WOMAN & HEALTH
‘WHY NO ANSWER’ ON TRAFFIC DEATH?
Family still waiting for classification of teen killed in road collision
By EARYEL BOWLEG
Staff Reporter
THE cousin of a 19-yearold barber who was killed following a traffic incident three months ago is lamenting the failure of police to classify his relative’s death.
Jamesly Richmond was riding his motorbike when he was reportedly struck by a vehicle. He was found badly injured on the road on June 23 and died on June 25 in the Princess Margaret Hospital.
The disappearance of his bike prompted family and friends to speculate that foul play was involved. Mark Baptise, Richmond’s cousin, said police classified his relative’s case as a death investigation, meaning authorities are working to determine if the man died due to natural causes, an accident, or homicide.
Chief Superintendent Anton Rahming said yesterday that the matter is still under active investigation.
COMMISSIONER ‘BARRED’ FROM PRISON BY MURPHY
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
PRISON Commissioner
Doan Cleare claimed his predecessor, Charles Murphy, barred him from the compound shortly after the 2021 general election, days before Mr Murphy was placed on administrative leave and Mr Cleare was appointed acting
IN MEMORY OF JILLY
commissioner. Mr Murphy has sued the government for sidelining him, and Mr Cleare’s claim came as the trial resumed yesterday. National Security Minister Wayne Munroe also testified yesterday.
During cross-examination by Romona Farquharson Seymour,
‘BANK
PROFITS SHOW NEED TO REGULATE’
EARYEL BOWLEG
By
Tribune Staff Reporter Ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
AFTER CIBC Caribbean reported a 14 percent rise in net income, FNM leader Michael Pintard argued that the bank’s profits
highlight the need for regulating bank fees now.
“The strong performance and increasing profitability of Bahamian banks align with the FNM’s stated position that there exists sufficient space within banks’ commercial
framework to introduce low-fee/no-fee accounts to low-income earners, students and senior citizens on modest fixed incomes,” he said in a statement on Sunday.
DISCUSSIONS’ OVER MINIMUM WAGE HIKE
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter
LABOUR Minister Pia Glover-Rolle said discussions with stakeholders are ongoing regarding a second minimum wage increase this term, prompting criticism from the Free National Movement, which labelled her non-specific commentary as an
Mrs Glover-Rolle said in July that the government wants to increase the minimum wage again soon. This announcement surprised some, as she said in November that the government would not support another increase after adjusting the rate in January 2023.
to secure
SANDALS executive chairman Adam Stewart said the resort is making “great progress” in discussions with the government over claims of underreported revenues at Sandals Emerald Bay, which have led to demands for $30.844m in unpaid VAT and Business Licence fees. Sandals is contesting assertions from Bahamian tax authorities
boat donated by the Sandals Foundation to
Adam Stewart. Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
A gift to forever remember Jilly
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS
Staff Reporter
THE Sandals Foundation has donated an eight-person rowing fleet to the Nassau Rowing Club, naming it “Forever Jilly” in honour of Jill Stewart, the late wife of Sandals executive chairman Adam Stewart.
Jill passed away last July at 43 after a year-long battle with sarcoma. She and Mr Stewart were high school sweethearts, and she had a pilates studio in Jamaica, where she was also an avid runner and supporter of running events.
The new fleet will primarily be used to teach students from Bahamian government schools how to row, providing them with educational opportunities through sport.
At a dedication ceremony at the Nassau Rowing Club yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper emphasised the importance of the event.
“The sport of tourism is really being bolstered by the sport of rowing today. The sport of rowing is an emerging sport that has, in just over a decade, made a place for itself in the sporting landscape of The Bahamas,” he said.
Mr Cooper praised Mr Stewart and the club for their commitment to building youth resilience and noted that the Nassau Rowing Club could serve as a winter training ground for international collegiate teams.
Mr Stewart, accompanied by his family, said: “Since the Sandals Foundation was
established in 2009, we’ve initiated about 150 different programmes, and this one is unique in its focus on sport. We dedicated it to my wife, who was Bahamian and an
educator. She believed in sport and youth, so it felt very appropriate.”
“The board of the Sandals Foundation saw this as an incredible programme
for a rowing club in the Caribbean. We love doing things in The Bahamas, and this initiative checked all the boxes. What I particularly loved was the zero barriers to entry; any child can participate without financial constraints. That was really powerful for us.”
Following the dedication, Mr Stewart, his family, and the Sandals Foundation team took a ride on the lake.
British High Commissioner to The Bahamas Tom Hartley and US Charge d’Affaires Kimberly Furnish also attended the event.
that its Emerald Bay resort reported only 40 percent of its revenue. An audit revealed that Sandals allegedly under-reported over $284m in income from 2017 to 2022. The Department of Inland Revenue argues that Sandals should report the full gross income from guests, which would result in higher VAT and licence fees owed.
Two days after the tax claims were revealed, Sandals announced the temporary closure of the resort on August 15 to facilitate its redevelopment into Beaches Exuma. The resort said the closure is necessary to ensure the safety of staff and visitors. The closure impacted around 425 employees, with some being redeployed to roles at Sandals Royal Bahamian and Beaches Turks and Caicos,
while others were assisted in finding new employment at a job fair in August. The Trade Union Congress and its affiliate, the Bahamas Hotel, Maintenance and Allied Workers Union (BHMAWU), previously condemned Sandals Royal Bahamian for its abrupt closure in 2016, describing it as a move to undermine the union. At that time, Sandals argued that the
closure, which led to 600 layoffs, was necessary for $4m in essential repairs at the Cable Beach property. This incident marked one of several times Sandals has made sudden closures. Regarding the redevelopment, the government indicated that construction would take six to eight months. However, Mr Stewart confirmed yesterday that construction has yet to begin, noting a
revised timeline of 12 to 15 months.
“We’re hoping to be, you know, by the end of the year, we’re putting it to tender, the conversion works, and we’re hoping 12, 14, 15 months,” he said. “There are ways to make it move faster, but at this stage, that’s kind of the timeline that we’re working with. There’s a skeleton crew there today maintaining the golf course and the facilities
that are there.” Mr Stewart defended the rebranding of Sandals Emerald Bay into a Beaches resort, saying that it better aligns with the needs of families and the Exuma community. He expressed confidence that this change will enhance the resort’s appeal and contribute positively to the vision of Sandals Resorts International, with more Beaches properties planned for the future.
SANDALS executive chairman Adam Stewart and his family christen the boat with sparkling wine during the dedication of a new eight-person boat donated by the Sandals Foundation to the Nassau Rowing Club yesterday. The boat is named “Forever Jilly” in memory of Jill Stewart, the late wife of Mr Stewart.
Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
US Chargé d’Affaires Kimberly Furnish greets British High Commissioner Tom Hartley.
‘Why no answer’ on traffic death?
from page one
The last time the family heard from police was before the teen’s funeral in July.
“I’m not happy with it
because I want the guys to be punished,” Mr Baptise said yesterday. “It’s kind of devastating. It will get you upset every once in a while, thinking about it, that those guys might be on the street still
roaming the street, enjoying themselves, and then your loved one that you lose, he’s gone forever, and there’s no way that you can bring him back.
“So hopefully sooner or later they get deal with
or the police deal with it sooner or later, but they ain’t giving us no information. We haven’t had any lead to say who it is, who it ain’t.”
Mr Richmond’s relatives had begged him not
to buy a motorbike, fearing it would put him in danger and jeopardise his safety. “If a car and a bike hit, the person who is be severely injured, it’s not the car, it’s not the
individuals in the car — it’s the one on the bike,” Mr Baptise said. “So we was trying to avoid him from getting the bike so something like what happened wouldn’t have happened.”
‘ONGOING DISCUSSIONS’ OVER MINIMUM WAGE HIKE
When asked yesterday what prompted the change in the administration’s stance, she replied: “We don’t make things happen
immediately. We have to investigate. We have to analyse.
“We have to use data to inform our decisions, and this is the process by which we do that considering a minimum wage increase
‘BANK PROFITS SHOW NEED TO REGULATE’
from page one from page one
“As regional neighbours Barbados and Belize have done recently, the government of The Bahamas must insist that our Bahamian banks implement these and other measures geared at greater financial inclusion and more affordable banking options for Bahamians.”
CIBC Caribbean reported a net income of $103.6m during the first three quarters of its fiscal year, a 14 percent increase over the previous year.
The bank’s previous announcement that personal, business, and corporate customers would face increased fees beginning September 1 helped spark increased media and political focus on bank fees.
Some have highlighted the efforts of other countries to control fees. On January 2, 2024, Belize’s Central Bank announced that domestic banks were required to limit certain fees. Banks were required to reduce ATM withdrawal fees to 25 cents per transaction.
In January, the Central Bank of Barbados mandated that no fees could be charged for electronic transactions including Automated Clearing House (ACH) and real-time payments (RTP) transfers. The bank also requires all
commercial banks to offer at least one savings account free from fees or charges.
Mr Pintard expressed the opposition’s support for the Central Bank’s consideration of a requirement for all banks to offer a low-fee “basic account” and, separately, to prohibit merchant overcharges on credit card transactions.
He said: “While the FNM will continue to unreservedly support the work of the Central Bank in its efforts to protect consumer interest, we maintain that the Davis Administration must step to the forefront of these efforts. It is time for our government to show true leadership.”
“We call on the Davis administration to articulate a comprehensive package of banking reforms that will eliminate unjustifiable charges, implement low fee/no fee accounts for certain market segments, re-introduce branch banking to Family Island communities, and support new and additional Bahamian investments in banks and other financial institutions.”
In August, Mr Pintard said the FNM would reform the banking regime in the country if elected to power, expanding the Central Bank’s ability to assess fees and preventing unjustified “junk fees”.
takes us speaking to the stakeholders.
“The stakeholders are at the table.”
Meanwhile, FNM chairman Dr Duane Sands described the promise as “another ploy to pretend to care”.
He said: “Having taxed most Bahamians
mercilessly, the token increase in minimum wage will not make up for the massive increase innerly costs, fuel costs, food costs and everything else in our own uniquely Bahamian cost of living crisis.”
“Business owners are unlikely to be able to
afford another wage increase after reeling from the blows of the most anti-business administration in a modern Bahamans.”
Union leaders have expressed a desire for the government to raise the minimum wage to $350 a week, but the Bahamas
Chamber of Commerce and Employers Federation (BCCEC) is uncertain whether businesses would support any increase. Yesterday, Mrs GloverRolle could not say what rate the government would be receptive to and emphasised that decisions must be based on data.
ATTENDEES at the launch of the National Youth Month Homecoming 2024 at the Ivy L Dumont Building yesterday.
Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
$10,000 grants available to help men in business
By KEILE CAMPBELL
Staff Reporter
BAHAMIAN entrepreneurs now have the chance to receive up to $10,000 in grant funding through a newly launched initiative aimed at supporting men in business.
The programme, a collaboration between Toastmasters Club 1600, Carnival Corporation, and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), will provide financial assistance, mentorship, and business training to help
entrepreneurs overcome challenges and build sustainable businesses.
“Toastmasters Club 6800 will provide invaluable guidance from experienced mentors who have a proven track record of success in business and leadership,” said Deanza Brennan,
SBDC Director of Human Resources, during a press conference.
The programme includes three core elements: a mentorship programme, a business blueprint training course, and standalone grant funding.
According to Mr Brennan,
the business blueprint training is a “five-week self-paced programme that covers crucial topics such as financial management.” Additionally, entrepreneurs will be eligible to receive up to $10,000 in grant funding to cover startup and expansion costs.
“As these entrepreneurs
thrive, they will, in turn, contribute to the creation of more jobs, foster innovation and strengthen local communities,” he said. Dwight Burrows, co-chair of the Toastmasters Club 1600 mentorship steering committee, discussed the history of Toastmasters Club 1600, which has been active in The Bahamas for 56 years and has focused on mentoring men in leadership and communication.
Mr Burrows said the 25 Toastmasters members selected as mentors bring a “combined 400plus years of Toastmasters experience” and a wealth of knowledge from sectors such as finance, marketing, public relations, and engineering.
The current president of Toastmasters Club 1600, Cameron Reckley, said the club takes mentorship seriously and highlighted the club’s legacy of developing prominent Bahamian business minds.
“With this initiative, we can assure that we are uplifting, uprooting, motivating, inspiring the men of this great country,” he said.
BDB SEEKS TO ELEVATE ELEUTHERA
THE Bahamas Development Bank (BDB) and Disney Cruise Line (DCL) have announced the launch of a new programme to empower local entrepreneurs — Elevate Eleuthera — a joint effort providing technical, operational and funding support to help local businesses benefit from the economic growth driven by DCL’s presence on the island.
Elevate Eleuthera represents the next phase in the collaborative efforts of BDB and DCL to support and grow Eleuthera-based businesses. The two organisations first partnered earlier this year to launch the National Eco-Tour Operators Co-operative (NETO Co-op), which provided an affordable avenue for local businesses to gain the liability insurance needed to provide their goods and services to visitors.
Nicholas Higgs, managing director of the Bahamas Development Bank, emphasised the bank’s broader commitment to economic development across all islands and expressed his satisfaction with the initiative’s growth.
“While direct lending is the major focus of BDB, economic development is mandated by our act,” he said. “This initiative with
Disney Cruise Line and the National Eco-Tour Operators Co-operative has not only provided necessary insurance but also opened new avenues for business growth and cultural expression across the country.”
Local businesses, now represented by NETO Co-op, have been offering their services to cruise passengers since June of this year. Building on this success, BDB and DCL plan to equip more businesses with the technical, operational and financing capacity needed to meet growing demand from Disney guests. The primary goal of the Elevate Eleuthera programme is to ensure that local businesses are well-equipped to deliver high-quality, innovative, and sustainable tourism experiences that meet market demand and customer expectations. This goal will be achieved by supporting emerging businesspersons with their business licenses and plans, while established businesses will benefit from product enhancement, brand strengthening, and digitisation support. Both emerging and existing businesses will have access to BDB’s low-cost financing to fund their business start-up or growth. In total, 25 established
local businesses will be supported in developing ready-to-market tourism products through training and technical support. Grants and debt financing opportunities will be available to ten established businesses and ten microgrants will be made available for project summaries and financial statement reviews. Opportunities for emerging businesses includes training and technical support for 25 businesses, ten grants for start-up financing, and ten microgrants for business plans and financial statement reviews.
Joey Gaskins, regional public affairs director for Disney Cruise Line, added:
“Even before the first ship docked at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Disney has been dedicated to supporting the communities we are a part of.
The implementation of the NETO Co-op insurance solution by BDB was a testament to our shared commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth in Eleuthera. With the launch of Elevate Eleuthera, and our continued collaboration with BDB, we are excited to see local vendors thrive as we welcome DCL guests to experience the beauty and culture of Eleuthera and The Bahamas at large.”
DWIGHT Burrows speaking on the Men in Business Initiative at a press conference at the Small Business Development Centre HQ yesterday.
Photo: Chappell Whyms Jr
DEANZA BRENNAN, Dwight Burrows, Camron Reckley, and Dwain Wallace at the announcement of the Men in Busineess initative.
Commissioner ‘barred’ from prison by Murphy
from page one
Mr Murphy’s attorney, Mr Cleare said he had been on leave since 2018, and it was not until the day after the general election on September 17, 2021, that then Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of National Security, Cheryl Darville, instructed him to return to the prison.
He said five days later, he visited the prison around 3pm, drove around for an hour, collected his uniform, and left. He claimed that when he returned the next day, a gate officer had told him that Mr Murphy had reprimanded him for allowing him onto the property.
Mrs Seymour expressed disbelief that this incident was not mentioned in Mr Cleare’s earlier affidavit suing the government.
However, when Mrs Seymour suggested that the claim of being barred from the BDCS compound was fabricated, Mr Cleare disagreed, saying he had discussed the incident with Ms Darville.
Mr Cleare later admitted he had not heard Mr Murphy directly say he was banned from the compound, leading Mrs Seymour to accuse him of relying on hearsay. He denied this and insisted Mr Murphy had given the directive to prevent him from accessing the compound.
When asked if he disliked Mr Murphy, Mr Cleare replied: “I’m trying to get to heaven; I try not to dislike anyone.”
Mrs Seymour questioned Mr Cleare’s truthfulness regarding his feelings about Mr Murphy’s appointment as commissioner in 2019. Mr Cleare said the decision did not aggrieve him, although he was surprised, believing he was the only one qualified for the position based on the government’s posted requirements.
He agreed with Mrs Seymour that he had never guarded a prisoner before 2019. He explained that he initially worked in the IT department at the prison before joining executive management in 2011, then rising to assistant commissioner and later acting deputy commissioner in 2013 under former Minister of National Security Bernard Nottage during a PLP administration.
When Mrs Seymour suggested Mr Cleare had no experience as a prison guard and was merely “pushing paper” before becoming commissioner, Mr Cleare responded: “I would never wish to be a prison officer; I am a correctional officer.”
Mrs Seymour also discussed the legal challenge Mr Cleare made against Mr Murphy’s 2019 appointment.
Mr Cleare acknowledged that Wayne Munroe was the principal of the firm representing him in that matter. However, he insisted Mr Munroe did not personally represent him in court and that Donovan
Gibson was his attorney. He claimed Mr Munroe had referred him to Mr Gibson because he was busy.
Mr Cleare said the basis of his lawsuit was that Mr Murphy did not meet the minimum requirements for the position, so he sought to have the decision affirming Mr Murphy’s appointment overturned. He also expressed frustration over being placed on leave and assigned to the Churchill Building on Bay Street, where he said he was given “nothing” to do.
Mr Cleare admitted it was not Mr Murphy who placed him on leave and acknowledged that, as commissioner, Mr Murphy could not have ordered his return while he was on leave from the ministry. He clarified that a prison commissioner can only recommend an officer’s removal from leave to the government.
Addressing Mr Cleare’s claim that staff morale was low when he assumed office in 2021 and that many officers failed to report to
FOUR ACCUSED OF DRUGS CHARGES
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter
dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
FOUR people appeared in Grand Bahama’s Magistrate’s Court on drugrelated charges yesterday following the discovery of an illegal drug lab and marijuana plants at a residence in Freeport last week.
Trent Madison Walkine, 48; Carolyn Petit-Frere Pierre, 54; Elzee Christian Pierre, 22; and Ethelyn Victoria Johnson, 81, of Epsom Road, were arraigned on Friday.
The accused were not required to enter pleas on
the charges of cultivation of marijuana and possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.
Last Tuesday, a team of Drug Enforcement Unit officers executed a search warrant at a residence in Freeport, where they allegedly found a hydroponic drug lab, along with various pots of marijuana plants and seedlings.
Three adult women and one man were arrested and taken into police custody. During the arraignment, the accused were granted $9,000 bail each, with one or two sureties.
work, Mrs Seymour attributed this to the COVID-19 pandemic.
When asked why he delayed reporting to the prison after the permanent secretary’s order, Mr Cleare said he was working on a drone project and other initiatives for the ministry, which were worth millions of dollars. He said he needed time to complete his turnover notes.
Although Mr Cleare claimed he requested two and a half days to finish
these notes, he admitted to Mrs Seymour that he remained at his position for ten days after the request and did not inform the permanent secretary.
Mr Cleare denied Mrs Seymour’s suggestion that he delayed his return because he did not want to work under Mr Murphy, though he admitted he believed he was better suited for the role.
Mrs Seymour suggested that Mr Cleare had
the freedom to report to work whenever he wanted because of his political connections in the PLP, which Mr Cleare strongly denied.
Mrs Seymour then pointed out that no prisoners escaped during Mr Murphy’s tenure, but a Jamaican inmate escaped while Mr Cleare was in charge. Mr Cleare confirmed the escape but said it occurred while he was on vacation, and Bernadette Thompson-Murray was acting commissioner.
Mrs Seymour questioned Mr Cleare’s knowledge of running a correctional facility, suggesting he struggled with basic information, such as the hours of prisoner release under the Correctional Services Act (2014), which are 8am to 4pm on weekdays. Mr Cleare believed the hours were from 8am to 5pm.
In response to questions about who placed Mr Murphy on administrative leave, Wayne Munroe said the undersecretary handled the matter. When pressed on the public service policy, which requires written notice of leave, Mr Munroe said he was unfamiliar with the policy and described himself as focused on
policy-making, not administrative details.
Mrs Seymour accused Mr Munroe of causing Mr Murphy and his family great shame and embarrassment by placing him on leave after meeting him only twice, but Mr Munroe said he had no way of knowing that.
Mr Munroe claimed he put Mr Murphy on leave to avoid speculation about more serious issues like theft. He also mentioned that three matters under investigation led to Mr Murphy’s leave.
Mrs Seymour claimed Mr Murphy only learned of the reason for his leave from a Nassau Guardian article on October 1, 2021, and that he never received an official written explanation. Mr Munroe responded that he had spoken to Mr Murphy in person, alongside the permanent secretary, and tried to show respect for his 40 years of service.
Mr Munroe admitted telling Mr Murphy before his leave that the Davis administration was not prepared to work with him. He had previously criticised Mr Murphy for his handling of COVID-19 protocols and discipline within the prison.
BAHAMAS Department of Correctional Services (BDOCS) Commissioner Doan Cleare pictured in June.
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
CHARLES MURPHY, pictured in 2018.
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-
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Jamesly’s family deserves answers
THREE months ago, Jamesly Richmond was killed.
He was riding his motorbike when he was reportedly struck by a vehicle. This was on June 23. He died on June 25 in Princess Margaret Hospital. His motorbike was not found on the scene. Was he killed so someone could steal the motorbike?
We do not know - and neither does his family because there still has been no classification of his death.
The 19-year-old was living the right way. He was working as a barber.
His cousin, Jacques Israel, worked with him at a barber shop.
Back at the start of August, he talked about how it was frustrating. He talked of being patient, but then went on to say “y’all don’t know nothing? That don’t make sense”.
No one stopped at the scene to say they were responsible. No one has as yet told the family how the death has been classified - whether intentional or unintentional.
At the very least, it has all the appearances of a hit and run. Possibly more than that if theft from a dying man was involved.
All Jamesly’s family knows is that the police has classified the matter as a death investigation.
Authorities are working to determine if he died from natural causes, an accident or a homicide.
I think it is safe to say that being found after being struck by a vehicle and with his own motorbike gone that we can rule out natural causes.
Reportedly, the last the family heard from police was before the teen’s funeral in July.
Another of Jamesly’s cousins, Mark
Baptise, said: “I’m not happy with it because I want the guys to be punished.
“It’s kind of devastating. It will get you upset every once in a while, thinking about it, that those guys might be on the street still roaming the street, enjoying themselves, and then your loved one that you lose, he’s gone forever, and there’s no way that you can bring him back.
“So hopefully sooner or later they get deal with or the police deal with it sooner or later, but they ain’t giving us no information. We haven’t had any lead to say who it is, who it ain’t.”
Mr Richmond’s relatives had begged him not to buy a motorbike, fearing it would put him in danger and jeopardise his safety. This is the kind of incident that could touch any of us.
This family deserves to know more. They deserve a regular line of dialogue with investigators - even if it is only to say the investigation has not come to a conclusion as yet.
Too often we hear of families asking for more information.
We understand completely that police officers need to proceed to evaluate the case in a balanced fashion.
We understand that they need to be given the time to examine every avenue in their investigation.
But there can surely be no harm in keeping family members who are waiting to hear how a death is even classified apprised of the situation, even if officers cannot go into detail.
Jamesly had a life of opportunity ahead of him - and it was snatched away by a driver, presumably, who did not even stop. And who may even have stolen from the dying young man.
That cannot be right.
Ripple effect of US strike
EDITOR, The Tribune.
AS the largest longshoremen’s union in North America gears up for a strike, disrupting key US East and Gulf Coast ports, The Bahamas may feel the impact. While major importers of critical resources such as fuel and medicine seem protected, industries like construction, retail, and wholesale food distribution face significant risks. With the US responsible for a substantial portion of Bahamian imports, this strike could expose vulnerabilities in our supply chain, demanding immediate action and long-term solutions. Potential Fallout for The Bahamas
1. Disruptions in NonEssential Goods
The US is not only The Bahamas’ closest trading partner but its economic lifeline. Every day, ships carrying construction materials, food products, and retail goods arrive from US ports. A prolonged strike could leave store shelves understocked and construction projects stalled. While fuel and pharmaceuticals seem secure, retail and food distribution could face severe delays, creating shortages of household essentials.
2. Inflated Prices and Strained Supply Chains
Even a short strike could drive up freight costs by
20% to 50%. The Bahamas already faces high import costs, and an increase in shipping rates will only make non-essential goods more expensive. Construction materials, in particular, could see price hikes, leading to delayed projects and higher costs for housing and infrastructure.
3. Business Vulnerability and Workforce Disruption For small and mediumsized businesses, a supply chain disruption could be disastrous. Many rely on just-in-time shipments from the USA prolonged strike could force closures, reduced staff hours, or layoffs. The construction industry, which depends on US materials, may face severe delays, affecting contractors and laborers across the country.
A Two-Pronged Approach: Immediate and Long-Term Solutions
1. Emergency Procurement Protocols To address the immediate crisis, The Bahamas needs a diversified procurement plan that can be activated quickly. Establishing trade partnerships with Latin America, Europe, or the Caribbean could help fill supply chain gaps. For example, Brazil and Mexico offer significant opportunities in agriculture and manufacturing that could mitigate disruptions to retail and food supplies.
PICTURE OF THE DAY
Are our politicians patriotic?
EDITOR, The Tribune. PATRIOTISM, which is love for or devotion to one’s country, appears to be lacking in the hearts of many of our present day and past politicians - all to the detriment of the Bahamian people. Deep inside many Bahamians know that things should be different - better. Many probably haven’t been able to put their finger on why things haven’t changed for the better. Why we’re stagnant in so many areas after all these decades. Why the more things change, the more they stay the same.
Could it be the lack of patriotism in most of those we’ve elected over the years? The proof seems to be in the pudding.
When elected politicians are unpatriotic, life is made harder for citizens. They are taxed on almost every and anything. Taxes are placed on medicine and bread basket items of struggling citizens dry eyed. Who cares? Not the unpatriotic politician.
Unpatriotic politicians place individuals who are friends, families and lovers in positions they are clearly
Additionally, regional cooperation through CARICOM could enable “supply swap” agreements, keeping essential goods flowing.
2. Strategic Reserves for Critical Industries
The Bahamas should adopt a long-term strategy by developing a strategic reserve system for critical industries such as construction and food distribution. Maintaining a three-to sixmonth reserve of essential materials would act as a buffer during future disruptions, stabilising prices and preventing shortages. This system could also be useful for handling other global trade interruptions caused by weather events, geopolitical tensions, or pandemics.
A Path to Resilience
The looming US port strike provides an opportunity for The Bahamas to strengthen its supply chain infrastructure. By diversifying import sources and creating strategic reserves, we can transform this challenge into a catalyst for long-term resilience. With these measures, The Bahamas will not only navigate this crisis but emerge stronger, more adaptable, and better prepared for future global disruptions.
K’RON LIGHTBOURNE Nassau, September 30, 2024.
Put
unqualified for. Why?
Ensuring the placement of qualified individuals to guarantee the progress of the nation, is not something an unpatriotic politician would concern themselves with.
Unpatriotic politicians couldn’t care less about the maintenance of infrastructure (buildings, roads, power supplies, water). Tax monies are spent lavishly and foolishly on things that do not benefit the citizenry of the country. Rather, it’s spent on things that benefit the unpatriotic politicians and their cronies. Citizens could cry out for water or electricity in the ears of the unpatriotic politicians for as long or as loud as they can. The unpatriotic politician will see to the problem when they are good and ready. Sadly, even after they see to the problem, the solution is most often a temporary fix. The comfort and essentials of the citizenry is of no importance to an unpatriotic politician.
Unpatriotic politicians will sell off the land and birthright of its citizens without a second thought. Lining and greasing their own pockets are of more importance. Citizens are treated with disregard and often have their intelligence insulted without shame or fear of repercussion by the unpatriotic politician.
Unpatriotic politicians are slack on immigration. The protection of citizenship or sovereignty is of no importance to them. Rather, citizens are treated as second or third-class in their own country. Foreigners come first. Unpatriotic politicians are entitled. They talk a good game yet rarely deliver. Their heart is not for the people or country. Rather, their hearts are for whatever benefits themselves, their friends, families and lovers. How unfortunate for the rest of us. Sounds like most of our past and present-day politicians? Of course it does...
TO THE CORE Nassau, September 30, 2024.
thestopping crime
EDITOR, The Tribune.
I FIND the comments made concerning the recent apparent lenient sentence imposed on a multiple rapist whose crimes included the heinous rape of a 83-year-old woman very interesting. All the emphasis is being placed on the contention that the sentence is not strong enough., and everyone is stressing punishment. No one seems concerned about causation, including the officials of Social Services.
In the last few decades we have been witnessing an alarming increase in violent crime, especially murder and sexual offenses. Various governments have pledged to reduce crime, but despite press releases that crime is down, no one is convinced, especially since violent crime continues to rise. In the matter of the self confessed multiple rapist, have we asked why he committed so many rapes, have we really searched for the answer to his rape
of an elderly woman, or are we only interested in punishing him for his crimes?
With respect this attitude heartens back to the Dark Ages. Admittedly there are times in this country when I think that is where we are. But if we want to eradicate crime and rehabilitate offenders, we have to look more carefully at causation, and concentrate less on punishment.
JEANNE THOMPSON Nassau, September 27, 2024.
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Festivalgoers reach out for the first glasses of beer on day one of the 189th ‘Oktoberfest’ beer festival in Munich, Germany, last month.
Photo: Matthias Schrader/AP
Man accused of molesting niece, 12
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A 24-YEAR-OLD man was remanded to custody yesterday after he allegedly molested his 12-year-old niece twice last year.
Senior Magistrate Shaka Serville arraigned a male defendant, whose name is being withheld to protect the identity of the minor, on two counts of incest.
informed his matter would proceed to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).
The defendant allegedly had unlawful sexual intercourse with his underaged niece on two occasions between October 1 and 31, 2023 in New Providence. The accused was
The defendant will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his VBI is served on December 12.
Inspector S Coakley served as the prosecutor.
SUSPECT CHARGED WITH ABUSE OF MENTALLY ILL WOMAN
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was remanded to custody yesterday after he was accused of sexually abusing a mentally ill woman last month.
Senior Magistrate Shaka Serville arraigned Garnette Edwards, 32, on unlawful sexual intercourse with a person suffering from a mental disorder.
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter
pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was remanded to custody yesterday after he was accused of breaking into a woman’s home and trying to rape her last month.
Edwards will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his VBI is served on November 29.
Inspector S Coakley served as the prosecutor.
The defendant allegedly had unlawful sexual intercourse with a mentally ill woman on September 24 in New Providence. The accused was informed that his matter would proceed to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).
BURGLARY ACCUSED ‘TRIED TO RAPE WOMAN’
Senior Magistrate Shaka Serville arraigned Darriano Smith, 32, on assault with intent to rape and burglary. Smith allegedly broke into the residence of a woman and attempted to forcefully have sexual intercourse with her on September 17 in New Providence.
the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).
The accused will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his VBI is potentially served on November 29.
Smith was informed that his matter would move to
Inspector S Coakley served as the prosecutor.
Alumnus honour for Algernon
ST AUGUSTINE’S College Alumni Association (SACAA) named Algernon Cargill as Alumnus of the Year. He is set to receive the award this month, at the Lighthouse Awards and Gala, an annual affair that highlights some of the brightest individuals to have graduated from St Augustine’s College. After a nomination process, a panel of judges deliberate and decide on the honorees. Of 21 award winners this year, Mr Cargill and Daphne Degregory Miaoulis were crowned Alumna and Alumnus of the Year.
Algernon graduated from Saint Augustine College (SAC) in 1978, the school’s second six-year programme class. At SAC, Algernon was active in school life and studied an academic program leading to several University of London GCE passes, highlighted with an unanticipated A grade in history.
While some high school friendships fade, and classmates tend not to keep in touch very often, Algernon’s class have found strength in lifetime friendships and bonds that cover personal, professional and civic advantages. The cohesiveness of the Class of 1978 has produced a class filled with some of the movers and shakers in the nation. While at SAC, Algernon made some of the best friends he has today.
“I have a lot of great memories at SAC,” he said, “And I particularly recall the platonic friendship I developed with Lisa Lafleur-Major.”
“We are the godparents to each other’s eldest children, we stood in each other’s weddings, and are very close friends today. I have been instrumental in being one of the primary organisers for just about all of our class reunions and the last we held was our 40th at the Balmoral Club.”
The Cargill family has a household tradition of attending SAC. He is the seventh of 12 children born to Alton Cargill and Madge Cargill (both deceased), and he was born right in the family home on Farrington Road. They were married for 56 years until Alton died in 2011. Sidney, the eldest
Face
to Face
By FELICITY DARVILLE
brother, attended SAC when it was an all-boys school and Vanria attended Xaviers when it was an allgirls school. Adrian is a member of the SAC Class of 1974; Cloretta, Class of 1975; Algernon, Class of 1978; Troy, Class of 1982; Robertha, Class of 1985; and Rodd, Class of 1986.
Initially, Algernon attended Ms Canaire School, Chippingham Primary, Oakes Field Primary and when the family relocated to Eastern New Providence, he transferred to Claridge Primary in grade five.
“Oakes Field was my favourite school and I really was not happy that I had to leave as the education there was very strong and the principal then was Rev Charles Saunders,” Algernon recalls.
With a strong upbringing in education, Algernon sat the entrance exams for SAC, Aquinas, and St Anne’s, and was successful in all three.
“Of course, I chose SAC, as it was my dream school and I wanted to follow the footsteps of my siblings,” he said.
“I studied the science stream at SAC and was successful in the GCE (London) exams in six subjects. Back then, the maximum was eight subjects. These results earned him a scholarship at the College of The Bahamas, where he enrolled to study in the Spanish education program. “Yes, I wanted to be a Spanish teacher,” he mused. “I had a lot of free time and applied for a job in CIBC.”
“I started during my first semester at COB and later withdrew as the job took up a lot of time. When I returned to COB, part-time, I transferred my major to banking and finance and completed this degree as well as the Bahamas Institute of Bankers Diploma.”
Now somewhat bilingual, Algernon was also
bi-vocational as he matriculated at COB and was simultaneously employed with Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) Bahamas Ltd. Algernon’s initial position at CIBC was as a Teller. He quickly progressed through the ranks to leadership roles as branch manager; country manager for St Lucia; manager of strategy for the Caribbean area, based in Barbados; and the general manager of branch banking. While working full-time, Algernon transferred to the University of Miami into a highly competitive executive Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme that he successfully completed as the Class Salutatorian.
At CIBC, Algernon was recruited to join the Junior Achievement (JA) Organisation as an Advisor. He served in this organisation for ten consecutive years as an executive advisor, developing several most distinguished achievers and oratorical contest winners. I was among them. Junior Achievement played an instrumental role in my life. I learned business, marketing and oratorical skills that were valuable in shaping my profession in media today. I recall that although Mr Cargill was a senior officer at the bank, he had the ability to inspire us as students to achieve greatness. With a demure smile, he encouraged fun in the organisation, but always pushed us to have great results in the organisation of our clubs and our product sales. As The Bahamas’ first ten-year advisor, Algernon said benefitted from the programme as much as the high school students did. He learned about service and how he could really shape the lives of young Bahamians.
“I have always been involved in community or civic activities and during employment at CIBC, I was invited to serve as
an advisor for our Junior Achievement company during the initial year that Sir Franklyn Wilson introduced JA in The Bahamas,” Algernon said.
“It was quite interesting and although I was quite young at the time, perhaps age 21 or 22, I played a significant role in the development of many young people who are successful today. As an example, Dr Duanda Ash, my ophthalmologist, was a member of our first Junior Achievement company and went on to win the most Distinguished Achiever Award. Yvette Bethel, an HR professional and business owner of her own HR consulting firm, was our president and we maintain a very good professional relationship today. I met Olympian Frank Rutherford during my JA tenure as he too was one of my achievers, along with Lionel Haven, Nicolette Deal and so many other outstanding Bahamians. I was the first person to serve ten consecutive years as a Junior Achievement advisor and received the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture’s Community Affairs Service Award in 1988 as a result of my dedication to Junior Achievement.”
ments. He was selected by the College of The Bahamas as its Baccalaureate speaker in 2007, and in 2009, he was the commencement speaker, delivering the keynote address on the topic: “Prepared Minds! Determined Hearts: Ready for Excellence”.
This interest in Junior Achievement led to additional service positions that included: The Bankers’ Athletic Association; Parish Council positions at St Thomas Moore Roman Catholic Church; chairman of the Mary Star of the Sea Bazaar; president of the Mary Star of the Sea and Xavier’s Lower School PTA Associations; vice president of The Bahamas Olympic Committee; president of Bahamas Aquatics Federation; vice president of the Central American and Caribbean Aquatics Confederation; and a two-term member of the World Aquatics Bureau, where he represents the Central America and Caribbean regions as a member of this global governing body for Aquatic Sports. During Algernon’s 21-year tenure as president of Bahamas Aquatics, he has led the Bahamas Aquatics Federation to six consecutive Carifta Aquatics titles and eight of the last nine championships. Education has always been a hallmark of excellence in Agernon’s life. As an adjunct college professor, Algernon has lectured a range of business courses that include Caribbean economics, HR management and industrial relations, and marketing management at the University of the West Indies. He is a current adjunct faculty member of the University of The Bahamas in the School of Business, where he lectures courses in the Banking Economics and Finance and Marketing and Management
Algernon is currently the area director for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, an international brotherhood dedicated to uplifting and advancing the black community. He is a lifetime member of the fraternity, and he currently serves on the National Grievance and Discipline Committee He also chairs the Fraternity’s Southern Region’s Caribbean Brothers Affairs Committee, in addition to serving as the Director of Educational Activities for his Chapter, Iota Epsilon Lambda. Algernon is also a former two-term vice president of his Chapter. In his role as the director of educational activities, Algernon co-chairs the Chapter’s annual Honours Day Programme and the Think College – Think HBCU College Fair Programme. Through these fraternity programs, Algernon has been able to develop relationships with several university presidents and executives. These relationships and partnership have benefitted Bahamian students to the extent where Bahamian students have received more than $20m in university scholarships over the past six years, primarily to HBCUs in the US.
With a professional career that has included executive positions in Banking; Algernon was recognised by CIBC as one of the most outstanding 22 employees from a pool of more than 30,000 people. This recognition culminated in Algernon receiving the President’s Award in 2000.
Algernon has also served as the director and CEO of the National Insurance Board, the Director of Aviation, and currently serves as the chairman of Progressive Pharmaceuticals Ltd, and PAS Pharmaceuticals Ltd, an organisation that includes the Friendly Pharmacy group of companies. Algernon has also served as a director on several corporate boards that include Cable Bahamas Ltd, Commonwealth Brewery Ltd, the Bank of the Bahamas, the and the Insur ance Commission of The Bahamas. His successful career path also includes tenure at Chevron Bahamas, Ltd, where he also won a leadership award. He recalls his professional path: “I worked for a few years as the financial planning and pricing manager for the Caribbean and Central America and was one of 20 people to receive an award for outstanding leadership. I later transitioned to the National Insurance Board where I was successful in implementing, without hiccups, the National Prescription Drug Plan, the Unemployment Benefit, and for transforming the board then to an efficient and customer service driven agency of the government of The Bahamas. During my tenure, NIB was fully transformed to a customer service driven agency, that was operationally efficient, and employees were challenged to contribute to the board’s success and were evaluated based on their contributions. When I meet NIB employees, I am often reminded of the successes we shared, and often asked when I am returning. My common response is that my work there is done and I do not want to get involved in the political high-stake games that seemed destined to try to destroy character and individuals. I enjoyed my short tenure at the Department of Aviation where I managed the aviation portfolio of the Minister of Tourism and Aviation and left a positive legacy that I am often reminded about.” He is married to Lamar Cargill (nee Bain). This couple has been blessed to celebrate the sacrament of marriage for 40 years. Algernon and Lamar co-parent four children, Dr Algernon Cargill Jr, a pediatric emergency room physician in Atlanta Georgia; Aldyn Cargill, a lawyer and banker with ScotiaBank in Ottawa Canada; Alvan Cargill, a banker with Morgan Stanley in Alexandria, Virginia; and Dr Alaina Cargill, a veterinarian and medical director of an animal hospital in Silver Springs, Maryland. Algernon and Lamar are also the proud grandparents of five grandchildren, Logan, Aubrey, Elle, Alvan-Alexander and Grace Cargill. He worships at St Thomas Moore Roman Catholic Church where he is a lay reader and a Eucharistic minister.
THE CARGILL Family: Dr Alaina Cargill, proud father Algernon Cargill, Ashley Munroe-Cargill, Alvan Cargill, Lamar Cargill, Aldyn Cargill, granddaughter Elle Cargill, and Dr Algernon Cargill Jr. Above, Algernon with his wife, Lamar Cargill.
ALGERNON CARGILL, above, and in his youth prior to his graduation from SAC in 1978.
Historic turning point, says Netanyahu
The Peter Young column
HAVING written last week about the deteriorating Arab/Israeli conflict, I am reluctant to revert to it today for fear of repetition. But I have two reasons for doing so.
In the context of this bitter international dispute, there occurred on September 27 what has been described in the British press as a seismic event. This was the killing in an Israeli air strike on Beirut of the long-serving leader of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, alongside other top commanders of the Lebanon-based terrorist organisation. Funded originally by Iran to fight the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon, this group is said to be operating almost as a state within a state. Its leader has been called one of the best known and most influential figures in the Middle East who was rarely seen in public for fear of assassination. The reaction of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was that Israel had settled the score with those “responsible for the deaths of countless Israelis and many foreign citizens.”
According to a BBC report, under Nasrallah’s leadership Hezbollah grew from a small Shia Muslim militia into one of the most powerful unofficial armies in the world and possesses a large arsenal of missiles supplied by Iran. The group fires these on a daily basis into northern Israel as a result of which some 60,000 residents have had to flee their homes.
The killing of Nasrallah was carried out despite the widespread calls from the US, the UK and many others for restraint on both sides and for a general deescalation of the crisis.
The second reason for writing about the subject again is the significance of last week’s unexpected speech by Netanyahu at the annual meeting of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. This was in response to UNGA’s nonbinding resolution adopted overwhelmingly (124 to 14 with 43 abstentions) on September 18 calling for an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories within a year and
imposition of sanctions for non-compliance.
Israel had earlier criticised this resolution as “shameful” for not condemning last year’s October 7 massacre or calling for the release of the remaining 101 hostages still held by Hamas. It has also said that the resolution was a form of “diplomatic terrorism” on behalf of the Palestinian Authority in an attempt to isolate Israel before world leaders travelled to New York for UNGA. Interestingly, the US criticised the resolution for being “onesided” since it failed to recognise Hamas as a terrorist organisation.
Netanyahu said he had not expected to come to New York but at the last minute decided to do so in order to “set the record straight” in person because, under the curse of Iran’s unremitting aggression, the terrorists wanted to destroy civilisation – in his words, “my country is at war fighting for its life”.
People often ask why the UN has been unable or unwilling to resolve this long-running dispute. As the most representative, authoritative, inter-governmental and multilateral organisation in the world, under which the rulesbased international order was established after the Second World War, the UN has played over the years an important role in maintaining world peace and security, though it has not succeeded in all cases in which it has become involved.
In the Middle East, the UN claims to have been working to de-escalate the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by engaging the key actors and providing emergency assistance to civilians on the
Despite time seeming to pass quickly, some may find it hard to believe that Scotland’s referendum on independence took place as long as ten years ago. The issues and speculation about the likely result still seem so fresh to those (like me) who studied them at the time. On polling day on September 18, 2014, the Scottish electorate rejected independence by a margin of 55 percent to 45 percent. A decade later, not much appears to have changed, with the evidence showing that Scotland remains divided on the question of the nation’s constitutional future. Reportedly, however, the latest polls suggest a slight change with nearly half of voters likely to vote yes to independence if a second referendum were held. This is so even though the political fortunes of the Scottish National Party have declined significantly. The SNP is, of course, the principal proponent of independence, and it accepts devolution of power
ground through UNRWA, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees.
But, patently, some problems require more political goodwill and cooperation than others. A relatively recent example was UN Security Council Resolution 1701 which was supposed to end the Israeli/ Lebanon war of 2006 but the provisions of which were not fully adhered to by Hezbollah.
Moreover, inevitably there are genuine differences of approach between UN member states about a whole range of issues –and it is also, of course, the case that any of the five permanent members of the Security Council can veto action for whatever reason.
One such difference of view about the war in Gaza is what critics of UN action – or lack of it - call double standards and an alleged lack of consistency in the application of international law. Indeed, some say a double standard is more broadly applicable and is the root cause of the weakness of today’s international order. In the case of the Israeli-Gaza war, they cite as an example the so-called disregard of international humanitarian law that forbids killing civilians, with many maintaining that the right of a country to defend itself should not apply when that country is at the same time an occupying power. That is to say that a power occupying another country cannot claim the right to self-defence against the people that it is occupying. However, definition of the extent of the right to self-defence will vary. Israel is now engaged simultaneously on three different operational fronts, given
from Westminster to the British regions, which happened with the establishment of the Scottish Parliament in 1999, as the first stage towards independence.
In the British general election in July this year, the party won just nine seats, down from fortyeight in 2019.The leader of the SNP, which now heads up a minority government at Holyrood, the seat of the Scottish Parliament, has said that his party will have to consider how to deliver better the SNP’s commitment to independence which remains as strong as ever. It is said that a decade after the independence referendum memories may have faded somewhat but feelings for some remain raw as people recall the referendum as agony for some but ecstasy for others.
For many, it is hardly surprising that nearly half its population have wanted Scotland to take its place as an independent nation in the international community. It is
intercepted at Ben Gurion international airport in Tel Aviv. Many observers believe that what appears to be the indiscriminate bombing of civilians in Gaza – and most recently in Beirut – in a bid to wipe out terrorists should be condemned as totally unacceptable. To avoid condemnation from the rest of the world, these critics judge that the Israelis need to exercise a degree of restraint. They say that as well as destruction of Hamas’s tunnels in Gaza, other ways should surely be found to target fighters more precisely which, of course, we now know is possible given the recent attacks on Hezbollah’s personal communications devices in Beirut.
It was interesting to read the other day a detailed briefing about the Israel-Palestinian conflict by a US State Department official. Clearly, the US aim is to de-escalate the ongoing conflict in both Gaza and Lebanon through diplomatic means to try to prevent them from developing into wider international crises. But the official also said that the US was required by statute to guarantee that Israel has a qualitative edge over rivals in the region. This means presumably that it is mandated to provide military support to Israel. While the major powers are not directly involved on the ground there is also continuing support from other Western countries. For its part, Britain, in a statement at a meeting of the UN Security Council on September 26 has called
a country with a population of 5.5 million containing about one third of the land area of the UK in the north of the island of Great Britain and with some 800 adjacent islands in the archipelagos of the Hebrides and Northern Isles. It has a rich history of battles against autocratic English monarchs who wanted to assert authority over it, and its people have retained a strong sense of identity and independence of spirit. Scotland is loved by many, including the late Queen who was known to favour Balmoral among all the royal residences, for its fine and varied scenery - islands, mountain ranges, valleys known as glens, forests and moorlands together with rich agricultural land. It has well developed industries, splendid architecture in a range of large towns and two major cities, Glasgow and its capital Edinburgh; special music (the bagpipes) and dancing (Scottish reels) and sports like football and rugby in which it delights in trying
PASSING OF A NATIONAL TREASURE
LAST week’s news of the death at the age 89 of Dame Maggie Smith, the renowned English actress, will have saddened many who will recall her major roles recently in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, the UK TV drama followed by viewers around the world.
Such was her fame that the UK press coverage of her passing has been immense, with numerous tributes from a wide range of people.
She had been a much acclaimed stage actress since the 1960s onwards before her later successful career on the big screen.
for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon including discontinuation of the firing by Hezbollah of rockets at Israel and a diplomatic solution to the crisis.
It must surely be clear from all this that Israel will survive as a country – in
to defeat what it calls the “auld” enemy (England). People have a richly identifiable accent with a strong sense of belonging and pride in their roots and identity – and, of course, there are numerous Scots who have travelled far and wide and successfully made their way elsewhere in the world. All in all, many besides Scots themselves can understand why half the nation’s population want independence. The arguments in favour are largely based on pride in their country and a desire to run their own affairs, not least in benefitting from their own natural resources of North Sea oil and gas. One example of what independence would mean is that in the Brexit referendum in 2016 Scotland voted to remain in the European Union, and the SNP has made it clear an independent Scotland would try to re-join the bloc. On the other side of the coin, there is good sense in the argument it would be safer to remain
She won countless awards and was much loved by the public but always insisted that she led “a perfectly normal life” until the universal acclaim she received for her performance in Downton Abbey.
She was universally admired for her fine professionalism as well as her reputation as an amusing and kind person, though with a sharp wit, who, in her own words was “never shy on stage but always shy off it”. The King has paid a warm tribute to her saying that she will be remembered with “fondest admiration and affection”. Many, many people in Britain will surely agree with that.
She was judged to have been a formidable star on both, and has been described as a true legend.
which case, as I suggested last week, the time has come for Hamas and Hezbollah to stop firing rockets into Israel so that the conditions can be created for restarting diplomacy in an effort to work towards a long-term solution.
within the United Kingdom which has kept Scotland and England together since 1707. Being part of the UK gives Scotland a stronger voice in the world, provides access to shared public services, boosts its economy by working closely with its largest trading partner immediately to the south and delivers the advantages of using the same strong and stable currency, the pound sterling. But above all, perhaps, is the notion that within living memory the two countries have indeed been locked together for so long and to their mutual benefit. Scotland cannot hold another independence referendum without the UK Parliament at Westminster passing legislation to enable that to happen. Former prime minister Boris Johnson’s government turned down the idea in 2022 and there is no sign of such legislation happening in the foreseeable future. But what is for sure is that it remains in the sights of the activists concerned.
that it has now bombed the Houthis in Yemen who recently fired a missile that was successfully
AN ISRAELI soldier sits on the top of a tank, in northern Israel, yesterday.
Photo: Leo Correa/AP
‘Seize chance to join $500m climate resilience initiative’
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
CLIMATE change experts are urging Bahamian businesses to seize the opportunity to participate in a $500m climate resilience initiative, which aims to reach net-zero emissions and bolster the private sector’s ability to withstand the challenges of climate change.
Rochelle Newbold, special advisor on climate change in the Office of the Prime Minister, and Charles Hamilton, climate advisor, highlighted the urgency of the Caribbean Net Zero and Resilient Private Sector Project during an appearance on Guardian Radio 96.9FM yesterday. This project offers Bahamian businesses access to funding for climate-focused
projects in key sectors such as agriculture, energy, and transportation.
The experts stressed The Bahamas faces significant threats, with rising sea levels being the most immediate danger. Ms Newbold noted that by 2039, sea levels around The Bahamas are projected to rise by 12.09cm, a figure far above the global average. Such a rise could be devastating
MUNROE HOPEFUL PRISON WORK WILL BEGIN SOON
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter
jrussell@tibunemedia.net
NATIONAL Security
Minister Wayne Munroe is optimistic that construction of new prison facilities will begin soon, saying it’s still in the formative process.
Mr Munroe told The Tribune yesterday that officials are still working through the formalities for the prison expansion. He also highlighted that the current conditions at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services have raised concerns, with some questioning the treatment of those in confinement.
“I’m hoping that in the shortest possible time they
can get through to the point that they can start construction,” Mr Munroe said.
In February, Mr Munroe said the Cabinet had not yet approved the Department of Corrections’ plan for the expanded prison but hoped to present a “revised position” to the Cabinet soon. The cost of the new facility has fluctuated over time. In May 2023, Mr Munroe revealed that initial plans for a $40m high-medium security facility had grown into a $90m “correctional institution”, which includes administrative buildings, housing, and medical facilities.
Mr Cleare noted that the original $40m estimate did not cover essential facilities such as a medical centre,
mental hospital, central intake for booking, or classrooms.
In September 2023, Prison Commissioner Doan Cleare revealed that the cost of expanding the prison had been reduced by 40 percent, down from $93m.
The American Correctional Association, which is responsible for prison accreditation, provided input on the design of the new facilities.
Meanwhile, in October 2023, Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis said the Cabinet had not yet approved the new prison construction and that the project might need to be completed in stages to manage costs.
for the country’s low-lying areas, threatening freshwater resources.
Ms Newbold called on the private sector to get involved, emphasising the importance of drawing funding opportunities into the country. She highlighted the project’s potential to decarbonise business operations and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through support from the
Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Mr Hamilton echoed her sentiments, noting the seriousness of the situation. He stressed the importance of capturing funding and developing strategies to help the Bahamas become more resilient in the face of climate change. The project, he said, has already attracted partnerships and solutions for various
ministries and entities within the country.
Mr Hamilton emphasised that private sector involvement is crucial for climate adaptation. He stressed the need for quick and decisive action, adding that the Office of the Prime Minister is working to ensure The Bahamas can move swiftly on climate finance and technical solutions, particularly in sectors like agriculture.
DOCKWORKERS AT PORTS FROM MAINE TO TEXAS GO ON STRIKE
PHILADELPHIA Associated Press
DOCKWORKERS at ports from Maine to Texas began walking picket lines early Tuesday in a strike over wages and automation that could reignite inflation and cause shortages of goods if it goes on more than a few weeks.
The contract between the ports and about 45,000 members of the International Longshoremen’s Association expired at midnight, and even though progress was reported in talks on Monday, the workers went on strike. The strike affecting 36 ports is the first by the union since 1977.
Workers began picketing at the Port of Philadelphia shortly after midnight with signs that read “Fight automation, save jobs, ILA demands” and “Automation hurts families. ILA stands for job protections.”
The US Maritime Alliance, which represents the ports, said Monday evening that both sides had moved off of their previous wage offers, but when picket lines went up just after midnight, it was apparent that no deal had been reached.
The union’s opening offer in the talks was for a 77% pay raise over the six-year life of the contract, with President Harold Daggett saying it’s necessary to make up for inflation and years of small raises.
ILA members make a base salary of about $81,000 per year, but some can pull in over $200,000 annually with large amounts of overtime.
But Monday evening, the alliance said it had increased its offer to 50% raises over six years, and it pledged to keep limits on automation in place from the old contract. The union wants a complete ban on automation. It wasn’t clear just how far apart both sides are.
“We are hopeful that this could allow us to
fully resume collective bargaining around the other outstanding issues in an effort to reach an agreement,” the alliance statement said.
The union didn’t answer requests for comment on the talks Monday night, but said earlier in the day that the ports had refused demands for a fair contract and the alliance seemed intent on a strike. The two sides had not held formal negotiations since June.
The alliance said its offer tripled employer contributions to retirement plans and strengthened health care options. During the day Monday, some ports already were preparing for a strike.
The Port of Virginia, for instance, was in the process of ceasing operations. It accepted the last inbound train for delivery at 8am, closed its gates to inbound
trucks at noon and required ships to leave by 1pm Cargo operations halted at 6pm.
“We are handling this just like we would during the ramp up to a possible hurricane,” Joe Harris, the port’s spokesperson, told The Associated Press. “And we will bring it back online just as we would recovering from a hurricane. We have an experienced team. We’ve done this in the past.”
Supply chain experts say consumers won’t see an immediate impact from the strike because most retailers stocked up on goods, moving ahead shipments of holiday gift items.
But if it goes more than a few weeks, a work stoppage would significantly snarl the nation’s supply chain, potentially leading to higher prices and delays in goods reaching households and businesses. If drawn out, the strike
will force businesses to pay shippers for delays and cause some goods to arrive late for peak holiday shopping season — potentially impacting delivery of anything from toys or artificial Christmas trees to cars, coffee and fruit.
The strike will likely have an almost immediate impact on supplies of perishable imports like bananas, for example. The ports affected by the strike handle 3.8 million metric tons of bananas each year, or 75% of the nation’s supply, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.
It also could snarl exports from East Coast ports and create traffic jams at ports on the West Coast, where workers are represented by a different union. Railroads say they can ramp up to carry more freight from the West Coast, but analysts say they can’t make up the
cargo handled to the east.
“If the strikes go ahead, they will cause enormous delays across the supply chain, a ripple effect which will no doubt roll into 2025 and cause chaos across the industry,” noted Jay Dhokia, founder of supply chain management and logistics firm Pro3PL.
JP Morgan estimated that a strike that shuts down East and Gulf coast ports could cost the economy $3.8 billion to $4.5 billion per day, with some of that recovered over time after normal operations resume.
The strike comes just weeks before the presidential election and could become a factor if there are shortages. Retailers, auto parts suppliers and produce importers had hoped for a settlement or that President Joe Biden would intervene and end the strike using the Taft-Hartley Act,
which allows him to seek an 80-day cooling off period.
But during an exchange with reporters on Sunday, Biden, who has worked to court union votes for Democrats, said “no” when asked if he planned to intervene in the potential work stoppage.
A White House official said Monday that at Biden’s direction, the administration has been in regular communication with the ILA and the alliance to keep the negotiations moving forward. The president directed Chief of Staff Jeff Zients and National Economic Council Director Lael Brainard to convene the alliance’s board members Monday afternoon and urge them to resolve the dispute fairly and quickly — in a way that accounts for the success of shipping companies in recent years and contributions of union workers.
WAYNE MUNROE, Minister of National Security.
SHIPPING containers are stacked in the Port of New York and New Jersey in Elizabeth, NJ, in 2021.
Photo: Seth Wenig/AP
JARED GOFF MAKES 1ST NFL TD RECEPTION, THROWS FOR TWO TOUCHDOWNS IN LIONS’ 42-29 WIN OVER SEAHAWKS
By LARRY LAGE AP Sports Writer
DETROIT (AP) — Jared Goff threw a perfect game, setting an NFL record by completing all 18 of his passes to help the Detroit Lions beat the Seattle Seahawks 42-29 last night.
Kurt Warner had the previous league mark for the passes without an incompletion, going 10 for 10 for Arizona against Houston in 2005.
Goff also had a touchdown reception for the first time in his career, catching a pass from Amon-Ra St.
Brown, and threw one of his two touchdown passes to the All-Pro receiver. Goff and St. Brown are the eighth duo in league history to throw and catch a touchdown from each other.
St. Brown lobbed a 7-yard pass to Goff on a trick play in the the third quarter and caught an 8-yard touchdown from the quarterback in the fourth. Goff, who threw for 292 yards, completed his first 14 passes in Detroit’s previous win at Arizona to set a personal record that lasted a little more than a week. He also threw a pass over
the middle to Jameson Williams, who ran away from the Seahawks for a 70-yard touchdown in the third quarter.
The Lions (3-1) asked Goff to throw one more time from his end zone and he was sacked for a safety with 2:01 remaining, cutting their lead to 13 points.
The Seahawks (3-1) simply could not overcome an injury-depleted defence that could not stop Detroit on the ground or through the air. Seattle coach Mike Macdonald went for it on fourth-and-4 from the Detroit 39 early
in the fourth and receiver Tyler Lockett negated a first down with pass interference, getting called for running a pick play that freed up Jaxon SmithNjigba for a catch.
Macdonald went for it again on fourth-and-goal from the Detroit 3 with 2:09 to go and Geno Smith threw a fourth straight incompletion.
The Lions took advantage and went ahead by 15 points with 5:23 left when Goff a high pass to St. Brown, who leaped for the catch and got both feet in the end zone.
Jahmyr Gibbs ran for two touchdowns in the second quarter and finished with 78 yards rushing.
David Montgomery started the scoring barrage with a one-yard touchdown run, capping a 10-play, 93-yard drive that took seven-plus minutes off the clock in the first quarter, and had 80 yards from scrimmage.
Smith was 38 of 56 for 395 yards with a 9-yard touchdown pass to rookie tight end AJ Barner in the third quarter on a drive he extended with a sneak on fourth down.
Titans get first win of season, 31-12 over Rudolph, Dolphins
By ALANIS THAMES AP Sports Writer
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla.
(AP) — Mason Rudolph led seven scoring drives after starter Will Levis left with a shoulder injury, and the Tennessee Titans beat the Miami Dolphins 31-12 last night.
Rudolph threw for 85 yards and completed 9 of 17 passes in relief of Levis, who attempted just four passes before running and diving for a first down on Tennessee’s second drive and coming down hard on his right throwing shoulder. He stood on the sideline with his helmet but didn’t return.
Nick Folk made field goals of 53, 52, 47, 51 and 29 yards for the Titans, who won their first game of the season. Running back Tyjae Spears took a direct snap and ran it in for a 7-yard touchdown. Tony Pollard had a 4-yard touchdown run to go with 88 yards on 22 carries.
Tyler Huntley, who signed with the Dolphins on September 17 off Baltimore’s practice squad, ran for a touchdown and had 96 passing yards.
But the Dolphins’ offence continued to struggle without Tua Tagovailoa, who remains on injured reserve with a concussion.
Huntley was named starter on Saturday, as No. 2 quarterback Skylar Thompson nurses a rib injury.
Huntley brought the Dolphins (1-3) within 10 when
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 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
he scored on a 1-yard run with 3:40 left. He was intercepted on the two-point conversion attempt, and the Titans recovered the ensuing onside kick. Huntley was called for intentional grounding in the end zone on Miami’s last effort at a comeback, adding two more points for the Titans.
Tyreek Hill was held under 50 yards receiving for the third straight game with 23 yards on four catches. Titans receiver DeAndre Hopkins was also quiet with two catches for 31 yards. Levis threw for 25 yards with an interception before the injury.
Officials, will recognise Curry-Davis, a former executive of the BBSF, who was working as the director for track and field before her death this year.
Beginning at 9am, the meet will be geared for men and women competing in the under-7, under-11, under-15, under20 under-30 open, under-50 open and masters 50-andover categories as well as the clergy for pastors, ministers, evangelists and deacons.
The entry deadline for teams to participate is Friday, November 1 and should be submitted to TEK Results via tmoss@ locbahamas.org or contact Brent Stubbs at 426-7265 or email stubbobs@gmail. com.
A technical meeting will take place at 6pm on Tuesday, November 12 at the Bahamas Baptist College, Jean Street.
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 or log onto facebook, instagram or twitter at The International Basketball
Linebacker Emmanuel Ogbah intercepted Levis and secured the ball between his knees to end a promising opening drive for the Titans.
The Dolphins gave it right back when Huntley threw a backward pass to Hill that went off the receiver’s finger tips. It was initially ruled an incomplete pass but after review, it was overturned to a fumble that Tennessee recovered.
That was the first takeaway of the season for the Titans, who entered the game with a minus-7 turnover differential. It was also the first of numerous miscues for the
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. 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
Dolphins: two players in motion at the snap multiple times, uncharacteristic drops by playmakers and an overall inability to sustain drives.
A puzzling sequence happened just before halftime. Miami got the ball after forcing a punt with about a minute left in the second. Defensive tackle Calais Campbell got a hand on the ball as Ryan Stonehouse tried to boot it away.
Linebacker Duke Riley then tried to grab the bouncing punt but appeared to lose it in a scrum.
After a lengthy review, officials ruled that Tennessee touched the ball
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
first, giving the Dolphins possession.
They did nothing with it, instead handing it back to the Titans after Huntley couldn’t corral a bad snap.
Rudolph then moved the Tennessee offence into field goal territory and spiked it with one second left. Folk made his third field goal of the night. It all led to loud boos coming from the crowd at Hard Rock Stadium as the Dolphins headed to halftime trailing 9-3 and were held without a touchdown for the eighth straight quarter.
The Dolphins have not led a game at all this season. Their only win came in the opener on a walk-off field goal by Jason Sanders. Sanders made kicks of 44 and 56 yards.
INJURIES
Titans: NT Keondre Coburn left with a knee injury in the first quarter and did not return.
Dolphins: RB Jeff Wilson Jr. injured his knee in pregame warmups and did not play.
LB Jaelan Phillips left in the third quarter with a knee injury and did not return. Phillips, who suffered a torn Achilles tendon last season, hit the turf several times when he went down and threw his helmet in frustration. UP NEXT
Titans: Have a bye Sunday, then host the Colts on Oct. 13.
Dolphins: At Patriots on Sunday.
be submitted to Musgrove in person or via email at bammus1967@gmail.com by Sunday, October 13. Positions to be filled are president, two vice presidents, general secretary, assistant secretary, treasurer and assistant treasurer.
The current president is Roy Colebrooke.
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
IF you think you’re tough enough, prepare yourself for a unique boxing event on Friday, November 22, presented by Bahamas Events & Sports and Fusion Superplex.
“Courtyard Brawl” will feature 10 fighters competing in five weight classes – including one female division. Each match will be three rounds in two minutes of action.
Five fighters will make up two teams – Meacher Major “Pain” Red Team and Jermaine “Chu Chu” Mackey Blue Team.
Major and Mackey are two former Bahamian boxing champions. There’s an open invitation for 40 fighting contenders of all weight classes.
Tryouts will take place at 6pm Thursday, October 10 in the courtyard at Fusion Superplex, located at Gladstone Road and John F. Kennedy Drive.
Interested fighters for this boxing entertainment may register at www. bahamasevents.com or via WhatsApp (242) 421-9783.
No boxing experience is required for this boxing showcase of the year.
Each fighter will be provided with standard protective gear, boxing gloves, trunks and shoes. Led by Tommy Stubbs, who promoted two “Pain & Glory” pro cards with Major “Pain” vs Brazilian Rosa Rosa, event organisers will assess the fighters and select 10 fighters to compete on the red and blue teams.
All 10 finalists will share over $2,000 in prize money. Medals go to each winner of the five bouts. The winning side will receive the “Courtyard Brawl” championship belt.
This special event has been endorsed by the Bahamas Boxing Commission. Other activities being planned include fight betting, ring girls’ competition, beer-drinking and pizza-eating contests.
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.
Dillon Bethel was 3-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored in the win. Demot Charlow went 2-for-3 with a double, triple, three RBI and two runs scored in the losing effort.
Dozer Heavy Equipment 6, Vipers 3: Vernon Bowles got the win and Warren Butler picked up the loss as Dozer doubled up the Vipers.
Andy Percentie led the charge with a 2-for-3 production with a RBI and a run scored, Derek Christie was 1-for-4 with a homer, two RBI and a run scored, Dion Seymour was 2-for-3, Randy Anderson was 2-for-4 with a triple, two RBI and a run scored and Mario Ford was 1-for-2 with two runs scored. Shawn Henfield was 2-for-3 with a run scored, Vince Davis was
1-for-3 with a homer, three RBI and a run scored and Shamal Henfield was a perfect 3-for-3 with a run scored. Dozer scored two runs in the first, sixth and seventh. The Vipers scored all three of their runs in the first.
Da Boys 28, Corner Boys 4: Salathiel Dean got the job done on the mound over losing Nkomo Ferguson in what turned out to be a lopsided affair. Dean got all the help he needed offensively as his teammates plated nine runs in the first, three in the second, 15 in the third and one in the fifth in the massacre. The Vipers got two runs in the first, and one each in the fourth and fifth. Renaldo Knowles went 2-for-2 with two homers, six RBI and four runs scored to lead the winners. Julian Pratt was 4-for-5 with three doubles, three RBI and two runs scored, Stephen Beneby was
3-for-5 with with a homer, a RBI and five runs scored, Charles Rolle was 3-for-4 with a homer, three RBI and three runs scored, Marvin Wood was 3-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored and Olando McPhee was 3-for-4 with three RBI and three runs scored. For the losers, Angelo Dillete was 2-for-3 with a double, a triple, an RBI and two runs scored and John Lockhart was 1-for-1 with two RBI.
Saturday 10am - Home Boys vs KC Construction (make up game).
Noon - Masqueraders vs Vipers. 2pm - Dozer Pros vs Drifters. 4pm - Divers vs Corner Boys. Sunday 1pm - Corner Boys vs Rebels.
3pm - Divers vs Dozer Pros. 4:30pm - Home Boys vs Masqueraders.
TENNESSEE Titans running back Tony Pollard (20) runs the ball during the first half against the Miami Dolphins last night. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
BAHAMAS BAPTIST SPORTS FOUNDATION’S INAUGURAL BASKETBALL
Macedonia Baptist and Jordan Prince Williams Falcons emerge as champions
AFTER two exciting days of competition, the Jordan Prince Williams Falcons and Macedonia Baptist emerged as the champions of the Bahamas Baptist Sports Foundation’s inaugural basketball tournament.
The Falcons, one of three teams participating in the high school division, stunned the two-time Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools’ champions Charles W Saunders Cougars 44-37 in the high school divisional final at the CI Gibson Gymnasium on Saturday.
The open men’s division saw Macedonia Baptist prevail with a 52-41 triumph over Canaan Baptist, also on Saturday, as the two-day event came to a close.
In addition to the pair of Baptist schools, the CI Gibson Rattlers B team also participated in the tournament, but they fell short in their playoff match-up.
Joining Macedonia and Canaan in the open men’s division were Golden Gates Native, New Bethlehem, New Covenant and Faith United.
Although they anticipated having more teams participate, BBSF’s basketball director Sean Bastian said they were still pleased with the turnout and the level of competition exhibited during the two days.
On behalf of the federation’s executive team, Bastian thanked the Bahamas National Baptist Convention’s president Bishop Delton Fernander and his administration team, CI Gibson and officials Van Hutchinson, Rochelle Kemp, Robert Smith and Shantelle Rolle for making the event a success.
Here’s a summary of the games played:
Falcons 44, Cougars 37: In a head-to-head match-up of the two Baptist schools in New Providence, Jordan Prince Williams got the early bragging rights for this season.
Most valuable player
Malike Cadeu led the attack with a game high 18 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter as Jordan Prince Williams came back from a slim 27-25 deficit at the end of the third to seal the deal.
Edmond Ferguson followed with 15 points, Tre’Von Clarke had six, Matayo Davis three and Andre Tucker two in the win for coach Ernest Saunders.
The Falcons led 10-9 at the end of the first quarter, but Charles Saunders took a 18-14 advantage into the half-time break and they held the lead to the end of the third.
Ladanian McKenzie paced the Cougars with 12, Leroy Gray had 10, Shelton Nelson six, Bryson Rolle five and both Genasio Johnson and Dabniel Munroe added two apiece.
Macedonia 52, Canaan 41: Trailing by one going into the fourth quarter, Van Hutchinson Jr and Princeton Wilson took over the show for Macedonia in the fourth quarter to secure the win.
Hutchinson Jr, named the MVP, exploded for 14 points to finish with a game high 15, while Wilson
connected on eight of his 14 points to help out.
Francis Rolle added nine, Devontee Gibson had four and both Delano Knowles and Ahmad Williams chipped in with two each.
For Canaan, Tyrel Butler scored 10, Mario Etienne had nine, Ricardo Bethel and Jerinardo Mott both had eight, Recarno Nixon had four and Lavardis Johnson chipped in with two.
Cougars 34, Rattlers 29: Leroy Carey scored 10, Daniel Munroe had eight, Bryson Rolle seven, Shelton Nelson five and both Genasio Johnson and Tavares Frobes added two as Charles Saunders advanced to the high school final.
Windskey Paul scored 11, Melvens Simeon had six, Kayshawn Dean five, Kem Dean three and Sidney Higgs and Alexio Miller both had two as CI Gibson got eliminated.
Canaan 55, Faith United 42: In their knockout game, Jerinardo Mott came through with a game high 21 points, Tyrel Butler had 15, Mario Etienne 13, Ricardo Bethel four and Lavardis Johnson two as they advanced to the final.
Torrez Basden scored 15 and Joshua Rose had 14 to lead Faith United. Ryan Eve added seven, Benjamin Cornish had six and Anton Francis four, but it wasn’t enough as they got eliminated.
Canaan 46, New Covenant 24: Mario Etienne canned 18 points, Prince Williams added 12 points, Tyrel Butler seven, Ricardo Bethel six and Jerinardo Mott three in the win to stay alive.
Latajh Moxey scored eight, Travis McKenzie had six, Kaiden Davis four and Aaron Simmons, Kyle Johnson and Dominique Bailey all added two in New Covenant’s elimination game.
Macedonia 48, Faith United 46: Devontee Gibson canned the gamewinning basket before the buzzer sounded to finish with nine points to help Macedonia stay undefeated.
Van Hutchinson Jr had a game high 18 points, Darian Marshall had nine, Delano Knowles seven and Jarue Thompson chipped in with three in the win.
Faith United got 12 from Torrez Basden, 11 from Dwayaneil Dorsett, seven from Anton Francis and Benjamin Cornish and five from Joshua Rose in the loss.
Canaan 51, New Bethlehem 48: Jerinardo Mott scored 22 points, Mario Etienne had 16, Tyrel Butler had 10, Prince Williams had nine and Ricardo Bethel added two in the win.
Greco Wilson led the losers with 13, Devon Bonaby had 10, Joseph Knowles seven, Javon Vil six, Theo Cleare five and Brian Jennings added four.
Falcons 28, CI Gibson 27: Malike Cadeu produced 15 points, Edmond Ferguson had six and Tre’Von Clarke added three in the win for Jordan Prince Williams.
CI Gibson got 10 from Kayshawn Dean, seven from Windskey Paul, four apiece from Melvens
and Sidneuy Higgs and two from Cleon Murray in the loss.
New Covenant 36, Golden Gates 31: Kyle Johnson scored 11 points to lead the winners. Aden Taylor had seven, Latajh Moxey six and both Kaiden Davis and Travis McKenzie had four.
Kayle Mackey scored a game high 16 in the loss. Skye Hanna had six, Abraham Ajmath had four, Jason Lewis three and Destin Moss two.
Faith United 42, New Bethlehem 40 OT: Anton Francis scored the winning basket after Joshua Rose opened the overtime period with the first basket. The game was tied 38-38 at the end of regulation. Rose finished with 12, Francis had seven, Benjamin Cornish and Dwayeneil Dorsett both had six, Jermaine Beneby five, Giovanni Oliver four and Ryan Eve two in the win.
Javon Vil scored a game high 13, Greco Wilson had nine, Ronnie Pierre seven, Devon Bonaby four, Joseph Knowles three and both Theo Cleare and Brian Jennings had two. Macedonia 52, Canaan 46: Francis Rolle scored a game high 17, Princeton Wilson had 10, both Malacki Cadeau and D’Neo Smith had seven, Jarue Thompson five and Zavion Lloyd four in the win.
Jerinardo Mott scored a game high 23, Prince Williams had 10, Ricardo Bethel six, Ro Adderley five and Mario Etienne two in a losing effort.
New Bethel 43, Golden Gates 36: Javon Vil scored 11 points, Joseph Knowles had eight, Greco Wilson six, Brian Jebbings five, Devon Bonaby and Theo Cleare both had four, Javon Adderley three and Jamal Miller two in the win. Kevin Joffre canned a game high 15 in the loss. Jason Lewis had seven, Ogden Aranha six, Wayland Adderley five and Abraham Asmata added three.
Faith United 43, New Covenant 22: Joshua Rose scored a game high 14 in the win, while Anton Francis had nine, Torrez Basden eight, Jermaine McPhee three and Tyrese Porter, Benjamin Cornish and Ryan Eve with two apiece and Dwayaniel Dorsett with one.
Charles W Saunders 32, Jordan Prince Williams 28: Raymone Woods poured in a game high 23 to singlehandedly lead the winners. Keni Davis had three and Shelton Nelson, Leroy Carey Gray and Donsvan Jackson all contributed two.
Tre’Von Clarke scored 13, Edmond Ferguson, Jaylyn Johnson, Chad Fernander and Matayo Davis all had three, Malike Cadeu had two and Andre Tucker one in the loss.
Note: The BBSF will host its cycling competition on Saturday starting at 9am at the Perpall Tract Park on West Bay Street. Following that, the Renee “Sunshine” CurryDavis Memorial Track and Field Classic will take place on Saturday, November 16 at the Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium.
Simeon
BASKETBALL director Sean Bastian poses with Macedonia men’s champions.
JORDAN Prince Williams Falcons high school champions get their awards from Sean Bastian.
CAANAN Baptist men’s runners-up get awards from basketball director and coach Sean Bastian.
CHARLES W Saunders Cougars high school runners up get their awards from Sean Bastian.
FAITH United men’s basketball team.
GOLDEN Gates men’s basketball team.
NEW Bethlehem men’s basketball team.
The Warriors hope their ‘disciplined’ offseason pays dividends this year
By JOSH DUBOW AP Sports Writer
SAN FRANCISCO
(AP) — After missing the playoffs for just the second time in more than a decade with a healthy Stephen Curry, a Golden State Warriors team never shy about making splashy additions might have been expected to pull off something big in the offseason. They were linked to some potential big moves like a possible trade for Lauri Markkanen or Paul George but ended up settling for smaller additions that general manager Mike
Dunleavy Jr. believes will be enough to get Golden State back near the top of the Western Conference.
“We’re probably as impatient as a franchise as you can be right now given our time horizon and all that,” he said. “But there’s a fine line between impatience and undisciplined. I think I feel good about the discipline that we held this summer and the roster we built and the growth from within that we’re going to have.”
Golden State lost franchise pillar Klay Thompson and Chris Paul from a team that won 46 games
and lost in the first round of the play-in tournament and added versatile guard De’Anthony Melton, top shooter Chavano “Buddy” Hield and veteran big man Kyle Anderson in smaller moves that still give the Warriors a chance to do something bigger if it materializes during the season. But for now, Dunleavy wants to see what a roster led by Curry and Draymond Green, with a hopefully revitalised Andrew Wiggins and developing young players like Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody and Tracy JacksonDavis, can do.
“We’ll take a look at it, see where we’re at,” Dunleavy said.
“The good news is we’ve got plenty of ways to get better from the outside, but right now we’re fully behind this team, and we think they’re going to have a great year.”
Coach Steve Kerr is excited about the possibilities, but knows it could be a challenge at first trying to figure out the right combinations on a team that needs to replace the scoring of Thompson and is incorporating several new players. But he said he has already sensed a
good vibe from his players during summer workouts and believes Golden State might be better than outsiders think.
“I do think that we’ve been forgotten about a little bit,” he said.
““It makes sense where we are. We didn’t make the playoffs last year. That’s how it works. But I’m excited.
“I think we were pretty good last year, and if you win 46, that means something. Normally that’s a five or six seed in the playoffs. I still think we’re really good.
“We’ll miss Chris and Klay, but it also opens up an
opportunity to maybe play a little bit differently.”
It will all get started next week with the Warriors heading to Hawaii on Tuesday (today) for the start of training camp. This will be the team’s first trip to Hawaii since 2007.
“It’ll be good for guys to get away,” Dunleavy said.
“You get off that plane, the warm breeze blows in your face, and it’s just a good place to have training camp and get better. I’m glad we’re doing it. I’m not sure it’s going to be a regular thing, but on the whole we’re all pleased to be going.”
to go to watch them. They were always exciting, playing basketball unselfishly and there’s a winning culture here, so it was a no-brainer for me to get a chance to play with these guys. I need to find a way to fit in.”
With the departure of Bahamian descent Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks, Hield, known for his three-point shooting, said he hopes to just take it one day at a time as he makes his adjustment to his new team.
“Everybody says it’s a perfect match, but it just takes time, trying to figure out how I go through the passing, the cutting, the screen, learning from Steph, learning from Draymond, Steve, the coaching staff and playing with Gary (Payton II),” said Hield about his role on the team.
“I just have to try to figure out how I can be effective and get everybody to score and feed off all of them. It’s going to be a fun adjustment. They’re all great guys, so it shouldn’t be hard. It might take some time, but it’s going to be fun.”
If he had stayed with the 76ers, Hield would have been here at home in The Bahamas as Philadelphia hosts their mini training camp at Atlantis, starting today, while the Miami Heat are at Baha Mar.
But instead, Hield and the Warriors are in Hawaii and despite it not being The Bahamas, he said training camp is always fun regardless of where it is.
“It’s Hawaii, but it’s about getting to know the guys and learning about them,” he insisted. “It’s a long season. You’re around these guys more than your family, so I’m excited to be around them for sure.”
It was in July when he was playing for the Bahamas in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament with the Warriors’ assistant coach as the head coach of the team in Greece when he got the news that he was moving from Philadelphia to Golden State.
Hield said it was a little stressful, going through the free agency process, so it took some time for him to really understand what was going on.
“It was a little difficult, but we figured it out and I’m glad to be a Warrior,” he stressed. “I’m excited to be here to learn from these guys. I feel like God doesn’t make any mistakes. I’m here for a reason.”
When asked about the switch in teams, Hield said he never envisioned seeing himself in California, but
he’s come to learn that it’s the business of basketball and he has to be prepared for whatever takes place.
“A spot opened when Klay moved and so it was a great match. I’m just glad to be here, to be on a team to learn from a championship organisation,” he pointed out. “I’m just excited to get ready to play.”
Hield, a small forward who can play the shooting guard just as effectively, comes to the Warriors having played in a total of 632 NBA games. He
averaged 29.0 minutes per game with a 15.5 pointing average. He’s connected on 43.4 from the field and 40.0 from behind the threepoint line. He also has a 4.2 rebounding average, 2.6 assists and 0.9 steals. The 31-year-old 6-foot, 4-inch and 220lb player will be called upon by Kerr to increase those numbers across the board as he continues to improve every year that he’s been in the league.
The former standout for the Sir Jack Hayward High
School in Grand Bahama, he went on to complete his high school education at Sunrise Christian Academy in Wichita, Kansas. He then enrolled at Oklahoma where he played from 20-12-2016 before he was selected in the 2016 draft by the New Orleans Pelicans with the sixth pick overall in the first round.
He played one season with the Pelicans before he was traded to the Sacramento Kings in 2017. He remained there until 2022 when he was traded to the Indiana Pacers in 2022.
Last year he was traded to the 76ers before he ended up with the Warriors during the off-season.
During his stint so far in the NBA, Hield was named to the NBA All-Rookie first team in 2027, he won the three-point shooting title during the 2020 AllStar Classic.
Prior to entering the NBA, Hield was named the Naismith College Player of the Year in 2016. That same year, he also earned the John R Wooden Award, the Oscar Robertson Trophy, the Jerry West Award and was named the Sporting News College Player of the Year. He is currently one of four Bahamians playing in the NBA. He is joined by Deandre Ayton, currently a centre with the Portland Trail Blazers, Eric Gordon, a guard with the 76ers and Kai Jones, a centre with the Los Angeles Clippers. While the training camps opened today, the preseason games will begin on October 4 and wrap up on October 18. The Kia NBA Tip-Off 2024 regular season will start on October 22.
example, Miami and Philadelphia are going to The Bahamas, while Golden State and the Los Angeles Clippers are off to Hawaii — in an effort to bond and limit distractions.
“We’ve got a lot of new faces and a lot of guys trying to take next steps in their careers and it is going to be fun from Day 1 tomorrow when we hit the court and start getting our reps in,” said Stephen Curry, the Golden State star guard and now Olympic gold medallist as well.
“We say it all the time in training camp. It is a way of thinking if you want to be great in this league, but it is true for us more than ever. Every day does matter for us to be able to figure this thing out.”
For the Warriors, they’re figuring out life without
Thompson. There’s a flip side of that coin: The Mavericks, who went to the NBA Finals last season, now get to figure out what life will be like with the veteran sharpshooter.
“I’m excited that he decided to come here, that he decided to commit to us for the next few years,” Dallas guard Kyrie Irving said of Thompson.
“And I feel like our dreams can be possible because he’s here now and he’s added some great value to our championship aspirations.”
The 76ers feel the same about George, who comes to Philly to pair up with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey after being part of the Clippers. “I think we’re kind of right in the middle of where you need to be to compete for a championship,” George said. And
even though they couldn’t talk about it — the trade wasn’t official during their media day events yesterday — the New York Knicks surely feel the same about Karl-Anthony Towns, who is on the move after a surprise trade from Minnesota.
“KAT’s an amazing player,” the Knicks’ Josh Hart said, which is about all that anyone from New York could say because the trade was still pending.
In San Antonio, the 6-foot Paul posed next to the 7-foot-4 — or more — Wembanyama. Paul barely reached the shoulder of the reigning rookie of the year. Paul was brought in to help lead a team that the Spurs hope is on the rise, after years of being someone tough for the team to deal with in opposing uniforms.
“I have despised Chris for many years,” Spurs coach
Gregg Popovich said. “It’s mutual,” Paul said. They’re happy to be together and joined at the hip now, of course. Also back at work now: The U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team, which beat France in Paris for a fifth consecutive gold medal. Curry was part of that team, as was James, who remains the oldest player in the league — he turns 40 in December — and now has son Bronny playing alongside him in L.A. He doesn’t feel old, though. Winning gold again made James feel reborn, and said his Olympic run reminded him what’s possible. “I do have a lot in the tank,” James said. “A lot. I can help be a big part of a team win the ultimate, whether it’s gold or the Larry O’Brien Trophy or whatever the case may be. I can still get it done.”
PORTLAND Trail Blazers centre Deandre Ayton poses for a photo during the NBA basketball team’s media day in Portland, Oregon, yesterday. (AP Photo/Craig Mitchelldyer)
Bahamian coaches attend Regional Course in T&T
FOUR coaches from The Bahamas attended the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Regional Coaches Course in Trinidad and Tobago September 27-29.
The coaches are Keith Greene (Grand Bahama), Sharon Greene, (Grand Bahama), Nolan Johnson Sr. (New Providence) and President Perry Newton (New Providence). All of the coaches obtained their Coaching Beginner and Intermediate Players (Level 1) certification in 2019 and are active participants in the Bahamas Junior Tennis Initiative (JTI) programme. John Goede, the ITF development officer for the Caribbean, was one of the key speakers at the conference.
Alongside the ITF presenters were other experts from Great Britain, Canada and the Netherlands. “It is the hope that the information gleaned from this regional conference will be utilised by our coaches as they continue to develop the sport on the islands and in the grassroot areas in the Bahamas.
“Coaching education continues to be an important pillar in tennis sustainability for this BLTA administration and we applaud all the coaches who continue to retool and expand their knowledge, network and share on techniques and best practices in the sport of tennis,” according to a press release.
METS BEAT BRAVES, EARN A PLAYOFF BERTH
By PAUL NEWBERRY AP Sports Writer
ATLANTA (AP) — Four months after dropping 11 games under .500, the New York Mets earned a playoff berth a day after the regular season was supposed to end.
With an 8-7 win at Atlanta in the opener of a makeup doubleheader yesterday behind Francisco Lindor’s ninth-inning homer, the Mets advanced to a best-of-three NL Wild Card Series starting today at Milwaukee or San Diego. If New York wins the second game, it would play at the Padres. If the Mets lose the nightcap, they would play at Milwaukee. New York overcame an 0-5 start to advance to the postseason for just the 11th time in 63 seasons. The Mets then rebounded from deficits of 3-0 in the eighth inning and 7-6 in the ninth to beat the Braves in Monday’s opener. And the big hit was by Lindor, who returned Friday from a back injury that had sidelined him since Sept. 15.
A 10-3 loss to the Dodgers on May 29 completed a three-game Los Angeles sweep at Citi Field by a combined 18-5. New York dropped to 22-33 in its first season under manager Carlos Mendoza and was six games out of the last wild-card berth and needing to overcome seven teams. Lindor called a players’ only meeting. As players explained it, the Mets aired some issues in the clubhouse that day and committed themselves to positivity, effective preparation and a team-first approach dedicated to helping each other and winning games. “We just opened the floor and talked about ways we can turn it around,” outfielder Brandon Nimmo said then.
SINNER AND ALCARAZ THROUGH TO CHINA
OPEN SEMIFINALS, SABALENKA ROLLS ON
BEIJING (AP) — Top-
ranked Jannik Sinner moved into the semifinals of the China Open with a 6-2, 7-6 (6) victory over Jiri Lehecka yesterday.
Just two days after the World Anti-Doping Agency announced it was seeking a ban of one to two years for the U.S. Open champion, who tested positive twice for an anabolic steroid in March, the 23-year-old Italian didn’t appear distracted as he quickly got to grips with the No. 37-ranked Lehecka’s serve in a dominant first set.
The defending champion faced two set points at 4-6 in the second-set tiebreak, but found a way to close out his 14th consecutive win and advance to a semifinal against either fifth-seeded Andrey Rubev or local favourite No. 96-ranked Bu Yunchaokete, who played later Monday.
“So happy how I handled a tough situation,” Sinner said. “Feel like I still can improve a couple of things
WILLIAM
JOHNSON FROM PAGE 16
hope to do the same,” said Johnson in looking at what transpired at the RedLine cross country.
“We will do our best to keep the kids safe, making sure that the course is safe and there is no vehicular traffic on the course once we get started.
“I liked their event. It was very organised and truly professional. We will do the same.”
here so hopefully tomorrow is going to be that day when I feel better on the court.”
Third-ranked Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the semifinals for the second straight year after an impressive 7-5, 6-2 victory against Karen Khachanov.
The 21-year-old Spaniard was characteristically relentless from the baseline and ground down the No. 27-ranked Khachanov’s service games and converted four of 12 service break opportunities to win in 96 minutes.
“I always try to put some pressure when they’re serving just to in a certain way tell them that I’m going to be there,” Alcaraz said. “If they want to win the service game or to beat me, they have to accept the battle and playing a really good tennis. For me, it’s what I’m trying to show them all the time.”
errors than the Italian and converted four of his eight breakpoint opportunities as he closed out a solid 88-minute victory.
Sabalenka extends winning streak Aryna Sabalenka’s dominant hard-court season showed no signs of slowing down as she cruised to a 6-2, 6-2 win over Ashlyn Krueger for her 14th consecutive victory.
The three-time Grand Slam winner started her streak with a title at Cincinnati in August and continued with a run to the championship at the U.S. Open earlier this month. She also won the Australian Open earlier in the year.
best tennis,” Sabalenka said. “But I think the way I’m controlling my emotions and the way I’m holding myself sometimes really helping me to stay in most of the matches, in those difficult situations to keep fighting and keep playing my best tennis.”
Keys had a 6-3, 6-3 win over Beatrice Haddad Maia of Brazil. Haddad Maia won the Korea Open last week but struggled to combat the baseline power of Keys.
well this year. I’m excited to play the match, and I know people are excited to watch the match.”
The four-time major winner joined Mouratoglou shortly before the China Open after splitting with Wim Fisette. Her run here so far is the first time since May that Osaka has had three consecutive wins. Fifth-ranked Jasmine Paolini had a day to forget as she was humbled 6-4, 6-0 by No. 45-ranked Magda Linette of Poland.
It was Alcaraz’s 46th win of the season and it allowed the reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion to climb back above the absent Alexander Zverev into second place in the ATP live rankings.
Johnson said they will be providing t-shirts for all of the competitors and trophies and medals will be awarded to the top finishers in the various age groups.”
The Ministry of Health has come on board to lend their support and they will be offering a walk race for those competitors who are not inclined to compete in the run.
“We want to help the athletes to develop,” Johnson said. “We want to see the athletes improve. Not just the distance runners, but the sprinters and even the throwers and the jumpers.
Alcaraz will face Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals, after the fifth-ranked Russian beat Flavio Cobolli of Italy 6-2, 6-4. Medvedev, still looking for his first title of the year, made 16 fewer unforced
“So you don’t have to be a distance runner to compete. You will have a chance as a sprinter or a thrower or a jumper to compete and develop your skills.”
To those persons who don’t know Johnson personally, he assured them that he was just like them. The only difference is that he worked extremely hard and it was never about the records and having one that has lasted so long. He said it was all about going out there, doing his best and that only came with his discipline and achievement and putting
The second-ranked Sabalenka converted five of her seven breakpoint opportunities in a lopsided contest against Krueger and will next face Madison Keys, hoping to equal her career-best 15 consecutive victories set in 2020-21.
“Well, maybe right now, like, I’m not playing my
God first in everything that he attempted to accomplish.
“I never dreamt that after 40 years, the record is still there.
“But I’m just another athlete just like them who came up and wanted to do well and to work hard. I had good support from people like Frank “Pancho” Rahming and Tommy Robinson.”
On May 17, 1983 in Austin, Texas, Johnson clocked three minutes and 45.72 seconds to post the men’s 1,500 metres national record that is still sitting on the Bahamas Association
Former No. 1 Naomi Osaka continued her positive start with new coach Patrick Mouratoglou with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Katie Volynets, advancing to a round-of-16 match against sixth-ranked Coco Gauff. It will be the first meeting between the two Grand Slam champions in more than two years, with the head-to-head series tied at 2-2.
“It’s going to be a really cool test for me,” Osaka said. “She’s played really
of Athletic Associations’ books.
“He still has one of the longest standing national records in the country and his accomplishments that he did over the years in CARIFTA and the Central American and Caribbean Championships as a distance runner is very good,” said Gardiner, one of Johnson’s arch-rivals and a close friend.
Gardiner said they expect for this year’s championship to be bigger and better with more than 600 athletes anticipated to compete in the run and another 200 in
Japan Open Ugo Humbert overcame a mid-match rally by Tomas Machac to win 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 and advance to the Japan Open final in Tokyo. The No. 19-ranked Frenchman will look to improve his perfect 6-0 record in tour finals when he plays compatriot Arthur Fils on Tuesday. Fils, ranked No. 24, defeated sixth-seed Holger Rune of Denmark 7-6 (8), 7-6 (10) in their semifinal.
the walk race. “We’re partnering with Social Service Wellness and they continue their health awareness movement around the country.
“So it’s good for us because we can bring another dimension to the event.”
“So we want those people who can’t run to come out and walk.
“We have a two-mile course that will be very exciting,” he stated.
“With Social Services coming on board, they will make it quite an exciting competition.”
ARYNA Sabalenka reacts after defeating Ashlyn Krueger during the China Open tennis tournament yesterday.
(AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
A master educator
SHE comes from a family of educators and has been influenced by the intricacies of the teaching and learning process. As a Master Instructor at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) with 18 years experience,
The BTVI Story
Rhonda Adams’ goal is to empower her students to be the best version of themselves.
Ms Adams’ efforts were solidified when at BTVI’s New Providence commencement ceremony, she was announced as the 2023-2024 Faculty of the Year.
“When my name was called, I was shocked and very thankful to God, who is the head of my life. I owe it all to Him. I was also grateful to those who thought it fitting for me to receive such an award and most importantly, my students, whom I understand voted for me. More than ever, I recognize that at some point in one’s life, hard work and sacrifice pays off,” said the veteran educator.
Ms Adams, who teaches business, has taught courses such as office management, entrepreneurship skills, microcomputer applications, compensation and benefits, customer service and human resource management. She also has experience teaching general education courses like English and public speaking.
“Students do not come into the classroom as blank slates. As an educator, I have a wonderful opportunity to build on their prior knowledge, intertwining it with new knowledge for a successful outcome,” said Ms Adams.
“I am reminded of my purpose for teaching when students’ grasp new concepts and want to return to class; however, the highlight is when they walk across the stage at graduation. Thereafter, I always encourage my students to remain intrinsically motivated, and to become lifelong learners,” she added.
This is not the first time BTVI has recognised Ms Adams. In 2019, she and Math instructor, Stanley Gordon tied for second place for the Faculty Service Excellence Awards. Ironically, both have since gone on to win the Faculty of the Year Award.
BTVI’s Head of Department for Business, Kerima Smith, lauded Ms Adams, noting that she is the quintessential educator.
“Our team has a branded standard. We call ourselves the A plus plus plus team. We have our own ecosystem. Ms. Adams maintains the department and institution’s standards. She is the pinnacle of a tertiary instructor from the way she facilitates her courses to the way she dresses and speaks. She is very thorough and assertive, yet willing to listen to the views of others. She absolutely deserved the award,” said Ms Smith.
• “The BTVI Story” is a monthly column which highlights how the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) is ‘Charting the Course for Success’ for learners in a multiplicity of trades. The column is produced by BTVI’s Office of Public Relations.
CELEBRATING THE SCHOLARS
ST ANDREW’S International School joyfully held its annual scholarship reception on Thursday, awarding three exceptional young students with four-year scholarships. This year’s recipients — Anahj Demeritte, Nowell Mackie, and Gabrielle Edgecombe — were celebrated for their outstanding achievements and potential. The event was hosted by Head Girl Georgia Saddleton and Head Boy Jaxon Bethel, who welcomed guests with enthusiasm. Glenda Roker, a graduate from the class of 2007, represented the St Andrew’s Scholarship Association and shared heartfelt advice drawn from her own transformative experiences at the school.
In a touching tribute, Principal Gordon McKenzie launched ‘The Allan Murray Fund for Scholarships at St Andrew’s International School’ in honour of Allan Murray, a beloved History teacher who inspired countless students from 1971 until his passing in 2022. Principal McKenzie beautifully articulated, “His sense of care, fairness, and promotion of critical thinking are remembered by all
who met him. This new fund is a fitting tribute to Allan Murray’s passion for education and dedication to young people.”
Anahj Demeritte, a former student at Anatol Rogers High School, and Nowell Mackie, from H.O. Nash Junior High School, will be the first Allan Murray Scholars, supported by this new fund. With an initial investment of over $800,000, the school aims to create even more scholarship opportunities through generous donations, envisioning a future where up to twelve scholars can benefit from this legacy.
Nowell expressed his excitement in accepting his award, stating, “I am committed to making the most of this opportunity and putting my best foot forward as I strive for Excellence in all that I do.” His determination echoed the spirit of hope and ambition that defines these scholarships.
The evening also included a poignant remembrance of Dr Ebony Miller, a talented scholarship student whose life was tragically cut short in a road traffic accident in Minnesota in November 2022. Her parents, Kermit and Jacqueline
Miller, were in attendance as Board Director Derick McIntosh, a former classmate, fondly remembered her as “simply brilliant and an amazing artist.” Principal McKenzie reflected on her lasting impact, sharing that Ebony “set an example for all future scholarship students” and embodied a legacy of hard work and service.
In a heartfelt moment, Gabrielle Edgecombe, also a graduate of HO Nash Junior High School, received a scholarship named in memory of Ebony Miller. Gabrielle expressed her pride in being “the recipient of the Ebony Miller Scholarship” and extended her gratitude to her fellow scholarship students for their kindness and support, highlighting the strong sense of community at St Andrew’s.
Those wishing to contribute to ‘The Allan Murray Fund for Scholarships at St Andrew’s International School’ can do so by visiting the ‘Support Us’ tab on the school’s website or by calling the school at 677 7800. This is an exciting opportunity to invest in the future of Bahamian youth and honour the legacies of remarkable individuals.
YOUR CHANCE TO SEE COLLEGES
By FAY SIMMONS
THE Bridgette A Francis-Ingraham College Expo is holding a college fair with over 15 representatives from American and Canadian colleges.
The event will be held in person at the New Providence Community Church auditorium today and tomorrow and virtually on Wednesday.
Loretta Francis, organiser of the event held in honour of her beloved departed sister, Bridgette A Francis-Ingraham, said the college fair allows students to obtain information about a wide range of tertiary level institutions and make a lasting impression on admission counselors.
“Each university or college attending is going to have a booth and parents, students, counselors are able to speak with them directly about academic programs, scholarships, admissions process, and everything else that is needed to attend university outside The Bahamas,” she explained.
“Obviously, we have a lot of technology now, but as always, it’s always that human connection is always great. A student can apply to a university and it’s just basically emails back and forth and portal information. But when you actually see someone in person and you can connect with admissions counselors, the students that stand out the most when it comes time for admissions and for college of recommendations are going to be top of their minds because they remember that student. They actually spoke with them, saw them and shook their hand.”
She encouraged high school teachers and parents to take advantage of the free opportunity to speak with representatives from top colleges.
Schools represented at the college fair include: Barry University; Florida International University; McMaster University; Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Valencia College; Seneca Polytechnic; Western Kentucky University; Washington College and more.
Students interested in attending the event can visit NPCC auditorium from 3pm to 7pm today; 10am to 3pm Wednesday or attend virtually via zoom.
For more details, email info@baficollegeplan.com
RHONDA ADAMS
Buddy’s the new ‘Splash Brother’
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
When the National Basketball Association’s 2024/25 season kicks off later this month, Grand Bahamian Chavano
“Buddy” Hield will find himself playing for his fifth team since he made his debut in 2016.
Hield, who spent the past year with the Philadelphia 76ers, will be teaming up this year with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins with the Golden State Warriors, coached by Steve Kerr.
During media day in Hawaii as the Warriors and the other NBA teams prepared for their preseason training, Hield said the Warriors have always played an exciting style of basketball, but he’s just thrilled to be able to team up with Curry.
“I think the continuity behind Steph, the guys playing the right way, just screening, passing and leading the league in passing for the past 10 years, shooting the ball of course, is exciting,” Hield said.
“I’ve always loved their style of basketball for years. When I was in college in Oklahoma, I used
SEE PAGE 13
Oldtimers Softball regular season heating up
THE New Providence Oldtimers Softball Association continued its regular season action over the weekend in the Archdeacon William Thompson Softball Park at the Southern Recreation Grounds.
Here’s a brief summary of some of the exciting games played:
Da Boyz 16, USS Rebels 6: Dwayne Dean was the winning pitcher and Val Munroe was tagged with the loss in what turned out to be an offensive rout.
Da Boyz produced two runs in the first, seven in the second, two in both the third and fourth and three in the sixth. The Rebels got one in the third, three in the fourth and two in the fifth.
Charles Rolle led the offensive attack for Da Boyz by going 2-for-3 with five runs batted in (RBI) and a run scored.
Godfrey Willie was 2-for-3 with a home run, three RBI and two runs scored and Marvin Wood
was 3-for-4 with a double, triple, two RBI and three runs scored.
Raymond Rolle had a pair of RBI and a run scored in a losing effort.
Masqueraders 10, Q-Club Divers 3: Benson Young picked up the win and Moses Johnson suffered the loss.
The Masqueraders scored a run in the first, four in the second, three in the fourth and two in the seventh. The Q-Club scored their first run in 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
fourth and added three more in the seventh.
Greg Smith went 2-for-4 with a homer, three RBI and two runs scored, William Delancey was 2-for-3 with a double, a homer, two RBI and four runs scored and Anthur Hamilton was 3-for-4 with a RBI and a run scored.
In a losing effort, Patrick Lockhart was 1-for-3 with two RBI.
Drifters 15, KC Construction Rebels 12: In a keenly contested matchup,
October
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
SEE PAGE 11
By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer
KLAY Thompson walked through the Dallas Mavericks’ facility in his new uniform for the first time. Chris Paul posed side-by-side with Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio, one standing about a foot and-a-half taller than the other. And LeBron James and Bronny James officially headed to work together in Los Angeles as the NBA’s first father-andson teammates. Basketball is back. Yesterday
Thomas Sears got the win on the mound over Gary Wright.
Sears’ Drifters teammates gave him three runs in the second, 10 in the third and one apiece in the fifth and sixth as they held off the Rebels, who had two runs in the first, seven in the second, two in the third and one in the fifth.
James Davis went 2-for-3 with a homer, four RBI and two runs scored and
PAGE 11
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
FORMER outstanding distance runner William “Knucklehead” Johnson, who still holds one of the oldest Bahamian national track and field records, will be honoured once again by the Silver Lightning Track Club.
be heading to the United Arab Emirates for preseason games this week. “It’s the NBA. Everyone starts 0-0 at the beginning
It’s the fifth year that the William “Knucklehead” Johnson Cross Country Championships will take place and, this year, it is slated to be held on Saturday, October 12, starting at 7am on the campus of St Augustine’s College where Johnson is currently employed as the physical plant manager and a coach of the Big Red Machine track and field team. Johnson, who attended CI Gibson from 1972-1974 and AF Adderley High School from 1974-78 before he left for Texas Christian University where he studied and ran track from 1979-83, said SAC has all the amenities and more for hosting a great cross-country event.
“SAC has the best cross country course with all of the terrains, the hills, steps, grass, slopes and road. You have everything there,” Johnson said.
“So you give kids a real scoop of what cross country is all about.”
The event follows the staging of the Red-Line Athletics’ inaugural cross country championships that was staged at the same site in September.
“They were really organised and they had a lot of people helping out, so we
of the year,” said another of those new faces in new places, guard Alex Caruso of the Oklahoma City Thunder. “And everyone thinks that they could win a championship or reach the playoffs, whatever it is, that big trophy for that team at the end of the year. You have to show up and play the games.” Media day might be the happiest, most lighthearted day of the NBA year. Players make silly poses for the camera, sometimes commandeer the cameras themselves, do a ton of interviews and generally seem to be enjoying themselves. The hard work starts today.
About half the teams in the league will be holding at least some of their training camp on the road — for
JOHNSON
DALLAS Mavericks’ Klay Thompson during the team’s media day yesterday in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
GOLDEN State Warriors’ Chavano “Buddy” Hield poses during the NBA basketball team’s media day yesterday in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)