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BAHAMIANS GET READY FOR STORM
‘A city in chaos’ as residents brace for Florida impact
By JADE RUSSELL and KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporters
SHORTAGES of toilet paper, empty grocery shelves, long gas station lines, and growing panic are confronting Bahamians in Florida as Hurricane Milton approaches as a giant storm. Many are bracing for what could be a catastrophic hit, with wide sections of
the Tampa Bay area under evacuation orders after the hurricane intensified into a category five storm. Felicity Clarke, 37, who has lived in Cocoa, Brevard County, Florida, for three years since moving from The Bahamas, described a city in chaos yesterday. She waited six hours in line at a designated site where sandbags were distributed,
HENFIEL D C A LL S FOR DEAT H PENA LTY TO BE ENFORCED
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter
lrolle@tribunemedia.net
FNM Senator Darren
Henfield has called on the country to “take the bull by the horns” and enforce the death penalty, advocating for the Court of Appeal to replace the Privy Council as the ultimate authority in such cases.
He voiced his support for capital punishment and the removal of the UK-based Privy Council as the highest appellate court for murder convicts while condemning recent violent crimes, including the murders of two men in front of their children.
“How you can just walk
Senator quits after taking bank role
QUINTON Lightbourne resigned as a senator yesterday, a decision that came after he recently relocated for a position with Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in Washington, DC. The Progressive Liberal Party announced Ja’Ann Major as his replacement in Senate.
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
QUINTON Lightbourne resigned as a senator yesterday, and the Progressive Liberal Party announced that Ja’Ann Michella Major has been appointed to the Senate to fill the vacancy.
Mr Lightbourne’s decision came after he relocated to Washington, DC, for a position with the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB). A former chairman of the Bahamas Development Bank, he was appointed the alternate executive director for the IDB’s Caribbean
constituency on July 1.
Mr Lightbourne announced that his resignation was effective immediately in the Senate yesterday. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve his country and highlighted his
CAMBRIDGE OUT AS BPL C EO AFTER TWO YEARS
By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net
SHEVONN Cambridge is out as Bahamas Power and Light’s CEO. It was unclear up to press time whether he resigned or was fired. However, two sources confirmed his departure, which comes more than two years after he was appointed to the post. His exit comes at a sensitive and critical time for
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
BAHAMIANS GET READY FOR STORM
with traffic stretching for miles. She had to ask a police officer at one point if she could leave her car to use a restroom because she “couldn’t take it anymore.”
Some residents are still shaken from the recent passage of Hurricane Helene, and news of Hurricane Milton has sent many into a frenzy. Ms Clarke has stocked her home with food, water, and hurricane shutters to ensure her and her daughter’s safety, though she said there is still a 50 percent chance they will fly out of Florida.
“I am a little nervous,” she said. “I was thinking about just getting out of here and probably flying up to Tennessee. I don’t even want to drive anywhere.”
Jane Garcia, 51, a schoolteacher in Brevard County, said she plans to wait out the hurricane with her family. Living in Florida for 24 years, Mrs Garcia said her house has experienced flooding due to its low elevation. She has stocked up on 60 days’ worth of food and prepared a hurricane bin but noted a toilet paper shortage in stores.
“For some reason, everyone bought out all the toilet tissue,” she said. “I don’t understand why people panic so much about toilet tissue.” She added that the US port strike had impacted grocery stores, with her daughter finding empty shelves at several locations. Gas stations are also chaotic, with some running out of fuel.
“There are red tags on tanks, and police officers are controlling the craziness because people are just acting crazy,” she said. “But our tank is full, so we’re not affected.”
Despite her family’s preparations, Mrs Garcia is still worried about the damage Hurricane Milton could cause. She recalled evacuating to a shelter during Hurricane Charlie several
years ago.
Another resident, Alexia, who has lived in Melbourne for five years, said she has been preparing for the storm since last week. Originally from The Bahamas, the experience of preparing for hurricanes feels familiar in Florida for her.
A state of emergency has been declared for much of Florida ahead of Hurricane Milton’s expected landfall tomorrow. Bahamasair is offering discounted flights for Bahamians evacuating central Florida, with preexisting ticket holders able to change their travel plans without penalty.
Consul General of The Bahamas in Miami, Curt Hollingsworth, said the Bahamian Consulate has “ramped up” coordination efforts between The Bahamas and Florida authorities. He added that the consulate will help with travel documents for Bahamians in need and will maintain a list of nationals in the area to provide updates.
Meanwhile, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) announced that all personnel leave has been cancelled, except for those on secondment, sick leave, special leave, compassionate leave, international study leave, administrative leave, or pre-retirement leave. Personnel at Coral Harbour Base must report for duty today at 8.40 am. The Harbour Patrol Unit, Port Security, Air Wing Unit, and Military Police & Force Protection Unit must report to their respective posts. The Disaster Risk Management Authority also issued a public advisory on Sunday, urging residents in the north and northwest Bahamas, including Grand Bahama and Abaco, to prepare for Hurricane Milton. Jeffrey Simmons, acting director of the Bahamas Department of Meteorology, said yesterday that Hurricane Milton is unlikely to directly affect The Bahamas, with the impact
expected mainly in central and northern Florida.
Mr Simmons said yesterday’s rain and choppy conditions in parts of the country were caused by a different system.
“This is one of those systems we call easy to predict, so we are fairly confident that it will stay on this projected path and impact central northern Florida between Wednesday night and Thursday morning,” he said.
Yesterday, the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training also announced the closure of schools in Grand Bahama, Abaco, Bimini, and Grand Cay for face-toface instruction today and tomorrow due to adverse weather conditions from Hurricane Milton. Staff and students in these areas are urged to complete their preparations ahead of the storm.
from page one
BAHAMIANS in Florida are seeing empty shelves and long lines of traffic as the frenzied preparations ahead of Hurricane Milton increase.
A SATELLITE image of Category 5 Hurricane Milton yesterday afternoon.
Photo: NOAA/AP
Lightbourne resigns after taking IDB job
from page one
contributions to significant legislation over the past three years.
“Serving in this place has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life,” he said. “I’m extremely grateful to the Prime Minister, the Honorable Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, for the support and confidence he has placed in me.”
He thanked the Senate president and his other senators for their mentorship and support. He reflected on the valuable lessons he learned about the power of parliamentarians to positively impact people’s lives and the importance of cherishing democratic rights and freedoms.
“You have been sources of wisdom, mentorship and encouragement, and your unwavering support and trust have given me the strength to persevere and excel,” he said.
As he transitions to his new role, he expressed excitement about this next chapter, emphasizing his commitment to serving the Bahamian people.
“As I leave my position today as a senator, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and pride,” he said. “It is said that an exit from one place is an entrance in another, and so while my role in the Upper House has come to an end, my commitment to our community and our country remains as strong as ever.”
Ms Major, a partner at Higgs & Johnson, also serves on the board of Bahamas Maritime Authority.
Henfield calls for death penalty to be enforced
around here, walk up to a father with his children, picking him up from school and my understanding from fellows on the streets is even street ethics are now out of the window,” he said during his contribution to debate on the National Crime Intelligence (Amendment) Bill in the Senate yesterday.
Acknowledging that some might see his death penalty stance as “barbaric,” he emphasised that laws are in place to deal with murderers, adding: “We gotta do something to stop these killings.”
Although the law allows for capital punishment, the death penalty has not been enforced since January 2000, when David Mitchell was executed for stabbing two German tourists to death.
In 2006, the Londonbased Privy Council ruled that the country’s mandatory death sentence for convicted murderers was unconstitutional.
Some legislators believe the Privy Council would never uphold the death penalty.
“The Privy Council has
shown us that it is not willing to cause an execution of a murderer to happen in The Bahamas or the Commonwealth Caribbean anytime soon,” Mr Henfield said.
“And so I believe it is time now for us to take the bull by the horn and do what we must to preserve The Bahamas, to preserve our existence, preserve our way of life, which we’ve all come to love.”
He said switching to the Caribbean Court of Justice would make little difference, adding that “hardly any daylight” exists between it and the Privy Council.
He noted that some Commonwealth countries have amended their constitutions to circumvent the Privy Council but clarified he was not suggesting this.
Instead, he urged lawmakers to consider making the Court of Appeal, which he said comprised some of the brightest judges in the world, as the final court in instances of murder.
“We need people who sit in the courts and hear these matters, who are in touch with the socialisation of the Bahamian people, who feel
CAMBRIDGE OUT AS BPL C EO AFTER TWO YEARS
from page one
the power company as the Davis administration pursues the most comprehensive transformation the company has seen in years.
The administration is arranging an agreement with Pike Corporation to upgrade and manage BPL’s transmission and distribution (T&D) network in New Providence. The deal will involve turning over a significant portion of BPL’s assets.
Pike’s workers and trucks have been spotted across the island for weeks, addressing grid issues. When Mr Cambridge was appointed CEO, BPL described him as an accomplished businessman, attorney and leader who served as director of utilities and energy at the Utilities Regulation & Competition Authority (URCA) from 2017 to 2022. Before that, he had spent 25 years at The Bahamas Electricity Corporation, working as Assistant Engineer, Senior Manager, Regional Manager, Assistant General Manager and Deputy General Manager. Meanwhile, Christina Alston was recently appointed chairperson of BPL’s board, replacing Pedro Rolle.
what we feel every day as we move about these streets in The Bahamas where the fear of crime is so high now it’s palatable,” he said.
“Something has to change. We cannot allow the status quo to maintain and reap the same old results, and I am bold enough to suggest that our Court of Appeal can litigate, adjudicate on these matters and come to the results that the law of The Bahamas dictates that they come to. I’m satisfied that they can.”
“You could keep the Privy Council for your civil side if that’s what you want. Do the research. It can be bifurcated. Well, if it can’t, let’s get rid of them all together.”
According to the Constitution, Parliament holds the authority to determine whether appeals from the Court of Appeal in The Bahamas can go to the UKbased Privy Council or to a different court. Parliament can enact a law establishing a different court to replace the Privy Council in handling appeals.
While in opposition, former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis pledged that
if elected, he would immediately seek to amend the constitution to remove the UK-based Privy Council as
the highest court of appeal for murder convicts. However, that never happened, and FNM legislators did not
publicly call for action. Mr Henfield was the Minister of Foreign Affairs under the Minnis administration.
QUINTON Lightbourne resigned his senate seat yesterday after accepting a position with IDB. Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
from page one
SHEVONN Cambridge is out as Bahamas Power and Light’s CEO. Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
‘People with disabilities in communities are always concerned about safety’
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
NATIONAL Com-
mission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD)
chairperson Nalini Bethel renewed her community’s call for curb ramps, tactile warning surfaces and audible signals at traffic lights after a hit and run incident left a disabled man dead.
The body of a wheelchair-bound man was discovered on the roadside on Strachan Boulevard early Friday morning last week. Authorities suspect the victim’s body may have been dragged by the vehicle.
Although the circumstances of the man’s death are uncertain, Ms Bethel noted the disabled community needs traffic assistance in various ways.
“We are calling for assistance for the visually impaired and hearing impaired, so they can cross safely,” she said. She expressed hope that certain areas would incorporate these road safety features, similar to those
found in other countries.
“People with disabilities in communities are always concerned about safety. They want to feel safer on the streets, whether they’re pedestrians or in a wheelchair. Safety is a concern across the board,
especially among the disabled community. We have talked to road traffic about it. The safety of disabled persons is a concern for everyone.”
In October 2022, a man in a wheelchair, Decordray Brown, was fatally struck
by a vehicle on Tonique Williams-Darling Highway and Theodore Lane.
Activist Erin Brown reflected on the lack of progress in addressing pedestrian safety in the year following the incident.
“We asked what the result of the investigation was and where the proper sidewalks, overpasses, crosswalks, or crossing lights are to mitigate this form of assault or violence against pedestrians, including those with disabilities,” she said, adding that she got no answers.
“There are various reasons why drivers may struggle to see pedestrians, especially those with disabilities,” she noted, citing issues like poor lighting, lack of roadway markers, inexperienced drivers, and vehicle malfunctions.
Ms Brown stressed the importance of adhering to the Road Traffic Act to ensure safe driving for all. “Impatience and road rage can affect anyone, but it should not take a vehicular assault or hit-and-run to bring about the changes needed to protect lives,” she said.
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcambell@tribunemedia.net
AFTER Standard & Poor’s (S&P) gave The Bahamas a B+ rating with a stable outlook, Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell urged the private sector to step up in defending the country’s economic resilience.
He stressed their “considerable influence” over international perceptions, remarking that “a fisherman never calls his own fish stink,” referencing the role of local business leaders in shaping how agencies view the economy.
Prime Minister Philip Davis also acknowledged the rating last week but highlighted the need to continue addressing structural reforms, recognising
the “lot of work ahead”. S&P’s report projected slower GDP growth at 1.8 percent for 2024, pointing to long-standing issues like fiscal headroom and vulnerability to external shocks, which threaten the nation’s future stability.
Last week, Mr Halkitis expressed confidence that “we will exceed their growth estimates,” challenging the agency’s pessimism. He reiterated that, while sceptical in the past, “we don’t buy that at all”, referring to previous S&P forecasts that underestimated the government’s ability to raise revenue and grow the economy.
Mr Mitchell echoed similar sentiments, saying: “They were wrong before, and I believe they’ll be wrong again.”
OVERTURNS IN NEW PROVIDENCE
NATIONAL Commission for Persons with Disabilities chairperson Nalini Bethel.
POLICE on the scene where a man in a wheelchair was killed in a hit and run incident last week.
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
A PHOTO showing an overturned police truck shared on social media.
AG defends plea deals after concerns voiced publicly over recent rape case
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
ATTORNEY General
Ryan Pinder defended plea deals, revealing that concerns about the quality of evidence influenced the terms of a plea agreement in the case of a man convicted of raping an elderly woman, which led to a nineyear sentence.
He emphasised in the Senate that the purpose of plea deals is to uphold justice and streamline legal proceedings, not to lessen penalties for offenders.
“We understand that some recent sentencing has raised concerns, especially when plea deals are involved. But I want to reassure the public that when we pursue a plea deal, it’s not about being lenient — it’s about making sure justice is served in the best way possible,” he said.
case is in doubt, is a successful strategy for disposing of cases and obtaining guilty convictions.”
Nonetheless, Senator Darren Henfield expressed strong disagreement with Mr Pinder’s perspective. He acknowledged the need for plea agreements to address the backlog of cases, but emphasised that justice must not be compromised.
“In the interest of justice, it is a travesty that a 22-year-old man was sentenced to nine years after raping an 89-year-old woman,” he said. “It is a travesty — that is not in our humble estimation in the interest of justice.”
Director of Public Prosecutions recently reported that 25 plea agreements were recorded from January to September 2024. This includes 16 for armed robbery, two for murder and two for unlawful sexual intercourse.
Over the past decade, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has increasingly used plea deals, with 41 in 2016; 96 in 2017; 72 in 2018; 62 in 2019; and 13 in 2020. In 2023, there were 44 plea agreements, including 24 for armed robbery, three for murder, two for attempted murder, three for unlawful sexual intercourse, one for manslaughter, one for rape, and ten for “other offences.”
“Sometimes, factors like the availability of witnesses or the strength of the evidence come into play. In one particular case that drew complaints, we faced real challenges with the quality of evidence. We have to weigh all these elements carefully because it’s not always a simple blackor-white decision. Our focus remains on ensuring that justice is delivered, even when the path to it is more complex.”
to a lesser charge, leading to other charges being dropped, or they might plead guilty to the original charge in exchange for a lighter sentence.
In a plea deal, a defendant might plead guilty
While some argue that plea deals can allow offenders to evade appropriate punishment, Mr Pinder said they are essential for a fair and timely justice process.
He said: “A prosecutor may enter into a plea agreement for a number of reasons, and each case is weighed on its merits, the quality of the evidence, the availability of witnesses, and the strength of the case. Securing a guilty plea, especially when the quality of the evidence is questionable, or the strength of the
He added that while he understands the reluctance of some victims to testify, “nine years for a serial rapist does not serve justice well in this country, and justice must not only be served but must be seen to be served.”
He highlighted a broader concern within the community, noting that the public is upset about perceived leniency in sentencing, especially in such serious cases.
The Office of the
Last week, acting Director of Public Prosecutions Cordell Frazier insisted that plea agreements are a powerful tool that helps reduce case backlogs and spare victims from reliving traumatic experiences while also allowing remorseful defendants to take responsibility for their actions.
Woman sentenced for blackmail of bank loan officer loses appeal
By LEANDRA ROLLE
Tribune Chief Reporter
A WOMAN who blackmailed a bank loan officer for allegedly misusing her personal funds to help pay her college fees, in violation of bank policy, had her two-and-a-half-year sentence upheld by the Court of Appeal.
Jamia Newbold tried to appeal her extortion and attempted extortion convictions before Justices Jon Isaacs, Indra Charles, and Gregory Smith, but her bid was unsuccessful.
The charges stem from Newbold extorting $28,000 from Cleopatra Deal, the then loan manager at CIBC, by threatening to report her to management for sending
personal funds to assist with her college fees in violation of bank policy. Newbold met Mrs Deal in 2018 while asking about obtaining a student loan to attend Georgetown University in Washington for a year.
Although Mrs Deal assisted her with the loan application process, Newbold did not meet the loan requirements. Ultimately, Mrs Deal decided against the bank’s policy to use her personal funds to finance Newbold out of generosity, as she reminded her of her daughter.
Between August and December 2018, Mrs Deal sent Newbold $45,996 to cover tuition, rent, and other expenses. No
repayment method was ever discussed, and Mrs Deal cautioned Newbold that her actions could jeopardise her own job.
In January 2019, the loan was approved, but the amount was significantly less than what Newbold had requested. When Mrs Deal informed Newbold of this, she refused to cooperate and sign the required forms.
In May 2019, Newbold told Mrs Deal she was about to be expelled from college for unpaid tuition, which would adversely affect her ability to earn a degree, and therefore demanded $28,000.
She warned that if Mrs Deal failed to comply, she would report her.
Fearful of losing her job, Mrs Deal transferred
$28,200 to Newbold’s account on July 11, 2019.
Nearly a month later, Newbold demanded an additional $33,500 and threatened to initiate legal proceedings against Mrs Deal and the bank.
This prompted Mrs Deal to inform the bank about the situation, and she subsequently reported the matter to the police.
As a result, Newbold was arrested and charged with extortion and attempted extortion.
On March 1, she was convicted and sentenced to two years and six months after her trial before Senior Magistrate Carolyn Voght Evans.
Days later, Newbold challenged her conviction and sentence on eight
grounds, arguing that inadmissible evidence had been wrongly admitted and that the verdict was unreasonable and not supported by the evidence.
“Her case is that the monies she received were from the approved loan from the bank,” court documents noted.
She also contended that the sentence was unduly severe and “based on a wrong principle of law.”
In their ruling, the appellate judges noted that none of the eight grounds of the convicts’ appeal had merit.
“The Magistrate’s decision to convict the appellant on the charge of extortion was neither unreasonable in light of the evidence nor was the verdict unsafe or
unsatisfactory,” the court said. “The absence of a signed loan agreement and the continued receipt of personal funds supported the finding that the appellant knowingly extorted the complainant. The appellant was aware she did not have a loan, yet demanded money from the complainant using threats. Furthermore, the appellant exploited the complainant’s precarious situation, knowing the risk of job loss if the bank discovered the transpired events.”
Further to this, the appellate judges said they saw no reason to interfere with the magistrate’s sentencing decision, noting that the penalties were appropriate given the seriousness of the offences.
Scotiabank hosts coastal clean-up at Goodman’s Bay
SCOTIABANK Baha-
mas’ Employee Social and Community Engagement Committee hosted a coastal clean-up at Goodman’s Bay Beach on Saturday, September 21, as part of the bank’s commitment to community service and environmental sustainability.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from staff members, all working towards a common goal of positively impacting the local environment.
Na-amah Barker, Scotiabank Bahamas director of retail banking and small
business, highlighted the bank’s commitment to community engagement.
“Scotiabank has always been committed to contributing to the communities we serve, and this coastal cleanup was another way for us to give back. It also reinforces our collective dedication to ensuring a cleaner, greener Bahamas for future generations,” she said. The clean-up allowed employees to collaborate and demonstrate their commitment to preserving the natural beauty of Bahamian
beaches. Staff members collected litter, removed debris, and raised awareness about the importance of maintaining a clean, healthy environment.
This initiative is part of Scotiabank’s broader environmental sustainability programme, which aims to protect the natural beauty of local communities while fostering a culture of care and responsibility among staff. The bank continues to champion efforts that benefit the community and contribute to a more sustainable future.
ATTORNEY GENERAL RYAN PINDER
The Tribune Limited
NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI
“Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”
LEON E. H. DUPUCH
Publisher/Editor 1903-1914
SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH, Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .
Publisher/Editor 1919-1972
Contributing Editor 1972-1991
RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B.
Publisher/Editor 1972-
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THE topic of the death penalty has returned to the table.
FNM Senator Darren Henfield raised the issue yesterday, calling on the country to “take the bull by the horns” and enforce the death penalty.
Death penalty sentences have previously found their way to the Privy Council for rulings – and Mr Henfield called for the Court of Appeal to replace the Privy Council as the ultimate authority for those cases.
He admitted his stance on the penalty might be seen as “barbaric”. His reasoning for pursuing the matter regardless? “We gotta do something to stop these killings.” We gotta do something.
On that, he is right. There is little evidence around the world, however, that death penalty enforcement makes any difference in that regard.
There is plenty of evidence on the issue. The Tribune has previously published some of that evidence.
Columnist Malcolm Strachan pointed out studies that showed in four states that halted death penalties in the US –Illinois, Washington, Pennsylvania and New Jersey – that there was no change in homicide rates.
Amnesty International has pointed out that states in the US that do not have the death penalty have significantly lower murder rates than those which do.
As we are approaching 100 murders for the year once more, it is also worth noting that the death penalty is in full effect on the streets, and there are plenty of criminals living under the threat of death and not being deterred from carrying on their activities.
Indeed, as Tribune columnist Front Porch pointed out previously, Sir Arthur Foulkes previously said: “The young people are killing one another and you are telling them violence is not the answer. But what do you do to cure the problem? You resort to violence? You join the killing spree? No. I don’t think
that’s the answer. It gives you the false idea that that would help to solve the problem. The problem is bigger than that.”
The Privy Council comes into the picture having ruled that the mandatory death sentence was unconstitutional.
The ruling in the case of Bowe and Davis v R (2006) has made the imposition discretionary, and since the case of Maxo Tido v R (2011) only imposed on cases which are “the worst of the worst”. That has not been clearly tested in law, and so the executions have halted.
Of course, any government can introduce legislation. They can do so to clarify the terms under which a death penalty would be imposed, within the bounds of the constitution.
That has not been done.
If a government of any flavour is serious about reintroducing the death penalty, it has the means to endeavour to do so, without having to separate off the Privy Council as an appeal path. After all, if the state wishes to take away a life, a rigorous appeal ought to be allowed before that final resort.
That repeated governments have seen political leaders lament the lack of a death penalty while at the same time not pursuing pathways to implement it perhaps suggests that it is convenient to blame the Privy Council for blocking the path to something that perhaps a government might not really want. Or such a government does not want to risk political capital on what is a divisive issue.
Whatever the truth, any such decision ought to be based on more than “we gotta do something”.
If we ever take that path, all the evidence should be carefully weighed to see if it will actually achieve the required goal – a reduction in our murder rates.
Otherwise, we would be killing people for the sake of being seen to be doing something. And that would be the absolute worst reason to do so.
PICTURE OF THE DAY
Have a cool, fun, interesting, amazing photo? Have it featured image to pictureoftheday@tribunemedia.net
SCULPTURE of Poseidon
Sands wrong on crime blame game
EDITOR, The Tribune.
AT a time when the country is numb from a wave of senseless killings and when we all know that there is a strange phenomenon that we are grappling with, the most civilised thing for all of us to do is to agree that we have all failed our children with how to resolve conflict.
No less a person than the chairperson of the Free National Movement, Dr Duane Sands, a heart surgeon trained to be compassionate, and look for sensible solutions rather than add insult to injury, is hellbent on inflicting pain.
Sands is well known and respected for his profession, having saved many lives. It would be easy to conclude that he is soberminded and looks on the brighter side of things. It is reasonable to conclude that he would be more inclined to create an atmosphere of compromise first.
But it is disheartening to see that Sands has not expressed the rationality expected. Sadly, he has abandoned his professional demeanor for a political one, striking fear in the hearts of Bahamians and disappointing them with what they expected of him.
How could a man who we believe to be so intelligent
stretch his imagination so far as to expect sensible people to believe that the PLP is responsible for the murders and the unfortunate frequency? How does anyone know who would die next or who would be the murderer and why?
How could a supposedly intelligent man conclude that the Minister of National Security possessed a crystal ball when he saw a murder and did nothing to prevent it? See how foolish that sounds? Where and how does resignation enter the picture?
Even though they are becoming more desperate, politicians must not be so irresponsible and hungry for a headline that we allow foolishness to come out of our mouths. It is disgusting for the wannabe to take us for fools.
Where is the shame when almost everyone who sees these glaring headlines says that no sane person can come up with such foolishness?
We know the silly season is upon us, but that should not be an excuse to dive headfirst into the sewer. One does not have
to be politically inclined to know that no one believes Sands is serious.
I do not know who is getting Sands to say these things, but he must eventually have the courage to say no.
I hope that Dr Sands will save face and jump off the train that is heading toward the destruction of his reputation. My unsolicited advice is that since Dr Sands is respected and Duane Sands, the politician, is not, the most sensible thing to do is continue as a surgeon and abandon politics. It is not working.
Seeing the deterioration of the Free National Movement, a party that once showed promise is disgusting. Every day, more and more have concluded that the end is just beyond the horizon. Time will tell.
“We become good at pretending. We became so good that the lines blurred between our truth and fiction after a while. And sometimes, when we did a good job of pretending, we even fooled ourselves.”
Fearing God is all that matters.
IVOINE W INGRAHAM Nassau, October 7, 2024.
EDITOR, The Tribune. IT came as a blow to learn of the death of my dear mentor and friend, Darold Miller. I met Darold at Jones Communications on the cusp of his departure. Although our initial time together was brief, he impacted my career tremendously. He poured so much into me before he left to explore other professional ventures. I loved working at Jones Communications because I had the opportunity to learn how to write for the newspaperThe Bahama Journal; read for radio - Love 97 News; and present for television, JCN 14. When Darold left, I had the opportunity to come under the great tutelage of the late Ed Bethel. Later in life, Darold would look for me. Thanks to veteran broadcaster Sherman Brown, he found me. He asked me to assist him with doing research for his show, Darold Miller Live on ZNS Radio. This turned out to be a blessing, because Darold took a personal interest in pouring a depth of wisdom and knowledge of journalism and broadcasting into me. For that, I am forever grateful. His knowledge of the history of The Bahamas was impressive. He knew people on each and every island of The Bahamas. He helped me to understand how these communities operated, the who’s who, the main industries, and the culture of each island. I did not realise it then, but he showed a great level of trust in me by asking me to do research and writing for him. Not only did he mentor me professionally; he genuinely cared about my family. He would always ask me about my children, and he showed care for their well being. I recall all of his sage words and advice about life. Darold Miller was a genuine news professional. He was never off the beat. He never retired his journalistic
hat at any hour. You could expect a phone call from Darold at any hour. If an idea struck him, he was calling. His calls were so valuable that I always took them. My cellular may not ring with Darold Miller Live calling in anymore, but in the ethers, I will always hear his voice; and when he is ready, he will use the royal telephone. I’ll be waiting to hear the message and relay it to the public. It’s hard to say goodbye, but I am genuinely happy to know that even though he is gone, Darols Miller gave The Bahamas, his family, his community, the country, and his many mentees his all. I have shared a photo with Darold, Shenique Miller and I. We loved him, and the effervescent smile he wore every time he saw us, said it all. May he rest in peace and rise in power.
FELICITY DARVILLE NEE INGRAHAM New Providence October 7, 2024.
A
stands in the ocean before the arrival of Hurricane Milton in Progreso, Yucatan state, Mexico, yesterday
Photo: Martin Zetina/AP
Four men allege they were beaten by police in armed robbery case
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
EIGHT men were charged with nine counts of armed robbery that occurred over the past few months in New Providence, including one involving visiting US missionaries.
Four of the men claimed they were beaten by police and coerced into confessing.
Senior Magistrate Shaka Serville arraigned Jason Rolle, 29; Angelo Hanna, 21; Stephanie Ray, 18; Omar Johnson, 30; and Don Othnell, 21, on burglary and seven counts of armed robbery.
Jason Rolle and Don Rolle, 21, faced two additional counts of armed robbery, as well as two counts of burglary and receiving stolen property.
Anfernee Riley, 19, faced a single charge of receiving stolen property.
Jason and Don Rolle allegedly broke into a couple’s home on Sanford Drive while armed with
a handgun, stealing over $1,000 worth of property, including jewellery, bank cards, and phones. Between 11pm on October 1 and 2am on October 2, the defendants allegedly broke into Fred Albury’s house in Gambier Heights.
Armed with a knife, they allegedly robbed Gary Boyle, Caleb Frazer, Jared Boyle, Garret McWilliam, Gregory Cameron, Randol Hammond, and Scott Campbell on October 2.
The victims were Americans staying in The Bahamas for missionary work in the Gambier area.
The defendants reportedly stole a blue iPhone 15 valued at $1,000, $3,000 in cash, a $500 cellphone, a silver iPhone 16 valued at $1,000, $200 in cash, a wedding ring worth $500, and two sets of $200 in cash from each victim.
Riley was reportedly found with eight bank cards valued at $500.
Riley was the only defendant to plead not guilty, while the remaining
defendants were informed that their cases would proceed to the Supreme Court via a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).
Riley’s bail was set at $5,000 with one or two sureties. He will be fitted with a monitoring device and must sign in at the Nassau Street Police Station every Wednesday and Sunday by 7pm.
The other defendants will be remanded at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until their VBIs are served on January 20, 2025.
Before being taken into remand, Johnson claimed he was beaten by a Corporal Farrington at the Central Investigations Department (CID). He said he had no knowledge of the robbery and had just been released after serving five years in prison. Johnson also said that security footage of the incident showed that the suspects had no tattoos, while he has a tattoo on his right arm. He alleged that officers tried to drown
him at his car wash during his initial arrest.
Johnson claimed there was corruption at the CID and said he wasn’t taking any chances.
Jason Rolle alleged that he, too, was beaten by police and forced to sign documents.
Alphonso Lewis, who represented Ray, claimed his client was also assaulted by police. Mr Lewis said his client was struck on the head and allegedly coerced into signing documentation by CPL Farrington.
K Melvin Munroe, who represented Riley and Hanna, claimed that Hanna was assaulted by officers while in custody and requested medical attention for him.
Hanna alleged that an officer placed a bag over his head and struck him on the head and right side with a 2x4. He said he was forced to confess under duress and sign documentation.
Magistrate Serville noted the defendants’ complaints.
M AN ADMITS TO BREACHING PROTECTION ORDER BY PHONING WIFE
By PAVEL BAILEY
Staff Reporter
A MAN was placed on one year’s probation after admitting to breaching a protection order by calling his estranged wife twice last month from an unknown number.
Senior Magistrate Shaka Serville presided over the sentencing of the 39-yearold defendant, whose identity is withheld to protect the complainant.
The defendant faced two counts of breaching a protection order, while an additional two counts were withdrawn.
Between September 27 and 29, the defendant made two calls to his estranged wife, violating the court order. The couple is currently undergoing divorce proceedings. The defendant pleaded guilty to the charges last Thursday. Magistrate Serville noted that he had spent the past four
days in remand at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. The magistrate remarked that the defendant’s actions indicated a lack of selfcontrol and emphasised the need for him to respect the complainant’s wishes.
In view of this, Magistrate Serville placed the defendant on probation for one year, with the terms of default yet to be determined. During this period, the defendant will be fitted with a monitoring device
BTVI accepted as candidate for accreditation by US agency
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
THE Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) has been accepted as a candidate for accreditation by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE).
In a statement, BTVI clarified that this should not be confused with an actual accreditation status but that candidacy status is a “pivotal step in the accreditation process”.
The COE is a national accrediting agency in Atlanta, Georgia.
BTVI’s president, Dr Linda Davis, said: “To be accredited by COE is a coveted and respected designation recognised worldwide.”
“This is in no small part due to the degree of rigour and complexity built into the accreditation process. All hands are on deck and the BTVI team is working assiduously towards the goal of accreditation. There is an excitement in the air throughout the institution as we embark on this candidacy journey. We are on the cusp of something huge.”
In December 2023, BTVI’s board of directors decided to pursue national and international accreditation. The institution is currently working with COE, an accrediting body recognised by the National Accreditation and Equivalency Council of The Bahamas (NAECOB), to achieve international accreditation.
As an accredited institution, BTVI would join a network of 1,095 campuses worldwide with a shared mandate to uphold the standard of excellence in occupational education.
“The accreditation process is rigorous and multifaceted, requiring BTVI to be simultaneously strategic and tactical in its approach,” BTVI said.
“Before the prized status of accreditation is conferred, COE requires desirous institutions to undergo a pre-accreditation period of self-study and evaluation called candidacy. Even still, before an institution is considered for candidacy, it must demonstrate eligibility and readiness to commence the accreditation process.”
BTVI’s journey began in April 2024 with the COE Candidate Academy Workshop in Atlanta, Georgia, attended by Dr Davis and Quality Assurance Officer Dr Dorcas Cox. They submitted an application for candidacy and accreditation to COE following insights gained at the workshop.
After the application was approved, BTVI underwent a candidacy visit on August 26 2024, which involved a physical and administrative evaluation by COE representatives. The BTVI team presented detailed exhibits to showcase the institution’s eligibility while COE representatives toured the campus and interviewed staff and faculty.
On September 12-13, 2024, the COE Commission met to review BTVI’s application and the candidacy visit report. On September 24, BTVI received official notification of its acceptance as a candidate for accreditation.
“During candidacy, the institution must establish compliance with ten overall occupational education standards with over 100 evaluation criteria,” BTVI said.
“A mandatory investigative self-study must be completed to identify instances of compliance and remediate in instances of non-compliance.”
“Subsequently, compliance with these standards and criteria must be evidenced by over 300 exhibits and supporting documents. Additionally, COE must physically evaluate all sites under BTVI’s remit to verify compliance with firsthand accounts.”
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was sentenced to four years in prison yesterday after admitting to having a gun after being chased by police on Flint Street last week.
The defendant allegedly tried to kill a man during an armed robbery last month.
Magistrate Lennox Coleby arraigned Tommy Lowe, 44, on attempted murder, possession of a firearm with intent to supply, armed robbery, possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition.
Lowe allegedly tried to kill Austin Pinder with a handgun and stole $50 cash from him on September 2.
Lowe reportedly ran after he spotted police on Flint Street on October 1.
While Lowe evaded police, he dropped a black 9mm pistol and eight rounds of ammunition during the chase. On October 3, the
defendant was arrested at his home on Hay’s Street. Although the defendant was informed that attempted murder and armed robbery charges would proceed to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment, he pleaded guilty to the firearm and ammunition charges.
Lowe claimed that he did not have the firearm to harm anyone. He said that two of his brothers were killed in his neighbourhood and that he had the gun for his and his family’s protection.
Lowe said that he is the father of two children and is employed in carpentry. Magistrate Coleby noted that the defendant had prior firearm convictions. Lowe was sentenced to four years in prison during which time he must enroll in carpentry classes and plumbing and electrical courses.
Lowe will return to court for service of his VBI on his remaining charges on January 21, 2025.
O NE-YEAR PROBATON F OR GUILTY PLEA F OR POSSESSION OF DRUGS
and is required to attend counselling for grief and emotional management.
The magistrate expressed hope that the counselling would enable the defendant to develop a healthier relationship with himself.
The defendant is scheduled to return to court for a progress report on December 20. His parents were present during the proceedings. Tai PinderMackey represented the accused.
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN was placed on one-year probation after admitting to having 15 grams of marijuana last week.
Senior Magistrate Anishka Isaacs arraigned Shakeem Miller, 20, on possession of dangerous drugs. Miller was found with 15 grams of marijuana on Green Turtle Drive on October 2.
The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge and apologised for his actions. Magistrate Isaacs granted the defendant a conditional discharge and placed him on a one-year probation. Defaulting to these conditions would mean a fine of $450 or one month in prison.
The magistrate informed the defendant of his right to appeal her sentence and ordered that the drugs be destroyed. Inspector Bowles served as the prosecutor.
LDEAL Group Ltd introduces latest Junior Achievement
LDEAL Group Ltd introduced its latest Junior Achievement (JA) company on Saturday, welcoming 50 students into a programme to develop future Bahamian business leaders.
The launch event, held at Saint John’s College, was part of Junior Achievement Bahamas’ annual initiative to pair students with sponsoring companies for a year of business education and competition. According to a press release by LDeal Group, the company’s president and CEO, Lincoln Deal, praised the JA programme for its role in his entrepreneurial success. Mr Deal, a former Junior Achiever
company
and recipient of the Most Distinguished Achiever award, said the values he learned during his time in the programme continue to shape his approach to business.
“We welcomed the first 50 students to our group, and we’re looking forward to an exciting year filled with growth, innovation, and new experiences,” he said in the release.
Throughout the year, the students will receive handson training in business leadership, teamwork, and product innovation, preparing them to compete in the national Junior Achievement competition. The press release highlighted that LDeal Group aims to provide an “impactful” experience for participants. Junior Achievement Bahamas is known for its contributions to fostering entrepreneurship among the country’s youth, and many Bahamian business professionals credit the programme with helping them develop key skills for success. LDeal Group’s involvement marks a continued commitment to youth mentorship and business development, the release said.
LDeal Group Ltd operates in various sectors, including tourism, technology, agriculture, and community development, and is led by Mr Deal, a serial entrepreneur.
CAMILLE, Lady Barnett is a woman full of care and compassion. She joined the Bahamas AIDS Foundation back in 1992 - when the word “AIDS” was very scary to so many. While most people were running away from anyone and anything to do with AIDS, she was running towards itcarefully, of course.
The problem was - and still is - that the stigma against people with HIV/ AIDS is far greater than the disease itself. Armed with proper information about the disease and how it is transmitted, Lady Barnett took the task of helping those affected by the deadly syndrome. She wanted them to feel human and to feel seen in a world that would have readily put them away. In fact - many were put away, thrown out of their homes and set to fend for themselves or live in the “AIDS Camp”, previously known as the “Leprosy Camp”.
Lady Barnett was a charter member of The Bahamas AIDS Foundation (BAF) from its inception in 1992, and she served as president from 2002-2024. For 22 years, she served the people of The Bahamasthose who suffered from HIV/AIDS as well as their family. She stood at the helm of a group of brave Bahamians who have, over the past two decades, managed to bulldoze through
Face to Face
By FELICITY DARVILLE
the hate, the misinformation, and the fear about HIV/AIDS. They are the volunteer champions that have worked alongside the healthcare professionals of The Bahamas like Dr Perry Gomez, and more recently, Dr Nikkiah Forbes and the countless nurses and aides who helped to significantly reduce the syndrome in The Bahamas.
It’s the stigma that is the challenge,” Lady Barnett said.
“Our numbers are all down - the number of hospitalisations, number of new cases, the mother to child transmission - they are all down and we are doing great in those areas. But that stigma is so stubborn… it’s still there. That’s a part of the challenge. When we (the BAF) first started in The Bahamas, even some healthcare professionals didn’t want to go anywhere near patients who were diagnosed with AIDS. The Bahamas AIDS Foundation had to send volunteers into the hospital to feed these patients and care for
Lady Barnett: Share empathy, eliminate stigma
them. So we have come a long way, but that stigma is still there.”
The stigma seriously impacted those who suffered; and Lady Barnett saw it first hand.
“When people hear the word ‘AIDS’, many of them stand back,” she said.
“I remember there was a young girl in junior high. She was HIV positive; her best friend was not. The best friend’s mother waited for that child one morning when she came off the bus and harassed her on the way to school. It was unbelievable that someone would be so mean and cruel. This child came to us and we knew something was wrong. The social worker spoke with her to comfort and reassure her.
A school administrator heard the mother at the gate, grabbed her up and took her somewhere quiet to talk to her. That’s the biggest battle we have left to fight.”
As a veteran educator, instances like these touched Lady Barnett to the heart. She wanted these people, especially the children, to live free and happy lives. Her professional background, not only as an educator but also as a master in social work, equipped her with the knowledge and the empathy to positively impact their lives. She was an educator for over 43 years and she retired in the post of associate professor at the University of The Bahamas. She was also a member of the board of trustees of the University of The Bahamas. Although retired, she is still heavily invested in ensuring that younger Bahamians have access to quality education, and she currently serves on the board of the Lyford Cay Foundations. During those 22 years of her presidency with the BAF, she had the opportunity to watch many children either infected or affected by HIV/ AIDS grow up under the wings of BAF volunteers. The foundation commissioned a Bahamian children’s storybook, which members aim to publish and present to the Ministry of Education Primary and Junior High Schools for a special reading project (Combating HIV and AIDS through a Culture of Reading) involving all grade
six and seven students in the country. Another awareness activity was KYS (Know Your Status), a project of the Social Dimensions of HIV and AIDS class at the College of The Bahamas now University of The Bahamas in conjunction with the AIDS Resource Committee, the talented young photographer Scharad Lightbourne and Utah Taylor-Rolle of ‘Controversy TV’.
Lady Barnett speaks fondly of the BAF’s After School programme: “We were made aware back in 2009 that some children (infected with HIV/ AIDS) were on the ward (the Children’s Ward at Princess Margaret Hospital) and Dr Percival McNeil informed us that some of them had died. We came up with the idea of an after school program, and their siblings could also come. We fed them; they had access to computers, tutors, and psychological care. It was so heartwarming the progress these kids made.”
I was lecturing at COB and the rain came pouring down at 3 o’clock. I said, oh boy, no one is going to be there, but I will go just in case. These kids still came in the rain! They were not mandated; they chose to come. They got a snack and a hot meal before going home. They came because they were a family. When they came to us, they knew it was a safe space and they could feel free to be who they are. I had to take one of the little girls to the asthma bay at the hospital
because she should not have been out in the rain. But that was the way they felt about being there with ‘the family’. They would encourage each other to come and if one was missing, they would look for them. It was the honor of my life to do it for the children.”
For the past six years, she also enjoyed raising funds to keep the After School Programme and other BAF initiatives going. For the last six years she co-chaired the Red Ribbon Ball, which is the major fundraiser of the AIDS Foundation. The Red Ribbon Ball will be hosted this year under the theme: “Diamonds and Pearls” this November 2, 2024.
Even with the decades of dedication and time that Lady Barnett put into the foundation, she still found time to participate in other endeavours close to her heart. She is a member of the Zonta Club of Nassau, a business and professional service organisation. She has been mentoring the Golden Z Club at the University of The Bahamas since 1992.
Lady Barnett is the 2010 winner of the Lady Sassoon Golden Heart Award for community service especially in the area of HIV and AIDS. In 2013, she was named a ‘Paul Harris Fellow’ for Community Service by the Rotary Club of East Nassau.
Lady Barnett is married to Sir Michael Barnett, the former Chief Justice and former President of
The Court of Appeal of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. They have two daughters: Senator Michela Barnett Ellis and Viola Major, both of whom are attorneys; a son in-law, Rory Major; and two grandchildren, Kamelia Ellis and Lily Major. The Bahamas AIDS Foundation introduced its new president, Arame Strachan, and celebrated its outgoing president, Camille, Lady Barnett, on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, ushering in a new generation of leadership ahead of this year’s Red Ribbon Ball. The foundation aims to raise at least $150,000 towards its efforts to fight against HIV/ AIDS.
This year’s 28th Annual Red Ribbon Ball celebrates the brilliance of those who are thriving despite their battles. The foundation honours advanced treatments, celebrates survival, and memorialises those who have passed away, all while striving for a future free from HIV/AIDS.
The Red Ribbon Ball takes place on November 2 at Atlantis Paradise Island in the Grand Ballroom. The cocktail reception begins at 7pm, followed by the Red Ribbon Ball at 8pm. Patrons can expect to enjoy a night of luxury, with surprise elements, exquisite raffle prizes, entertainment, and the finest wines. Entertainment will be provided by Essence Band and the Falcons, among others. All the details can be found at www.bahamasaidsfoundation.org.
CAMILLE, Lady Barnett.
LADY CAMILLE BARNETT, second from left, with her husband, Sir Michael Barnett and their children.
A WALK through time - snapshots of the Bahamas AIDS Foundation over the years since 1992.
FORMER United States President Bill Clinton, second to right; Camille, Lady Barnett, center, wearing the AIDS ribbon; Dame Anita Allen, Dr Marcus Bethel, Dr Perry Gomez and others hold a conversation about the success of The Bahamas in fighting HIV/ AIDS.
DAME JANET BOSTWICK, second to right; and Camille, Lady Barnett, standing behind her, during a ticket campaign for the Red Ribbon Ball years ago.
JOHN Bull makes a donation to the Bahamas AIDS Foundation at the Red Ribbon Ball.
Why are Chagos Islands in the news?
AMIDST all the current criticism of the new Labour government in Britain, prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has now been censured yet again following last week’s announcement that Britain was giving up, after half a century, sovereignty over the Chagos Islands. These are a remote and uninhabited - but strategically important - group of some sixty small islands in the Indian Ocean more than 1,500 miles south of the subcontinent.
It seems that this move by the British government has had little coverage in the international media. But the UK press have been examining the significance of its action following considerable interest domestically, including a debate on the subject in the House of Commons yesterday. It has been described as at the very least odd – if not naïve and even reckless - at a time of heightened global tensions and the rising power of China in the region.
Under a deal with Mauritius, after what are said to be years of negotiations, the UK will hand over the Chagos Islands to that country in what has been described as a historic move. The archipelago includes the tropical atoll of Diego Garcia which is used by the US and Britain as a military and naval base, in particular for long-range aircraft.
According to press reports, in view of the rivalries in the region between the West, China and India the key factor in the negotiations was the ultimate agreement that this UK/US base will remain for an initial period of 99 years. The UK and Mauritius have
said they are committed to “ensure long-term the secure and effective operation of the existing base which plays a vital role in regional and global security”. Another significant factor for the UK is that the islands will be closed down as a potential illegal migration route.
As agreed, Britain will give a package of financial support to Mauritius. Reportedly, this is in connection with Mauritius’s claim that it was forced to give away the Chagos Islands in return for its own independence from Britain in 1968. But, apparently, the records suggest that at the independence negotiations Mauritius received a substantial payment for agreeing to keep Chagos out of the settlement.
A brief look at the history shows that in the 1700s French colonialists settled in the then uninhabited Chagos islands but that after the Napoleonic wars in the 19th century the British took
over. Administratively, the archipelago was grouped with Mauritius which was acquired as a colony in 1810.
At the time of Mauritius’s independence negotiations Britain forcibly removed more than 1,000 inhabitants from the entire archipelago, some of whom were then settled in Mauritius and the Seychelles and some in the UK (currently a Chagosian community of some 3,000 is living in Crawley in Sussex) and, according to Mauritius, Britain promised to hand the uninhabited islands to them when no longer needed for “strategic purposes”. Apparently, some Chagosians want to return to their homeland and have attempted to achieve that while others are more focused on their rights and status in the UK.
Meanwhile, Mauritius, which argues that it was illegally forced to give away the Chagos Islands in return for its independence from Britain, has for long maintained that the islands belong to them. As recently as 2021, the UN’s highest court ruled that the UK’s control of the territory was unlawful and should be surrendered to Mauritius. Thus, the formal position seems to be clear and Britain’s latest decision has rightly emerged from a long period of negotiation. However, critics – presumably without knowing the details of the negotiations - have called it a shameful and weak deal. They argue that the current political and diplomatic circumstances in the region should not be ignored and that insufficient weight has been given to the danger of Chinese expansion while the
HAITI IN INTERNATIONAL NEWS AGAIN
IT has been noticeable how much Haiti’s ongoing security woes have been in the international news recently. One headline in the UK press last week screamed “Children among 70 killed in Haiti group massacre”. This incident has come about a month after declaration of a state of emergency to cover the whole country as up to 700,000 people have been displaced.
From what I hear, Bahamians are asking what is going on most recently in our nearest but most unstable and lawless neighbour of some 11 million people, not least because doubts are being expressed about the effectiveness of the much-vaunted Kenyan police force, a contingent of which is now in Haiti. This force was deployed in June as the advance guard of the UN-mandated multinational force seeking to restore peace by taking on the murderous gangs now operating not only in the capital Port-au-Prince but in large swathes of the country as well. There were high hopes that the Kenyan police would bring muchneeded muscle to Haiti’s beleaguered National Police as they struggled to control the gangs who have been terrorising the country for more than
three years. The latest outbreak of violence seems to have been precipitated by the assassination of President Jovenal Moise in 2021. But the situation worsened earlier this year when the gangs launched attacks on prisons, police stations and other state institutions, including blocking the country’s fuel terminal.
The surge in violence, which has been called by the UN “inhuman”, forced the resignation last April of Haiti’s unelected prime minister, Ariel Henry, and the post of president remained vacant. In the margins of this year’s UN General Assembly meeting, new interim prime minister Garry Conille gave a grim review of the security situation and the anti-gang struggle. He declared that more international support was needed in the form of a robust use of force as the humanitarian crisis deepened, and he vowed to crack down on the gangs.
A Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission was authorised by the UN Security Council in October, 2023. Led by Kenya, which also provides the core of the mission, reportedly it has been deployed with only about a quarter of its agreed capacity and is
said to lack the equipment and logistical and technical capacity to counter the gangs.
Kenya’s president, William Ruto, visited Haiti in September. Declaring his country’s mission to have been a success, he has agreed apparently to turn the security mission into a full UN peacekeeping operation if increased funding is made available. Nonetheless, there is reported to be frustration within Haiti that the MSS has not moved more quickly and decisively against the gangs; and the local press is calling for “action not words” and some concrete results.
Overall, the judgement seems to be that the Kenyans have been slow to make their presence felt.
The UN says that in order to overcome the gangs the MSS must be given the resources it needs to support the police, as well as to implement other measures required by the UN like a sanctions regime and an arms embargo.
As always, there seems to be a long way to go to resolve the never-ending problem of Haiti’s security. But with the Kenyans’ involvement the prospects look to have improved –despite what appears to have been a relatively sluggish start.
YESTE R D AY, October 7, was the first anniversary of the deadliest day in the history of I srael. I t is a date now etched in the memories of millions around the world. But I wanted nonetheless to draw special attention to it. T he murderous rampage by Hamas gunmen, who killed and maimed 1,200 people on I sraeli soil and then fled with 251 hostages, was an appalling atrocity. I t unleashed the terrible consequences of war, mayhem, grief and sorrow and almost unlimited human suffering in a living nightmare. I ts anniversary is a grim reminder of these horrific acts. For I sraelis, it was a day of unspeakable national trauma, and from the outset they vowed vengeance which they are now carrying out. Who can tell how it will all end? M any say October 7 will be a sad day of remembrance for Jewish people for centuries to come.
timing of the government’s decision has not been considered properly.
The UK government insists that the deal secures the future of the UK/US base on Diego Garcia, but leading Tories suggest that it could open the door to China establishing a base on another of the cluster of islands, not least because it is actively trying to increase its presence across the Indo-Pacific - both commercially and militarily - and establish a greater foothold in the Indian Ocean. It has already been transforming uninhabited reef islands into high tech military bases - from the South China Sea, where it has also been creating new islands, through to the Indian Ocean. It is already working to expand an artificial island in the Maldives and is investing heavily in the region, including in Mauritius which has been strengthening its ties with Beijing for some time. Unofficially,
it seems that that there is some US concern about all this even though President Biden has publicly welcomed the deal.
Another problem that has arisen from Britain handing over sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius is in relation to other overseas territories. Already, this appears to have whetted afresh Argentina’s appetite to acquire sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, and Gibraltar may also come under a new threat.
The Argentines have vowed once again to reclaim what they call the Islas Malvinas. But Starmer has reportedly declined to guarantee that no other overseas territory will, in the words of the critics, be “given away”. However, the key factor in the case of the Falklands is the wishes of the people concerned when, in a recent referendum, practically everybody living there voted to stay under Britain’s umbrella.
Of course, attitudes and priorities change, but it has always seemed to me that, after the 1982 Falklands’ conflict in which 255 British armed services personnel lost their lives, it would be political suicide for any British government to weaken a commitment to honour the wishes of the Falkland Islanders themselves – an example of self-determination, as preached by the UN, in practice.
The conclusion of all this is that there are fears by some in the West that Britain has handed a big win to China. The prime minister is already under heavy pressure because of a less than stellar performance by his government since taking power only three months ago. They wonder why he should have allowed an issue like thisthat could surely have been deferred - to make his life even more difficult at such a precarious time.
Milton intensifies to Cat 5 as Florida orders evacuations
FLORIDA Associated Press
FLORIDA’S storm-
battered Gulf Coast raced against a Category 5 hurricane Monday as workers sprinted to pick up heaps of appliances and other street debris left over from Helene two weeks ago and highways were clogged with people fleeing ahead of the storm.
The center of Hurricane Milton could come ashore Wednesday in the Tampa Bay region, which has not endured a direct hit by a major hurricane in more than a century. Scientists expect the system to weaken slightly before landfall, though it could retain hurricane strength as it churns across central Florida toward the Atlantic Ocean. That would largely spare other states ravaged by Helene, which killed at least 230 people on its path from Florida to the Carolinas.
“This is the real deal here with Milton,” Tampa Mayor Jane Castor told a news conference. “If you want to take on Mother Nature, she wins 100% of the time.”
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Monday that it was imperative for debris from Helene to be cleared ahead of Milton’s arrival so the pieces cannot become projectiles.
As evacuation orders were issued, forecasters warned of a possible 8- to 12-foot storm surge (2.4 to 3.6 meters) in Tampa Bay. That’s the highest ever predicted for the region and nearly double the levels reached two weeks ago during Helene, said National Hurricane Center spokeswoman Maria Torres.
The storm could also bring widespread flooding. Five to 10 inches (13 to 25 centimetres) of rain was forecast for mainland Florida and the Keys, with as much as 15 inches (38 centimetres) expected in some places.
The Tampa metro area has a population of more than 3.3 million people.
“It’s a huge population. It’s very exposed, very inexperienced, and that’s a losing proposition,” Massachusetts Institute of Technology meteorology professor Kerry Emanuel said. “I always thought Tampa would be the city to worry about most.” Much of Florida’s west coast was under hurricane and storm surge warnings. A hurricane warning was also issued for parts of Mexico’s Yucatan state, which expected to get sideswiped.
Milton intensified quickly Monday over the eastern Gulf of Mexico. It had maximum sustained winds of 180 mph (285 kph), the National Hurricane Center said. The storm’s center was about 675 miles (1085 kilometres) southwest of Tampa by late afternoon, moving east-southeast at 10 mph (17 kph).
The Tampa Bay area is still rebounding from Helene and its powerful surge. Twelve people died there, with the worst damage along a string of barrier islands from St. Petersburg to Clearwater. In the race to clear away the aftermath from Helene, more than 300 vehicles gathered debris Sunday but encountered a locked
landfill gate when they tried to drop it off. State troopers used a rope tied to a pickup truck and busted it open, DeSantis said.
Even though the hurricane is predicted to weaken, “we can’t necessarily bank on that,” DeSantis said.
“This will produce major damage whatever ends up happening,” the governor said.
Lifeguards in Pinellas County, on the peninsula that forms Tampa Bay, removed beach chairs and other items that could take flight in strong winds. Elsewhere, stoves, chairs, refrigerators and kitchen tables waited in heaps to be picked up.
Sarah Steslicki, who lives in Belleair Beach, said she was frustrated that more debris had not been collected sooner.
“They’ve screwed around and haven’t picked the debris up, and now they’re scrambling to get it picked up,” Steslicki said Monday. “If this one does hit, it’s going to be flying missiles. Stuff’s going to be floating and flying in the air.”
Hillsborough County,
home to Tampa, ordered evacuations for areas adjacent to Tampa Bay and for all mobile and manufactured homes by Tuesday night.
President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration for Florida, and US Rep. Kathy Castor said 7,000 federal workers were called on to help in one of the largest mobilisations of federal personnel in history.
Milton’s approach stirred memories of 2017’s Hurricane Irma, when about 7 million people were urged to evacuate Florida in an exodus that jammed freeways and clogged gas stations. Some people who left vowed never to evacuate again.
By Monday morning, some gas stations in the Fort Myers and Tampa areas had already run out of gas. Fuel continued to arrive in Florida, and the state had amassed hundreds of thousands of gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel, with much more on the way, DeSantis said.
A steady stream of vehicles headed north toward the Florida Panhandle on
Interstate 75, the main highway on the west side of the peninsula, as residents heeded evacuation orders.
Traffic clogged the southbound lanes of the highway for miles as other residents headed for the relative safety of Fort Lauderdale and Miami on the other side of the state.
All road tolls were suspended in west-central Florida. Motorists were allowed to use the left shoulders of northbound Interstate 75 and eastbound Interstate 4 as they evacuated.
Even though Tanya Marunchak’s Belleair Beach home was flooded with more than 4 feet (1.2 meters) of water from Helene, she and her husband were unsure if they should evacuate. She wanted to leave, but her husband thought their three-story home was sturdy enough to withstand Milton.
“We lost all our cars, all our furniture. The first floor was completely destroyed,” Marunchak said. “This is the oddest weather predicament that there has ever been.”
Milton’s wind speed increased by 92 mph (148 kph) in 24 hours — a pace that trails only those of Hurricane Wilma in 2005 and Hurricane Felix in 2007. One reason Milton strengthened so rapidly is its small “pinhole eye,” just like Wilma’s, said Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach. The storm will likely go through what’s called an eye wall replacement cycle, a natural process that forms a new eye and expands the storm in size but weakens its wind speeds, Klotzbach said.
The Gulf of Mexico is unusually warm right now, so “the fuel is just there,” and Milton probably went over an extra-warm eddy that helped goose it further, said University of Albany hurricane scientist Kristen Corbosiero.
The last hurricane to be a Category 5 at landfall in the mainland US was Michael in 2018.
With the storm approaching, schools in Pinellas County, home to St. Petersburg, were being converted into shelters. Officials in Tampa made city garages available to residents hoping to protect their cars from flooding. Airports in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Orlando planned to close. Walt Disney World said it was operating normally for the time being. In Mexico, Yucatan state Gov. Joaquín Díaz ordered the cancellation of all nonessential activities except for grocery stores, hospitals, pharmacies and gas stations starting Monday, and Mexican officials organized buses to evacuate residents from the coastal city of Progreso. It has been two decades since so many storms crisscrossed Florida in such a short period of time. In 2004, an unprecedented five storms struck Florida within six weeks, including three hurricanes that pummelled central Florida.
Other parts of Florida’s Gulf Coast are still recovering from storms. The Fort Myers area in southwest Florida is still rebuilding from Hurricane Ian, which caused $112 billion in damage in 2022. Three hurricanes have thrashed Florida’s Big Bend region in just 13 months, including Helene.
Just 100 feet from the water on Fort Myers Beach, Don Girard was preparing his three-story home for Milton. The home got flooded by Helene two weeks ago and by Debby in August. Two years ago, Hurricane Ian sent waves crashing into the second floor. It’s been difficult. I’m not going to lie to you,” Girard said. “The last couple years have been pretty bad.”
CONTROL THE PATH AND POWER OF HURRIC ANES LIKE HELENE? FORGET IT, SCIENTISTS SAY
Associated Press
HURRICANES are humanity’s reminder of the uncontrollable, chaotic power of Earth’s weather.
Milton’s powerful push toward Florida just days after Helene devastated large parts of the Southeast likely has some in the region wondering if they are being targeted. In some corners of the Internet, Helene has already sparked conspiracy theories and disinformation suggesting the government somehow aimed the hurricane at Republican voters. Besides discounting common sense, such theories disregard weather history that shows the hurricanes are hitting many of the same areas they have for centuries. They also presume an ability for humans to quickly reshape the weather far beyond relatively puny efforts such as cloud seeding.
“If meteorologists could stop hurricanes, we would stop hurricanes,” Kristen Corbosiero, a professor of atmospheric and environmental sciences at the University at Albany. “If we could control the weather, we would not want the kind of death and destruction that’s happened.”
Here’s a look at what humans can and can’t do when it comes to weather:
A fully developed hurricane releases heat energy that is the equivalent of a
10-megaton nuclear bomb every 20 minutes — more than all the energy used at a given time by humanity, according to National Hurricane Center tropical analysis chief Chris Landsea. And scientists are now finding many ways climate change is making hurricanes worse, with warmer oceans that add energy and more water in the warming atmosphere to fall as rain, said Chris Field, director of the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment.
“The amount of energy a hurricane generates is insane,” said Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach. It’s the height of human arrogance to think people have the power to change them, he said. But that hasn’t stopped people from trying, or at least thinking about trying.
Jim Fleming of Colby College has studied historical efforts to control the weather and thinks humans have nowhere near the practical technology to get there. He described an attempt in 1947 in which General Electric partnered with the US military to drop dry ice from Air Force jets into the path of a hurricane in an attempt to weaken it. It didn’t work.
“The typical science goes like understanding, prediction and then possibly control,” Fleming said, noting that the atmosphere
is far more powerful and complex than most proposals to control it. “It goes back into Greek mythology to think you can control the powers of the heavens, but also it’s a failed idea.”
In the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, the federal government briefly tried Project STORMFURY. The idea was to seed a hurricane to replace its eyewall with a larger one that would make the storm bigger in size but weaker in intensity. Tests were inconclusive and researchers realized if they made the storm larger, people who wouldn’t have been hurt by the storm would now be in danger, which is an ethical and liability problem, the project director once said.
For decades, the National Hurricane Center and its parent agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, have been asked about nuclearbombing a hurricane. But the bombs aren’t powerful enough, and it would add the problem of radioactive fallout, Corbosiero said.
Bringing cooling icebergs or seeding or adding waterabsorbing substances also are ideas that just don’t work, NOAA scientists said.
Failed historical attempts to control hurricanes differ somewhat from some scientists’ futuristic ideas to combat climate change and
extreme weather. That’s because instead of targeting individual weather events, modern geoengineers would operate on a larger scale — thinking about how to reverse the broadscale damage humans have already done to the global climate by emitting greenhouse gases.
Scientists in the field say one of the most promising ideas they see based on computer models is solar geoengineering. The method would involve lofting aerosol particles into the upper atmosphere to bounce a tiny bit of sunlight back into space, cooling the planet slightly.
Supporters acknowledge the risks and challenges. But it also “might have quite large benefits, especially for the world’s poorest,” said David Keith, a professor at the University of Chicago and founding faculty director of the Climate Systems Engineering initiative.
Two years ago, the largest society of scientists who work on climate issues, the American Geophysical Union, announced it was forming an ethics framework for “climate intervention.”
Some scientists warn that tinkering with Earth’s atmosphere to fix climate change is likely to create cascading new problems.
Pennsylvania State University climate scientist Michael Mann expressed worries on the ethics framework that just talking about guidelines will make the tinkering more likely to occur in the real world, something that could have harmful side effects.
Field, of Stanford, agreed that the modelling strongly encourages that geoengineering could be effective, including at mitigating the worst threats of hurricanes, even if that’s decades away. But he emphasized that it’s just one piece of the best solution, which is to stop climate change by cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
CARS wait in line to get into the parking lot for gas at Costco, yesterdy, in Altamonte Springs, Fla., as residents prepare for the impact of approaching Hurricane Milton.
Photo: Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/AP
DUSTIN HOLMES, second from right, holds hands with his girlfriend, Hailey Morgan, while returning to their flooded home with her children Aria Skye Hall, 7, right, and Kyle Ross, 4, in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, September 27, 2024, in Crystal River, Florida. Photo: Phelan M Ebenhack/AP
KIX ACADEMY UNDER-13S EMERGE AS CHAMPIONS OF BFA TOURNAMENT
MAN UNITED DRAWS AT VILLA, TOTTENHAM COLLAPSES IN 3-2 LOSS
By STEVE DOUGLAS AP Sports Writer
FOR Erik ten Hag, it’s very simple.
“We are all on board, together, on one page,” the Manchester United manager said of his relationship with the club’s leadership after a 0-0 draw at Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday.
The next few days will determine whether those above Ten Hag feel the same.
United heads into the two-week international break on a five-match winless run in all competitions and languishing in 14th place in the league, having won just two of its opening seven games this campaign. Ten Hag had arrived at Villa Park under huge pressure and with the club’s minority owner, Jim Ratcliffe, having failed to say he had faith in the Dutch coach when asked specifically on Friday.
However creditable gaining a point at a revitaliSed Villa is, it might still not be enough for Ten Hag — especially with United’s new leadership having some time to weigh up his future before the team’s next game.
Playing in front of Ratcliffe and the rest of United’s hierarchy, the visitors came closest to scoring when Bruno Fernandes struck a free kick against the crossbar in the 68th.
As a whole, Villa mostly dominated a match played four days after beating Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Still, United dug in, defended well and earned a draw that followed 3-3 at Porto in the Europa League. It marks a decent response to slumping to a chastening 3-0 home loss to Tottenham last weekend.
TOTTENHAM MELTDOWN
This time, it was Tottenham’s turn to collapse.
Leading 2-0 at halftime, Tottenham conceded three goals in an 18-minute span early in the second half to lose 3-2 at Brighton.
THE Kix Academy U13s emerged as champions of the Bahamas Football Association’s U13 4v4 tournament, held over the weekend.
The talented squad, consisting of Koen McIntosh, Kai McIntosh, Quinn Major, Gabriel Thompson, Rohurley Alexis, and Tyrell Ferguson Jr (not pictured) showcased remarkable teamwork and dominance throughout the competition. The tournament kicked off on Saturday with 20 teams competing in the group stage, divided into five groups. Kix Academy were drawn into Group 2 and delivered a series of commanding performances. They began by defeating Inter Nassau with a 7-0 victory, followed by an impressive 12-2 win against Tambearly, and concluded their group stage with a dominant 12-0 victory over Dynamos.
CROSS COUNTRY BSAA CHAMPIONSHIPS
After winning Group 2, Kix Academy faced Group 1 winners Future Stars in a playoff for a spot in the semifinals. The playoff proved to be more competitive, but Kix Academy
came out on top with a 3-1 victory, securing their place in the knockout rounds.
The semifinals took place on Sunday where Kix Academy continued their unstoppable run, defeating Baha Jrs 6-0 to advance to the final.
In the championship match, Kix Academy faced Western Warriors and clinched the title with a 4-1
ROOTS JUNKANOO
win, capping off a memorable weekend for the young players.
The U13 division victory marked a significant achievement for Kix Academy, highlighting the hard work and determination of the team.
Their combination of attacking prowess and solid defence led them to a welldeserved tournament win.
“It is a terrible loss for us — as bad as it gets,” Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou said.
Yankuba Minteh, Georginio Rutter and Danny Welbeck were the scorers for Brighton, which was repeatedly pulled apart by Spurs in the first half in the same manner as Chelsea did last week in a 4-2 win over the south-coast team.
their elimination games on Thursday and Friday, October 10-11 and the boys will play on Thursday and Friday, October 16-17. The championship games in both divisions will take place on Friday, October 18.
Interested persons are urged to contact Emerrick Taylor at 565-4962, Keno Demeritte at 436-6921 or Mr Burrows at 433-5070 for more information.
THE Bahamas Scholastic Athletic Association will hold its cross country championships on Saturday, October 26. The event will begin at 10am at Goodman’s Bay.
TRACK SPIA MILE
CHALLENGE
THE second annual SPIQ Mile Challenge will take place on Saturday, October 19 at the University of the Bahamas, starting at 7am. The event is geared for male and female in the under-9, U11, U13, U17, U20 and open divisions.
Trophies will be awarded to the first three finishers in each age group. There will also be awards for the divisional winners.
GOLF TOURNEY POSTPONED
DUE to the forecasted severe weather for Monday, organisers have announced that the Tee Off for the Hunger Golf Tournament today at the Ocean Golf Club will be postponed. The safety of our players and attendees is our top priority. A new date will be determined and shared with you as soon as possible. We appreciate your understanding and continued support of this important cause. Please stay tuned for further updates, and thank you again for being part of the effort to feed Bahamians in need.
FUN RUN/WALK
THE Roots Junkanoo Group is scheduled to hold its Fun Run/Walk Race under the theme “Let’s Do This Together,” on Saturday, October 12.
The event will start promptly at 6:30am at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium and will be sponsored by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and the National Sports Authority.
The registration fee is $25 per athlete. Categories include male and female under-15, under-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60 and 61-and-over.
CYCLING FEDERATION ELECTION OF OFFICERS
THE Bahamas Cycling Federation’s secretary general Barron “Turbo” Musgrove has announced that their general meeting and election of officers will take place on Saturday, October 26.
The elections will be held at the office of the Bahamas Olympic Committee, starting at 5pm. Nominations for positions in the federation must be submitted to Musgrove in person or via email atbammus1967@gmail.com by Sunday, October 13. Positions to be filled are president, two vice presidents, general secretary,
assistant secretary, treasurer and assistant treasurer.
The current president is Roy Colebrooke.
BBSF CLASSIC POSTPONED
THE Bahamas Basketball Sports Federation postponed its cycling classic on Saturday and will now be rescheduled for Saturday, October 26, at the Perpall Park on West Bay Street.
The event is scheduled to begin at 9am on the new date and will cater to the open and masters men and women divisions as well as the boys and girls 15-17, 12-14 and 9-11 years old divisions. The entry fee is $20, which will include the use of a bike.
EXUMA HOMECOMING THE Williams Town
Exuma Homecoming Association is scheduled to hold a softball game and road race over the weekend of October 11-14.
The softball game will be played on October 11-12 between the Corner Boyz from the New Providence Oldtimers Softball Association and the local All-Star team from Exuma.
Then on October 12, a five-mile road race will be staged, starting at 7am from the Culture Centre in Forbes Hill to the public school in Williams Town.
BAPTIST SPORTS FEDERATION TRACK MEET
THE Bahamas Bap-
tist Sports Federation will hold its Renee ‘Sunshine’ Curry-Davis Memorial Track and Field Classic on Saturday, November 16, at the Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium. The meet, hosted in conjunction with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and the Bahamas Association of Certified Officials, will recognise Curry-Davis, a former executive of the BBSF, who was working as the director for track and field before her death this year.
Beginning at 9am, the meet will be geared for men and women competing in the under-7, under-11, under-15, under20 under-30 open, under-50 open and masters 50-andover categories as well as the clergy for pastors, ministers, evangelists and deacons. The entry deadline for teams to participate is Friday, November 1 and should be submitted to TEK Results via tmoss@ locbahamas.org or contact Brent Stubbs at 426-7265 or email stubbobs@gmail. com. A technical meeting will take place at 6pm on Tuesday, November 12 at the Bahamas Baptist College, Jean Street.
SHOWN, from left to right, Gabriel Thompson, Quinn Major, Koen McIntosh, Bruce Swann (BFA Technical Director), Rohurley Alexis, Kai McIntosh (not pictured: Tyrell Ferguson Jr.)
GABRIEL THOMPSON KAI MCINTOSH KOEN MCINTOSH QUINN MAJOR ROHURLEY ALEXIS
McKinneyLambert wins another Optimist Nationals title
FROM PAGE 16
Championship Fleet which consisted of a white fleet (10-11 year olds), Blue Fleet (12-13 year olds), and Red Fleet (14 & 15 year olds).
At the end of the first day it was Eleuthera Sailing Academy veteran Finley McKinney-Lambert at the top against the entire fleet, holding off Southern Yacht Club sailors Sullivan Reznik, Connor Blouin, and Elizabeth Lovell.
McKinney-Lambert won two out of four races on day one and the Americans Reznik and Lovell won the other two.
As the wind speed fluctuated on Sunday from steady and breezy to light and shifty, Conner Blouin and the Americans charged hard and took advantage of their smaller size to gain on the veteran and older Bahamian sailors. Finley had help from local Exuma Sailing Club sailor Emit Knowles sailing in his sixth and final Opti Nationals. The veteran Exumian used his home harbour advantage to help put pressure on the Americans with McKinney-Lambert.
In their likely final race in the Opti class in The Bahamas, McKinney-Lambert and Knowles finished first and second in race seven to close out the regatta and hold off the American team.
When the waves settled on Sunday afternoon it was Finley McKinney-Lambert standing alone at the top with eight points to win his first Opti National Championship and the Geoffrey Holowesko Floating Trophy which is awarded to the top Bahamian sailor every year.
Second overall was Conner Blouin of the Southern Yacht Club, third overall was Sullivan Reznik also of the Southern Yacht Club from Louisiana.
The younger sailors of the Championship, the Fleet White, was led by Everett Blouin from the Southern Yacht Club, second was Christian Wells from The Bahamas National Sailing School in Nassau, and third was Kaiden Burrows from the Exuma Sailing Club.
The Blue fleet, 12 and 13-year-olds, was dominated by the American team, led by Conner Blouin of the Southern Yacht Club, second was Sullivan Reznik from the Southern Yacht Club, and third was Elizabeth Lovell also of the Southern Yacht Club.
The veterans of the fleet, the Red Fleet, was led by Finley McKinney-Lambert of the Eleuthera Sailing Academy in first, Emit Knowles of the Exuma Sailing Club in second, and Callum Pritchard of the Bahamas National Sailing School in third.
Dallas Knowles, chair of the event and coach of The Exuma Sailing Club, was happy with the overall success of the weekend:
“We want to thank Fidelity Bank and JS Johnson for the tremendous support
once again towards this event as well as Bahamas Ferries for helping us get all of the boats from all of the other clubs here to Exuma.
“We couldn’t have asked for better weather this weekend.
“It’s not often you are able to get all seven races in with time to spare, so hats off to both the race committees and sailors for doing a good job being efficient from start to finish.
“While the Optimist fleet in The Bahamas is going through a bit of a rebuild right now, we are still confident that the young crop of Bahamian sailors coming up in Optis will keep building on what has been already established here in The Bahamas.
“This event remains the flagship event in opti sailing in this country and we look forward to meeting again at another club next year!”
YOUNG sailors celebrate with their trophies after the Fidelity Bahamas Optimist National Championship Regatta on Sunday in George Town, Exuma.
YOUNG sailors display their trophies won at the Fidelity Bahamas Optimist National Championship Regatta.
Mahomes throws for 331 yards, Derek Carr hurt as Chiefs shut down Saints for 26-13 victory
By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer
KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Patrick Mahomes threw for 331 yards, Kareem Hunt ran for 102 yards and a touchdown, and the Chiefs overcame more red-zone woes last night to beat the New Orleans Saints 26-13 on a big night for Kansas City’s professional sports teams. Just as the Chiefs were moving to 5-0 behind another defensive gem, the Royals were beating the Yankees in Game 2 of their AL Division Series in New York. There were frequent chants of “Let’s go Royals!” throughout the game, and when the Royals finished off a 4-2 victory to send the series back to Kansas City tied a game apiece, a roar ripped through Arrowhead Stadium.
There were plenty of roars for the Chiefs, too.
Rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy scored another touchdown, and their defence shut down old Raiders rival Derek Carr while dealing the
Saints (2-3) their third consecutive defeat. Carr threw for 185 yards with two touchdowns and a pick before leaving with an oblique injury. It occurred with about 9 1/2 minutes left, when Carr was hit on a fourth-down incompletion as he tried to rally New Orleans from a 23-13 deficit.
The Saints’ Alvin Kamara managed 26 yards rushing on 11 carries, becoming the latest highprofile running back to struggle against the Chiefs. They held the Ravens’ Derrick Henry to 46 yards rushing, Zack Moss of the Bengals to 34, Falcons star Bijan Robinson to 31 and J.K. Dobbins to 32 in last week’s win over the Chargers.
The first half last night featured a bit of everything: Hunt’s first TD since returning to Kansas City, where his once-promising career was derailed by an off-the-field incident; a 43-yard touchdown pass from Carr to Rashid Shaheed, the shortest of the three Shaheed has caught this season; and yet
another lateral by Travis Kelce, which came on the most bizarre of drives.
The Chiefs were leading 10-7 when a fumbled pitch and a holding penalty left them facing second-and-34. They got some of it back on a pass to JuJu Smith-Schuster, and then Mahomes hit Kelce over the middle. Kelce lateraled to Samaje Perine, who got within a yard of a first down, and
Kansas City converted the fourth-and-short play to set up an eventual field goal. It was exactly that — field goals — that kept New Orleans in the game, though. The Chiefs have struggled to score TDs in the red zone all season, and they were forced to let Harrison Butker kick a trio of chip shots to lead 16-7 at the break. Their redzone woes continued in the
third quarter. On secondand-goal, Smith-Schuster had a pass bounce off his hands at the goal line and into the arms of 324-pound former Chiefs defensive tackle Khalen Saunders, who made his first career interception.
The Saints promptly marched 65 yards with Foster Moreau’s TD catch getting them within 16-13 with 14:16 to play.
But unlike every other game for the Chiefs, which had been decided in the final minutes — if not the final play — they answered the blow by delivering one of their own. Smith-Schuster hauled in a 50-yard pass moments later, and Worthy took a handoff on first-and-goal at the 3 for a touchdown that extended their cushion early in the fourth quarter.
After the Chiefs stopped the Saints on fourth down, they tacked on another field goal with 3:03 left.
Up Next New Orleans hosts Tampa Bay on Sunday. Kansas City has a week off before visiting San Francisco on October 20.
MISTAKES COST THE STEELERS IN LAST-SECOND 20-17 LOSS TO COWBOYS
By DAN SCIFO Associated Press
PITTSBURGH (AP) —
The Pittsburgh Steelers feel like they beat themselves Sunday night.
The offence held a late lead, but the defence couldn’t make it stand as Jalen Tolbert caught a fouryard touchdown from Dak Prescott on fourth-and-goal in the final 30 seconds to help Dallas defeat Pittsburgh 20-17.
“It came down to one play,” Steelers DT Cam Heyward said. “They were on the right side of it.”
Pat Freiermuth caught a 6-yard touchdown from Justin Fields in the final five minutes to give Pittsburgh a brief 17-13 lead, but the advantage was short-lived.
Pittsburgh’s No. 2-ranked defence forced three turnovers and blocked a field goal, but allowed 445 yards and couldn’t keep Tolbert out of the end zone on the final play of the Cowboys’ last drive, as he capped a 15-play, 70-yard series. Pittsburgh has lost two straight after a 3-0 start.
Dallas converted a pair of third downs on the winning drive to set up first-andgoal from the 4-yard line. Rico Dowdle fumbled at the 1-yard line on second down, and Prescott jumped on the loose ball. Tolbert then beat DeShon Elliott to the pylon two plays later for the winning touchdown.
“We had to stop them on that one play,” Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick said.
Fields finished 15 of 27 for 131 yards with touchdowns to Freiermuth and Connor Heyward.
Dallas held Fields and the Steeler offence to just 226 yards of total offence despite playing without top pass rushers DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) and Micah Parsons (ankle), an All-Pro who missed a game because of injury for the first time in his career. Marshawn Kneeland, who started because of the injuries, also left in the first quarter with a knee injury.
Still, Pittsburgh only managed a first-half field goal and 89 yards of total offence, as Dallas held a 6-3 lead at the break. Pittsburgh scored fewer than 10 first-half points for the fourth time in five games.
“We know how important fast starts are,” Heyward said. “You want to finish strong, you want to play a complete game, but we didn’t do that. We fell short.”
PAGE 16
The awards banquet, being held under the theme ‘Junkanoo Masquerade - Celebrating the Big Red Machine,’ will be entertained by the incredible Essence Band, Junkanoo, and DJ Bodie. Tickets are priced at $300 per person. Prizes and in-kind donations are still being accepted for the event.
Members of the alumni, who wish to make a contribution to the awards banquet, are asked to email thesacalumni@gmail.com.
The SAC Alumni Association also received a scholarship
AT BAHAMAS DIAMOND EAGLE IN GRAND BAHAMA OCTOBER 12
FROM PAGE 16
volunteering their leadership, time, talent and abilities to youth organisations to raise a new generation of future leaders.
“To date, we have honoured 27 men from youth organisations across Grand Bahama and Nassau,” she stated. “The Bahamas Diamond Eagle Foundation will also celebrate its eighth year and fourth event.” Additionally, the Bahamas Diamond Eagle Foundation will honour the life and legacy of the late Sir Jack Hayward and Mr. Edward St. George, the principals of the Grand Bahama Port Authority.
Ms. Farrington noted that these
donation in honor of Winston Carter, a former long-time teacher at SAC. More details about the Winston Carter Award will be shared following the awards banquet.
The fifth-highest crowd for a Steelers game had to wait for the Sunday night showdown between two of the NFL’s marquee franchises because of a nearly 90-minute weather delay.
FELLOW Olympian Megan Moss joins world indoor hurdles record holder Devynne Chsrlton as she receives her SAC Alumni Association 2024 Lighthouse.jpeg
CHIEFS quarterback Patrick Mahomes throws during the second half against the New Orleans Saints last night. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
‘Jazz’ hits solo home run but Yankees suffer 4-2 defeat at the hands of Royals in Game 2
SOLO HOME RUN
FROM PAGE 16
Chisholm Jr lined out to centre fielder Garrett Hampson for the second out. In his second at-bat in the third with the Yankees leading 1-0, Chisholm Jr grounded out to third baseman Maikel Garcia for the third out.
Chisholm Jr, leading off the second inning, struck out swinging for the first out. Game three of the series will move to Kansas City at the Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City on Wednesday at 7:08pm. Tonight, first base coach Antoan Richardson and his New York Mets will be out to break a 1-1 tie in their series against the Philadelphia Phillies at the Citi Field in Flushing, New York.
THE Masqueraders highlighted the New Providence Oldtimers Softball Association’s weekend of games with a massacre of the Vipers.
The Masqueraders clobbered the Vipers 23-2 in one of the four games played in the Archdeacon William Thompson Softball Park at the Southern Recreation Grounds.
In other games played, the Corner Boys outslugged the Divers 19-15;
the Home Boys blasted the KC Construction Raiders 18-4; the USS Rebels nipped the Corner Boys 9-8 and the Q-Club Divers clobbered the Dozer Pros 25-9.
Masqueraders 23, Vipers 2: Andrick John outduelled Philip Humes on the mound and John’s teammates provided all the spark they needed, scoring five runs in the first inning, seven in the second, two in the third, seven again in the
fourth and another pair in the fifth.
Philip Culmer was a perfect 3-for-3 with a double, triple, four runs batted in (RBI) and five runs scored to pace the Masqueraders’ offensive attack.
Noel Fernander was 2-for-4 with a double, three RBI and two runs scored and Carvin Cummings was 2-for-4 with a double, two RBI and two runs scored.
The Vipers, who only scored a run in the second and the third, was led by Stephen Beneby with a 2-for-2 day with a double; Vince Davis was 3-for-3 with a RBI and Angelo Rolle was 3-for-3 with a double and. run scored.
Corner Boys 19, Divers 15: Junior Moss picked up the win on the mound and Moses Johnson suffered the loss in this slugfest.
The Corner Boys scored six runs in the first, two in the second, two in the fourth, three in the sixth and six in the seventh.
Vincent Storr went 4-for-5 with a double, two home runs, seven RBI and three runs scored; Kevin Davies was a perfect 4-for-4 with four RBI and three runs scored and Angelo
Dillette was 2-for-3 with a double, a homer, three RBI and five runs scored.
In a losing effort, Jimmy Clarke was 2-for-4 with a homer, five RBI and three runs scored; Ron Demeritte was 2-for-5 with two RBI and as many runs scored and Garvin Williams was 2-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored.
The Vipers scored three runs in the first and third, four in the fourth and five in the sixth.
Home Boys 18, KC Raiders 4: Brad Wood Jr was the winning pitcher and Simeon Dean was the loser in this blowout after the Home Boys exploded for 13 runs in the first inning and they scored another in the second, three in the fourth and one in the fifth.
Shawn Blair led the Home Boys’ offensive attack with a 2-for-5 day with three RBI and two runs scored; Michael Thompson was 3-for-4 with a double, homer, four RBI and three runs scored; Steve Morley was a perfect 4-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored; Darren Stevens was 3-for-5 with a double, a RBI and a three runs scored and Hosea Hilton
was 2-for-5 with three RBI and three runs scored.
Gary Wright was a perfect 2-for-2 with a double, an RBI and a run scored and Sherman Ferguson was 1-for-2 with an RBI in a losing effort.
The Raiders only scored two runs in the second and one in both the third and fourth.
USS Rebels 9, Corner Boys 8: Val Munroe took the win over Foster Dorsett on the mound in this keenly contested match-up.
After scoring seven runs in the first inning, USS didn’t score again until the seven when they came through with the tying and winning runs.
Danny Belton went 2-for-4 with a double, two RBI and two runs scored and Gerrino Saunders was 2-for-3 with a double, two RBI and a run scored for USS.
N’Komo Ferguson went 2-for-3 with a homer, four RBI and a run scored and Angelo Dillette was 2-for-4 with a homer, two RBI and a run scored in the loss.
The Corner Boys scored four runs in the fourth, two in the fifth and two more in the seventh.
Q-Club Divers 25, Dozer Pros 9: Moses Johnson picked up the win and Vernon Bowles was tagged with the loss on the mound. Garvin Williams was a perfect 3-for-3 with a double, four RBI and four runs scored; Jayson Clarke was 1-for-3with a homer, four RBI and three runs scored and Marcellus Hall was 4-for-5 with three RBI and two runs scored. The Q-Club scored two runs in the first, nine in the second, three in the third and 11 in the fourth for their abbreviated victory. The Dozer Pros scored five in the second and four in the fourth. Rudy Wildgoose was 1-for-3 with a homer, three RBI and a run scored in a losing effort.
THE SCHEDULE
Saturday Noon - Da Boyz vs Vipers.
2pm - Home Boys vs Rebels. 4pm - KC Construction vs Dozer Heavy Equipment Sunday 1pm - Masqueraders
NEW York Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. looks on from the dugout during a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on September 29, in New York. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
YANKEES’ Jasrado Chisholm Jr. (13) reacts as Gleyber Torres (25) scores against the Royals during the third inning of Game 2 of the American League baseball playoff series last night in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
NEW York Yankees’ Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr. (13) reacts after hitting a solo home run against the Kansas City Royals during the ninth inning of Game 2 of the American League baseball playoff series, Monday, October 7, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
YANKEES’ Gleyber Torres (25) celebrates with Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) after scoring on a hit by designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton during Game 2 of the American League baseball playoff series. (AP Photo/ Frank Franklin II)
Maritime institute ready for conference
By NAMEIKO MILLER
THE LJM Maritime Institute is holding the 2024 LJM Maritime Conference, on October 24-25.
The conference will delve into the theme “Broadening the Horizon of a Sustainable Maritime Future: Trends, Innovations, Opportunities, and Risks.”
This gathering will bring together maritime professionals to discuss key industry trends and emerging challenges.
Including experts like Dr
Kirkland Anderson, Senior Faculty at Caribbean Maritime University, Marques Williams, Operations Manager at Nassau Cruise Port and Kenneth Carey, Technical Officer at the Bahamas Maritime Authority, the conference features speakers from various sectors within the industry.
Ipeleng Selele, President of Women in Maritime Africa (WIMA), will deliver the keynote address, setting the tone for innovative and forward-thinking dialogue.
These distinguished professionals, along with their
counterparts, will share their insights on the future of the maritime industry, providing critical analysis on sustainability, technology, and the future risks that threaten the sector. Students will have the opportunity to engage with these professionals and experience firsthand what are the current trends, innovations, opportunities and risks facing the industry. As global challenges in climate change and sustainability continue to mount, the maritime industry must rise to the occasion. Events
$40,000 HELPING HAND
ISAAC Ferguson, a Grand Bahama native that was forced to migrate to South Andros after Hurricane Dorian has been awarded a $40,000 scholarship from the Deltec Foundation.
Describing the transition to life after the devastating storm as “harsh”, due to his low-income family coping with displacement and scarcity while living in South Andros.
Isaac said his parents encouraged him to look for opportunities to make his career goals a reality.
“My parents told me that with every opportunity, use it to the best of your ability,” said Isaac.
“Take advantage of it. Get all of the things
that you would need to make your life easier on the road ahead. It really pushed me to be the best I could be.”
Isaac was recently awarded the Deltec Initiatives for Scholarship and Education (DIFSE) full four-year scholarship to attend the University of The Bahamas. The $40,000 scholarship will allow him to pursue a career in architectural design. Now in its fifth year, the DIFSE awards Family Island high school students with mentorship and a full scholarship to attend the University.
Janay Symonette, corporate communications vice-president at Deltec
said the firm wanted to provide an opportunity for Family Island students, who are often overlooked and not afforded the same resources or opportunities as Nassau-based students.
“Since 2019, we’ve had amazing Family Island students with missions and vision to grow their island and we’ve seen them thrive,” said Ms Symonette. Upon graduation, Isaac intends to make an impact on the construction industry.
“We can’t stop hurricanes, but I would like to see better designed, better constructed buildings,” he said.
“I wish to improve those industries throughout The Bahamas.”
like the LJM Maritime Conference are key in ensuring that the industry remains innovative, resilient, and sustainable for future generations. With powerful discussions, a diverse lineup of speakers, and the potential for forging meaningful partnerships, this conference will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact.
Many sponsors and partners are contributing to making this conference a success. For those interested in becoming a partner or registering for the event, please contact the academy
at mcb@ljmma.edu.bs or telephone 242-397-5300.
On Saturday, October 26, LJM Maritime Academy Gala will be held at Atlantis, Paradise Island.
Themed “Come Go to Sea with Us”, the gala offers a perfect blend of entertainment and celebration of maritime progress.
Starting at 7pm, the event promises a night of live music, exciting prizes, and unexpected surprises. This grand affair invites industry professionals and supporters of the maritime sector to reflect on the progress
made and future goals.
Tickets are priced at $250, and the funds raised will continue to support maritime education and sustainability projects. For anyone with a vested interest in the maritime industry or its future, the LJM Maritime Conference and Gala are unmissable events.
By attending, you’ll not only learn about the latest trends but also contribute to shaping a greener and more sustainable path forward for one of the world’s most vital industries.
YOUTH MONTH LAUNCHED IN GRAND BAHAMA
THE Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture officially launched Youth Month on the island of Grand Bahama, under the theme “Homecoming: Let’s Make More Memories.”
The month-long celebration is dedicated to engaging the island’s youth through a variety of exciting activities designed to foster empowerment, creativity, and community involvement.
Ginger Moxey, Minister of Grand Bahama, highlighted various initiatives aimed at integrating young Grand Bahamians into the economy, including programmes like Maritime 101, a collaboration with ELNET Maritime Agency, in which 60 students from 17 high schools have graduated, on Grand Bahama. Festivities began with the “Miracle in Music Youth Explosion,” and a church service at the New Life Worship Centre.
The month will also include the Youth Recognition Awards on October 12 at Calvary Temple Assembly of God, a Youth Speech Competition on October 16, where prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, and a grand Youth March & Rally on October 20 at Independence Park, concluding with a Junkanoo Rush.
Additionally, while the month will wrap up with a Career Fair at Grand Lucayan on October 31, ‘Youth in Parliament’ will be held in Nassau on November 4.
THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS TAKE PART IN COLLEGE FAIR
THE Charlotte Knowles Thompson Agency recently held its 3rd Annual College Fair, which took place over two days and attracted more than 1,600 participants from Nassau and the Family Islands. The fair brought together students, parents, counselors and representatives from over 22 prestigious colleges and universities including BAMSI, from The United States and Canada, making it the largest turnout yet for the event.
The event provided a unique platform for high school students and prospective college applicants to meet directly with admissions officers, gather valuable information about academic programmes, financial aid options, and campus life, and explore their future educational opportunities.
Attendees expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to engage directly with college representatives and experts. Many left the
fair with a clearer sense of direction and newfound motivation to pursue higher education.
Leonardo Lightbourne, MP North Andros and the Berry Islands partnered with Charlotte Knowles Thompson Agency for the past three years to provide students in North Andros and the Berry Islands transportation to participate in the event.
Ms Knowles- Thompson, along with representatives from various universities from the United States and Canada, also met with Pia
T. Glover-Rolle, Minister of Labour and Public Service, to discuss vital workforce development initiatives following the college fair.
The meeting provided an opportunity for engagement, allowing for a comprehensive discussion of current and future labor market trends in The Bahamas. Understanding these trends is crucial for educational institutions aiming to align their programs with the evolving needs of the labour market.
ISAAC Ferugson with Ethel Chalopin, executive chair of Deltec Initiative Foundations, and Janay Symonette, head of customer experience and corporate communications at Deltec Bank.
GOVERNOR General Dame Cynthia Pratt welcomed Bahamas Girls Guides during a courtesy call ib
October 2. The members of the Bahamas Girl Guides Association presented cookies to launch their annual Cookie Drive.
Photos: Patrick Hanna/BIS
Solo home run!
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
Although he produced his first Major League Baseball postseason home run, Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr and his New York Yankees fell short in game two of their American League Divisional playoff series against the Kansas City Royals.
Last night at Yankee Stadium in New York as Chisholm Jr homered in the bottom of the ninth, the Yankees suffered a 4-2 loss as the Royals evened the best-of-five series at 1-1.
Chisholm Jr, betting sixth in the line-up, finished with a 1-for-4 night after he played a crucial role in the Yankees’ 6-5 win in game one on Saturday.
In that game, his first MLB postseason game, Chisholm Jr ignited the attack in the ninth with a single, stole second and scored the game’s winning run.
Last night, the Yankees fell short of another dramatic win, but Chisholm Jr got his only hit of the game in the bottom of the ninth on a lead on a solo homer off Royals’ closer Lucas Erceg to cut the Yankees’ deficit in half at 4-2.
Prior to the homer, Chisholm Jr was hitless in his previous three at-bats. Trailing 4-1 in the sixth,
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‘Jazz’ Chisholm Jr shines at-bat, but Yankees suffer 4-2 loss in Game 2
McKinney-Lambert wins Optimist Nationals
THE Fidelity Bahamas Optimist National Championship Regatta concluded Sunday in George Town, Exuma.
Forty eight sailors competed from islands throughout The Bahamas, including sailors from the Grand Bahama Sailing Club, The Hope Town Junior Sailing Club, the Harbour Island Sailing Club, the Eleuthera Sailing Academy, the Mack Knowles Junior Sailing Club, the Bahamas National Sailing School, and the host club - The Exuma Sailing Club. Five junior sailors also joined from the Southern Yacht Club in Louisiana, USA.
The conditions were near perfect for the weekend of sailing in iconic Elizabeth Harbour with sunny skies and 10 knot breezes blowing consistently from the south east. The race committee of both green and championship fleets were able to complete all seven races with minimal issues or delays.
The green fleet was dominated by the Hope Town Junior Sailing crew with Flethcher Johnston clean sweeping the regatta and winning all seven races. He was followed in second by fellow Hope Town female sailor Valentina Pinder with 18 points. Rounding out the
SOFTBALL
BSF HALL OF FAME
DUE to the threat of Hurricane Milton to the Northern Bahamas, the Bahamas Softball Federation’s 2024 Hall of Fame Induction, which was scheduled for Wednesday night, has been postponed until a later date. The induction was scheduled to take place at Government House with Governor General Cynthia “Mother” Pratt, a Hall of Famer, was scheduled to preside over the proceedings.
The list of honourees include Pedro Marcellus, Freedie ‘the Skipper’ Cornish, Elvis Rolle, Anthony Fowler, Rhonda Colton, Monique Cooper, Mario ‘Gubbs’ Ford, Kevion ‘Iceman’ Bethel, Winston ‘Strawberry’ Seymour, Stephen ‘Slugger’ Brown, Van ‘Lil Joe’ Johnson, John
CHAVANNO
green fleet was newcomer Grayson Kemp from the Harbour Island Sailing Club with 19 points.
Pinder had the second place position all but locked up after the first day of sailing with a 12 to 19 point gap over Kemp, but Kemp stormed back with three strong races on Sunday to close the gap to just one point, jumping from 5th to 3rd place overall.
In the championship fleet, the competition was tight between the top Bahamian sailors and the visiting team from the United States. Twenty eight sailors made up the
By
BAHAMIAN NBA player Chavanno “Buddy” Hield will be honoured, along with others, during the Bahamas Diamond Eagle Ambassador Youth Awards in Grand Bahama on Saturday, October 12. Mr Hield, a shooting guard with the Golden State Warriors, is a native of Eight Mile Rock. He has sponsored and hosted many summer basketball camps in The Bahamas.
Bridgette Farrington, founder of BDAYA, said the event will be held at the Pelican Bay Hotel under the theme: “We Can.”
And a cocktail reception begins at 6:30pm, followed by the awards ceremony at 8pm. The other honourees this year include Chris Paine & Volunteers of the Grand Bahama Sailing Club; coach Nigel Kirkby of the Grand Bahama Rugby Club; Keith Cooper, director of West End Eco Fishing Camp, West End Sailing Programme, and West End Eco Tours; coach Charles ‘Softly’ Robins, of the Charlie Softly Robins Annual Basketball Camp; and Pastor Anthony Williams, coach of the Moore’s Island Exterminators Track Club. Ms Farrington said the organisation celebrates and honours men who work with local youth organisations.
She stated that the Bahamas Diamond Eagle Foundation is a Godinspired community organisation established in 2016. Its mission is to encourage more men to become actively involved in
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‘Brother John’ Willouiams, Leslie ‘Truck’ Johnson, Jerome ‘Stunt’ Moxey and deceased Van ‘Lil Joe’ Johnson, Charles ‘Chuckie’ Smith, Jackie ‘Lil Stunt’ Moxey, Zella Symonette and Aretha Mackey. No date has been set for the induction.
SOCCER NPPPSSA TOURNEY POSTPONED THE New Providence Public Primary Schools Sports Association’s Dawn Knowles Soccer Tournament that was to be played at the Roscoe Davies Developmental Center at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex yesterday was called off due to the inclement weather. The association has announced that the girls will play
SEE PAGE 11 October
WOMEN’S world indoor 60 metres hurdles champion and record holder Devynne Charlton returned home and made a substantial contribution to her alma mater at St Augustine’s College. Charlton, who competed for the Big Red Machine before she headed off to Purdue University on an athletic scholarship, presented the SAC Alumni Association with a cheque for a scholarship for a deserving student-athlete. The presentation was made yesterday by Charlton to Dr Anastasia Brown, president of the SAC Alumni Association. She was joined by her former team-mate Megan Moss. Charlton, who is coming off a sixth-place finish in the women’s 100m hurdles at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, will be one of the honourees during the SAC Alumni Lighthouse
scheduled for
DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
NEW York Yankees’ Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr (13) reacts after hitting a solo home run against the Kansas City Royals during the ninth inning of Game 2 of the American League baseball playoff series, Monday, October 7, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
WORLD indoor hurdles record holder Devynne Charlton, left, makes a cheque presentation to Dr Anastasia Brown, president of the SAC Alumni Association.
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