09192023 NEWS AND SPORT

SISTER’S SHOCK AT BROTHER’S DEATH

Fears traffic victim died after falling asleep at the wheel

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

ANDREA Clarke, 23, has not eaten since learning the car her beloved brother drove burst into flames when it struck a utility pole Saturday morning, leaving behind only his charred remains.

Ms Clarke said Marcus Major ––“the sweetest person

ever” –– was a manager at Greycliff Restaurant, where he had worked since 2014.

Since his death, people on social media have speculated about the circumstances surrounding his horrific traffic accident. Some assumed he was driving under the influence, while others suggested he was texting and driving.

SEE PAGE THREE

‘SCRAPPING BRIEFINGS IN KEEPING WITH PLP STYLE’

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Demo-

cratic National Alliance

Leader Branville McCartney said the Davis administration’s decision to cancel weekly Cabinet press

briefings is in keeping with its past opposition to transparency.

“What,” he said, “you believe that transparency was the order of the day? Look at the history, man.

Look at the history of the PLP: sweet you up, party

SEE PAGE THREE

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

HEALTH and Wellness Minister

Dr Michael Darville hopes construction on a new New Providence hospital will begin early next year, noting there are three potential

candidates to finance the $290m project.

“We went out to the international market to seek funding,” Dr Darville told reporters. “I’m pleased to report that we’re having a lot of positive feedback. We believe that we have narrowed the possible financing down to two or

three individual finances. That is being discussed with the Ministry of Finance, and when the details with the financing are completed, it will be my responsibility as minister to notify the general public of where we are with the new hospital here in New Providence.”

ARAWAKX ‘HAS $2.4M SOLVENCY DEFICIENCY’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas’ first-ever crowd-funding platform has a solvency deficiency of “at least $2.4m”, regulators charged yesterday, while accusing it of “governance irregularities, regulatory breaches and possible criminal infractions”.

The Securities Commission, in legal documents filed with the Supreme Court, asserted that these

woes are sufficiently “insurmountable” to justify ArawakX’s winding-up amid allegations that investor funds were

“commingled” with those belonging to the company; staff had not been paid for “several months”; and capital-raising companies had not received all monies due to them because these were being misused to fund the platform’s operations.

D’Arcy Rahming senior, ArawakX’s chairman and chief executive, last night told Tribune Business that “we intend to refute everything”.

from page one

“Once the financing is done, we will move very quickly to make an announcement so that the architect and engineers would complete the first phase of the design bill, and hopefully early next year, the Bahamian people could see activity on the site.”

A 50-acre site in the Perpall Tract area near the wellfields to the east of the road that connects the Saunders Beach roundabout with JFK Drive’s ‘six-legged’ roundabout has been selected for the New Providence hospital.

Dr Darville added that officials have received approval from the Department of Environmental Health and will ensure the hospital is on high ground.

Some have been concerned about whether the location is secure to withstand severe storms.

“Anytime we have a hurricane with potential surge, it becomes a problem for all our facilities throughout the archipelago,” Dr Darville said. “This is the reason why we chose a piece of property that is 50 to 70 feet above sea level, to ensure that we are able to sustain surges.”

Dr Darville said the new facility would be designed to handle any category of hurricane.

“When it comes to surge, that is an unpredictable factor,” he said. “And we learned a great lesson from Hurricane Dorian because we had surges in Abaco and New Providence anywhere from 16 to 20 feet. And I can tell you for Grand Bahama, we had the ocean almost in the middle of the land. No one expected it. So, in this particular design, we intend to ensure that we are able to design a facility that will not only be able to handle the winds, but also the surges, and likewise in Grand Bahama, the facility that we have chosen is on high ground.”

Government officials broke ground in May for a new $200m hospital in Grand Bahama.

NURSE PROGRAMME LAUNCHED BY HOSPITAL AUTHORITY

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

THE Public Hospitals

Authority launched its Trained Clinical Nurse programme yesterday. The event was held at the newly renovated School of Nursing campus on Grosvenor Close. The renovated facility includes a library, classrooms, medical

equipment for practical purposes, and other features. “The TCM students will receive a well-rounded education in key facets of nursing practice and care,”

PHA managing director Dr Aubynette Rolle said.

“Over the next 18 months, you will immerse yourselves in a world of knowledge, practical skills, and compassionate care. Your decision to pursue this career path

shows incredible dedication and a desire to make a positive impact in the field of health care.

“This journey may be challenging at times, but remember that challenges are opportunities for growth and learning. Embrace them with courage and determination. As you dive into your training, always keep your passion for nursing at the forefront

of your mind. Each day, remind yourself of the lives you will touch and the difference you will make in the lives of others.”

Student nurses will study topics on patient safety, nutrition, oxygen administration, hygiene, and other practices.

For his part, Health Minister Dr Michael Darville expressed excitement for the programme. He

encouraged the students to take pride in their service and patient care.

“I can tell you the quality of nursing care, the quality of medical care revolves around professionals who learn to separate their personal challenges from the challenges they confront with their patients,” Dr Darville said. “Love your patients. Take care of them, treat them as if they are a

part of you. And lastly, your journey for learning will become more intense with patients. I have learned more from patients than from the training that I received in medical school and on the ward. They will be your greatest teachers.”

Additionally, three new ambulances were also commissioned for the National Emergency Medical Services.

MINISTER of Health and Wellness Dr Michael DArville, back, on board a new ambulance yesterday.

Photo: Moise Amisial

Sister’s shock at brother’s death

from page one

Ms Clarke said her hard-working 25-year-old brother was likely tired and fell asleep at the wheel.

Police said sometime around 3am Saturday, Major was driving his blue Nissan Skyline vehicle, travelling south along Mackey Street when he lost control of the vehicle and collided with a utility pole, causing the car to catch fire.

“It’s very hard seeing people sharing his pictures and being negative,” Ms Clarke said. “Because my brother wasn’t the type of person who would drink and drive. He would wait when he reached home to have a drink.”

Ms Clarke said her brother was leaving a work event when the accident happened.

“Every time he home, his job would call him and ask if he could just come in,” she said. “And he would be like yeah, I’ll make it. I

‘Don’t kill yourself out for a job that’s going to replace you. I always does tell people that. Whenever you tired and feel like your body can’t move, don’t force yourself to go to work cuz you never know what’s going to happen.’

would always tell him like sometimes just stay home, you know, stay home with your family and just have some time with your family and he would say no I have to go to work, I need this money.”

Ms Clarke, who lives in the United States, said she learned about her brother’s death when she got a tearful phone call from her sister around 8am on Saturday.

“My full body went in shock,” she said. “So, then my cousin and my aunt called and said, ‘your brother died,’ and I just hung up the phone because no he isn’t.”

She said if she could speak to him again, she’d tell Major don’t go to work.

BRANVILLE: SCRAPPING BRIEFINGS IN KEEPING WITH PLP STYLE

from page one

ya, make ya feel good, tell you what you want hear, trap you, get you involved, you vote for them and then the true colours come out.”

Mr McCartney’s comments came during a meeting with reporters at his office.

The Office of the Prime Minister last week announced that

Cabinet briefings would be discontinued.

“Cabinet briefing and the

Office of the Prime Minister press briefing will be combined into a single, more comprehensive weekly briefing event to promote efficiency,” OPM said.

The OPM briefing was cancelled last week. Instead, Mr Davis held a press conference with Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi.

POLICE PROBE FAKE LICENCE DISC RING

BY LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

POLICE are investigating a suspected fraudulent licence disc ring after arresting a woman and two men in their 40s last week.

Preliminary police reports indicated that last Tuesday, shortly before 6pm, police officers stopped and searched a Nissan Bluebird vehicle in the Meadow Street and Hospital Lane area.

The 41-year-old woman driver of the vehicle was arrested after a police investigation of the vehicle led to the discovery of the fake licence disc on her vehicle’s windshield.

After further investigations and checks with the controller of the Road

“You can call them,” she said, “and let them know you can’t make it. Don’t kill yourself out for a job that’s going to replace you. I always does tell people that. Whenever you tired and feel like your body can’t move, don’t force yourself to go to work cuz you never know what’s going to happen.”

“Like whenever you’re tired and you feel like your body can’t move, don’t force yourself to go to work because you never know what’s gonna happen, you know?”

Ms Clarke, who can’t attend her brother’s funeral because she is seeking US citizenship, said “closure is the last thing I’m ever going

to get”.

“He’s not gone,” she said. “I just want him to come

back because he promised me he would always be here.”

“Yes I feel angry because he lied to me. He said he’d always be here.”

37 MIGRANTS ARE DETAINED

BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A TOTAL of 37 illegal foreign nationals, including a child, were recently apprehended by Bahamian authorities in Bimini and flown to New Providence.

Bahamas Immigration officials reportedly discovered the group of immigrants on Saturday and Sunday.

The group consisted of 36 Ecuadorian nationals, including 19 males, 16 females; and one minor, as well as one male Dominican. Following their discovery, the group was checked by health officials and later transported to Nassau for further processing. The group is being detained at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre.

Traffic Department, police confirmed the licence disc was fraudulent.

Police later received additional information leading to the arrest of two men, ages 40 and 48, believed to be involved in a fraudulent licence disc network.

“Police wish to inform the general public that any persons found conducting or engaging in fraudulent activities will be subject to prosecution according to the Road Traffic Act,” police said.

Fake licence discs being issued to drivers have been a persistent problem over the years.

In 2020, acting Road Traffic Controller Bradley Sands called the matter an “ongoing” problem, one he said his department was working to solve.

MARCUS MAJOR

BRANVILLE MCCARTNEY

‘2,000 suffer dementia’

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

SOME 2,000 people are living with dementia in The Bahamas, with the number expected to increase to more than 6,000 in the next 27 years, according to the Bahamas Alzheimer’s

Association.

Wendyi Poitier, president of the Bahamas Alzheimer’s Association, spoke to The Tribune about how the illness has affected Bahamians as the organisation prepares to mark World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21.

Alzheimer’s, the most

common type of dementia, is a degenerative brain disease marked by symptoms of changes in memory, thinking and reasoning skills.

“Right now, we know that there are about 2000 people who are living with dementia throughout The Bahamas,” Ms Poitier said.

“We have over 2000, and we anticipate that this will increase to over 6000 by the year 2050. That is if we don’t take action. If we take action, hopefully, it will be reduced worldwide.”

She said various factors put Bahamians at risk for dementia, including obesity, less education, physical inactivity, hypertension, diabetes, infrequent social contact, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, hearing impairments, depression, head injury and air pollution.

“Those are the types of things, we say that individuals can take action for themselves, but then we say things like air pollution, less education because we know that those persons who have a lower level of

education, these are some of the risk factors that they have determined for persons getting dementia,” she said.

Ms Poitier said while most of the risk factors can be dealt with personally, the government is responsible for following through with a National Dementia Plan as promised in 2017.

“In 2017, The Bahamas, as part of the World Health Organisation (WHO), signed on to the convention to initiate a National Dementia Plan, along with many other countries worldwide,” she said.

“Unfortunately, we have not started on that as yet, so that’s one of the things we’re trying to encourage our government to do. You signed on to say that you’re

going to do it, now please go ahead and try and see if you could at least get it started.

“We know that that will assist in ensuring that these types of things are addressed,” she said.

The Bahamas Alzheimer’s Association is a nonprofit organisation focused on awareness and support for those with Alzheimers or Dementia. The association, founded in 2020, became a member of Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) in 2023. The association will host a candlelight vigil on Wednesday in honour of World Alzheimer’s Day. A family game night and karaoke event will be held two days later on September 23.

BTVI SIGNS LETTER OF INTENT TO PARTNER ALGONQUIN

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute and Algonquin College signed a letter of intent yesterday, launching a fiveyear partnership to provide international educational opportunities.

BTVI’s interim president, Dr Linda Davis, expressed gratitude for the new-found relationship, saying it adds to the growing list of partnerships with colleges and universities.

She said the partnership will allow students, faculty and employees an extended opportunity.

“The signing of this letter of intent symbolizes the beginning of what we expect to blossom into collaborative initiatives and exchanges mutually beneficial for our students, our staff, and faculty,” she said.

“Creating pathways for student exchanges, professional development and more, we believe that international cross-cultural exposure of institutions of higher learning deepens

experiences and allows for even greater exposure as we seek ways to diversify skills across a rapidly changing trades landscape.”

The opportunity emerged from the government’s mission to Canada earlier this year, led by Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper and former State Education Minister Zane Lightbourne.

High Commissioner of The Bahamas to Ottawa, Alfred Gray, said he looks forward to building on shared knowledge.

“We know it’s only a letter of intent, but I believe everything good starts with a good intention, and so if we’re going to develop a good relationship, the first thing is to have good intentions, and I think that is evident by the signing today,” he said.

BTVI provides career training by offering over 40 industry-certified diploma and certificate courses, in addition to Associate of Applied Science degrees at campuses in New Providence and Grand Bahama and several locations throughout the Family Islands.

PICTURED at the BTVI signing are, Michael Qadish, manager, government relations and special advisor to the president, Algonquin College; associate vice president, global, online and corporate learning, Algonquin College, Patrick Devey; president and CEO, Algonquin College, Claude Brulé; High Commissioner of The Bahamas to Ottawa, V Alfred Gray; first secretary, Bahamas High Commission, Nahaja Black and second secretary, Bahamas High Commission, Crystal Rolle.

Photo: Algonquin College

PRESENT at the signing and representing BTVI were its interim president, Dr Linda Davis (left) and interim chief financial officer, Sharlene Hilton. Photos: BTVI

$500m goal in climate funds from new scheme

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis announced the launch of The Bahamas Sustainable Investment Programme yesterday, a new initiative that seeks to raise $500m in climate funding.

Mr Davis announced the fund while delivering remarks at the Clinton Global Initiative 2023 meeting in New York.

Highlighting the economic fallout from Hurricane Dorian and other storms, the prime minister underscored the need for more innovative solutions to help countries cope with climate change.

“A cruel irony is that those four massive hurricanes cost us billions – leaving us without the fiscal space we need to get ready for the next storms,”

he said. “Topping the lists of countries most vulnerable to climate change makes borrowing more expensive. Every single day, we are paying for the hurricanes we’ve already suffered and the ones still ahead of us. “

“In addition, our nation’s middle-income designation leaves us unable to access fair and concessional financing for recovery and adaptation. This traps us in a cycle in which the servicing of our debt leaves very little to invest in building our resilience. We urgently need new and creative solutions to our climate financing.”

He said countries vulnerable to climate change can survive supercharged storms by creating “supercharged win-win investment partnerships”.

“With our strategic advisors, Resilience Capital

Ventures, we will work with regional and global capital market leaders to underwrite and place an innovative financing facility with a target of $500 million US dollars.”

“Our priorities include climate-resilient infrastructure, our clean energy transition, coastal zone conservation, reducing biodiversity loss, regenerative agriculture, carbon sequestration, and participation in natural asset-backed carbon credit programmes.”

“Blended finance is a smart way to close the climate financing gap at a time when solutions cannot be postponed,” he said.

“Let me tell you one reason why I’m optimistic. Instead of saying ‘small island nation, say large ocean state. Our country’s seagrass meadows, which cover an astonishing 92,000 square kilometres, appear to be absorbing equal to or more carbon than the Amazon Rainforest.

“We have been mapping our seagrasses with the help of not just scientists but tiger sharks, who are a critical part of our underwater surveying team, wearing cameras and sending back data points. It’s always good to have apex predators on your side.”

Mr Davis welcomed the country’s partnership with the Clinton Global Initiative. He told world leaders the door was open for collaboration “whether you partner with us on funding and financing or by providing technical and advisory expertise”.

“There is indeed a path forward that will give my country many more tomorrows. We invite you to be part of it,” he said.

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis speaking at the Clinton Global Initiative.

FORMER US President Bill Clinton yesterday.

The Tribune Limited

Families push for gun law changes

FOR nearly a week, families whose lives were upended by a Nashville elementary school shooting took turns sharing dark details to Tennessee lawmakers.

Their children thought they were going to die. A teacher told students to race each other, knowing they needed to get some place safe quickly to avoid the spray of bullets. Children died after fire alarm evacuation protocols led one class to collide with the shooter in a hallway.

The parents who testified spilled their own stories, but also carried the weight of representing and speaking for the six people — including three children — who were killed by a shooter on March 27 inside The Covenant School. They hoped that doing so during a brief special session in August would compel lawmakers to pass meaningful legislation.

“To me, that was the most nervewracking piece,” said Melissa Alexander, whose child attends Covenant. “Trying to tell someone else’s story in the most perfect way, it’s not easy.”

But inside the Republican-led General Assembly, many lawmakers had already dismissed the gun control change as an option and resisted passing any significant changes this year, punting the issue to the next regular session starting in January. They argued that their constituents are protective of the Second Amendment and that taking away guns even temporarily is likely to infringe on people’s rights.

It’s an all-too-common scene across the United States. Throughout the corridors of many state Capitols, families are sharing emotionally gutting stories of tragedy caused by mass school shootings with the hope that revealing their trauma will convince lawmakers from either party to reconsider firearm policies.

States have differed widely for years in their responses to the spate of mass shootings that plague the country. Democratic-led states have largely tightened firearm restrictions, while Republican-led ones have loosened them. Meanwhile, families have waded into the legislative process, uncovering and reliving personally painful details before lawmakers — privately, publicly or both — with mixed results.

“Families will do whatever it takes to restore that sense of protection that wasn’t there that day, even if that means having to talk with, raise their voices and share what they experienced as a family, and what their kids experienced, with people that they know may not even give them the respect of listening,” said Melissa Brymer, director of the Terrorism & Disaster Program at the UCLA/ Duke University National Center for Child Traumatic Stress.

The inaction this year in Tennessee was markedly different than how Florida reacted five years ago to a massive school shooting.

Lawmakers in Florida’s Republicancontrolled Legislature passed a series of gun control laws just three weeks after authorities say a mentally disturbed man killed 17 people in a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. The legislation raised the gun-buying age to 21, imposed a threeday waiting period for purchases and let police seek court orders seizing guns from individuals considered a danger to themselves or others — a stronger “red flag” change than a Tennessee proposal that couldn’t even get a hearing.

These changes came after Parkland families gave impassioned pleas seeking school-safety measures.

“I’ve never been an outspoken person. I never wanted to be in this situation. But I’m pleading with you to put your differences aside, “ said Max Schachter, whose 14-year-old son Alex was among 17 people killed at the Parkland shooting, during an emotional 2018 committee hearing. “It’s time to learn to compromise and help make our schools safe again... I’m willing to compromise, are you?”

Instead, the outcome in Tennessee bore more resemblance to the response from Texas lawmakers after 19 children and two teachers were killed at the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde last May.

In April, Kimberly Mata-Rubio waited for more than 12 hours at the Texas Capitol to testify that lawmakers should raise the purchase age for semiautomatic rifles like the one an 18-year-old gunman used to kill her daughter Lexi. The hearing adjourned after 3 a.m. without a vote.

“Did you look at images of children running for their lives, and think, ‘What if we had enacted stricter gun laws?’’”

Mata-Rubio asked a Texas House committee, wiping away tears.

Parents offered similar pleas in Tennessee last month during a brief special legislative session called by Republican Gov. Bill Lee. But resistant Republican lawmakers largely dismissed Lee’s push for legislation to keep guns away from people who are judged to pose a threat from themselves or others.

Rather than open a debate about the state’s lax firearm regulations, the session was overshadowed by debates over new rules temporarily limiting public access around the Capitol and banning people from holding signs at hearings.

Republican legislative leaders argued their constituents didn’t want changes to Tennessee’s gun laws. For years the state’s elections have increasingly favored conservatives, so the vast majority of legislative districts are usually decided during GOP primary elections, often rendering general elections a foregone conclusion.

“There’s a huge amount of our caucus, their people who sent them asked us not to do anything,” said House Republican Caucus Chairman Jeremy Faison.

Meanwhile, one lawmaker booted everyone in the audience — grieving parents and all — from one hearing because some in the audience held signs and clapped.

“I don’t think people understand what it means to be up here,” said Sarah Shoop Neumann, a parent where her children attends Covenant, told reporters through tears. “It’s raw.”

During one committee hearing, parents closely connected to the Covenant shooting audibly gasped, and some fled the room in tears, when Republican Rep. Chris Todd suggested that the shooter “probably would have driven over those kids” if they didn’t have a gun, as a way to dismiss that fewer firearms — rather than more — would have prevented the tragedy. He was proposing a wide expansion of who could bring guns into schools.

Todd’s comments came after a parent of two Covenant students, Becky Hansen, sobbed while telling lawmakers for the first time publicly that her son’s teacher convinced students it was a race so they would move quickly and without panic from outside the school to a safe place.

Abby McLean, a mother of three Covenant students, described how her daughter’s third-grade classroom was fired at through the door window. She held up a photo of her children on her phone as she addressed lawmakers.

“How can we look them in the eye and say, ‘Our solution is going to be by bringing more guns, that you are afraid of, into the building’?” McLean said.

House Republicans wanted a wide range of bills to pass, the Senate pursued only a few, but neither were open to gun restrictions. Four bills with minimal changes ultimately passed.

For many parents, it signaled they would likely retell and relive these dark moments for many more months, as they pledged to seek change next legislative session and in the 2024 statehouse elections.

“I really think the stories we shared are going to live on,” Alexander said. “I think they’re going to play an important role in changing our country and making a difference. That’s why we shared them.”

By KIMBERLEE KRUESI and JONATHAN MATTISE Associated Press

50 years and people still su fer

EDITOR, The Tribune.

THROUGHOUT history changes of every Government in the world in elections was because of the economy the citizens were facing - economic hardship struggling to buy homes, cars, pay rent, electric bill, water bill, private school fees and groceries for their families.

It should be noted that history also showed that the end of the Soviet Union and Communism was the direct result of the economic hardship and struggling of the citizens that resulted in hundreds of thousands of citizens protesting to end Communism and the end of the Soviet Union, but recently again because the citizens were dealing with economic hardship struggling to survive in Arab countries the Arab Spring captured the world media attention in Egypt and Tunisia, two countries that had been under dictatorship for over 30 years the citizens of both countries had daily protest and the end came for the dictatorship regime in Egypt and in Tunisia the citizens had enough of suffering economic hardship.

This is my case, never say never that a third party

cannot win the next election in the Bahamas, because if the Bahamian people are suffering from both the FNM and PLP Governments’ failures, broken promises, mismanagement and overspending of billions of dollars, failing on crime, robberies, rapes and murders, failing on providing jobs for young people, failing to lower the cost of high cost of food, electric bills and groceries.

Failing to have more Bahamian children pass the GCE, BJC exams and higher graduation from High Schools to also go to College in getting better qualifications to have higher paying jobs to reduce the high employment of foreign nationals by companies, government and hotels in The Bahamas.

Then the next election could and can be the first time in Bahamian political history that the Bahamian people join Pedro Smith Chosen One as the next Prime Minister of the Bahamas.

The last thing to think about everyone thought and, including his wife, that

Barack Obama was delusional and crazy to consider himself to ever be elected as the President of the United States of America that is 60% white, 19% African Americans, 20% Hispanic, but history showed in 2008 he was elected the First African American President of the United States - it was because of the economy.

So my case is if the Bahamian people have lost faith, belief, confidence and hope in both the FNM and PLP Government are they ready and prepared for real change for their future, children and grandchildren because they want a better economy and a better Bahamas? I will ask them to join Pedro Smith who has visions, ideas and plans on how to make the Bahamian people’s lives better economically and a better future for them, their children and grandchildren. One Nation, One people, One Bahamas, One God - onward forward and upward to a better Bahamas, help is on the way soon - Pedro Smith Chosen One.

PEDRO SMITH Nassau, September 17, 2023.

Garbage in, garbage out

EDITOR, The Tribune.

WASN’T it Shakespeare that used the phase ‘much ado about nothing’? Much of the public comments these days fall in that context from the politician and picked up by the journalist and they simply repeat with zero analysis or rationale comment...garbage in garbage out!

Past Ministers have done it and today we continue for self adoration, can only be that, we deliberately seek awards and being speakers at totally immaterial functions, but we know the Nassau-based media will swallow it up and repeat it as world-breaking and of importance. How many afro-american investors have committed

to our country since 1973?

A guess might be a few bought condos, but that’s it, but how many times have successive Ministers of various importance pranced across the stage at an Award Dinner or Convention -remember launch of FIX?

J K MURPHY Nassau, September 13, 2023.

AYLANNA Brown from the US poses for photographers outside the venue for the Seoul Fashion Week in Seoul, South Korea, on September 8.

Photo: Lee Jin-man/AP

THE ROYAL Bahamas Defence Force attended a Day of Celebration at the Mall at Marathon on the occasion of Brazil’s 201st Day of Independence on September 7. Young officers led by Lieutenant Blair Bethel joined in the celebration, and Brazilian singer Ellen Oléria performed. Among those in attendance was Governor General Cynthia “Mother” Pratt.

SUSPECT OUT ON BAIL ACCUSED OF USING GUN TO MAKE THREAT

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN on bail for murder was remanded in custody yesterday after he was accused of threatening someone with a gun and failing to obey his bail conditions.

Acting Chief Magistrate

Roberto Reckley charged Nathan Rolle, 25, with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of an unlicenced firearm, possession of ammunition and six counts of violation of bail conditions.

Tonique Lewis represented the defendant.

While on release for murder and attempted murder, Rolle allegedly failed to obey his curfew or charge his monitoring device six times between February 12 and September 11.

He is accused of killing Gladstone Francis and attempting to kill Savanna Francis in Coconut Grove on June 24, 2021.

Rolle also allegedly threatened Michael

Solomon’s life with a black Austria Glock pistol on September 11.

Rolle was arrested that day around 1am after police saw him acting suspiciously at a business establishment on St Albans Drive. Police allegedly found the defendant with the same weapon he reportedly used against Solomon, along with ten rounds of .45 ammunition.

While the accused pleaded not guilty to the bail violation and gun possession charges, he was not required to enter a plea for the firearm endangerment charge. He was informed that the charge would be transferred to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

Prosecutor Sergeant Cadero Farrington objected to the defendant getting bail, citing the potential danger to the public if he is again released. Rolle was denied bail and remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

He is expected to return to court for service of his VBI on November 23.

18 MONTHS JAIL OVER

LOADED GUN

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was sentenced to 18 months in jail yesterday after he admitted to having a loaded gun last week.

Magistrate Raquel Whyms charged Jimmy Jean, 23, with possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition.

Police arrested Jean in New Providence after they found a black and silver

coloured Smith & Wesson pistol and eight unfired rounds of 9mm ammunition in his possession on September 14.

Jean faced a gun charge after he was accused of having a black Austria Glock 31 pistol last December.

After pleading guilty to his most recent charge, the defendant was sentenced to 18 months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

MAN CHARGED OVER SEX ATTACK

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A 35-YEAR-OLD man was remanded in custody yesterday after he was accused of sexually assaulting a 20-year-old woman at a business establishment last week.

Senior Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans charged Michael Sterling with rape. Sterling is accused of

having sexual intercourse with a young woman without her consent at a business establishment in the northwestern district of New Providence on September 11.

The accused was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. His matter will be moved to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment due for service on January 25, 2024.

SIBLINGS ACCUSED OF ROBBERY

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A BROTHER and sister were remanded in custody yesterday after they were accused of robbing a man at gunpoint on Bacardi Road.

Magistrate Algernon Allen, Jr, charged Ashton

Forbes, 21, and Michaela Forbes, 28, with armed robbery.

While armed with a handgun, the siblings allegedly robbed Fesnel Eltira of $250 and his $200 ZTE cellphone on Bacardi Road on September 9.

A voluntary bill of indictment will transfer their case to the Supreme Court.

Photos: RBDF

Born to be a storyteller

PATRICE Francis is known for writing, acting and producing some of the most compelling work on Bahamian culture. Her hands have touched events, shows, and documents that have brought The Bahamas’ rich history to life. We have enjoyed watching her on ZNS TV for years as the host of the popular Bahamian show Native Stew, highlighting some of the best in Bahamian talent, produced by A Derek Catalano.

Since then, we have seen Patrice Francis’ name, heard her familiar voice, or read her work on Bahamian history and culture without even realising it. She is passionate about storytelling. She artistically tells the Bahamian narrative - one of a people destined for greatness, once united in spirit to overcome its challenges.

In her latest work, Patrice strikes deep chords on issues in Bahamian society. She is the co-author of two Bahamian plays that make up a compilation of ten plays for Short Tales 2023, produced by Shakespeare in Paradise. Short Tales, which comprises the work of eight writers and ten directors - each directing one of the plays - launched last night at the Philip A

Face to Face

By FELICITY DARVILLE

Burrows Black Box Theatre, at the Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts. Patrice co-wrote two plays in Short Tales 2023 with J Ben-Hepburn: “Salt Beef” and “Rope of Hope”.

“With Salt Beef, we’re hoping people will laugh as they give serious thought to lessons of integrity that may be diluted throughout successive generations,” Patrice explained.

In the play, a young man tries to convince his grandmother to make her good ‘ole soup with salt beef for a cooking competition, while his grandmother impresses the wisdom of her generation.

In the second play, society’s grave issues are laid bare: “With Rope of Hope, hopefully people will leave remembering that crime is not some abstract collective entity, but that specific people in real homes and families are affected deeply when we choose to hurt, rather than see and help,

one another, and sometimes what can seem as a solution for all could introduce a new problem for some.”

Patrice started acting at Saint Anne’s School. She instantly found something that she deeply enjoyed. In sixth grade, at her graduation, she performed in a play in which she had a major role. Patrice says she fully enjoyed developing that character and performing. She would go on to attend the Dundas Summer Workshops between 1989 and 1991 and those experiences further deepened her love for the stage.

Patrice also enjoyed creative writing in school and loved the art of taleweaving as early as primary school. Patrice was 15 years old when she wrote her first stage play. Her church at the time, Saint Matthew’s Anglican Church, staged it a few years later. It was around this time that Patrice won a playwriting award for a national competition, and her passion was kindled. She began to seriously think of herself as a writer.

Since then, she blossomed in her path and produced work for the benefit of the posterity of her country, as well as her own self development.

With a plethora of great memories to share, Patrice points to two of the most memorable: “In 2015, my full-length play, “A Longing Fulfilled” was mounted in the Philip A Burrows (PAB) Blackbox. Directed by Erin T Knowles-McKinney, the words and themes seemed to lift off the page for audiences and that was a telling experience as a playwright. It’s the story of a bi-racial 10-year-old boy whose father has no interest in parenting although the child’s paternal grandmother is very much looking forward to having a second chance at raising a son right, even if it’s

just for the summer. The boy’s father and paternal grandmother clash on a number of occasions and it makes for interesting family dynamics that people can relate to.”

“The other ‘favourite’ work is First Comes Mourning, co-written with J Ben-Hepburn and based on an idea she had about exploring Bahamian mourning traditions. The piece began as a short tale and then was developed into a full-length with Philip A Burrows directing and helping to shape it into a piece that incorporates a chorus. It’s a song-filled, vibrant piece that holds up a mirror to us and the way we grieve and heal. It’s a testimony that Short Tales is a way of beginning what can later become full-length works by Bahamians.”

Storytelling is in Patrice’s blood. She was born in New Providence into a family of oral historians. They raised her, she says, on true stories, mild fabrications and tried-and-tested proverbs (some established and some original to them). She spent her formative years off Bilney Lane near the intersection at Mackey and Shirley Streets. Later, she and her family moved farther east but never cut ties to the old homestead and the characters who peopled the area.

Her schooling began at a kindergarten, a homeschool run by a family friend, Ms Blaine.

“I hated school,” she recalls.

“I didn’t like the structure, the routine and the unfamiliarity of it at first. At age five, I began matriculation at Saint Anne’s in Fox Hill and there remained until the fifth form (11th grade) when I graduated.”

Thereafter, Patrice enrolled in the then College

of The Bahamas to pursue an Associate’s Degree in BioChemistry. A few months after graduating, she landed a job as a lab technician in the General Science Lab. There, Patrice had an epiphany when she was writing poetry rather than dissecting the rats for an assignment. A Chemistry lecturer remarked: “Perhaps you should study journalism instead of pre-medicine”.

She mused: “It had never occurred to me to shape a career from what I enjoyed: writing and talking to people!”

Soon after, Patrice was accepted into a broadcast journalism programme at Troy State University in Southeast, Alabama. In 1997, she completed her Bachelor’s and went on to complete a Master’s in Psychology and Counseling. Her other passion, she tells me, is human behaviour and problem-solving.

“First and foremost, I’m a writer,” Patrice said.

“I’ve danced between the professions for more than two decades: journalism and psychology. I’m a trained guidance

counselor and after a considerable break, I am back in the schools teaching drama part-time at Genesis Academy.”

“In terms of writing, I create content for the stage and screen, produce video documentaries and have been working to finish a few novellas, long stories, and motivational business fables (think the genre that includes books like “Who Moved My Cheese”) for quite some time.”

Patrice explains why promoting Bahamian culture is important to her: “I grew up in a family who enjoyed being Bahamian without necessarily saying that. I felt it. I knew that being Bahamian was important. For my BJC Social Studies project, I focused on Bahamian dialect and thoroughly enjoyed sharing my findings after interviewing cultural enthusiasts such as the late James Catalyn. Submitting that project was a defining moment for me and I’ve been studying, documenting and promoting Bahamian culture ever since.”

Patrice is elated about her latest work, highlighted in Short Tales 2023, which is currently showing until September 30.

“I am so excited about what Short Tales has accomplished since its inaugural productions of 2018,” she said.

“Short Tales is an amazing incubator designed to encourage, nurture and develop Bahamian playwrights, actors, directors and technical teams. I am convinced that in years to come, we will look back and recognise that Short Tales would have significantly contributed to the development of Bahamian theatre talent. My thanks to Nicolette Bethel and Philip Burrows for their brainchild!”

The entire Short Tales 2023 production is directed by Dr Nicolette Bethel, Renee Ceasar and Dorian McKenzie. For more information, visit https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/ short-tales-2023-tickets-712195625287. To contact Patrice Francis, email patricefrancis@gmail. com.

PATRICE Francis as Doris Pinder. the Ode to Independence character she created circa 2013.

PATRICE Francis with co-author J Ben-Hepburn.

PATRICE FRANCIS

ACTION from Short Tales, showing until September 30.

Passing of famous South African veteran politician

ONE of the purposes of this column is to shed light on issues which might be inherently significant but which all too often have largely escaped the attention of the US and other media.

An example is the recent passing at the age of 95 of Mangosuthu Buthelezi, a Zulu hereditary chief who remained until his death the traditional ruler and prime minister of KwaZulu-Natal province which is home to the nation’s largest ethnic group. As such, he also played a prominent role in South Africa’s national politics for seven decades from the years following the imposition of apartheid by the Afrikaner-dominated National Party government elected in 1948.

The Peter Young column

Events in South Africa, with its population of some 60 million, are inherently important, not only because it is one of Africa’s biggest and most developed economies but also in view of its political background after the system of apartheid – also later known as separate development - legally institutionalised the country’s already existing racial segregation. So it is instructive to study the nation’s history.

According to reports, Buthelezi was granted a state funeral, which took place this past weekend, in recognition of his contribution to the fight against white-minority rule. President Cyril Ramaphosa led the tributes, calling him a formidable and outstanding leader “who had played a significant role in our country’s history”.

Despite such praise, and the fact that Buthelezi at some point served as a minister in Nelson Mandela’s first democratic African National Congress (ANC) ruling government in the 1990s, history records that, as a shrewd and controversial politician, he did not always see eye to eye with the ANC. In the early days of the imposition and implementation of apartheid, he joined the ANC when it was a liberation movement and campaigned with Mandela and others. But later he felt that the party was becoming too radical in embracing the communist teachings of Karl Marx. He gradually developed his own ideas about how to oppose white-minority rule and end apartheid, rejecting the armed struggle as well as economic sanctions which he argued would harm black South Africans most of all.

Interestingly, the British prime minister at the time, Margaret Thatcher, agreed with him about the effects of sanctions and she was, of course, isolated at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting here in Nassau in 1985

because of her stance on the issue. What people did not know at that time was that she was simultaneously corresponding directly with P W Botha, the South African president, keeping up the pressure for political change and calling repeatedly for the release of Mandela. Strictly confidential at the time, this correspondence can now be read online.

Becoming disillusioned with the ANC, Buthelezi founded the Zulu nationalist Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) in 1975. For his stance on this, his supporters believe he deserves praise as a man of peace. But others at the time insisted that the threat of violence and even civil war was the only way forward to secure real change; and history might have been very different if these threats had been ditched and Afrikaner colleagues of the then state president, F W de Klerk, had been emboldened to persuade him there was no overriding need to end apartheid and pursue his democratic reforms.

All the while, many contend that in such circumstances the then South African government were probably trying to win over Buthelezi with a view to countering the ANC – and at the British embassy, where I happened to be serving at the time, one of our tasks was to try to get alongside him to find out more about his ideas.

According to reports, there was serious conflict between the ANC and IFP for a period following Mandela’s release from prison in 1990. So it perhaps comes as no surprise that Buthelezi’s funeral has reignited controversy about his role and legacy and opened up old wounds because the evidence is that that legacy was overshadowed by political violence.

The Zulu leader’s critics say that, during the transition to multi-party democracy, an estimated 20,000 people died in violence between the ANC and IFP, and that he himself should have taken responsibility for this, not least because it is claimed that atrocities were committed in his name.

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT OFF TO A GOOD START

THE Rugby World Cup, being played in France at various venues around the country, has been underway since September 8 and will last for six weeks. The final on October 20 is due to be held at the Stade de France north of Paris, which was built for the FIFA World Cup in 1998. This Rugby World Cup was founded in 1987 and is contested every four years.

South Africa, which has won the trophy three times, are the holders after defeating England in 2019.

Twenty different countries are participating from Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania and South America, though this year neither the US nor Canada is involved. They are divided in to four pools. The teams in each pool play one another in a round-robin, with the top two in each advancing to the knockout stage. As a physically tough and demanding sport, a minimum of five rest days between matches provide time for rest and recuperation and recovery from injury. Apart from South Africa, four countries have won the trophy – New Zealand three times, Australia twice and England once.

Aficionados of the fine sport of rugby have welcomed the fact that the matches are being broadcast live on US TV channels. So far, they have provided a feast of action at the highest level of the game that has been interesting and

ARE WE REALLY IN A STATE OF CRISIS?

A DETAILED study of the UK press online this weekend confirmed earlier thoughts I have been harbouring about the age of hysteria we are apparently living in in the West when we seem to be lurching from one crisis to another. The media have labelled it a “permacrisis”.

Indeed, this is being defined in the press as an extended period of insecurity, especially one resulting from a series of catastrophic events. But does this really capture the reality of the age?

Some have even accused him of cooperating with the secret police at the time and called him “a murderous apartheid collaborator”. They also maintained that he had been exploited by the government for their own purposes. But he firmly denied being part of any violence and human rights abuses or of the IFP receiving assistance to finance hit squads. Furthermore, despite claims he supported the South African white-minority regime, Buthelezi is firmly on the record as publicly opposing and condemning apartheid while patently and consistently taking an obstructive stance against it.

Some modern historians suggest that Buthelezi had given in to the government on taking up the leadership of KwaZulu-Natal when it became one of the newly-created Bantustans or Homelands imposed on the country where black South Africans were forced to live after having been deprived of their citizenship. But, of course, he and other leaders had no choice because, at the time KwaZulu existed in the 1970s, that was all that was on offer from the white-minority government, and at least Buthelezi was able to protect the interests of his own people and build a power base for Zulus.

In summary, Buthelezi’s enemies remember him as having occupied a comfortable position of power and influence when ‘real’ campaigners were being imprisoned, exiled beaten and killed. On the other hand, his supporters say he did his best to protect his people, while working to undermine the evil regime of apartheid.

While it is clearly too soon to judge his lasting legacy, historians are already saying that Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s nearly seventy years of service showed his unfailing dedication to preserving Zulu customs and rituals at a critical juncture in South Africa’s history – and for this he is widely revered.

No one doubts that in Britain there has been a state of uncertainty and worry as a result of the upheavals created by issues like Brexit; the pandemic; climate change and severe weather; the war in Ukraine; warnings by the Bank of England of the worst and longest recession in the country’s history; unprecedented political instability with three different prime ministers in as many months; the energy squeeze; an escalating migrant problem and the cost of living crisis. Add to these the passing of The Queen and most people might say that 2022 was a somewhat grim year for Britain.

But at what point do these issues become crises rather than serious difficulties capable of resolution by an elected government which has been voted in to handle them within a well-ordered and largely peaceful society. What is more, this is a government backed by a calm and stoical people known for their collective sang-froid in facing insuperable challenges during their country’s eventful history.

In the past, it cannot be said that Britain has only had to deal with less grave issues –for example, could there be anything more serious than the threat of invasion by Nazi Germany in 1940? Or is it that with developments in IT technology – not least, of course, the internet - people are more aware of what is going on since they are, in effect, being force fed with a plethora of information, not only about their own country but in relation to the rest of the world as well? So it appears that every issue amounts to a threatening crisis. The media thrives on drama and

it indulges in hyperbole. But the general feeling seems to be that people are being led to believe – falsely, in many cases - that we are living in an era of unending political and economic chaos and constant worldwide disaster; and, yes, a ‘permacrisis’. From what I have read, there is now real concern that the current generation is not only suffering unnecessarily from all this because they are at a permanent fever pitch of hysteria and anxiety but also from what is now being termed information overload, with unlimited data easily accessible in quantities that people could find difficult to process at any one time. This invariably heightens a permanent sense of anxiety, worry and insecurity. Via the internet, people can witness disaster and suffering elsewhere in the world and be made to feel vicariously responsible in some way for other people’s misfortune - and this, of course, only increases their fears and anxiety.

If one perseveres, it is invariably productive to conduct research through Google, and the ease of doing so beats using an encyclopedia any day. There are always limitations on what people know. But the extent of their knowledge can sometimes be affected, ironically, by too much information and data that can confuse rather than clarify. In the modern age, the ready availability of information is, in effect, limitless and can sometimes be contradictory. There is simply too much of it out there and its accuracy can be dubious. So, in order to remain sane, people have to control the amount which they are exposed to. In the famous words of the American economist and writer, Thomas Sowell, “It takes considerable knowledge just to realize the extent of your own ignorance” or, more colloquially and in self-deprecatory fashion, “the more I get to know, the more I realise how little I know”.

Who can guess where all this will go as information technology changes and develops all the time? But at least use of an Internet search engine is preferable to delving in to that famous Encyclopaedia Britannica!

stimulating to watch. The stand-out feature has been the excellent performances by the traditionally weaker countries, sometimes referred to by competitive followers of rugby as the ‘minnows’, which normally experience defeat by the usually stronger teams from New Zealand – the famous All Blacks - South Africa and Australia together with the more powerful countries from the Northern Hemisphere like England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland and France.

In the pool games so far, teams from, for example, Samoa, Fiji and Portugal have played above themselves and secured surprisingly good results. Perhaps the best performance of all so far was Fiji’s win over Australia which was their first victory over the Wallabies since 1954. To many, this levelling up following massive improvement in the play of those who were considered to have little chance against the so-called “big boys” of rugby, is a welcome development that is good for the future of their sport. Meanwhile, England, who won the trophy in 2003, have gained two straight victories after several poor defeats in the warm-up matches. There should be an abundance of impressive and entertaining rugby to look forward to in the coming weeks. The best is surely yet to come!

PRINCE Mangosuthu Buthelezi pictured in 2009.

DELEGATION VISITS

COLOMBIA EVENT

A DELEGATION from

The Bahamas attended the annual STEP LATAM Conference in Bogota, Colombia, with industry experts from around the world reportedly showing strong interest in Bahamian financial services.

The Society for Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) held this year’s conference which attracted more than 420 delegates from 32 countries from around the world.

The Bahamas is gear ing up to host its own conference next year.

“There was a lot of interest in the Bahamas expressed by the delegates in Bogota and we expect a large international representation from delegates at our 2024 STEP Bahamas Conference,” said Theo Burrows, chairman of STEP Bahamas, who was in attendance in Bogota.

Don Stubbs, director of Scotia wealth management Miami, said: “The STEP LATAM conference had an awesome programme with forward thinking topics presented by world class speakers. The networking opportunities were excellent and allowed him to continue to showcase solutions that the Bahamian market can provide.”

Among the participants was Michael

Halkitis, Minister of Economic Affairs.

He said: “The Bahamas is always happy to support STEP LATAM. The Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Financial Services Unit as well as a wide range of our private sector stakeholders make it a priority to actively participate each year as we fully support STEP’s mission to advance the sector. “The financial services sector is quite important to The Bahamas as a source of employment and diverse contributor to our economy.”

Mr Halkitis added: “Our financial services industry is built on three foundational elements. The first of these elements encompass our inherent jurisdictional advantages, which refers to our proximity to the US (our main trading partner) our status as a tax-neutral nation and our political stability and relative economic success. The second core element is what we describe as measured innovation. Carefully crafted innovations like the Investment Condominiums (ICONs), the highly adaptive SMART Funds and our framework for the regulation of digital assets have positioned us as a highly competitive jurisdiction and the third element is our unparalleled local expertise”.

TEMPLE CHRISTIAN ALUMNI GATHER

TEMPLE Christian School hosted an Alumni Meet and Greet event recently.

Dr Samuel Rutherford, administrator for Temple Christian School (TCS), said: “The Alumni Meet and Greet was an excellent opportunity for TCS alumni to come together and reconnect. As an organisation, it is important for us to embrace graduates of our past classes, and we really look forward to the opportunity to bring them together again in the future and deepening the enduring connections that make Temple Christian School a family for life. As we nurture this crucial aspect of our school community, it is our hope that we can foster a stronger sense of belonging, ensuring that our school continues to be a beacon of excellence for generations to come, while collectively working to enhance our educational and community impact.“

Reverend Keno Smith, chair of the school’s board, said: “It’s moments like these that remind us why we are premier. “I believe our alumni are pivotal to our school’s success, and this event demonstrated the enduring spirit of our Temple Christian family. Reconnecting with old friends, forging new connections, and sharing memories were just some of the highlights of this unforgettable evening.”

Leah Davis, head girl and valedictorian of the TCS Class of 1997, said: “In addition to socialising, the evening provided a fantastic opportunity for networking, shedding light on the diverse industries and businesses in which our alumni are thriving. I am certain that future collaborations and ventures among our talented alumni are on the horizon, further strengthening our Temple Christian community.”

Canada expels Indian diplomat as it investigates Sikh killing

NEW DELHI Associated Press

CANADA expelled a top Indian diplomat as it investigates what Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called credible allegations its government may have had links to the assassination in Canada of a Sikh activist, an accusation that India rejected as “absurd”.

Trudeau said in Parliament on Monday that Canadian intelligence agencies have been looking into the allegations after Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a strong supporter of an independent Sikh homeland known as Khalistan, was gunned down on June 18 outside a Sikh cultural center in Surrey, British Columbia.

Trudeau told Parliament that he brought up the slaying with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Group of 20 summit last week in New Delhi. He said he told Modi that any Indian government involvement would be unacceptable and that he asked for cooperation in the investigation.

Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly said the head of Indian intelligence in Canada has been expelled as a consequence.

“If proven true this would be a great violation of our sovereignty and of the most basic rule of how countries deal with each other,” Joly said. “As a consequence we have expelled a top Indian diplomat.”

India’s foreign ministry dismissed the allegation of government involvement as “absurd and motivated.”

The ministry’s statement Tuesday added that Trudeau made similar allegations to Modi at the G20 summit.

“Such unsubstantiated allegations seek to shift the focus from Khalistani terrorists and extremists, who have been provided shelter in Canada and continue to threaten India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the statement noted, referring to a separatist movement India regards as a security threat.

The expulsion comes as relations between Canada and India are tense. Trade talks have been derailed and Canada just canceled a trade mission to India that was planned for the fall.

During a meeting with Trudeau at the G20 summit, Modi expressed “strong concerns” over Canada’s handling of the Punjabi independence movement among overseas Sikhs, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

The statement described the Sikh movement as “promoting secessionism and inciting violence” against Indian diplomats. It called on Canada to work with India on what New Delhi said is a threat to the Canadian Indian diaspora.

Canada has a Sikh population of more than 770,000, or about 2% of its total population.

“Over the past number of weeks Canadian security agencies have been actively pursuing credible allegations of a potential link between agents of the government of India and the killing of a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar,” Trudeau said.

Trudeau said Canada has declared its deep concerns to the Indian government. “Any involvement of a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is an unacceptable violation of our sovereignty.”

Trudeau said his government has been working closely and coordinating with Canada’s allies on the case.

“In the strongest possible terms I continue to urge the government of India to cooperate with Canada to get to the bottom of this matter,” he said.

Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc said Canada’s national security adviser and the head of

Canada’s spy service have travelled to India to meet their counterparts and to confront the Indian intelligence agencies with the allegations.

He called it an active homicide investigation led by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Joly said Trudeau also raised the matter with US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

“We are deeply concerned about the allegations referenced by Prime Minister Trudeau,” White House National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson.

“We remain in regular contact with our Canadian partners. It is critical that Canada’s investigation proceed and the perpetrators be brought to justice.”

Opposition New Democrat leader Jagmeet Singh, who is himself Sikh, called it outrageous and shocking. Singh said he grew up hearing stories that challenging India’s record on human rights might prevent you from getting a visa to travel there.

“But to hear the prime minister of Canada corroborate a potential link between a murder of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil by a foreign government is something I could never have imagined,” Singh said.

The Khalistan movement is banned in India, where officials see it and affiliated groups as a national security threat. But the movement still has some support in northern India, as well as beyond, in countries like Canada and the United Kingdom which are home to a sizable Sikh diaspora.

Nijjar was organizing an unofficial referendum in India for an independent Sikh state at the time of this death. Indian authorities announced a cash reward last year for information leading to Nijjar’s arrest, accusing him of involvement in an alleged attack on a Hindu priest in India.

British Columbia Premier David Eby said he’s received a briefing from Canada’s spy agency about the “assassination” of Nijjar and he’s “deeply disturbed” by what he was told.

He said he’s calling on the Canadian government to share all information related to ongoing foreign interference and “transnational organized crime threats.”

The World Sikh Organization of Canada called Nijjar an outspoken supporter of Khalistan who “often led peaceful protests against the violation of human rights actively taking place in India and in support of Khalistan.”

“Nijjar had publicly spoken of the threat to his life for months and said that he was targeted by Indian intelligence agencies,” the statement said.

Nijjar’s New York-based lawyer, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, has said Nijjar was warned by Canadian intelligence officials about being targeted for assassination by “mercenaries” before he was gunned down.

Janice Stein, a political scientist and international relations expert at the University of Toronto, said to kill a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is astounding.

“It’s tragic for Canada because we have issues of foreign interference with the two largest economies in Asia, China and India. And we have two very large diaspora from both countries. This is not what we want,” Stein said.

Indian authorities have cracked down on Sikh separatism over the years, after an armed insurgency in the 1980s for an independent Sikh state called Khalistan took off in Punjab state. A subsequent military operation killed thousands of people, according to official estimates.

CANADA Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivers a statement in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, on Monday.

Photo: Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP

UB cross country teams show ‘great improvement’

THE University of The Bahamas cross country teams had to fight through a thunderstorm weather delay to have several improved individual performances at the Keiser University Flagship Invitational at the Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach.

Lhevinne Joseph turned in the best performance across the teams and finished 50th out of 107 competitors in the men’s division with a time of 17 minutes 24.82 seconds in the 5km event.

This was a more than a minute improvement over his previous cross country performance of 18:35.9 at Florida Atlantic University on September 1. The men’s team finished 9th out of 10

teams with 253 points and the women’s team finished 11th with 318 points.

In the team event, the lower the score the better performance of the team.

Jackson Ozias finished 80th in 18:47.57.

Dennis Williamson finished in 83rd spot in 18:55.57.

Kenold Jean finished 92nd in 19.26.0 and Donya

Roberts, known more for the 400m event, took 101st spot in 21:22.73 - an almost one-minute improvement over his FAU meet performance (22:16.4).

The top five runners from each team receive a score that counts toward the team performance.

In cross country, the lower the score the better

the performance. Both teams competed in the 5k.

“Overall, it was great improvement with both teams,” head coach Ednal Rolle said. “Our top male Joseph ran a personal best by more than a minute and that was really fantastic for him being a middle-distance runner and moving over to the cross country.”

On the women’s side, Lakeicia Lewis had the best performance for UB as she finished 91st out of 121 competitors with a 23: 31.85 which represents an almost two-minute improvement over the cross country meet three weeks ago (25:54.8 at Florida Atlantic University).

Fridline Augustine took 111th spot in 26:22.42

- another two-minute improvement (28:46.9 at FAU meet); Sienna Mackey took 115th spot in 28.47.24 which is an almost fourminute improvement over 32:16.4 at the FAU meet.

Kaiya Cambridge took

116th spot in 29.02.99 and Kendera Munroe was 118th in 30:21.8.

“All of the women turned in personal bests for this meet,” coach Rolle said.

“That shows that what we have been doing is paying

off and helped them to improve.”

The women’s team amassed 318 points to finish 11th. Both teams next compete in UB Cross Country meet at TAR National Stadium on September 30.

Fiji upends Australia in Rugby World Cup boilover

SAINT-ETIENNE, France (AP) — Fiji

defeated Australia 22-15 for the first time in 69 years and sent a jolt of euphoria through the Rugby World Cup on Sunday.

A week after an agonising loss to Wales when the last pass was spilled with the tryline open, the Fijians had to win in Saint-Etienne to stay in the hunt for their first quarterfinal in 16 years. They lived to fight on while putting the heat back on Wales and Australia, who meet next Sunday. One of the trio won’t make it out of Pool C.

Famed for being rugby’s greatest ad-libbers, Fiji put the razzle-dazzle away and won in a very un-Fijian traditional way: Breakdown domination, brick-wall defence, and relentless commitment for 80 minutes.

The Fijians were disciplined, composed and clinical in a heavily defensive game of few chances.

Flanker Levani Botia and inside back Josua Tuisova led them with three turnovers each.

“I’m emotionally drained,” said Simon Raiwalui, Fiji’s coach only since February. “I couldn’t be prouder.”

This result was not on the scale of Japan beating South Africa in 2015 or that much of an upset. This result was coming. Fiji crushed the Pacific Nations Cup. It pushed France close and toppled England at Twickenham in the warmups. Fiji came to the Rugby World Cup ranked higher than pool rivals Australia and Wales, and would have beaten Wales last weekend with even an ounce of luck.

South Africa and England roll on

reserve hooker, marked his Rugby World Cup debut at the age of 36 with a try. Fourie was in the midst of the scrum that won a penalty try soon after. His display may have caused the South Africa coaches to replace injured and departed hooker Malcolm Marx with flyhalf Handre Pollard, knowing Fourie can back up their only specialist No. 2 Bongi Mbonambi ENGLAND 34, JAPAN 12

England wore down Japan and scored a bizarre try to break open a kickfest and roll to a second straight pool victory.

With Japan trailing only 13-12 nearing the hour mark in Nice, the odd try gave England breathing space.

Flyhalf George Ford’s pass glanced off prop Will Stuart’s arm backwards and ricocheted forwards off prop Joe Marler’s mohawk into the grateful hands of captain Courtney Lawes who walked in between the posts. Ford’s conversion made it 20-12.

Moments later, Japan cut through England’s defence but knocked on with the line in sight and momentum was lost.

Fiji has time to celebrate its first win over Australia since 1954 in Sydney. It has a two-week break before meeting Georgia, then finishes against Portugal.

SOUTH AFRICA 76

ROMANIA 0

All of South Africa’s plans came together. The first objective was achieved in a thumping win with hat tricks by scrumhalf

WORLD-RECORD HURDLER AMUSAN’S WHEREABOUTS CASE HEADS TO THE COURT OF ARBITRATION FOR SPORT

By EDDIE PELLS AP National Writer

ANTI-doping regulators are appealing a decision that exonerated world-record hurdler Tobi Amusan from a violation for missing drug tests that could have cost her a year or more out of the sport.

The Athletics Integrity Unit said yesterday it filed its appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport last week.

The AIU provisionally suspended Amusan for missing three tests in the span of a year, but an appeals panel overturned the suspension, which allowed her to compete earlier this summer at world championships, where she finished sixth.

“I’m here competing and that’s all that matters.

Next,” she said, in a testy series of exchanges with reporters after the opening heats, when she was repeatedly asked whether the uncertainty had bothered her.

On Sunday, the Nigerian hurdler closed out the Diamond League season with a victory at the Prefontaine Classic.

On the same track in Eugene, Oregon, at worlds in 2022, Amusan shocked fans by running a world record 12.12 seconds in the 100 hurdles in the semifinal round. She won the gold in a time of 12.06 that did not go into the record books because the tailwind was too strong.

Two months ago, she took to social media to announce she had been accused of a so-called whereabouts violation.

Cobus Reinach and wing Makazole Mapimpi among 12 tries without reply in Bordeaux.

The defending champions had the first four of their tries and a bonus point inside 12 minutes, and Reinach’s third try in the 24th minute just missed breaking his own record for the fastest hat trick at the Rugby World Cup. He set that four years ago with

three in 20 minutes against Canada. Away from the convincing result, South Africa also made big gains with a series of experiments. At least one of them might have a significant impact for the business end of the tournament, starting with South Africa’s next pool game, a huge showdown with top-ranked Ireland next weekend.

Ireland showed it’s ready by mauling Tonga 59-16 on Saturday.

One of the experiments to play four scrumhalves went well. Grant Williams, a scrumhalf on the wing, collected two tries. Faf de Klerk, yet another scrumhalf, came on as flyhalf and ran the backline for the last 24 minutes.

And Deon Fourie, a flanker who switched to

England’s third try soon followed, when Ford’s crosskick was caught by fullback Freddie Steward who twisted into the corner. Good work from right winger Jonny May finished with centre Joe Marchant going over for the bonuspoint fourth try.

Coach Steve Borthwick’s England is not playing well and kicking too much, but is in pole position to win Pool D.

WORLD CUP

FROM PAGE 16

Lineups:

Italy: Ange Capuozzo, Lorenzo Pani, Juan Ignacio Brex, Paolo Garbisi, Montanna Ioane, Tommaso Allan, Alessandro Garbisi, Lorenzo Cannone, Michele Lamaro (captain), Sebastian Negri, Federico Ruzza, Niccolò Cannone, Marco Riccioni, Giacomo Nicotera, Danilo Fisichetti. Reserves: Luca Bigi, Federico Zani, Pietro Ceccarelli, Dino Lamb, Manuel Zuliani, Giovanni Pettinelli, Alessandro Fusco, Paolo Odogwu.

Elite athletes have to provide detailed logs of where they’ll be during parts of each day so they can be approached for “no-notice” tests. Those who miss three tests in the

span of the year can be sanctioned. Her suspension was lifted just before the championships, where AIU chair David Howman said an appeal to CAS was

possible. Howman said the decision that cleared Amusan left AIU with “some concern that it might set a precedent that would make it difficult for future cases.”

Uruguay: Baltazar Amaya, Gaston Mieres, Tomas Inciarte, Andres Vilaseca (captain), Nicolas Freitas, Felipe Etcheverry, Santiago Arata; Manuel Diana, Santiago Civetta, Manuel Ardao, Manuel Leindekar, Felipe Aliaga, Ignacio Peculo, German Kessler, Mateo Sanguinetti. Reserves: Guillermo Pujadas, Facundo Gattas, Diego Arbelo, Ignacio Dotti, Carlos Deus, Agustin Ormaechea, Felipe Berchesi, Bautista Basso.

URUGUAY’S FELIPE ALIAGA, top, catches the ball during the Rugby World Cup Pool A match between France and Uruguay at the Pierre Mauroy stadium in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, near Lille, France, on September 14. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

TOBI AMUSAN, of Nigeria, competes in a women’s 100-metres hurdles semifinal during the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, on August 23. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

UNIVERSITY of the Bahamas Mingoes athletes in action at Keiser University Flagship Invitational in West Palm Beach.

JAZZ CHISHOLM FOUNDATION LITTLE LEAGUE TO START THIS SATURDAY

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN Major League Baseball (MLB) star

Jasrado

“Jazz”

Chisholm Jr and his foundation will begin the Jazz Chisholm Foundation Little League starting next Saturday.

The Miami Marlins centre fielder has not only made his mark on the field but also within the community.

The Little League will continue from September 23 to December 3 and host up to 300 kids teaching them the fundamentals of baseball at a young age.

Chisholm Jr expressed his excitement towards being able to bring his latest charitable initiative to life.

“We are very excited about this right now. It is like a childhood dream coming through to help the kids that do not have it. We do not really have it like how they have it in the United States so we are really trying to make it fair for our kids and some kids that really need help in South Florida,” he said.

The Little League will take place at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex and will afford kids the opportunity to play more baseball than they are accustomed to during the fall season.

Geron Sands, co-founder of International Sports Academy and the league’s commissioner, described Chisholm Jr’s desire to give back to his home country.

“This is an historic event for Jazz to actually be giving back to his country where he came from to try

FIBA

FROM PAGE 16

Canada soared nine spots to No. 6 in the world after winning that bronze, and Latvia — which made the quarterfinals of its first World Cup — climbed 22 spots to No. 8. The top 10 teams are the US, Spain, Germany,

ACES SWEEP SKY IN FIRST ROUND, LYNX FORCE GAME 3

LAS VEGAS (AP) —

A’ja Wilson scored a playoff career-high 38 points to help the defending-champion Las Vegas Aces finish off a first-round sweep of the Chicago Sky with a 92-70 victory on Sunday.

The Aces, who beat Chicago 87-59 in the first game of the best-of-3 series, will play either the No. 4 seed Dallas Wings or the fifthseeded Atlanta Dream in the semifinals. Game 1 will be played in Las Vegas next Sunday. The Wings lead their series 1-0 with Game 2 tonight in Dallas. Wilson sank 15 of 23 shots from the floor and made 8 of 10 from the free-throw line. She added 16 rebounds for her first double-double this postseason after notching six in last year’s championship run — and three steals. Jackie Young pitched in with 15 points, six assists, five rebounds and three steals. Alysha Clark totalled 14 points and six boards, while Kelsey Plum scored 10.

Kahleah Copper had 25 points and 10 rebounds to lead Chicago. Dana Evans came off the bench to score 22.

LYNX 82, SUN 75

to help the entire country. “It is not just a particular place, it’s everywhere he wants to help and give back and to give young kids the exposure he did not have when he was coming up here in Nassau,” he said.

Despite the Little League being the latest project for the foundation, one of the organisers Kim Sweeting said there is more

Australia (which slipped one spot to No. 4), World Cup silver medallist Serbia (which climbed one spot to No. 5), Canada, Argentina (down three spots to No. 7 after not even making the World Cup field), Latvia, France (down four spots to No. 9) and Lithuania (down four spots to No. 10). The biggest climber in the rankings after the World Cup

Federation boasts ‘vibrant’ beach volleyball programme

FROM PAGE 16

“The beach training also gives us an idea who can also play volleyball indoors. But with beach volleyball, there’s less people to play on a team and while we have a few players on the senior circuit, we want to get our junior programme going.

“It’s a lot more fun to play, but we hope that we can sustain this programme at least once a week on Saturday to put the resources in place.”

Sabbatini, who will leave town today for St Lucia for one year for another programme, said he was glad to implement the training programme for beach volleyball and he hopes that the BVF will continue it.

“Most of the time when I leave, the programme stops, but you have some very good players and they need the programme to continue so that they can develop,” Sabbatini said. “There are a lot of technical aspects of the game that they have to work on.”

Sabbatini said he enjoyed his experience here in the Bahamas, especially with the facilities at the Beach Soccer complex. He said

the Bahamas also has some excellent players who can excel in the sport.

Pratt sisters Sternesha Pratt, 16, and Sterniah, 14, both students of Leadership Academy and Andiel Bowleg, a 16-year-old student of Aquinas College, were among some of the female players who indicated that they enjoyed the experience.

As an aspiring actress who speaks Spanish fluently, and participates in ballet, gymnastics and hip hop, Sternesha said she’s excited to branch out into another sport.

“I am very tired, and I can’t wait to go into my mother’s car to drink some water and when I go home, I am going to go to sleep,” said Sternesha, in a Spanish translation.

The 12th grader said as a former track athlete who also plays the piano, she was aways interested in learning something new and when the opportunity presented itself, she decided to test her skills in beach volleyball.

“Before I came here, I thought I was good in volleyball, but when the coaches took us through the training sessions, they really humbled me,” she said.

to come. “I am so proud to be a part of this team to watch the whole thing evolve from where Geron and Albert have started… our team here, the people that are working on this end in The Bahamas make this foundation a huge success,” Sweeting said. She added that as 2023 comes to an end, there are plans to host toy drives, a

was South Sudan, which was No. 63 in the world before the tournament and moved up 32 spots to No. 31. South Sudan qualified for the Paris Olympics after ending the World Cup as the best finisher from Africa at the tournament. “This team is a beam of light, like I keep on saying,” South Sudan coach Royal Ivey said

baseball camp, fishing tournament and fun day.

The foundation aims to provide equipment and resources to youth in baseball and softball leagues, incorporate financial literacy education into various programmes, and support mission-aligned non-profit organisations.

For more information on the Little League set

after his team clinched the Olympic berth in Manila. “We’re bringing unity, camaraderie, love and friendship to this country.”

Latvia was the secondbiggest climber, rising 22 spots, and Cape Verde — which got a win at the World Cup — improved its ranking 19 spots to No. 46.

“We made a statement,” Cape Verde’s Will Tavares,

for this week Saturday, log onto: www.jazzchisholmfoundation.org

The 25-year-old Miami Marlins star, along with the members of the foundation, are grateful for all the continued support they have received from the public and various sponsors in their latest community initiative.

a Rhode Island-born forward, said after the World Cup win. “Even though we’re the smallest country, we have so much heart.”

There are 159 men’s teams in the FIBA rankings. USA Basketball also is ranked No. 1 in the other three sets of rankings maintained by FIBA — women, boys and girls, all by wide margins.

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (AP) — Kayla McBride scored 28 points and Napheesa Collier added 26 points and 13 rebounds as the Lynx beat the Sun to force a deciding Game 3 of their first-round playoff series.

Alyssa Thomas scored 26 points and DeWanna Bonner added 24 for the No. 3 seeded Sun, who won the first game of the series by 30 points, but now must win a road game on Wednesday to advance.

The Lynx led by six points at halftime and stretched that to 16 with the help of a 12-0 run in the third quarter, highlighted by the fifth of McBride’s six 3-pointers. Her layup made it 65-49. But the Sun responded with a run of their own and trailed only by 65-60 headed into the fourth quarter.

A 3-pointer from Bonner cut the lead to 76-73 with 2 1/2 minutes to play, but the Lynx made several big defensive stops and scored the next six points to put the game away.

“On my first day here, I barely could pass the ball back to the coach.

“But after coming here for the past month, I really improved. Now I am able to pass the ball back to the coach and I can hear ‘good job Sternesha’ from the coach. I was able to pass the ball to my team-mates.

I really learned how to be consistent.”

Her younger sister, Sterniah Pratt, who is now in the 10th grade, said she decided to come out because when she started playing four years ago, she enjoyed it. “It’s been good, but it’s been tiring playing in the sand,” she said.

“The first time I got here, I thought I was good, but as I started to practice, I realised that I got better.”

She noted that as long as she stays focused and concentrates more on her serving, she will eventually get better.

Bowleg, a native from Andros, came to the camp with the hopes of improving her game since she started playing from grade ten.

She’s now in grade 12 and she hopes that what she was taught will enable her to become a better player.

“Out here is very hot and you get tired running in the sand,” Bowleg said. “I have to work more on my overhand serving. But I’m looking forward to playing at the national level.”

For his attendance in just about every training session, Leroy Tre Moncur, a

16-year-old 11th grader of St Andrew’s School, got a special gift from coaches

Sabbatini and Greene.

Moncur, who started playing volleyball in the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools, said as the captain of the Hurricanes’ senior boys’ team, when his coach Rachel Knowles told him about the programme, he decided to come out and

participate. “It’s been an excellent experience. I learned a lot in and off the court,” Moncur said.

“Coach Sabbatini and Greene have both been excellent volleyball mentors in how to play volleyball.

“Beach has overall been a different experience and it has allowed me to improve my game, digging, receiving, spiking, everything on the court.”

FROM left are coach Augusto Sabbatini, Aidan Knowles, Xavier Cooper, Tre Moncur, Nrosnan D’Arville, Joshua Adderley and coach Kurkwood Greene Sr.

GERON SANDS, second from right, co-founder of International Sports Academy, with Albert Cartwright, second from left, and organisers of the Jazz Chisholm Foundation Little League.

SISTERS Sheniah and Sternesha Pratt with coaches Augusto Sabbatini and Kurkwood Greene Sr.

Women’s national soccer team to host Grenada on Wednesday

FROM PAGE 16

As a backdrop with the slogan: “Women, who win,” James said she’s delighted to be in the role during a monumental stage as they mark a new chapter in women’s soccer in the country as it embodies a spirit, resilience and determination.

“Our team, which stands as a beacon of hope, talent and perseverance, resonates perfectly with our mantra women, who win and indeed every stride that they take on the field, every goal they aim for and every challenge they overcome, they do so as winners.

“However, this moment is not just about participating. It’s about showing the tenacity, talent and spirit of Bahamian women. It’s about breaking barriers, setting benchmarks and inspiring the next generation to dream even bigger.”

James expressed her gratitude to all who have been a part of the women’s journey, including the players, coaching staff and unsung heroes behind the scenes, they have arrived, and they wish that their fans will rally around and provide the support needed for the women’s team to win.

Head coach Ricqea Bain said the team’s dedication and energy resonates with their slogan and they have to go out on Wednesday and accomplish their goal of winning.

Bain, a former coach of the junior national team, said they will field a team

that includes seven high school players, two of whom are based in the United States, along with a core group between the ages of 20-23 and two players between the ages of 28 and 29.

“It was easy to get them together because locally we play on one league, so we were already meshed together and it was just a matter of bringing everyone together to play at the same time,” Bain said.

In reference to playing at home, Bain said she’s elated. “We’ve been doing this for a while, but we keep stopping at the youth 17 age, so it’s awesome for us to be home to celebrate that we are going to play

our first game at home and win at home.”

With the team assembled, Bain said she’s confident that they can beat Grenada and will make everybody at home proud of their accomplishments.

“This is just the beginning of our journey, so there’s no pressure to go out there and win,” Bain said. “We know what we can do and what we won’t do in the next couple of months because this is a competition that is here to stay.”

Two of the players on the team, returning home from college, were Melina McClure and Rachel Rolle.

McClure, a 19-year-old goalkeeper, said they are electrified to be in this

position to represent the country. She noted that they have been training really hard and have a game plan that they hope to execute as they forge ahead to success.

The University of Colorada, Colorado Springs sophomore noted that she’s excited about playing at home. “So many people dream of this happening to them and to have this kind of impact on everyone, especially for future generations of players, so I think we’re all ecstatic,” she said.

On the team selection, McClure said they couldn’t have put together such a line-up.

“I see the improvement, even just over the last few months,” she pointed out.

“I think we are strong. I see our game plan that we have, and I think we can make it pretty far personally. I have very high hopes.”

And Rolle, 20, said while there are no words to describe their participation in the games, they are prepared to put their best foot forward, literally and fugitively as they do their best and play their game.

“I’m extremely excited to be back at home,” said Rolle, a sophomore at Allen University in Colombia, South Carolina. “Not only excited, but I’m also honoured to come back to play for my team, to showcase our talent as a group and to show our country what we can do as a team.”

STEELERS BEAT BROWNS 26-22

By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer

PITTSBURGH (AP)

— T.J. Watt scooped up a fumble by DeShaun Watson and ran 17 yards for the go-ahead touchdown midway through the fourth quarter, and the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Cleveland Browns 26-22 last night in a game overshadowed by a serious knee injury to Cleveland star running back Nick Chubb.

The Steelers (1-1) beat the Browns (1-1) for the 20th straight time at home in the regular season when outside linebacker Alex Highsmith — who returned an interception for a touchdown on the game’s first snap — beat Cleveland left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. off the edge and chopped the ball out of Watson’s hands.

Watt picked it up and raced home as Pittsburgh extended its home winning streak on Monday night to 21 straight dating to 1991. Cleveland allowed an opponent to score two defensive touchdowns for the first time since

Pittsburgh did it on October 16, 1983.

The Browns played most of the final three quarters without Chubb, who was carted off the field with what appeared to be his second major left knee injury. He suffered a dislocation and three torn ligaments while in college at Georgia.

Chubb took a handoff from Watson early in the second quarter and reached the Pittsburgh 3 when Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick dove at Chubb’s legs. The fourtime Pro Bowler’s left leg bent awkwardly underneath him as he rolled over Fitzpatrick, with his knee being pushed one way while the rest of his body went another.

The injury was so disturbing to watch that a replay was shown just once inside the stadium, and ESPN declined to show replays on its telecast. Players on both teams knelt in prayer while Chubb was tended to by medical personnel. Chubb, respected by his teammates because, as

former quarterback Jacoby Brissett put it, “he’s an AllPro and acts like he’s on the practice squad,” was taken off on a cart.

Jerome Ford, Chubb’s replacement, ran for 106 yards and caught a 3-yard touchdown pass for the Browns, but Cleveland’s miscues cost it a chance to win at Pittsburgh in the regular season for the first time since 2003. The Browns beat the host Steelers in the playoffs after the 2020 season.

Watson completed 22 of 40 for 235 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He was also flagged twice for unsportsmanlike conduct for grabbing the facemask of a Steeler while running. The penalties cut a pair of promising drives short.

The Browns were penalised eight times for 81 yards and turned it over four times, two of which ended with one member of the best edge-rusher tandems in the NFL celebrating in

the end zone. The Steelers avoided their first 0-2 start since 2019 even though their offence continued to sputter. Kenny Pickett connected on 15 of 30 passes for 222 yards, a third of them coming on a 71-yard catch-and-run touchdown by George Pickens in the second quarter that briefly brought the Acrisure Stadium crowd to life.

Cleveland still appeared to be in good position when Ford raced 69 yards to set up a 1-yard dive by Pierre Strong that put the Browns ahead 22-19 midway through the third quarter.

Pittsburgh’s offence did next to nothing for most of the second half, leading to chants from the crowd to fire coordinator Matt Canada. Highsmith’s bull rush off the edge and Watt’s scoop-and-score bailed the Steelers out.

UP NEXT Browns: Host Tennessee (1-1) next Sunday.

Steelers: At Las Vegas (1-1) next Sunday, when they will try to beat the Raiders on the road for the first time since 1995.

SAINTS SHUT DOWN PANTHERS IN 20-17 WIN

By STEVE REED AP Sports Writer

CHARLOTTE, N.C.

(AP) — Tony Jones Jr is making the most of his elevation from the Saints’ practice squad, while Chris Olave continues to make plays for unbeaten New Orleans. Jones ran for two touchdowns, rookie Blake Grupe kicked two field goals and the Saints beat the Carolina Panthers 20-17 last night, improving to 2-0 for the first time since 2013.

Jones replaced the injured Jamaal Williams late in the first half and ran for 34 yards on 12 carries.

“It was awesome,” Saints coach Dennis Allen said. “He was great. We ran the ball effectively. I think we blocked it up front and he made the right cuts. You know, two touchdowns on the game. It was big for him and big for us.”

The Saints’ defence did the rest, holding Panthers rookie Bryce Young to 153

yards passing in his home debut. New Orleans limited Carolina (0-2) to 239 yards and sacked Young, the top overall pick in the draft, four times.

“They play hard and very physical,” Young said. “They know exactly where they are supposed to be, and the play well together. Obviously we didn’t do enough offensively. ... Their defense definitely got the best of us.”

The Saints nearly made it two full games without allowing a touchdown before giving up a 3-yard scoring toss from Young to Adam Thielen with 1:16 left in the game. Young’s 2-point conversion pass to Thielen got the Panthers within three, but the Saints recovered the onside kick and ran out the clock.

Derek Carr, who threw for 305 yards in the Saints’ Week 1 win over Tennessee, struggled early. He had a badly underthrown interception into triple coverage and missed several other open receivers

as the Saints limped into the locker room at halftime with a 6-3 lead.

But Carr improved in the second half.

He found Olave, who made the play of the game when hauled in a diving one-handed grab along the left sideline late in the third quarter for a 42-yard gain. That set up Jones’ 2-yard touchdown run to give the Saints a 13-6 lead.

“When things aren’t quite going exactly the way you want it to, you’re just one explosive play away from making something happen,” Allen said. “I thought his concentration there and focus all the way through the catch point and to the ground maintaining possession was a progress for him.”

Olave had another short grab leading to Jones’ second TD with about three minutes to play. He finished with six catches for 86 yards. Carr finished with 228 yards passing and the one pick.

“There’s so much that we have to clean up,” he said, “but it feels good to get to do it when we’re 2-0.”

The Saints pulled even with unbeaten Atlanta and Tampa Bay atop the NFC South, while the Panthers fell into an early hole.

Young spent a good portion of the night under pressure as the offensive line struggled. Carolina couldn’t get much going in the running game; Miles Sanders was limited to 43 yards rushing. The Panthers’ offensive night was marred by miscues, penalties and mental errors.

In the third quarter, the Panthers brought in Young’s backup, Andy Dalton, presumably to run a quarterback sneak on fourth-and-inches. But before Dalton could take his first snap of the season, guard Cade Mays jumped offside. Eddy Pineiro bailed out the offense with a 54-yard field goal, one of his three on the night. The Panthers had a chance to

On the team selected, Rolle, who played on the national team for four years, said she’s confident in everyone’s ability as they go out and dominate their group.

Adam Miller, a sports officer in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, said they fully support the women’s national team in their journey through the Gold Cup.

“It’s really important to have this national team being able to compete at home,” he said. “It provides people an opportunity to see women’s football and the potential and growth that it has over the years and the future for the sport.

“One of the mandates for the ministry is about growing the game for all and I think having a women’s national team being able to compete at an international level is vital for that vision. So, it’s really good to see that the Bahamas Football Association is setting a mandate again and setting a standard for women’s international representation.”

Entry fee for the game on Wednesday is $20 for adults and $5 for children under the age of 13.

The women’s team follows on the heels of the men’s national team, which has already started playing in the CONCACAF Nations League.

Playing out of League B and Group D, the Bahamas lost 6-1 to Puerto Rico on September 6 and 3-2 to Guyana on September 12 in their first two games played.

Dolphins hold off Patriots 24-17

By KYLE HIGHTOWER AP Sports Writer

FOXBOROUGH,

Mass.

(AP) — Tua Tagovailoa has heard a lot during his NFL career about his shortcomings. Beating the New England Patriots isn’t one of them.

Raheem Mostert had a pair of TD runs, including a 43-yard romp in the fourth quarter, and Tagovailoa added a 2-yard touchdown pass to Tyreek Hill to help the Miami Dolphins hold off the Patriots 24-17 on Sunday night.

With the the victory, Tagovailoa improved to 5-0 against New England coach Bill Belichick.

“It’s never a me thing,” Tagovailoa said. “Every time we face coach Belichick’s team it’s always a challenge, and we know we’re going to get their best. … We’re going to take them however they come.”

tie the game just before halftime while facing thirdand-6 at the Saints 18, but Carl Granderson sacked Young and forced a fumble that Paulson Adaebo recovered.

“We wanted to be able to stop the run and make it where he was going to have to beat us throwing the ball,” Allen said. “I felt like we might be able to get some pressure and make him uncomfortable a little bit.”

Panthers coach Frank Reich knew there would be some growing pains with a rookie quarterback, but he thinks his offense is showing signs of breaking out despite totaling 27 points in two games.

“It’s not that far away,” Reich said. “I know it looks bad, but it’s not that far away. You make a few plays and you’re at 28 points.”

UP NEXT Saints: At Green Bay on Sunday. Panthers: At Seattle on Sunday.

Mostert carried 18 times for 121 yards and Tagovailoa completed 21 of 30 passes for 249 yards and an interception. Jaylen Waddle added four catches for 86 yards before leaving in the fourth quarter following a hit by Marte Mapu.

After opening with two road wins, the Dolphins will try for their second straight 3-0 start under coach Mike McDaniel when they host Denver next weekend.

New England dropped to 0-2 for the first time since 2001, which was Belichick’s second season as coach.

Trailing 24-17, the Patriots appeared to keep their hopes alive by converting a miraculous fourth-and-4 on the Dolphins 33.

Mac Jones completed a pass to Mike Gesicki short of the first down marker, but the tight end spun and flipped the ball to left guard Cole Strange, who lunged forward.

It was originally called a first down, but a review showed Strange was short of the needed yardage, turning the ball over on downs. Miami then ran the clock out. Jones finished 31 of 42 for 231 yards, a touchdown and interception.

ANYA JAMES, third from right, the first woman to serve as president of the Bahamas Football Association, as they announced the CONCACAF Women’s Road to Gold Cup. The journey for the women will begin on Wednesday when they host Grenada at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium at 7pm.

PITTSBURGH Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt celebrates in the end zone after recovering a fumble by Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson and returning it for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game last night in Pittsburgh.

(AP Photo/Matt Freed)

Prince has a purpose

FOR Sherlock Prince, teaching at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) is not simply a job. He teaches with purpose and passion. One conversation with him makes it clear that his love for students is deep rooted.

The BTVI Story

It’s been over two decades since Mr Prince joined the BTVI team on Grand Bahama, having taught many courses ranging from Entrepreneurship, Economics and Mathematics to Marketing and Human Resources Management.

In fact, back in 2018, Mr Prince was instrumental in then BTVI student, Curlene Bain, being awarded one of 14 grants by the government to start businesses. As one of the requirements of the class was a business plan, Ms Bain approached Mr Prince to help turn that class project into a submission for the government programme.

“Mr Prince wanted something real. It was not a halfway plan. I’m impressed with that. I had the direction of Mr Prince and could call on him,” said Ms Bain.

It is such experiences that have resonated with students over the years and continue to do so to the point that at the 2023 Grand Bahama commencement ceremony, Mr Prince received the 2022-2023 Faculty of the Year Award, having received the honour based on student votes.

“Honestly it was unexpected. What we do as instructors is not for recognition. We do it as a call. Getting an award was just icing on the cake. I am honoured to even be considered. It serves as motivation to press harder. On the other hand, award or not, I’m always striving for a higher level,” said Mr Prince.

Questioned as to what is most fulfilling about his duties as an instructor, Mr Prince said seeing his students grow.

“Being able to see your students develop a love for subjects with which they previously had a shaky relationship is most fulfilling. Like many others in this field, I got lucky in doing what I love. That’s my motivation,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Mr Prince also assists with recruitment for Grand Bahama and the Family Islands. He sees his experience as an instructor as a plus in recruitment efforts.

“It’s my secret weapon. I garner a lot of insightful information from listening to students in the classroom; that’s my research apparatus. It allows me to tailor every presentation differently to meet the specific needs of every school or organisation I visit,” said Mr Prince.

“I think of BTVI as a foundational pillar for the island, not only for industrial companies, but for all Grand Bahama. In fact, there are few companies or government departments our tentacles have not penetrated. While we still have plenty of work to do, the magic lies in the dedication of our staff and faculty. I am only effective because of the unparalleled support of the entire team,” he said.

• The BTVI Story is a bi-weekly column which highlights the who, what and why of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), a tertiary institution where individuals ‘Discover the Possibilities’ related to various trades. The column is produced by BTVI’s Office of Public Relations.

BACK TO SCHOOL MAGIC FROM DISNEY

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Education Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

Disney Cruise Line donated school supplies to nearly 1,000 students in Abaco and Exuma.

Some Family Island students headed back to school with new supplies donated by Disney Cruise Line as part of its commitment to inspire the next generation while creating lasting, positive impact in The Bahamas.

Nearly 1,000 students across Abaco, near Disney Castaway Cay, and in Eleuthera, where Disney is

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

creating a new island destination at Lighthouse Point received supplies for the new school year.

Joey Gaskins, Public Affairs Director, Disney Cruise Line said that the company is proud to donate the textbooks and supplies that the students need to be successful this school year.

He said: “Disney Cruise Line is proud to donate school supplies and textbooks to local students, meeting their critical needs and helping to prepare them for the new school year ahead.

“For many years, we have engaged in back-to-school

A WARM WELCOME

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Education Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

KING’S College School

welcomed students back for the 2023/2024 school year this month and is offering a host of co-curricular programmes. Students can choose classic activities such as basketball, soccer, swimming with Black Marlins, running club, debating, fashion

design, newspaper, choir and chess. Or they can opt for groups such as recreational racquets, nature journaling, social media ambassadors, ultimate frisbee, magic, stop-motion animation, Lego and Bee-Bot Robotics and oculus club.

Matteo Rossetti, principal at King’s College School said: “We invested $50m in our campus, and we really have built our campus over the last year and a

initiatives to inspire and empower young people across The Bahamas to be successful in school and in life.”

This summer, Disney Imagineering cast and Castaway Cay crew

members helped sort, pack and distribute school supplies during various events throughout the communities. In Eleuthera, Disney Imagineers visited several schools to deliver supplies

as well as textbooks and academic workbooks to students.

Earlier this month, Castaway Cay crew members filled hundreds of backpacks with school supplies for students in Abaco.

DYMANI Scott graduated from St Augustine’s College with Honours. He received numerous awards including the leadership award for serving as president of the student council and the Physical Education award. He is currently attending St John’s University to obtain a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise and Health Science and pursue a career in physiotherapy.

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

half. We have a ten-acre campus designed by South African architects. It’s a beautiful place, very open, airy classrooms, incredible science laboratories, and a performing arts area which is includes dance studio,

music studio and drama studio.

“We have art rooms with ceramic kilns and also outdoors a football pitch, tennis courts which are multi use, paddle courts and a 25m swimming pool.”

Mr Rosetti said the school has partnered with local groups such as the Black Marlins swim club to open the campus to students that do not attend the school.

Last year, Kings College

introduced students to the Inspired AI learning platform which resulted in a 9.2 percentage point increase in academic performance among students who used the platform.

Mr Rosetti said the learning platform examines the strengths and weaknesses of students and formulates an individualised learning plan.

BAHAMAS Technical and Vocational Institute’s (BTVI) associate vice president of the Northern Bahamas and Family Islands, Veronica Collie presents the 2022-2023 Faculty of the Year Award to Sherlock Prince.

Photo: BTVI

SPORTS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2023

FEDERATION BOASTS ‘VIBRANT’

BEACH VOLLEYBALL PROGRAMME

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

AFTER an intense month of training sessions that was completed on Saturday, the Bahamas Volleyball Federation feels it is better equipped to move forward with a vibrant beach volleyball programme.

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

With Anya James as the first woman serving at the helm as president as well, the Bahamas Football Association announced the CONCACAF Women’s Road to Gold Cup.

The journey for the women will begin on Wednesday when they host Grenada at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium beginning at 7pm before they head to Grenada to play on Sunday at 4pm.

Playing out of League C and Group C, the Bahamas will only have to play one other team, the US Virgin Islands, whom they will travel to play in October and host here in November, according to the BFA’s technical director Bruce Swan.

“It has been a struggle over the years since most of our players, after finishing high school, would have moved on to university and colleges,” Swan said.

or the first time in about three decades, the Bahamas senior women’s national soccer team will get a chance to compete on the international stage just like their male counterparts.“It’s important for the growth of women from the Bahamas to play the game beyond university and the decision was taken to enter into the women’s Gold Cup.”

The winner of their Group will advance to play the winner of Group B to determine who will move

on. Only one team will advance from the Group to the Gold Cup.

In their quest to advance, the BFA named the following players to the team:

Raynia Russell and Melina McClure (goalkeepers), Diane Maillis, Brianna Capron, Tyra McKenzie, Samina Moss, Edissa Bain, Dalexis Huyler, Angel

Williams, Liah Rae Tucker, Jada Thelamour, Demitra McClure, Kyrah Miller, Janeka Edey, Giselle Laing, Jodei Clarke, Karen Wert, Rachel Rolle, Megan

Uruguay looks to experience against Italy at Rugby World Cup

NICE, France (AP) — Uruguay is looking to one of its most experienced players as it prepares to take on Italy at the Rugby World Cup.

Wing Gaston Mieres has been named in the starting lineup for Wednesday’s crucial clash, one of only two changes from the team that impressed in a 27-12 loss to France in their World Cup opener.

With New Zealand also in Pool A, the best Italy and Uruguay are likely to achieve is third place and a direct spot at the next World Cup.

Uruguay has never won more than one match during any World Cup, but a win against Italy would go a long way toward ending that streak as it also has Namibia left to play.

The 33-year-old Mieres has played more than 80 times for his country and this is his third World Cup.

Hooker German Kessler, who will also be playing in his third World Cup, is the only other change to the

lineup that went toe-to-toe at times against France last week in an unexpectedly ferocious battle.

Italy coach Kieran Crowley has made four changes to the team that beat Namibia 52-8 in their opener in a scoreline that flattered the Azzurri.

Crowley has brought in Marco Riccioni, Niccolò Cannone, Alessandro Garbisi and Lorenzo Pani, with the latter making his World Cup debut.

But perhaps the biggest surprise is moving Paolo Garbisi — Alessandro’s older brother — from flyhalf to centre. It will be Garbisi’s first ever test match as No. 12.

That allows Ange Capuozzo to play in his best position as fullback, while Tommaso Allan returns to flyhalf.

“We worked well during the week. We are in a World Cup, every match has its importance, its difficulties and its history,” Crowley said. “The preparation for the match

ITALY’S TOMMASO ALLAN, left, runs for a try as Namibia’s Johan Deysel tries to stop him during the Rugby World Cup Pool

against Uruguay was good. We will be focused on our performance.”

The Azzurri start with two sets of brothers in a World Cup game for the

SEE PAGE 12

Wood, Valtrinique Simmons, Taleah Thompson, Hadassah Knowles and Kaitlyn Rolle.

SEE PAGE 14

The BVF hosted a weekly training session at the Bahamas Football Association’s Beach Soccer facilities at the foot of the Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge. The sessions were conducted by visiting coach Augusto Sabbatini and local coach Kurkwood Greene.

Sabbatini, a Brazilian coach with 31 years of experience, spent the past three months in the Bahamas working with the men’s and women’s national volleyball teams before they participated in the NORCECA Tournament in Suriname in August before he concluded his trip with beach soccer.

The emphasis for the beach soccer training sessions was to prepare the youth, junior and under-23 players to participate in a series of international tournaments next year.

A total of 29 players, including 14 females and 15 males between the ages of 14-21, participated in the training sessions, which were conducted on Saturday mornings.

Greene, the vice president of the BVF, said they contacted FIVA, the governing body for volleyball, for assistance with their training programme and they sent Sabbatini.

“The concept with the beach volleyball programme was to concentrate on the junior players,” Greene said. “So we put out a call for young people between the ages of 12 and 21 because we have several teams to field for international tournaments next year.

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The Americans flipped spots with Spain for No. 1 in the world in the updated rankings, reclaiming the top spot that they lost late last year. Spain is now No. 2, and World Cup champion Germany soared eight spots to No. 3 on the world list — the best in that programme’s history.

It’s certainly possible now that the Americans will keep the top spot leading into the Paris Olympics, where the US will aim for a fifth consecutive gold medal.

FIBA, the sport’s governing body, updates its rankings every few months; Last week’s update was the first tweak to the men’s list since February.

Spain had overtaken the US in November 2022, ending a 12-year run in the top spot for the Americans.

“The world is good at basketball,” US point guard Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks said as the World Cup was winding down. “Respect everybody.”

FIBA’s rankings were changed in 2017 to a system that only takes results from the most recent eight years into account.

The Olympic golds from Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo factor into the current rankings, and obviously help after back-to-back failures to medal at the last two World Cups — the US was seventh at China in 2019 and fourth in Manila earlier this month, falling to Germany in the semifinals and Canada in the bronzemedal game.

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first time as Lorenzo Cannone — Niccolò’s younger sibling — has again been selected at No. 8.

USA Basketball is back atop the FIBA men’s world rankings, even after failing to medal at the World Cup.

Women’s national soccer team to host Grenada tomorrow

A match between Italy and Namibia at the Geoffroy Guichard stadium in Saint-Etienne, central France, on September 9. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)

By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer