09202024 NEWS AND SPORT

‘PUBLIC COST’ FOR

CA MPAIGN FINANCING

Despite election pledge, Davis plays down talk of funding legislation

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip

“Brave” Davis said regulating campaign finance is fraught with “difficulties”, partly because it could require that public funds be used to finance political campaigns.

“You will find the alternative to campaign financing and regulating it is

a requirement that perhaps the public purse should fund election campaigns,” he told reporters when asked about his administration’s failure to advance various progressive matters outlined in the PLP’s Blueprint for Change.

“If you check and benchmark where campaign financing is the law in various countries, you’ll find

luc AyA n s A le to concluDe in two weeks, s Ays DAvis

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip

“Brave” Davis said the government should be closing arrangements for the sale of the Grand Lucayan Resort “within the next two weeks or so”.

He updated reporters at the Office of the Prime Minister’s press briefing, saying officials had

“intense discussions” with an intended buyer.

“The issue for us, of course, is to ensure that we just don’t sell for selling sake or to tick a box,” he said. “We want a worldclass brand name to be associated with reopening, and I’m hopeful and I’m encouraged that we will have that and within the next two weeks or so,

D’Aguil A r: Push Atl A ntis to oPen more rooms

By JADE RUSSELL

FORMER Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar said the government should pressure Atlantis to reopen hundreds of its vacant hotel rooms, which he said have been left “dead in the water”. Mr D’Aguilar’s comments came after the government signed a Heads of Agreement with Baha Mar for the development

of a 350-room luxury hotel at the Melia Nassau Beach site, which has been closed since 2021. Mr D’Aguilar said increasing room inventory could address concerns about tourism revenue. He said 600 rooms at Atlantis have been unused for some time. It is unclear which rooms he was referring Fern A

POLICE Commissioner Clayton Fernander said the police corruption probe triggered by leaked voice notes is expected to be completed by the end of the year. He also confirmed foreign investigators had not arrived in the country. During his appearance on ZNS’s new show, The Rundown, hosted by Clint Watson, Commissioner Fernander sought to clarify details after announcing last month that no further

NEIL HARTNELL

A BISX-listed bank has been ordered to hand over $63,000 from accounts belonging to an ex-MP and Supreme Court judge to help repay a multi-million dollar debt owed to a US investor.

Deborah Fraser, the acting chief justice, in a September 11, 2024, verdict ruled that a “third party debt order” be made final and CIBC Caribbean (Bahamas) must pay this sum to Dr Paul Fuchs from accounts beneficially owned by Elliott Lockhart KC, his law firm and another entity the latter is affiliated with.

FORMER Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar

PRIME Minster Davis addressing the press at the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday. Photo: Chappell Whyms Jr

Clear Boat Bahamas launches business offering first fully transparent vessels

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

PASSENGERS will experience a unique view of the country’s stunning marine life through fully transparent vessels provided by Clear Boat Bahamas, which launched yesterday.

Clear Boat Bahamas, which boasts a fleet of four transparent vessels, offers almost two-hour tours of the waters around Downtown Nassau. Co-founders Lincoln Deal II and Gilbert Cassar described the venture as “an experience built on innovation” and “a venture designed to offer something unique”.

Mr Deal expressed his excitement during the launch, saying: “It’s an exhilarating moment as we stand here to launch Clear Boat Bahamas, a venture that invites you to see clearly, experience fully, and remember forever. This is not just an event. It’s the start of an extraordinary journey that promises to redefine how we explore the breathtaking waters of our beloved Bahamas.”

Unlike traditional glassbottom boats, Clear Boat Bahamas provides a fully transparent vessel, offering 360-degree visibility of the surrounding ocean. This design allows passengers to feel like they are floating directly above Bahamian marine life, with unobstructed views of coral reefs and vibrant schools of fish.

“It’s not just the bottom, it’s the entire vessel – a looking glass,” said Mr Cassar. “Imagine gliding across crystal-clear waters, marvelling at the

vibrant marine life below you.”

Deputy Prime Minister Cooper brought remarks during the event, commending the co-founders for their entrepreneurial spirit.

“When I spoke to Lincoln and Gilbert, it reminded me of myself at 34, launching my own ventures and having a vision for what could be achieved. I see in them the same drive, passion, and commitment to national development,” Mr Cooper said.

“You’re unleashing the spirit of entrepreneurship. You’re seeking to preserve the environment as you create opportunity and profits, and you’ll find creative ways to show the world the beauty of our underwaters,” the Deputy Prime Minister added.

“This is good for tourism, it’s good for the economy, and you’re creating opportunities for Bahamians in the tourism industry.”

Mr Cooper also hoped that Clear Boat Bahamas would expand to other islands and offer franchise opportunities for young Bahamians to engage in and own their share of the tourism industry.

Mr Deal outlined the company’s plans for expansion, saying Clear Boat Bahamas aims to become a signature attraction across multiple islands in The Bahamas. He emphasised that the growth is intended to meet the increasing demand for unique tourism experiences.

Mr Deal also hinted at future ventures, saying “more groundbreaking adventures” will be announced shortly.

LINCON DEAL II co-founder of Clear Boats Bahamas, speaks at the businesses official opening event yesterday. Photos: Chappell Whyms Jr

PM: ‘Public cost’ for campaign financing

that a part of the access to campaign financing is from the public purse. Should I put that on the payment people at this time? I don’t know.”

Some countries have extensive public funding for political campaigns. However, some that limit who can make political donations, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, do not have a state funding system.

Mr Davis said loopholes would always exist, allowing people to get around campaign finance regulations. He suggested he would not pass a superficial law without addressing deeper challenges.

Despite past promises, he reiterated that various matters of transparency and accountability are not a priority for his administration.

“When I walk and talk to Bahamian people, meet their families, they don’t speak about the Freedom of Information Act,” he said. “They don’t speak about campaign financing laws. What they speak to me about is relief from cost of living, action on crime, access to healthcare, wanting opportunities. They want new businesses. They need

to be able to understand what we are doing for those. So those have risen for my priorities.”

Mr Davis also said his administration has not abandoned its commitment to anti-corruption legislation. He noted the government passed an Ombudsman Bill, which is a part of the anti-corruption legislative regime. That law has not been implemented.

“The attorney general is now reviewing, bringing that into force, and we are also benchmarking and working with the International Law Development Association, which is assisting them in looking at benchmarking the various anti-corruption laws around the world so that we can adopt what is more suitable for us,” he said.

As opposition leader in 2020, Mr Davis said Dr Hubert Minnis’ failure to fulfil his campaign finance promise proved his election victory was built on “empty promises and political expediency”.

Lucayan sale to conclude in two weeks, says Davis

After Dr Minnis said he had years to introduce campaign finance legislation, Mr Davis said: “That he’s saying ‘we have seven years in which to bring the legislation’ speaks to his hypocrisy and his true ways.” from page one from page one

we should be closing an arrangement on that. Until then, just stay tuned, and

we’ll let you know.” Tribune Business reported last month that the hotel’s potential buyer plans to demolish all its

existing properties to make way for three new hotel towers and two casinos as part of an investment that could hit $2bn.

Fernander: Police probe to complete by year’s end

public statements would be made about the investigation.

The voice notes purport to reveal a quid-pro-quo arrangement involving a senior police officer, a lawyer, and two murdered men, Michael Fox Jr and Dino Smith.

“I know there are a lot of folks saying that the police cannot investigate the police, but we have a dedicated area focusing on investigating police officers — trained officers,” Mr Fernander said. “The public called for international assistance for fair play, and we agreed with that. What we are seeing now is that the investigators are connected and have international partners on board, including the UK and the FBI.

“We want to keep everything tight, and when the investigation is completed, the public will be fully updated. We don’t want to tamper with the investigation. We don’t investigate in the media; they don’t need

to know every move we make, but the investigation is progressing very well, and a number of witnesses have been seen.”

The investigation has drawn significant public interest, particularly due to events surrounding the voice notes. Days after Sylvens Metayer, a man in the US who identifies as a whistleblower, seemingly released the voice notes, he was shot during a Facebook Live but survived.

Michael Johnson, head of the Central Investigations Department, is currently on garden leave while the investigation continues. Commissioner Fernander noted that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has joined the probe, which is being led by the Security and Intelligence Branch (SIB) of the police force. The Police Complaints Inspectorate will oversee the SIB’s investigation.

Michael Fox Sr, father of Fox Jr, claimed that his son provided him with the voice notes, instructing him to release them if he died.

He stated that he did not release the tapes himself.

Sandra Smith, mother of Dino Smith, confirmed that her son had informed her about the voice notes but did not provide them to her.

Last month, Commissioner Fernander indicated that members of the United Kingdom National Crime Agency were scheduled to arrive in the country on August 14 to help oversee aspects of the probe, but he confirmed yesterday that they have not yet arrived.

He said the UK partners and the FBI are in communication with local enforcement and have received documents and video tapes for assessment.

While he declined to provide a specific timeline for the investigation’s completion, he expressed confidence that updates would be forthcoming before the end of the year.

He reiterated the need for integrity within the Royal Bahamas Police Force, stating: “We will rally with members of the public to assist in building that integrity.”

Meanwhile, Mr Davis also said he expected progress on the Grand Bahama International Airport to be greater than it is now.

“I anticipated by now we should’ve had shovels in the ground,” he said.

“I think I’m to have a meeting now with all the stakeholders and those who have indicated that they wish to participate in that renovation.”

Only

“That meeting should be held either tomorrow early, can’t be next week, as soon as I’m back from the General Assembly, but we are moving assiduously to ensure that that is happening.”

the latter ever since Hurricane Matthew struck the island in October 2016.

one of the Grand Lucayan’s three resort properties, Lighthouse Point, is presently open to guests. Both Breaker’s Cay and the former Memories property have been closed for numerous years ––

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis speaks to the press yesterday at the Office of the Prime Minister.

Photo: Chappell Whyms Jr

from page one

Supreme Court injuction halts removal of Valley Boys name from NPO register

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

A SUPREME Court judge issued an interim injunction preventing the Office of the Registrar General from removing the World-Famous Valley Boys Junkanoo Group from the non-profit organisations register.

Justice Darron Ellis’ ruling mandates maintaining the status quo, allowing the parties involved to apply for further proceedings.

The World-Famous Valley Boys Junkanoo Group is the first claimant, with The Valley Boys Junkanoo Club Ltd as the second claimant. The Registrar General is the

first defendant, while the Attorney General is the second.

The Valley Boys have split into two factions.

Trevor Davis, interim chairman of one faction, registered his group as a non-profit organisation first, while Brian Adderley, leader of the original group, registered his later.

The Tribune understands that the Registrar General’s Office has demanded that Mr Adderley’s group drop the “Valley Boys” name.

Despite this demand, Dion Miller, chairman of the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence (JCNP), said the group would not need to change its name to participate in the Boxing Day and

New Year’s Day parades. He affirmed that only the World-Famous Valley Boys, led by Mr Adderley, would be recognised to compete in the A category, while Mr Davis’s faction would participate only as a fun group.

“In response to continued threats and actions from the breakaway group, we have taken steps to safeguard the interest and legacy of the Valley Boys,” Mr Adderley’s group said in a statement, adding the group is focused on preparing for the upcoming parades.

Mr Davis’s legal counsel, Bjorn Ferguson, said his “legal team is laserfocused on providing the legal remedy our client is entitled to”.

WSC general manager testifies the law does not specify a ‘dollar figure’ on contracts

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter

A TOP defence lawyer questioned Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) general manager Robert Deal yesterday about the corporation’s laws and policies as testimony continued in the criminal trial of Long Island MP Adrian Gibson and others.

Mr Deal, the latest witness in the trial, testified that the corporation was governed by the WSC Act during cross-examination by Gibson’s attorney, Damian Gomez, KC.

In response to questions from Mr Gomez, he said the law was distinct from guidelines.

Mr Deal further testified that, to his knowledge, no regulations were attached to the WSC Act, limiting the scope of the board’s powers and the corporation’s ability to enter into contracts based on his knowledge.

When Mr Gomez suggested that no provision in the WSC Act restricts the corporation from entering into contracts, regardless of whether the amount is $250,000, more than $250,000, or less, Mr Deal said the law does not

specify a “dollar figure”.

Mr Gomez also suggested that the WSC Act took precedence over any guidelines or policies.

In response, Mr Deal said legal opinions are sought in cases of uncertainty.

The witness said the corporation has the law but also its policies and procedures.

When asked why he had referred to getting legal advice earlier, Mr Deal explained that workers would seek to ensure policies are in accordance with the law.

He also questioned the witness about his attendance at board meetings between 2017 and September 2021. The witness acknowledged that he did not attend all of the meetings.

“So you,” the attorney asked, “don’t know what policies the board changed in meetings by their deliberations and resolution?”

The witness said while he was not aware of new policies introduced in meetings he did not attend, he would expect to be informed of them later due to his senior role within the corporation.

Mr Gibson, the Long Island MP, is on trial

alongside Mr Elwood Donaldson Jr, the WSC’s former general manager, Joan Knowles, Peaches Farquharson, and Jerome Missick. He faces charges

Funeral Service For

Mr. Brendon Adderley, 21

a resident of Dean Street off Nassau Street will be held at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Cowpen and Gospel Light Way, New Providence, The Bahamas on Sunday, 22nd September, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. Officiating will be Minister Thurman L. Johnson, Sr., assisted by Minister Albert Simmons. Interment follows in Lakeview Cemetery, Gladstone Road.

Brendon was predeceased by his mother: Ms. Natasha Minnis; brothers: Thor Jr., Thorrio, Thorran and Brandon (twin) Adderley; grandmother: Brenda Minnis; grandfather: Charles Adderley; grandparents: James and Orria Saunders; aunts: Angelique Saunders and Laura Nottage; uncle: Gary Saunders. He is survived by his son: Brenshanton Adderley; father: Thor Adderley, Sr.; brother: Thorn; sister: Thornika (West Palm Beach); nephews: Thorn Jr. and Azai Adderley; nieces: Justice Rhames and Torriana Adderley; special friend: Ashantee Burrows; aunts: Yvette Hall (George), Kenya Saunders, Tracey Reid (Anthony) Deanthia Edgecombe (Nathaniel) Cyprianna Minnis, Angela Mullings and Rosemary Gardiner; uncles: Pastor Gregory Saunders (Rosalyn), Jefforey Saunders, Terrance Williams (Sandra), Dolan Smith, Clovis Fils-Aime-Minnis; grand aunts: Erma Knowles, Brendalene Trainor and Rita Turner, Rita Adderley-Moss, Barbara PinderCrier, Pauline Minnis-Davis, Constance Minnis-Coakley, Patricia Minnis, ‘Baby’ Minnis, and Fredericka Minnis; grand uncles: Malcolm Adderley, Ezekiel and Solomon Minnis; god child: Amerra Rolle; cousins: Fabian (Tiffany) & Family, Utundee and Natishka Saunders Shinique Oliver & Family, Brenville (Thia), Rashad (Sirneika) and Theo Saunders, Jody Saunders & Family, Kayon (Monalisa) Saunders & Family, D’Arcy Akeem Deveaux, Cashea Smith, Anfernee and Trachelle Reid, Joseph, Anna-Marie, and Reuben Edgecombe, Joelicia Dean, Glenroy Ferguson, Collin Minnis, Shenikqua Thompson, Travis Williams, Peaches Williamson, Colette Neely, Danikqua Williams, Marco Newbold, James and Kyle Nottage, Nicolas and Bradston Fils-Aime; other relatives and friends: Everon Nixon, Flavia Curtis, Ajeha Russell, Walltech Construction Family, Siddeeqah Hart and family and Staff of Dekor Homes Ltd., Michael Bowe, The Roker Family, Dean Street Family, The descendants of Brenville and Louise Turner, Cheryl Stubbs & Family, Marvin Augustin, Michael Louissant, Jean Alexandre, Aaliyah Burrows, Kevin Fowler, Jr., Curry Mission Family and Shermange Brice. If we have neglected to mention anyone, please accept our apologies as it was not intentional during this time of our bereavement. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace!

related to his tenure as WSC executive chairman, including allegations of failing to declare his interest in contracts awarded by the corporation.

The defence team

AMBASSADOR-Designate of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, His Excellency Alvaro Fernando Barba Garcia paid a courtesy call at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, September 17, 2024. He is pictured presenting diplomatic credentials to Foreign Affairs director General, Ambassador Jerusa Lea Dean Ali at the ministry’s offices.

PHOTO: Patrick Hanna/AP

Ian Cargill, Bryan Bastian, Ryan Eve, and Raphael Moxey. The

before Justice CherylGrant Thompson, the presiding judge.

JCNP CHAIRMAN DION MILLER

consists of Mr Gomez, Murrio Ducille KC,

Crown’s legal team includes acting Director of Public

Prosecutions Cordell Frazier, Karine MacVean, and others. The case continues

ATTORNEY Damian Gomez KC outside court on August 26, 2024.

Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune

‘Ragged Island school 99 percent complete’

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

DEPUTY Prime Minis-

ter Chester Cooper said a new Ragged Island school is “99 percent complete”, with necessary furniture to arrive next week.

The Tribune reported last month that former educators are frustrated with the delayed reopening of the Ragged Island School, which has been closed since Hurricane Irma in 2017. Despite significant rebuilding, progress appeared to stall, leading to concerns over students’ reliance on virtual learning and the lack of qualified teachers.

One former educator pointed out that a makeshift classroom at Holy Innocent’s Anglican Church lacked internet access and a trained teacher, further hindering the children’s education. Photos obtained by The Tribune showed the temporary setup amid allegations that parents have refused to send their children to the makeshift school.

The newly appointed early childhood educator reportedly had to return to New Providence for documentation, leaving no provision for preschoolers. Delays in furnishing two new cottages also prevented the primary school teacher from arriving, forcing students to continue virtual learning at home despite promises of school readiness.

Mr Cooper said temporary accommodation would be provided for the teacher until the furniture arrives. He said a teacher initially assigned to the school opted to return to the capital, but another teacher was expected to arrive yesterday and begin teaching.

Minister of Education Glenys Hanna Martin acknowledged staffing

challenges in a message to The Tribune earlier this week but highlighted recent progress. She confirmed that one teacher had arrived and was expected to start classes this week, with a second to follow once accommodations are finalised. She noted that the Anglican Diocese has temporarily allowed the use of its church premises to facilitate face-to-face instruction for the first time in years.

Mr Cooper stressed that his primary concern is the well-being of Ragged Island’s children. He said he has been in direct communication with parents and the district superintendent to keep them informed of the ongoing efforts to resume in-person classes.

He assured parents that logistical challenges are being addressed, and the government is working to restore normalcy.

He also addressed those he referred to as “mischief makers”.

“I’ve spoken with the parents on Ragged Island, and the minister for education has spoken with the parents in Ragged Island,” he said. “They are all well aware of the circumstances. They are understanding of the logistical challenges, and they are supportive of the initiatives taken to get classes started.”

“Many of the mischiefmakers seem to forget that there has been no school in Ragged Island for seven years since Hurricane Irma. For four and a half of those years, the previous administration had the opportunity to get schools started, but they didn’t. We don’t want to make this a political back-and-forth.”

“We’re going to complete the process, and we’re going to ensure that, in the shortest possible time frame, they are back in face-to-face classes.”

D’Aguilar: Push Atlantis to open more rooms

from page one

to. However, Atlantis’ Beach Tower, which has 400 rooms, has been closed since the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2022, The Tribune Business reported that Atlantis had partnered with Grammy Award-winning musician Pharrell Williams and his business partner David Grutman to transform the Beach Tower into a 400-room property called Somewhere Else. The renovated and rebranded Beach Tower was projected to open in January 2024 following extensive renovations, but no update has been provided since.

“There are 600 rooms over to Atlantis that are just sitting vacant, that no one’s doing anything with and they’re all dead in the water,” Mr D’Aguilar said. “I think that the government should really bring pressure to bear to bring those 600 rooms back online. I mean, they obviously need some work, but they’re constructed. They’re sitting there and they’re not being used. So, it would be good to see what the plan is with that.”

Vaughn Roberts, the senior vice president for government affairs and special projects at Atlantis, declined to comment yesterday.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER CHESTER COOPER

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Are we letting our history crumble away?

THE collapse of the Reinhard Hotel this week caused much public interest – and much concern over our crumbling history.

We do not mean to delve too deeply into that history here – two of our columnists, Front Porch by Simon and Diane Phillips have already done so in yesterday’s edition and today’s Tribune . We urge you to go and read their contributions without hesitation.

We also commend the Ramble Bahamas website for their history of the hotel, detailing its place on the road to Majority Rule, and as a pioneer in opening doors to black visitors at a time when other hotels would turn them away.

All of that is of course hugely important – and amplifies the question: Why did we let it all crumble away?

As the government set about renewing Downtown, a number of buildings were demolished – and some eagle eyed commentators online asked questions about the history of the properties that were being knocked down.

As The Tribune set about covering the collapse of the Reinhard, the question of its place in history was asked in our newsroom, and more pertinently sometimes of officials in power, with many not knowing its

past, or the ways in which its presence had shaped our country.

We are in danger of losing our history. It is a thought that has occurred a number of times in the past year –since we celebrated 50 years last year of Independence and contemplated the people who started that journey but who are no longer with us.

What other buildings are crumbling away, with their place in our civic life forgotten?

What other history is ignored and dwindling away?

The Tribune has its own history, our archives bristling with stories from the past – and our columnists who recall that history too.

Our columnist Eric Wiberg recently made front page news in Bermuda with his story of a lost piece of aviation history. But we would like to know more. So where are the buildings that we should save? What are the landmarks that now go unmarked? What is the past that we should preserve?

We would love to hear what our readers have to say – and what our readers remember.

We invite you to share too your memories of the Reinhard. Let us know at letters@tribunemedia.net, and we would be glad to share your reminiscences with all.

Did Bowleg cause Junkanoo controversy?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

DESPITE the fact that Junkanoo is underfunded, which is an entirely different topic for another day, the recent decision by Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg to grant seed funding to separate factions of the same group has sent shockwaves and sparked controversy throughout the entire Junkanoo community.

The controversy exists as a result of several conflicts, a few which I will highlight below:

1. Never in the history of Junkanoo has one group received two sets of government seed funding.

2. The government seed funding is broken down by Category type as per the

Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence (JCNP).

A Category groups receive $30,000, B Category groups receive $15,000 and F Category receive $500$2,000 (depending on group size).

3. The Valley Boys matter is an internal dispute. Since this announcement, we have seen F Groups and B Groups go on record calling for additional seed funding. This is truly a slippery slope which should be walked very carefully.

What is also alarming, it is being alleged that the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture has vendors waiting to be paid as well as several projects are on hold due to budgetary constraints, however the extra seed funding

Have a cool, fun, interesting, amazing photo? Have it featured here in The Tribune’s picture of the day! Email your high quality image to pictureoftheday@tribunemedia.net

A Minnis faction still remains

EDITOR, The Tribune.

FREE National Movement Leader Michael Pintard continues to walk in the shadows of his predecessor Dr Hubert Minnis, at least in the eyes of prominent members of the FNM Facebook page titled Blame Dem.

can be promised without hesitation.

If true, it is clear that there are either no budgetary constraints or the minister can do as he sees fit with his budget.

If so, this is truly sad and unfortunate!

All in all, it is never too late to do the right thing! It is said that groups have not received their seed funding to date, therefore, the minister still has a chance to fix this saga and allocate the resources to where they rightfully should be.

As an avid Junkanoo Leader, I am closely monitoring this situation and I am hopeful that the minister will get it right.

DENARII ROLLE September 19, 2024.

Created in 2013, Blame Dem is an offshoot of The No Spin Zone, a popular FNM Facebook page I think is no longer active. Blame Dem has a purported membership of 31,000. The most popular politician in Blame Dem is former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis.

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I THINK this is an interesting point... do certain politicians spend too much time in church pulpits? Never should Church and State mix...always keep your distance just like the Judiciary... distance to guarantee free expression and comment.

It seems you are no one if you don’t invite, yes they invite, politicians, to their

dear-ones funerals and some absolutely adore this. Hey stay out of the pulpits please we can’t come into your House and speak. Totally stay out of pulpits in election time…Gods house is precisely that… have politician ‘A’ and then don’t invite ‘C and D’ hmm 50 percent of your congregation ain’t supporters of ‘A party’ so sense says Pastors don’t be tempted keep all politicians a mile away

from your pulpits. Will they, the Pastors? Hell no they use the presence of the politician to increase tithing or hope to. Politicians can possibly say something before the Service - short and non partisan but at no other time. Keep politicians out of pulpits.

K T SAUNDERS

Nassau, September 12, 2024.

Pintard, based on what I have seen, does not have the support of a small but vociferous group of individuals in the FNM Facebook forum. This is not to suggest that Pintard does not have support in the group. He does. What this tells me is that Blame Dem is a microcosm of an unfolding situation within the FNM that was not fully resolved at the June 1, National Convention in New Providence. Minnis sympathizers in Blame Dem believe that the Killarney MP is being treated unfairly by Pintard and FNM Chair Dr Duane Sands. Minnis sympathizers in Blame Dem have scoffed at the recent Red Splash event, which, according to certain individuals, was poorly attended. To them, the alleged poor attendance portends a resounding rejection of the current FNM leadership by the Bahamian electorate in 2026. According to critics, the most troubling aspect of Red Splash is that it is a sign that many FNMs are not fully sold on Pintard. Apparently, they have used the Red Splash event to gauge Pintard’s level of support within the FNM among rank and file supporters. The June 1, FNM National Convention means nothing to these

critics, who often remark that delegates do not win general elections. To them, their position on Pintard is confirmed by last year’s West Grand Bahama and Bimini by-election, in which the FNM candidate was soundly defeated by the Progressive Liberal Party candidate. To Pintard critics in Blame Dem, this rejection of the current FNM leader invariably correlates with a yearning for Minnis as leader. While Pintard’s performance in the West Grand Bahama and Bimini by-election is routinely referenced as an accurate poll on his electoral prowess by certain Blame Dem critics, they have somehow managed to completely ignore the devastating results of the 2021 general election, in which the Minnis led FNM won just seven seats -- 28 less than the 35 it won four and a half years prior to the electoral contest. Indeed, lost in all this criticism of Pintard is the many hardworking FNM MPs and Cabinet ministers who were punished by the Bahamian people due to their apathy towards the then prime minister. Dionisio D’Aguilar, Jeff Lloyd, Marvin Dames, Desmond Bannister, Darren Henfield, Reward Wells and Dr Duane Sands, to name a few, all lost their seats because of the unprecedented unpopularity of Minnis as Competent Authority. What’s more, Minnis also struggled to retain the safe FNM seat of Killarney. Of the 5,126 Killarney voters who cast their ballots for the five candidates, Minnis gained only 2,501 or 48.79 percent of the votes. When one takes into account the 7,112 eligible voters in Killarney, only 36 percent

supported Minnis. Ironically, the FNM gained also 36 percent of the votes or 46,030 nationally. With respect to Minnis in Killarney, a staggering 64 percent of voters did not support him in 2021. Yet certain FNMs in Blame Dem view him as the party’s best option moving forward. Pintard has stated that there will be no more convention elections before the 2026 general election. Yet the Minnis faction continues to agitate on the sidelines for the removal of Pintard. They view him as a usurper who is serving on an interim basis until their choice for the FNM leadership resumes his control of the party. The thought of Pintard leading the FNM to victory in 2026 is probably more repulsive to his critics than the thought of the PLP winning. In any case, the irony of Blame Dem’s anti-Pintard posture is that is bears an uncanny similarity to The No Spin Zone’s antiMinnis posture in 2012, following the retirement of former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham from the House of Assembly. The group wanted Ingraham to return. Some prominent elements within Blame Dem are holding out hope that Minnis will return. The brouhaha over Pintard and Minnis in Blame Dem will not subside anytime soon. This split between the Minnis and the Pintard camps underlines the FNM’s history of factions and infighting among supporters since its inception in 1970. The only way Pintard would ever be able to attain a peace deal with his detractors would be for him to step down for Minnis. That is unlikely to happen. Until then, Blame Dem critics of Pintard will continue to scrutinise his performance as FNM leader.

KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama September 10, 2024.

CLOSEUP Photo of Red and White Mushroom.

Photo: Egor Kamelev

Fernander attributes failure of 14 officers to appear in court to a communication breakdown

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

POLICE Commis-

sioner Clayton Fernander took accountability as he addressed the failure of 14 officers to appear in court for serious criminal cases on Monday, attributing their absence to a communication breakdown.

As a guest speaker on ZNS’s The Rundown, hosted by Clint Watson, Mr Fernander clarified that the officers’ absence was not a disregard for the law.

“It’s not that the officers didn’t show up; they were not properly informed. The summons did not get to me in time, and it was agreed that they would appear the next day,” he said.

Acting Coroner Kara Turnquest had summoned the officers to appear for committal hearings before the Supreme Court on Monday. Initially, she issued arrest warrants but later dismissed them at the request of their lawyer, K Melvin Munroe. The officers are subjects of inquests that prompted a homicide by manslaughter ruling, with one officer linked to two separate killings. Commissioner Fernander noted that the three officers who did not attend Tuesday’s hearing are no longer serving members of the force, having been discharged “two to three years ago”. They include Constable 4185 Ferguson and former officer 4427 Shando King,

called to answer for the 2023 killing of Valentino Johnson, 42, on Seven Hills Road, did not appear in court.

Corporal 3139 Denzil Deveaux, concerning the 2017 killing of Gino Finley Jr, 15, at Seagrapes Plaza, was also absent. The remaining 11 officers were taken into custody and granted $9,500 bail, and are expected to return on September 25.

Commissioner Fernander said: “This is a professional organisation, and we have to be professional to earn the trust of the Bahamian people. We continue to conduct training for our officers, and when they act contrary to our standards, we deal with them.”

Man accused of murder returned to The Bahamas by US law enforcement

PERRY Pickering, a man accused of murder who fled to Miami, Florida, was brought back to the capital on Thursday morning through coordination with US law enforcement and the embassy.

His return coincides with the upcoming seventh anniversary of eight-yearold Eugene Woodside’s death, a child Pickering is accused of killing on September 25, 2017. Reports suggest Eugene

was inside his Chippingham home, doing schoolwork, when gunfire tore through the house, claiming his life.

Another man was also fatally shot during the incident.

MAN ACCUSED IN STABBING INCIDENT GETS BAIL

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter

pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was granted bail yesterday after being accused of stabbing a man on Boyd Road last week.

Senior Magistrate Anishka Isaacs arraigned Deno Merone, 20, on a charge of causing harm. Merone allegedly stabbed Desmond Butler in the shoulder at the DNC during a fight around 5pm on

September 14. The defendant pleaded not guilty. Bail was set at $2,500 with one or two sureties.

Merone is due back in court for trial on November 5.

A IRPORT FLASHER WARNED BY COURT AND RELEASED

PAVEL BAILEY

By

Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was warned and discharged after admitting to flashing a woman at the airport last week.

Senior Magistrate Anishka Isaacs arraigned 30-year-old Travis Delancey on a charge of indecent exposure. Throughout the arraignment, Delancey was seen rocking back and forth in court. He allegedly flashed a woman at Lynden Pindling International Airport on September 16. After Delancey entered a guilty plea, his father

explained that he was mentally challenged and provided a doctor’s report from Sandilands.

The father was warned to watch his son closely and ensure he takes his medication.

The charges against Delancey were then discharged.

T HREE RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR W ESTERN ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THREE Bahamian students are fulfilling their dreams of becoming medical doctors through a scholarship at the Western Atlantic University School of Medicine (WAUSM) in Grand Bahama.

Alyssa Stubbs and Delvonea Beckles, both of Freeport, and Amanda Fowler of New Providence, are excited about the opportunity to study medicine at home in The Bahamas.

WAUSM recently held its sixth white coat ceremony. The medical school hopes to increase the enrolment of Bahamian students at its Freeport campus off East Sunrise Highway.

Ms Stubbs is in her sixth semester at WAUSM. She recently completed her OBGYN rotation and is interested in women’s health and research.

“I want to open a Women’s Health Centre,” she said. “A lot of reproductive

and obstetric diseases aren’t well-researched, and I want to change that.” Her grandfather, who suffered from Alzheimer’s, inspired her to choose a career in medicine.

Attending WAUSM was a turning point for Ms Stubbs, who loved the idea of being able to study at home.

Being awarded the Bahamian scholarship has also been instrumental in relieving her financial worries so she could focus on her studies.

Ms Fowler, a secondsemester student from New Providence, is pursuing clinical translational medicine, interested in bridging the research aspect of medicine and clinical practice.

Her journey into medicine was inspired by a family member who was diagnosed with a terminal illness.

“Seeing how the physician improved her quality of life motivated me to consider medicine,” she said. Ms Fowler applied to WAUSM after being encouraged by her

academic advisor at Morgan State University, who suggested she consider the medical school in Grand Bahama.

Delvonea Beckles, a student from Freeport and a graduate of Spelman College, said the decision to become a paediatrician was inspired by her love for children and a desire to address health disparities in the community.

“I noticed a lack of healthcare access, especially for children, and that stuck with me,” she said.

“If I can make a difference in my community, it would be an honour.”

Initially hesitant to return to Grand Bahama for medical school, Ms Beckles is now grateful for the opportunity that WAUSM provided. She has been actively involved in community outreach, organising vision and hearing screenings for primary school students through WAUSM’s Pediatric Club, where she served as vice president in collaboration with the Grand Bahama Women’s Club.

ALYSSA STUBBS AMANDA FOWLER

DELVONEA BECKLES

Building the future of the third sector

THIS past month, the non-profit sector witnessed a milestone event: One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) hosted a non-profit leadership retreat that brought together more than 15 non-profit organisations and over 20 leaders from The Bahamas’ third sector.

This milestone was significant because there have long been discussions about the sector coming together to discuss its growth and scaling impact, and this retreat marked the first intentional step in this direction. At a time when the third sector—the vital ecosystem of charities and social organisations—is increasingly recognised worldwide for its pivotal role in addressing societal challenges, this first in a series of planned initiatives offered an opportunity to reconnect, reevaluate, strategise, and collectively envision the future of our sector’s growth and impact, on home turf.

The retreat was not just a gathering of non-profit leaders; it was a blueprint for building capacity and collaboration for driving sustainable, communitycentered impact. We were privileged to welcome thought leaders like Deanna James, president and CEO of the St Croix Community Foundation for Development, Sameer Bhatti, CEO of BTC, Davinia Blair, cofounder of Crypto-Isle, and other local non-profit leaders whose expertise helped guide discussions on how we move forward in elevating and supporting our sector’s work.

The theme that emerged most strongly from the retreat was the need to expand the capacity of the third sector by building trust and collaboration from within. Non-profits in The Bahamas are at the frontline of addressing some of the nation’s most pressing issues—economic inequality, climate resilience, education gaps, and healthcare accessibility, to name just a few. Yet, despite their critical work, many of these organisations face significant barriers in accessing resources, funding, and operational support. The question we must now ask ourselves is: how can we, as a society, better advance and invest in the growth of this sector to ensure that its impact reaches every corner of our communities where there is a need?

WHY CAPACITY

BUILDING MATTERS

For non-profits, the ability to scale our work and deepen impact is directly linked to capacity. The key

By

Keyron Smith

to growing the sector hinges on building capacity in several key areas:

1. Building leadership and governance: A strong, visionary leadership team can transform an organisation’s ability to serve its mission. Training and mentorship for nonprofit leaders are crucial, especially in governance and strategic planning. When leaders are equipped with the right tools, their organisations become more resilient and innovative.

2. Diversified funding: Financial sustainability is the lifeblood of non-profits. We must explore ways to diversify funding streams through grants, corporate partnerships, individual donors, and social enterprises. The more financially

stable an organisation is, the more capable it becomes of fulfilling its mission without disruption, which is a major challenge in the sector.

3. Collaboration and partnership: The retreat underscored the need for more substantial and consistent nonprofit collaboration. In a landscape where resources are limited, partnerships can maximise impact, reduce the duplication of effort, and enable organisations to share expertise.

4. Technology and innovation: Investing in digital infrastructure and innovative solutions is essential for the sector’s future. Whether streamlining operations or enhancing outreach efforts, technology can help nonprofits extend their reach, improve efficiency, and better track their outcomes.

DRIVING GROW TH FOR THE THIRD SECTOR

The third sector has always played a critical role in our communities, but its importance has grown as government services are stretched thin and businesses focus on profit. By their very nature, non-profits fill the gap, providing essential services,

education, advocacy, and more where the needs are greatest.

To truly drive growth in this sector, we must take and adapt lessons from successful models around the world and move into action. There are a few strategies that can accelerate the growth:

1. Policy support: We need stronger governmental policies that acknowledge the importance of nonprofits and actively support them through incentives, tax benefits, and grants. The third sector cannot thrive without an enabling environment.

2. Capacity building programmes: Funders and private donors should prioritise capacity-building initiatives. Rather than only funding specific projects, there should be increased support for nonprofit infrastructure, including staff development, leadership training, and operational enhancements.

3. Sustained collaboration: The spirit of collaboration fostered at the retreat must continue. Non-profits, businesses, the government, and communities must also form

coalitions to address social challenges. This shared responsibility will lead to sustainable solutions with far-reaching benefits.

A call to action for our non-profit community

The OEF non-profit leadership retreat marked a renewed commitment to strengthening the third sector, but it was only the start. Now is the time for us all—community members, government officials, business leaders, corporate entities, and donors—to pay attention to the sector’s work and each find our respective roles in strengthening and accelerating the development and growth of this pivotal sector. Our communities’ challenges are immense, and no single organisation can address them alone. Progress will require many organisations to cooperate in bridging the gaps and building our nation. Together, we can build a more robust and resilient third sector to help tackle the myriad of social challenges and needs prevalent in our local communities and across our country.

OEF is committed to fostering an ongoing

dialogue among non-profit organisations, focusing on capacity-building, shared learning, collaborative action, and meaningful change. To learn more about how your organisation can get involved in future convenings and collaborative initiatives, please reach out to One Eleuthera Foundation at info@ oneeleuthera.org.

Keyron Smith is the chief operating officer at the One Eleuthera Foundation and Centre for Training and Innovation. Established in 2012, the One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) is a nonprofit organisation located in Rock Sound, Eleuthera. For more information, visit www.oneeleuthera.org or email info@oneeleuthera. org. The Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI) is the first and only postsecondary, non-profit education and training institution and social enterprise on Eleuthera. CTI operates a student training campus in Rock Sound, Eleuthera, with a 16-room training hotel, restaurant and farm. For more information about CTI’s programmemes email: info@oneeleuthera.org

of One Eleuthera Foundation

KEYRON SMITH, CEO at One Eleuthera Foundation

NONPROFIT leaders from across The Commonwealth gathered in Rock Sound for a 3-day retreat dedicated to shared learning, collaboration, and initial discussions around the launch of OEF’s Non-profit Accelerator program.

SHARING insights from across the sector at OEF’s Nonprofit Leaders Retreat. L to R: Nikita Shiel-Rolle, YME and Cat Island Conservation Institute; Felisha McBride, Grand Bahama Resilience Center; Keisha Ellis, Hands for Hunger.

NONPROFIT

Shame on a nation that shuns its own history

A FOUR-STOREY hotel in the heart of Bain and Grants Town collapsed on Monday. So what, you ask? What difference does it make? The Reinhard Hotel looked for years like it had been abandoned, neglected. Yet there it stood – and stood out – its large, stone blocks staring us right in the face at the intersection of Blue Hill Road and Tin Shop Corner. Its presence dominated the surroundings, begging, calling out for attention.

We ignored its silent demands and let it crumble, taking with it whole slices of Bahamian history that can never be put back together again. The Reinhard was where black people stayed when white hotels did not welcome them. Many call it the birthplace of Majority Rule. It was where the original members of the PLP met and where the Women’s Suffrage Movement gained momentum and where the Bahamas Union of Teachers, BUT, got its start.

It housed The Voice, a paper that made no bones and no apologies for telling the news and exposing the stories the way their writers saw it what was happening around them. Objectivity, be damned.

By Diane Phillips

The important point at the end of a manual typewriter was to enlist support, or anger, or fury or whatever it took to make readers rise up and stand up for what they believed in, And it was all gone in a matter of hours, crumbled to the ground where Ministry of Works crews were quick to sweep away the mess. And with it the history that mess of rubble and stone contained.

Anthony ‘Ace’ Newbold wrote about it in a piece that appeared the next day, calling it “another victim of indifference and neglect.” Where were those, he asked who should have spearheaded its preservation and featured the building as part of that many must-see tours it advertises to visitors?

Some time before its collapse, Jessica Dawon and Tracey Thompson wrote in their thoughtful Ramblings blogpost “Bahamian history seeps from every inch of the four-storey Reinhard

Hotel... Initially designed and constructed by Dr Claudius Roland Walker and Mrs. Mabel Walker in the 1930s, the hotel furnished the stage for everything from social soirees to local business operation to pivotal moments in Bahamian political history. Perhaps the paramount year in the hotel’s history was 1967, when the space served as headquarters to the Progressive Liberal Party during the landmark 1967 elections that led to Majority Rule.”

The day the Reinhard crumbled, Ace Newbold asked why “this kind of history has been ignored”. He is so right, and I ask, what can we learn from this lesson?

The Reinhard is not our hotel version of the Humpty Dumpty nursery rhyme. All the king’s horses and all the king’s men cannot put the Reinhard Hotel back together again, but what that single collapse can teach us is the

need to act to preserve and protect now before we sit idly by and allow another precious piece of our history to suffer demolition by neglect.

In other countries, sites as important as the Reinhard where history was made would not only be protected, preserved and respected, they would be plaqued and promoted. Imagine the Instagram, Facebook or Tik Tok images and posts that could have made their way around the world had the Reinhard been treated with that kind of dignity.

To this day, we can hardly get enough visitors into Vendue House to experience its remarkable collection and the story of slavery – as told, by the way so eloquently in the newest book by Exuma author Rosemary Minns, Tangerine Skies whose chilling description of what a group of four slaves left to die on a sinking slave ship endured before three were bound and shackled and displayed to be sold as chattel in Vendue House in 1800.

Do we care too much about the material things we own, the car we drive or the watch we wear or the phone we boast? Are we so caught up in the

here-and-now that we neglect what was in the then-and-there?

Did we bury our history with the graves that hold the bones of those who wrote it?

No, all the king’s horses and all the king’s men cannot put the stone blocks of the Reinhard Hotel back together again, but we can use this tragic moment to rise up and protest. We can vow to find the resources and energy and wherewithal to make sure that never again is a piece of history so valuable as the Reinhard allowed to disintegrate and deteriorate without owner responsibility through law and policy. Never again shall a physical piece of history be permitted to wither and crumble as if it held no more importance than a stale biscuit left out on a counter overnight. We can learn from those like Graycliff who plant their history on a wall for all to read, photograph and share. We can memorialise designs by incredibly talented architects like the late Jackson Burnside and the late Henry Melich. We can finish what we started and stopped numerous times to save Collins House and transform it into one of the most beautiful wedding and event venues in the capital as well as sectioning off parts for a specialised museum. With its flowing gardens, we can make it practical, historic and desirable for daily meetings, coffee, wine, a gathering place for all. We can preserve and renovate many of the old harbour warehouse designs creating loft living spaces downtown above retail stores. We can provide tax exemptions for those who did preserve like the most sterling example of all in historic Nassau, Victoria Court, the incomparable building that can never be replicated. We can ensure that the carved three-storey brass staircase of the original Tomlinson residence on Sanford Drive, now Balmoral Club, is protected. We cannot ask government alone to do this. Much will come from the private sector but if there is one thing the loss of the Reinhard can do for us it is that we can ask government to amend the legislation, making demolition by neglect illegal and punishable by fines or imprisonment. That is the responsibility of government – to set the tone that history matters and history does not live in the books we are forced to read in school. It lives in the communities in which we live.

PHOTOS: DANTE CARRER/TRIBUNE STAFF

BAHAMAS GIRL GUIDES ASSOCIATION

The Training Team of

The Bahamas Girl Guides Association reminds all new Brownie leaders that the Practical Sessions of Orientation Level Training will begin on Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 10am to noon at the new headquarters on West Bay Street. Come and learn how to form the Brownie Ring; sing the Six Songs and other action songs; plan exciting and fun-filled games and activities with a purpose for Tweenies and Brownies; make a toadstool; and learn how to integrate the Dream Programme into the weekly meetings.

The Training Team looks forward to seeing all new leaders needing to complete the sessions of orientation level training. For further information, call.Guide headquarters at 322-4342.

KIWANIS CLUB OF NEW PROVIDENCE

The Kiwanis Club of New Providence hosted its annual Back to School project on Saturday August 23, at Claridge Primary School.

The Sponsored Leadership Programme and Youth Service Committee was on the move once again organising this annual project to ensure the children were equipped with essential school supplies for a successful new school year.

Children from our sponsored schools and the Prison Fellowship were invited to join us for a time of fun and giving back.

Musical chairs and the egg and spoon races were some of the favourites among the children in attendance!

Lunch was also served to all attendees before the distribution of the school supplies.

Branded backpacks filled with supplies inclusive of composition notebooks, rulers, pencils, pens, erasers, sharpeners, crayons, markers, and geometry sets were provided to the children in preparation for the opening of school.

The Sunshine Pilot Club partnered with our club in this initiative, forging a new relationship with another civic organisation.

In addition to impacting the lives of children, this project also encouraged teambuilding, as our club’s four teams/flower groups, Birds of Paradise, Purple Orchids, White Lilies, and Yellow Roses, were asked to work together to outfit the backpacks with the school supplies. What a rewarding project that not only enhanced our enduring friendships, but simultaneously improved the lives of children and the community!

take-away from the passages they read.

A souse out and community health and wellness fair will be held on September 28 from 10am-2pm at Sybil Strachan Primary School. Featured events include a souse out from 8am to noon - with tickets from the July 27 souse out honoured after it was previously postponed.

There will also be health screenings, kids and adult fitness challenges, healthy cooking demos, a mini job fair with recruitment by RBDF and Baha Mar among others and a jobseekers’ masterclass by Atlantis.

There will be Department of Labour skills bank registration, NHI registration, RBPF demonstrations including the fire truck and the K9 unit, outreach programmes and a pop-up market and mini farmers’ market.

ROTARY CLUB OF NASSAU

The Rotary Club of Nassau’s (RCN) Education and Literacy Committee members met at Starbucks, Harbour Bay, to launch a ‘Sip ’N Read’ evening. Each member brought a book that either stretched their capacity, helped with their growth mindset or empowered them to better themselves.

Members purchased their favorite beverage delights and read to their heart’s contentment. After a time of reading there was a time of sharing on how the chapter reading impacted trajectory in life. The evening turned into an intimate and soul searching time while hearing everyone’s

Some passages encouraged one to take a journey of faith, to ‘kiss the wave’ and let go of areas of their lives that caused trauma. Then, the art of being an effective leader who impacts and shows empathy was discussed. Lastly, to avoid distractions that would prohibit growth and a paradigm shift was also presented during this reflective evening of ‘Sip N Read’.

What started out as an event symbolising ‘Basic Education & Literacy Month’ turned into an initiative which has sparked the flames to take to our schools and communities. Our first school is Stephen Dillet Primary School on Wednesday, September 18.

ROTARY CLUB OF SOUTH OCEAN

The Rotary Club of South Ocean, in collaboration with the Bahamas Alzheimer’s Association, recently hosted its second annual “Care for the Caregivers” seminar, an event dedicated to supporting and uplifting the caregivers of those affected by Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

The seminar, held in a spirit of camaraderie and encouragement, brought together caregivers, healthcare professionals, and community members to share valuable insights and provide much-needed support.

The Rotary Club of South Ocean had the vision for this initiative last year after recognising how near and dear caregivers are to

our families and friends. Understanding the vital role they play in the lives of those with Alzheimer’s and other conditions, the club approached the Bahamas Alzheimer’s Association to collaborate. The inaugural seminar was a resounding success, creating a meaningful space for caregivers to connect, learn, and rejuvenate. Building on that momentum, this year’s event aimed to deepen that impact.

This year’s seminar featured a range of activities and sessions designed to refresh and empower caregivers. Participants enjoyed an invigorating Zumba session led by coach Myra Farquharson, who got everyone moving and lifted spirits with her infectious energy. The exercise session served as a reminder of the importance of self-care for those who often prioritise the needs of others.

Attendees also benefited from powerful presentations by notable speakers, including Dr Daniel Lloyd and Mrs Corlette Deveaux, who shared expert advice on managing the emotional and physical toll of caregiving. Their talks focused on practical strategies for maintaining well-being and provided new perspectives on dealing with the challenges faced by caregivers every day.

Adding a fun element to the event, Focus360 provided a photo booth where caregivers could capture special moments of the day. Each participant left with a keepsake, reminding them of a day filled with learning, support, and community.

To further show appreciation for their dedication and hard work, each caregiver received a thoughtfully prepared care package. These packages included items designed to offer comfort and relaxation, reinforcing the seminar’s central message: caregivers need care, too.

The Rotary Club of South Ocean and the Bahamas Alzheimer’s Association remain committed to supporting caregivers and raising awareness of Alzheimer’s and Dementia. As the seminar concludes for another year, the hope is that attendees left feeling more empowered, more

connected, and more appreciated than ever.

Looking ahead to next September, the organisers hope to see even more caregivers join, not just those caring for Dementia patients but all caregivers who play such vital roles in our community. The seminar aims to provide a supportive space for all who give tirelessly of themselves, reinforcing that they are not alone in their journey.

For more information about upcoming events or how to get involved, please contact the Rotary Club of South Ocean or the Bahamas Alzheimer’s Association. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who care for our most vulnerable.

SUNSHINE PILOT CLUB OF NASSAU

The Sunshine Pilot Club of Nassau is pleased to announce the appointment of president elect Tyrell Farquharson as the new president, for 2024-2025, along with a distinguished team of officers who will steer the organisation toward continued success and innovation.

The Sunshine Pilot Club of Nassau is made up of professional business women from all parts of the community. Ranging from working fulltime to retired persons in diverse fields such as education, banking, religion, health services and social work.

The club meets monthly for the business meeting discussing club initiatives and activities. Educational and informative sessions through the program meetings have ranged from speakers on topics of brain-related disorders, motivational speakers and on maintaining good health. When the club participates in service activities for the community we assist the elderly, teenagers at risk and educate primary school students on brain safety.

Under the theme ‘Striving for Excellence as we Do More, Care More and Be More in our community’, President Tyrell brings strategic vision and an innovative approach, that is poised to lead The Sunshine Pilot Club of Nassau into new levels of growth and achievement.

President Tyrell says, “In keeping with this theme,

Pilots must relentlessly pursue Excellence. They must embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and use obstacles as stepping stones to success.”

The Sunshine Pilot Club of Nassau installation of officers ceremony was held at the Paul Farquharson Conference Center where Past Governor Terez Curry, Bahamas District (2023-2024) installed the following officers for 2024-2025: Tyrell Farquharson – president, Deanne Johnson - president elect, Amanda Bethell - vice president, Dequizzia Demeritte – secretary and Sophia Walker – treasurer.

These new officers each bring a unique set of skills and perspectives that will help advance the mission and goals of the club. Also in attendance of the installation was Nickola ‘Nicki’ Dawkins, president, Pilot International, 20242025. President Nickola has become the second Bahamian to hold the office of Pilot International President. She follows in the footsteps of the first Bahamian to achieve this position - Deborah Archer of the Pilot Club of Lucaya who served as the first Bahamian Pilot International president, 2008-2009. We, the Sunshine Pilot Club of Nassau extend our congratulations to president Nickola Dawkins in her new role as she represents the clubs of the Bahamas District and indeed The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. We also extend our deepest gratitude to the outgoing president, Lina Mortimer Reyes and the previous officers for their exceptional service and leadership. Their contributions have been invaluable, and they leave behind a strong legacy that will inspire future achievements.

JOIN THE CLUB

OUR Clubs and Societies page is a chance for you to share your group’s activities with our readers. To feature on our Clubs and Societies page, submit your report to clubs@tribunemedia.net, with “Clubs Page” written in the subject line. For more information about the page, contact Stephen Hunt on 826-2242.

THE ROTARY Club of Nassau took part in a Sip ’N Read evening.

THE BAHAMAS Girl Guides Association is reminding Brownie leaders of training on Saturday.

SUNSHINE Pilot Club of Nassau members, above, and, below, club president Tyrell Farquharson.

THE

THE ROTARY Club of South Ocean held a Care for the Caregivers Smeinar, which included a variety of sessions and workshops, plus a Zumba session.

Thursday, Page 15

Jazz Chisholm Jr has ‘tunnel vision’ for MLB playoffs

By BRENT STUBBS

JChisholm Jr knew he came to the New York Yankees for one purpose and that is to win the Major League Baseball title.

Chisholm Jr, acquired from the Miami Marlins in a three-man trade on July 27, feels he’s in a good position to achieve that goal after the Yankees went through their three-game series against the Seattle Mariners this week at the T-Mobile Park in Seattle.

After going 0-or-9 in the first two games of the series, Chisholm Jr broke out of the scoring drought on Thursday by banging his 23rd home run on a two-out 1-1 pitch on a fly ball to right centre field for a two-run shot to plate Derek Jeter in the top of the third.

The performance came as Chisholm Jr, batting in the clean-up spot in the finale of the series, went 1-for-4 with his homer, two RBI as many strike outs and a run scored in the

Sports personalities to be honoured

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor

A BAHAMAS Olympic Committee executive, a Bahamas Anti-Doping commissioner and a sportscaster and national basketball coach are the three honourees for the Bahamas Professional Services Bahamas’ 2024 Awards Gala Banquet. The three - Derron Donaldson, Petra Haven and Jay Philippe - will be among a list of 40 under-40

most successful professionals and influencers in the Bahamas during the ceremony on Saturday night in the Convention Center at Baha Mar resort, starting at 8pm.

Deputy Prime Minister I Chester Cooper will be the keynote speaker and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg is expected to be among the list of dignitaries in attendance.

Donaldson is a former tennis player from Grand Bahama, who became the

youngest president ever to be elected to serve in the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association in 2012 at 23 years old and a year later was the youngest ever to be elected to serve on the board of the BOC as the secretary general.

“Everyone always says you should be happy when they honour you while you are still alive,” Donaldson said. “But under-40 doesn’t sound old for some of us. So it’s a great accomplishment and it helps you to

THE Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation will hold its final team registration for its basketball tournament at 7pm on Tuesday, September 24 at the Bahamas Baptist College, Jean Street. All teams wishing to participate in either the men’s open division or the high school division are asked to submit their team roster and their registration fee of $200 per team. The tournament will be held September 27-28 at the CI Gibson Gymnasium. Awards will be presented to winners and runners-up in both divisions.

Interested teams are urged to contact Sean Bastian at 826-8535 or email: seanbastian@gmail.com

JUNIOR GOLF AWARDS

THE 14th Hole Golf Club, in conjunction with the Bahamas Golf Federation’s Junior Division, will hold its Junior Golf Awards ceremony from noon to 2pm on Sunday, October 6, at Fusion Superplex. Tickets are priced at $10 for junior golfers and $40 for adults and can be purchased by calling whatsapp 828Golf or 423-8003.

Event coordinator Georgette Rolle-Harris revealed that a number of awards will be presented to the top performers in the junior programme for the past year.

CYCLING

SEE PAGE 14

keep pressing forward and doing what you are doing.

“Again, sports is very diverse with sports reporters, sports doctors, sports commentators, coaches, administrators and they all help with the development of our professional athletes. So it’s great to be honoured in such a diverse list of honourees.”

Now 35 and married to Grescheik Donaldson with three children, Gemini, 14, Meli, 19 and Derron, 2, Donaldson said he will encourage those persons

who are involved in sports to continue to make their contribution.

“Whatever their passion is, although I represent sports, stick with it,” Donaldson said. “My journey started in tennis at the age of four. I wasn’t the best tennis athlete, but by the age of 16, my mother, Denise Donaldson, made me coach my sisters Danquelle and Samia at the Moon McPhee, as she said she was not paying for

CARIBBEAN BASEBALL CUP IS BACK IN OCTOBER

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas will have another chance to climb the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) rankings next month.

The Bahamas Baseball Association (BBA) is scheduled to host the sixth edition of the Caribbean Baseball Cup on home soil October 23-28 at the Andre Rodgers National Baseball Stadium.

The announcement was made yesterday at the baseball facility.

The Bahamas initially hosted the tournament for the first time at the same venue in 2022 for the fourth Caribbean Baseball Cup. It was the first tourney to be staged at the national facility.

Six countries are expected to compete next month, including no. 8 Cuba, no. 12 Dominican Republic, no. 28 Curaçao, no. 47 host country, no. 65 US Virgin Islands and Saint Maarten (not ranked).

Theodore “Teddy” Sweeting, chief executive officer for the organising committee, said the support from the visiting teams has been tremendous so far.

“We have gotten a tremendous response from our governing body WBSC which is now recognising The Bahamas as the premier destination in the Caribbean for baseball.

“Two of the major countries that are coming, which is Cuba and the Dominican Republic, have an extremely high following for the sport of baseball and with that all are very excited. “They have already started their training and selection of their teams that are coming in to participate

AS we age, staying physically active becomes more important than ever. While many people focus on cardio exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling, one of the most valuable forms of exercise for those over 50 is often overlooked: resistance training. In fact, the benefits of resistance training for older adults are numerous, spanning from improving overall health to enhancing quality of life.

Why Resistance Training? Resistance training, often referred to as strength training, involves exercises that increase muscle strength by making your muscles work against a force or weight.

This could include using free weights, resistance bands, or even bodyweight exercises like squats and push-ups.

Once considered the realm of young athletes or body-

builders, resistance training is now recognized as an essential part of healthy aging. The science is clear: it’s never too late to start, and the benefits are profound.

Combatting Age-Related Muscle Loss

One of the most significant benefits of resistance training for those over 50 is its ability to combat sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass. Starting in our 30s, we lose muscle at a rate of approximately 3-5% per decade. By the time we reach 50 and beyond, this loss can lead to weakness, fatigue,

and reduced mobility. Regular resistance training can slow, halt, or even reverse this muscle loss. Studies have shown that even those who begin resistance training later in life can build muscle, improve strength, and maintain mobility. This is crucial for maintaining independence and preventing falls - one of the leading causes of injury in older adults.

Improving Bone Health Osteoporosis, or the thinning of bones, is another common concern for individuals over 50, particularly post-menopausal women. Bones become less dense as we age, increasing the risk of fractures. Resistance training is one of the most effective ways to strengthen bones and increase bone density. Weight-bearing exercises, like lifting weights

13

asrado “Jazz”

NEW York Yankees’ Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr. reacts as he jogs the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the Seattle Mariners during the third inning of a baseball game on Thursday, September 19 in Seattle.

(AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Caribbean Baseball Cup returns in October

in this event. They are looking forward to coming back to The Bahamas. “All of the countries are now getting geared up to come and represent to see who is going to be crowned the champion,” he said.

Sweeting outlined the expectations for the home team. “The goal of our country is to have a strong showing and a strong finish in this cup because the next classic preliminary rounds begin in 2025 and we want our players to represent the 242. “That is the goal now and that is the focus of what we are trying to achieve here and the reason why we are getting ready to host the sixth Caribbean Cup,” he said.

The home team has not been officially named as yet

but the national team selection process is expected to wrap up within the next two weeks and officials will host a press conference to reveal the team members and coaching staff.

The Bahamas staged the fourth edition of this WBSC-sanctioned tourney in December 2022, when Puerto Rico emerged as the victors.

At the time, The Bahamas was ranked 59th under the WBSC rankings after a fourth-place finish. Samuel Rodgers, president of the BBA, said the idea of bringing the tournament back to The Bahamas was first discussed in 2022 along with avid sportsman and Prime Minister Philip Davis.

Now that the tournament is returning, he is expecting it to be a great event. “This sixth cup that we are having

Tunnel vision: Jasrado ‘Jazz’ Chisholm Jr excited about

MLB playoffs

Yankees’ 3-2 loss to the Mariners. The loss happened a day after the Yankees pulled off a 2-1 victory in 10 innings over the Mariners to clinch another playoff berth and the first postseason appearance for Chisholm Jr.

“This is a great group of guys. I wouldn’t want to go to war with anybody else right now,” said Chisholm Jr in a postgame interview in the locker room where the Yankees celebrated with their champagne party.

The 26-year-old third baseman didn’t have the offensive night he expected, going 0-for-4 as the fifth batter in the line-up.

But he admitted that he’s thrilled to be able to make his contribution as the newest Yankee on the roster.

“I love being a Yankee. These guys are making it great and we’re going to go and win the World Series,” Chisholm Jr stated.

New York has the best record in the American League at 89-63 and leads second-place Baltimore by

five games in the AL East with 10 to play, ensuring that the Yankees at least a wild card.

While it’s their 59th postseason appearance in franchise history, the Yankees are hoping that this will be the year for them to end a World Series drought from 2009 when New York won its 27th title.

Just before he got dosed by his team-mates, led by right fielder Juan Soto, in what they hope to be the beginning of a season-ending celebration in October, he said he’s excited to be among the 40-man roster as they look to win it all this year. When it counted the most on Wednesday, Nestor Cortes fired six scoreless innings and Anthony Rizzo doubled home the go-ahead run in the 10th inning to seal the deal.

As for Soto, who was 1-for-2 in the game, Chisholm Jr said they both connected from one day that he joined the Yankees and he’s been an inspiration for him to follow in his pursuit of greatness. “He’s an amazing baseball player, but he’s an even better human being,” Chisholm

is very strong. Countries will be attending this cup and we hope that this will be a great tournament.

“We have some other tournaments that we are looking at to bring to this country. On behalf of the Confederation of Caribbean Baseball, I say thank you all, thank The Bahamas for these tournaments and I just wish all well,” he said.

The Bahamas will compete in a feature game every night at 7pm which begins on October 23 against the US Virgin Islands.

That matchup will be followed by games against St Maarten, Curaçao, Cuba and the group stage ends against the Dominican Republic.

The medal games will be played on October 28.

Minister of State for the Environment Zane Lightbourne spoke on

behalf of the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg and said the government is thrilled to support this regional extravaganza.

“We are immensely proud to host these games on our shores once more and while hosting we are excited to have our own home team to compete in the round robin tournament.

“Baseball in the Caribbean has seen tremendous growth, not only in the number of talented athletes but also in the viewership and support that it garners.

“We look forward to thrilling games ahead filled with the passion and energy that makes baseball a beloved sport in our region.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, we pledge our full support to this event and we are excited for what is to

NEW York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo, left, poses for a photo with third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr., right, as they celebrate clinching a playoff spot after a 2-1 win in 10 innings over the Seattle Mariners in a baseball game on Wednesday in Seattle.

come. We encourage everyone to get their tickets and come out and support the events, not just the events but the athletes who have prepared and will have their first-class talents on display,” he said.

The Bahamas has experienced tremendous growth in international baseball this year.

The nation has climbed 12 spots to be currently ranked at number 47 in the WBSC Baseball World Rankings which is the highest jump of any country this year. With that being said, chairman of the Local Organising Committee Rev Harrison Thompson encouraged Bahamians to come out and support the baseball stars. “I want to encourage all Bahamians to prepare yourselves, the 23rd of October to the 28

will be a fantastic time in this country. We expect that we have some players in the pipeline in the minors that will showcase themselves during this process.

“We want The Bahamas to come and support them. We have powerhouses like Cuba, Curacao and the Dominican Republic but we can do it if we come together as a family and as a team. I want to encourage all of our Bahamian fans and supporters of baseball to please put that week aside to come and share with our young baseball players. I am looking forward to seeing you and we are going to have a great show,” he concluded.

The event will be supported by the National Sports Authority. The Caribbean Baseball Cup will be broadcasted live via RiLive on Pay-per-view.

Jr noted about the 25-yearold from the Dominican Republic. “Out here, he’s been helping everybody. Anybody who needs help, he’s been there for them.

“He’s been a great guy and a great team-mate. So he’s been almost everything to me being here so far.”

Soto and Aaron Judge became the third Yankees duo to each have at least 40 homers in a season, joining Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig (1927, ‘30 and ‘31) and Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle (1961).

Chisholm Jr and the Yankees will be back in action at 9:40 pm tonight when they face the Oakland Athletics’ in the first of a

three-game series through Sunday at the Oakland Coliseum. They will remain on the road to take on the

Baltimore Orioles at the Oriole Park at Camden Yards from Tuesday to Thursday. And then they will wrap up the regular season against Pittsburgh Pirates from Friday to Sunday.

YANKEES’ Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr. is greeted in the dugout after hitting a two-run home run against the Seattle Mariners during the third inning yesterday in Seattle. (AP Photos/Lindsey Wasson)

Sports personalities to be honoured

additional tennis lessons.

“After that, I had a passion for coaching and at the age of 18, I was elected to the Bahamas Lawn Association Council. I always say, parents don’t stop their kids from doing any sports. It’s like a trade. They will have it for life, they can pass it on and they can make money from it and they can go on to travel around the world.”

He noted that just likealdson got him interested in playing golf, he wants to advise parents not to punish their kids who are into sports, but are not getting the A grades in education.

He said once they can strive to do both, it could be their ticket to something bigger and better in the future.

Haven, a former swimmer and soccer player, said she worked really hard, not looking for any recognition, but rather to ensure that she put her best foot forward in doing her job to the best of her ability.

“So it feels good to be recognised and I want to

thank The Bahamas for recognising me for doing the job that I love to do.”

Unmarried 36-yearold Haven serves as the executive director for the Commission. She is responsible for managing the education and testing of Bahamian athletes, ensuring that everybody stays clean. Additionally, she is in charge of conducting drug testing for all athletes whenever there’s an international event being staged in The Bahamas.

As a marketing director, as well, Haven has her own agency where she manages a lot of entrepreneurs in The Bahamas and she assists a number of small businesses to grow their brand.

But, above all, she spends a lot of time caring for her corso and Bull, a mastiff. In her spare time, she’s in front of the tube watching Netflix.

Haven, however, would be the first to mention that there’s nothing like maintaining her goal of ensuring that the Bahamian athletes are well versed in

the education of doping and are doing the necessary things to stay clean and healthy.

“As a former athlete who played soccer and also swam, as I got older, some people are prone to injury,” said Haven, who has been a member of the commission for the past eight years.

“So for me, there were no regrets moving from being an athlete to a sports administrator.

“I’m extremely passionate about managing the processes of anti-doping in sports because sports is one of the areas that has put us on the map and I love to see

UB Mingoes in 2-2 draw against Atlanteans to stay unbeaten in Florida

THE University of The Bahamas Mingoes men’s soccer team got two goals from forward Ronaldo Green to remain unbeaten in their 2024 International Tour yesterday. They drew 2-2 against the Atlantis University Atlanteans at

It was an intense game between the two sides as both sides kept attacking looking to break the tie even though the Mingoes finished with 10 players. Mingoes head coach Alexander Thompson knew the game was winnable for his side.

“I thought we were the better team for most of the 90 minutes. We had a very

costly and non-sensical red card on our end, and it affected us in the final 20 minutes of the game.

“We defended more. The guys worked hard, and we have some national team players along with highly talented players. The intensity was excellent all around,” Thompson said. The Atlanteans found the back of the net first in the 18th minute to take the 1-0 lead.

Green responded for the Mingoes with a right foot shot that was pushed past the Atlantean keeper to tie the game at 1-1.

Coming out of the water break at the 30th minute, both teams were looking to go up by a goal.

That separation came in the 34th minute when the Mingoes’ centre midfielder and national team player Nathan Wells passed a wellplaced aerial ball to Green in the 18-yard box.

Green controlled the ball with his head past the keeper before sending the ball into the goal with his left foot as the Mingoes led 2-1.

Mingoes remained up 2-1 at the end of the first half.

The Mingoes were looking to go up 3-1 while the Atlanteans were looking to tie the game coming out of the half. It was the Atlanteans who got the goal that came in the 48th minute.

The Mingoes came close several times to put the

the development of young athletes.”

the perennial top contenders Sunland Baptist Stingers senior boys’ basketball team in Grand Bahama, said at first he wasn’t aware of the concept and the organisation until he received an email and the congratulatory messages started to pour in.

“I’m honoured and I’m privileged to know that all of my hard work as a mentor is paying off,” said excelled to serve as the junior national boys basketball team coach. “As

a youngster competing in sports at TG Glover

Junior and Senior High, I got involved because it was a gateway for me to travel around the world and to get a college degree.”

Now a sportscaster at the Broadcasting Corporation not only gets to talk and showcase the performances of so many young people, but he’s also assisting in their development through coaching.

“So to be able to be a coach at the local and international level is not something that I take for

granted,” he said. “I’m extremely grateful and honoured to have been given the opportunity to assist so many people. I’m excited about what is to come.”

With so much focus on giving people their “flowers” while they are either on their way out or have to know that they are being honoured for their contribution to sports at such a young age.

“Once you have a passion for something, it’s all said. “I believe that you have to be passionate about what you do. Whether you get rewarded or not, your passion will allow you to continue to motivate and encourage others to go on. So if you are in the church, school, the medical field, once you are passionate about what you’re doing, things will take care of itself.”

The 36-year-old, who is has a daughter, Aaliyah Thompson, thanked the organisation for selecting and Haven as this year’s sports recipients.

game away, but the Atlanteans thwarted those efforts. The tour continues today with another match against

the

location. That match is set for 10.30am. Thompson will be looking for more from

BENEFITS OF RESISTANCE TRAINING FOR PERSONS OVER 50

FROM PAGE 11

or doing bodyweight squats, create stress on bones, which stimulates bone growth and helps to maintain bone strength. Resistance training essentially provides the bones with a “workout” similar to how it strengthens muscles.

Enhancing Joint Health and Flexibility

Many older adults suffer from joint pain, stiffness, or arthritis, which can make exercise seem daunting. However, resistance training can help alleviate joint discomfort by strengthening the muscles around the joints, providing better support and stability.

Exercises that focus on flexibility and range of motion, such as resistance band stretches or light weight lifting, can also improve joint function. This can make daily tasks easier, such as reaching for objects, climbing stairs, or even getting up from a chair.

Metabolic Boost and Weight Management

As we age, metabolism naturally slows down, making it easier to gain weight and harder to lose it. Resistance training plays a critical role in boosting metabolism by increasing muscle mass. Muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than fat tissue, so the more muscle you have, the higher your resting metabolic rate. By engaging in regular strength training, older

adults can also improve body composition, reducing fat and maintaining or even increasing lean muscle mass. This is key for managing weight, preventing obesity, and reducing the risk of metabolic conditions like type 2 diabetes.

Mental Health and Cognitive Benefits

The benefits of resistance training go beyond physical health. There’s growing evidence that it has a positive impact on mental health and cognitive function. Exercise, in general, is known to release endorphins—those “feelgood” hormones that can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. However, resistance training, in particular, has been shown to help improve mood, enhance self-esteem, and increase overall well-being. Some research also suggests that regular resistance training can improve brain function, including memory and executive functions, which are essential for decision-making and planning. By engaging in strength training, older adults can maintain cognitive health and delay the onset of agerelated cognitive decline.

Designing a Resistance Training Routine

It’s important for individuals over 50 to start resistance training with care and proper guidance. It’s always advisable to consult a healthcare provider or

fitness professional before beginning any new exercise regimen, especially if there are existing health conditions or concerns. A well-rounded routine might include: like squats, push-ups, or lunges to start.

gentle but effective muscle engagement. machines for controlled, progressive strength-building. such as yoga or dynamic stretching to support range of motion.

It’s crucial to start slow and build gradually, focusing on proper form to avoid injury. Resistance training should be done two to three times a week, with rest days in between to allow muscles to recover and grow.

Conclusion: It’s Never Too Late to Start

resistance training is a powerful tool for staying strong, mobile, and independent well into the golden years. The benefits are wideranging, from increased muscle and bone strength to improved mental health and cognitive function.

Remember, as the saying goes, “It’s not the years in your life, but the life in your years.” And resistance training can help make those years stronger, healthier, and more

or looking to get back into a fitness routine, the rewards are well worth the effort—proving that age is just a number when

fulfilling. Whether you’re new to the idea of strength training

it comes to maintaining

Atlanteans at the same

his guys as they recover and prepare for the win. The Mingoes opened the tour with a draw and a win.

DERRON DONALDSON JAY PHILIPPE PETRA HAVEN

THE UNIVERSITY of The Bahamas Mingoes right wing player Noel Sands takes on a University of Atlantis Atlanteans player. The match ended 2-2 at the Kendall Soccer Park yesterday in Miami, Florida.

Photo: UB Athletics

BAHAMAS LAWN TENNIS ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVES ATTEND THE COTECC

ANNUAL ASSEMBLY IN PANAMA

THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association President Perry Newton and general secretary Cameel McDonald attended the Annual Assembly of the Confederation of Tennis of Central America and the Caribbean (Cotecc) in Panama City, Panama. Its objective is to implement policies that develop tennis in Central America and the Caribbean. The organisation is made up of 34 countries. President Newton and secretary McDonald attended sessions that outlined the vision and development of tennis for the region.

PAGE 11

“Turbo” Musgrove has announced that their general meeting and election of officers will take place on Saturday, October 26 at the office of the Bahamas Olympic Committee, starting at 5pm.

Nominations for positions in the federation must be submitted to Musgrove

in person or via email at bammus1967@gmail.com by Sunday, October 13. Positions to be filled are president, two vice presidents, general secretary, assistant secretary, treasurer and assistant treasurer.

The current president is Roy Colebrooke.

BBSF CYCLING

CLASSIC

THE Bahamas

Bap-

tist Sports Federation has announced that its cycling classic will be held on

President Newton sits on the board of Cotecc and is a part of the junior development for the region. It is commendable for The Bahamas to have representation at this regional level in tennis. The President of the International Tennis Federation, Mr

Saturday, October 5 starting at 9 am at the park just before you enter Perpall Tract on West Bay Street. Registration fee is $10 for adults in the open 18-and-over and masters 35-and-over divisions and $5 for juniors in ages 15-17, 12-15 and 9-11. Interested persons are asked to contact Barron Musgrove at 433-5568 or email musgrovebarron@hotmail.com

SOFTBALL

EXUMA

HOMECOMING

THE Williams Town Exuma Homecoming Association is scheduled to hold a softball game and road race over the weekend of October 11-14.

The softball game will be played on October 11-12 between the Corner Boyz from the New Providence Oldtimers Softball Association and the local All-Star team from Exuma.

Then on October 12, a five-mile road race will be staged, starting at 7am from the Culture Centre in Forbes Hill to the public school in Williams Town.

Competitors in the under-9, under-11 and under-13 divisions will compete in a 2 1/2 mile

David Haggerty and the ITF development officer for the Caribbean, Mr John Goede, were also in attendance.

Secretary McDonald and president Newton are pictured above with other Caribbean and Central American presidents, including the president of the

run, while those in the under-15, under-17, under20 and open divisions will compete in a five-mile run.

ROOTS

JUNKANOO

FUN RUN/WALK

THE Roots Junkanoo Group is scheduled to hold its Fun Run/Walk Race under the theme “Let’s Do This Together,” on Saturday, October 12. The event will start promptly at 6:30am at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium and will be sponsored by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and the National Sports Authority.

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

ALL CARIBBEAN WRESTLING FIGHT

FOR PARADISE

THE All Caribbean Wrestling (ACW) is scheduled to hold its Fight for Paradise Show on Saturday, October 19, at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium. Doors open at 1pm. Wrestlers from throughout the Caribbean and the United States of America will be participating.

For ticket information, persons can contact FightForParadise.eventbrite.

com

FREEDOM

FARM

BASEBALL

REGISTRATION

FREEDOM Farm Baseball League will hold its registration for the 2025

Dominican Republic Federation and Cotecc President Persio Maldonado.

“The assembly was very productive as ideas and experiences were shared and a focus on collaboration was encouraged across the regional tennis body,” said a press statement.

baseball season online and in-person for players between the ages of 3-20 years old.

The registration fee is $150 per player.

In-person registration will take place every Saturday at the park in Yamacraw during September and October as general workout sessions take place from 10 am to 1 pm. The draft showcase will take place on Saturday, November 2.

BAPTIST SPORTS

FEDERATION

TRACK MEET

THE Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation will hold its Renee ‘Sunshine’ Curry-Davis Memorial Track and Field Classic on Saturday, November 16, at the Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium.

The meet, hosted in conjunction with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and the Bahamas Association of Certified Officials, will recognise Curry-Davis, a former executive of the BBSF, who was working as the director for track and field before her death this year. Beginning at 9am, the meet will be geared for men and women competing in the under-7, under-11, under-15, under20 under-30 open, under-50 open and masters 50-andover categories as well as the clergy for pastors, ministers, evangelists and deacons.

The entry deadline for teams to participate is

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

BASEBALL

JBLN

REGISTRATION

THE Junior Baseball League of Nassau has announced the following dates for the registration of players for their 2024/25 season at the Field of Dreams at St Andrew’s School. Jeffrey Walcott, a board member, announced that their online registration has been activated since August 18.

“We are ready to receive payments from returning and new players at the field,” he said. “As usual we are excited for the new season as we expect the registration numbers to increase. We urge you to reserve your spot by registering asap.”

Registration can be made online on JBLN’s website at www.jblnbaseball.com

Players and parents are to make note of the following important dates: Registration and Payment at the Fields from 10am to 1pm on Saturdays, September 7, 14, 21 and 28.

Online registration ends at midnight on October 13. The draft and tryouts will be on October 19 at 10am. The preseason will begin in November.

Rodgers sparkles in his first home start since his injury to lead Jets to 24-3 win over Patriots

By DENNIS WASZAK JR AP Pro Football Writer

EAST RUTHERFORD,

N.J. (AP) — Aaron Rodgers threw two touchdown passes in a superb homecoming performance, New York’s defence was dominant and the Jets rolled to a 24-3 victory over the New England Patriots in their home opener last night.

Rodgers started his first game at MetLife Stadium since leaving the field just over a year ago with a torn Achilles tendon in New

York’s opener. The 40-yearold quarterback showed no signs of the injury — or playing in his third game in 11 days — while scrambling several times and making off-balance throws all night, slicing through New England’s defense with surgical precision.

Rodgers finished 27 of 35 for 281 yards with TD tosses to Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard and heard chants of “Aa-ron!

Rod-gers!” throughout as the Jets (2-1) ended an eight-game home losing

streak against the Patriots (1-2).

New York, which stopped a 15-game skid against New England in Bill Belichick’s final game as the Patriots’ coach, sacked Jacoby Brissett five times.

Drake Maye, the No. 3 overall pick in April, made his NFL debut when he replaced Brissett with 4:24 left in the game.

Breece Hall ran for a score for the Jets, who also snapped a six-game skid in Thursday night games. And there was never much of a

Graphic shows NFL team matchups and predicts the winners in Week 3 action.

SHOHEI OHTANI BECOMES THE FIRST MAJOR LEAGUE

PLAYER TO EXCEED 50 HOME RUNS AND 50 STEALS IN A SEASON

By ALANIS THAMES AP Sports Writer

MIAMI (AP) — Shohei

Ohtani became the first major league player to exceed 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a season during the most spectacular game of a history-making career for the Los Angeles Dodgers star, going deep three times and swiping two bags on Thursday against the Miami Marlins.

Ohtani hit is 49th homer in the sixth inning, his 50th in the seventh and his 51st in the ninth. He finished 6 for 6 with 10 RBIs while becoming the first big league player to hit three homers and steal two bases in a game.

The Japanese superstar reached the second deck in right-center on two of his three homers at LoanDepot Park. In the sixth inning, he launched a 1-1 slider from George Soriano 438 feet for his 49th.

Ohtani hit his 50th homer in the seventh inning, an opposite-field, two-run shot to left against Marlins reliever Mike Baumann. Then, in the ninth, his 51st traveled 440 feet to rightcenter, a three-run shot against Marlins second baseman Vidal Brujan, who came in to pitch with the game out of hand.

Ohtani took care of the stolen bases earlier in the game, swiping his 50th in the first and his 51st in the second.

The Japanese superstar led off the game with double against Edward Cabrera and swiped third on the front end of a double steal with Freddie Freeman, who reached on a walk.

Ohtani has been successful on his last 28 stolen base attempts. He reached the 50-50 milestone in his 150th game. Ohtani was already the sixth player in major league history and the fastest ever to reach 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a season, needing just 126 games.

Ohtani’s previous career high in homers was 46 for the Los Angeles Angels in 2021, when he also made 23 starts on the mound and won his first of two American League MVP awards. Already the consensus best player in baseball whose accomplishments as a pitcher and batter outpaced even Babe Ruth, Ohtani reached new heights as an offensive player while taking the year off from pitching.

Ohtani signed a $700 million, 10-year deal with the Dodgers last December. The two-way star, who previously spent six years with the Los Angeles Angels, has played exclusively at designated hitter this season as he rehabilitates after surgery a year ago for an injured elbow ligament. Preparation was a key to Ohtani becoming the first member of the 50-50 club. He regularly huddled with

doubt in this one between the AFC East rivals.

Rodgers jogged onto the field to a thunderous ovation. Soon after, he sent the crowd into a frenzy again.

After the Jets’ first drive stalled, Rodgers marched them down the field — with a little help by a mental mistake from the Patriots.

A first-down pass from Rodgers to Hall was stopped for no gain, but Jahlani Tavai lifted the Jets running back and slammed him to the turf with a move more suitable for the wrestling ring.

The 15-yard penalty put the ball at New England’s 31.

Four plays later, Rodgers threw a quick out to Lazard on his left. The receiver

made a move and Alex Austin reached out to try to stop him. But instead got only a handful of Lazard’s undershirt that stretched like a rubber band before Lazard broke away and zipped into the end zone for a 13-yard touchdown.

Lazard immediately ran over to his quarterback and handed the football to Rodgers, who threw his first touchdown pass at home for the Jets.

Rodgers and the Jets kept things going on their next possession, capping a 13-play, 91-yard drive with a 1-yard run by Hall that was reversed by video review after it was originally ruled he was short of the goal line.

Joey Slye’s 44-yard field goal cut the Patriots’ deficit to 14-3 with 3:56 left in the first half.

Greg Zuerlein was wide left on a 45-yarder shortly before halftime.

New York made it 21-3 with 6:18 remaining in the third quarter when Rodgers zipped a pass to his right and found Wilson, who toetapped in the front corner of the end zone for a 2-yard touchdown. It marked the third straight game the Jets had at least three touchdowns on offence.

After Chuck Clark forced and recovered a fumble by Rhamondre Stevenson, the Jets increased their lead on a 28-yard field goal by Zuerlein.

the team’s hitting coaches and studied video of opposing pitchers to understand their tendencies with hitters and baserunners.

“I see all the work he puts in,” Dodgers catcher Will Smith said recently. “It’s not like he goes out there and it’s too easy for him. He works harder than anybody. He scouts really hard. He’s playing a different game so it’s fun to see.”

Ohtani appeared to make the 50-50 mark his mission. He increased the frequency of his base-stealing attempts and in turn his success rate went up.

But that may not be the case next year when he returns to the mound.

“He’s not pitching this year so I think he is emptying the tank offensively,” Manager Dave Roberts said. “I do think the power, the on-base (percentage), the average, I think he can do that as a pitcher. He’s done something pretty similar like that with his OPS. But as far as the stolen bases go, I’m not sure about that.”

Ohtani’s teammates have enjoyed watching him crush home runs and scamper around the bases.

“I’m honestly kind of trying to learn from him just seeing the way he goes about his day-to-day business. He’s very consistent, the same demeanor throughout,” outfielder Tommy Edman said recently. “I think that’s why he’s such a good player.”

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Third baseman Max Muncy added, “Every night I feel like he does something that we haven’t seen.”

What’s next for Ohtani?

The Dodgers are headed to the postseason in October, which will be another first for Ohtani. He never made it there with the Angels, who never had a winning record during his tenure in Anaheim.

Another potential first could be earning National League MVP honors as a designated hitter. No player who got most of his playing time as a DH — without pitching — has ever won MVP, although Don Baylor, Edgar Martinez and David Ortiz placed high in the vote. It would be Ohtani’s third career MVP award.

LOS Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani (17) reacts after hitting his 50th home run of the season dur-

the seventh inning against the Miami Marlins yesterday in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

NEW York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) reacts after throwing a touchdown pass against the New England Patriots during the first quarter last night in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)