams were sent to close off the street, and contractors were called in to begin clean-up efforts, as onlookers gathered to watch. Full demolition of the remaining parts of the hotel is expected to begin in the next 24 to 48 hours.

One family, the Bannister family, saw their generational home, situated at the rear of the hotel, destroyed in the collapse.

Two members of the family were living at the home at the time but there were no reported injuries.

Christine CunninghamBastian, a former resident of the home, said: “It is a lot but what can we do? In all things, we have to give thanks, so we leave it in God’s hands and whatever he does is well done with us.

It is hard, it is homestead for me. I moved out of here like ten years ago now, but my son is here.”

Ms Cunningham-Bastian said the hotel landlord has promised to provide temporary housing for their relatives.

Another relative said: “It doesn’t feel very good about it. I’m just really giving God thanks that nobody got hurt

“I think they should have taken action a long time ago because they could have seen this coming. I hate to see them wait until things happen to take action.”

but this isn’t a good feeling. We saw this happening a very long time ago. Thank goodness all of us have moved out, but my nephew and grand-nephew still reside there and they were not home at the time. I’m thankful it didn’t happen during the night because if it had, they would have

been on that side.”

She criticised the government, saying: “I think they should have taken action a long time ago because they could have seen this coming. I hate to see them wait until things happen to take action.”

The hotel was owned by Dr Claydius Roland and Mabel Walker in the 1930s, and served as headquarters for the Progressive Liberal Party in 1967 in the run-up to the election that brought Majority Rule. The hotel was known for hosting a variety of events, from social gatherings and local business activities to significant moments in Bahamian political history.

Wayde Watson, MP for Bains and Grants Town, was at the scene and emphasised the need for assessing derelict buildings to prevent such incidents. He said: “This is a historic building, so there is some legislation that preserves it. But we need to inspect these buildings or assess whether they can be restored or reinforced to maintain their historic nature.”

PLP chairman Fred Mitchell expressed his sadness, recalling fond memories of attending wedding receptions there as a child.

THE HISTORIC Reinhard Hotel collapsed yesterday, blocking Baillou Hill Road with debris and damaging a neighbouring home.

Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

Frustrated residents living in the neighbourhood surrounding Sandals Royal Bahamian have reached out to The People’s Paper over, what they contend, are irregularities with the resorts’ expanded dock, concrete pier and an new enclosed two story over-water chapel.

In an exclusive interview with The Tribune, residents of the neighbourhood claim the resort has undertaken an “expansion of the dock beyond its existing footprint by approximately forty (40) feet”. which, amongst other things, they further assert “will permanently affect the beach, block their sea views not to mention adversely impact upon the property values surrounding the hotel”.

“In addition to the intended expansion of the length of the pier/dock beyond its original dimensions, Sandals objective appears to the constructiion of a multi-storey enclosed wedding chapel over the water”, they added.

“It would certainly appear as though the resort has every intention to construcing a pidock chapel, similar to that which exists at their property in the Cayman Islands”.

“Without, that is, consulting with its neighbours; seeking permission from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Marine Resources with respect to a seabed lease or conducting an Environmental Infrastructure Assessment (EIA)” as the residents contend is mandated under Bahamian law.

“By its very nature, such an expanded structure would, by necessity, require more seabed to be leased from the Government”.

Given the nature of the proposed works, the residents further claim “Sandals is mandated to comply with statutory and regulatory provisions of Sections: 36, 42, and 14 of the Planning & Subdivision Act , Sections 4(1) & 5(1) of the Buildings

Is Sandals Royal Bahamian

‘Rolling the Dice’On Its New Expanded Dock & Chapel?

If You Can’t Show The Necessary Approvals Then Stop the Work like the Acting Port Director Ordered. How Can a Government which Claims to ‘Put Bahamians First’ Allow a Foreign Hotel To Treat Us Like This?

DEJECTED RESIDENTS LIVING

IN THE

Regulation Act, Section 6 of the Buildings Regulation Act, Section 7 of the Port Authorities Act and Section 11(1) of the Environmental Planning & Protection Act and must apply for, and obtain, all necessary permits,

“But, despite our repeatedly requests neither the Government nor Sandals has ever provided copies of any of the necessary approvals or permits” state the residents.

“As a local and regional hotelier we would have expected Sandals to have operated in good faith—even in the face of opposition—and been willingly to make full, and frank disclosure of all approvals; in view of the potential impact to the beach and upon those living to the east of the resort’s project” complained the residents.

“The fact that Sandals is treating the dock, pier and chapel construction project with such a sense of urgency —working on weekends - suggests, according to the residents,“the resort is trying to hastily fnish the project so as to avoid any further light being cast upon it”.

The residents contend the only response they have received was in August 2023 when the Acting Port Director informed all parties that no approvals were in place”.

Thereupon the project came to a standstill for a year

“Fast foward to May of 202”, they continued. “The project commenced once again despite residents registering their objections to the lack of a consultation process; nor, being given sight of any approvals or permits”.

“Even if they were granted,” added an aggreived property owner, “can you imagine someone rolling a barge on the beach in front your property and driving pilings and using heavy equipment from 9am-8pm? And, when the project is completed we won’t have sea views nor, a beach to enjoy”.

King: Five RBDF officers going to Haiti this week

“They are tentatively scheduled to deploy on September 21st,” he told The Tribune yesterday. “However, it’s contingent on (if) the team is adequately equipped with necessary personal protection equipment.”

The Davis administration has committed to sending 150 Defence Force officers to join a multinational team to help stabilise Haiti.

National Security Minister Wayne Munroe has said the officers will help with maritime security.

When asked about the timeline for sending the remaining officers to Haiti, Commodore King could not provide a specific date.

“That’s undetermined at this time,” he said. “The National Security Council will advise the public whenever that decision is made.”

He noted that the troops will not be deployed all at once but will be sent on a rotational basis.

“The government has committed 50 persons for a four-month period for a total of 150 persons

covering a 12-month or one-year period,” he added.

“However, our maritime security operations continue from March this year in the Southern Bahamas. Any changes to that mission will be determined and communicated by the National Security Council.”

Kenyan troops who are leading the mission arrived in Haiti in late June to assist Haitian police.

Just last week, Jamaica sent two dozen soldiers and police officers to join the mission. Yesterday, Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell responded to online reports claiming that local troops would be sent to Haiti this week.

He said the reports were not new and were “simply confirming what is already in the public domain”.

“There is no deviation from the maritime mission as was previously announced. The Bahamas will join colleagues from Kenya, Jamaica and Belize to work in close cooperation with Haitian National police to restore security in Haiti,” he added.

Mitchell criticises Haywarddonors shouldn’t ‘kiss and tell’

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party (PLP) chairman Fred Mitchell yesterday criticised Grand Bahama Port Authority director Rupert Hayward for publicly revealing that the organisation had contributed to both political parties in the last elections, saying donors shouldn’t “kiss and tell”.

“If you have a secret arrangement and it is good to you, you don’t go and spread the news by blabbing it all over to your friends. That is not the action of a gentlemen or lady. It should remain between the two people,” Mr Mitchell said in a voice note released yesterday.

His comment came after Mr Hayward recently told The Tribune the authority has made equal financial contributions to the PLP and the FNM over the years. He asserted that the GBPA is “politically

agnostic”.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis has denied receiving funds from the GBPA since becoming party leader but said he would not dispute Mr Hayward’s remarks about past events. He also0 said he would not disclose the party’s campaign donors unless donors agree to it.

Yesterday, Mr Mitchell said the issue of who gave campaign donations to whom is irrelevant.

“The only point is whether or not the leader of the opposition is singing for his supper in Freeport in anticipation of some future consideration from his friends at the GBPA,” he added. “That is not a question for Rupert Hayward, but one for Mr Pintard. But everyone who gets money free from the Grand Bahama Port Authority should know that there is a danger of the philosophy of kissing and telling.”

The country’s absence of campaign finance laws

makes it unclear who qualifies as appropriate donors for political parties.

Both major parties have promised to introduce campaign finance legislation but have repeatedly failed, despite calls from good governance advocates and international organisations like the Organisation of American States.

In its Blueprint for Change, the PLP promised campaign finance reform. However, in August 2022, Mr Davis said it was not a priority, and no further action has been taken since.

When reminded about the PLP’s promise last week, Mr Davis claimed his administration is considering it. However, he said it is not currently a priority, adding that he focuses on alleviating the struggles many Bahamians face.

He said campaign finance legislation, long sought by good governance advocates, would not address those concerns.

Coalition

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

DESPITE any date for the next general election likely to be a long way off, the Coalition of Independents has unveiled its first 19 candidates. In a statement, the party said: “These candidates represent a new era of leadership in The Bahamas, as they are not career politicians, but instead highly qualified professionals who have risen to the occasion out of their commitment to creating a better future for our country.”

19 candidates

The announced candidates are Daniel Mitchell for Pineridge, Olivia Ingraham-Griffin for Free Town, Dexter Edwards for East Grand Bahama, Yvette Prince for Yamacraw, Graham Weatherford for St Anne’s, Faith Percentie for Englerston, Trevor Greene for South Andros, Linda Stubbs for Mt Moriah, William Knowles for Seabreeze, and Maria Daxon for Bamboo Town, Charlotte Green for Carmichael, Tyrone M Greene for Marathon, Daphaney Johnson for Fort Charlotte, Harold Roberts for Marco City, Donna Major for

Elizabeth Estates, Antonio Bain for Bain and Grant’s Town, Sharmaine Adderley for Golden Gates, Veronica McIver for Killarney, and Lincoln Bain for Pinewood.

The party said the group of candidates includes 12 business professionals, two accountants, two lawyers, four teachers, four computer scientists, four former police officers, one dentist, and three building contractors.

The party said it plans to announce more candidates in the coming weeks. The initial list was announced on Sunday.

GOVT SET TO DEMOLISH OVER 100 SHANTY STRUCTURES ON COWPEN ROAD

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

MORE than 100 illegal structures in the T-Wash shantytown on Cowpen Road will soon be demolished, according to Craig Delancy, buildings control officer at the Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs.

In August, the Unregulated Communities Action Task Force issued 28-day eviction notices to 123 structures in the T-Wash area. Mr Delancy said since the notices were served, several residents have vacated their homes. He added officials are now preparing to demolish all illegal structures as the deadline has passed.

Mr Delancy acknowledged that some people have moved into other areas but urged individuals to obey the law, stressing no one should build or move into unregulated communities. He said some residents are moving into regulated areas with proper housing and infrastructure.

When The Tribune visited T-Wash in August, 24-year-old Haitian national Kenwolf Fertilus said his family paid rent to an unidentified man to live there. He fears his family will end up homeless if they can’t find a new home before their unregulated dwelling is bulldozed.

Regarding claims of residents paying rent in unregulated areas, Mr Delancy said: “They should try not to go into those areas, knowing quite well that whom they’re paying rent to is doing it out of

their own volition and not as part of a regulated subdivision or community. They need to find out from the owner whether they have legitimate rights to that property.”

Fifteen unregulated areas have been identified in New Providence. Officials also said that addressing illegal communities in the Family Islands is a priority for the Unregulated Communities Action Task Force.

Although successive administrations have pledged to eradicate shanty towns, their efforts were often stymied in court.

In 2023, in a long-awaited ruling, Supreme Court Justice Cheryl GrantThompson concluded that the Minnis administration’s eradication policies were lawful.

The Office of the Attorney General then asked Chief Justice Sir

Ian Winder to order the demolition of nearly 300 structures that were built in contravention of Justice Grant Thompson’s previous order prohibiting the construction, erection, or alteration of buildings or structures in shanty towns throughout the country pending her ruling.

Sir Ian only granted permission for two structures to be demolished. However, his ruling paved the way for the minister of works to initiate a demolition process under the Buildings Regulation Act. The Davis administration has since been demolishing structures without court challenges. The task force has demolished structures in all Saints Way and Kool Acres in New Providence. In February, the demolition of shantytowns in Abaco began.

POLICE from Jamaica and Belize stand on the tarmac after arriving at the Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, last week.

Photo: Odelyn Joseph/AP

THE COALITION of Independents introduced 19 candidates for the general election Sunday. More candidates will be announced in the coming weeks.

PLP CHAIRMAN FRED MITCHELL

CRAIG DELANCY

Gas margin rise of 25 cents approved

...but Davis says BPL bills to be cheaper this month

Mr Davis spoke about his administration’s energy plans while appearing as a guest on ZNS’s new show, “The Rundown” with Clint Watson. The topic was one of several pressing issues he discussed last night.

The prime minister reiterated that his administration inherited BPL’s legacy issues, including ageing infrastructure. However, he said getting the power company back on track has been a key priority for his government.

“We are, as we speak, improving our grid. We are intending to bring, very soon, utility solar microgrids to the country, not just in New Providence, but to the Family Islands, bringing 70 megawatts of solar, 35 megawatts of battery saving, and we are on the way to delivering to the Bahamian people that which we promised,” the prime minister said.

The Davis administration has introduced several initiatives to reform BPL in recent months, including the transfer of New

Providence’s electricity grid to Bahamas Grid Company, now 60 percent privately owned.

Island Grid, managed by Eric Pike, will oversee operations, with Pike Electrical providing the necessary workforce, equipment, and resources

Mr Davis said that with the support of its new partners, electricity bills will continue to decrease as BPL’s infrastructure and operations improve,

“As you speak, we are already working on the grid,” he said, “The challenge we have been having is that BPL has been renting generators over the past six (and) seven years. We’re eliminating the rental of generators, and we are now bringing in generators that will be using LNG gas.”

He added that solar initiatives will start within the next several weeks to months.

Regarding inflation, Mr Davis acknowledged that while the issue is “settling”, his government understands that many people are still struggling. However, he said there’s

only so much that can be done.

‘If gas prices go up, what could we do about that?” the prime minister added. “If food prices that we’re importing go up, what could we do about that? What we have done, that we can do for example, is to lower the import duties on imported goods, which we did over the last three years. But we are not seeing that being passed on to the customers.”

Mr Davis highlighted several initiatives his government has implemented to ease the inflation burden, such as increasing the minimum wage and reducing VAT from 12 percent to 10 percent, among other things.

“The unfortunate thing is that inflation has eaten most of those savings,” he said, “ and that’s why it appears as though nothing has been done by us, but you can look down the list of what we have done to alleviate the burden of the cost of living that’s been brought on by global matters.”

‘Public right to be concerned over probe into corruption allegations’

from page one

individuals, Michael Fox Jr and Dino Smith.

Mr Davis said: “The public is right to have their concerns. One of the critical factors of effective policing is for the public to have confidence in their police force.

It is the public that you rely on for intelligence, to assist in detecting crimes, and to help prevent crime.

“And where there is that lack of trust and confidence you will have this breakdown so they are rightfully concerned about what is happening in the police force. Me too, I am concerned, but there is a process.”

Mr Davis urged the public to trust the process, saying the government is committed to restoring confidence in the police force.

from page one

to at least December of this year,” he said during an appearance on ZNS’s new show, “The Rundown with Clint Watson.”

His comment came after gas retailers announced plans to protest at Parliament tomorrow over the government’s failure to address to their requests.

Gas retailers have repeatedly called for a margin increase, saying they can no longer operate under the current fixed-margin regime due to rising costs.

Unlike other industries, where prices can be adjusted to cover increasing expenses, the Bahamian petroleum sector operates under government-controlled price margins that require approval for any changes.

Prime Minister Davis suggested yesterday the government’s delay in implementing the increase was because the timing was not right.

“The retailers were well aware of the challenges that we’re having and that they were having,” Mr Davis added. “I was sympathetic to them. About a year or half ago, we did make an initiative to assist them which we did for which

they were grateful, but and we promised to get back to them on this matter, and we finally got a resolve, and the time is now right for us to do what we’re doing, because they will not have the kind of negative impact on the Bahamian people that would have it would have had if we’d done it sooner.”

The last margin increase for petroleum dealers was in 2011 when the Free National Movement (FNM) government led by Hubert Ingraham approved a 10-cent increase per gallon of gasoline, raising it from 44 cents to 54 cents.

A 15-cent increase per gallon of diesel was also approved. Currently, the government collects over $1.60 for every gallon of gasoline sold in The Bahamas.

In June, gas retailers considered a shutdown after being disappointed by the absence of a margin increase in the 2024/25 Budget.

Vasco Bastian, vice president of the Petroleum Retailers Association, said members were growing frustrated after months of negotiations and were ready to close their businesses for a “day or two” to show their displeasure.

Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander announced last month that no further public statements would be made about the investigation. The investigation centres on a $1.5m airport bank car heist from November. Fox Jr and Smith were suspects but were never charged. Two other men, Oral Roberts, 34, and Akeil Holmes, 26, faced charges related to the robbery. Roberts was killed in Fox Hill last month.

Michael Johnson, head of the Central Investigations Department, is currently on garden leave while the investigation continues. Commissioner Fernander revealed the Federal Bureau of Investigations

He said: “We have to allow the process to be carried out. I want to assure the Bahamian people that this process will be conducted with integrity and objectivity. The results will be known, and the chips will fall where they may. Restoring public confidence in the police force is paramount, and we will work to ensure that this happens.”

(FBI) has joined the probe, which is led by the Security and Intelligence Branch (SIB) of the police force. The Police Complaints Inspectorate, a traditionally under-resourced body, will oversee the SIB’s investigation.

Michael Fox Sr, father of Fox Jr, claimed his son gave him the voice notes with instructions to release them if he died. Fox Sr stated he did not release the tapes himself. Sandra Smith, mother of Dino Smith, confirmed her son informed her about the voice notes but did not provide them to her.

The matter has gripped the public’s attention partly because of other events that have occurred involving people connected to the voice notes. Days after Sylvens Metayer, a man living in the US who considers himself a whistleblower, seemingly released the voice notes, he was shot during a Facebook Live and survived the incident.

VIDEO capture of Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis during his interview on ZNS’s new show ‘The Rundown’ with Clint Watson last night.

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NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI

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

LEON E. H. DUPUCH, Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

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

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972

Contributing Editor 1972-1991

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

Publisher/Editor 1972-

Published daily Monday to Friday Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207

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PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis last night gave a wide-ranging interview touching on a host of issues affecting the Bahamian public.

Buckle up, it’s time to take a ride through some of the many points covered while being interviewed on ZNS by his former press secretary, the general manager of the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas, Clint Watson.

Let’s start with BPL – Mr Davis says people are going to start seeing a drop in their bills, and just about right away. This month, in fact.

Good news for people’s pockets – but then in the next breath, there was bad news for people’s pockets. Gas prices are going to go up. That will be a rise of 25 cents per gallon for gasoline and 15 cents per gallon for diesel.

That will be bad news for consumers, of course, but something that gas retailers have long been calling for. The last margin increase was back in 2011, so it has been some time.

Mr Davis talked up his administration’s achievements in economic terms – though said the delay in implementing the rise in gas margins had been down to the fact that the time was not right. He said a year and a half ago, an initiative had gone ahead to assist but that the administration said they would get back to retailers. Now is that time.

Turning to the police probe into allegations of corruption at the highest levels, he said that the public is right to be concerned – and noted that there has to be confidence in the police. That is something this column has argued on many occasions – especially in regard to transparency in the investigation. Mr Davis noted the concern – but gave no indication of any likelihood of

transparency, instead asking people to trust the process. Given the violence that has surrounded the matters at the heart of this investigation, that is a big ask.

Next up, the murder count. Mr Davis said the government is focusing on prevention and targeting young men to steer them away from violence. Alas, in this friendly court, he was not pressed on how the government was going to prevent the country hitting 100 murders for yet another year. There is no answer yet on how that prevention is going to work.

Then there was the issue of campaign donations – another area where transparency seems to be absent. He talked generally of the importance of making sure donors are genuine – but with no indication of how that is supposed to be done if there are no rules governing donations and no public scrutiny possible given that donations are not reported publicly.

Given that campaign finance legislation was in the party’s campaign platform, that is a little too easy a brushoff which did not get strongly pushed back on in the interview.

There was more too – but broadly speaking, the emphasis was clear. Mr Davis has put the economy as the central focus, and that is the plank he is leaning on.

With an election still distant on the horizon, but of course getting closer, that will leave a lot riding on how much the economic impact has reached people’s pockets when it comes to time to vote.

Mr Davis still has more questions to answer. We hope he opens the door to interviews from other outlets in coming days.

Private aviation

EDITOR, The Tribune.

PRIVATE aviation in an archipelago...essential service so it must be Licenced and operated at the highest level of efficiency and assurance of safety but is the Bahamas Private Aviation sector anyway close to there?

Tribune reports the tragic recent crash the pilot might have issues with being Licenced to fly with paying passengers... Editor

shamefully nothing new been going on for years. Governments have talked at regulating and done nothing - more accidents… more agonies for the innocent who think the private plane even ‘hacker’ are safe so many have perished. Now Minister ColebyDavis… No plane should leave the private charter section of any airport without a physical inspection and check of the licence of the pilot - the plane,

has insurance licenced to carry passengers? No plane leaves a Bahamas airport period til this occurs.

Pilots warned any breach their licences will be cancelled who owns the plane faces seizure, yes seized people playing on the innocent passenger. Now let’s see if the PLP serious?

J MURPHY Nassau, September 16, 2024.

Foreign investment

EDITOR, The Tribune.

HOW do we really should understand these figures for Foreign Investment? The interesting point is never does the government disclose the ‘value of the concessions’ - the public would be shocked at the total concessions granted for some of the developments but global reality you don’t give ain’t going to get but the public should be aware even if these concessions

can be counted as ‘cost to investment’?

The biggest one is GB Dry dock... The cost of the dock from the Chinese shipyard building the two is over USD$300m... so you should net that total minus it but that amount as not a dime will even transfer through The Bahamas. Fact 90-96 percent of all construction materials come ex-USMexico or Canada they all from outside… another cost which is not direct

From despair to progress

EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE night Prime Minister Davis won the election was filled with both hope and a heavy sense of responsibility. I stood beside him that night outside the Old Bight Airport, listening as he addressed the nation for the first time as its new leader. The challenges before us were staggering: an economy in freefall, healthcare and education systems in crisis, and Bahamians everywhere feeling the weight of uncertainty. That night, he made it clear that we were embarking on a journey to rebuild our country from the ground up.

As the director of communications, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand what it has taken to go from those days of economic despair to the solid foundation of progress we have today. Behind every policy and initiative over the past three years is a story of countless late nights, tough decisions, and a leader who refuses to accept anything less than a brighter future for our people.

From day one, the Prime Minister’s focus was on turning the economy around. He inherited a financial crisis marked by deep unemployment and a tourism sector on the brink of collapse. I remember sitting in emergency meetings where he worked through the night with economic advisors, determined to find a way to stabilise the nation’s finances. He knew we needed more than short-term fixes; we needed a plan to restore confidence and provide relief to those hit hardest. And that’s exactly what we set out to do.

investment.

Now the juice. Exemption from Customs Duty and possibly VAT that’s the banger 58-65 percent plus straight off the top... how long is the tax holiday from these? Yes, we congratulate but when looking at what never sees our shores what really is the net investment? Yes, jobs.

M THOMPSON Nassau, September 15, 2024.

We started by raising the minimum wage, signing labour agreements, and providing grants to small businesses to get people back on their feet. These steps weren’t just about economic numbers; they were about helping families breathe a little easier and see hope on the horizon. I watched as the Prime Minister held meeting after meeting with industry leaders, insisting that tourism and investments could—and would—return. It wasn’t about promises; it was about action, a deep dive into the issues, and finding practical ways to bring life back to our economy.

But his vision didn’t stop at mere economic recovery. The Prime Minister was adamant about building a future in which Bahamians could genuinely prosper. I’ve seen him promote young Bahamians and women to key government positions, breaking down barriers that have stood for far too long. His belief in the talent of our people

is not just rhetoric; it’s in every policy decision, every initiative, and every new opportunity created for Bahamian entrepreneurs. He’s taken bold steps to support new businesses, particularly in Grand Bahama, where his vision for economic justice and renewal has driven countless hours of work.

I remember vividly one of our early trips to Grand Bahama. It wasn’t a staged visit; it was about sitting down with local business owners, farmers, and community leaders to listen to their struggles and ideas for change. He pressed them, asking, “What do you need to succeed? What can we do to help you thrive?” Out of those conversations came a commitment to challenge the Grand Bahama Port Authority and ensure they live up to their obligations. He saw clearly that Grand Bahama’s potential had been stifled for too long and that a new chapter of economic vitality was overdue.

The Prime Minister has also taken on global challenges with the same resolve. I’ve traveled with him as he met world leaders and advocated passionately for fair climate financing. Watching him speak, you see a man who grew up barefoot on Cat Island, now standing boldly on the world stage, saying, “Our future is not up for negotiation.” His dedication to the environment and sustainable development comes from a place of personal conviction, and it’s why he’s made climate change a priority in our national agenda.

There have been many nights where we reviewed policy positions, often into the early hours of the morning, to ensure that we represented our nation’s interests clearly and powerfully. He never approached these issues lightly. His intensity and drive to get things right, to create real change, were evident in every discussion, every draft, and every final decision.

Then there’s the energy sector. I’ve seen him tell senior officials point-blank that the status quo was no longer acceptable. He insisted on reforms that would provide more reliable and affordable energy for all Bahamians. His push for renewable energy initiatives is part of his broader vision for a modern Bahamas — one where our infrastructure meets the needs of today and prepares us for the challenges of tomorrow. He’s particularly passionate about bringing these changes to Grand Bahama, which has

suffered under outdated systems for far too long.

Healthcare, education, and social programs have also been central to this journey of progress. I was there when we launched the nationwide breakfast program for schools. This was not just another policy; it was a direct response to the heartbreaking reality that too many children were going hungry and falling behind in their education. The Prime Minister didn’t just want to talk about education reform; he wanted to address the immediate, urgent needs of our children. Now, over 150,000 hot breakfasts have been served, giving our young students the nourishment they need to learn and grow.

He has also been relentless in addressing the violence that has plagued our communities. I’ll never forget the day he spent hours reviewing files of young men whose lives had been cut short by violence. He looked at us and said, “We cannot accept this future for our young people.” It was this determination that led to new initiatives aimed at tackling the root causes of crime and creating more opportunities for youth across the country.

When you see the new investments in Grand Bahama, the renovations of healthcare facilities, the support for small businesses, and the nationwide programs promoting education and social welfare, understand that these are the results of a Prime Minister who has poured his heart and soul into building a solid foundation for progress. His journey has been one of standing up to outdated systems, championing the talents and dreams of Bahamians, and always pushing for more — not for himself, but for the future of this nation.

From that moonlit night at the Old Bight Airport to where we stand today, the progress we’ve made has not been easy. It has required late nights, early mornings, and a refusal to back down in the face of challenges. It has been about building more than just an economy; it has been about building hope, restoring dignity, and forging a path where every Bahamian can see themselves as part of our shared success.

As someone who has had the honor of walking this journey beside him, I want you to know that this progress is real, and it is just the beginning. The Bahamas is on the move, and our future looks brighter than ever.

THE SCENE on Baillou Hill Road yesterday where a hotel collapsed.

Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

Coroner’s Court summon

14 officers for committal

National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said neither the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions nor the commissioner of police could determine the fate of the officers, suggesting that responsibility rests with the judiciary.

Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Cordel Fraizer began sending Commissioner Clayton Fernander directions concerning the officers as early as April, but the commissioner declined to reveal her guidance to the press and did not publicly act on them.

Coroner’s Court inquests do not determine criminal liability. In cases of adverse findings, the DPP has traditionally been expected to review the evidence and decide whether the case should proceed to trial.

However, Minister Munroe highlighted Section 34(A) of the Coroner’s Act last week, which says that after a homicide finding, the coroner must order that the accused stand trial at

ATTORNEY David Cash appeared for the estates of Azario Major, Harold Brown, Richard Bastian and Gino Finley Jr. as the Coroner’s Court summoned 14 officers who were

findings in police-involved shooting incidents.

the Supreme Court, where charges will be determined. Once rare, adverse inquest findings against officers became more common after inquests resumed following the

COVID-19 pandemic. Jus-

tifiable killings are still more common, however, with 14 of them in the last year compared to seven manslaughter findings. Summons were issued for

Inspector Akeem Wilson and Corporal 3906 Wright in connection with the 2018 killing of Deangelo Evans, 20, in Mason’s Addition. Police Constable 3731 Greenslade and

Constable 3725 Young were summoned regarding the 2019 killing of Shanton Forbes, 21, in Yellow Elder Garden.

Sergeant 2825 Sweeting, Sergeant 3039 Johnson, and Sergeant 3726 Rolle have been summoned for the 2021 killing of Azario Major, 31, on Fire Trail Road.

Officer Phillipian Brown and Inspector Aaron Wilson are required to appear for the 2017 killings of Harold Brown and Richard Bastian on Tonique Williams-Darling Highway.

Constable 4185 Ferguson and former officer 4427 Shando King have been called to answer for the 2023 killing of Valentino Johnson, 42, on Seven Hills Road.

Summons were issued for Corporal 3859 Dennis Sturrup and Corporal 3139 Denzil Deveaux concerning the 2017 killing of Gino Finley Jr, 15, at Seagrapes Plaza.

Inspectors Akeem Wilson and Hervin Curtis must appear regarding the 2018

killing of Elroy Stubbs and Ernest Forest on Cowpen Road.

Mr Munroe told the coroner his clients had not received a summons. Coroner Deveaux responded that Commissioner Fernander should have informed them of the summons. Angelo Whitfield, the court marshal, indicated that Shando King and PC Ferguson failed to appear for their inquests. An arrest warrant has long been issued for Shando King after he vanished while on bail for an unrelated attempted murder charge earlier this year.

Mr Munroe acted on behalf of attorney Keevon Maynard, the lawyer for the officers in Major’s case. He also represents the remaining officers summoned. Ryszard Humes appeared for Evans’ estate.

David Cash appeared for the estates of Azario Major, Harold Brown, Richard Bastian and Gino Finley Jr. A relative of Harold Brown sat stoically in court.

AAIA report into Thursday’s plane crash highlights bad weather

By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

LOW visibility due to weather conditions at the time a plane ditched in waters west of New Providence have been highlighted by investigators probing the cause of the crash that killed two people and injured four.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) said it appeared weather conditions in and around an Andros airport last Thursday would have have been “less than the prescribed minimum” for visual flying.

The Piper Aztec ditched in waters about eight miles west of New Providence.

AAIA said in a press release yesterday that after departing from Lynden Pindling International Airport at approximately 1.57pm en route to the San Andros Airport, the pilot was unable to land in Andros due to severe weather conditions.

The statement said:

“Based on weather reports received, air traffic control audio recordings, radar data, and other witness accounts, it would appear that the weather conditions in and around the San Andros Airport at the time

of the aircraft’s approach would have been less than the prescribed minimum for visual flying. Any operation in such conditions would require an appropriate instrument rating.”

The authority said the pilot subsequently opted to return to Nassau and while en route, declared an emergency with Nassau Air Traffic Control after observing a loss of engine power.

The statement said: “Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot ditched the aircraft in waters approximately eight miles west of Nassau. Search and rescue personnel were immediately notified with coordinated response by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF), Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG).”

The comments come after Tribune Business reported questions arising over whether the pilot of the plane was fully licenced to carry fee-paying passengers. Documents obtained from the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) airman’s registry, which is current to August 23, 2024, show that Karaganda “Cardi” Newton, who this

newspaper identified as the pilot of the Piper Aztec when it ditched in waters about eight miles west of New Providence on Thursday, leading to the deaths of two persons, was licenced as a private pilot. However, there was nothing to show he has a commercial pilot’s licence. Aviation industry sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, told this newspaper he would need a commercial pilot’s licence from the US to accept feepaying charter passengers given that the plane was still registered in the US.

The incident claimed the lives of Emma Williams and Allen Russell.

In the wake of the tragedy, complaints have surfaced regarding rescue efforts. Elmas McQueen, Ms Williams’ brother, told The Nassau Guardian his sister died before help came.

“The pilot even assisted to put on Emma’s [life vest],” he said. “He said they were in the water at least about an hour and ten minutes before rescue or help came and upon the arrival of rescue, Emma was dead.”

The Tribune understands the actual rescue was conducted by the police marine unit.

UK INTRODUCES NEW TRAVEL AU THORISATION SCHEME

EFFECTIVE STARTING JANUARY 8, 2025

A NEW travel authorisation scheme is being expanded by the UK for visitors - including for The Bahamas. The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme will affect all travel to the UK from January 8. It had previously been rolled out for the Middle East. British High Commissioner Tom Hartley said:

Bahamians can apply for the ETA scheme from November 27 online at a cost of £10. It will not be needed for travel before January 7. The ETA is not needed for travel to Turks and Caicos, or any other British Overseas Territory. The ETA is not a visa – it only authorises an individual to travel. It is similar to the United States’ Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA). Bahamians do not need an ETA if they have a visa (for example, a student visa). There may also be other circumstances

“Bahamians have long benefited from free and easy access to the UK for tourism, and are one of the few countries in the world from where ‘visa free travel’ is allowed. I have loved hearing stories of people’s summer in London, visiting family, or exploring the beautiful countryside! The rollout of the new ETA scheme will not affect this privileged access, a reflection of our close history and partnership. Applying for an ETA allows the UK to check your documents and reason for travel in advance; and in time, it will reduce time at the UK border at Heathrow (and other ports of entry). For any Bahamian travelling to the UK from 8 January 2025, let me encourage you to apply as soon as you are allowed, after 27 November. It’s easy to apply – I’ve tried it! And please, of course, contact my High Commission if you have any concerns.”

they do need an ETA, for example: if they have permission to live, work or study in the UK; a British or Irish passport; or a British Overseas Territories passport. Applications can be made through the ‘UK ETA app’ from the Google Play or Apple App Store or through the GOV.UK webpage. Applications usually get a decision within three working days, but applicants may get a quicker decision if they use the UK ETA app. The ETA permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time. It lasts for two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner. If a traveler is refused an ETA, the individual will need to apply for a full UK visa online, and submit their passport at the UK visa centre in Nassau (or others – check gov.uk for details).

involved in adverse inquest

Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

THE PIPER Aztec that ditched in waters eight miles west of New Providence seen here.

Warrior and proud mother

A MOTHER’S love knows no boundaries. She will toil night and day to give her children the best life she could. Her dreams and aspirations for her children are even bigger than those for herself. Mothers are superheroes... and Bridget Brown-Kelly’s story reminds us of that. On top of bearing all the rigors of regular life, Bridget faces the threats of sickle cell disease, a genetic disorder that affects red blood cells, making them sickle-shaped, restricting oxygen and blood flow. People who have sickle cell disease may experience serious health complications including chronic pain, stroke, lung problems, eye problems, infections, and kidney disease. Her personal challenge is compounded by the fact that not only she has the disease; her three beautiful daughters do as well.

They may look like an ordinary family, but what lies beneath is amazing strength and deep faith in God. Despite challenges that disrupt the flow of normal life and that could put them in hospital, Bridget and her girls press on.

As a family, sticking together, supporting one another, and believing in their creator has been the formula to their ability to consistently overcome the heart wrenching battles they face at times.

If you know someone with sickle cell anemia, especially if you grew up with someone who has the disease you are quite aware that one day, they can look healthy, and the next, they are in the hospital. It’s a scary situation - one that requires true self care and consistent prayers to rise above.

“At the age of five, I was medically diagnosed with sickle cell anemia,” Bridget shared.

“I’m the ninth of 12 children. My mom’s three last girls have the full disease, and a few others have the trait. My parents are both deceased and they were my biggest caregivers; but I’m so grateful for my siblings today. They have been a great support system, emotionally, mentally and financially.”

Face to Face

By FELICITY DARVILLE

Bridget gave birth to three girls during her marriage. But things eventually changed. She learned how to navigate life’s challenges with the willpower to never give up, no matter what comes her way.

“Being a single mom raising three girls is not easy, with my girls and I having the full disease,” she said.

“But as they grew day to day, I have always put my faith in God and that will never change. Yes, sometimes I wish that this disease never existed in our lives, but it does. We will continue to stay uplifted for we are all alive and maneuvering through life. I have lost count of the number of hospitalisations each of the girls has experienced. At times, my heart aches so much when they experience a crisis episode, but I’ve been impacted to remain strong. I’ve learned to live with this abnormality and continue to enjoy life.”

Her daughters, Santrinique, Brinae, and Brianna Kelly continue to amaze her as they excel in their chosen paths. They have all pursued higher education and are making a difference.

Currently, Brinae is having health issues. She is in the United States having treatment. This Florida Memorial University graduate is determined to beat the odds of the disease.

September is Sickle Cell Awareness month, and it’s a great time to understand about a disease that disproportionately affects people of African descent. The Bahamas is a predominantly black nation, making it imperative to understand sickle cell anemia.

The sickle-shaped cells can block blood flow, preventing oxygen from getting to the vital organs and tissues throughout the body. It

can lead to serious compli cations including pain, infections, and organ damage and failure.

S don’t last as long as normal-shaped red blood cells, causing a con stant shortage of red blood cells and leading to anemia.

S cell dis ease is a life long con dition, but there are treatment options that can reduce an individual’s symptoms and prolong their life. with sickle cell is not easy at all. moment you’re okay and the next moment your body is rocking in pain,” Bridget said. However, it’s either you choose to give up or fight! And I fight every time. Sickle cell disease does affect my daily living but I’ve learned to take preliminary caution. Which includes staying hydrated, dressing warm, intake of daily medications, avoiding strenuous

BROWN

KELLY, a Bahamasair employee, is a warrior who battles sickle cell anemia and has remained at her job at Bahamasair for 29 years, thanks to strong administrative support and love from her colleagues.

activities and much more to help avoid crisis and even hospitalizations.”

Bridget has found the support of her employer to be a critical part of her professional success. She has been employed at Bahamasair for 29 years and she is currently a customer relations agent.

“Being a customer relations agent for Bahamasair has been a great joy,” she said.

“I am a people’s person; therefore, working in this area allows me to assist persons from all over the world, bringing satisfaction to their needs. We continue to encourage all to travel with the country’s national flag carrier.”

“Bahamasair has created a supportive environment in the course of my employment time. I have been able to educate and share my story throughout my workplace, which in return, they would do their best to understand and give support to my family and I when needed.”

Bridget and her family are also very thankful for the immense support and prayers they receive from

their church, Cousin McPhee Cathedral.

Currently, she and her fellow church members are in high prayer and praise as they call on God to heal her daughter, Brinae and return her to The Bahamas happy and healthy.

“In March of 2024,” Bridget said, “My second daughter had returned to the US to further her education to obtain her Master’s Degree. However, unfortunately she got sick and was admitted to hospital. This time it was different.

She was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, which turned our world upside down. She was diagnosed with kidney failure and we are currently in the process of waiting as she is now listed on the transplant list. The process is still ongoing, we ask that you please keep us in prayers.” I asked her what kind of support do people with sickle cell anemia need:

The increase of healthcare management, educational information and local advocacy is a great start in support towards those with sickle cell anemia.”

“We can begin by raising awareness and hosting campaigns through educational curricula and homes,” Bridget, a member of the Bahamas Sicle Cell Association said.

“Train health care professionals to provide non-judgmental care and support. Hospitals should also provide an emergency center for sickle cell patients only to receive rapid treatment when needed. It can be known as the “Sickle Cell Bay”. Lastly, we need to develop screening programs to allow a person’s comprehensive and reliable test.” She explained a bit more about the disease: “Sickle Cell Anemia is mostly common among people from the Caribbean and of African descent. It is a silent yet deadly disease but moreover, it’s preventable. I would advise people that it is imperative to know if you carry the sickle cell gene or even the trait. So with one simple test, you can know your status for a healthier tomorrow.”

What is amazing is that through it all, Bridget continues to smile with a joy that emanates from deep within. She still finds the time to brighten someone else’s day. Her life is a testament to looking on the brighter side - finding that silver lining and using it as a reason to smile.

Bridget gave this word of encouragement to others who have sickle cell anemia:

To my sickle cell warriors: remember, sickle cell does not have you, you have sickle cell. Some days might not be your best but keep on fighting and trusting in God because your strength is what defines you. Sending love to each and every warrior!”

To reach out to Bridget and her family, send an email to bridgettekelly1972@ gmail.com

BRIDGETTE

STARK contrast - Brinae, pictured here at her graduation with her mother, is currently bravely fighting sickle cell disease in hospital

BRIDGETTE Kelly and her daughter Brinae at the hospital in Florida. Bridgette and her family almost lost Brinae, she is now battling to overcome kidney failure and the family needs your prayers and support.

BRIDGETTE Brown-Kelly and her three daughters - Santrinique, Brinae and Brianna are warriors who fight sickle cell and continue to shine their light.

BRIDGETTE Brown Kelly and her daughters show the power of family love and support, as they all battle with sickle cell full disease.

Dilemma for Western leaders in new strategic step for Ukraine

THERE is invariably so much in the public domain about the war in Ukraine, with comprehensive media coverage, that further comment seems to be superfluous. But last week’s flurry of high level diplomatic activity was remarkable because it could signal a potentially significant change of strategy by the West.

This diplomacy involved a joint visit to Kyiv by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and his US counterpart Antony Blinken followed soon after by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s talks with President Biden on a separate visit to Washington.

From what I have learnt, the principal issue for discussion was how to respond to President Zelensky’s repeated request to use within Russia itself the long-range missiles now being supplied to Ukraine by the US and UK. This includes the British-made Storm Shadow missiles that can hit targets up to 155 miles from their launch sites and therefore from Ukraine deep into Russian territory. Reportedly, the talks also covered, inter alia, the deep concern of both sides about Iran and North Korea providing weapons, including ballistic missiles, to Russia.

To date, the US and UK have not given Ukraine permission to use long-range missiles inside Russia, for fear of retaliation and escalation to a wider conflict and use by Putin of nuclear weapons. Nonetheless, the UK had previously said that Ukraine had a clear right generally to use British-provided weapons for “self-defence”.

Now, the Ukrainian president has made it clear that it is essential to strike targets inside Russia with long-range missiles in order to try to stop the launching of its own missiles against Ukraine. He has stressed that - despite the prolongation of Russia’s unjustified and brutal war and the high cost in blood and treasure to Ukraine’s long-suffering

The Peter Young column

people - the country was surviving economically and in other ways with, for example, the resumption of lucrative grain exports through the Bosphorous after taking back control of the Black Sea. But it needed more air defence and long-range missile capability to protect its people and infrastructure. Although, previously, it has been stipulated that weaponry supplied by NATO countries should be used for Ukraine’s selfdefence against Russian aggression but only within Ukrainian territory, now the circumstances of the war have changed. Not only has Ukraine mounted a cross-border incursion into Russian territory but it is also looking to counter Moscow’s increased bombardment of Ukraine. Such bombardment is happening constantly day and night with missiles launched from deep within Russian territory - especially against civilian targets and infrastructure - and Ukraine wants to attack the bases from which these missiles are fired. Zelensky has claimed that during the course of one night last week Russia launched more than seventy Iranian-made drones at Ukraine. In what have been described as his most hawkish comments ever, Russian leader Vladimir

Putin has strongly warned both the US and UK as suppliers of long-range missiles that NATO would be considered to be “participating directly” in the war in Ukraine if restrictions were lifted on using such missiles to strike targets inside Russian territory.

Since Russia sees this as an escalation, it could claim the right to defend itself against perceived NATO aggression, with the implication that nuclear weapons might be used in response and that that would set off a wider world war the consequences of which are seen as too terrible to contemplate.

But analysts are doubtful whether this is, in fact, another of Putin’s so-called red lines which he would act upon. However, he has separately shown hostility by expelling six British diplomats who have been accused of spying. This has been rejected by Britain as completely baseless. Western countries’ judgement appears to be that

his threats of retaliation are directed at a weak outgoing US administration and a new British PM who is yet to find his feet - and both have brushed off such threats and reiterated their support for Ukraine.

After his Washington trip, the British prime minister publicly called his talks with Biden productive; but, at the time of writing, there has been no announcement of a decision to allow Ukraine to fire long-range missiles into Russia. However, reportedly, there will be further discussion of the issue - both bilaterally and at the UN General Assembly high-level General Debate on September 24 in New York.

Meanwhile, at this fragile moment in global affairs, there has been endless expert analysis of these developments in Ukraine, the perilous situation in the Middle East and other world trouble spots.

One of the most prominent and best military analysts in the US, retired

four-star general Jack Keane, has warned that the West is in a “dangerous situation” and on “a pathway” to World War Three. He has been speaking specifically about current joint military drills and naval and air exercises between Russia and China on a scale not seen for decades. He said that a hugely significant geopolitical change globally during the last few years has been the level of cooperation between China, Russia, Iran and North Korea – not least militarily.

The strategic choice for Western countries is either to accept illegal behaviour on the world stage or stand up for and defend the rulesbased international order of respect for sovereignty and internationally recognised borders, human rights and the rule of law, and freedoms under democratic governments including freedom of navigation.

So, clearly, the conflict with Russia is not just about Ukraine itself but about protecting these ideals and

values in a wider peaceful world and deterring Putin from other such adventures. Thus, carving up Ukraine in order to appease him and secure peace would almost certainly encourage more of the same as he picked off other countries in the region. As a ruthless and authoritarian leader apparently only interested in power, no one can predict Putin’s next move after he has clearly lost the plot as far as Ukraine is concerned. But most commentators judge that even he would baulk at the prospect of taking on directly the full force of NATO with its tremendous power and the political will to confront him. Furthermore, many people hope that his comparative military failure in Ukraine - as the Red Army has shown itself to be far from invinciblewill finally bring him and his collaborators to their senses and end this pointless and unnecessary war.

Active Pope belies his age Hurricane season at its peak

AS far as I have been able to see, there has been relatively little reporting in the media of The Pope’s recent visit to the Asia-Pacific region. He returned to Rome at the weekend after a gruelling 12-day tour of four different countries – Indonesia, East Timor, Papua New Guinea and Singapore. This meant travelling from one of the world’s poorest countries (East Timor) to one of the richest in the shape of Singapore.

Despite his relatively advanced age (nearly 88 years old) and defying health concerns, he was said to have shown vitality and enthusiasm in connecting with believers and promoting inter-faith harmony so that, according to reports, this overseas visit, which is the longest so far in his eleven year papacy, was judged to have been a success.

Having found it interesting to do some research into what seemed an unlikely tour, it was revealing to learn that Pope Francis, who was elected in 2013, is comfortable travelling while being surrounded by huge crowds and revelling in communicating with people and comforting them. It is said that he has always emphasized the importance of “evangelization” for any Catholic, but that in many parts of the world one of the difficulties is to separate ideas of that and the work of missionaries from notions of colonization.

So, as a Pope who does not shun the limelight, he is said to be almost rejuvenated by the masses who come to see him. Despite slowing down physically because of various medical

ailments – respiratory and abdominal problems and impaired mobility – he seems to have had a new lease of life in dealing with a packed agenda on this most recent trip. All this will explain why he pushes himself to the extent that he agreed to such a long and punishing itinerary, not least when in three of the countries he visited – Indonesia, Singapore and Papua New Guinea – Catholics are in a minority, though Singapore was for many years a strategic regional hub for the Catholic Church.

Supporters say Pope Francis possesses huge stamina and a passion to pursue a tireless mission to reach out to others and to set an example. There is apparently evidence that Catholicism is shrinking in its heartland of Europe while its authority has been eroding

as the number of Catholics declines, partly because of the endless shocking revelations about child abuse. Thus, the evidence suggests that the Pope’s mission has evolved over the years beyond spreading the gospel to focusing also on social justice and charitable endeavours together with doing good work generally – including supporting people regardless of their faith as well as working towards inter-faith harmony and respecting other faiths, both of which the Pope has talked about for many years.

This explains, in part, his action during his trip of kissing the hand of the grand Imam of the major mosque in Istanbul and why he was welcomed warmly by people in the Muslim majority countries he visited. Interestingly, he has also shown himself to be

a champion of the poor and voiceless by railing against multinational companies that exploit poor countries for their natural resources without properly compensating the local population and taking care of the environment.

So, according to all reports, this Asia-Pacific tour by Pope Francis combined preaching the gospel with a display of how he feels the Church should engage not only with Catholics but with other faiths too. Some traditionalists say, however, that his spirit of outreach may have gone too far. In the longer term only time will. But, as already mentioned, Pope Francis’s visit to the Asia-Pacific region has been regarded as a success as he preached the gospel of love and supported people of other faiths as well as his own.

AFTER living in The Bahamas for more than 25 years, one is wary of the dangers of “putting mouth” on something. But is it just possible that we may escape a major hurricane this year?

We are told by the US National Weather Service that the hurricane season in the Caribbean reaches a peak in August and September. In recent years, both Hurricane ‘Matthew’ in 2016 (late September), which was the most powerful storm of that year, and the deadly ‘Dorian’ in 2019 (early September), which was reputed to be the worst cyclone ever to strike the islands of The Bahamas, were said to be testament to that. But a quick check now, in the second half of September, with the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) indicates that currently there are no active storms in the North Atlantic, Caribbean Sea or Gulf of Mexico.

What has been named tropical depression Gordon is lurking somewhere over the mid-Atlantic and the National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories about it. But there is no indication it may develop in to something more serious. So, we have got through August safely and the experts say nothing else is around, even though we were told by the pundits in advance that this year we should expect and prepare for a very active hurricane season. It is said that by the end of October many people feel confident that the hurricane season is over even though officially it lasts until November 30. Thus, while hiding behind all the appropriate disclaimers, dare I suggest that, with little over a month to go, the odds must be improving daily that, despite those dire predictions, we shall indeed be spared the wrath of Mother Nature in 2024.

THE STORM Shadow cruise missile is on display during the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, north of Paris, France, on June 19, 2023.

Photo: Lewis Joly/AP

POPE FRANCIS, left, attends a traditional dance performed by the Caritas Technical Secondary School pupils in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, last week.

Photo: Gregorio Borgia/AP

New $290m hospital ground breaking expected ‘hopefully

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

HEALTH and Well-

ness Minister Dr Michael Darville said the groundbreaking for the new $290m hospital will take place “hopefully within a month’s time” despite growing environmental concerns.

“We are now progressing steadily to meet the requirements for the Chinese EXIM (ExportImport) Bank. Hopefully, within a month’s time, you will get a final approval for that particular funding, and you will see us begin to break ground to start the construction of that new facility,” Dr Darville said yesterday.

His comment came after

environmental advocate Terry Miller renewed concerns about the planned hospital, saying it is “perplexing” the government is set to demolish a “valuable ecosystem” at the site of the new $290m hospital in New Providence.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness has recently received approval from the Ministry of the Environment to proceed with the hospital’s construction. However, critics have urged the government to halt the hospital project, citing concerns over the increased traffic, noise pollution and the level of flooding at the hospital site. Meanwhile, medical workers have questioned where the staff will come from in order to work at the hospital itself.

Addressing public concerns about potential flooding in the area, the minister said the hospital site itself is not prone to flooding due to its elevated location.

“We have looked at this whole business of flooding from the first time the piece of property was brought to our attention. I want to make it very clear the areas where the flooding is taking place, is not exactly to the site or where the construction would be,” Dr Darville told reporters.

“I assure the Bahamian people that sewage and flooding mitigation will be an integral part of the construction, and that issue will not be directly impacted from the construction that we’re doing. Most of the individuals are looking at

TWO MEN ACCUSED OF SEPARAT E MURDERS

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

the lower lying parts of the land that is not suitable for construction.

“Where we are constructing this facility, and where the 51 acres is located, is not prone to flooding, and the mitigation aspects associated with flooding will be incorporated in the design once the hospital breaks ground.”

The new hospital has been championed by the Davis administration as a critical infrastructure project aimed at enhancing healthcare services in the country.

Set to be constructed on a 51-acre site at the Perpall Tract Wellfield, the hospital will feature a 200-bed facility offering specialised services such as a neonatal unit, imaging, pathology, and telemedicine.

Darville announced new Mental Health Act will be implemented ‘very shortly’

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

HEALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville said yesterday he is concerned about the state of mental health in The Bahamas following a number of reports of attempted suicides. His comment followed police reports of a 14-yearold girl attempting suicide on Sunday, a day after a 24-year-old woman tried to jump from the Sir Sydney Poitier Bridge. With about 400 attempted suicides reported annually, Dr Darville emphasised the importance of addressing mental health and noted the government has introduced the new Mental Health Act to tackle the issue.

“This is the reason why we brought the new Mental Health Act. I’m pleased to report that the Act should be into force very shortly, and this will create the environment for us to do better mental health services throughout the country,” he said yesterday.

Dr Darville also called for legislative reform to better protect people struggling with mental health, emphasising the need for compassionate care rather than criminalisation.

“When we look at the penal code, we’ll also see that attempted suicide is a criminal act, and all of these things need to be adjusted so that we can do a better job with mental health support,” he said.

While outlining the mental health challenges

faced by the country, Dr Darville said mental health conditions in The Bahamas range from anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

He said such issues should be taken seriously and addressed the ongoing stigma surrounding mental illness in The Bahamas.

“We are now beginning to put in place at the community level, the clinics, so that individuals who suffer from mental health conditions can access these services,” Dr Darville explained.

He acknowledged a deficiency in psychological support, adding that the ministry is partnering with private sector groups to better meet the country’s

mental health needs.

Dr Darville also said Alzheimer’s disease significantly affects the elderly population.

“I know my mother suffered from severe Alzheimer’s, and I know exactly the kind of support that is necessary to provide care for someone who has that condition,” he said.

Dr Darville noted his ministry is actively exploring ways to enhance services for elderly patients suffering from Alzheimer’s.

“We also need to expand services for the elderly by improving secondary healthcare facilities that will be able to provide these services and reduce the cost and the burden of patients presenting to our tertiary healthcare facilities with Alzheimer’s,” he said.

HEALTHCARE A DMINIS T RATORS CONCLAVE HELD AT BREEZES RESOR T

HEALTHCARE administrators from across the country gathered for the opening of the Health Administrators Conclave at Breezes Resort yesterday, where key government officials outlined an ambitious plan to overhaul and modernize the healthcare system in The Bahamas.

The conclave, held under the theme “Embracing Transformation Moving Forward,” aims to bring healthcare administrators together to share ideas, collaborate, and develop strategies for improving service delivery.

In his keynote address, Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville reflected on the challenges the healthcare system has faced in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and outlined the ministry’s ongoing efforts to improve healthcare delivery nationwide.

“We are embracing the transformation and moving full speed ahead on the way forward,” he said, expressing optimism for the future of healthcare delivery.

He said modernising the public health system is a top priority and promised continued investment in primary healthcare facilities across the country.

Photos: Cahppell Whyms Jr

TWO MEN were remanded into custody yesterday after they were accused in two separate murders in New Providence. In one case, a man was fatally shot at a party in Bozine Town last month, and in the other a woman was found stabbed to death on Palm Breeze Drive in July.

Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley arraigned Isaiah Davis, 19, and Godfrey Saunders, 59, on separate charges of murder. Davis faced an additional charge of attempted murder.

Davis allegedly shot and killed 20-year-old Antonio Forbes while he attended a party off Tonique Williams Darling Highway while he attempted to flee into a building on August 25. During this same event, the defendant allegedly

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

AN 18- Y EAR - O L D male was remanded into custody yesterday accused of holding up a convenience store on Bacardi Road.

shot and injured 30-year-old

Chansel Taylor to the leg. Saunders allegedly fatally stabbed 38-year-old Tacomier Virgil on July 22 in New Providence. Ms Virgil’s body was found on the northern side of Palm Beach Drive with multiple stab wounds to her upper body at 2am that day. The defendents were informed their respective matters would proceed to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

The accused will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until service of their VBIs on February 27, 2025.

Before being taking into remand, Davis was allowed a moment with his mother and other relatives present in court.

Ryzard Humes represented Davis.

Inspector Deon Barr and Sergeant Moultrie served as the prosecutors.

Senior Magistrate Shaka Serville arraigned Dwayne Wilson Jr on a charge of armed robbery after allegedly using a handgun to rob Beyond Convenience Store of $800 cash on June 13. The defendant was informed his matter would move to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

AN 17-YEAR-OLD male was granted a conditional discharge yesterday after he admitted to failing to sign in at his local police station while on bail for armed robbery for three months.

Senior Magistrate Shaka Serville arraigned the teenage defendant, whose name is being withheld due to him being a minor, on violation of bail conditions. The defendant’s mother was present.

While on Supreme Court bail for a pending armed

Myra Russell, the defendant’s attorney, said her client did not participate in an ID parade and that his was searched without a warrant. Magistrate Serville made a note. The accused will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until service of his VBI on December 19. Inspector Cordero Farrington served as the prosecutor.

robbery charge, the defendant failed to sign in at his local police station between June 10 and September 13.

After pleading guilty and apologising for his irresponsible behaviour, the teenager was granted a condition discharge. The defendant must explain to Justice Renae McKay why he breached his bail. Should he fail, he could face a $2,500 fine or six month prison term. The defendant will return to court for report on October 11. Inspector Cordero Farrington served as the prosecutor.

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

SAHARA dust is the reason for a quieter than predicted hurricane season so far, according to acting director of the Bahamas Department of Meteorology Jeffrey Simmons.

Mr Simmons attributed this year’s “slightly below” predictions for the Atlantic hurricane season to the high amount of Sahara dust. The Atlantic 2024 hurricane season had been forecasted to be “explosive”, with weather forecasting company AccuWeather projecting 20 to 25 named storms, and eight to 12 hurricanes – with four to seven of those expected to be major hurricanes.

Mr Simmons said: “When you look at what we have predicted to happen this season in particular, I would say, in my opinion, that we are slightly below what we had predicted. But we are still in the peak of the season and give it another six to eight weeks and see exactly how that’s going to pan out.”

Mr Simmons explained how the Sahara dust affects

the moisture. He said:

“What has happened with what appears as if we did not really take into consideration, this season, going into the season was the high volume of Sahara dust in the region and what would have happened is that just Sahara dust would have dried out, taken a lot of the moisture from over the oceans.”

Mr Simmons also pointed to the after-effects of a volcanic eruption in Iceland last year, which he said is taking away moisture needed for hurricane formation.

He said: “Even though we still have the high ocean temperature and we still have the La Niña effect and all of that, you know we need moisture and that is visibly absent around our Atlantic region this year. So that could be a reason why we see the season not being as active as predicted.”

He said the latter half of the hurricane season is usually more active than the former half.

“We do expect to see some more activity picking up out there as we go through this month, next month, in particular, for the next two months at least.”

HEALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville speaking at a Health Administrators Conclave at Breezes Resort yesterday.

Photo: Chappell Whyms Jr

Trump blames Biden and Harris’ rhetoric for assassination attempt

NEW YORK Associated Press

DONALD Trump claimed without evidence

Monday that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’ comments that he is a threat to democracy had inspired the latest apparent attempt on his life, despite his own long history of inflammatory campaign rhetoric and advocacy for jailing or prosecuting his political enemies.

With the election now just 50 days away and early ballots already being mailed out in some places, this year’s presidential campaign was among the most turbulent in American history even before Sunday’s apparent assassination attempt. Trump was safe after the incident in Florida and praised the Secret Service for protecting him but didn’t shy away from blaming his opponents.

“Their rhetoric is causing me to be shot at, when I am the one who is going to save the country and they are the ones that are destroying the country — both from the inside and out,” Trump said in comments to Fox News Digital.

The Republican former president’s statements are a sharp departure from how he reacted after an assassination attempt in July during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in which a bullet grazed his ear.

Then, Trump called for national unity, saying in a social media post that “it is more important than ever that we stand United.” A few days later, though, the former president returned to his usual commentary where he has sharply criticizes Democrats and relishes political bombast.

While authorities continue to investigate the motives of both the gunman in Pennsylvania and the person arrested Sunday in Florida, Trump has made clear that he sees attempts on his life as politically motivated — and blames his rivals for them.

That’s despite Trump himself drawing repeated

criticism for his rhetoric.

He has talked about prosecuting his political rivals and alleged without evidence that Democrats have brought the felony cases against him for political reasons.

In a post on his social media site on Monday, Trump again claimed that he had been the target of politically motivated attacks, writing that the left “has taken politics in our Country to a whole new level of Hatred, Abuse, and Distrust.” He said “it will only get worse” and then veered into comments about immigration, even though there is no evidence the person arrested in connection with the apparent assassination attempt was an immigrant.

That follows the former president during last week’s debate and in the days after it amplifying false rumours that Haitian immigrants in Ohio are abducting and eating pets. The community

days later evacuated schools and government buildings amid bomb threats, adding to the sense of an especially unstable and tense moment in America even before Sunday’s stunning development.

Biden, by contrast, sought to steer clear of politics. He decried the apparent assassination attempt and said on Monday that America must work to stop the scourge of political violence.

“America has suffered too many times the tragedy of an assassin’s bullet,” Biden said at the start of an address to the National HBCU Week Conference in Philadelphia. “It solves nothing. It just tears the country apart. We must do everything we can to prevent it and never give it any oxygen.”

Biden in his speech added that Ronald Rowe, the acting director of the Secret Service, was in Florida “assessing what happened and determining

whether any further adjustments need to be made to ensure” Trump’s safety.

The president said Monday afternoon that he tried to call Trump but the former president was unavailable. “I’ll call him later,” Biden told reporters. After Trump’s shooting in Pennsylvania, Biden initially called on the nation to lower the political temperature, though he, too, eventually pivoted back to criticizing Trump as a threat to the nation’s founding principles.

Rice University historian Douglas Brinkley said Sunday’s “deeply troublesome” event coming on top of an already dramatic year with an election looming has created “a kind of uncertainty across the land.”

Brinkley said, “2024 has just unspooled in a chaotic and frightful fashion. It’s impossible for anybody to get footing in their daily lives with a news cycle that is so constantly grim and

absurd.”

Trump had already been scheduled to spend Monday at his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida, according to a person familiar with his schedule. In the evening, the former president was expected to speak about cryptocurrency on the social media site X for the launch of his sons’ crypto platform, followed by an expected return to the campaign trail on Tuesday for a town hall in Flint, Michigan. He has appearances later in the week in New York, Washington and North Carolina. Harris, meanwhile, met with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters at the 1.3 million-member group’s headquarters in Washington. She’s looking to lock up yet another labour union’s endorsement, but it wasn’t immediately forthcoming. The vice president was scheduled on Tuesday to campaign in swing-state Pennsylvania and planned

later in the week to speak in Washington, Michigan and Wisconsin. Her husband, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, was planning to attend campaign receptions in Washington and New York on Tuesday and Wednesday. Their returns to the campaign trail are likely to be overshadowed by questions about the armed man engaged by Secret Service agents at the former president’s Florida golf course. The FBI was leading the investigation and working to determine any motive.

Beyond the first attempt on Trump’s life when he was grazed by a bullet at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, the campaign was whipsawed over the past six months by Trump’s historic criminal trial and conviction; the crisis and eventual end of Biden’s reelection campaign after his floundering debate performance; and Harris taking his place, fundamentally shifting the race. In August, Trump’s campaign disclosed it had been hacked and said Iranian actors had stolen and distributed sensitive internal documents. The Justice Department is preparing criminal charges in connection with the hack.

Trump’s blaming the Democrats for saying he is a threat to American democracy is a theme his allies have also picked up on, seeking to link those arguments to Sunday’s detention of a suspect. Investigators have not commented on the suspect’s potential motives.

Republican strategist David Urban, a Trump ally, said it was too soon to know how that might affect the days and weeks ahead in the campaign, but in his conversations with those in Trump’s orbit, he was picking up a deep sense of shock and uncertainty.

“We’ve said unprecedented so many times this year,” Urban said. “I don’t know if we can even say the word anymore.”

Man who appeared intent on killing Trump wrote a book urging Iran to assassinate the ex-president

HAWAII Associated Press

RYAN Wesley Routh portrayed himself online as a man who built housing for homeless people in Hawaii, tried to recruit fighters for Ukraine to defend itself against Russia, and described his support and then disdain for Donald Trump — even urging Iran to kill him.

“You are free to assassinate Trump,” Routh wrote of Iran in an apparently self-published book in 2023, “Ukraine’s Unwinnable War,” which described the former president as a “fool” and “buffoon” for both the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot and the “tremendous blunder” of leaving the Iran nuclear deal.

Routh wrote that he once voted for Trump and must take part of the blame for the “child that we elected for our next president that ended up being brainless.”

Routh, 58, was arrested Sunday and charged Monday after authorities say he stalked the GOP presidential nominee as he golfed in West Palm Beach, Florida, with an AK-47-style rifle in an apparent assassination attempt thwarted by the Secret Service.

Through his voluminous online footprint, public records, news interviews and videos, a picture emerged of Routh as a man with a criminal past, plenty of outrage and views ranging from the left to the right, including support for Bernie Sanders, Tulsi Gabbard, Nikki Haley and Trump.

Voter records show he registered as an unaffiliated voter in North Carolina in 2012, most recently voting

in person during the state’s Democratic primary in March.

Routh also made 19 small donations totalling $140 since 2019 to ActBlue, a political action committee that supports Democratic candidates, according to federal campaign finance records.

In a tweet in June 2020, after the police killing of George Floyd, Routh said then-President Trump could win reelection by issuing an executive order to prosecute police misconduct. However, in recent years, his posts appear to have soured on Trump, and he expressed support for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee. “DEMOCRACY is on the ballot and we cannot lose,” he wrote on X in April in support of Biden.

In July, following the assassination attempt on Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania, a post on Routh’s account urged Biden and Harris to visit those wounded in the shooting and attend the funeral of the firefighter who was killed.

“Trump will never do anything for them,” Routh wrote.

In his book, listed on Amazon and viewed by the AP, Routh noted: “I get so tired of people asking me if I am a Democrat or Republican as I refuse to be put in a category.”

The world would be better it were run by women, he wrote in the book that has links to his website and X account, because “it seems that the totality of the world’s problems revolve around men with massive insecurity and childlike

intelligence and behaviour.”

He posted frequently on social media about Ukraine and other conflicts, and he had a website seeking to raise money and recruit volunteers to fight for Kyiv.

A photo of the wiry, wildhaired Routh on his site shows him smiling, wearing a T-shirt and jacket adorned with US flags.

“This is about good versus evil,” Routh said in a video circulating online. And in a tweet, he said, “I am going to fight and die for Ukraine.”

Video shot by the AP showed Routh at a small demonstration in Kyiv’s Independence Square in April 2022, two months after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an invasion of the country.

A placard he was holding said: “We cannot tolerate corruption and evil for another 50+ years. End Russia for our kids.”

That same day, he also visited a makeshift memorial to “Foreigners killed by Putin.”

But Routh never served in the Ukrainian army or worked with its military, said Oleksandr Shahuri of the Foreigners Coordination Department of the Ukrainian Ground Forces Command.

Shahuri told AP that Routh periodically contacted the International Legion of Ukraine with what he described as “nonsensical ideas” that “can best be described as delusional.”

Routh appeared in a video standing in front of the US Capitol and expressing frustration that Ukraine wasn’t taking more of the Afghan commandos he tried to recruit.

“They’re afraid that anybody and everybody is a Russian spy,” he told news website Semafor in 2023.

Earlier this year, he even tweeted at singers Bruno Mars and Dave Matthews to organize a “We are the World”-style effort for Kyiv. “We need an emotional tribute song for Ukraine as support stalls,” he wrote. “I have lyrics and music.”

Routh also tweeted to former basketball star Dennis Rodman, asking for help lifting sanctions against North Korea to ease tension with the country. In another, he invites a dozen protesters in Hong Kong to stay at his Hawaii home to escape a Chinese crackdown.

Routh lived most of his life in Greensboro, North Carolina, where his run-ins with law enforcement included a 2002 felony conviction for reportedly possessing “a fully automatic machine gun.” While court records don’t give details about the case, the Greensboro News & Record reported the arrest came after Routh ran from a traffic stop and held off police for three hours with the weapon at a roofing business. State records listed him as the business owner.

Records also show Routh was convicted of a felony count of possession of stolen goods in 2010, as well as misdemeanours including illegally carrying a concealed weapon, a hit-and-run, speeding and driving with a revoked license.

Court records from the 2010 felony case say detectives determined Routh was storing stolen building supplies and other items at his roofing business warehouse, where he was living at the time. Money from the sale

Saturday, April 30, 2022.

of the stolen goods was used to purchase crack cocaine, according to a police affidavit used to get a search warrant. In both the felony cases, court records show judges sentenced Routh to either probation or a suspended sentence, allowing him to escape prison time. It was not immediately clear how Routh was able to obtain a weapon. In most states, it is generally forbidden for a person convicted of a felony to purchase or possess a firearm.

In 2018, Routh moved to the small town of Kaaawa, Hawaii, about 45 minutes outside Honolulu, to go in business with his adult son building small wooden sheds. According to his LinkedIn page, the structures would “help

address the highest homelessness rate in the United States due to unparalleled gentrification.”

“All of us are tired of seeing the homeless people all over the island with nowhere to go,” he told Honolulu’s Star-Advertiser in 2019.

No one answered the door Sunday at his blue stucco house near the beach that is colourfully painted with wooden cutouts of fish. A white pickup truck with a Biden-Harris bumper sticker and a flat tire was in the driveway. Neighbour Christopher Tam said Routh kept to himself and was respectful, cordial and kind.

“It’s just been very surprising,” Tam said. “If he did have anything to do with it, it’s very shocking to us.”

RYAN Wesley Routh takes part in a rally in central Kyiv, Ukraine,

Photo: Efrem Lukatsky

SThe

Olympian

Photos by Nikia Charlton

Cousins caps winning drive with TD pass to London as Falcons rally past Eagles 22-21

By DAN GELSTON AP Sports Writer

PHILADELPHIA (AP)

— Kirk Cousins led a flawless last-minute drive for Atlanta and connected with Drake London for a 7-yard touchdown with 34 seconds left to give the Falcons a 22-21 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles last night.

Saquon Barkley dropped a short pass that stopped the clock with 1:46 left and forced the Eagles to settle for a field goal instead of

a game-sealing first down. And yes, that was plenty of time for Cousins — especially against an Eagles defence playing soft coverage with a nonexistent pass rush.

The 36-year-old veteran, playing his second game since tearing his Achilles tendon last October 29 while playing for Minnesota, shook off an uneven effort and hit Darnell Mooney for 21 and 26 yards on consecutive plays during the final drive.

Cousins found London on a short pass to his right for the tying score, and Younghoe Koo put Atlanta (1-1) on top with a 48-yard extra point after London was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Jalen Hurts had his final pass intercepted by Jessie Bates III to seal Atlanta’s win and set off a wild celebration on the sideline.

The Eagles (1-1) went ahead on Hurts’ 1-yard tush push score with 6:47 left.

Barkley finished with 95 yards on 22 carries in his home debut for Philadelphia, but his drop provided the Falcons with some hope.

And then Cousins started playing like the QB Atlanta thought it was getting when it signed him to a four-year, $180 million contract.

UP NEXT Atlanta hosts Super Bowl champion Kansas City on Sunday.

The Eagles play at New Orleans on Sunday.

CHARGERS HAMMER PANTHERS 26-3 TO REMAIN UNBEATEN

By The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE, N.C.

(AP) — Justin Herbert threw two touchdown passes to Quentin Johnston, J.K Dobbins ran for 131 yards, including a 43-yard touchdown, and the Los Angeles Chargers drubbed the Carolina Panthers.

The Chargers (2-0) methodically wore down the Panthers, piling up 219 yards on the ground while holding Carolina to just 159 total yards and seven first downs.

Second-year quarterback Bryce Young had another miserable game, finishing 18 of 26 passing for 84 yards with one interception and was booed repeatedly by the home crowd while falling to 2-16 as a starter.

The Panthers have been outscored 73-13 this season.

RAIDERS 26, RAVENS 23

BALTIMORE (AP) — Gardner Minshew led three scoring drives in the fourth quarter, Daniel Carlson kicked a go-ahead 38-yard field goal with 27 seconds left and Las Vegas rallied to beat Baltimore.

Baltimore appeared headed toward its first win of the season after Derrick Henry plowed into the end zone for a 23-13 lead with 12 minutes left. But the Raiders (1-1) stormed back behind Minshew.

After Carlson kicked a 25-yarder to cut Las Vegas’ deficit, Minshew connected with Davante Adams on a 1-yard TD pass to tie it with 3:54 to go.

The Raiders quickly got the ball back and Minshew moved Las Vegas downfield before Carlson kicked his fourth field goal of the game.

BUCCANEERS 20, LIONS 16

DETROIT (AP) — Baker Mayfield had an 11-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter, and Tampa Bay beat Detroit in a playoff rematch. Tampa Bay (2-0) fell behind only once in the closely contested game, and it stopped Detroit (1-1) when it had two chances to drive for a go-ahead touchdown in the final minutes.

The Lions turned it over on downs at the Bucs 6 with 53 seconds left and again at their 26 with 2 seconds left.

Lions coach Dan Campbell lamented a mistake he made in the first half, causing confusion for his offence and special teams that had both units on the field. That drew a flag that ran off the clock and took away an opportunity to kick a short field goal and pull within four points.

SAINTS 44, COWBOYS 19

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Alvin Kamara scored four touchdowns, including a 57-yarder on a screen pass, and New Orleans ended Dallas’ 16-game home winning streak in the regular season with a victory over the Cowboys.

Derek Carr threw for 243 yards and two TDs to go along with a 1-yard sneak for a score, and the Saints (2-0) got touchdowns on their first six drives a week after setting a franchise record by starting the season with points on nine

consecutive possessions in a 47-10 rout of Carolina. It was actually the second straight loss at AT&T Stadium for the Cowboys (1-1) after their 48-32 wild-card shocker against Green Bay last January.

PACKERS 16, COLTS 10 GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Malik Willis threw his first career touchdown pass, Josh Jacobs had 151 of Green Bay’s 261 yards rushing and the Packers withstood the absence of injured quarterback Jordan Love to beat Indianapolis. Indianapolis (0-2) cut the Packers’ lead to 16-10 on Anthony Richardson’s 4-yard touchdown pass to Alec Pierce with 1:47 left, but Green Bay’s Evan Williams recovered the ensuing onside kick. The Colts got the ball back at their own 5-yard line with 43 seconds left, but Williams intercepted a Hail Mary attempt from the Indianapolis 41 to end the game. Richardson was 17 of 34 for 204 yards, but threw three interceptions. He ran for 37 yards on four carries.

Love didn’t play after injuring his left medial collateral ligament during the final series of a 34-29 season-opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on September 6 in Brazil. It was the first game Love missed since taking over as Green Bay’s starting quarterback last year.

BROWNS 18, JAGUARS 13 JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Deshaun Watson ran for a touchdown, Dustin Hopkins kicked three field goals and stingy Cleveland did just enough to hold off Jacksonville.

The Browns (1-1) dominated much of the rainy day, sacking Trevor Lawrence four times and holding Jacksonville in check for nearly three quarters.

The Jaguars (0-2) woke up late, with Lawrence finding rookie Brian Thomas Jr. for 66 yards to set up a touchdown and then adding a field goal to make it a one-score game. Cleveland had a chance to put it away, but three penalties left the Browns facing a third-and-36 from midfield. Corey Bojorquez dropped a punt inside the 2-yard line, and Alex Wright sacked Lawrence in the end zone on the ensuing play.

The Jags got a chance in the final minute and mustered a threat with 8 seconds left. But Lawrence’s pass to the end zone fell to the ground.

VIKINGS 23, 49ERS 17

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Sam Darnold passed for 268 yards and two touchdowns against his former team, including a 97-yard strike in the second quarter to Justin Jefferson, and an attacking defence again fuelled Minnesota in a victory over San Francisco. Darnold went 17 for 26 with one interception to win his second straight start for the Vikings (2-0), who used the last of three field goals by rookie Will Reichard to give themselves a bigger cushion midway through the fourth quarter. Blake Cashman had 13 tackles, six passes defenced

and a sack and Patrick Jones II had two of the six sacks of Brock Purdy, who threw two interceptions and found himself playing from behind all game. Purdy went 28 for 36 for 319 yards.

Overcoming two red zone turnovers that the 49ers (1-1) turned into touchdowns and a quadriceps injury that forced Jefferson out of the game in the third quarter, Darnold and the Vikings put on a show in his home debut after backing up Purdy last season for the NFC champions.

SEAHAWKS 23, PATRIOTS 20, OT

FOXBOROUGH, Mass.

(AP) — Jason Myers hit a 31-yard field goal in overtime to lift Seattle to a win over New England.

The game-winner capped a three-for-three day for Myers, who ensured the game went into OT with a 38-yard field goal with less than a minute left in regulation. Myers also hit from 44 yards in the second quarter.

Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith led Seattle on an eight-play, 71-yard drive to the New England 13 to set up the winning score. Smith was 33 of 44 for 327 yards on the day, with a 56-yard touchdown to DK Metcalf in the first half.

Metcalf finished with 10 catches for 129 yards.

The Seahawks (2-0) also got a 100-yard receiving game from Jaxon SmithNjigba (12 catches for 117 yards).

JETS 24, TITANS 17

NASHVILLE, Tenn.

(AP) — Braelon Allen, the NFL’s youngest player, ran for a 20-yard touchdown with 4:31 left to put Aaron Rodgers and New York ahead to stay as they beat Tennessee. Rodgers threw for 176 yards and two TDs and got to kneel down for his first victory with the Jets that he started and finished. One of those TD passes by the 40-year-old Rodgers was to the 20-year-old Allen, marking a score by the NFL’s oldest and youngest players.

The Jets (1-1) ruined the home opener for Titans first-year coach Brian Callahan, whose offence was rolling until a pair of back-to-back turnovers by second-year quarterback Will Levis.

The Titans (0-2) had a chance at the end.

COMMANDERS

21, GIANTS 18

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Jayden Daniels picked up his first win as an NFL quarterback, leading Washington past New York thanks to a franchise-record seven field goals from new kicker Austin Seibert.

Daniels engineered the go-ahead, 65-yard drive in the final minutes to get the ball into the red zone, setting up Seibert’s 30-yard field goal that won it as the clock expired. Seibert’s 7-for-7 performance came days after he replaced Cade York, who missed each of his two attempts in the season opener.

The Commanders (1-1) came back to win an ugly game after the Giants lost kicker Graham Gano to injury on the opening kickoff. Not having Gano forced New York (0-2) to go for it on several fourth-down situations after punter Jamie Gillan missed an extra point attempt early.

Daniels was 23 of 29 for 226 yards and rushed for 44 in his second professional start, beating former LSU teammate and fellow top-10 pick Malik Nabers in their

first matchup in the league. Nabers was the Giants’ best player with 10 catches for 127 yards and his first career TD reception.

CARDINALS 41, RAMS 10

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Kyler Murray threw for 266 yards and three touchdowns, rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. caught his first two NFL touchdown passes and Arizona rolled past Los Angeles. The Cardinals’ offence — highlighted by the Murray-to-Harrison combo — dazzled on the way to a 24-3 halftime lead. Murray found Harrison for a 23-yard touchdown on the first drive, a 60-yard touchdown on the second drive and then somehow evaded three Rams defenders before hitting tight end Elijah Higgins on an 18-yard touchdown on the third drive for a 21-0 advantage. Arizona (1-1) snapped a nine-game losing streak to the Rams (0-2) at State Farm Stadium, and won for just the third time in 16 tries in the NFC West rivalry.

STEELERS 13, BRONCOS 6

DENVER (AP) — T.J. Watt and Pittsburgh’s stingy defence throttled rookie Bo Nix on Sunday and Justin Fields, subbing again for an injured Russell Wilson, led the Steelers to a win over sputtering Denver. Fields threw a touchdown pass and finished 13 for 20 for 117 yards with no interceptions to help Pittsburgh (2-0) beat the Broncos (0-2) for the third consecutive time, something that never happened in the teams’ 35-game all-time series.

Although Nix threw for 246 yards on 20-of-35 passing, he never found the end zone and was intercepted twice. And like Fields, he was sacked twice.

CHIEFS 26, BENGALS 25

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Harrison Butker kicked a 51-yard field goal as time expired and the

Kansas City Chiefs, kept alive by a pass interference call on Bengals safety Daijahn Anthony on fourth down in the final minute, rallied to beat Cincinnati 26-25 on Sunday.

Patrick Mahomes threw for 151 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions, but it was his incomplete pass to Rashee Rice on fourth-and-16 from the Kansas City 35 that turned out to be decisive. Anthony arrived a split-second early and hit Rice from behind with his body, and flags flew with 38 seconds remaining as the crowd in Arrowhead Stadium erupted.

The penalty came just after the Chiefs had a long gain on fourth down wiped out by a penalty of their own.

The pass interference call moved the Chiefs to the Cincinnati 36, and the Chiefs ran a couple of plays to bleed the clock for the big-legged Butker, who turned around and started walking off the field even before his kick went through the uprights.

TEXANS 19, BEARS 13

HOUSTON (AP) — C.J. Stroud threw for 260 yards and a touchdown and Ka’imi Fairbairn kicked four field goals to help Houston top Chicago. Fairbairn connected from 56, 47, 59 and 53 yards, and Houston’s defence put heavy pressure on Caleb Williams for much of the game.

Stroud’s 28-yard scoring pass to Nico Collins put Houston up 10-3 early in the second quarter, and the Texans led 16-10 at halftime.

Houston (2-0) had trouble moving the ball in the second half and managed only a field goal, but its defence intercepted Williams twice to secure the victory.

Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft, was 23 of 37 for 174 yards. He was sacked seven times.

PANTHERS running back Miles Sanders is tackled by Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack during the second half on Sunday. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)

FALCONS quarterback Kirk Cousins is stopped by Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham (55) during the first half last night. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

SEBASTIAN COE AMONG SEVEN IOC MEMBERS TO ENTER RACE

2028 and in Brisbane, Australia four years later.

Big decisions facing the IOC include picking a host for the 2036 Olympics — with India and Qatar in the mix — assessing the impact of climate change on the global sports calendar and renewing the U.S. broadcast deal that has been a foundation of Olympic finances.

A formal candidate list should be confirmed in January, three months before the March 18-21 election meeting in Greece, near the site of Ancient Olympia.

Only IOC members are eligible to stand as candidates, with votes cast by the rest of the 111-strong membership of the Olympic body.

The IOC is one of the most exclusive clubs in world sports. Its members are drawn from European and Middle East royalty,

leaders of international sports bodies, former and current Olympic athletes, politicians and diplomats plus industrialists, including some billionaires like Eliasch.

It makes for one of the most discreet and quirky election campaigns in world sports, with members prevented from publicly endorsing their pick.

Campaign limits on the candidates include a block on publishing videos, organising public meetings and taking part in public debates.

They are expected to publish manifestos before the IOC organises a closed-door meeting to address voters in January in its home city Lausanne, Switzerland.

The IOC top job ideally calls for deep knowledge of managing sports, understanding athletes’ needs and nimble skills in global politics.

The president oversees an organisation that earns billions of dollars in revenue from broadcasting and sponsor deals for the Olympic Games and employs hundreds of staff.

Coe has been widely considered the most qualified candidate. A two-time Olympic champion in the 1,500 metres, he was later an elected lawmaker in Britain in the 1990s, led the 2012 London Olympics bidding and organising committees and has presided at World Athletics for nine years.

But he has clashed with the IOC, Bach and leaders of other sports bodies on several issues, including his strong positions against Russia on state-backed doping and the invasion of Ukraine, and the decision to award $50,000 cash prizes to track and field gold medallists in Paris.

“A laser like focus on sport must be the priority for the IOC. I believe

I can help achieve this and more,” Coe said yesterday in a statement.

However, he has potential legal hurdles about his ability to serve a full eightyear mandate.

The IOC has an age limit of 70 for members, while Coe will be 68 on election day. The rules allow for a special exemption to remain for four more years, but that would mean a sixyear presidency unless those limits are changed.

Coventry, who turned 41 Monday, also has government experience as the appointed sports minister in Zimbabwe.

The only woman ever to stand as an IOC presidential candidate was Anita DeFrantz, a former Olympic rower from the United States. She was eliminated in the first round of voting in a five-candidate election in 2001, which was won by Jacques Rogge.

Samaranch, who turns 65 in November, is the

longest-serving member among the candidates, joining in 2001 when his father stepped down.

The Spanish official also would need an extension to the IOC age limit.

Lappartient also is president of France’s national Olympic body and has carried strong momentum from the Paris Summer Games.

He leads a French Alps project that was picked to host the 2030 Winter Games and was picked by Bach to oversee a longterm project sealed in Paris that will see Saudi Arabia hosting the Esports Olympic Games through 2035.

Eliasch is perhaps the most surprising candidate after being elected as an IOC member in Paris less than two months ago.

The Swedish-British owner of the Head sportswear brand got 17 “no” votes, a notably high number in Olympic politics.

Athletes crack top 100

and Denisha Cartwright 38th with 1,237.

Puerto Rico’s Jasmine Camacho-Quinn sits on top of the standings with 1,458. American Masai Russell is second with 1,431 and Cyréna Samba-Mayela of France third with 1,428. There are no women listed in the top 100 in the 100m, but collegian Camille Rutherford took the top spot for Bahamians at No.103 with a score of 1,179.

St Lucia’s Julien Alfred, who had a breakout season with a pair of medals in the sprints at the Olympics, heads the list with 1,456, followed closely by American Sha’Carri Richardson with 1,441. Taylor, coming off her double appearance at the Olympics in both the hurdles and the triple jump, is listed at No.18 in the hop, skip and jump event with 1,206.

Dominica’s Thea LaFond, the World indoor and Olympic champion, sits on top of the standings with 1,417.

Cartwright, who ended her collegiate career with another dominating performance at the NCAA Division II Championships, is the top Bahamian female ranked in the 200m at 1,139. Americans Gabby Thomas and Brittany Brown head the list with 1,439 and 1,419 respectively with Alfred sitting in third with 1,400.

NCAA two-time champion Rhema Otabor, coming off her qualifying round appearance in her debut at the Olympics, is 18th with 1,187 in the women’s javelin. Haruka Kitaguchi of Japan is No.1 with 1,387.

She is the World and Olympic champion.

Another collegian Javonya Valcourt, who made the Olympics as a member of the mixed gender 4 x 400m relay team, emerged with a top 100 ranking in the women’s 400m at No.92 with 1,163. Olympic champion Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic is the leader of the pack with 1,489. And collegian Anthaya Charlton came through in the women’s long jump with 52nd place with 1,166. American Tara DavisWoodhall, the World and Olympic champion, is No.1 with 1,438. On the men’s side, despite not competing in the Olympics, Steven Gardiner had the highest finisher by any Bahamian

in any event with his 16th place in the 400m with 1,307. Mixed gender relay team-mates Wendell Miller is 66th with 1,198 and Alonzo Russell is 90th with 1,176.

Great Britain’s Matthew Hudson-Smith took the top spot with 1,474. In the men’s 100, Olympic competitors Wanya McCoy is 38th with 1,239 and Grand Bahamian Terrence Jones is 101 at 1,188.

American Noah Lyles is the leader with 1,483. Ian Kerr, who surged through the international stage this year to earn a berth at the Olympics, secured the top spot by any Bahamian at 28 with 1,234 in the 200m, followed by McCoy at 30th with 1,229.

Letsile Tebogo from Botswana was out front with 1,507.

Antoine Andrews, one of the top performers this year making it to the semifinals of the men’s 110m hurdles at the Olympics, was 54th with 1,222.

American Olympic champion Grant Holloway leads with 1,505.

Veteran Donald Thomas, who didn’t clear any heights in the qualifying round of the men’s high jump due to an injury, was ranked at No.14 with 1,243.

Hamish Kerr of New Zealand took the top spot with 1,442 ahead of Olympic and World champion Mutaz Essa Barshim of Qatar, who was fourth with 1,365.

Although they didn’t make it to the Olympics, three other competitors earned top 100 rankings in their respective events.

In the men’s long jump, Commonwealth Games champion LaQuan Nairn is 57th with 1,167.

Miltiadis Tentoglou of Greece is on top with 1,436.

The men’s triple jump saw Kaiwan Culmer at 44th with 1,161.

Jordan Aljandro Diaz Fortun topped the list with 1,416.

And in the men’s javelin, Keyshawn Strachan, who was off to a promising season before he got injured, was 65th with 1,094.

Neeraj Chopra of India tops the list with 1,419.

No Bahamians participated in the season ending Wanda Diamond League at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, Belgium over the weekend.

KC Construction came up with two runs in the first, three in the second, two in the third and fifth and four more in the seventh, USS got one run in the first, seven in the second and another one in the fifth.

Stephen Robinson went 1-for-3 with a homer, three RBI and a run scored and Kevin Dames was 1-for-3 with two RBI.

Yelsom Home Boys 21, Mr Ship It Vipers 10 Hector Rolle was the winning pitcher and Warren Butler was the loser.

Geron Sands went 4-for-5 with a double, two homers, four RBI and three runs scored and Greg Burrows was a perfect 2-for-2 with two homers, four RBI and two runs scored in the win.

Yelsom broke the game open with seven runs in the first and they added five more in the third, one in the fourth, two in the fifth and six in the sixth.

The Vipers countered with one run in the first, five in the second and two in the fourth.

McNeil Albury was 2-for-3 with a double and two RBI and Juan Pratt was 1-for-3 with a double, two RBI and a run scored. They scored one run in the first, five in the second and two in the fourth, but it wasn’t enough.

Masqueraders 24, Drifters 12

Benson Young was the winning pitcher and Keno Stuart was the loser.

On the offensive end, Arthur Hamilton had a monster game. He was a perfect 4-for-4 with a triple, two homers, eight RBI and four runs scored, William Delancey was 4-for-4 with a homer, three RBI and three runs scored and Laman Ferguson was 2-for-4 with a triple, a homer, three RBI and as many runs scored.

The Masqueraders scored four runs in the first, two in the second, eight in the third and five in both the fifth and sixth.

Kirklyn Ferguson was 1-for-2 with a homer, three RBI and a run scored for the Drifters.

The Drifters scored five runs in the first, three in the second and four in the third.

Da Boyz 14, Q-Club Divers 11

Dwayne Dean was the winning pitcher and Moses Johnson was the loser.

Charles Rolle was a perfect 3-for-3 with a double, two homers, five RBI and two runs scored and Teran Wood was 1-for-4 with a homer, three RBI and two runs in the win.

Da Boyz produced four runs in the first, five in the second, three in the third and one in both the fifth and sixth.

In a losing effort, Garvin Williams was 1-for-3 with a homer, two RBI and two runs scored, James Clarke was 2-for-4 with two doubles, two RBI and a run scored and Antoine Cash was 2-for-4 with two RBI. The Q-Club came up with seven runs in the third, two in the fourth and two more in the sixth.

18-and-over and masters

35-and-over divisions and $5 for juniors in ages 15-17, 12-15 and 9-11. Interested persons are asked to contact Barron Musgrove at 433-5568 or email musgrovebarron@hotmail.com SOFTBALL EXUMA HOMECOMING THE Williams Town Exuma Homecoming Association is scheduled to hold a softball game and road race over the weekend of October 11-14.

The softball game will be played on October 11-12 between the Corner Boyz from the New Providence Oldtimers Softball Association and the local All-Star team from Exuma. Then on October 12, a five-mile road race will be staged, starting at 7am from the Culture Centre in Forbes Hill to the public school in Williams Town. Competitors in the under-9, under-11 and

under-13 divisions will compete in a 2 1/2 mile run, while those in the under15, under-17, under-20 and open divisions will compete in a five-mile run. FUN RUN/WALK THE Roots Junkanoo Group is scheduled to hold its Fun Run/Walk Race under the theme “Let’s Do This Together,” on Saturday, October 12.

The event will start promptly at 6:30am at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium and will be sponsored by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and the National Sports Authority.

The registration fee is $25 per athlete. Categories include under male and female under-15, under-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60 and 61-and-over.

ALL CARIBBEAN

WRESTLING FIGHT FOR PARADISE

THE All Caribbean Wrestling (ACW) is scheduled to hold its Fight for Paradise Show on Saturday, October 19, at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium. Doors open at 1pm.

Wrestlers from throughout the Caribbean and the United States of America will be participating. For ticket information, persons can contact FightForParadise.eventbrite.

com

FREEDOM FARM BASEBALL REGISTRATION

FREEDOM Farm Baseball League will hold its registration for the 2025 baseball season online and in-person for players between the ages of 3-20 years old. The registration fee is $150 per player. In-person registration will take place every Saturday at the park in Yamacraw during September and October as general workout sessions take place from 10 am to 1 pm. The draft showcase will take place on Saturday, November 2.

BBSF TRACK MEET

THE Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation will hold its Renee ‘Sunshine’ Curry-Davis Memorial Track and Field Classic on Saturday, November 16, at the Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium. The meet, hosted in conjunction with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and the Bahamas Association of Certified Officials, will recognise Curry-Davis, a former executive of the BBSF, who was working as the director for track and field before her death this year. Beginning at 9am, the meet will be geared for men and women competing in the under-7, under-11, under-15, under20 under-30 open, under-50 open and masters 50-andover categories as well as the clergy for pastors, ministers, evangelists and deacons.

The entry deadline for teams to participate is Friday, November 1 and should be submitted to TEK Results via tmoss@ locbahamas.org or contact Brent Stubbs at 426-7265 or email stubbobs@gmail. com. A technical meeting will take place at 6pm on Tuesday, November 12 at the Bahamas Baptist College, Jean Street.

IN the men’s 100, Olympian Wanya McCoy is 38th with 1,239.

NCAA two-time champion Rhema Otabor, coming off her qualifying round appearance in her debut at the Olympics, is 18th with 1,187 in the women’s javelin.

Carleton Williams scholarship for Selena

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Education Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

SELENA Cartwright, a sixth grade graduate from Garvin Tynes Primary School, has won the 2024 Carleton Williams Scholarship.

The scholarship programme was established in 2016 to honour Carleton Williams CBE on his retirement as chairman of the board for Caribbean Bottling Company.

Selena now attends her dream school, Bahamas Academy; a reality she said would not be possible without this scholarship.

“The teachers made me feel confident when I took my entrance test, and I love that feeling. I want to be successful so I knew I wanted to attend that school, but I also knew I could not go without receiving financial help.” she said.

Selena participates in numerous extra curricular activities including Drama Club, choir, and spelling club and participates in philanthropic activities such as school supply drives and reading to students in kindergarten and Grade 1.

Her drive to be her best self was instilled in her from an early age and applies to other sectors of her life.

“Being the oldest, we told her to push

herself and she just did it. But what always amazes me about Selena is her desire to give back to her community and inspire others,” said her mother, Tonya Cartwright.

Ahead of the new school year, Selena said she was looking forward to taking on new subjects such as biology and literature in high school.

“I’m looking forward to the new subjects and new curriculum. I like writing in my free time and how the body operates is so interesting to me, I’m excited to learn more in those areas in school. Overall, I’m just excited to build on my learning experiences.” she said.

Applicants for the Carleton Williams Scholarship are chosen in rotation between Grand Bahama primary schools and Garvin Tynes Primary School in New Providence.

The winning scholar is awarded a full scholarship to a local private school for the full six years of high school, subject to a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement.

As the scholarship committee narrowed down their choices, Selena’s application remained compelling.

Her extracurricular activities, grades, passions, recommendation letters and character that was beautifully displayed during the scholarship interview solidified her candidacy for the award.

WILSON TAKES UP CHAIRMAN ROLE

FRANON Wilson has been appointed the new Chairman of the Board at St Andrew’s School, taking over the helm from Nicola Saddleton who played a role as cochair for three years and as chair for the last year.

In her six years on the board, Mrs Saddleton has seen many challenges and played a critical role in helping navigate the school through the pandemic.

“My time on the board evolved naturally from being a part of the marketing committee to becoming chair,” she said. “We did extensive research to make sure that the brand was being implemented correctly and aligned with our motto, Ethics and Excellence.”

During Mrs. Saddleton’s six years, the board developed

a new strategic plan, and added advancement, sports and governance committees that promote fundraising, school pride/sports and best governance practices.

Other notable board achievements are the installation of a major solar project which recently broke ground, bathroom renovations and taking the school through the CIS reaccreditation process.

Franon Wilson, president of Arawak Homes and an alum of St Andrew’s International School, has served two years on the board to date. He has been a part of the Sports Committee and has also helped coach softball. He said: “I feel blessed to have been so welcomed to a group that allows members to share ideas and get involved.”

As his new tenure begins, Mr Wilson said he looks to the whole school

community to become involved. “The board is focused on upgrading our facilities and to accomplish that we will need everyone’s support,” he said.

“Tuition helps to keep the doors open, but tuition alone isn’t enough to pay for upgrades. Whether it’s by encouraging your company to make a donation towards a project or simply taking out an ad in a booklet, we need your support to help make the experience children are having now even better and we look forward to your ongoing support.”

The 2024-2025 St Andrew’s International School Board members are: Franon Wilson – Chairman; Robert Meister; Tara Klonaris Holcombe; Andrew Rolle; Jean-Marc Fellay; Ollie Ferguson; Perez Willie; Christel SandsFeaste; Brandon Major; Derrick McIntosh; and Kasynthi Bodie.

A GIFT OF LEARNING

CIBC Caribbean recently donated a substantial number of computers to public libraries and Yellow Elder Primary School.

The computers donated to the National Library and Information Services will be distributed to libraries in New Providence, Abaco, and Grand Bahama.

Yellow Elder Primary School acting principal Tamica Adderley said: “Computers play a pivotal role in modern education, revolutionising the learning experience for both educators and students.

“At Yellow Elder Primary School, these computers will enable our students to engage with adaptive learning platforms such as Renaissance Star 360, which tailors educational content to individual learning needs.”

Dorcas Bowler, director of libraries, said: “In today’s technological world, a library does not only house books but is also an information hub and a treasure trove to access information at the click of a mouse on computer terminals, tablets, and other electronic devices via the internet and Wifi. Patrons, including adults and children, need up-to-date information for success in school and everyday living. This generous donation from CIBC will significantly enhance our ability to offer modern technological resources to all, particularly in remote and underserved communities.”

SELENA CARTWRIGHT FRANON

Athletes crack the top 100 standings

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

With the track and field season completed over the weekend at the Diamond League Final, World Athletics has released its latest rankings for male and female athletes with only a few Bahamians cracking the top 100 standings.

The list was undertaken to create a global ranking system where athletes score points based on a combination of result and place depending on the level of the competition in which the result is achieved. The ranking is then based on their average score over a certain number of competitions in a defined period of time.

The basis for the ranking method has been developed with Elite Ltd (All-Athletics) whose founder, Dr Bojidar Spiriev, developed a first set of rankings already back in 1979.

The calculation mechanism, as well as the different categories of competitions and the placing scores awarded for each category, can be found under the tab World Ranking Rules.

Devynne Charlton, the world indoor 60 metre champion and record holder, clinched the top spot by any Bahamian with fourth in the 100m hurdles with 1,424 points. She led two other Bahamians at the Olympic Games in Paris, France, in August. Charisma Taylor is at number 24th with 1,273

Bahamas Bowl puts college players in spotlight

EACH week, the Bahamas Bowl will spotlight college football players and teams from Conference USA and the Mid-American Conference.

This will provide insight into the programmes that are vying for a spot in the Bahamas Bowl on January 4, 2025 at Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium in Nassau.

THE New Providence Oldtimers Softball Association continued its regular season action over the weekend in the Archdeacon William Thompson Park at Southern Recreation Grounds with another series of exciting games played.

Here’s a look at the outcomes of the games:

Corner Boys 22, Dozer Pros 9 Foster Dorsette picked up the win on the mound as he out-duelled Vernon Bowles.

Dwight Knowles powered their offensive attack with a perfect 4-for-4 outing with two home runs, six runs batted in (RBI) and four runs scored. Damian Robinson was 4-for-5 with a double, four RBI and a run scored, Jamal Kemp was 3-for-4 with a RBI and three runs scored and Mario Ferguson was 2-for-5 with three RBI and two runs scored.

The Corner Boy scored four runs in the second and broke the game open with seven in the third, one in both the fourth and fifth, two in the sixth and seven more in the seventh.

Clayton Bowles was a perfect 4-for-4 with a homer, four RBI and two runs scored and Andy Percentie was 2-for-3 with a double, two RBI and a run scored.

The Pros got one run in the third, seven in the fifth and one more in the seventh.

KC Construction 13, USS Rebels 9 Gary Wright was the winning pitcher and Val Munroe was tagged with the loss.

Wright helped his own cause by going 2-for-4 with three RBI and a run scored, Marc Pratt went 1-for-3 with a homer, three RBI and a run scored and Kevin Smith was 1-for-3 with a homer, two RBI and two runs scored.

UNIVERSITY OF THE BAHAMAS CROSS COUNTRY

THE University of the Bahamas is scheduled to hold its annual Cross Country 2K24 Invitational on Saturday, September 28, starting at 7am at the Thomas A. Robinson Stadium. Interested persons can contact coach Ednal Rolle at 424-6469 or ednql.roolle@ub.edu.bs for more details. BASKETBALL BBSF BASKETBALL TOURNEY THE Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation will hold its final team registration for its basketball tournament on Tuesday, September 24 at 7pm at the Bahamas Baptist College, Jean Street. All teams wishing to participate in either the men’s open

September

division or the high school division are asked to submit their team roster and their registration fee of $200 per team. The tournament will be held from September 27-28 at the CI Gibson Gymnasium. Awards will be presented to winners and runners-up in both divisions. Interested teams are urged to contact Sean Bastian at 826-8535 or email seanbastian@gmail.com

CYCLING BBSF CYCLING CLASSIC THE Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation has announced that its cycling classic will be held on Saturday, October 5 starting at 9 am at the park just before you enter Perpall Tract on West Bay Street. Registration fee is $10 for adults in the open

PAGE 14

MAC MAC football won six non-conference match-ups on Saturday, none more impressive than Toledo’s 41-17 rout of Mississippi State. The Rockets, who played in the 2018

C-USA Conference USA football scored a win over the Mountain West Conference as Sam Houston State defeated Hawaii (31-13) in its home opener. The Bearkats (2-1) are in just their second year in the league and this is the first year they are eligible for a bowl game. Liberty running back Billy Lucas scored a touchdown in each of the first three quarters to lead the Flames to a 28-10 C-USA win over UTEP. Lucas finished the game with 21 carries for 104 yards. Liberty has never played in the Bahamas Bowl.

Bahamas Bowl, moved to 3-0 on the season with just their second win over a team from the powerhouse Southeastern Conference. Toledo QB Tucker Gleason piled up 285 passing yards with three TDs and also rushed for 44 yards. He completed passes to nine different receivers.

By GRAHAM DUNBAR AP Sports Writer

(AP) — Two former Olympic champions are in the race to be the next IOC president. So is a prince of a Middle East kingdom and the son of a former president. The global leaders of cycling, gymnastics and skiing also are in play. The International Olympic Committee published a list yesterday

SEBASTIAN COE

DEVYNNE CHARLTON, the world indoor 60 metre champion and record holder, clinched the top spot by any Bahamian with fourth in the 100 metre hurdles with 1,424 points.

CHARISMA TAYLOR, left, is ranked number 24th with 1,273 and DENISHA CARTWRIGHT, right, is 38th with 1,237. SEE PAGE 14