KILLER DRIVER LEFT DAD LYING IN ROAD
Family says father in hit & run treated ‘like an animal’
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net
THE daughter of a 55-year-old man killed in a hit-and-run accident on Madeira Street is pleading for the person responsible to come forward, saying her father did not deserve to be treated “like an animal”.
Simone Russell, 37, initially thought it was a joke when her uncle told her through a Whatsapp
message on Wednesday that her father, Doyle Russell, had been hit by a car while she was at work. When she got home, her uncle called to confirm the distressing news.
A week before the incident, she had taken her father out for lunch and to visit her children. She said he was in good spirits and told her and his grandchildren that he loved them.
‘GIVE CLIENT TWO YEARS JAIL’ FOR SEX WITH GIRL AGED 13
By
EARYEL
BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
THE lawyer of a 27-yearold man charged with having unlawful sex with a 13-year-old girl argued for his client to receive a two-year imprisonment sentence.
Quincy Edgecombe appeared before Senior Justice Cheryl Grant Thompson on Friday for his sentencing hearing.
Sands: Women not priority for govt
By LYNAIRE
MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
Mr Dorsett said this was Mr Edgecombe’s first conviction of this nature, and he pleaded guilty, saving the court’s time. Mr Edgecombe’s prior convictions included causing harm in 2016 and deceiving a public
Alex Dorsett, his lawyer, referred to the Sexual Offences Act, which says people guilty of unlawful intercourse with someone under 14 could face life imprisonment. However, first-time offenders may receive a general imprisonment of seven years.
FREE National Movement chairman Dr Duane Sands said the government’s silence on implementing the Protection Against Violence Commission shows that women are not a priority for the Davis administration, despite the
By JADE
RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net
FORMER Prime Min-
fanfare that accompanied its passage of the Protection Against Violence Act. He expressed concern for people like Chiquia Rolle, a woman who told The Tribune last week that she fears for her life. She was allegedly physically assaulted in front of her three children, sustaining severe head injuries from a knife. Her alleged assailant was charged only with property damage and assault with a deadly weapon. He has been granted bail, leaving her fearful of what he may do.
Dr Sands said: “Sadly, the issue of women’s rights and gender-based violence is on the back burner for this administration. It is not a priority.”
MINNIS QUIET ON WHETHER HE WILL RUN
ister Dr Hubert Minnis remains tight-lipped about whether he will seek to run in the next general election. When The Tribune contacted the Killarney MP on Friday, he noted that reporters frequently asked about his plans, but he offered no clear response. He declined to comment when pressed on whether he had started the Free National Movement’s
mandatory candidate training sessions. Earlier this month, FNM leader Michael Pintard revealed that training for the second group of candidate hopefuls had started. He said over 100 participants would complete the modules by the end of the sessions. He said candidates without significant opposition will be finalised in the coming weeks, and
WIN tickets to EDDIE MINNIS
CELEBRATED musician Eddie Minnis is set to perform some of his greatest hits this weekend - and a few that are lesser known at a special concert at the Nassau Cruise Port amphitheater this weekend.
And you could be there - with the organisers offering a table for four to win to readers of The Tribune
This will be Eddie’s first live performance in several decades.
Eddie will be drawing from his collection of more than 100 songs spanning ten albums.
They include hits such as Naughty Johnny, People to People, Shot Gun Weddin’, The Buffet, Show and Tell, Church Out Crab Crawling, Sugar Apple Guinep and Granny Flyin.
The concert also serves as a tribute to Ronnie Butler and he hopes to honour the
two remaining members of Ronnie’s bandIra Storr and Sidney Darling.
An Evening with Eddie Minnis takes place on October 5 at the Nassau Cruise Port. The concert starts at 8pm.
Ira Storr, Fanshawn and Geno D will also be performing and they will be performing some of the songs that Eddie wrote that were recorded by other people.
To have a chance of winning, simply email your answer to the question below to newsroom@tribunemedia.net. One lucky winner with the correct answer will be
domly selected. Include your name and contact telephone number.
The question is:
What is the venue for Saturday’s concert by Eddie Minnis?
Remembering Dario
CLASSMATES of Dario Rahming unveiled a bench dedicated to him at Queen’s College on Saturday. The event marked nearly a full year since the QC head boy died on September 30, 2024. Dario collapsed during a basketball practice at the school - and he was described as “an extraordinary young man” by the school. The bench was donated by the class of 2024 in tribute to their classmate. Photos: Chappell Whyms Jr
Killer driver left dad lying in road
“I’ve told them their grandfather passed, and they all broke down into tears,” she told The Tribune. “So I had to control myself to be stronger for them because they just saw him.” Visibly distraught, Ms Russell said she is still in shock over her father’s death. According to police, the incident happened on Wednesday. Traffic officers said Mr Russell seemed to be lying in
the eastbound lane on Madeira Street when he was struck by a red vehicle, believed to be a Ford Mustang, travelling east along the same corridor. The driver failed to remain stationary.
Mr Russell had lived on Madeira Street for
POLICE TO CONTACT FAMILY OF TAYLOR CASEY ‘SOON’
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter
THREE months after her mysterious disappearance, police said they plan to contact the family of missing American Taylor Casey about their investigation soon.
Ms Casey, 42, a native of Chicago, was attending a month-long yoga retreat at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat Bahamas. She was reported missing on June 20 after failing to attend morning classes at the retreat on Paradise Island.
Her friends and family have been critical of the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s investigation. The family has requested that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) take over because of their lack of confidence in local authorities.
In an interview with CBS News Chicago on September 19, Ms Casey’s mother, Colette Seymore, said something was “off” before her daughter vanished.
“I talked to Taylor on the 18th,” she said. “Taylor had called me and
mentioned to me it was hard, it was hard at the yoga retreat. Something was off, I don’t know if Taylor didn’t want to alarm me, but I just felt like something was off.”
In July, Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander said police were unable to access Ms Casey’s phone, which was retrieved from the ocean. Despite assistance from US partners, the phone’s exposure to water has made it difficult to extract information.
Police have used drones, Ms Casey’s phone, and interviewed people in their search, but efforts have so
far been unsuccessful.
Last month, an anonymous donor offered a $10,000 reward for information regarding Ms Casey’s disappearance.
A Facebook page dedicated to the missing woman, “Find Taylor Casey”, said last week: “We are hopeful that this reward will help us to make progress in finding our loved one. Together, we will bring Taylor home.”
Chief Superintendent of Police Chrislyn Skippings said on Friday that police would contact Ms Casey’s family but did not provide a timeframe.
MAN FOUND SHOT DEAD ON ROOF OF UNFINISHED HOME
A MAN became the country’s 89th murder victim on Saturday after police found him unresponsive with a gunshot wound on the roof of an unfinished home around 7am. He was found in the Kennedy subdivision.
Police offered few details about the death.
National Security Minister Wayne Munroe noted in the House of Assembly last week that murders are up 13 percent this year compared to last year. He said police statistics show a 19 percent decrease in attempted murders and a 26 percent decrease in armed robberies.
He said a new programme, HYPE, is being introduced in primary schools to disrupt the
journey some young men take toward becoming murderers. He highlighted a troubling trend of juvenile males aged 14 to 16 committing murders in The Bahamas, warning that “unless you decrease the number of murderers, you will not decrease the number of murders”.
He noted during the opening ceremony of the Bahamas Inter-Institutional Roundtable Meetings of the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap that 90 percent of murders in the last five years were committed with a firearm.
“Despite The Bahamas not manufacturing firearms, the use of illicit firearms as the main weapon of choice in homicides, youth violence,
armed robberies and other serious crimes against the person is alarming,” he said. He highlighted recent data indicating that over five years, about 90 percent of homicides in The Bahamas involved firearms.
He noted that similar trends are evident across the Caribbean, with the Small Arms Survey (2023) showing that firearms are used in 70 percent of all homicides in the region. This rate, he pointed out, is significantly higher than the global average of 30 percent, which is particularly alarming given that the Caribbean accounts for less than one percent of the world’s population.
ten years and was living alone at the time of his death. He made a living selling coconuts. Ms Russell said her father would sometimes visit friends in the neighbourhood, but he was always home by 9pm. His family expressed disbelief that he would be out late at night and are suspicious about why he was lying in the street.
She suspects foul play and said it was out of character for her father to be lying on the road voluntarily.
Describing her father as a free spirit, hardworking, and a devoted family man, Ms Russell said he had
‘For a person to just do something like that with no remorse, it’s like they don’t care. He has family out here that loves him. So justice has to be served in that incident. He’s not an animal.’
three adult children and five grandchildren. She called on the driver to have a conscience and turn themselves in.
“For a person to just do something like that with no
remorse, it’s like they don’t care,” she said. “He has family out here that loves him. So justice has to be served in that incident. He’s not an animal.”
DOYLE RUSSELL
TAYLOR CASEY
Davis announces bid for UN Security Council seat
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis highlighted the urgent need for climate action and announced The Bahamas’ candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2032-2033 term during his speech at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
He criticised the disparity in funding for climate-related issues in his address in New York on Friday.
“Member states can somehow quickly find eyewatering sums of money for bullets and bombs, but only rattle small change in their pockets when it comes to financing the costs of loss and damage,” he said.
He described the ongoing
‘Even
the strongest swimmer drowns if left alone in a raging sea.’
— Prime Minister
climate crisis as a significant threat to humanity, noting its impact through extreme weather events.
He urged the UN Security Council to integrate climate considerations into its work.
He said: “The Security Council of the future will not be equipped to deal with the biggest crisis of our time without voices like ours at the table.”
He emphasised the importance of including Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in global decision-making.
“It is a cruel irony that industrialised nations who bear the greatest responsibility for the climate crisis often perpetuate another
Philip “Brave” Davis
form of injustice,” he said, advocating for a fairer international framework that ensures all voices are heard and respected.
“Over 40 percent of my country’s national debt is a direct result of the impacts of climate change.”
As COP29 approaches, he stressed the need for enforceable commitments from developed nations, saying: “While global military expenditure soared to an unprecedented $2.4 trillion last year, the Loss and Damage Fund has secured a mere $800m in pledges.”
“We are not asking for a hand-out, but for a hand up. Even the strongest swimmer drowns if left alone in a raging sea,” he said.
BLUE LAGOON WORKER FIRED OVER WHATSAPP CONVERSATION
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS
Tribune
Staff Reporter
lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
A FORMER Blue Lagoon employee of 21 years was fired for a conversation she had on WhatsApp with a subordinate after the dialogue was displayed on the company’s computer system and discovered by a manager.
Ms Richards, who was a head cashier at Blue Lagoon Island & Dolphin Encounters, criticised members of management using profanity and negative comments in a Whatsapp message.
She was fired on December 30th, 2022. She sued
Blue Lagoon over the action, but the Industrial Tribunal rejected her position.
The conversation occurred between her and her subordinate, Kelia Nottage.
In the chat, she told Ms Nottage she would call in sick to avoid a departmental meeting. She followed through with this plan, causing the meeting to be postponed as her attendance was required. She argued that the conversation took place outside of work hours and should not have been seen by the company. However, the company cited her senior position and the
nature of the conversation as a breach of trust, classifying her actions as “gross misconduct”.
During the Industrial Tribunal hearing, Ms Richards admitted to the contents of the conversation but denied leaving the chat open on her workstation. The company’s witness testified that Ms Richards’ profile was still logged into the workstation where the chat was discovered.
The witness explained that Ms Richards’ profile had not been logged off, allowing the chat to be visible. She further testified that Ms Richards had recently completed a 90-day probationary period
following complaints about rude and dismissive behaviour.
The Tribunal also heard from Ms Nottage, who confirmed that the voice notes played during the hearing were from her conversations with Ms Richards. Although Ms Nottage insisted that the
conversation occurred outside working hours, the company argued that any content displayed on its computer system, regardless of the time, was subject to its policies.
In her ruling, Vice President Mrs Rionda Godet of the Industrial Tribunal said while Ms Richards may not have intended for her conversation to be viewed by management, the content undermined the trust and confidence the company placed in her. The Tribunal found that her actions justified her dismissal, therefore, the claim of wrongful and unfair dismissal was dismissed.
TOURISM DAY AT ST JOHN’S
STUDENTS of St John’s College celebrated World Tourism Day on Friday with the support of vendors from around the country. The event included participation from the likes of Atlantis, Sandals, Goldwynn, Baha Mar and more - with food to try, daiquiris and even massages on offer.
Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
HOSPITAL UNVEILS LOYALTY PROGRAMME
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
DOCTORS Hospital unveiled its new Loyalty Advantage Membership Programme (LAMP) at the 20th Annual Abaco Business Outlook, targeting persistent challenges surrounding access to affordable healthcare.
This initiative is designed to provide healthcare solutions for uninsured and underinsured Bahamians and businesses in the region.
“We understand that people are seeking an affordable healthcare product, particularly in the primary care space,” said Dennis Deveaux, chief financial officer of Doctors Hospital. “LAMP provides exactly that, especially with
the new LAMP Ultimate offering, which includes unlimited access to a primary care doctor along with urgent care visits at our Paradise Island and Doctors Hospital West locations.”
Nearly 53 percent of Bahamians were without health insurance, with 185,477 people lacking coverage, according to 2010 census data released by the Department of Statistics.
“Our mission is to provide affordable and comprehensive healthcare solutions to individuals who lack traditional insurance coverage or are unhappily insured,” said Carlyle Bethel, LAMP Manager. “We are dedicated to ensuring accessible and high-quality medical care to improve the overall health and well-being of our members.”
“Our vision
and
According to a report from the
and
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis.
It’s a long hot weekend as power goes out
Sands: Women not priority for govt
from page one
“We have spent hundreds of millions of dollars on capital works and no-bid contracts. We have spent countless millions on luxury travel, but $500,000 to shelter abused women is not a priority.”
The Protection Against Violence Commission was intended to work with police officers and ensure sufficient shelters are
available for victims across the country.
Alicia Wallace, director of the non-profit organisation Equality Bahamas, recently echoed Dr Sands’ concerns.
She said the lack of an effective framework endangers individuals like Ms Rolle.
“The very least that this country can do, that this government can do, is to ensure that the 30-yearold young woman has
protection at all times, is safely housed, has all of her basic needs met, and remember that domestic violence and intimate partner violence often follow women to work. Ensure that she does not need to appear at work when under threat,” she said.
Social Services Minister Myles Laroda has not responded to The Tribune’s requests for comment on the status of the commission in the last week.
MINNIS QUIET ON WHETHER HE WILL RUN
from page one
official announcements of candidates can be expected shortly.
He said most current FNM MPs had completed the training while the
remaining ones were participating in the ongoing session.
FNM chairman Dr Duane Sands previously said incumbent parliamentarians are not guaranteed renomination for the next general election.
Dr Minnis’s future in the FNM has been uncertain.
At the party’s one-day convention in June, Mr Pintard decisively won the leadership race, securing 486 votes to Dr Minnis’s 163.
SERIES OF ARRESTS BY POLICE
POLICE made a series of arrests on Friday in connection with human smuggling, illegal firearm possession, and the discovery of undocumented immigrants in a busy day of law enforcement activity.
The most significant arrest occurred around 11pm near Bay Street when officers intercepted a vessel carrying 45 undocumented Haitian nationals. The group included 32 males and 13 females.
Authorities linked the smuggling operation to a white Nissan Juke, which was seen transporting
individuals to the boat. Three Bahamian adults — two men, aged 29 and 50, and a 48-year-old woman — were arrested on charges of human smuggling. The Haitian nationals were handed over to the Bahamas Department of Immigration for further processing.
Earlier in the day, around 2pm, police stopped a white Daihatsu Mira on Village Road, leading to the arrest of a 28-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman after officers found an unlicenced firearm and ammunition in the vehicle.
from page one
BPL’s communications manager, Arnette Ingraham, said the outage was due to a fault on the overhead line near Wellington Street and Christie Avenue. She said BPL received calls around 6am from residents, and a crew was dispatched to the site by 8am.
BPL trucks were seen driving through Stapledon Gardens, and workers were observed repairing power lines in the area.
BPL’s Facebook page noted outages in Stapledon Gardens and the Sea Breeze area on Saturday. Later, the company reported an outage on Cowpen Road due to a damaged pole caused by a third-party incident.
Mr Collie said he was wakened around 4.30am on Saturday, drenched in sweat, and quickly realised the electricity was out in much of the area near Wellington Lane and Christie Avenue. He said he has a heart condition and
emphasised that staying cool is important because the heat aggravates his health issues.
After waiting for hours, he sought relief outside on his patio, but the heat from the sun was unbearable. When The Tribune spoke with him more than 10 hours into the outage, he expressed frustration with Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) for not providing clear information about the power loss. He said he had been calling BPL’s customer service since 6am but only reached a voice mail system.
Jhadyn Brown, a 21-yearold computer science major at the University of The Bahamas, said the outage severely disrupted her day. She was unable to complete her homework and assignments. She also had a funeral to attend on the morning of the outage. She and her family got dressed in the dark and couldn’t iron their clothes, make breakfast, or prepare properly. Upon returning from the funeral,
they were frustrated to find the power still out.
She suggested that BPL partner with ALIV and BTC to send text alerts to residents during outages or other issues, especially for those without internet access.
Another resident, an educator who wished to remain anonymous, said the outage prevented her from finishing her lesson plans for the upcoming week. The 40-year-old said while she understands short outages during bad weather, leaving residents without power for an entire day is “inhumane.”
“You have no light. Nobody’s saying anything. I think this is poor, and when you pay your bills on time, you don’t get any discounts. This is just bad customer service, and there are no repercussions,” she said. She added that she had planned to have her car repaired at home, but due to being unable to charge her phone, she couldn’t contact the mobile mechanic, leaving her stuck at home.
The weekend also saw two armed robberies reported on Saturday. The first occurred around 11am on Lincoln Boulevard, where a delivery driver was held up by two masked gunmen in a black, heavily tinted Japanese vehicle, who made off with an undisclosed amount of cash.
The second robbery took place at 9pm near East and Deveaux Streets, where two men, one wielding a firearm, robbed a pedestrian of cash and personal items.
Police said they are continuing their investigations into all incidents.
BPL workers at the corner of Christie Avenue and Wellington Street at the weekend tackling power outages in the area. BPL reported that the outage was due to a fault on the overhead line. There were also outages in other areas over the weekend.
The Tribune Limited
NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI
“Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”
LEON E. H. DUPUCH, Publisher/Editor 1903-1914
SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH, Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .
Publisher/Editor 1919-1972
Contributing Editor 1972-1991
RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B.
Publisher/Editor 1972-
Published daily Monday to Friday Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207
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Celebrating cultural cornerstones
WE hope that both will forgive the term but two great Bahamian institutions are being celebrated – one with a birthday bash over the weekend just passed and the other with a major concert next weekend.
The Mall at Marathon was first to party – with a celebration over the weekend to mark 35 years since its opening.
There was music, dancing, appearances by Junkanoo dancers and the Bahamas All Stars and more.
In the business landscape of The Bahamas, 35 years is well worth celebrating.
There is often discussion in these pages of the ease of doing business – or the lack thereof. It can be hard work negotiating the red tape that goes with trying to get by day by day. To have done so for 35 years is to be saluted.
There was a real buzz in the air on Saturday as shoppers were treated to what felt like a real occasion.
One of those business challenges made itself felt from time to time – the occasional power dropout from BPL making life a chore. One singer was just about to hit a high note when everything went dark.
There was also a concert in the evening with a list of familiar names lined up to perform.
So we congratulate the mall, we say happy birthday to it – and wish it all the best for the next 35 years.
The second institution is a man. Eddie Minnis. Artist, musician, and part of the Bahamian cultural landscape. In Friday’s Weekend section, he talked of his return to perform in front of an audience for the first time in decades.
He talked of how he felt people would not know his songs – he is wrong, we are sure. Songs such as Naughty Johnny are part of our world.
Mr Minnis is due to perform at the Nassau Cruise Port at the weekend.
There is something noteworthy about someone so integral to our nation’s culture taking to the stage at what is still very much a new venue in our part of the world.
The amphitheatre at the cruise port is a beautiful location – and it would be wrong for it to always behind a fence for only the tourists to make use of.
Events such as this see Bahamians able to partake as well – including to see the Junkanoo museum too where a special exhibition is on show to coincide.
Back when the mall was opening its doors 35 years ago, the founders may have never thought they would have seen as much success as they have. But it is a cornerstone of our New Providence experience.
The cruise port location has just set out on that journey – one day, we hope it too as the years pass will be seen as integral to our landscape, for Bahamians and for visitors alike.
Consider long term on taxes
EDITOR, The Tribune.
Dear Prime Minister Davis,
I trust this letter finds you well. I am writing in response to the comments you made during the Opening Contribution to the Mid-Year Budget Debate 2023/2024 in the House of Assembly, where you addressed the pressing issue of tax reforms and the impact of our current tax structure on lower-income individuals.
Firstly, I would like to commend your acknowledgment of the regressive nature of our tax regime. It is a crucial step to recognise that under the present system, lower-income citizens are disproportionately affected, as they spend a larger share of their income on taxes compared to those in higher income brackets. This issue strikes at the heart of economic inequality, and I believe that reforming our tax system is essential to creating a more equitable society.
However, I would like to express some thoughts on your position that, at this time, there is no consideration being given to the introduction of personal income taxes or any other income-related taxes.
While I understand the complexities and challenges involved in restructuring the tax system, I believe it is important to consider the long-term benefits of a more progressive taxation approach.
Income-related taxes, especially a well-designed and progressive income tax system, could alleviate the disproportionate burden on lower-income households while ensuring that those with greater financial means contribute their fair share. Many countries around the world have implemented progressive tax systems that help to reduce income inequality and provide the government with the necessary resources to invest in public services, education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
That said, I understand that introducing new taxes, particularly personal income taxes, can be politically challenging and may raise concerns about stifling economic growth or placing undue pressure on middleincome earners. However, with careful planning and thoughtful execution, it is possible to design a system that is fair, efficient, and equitable. In fact, tax reforms of this nature could offer long-term benefits by
promoting a stronger social safety net, increased investment in essential public services, and greater economic opportunity for all citizens.
I would encourage further discussion on this matter, with input from a broad cross-section of society, including economists, tax experts, and representatives from all income groups. There is an opportunity here to address the long-standing issues of inequality in our country and create a tax system that truly reflects our values of fairness, justice, and shared responsibility.
I deeply appreciate your leadership on this issue and your commitment to ensuring that our tax system works for the benefit of all citizens, particularly those who are most vulnerable. I believe that with continued dialogue and a willingness to explore innovative solutions, we can move toward a more just and sustainable economic future for our country. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your thoughts on this critical matter.
Skills gap in the workforce
THE Bahamas, known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is grappling with a pressing issue that could hinder its future prosperity: a widening skills gap in the workforce. As the global economy evolves, the demand for specialised skills has surged, leaving many Bahamian industries struggling to find qualified professionals. Educational institutions in The Bahamas hold the key to addressing this challenge by equipping the local workforce with the necessary skills to meet modern demands.
Bahamian schools, colleges, and vocational centers are pivotal in bridging this divide. By modernising curricula, investing in technology, and fostering partnerships with industries, these institutions can produce a workforce that is both skilled and adaptable.
Updating educational programmes to reflect current industry trends is essential. This involves integrating subjects like information technology, renewable energy, and digital marketing into the curriculum. Emphasising STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education prepares students for careers in high-demand fields. Additionally, incorporating soft skills training—such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving— ensures that graduates are well-rounded and job-ready. Creating strong links between educational institutions and industries can significantly reduce the skills gap. By collaborating with businesses, schools can tailor their programmes to meet real-world demands. Internships, apprenticeships, and mentorship opportunities allow students to gain practical
experience and make valuable industry connections. These partnerships also enable companies to contribute to curriculum development, ensuring that the education provided is relevant and up-to-date. Modern classrooms equipped with the latest technology enhance learning and better prepare students for the digital age. Investing in tools like interactive whiteboards, computer labs, and online learning platforms makes education more engaging and effective. Equally important is the professional development of teachers. Providing educators with training on new technologies and teaching methods ensures that they can deliver high-quality instruction.
Not all students will pursue academic degrees, and that’s where vocational and technical education plays a crucial role. Expanding programmes in fields like healthcare, hospitality, construction, and maritime services address immediate labor shortages and provide students with viable career paths. Vocational schools should be promoted as respectable and rewarding options, offering certifications and training that lead directly to employment.
To effectively close the skills gap, education must be accessible to all segments of society. This includes offering scholarships, financial aid, and flexible learning options for those who may face economic or geographic barriers. Remote learning platforms can extend educational opportunities to the Family Islands, ensuring that no region is left behind.
Several Bahamian institutions have begun
implementing these strategies with promising results. For instance, the University of The Bahamas has launched programs focused on sustainable development and entrepreneurship, reflecting the nation’s economic priorities. Technical schools are partnering with international organisations to offer certifications recognised abroad, enhancing the employability of their graduates. By producing a skilled workforce, educational institutions contribute directly to national development. Employers benefit from a larger pool of qualified candidates, reducing the need to hire expatriates or settle for less-skilled labor. A competent workforce attracts foreign investment, drives innovation, and increases productivity across sectors.
Closing the skills gap is a collaborative effort that requires commitment from educational institutions, government, industry, and the community. Policies that support education funding, teacher training, and curriculum development are essential. Encouraging businesses to participate in educational initiatives fosters a sense of shared responsibility for workforce development. The skills gap in The Bahamas presents both a challenge and an opportunity. By proactively addressing this issue through educational reform and collaboration, the nation can unlock the potential of its people. Educational institutions stand at the forefront of this endeavor, with the power to transform lives and propel The Bahamas toward a future of sustained economic growth and social prosperity.
K’RON LIGHTBOURNE Nassau, September 16, 2024.
Police taking car pictures
EDITOR, The Tribune.
A 30lb striped bass which Jim Black caught when he left Spanish Wells to go fishing in Kennebunkport, Maine. Photo submitted by Ron Lightbourn
Celebrating 35 years of the Mall at Marathon
THE Mall at Marathon celebrated its 35th anniversary at the weekend.
From Thursday until Saturday, there was a sidewalk sale with stores setting tables out with bargains, and a birthday bash was held on Saturday.
From 11am on Saturday, there was entertainment, giveaways, a Junkanoo rush out, a dance performance and a chance to win a $500 shopping spree.
From 8pm in the food court, there was a free anniversary concert featuring artists such as Ancient Man, Colyn McDonald, DJ Rev, DMac, Elon Moxey, Freddie Munnings Jr, Funky D, Geno D, Nishie LS, Sweet Emily, Veronica Bishop and the Falcons Band. See more on PAGE 13.
‘GIVE
CLIENT TWO YEARS JAIL’ FOR SEX WITH GIRL AGED 13
from page one
officer during the COVID19 curfew, both of which he also pleaded guilty to.
The attorney emphasised that the victim initiated the interaction with Mr Edgecombe and claimed to be 16 when he inquired about her age. He reportedly took her to a friend’s house in Elizabeth Estates to commit the offence on August 14, 2022, but the two had limited communication afterward.
Mr Edgecombe allegedly discovered the victim’s actual age only upon his arrest, and the attorney argued that, had he known her age, Mr Edgecombe would have acted
differently. While acknowledging that this is not a defence, he requested the court to consider these facts.
Mr Dorsett also mentioned maturity level.
“He grew up on the island of Acklins and they had schooling up to grade 10,” he said. “So he’s got 10thgrade education, hence my point I’m making he would have very well find much in common with perhaps a 13-year-old who may be really mature for her age.”
He said some young men are not mature in their thinking, while some young women are.
Prosecutor Basil Cumberbatch rejected Mr Dorsett’s argument, saying
Mr Edgecombe cannot use ignorance of the victim’s age as a defence. He referred to the Sexual Offences Act, explaining that the law explicitly prohibits claiming a lack of knowledge or belief that the victim was under 14 years old. He urged the court to consider the need to prevent the person from committing similar offences in the future and to ensure deterrence for others.
The prosecutor acknowledged that Mr Edgecombe spared the victim from having to testify in court by pleading guilty.
The judge said she would consider the arguments and give her ruling on October 23.
Photos: Nikia Charlton
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2024
It’s a changing world - and we need to master the tools
By MALCOLM STRACHAN
THIS column often looks at the politics of the day – but this week, I am looking at something else that caught my eye during the week.
There were a couple of stories in last week’s Tribune about the use of artificial intelligence by students – specifically the piece of software called ChatGPT.
Now, first things first, what is that? It is what is called a chatbot, and has been around publicly since the end of 2022, launched by OpenAI.
Calling it a chatbot is probably a bit too simplistic in a way – it can be used to generate language for all kinds of things.
You can ask it questions and get fairly articulate answers – done by its basic model scouring the internet for what the answer would be if you Googled it and phrasing the answer in such a way as to seem, well, almost human.
It can create articles, social media posts, code for websites, it can write an email for you and… here’s the rub when it comes to students… it can write essays.
Some of the professors at the University of The Bahamas have a problem with that. After all, part of the professors’ job is to assess the quality of the work of their students. How do they do that if the student plugs the question into ChatGPT and lets it do all the work?
AI software with a cry of “ban it!” – but let’s delve a little deeper.
If you are a parent, you may well have had a conversation with one of your children’s teachers at some point about the use of calculators in the classroom. I did so myself a couple of years back – a tut tut from the teacher to say that my child had been using a calculator to solve problems in the classroom instead of working it out themselves.
‘In all of this talk of limiting ways to use such software, though, there is another thing that should be discussed – how should we be using it? It is going to be here today, tomorrow and into the future – and it will keep developing. We need to learn how to recognise it, when to use it and when not to use it, and both the dangers and the benefits it will bring.’
It is easy to react to ChatGPT and other
The point, of course, is that the children need to learn the method – and are quite able to use calculators later on once they have done so. But to begin with, they need to learn how to do it, not just get the right answer. Show your work, the note from the teacher used to say when the question was set.
ChatGPT steps into that landscape – but while it is a tool that allows people to create essays, we have not as yet it seems adequately developed the tools surrounding when it is and when it is not acceptable to use it.
One of the problems is being able to recognise when ChatGPT has been used – or not just recognising but proving. You might get a feeling when reading something – particularly if as a professor you are familiar with a particular student’s writing style – that an individual piece is suspect. It might be a bit too generic. It might lack deep insight. It might flow better, even, than some students’ work. But being able to say for certain –and sanction a student for using something
they are not supposed to use – is a different matter.
Some steps have been taken in that regard – during quizzes, students are now sometimes monitored by webcam or by access to other browsers being restricted. That in itself can be awkward – intrusive to some extent or limiting the ability to find facts by acceptable methods.
ChatGPT can also make some calamitous mistakes (students can too, as any professor will tell you). In a law case last year, two lawyers were fined $5,000 each for using ChatGPT in research. It duly wrote up legal opinions that didn’t actually exist and fake quotes and citations. Another case saw an AI generate images of black people in Nazi uniforms – with no care for historical accuracy.
The problem here is the same as when you Google something. Out there on the internet, I hate to tell you, is all kinds of rubbish. As sensible people, we can navigate that and work out what looks likely to be accurate and what looks likely to be the work of a crazy person living in a cellar somewhere while wearing a tinfoil hat. But AI programmes gather all of that up and sometimes its filter is not as strong, especially in niche areas where there might be a shortage of consensus.
In another case, a journalist got fired in Wyoming after getting caught using AI to write stories. Complete with fake quotes, put into the governor’s mouth, no less.
But let’s go back to what ChatGPT is. A tool. You can use a tool the right way, you can use a tool the wrong way.
Ask the students themselves – and The Tribune did – and they say that AI software improves their performance. One student talked of how it could explain correct answers, helping her understanding.
One thing is for certain – AI is not going away. Just like we are not throwing
calculators out of the classroom.
The question is how to use AI the right way – and still be able to evaluate the student in front of you and not the software they used.
I do not envy the professors of UB this challenge – though they will not be working alone on this. The whole of academia is trying to figure out this puzzle. There are also concerns about plagiarism. A lot of these AI models have been trained on vast catalogues of writing, including literature, social media posts and so on. Some writers have even sued over it, including famous names such as John Grisham and George RR Martin, saying they had never given permission for their work to be used as a training ground for such software.
In the academic world, plagiarism is major no-no, so if you use AI to help write something and it happens to lift a piece of phrasing from somewhere else, then you could soon run into trouble. And rightly so. In such situations, it is an individual’s words that are being weighed, and if that individual didn’t write it, well, they can face the consequences.
In all of this talk of limiting ways to use such software, though, there is another thing that should be discussed – how should we be using it? It is going to be here today, tomorrow and into the future – and it will keep developing. We need to learn how to recognise it, when to use it and when not to use it, and both the dangers and the benefits it will bring.
Professors may not like it, but students are using the software – if it was no good, they wouldn’t be doing so.
The problem in our classrooms is just the start, of course – the world of work needs to adapt to this too. The bigger picture could see it replacing jobs, even entire fields of employment. Will that enable us to do more, be more? Or will it see people left out of work and a changing society? Food for thought, and not just in the lecture halls.
Stew Fish Drive off Carmichael Road
Birchbank Close off Firetrail Road
Eastern Rd. - Repaved part just before turning to Blaire
Trail Close off Firetrail Road Spikenard Rd. off Cowpen Rd.
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The Middle East crisis and the failure of the UN Security Council
AS THE Middle East plunges deeper into conflict, the weakness of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the body charged with maintaining international peace and security, is being starkly exposed. Entrusted with the “primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security”, the UNSC has been paralysed by the veto power wielded by each of its five permanent members, who often prioritise national interests and alliances over collective global responsibility.
Nowhere is this failure more evident than in the present escalating violence between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants across Lebanon’s southern Blue Line, and in the conflict in Gaza which preceded it.
On September 25, the day after the opening of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), UN SecretaryGeneral António Guterres warned the Security Council that “hell is breaking loose in Lebanon”. He urged the Security Council to work “in lock-step” to prevent further catastrophe, highlighting the conflict’s growing “scope, depth, and intensity”.
By SIR RONALD SANDERS
Despite this plea, the Security Council did not act, although 500,000 people have already been displaced in Lebanon, with the death toll mounting daily This failure to act prompted French President Emmanuel Macron to voice his frustration. Speaking to the General Assembly, he lamented the deepening divisions among nations and underscored the urgent need for effective multilateralism to rebuild trust and tackle crises. Macron went further, acknowledging that the Security Council itself, of which France is a permanent member, requires reform. He called for a change in the body’s working methods, proposing limitations on the right of veto in cases of mass atrocities and greater attention to operational decisions needed for peacekeeping. By contrast, while the Security Council indulges in inconclusive debates, held hostage to narrow
self-interested positions, the UN General Assembly has demonstrated the grave concern of the majority of UN member states regarding the Middle East crisis. On September 18, the General Assembly adopted a historic resolution demanding that Israel end its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory within 12 months. The vote, with 124 nations in favour, 14 against, and 43 abstaining, reflects the growing global impatience with Israel’s occupation
This vote is more than just another UN resolution; it is historic for two reasons. First, it is the first time the General Assembly has explicitly condemned Israel’s apartheid regime. Second, it is the first time in 42 years that the UN has called for sanctions to end the illegal occupation, as confirmed by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in its July ruling Human rights experts have
pointed out that international law now hangs “on a knife’s edge,” with most states failing to take meaningful steps to comply with their legal obligations
The Israel-Palestine conflict, complex as it is, remains a story of missed opportunities and broken promises. At its heart lies the failure of powerful governments, which emerged from the Second World War, to create a Palestinian state alongside Israel, as they promised in 1948. The ongoing violence since then is a tragic consequence of the refusal by major powers to engage on this question in a fair and balanced manner that acknowledges the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, both Muslim and Christian who lived in Palestine until they were driven out in 1948.
In the meantime, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has remained belligerent, rejecting calls for a ceasefire with Hezbollah and continuing his aggressive military campaign. Since October 7, when Hamas launched a stupid and inhumane targeted assault on Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking over 200 hostages, over 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in
Israel’s retaliatory strikes , many of which were indiscriminate. Netanyahu’s intransigence, despite mounting international pressureincluding now from Israel’s closest ally, the United States - has deepened the possibility of a full-scale regional war. For decades, the US has shielded Israel from international censure by using its veto power to block Security Council resolutions. But as the violence escalates and Netanyahu’s refusal to heed American advice becomes more pronounced, cracks in this long-standing relationship are emerging. The US now faces a delicate balancing act: maintaining its commitment to Israel’s security while addressing growing frustration among Arab states and the majority of other nations
Supporting Netanyahu’s policies serves no interest except his own and those of the ultranationalist and ultrareligious factions in Israel, upon whom his political survival depends. His actions not only deepen the conflict, but also jeopardize long-term regional stability.
The two-state solution, once a distant hope, is now an urgent necessity. Stability
in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as the security of the Israeli people, can only be achieved through a peaceful, negotiated settlement. The overwhelming majority of UN member states have expressed support for this path. It is time for the Security Council to move beyond its divisions and take decisive action.
A binding resolution that enshrines the commitment to a two-state solution is not just a moral imperative—it is a practical one.
The United States, with its unique influence over both Israelis and Palestinians, is the only country capable of brokering peace, if it sheds all double standards, and applies objective and fair criteria to its approach. The rest of the world must encourage and support US leadership in this context. The survival of countless lives and the future of peace in the region depend on it. So, too does, any confidence in the UN Security Council that may still exist.
• The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US and the OAS. The views expressed are entirely his own. Responses and previous commentaries: www. sirronaldsanders.com.
ISRAELI AIRSTRIKES KILL DOZENS - AND HEZBOLLAH COMMANDER KILLED
ISRAELI airstrikes across Lebanon killed dozens of people on Sunday as the Hezbollah militant group sustained a string of deadly blows to its command structure, including the killing of its overall leader, Hassan Nasrallah.
Hezbollah confirmed Nabil Kaouk, the deputy head of the militant group’s Central Council, was killed on Saturday, making him the seventh senior Hezbollah leader slain in Israeli strikes in a little over a week. They include founding members who had evaded death or detention for decades.
Hezbollah had earlier confirmed that Ali Karaki, another senior commander, died in Friday’s strike that killed Nasrallah. Israel says at least 20 other Hezbollah militants were killed, including one in charge of Nasrallah’s security detail.
Meanwhile, Israeli warplanes and drones carried out deadly strikes across Lebanon on Sunday. Two consecutive strikes near the southern city of Sidon, about 45 kilometers (28 miles) south of Beirut, killed at least 32 people, the Lebanese health ministry said. Separately, Israeli
strikes in the northern province of Baalbek Hermel killed 21 people and injured at least 47.
The Israeli military said it also carried out another targeted strike on Beirut, but did not immediately provide details.
Lebanese media reported dozens of strikes in the central, eastern and western Bekaa and in the south, besides strikes on Beirut. The strikes have targeted buildings where civilians were living and the death toll was expected to rise.
In a video of a strike in Sidon, verified by The Associated Press, a building swayed before collapsing as neighbors filmed. One TV station called on viewers to pray for a family caught under the rubble, posting their pictures, as rescuers failed to reach them.
The Lebanese health ministry reported at least 14 medics were killed over two days in the south.
President Joe Biden said on Sunday he would speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and believes that an all-out war in the Middle East must be avoided.
“It has to be,” Biden told reporters at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware as he boarded Air Force One for Washington. Meanwhile, wreckage from the strike on Friday that killed
Nasrallah was still smoldering.
AP journalists saw smoke over the rubble as people flocked to the site, some to check on what was left of their homes and others to pay respects, pray or simply to see the destruction.
In response to the dramatic escalation in Israeli strikes on Lebanon, Hezbollah significantly increased its attacks in the past week, from several dozen to several hundred daily, the Israeli military said. The attacks injured several people and caused damage, but most of the rockets and drones were intercepted by Israel’s air defense systems or fell in open areas.
The army says its strikes have degraded Hezbollah’s capabilities and the number of launches would be much higher if Hezbollah had not been hit.
Also on Sunday, the Israeli military said dozens of its aircraft struck Houthi targets in Yemen in response to a recent attack on Israel. The military said it targeted power plants and sea port facilities in the city of Hodeida.
The Houthis launched a ballistic missile attack on Ben Gurion airport on Saturday when Netanyahu was arriving. The Houthi media office said the Israeli strikes hit the Hodeida and Rass Issa ports, along with two power
plants in Hodeida city, a stronghold for the Iranian-backed rebels. The Houthi-run Health Ministry said the strikes killed four people and wounded 40 others.
The Houthis claimed they took precautionary measures ahead of the strikes, emptying oil storages in the ports, according to Nasruddin Ammer, deputy director of the Houthi media office. He said in a post on X platform the strikes won’t stop the rebels’ attacks on shipping routes and on Israel.
Meanwhile, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Israel’s airstrikes in Lebanon had “wiped out” Hezbollah’s command structure, but he warned the group will work quickly to rebuild it.
“I think people are safer without him walking around,” Kirby said of Nasrallah. “But they will try to recover. We’re watching to see what they do to try to fill this leadership vacuum. It’s going to be tough. … Much of their command structure has now been wiped out.”
Speaking on CNN’s “State of the Union”, Kirby sidestepped questions about whether the Biden administration agrees with how the Israelis are targeting Hezbollah leaders. The White House continues to call
on Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a 21-day temporary cease-fire floated by the US, France and other countries as world leaders gathered for the UN General Assembly last week.
Netanyahu on Sunday appointed a former rival, Gideon Saar, to his Cabinet. The move expands Netanyahu’s governing coalition and helps entrench the Israeli leader in office.
Under their agreement, Netanyahu said Saar would be given a spot in the Security Cabinet, the body that oversees management of the ongoing war.
Saar had hoped to replace Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, another rival of Netanyahu’s. But a deal to become defence minister fell through after fighting intensified with Hezbollah.
Earlier this month, Hezbollah was also targeted by a sophisticated attack on its pagers and walkie-talkies that was widely blamed on Israel. A wave of Israeli airstrikes across large parts of Lebanon have killed more than 1,030 people — including 156 women and 87 children — in less than two weeks, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry.
Hundreds of thousands of people have been driven from their homes in Lebanon by the latest strikes.
PEOPLE check the site of the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut’s southern suburbs yesterday.
Photo: Hassan Ammar/AP
U.S. National Centre for Atmospheric Research, NOAA & FAA’S Aviation Weather Centre Collaboratin g with Bahamas Aviation, Climate & Severe Weather Network to bring the PM’s Real-Time U.S. Certified Aviation Carbon Credits & Climate Change Agenda to reality..
U.S. National Centre for Atmospheric Research
Photos: Nikia Charlton
More than 60 dead in US from Hurricane Helene
PERRY, Florida Associated Press
THE US Southeast grappled with rising death tolls yesterday, a lack of vital supplies in isolated, floodstricken areas and the widespread loss of homes and property while the devastating toll of Hurricane Helene became clear to officials who warned of a lengthy and difficult rebuild.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said Sunday that the death toll of 11 in the state was expected to rise from Helene as rescuers and other emergency workers reached areas isolated by collapsed roads, failing infrastructure and widespread flooding.
Cooper, speaking at a press conference, said “we know there will be more” deaths and he asked residents to avoid traveling on roadways in western North Carolina not only to avoid dangers but to keep roads clear for emergency vehicles. More than 50 search teams have fanned out across the region in search of stranded people.
“Many people are cut off because the roads are impassable,” he said. Supplies were being airlifted to the region around Asheville, a city tucked in the western North Carolina mountains known for its arts, culture and natural beauty.
The rescue efforts included saving 41 people in one mission north of Asheville and an infant. The teams were finding people through both 911 calls and messages on social media, North Carolina Adjutant General Todd Hunt said. The storm upended life throughout the Southeast. Authorities were rushing to airlift supplies and restore communications and roads in flooded Asheville on Sunday as residents along the storm-battered Florida coast gathered for church services.
Hurricane Helene roared ashore in Florida’s Big Bend region as a Category
4 hurricane late Thursday with winds of 140 mph.
From there, it quickly moved through Georgia, where Gov Brian Kemp said Saturday that it “looks like a bomb went off” after viewing splintered homes and debris-covered highways from the air. Weakened, Helene then soaked the Carolinas and Tennessee with torrential rains, sending creeks and rivers over their banks and straining dams. More than 60 people have been killed in total.
Several million people were without power as of Sunday afternoon.
In Texas, Jessica Drye Turner begged for someone to rescue her family members stranded on their rooftop in Asheville, surrounded by rising flood waters. “They are watching 18 wheelers and cars floating by,” Turner wrote in an urgent Facebook post on Friday. But in a follow-up message, which became widely circulated on social media
on Saturday, Turner said help had not arrived in time to save her parents, both in their 70s, and her six-yearold nephew. The roof had collapsed and the three drowned.
“I cannot convey in words the sorrow, heartbreak and devastation my sisters and I are going through nor imagine the pain before us,” she wrote.
Western North Carolina was isolated because of landslides and flooding that forced the closure of Interstate 40 and other roads. There have been hundreds of water rescues, none more dramatic than in rural Unicoi County in East Tennessee, where dozens of patients and staff were plucked by helicopter from a hospital rooftop Friday.
The storm hovered over the Tennessee Valley into Sunday, the National Hurricane Center said. It unleashed the worst flooding in a century in North Carolina. One community, Spruce Pine, was
doused with over 2 feet of rain from Tuesday through Saturday.
The state is sending water supplies and other items toward Buncombe County and Asheville, but mudslides on Interstate 40 and other blocked highways are preventing the supplies from making it. The county’s own supplies of water were on the other side of the Swannanoa River, away from where most of the 270,000 people in Buncombe County live, officials said.
Law enforcement was making plans to send officers to places that still had water, food or gas because of reports of arguments and threats of violence, the sheriff said.
“If you will bear with us and be patient one more day — I hate to say that but I know how desperate water is in our community — but we are pushing as hard as we can to get them up the mountain,” Buncombe County Manager Avril Pinder said.
FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell said North Carolina is seeing historic flooding, especially in the western part of the state.
“I don’t know that anybody could be fully prepared for the amount of flooding and landslides that they are experiencing right now,” she said on CBS’ Face the Nation.
“But we have had teams in there for several days. We’re sending more search and rescue teams in there.”
She is touring the stricken states and visits North Carolina on Monday.
In Florida’s Big Bend, some lost nearly everything they own, emerging from the storm without even a pair of shoes. With sanctuaries still darkened in a county where as of Sunday morning, 97 percent of customers were without power, some churches canceled regular services while others like Faith Baptist Church in Perry opted to worship outside.
Standing water and tree debris still covers the grounds of Faith Baptist Church. The church called on parishioners to come “pray for our community” in a message posted to the congregation’s Facebook page.
“We have power. We don’t have electricity,” Immaculate Conception Catholic Church parishioner Marie Ruttinger said.
“Our God has power. That’s for sure.”
In Atlanta, 11.12 inches of rain fell over 48 hours, the most the city has seen over two days since record keeping began in 1878.
In Augusta, in eastern Georgia near the border with South Carolina, officials notified residents Sunday morning that water service would be shut off for 24 to 48 hours in the city and surrounding Richmond County. A news release said trash and debris from the storm “blocked our ability to pump water.” Officials were distributing bottled water at the municipal building and said each household would receive
one case. President Joe Biden said on Saturday that Helene’s devastation has been “overwhelming” and pledged to send help. He also approved a disaster declaration for North Carolina, making federal funding available for affected individuals. Dozens of utilities crews from New England states were also headed south to help with recovery. Federal funding will be critically important for rebuilding local communities, Sen Marco Rubio said during an appearance on NBC’s Meet The Press.
“There are some coastal areas, some of which are now facing their third storm in the last 12 months,” Rubio said.
With at least 25 killed in South Carolina, Helene is the deadliest tropical cyclone for the state since Hurricane Hugo killed 35 people when it came ashore just north of Charleston in 1989. Deaths also have been reported in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia.
Moody’s Analytics said it expects $15 billion to $26 billion in property damage. AccuWeather’s preliminary estimate of the total damage and economic loss from Helene in the US is between $95 billion and $110 billion.
Among the 11 confirmed deaths in Florida were nine people who drowned in their homes in a mandatory evacuation area on the Gulf Coast in Pinellas County, Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said.
Climate change has exacerbated conditions that allow such storms to thrive, rapidly intensifying in warming waters and turning into powerful cyclones sometimes in a matter of hours.
Helene was the eighth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which began June 1. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted an above-average season this year because of record-warm ocean temperatures.
AT LEAST 148 DEAD AS NEPAL HIT BY FLOODS AND LANDSLIDES
BOATS sit after being pushed ashore by floodwaters from Hurricane Helene on Saturday, September 28, in St Petersburg, Florida.
Photo: Mike Carlson/AP
JOSE Salazar dumps debris as he helps gut a property that took on a storm surge in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, in Steinhatchee, Florida, yesterday. Photo: Gerald Herbert/AP
SPORTS
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2024
Wildcats win title
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
The Sunshine Auto Wildcats completed their mission of honouring the memory of their late mouthpiece and utility player Renee “Sunshine” Curry-Davis.
On Saturday night in the Bankers Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex, the Wildcats completed their New Providence Softball Association’s Van ‘Lil Joe’ Johnson’s best-of-seven championship series with a four-game sweep over the Johnson’s Lady Operators.
In the featured game played, the Wildcats pulled off a 12-4 win over the Lady Operators to celebrate with their fans as they paid their respects to the late Curry-Davis.
The men’s opener saw the Chances Mighty Mitts keep their hopes alive as they avoided a four-game sweep by the Cyber Tech Blue Marlins with an 11-4 victory, featuring a fifth game on Tuesday at 8pm.
Wildcats 12, Lady Operators 4
Sunshine Auto rang up the numbers on Johnson’s with three runs in the first, one in the third and four in both of the fifth and sixth innings.
The Wildcats’ offence was sparked by Kenya Forbes’ 2-for-3 night with
ON THE REPLAY: The Sunshine Auto Wildcats completed their New Providence Softball Association’s Van
best-of-seven championship series with a four-game sweep over the Johnson’s Lady Operators in the Bankers Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex on Saturday night.
a home run, a run batted in (RBI) and four runs scored.
Lynette Kelly assisted with a 2-for-3 effort with a triple, two RBI and three runs scored and Thela Stevens helped her own cause by going 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI and three runs scored. Steven was the winning pitcher and Melinda Bastian provided a different look from the mound for Johnson’s, but it didn’t
deter the Wildcats from completing their mission.
Mighty Mitts 11, Blue Marlins 4
Alcott Forbes finally got the better of the Cyber Tech’s offensive line-up to secure the win on the mound, handing Thomas Davis the loss.
Forbes also helped his own cause by going 2-for-3 with an RBI and one scored, Richard Bain went 2-for-3 with a triple, a RBI and three runs scored
and Chris McPhee was 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles, three RBI and a run scored.
Chances did just that. They took their chances, scoring a run in the first, four in the third and six in the sixth to produce their best offensive attack in the series. Forbes kept Cyber Tech at bay, only allowing them to come through with a pair of runs in both the third and fourth innings. It just wasn’t enough.
Angelo Watson led their attack with a 2-for-3 outing with a double and two runs scored. And Gee Bethel was 1-for-1 with a solo homer, an RBI and a run scored.
• The Schedule:
Tuesday 8pm - Cyber Tech Blue Marlins vs Chances Mighty Mitts (M).
Thursday 8pm - Chances Mighty Mitts vs Cyber Tech Blue Marlins (if necessary).
Charisma Taylor sixth in 100m hurdles
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
THE track and field season might have been long over and done with for a number of Bahamian athletes, but Olympic double competitor Charisma Taylor did one more meet.
At the inaugural Athlos NYC in the Ichan Stadium in New York on Thursday, Taylor, sporting a new shaved bald hairdo, contested the Toyota women’s 100m hurdles, finishing sixth in a time of 13.58 seconds.
The first race of the all-women competitors was won by Puerto Rico’s sensation Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, the Olympic bronze medallist, in a new
stadium record of 12.36 as she earned the first Tiffany crown presented to the winners. She also earned a hefty pay cheque of $60,000 for her winning performance.
Alaysha Johnson placed second in 12.48, Olympic champion Masai Russell was third in 12.44 and Tonee Marshall was fourth in 12.51. Veteran Danielle Williams got fifth in 12.56.
The inaugural Athlos NYC invitational was the first female-only premier track event and was funded by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, featuring 36 of the top track stars in the world.
“I felt honoured to be a part of any event like this,” said Taylor, who was a lastminute replacement for the
GHS ALUMNI ROYAL
BLUE GOLF TOURNEY
THE Inaugural GHS Alumni
Royal Blue Golf Tournament is scheduled for October 5-6 at the Nine Hole Golf Complex on Bahamas Games Boulevard. The tournament is sponsored by the Flowers Foundation, Everybody Wins and Open Systems and will be following a twoperson modified 18-hole scramble format and the play will be governed by the Bahamas Golf Federation. As per our first meeting, we have agreed to change from four categories: OPEN, CO-ED, WOMEN & JUNIORS to High School, Junior High and Primary to align with the Flowers Foundation’s initiative of promoting Youth in Golf.
Thirty-six participants will vie for the Inaugural Open Systems GHS
Alumni Royal Blue Golf Tournament floating trophy which will be presented to the team with the lowest score. The winning team will also be presented with two Kedar Clark Bespoke Royal Blue jackets which will be presented on Saturday, October 12. The members of the school with the lowest score will receive the Craig Flowers floating trophy and 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies will be presented to the teams in each division. Should you have any questions or concerns please feel free to whatsapp us at 242-812-8653.
JUNIOR GOLF AWARDS THE 14th Hole Golf Club, in conjunction with the Bahamas Golf Federation’s Junior Division, will
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
meet. “I hadn’t really been practicing.
“I was just getting ready to start my off-season training, so when I got the call to be a part of the event, I went for it because I knew I would be a part of history. I’m a competitor so I always want to put my best foot forward in anything I do. I tried to do that.”
While each of the six winners carted off $60,000, which doubled the Diamond League $30,000 for first place for the final, athletes finishing second and third collected $25,000 and $10,000 respectively. Fourth through sixth got $8,000, $5,000 and $2,500.
Athlos NYC also pledged 10 percent of all event revenue distributed
TRIBUTES poured in from many of the former athletes and coaches who benefited from the expertise of National Hall of Fame track and field coach Keith Parker. Parker, who just celebrated his 92nd birthday, passed away on Friday. He was among a group of persons honoured in May by the newly formed Bahamas Track and Field Alumni Association for their contribution to the sport. Left to cherish his legacy that he shared with the Bahamian people are Sara S. Parker, his wife of 52 years, Berkshire Hathaway realtor, Bryony Parker Samuel, Neo-Natal Health Care, Chepstowe, Wales; Richard Parker, BHHSB realtor and contractor; Chandra Parker Loane, Paradise Preferred realtor,
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
CARL Hield successfully defended his World Boxing Association Fedecaribe super welterweight title in Cartagena, Colombia, over the weekend with a first round knockout over challenger Alfonso Blanco of Venezuela.
Returning to Cartagena where he won the title on June 21 over Christian Bautista of Columbia, he improved his winloss record to 8-0 since turning pro in 2023 with a knockout victory over Elkin Bolano on October 21 at the Gimnasio Saga Boxing in Cartagena.
Blanco, aged 38, came into the fight with an 18-3 win-loss record, including a loss to Milan Prat in his last fight on December 2 in Marseille, France.
But he was simply no match for the 38-yearold Hield, who worked out with fellow Bahamian pro Rashield Williams at their training camp in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in preparation for the fight.
“The fight was good,” Hield said. “The guy was big and strong, but I was just waiting for my opportunity to take the fight to him.”
In that first round, Hield hit Blanco with a body shot that rocked the Venezuelan and drew the approval of the 5,000-plus Colombian crowd.
Blanco dropped to the canvas, signalling the end of the bout as Hield got his hand raised once again by the ring referee in what has become a familiar trend in
As
Abigail Samuel, Amazon, Wales; Jaxon Parker, Lyford Cay School sailing instructor; Claudia Parker, student, California; William Loane, student, St Andrews, Nassau. He also has one great grandchild Henry Wales. His sons-in-law are Nick Samuel, civil service manager, Uk Ministry of Defence, Wales and Alan Loane, IT Director, Fidelity. He left his footprints in the sand of time from the time he made his first encounter with the late Thomas A. Robinson at the Commonwealth Games in Wales and was invited to come to The Bahamas.
a former long jumper and a graduate of Loughborough University,
CARL HIELD
OLYMPIAN Charisma Taylor.
KEITH PARKER
‘Lil Joe’ Johnson’s
Photo: Chappell Whyms Jr
Falcons rally with late field goal to beat Saints 26-24
ATLANTA (AP) —
Younghoe Koo kicked a 58-yard field goal with two seconds remaining and the Atlanta Falcons rallied for a 26-24 victory over the New Orleans Saints without scoring an offensive touchdown yesterday.
Koo kicked four field goals in all, also connecting from 53, 44 and 42 yards to give the Falcons (2-2) a desperately needed home victory.
They had lost their first two games at MercedesBenz Stadium and seemed on the verge of falling to 0-3 in Atlanta when Alvin Kamara scored on a 1-yard run with a minute remaining to push the Saints (2-2) to a 24-23 lead.
A 30-yard pass interference penalty on Paulson Adebo gave the Falcons hope at the New Orleans 40. Kirk Cousins threw three straight incompletions, but it didn’t matter.
Koo knocked down the longest field goal in the stadium’s seven-year history with plenty to spare, sending the Saints to their second straight close loss after two dominating victories to open the season.
BEARS 24, RAMS 18
CHICAGO (AP) — Caleb Williams led four scoring drives, D’Andre Swift had 165 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown as Chicago held off Los Angeles.
Jaquan Brisker intercepted Matthew Stafford with about a minute remaining after the Bears punted on the previous play, helping Chicago (2-2) end a two-game skid.
Williams threw for 157 yards and a touchdown after setting a Bears rookie record by passing for 363 yards at Indianapolis last week. The No. 1 overall draft pick and former Heisman Trophy winner out of Southern California was 17 of 23 with a 9-yard TD pass to DJ Moore in the third quarter.
Swift had his best game since signing with the Bears in March. A Pro Bowler with Philadelphia last season, he broke off a 36-yard touchdown run that made it 24-15 in the fourth quarter. He finished with 16 rushes for 93 yards and seven catches for 72 yards.
BUCCANEERS 33, EAGLES 16
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Baker Mayfield threw for 347 yards and two touchdowns, while Mike Evans became the Buccaneers’ career scoring leader during Tampa Bay’s victory over Philadelphia.
Mayfield, who completed 30 of 47 passes without an interception, also ran for a TD in helping the Bucs (3-1) dominate the rematch of a lopsided NFC wild-card game they won against the Eagles (2-2) last January.
Rebounding from a poor performance in a loss to Denver the previous week,
FROM PAGE 15
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 828-Golf 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.
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
Mayfield and the offence scored a touchdown on its opening possession for the first time in 21 games. Evans’ 2-yard scoring reception finished a 10-play, 79-yard drive that set the tone for the Bucs, who outgained the Eagles 254 yards to zero in building a 24-0 lead.
COLTS 27, STEELERS 24
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Joe Flacco threw two touchdown passes in relief of the injured Anthony Richardson, and Indianapolis came up with a stop in the final minute to beat Pittsburgh.
Indy (2-2) has won two straight since opening the season with back-to-back losses — and two straight against Pittsburgh. The Steelers (3-1) fought back from a 17-0 deficit but fell just short of extending their six-game regular-season winning streak. Pittsburgh’s topranked defence allowed a season-high point total.
Justin Fields ran for two second-half scores and threw for another to cut the deficit to 27-24 with 3:40 to go. But the Steelers turned the ball over on downs when they couldn’t recover from a botched snap that resulted in a 12-yard loss with less than two minutes to play.
Flacco, the 2023 Comeback Player of the Year with Cleveland, played just well enough to preserve the victory after Richardson left for the second time in four plays late in the first quarter with the Colts leading 7-0. Flacco finished 19 of 30 for 166 yards against a team he knew well from his 11 seasons with Baltimore. TEXANS 24, JAGUARS 20 HOUSTON (AP) — C.J. Stroud threw for 345 yards and two touchdowns, capped by a 1-yard pass to Dare Ogunbowale
ticket information, persons can contact FightForParadise.eventbrite.com
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.
with 18 seconds left, to give Houston a win over Jacksonville.
Houston forced a threeand-out to get the ball back with less than three minutes to go.
Stroud then led a nineplay, 69-yard drive to give the Texans (3-1) their first points of the second half and survive a scare by the winless Jaguars (0-4).
The Texans bounced back from a 34-7 rout at Minnesota to get the victory despite fumbling a punt return early and committing 12 penalties to give them 35 combined in their past three games.
The Jaguars fell to 0-4 for the first time since opening the 2021 season with five straight losses.
BRONCOS 10, JETS 9
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Bo Nix threw his first NFL touchdown and Denver overcame a miserable first half on offence and held on to beat New York in a defensive standoff.
Rodgers came up limping a bit after a sack late in the fourth quarter and seemed to be favouring his left leg — the same on which his Achilles tendon was surgically repaired last year — and was looked at on the sideline by trainers.
It appeared Rodgers might have also fumbled on the play, but the Broncos were out of challenges so Sean Payton couldn’t ask officials to review.
Rodgers came back on the Jets’ next possession with 2:31 remaining but couldn’t get anything going.
Facing fourth-and-10 on New York’s 45, Rodgers was sacked from behind by a blitzing P.J. Locke to give the Broncos the ball at the 35.
VIKINGS 31, PACKERS 29
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Sam Darnold threw
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.
BASKETBALL IBA YOUTH BASKETBALL COACH Denykco Bowles is inviting persons interested in participating in the International Basketball Academy (IBA) Bahamas Grassroots Youth Basketball League to register now. The league won’t get started until March, 2025, but Bowles noted that the registration for male and female players between the ages of four and 20 can sign up for a cost of $200 per player. Interested persons can email ibabahamaspanthers@gmail.com or info. ibabahamas@gmail.com
three touchdown passes and Jordan Addison scored twice as Minnesota built an early 28-point lead and hung on down the stretch to beat Green Bay.
The Vikings (4-0) are off to their best start since 2016, when they won their first five games before slumping to an 8-8 finish. They have trailed for less than 3 1/2 minutes all season.
Minnesota spoiled the return of Packers quarterback Jordan Love, who returned after missing two games with an injured left medial collateral ligament. He threw for 389 yards and four touchdowns, both career highs. But he also matched a career high with three interceptions while going 32 of 54.
Jayden Reed had seven receptions for 139 yards and a touchdown for the Packers (2-2).
Green Bay got within 31-29 on Dontayvion Wicks’ second fourth-quarter touchdown catch — a 17-yarder with 56 seconds left. Minnesota’s Josh Oliver recovered Daniel Whelan’s ensuing onside kick — it actually was a drop kick — to secure the victory.
BENGALS 34, PANTHERS 24
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Joe Burrow threw for 232 yards and two touchdowns, Chase Brown ran for 80 yards and two scores and Cincinnati held on to beat Carolina for their first win of the season.
Ja’Marr Chase had three catches for 85 yards, including a 63-yard catch-and-run touchdown as the Bengals avoided a potentially disastrous fourth straight loss to open the season. Of the 155 teams to start 0-4 since the merger, only the 1992 Chargers were able to rebound and make the playoffs.
Zack Moss had 78 yards from scrimmage and a
or log onto facebook, instagram or twitter at The International Basketball Academy Bahamas. Bowles can also be contacted at 466-0049 for more details.
BBSF
CYCLING CLASSIC
THE Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation has announced that its cycling classic will be held on Saturday, October 5 starting at 9 am at the park just before you enter Perpall Tract on West Bay Street. Registration fee is $10 for adults in the open 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
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.
footing quickly back at home against the struggling Patriots (1-3).
San Francisco got field goals from Jake Moody on the opening two drives before Warner delivered his latest big play of the season, making a diving interception against Jacoby Brissett and returning it 45 yards for his second career TD. Warner has three forced fumbles and two interceptions through four games this season. It was the first interception of the season for the Patriots, who have been unable to get any consistent passing game generated with Brissett at quarterback, which will lead to more questions about when rookie Drake Maye will take over.
CHIEFS
17, CHARGERS 10
touchdown reception for the Bengals (1-3). Andy Dalton threw for 220 yards with two touchdowns and one interception against his former team, but couldn’t quite match the magic he displayed in his first start a week ago when he led the Panthers to a 36-22 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Chuba Hubbard ran for 104 yards and a touchdown and Diontae Johnson had seven catches for 83 yards and a score for Carolina (1-3), which fell to 0-2 at home.
COMMANDERS 42, CARDINALS 14
GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP)
—Jayden Daniels threw for 233 yards and a touchdown and ran for a score in his desert return, and Washington extended their winning streak to three with a victory over Arizona. Daniels — the No. 2 overall pick last spring — became the fourth quarterback in the Super Bowl era to run for four touchdowns in his first four career games, joining Cam Newton, Robert Griffin III and Anthony Richardson. Daniels also completed 26 of 30 passes and has an absurd 82% completion percentage in his short career. He hit Terry McLaurin for a 10-yard touchdown strike midway through the fourth quarter, and found Zach Ertz in the back of the end zone on the 2-point conversion, for an insurmountable 35-14 lead.
49ERS 30, PATRIOTS 13
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Brock Purdy threw a touchdown pass, Fred Warner returned an interception for a score and San Francisco snapped a twogame skid by beating New England.
After losing on the road at Minnesota and against the Los Angeles Rams the past two weeks, the Niners (2-2) found their
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.
CYCLING FEDERATION ELECTION OF OFFICERS
THE Bahamas Cycling Federation’s secretary general Barron “Turbo” Musgrove has announced that their general meeting and election of officers will take place on Saturday, October 26.
The elections will be held 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.
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes passed for 245 yards and a touchdown while rediscovering his connection with Travis Kelce, and Kansas City rallied from an early 10-point deficit to beat Los Angeles.
Making his 100th regular-season start, Mahomes completed 19 of 29 passes for the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs, who are 4-0 for the first time since 2020. Kelce had a season-high seven receptions for 89 yards and set the franchise’s career receptions record, surpassing fellow tight end Tony Gonzalez.
Kansas City has won six straight over the Chargers. It also has 11 straight road victories victories its AFC West rival, the longest active winning streak by a visiting squad and tied for third all-time.
RAIDERS 20, BROWNS 16
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Las Vegas used a strong defence as well as a balanced running game to hold off a late rally to beat Cleveland.
Cleveland drove to the Raiders 9-yard line, but Deshaun Watson was sacked by Charles Snowden with 41 seconds left to seal the victory.
The Raiders held on for the win despite star wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) and premier pass rusher Maxx Crosby (ankle) missing the game because of injuries. And the defence held the Browns to 241 total yards.
Alexander Mattison rushed for 60 yards for the Raiders, who totalled 152 on the ground and five different players had runs for at least 10 yards, the highest number since 2010 against the Seahawks. The Raiders also became the first team since the Jets in 2010 against the Bengals to have two receivers score rushing touchdowns.
Las Vegas hadn’t rushed for more than 55 yards in a game this season until Sunday.
Positions to be filled are president, two vice presidents, general secretary, assistant secretary, treasurer and assistant treasurer. The current president is Roy Colebrooke. SOFTBALL EXUMA HOMECOMING THE Williams Town Exuma Homecoming Association is scheduled to hold a softball game and road race over the weekend of October 11-14. The softball game will be played on October 11-12 between the Corner Boyz from the New Providence Oldtimers Softball Association and the local All-Star team from Exuma. Then on October 12, a five-mile road race will be staged, starting at 7am from the Culture Centre in Forbes Hill to the public school in Williams Town. Competitors in the under-9, under-11 and under-13 divisions will compete in a 2 1/2 mile run, while those in the under15, under-17, under-20 and open divisions will compete in a five-mile run.
ATLANTA Falcons players celebrate place kicker Younghoe Koo’s game-winning 58-yard-field goal against the New Orleans Saints during the second half yesterday in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Athletes of the Month
Jasrado and Jonquel shine in the Big Apple in September
WOMEN’S National Basketball Association (WNBA) pro Jonquel “JJ” Jones and Major League Baseball pro Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr hit all the right notes in the Big Apple to be named September’s Tribune Athletes of the Month.
The Tribune Sports Section will recognise the efforts of athletes across all sporting disciplines and award a top male and female candidate at the end of each respective month, culminating with the athlete of the year distinction.
“JJ” and “Jazz” have picked up a number of career accolades in September while helping their New York-based teams to clinch top spots in their respective pro leagues.
Female WinnerJonquel Jones Jones continues to cement herself as one of the greatest Bahamian women to touch a basketball. She played an integral role in helping the New York Liberty to clinch home court advantage for the WNBA postseason along with a
league’s best record of 32-8. The Grand Bahamian centre made WNBA history in the Libs’ 99-67 win against the Dallas Wings on September 12. She became the first player in WNBA history to reach 300 made three-pointers while shooting 50 per cent from the field. She accomplished the career milestone at the 4:22 mark of the third quarter when she drained a three off an assist from former league MVP Breanna Stewart. September’s success continued for Jones and the Libs in the WNBA postseason. The former WNBA MVP helped the NY Liberty to sweep the eighth seeded Atlanta Dream 91-82 last Tuesday at the Barclays Centre in Brooklynn, New York. She was dominant in the win with 20 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and two steals in 35 minutes played. Recently, she and the Liberty took down the defending champions Las Vegas Aces in game
one of the semifinals 87-77 at home. She poured in 13 points, 12 boards and dished out two dimes in 33 minutes. Prior to this
game, Jones was named to the WNBA’s All Defensive Second Team. Currently, she is averaging 14 points per game, 10.7
boards and 2.7 assists in the WNBA postseason.
Offensively, she is in top form, shooting 55.6 per cent on field goals and 40 per cent from deep.
Male WinnerJasrado Chisholm Jr
A change of scenery has paid dividends for Chisholm Jr in the Big Apple. “Jazz” cracked open the month of September by hitting a new career-high. He was already having arguably the best season of his career in the majors but took it a step further against the Boston Red Sox on September 13 when he nailed his 400th career hit.
Chisholm Jr hit the career milestone off a line drive to Ceddane Rafaela for the first out in the Yankees’ 2-1 win.
In game one of the series, “Jazz” had a walk off performance.
He batted in the fourth spot and went one-forfour with his only hit going through in the bottom of the 11th inning with a walk-off RBI single in the Yankees’ 4-3 win.
If that was not enough, the flashy third baseman matched his career high in runs with his 70th run of the season earned against the Red Sox in a 5-2 victory.
The Bahamian MLB pro was already having a strong September but the cherry on top was advancing to the MLB playoffs for the third time in his career. The New York Yankees clinched their MLB playoff spot against the Seattle Mariners in a 2-1 victory on September 19.
Jazz launched his 23rd homer of the season on a two-run shot against the Mariners in the team’s 3-2 loss.
To take it a step further, Jazz and the Yankees clinched their 21st American League East Division title last week in a dominant 10-1 win against the Baltimore Orioles.
The Bahamian pro baseball player batted sixth and ended the game with a single in four at-bats. Be on the lookout for October’s Tribune Athletes of the Month.
GRAND Bahamian
Jonquel “JJ” Jones and the New York Liberty got off to a promising start in game one of the semifinals. In a rematch of last year’s WNBA Finals, the Libs prevailed over the defending champions Las Vegas Aces 87-77 yesterday evening at the Barclays Centre in Brooklynn, New York. The home team came into round two with their eyes on the prize against the two-time defending champions who defeated them in four games in last year’s finals.
The NY Liberty got double-digit performances from last year’s MVP Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jones. Stewart led all scorers with 34 points, five rebounds and four assists. She was efficient, shooting 12-of-19 on field goals and 8-of-9 from the freethrow line.
Ionescu dropped 21 points, five dimes and four boards. She continued her hot shooting from round one, going 3-of-6 from long range. The Grand Bahamian big, who was named to
All-Defensive second team, turned in a double-double performance. She scored 13 points, pulled down 12 rebounds and dished out two assists in 33 minutes. She was not as efficient as she usually is, knocking down 4-of-10 field goals but she made all four attempts at the charity stripe in game one. The Libs utilised their homecourt advantage to get out to a hot start in the opening game of the semis. They ran ahead of their long-time rivals by double digits (22-11) off a deep three-pointer made by Stewart at the 2:33 mark of the first. NY Liberty wrapped up the first period with a seven-point advantage 28-21. Jackie Young shaved the deficit down to just two points (35-33) for the Aces thanks to a three-point play. Jones canned a threepointer off a Courtney Vandersloot assist to shift the score to 43-34 with 2:42 left in the first half. The league’s top seeded team had a 48-38 edge over the Aces at halftime. The Libs continued to pummel the Aces early in the second half. Jones was fouled by league MVP A’ja Wilson and made two freebies to give her team a 15-point cushion (55-40) in the third quarter. After leading the game 62-44, the Liberty had a scoring slump while the Aces reeled off the next 12 points to put them within six (62-56).
JONQUEL JONES
JAZZ CHISHOLM JR
Liberty forwards Breanna Stewart (30) and Jonquel Jones,
game yesterday in New York. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
BLUE CHIP ATHLETICS CLUB HOSTS SECOND TEAM TRYOUTS
By TENAJH SWEETING
THE Blue Chip Ath-
letics Club, powered by Norwegian Cruise Line, hosted their second team tryouts over the weekend at the Queen’s College campus. The one-day event brought out six throwers eager to join the programme that currently has over 30 throwers on board.
The athletes engaged in shot put, javelin throw, discus and hammer throw tryouts in hopes of being added to the Blue Chip talent pool.
Blue Chip coach Acacia Astwood was pleased with
the potential displayed by the young throwers on Saturday.
“This tryout we basically just wanted to see if we could gain any more throwers before we shut down for the year because the season will be starting in January. We had a great turnout. We had some kids that are interested in shot put, discus, javelin and we even had someone interested in the hammer throw,” she said.
Astwood, who is a former NACAC under-23 champion, said it is always great to witness more throwers interested in the sport.
“Just seeing the amount of throwers that we have interested now moving
National Hall of Fame track and field coach Keith Parker dies at 92
FROM PAGE 15
Government High
School. His talent enabled him to spread his wings as a long-time national coach for many teams in the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations and the Bahamas Olympic Association, now the Bahamas Olympic Committee. When the International Amateur Athletic Association, now known as World Athletics, decided to stage the World Relays, Parker served as the chairman of the first three editions held here in 2014, 2015 and 2017.
Among the list of athletes expressing sympathy was former high jumper turned coach Trevor Barry. He was one of the most accomplished athletes Parker coached.
Barry, now an assistant coach at Minnesota State University, recalled how Parker served as an extraordinary individual, his coach and mentor.
“Kieth Parker. His recent passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, not only in my life but in the lives of countless Bahamian athletes and students who were fortunate enough to cross paths with him,” Barry said.
“Keith was more than just a coach, he was a guiding light, a source of inspiration and a steadfast supporter. His unwavering belief in my potential and his relentless dedication to my growth profoundly shaped my professional track and field career.
“Beyond the realm of athletics, Keith imparted invaluable life lessons that have equipped me to navigate challenges with resilience and grace. His wisdom, compassion and commitment to excellence will forever resonate within me.” Barry also acknowledged Parker’s wife Sara Parker, whom he noted he can not imagine the depth of her
loss, but pleased to note that his legacy will live on through the many lives he touched.
“His impact on the Bahamian athletic community is immeasurable, and his spirit will continue to inspire future generations,” Barry said.
“As we remember Keith, let us celebrate the remarkable individual, he was a mentor, a friend, and a champion for all. May we honour his memory by embodying the values he instilled in us - perseverance, integrity, and a passion for excellence.”
Patterson Johnson, a triple jump specialist, thanked Parker, who served as his former coach and former employer.
“I was deeply saddened when I heard the news,” Patterson said. “Please accept my condolences. “It was his smile and enthusiasm that made me and I know many others truly believe in ourselves and our desire to run fast, jump far, throw far and respectfully represent our country, family and self. He will not be forgotten.”
Veteran javelin thrower Laverne Eve, a representative at just about every international meet from a junior and the senior ranks, was thrilled to offer her condolences. “I am so glad that I had the chance to see him at the reunion.
Mr Parker had a profound impact on so many of us,” she stated.
“His passion for track and field and his dedication to coaching created a powerful legacy.
“Every time I come home, I make it a point to go and see him. He would ask me if I’m ready to start training again. Mr Parker, I must say this journey was one of a kind and one I’ve truly enjoyed.”
National long jumper Jackie Edwards, who also competed at the Olympics, expressed her condolences to his family.
forward I am happy because back when I was coming up it was not the case. I am happy to see the amount of kids wanting to pick up an instrument now,” she said.
Romiah Tulloch, 15, came out on Saturday to try her hand at the shot put and discus disciplines.
She said the process was a bit nerve-racking at first but she was able to push through it.
“To be honest when I first came here I was nervous and excited at the same time because I always wanted to do throwing.
“Everything I do is for my future, for my college and for my rèsumè. I managed to push through my nervousness and anxiousness
to get through the trials today,” she said. The Queen’s College student explained why she made the choice to tryout for the Blue Chip Athletics Club.
“In my personal opinion, Blue Chip is the best and is really good. They have the best coaches and best team,” she said.
Kai Wells, 15, attends St John’s College and was encouraged by a coach to check out the Blue Chip tryouts.
His preferred event was the shot put and his goal is to make it to BAISS and potentially the Olympics in the future.
“I felt like I did not try hard enough and that I
maybe made the team. I also believe I can try harder and gain more strength so I can one day be at BAISS or Olympics,” he said.
Baliyah Saunders, 13, decided to tryout for Blue Chip to maximise her potential.
“It’s for colleges and I want to improve my potential and see what other stuff I can do because I just want to go to the fullest,” she said. The QC student shared that the tryout was a bit intense at first but once she got acclimated she was able to improve on her other attempts.
“To be honest, it was a little hard for me but I still pushed and I feel like I did
“Aside from being a great coach and ambassador for our sport, Mr Parker was such a kind and gracious man and I was always grateful to be in his company,” she stressed.
“So very glad for all the time we shared, the wisdom he impacted and his dedication to each and everyone of us.
“I’m thankful that I was able to see one last time at the ceremony in May and that he was honoured in such a special way one last time. So very well deserved.”
Sports journalist Ricardo Lightbourne, who recently went through his own medical ordeal, praised Parker.
“Keith Parker was special to my mother and me,” the Grand Bahamian, who competed in track and field. “In 1976, he gave Team CARIFTA spikes and everyone celebrated him for his dedication as we celebrate his life.”
Triple jumper Wendell Lawrence said Parker’s guidance and coaching gave him his start as a jumper.
“That would have been absolutely fine with me but that was not good enough for him,” Lawrence said.
“He followed that up by using his considerable influence to get me a college scholarship.
“Even that was still not good enough for him because he saw my need. So, he followed that up by giving me a summer job, so that I could have a few dollars in my pocket, when I arrived on the university campus.”
Lawrence said Parker was a great man with the highest level of intelligence, knowledge, integrity and compassion.
“There is only a hole in the space that he occupied in our lives,” Lawrence said. “So much of his influence was behind the scenes and we will all notice his absence.”
Rolando “Lonnie” Greene, a former athlete turned coach at the University of Kentucky, joined in the chorus of condolences on behalf of his family.
“A life that encompassed so many young individuals in our great country,” he said. “Peace be unto you all and everyone personally connected to his family.”
Elaine Thompson, one of the early female track stars, noted that Parker “touched many lives. May his soul rest in peace.”
Mike Sands, a former quarter-miler, who is now serving as the president of the North American, Central American and Caribbean, listed Parker as one of the greatest coaches of all time.
“I saw this from my personal experiences in working with and observing him in action over the many years,” said Sands, a former president of the BAAA.
“I am proud to say that all of my international medals came under the tutelage of coach Parker. It was because of coach Parker that I invented the famous tucked running shoes, which some of you may remember, but I leave that for another time.
“Today, we are all who we are because of the level of positive influence coach Parker had in our formative years. Sara, please accept and express my sincere condolences to the family.”
Frank Rutherford, the first Bahamian to win an Olympic track and field medal, also expressed his condolences.
“While coach Parker never coached me, I found myself competing against his athletes, and his son Richard in squash tournaments,” Rutherford said.
“Coach Parker’s impact on track and field in The Bahamas is foundational/ pioneering without a question. Personally I’d like to thank him for coaching the young lady in this picture with the late Doctor Nottage. They both were the MVP at the high school track meet.
Of course they both were from the Government High School and coached by coach Parker. He believed in this young lady’s talent that he picked her up to take her to school many days. She was the fastest woman in the Bahamas, until she got pregnant.
“Coach Parker was very disappointed but he believed strongly in her. Her Olympic dreams never were realised until her son she was pregnant with won the countty’s first Olympic medal in track and field.
“Largely on behalf of my mother Yvonne Hanna Rutherford, thanks coach Parker for planting the seed of greatness in our Bahamas.”
PRO BOXER CARL HIELD DEFENDS HIS WBA TITLE
better. After the second try, I started to improve myself,” she said.
The decorated throwers’ club hosted their first team trials of the year in May. The event brought out up to 40 Blue Chip Athletics hopefuls that engaged in javelin throwing, discus and shot put.
Blue Chip Athletics has seen many successful throwers pass through the programme over the years, including the likes of national record holders Keyshawn Strachan and Rhema Otabor.
Over the last five years, the programme has accumulated more than 20 CARIFTA medals with 11 of them being gold.
evenly among all of the competitors. In the start, Taylor got off to a great start and was in contention with the other five competitors until in the middle of the 10 flights of hurdles, she stumbled a bit and wasn’t as sharp as she should have been.
As the race winded down and the top performers surged ahead to the front, Taylor faded slowly at the end of the spectrum and wasn’t able to hang with the field. She said the start made a world of a difference in her outcome.
“Before the gun went off, there was a little bit of twitching and so I thought they would call back the race,” ‘Taylor said. “That sort of messed up my style. At my age, I should just be doing what I always do, but I saw the twitching. I have to blame this one on me because I can’t blame anyone else for my race.
“In hurdles, if you start off, especially for me who is a seven step competitor, once your step is off, it makes it that much harder to do what you want to do.”
Despite not finishing in the top three, Taylor said she was pleased to be a part of history as the race organisers treated them like “queens.”
“We had photoshoots and special interviews and tours that they took us on,” she reflected. “It was very nice to be treated the way they treated us.”
Taylor, still looking to secure a major shoe company deal like most of her fellow athletes, said she will head back into the lab to get ready for the 2025 season, which will include the World Indoor and Outdoor Championships.
“I can’t wait to compete in 2025,” stated Taylor about her off-season. “This is all a stepping stone to get ready for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.” As for her bald hairdo, Taylor said she developed alopecia - an autoimmune disorder that causes hair to fall out - for almost four years and she tried to hide it with wigs and scarfs.
“But being home for the past few weeks, I just decided that I want to embrace it and show that it doesn’t define me and I’m beautiful with and without hair.
“So I decided that I will just cut off the little bit of hair that I had left and embrace my new style. I’m loving it and I’m more confident because of it.”
South America for the Bahamian, who competed in the Olympic Games as an amateur. “I had a good training camp and so I was prepared for whatever he was going to bring,” said Hield, who noted that he wasn’t surprised at all about the early day in the office.
“That’s boxing. Everybody has a punch and a shot. But my punch was the shot that ended the fight.” Over the next month or so, Hield will be back in the gym training for a much anticipated return home to The Bahamas for his debut as a pro on December 14.
opportunity to fight on the big stage on a big card at home,” said Hield, who last fought in The Bahamas in 2002 as an amateur at the CARIFTA Boxing Championship.
knockout streak going. This is a fight that I was waiting for a long time. Now the opportunity is here.”
Additionally, Hield expressed his gratitude to Rollin Tyre Imports Limited and the Strikers Boxing Club for all of the assistance they have provided. FROM PAGE 15
“Thanks to Champion Spirits for giving me this
“You should expect some good performances from me,” Hield warned the Bahamian public. “I’m looking to keep the
In dedicating his performances to his deceased mother Norma Hield, whom he regards as his number one supporter, “I just want to thank God for giving me the strength to compete. “I also want to also thank all of those persons who have been there supporting me behind the scenes.”
Note: Alopecia is an autoimmune disorder that causes hair to fall out, often in clumps that size and shape of a quarter. The amount of hair loss is different for everyone. Some people lose hair only in a few spots, while others lose a lot. For some, hair grows back but falls out again later. In others, it grows back for good.
THE late National Hall of Fame track and field coach Keith Parker.