10042023 NEWS, SPORT AND BUSINESS

Established

28 DAYS TO QUIT SHANTY HOMES

60 detained as eviction notices posted by govt

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

AUTHORITIES posted eviction notices throughout two unregulated communities in New Providence on Monday as the Davis administration restarts its effort to eradicate shanty towns.

Affected residents have 28 days to comply with the

Insuranc E costs r I s E ‘across th E board’

notice. Failing this, the government would be expected to destroy their structures.

Works Minister Clay Sweeting said 60 people in the Kool Acres and All Saints Way communities were apprehended for lacking status in the country.

Mr Sweeting said the number of unregulated community structures has

DASHE D D REAMS AS BOOK TELLS HOW F T X STA FF F LE D

By RASHAD ROLLE AND

LYNAIRE MUNN I N GS

Tribune Reporters

FOREIGN FTX workers reportedly rushed out of The Bahamas as legal woes ensnared the company last year, leaving behind dreams and pricey valuables.

The exodus of workers, many of whom once populated the Albany

community, is highlighted in a new book about Sam Bankman-Fried, the troubled founder of the collapsed cryptocurrency exchange.

“Some meaningful percentage of the company’s fleet of cars had been abandoned, keys still inside them, in the Bahamas

Photo: Moise Amisial

‘El EuthEra boy’s dE ath not duE to dEnguE’

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

HEALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville said officials are investigating the death of a 17-year-old Central Eleuthera High School student, denying the mother’s claim that the boy tested positive for Dengue fever.

His mother, Laquell Thompson, claimed her son was diagnosed with Dengue fever and was prescribed Motrin.

Dr Darville said according to his understanding, a doctor saw Chykino, but never tested the boy for Dengue.

“They thought he had an

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN companies and individuals are facing “across the board” increases in health insurance premiums as a result of up-to double digit increases in medical and reinsurance costs, it was revealed yesterday.

Julian Rolle, the Bahamas Insurance Association’s (BIA) chairman, confirmed to Tribune Business that coverage costs are under growing pressure from rising treatment prices as well as higher charges levied by reinsurers.

robErts’ Estat E In a dIsput E w I th Mck InnE y ov Er propErty

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A FORMER Cabinet

minister’s estate is locked in a legal battle with a wellknown radio talk show host over who is the rightful owner of two lots that are accessed through Gibbs Corner.

A ruling by Justice Deborah Fraser reveals the late Bradley Roberts’ family are fighting Steve McKinney, host of the Hard Copy show, in an attempt to evict him from properties he claims to have occupied for 20 years.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS $5.50 McCombos 6pc Nuggets McChicken McDouble

Chykino “Kenny” Thompson died on Sunday.

Obediah Hercules Wilchcombe remembered

PRIME Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis signs the register at the memorial service held for Obie Wilchcombe at the Sir Lynden Pindling Centre yesterday evening.

Photo: Earyel Bowleg

GLENYS Hanna Martin and Jobeth Coleby-Davis speak during the memorial service for Obie Wilchcombe.

Photos: Moise Amisial

Tributes and tears for friend Obie

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

THE Progressive Liberal Party paid tribute to Obie Wilchcombe at the Sir Lynden Pindling Centre last night, the PLP headquarters named after the nation builder Wilchcombe studied, emulated and revered throughout his life.

Hundreds attended the event. Some sat inside somberly. Others watched a giant screen outside as many of the most prominent living PLP officials paid tribute to the fallen party stalwart who died unexpectedly last week Monday, aged 64.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis told reporters Wilchcombe’s funeral will be held on October 12 at Christ Church Cathedral.

“There are times when the weight of grief feels like an anchor, heavy and unforgiving,” Mr Davis

said. “Tonight, we’re gathered under its shadow, and I find myself stepping into it not just as a prime minister but as someone who’s lost a dear long-time friend.”

He recalled his conversation with Wilchcombe about appointing him Social Services minister.

“I remember quite vividly when we were talking about his appointment, and he said, ‘Brave, you think I could do it?’ I said to him, ‘look, you are a PLP. Social Services is the bedrock of the PLP.”

“As I reflect on the final words spoken by the Hon Obie Wilchcombe, I am washed by a myriad of emotions. His impassioned plea to the Women’s Branch of the PLP was not just an address, it was a legacy. In his voice that day, I heard the echoes of every conversation, every shared dream, and every hope we had for our nation.

“Obie always had an

uncanny ability to pinpoint the core of an issue and to rally us around it. He said, ‘Let’s take these issues and make them real,’ and to me, it meant more than just understanding statistics or laws. It was a call to recognise the lived realities of our people, to bridge the chasm between policy and reality.”

“For me, as the prime minister, his words are a stark reminder that leadership is about genuine connection, about truly listening.”

Former Prime Minister Perry Christie said Wilchcombe distinguished himself as the former tourism minister.

“My brother, I thought, I often said to you, that one day you will have the privilege of eulogising me,” Mr Christie said. “Never would I dream that I would have the privilege of speaking in tribute to him.”

“I verily, verily believe

that when students or academics examine the period that he was minister of tourism in the full light of the history of this country, they’re gonna see that Obie Wilchcombe was defining, that he made a significant impact and that for generations he set up a regime, a tourism product that will continue to be the leading economic generator in our country.”

Education Minister Glenys Hanna Martin traced her connection to Wilchcombe to the 1970s when they were students at Queen’s College.

“He knew that it was this Progressive Liberal Party that was the catalyst for the liberation of a groaning and oppressed people,” she said. “He knew that this party was born in the fight for human dignity and the struggle for justice and that it was in its organisational DNA to champion our Bahamian people.”

Dashed dreams as book tells how FTX staff fled

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airport lot,” wrote Michael Lewis, author of “Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon”, which was released yesterday.

Albany was reportedly once home to seventy employees and guests of FTX and Alameda Research, the cryptocurrency trading firm embroiled in legal conflict.

Mr Lewis’ book covers why BankmanFried moved FTX’s headquarters from Hong Kong to The Bahamas. The country’s nearness to the United States, its quickness to draft crypto regulations, attractive internet service, neutral tax system and the “truly wild number of empty luxury condominiums waiting to be turned into worker housing” lured him. The Bahamas “was

sufficiently hungry for any kind of business,” Mr Lewis writes, “that when Sam landed to check out the place he found himself meeting with the newly elected prime minister. ‘Sam, we’re broke,’ the prime minister is alleged to have “confessed.”

The book offers scant insight into the relationships Bankman-Fried made with locals or whether he affected government policy.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis reacted incredulously yesterday to one of the book’s headlinegrabbing assertions: that Bankman-Fried offered to pay off the country’s $9bn debt.

“Who said I spoke to him?” Mr Davis asked reporters at Atlantis.

“Did he say that I spoke to him?

“Did he say that, or was that speculation, because who made the claim?

“Don’t you think that you ought to confirm whether such a discussion was held before the question is asked?

“Because for me, for my part, I had no discussion with FTX or Sam Bankman about paying off the national debt of The Bahamas.”

“I don’t need to be chasing ghosts. Identify the source of the claim, and if you could identify the source and it’s a direct source, I would respond, but I don’t need to be speculating about a claim that’s made, and I don’t know what’s made.”

Bankman-Fried’s fraud trial began in the United States yesterday with jury selection.

The 31-year-old could spend the rest of his life in prison if convicted.

He is accused of embezzling customer funds and misleading investors. PAGE 11.

FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried leaves Manhattan federal court, June 15, 2023, in New York. A judge on Thursday, September 28, 2023, closed the door on Bankman-Fried’s hopes to be free during his trial, although he extended the hours that the cryptocurrency peddler can meet with his lawyers in a federal courthouse.

Photo: Bebeto Matthews/AP

MEMBERS of the Progressive Liberal Party paid tribute to the party stalwart Obie Wilchcombe, who died last week at age 64, at the Sir Lynden Pindling Centre last night.

Photos: Moise Amisial

Govt gives eviction notice: 28 days to quit shanty homes

grown recently.

Monday’s operation is the most significant the Unregulated Communities Action Task Force has had since Chief Justice Ian Winder ordered the demolition of two shanty town structures in May, far fewer than the 260-plus the administration wanted destroyed.

Officials from the Department of Immigration, Royal Bahamas Defence Force, police force, and social services reportedly participated in Monday’s operation.

Mr Sweeting said officials were targeting communities without licences to build businesses.

“It’s not any specific target or grouping of people,” he said at the Office of the Prime Minister. “So, for us, we wanted to ensure that there’s not a specific target because we do have some Bahamians

that’s living in these communities as well. So that’s why we ought to ensure that we include social services and other aspects to ensure that persons that don’t have dwellings, ensure that they are assisted in whichever way needed.”

In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Works said the eviction process will strive to achieve the “highest level of humanity and dignity”.

“The Ministry of Health and Wellness, along with the Department of Social Services, are partners in this process and will reach out to each household within unregulated communities to determine household make-up and needs,” the ministry said.

“Given that some existing residents within these communities will need to resettle/relocate into regulated housing, the Unregulated Communities Action Task Force (UCATF) is seeking to

identify potential rental units in New Providence and all islands where unregulated communities exist.”

“Should the person to whom notice is given fail to comply with this notice, the minister of works may, in accordance with Section 4(3) of the (Buildings Regulation Act), pull down and remove the illegal structures and recover from him the expenses reasonably incurred in so doing.”

When Chief Justice Ian Winder ordered the demolition of two structures in May, the ruling closed an avenue the Davis administration pursued to begin eradicating many shanty town structures. It put the onus on the minister of works to initiate a process under the Buildings Regulation Act.

In June, former Minister of Works Alfred Sears said the UCATF secured a $600k budget, far less than the $6.6m the task force requested.

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Staff Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

VOTER registration in West Grand Bahama ahead of a by-election has got off to a slow start.

Administrator Leonard

Dames, Jr, said a few people registered on Monday, while a Parliamentary Registration Department official said seven people registered between 9am and 6.30pm yesterday.

Vanessa Grant, from

Eight Mile Rock, was one of the registrants.

“I feel it is important to vote,” she told The Tribune . “I was away in school, and now I have a say, and I encourage everybody to register,” she said.

A date has not been set for the by-election to fill the seat of former West End Grand Bahama and Bimini MP Obie Wilchcombe, who died unexpectedly on Monday last week.

As of September 2023,

Darville says Eleuthera boy’s death not dengue

5,689 people were registered in the constituency, which has 14 polling divisions, four of them in Bimini. People can register at the administrator’s office in Eight Mile Rock and Bimini.

Mr Dames said people registering to vote must show proof that they are Bahamian citizens, 18 or older, not subject to legal incapacity, and have been a resident in the community for over three months.

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upper respiratory tract infection or viral phenomena,” he said.

He said the boy was sent home.

“To my understanding, the child was not given Motrin. The child was given acetaminophen,” he said. “Usually, with these viral

illnesses, you stay away from aspirin or any ibuprofen. There is no shortage of medicines as it relates to upper respiratory tract infections.”

Dr Darville said there is only one confirmed positive case of Dengue in Eleuthera: a 30-year-old woman from Rock Sound. Dr Darville said officials will perform toxicology tests on Chykino.

Up to press time yesterday, there were 168 confirmed dengue cases, most of them in New Providence.

Dr Darville noted that Grand Bahama has 41 cases. The Department of Environmental Health sent a large team to assist the island with surveillance. Health officials confirmed the country’s first dengue

fever death in September: a 9-year-old boy.

Chykino’s father, Obie Butler, said yesterday his son’s mother never told him the child tested positive for dengue.

He said residents in the community were surprised to hear about her claim.

He said he only learned his son had been sick on Friday.

PEOPLE in West Grand Bahama registering to vote. A by-election is coming up soon, as a result of the death of Obie Wilchcombe.

Photos: Vandyke Hepburn

WORKS Minister Clay Sweeting said 60 people in the Kool Acres and All Saints Way communities were apprehended for lacking status in the country.

HEALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville said officials are investigating the death of a 17-year-old Central Eleuthera High School student, denying the mother’s claim that the boy tested positive for Dengue fever.

Govt to settle logistics for troops as UN approves mission to Haiti

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

AFTER the United Nations Security Council approved a year-long multi-national security mission to Haiti on Monday, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said his administration will now settle logistical issues related to sending troops abroad.

“We are not just going to send them there without having a broad understanding of the mandate,” he told reporters.

He said the government is awaiting final documents from the UN Security Council.

“Once that comes, we will then have conversations with the lead team that will be going there, that will be truly leading and the principal actors in this whole assistance to Haiti,” he said. “And then we will decide how that will look.”

The mission, led by Kenya, aims to secure critical infrastructure and transit hubs such as airports, ports, schools, hospitals and key

intersections.

Haiti’s security and social conditions have deteriorated since President Jovenel Moise’s assassination in 2021.

On Monday, Royal Bahamas Defence Force Commodore Raymond King said that while Haiti’s environment is unsafe, Bahamians will be protected.

“It’s not a safe environment given the gang activity, but the public could rest assured, if and when we decide to send persons to Haiti, the vulnerabilities and the risks will be reduced significantly,” he said. “We will make sure that our members are prepared to the highest degree. We are resourced and prepared to keep any risk of casualty to a minimum.”

The Bahamas has committed 150 officers to the multi-national mission. Mr Davis declined to discuss how the deployed officers would be chosen, leaving this to Commodore King.

Between 1994 and 1996, 141 Defence Force officers conducted security operations in Haiti as part of a United Nations peacekeeping operation.

AMERCI A OAS REPRESENTATIVE SAYS US A ND Bahamas ‘on same page’ on climate issue

FRANK MORA, the United States ambassador to the Organisation of American States (OAS).

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

FRANK Mora, the United States ambassador to the Organisation of American States (OAS), said The Bahamas and the US are on the same page regarding the need to combat climate change.

Dr Mora has been in The Bahamas for the IV OAS Inter-American Meeting of Ministers and High-Level Authorities on Sustainable

Development.

“There’s a strong consensus at the OAS to work on this issue to build a sort of rule-based order around this issue, to find consensus, and most importantly, to act on this issue, rather than having discussions,” he told reporters yesterday.

“The key is to act and to act with resources and a clear action plan, which is what we’re approving here today, to move together because the United States alone cannot solve this

problem.”

During a session yesterday morning, Prime Minister Davis said half of the country’s national debt is connected to climate change.

Dr Mora said: “I’ll tell you that President Biden has pledged to work with the US Congress to invest $11bn a year on this issue of international public finance. That’s a significant contribution the United States is prepared to make.”

ARMED members of “G9 and Family” march in a protest against Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Tuesday, September 19, 2023.

Photo: Odelyn Joseph/AP

The Tribune Limited

Dubious allegations on Bahamas in book on FTX founder

AFTER much anticipation, the new book about Sam Bankman-Fried, the figurehead behind FTX who led it to its spectacular implosion, has been released – just in time for his trial to begin.

But if you are looking for smoking guns about Bahamian involvement in the fall of FTX, they are few and far between.

The biggest allegation surrounds a claim in the book that Mr BankmanFried had offered to pay off the $9bn debt of The Bahamas.

The author of the book, Michael Lewis, tells how “Sam explained that he was trying to decide whether simply to pay off the $9 billion Bahamas national debt himself, so the country could fix roads and build schools and so on. He’d recently met the new prime minister to discuss this idea and some others”.

Mr Lewis adds: “I learnt later from one of the prime minister’s aides that after the Bahamian general election in September 2021, Sam was the first person the prime minister had wanted to meet.”

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis denies that such a proposition was entertained, yesterday saying “Who said I spoke to him? Did he say that I spoke to him? Did he say that, or was that speculation, because who made the claim?”

He added: “I had no discussion with FTX of Sam Bankman about paying off the national debt of The Bahamas.”

Mr Davis suggested the source of the claim should be identified – but it seems fairly clear that the source is Mr Bankman-Fried speaking to the book’s author.

But is Mr Bankman-Fried a reliable source? After all, this is a man who faces multiple charges of fraud and money-laundering.

The book features other remarkable claims that appear to come from Mr Bankman-Fried, including him talking about trying to get Donald Trump not to run for president with a price tag of $5bn attached to the offer. Did that offer get made? Well, Mr Trump is still running.

So Mr Bankman-Fried may not be a reliable source in himself – his talk of doing this or doing that did not materialise in a number of ways. The book spends some time highlighting those

around Mr Bankman-Fried who noted the various commitments he failed to follow through on – meetings to attend, places to visit and so on. One of his colleagues who came to manage his schedule said how he would say he was 60 percent likely to do something before she went on to lament how could she book 60 percent of a flight, or 60 percent of a hotel room, and so on.

Something he said may not have been something he followed through on.

And if he had – well, frankly it would be in the nation’s interest to hear such a proposal if it were made. That does not mean accepting it – that would very much depend on what conditions were attached. It might not even have been legal to accept it, given the murky web of money transfers that seems to have troubled Mr Bankman-Fried at times. The book points out various times over his history where businesses he was involved with, including FTX, just did not know where the money was, and could not account for some of its losses.

Given some of the frankly outrageous allegations against The Bahamas in the wake of FTX’s demise, including opinion pieces that dived back into ancient history of pirate ships which have nothing to do with modern crypto currency fund transfers, there is remarkably little in the book that speaks of any blame that should fall on Bahamian shoulders.

Rather, this tells the story of a man who seems to have been out of depth as a manager, unwilling to listen to those around him, lacking in detail on important issues in his business, and unable to explain where the money was when it came to the crunch. In numerous crisis periods previously, his mantra was to just keep on trading, to trade his way out of problems, until he could not do that any more.

This was a financial disaster that happened in The Bahamas, but which was not made in The Bahamas. The blame lies squarely on the shoulders of those who ran such a company without proper financial management.

There will be much more to come, of course, as the trial proceeds – and where there are failings of The Bahamas, they should be highlighted and rectified. That will be the bigger test we must yet face.

Referenda a way to test the waters

EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE Letter to the Editor – Voter against Govt., not citizenship and signed D Rolle - is a great comment as politicians and their advisers incorrectly have decided to risk, at your political life, taking a further referendum. Nothing to fear if the government of the day has been governing well - no scandals, or has the critical thing that has decided recent elections at a low, so-called arrogance level? Referenda are part of

the Westminster tradition of governance. It is a means to testing the water — public opinion on seen critical issues … if in 2006 under Ingraham the points he placed in Referenda had been accepted imagine all the time wasted since could have been avoided. Same goes under the PLP Perry Christie, but Editor, in both cases by the time the date for the referendum came, the arrogance level was so high nothing could have satisfied the blood-taking which those who participated took.

Participating in referenda? Law should be changed – No referenda will pass unless more than 50% plus one of the total number of voters who participated in the immediate past general election must vote...We cannot forget how the Christie interrupted the vote on Gaming … in my opinion this was a Public relations deal! Gaming rejected, but became a reality!

H HUMES Nassau, October 1, 2023.

EDITOR, The Tribune.

“A FRIEND who is near and dear is far more important than any wealth or material possession.”

“True friendship is born from mutual understanding, trust, and respect.”

“The greatest gift of life is the presence of a friend.”

I knew there would be a flood of tributes for my friend Obediah H Wilchcombe and did not want to get caught in the crowd, but my conscience would not allow me to keep quiet.

I met Obie in the early seventies in my heyday in Grand Bahama. I worked as an Air Traffic Controller at the West End International Airport, which the Jack Tar Hotel operated.

After that, Wilchcombe frequented the Traveller’s Rest Restaurant in Williams Town, where I operated. This pleasant, highly confident, talented young man always had something to offer. He was wise beyond his years. We would casually be in the same space and often exchange pleasantries.

In 1981, after I detected that Grand Bahama was declining, I moved to Nassau and opened a Skin

Care business. From our conversations, he suggested I name the company Face Reality. The commercial that Wilchombe wrote said, “You would have to face reality sooner or later, and that’s a fact.” He skillfully handled the public relations for the establishment, which caused the traffic to increase rapidly.

Later, after my experiences took me off track, Wilchombe returned to my life when he suggested I tell the public my story. He did a one-hour special on ZNS Television called “After Base Street.” He said, “Tell them where you have been and how you recovered; maybe someone would better their condition from hearing it.”

We had many heart-toheart conversations; he would call when he had a concern. We were raw with our exchange, and we cherished the genuineness. “A true friend walks in when the rest of the world walks out.”

Obie was a loner, and so was I.

Monday passed, and the Bahamians were shocked; few had uncomplimentary things to say. Bad-minded people attempted to sully his name, but most Bahamians were saddened. Tears flowed!

Those who knew him must admit that he was rare and may be irreplaceable.

The Bahamas has lost one of its finest sons.

The least we could do is honour him in a most tangible and significant way. He made his indelible mark that no naysayer can erase.

The Buddha said, “Although we thought ourselves permanent, we are not. Although we thought ourselves settled, we are not. Although we thought we would last forever, we will not.”

A wise God called him. We must cherish his times with us and give God all the glory forever.

Obie was love, “One Love!”

IVOINE W INGRAHAM

Nassau, October 2, 2023.

EDITOR, The Tribune. FROM Financial Services through banking to consumer services, The Bahamas needs to be better than the average if not excelling, but are we? Post COVID there is a serious breach of good services.

Examples one of the cable cost... need a tech have to wait now the norm four plus days for service — is that honestly satisfactory? Hospital services — Customer services simply not

having a clue that a department is closed and has moved whilst renovations take place..satisfactory?

Business places that refuse Bahamian dollars cash as legal tender, but Central Bank does nothing. Banks could write twothree pages on them … simply the once friendly bank is now the hostile bank - customer stay out of the branch please —satisfactory?

Ministries they have

their telephones on Voice mail 24/7 -leave message never hear back...General Orders require service... satisfactory?

So many examples where Joe citizen simply doesn’t care … 50% of vehicles unlicensed...not 10-15%, but half on the road…satisfactory? $864m tax arrears!

No one cares anymore...

STEPHEN MOSS Nassau, September 27, 2023.

BUOYS hang from a tree on a sunny day in The Bahamas.

Photo: Shaquille Campbell

Over four-year sentence after man found with eight guns and 900 rounds of ammo

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

AN Office of the Prime Minister employee was sentenced to four and a half years in prison yesterday after admitting to having eight firearms and over 900 rounds of ammunition.

Acting Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley arrainged Carlson Pinder, 35, Cordario Lewis, 33, and a 13-year-old boy on 19 firearm charges. These included five counts of possession of

ammunition, seven counts of possession of ammunition with intent to supply, six counts of possession of a part of a firearm and a single count of possession of firearms with intent to supply.

Magistrate Samuel McKinney charged Pinder with an additional count of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

Raphael Moxey represented Pinder. Tonique Lewis represented the other two defendants.

Police reportedly searched Pinder’s apartment on Bradley Street

MAN CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER AFTER ALLEGEDLY SHOOTING MAN FIXING GENERATOR

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN is behind bars after allegedly shooting a man who was repairing his generator at his girlfriend’s request.

Acting Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley charged Kino Williams, 35, with attempted murder yesterday. Reckley is accused of shooting Whitney Bain in his stomach on finding him working on his

generator on July 7 on Graham Drive. After hearing the gunshot, the defendant’s girlfriend told the shooter she had asked Mr Bain to fix the unit.

Mr Bain was successfully treated for his injuries at the hospital.

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

FATHER AND SON CHARGED WITH ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A FATHER and son allegedly assaulted two people with a gun last week.

Magistrate Raquel Whyms charged Samuel Paskal, 49, with two counts of assault with a deadly weapon and five counts of violating bail conditions yesterday.

She charged Samy Paskal, 19, with abetment to commit assault with a deadly weapon.

The defendants allegedly threatened Alex Ovilma and Lorrink Florissaint with a handgun on September 27 in New Providence.

While on release for a pending attempted murder charge, Samuel Paskal,

the father, failed to charge his monitoring device five times between September 5 and 26.

Although both accused pleaded not guilty to the assault charges, the older defendant pleaded guilty to the bail violation charges.

He was fined $2,500 for the bail charge and is expected to return to court for proof of payment on November 30.

The father’s bail for the assault charge was set at $5,000 with one or two sureties. He must sign in at the Elizabeth Estates Police Station every Wednesday by 7pm.

The son’s bail was set at $2,000 with one or two sureties.

The assault trial for both is set for November 7.

AMERICAN MAN CHARGED WITH CAUSING HARM TO A WOMAN

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

AN American man was granted $1,000 bail after allegedly injuring a woman during a physical altercation earlier this week.

Magistrate Shaka

Serville charged Ryan

around 11pm on September 28, seizing eight firearms, including four 9mm pistols, a pistol, a revolver, a 27 cal pistol and a 10mm Glock. Authorities also confiscated 979 rounds of ammunition. Six firearm magazines were also seized.

Police also uncovered 2.1lbs of marijuana with an estimated street value of $4,200. Pinder pleaded guilty to all 20 charges against him. His co-accused pleaded not guilty. Mr Moxey, attempting to secure a minimal sentence

for his client, noted the man pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and cooperated with police.

Ultimately, the judge sentenced Pinder to four and a half years for the gun and ammunition charges.

Pinder was fined $3,500 for the drug charge. Failing to pay would carry a six-month prison term.

The remaining two defendants in the firearm matter were granted bail at $25,000 with one surety. They must return to court on October 25 to learn if their matter will go to trial.

Knowles, 56, with causing harm.

Knowles is accused of injuring Almika Cates in New Providence on October 1.

After pleading not guilty, his bail was set at $1,000 with one or two sureties. His trial begins on February 9, 2024.

THE ROYAL Bahamas Poilice Force show off seized guns on Monday.

GOVERNOR GENERAL, Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt received Julio Cesar Gonzalez Marchante, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cuba, in a courtesy call at the Office of the Governor General, September 25, 2023.

Photo: Letisha Henderson/BIS

‘Anti-rights’ group predictably threatened by conversation

THE misleader who speaks for the anti-rights group —which claims to be a Christian organisation — is at it again. This time, he and those of his ilk feel threatened by an event that has nothing to do with them. They consistently demonstrate that they believe they are the main characters in a story and the plot must centre on them.

When anything happens that does not advance what they believe the plot to be, it is a problem for them. They then decide to make their problem a problem for everyone else. It would not matter much if they did not bring their problems to the rest of the country with vitriol and violence.

For anyone who has not seen this in the news, it is probably still quite easy to guess what, exactly, the anti-rights group has agitated itself about this time.

It is, of course, LGBTQI+ people and the mere discussion about LGBTQI+ experiences. An organisation is hosting Pride activities this week, and the line-up includes a lecture entitled Black Bahamian Subject Formation: From Non-Subject to Subject Part II. It will be delivered by Dr Kreimild Saunders at the University of The Bahamas, and there will be a panel discussion with Erin Greene and Helen Klonaris. The anti-rights group misleader purports that this event taking place at the university has troubled him because taxpayer dollars fund the university. In addition, he has used the usual harmful refrain that is offensive to both young people and LGBTQI+ people — that young people are idiots and that they are being preyed upon.

This, as we should all know, is not true. Young people attending university have met the requirements to be there and are actively seeking knowledge in a way that is meant to challenge them to engage new material, think critically, and express their positions with clarity and supporting evidence.

The misleader said the event is “an affront to our national values” which raises an important question. What does he think are our national values?

During the public consultation process ahead of the drafting and publication of the National Development Plan of The Bahamas, the Secretariat asked people to share their visions for The Bahamas. Some of the contributions are in the Plan, on the pages immediately preceding the Introduction.

From “Equality for all persons born in The Bahamas” and “I want to see the youth of The Bahamas truly have opportunities to live the life they desire” to

By Alicia Wallace

“Have leaders with mature decision-making skills” and “The restructuring of our education system — better education, better schools — an educated country,” the vision for The Bahamas is not about and does not promote exclusion or discrimination. There are photos of flip charts with sticky notes that have a range of short visions which include “less crime”, “better education”, “better healthcare”, and “better economy, more choices”.

There is no focus on division. There is no stated desire for discrimination on any basis. There is no call for less fundamental freedoms or rights. The contributions focused on progress, equality, safety, industry, and education.

Branding LGBTQI+ people a “special interest group” is rather funny, particularly coming from a special interest group. Yes, there are LGBTQI+ advocates. Yes, LGBTQI+ advocates have identified shared concerns. Yes, there is work to influence public policy. Yes, this involves lobbying. Yes, this includes applying pressure to decision-makers. The same is true of women’s rights advocates, climate justice advocates, and many others. This is how groups are formed. There is an area of common interest and/or concern. There is commitment to address the issues together. The activities take various forms and can include direct advocacy, engagement with media, and public events. There is nothing unusual about this, and there is nothing about LGBTQI+ advocacy or Pride events that pose a threat to anyone, whether or not they recognise LGBTQI+ people as people, or as people with human rights.

What special interest group has been more hateful than those that use religious text to limit the rights and freedoms of others? What special interest group has focused more on preventing people from accessing their human rights than the anti-rights group that abuses biblical text and exploits Christianity? What special interest group has focused less on the needs of its own constituents and lobbying for the end of discrimination and violence that affects them than the anti-rights group that abuses biblical text and

exploits Christianity? What special interest group has taken more from its constituents and yielded them less than the anti-rights group that abuses biblical text and exploits Christianity?

Sure, LGBTQI+ advocates can be deemed a special interest group, so long as we remember what special interest groups do and why, and that this term is not only applicable to groups people do not like and it is not applicable to groups people would prefer stayed silent and invisible. The “special” interests for LGBTQI+ advocates are human rights, and no one can deny that they are, indeed, special in that they are “designed for a particular purpose or occasion” (as stated in the MerriamWebster dictionary), but we must be clear that human rights are no different for LGBTQI+ people than for anyone else, aside from access. They are not unique, and they are not extra. They are what must be accorded to all.

The anti-rights group is opposed to human rights because they afford us freedom. It would prefer a country where it had full control and people could be forced to do as it wishes, believing only what it believes, living only in alignment with its narrow interpretation of biblical text, even with the existence of different denominations that use the text in a variety of ways. It wants sameness. To avoid diversity, it would prefer to restrain. It has taken as its duty the complete brainwashing of people of which it accuses its chosen opposition. It has stooped to the low of attacking an institution of tertiary education for educating people who choose it.

The misleader spoke of “immoral indoctrination” of young people, and says nothing of his own practices or that of anti-rights groups and its members. What of the indoctrination of men who have been led to believe that they are in charge and women should cower in their presence and give in to their whims.

What of the indoctrination of women who have been convinced that their health and wellness are less important than the happiness and the illusion of superiority of the men in their lives?

What of the children who are told to be quiet about

the abuse they experience, and convinced that the abuse they experience and the silence they must keep is love? What of the indoctrination of people with low or no income whose money goes into collection plates when their own plates are empty at dinner time? What of the special interests of the people who benefit from this brainwashing, in their finances and in their social status? Is this behaviour not an attack on the moral tenets of the country? Are those the “Spiritual Values” upon which this nation was supposedly founded?

The people who want to curtail the rights of others are consistent in their twisting of the constitution. They reference the preamble of the constitution as though it is the constitution itself when, in fact, it is not. It is the section that comes before the constitution even begins, hence the prefix “pre” which means before.

A panel discussion is not a debate. It is designed for two or more people to present on or be in conversation about a specific topic or in a chosen thematic area. There is no expectation that there be different opinions, but that people bring a variety of responses to questions and provocations. There is no need for a Pride event to bring any dissenting voices, and for various reasons. These include the fact that anti-LGBTQI+ voices are everywhere, all the time, and that Pride exists because LGBTQI+ people need a safe place to engage each other, allies, and other members of the communities within which we live, and because LGBTQI+ people are responding to

the historically shaming that resulted in hiding.

The National Development Plan is based on four pillars — governance, human capital, environment and infrastructure, and economy. The vision for The Bahamas where human capital is concerned is stated as “The People of The Bahamas desire a country where the innate potential of each person is respected, nurtured, developed, protected and enabled to flourish.” While it does not use human rights language, it speaks to equality and non-discrimination, and this has to exist in all of the pillars. Educational institutions, of course, are included.

If it is not a place to meet and engage with people who are not like us, what is a university? If it is not a place to gain access to new information and to explore different perspectives, what is a university? If it does not support community initiatives and expose students and faculty to issues of national importance, what is a university? If it does not create space for challenging discussions, what is a university? If it does not prepare students for the world beyond its property, what is a university? If it does not participate in public dialogue, including on political and social issues, what is a university?

A university is a “place of learning,” as noted by the misleader. That learning must not be limited to any religion or interpretation of any religious text, the university being free of religious interference and the country guaranteeing religious freedom. Education on LGBTQI+ issues and engagement with LGBTQI+ people

is not synonymous with “[promotion] and [advancement of] a homosexual agenda.” Education is not a recruitment exercise, no matter what the anti-rights group may itself practice. There is a way that people and institutions expect others to behave the way they do and, based on that expectation, they read everything as a threat. Perhaps the anti-rights group will be able to, someday, look in the mirror and see itself for what it is and recognise that its fears are rooted in its own tactics.

Perhaps the people who follow the misleader will take time to think for themselves and recognise that LGBTQI+ people are not enemies, and the event planned for Thursday, October 5, is not a threat to them or their beliefs. Perhaps they will remind themselves of the love and non-violence of Jesus and choose to embody that rather than lashing out at people who have worked to create a space for discussion, and not debate. Perhaps the additional publicity will draw a larger audience than previously expected, and the event will be an opportunity for LGBTQI+ advocates to share information, sensitise people to the needs of LGBTQI+ people, and invite people to genuinely engage or to disengage in peace.

Unfortunately, for reasons unrelated to the anti-rights group and its predictable nonsense, I am no longer able to participate in the panel discussion that will follow Dr Saunders’ keynote address. I look forward to watching the recording and contributing the conversation at another time and in another format.

The Bahamas constitiution... speaks to equality and non-discrimination, and this has to exist in all of the pillars. Educational institutions, of course, are included.

THE SPHERE OPENS WITH A U2 SHOW IN LAS VEGAS

By JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr. and KEN RITTER

Associated Press

LAS VEGAS (AP) — It started as a crude sketch — a circle with a stick person inside. Seven years later, that drawing has been made real: A $2.3 billion massive spherical venue, standing 366 feet (111 metres) high and lighting up the Las Vegas skyline.

The drawing was initially made by James Dolan, the executive chair of Madison Square Garden and owner of the New York Knicks and Rangers. He and MSG Ventures CEO David Dibble were trying to create a plan to give the entertainment venue industry a facelift in Las Vegas.

Both experimented with different shapes for the structure — such as a muffin, a box and even a pyramid — until Dolan drew the circle and stick person on a notebook. At that moment, the Sphere was born.

Now, Dolan’s vision will come to fruition when U2’s “UV Achtung Baby” residency kicks off the opening of his high-tech, globe-shaped venue Friday night.

“It really is a new medium,” said Dolan, speaking to the media during a walkthrough Thursday. “When you’re in the Sphere, you don’t get told what to look at. The audience decides what they want to focus on.”

Inside the 516-foot-wide (157-meter-wide) Sphere, a high-resolution LED screen wraps halfway around the 17,500-seat audience. The venue is equipped with thousands of speakers that will deliver a “crystal-clear,” multi-layered experience.

The venue features an array of technology attractions, including five interactive humanoid robots named Aura.

“Necessity is the mother of invention,” said Dibble, who framed Dolan’s original drawing after carrying the picture in his backpack. “Everything from our audio and networking system, visual displays, camera systems stored — it’s all required to

deliver an effective Sphere experience.”

The state-of-the-art venue has become a traffic stopper — especially at night. It drew immediate attention on the Fourth of July with a digital fireworks display, an eyeball that appeared to scan the horizon with the words “Hello World.”

Along with U2’s 25-show residency, the venue will next week offer a custom production titled “Postcard from Earth” by film director Darren Aronofsky.

Tourists and air travelers have also seen the orb light up with the likeness of the Earth or Moon, bouncing basketballs and art designs. The characters from the

upcoming animated film “Trolls Band Together” have appeared on its LED exterior and it trumpeted the release of NSYNC’s new single “Better Place,” a song on the movie’s soundtrack.

“That’s cool,” said Glenn NP Nowak, an architecture professor at the nearby University of Nevada, Las Vegas. “It’s like words don’t do it justice.”

The Sphere resembles the Spaceship Earth attraction at Walt Disney World’s Epcot theme park in Florida. Its design also draws comparisons to the Montreal Biosphere museum in Canada and Avicii Arena in Sweden.

It doesn’t tower over

the Strip like the 520-foot (158-metre) High Roller observation wheel that casino giant Caesars Entertainment opened in 2014, or the 1,149-foot (350-metre) tower at the Strat Hotel & Casino that opened in 1996. However, the Sphere is the most expensive entertainment venue built in Las Vegas, eclipsing the approximately $1.9 billion, 65,000-seat Allegiant Stadium sports facility that opened in 2020.

“There is hype around this,” added Nowak, who toured the structure with his students at various phases while it was being built. “I think that’s part of the reason people don’t

META CEO MARK ZUCKERBERG KICKS OFF DEVELOPER CONFERENCE WITH FOCUS ON AI, VIRTUAL REALITY

necessarily understand what they’ve just seen.”

Beyond a structure that Nowak called an “engineering marvel,” he noted its cutting-edge position as an attraction in an emerging Las Vegas “experience economy.”

Each year, Las Vegas has lured more than 40 million people into an area known for gambling, nightlife, spas, entertainment shows and fine dining. Most normally arrive by air at Harry Reid International Airport, which handled nearly 53 million passengers in 2022.

“This was the perfect market,” Dolan said. “This marketplace is about growth. They welcome the notion of putting a big, huge spherical light bulb thing in the middle of it. This market loves light, it loves shows, the entertainment. The Sphere is all about those things. The government here was welcoming and encouraging.”

The project started as a partnership with casino company Las Vegas Sands, the then-owner of the Venetian and Palazzo resort towers on the Las Vegas Strip. Now the 35-story Venetian and 50-story Palazzo, with more than 7,000 rooms combined, advertise bird’s-eye guest room views of the Sphere.

Dolan said casino owners initially thought the venue would be a “regular ol’ arena.”

“The casino owners were concerned about getting boxed out of entertainment, so they had to have their own venue,” he said. “Somewhere along the line, we told them it’s not going to be a regular arena. They really embraced the concept.”

Dolan believes many others will embrace the Sphere, and hopes to expand the concept all over the world. He believes London could be the next landing spot, with the dreams of someday building one in New York.

But for now, Dolan is focused on proving that the Sphere is the real deal.

“I feel good about what we built,” he said. “I feel like it’s going to be a success. The people are going to love it. I’m not as anxious as I used to be.”

APPLE SAYS IT WILL FIX SOFTWARE PROBLEMS BLAMED FOR MAKING iPHONE 15 MODELS TOO HOT TO HANDLE

By MICHAEL LIEDTKE AP Technology Writer

APPLE is blaming a software bug and other issues tied to popular apps such as Instagram and Uber for causing its recently released iPhone 15 models to heat up and spark complaints about becoming too hot to handle.

The Cupertino, California, company said Saturday that it is working on an update to the iOS17 system that powers the iPhone 15 lineup to prevent the devices from becoming uncomfortably hot and is working with apps that are running in ways “causing them to overload the system.”

Instagram, owned by Meta Platforms, modified its social media app earlier this week to prevent it from heating up the device on the latest iPhone operating system.

Uber and other apps such as the video game Asphalt 9 are still in the process of rolling out their updates, Apple said.

It didn’t specify a timeline for when its own software fix would be issued but said no safety issues should prevent iPhone 15 owners from using their devices while awaiting the update.

“We have identified a few conditions which can cause iPhone to run warmer than expected,” Apple in a short statement provided to The Associated Press after media reports detailed overheating complaints that are peppering online message boards.

The Wall Street Journal amplified the worries in a story citing the

overheating problem in its own testing of the new iPhones, which went on sale a week ago.

It’s not unusual for new iPhones to get uncomfortably warm during the first few days of use or when they are being restored with backup information stored in the cloud — issues that Apple already flags for users. The devices also can get hot when using apps such as video games and augmented reality technology that require a lot of processing power, but the heating issues with the iPhone 15 models have gone beyond those typical situations.

In its acknowledgement, Apple stressed that the trouble isn’t related to the sleek titanium casing that houses the high-end iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max instead of the stainless steel used on older smartphones.

Apple also dismissed speculation that the overheating problem in the new models might be tied to a shift from its proprietary Lightning charging cable to the more widely used USB-C port that allowed it to comply with a mandate issued by European regulators.

Although Apple expressed confidence that the overheating issue can be quickly fixed with the upcoming software updates, the problem still could dampen sales of its marquee product at time when the company has faced three consecutive quarters of year-over-year declines in overall sales.

By BARBARA ORTUTAY AP Technology Writer MENLO PARK, California (AP) — Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg kicked off the tech giant’s Connect developer conference last week with a focus on virtual and augmented reality and artificial intelligence

The company, which renamed itself Meta two years ago, unveiled the next version of its virtual reality headset, the Quest 3. It will cost $499 and begin shipping Oct. 10.

Standing in a courtyard at his company’s Menlo Park, California headquarters, Zuckerberg told the audience of developers, employees and journalists that Meta is “focused on building the future of human connection” — and painted a near-future where people interact with hologram versions of their friends or coworkers and with AI bots built to assist them.

“Soon the physical and digital will come together in what we call the metaverse,” he said.

Zuckerberg introduced an AI personal assistant people can interact with using any of Meta’s messaging apps — along with a smattering of AI characters he called “a bit more fun,” such as “Max the sous chef,” who can help come up with ideas for dinner, or Lily, a “personal editor and writing partner.”

INDONESIAN PRESIDENT LAUNCHES SOUTHEAST ASIA’S FIRST HIGH-SPEED RAILWAY, FUNDED BY CHINA

By ACHMAD IBRAHIM and NINIEK KARMINI

Associated Press

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesian President Joko Widodo inaugurated Southeast Asia’s first high-speed railway on Monday as it was set to begin commercial operations, a key project under China’s Belt and Road infrastructure initiative that will drastically reduce the travel time between two key cities.

The project has been beset with delays and increasing costs, and some observers doubt its commercial benefits. But Widodo has championed the 142-kilometre (88-mile) railway, which was issued its official operating license from the Transportation Ministry on Sunday.

The $7.3 billion project, largely funded by China, was constructed by PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China, known as PT KCIC, a joint venture between an Indonesian consortium of four state-owned companies and China Railway International Co. Ltd.

The railway connects Jakarta with Bandung, the heavily populated capital of West Java province, and will cut travel time between the cities from the current three hours to about 40 minutes. Its use of electrical energy is expected to reduce carbon emissions.

A ROBOT is seen on display inside of the Sphere in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ty O’Neil)

THE iPhone 15.

Glover-Rolle: ‘We’re actively working towards’ introducing a liveable wage

By LETRE SWEETING

Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

LABOUR and Public Service Minister Pia Glover-Rolle said government is still working toward introducing a livable wage to fulfil a pledge the Progressive Liberal

Party made in the 2021 Blueprint for Change manifesto.

In October 2021, the PLP promised to introduce legislation to protect consumers, increase the minimum wage and phase in a livable wage.

“Let me just say, this is something that we’re

actively working towards,”

Mrs Glover-Rolle told reporters yesterday.

“It has to make sense.

It has to be beneficial to all of the stakeholders. And you know, this is a tripartite arrangement when it comes to labour.

It’s the government, it’s the employees, but it’s

also the employers. So we have to make sure that every stakeholder is brought in and that we’ve done the due diligence that is necessary to make it happen.”

Amid rising food and electricity costs, questions have been raised about whether a livable wage

will be achieved this term.

Mrs Glover-Rolle said:

“That is one of our mandates in the Blueprint for Change, and consultation will continue because we have to make sure we get it right.

“We have to benchmark. We have to speak to all of the stakeholders

because while we would like to ensure that our workers are getting a decent pay, we can’t afford to put businesses out of business as well.” As of January 2023, the government increased the minimum wage for public service workers from $210 to $260 per week.

THE BAHAMAS Down Syndrome Association paid a courtesy call on the Governor General, Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt at the Office of the Governor General, September 28, 2023. Pictured from left: Sophi Wright, Sean Wright (behind), Daniel Ytil, Betty Taylor (president), D’Andrey A. Knowles, Sheena Ytil(behind), H.E. Cynthia Pratt, Kenneth Taylor

(behind), Raeshan Armbrister, Ida Poitier-Turnquest, and Nathan Taylor.

Photo: Letisha Henderson/BIS

MEMBERS of the Modern Free and Accepted Masons of the World paid a courtesy call on Governor General Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt at the Office of the Governor General, September 29, 2023.

Photo: Letisha Henderson/BIS

GOVERNOR GENERAL Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt received the first set of cookies from the Bahamas Girl Guides Association as they officially launched Girl Guides Cookie Month which commenced on October 1, during a courtesy call at the Office of the Governor General, September 29, 2023.

Photo: Letisha Henderson/BIS

Jury selection begins in trial of fallen cryptocurrency mogul Sam Bankman-Fried

NEW YORK Associated Press

JURY selection began

Tuesday in the fraud trial of FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried after a prosecutor revealed that no discussions about a potential plea agreement took place in the 10 months since the cryptocurrency executive was arrested and brought to the United States.

Once a billionaire, the 31-year-old crypto mogul faces the possibility of a long prison term if convicted at a trial that is expected to last up to six weeks.

Prosecutors say he defrauded people and financial institutions who had accounts worth billions of dollars at the cryptocurrency exchange by illegally diverting massive sums of their money for his personal use, including making risky trades at his cryptocurrency hedge fund, Alameda Research. He’s also accused of using customer money to buy real estate and make big political contributions as he tried to influence government regulation of cryptocurrency.

US Attorney Damian Williams, who is overseeing the prosecution, has called it one of the biggest frauds in the country’s history.

Before about 50 prospective jurors were brought into a Manhattan courtroom, Assistant US Attorney Nicolas Roos said that the government “early on” raised the question with lawyers for Bankman-Fried about whether negotiations aimed at resolving the case with a plea should take place.

“There were no discussions about a plea, and the government never made any plea offers,” he said.

In interviews and social media posts, BankmanFried has acknowledged making huge mistakes while running FTX but insisted he had no criminal intent.

He has blamed FTX’s collapse last November, in something equivalent to an oldfashioned bank run, on vindictive competitors, his own inattentiveness and fellow executives who he said failed to manage risk properly.

“I didn’t steal funds, and I certainly didn’t stash billions away,” he said in a post earlier this year on the online platform Substack.

As recently as early

last fall, Bankman-Fried portrayed himself as a stabilizing force in the cryptocurrency industry. He spent millions of dollars on celebrity advertisements during the 2022 Super Bowl that promoted FTX as the “safest and easiest way to buy and sell crypto” and “the most trusted way to buy and sell” digital assets.

Comedian Larry David, along with other celebrities such as football star Tom Brady and basketball star Stephen Curry, have been named in a lawsuit that argued their celebrity status made them culpable for promoting the firm’s failed business model.

Bankman-Fried is charged with wire fraud and conspiracy. The trial is expected to end before Thanksgiving.

He agreed to be extradited to the U nited States after his arrest in the Bahamas last December. That was weeks after FTX collapsed as customers pulled deposits en masse amid reports questioning its financial arrangements.

While his plane to the US was in the air, authorities announced that two of his top executives had secretly pleaded guilty to fraud charges and were prepared to testify against him. They were BankmanFried’s former girlfriend Carolyn Ellison, who had been the chief executive of Alameda Research, and Gary Wang, who cofounded FTX.

Initially freed on a $250 million personal recognizance bond, Bankman-Fried was confined to his parents’ home in Palo Alto, California, until Judge Lewis A. Kaplan ordered him jailed last month after concluding that he had tried to influence witnesses, including Ellison and an FTX general counsel.

His lawyers have appealed that decision and repeatedly said their client can’t properly prepare for trial. But the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals rejected an appeal of the detention order, saying the judge had thoroughly considered all relevant factors and defence arguments were unpersuasive.

On Tuesday, before jury selection began, the judge told Bankman-Fried that he will be given the chance to testify during the trial, even if his lawyers advise against it.

“They can’t make the decision for you. It’s your call,” the judge said.

SAM BANKMAN-FRIED, centre, arrives at Manhattan federal court on August 11, 2023, in New York. The fraud trial of Bankman-Fried, the founder of failed cryptocurrency brokerage FTX, began yesterday with jury selection.

Photo:Bebeto Matthews/AP

McCarthy ousted as House speaker as Democrats join GOP critics to topple him

WASHINGTON Associated Press

SPEAKER Kevin

McCarthy was voted out of the job Tuesday in an extraordinary showdown, a first in US history, The 216-210 vote, forced by a contingent of hard-right conservatives, throws the House and its Republican

leadership into chaos.

McCarthy’s chief rival, Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, brought forward the “motion to vacate” drawing together more than a handful of conservative Republican critics of the speaker and many Democrats who say he is unworthy of leadership.

Next steps are uncertain,

but there is no obvious successor to lead the House Republican majority.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE AP’s earlier story follows below.

WASHINGTON (AP)

— Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s grip on the gavel was at serious risk Tuesday after the House voted to move ahead with a historic

effort by hard-right critics to oust the embattled Republican leader from the job.

The dramatic showdown forced by McCarthy’s chief rival, Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, brought together more than a handful of conservative Republican critics of the speaker and many Democrats who say he is unworthy of leadership.

Voting was underway in a dramatic roll call. It will take just a simple majority to remove McCarthy from the speaker’s office. While he has support from most Republicans, a handful of conservatives can overpower McCarthy’s slim majority if Democrats don’t step in to help.

It’s a stunning moment for the battle-tested McCarthy and serves as his most severe challenge yet, a potential punishment fuelled by growing grievances but sparked by his weekend decision to work with Democrats to keep the federal government open rather than risk a shutdown.

An earlier vote was 218208 against tabling the motion, with 11 Republicans allowing it to advance.

The House then opened an extraordinary floor debate, unseen in modern times, ahead of the next round of voting on what could be an motion to “vacate the chair” — something that has not happened in Congress in a century.

McCarthy, of California, insists he will not cut a deal with Democrats to remain in power — not that he could rely on their help even if he had asked.

Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a letter to colleagues that he wants to work with Republicans, but he was unwilling to provide the votes needed to save McCarthy.

“It is now the responsibility of the GOP members to end the House Republican Civil War,” Jeffries said, announcing the Democratic leadership would vote for the motion to oust the speaker.

As the House fell silent, Gaetz, a top ally of Donald Trump, rose to offer his motion. Gaetz is a leader of the hard-right Republicans who fought in January against McCarthy in his prolonged battle to gain the gavel.

“It’s a sad day,” Republican Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma said as debate got underway, urging his colleagues not to plunge

the House Republican majority “into chaos.”

But Gaetz shot back during the debate, “Chaos is Speaker McCarthy.”

McCarthy’s fate was deeply uncertain as the fiery debate unfolded, with much of the complaints against the speaker revolving around his truthfulness and his ability to keep the promises he has made since January to win the gavel.

But a long line of McCarthy supporters, including Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, a founding leader of the conservative Freedom Caucus, stood up for him: “I think he has kept his word.” And some did so passionately, Rep. Garret Graves, R-La., waving his cell phone saying it was “disgusting” that hardright colleagues were fundraising off the move in text messages seeking donations.

It would take the support of only a handful of Republicans from his slim majority to remove McCarthy as speaker if Democrats vote in favour alongside the conservative rebels.

At the Capitol, both Republicans and Democrats met privately ahead of what would be a historic afternoon vote.

Behind closed doors, McCarthy told fellow Republicans: Let’s get on with it.

“If I counted how many times someone wanted to knock me out, I would have been gone a long time ago,” McCarthy said at the Capitol after the morning meeting.

McCarthy insisted he had not reached across the aisle to the Democratic leader Jeffries for help with votes to stay in the job, nor had they demanded anything in return.

During the hourlong meeting in the Capitol basement, McCarthy invoked the last Republican speaker, Joseph Cannon, who more than 100 years ago confronted his critics head on by calling their bluff and setting the vote himself on his ouster. Cannon survived that take-down attempt which, until now, was the first time the House had actually voted to consider removing its speaker. A more recent threat, in 2015, didn’t make it to a vote.

McCarthy received three standing ovations during the private meeting — one when he came to the microphone to speak, again during his remarks

and lastly when he was done, according a Republican at the meeting and granted anonymity to discuss it.

At one point, there was a show of hands in support of McCarthy and it was “overwhelming,” said Rep. Ralph Norman, R-SC, a member of the House Freedom Caucus. Gaetz was in attendance, but he did not address the room.

Across the way in the Capitol, Democrats lined up for a long discussion and unified around one common point: McCarthy cannot be trusted, several lawmakers in the room said.

“I think it’s safe to say there’s not a lot of good will in that room for Kevin McCarthy,” said Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass.

“At the end of the day, the country needs a speaker that can be relied upon,” said Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif. “We don’t trust him. Their members don’t trust him. And you need a certain degree of trust to be the speaker.”

Removing the speaker would launch the House Republicans into chaos, as they try to find a new leader. It took McCarthy himself 15 rounds in January over multiple days of voting before he secured the support from his colleagues to gain the gavel. There is no obvious GOP successor.

Trump, the former president who is the Republican front-runner in the 2024 race to challenge Biden, weighed in to complain about the chaos. “Why is it that Republicans are always fighting among themselves,” he asked on social media.

One key McCarthy ally, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., has taken to social media urging support for “our speaker” and an end to the chaos that has roiled the Republican majority.

Republicans are upset that McCarthy relied on Democratic votes Saturday to approve the temporary measure to keep the government running until Nov. 17. Some would have preferred a government shutdown as they fight for deeper spending cuts.

But Democrats are also upset at McCarthy for walking away from the debt deal that he made with Biden earlier this year that already set federal spending levels as he emboldens his right-flank to push for steep spending reductions.

SPEAKER of the House Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., talks to reporters after a closeddoor meeting with Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., and other House Republicans after Gaetz filed a motion to oust McCarthy from his leadership role, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023.

Photo: J. Scott Applewhite/AP

‘Jazz’ and Marlins fall in Wild Card Series opener

By DAN GELSTON AP Sports Writer

PHILADELPHIA (AP)

— Zack Wheeler struck out eight in a sensational effort, José Alvarado preserved the lead with a pivotal strikeout and the Philadelphia Phillies opened a resolute postseason push with a 4-1 win over the Miami Marlins in the opener of their NL Wild Card Series on Tuesday night.

Nick Castellanos provided the game’s signature moment, directing his ring finger toward a joyous Phillies dugout after a key double and sending a message the defending NL champions crave the cherished piece of jewellery they were denied by Houston last season.

Castellanos added an RBI double in the eighth inning to score Bryce Harper — who knocked off his helmet as he steamrolled past a stop sign — and the Phillies moved within a victory of an NL Division Series matchup against Atlanta.

Craig Kimbrel worked a scoreless ninth for the save.

Phillies fans held signs that read “Un-phinished Business” and they were downright delirious when injured slugger Rhys Hoskins fought back tears and threw the ceremonial first pitch.

The Phillies won 11 postseason games last season, two shy of the ultimate goal and their first World Series title since 2008.

The theme of unfinished business — as it is for so many World Series losers — was a key element that permeated throughout the clubhouse this season.

“We’ve got to get back after it this year, and it’s a different team,” manager Rob Thomson said ahead of the game. “I believe it’s a better team, to be honest with you.”

Here they are again, this time with star shortstop Trea Turner, playing big games in October — and with Wheeler in top form.

Wheeler, on the short list of great free-agent signings in team history, was dealing from the start. He

threw nine fastballs in the 97-99 mph range in the first inning, the hardest a pitcher who struck out 212 batters has thrown all season.

The veteran righthander never backed down

as 45,662 fans at Citizens Bank Park roared on every K. Wheeler’s slider, nasty. His sinker, filthy. Wheeler is simply grateful for another postseason shot a year after he was

BAIN AND GRANTS TOWN CYBOTS WIN TITLE

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

THE Bain and Grants Town Cybots followed up their undefeated regular season with a Bahamas Government Departmental Basketball Association (BGDBA) title win on Monday.

The newest champions were on a tear throughout the first two rounds of the playoffs, remaining the only undefeated team, until they dropped the Police Crimestoppers 4-2 in the best-of-seven finals.

The over-the-hill basketball team advanced to their 10th championship round and collected their seventh title win following an 88-70 double digit win at the AF Adderley Gymnasium.

lifted with a 1-0 lead in the sixth inning of Game 6 in the World Series against Houston. Yordan Alvarez hit a three-run homer off Alvarado later in the

SEE PAGE 16

Pioneer Dawn Knowles to be honoured

THE Bahamas Football Association (BFA) proudly announces the renaming of the esteemed New Providence Primary School Soccer Tournament to the “Dawn N Knowles Primary School Soccer Tournament.”

This honour comes in recognition of Ms. Knowles’ enduring commitment and tireless efforts towards the event, which has showcased the athletic prowess and skills of under-10 and under-12 primary school students since 1995. Knowles, the retired senior education officer responsible for physical education, played an instrumental role in the inception and consistent

success of this event. Her dedication was evident during her 28 years of planning and executing the tournament, ensuring its continuity even after her retirement.

“It is wonderful for the tournament to be renamed in Ms. Knowles’ honour.

I am an advocate for giving honour and showing appreciation to people while they are still here.

“We want to give her flowers while she can still receive them,” said current BFA president Anya James, emphasizing the importance of recognising Knowles’ contributions during her lifetime.

James further highlighted that renaming the tournament in

DAWN KNOWLES

Knowles’ honour not only acknowledges her remarkable contributions but also serves as a testament to her enduring legacy.

By celebrating her achievements while she is still with us, the BFA ensures that her impact and influence are duly

recognised and appreciated by all. When asked about her pivotal involvement, Daria Adderley, BFA council member responsible for women’s football development, said that it couldn’t happen to a more deserving individual. “Ms. Knowles has been instrumental in organising the tournament from the beginning and remained a staunch supporter, even post her tenure in government service,” Adderley said. An emotional Knowles was just thrilled by the honour. “I never expected such an honour from the BFA,” she stated. “I’m happy this is happening while I can enjoy it.”

Immediate past BFA president Anton Sealy, under whose leadership Knowles did much of her work, was also pleased with the gesture.

“Dawn Knowles was the driving force behind primary school sports in the Bahamas,” he stated.

“She was a big supporter and proponent. She ensured that soccer always had a space on the Ministry of Education’s sports curriculum and that soccer always had a presence in the schools.”

Highlights of the tournament’s storied history include the pre-COVID victories of Claridge Primary (boys) and Sadie

SEE PAGE 16

Wayde Watson, head coach of the Cybots, talked about how it felt to secure yet another BGDBA championship win.

“It feels really good to bring the championship to Bain and Grants Town. This is the tenth year in a row we have been to the championships. I am excited about it and especially happy for some of the players who have been with me for many years who are retiring at the end of the season on a high note,” Watson said.

He gave special credit to Crimestoppers head coach Anthony “Cops” Rolle for his coaching abilities and the work he has done with the young law enforcement players.

The Cybots reeled off two consecutive wins against the Crimestoppers to begin their quest to title number seven. Despite the 0-2 hole, the valiant second best team Crimestoppers were able to push the series to 3-2 going into the elimination game on Monday night.

With one more game separating the team from their championship hardware, the Cybots’ Eugene Bain played a pivotal role in the win.

SEE PAGE 14

SINNER OUSTS ALCARAZ IN CHINA OPEN SEMIS, TOP-RANKED SABALENKA, SWIATEK, GAUFF ADVANCE

By J ELLINGWORTH AP Sports Writer

IT was an English player’s night in the Champions League, even as both of the English teams in action lost.

More Bellingham heroics for Real Madrid in the Champions League Arsenal and Man United stunned

Jude Bellingham made the difference again for Real Madrid in a thrilling 3-2 win at Napoli yesterday as Manchester United and Arsenal were beaten by Galatasaray and Lens, respectively.

Nine games into his Real Madrid career and Jude Bellingham is fast becoming the team’s star attraction.

The England midfielder assisted Vinicius Junior for one goal to level the score at 1-1 and then tore apart the Italian champion’s defence on his own to score.

Even then, it needed an own-goal from Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret — after some unfortunate

deflections — to hand Madrid the win.

It was the second Champions League game in a row where Bellingham played a vital role for Madrid after scoring the winning goal against Union Berlin.

The 20-year-old player has eight goals and three assists so far this season since joining Madrid from Borussia Dortmund. Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti paid tribute to Bellingham, saying he found it hard to believe the midfielder was still only 20.

ENGLISH TEAMS LOSE

Manchester United and Arsenal both lost to teams

whose better days in European soccer were in the late 1990s and early 2000s — before Bellingham was born. A 3-2 loss at home to Galatasaray despite two goals from Rasmus Højlund — United’s sixth

defeat in 10 games in all competitions — means more pressure on manager Erik ten Hag.

In the space of 10 minutes, United gave up a 2-1 lead and had midfielder

BEIJING (AP) — Sixthseeded Jannik Sinner will bid for his third title of the year after beating secondranked Carlos Alcaraz

7-6 (4), 6-1 in the semifinals of the China Open on Tuesday.

Sinner will play thirdranked Daniil Medvedev in today’s final after the Russian eased to a 6-4, 6-3 victory over eighth-seeded Alexander Zverev.

Twice trailing by a break early in the first set, Sinner began to take control of the match from the baseline and won the first-set tiebreaker. The 22-year-old Italian then broke Alcaraz early in the second set and, after some testing holds while on serve, won the final four games to close out the match.

“For sure in the very top (of big matches played),” Sinner said of yesterday’s win. “I would say every match against him is very tough. We always show

great respect, we both play great. When we play against each other, we try to stay on our limits.”

Medvedev earlier advanced to his eighth tourlevel final of the season by claiming a break late in each set against Zverev, and saving four break points of his own. “I’m really happy with my level,” Medvedev said. “Roof closed, different conditions today, much faster. Both of us are big servers so it came down to just a few opportunities and I managed to serve better when I had break points to save than he did.”

The Russian holds a 6-0 record against Sinner, including beating the Italian twice in finals this season in Rotterdam and Miami.

SABALENKA, SWIATEK, GAUFF ADVANCE

Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka and U.S. Open

REAL Madrid’s Jude Bellingham celebrates after the Champions League group C soccer match against Napoli at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium in Naples, Italy, yesterday. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

MIAMI Marlins’ Jazz Chisholm Jr, of The Bahamas, reacts during warm-ups before Game 1 in an NL wild-card baseball playoff series against the Philadelphia Phillies last night in Philadelphia.

(AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Bahamian centre Deandre Ayton excited about ‘fresh start’ with Trail Blazers

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN National Basketball Association (NBA) player Deandre

Ayton is optimistic about the upcoming 2023-24 season following a threeteam trade which landed him with the Portland Trail Blazers.

The 2018 number one pick was shipped to the Western Conference team last week Wednesday in a blockbuster trade that saw All-Star point guard Damian Lillard go to the Bucks.

Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers acquired the Bahamian centre along with rookie Toumani Camara, a 2029 first round pick, two first round pick swaps with the Bucks (2028 and 2030), and Jrue Holiday, who has since been moved to the Boston Celtics.

In the trade, the Phoenix Suns bolstered their new star-studded roster with more bench depth in the form of Grayson Allen, Jusuf Nurkic, Keon Johnson and Nassir Little.

With the majority of the team rosters all set headed into training camp, players including the Bahamian big man took the podium for the 2023 media day this past Monday to address expectations ahead of the looming NBA regular season.

Despite being only 25-years-old, Ayton is poised to step into a new leadership role as the young Portland squad sets their rebuilding plans in motion.

“I get to show the world, show you guys, who I am as a player on and off the

court when it comes to leading, especially helping young guys on this team win, teaching them how to win, teaching them how tough it is to win in this league as well,” the centre said.

Upon his arrival in Portland to tour his team’s newest facilities, the 25-year-old compared the feeling to how it felt when he was first drafted by his former team - the Suns - in 2018.

“Just the way I was welcomed…walking in there seeing my name, seeing everybody around me, some of the facility people and some of the front office showing me love as soon as I touched down and it really did feel like I got drafted.

I felt the love as soon as I walked in and I was welcomed humbly,” he said.

During his five-year tenure with the Suns, Ayton struggled with tension in the relationship with the team’s former head coach Monty Williams.

The tension peaked between both parties in the 2021-2022 playoffs where Ayton was benched in the second half of game seven against the Dallas Mavericks. The Suns were ultimately handed a loss in that series.

Despite the eventual firing of coach Williams following a 4-2 loss to the Denver Nuggets, Ayton was still in search of a meaningful role in the rotation after the team picked up shooting guard Bradley Beal this summer. With a new environment and locker room featuring young players, including the 2023 third pick Scoot

Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe and Anfernee Simons, the five-year player is ready to dominate and win.

“My name is DominAyton. I play with a lot of passion, a lot of grit as well but I try to take the hypocrisy out of the game where I am telling my teammate one thing and I am doing the other.

“I am more like a team player who you know I’ll make the sacrificial decision

and take myself out…when it comes to winning I’ll be the down and gritty guy to get the job done,” he said. Although there have been ongoing criticisms across the league about Ayton’s on court demeanour and play during his Suns tenure, especially after his performance in the final games of the Western Conference semifinals, he averaged a double double for five consecutive seasons. The centre ended his

five-year stint with the Suns averaging 16.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, 1.0 block and shot 59.7 per cent from the field.

He quieted the loud criticisms in his response this past Monday.

“Look at the position I was playing in, the environment I was playing in it can sometimes put a toll on your mental.

“I have accomplished a lot of things where my motor is not a question.”

“I play as hard as I can play, that won’t be a question at all,” according to Ayton.

The centre added that it is one of the reasons he said he would be changing the narrative this summer and is now with an organisation that wants him and wants to see him succeed.

The Trail Blazers’ preseason games will get underway at 10pm next week Thursday against the Suns.

BGDBA CHAMPIONSHIPS: BAIN AND GRANTS TOWN CYBOTS WIN TITLE

FROM PAGE 13

He led all scorers with 25 points on the night and was one rebound shy of a double double with 9.

Additionally, he dished out three dimes and defensively he nabbed two steals in the championship win.

The Crimestoppers came out sluggish in the opening period meanwhile, the Cybots were firing on all cylinders.

By the 1:53 mark of the first quarter, the team was leading by 15 points courtesy of a made two-pointer from Bain.

The BGDBA champions built on the work done early in the first quarter and jumped out to a 23-point advantage (52-29) to keep the momentum going into the second half.

The experienced Cybots squad never relinquished

REAL MADRID

FROM PAGE 13

Casemiro sent off as Ten Hag’s team fell apart late against its Turkish opponent. Galatasaray scored in the 71st, won a penalty and missed it — with Casemiro picking up a second yellow card in the process — then scored again in the 81st.

The winning goal was scored by Mauro Icardi, who had missed the spot kick shortly before. That leaves United bottom of its group and four points behind Galatasaray in second place.

their control of the ball game. At the end of the third quarter they once again led by double digits (69-51) to quash the Crimestoppers’ championship hopes and close their title window.

Offensively, the Cybots simply shot the ball better than the Crimestoppers.

The league-leading team went 34-for-74 from the field, converting on 45.9 per cent of their buckets compared to the 36.4 per cent converted by the Crimestoppers.

The champions were also efficient at the charity stripe connecting on 81.3 per cent of their sixteen attempts at the line.

Meanwhile, their opponents’ playoff free throw woes continued as they went 18-for-30 for 60 per cent. Despite the loss, Dion McPhee of the

United has conceded seven goals in its opening two Champions League games after losing its opener 4-3 to Bayern Munich last month.

Elye Wahi scored one goal and set up another to propel Lens to a 2-1 win over Arsenal.

Arsenal had the lead through Gabriel Jesus’ 14th-minute goal before Wahi assisted Adrien Thomasson in the 25th and then scored himself with a chip in the 69th.

Arsenal midfielder

Declan Rice said his team “missed some big chances,” but is “just warming up and getting into our rhythm” at this stage of the season. Arsenal’s victory over PSV

Eindhoven last time out was a landmark — a win in its first Champions League game since the 2016-17 season — but the wait for Lens was much longer.

The French team last won a Champions League game back in 2002 against AC Milan and hadn’t qualified for Europe’s top club competition again until this season.

WINNING

RUN

Bayern kept up its record winning run in the Champions League group stage — now at 15 games going back to 2020 — but it was a tricky feat in a 2-1 win over a determined Copenhagen team.

Bayern’s Jamal Musiala levelled the score after Lukas Lerager had given the Danish team the lead, and it was 18-year-old Mathys Tel who scored the winner after combining with 34-year-old teammate Thomas Müller. The action wasn’t over yet, and Bayern goalkeeper Sven Ulreich had to dive to stop an owngoal deep into added time.

Bayern hasn’t lost for 36 group-stage games going back to 2017.

HEARTBREAK

IN BERLIN

Two games, two heartbreaking losses in stoppage time for Union Berlin. What an introduction to the Champions League!

The German club lost its first-ever home Champions League game 3-2 to Braga on a goal in the fourth minute of added time from André Castro, two weeks after a 1-0 loss at Madrid on an equally late goal from Jude Bellingham.

Union had been leading 2-0 on two counterattack goals from Sheraldo Becker, but let Braga back into the game with two goals after failing to clear set pieces before the late winner from 35-year-old midfielder Castro.

Madrid and Napoli are the other two teams in the group, meaning Union’s qualifying chances have already taken a heavy blow.

Crimestoppers poured in 23 points and pulled down six rebounds to help out the team.

Watson, who guaranteed the Cybots would be in the championships, attributed the win to talent, experience and their system of play.

“We have a lot of talented players, a good system, and a group of young men who are committed to the programme and the Cybots basketball club.

“Having talented players without a system is not necessarily a recipe for success. But, down the stretch last night, we played within our system and were able to beat them by 18 points so I am excited about that,” he said.

The 2023 champions will look to celebrate their seventh win together in grand style in upcoming weeks.

The 2-2 draw between PSV and Sevilla had more than its share of drama, with goals in the 86th, 87th and fifth minute of stoppage time as PSV twice recovered from a goal down.

Real Sociedad had a smoother time as it picked up its first Champions League win for 20 years, beating Salzburg 2-0 on first-half goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Brais Méndez.

Marcus Thuram scored the only goal of the game for last season’s Champions League runner-up Inter Milan in a 1-0 win over Benfica to move level on four points with Sociedad at the top of their group.

PORTLAND Trail Blazers centre Deandre Ayton poses for a portrait during the NBA basketball team’s media day in Portland, Oregon, on Monday, October 2.

(AP Photo/ Craig Mitchelldyer)

TEAM EFFORT - The Bain and Grants Town Cybots emerged as the 2023 Bahamas Government Departmental Basketball Association champions.

Jonquel Jones excited about return to the WNBA Finals with new team

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

AFTER playing her first six seasons in Connecticut, leading the Sun to the Women’s National Basketball Association Finals last year, Jonquel Jones is excited to be back for an encore this year albeit with her new team in the New York Liberty.

Playing against her former team, the 6-foot, six-inch centre exploded for 25 points, including five in the final minute, to help the Liberty to an 87-84 win over the Sun on Sunday for a 3-1 decision in their bestof-five playoffs.

Jones, the WNBA’s 2021 most valuable player as a member of the Sun, also contributed 15 rebounds and four blocked shots for the Liberty, who will face defending champion Las Vegas in a series that starts on October 8. The two Finals teams were labelled as “super teams” coming into the season.

In a post-game interview with ESPN’s reporter Holly Rowe, the Grand Bahamian native said she was thrilled to have helped the Sun to reach the final for the first time since 2002.

“Just playing together, staying together and weathering the storm,” was how Jones described New York’s ability to overcome the gruelling playoff series against Phoenix.

“It definitely feels good to be on the other side. We obviously feel the great energy these fans have here, but it’s a new chapter.”

The 29-year-old Jones left Connecticut as a fourtime WNBA All-Star (2017, 2019, 2021 and 2022), All-WNBA First Team (2021), three-time All-WNBA Second Team (2017, 2019 and 2022), WNBA Most Improved Player and Peak Performer (2017), WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year (2018),

LAS VEGAS AND NEW YORK SET FOR EPIC MATCHUP

By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer

three-time rebounding leader (2017, 2019 and 2021) and two-time AllDefensive Team (2019 and 2021) to winning the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup and the MVP title this year in New York.

But there was no greater achievement than playing against her former team in a game that saw Jones and her former team-mate and MVP runner-up Alyssa Thomas, tangle under the basket early in the fourth quarter.

Thomas, who was bent over awkwardly on the floor, stayed down and was helped to the locker room. But she was back a few minutes later. but she noted that it wasn’t anything untoward each other.

“I told her it wasn’t intentional,” said Jones of Thomas, who went on to lead Connecticut with 17 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists.

“That’s one of my closest friends in the league. That was just two people playing really hard, trying to get the win.”

As for her tenacity to get the job done for the Liberty, Jones said it’s something she prides on doing every game she plays, and it showed in the fact that she and New York have secured their berth into final.

“It means a lot, but I can’t take all of the credit,” said Jones in an unselfish mood ahead of their celebrations. “My team-mates are amazing. None of this happened with all of us being brought into what we envisioned before the season and coming together to make it possible.”

As she reflects on what they were able to accomplish, Jones said she just wants to be strong for her team-mates, just as she did in high school at Riverdale High before heading to Clemson to start her collegiate year, ending up at George Washington where she graduated in 2016.

Major League Baseball game time drops 24 minutes to 2:40 with pitch clock

By RONALD BLUM AP Baseball Writer PLAYERS STEAL MOST BASES SINCE 1987

NEW YORK (AP) —

The average time of a nine-inning major league game dropped to 2 hours, 40 minutes in the first year of the pitch clock, a 24-minute decrease in a season of change that resulted in a spike in batting average and the most stolen bases in nearly 40 years.

Left-handed hitters benefitted from the new restrictions on defensive shifts, runners took advantage of the slightly decreased distance between bases, and average fastball velocity set another record.

The average game time dropped to its 1985 level after passing 3 hours for the first time in 2016.

It reached a record 3:10 in 2021 before the introduction of the PitchCom electronic pitch-calling device helped bring it down to 3:04 last year.

Over the objections of the players’ association, MLB instituted a pitch clock set at 15 seconds with the bases empty and 20 seconds with runners on base.

“It took some getting used to, but once you get used to it the game’s a lot faster,” Minnesota shortstop Carlos Correa said. “There’s not wasted time. The pace was great, so I think it’s here to stay.”

There were nine 3 1/2hour games, down from a record 390 in 2021.

“I think it’s gone smoothly,” Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith said. “It’s nice for you to get home a bit earlier. You don’t have the 4-hour games anymore.”

Miami had the fastest average at just under 2:35, while Baltimore and San Diego topped the majors at 2:44.

MLB’s clock will remain the same for the postseason, which averaged 3:23 for nine-inning games last year.

“There are bigger moments, bigger times where we do need to step back and think about something we just did or think about something that we’re going to be doing pitch-wise or swing-wise,” said Zack Wheeler, who starts Philadelphia’s playoffs opener against Miami on Tuesday.

“I’m not a big fan of the pitch clock, but it is what it is.”

Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto thought about how to cope with the clock in October.

“We are going to have to be a little more cognisant of taking the time and maybe using our extra mound visits or finding ways to

slow the game down for our pitchers,” he said.

As part of the clock, MLB instituted penalties for violations that included balls against pitchers and strikes against batters.

The New York Mets led with 57 violations, followed by Tampa Bay (52), Pittsburgh (51), San Diego (48) and Miami (47). Seattle had the fewest with 15.

The Pirates topped pitcher violations with 41, followed by the Yankees with 37 and the Mets and Rays with 36 each. The Mariners had the fewest with six.

Washington led batter violations with 17, one more than the Mets and Miami. St. Louis had just two, one fewer than Baltimore and the Chicago White Sox.

Philadelphia reliever

Craig Kimbrel had the most individual violations with 13, followed by Toronto starter Chris Bassitt with 12 and the Pirates’ Johan Oviedo with 11.

Washington’s Ildemaro

Vargas led batters with five.

There were just four violations of the shift rule requiring two infielders to be on the infield dirt on each side of second base when a pitch is thrown: one each by the Dodgers, Mets, Padres and White Sox.

The major league batting average rose to .248 from .243 last year, which had been its lowest since 1968. The average for lefthanded batters, who benefited most from the shift restrictions, increased 11 percentage points to .247, its highest in four years. The average for right-handed hitters rose by two percentage points to .249. Runs increased to an average of 9.2 per game from 8.6 and stolen bases to 1.4 from 1.0 following the introduction of 18-inch square bases, up from 15 inches. That reduced the distance between first and second, and second and

NEW York and Las Vegas have been on a WNBA Finals collision course all season long as the top two teams in the league. Now they’ll meet for the league title.

The best-of-five series begins next Sunday.

The Aces have been there before, winning the franchise’s first championship last season. They are looking to become the league’s first repeat champion since the Los Angeles Sparks in 2001-02.

“We’re happy to put ourselves back in a position to win the ultimate prize, which is a championship,” Aces coach Becky Hammon said after the team swept Dallas in the semifinal series.

New York advanced to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2002 and is the lone remaining original franchise that hasn’t won a championship.

“The fact Liberty haven’t been to a finals since 2002 is wild,” Stewart said. “To know we have the entire city behind us is really, really special.”

While Las Vegas swept its two playoff series, New York had a little harder time reaching the title round. The Liberty needed overtime to close out Washington in an opening-round sweep. New York dropped the first game against Connecticut in the semifinals before winning the final three games of the series.

The WNBA Finals will feature the last two league MVPs, with Breanna Stewart winning this season and A’ja Wilson last year. Stewart edged Connecticut’s Alyssa Thomas and Wilson in one of the tightest MVP races in league history.

Las Vegas and New York split four regular-season meetings this season and none was close. The average margin of victory was over 19 points, with the tightest contest being only nine. New York won a fifth matchup between the teams with a victory in the Commissioner’s Cup championship.

“The chess match begins now. This is a final, a championship,” New York coach Sandy Brondello said. “I’m excited. I know Becky will be excited, all the players competing will be excited. It’s a hard-fought battle but we’re battle tested, so looking forward to that.”

third, by 4 1/2 inches. The 3,503 steals were up from 2,486 last year and the most since 1987. The 80.2% success rate was the highest in big league history, topping the 75.7% in 2021, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

Home runs increased to 5,868 from 5,215 but remained well below the record 6,776 of 2019.

Batters struck out 41,844 times, up from 40,812, but down from the peak of 42,823 in 2019 when they set a record for the 12th straight season.

Four-seam fastballs averaged 94.2 mph, up from 93.9 mph last year and 93.1 mph in 2015, the first year

Statcast started tracking. There were 3,880 pitches of 100 mph or more, an increase from 3,368 last year and 1,829 in 2021. Pitchers threw four-seam fastballs 32.2% of the time, down from 33.2% in 2022 and a Statcast-era peak of 36% in 2016. Visiting teams went 105-96 in extra-inning games in the first year the rule starting extra innings with a runner on second was made permanent. Visitors have a 368-358 edge in extra innings since the rule was first adopted as a pandemic alteration in 2020; from 2017-19, home teams had a 312-294 advantage.

NEW York Liberty forward Jonquel Jones (35) meets with former teammate Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas (25) at the end of Game 4 of their WNBA basketball semifinal playoff series, on Sunday, October 1 in Uncasville, Connecticut.

MIAMI Marlins’ Luis Arraez stands in the on-deck circle next to the pitch clock during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles July 16 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)

NEW York Liberty forward Jonquel Jones blocks a shot by Connecticut Sun guard Tiffany Hayes during the first half of Game 4 on Sunday. (AP Photos/Jessica Hill)

NBA stars have the Paris Olympics already in mind

By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer KEVIN

KEVIN Durant just got done with his summer vacation. He’s planning to go to France for work next summer, and plenty of other big NBA names hope to join him.

Stephen Curry is among them.

Durant — along with many other top players, including Curry, the alltime 3-point king — said Monday at media days being held around the league that he plans to play for his country at next summer’s Paris Olympics, when the Americans will try for a fifth consecutive gold medal. If he plays and the US wins, Durant would be the first men’s player with four basketball golds.

“I will play in the Olympics next year,” Durant adamantly said at Phoenix’s media day.

Curry essentially said the same, because if he wants to play, it’s certain that USA Basketball will find him a spot.

“Definitely want to be there,” Curry said at Golden State’s media day. “Definitely want to be on the team.”

Others expressed the same sentiment: Bam Adebayo has said he’s committed to the team, while DeMar DeRozan, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Jaylen Brown, Donovan Mitchell, Khris Middleton, Julius Randle, Zach LaVine, Aaron Gordon, Fred VanVleet and Brook Lopez are among those who indicated they would play if asked. Kyrie Irving said the same at Dallas’ media day last week, and Draymond Green previously indicated that he wants another Olympic opportunity.

This much is clear: There are 12 roster spots and a lot more than 12 interested players. It’s a wonderful problem for USA Basketball to have.

“From the players that we have here off the top of my head that could fill that roster up, I don’t think it would be too much of a physical toll,” said Los

JAZZ

FROM PAGE 13

inning and the Astros soon clinched the World Series. That was last season. Alvarado struck out Yuli Gurriel with two runners aboard to end a Marlins threat in the seventh. The left-hander retired two batters in the eighth, and Jeff Hoffman got the third out of the inning.

Wheeler threw only 46 pitches through four innings in this one — while Marlins starter Jesús Luzardo labored through 90 over the same span.

The 26-year-old Luzardo was raised in South Florida and grew up rooting for Marlins stars such as Juan Pierre and Miguel Cabrera.

Luzardo was 6 years old when he attended Game 3 of the 2003 World Series, won by the Marlins, and was thrilled when he was traded to Miami ahead of the 2021 season.

His first postseason start for his childhood team hardly went as planned.

Led by Kyle Schwarber’s 47 homers, the Phillies had six players in the Game 1 lineup with at least 20. But they didn’t need the Schwarbombs and Alec Booms to get the job done, as every starter had at least one hit.

Johan Rojas, the No. 9 hitter, hammered away at Luzardo with a ninepitch at-bat for a single that opened the third. He moved to second on a wild pitch and scored on Alec Bohm’s RBI double to left.

Bryson Stott rattled Luzardo in the fourth with an RBI single to make it 2-0 and Cristian Pache gave the Phillies a 3-0 lead on a single that scored Castellanos.

DURANT IS IN, STEPH CURRY WANTS TO PLAY

Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time scoring leader confirming that he’s interested in another shot at gold. “I wouldn’t have to do much. Rebound a little bit, pass a little bit, defend, block some shots, you know? But we’ll see. We’ll see what happens.”

Also planning to play in the Olympics: Joel Embiid. The uniform he’d wear is still a mystery.

Embiid isn’t a man without a country, but rather a man who just hasn’t chosen a country yet. He would be eligible to play for France or the US because he has dual citizenship — and his birth country, Cameroon, still has a shot at qualifying for the Paris Games as well.

“My goal is to play in the Olympics,” Embiid said. “I love all three options. Cameroon, I’m born there, I’m from there and I always want to represent my country. But the goal is also to play in the Olympics. If we had a chance, or if we would qualify for the Olympics, that will be an easy decision. But that’s still up in the air. And I really do want to play in the Olympics.”

When will Embiid decide? “Probably going to make that decision in the next few days,” he said.

Others who revealed they have interest in playing included Zion Williamson, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Kuzma. Among those who haven’t ruled it out: Jimmy Butler and Anthony Davis.

“Playing for USA Basketball, I think there’s no greater honour,” Brown said. “Playing for your country, coming from my community, coming from where I come from, where the majority of our demographic comes from — having an opportunity to represent that, your community, your outer community the ones that support you is part of it as well. So being able

Flip that finger, Nick.

The Phillies have their first one.

FIRST PITCH Hoskins choked back tears, patted his chest in appreciation and even waved a rally towel before he threw the first pitch. The slugging first baseman has not played this season after he suffered a torn ACL in his left knee. The 30-year-old Hoskins — playing on a $12 million, one-year contract — might have made his last appearance at Citizens Bank Park. He will head to Florida this week to face live pitching with hopes he could return to the Phillies if they make the World Series.

MANUEL RECOVERS

Former Phillies manager Charlie Manuel posted a picture on social media of him watching the game from a hospital room. Manuel led the Phillies to the 2008 World Series title. He suffered a stroke in September.

UP NEXT

The Marlins send LHP

Braxton Garrett (9-7, 3.66 ERA) to the mound tonight against Phillies RHP Aaron Nola (12-9, 4.46).

Nola went 2-2 in last year’s postseason — winning a game in each of the first two rounds, then losing one in each of the next two. Garrett gave up three runs over five innings in each of his two starts vs. the Phillies this season.

Dawn Knowles set to be honoured

FROM PAGE 13

Curtis (girls) in 2019. The post-COVID champions were Sybil Strachan Primary (boys) and Eva Hilton (girls) in 2022. Notably, the tournament has produced exceptional talents such as Lesly St Fleur, a standout in both beach and grass national men’s teams, and Nesly Jean, the current head coach of the men’s national team.

The positive ripple effects of this youth tournament are undeniable. Over the years, it has played a vital role in amplifying competitive football in the country, acting as a conduit for many players to secure scholarship opportunities.

to participate would be great.”

The US finished fourth at this summer’s World Cup, yet did enough to reclaim the No. 1 spot in the FIBA world rankings and earn a berth in the Paris Olympics.

“I am proud of the World Cup Team and all they did to qualify USA Basketball for Paris 2024,” said USA Basketball managing director Grant Hill, who along with men’s national team director Sean Ford and coach Steve Kerr of Golden State will pick the team in the coming months.

“We are thrilled there is interest and excitement going into next summer and are looking forward to going through the process of naming the 2024 Olympic Team.”

They will have tough decisions to make. Let the lobbying begin.

“It’s something I’ve always dreamed of experiencing since I was a little kid,” Milwaukee centre Brook Lopez said. “I’m

absolutely for it. I asked Steve Kerr while I was subbing into a game last year, I didn’t ask, I told him I was free this coming summer of ‘24. Hopefully this will help remind him.”

Durant could join six women, all of them Americans, with four Olympic basketball golds. Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi each have five Olympic golds, while Teresa Edwards, Lisa Leslie, Tamika Catchings and Sylvia Fowles are fourtime Olympic champions. Some might play for their first Olympic gold. Curry has never been to the Olympics, and he hopes that’s finally about to change, with him saying “it’s the one thing I haven’t done.”

Atlanta’s Trae Young evidently has interest in the Olympic team and hasn’t hidden that he feels like he was snubbed by not making the World Cup team.

“If you don’t think I’ve been disrespected, you’re just not telling the truth,” Young said.

It’s been reasonable to think that USA Basketball will have plenty of experienced options to choose from next year. There are 26 players in the NBA right now with at least one Olympic gold medal — Durant has three (2012, 2016, 2021), Chris Paul has two (2008, 2012), Green has two (2016, 2021) and James (2008, 2012) has two as well as a bronze (2004).

Add the 12 players from this summer’s World Cup team to the mix as well, since it’s likely each would say yes if called. That pushes the list of realistic candidates for USA Basketball to choose from to about 40 names, at minimum.

“I think anytime you’re asked to play for USA Basketball, it’s really hard to say no,” Miami forward and Olympic gold medallist Kevin Love said. “Wearing USA across your chest and getting an Olympic gold medal for your country is maybe the coolest thing you can do.”

The BFA’s emphasis on grassroots development is a testament to the foundational importance of tournaments like these. As an organisation, they firmly believe in grassroots as the sport’s lifeline. These initiatives not only sustain interest but also cultivate future leaders, equipping them with qualities like discipline, teamwork and commitment.

Schools are eagerly anticipating the 2023 tournament edition, which is set to commence from October 17 to November 8 at RALD. Preceding the matches, the official naming ceremony will be held on October 16 at the Breezes resort. Details of special events and activities circling this ceremony will be unveiled soon.

The BFA remains committed to fostering football talents and encourages schools, parents and fans to rally behind the upcoming tournament, offering unparalleled support to the young and budding football stars of the Bahamas.

CHINA OPEN

FROM PAGE 13

champion Coco Gauff navigated tricky secondround opponents to advance at the China Open. Sabalenka, making her debut at No. 1 in Beijing, came from a break down in each set to see off qualifier Katie Boulter 7-5, 7-6 (2).

“In the key moments I played a little bit better than her,” said Sabalenka, who will play 36th-ranked Jasmine Paolini in the last 16. “I think it was all about the last games in each set. I mean, she had the opportunity. I’m super happy that I didn’t give her easily those sets.”

Second-ranked Iga Swiatek had less trouble finding a way past France’s Varvara Gracheva 6-4, 6-1 in 1 hour, 20 minutes. The Pole next plays Magda Linette.

The third-ranked Gauff had to rally from a break down in the deciding set to defeat Petra Martic 7-5, 5-7, 7-6 (2).

The 48th-ranked Martic served for the match after breaking Gauff for a 5-4 lead, but the American broke back and then dominated the tiebreaker.

Gauff will play Veronika Kudermetova in the last 16 after the Russian beat Lesia Tsurenko 3-6, 6-0, 6-0.

Fourth-seeded Jessica Pegula came from a set down to beat 39th-ranked Anna Blinkova 6-7 (2), 6-2, 6-1 in just over two hours. The American, who was a finalist at the Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo on Saturday, will play 13thseeded Julia Ostapenko next.

MIAMI Marlins’ Jazz Chisholm Jr, right, reacts to being called out on strikes by umpire Stu Scheurwater, left during the seventh inning of Game 1 in an NL wild-card baseball playoff series against the Philadelphia Phillies last night. (AP Photos/Chris Szagola)

Sixteen-year-old Mirra Andreeva beat Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-2, 6-1 to earn a third-round clash with former Wimbledon champion and fifth-seeded Elena Rybakina, who beat Tatjana Maria 7-5, 6-0. In another second-round match, Marta Kostyuk ousted seventh-seeded Ons Jabeur 7-6 (5), 6-1.

PHOENIX Suns forward Kevin Durant plays against the Denver Nuggets during the first half of Game 4 of an NBA basketball Western Conference semifinal game on May 7, 2023, in Phoenix.

The Suns — outside of three-time All-Star Devin Booker — are nearly unrecognisable just eight months after Mat Ishbia bought the team for roughly $4 billion.

(AP Photo/Matt York)

MIAMI Marlins’ Jazz Chisholm, left, reacts to being called out on strikes while in the dugout during the seventh inning of Game 1 against the Philadelphia Phillies.

WARRIORS STAR KLAY THOMPSON SAYS HE IS OPEN TO PLAYING FOR THE BAHAMAS IN THE PARIS OLYMPICS

By JANIE MCCAULEY AP Sports Writer

SAN FRANCISCO

(AP) — Warriors star Klay Thompson would seriously consider playing for his father’s native country of the Bahamas in the Paris Olympics next year.

“That’d be cool,” Thompson, 33, said at Monday’s media day, “because my dad never got the opportunity.”

The Golden State guard won a gold medal with the US team at the 2016 Rio Games and would have to go through several steps to become eligible to play for another country — such as having a passport

from the Bahamas, being released by the Americans and receiving approval from the International Basketball Federation. Thompson’s father was born in Nassau.

Veteran Suns guard Eric Gordon, whose mother is from the Caribbean country, joined the Bahamas national team as it tries to qualify for Paris.

A five-time All-Star who has helped the Warriors to four championships, Thompson finally feels like he will be his dominant self again after missing more than 2 1/2 years after the 2019 Finals recovering from surgeries for a torn ACL in his left knee then a

torn right Achilles tendon repair.

He fully expects to be an All-Star again.

“I feel awesome. I feel like I can do anything with the ball in my hands,” Thompson said. “I think that’s the confidence you have to have if you want to be great.”

While chasing another championship and his personal goals are top priority for now, the Olympics clearly are on his mind and potentially in the plans.

“The Bahamas is a place where my story cannot be told without it,” Thompson said. “It’s dear to my heart, so yeah, that would be sweet.”

NEW REST RULES DON’T BOTHER NBA PLAYERS, WHO SAY THEY ONLY WANT TO SIT OUT WHEN THEY ARE HURT

By BRIAN MAHONEY AP Basketball Writer

WITH new policies and penalties, the NBA has made it clear that healthy players should be on the court.

No argument from the players, who insist they aren’t interested in sitting.

Some don’t like load management any more than the fans who wonder why some of the best athletes in the world so often need a night off. But they also want the league to understand that there are times — quite a few of them during Kawhi Leonard’s lone season in Toronto — when they have to listen to their bodies or their doctors.

“I was coming from an injury and you have to know the details of the doctor,” Leonard, now with the Los Angeles Clippers, said Monday. “But if the league is seeing or trying to mock what I did with the Raptors, they should stop because I was injured the whole year. But other than that, if I’m able to play, I’ll play basketball. I’ll work out every day in the summertime to play the game, not to sit and watch people play. No league policy is helping me to play more games.”

(AP Photos/Jeff Chiu)

Jimmy Butler has a new look, and even the Miami Heat were surprised by it

By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer

MIAMI (AP) — Jimmy Butler had a new look for Media Day, and the NBA world immediately took notice.

The Miami Heat forward arrived for the team’s first official day of work this season with piercings — eye, lip and nose — along with a new hairstyle and his fingernails painted black.

It’s become a trend of sorts for Butler, who went through the Media Day gamut last year with dreadlocks in a deviation from his usual look.

“I’m very emotional right now. This is my emo state and I like this. This is me,” Butler said. “This is how I’m feeling as of late.”

Coaches greeted Butler with smiles and laughs. Teammates, it seemed, were caught a bit off guard. Heat centre Bam Adebayo — who hadn’t seen his teammate before meeting with reporters — thought someone had photoshopped something when a reporter showed him photos of Butler’s look.

“That is not real. ... That is (expletive) hilarious,” Adebayo said.

Added Heat guard Tyler Herro: “He told me this was his Halloween today.”

Still unclear: If Butler will keep the look when Miami opens practice. The team will hold camp at Florida Atlantic University in nearby Boca Raton.

WEMBY MANIA

Victor Wembanyama’s

first Media Day in San Antonio was Monday, and Spurs coach Gregg Popovich says he has a simple plan to handle all the buzz that will surround the No. 1 draft pick this season.

Pop’s plan: Just roll with it.

“You all are going to do what you do. Fans are going to do what they do,” Popovich said.

“But because I know the players and because he’s got such high character and he’s used to this — this isn’t the first time that he’s gotten attention — I think just handling it organically is better.”

That said, Popovich does have a specific plan when it comes to the team’s travel arrangements.

“If there are people hanging on the top of the bus, we’ve got to get them off,” Popovich said. “Short of that, we’ll be OK.”

Also, after a summer when Wembanyama’s height was oft-discussed — 7-foot-4? 7-foot-5? — the Spurs are still listing him at 7-foot-3.

RUBIO UPDATE

Ricky Rubio remains away from the Cleveland Cavaliers as they open camp while the Spanish guard continues focusing on his mental health.

Rubio said he was stepping away from the game this summer, when he was scheduled to play for Spain in the Basketball World Cup. There is no timetable for his return.

“We remain fully supportive of Ricky and his efforts, which for now are best continued away from the team and have excused his absence from camp,” the Cavaliers said Monday in a news release.

“We remain in regular communication and consultation with Ricky and will continue to assist him in any way possible.”

The team declined further comment.

Rubio asked in early August that his “privacy be respected so that I can face these moments and be able to give more information when the time comes.”

Rubio has played in the league for 12 seasons, appearing with Minnesota, Utah, Phoenix and Cleveland. He missed the majority of the past two seasons while recovering

from a torn left ACL and returned to the Cavs primarily as a reserve for 33 games at the end of last season. He began playing pro ball as a 14-year-old in Spain, nearly two decades ago.

BALL’S FUTURE

Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball insisted he will play again despite a series of left knee surgeries that have derailed his promising career.

“I’m only 25,” he said Monday.

“I feel like the rehab process has been going well so far, no setbacks. So for me, it’s just keeping my head up, just keep doing the work.”

Ball said he is about halfway through the rehab process from a cartilage transplant in March — his third operation on the knee in a little more than a year. He will miss his second consecutive season.

Ball plans to split time between Chicago and his home in Los Angeles as he works his way back. He hasn’t played since January 14, 2022.

“The surgery was a really big surgery,” Ball said.

“We all came together with a plan moving forward. It’s not really a set timeline, but I pretty much have this whole year to get as healthy as possible and get ready to play next season.”

KOLOKO OUT

Christian Koloko won’t be taking part in training camp with the Toronto Raptors.

The team announced Monday that he’s still dealing with “ongoing respiratory issues” and will not participate in the workouts that started in Vancouver yesterday. He averaged 3.1 points and 2.9 rebounds as a rookie last season.

Some of Leonard’s absences in recent years are the type the NBA is looking to eliminate with its “player participation policy” that takes effect this season. He missed 22 games in 2018-19, the Raptors careful to avoid overuse after he returned from a thigh injury that limited him to nine games the previous season. The league believes those scheduled nights off, known as load management, have become too common — and potentially damaging if they drive away viewers.

“I think the league is trying to figure out ways to make our game better, to help grow the game, understanding that fan engagement is important for all of us,” said New Orleans guard CJ McCollum, the president of the players’ association. “As a fan of sports, when you go to a game, you want the stars to play. You’re paying a premium on the ticket … or maybe it’s the cable package or whatever you have, you want to see the best players play.”

The policy prevents teams, without approval, from resting multiple star players (defined as anyone who was an All-NBA or All-Star selection in the prior three seasons) in the same game, or sitting healthy ones in national TV or in-season tournament games.

The league threated to investigate certain absences, with penalties that would surpass $1 million if a team has three violations.

GOLDEN State Warriors’ Klay Thompson poses for photos during the NBA basketball team’s media day in San Francisco on Monday, October 2.

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler, sporting a new hairdo and piercings, listens during an interview as part

MIAMI Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) gets his new hairdo brushed at the start of a TV interview, during the NBA basketball team’s media day, in Miami, on Monday. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Rating agencies set ‘true north’ on Bahamas reform

reform, debt management and economic growth. Policymakers should therefore pay close attention to the very rich insights provided,”

Mr Edwards argued.

Pointing out that Moody’s decision to maintain a ‘stable’ outlook on The Bahamas’ creditworthiness is positive, he added: “It is also important to contextualise the outlook against the backdrop that there was a clear consensus that, by this point the, reconsolidation would have started to wane.

“The country has so far defied this on the strength of the performance of the tourism industry. There is evidence that additional tourism growth could continue to emerge well into the second quarter of 2024. Maintenance, therefore, of a ‘stable’ outlook, having regard for well-known pressures, continues to be a major positive. Effective strategies and initiatives should be continued and enhanced where necessary.

“Unlike the previous cycle of reports, the two entities are displaying a greater level of agreement on the fundamentals of the economy and appear to have great congruency in their outlook for improvements. Fundamentally,

the path to improved economic realities for The Bahamas lies firmly in the ability to solve the challenges imposed by its current debt stock, high interest cost burden, high rollover risk profile and low growth potential,” Mr Edwards continued.

“These two reports, I believe, provide a sound basis for the crafting or furtherance of effective fiscal and economic policies designed to secure a more robust growth environment starting with the reforms highlighted in both. Failure to move urgently in this direction will adversely impact the country....

“The overall economic and fiscal strength, and economic resilience, of the country are low with fiscal strength performing weaker than peers. The country’s biggest challenges remain government liquidity potential in the face of a relatively high debt burden and interest cost. Policymakers must address these with a level of seriousness that presupposes a change in the way the national narrative is prosecuted across partisan divides.

“The fate of the country’s finances lies in securing broad-based changes, and reforms, and addressing the known structural

deficiencies that impact the economic growth potential of the country.

The Government should benchmark the efforts todate that have caused the country to secure two pronouncements of a ‘stable’ outlook against what will be required to shift to a positive trajectory, and allow its policy deliberation, determination and execution to be guided accordingly.”

Moody’s, in its assessment, said: “Because of the rebound in tourism, The Bahamas recorded very strong growth when its borders reopened in 2021. Real GDP expanded 17 percent in 2021, followed by 7 percent in 2022. We expect growth to moderate to 3 percent in 2023, which is still above the country’s growth potential.”

The credit rating agency also appears to be projecting that Bahamian economic growth will endure at slightly aboveaverage levels in 2024, forecasting that GDP will expand by 2.5 percent, which provides a slightly more optimistic outlook for the near-term. It also maintained The Bahamas’ sovereign credit rating at ‘B1’ with a ‘stable’ outlook, the latter indicating “balanced risks” on whether the country’s creditworthiness

is improved or further downgraded. Elsewhere, Moody’s agreed that the Government’s plans to refinance almost $2.2bn in maturing debt at relatively low interest rates during the 2023-2024 fiscal year almost completely depend on loans and other financial assistance from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and other multilateral lenders. It added, though, that the sinking funds created to amass monies to repay future external foreign currency bond maturities are forecast to contain around $300m.

“The Ministry of Finance outlined its financing sources and needs for fiscal 2024 in its annual borrowing plan. Gross borrowing requirements will remain high in fiscal 2024, at 15.2 percent of GDP, according to the Ministry of Finance. Although this is higher than in fiscal 2023, the Government’s net fiscal financing needs are declining because of a narrowing fiscal deficit,” Moody’s said.

“The Government expects to limit its need to access international bond markets, instead relying on multilateral funding and external loans to meet its gross external financing

needs. Most of the Government’s $876m in external repayments are due to commercial creditors, $300m to bondholders and an additional $373m due on commercial loans.

“The annual borrowing plan identifies $210m in funding from international financial institutions in the form of policy loans,” Moody’s added. “The Government also intends to use partial credit guarantees from multilateral institutions to attract financing from commercial banks on more favourable terms than without a partial guarantee.

In 2022, the Government raised funding through a bond issuance, which includes a guarantee from the Inter-American Development Bank.

“A narrowing fiscal deficit, which can be financed through domestic sources, provides the Government with financing flexibility to meet its upcoming external amortisations. The Government has established a sinking fund, with around $300m based on budgeted contributions in fiscal 2023, and around $260m as of June 2022, to retire maturing external debt.

“As the cost of borrowing in international bond markets remains expensive, the ability to refinance upcoming external amortisations without a deterioration in debt affordability rests on the Government’s ability to attract sufficient financing by leveraging multilateral funding.”

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Cabinet minister’s estate battling radio show host

Despite purported requests to vacate, the defendant and his wife refused to leave and claimed that they have occupied the lots for 20 years.” Mr Roberts’ estate is now seeking a Supreme Court declaration that it is the lots’ rightful owner, the recovery of profits purported to have wrongfully been received by Mr McKinney, the latter’s eviction and an injunction barring him from the properties.

However, Halson Moultrie, the former House of Assembly speaker who is representing Mr McKinney as his attorney, yesterday told Tribune Business his client has “a real good claim” to

ownership of the two lots because he has been in uninterrupted possession for two decades.

As a result, he argued the radio talk show host has a possessory title to the property that can “extinguish any legal rights any other person has” and is stronger than someone alleging they have documentary title.

Mr Moultrie added that the dispute is “a classic case” for why The Bahamas “urgently need land reform” through the introduction of a registered land system.

“Yes, it is a land dispute with respect to the estate of Bradley Roberts claiming ownership of a piece of land my client has been occupying for more than 20 years,” the former House speaker

told this newspaper. “My client’s position is that he is the owner of the land, and that the Gibbs Lane in place now was not on the original map, and that there never was any agreement between himself and the former MP, Bradley Roberts, with respect to use of the land.

“He has been occupying the land uninterrupted for more than 20 years, which in law would diminish or extinguish any legal rights any other person has to that land. They have acquiesced, allowing uninterrupted possession of the land for 20 years. From my perspective, in any event, Mr McKinney has a real good claim and he has possession of the land.

Residents put ‘strong case’ against resort

Khosa that when suppliers come to offload goods for A Stone’s Throw Away they often have to park in the middle of the road and hold up all other traffic until they have finished.

“We made a very strong case for the matter,” Mr Stuart continued. “We were confident with what we did, and should know hopefully by tomorrow [today]. They [Town Planning] said they would let us know by the weekend. They’re meeting today, and will let us know the results of the meeting.

The Board is meeting today. Almost six to seven persons spoke out against it.”

One of those speakers is understood to have threatened to launch a Judicial Review action opposing any approval and take the matter all the way to the London-based Privy Council, the highest court in the UK judicial system, should it become necessary.

Mr Stuart, meanwhile, reiterated his concern that A Stone’s Throw Away could develop a nightclub,

bar or fast-food restaurant on the property if the the rezoning is approved, although this was denied by Mr Khosa. “The fact they have a business plan that says coffee store and grocery shop, if the business plan is not working today what’s it going to be tomorrow? Once it gets commercialised, who knows what will end up there,” he added.

And he also voiced concern that approving the resort’s plans could set a dangerous precedent by paving the way for other commercial ventures to come into the area. “That is a serious concern,” Mr Stuart said. “One always has to be concerned that in doing so another says why can’t I? We are already somewhat commercial in the sense that we have duplexes and other multifamily issues. When you develop these things you don’t know who’s coming in and at what level.”

Mr Khosa, in his July 30, 2023, application confirmed he owns the site and that it is adjacent to the existing

hotel property. Explaining the rationale the re-zoning, he argued: “Currently the land has two buildings that have been left abandoned for a long period by the previous owners.

“Our intention is to upgrade the existing buildings without any real external changes and use them to start a cafe, flower shop cum grocery store and food and beverage. We believe such use will not only be a great solution for these two buildings but will also help beautify and enhance the entire curb appeal of the corner.”

Documents filed with Town Planning, though, revealed this is not the first time that A Stone’s Throw Away has sought to gain approval for re-zoning this same site. However, its 2020 bid, which involved developing the property into a restaurant and fast-food takeaway, was rejected by the Minnis administration’s Town Planning Committee.

Charles Zonicle, the physical planning director, in a December 16, 202, paper said of the 16,526 square

“He has a possessory claim that is much stronger because his possessory claim extinguishes any legal claim of the owner.” Looking at the wider picture, Mr Moultrie added: “This is a classic case, in my estimation, of The Bahamas urgently needing land reform.

“We need land registration so title mirrors the image of the property as opposed to registering title in people’s and companies’ names. We have a circumstance in The Bahamas where multiple persons have recorded titles for the same property. I have a case in Long Island where many persons have claims to the same property, and one of the leading banking institutions has been giving

foot site that it was virtually surrounded by single family and residential properties. And, at the public consultation held virtually some six days before, “two neighbours, immediately east and west of the subject property, expressed objections to the proposed change of land use as incompatible in relation to their residential properties”.

As a result, and with parking concerns also factored into the mix, Mr Zonicle wrote: “The Department does not support the request to change the use of the two small structures to commercial land use. The proposed development is deemed to be an incompatible land use.”

This history was noted by Jehan Wallace, the Department of Physical Planning’s chief physical planner, in her August 2023 paper to the Town Planning Committee. However, it appears that three years later he planning authorities have decided to test the waters again.

“Although the current request is similar in nature,” Ms Wallace wrote, “significant time has passed and the Department would like to determine if the neighbourhood objections are still the same.”

mortgages on the same parcel of land to multiple people. It’s crazy.”

On an issue unrelated to the dispute between Mr Roberts’ estate and Mr McKinney, Mr Moultrie also joined calls for reform of the Quieting Titles Act on the basis that it can “be used as an instrument of fraud” to obtain land via deception. “Somehow or other no administration has been prepared to change it and bring about land registration in our country,” he added. “It’s good for the legal profession because it keeps us busy.”

Justice Fraser’s ruling focused on a preliminary matter, which deals with efforts by the former Bain and Grant’s Town MP’s family to dismiss

an “unfiled conditional appearance” submitted on Mr McKinney’s behalf by Mr Moultrie. She found that she need not even consider the matter, as the document was “not properly before the court” due to non-compliance with the judicial system’s Civil Procedure Rules 2022, thus making the Roberts estate’s move “moot”.

Mr Moultrie, though, explained that he had filed a “conditional appearance” to show that Mr McKinney intended to defend the action if the estate provides his correct name. The former Speaker added that his client’s media name was used on the court documents, not the correct one.

WALL STREET BUCKLES UNDER HIGHER BOND YIELDS AS DOW WIPES OUT GAIN FOR THE YEAR

By STAN CHOE AP Business Writer

WALL Street fell sharply

Tuesday as it focused on the downside of a surprisingly strong job market.

The S&P 500 dropped 1.4% to its lowest point in four months. The Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled 430 points, or 1.3% and wiped out the last of its gains made for the year so far. Some of the heaviest losses came from Big Tech stocks, which sent the Nasdaq composite to a market-leading loss of 1.9%.

Stocks fell as the pressure on them cranked even higher from rising Treasury yields in the bond market. Such weight has been the main reason the S&P 500 has lost more than 40% of its value since the end of July, after charging higher for much of the year.

The 10-year Treasury yield climbed again Tuesday, up to 4.79% from 4.69% late Monday and from just 0.50% early in the pandemic. It touched its highest level since 2007 and rose after a report showed U.S.

employers have many more job openings than expected. When bonds are paying so much more in interest, they pull investment dollars away from stocks and other investments prone to bigger swings in price than bonds. High yields also make borrowing more expensive for companies and households across the economy, which can hurt corporate profits. Yields have been on the march because investors are increasingly taking the Federal Reserve at its word that it will keep its main interest rate high for a long time in order to drive down inflation. The Fed has already yanked its federal funds rate to the highest level since 2001, and it indicated last month it may keep the rate higher in 2024 than it earlier expected. Fed Gov. Michelle Bowman said in a speech Monday that she expects it will likely be appropriate "to raise rates further and hold them at a restrictive level for some time." Restrictive is what Fed officials call highenough rates to slow the overall economy.

SPECIALIST GLENN CARELL, right, and colleague Gaetano DiPisa work at their post on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023. Wall Street is sinking sharply as it focuses on the downside of a surprisingly strong job market.

Photo:Richard Drew/AP

HEALTH INSURANCE COSTS RISE ‘ACROSS THE BOARD’

been increased usage.” He disclosed that some of this increase relates to procedures, operations and treatments that were delayed and pushed back due to the strain imposed on healthcare systems by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There’s still pent-up demand for procedures that were held in abeyance or put off in COVID. We’re still seeing some of that,” the BIA chair said. “Let’s say you have an issue with your back. In COVID, a lot of that stuff was pushed out 18-24 months. It’s just a rise in the amount of usage and the costs continue to increase.”

Group policies that produce a better (lower) claims

outcome will “receive a lower increase” in premium than those with high payouts. “It’s going to be on a group by group, individual by individual, basis,” Mr Rolle said. “They’re facing an overall price increase from service providers, and the reinsurance necessary to cover them. It’s going to result in higher premiums across the board.”

Rising private health insurance costs, together with the wider inflationary and cost of living pressures, also threaten to make coverage increasingly unaffordable for both companies (groups) and individuals. Those who elect not to renew, and do without, will likely be forced to seek care from an already overburdened public healthcare

system as well as potentially switch to the Government’s National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme.

Mr Rolle, though, said Bahamian health insurance underwriters are working to absorb some of the treatment cost increases and not pass the full burden on to consumers. “The industry as a whole is trying to keep the cost down,” he told Tribune Business. “We’re not trying to pass on as much as is given to us.

“The industry is doing its best to keep the cost lower... Certainly, each of the members of the industry would reach out to our larger healthcare provider partners to obtain discounts to keep the costs down, but there is only so much they can do. Each of the members in the

industry reaches out to providers to obtain discounts to pass them on to consumers.” Mr Rolle said it was impossible to determine whether current cost pressures will be short-lived, or if they will last into the medium and longterm. Urging Bahamians not to drop private coverage, given the potential health and financial risks involved, he added: “The industry will say we would still hope the general public remains insured. “We don’t want people in a position where they don’t insure, and are doing our best to ensure that doesn’t happen. Health insurance is still key to being able to afford healthcare, especially in emergency circumstances. It’s certainly not something to take lightly.”

The Insurance Commission of The Bahamas’ 2022 annual report revealed that $299.609m worth of gross health insurance premium revenues were generated last year, split between $71.737m worth of individual policies and $227.872m worth of the group variety. Net premiums written, once $23.262m of total reinsurance was deducted, equalled $276.347m.

Total policyholder benefits, meaning funds paid out by insurers to cover care costs incurred by their clients, stood at just over $195m. These were broken down into $27.045m for individual policyholders, and $167.956m for group clients. Health insurers were shown as having made $55.236m in collective total underwriting

‘WHY WOULD I KILL NASSAU’S QUAINTEST HOTEL PROPERTY?’

income for 2022, split into $29.152m on individual coverage and $26.084m for groups. Health insurance accounted for 62 percent of “long-term” insurance premiums written in The Bahamas during 2022, a definition that also includes life coverage and annuities. “Group health premiums decreased by $14.8m (6.1 percent) to $227.9m,” the Insurance Commission reported.

“This reduction is largely due to the elimination of the Government’s COVID-19 Travel Protection Policy in June 2022. Individual health insurance premiums written increased by $18.5m (34.6 percent ) during the year to $71.7m.”

his attention. Mr Khosa said the property yesterday cleared landscaping from its wall to create ten new parking spaces for staff, in a bid to resolve complaints about the lack of parking, and has also promised that valets and a parking management company will be present whenever weddings and functions are held.

Nearby homeowners had hit out over parking and traffic congestion when such events are held at A Stone’s Throw Away, but Mr Khosa again argued these concerns are overblown because the resort has only hosted seven functions in the past year. And he added that he had previously cleaned up the property he is now seeking to redevelop once rezoned for commercial use, saying its previous dilapidated state had attracted homeless persons and drug users.

“I think this thing has been blown out of proportion,”

Mr Khosa told Tribune Business of the opposition to his plans, “and the reason for this seems to be a lot of miscommunication. I partly blame myself for that; speaking more these days may be better than speaking less.

“I told the residents I’m not here to fight anyone, and whatever we do we will do with the consensus and full support of our neighbours. Having said that, it was quite

clear to me that the opposition to the rezoning is not stemming from opposition to the cafe but other grievances over the last 20 years. “It seems like it’s more emotional, and by no means am I blaming anyone, by no means am I saying anyone is crazy. Everyone has an opinion, everyone has a perception of the world.”

Pointing out that he could not be held responsible for what happened before he acquired A Stone’s Throw Away, Mr Khosa said the resort was constructed at a time when parking availability did not receive the attention it does today.

“It was not my doing,” he added, while revealing that landscaping on the hotel’s walls had been cleared yesterday to create more parking for staff. “These concerns were never brought up to me in the last five years since I owned it. I said that if this is a problem I can do this,” Mr Khosa said. “We just released ten parking spaces today by doing that. It looked nice, but if it was causing an inconvenience let’s get the landscaping out and the neighbours feeling good.”

The resort proprietor added that he would be undermining his own business model if he played music at the volume suggested by residents, effectively cutting off his nose to spite his face. And the resort’s ten-room

CLIMATE FINANCE MUST MEET STORM RECOVERY CHALLENGES

FROM PAGE A23

FROM PAGE A24 tackle other developmental challenges,” Mr Davis argued.

“As new innovations and opportunities emerge, there is a clear intersection where investing in climate resilience is the answer to making progress on a range of our most pressing development goals, such as renewable energy, food and water security, and protecting and empowering our most vulnerable populations.”

The Prime Minister called for the strengthening of relationships between countries in the Caribbean so as to maintain a unified position at international climate change conferences, and added that the OAS must do more to support regional climate resilience efforts to reman relevant to small island states.

He said: “We must strengthen hemispheric ties, provide more support for

member states, and agree on united action to advocate for change on the world stage, especially in regard to climate change. I now reiterate, as I did back in January, if the OAS is to maintain its relevance for the small island and low-lying coastal developing states among its membership, it must do more to support climate action across the Americas.”

Mr Davis added that the OAS should establish a hub for climate financing to support member states in their sustainability efforts. He said: “The people of our region are strong and resilient, but we will need more support to overcome the formidable climate challenges that lay before us.

“We welcome the proposal for the OAS to provide capacity building and greater support to member states, especially smaller countries, to access climate finance through establishing a Hub for Climate Finance.

size meant it was not a major contributor to traffic congestions in the area and on Tropical Gardens Road.

“Our traffic is very transient. Our guests fly in from Europe, the US and Canada. That’s 70-80 percent of our business,” Mr Khosa told Tribune Business. “They don’t rent a car; they get brought here by car and are picked up by taxis. We have a ten-room hotel. If you take a load factor of 60 percent, that’s six rooms.

“This notion about loud music coming out of A Stone’s Throw Away, check out the view, check out the profile. People pay a lot of money to sleep at our hotel. How is it possible I am playing music that causes walls to shake? What do you think is happening the people in my hotel?”

Mr Khosa said the music coming from his resort “won’t be heard 50 feet away”, and said of the concerns submitted to Town Planning: “The noise is totally wrong. It’s not factual. This notion we are causing a lot of traffic; we are the quaintest resort in Nassau. People come to stay, to rejuvenate, to go to the Family Islands, to have a quiet night’s sleep before they travel.

“We have the best view in Nassau because we have the best elevation. We have the quietest rooms and quaintest atmosphere. If anyone

“And we welcome these new mandates for climate action within the OAS and wider inter-American system, and are pleased that we will be adopting them at this meeting here in The Bahamas – one of the vulnerable nations at ground zero taking progressive action in the fight against climate change.”

Mr Davis added that small island states are currently facing a climate crisis, and that we must ‘act with a sense of urgency” to mitigate the effects.

He said: “Like the civilisation of Atlantis, we have ignored the many warning signs of destruction in the name of industrialisation and modernisation. If we are serious about changing our fate, we must now act with a sense of urgency.

“We must garner the political will to embrace the necessary changes to secure our mutual survival, and commit to action to ward off the worst effects of the climate crisis. Unlike past generations, we do not have the luxury of deliberating any further without taking decisive action.”

thinks we’re rezoning that place and trashing the image and environment, nothing can be further from the truth.... I’m not going to step on my bread and butter no matter what anyone thinks.”

Mr Khosa added that the residents had given the impression that traffic congestion and noise occurs virtually every day and night of the week. However, he added that the former only appeared to be an issue when functions are staged, and A Stone’s Throw Away only hosted seven in a 365day year in 2022.

Pledging that a valet and parking management company will be hired to deal with the problem on event days, the hotel proprietor added: “Had I known and it had been brought to me early on, I get their point. I’m not unreasonable. I didn’t know this was causing an issue. Now I know, this is what I told them we will do. Seven days there is a wedding in the afternoon. Is it really the end of the world?”

Turning to the actual site that is the subject of the rezoning application, he added that the proposed

redevelopment would fill a void in western New Providence’s market for an upscale cafe and flower shop, adding: “You tell me a place between Sandyport and Old Fort Bay where you can get fresh-cut flowers.”

“When I bought that land five to six years ago it had two dilapidated properties,” Mr Khosa said. “We had two dilapidated buildings that could have crumbled at any time, homeless people were going in there, staying in there and doing drugs, and the whole property was used as a dumping ground by neighbours.

“When I took it over, it was an eyesore for the hotel. I cleaned it up, we fixed the buildings. We did not add to the footprint of the building, but felt it made sense to have a nice cafe with nice coffee, juices, flowers and a small neighbourhood store. To me, that improves the whole curb appeal. My aim was to have this cafe and create a nice path from the hotel down for guests and residents.”

Asserting that parking and access to that property are the key issues, Mr Khosa said there was “ample room

to park” because the buildings only covered 10 percent of the site and, while the land is sloped, 40 percent is not that steep. “You cannot have 500 cars when you only have a 500 square foot cafe,” he added. “There’s enough land for parking there.” Residents have voiced fears that, if rezoned for commercial use, there would be nothing to stop A Stone’s Throw Away from developing a nightclub, bar or fast-food restaurant at the site. The latter was said to be the usage considered when the last rezoning bid was rejected in 2020, but Mr Khosa said this was an incorrect description of his plans provided by a contractor of which he was not aware of “until after the fact” and the application’s rejection.

And, again, he suggested that the property’s use as a nightclub or bar is incompatible the resort’s business. “My main business is a perfect sleep for my guests upstairs,” Mr Khosa told Tribune Business. “I am the last person to be having noise in the evening because that kills my main business. My room rates are $500 a night for an ocean view. How many beers do you think I have to sell to make $500?”

UK DIPLOMAT: ‘JUST NOT TRUE’ THAT US CHEAPER

THE UK’s top diplomat in The Bahamas says it is “just not true” that US goods and services are automatically cheaper due to the tariff-eliminating trade agreement between London and Nassau.

Tom Hartley, British High Commissioner to this nation, said that through the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between The Bahamas and the UK there are zero percent tariffs on many goods which causes them to be price competitive with US rivals. He also asserted that British-made goods are of a higher quality.

“I really understand that

The Bahamas’ close proximity to the US makes people feel like the US is going to be cheaper,” Mr Hartley added. “It’s just

not true. The Bahamas has a trade agreement with the UK, which means lots of tariffs for buying from the UK have gone. There are 0 percent tariffs on lots of things. But there’s still tariffs on the US, so it’s actually cheaper here.

“And the way that shipping works. It doesn’t matter whether you’re bringing a shipping container from the UK or Japan or Miami; [they] are normally about the same price. So actually, there’s really good opportunity, and you know what I think as well, British quality is much better than American quality.”

Speaking as the first UK trade mission to The Bahamas for 20 years arrived this week, he added: “I think what’s particularly unique, or particularly great about British companies, is that they invest ethically. They hire locally. They want to be sustainable, and companies

MOODY’S 3% GROWTH FORECAST ‘NOT STRANGE’

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

A FORMER Cabinet minister yesterday said Moody’s forecast of 3 percent economic growth for The Bahamas in 2023 is “nothing strange” and reflects the country’s reversion to traditional performance after the postCOVID recovery.

Zhivargo Laing, former minister of state for finance, told Tribune Business that the gross domestic product (GDP) growth prediction by Moody’s was in line with his own projection for this calendar year. It also matches the revised estimate given by John Rolle, the Central Bank of The Bahamas’ governor.

“That’s in line with what I have been saying, and

others like the IDB (InterAmerican Development Bank) have been saying, for some time,” he said. “The Bahamas’ ordinary growth rate pre-pandemic has been around 2 percent, and slightly under 2 percent and, on extraordinary occasions, 3 percent or so.

So this is just a return to normalcy.

“All of that growth that we saw as we turned the economy up in the waning days of the pandemic, that was just reflective really of a recovery born of the fact that you had artificially turned down your economy and you are just now turning it back up, so we’re just seeing the economy get back to its normal place.”

Tourism’s recovery has largely driven the growth resurgence, with stopover visitor numbers some two percent below

are already investing in things like scholarships.

They’re not just to invest and make profit and go.

They’re here for the long run, and they’re here for a positive relationship.”

Chris Bennett, managing director of the Caribbean

pre-COVID numbers for 2019 in August. Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister, and minister of tourism, investments and aviation, is predicting The Bahamas will receive 8m visitors in 2023.

Mr Laing said tourism’s rebound means there is “nothing strange” about Moody’s forecast. He added: “I had predicted this for some time now, and the prediction was correct to return to that normal growth in 2024.”

As for the Government’s refinancing, or rollover, of $2.2bn in debt maturities, he added: “It all depends on the Government’s financing objectives for managing its debt. You use various avenues of financing, depending on which one of them offers you the best pricing and the best structuring for your cash flow. So it depends on what they see, and what they think is most appropriate, given the objectives that they have.”

BTC ‘WILDLY EXCEEDS’ TARGETS FOR BROADBAND INTERNET GROWTH

THE BAHAMAS Telecommunications Company (BTC) says it has “wildly exceeded expectations” for broadband Internet growth and exceeded targets set for the 2023 third quarter.

The carrier, in a statement, said its performance for the three months to end-September 2023 had continued the momentum generated during the year’s first-half with subscribers demanding faster, stronger and more reliable fibre services.

Sameer Bhatti, BTC’s chief executive, said: “We are thankful to our customers for choosing BTC as their provider. We take this partnership very seriously, and I can assure our customers that they have made the right choice. There is no better way to close out my first year as chief executive with this amazing achievement. We set a very aggressive market share target at the beginning

of the year, and every single month we’ve wildly exceeded expectations.”

BTC added that it has hired 25 extra sales and service delivery team members to help complete its fibre-to-the-home infrastructure roll-out in Grand Bahama. The carrier said it has already finished its fibre deployment in McClean’s Town and Pelican Point, while several new

communities are set to be connected before year-end.

Mr Bhatti continued: “We are focused on growing our broadband business, as this yields national economic and social benefits for everyone. Broadband is the catalyst for all our advancement initiatives, and it is an enabler for our all of our evolving industries.”

BTC said it earlier this year became the first provider to introduce gig speeds, and the first to offer symmetrical speeds, delivering the same download and upload speeds for customers.

When I joined the BTC team, I encouraged our colleagues to engender a ‘One BTC’ mindset of growth potential, putting the customer first and being consistent with our follow through. The result is that we are earning our customers’ trust more consistently. I’m thankful for such a diligent team,” Mr Bhatti said.

Baha Mar resort brand labelled Atlantic leader

BAHA Mar Rosewood property yesterday said it has been recognised by Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards as the leading Atlantic island resort for 2023. The hotel brand, in a statement, said the award marks the fourth consecutive year that the property has received worldwide recognition. It added that Rosewood Baha Mar has steadily climbed the rankings, placing 17th in 2019; third in 2020; and second in 2021 and 2022.

This year, the resort has claimed the top spot.

“We are incredibly honoured that Rosewood Baha Mar has achieved this prestigious ranking in the Atlantic Islands Resorts category of this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards,” said Monica Ortiz, Rosewood Baha Mar’s managing director. “The Rosewood family is fortunate to have the most loyal guests who are wonderfully curious and world travellers at heart. We are equally committed to them, and we take pride in delivering an unmatched

Council, said many UK companies are seeking new markets following the country’s exit from the European Union (EU). And The Bahamas is seeing ‘tremendous growth and appetite” after the COVID19 pandemic and Hurricane

Dorian, making it the perfect time to embark on this trade mission.

“We could really see coming out of COVID some of the challenges that The Bahamas been through; the double whammy of Dorian and the

COVID pandemic, but also the tremendous growth and appetite for doing things differently and trying a new approach that this government was bringing to the partners,” he added.

“We could also see an appetite in the UK from companies that were looking for new markets to work in, to invest in, because of Brexit. They were starting to think differently about the world. And The Bahamas, we could, see was a place where there was a ‘let’s get business done’ kind of attitude.

“It’s English-speaking, it has the same common law that we have. There were an awful lot of commonalities. The new trade agreement has been signed between CARIFORUM and the UK, which provides two-way reductions in tariffs. It also means that it’s cheaper and better for Bahamians to buy UK products.”

Climate finance must meet storm recovery challenges

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

THE Prime Minister yesterday called for climate change solutions to account for the vast costs imposed on The Bahamas and other small island states in trying to rebuild from catastrophic hurricanes.

Philip Davis KC, speaking at the Organisation for American States (OAS) sustainable development ministerial conference, said: “Those who have faced these challenges know how expensive recovery can be. As much as half of my nation’s national debt can be attributed to the impact of climate change.

“No other goal takes priority over supporting our people and getting them back on their feet after these destructive and traumatising disasters. Any discussion of sustainable development must be had in the context of our climate reality. And any solutions we advance must take the

financial reality of preparation and recovery from extreme climate events into account.”

Over the past few days, the Prime Minister has met with regional leaders at the Climate Financing of the Americas conference, where he called for reforms in climate change-related financing. He yesterday urged that such funding be used to improve infrastructure in climate-vulnerable countries and to help them meet their sustainable development goals.

“Equipping us with the finances to make our coastlines, infrastructure and economies more climateresilient gives us room to

SEE PAGE A21

hospitality experience in Nassau.”

Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards celebrate properties that champion forward-thinking hospitality. To receive its award, Rosewood Baha Mar was qualified by a Condé Nast Traveler survey that assessed the property based on a set of criteria ranging from food and beverage offerings to the level of service, individuality of the property’s design and more.

SAMEER BHATTI

A BRITISH Business Mission Delegation paid a courtesy call on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation the Hon. Chester Cooper, October 3, 2023 at the Office of the Prime Minister. The business delegation was accompanied by British High Commissioner HE Thomas Hartley.

Photo:Kemuel Stubbs/BIS

PHILIP DAVIS KC

Health insurance costs rise ‘across the board’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN companies and individuals are facing “across the board” increases in health insurance premiums as a result of up-to double digit increases in medical and reinsurance costs, it was revealed yesterday.

Julian Rolle, the Bahamas Insurance Association’s (BIA) chairman, confirmed to Tribune Business that coverage costs are under growing pressure from rising treatment prices as well as higher charges levied by reinsurers. Bahamian health insurance underwriters purchase cover themselves from international reinsurers to help manage risk, share the load and take on more clients.

“You’re absolutely correct,” he told this newspaper, when asked if private health insurance costs are increasing. “The cost of healthcare has risen across the region by 10-14 percent. That is the increase across the entire provider system, including the medication. That’s the average. That’s the current increases we are seeing from the providers The cost of medication has also continued to increase.

‘Why would I kill Nassau’s quaintest hotel property?’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A BAHAMAS hotel proprietor last night said he would be “killing” his $500 per night core business and status as the “quaintest” property in Nassau if the complaints of nearby residents were at all valid.

Oneil Khosa, owner of A Stone’s Throw Away, told Tribune Business he felt many of the parking, noise and crime fears voiced by homeowners in objecting to his plans to develop a grocery store and cafe on part of his property had either been “blown out of proportion” or were irrelevant to the application currently before the Town Planning Committee.

Speaking after Monday night’s hearing, where he made the case for approving a $400,000 investment that will create between five to ten full-time jobs, the former Paradise Cruise Line chief executive said he aims to be “a good neighbour” and pledged to Tropical Gardens and Gambier Heights homeowners that whatever he does will be with their “consensus and full support”.

Reiterating that he is “not here to fight anyone”, even though several residents spoke

out before Town Planning against his proposal for the site at Tropical Gardens Road’s junction with West Bay Street, Mr Khosa argued that some of the complaints submitted about his property are “totally wrong” and “not factual”.

He also suggested that much of the opposition appeared to be based on “emotion”, and appeared to stem from grievances dating back to when its original developer constructed A Stone’s Throw Away more than 20 years ago in the late 1990s. Noting that he only acquired the resort some five to six years ago, Mr Khosa said there was little he could do to resolve matters that pre-dated him.

And, while nearby residents have complained the resort plays loud music that has “literally shaken the walls of our homes”, Mr Khosa said this was totally incompatible with A Stone’s Throw Away’s market positioning as a high-end, secluded retreat given that it would also keep his guests awake.

Asserting that these allegations made no sense, he told this newspaper that he was unaware of some legitimate concerns because they had never been brought to

SEE PAGE A21

Residents put ‘strong case’ against resort

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

RESIDENTS of two western New Providence communities were yesterday said to feel they have “made a very strong case” against rezoning a West Bay Street property to facilitate a hotel’s expansion plans.

Geoffrey Stuart, who developed a petition by Gambier Heights

homeowners against A Stone’s Throw Away’s plans, told Tribune Business he personally is “not very concerned” about the resort’s prospects for obtaining Town Planning Committee approval to develop a site at the junction with Tropical Gardens Road into a cafe, grocery store and florists (see other article on Page 1B)

Speaking after Monday’s hearing before the planning watchdog, at which

both sides presented their respective cases, he said its Board was due to meet on and discuss the matter yesterday with a decision expected before the upcoming weekend.

“We had a great turnout from those who are against the matter. No one other than the owner of the property [Oneil Khosa] spoke up for it,” Mr Stuart told this newspaper. “He was making it sound like it was hunky dory and the best

“The reinsurers have also been telling us it’s increasing. It’s not just the cost of the care, but the cost of reinsurance has also increased. I think that number has increased, give or take, somewhere in the range of 7-10 percent.”

Bahamian companies who purchase group health insurance policies for their staff, as part of employee benefits packages, as well as persons with individual coverage have been feeling the impact as renewals and quotes for 2024 are issued.

This newspaper understands some businesses have received renewal notices containing doubledigit premium increases that are broadly in line with the care and reinsurance rises referred to by Mr Rolle, as underwriters seek to mitigate increased payouts through higher topline revenue.

The BIA chair, who is also managing director at

BAF Financial, told Tribune Business he was unable to provide specific figures or percentages for how much healthcare insurance costs have risen because the increase varies between different policyholders.

Factors determining the size of the increase, Mr Rolle explained, will be past performance, meaning the level of claims payouts that a health insurance carrier has previously incurred on specific group and individual policies. Demographic factors, such as the ages of those insured and whether any suffer from chronic non-communicable diseases, will be key in deciding the level of risk and, accordingly, the premium price and increase.

“It would depend on the performance of the group,” Mr Rolle added. “If you take everybody in total, it’s about the amount of usage as a pool. There’s

Cabinet minister’s estate battling radio show host

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A FORMER Cabinet minister’s estate is locked in a legal battle with a wellknown radio talk show host over who is the rightful owner of two lots that are accessed through Gibbs Corner.

A September 28, 2023, ruling by Justice Deborah Fraser reveals the late Bradley Roberts’ family are fighting Steve McKinney, host of the Hard Copy show on Peace 107.5 FM, in an attempt to evict him from properties the latter and his wife claim to have occupied for 20 years.

January 24 this year “claiming trespass of property” owned by Mr Roberts. That land involves two lots described as being located east of Marcus Bethel Drive in Nassau, with each accessed through Maura Lane and Gibbs Lane.

place. We pointed out that he’s putting an entrance and exit about 20 feet away from the main West Bay Street. We pointed out to him that this is not palatable for us.”

He argued that the entrance to the proposed cafe and grocery store was not large enough for arriving and exiting vehicles to pass at the same time, and said he informed Mr

SEE PAGE A20

Rating agencies set ‘true north’ on Bahamas reform

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

INTERNATIONAL credit rating agencies have set “almost a true north” for The Bahamas to reach when it comes to key economic and fiscal reforms, a governance reformer argued yesterday.

Hubert Edwards, head of the Organisation for Responsible Governance’s (ORG) economic development committee, told

Tribune Business that both Standard & Poor’s (S&P) and Moody’s had set out similar policy prescriptions for The Bahamas to follow in their recent country assessments.

While Moody’s 2023 economic growth projection for The Bahamas was higher, standing at 3 percent compared to S&P’s more conservative 1.8 percent, he added that the “messaging” from the two reports should “guide and form the core of any

adjusted approach by the administration” as the new legislative session of Parliament opens today.

“Save for the projected growth rate of 3 percent in 2023-24 and 2.5 percent in 2024-25, the credit report on The Bahamas released recently from Moody’s is in many ways identical to the positions taken by S&P with a few more granular insights. The path forward hinges on effective

SEE PAGE A19

The verdict reveals that the ex-MP’s wife, Hartlyn Roberts, and his children Obie, Michelle and Nicole, as representatives his estate, initiated legal action against Mr McKinney on

“According to the Writ, it is alleged that the defendant and his wife were granted permission to occupy the lots by the deceased [Mr Roberts],” Justice Fraser wrote. “However, contrary to a purported agreement between the deceased and the defendant and his wife, the defendant and his wife constructed a parking area, foot paths, a white picket fence, a fruit stand, a chain link fence and a ‘No Trespassing’ sign on the lots.

“It is also alleged that they deny that the deceased owned title to the lots.

SEE PAGE A20

BRADLEY ROBERTS STEVE MCKINNEY

HUBERT EDWARDS

PLANS for cafe and grocery store by A Stone’s Throw Away.