10102023 NEWS AND SPORT

‘WE THOUGHT WE’D DIE ON THE PLANE’

Bahamian tells of seeing missiles at Israel airport

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

FIRST, the ground shook. Then, air raid sirens roared, and a voice came over the hotel intercom: “Please, everyone evacuate. Come immediately to the staircase. We’re under attack.”

What began as a business trip for Bahamian Dion Bowe and his wife

unravelled into a fight for survival on Saturday after an Islamist militant group attacked Israel, sparking a war that has killed more than 1,500 people.

Mr Bowe, a senior partner of an advisory and investments firm based in Panama, The Bahamas and the United States, spent much of Saturday thinking

SEARS LOOKING INTO RAID THAT LEFT THREE SIBLINGS ABANDONED

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

IMMIGRATION Min-

ister Alfred Sears said he ordered an investigation into reports that a 12-yearold boy and his two siblings were left to fend for themselves after immigration officers arrested their mother in the Kool Acres shanty town last week.

The investigation, he

said, will also look into whether residents were abused as some of them claimed.

Mr Sears also confirmed that former Immigration Director William Pratt is back again in his old role, replacing Keturah Ferguson who was removed under circumstances that the Davis administration has yet to clarify.

BP L WORKING NOW TO P REVENT OUTAGE S IN 2024

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

AFTER power cuts plagued residents this summer, Transport and Energy Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis said her ministry is already working to ensure reliable operations next summer. She told reporters on Friday that

early maintenance of generators will play a key role in preventing outages in 2024.

“We are planning now to make sure that our maintenance programmes are well advanced so that we could begin working on all of our plants, all of our generators and getting them ready for the load that may come,”

SEE PAGE 11

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

A BOATING accident in Abaco left a man dead on Friday night.

Nineteen passengers were on a vessel that struck a reef in waters off South Abaco shortly after 8pm on Friday.

According to police reports, a 28-year-old boat operator was transporting a group of Bahamian,

FORMER Governor General Sir Cornelius Smith was hospitalised yesterday.

O NE MAN DEAD AFTER BOAT CRA S H IN A BACO FORMER GG CA SMITH HOSPITALISED TWO KILLED IN MURDERS AT WEEKEND

He is stable, in excellent

THREE

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

TWO men were killed in separate incidents over the weekend.

The latest murder happened shortly before 11pm in the Yellow Elder

SEE PAGE THREE

Photo: Dante Carrer

Honouring heroes who shaped the nation

AGGREKO EXPA NDS PRESENCE IN THE BA H A M A S ESTABLISHING A LOC A L ENTITY A ND A PPOINTS SE A SONED BUSINESSM A N JEFFREY BECKLES A S LOC A L DIRECTOR

Nassau, Bahamas, October 9, 2023

- Aggreko, a global leader in providing flexible energy solutions, is proud to announce its expansion into the Bahamas, by establishing a new local entity in the region. This significant move underscores Aggreko’s commitment to powering progress in the Caribbean and increasing its capability to deliver longterm efficient, reliable, and sustainable (including renewable sources) energy solutions.

Leading the charge as the newly appointed Local Director for Aggreko Bahamas is Jeffrey Beckles, a highly regarded businessman and corporate advisor with an impressive track record spanning various key sectors. His strategic leadership and local expertise make him the ideal choice to support Aggreko’s operations in the Bahamas, as the company embarks on a mission to transform the energy landscape while meeting the growing demand for reliable and costeffective power solutions.

Jeffrey Beckles stated, “Aggreko has been in the Bahamas for over a decade and I am honoured to now support the company’s new investments and growth into the country. Bahamas holds immense potential for sustainable energy solutions, and Aggreko is uniquely positioned to support this journey. Our team

of experts is dedicated to ensuring the seamless delivery of reliable power, reducing outages, and contributing to the growth of the local community. We are not just opening offices; we are building a brighter and more sustainable energy future for the Bahamas, and supporting its economic growth.”

As the Caribbean energy transition becomes a reality, Aggreko is dedicated to offering integrated solutions for a cleaner and more efficient generation matrix.

Aggreko’s bridge power solutions pave the way towards cleaner energy, bringing new technologies with high-efficiency equipment utilising a wide range of fuels - such as LPG, LNG, and diesel – as well as offering a very flexible business model. The company is also able to provide and seamlessly integrate renewable sources with thermal generation and battery systems to ensure consistent, efficient, and flexible power for the medium and long term.

Aggreko’s expansion also includes an exciting commitment to investing in an apprentice program in partnership with the local university and technical schools, aiming to generate jobs and foster community development in the Bahamas. For more information about Aggreko’s presence in the Caribbean, please visit: https://www.aggreko.com/en-us.

RECIPIENTS of the 2023 National Honour awards officially received their recognition during an investiture ceremony at Government House yesterday.

Photos: Dante Carrer

FROM left, Jose Schiavi - Aggreko Director for Latin America and the Caribbean (excluding Brazil); Nigel Hosein - Aggreko Business Development Manager for the Caribbean; Jeffrey Beckles - Aggreko Bahamas local director; Mariano Souto - Aggreko General Manager for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.

‘We thought we’d die on the plane’

he and his wife would die, leaving behind their six children.

The couple arrived in Jerusalem last Tuesday and expected to leave on Monday. Their plans changed when Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, fired thousands of rockets and entered Israel by land, sea and air, infiltrating towns and taking hostages.

“In the staircase, you could see all the family and kids,” Mr Bowe said, recalling the early hours of the attack and their escape from the country. “They were coming down there as the missiles were coming in the air.

“After about two hours of this, about 20 evacuations to bomb shelters, I told my wife no, we need to find a way to get to the airport to get out of here.”

Mr Bowe said they relied on private security

contractors to traverse blocked roads, get to the airport and take what appeared to be the last plane out around 8.30pm Saturday. They grabbed only one bag, leaving behind other belongings.

Bahamian diplomats, including Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell, helped them. On the way to the airport, they saw dead bodies.

“The news doesn’t have any (grasp) of what’s actually happening,” Mr Bowe said. “You’re only seeing ten per cent of the damage that’s on the ground in Israel.”

“We had to wait and use our diplomatic relationships for us to leave and actually escape to Turkey.

“The saddest part was once we were on the plane waiting to be evacuated, we witnessed like almost 125 rocket missiles launching at the airport when we were sitting on the plane.”

“My wife, she was

FORMER GG CORNELIUS SMITH HOSPITALISED

from page one

spirits, and grateful for the tremendous outpouring of concern and good wishes.

The 86-year-old became governor general on June 28, 2019. He left that role on August 31, 2023.

Sir Cornelius was the

former representative of the Marco City constituency. As a former Cabinet minister in the Ingraham administrations, he served as minister of education, minister of public safety and immigration, ministry of tourism and minister of transport and local government.

TWO KILLED IN SEPARATE

MURDERS AT WEEKEND

from page one

Gardens community.

Details on the incident were limited up to press time last night.

The shooting came a day after a man was found stabbed to death in Rosebud Street, his body found by a nearby resident.

Police were alerted just after 3pm Saturday by the resident after she found the unresponsive man outside her home.

The 52-year-old victim was also a resident of Rosebud Street.

Officers arrived at the location and found the victim had stab wounds to the upper body. After examining him, emergency medical services personnel

determined that he had no signs of life.

Police are asking for the public’s assistance in finding the suspect or suspects responsible.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Criminal Investigations Department on 502-9991/2/3, 919/911 or Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS.

Meanwhile, police are also investigating after a 24-year-old woman was shot on Saturday evening.

The incident took place shortly before 8pm, and the victim presented herself to the hospital with an apparent non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the arm. Police said the details of the incident are unknown but they are actively investigating.

DION Bowe and his wife share photos of their trip to Israel where they enjoyed some sites while on a business trip. Their enjoyment turned to terror when Hamas sent volleys of missiles which began to arrive on Friday.

screaming at the pilot: ‘Get us out of there’.”

“You could see the missiles were landing in the airport parking lot. They have some kind of security system where they shoot down the missiles from the airport, and you could see the missiles being shot down.”

“We thought we would’ve died on the plane because you could still see the missiles in the air when the plane took off.”

Mr Bowe and his wife live between The Bahamas and Panama. After leaving Turkey, he travelled to Morocco for a World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund meeting. His wife travelled back to Panama.

Last week’s trip to Israel, he said, was their first and last visit to that country.

“My mom, she’s in Nassau. I told my sister when I called her, I said ‘listen, before when she

wakes up and she sees the news –– because I know typically most Bahamians they wake up and look at Fox News, CNN –– tell her when she wakes up we are safe, we on the way going to Turkey’, cuz I didn’t want her to know the news that I was still trapped over there,” he said.

Yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an advisory for Bahamians in Israel, urging them to follow the instructions of local authorities. It is unknown whether Bahamians remain in that country or how many evacuated. The Bahamas does not have a diplomatic presence there but is working with other countries that do.

Responding to the hostilities, Mr Mitchell told ZNS yesterday that the government supports a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

“We’re not in the fight,” he added.

Sears looking into raid that left three siblings abandoned

from page one

Last night, when The Tribune asked Prime Minister Philip Davis at Government House if he could say why Ms Ferguson was sent on leave, he declined. Office of the Prime Minister Press Secretary Keishla Adderley had said earlier that Mr Davis would address the issue himself.

Ms Ferguson’s role as head of immigration became tenuous after a series of leaks revealed her discontent with former minister Keith Bell’s alleged interference in the department’s work.

Regarding what happened when immigration officers posted eviction notices in Kool Acres last week, Mr Sears said the ministry’s mandate is to carry out its duties in a firm,

but humane way. “I’ve asked that an investigation be undertaken and a report be provided to me, but I can tell you that the mandate of the Department of Immigration and the ministry is to ensure effective enforcement of immigration laws in a humane and also in a fair manner,” he said. “Once I’m fully briefed, I will be able to speak to that particular case.”

Mr Sears says the Department of Immigration is more important than ever as some eight million persons are expected to enter The Bahamas this year.

“The Immigration Department is a very hardworking department, and it is an important instrument of national security because it is the entity which determines the admissibility of persons

into our country. “All of those persons who come into our country are subject to the determination of an immigration officer, also to detect persons who are in the country and have not been lawfully admitted, and to detain those persons in a lawful manner. With the appropriate judicial process, those persons will be returned to their home countries.

“As we move forward, we will be investing in more training. Certainly, there needs to be more equipment, in terms of vehicles, as well as technology and work stations. Those matters are being addressed now. There will be amendments to the law, as well as the development of new facilities so that the work of the Ministry of Immigration can be carried out more efficiently.”

NIB dIscussINg strategIes w I th stakeholders ahead of Next year’s rate INcrease

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

IMMIGRATION and National Insurance Minister Alfred Sears said discussions with internal and external stakeholders on innovative strategies to sustain the National Insurance Board fund are underway.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis announced in July that National Insurance Board (NIB) contribution rates would see increases beginning July 1, 2024, to prevent the collapse of the social security system.

“I’ve been briefed, and I’m speaking to the stakeholders and reviewing and this process of review, it

will involve speaking also with external stakeholders,” Mr Sears said on Friday. “And as we have the collective wisdom, we will then outline a number of short-term as well as long-term strategies to ensure sustainability.”

Mr Sears gave an assurance that under his authority, NIB will be managed in a “prudent”

manner.

“We know that there will have to be some heavy lifting over the next year in terms of ensuring that we improve productivity, efficiency because we’re living in a technological revolution,” he said. “So it, therefore, means that NIB, which is heavily dependent on technology, services the entire archipelago. We’ll

have to look at innovation in terms of its technology and its systems.

“And, of course, we will have to increase the contribution as we move forward. The key thing is to ensure sustainability and to conduct the affairs of NIB in a manner, which is prudent, because we’re talking about trust funds, and, therefore, the manner

in which the funds are invested, the funds are managed, has to always have elements of prudence and the substance of prudence.”

Next year’s rate increase will be split 50/50 between employers and employees. Contribution rates are currently 5.9 per cent for employers and 3.9 per cent for employees.

IMMIGRATION Minister Alfred Sears said he ordered an investigation into reports that a 12-year-old boy and his two siblings were left to fend for themselves after immigration officers arrested their mother in the Kool Acres shanty town last week.

Photo: Moise Amisial

THE NATIONAL Insurance Board unveiled a new logo on Friday. Photo: Moise Amisial

Families of victims killed by police call for justice and accountability at vigil

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

THE families of those killed during policeinvolved shootings renewed their calls for justice, accountability and closure for the beloved victims during a candlelight vigil ceremony on Friday.

More than 70 people gathered at the Father Marshall Cooper Community Park in the Masons Addition area, not far from Sandy Lane off McCullough Corner where Deangelo Evans, 20, affectionately known as “Dee”, was shot and killed by police on May 27, 2018.

Three years later, Azario Major, 31, was gunned down and killed by police outside Woody’s Bar on Fire Trail Road on December 26, 2021.

Both incidents, sparked tension between the families and the police. With loved ones simultaneously demanding answers and mourning the death of their loved one.

The incidents required investigations into the police officers involved, through the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Following the rulings by the Coroner’s Court juries, both incidents were deemed homicides by manslaughter, leaving the families pleased, but also

wondering, what comes next.

Acting director Cordell Frazier has to decide whether to charge the officers involved with a crime or let the matter end with the ruling.

On Friday, family members gathered on the Masons Addition Park after 7pm holding candles to remember and honor their fallen loved ones. They said justice will not be attained until those responsible are held to account.

Pedro Lee, Deangelo’s uncle pleaded with authorities for a fast and quick resolution to the matter.

“The verdict came down from Coroner’s Court and we’re looking forward to move on with that. But we can’t move on with that if we’re not getting any response from those entities.

“We’re pleading to them that we need a fast and quick response. We’re here to let them know we’re not stopping. We’ll fight and fight and fight. Our family is too big and we’re not letting down for no one. We’re fighting together as one. God has our backs.

“We’re asking for the Director of Public Prosecutions to move swift, because they take too long.”

Yolanda Maynard, cousin of Deangelo, said of Deangelo’s mother: “I

Queen’s College students, teaC hers and parents pay tribute to dario r ahming

see her pain, that was not an easy road. All of us walked it, but she walked a harder road, because that was her child.

“So, in this community, we stood with her and we’re ready to stand with her yet again. We’re going to march until we get justice. Justice is what we want and justice is what we’re going to get,” she said.

Frederick Major, Azario’s father, said he was disappointed that the Speech from the Throne, opening Parliament on Wednesday, did not include legislation to address accountability for policeinvolved killings.

“Mr Prime Minister, we’re calling on you to add to the legislation that there will be an accountability for all police officers who have ventured out of the course of their duty.”

Jeffrey Butler, a representative of Human Rights Bahamas, who also showed support at the vigil said: “That lawful gang that is the Royal Bahamas Police Force, yes there are good officers, yes there are great officers, there are officers that want to speak out on these things, but you can’t go against the grain. You’ll be lucky if you get desk duty.

“That’s the system we allowed to happen. But we are standing here tonight to break that system, to break that cycle, to break that culture,” he said.

STUDENTS, teachers and parents gathered on Friday at Queen’s College to pay tribute to Dario Rahming, the head boy who died on the previous Saturday as he attended a basketball practice.

Tearful tributes were given, with some speakers crying as they paid their respects to Dario, known as DJ to his friends.

A packed turnout saw the school field filled with cars to accommodate overflow parking, and a large photograph of Dario was placed near the entrance of the vigil, next to the basketball court, so people could write their own tributes on it.

“It was so sad,” said one student. “I really felt sorry for his teachers and his mother especially.”

Another student said as they departed: “I’m glad I was here tonight. Everyone came together as a community.”

As the vigil came to an end, a number of the students gathered by the basketball court and sang hymns together to celebrate Dario’s life.

MORE than 70 people gathered for a candlelight vigil at the Father Marshall Cooper Community Park in the Masons Addition area, not far from Sandy Lane off McCullough Corner where Deangelo Evans, 20, affectionately known as “Dee”, was shot and killed by police on May 27, 2018. Three years later, Azario Major, 31, was gunned down and killed by police outside Woody’s Bar on Fire Trail Road on December 26, 2021.

Photos: Letre Sweeting

QUEEN’s College students, teachers and parents pay tribute to Dario Rahming on Friday. Photos: Moise Amisial

The Tribune Limited

Putting troops in harm’s way deserves discussion

THE country appears to be sleepwalking towards committing personnel to Haiti.

As the news comes that Kenya’s deployment of police officers to the country has run into a legal challenge, our own consideration of sending Bahamians into Haiti to tackle gang violence there has had surprisingly little discussion.

In Kenya, the legal challenge is over whether it is constitutional for police officers, rather than soldiers, to be deployed outside the country on such a mission.

Kenya has taken a leading role in the prospect of a multi-national force for Haiti, after it agreed to lead such a deployment after a United Nations Security Council resolution was approved last week.

The mission would be funded by voluntary contributions, with the US having pledged up to $200m.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis – who back in June said “I don’t know that there’s any appetite for any of the superpowers or anyone to put boots on the ground at this time” – said last week that his administration will now settle logistical issues relating to sending troops abroad, adding: “We are not just going to send them there without having a broad understanding of the mandate.”

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force Commodore, Raymond King, said the environment is not safe, but “we are resourced and prepared to keep any risk of casualty to a minimum”. Meanwhile, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said the 150 officers expected to be deployed have already been chosen and trained, adding that officials are studying the terms of the resolution, and noting: “What is proposed? What rules have to govern it? Depending on that, then we’ll make decisions. So we’re still at the preliminary stage.”

So at this stage, we have a commitment to send troops without, it appears, a clear understanding of what the mandate is that the troops will be operating under.

Opposition leader Michael Pintard has complained that the government failed to consult before pledging to send troops – however, he says the FNM does not oppose sending troops. Again, this is despite there being little clarity over the mandate – the mission – that the troops will be undertaking.

Former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, meanwhile, has called for a resolution to be debated in Parliament before officers are sent abroad.

Putting troops potentially in harm’s way deserves a clear discussion – not just for the political leaders to be well aware of what is being proposed, but for those who are taking part in the mission, and their families, and the Bahamian public to be aware of what we are committing to.

Does there need to be a resolution?

No. The deployment can take place simply with an order from the governor general under the terms of the Defence Act. But there is no reason why we cannot choose to hold such a resolution to demonstrate openness about the magnitude of the challenge we are taking on.

To be clear about the situation the troops would be going into, Haiti is a country riven by gang war, described as a failed state by Commodore King, and where there have been more than 3,000 murders this year so far and more than 1,500 kidnappings. The Haitian police is buckling under the strain, with 11,000 members to police 14 million people.

Even if our part in the mission is simply training police – and our part has not been made clear – that is still putting our troops in a potentially challenging situation given how many police have been targeted by gang members.

Dr Minnis suggested that The Bahamas should follow the UN’s lead, saying: “If the UN requires a resolution, then The Bahamas should insist that a resolution is brought to Parliament so it’s debated and discussed in Parliament with the involvement and input of the Bahamian people.”

There appears to be no legal hurdles so far of the kind that Kenya is encountering – but simply to make clear to the public what our situation is, it should be spelled out what the terms of our commitment is, how it will be funded, what our exit strategy is, how our troops will be supplied and how long we expect those troops to be away from home.

Discussing such matters does not need to mean opposition – it can be an opportunity to show unanimity if that is what is appropriate.

More to the point, if we are putting Bahamians in harms way, the least they deserve is for each MP to vote to say this is necessary.

A tribute to a f ne man, Obie

EDITOR, The Tribune.

“THE passing of Obediah Hercules Wilchcombe shocks Bahamian Community.”

OBEDIAH was a good looker and the kind who would put Adonis to shame. It makes you feel a bit sleazy but if he was fine we can’t hide from that “fine is fine”. He would set the record straight. The kind of guy who you feel uncomfortable around your girl. Yea, you have to watch with binoculars, else you would lose big time. Very rarely do you

Wilchcombe was an ideal politician

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I WAS shocked to have learned of what I consider to be the most untimely death of the late Hon. Obediah Hercules Wilchombe, the former MP for West End and Bimini. “Obie”, as he was affectionately and universally known, was the consummate politician and “servant” of the people of The Bahamas. As a very energetic individual, he was a prime example of what the ideal politician should be for his constituents. He served well and will, I am sure, be sorely missed. Obie, if I may, was a personal friend and benefactor. He was also a household name within The Bahamas for many years as a rated broadcaster and noted journalist with The Bahamas Broadcasting Corporation (ZNS) and was instrumental in the development of professionalism within and beyond the craft. Later he ventured into politics as an acolyte of the late great and deeply lamented Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling, our first Prime Minister.

He excelled and was appointed to several cabinet positions, inclusive of Minister of Tourism. In that capacity he did yeoman’s service for and on behalf of The Bahamas and her grateful people. His political shoes will be big ones to fill. While I am aware of the nature of politics here in our wonderful nation, I am somewhat taken aback by the premature jockeying by aspirants to the West End and Bimini Constituency. The least that they all should do is to allow Obie to be properly laid to rest and an appropriate national period of mourning observed.

As a life-long member of the iconic Progressive Liberal Party, Obie, to by personal knowledge was always ready to serve in whatever capacity in which he was deemed useful by consecutive leaders. With the return of the PLP to high office in 2021 Obie

was selected and appointed to the critical post of Minister of Social Services and Urban Renewal. He was also appointed Leader of Government Business in the House of Assembly where he, again, served with distinction. He will be missed. We tend to measure people in a bubble and consign them to cubicles as we see fit. Well, in Obie’s case, that does not matter any more. He did what he had to do while devoting a life of service to all Bahamians regardless of party politics. On behalf of myself and my immediate family, especially my beloved daughter, Jasmine, who was privileged to intern within his ministry last year, we extend our sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to the survivors and friends of the late Obediah Hercules Wilchombe. May his soul rest in peace. Well done, thy good and faithful servant.

ORTLAND H BODIE, Jr Nassau, September 28, 2023.

Govt needs to redo road works

find beauty and brains in a package deal. Good looking, intelligent, excellent personality and upfront in all his doings.

I guess we can give favourable on behalf of my brothers and sister; he is in a better place and may God accept him, into his bosom and grant him peace.

Wilchcombe, the west Grand Bahama and Bimini MP, was the minister of social services, information and Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas. These merged and came under his portfolio.

I concur with opposition leader Hon Michael Pintard that Wilchcombe was an excellent “embodiment of professionalism.”

In other words, he went the extra mile then some and more. It was not all lost because he touched many lives and was extremely exemplary in all he did, especially amongst his colleagues and those he came into contact with.

May his soul rest in Eternal Peace.

LOXSLEY

EDITOR, The Tribune.

LYFORD Cay Road approaching shopping centre … yes, you raised the road to avoid flooding work including asphalting very, very substandard … again please Public Works make the contractor remake.

Billboards … is anyone managing these? Seems not out west a forest of them …billboards should be allowed only for a set-time … all billboards should have an expiry date

when the licence expires, Parks and Beaches after that date remove. Ugliness is being organised by Parks and Beaches. Lake Brave … OPM West Bay - can’t someone in OPM - Office of the Prime Minister - instruct Public Works to at least blow the drain of Wynn property or drill another drain … same goes on the north side of West Bay and along the stretch from Goodman’s roundabout to Baha Mar, holes

under sidewalk simply too narrow.

Whilst on OPM … Still flying an incorrect coloured national flag … did we change it and OPM Communications didn’t tell us? Most of anniversary national flags are incorrect! Those celebrations - clearly silence is golden - day blew the $15m already?

K ALBURY Nassau, September 24, 2023.

MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg competes in a three-pointer competition during the Culture in the Park Community Festival hosted by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture yesterday.

Photo: Dante Carrer

One dead, nine injured in boat crash in Abaco

from page one

Haitian, Guyanese and Hispanic workers from Marsh Harbour to Montage Cay on a white 27ft 250HP

Yamaha single-engine boat when the vessel reportedly struck a reef, throwing the passengers overboard.

Police said a search and rescue team was organised, leading to the rescue of nineteen people, one of whom was found unresponsive and later pronounced

dead. The remaining passengers were taken to the local clinic. Nine required medical attention, including the captain. They were flown to New Providence, treated for various injuries, and discharged.

Initially, word spread that some passengers were missing because police originally reported that 21 people were on the vessel. However, it was later confirmed that all passengers

A DIRECTOR OF B A NK OF THE B A H A M A S, M ITZI T URNQUEST DIES

were accounted for.

One passenger, Shawne Bowe, confirmed that he is in Abaco after concerned family members told ZNS he was missing. “I’m fine,” he said in a video on Facebook. “I’m in Montage Cay. I was just hurt a little bit. I just came back from the second checkup from Marsh Harbour, so I’m good. Thanks for everyone looking out for me, but I’m okay, so could y’all please stop the rumours.”

MITZIE Turnquest, a director of the Bank of The Bahamas, died on Saturday after several days of treatment in hospital.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis paid tribute to the business owner, life coach and motivational speaker, and former director of VIP services at Atlantis, calling here a “shining light in our community”.

Ms Turnquest had been taken ill on Wednesday and had been rushed to hospital. Her family called for “prayers in difficult times”.

A statement circulated online said that she died at 4.16pm on Saturday, “surrounded by her children and sisters”. The statement added: “We are grateful for the outpouring of love during this time.

The family graciously requests your continued prayers and privacy as we grieve this significant loss.

“A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered and celebrated. At a later date, we will share funeral arrangements. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.”

Mr Davis issued a statement, saying: “I have just received the profoundly saddening news of the passing of Ms Mitzie Turnquest. Today, The Bahamas mourns the loss of a shining light in our community and a staunch supporter of the Progressive Liberal Party.

“Mitzie was more than an exceptional human resources leader. She epitomised the spirit of resilience, empowerment,

and transformation. Her undying passion for leadership, good governance, and women’s and children’s advancement was evident in every endeavour she undertook.

“Beyond her illustrious career achievements, what stood out was her personal journey – one marked by challenges that would have broken many. From homelessness to personal tragedies, she faced them all and emerged even more resolute, becoming a testament to the strength and willpower of the Bahamian spirit.

“Her contributions, especially in empowering women and girls to harness their individual influence, will be remembered for generations to come. From her role at Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas to her position as Sr. Director of the International School of Business, her legacy is one of excellence, determination, and a deep commitment to societal progress.

“As the nation grapples with this immense loss, I wish to extend, on behalf of the government and the people of The Bahamas, our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and everyone she touched with her inspiring presence.

“In times like these, we are reminded of the fragility of life but also of the immense impact one life can have on many. Mitzie Turnquest’s legacy will live on, inspiring countless others to rise above challenges and make a positive difference in the world.

“May her soul rest in eternal peace.”

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Staff Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A 29-YEAR-OLD

Freeport man accused of possessing an unlicensed firearm was charged this week in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court. Brian Bethel, of No 1

Jackfish Street, appeared in Court Three before Magistrate Laquay Laing on Thursday.

He pleaded not guilty to one count of possession of an unlicensed firearm. Bail was set at $7,000 with one or two sureties. The case was adjourned to November 21 for trial.

ONE man is dead and another nine were flown to Nassau for medical treatment when a 27 foot boat carrying 19 workers struck a reef in Abaco Friday night.

MITZIE TURNQUEST a director of the Bank of The Bahamas

Sharon Martin: advancing the rights of workers and women in the workplace

THE cause of women’s rights in the workplace took on a whole new meaning when, for the first time, a woman was placed at the helm of labour and industrial relations in the country. An agent of change in the unions, Sharon Martin always valued people and fought for their rights as workers to be protected. She made strides and history making moves that have advanced the position of women in unions in The Bahamas.

When Sharon became chairman of the National Tripartite Council (NTC) on August 5, 2021, she was the first woman to do so and as such, women’s groups in The Bahamas took notice. She knew that she was taking on a big mantle, and that there would be much work to do. But what she did not expect was that a small group of women with an overlooked and underrated agenda would capture her heart and give her a new cause to fight for.

This group of mostly nurses has been agitating for the rights of breastfeeding mothers and newborns in the country for decades. They were calling for all sectors of society to get on board and support the cause they felt would help increase the health of the population, while simultaneously helping to heal social ills and decrease incidents of violence. The Bahamas National Breastfeeding Association (BNBA) has made great strides at the maternity wards of the hospitals and at the clinics, encouraging breastfeeding as the healthiest and most affordable option for babies. Their work has resulted in an increase in breastfeeding in the country, as well as the creation of a more baby friendly environment at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH).

Once Sharon was elected as chairman of the National Tripartite Council, a council comprising the government, employers and workers, the BNBA set their sights on new goals for breastfeeding in The Bahamas.

Ampusam Symonette, former matron of PMH maternity ward, was the first to reach out to Sharon on behalf of the BNBA. They met at a Caribbean Women in Leadership (CIWiL) induction ceremony. There, nurse Symonette told her that the BNBA wanted to become more knowledgeable about the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Conventions regarding

Face to Face

By FELICITY DARVILLE

benefits for expectant mothers.

What Sharon did not know is that she was about to become enamored by a group of women whose passions would end up intersecting with her own.

On Sunday past, Sharon had the opportunity to share that journey as the keynote speaker of the 4th BNBA Awards banquet: “On April 22, 1987, I became a mother for the first time. I remember the indescribable - and as I understand it now universal - experience of holding my child, and my instant fear because I didn’t recall picking up a manual on what to do next. A quick inventory was going through my mind about how I intended to balance work with this new role as a mother. Yet honestly at that moment, or before 2021, I did not think about the stats, convention, policy or law on maternity leave.

I knew The Bahamas had maternity benefits, but it was not a burning subject for me.

“That all changed in late 2021 when I connected with a dynamic group of breastfeeding warriors. Honestly, I wanted to know what breastfeeding had to do with me, almost 34 years old walking out of PMH with my bundle.

I met with the BNBA team and learned more about their history since 1993. That is a 30-year journey. I told BNBA president nurse Trineka Hall that I was embarrassed on behalf of the nation that we had turned a deaf ear to their cries.

“On that fateful Friday afternoon when we met, they boldly released 30 years of their desires into the atmosphere. They stood resolute that on the top of their priority list, they were demanding that maternity leave be extended for an additional two months or another 12 weeks with half-days until babies are six months old. Further, paternity leave should be considered for fathers so that they, too, can become more actively involved to provide assistance for exclusive breastfeeding mothers.

“The more we spoke, the deeper my mind went into what these women were doing and my mind raced

ahead with full knowledge that paid parental leave is not about taking days off from work; it’s about creating freedom to define roles, to choose how to invest time, and to establish new, positive cycles of behaviour.”

As that meeting progressed, Sharon clearly saw the connection between persisting barriers to women’s full equality and empowerment and the need to redefine - and in some cases destigmatise - the role of men as caregivers in Bahamian society.

“In order to liberate our women, we need to liberate our men,” she said.

“The assumption and common practice that women and girls look after the home and family is a stubborn and very real stereotype that not only discriminates against women, but limits men’s participation and connection within the family and society.”

As Sharon learned of the cause, she began to perceive the situation through her “Decent Work and Job Creation” lens, through her training with the International Labour Organisation. She found an “unending need” for lactation counselors to fill gaps created by deaths, retirement, reallocation and attrition.

For the National Tripartite Council, she said, human rights and the “humanness” of its decisions must always be considered, and they are guided by international labour standards. Sharon set up a formal meeting between the NTC and the BNBA, where a formal request for the NTC’s intervention was tabled.

At this formal meeting, it was acknowledged that The Bahamas is not a signatory to ILO Convention 183, Maternity Protection Convention, 2000. The BNBA discovered that their laundry list of demands were in tandem with a number of important framework including: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948); the United Nations Convention of the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW 1979); the United Nations Convention on the Rights of

the Child (1989); the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995); the International Labour Organization’s Declaration on Equality of Opportunity and Treatment for Women Workers (1975); the International Labour Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and its follow up (1998); and the ILO’s Convention concerning Workers with Family Responsibilities (1981).

ILO Convention 183, Article 10, entitles a woman to one or more daily breaks or a reduction of hours of work to breastfeed her child, counted as working time and remunerated accordingly. The NTC also acknowledged that The Bahamas’ Employment Act needed amendment to comply with international standards. Article 4 of the Convention speaks to a minimum of 14 weeks maternity leave; The Bahamas currently offers 12 weeks leave.

There is much work to be done, but the power of women in leadership is proving its mettle as Mrs Ann Marie Davis, spouse of Prime Minister Philip E Davis, has also taken an affinity to the cause of the BNBA. She served as patron of the BNBA’s 4th Awards Banquet, where she told those gathered that she believes in breastfeeding, and that she breastfed her two children as long as she could. She touted many benefits including, ensuring that newborns receive colostrum to build their immunity and provide the first foundation of good health; the important social bonding and connection that breastfeeding creates, which has a ripple effect on society’s behaviour; and the benefits for the mother including burning calories and balancing hormones. With the same vigor that she addressed the 13th Commonwealth Minister’s Meeting on Women’s Affairs (13WAMM), Mrs Davis pointed out between breastfeeding and the resolution for many burning social issues today.

Senior nurse Carlotta Klass was one of the first three nurses to participate in a Trailing of Trainers Lactation Course in 1993 at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, Barbados, sponsored by the World Health Organization (Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis was consultant at the time) and the Ministry of Health. She is considered the mother of breastfeeding in The Bahamas. She attended the awards ceremony held at Superclubs Breezes along

with other outstanding pioneers, including nurse Linelle Thompson and Dr Lillian Jones. As president, nurse Trineka Hall has helped the registered NGO make great strides and she is elated to have the support of Sharon Martin as well as Ann Marie Davis and the Office of the Spouse.

The BNBA’s 4th Awards Banquet include: Minister of Education, Vocation and Technical Training Glenys Hanna Martin for long years of support to the BNBA; midwife Andrea Nottage; midwife Marilyn Smith; nurse Catriona McTaggart-Moncur; Dr David Adams, first Pastor of New Testament Baptist Church; nurse Dabrielle Munnings; midwife trained in UK and The Bahamas,as Constance Comery; midwife Anna Forbes; midwife Caroline Cartwright; and media advocate for breastfeeding Felicity Darville. I am very appreciative to have been recognised amongst this esteemed group of advocates.

The charge that Sharon gave to us ignited our desires to continue to spread the word and make a difference in our country in our own small way. Together, these small ways turn into magnanimous advances for the country over time.

Sharon knows this all too well. That’s what unions are all about. As a strong advocate for the Labour Movement in The Bahamas, she holds the distinct title of being the first female union president in the history of the National Insurance Board when she was sworn in as president of the Union of Public Officers. She also serves as president of the Women’s Association of the National Congress of Trade Unions of The Bahamas, the official voice of labour in the country.

She is a former secretary of the National Tripartite Council before being elected chairman for the 2021-2024 statutory period. She will hold the seat for Labour as mandated by the National Tripartite Council Act, 2015.

This is the first time during the NTC’s six-year existence that a woman is at the helm.

What is also exciting is that more women union leaders are emerging, such as Sherry Benjamin, president of the Bahamas Communications

and Public Workers Union (BCPOU).

Sharon also commended the work of attorney Yolantha Yallop, who represents the Government on the National Tripartite Council and co-chairs the Legislative and Policy Reform Committee with responsibility to review and make proposed amendments to the Employment Act 2017. Attorney Yallop, she said, champions the cause of the BNBA during NTC meetings and will make every effort to advance the amendment to the Employment Act and the necessary paperwork for the ratification of ILO’s Convention 183 by the Government of The Bahamas. The BNBA’s wish list includes establishing breastfeeding sanctuaries or nooks in more workplaces; training caregivers with baby-friendly skills; giving breastfeeding parents access to specialty care; offering breast milk shipping; providing continuous postpartum care benefits; and ultimately, establishing a human milk bank for The Bahamas.

The BNBA’s Awards banquet served as the culmination of National Breastfeeding Week, as proclaimed by Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, under the theme: “Enabling Breastfeeding: Making a Difference for Working Parents”. Sharon is the mother of one daughter, Apryl Georgia, and is extremely family oriented and strongly believes in the support of a village. Her motto: “If I can help someone along the way” is manifested in those around her knowing that where she goes, she takes everyone with her. In her spare time, Sharon enjoys playing tennis and reading. This former executive of the Bahamas Writer’s Association enjoys writing and is currently working on releasing her manuscript “Mama Mentality”.

She is the CEO and founder of her company Winfluentials, combining her innovative vision and expertise in branding and marketing. The international Society of female professionals recently honoured her with the induction of lifetime membership into their over 100,000 diverse range of professional women worldwide. She worships at Bahamas Harvest Church where she is a founding member.

SHARON MARTIN, keynote speaker at the 4th Bahamas National Breastfeeding Association Awards held at Superclubs Breezes on Sunday.

Photos: Nakita Cash/Cash Empire

LEFT to right: Sharon Martin, Chair, National Tripartite Council; Ann Marie Davis, Office of the Spouse; attorney Yolanthe Yallop, government labour advisor.

Refugee Convention facing fierce debate on rules changes for asylum seekers

IT IS too soon to offer comment about the terrible events in Israel that unfolded yesterday – the deadliest day Israel as a country has ever known. I have therefore kept to my plan to write about immigration in Britain which seems to be permanently near the top of the news agenda. It will always be an emotive and contentious issue because it is all about people’s lives, and many believe that a country whose borders are not respected and controlled is not really a country at all.

Having written about the subject as recently as August, there is the danger of repetition. Nonetheless, a recent speech by the Home Secretary in the British government to a right-wing think tank in the US has set off further debate in the UK and it might be interesting to examine this.

The background to Suella Braverman’s address was the government’s difficulty in stopping illegal immigration to Britain through people crossing the English Channel in small boats and the UK’s most recent plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda to be processed. The latter is currently at a standstill while making its way through the courts, and the realistic threat of Britain even withdrawing from the European Convention on Human Rights is overshadowing all.

She stated that, while migration could be beneficial to the economy of the receiving country, as immigrants entered the workforce and could be of great social and economic benefit, there was a public perception that immigrants could also be responsible for crime and be a burden on social services. Any mass, uncontrolled

The Peter Young column

movement of people put an unbearable strain on the receiving countries’ public institutions, finances, housing supply and welfare state and was therefore unacceptable – and, indeed, the need for Britain, as a relatively over populated island, to control immigrants coming via European Union countries was one of the reasons for withdrawing from the bloc in 2020.

Ms Braverman stressed that her primary motivation was to address “the epoch-defining challenge of illegal migration” that could contribute to reshaping the world as the option of moving from a poorer country to a richer one was no longer a dream for millions of people but “an entirely realistic project”. Countries must be able to protect their territorial integrity and way of life built up over many years by controlling immigration because the free movement of people simply could not work. But it was important to get the balance right by seeking to protect those genuinely facing

persecution in their own countries and differentiate between them and purely economic migrants.

In suggesting this, the Home Secretary questioned whether the UN’s 1951 Refugee Convention continued to be “fit for our modern age”. She rebuked political leaders, who seemed to be afraid of being “smeared” as racist or illiberal, for failing to reform - in the age of jet travel, smartphones and the internet - the outdated global refugee system, that was creating what she called “huge incentives for illegal immigration”. However, the UN High Commission for Refugees continues to maintain that the Convention is the cornerstone of the international refugee protection regime and ensures that millions fleeing conflict and persecution can access safety and protection across borders.

Ms Braverman has been roundly criticised for even proposing to start a conversation around reforming the 1951 Convention which defines what a refugee is and what rights they have – and she is now being accused of taking an unacceptably tough stance on international rules and the need to rewrite these to reduce the numbers entitled to asylum unless they are fleeing a real risk of death, torture, oppression or violence. Moreover, she has said that refugees should not be allowed to travel through multiple safe countries and simply pick their preferred destination.

During last week’s Conservative Party annual conference, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke in general terms about immigration, stressing the need for Britain to reduce its levels of net migration. He emphasized

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

DRAFT BEER QUALITY TECHNICIAN

OBJECTIVE

Responsible for ensuring local bars/restaurants/hotels serve the highest quality pints of draft beer. A typical day will be visiting customer locations to keep their draft beer systems clean as you inspect and service beer lines and equipment. You will also provide service to the company owned sub-zero coolers and other refrigerators.

Candidates must demonstrate reliability, attention to detail, mechanical skills, high integrity, self-motivation, and a willingness to provide excellent quality of work and customer service.

PRIMARY DUTIES

• Analyze and troubleshoot draft lines/systems to identify poor pouring or dispensing issues; communicate fndings of problems or issues; recommend solutions.

• Organize and understand weekly record keeping for accounts, date & time of cleaning, repairs and/or service calls.

• Organize and maintain careful records of your inventory.

• Provide full service and repair to subzero coolers

• Service, repair, and install draft lines and glucose machine in the hotel pump rooms.

REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma

• Refrigeration certifed.

• Independent and trustworthy worker

• Maintain a professional manner and appearance at all times.

• Ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 55 pounds and be able to move kegs that weigh close to 165 pounds.

• Ability to stand, crouch, or kneel for extended periods of time.

• Must maintain a valid driver license and a good driving record both on and of the job and must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle on behalf of the company.

• Valid passport and able to travel to The United States.

• Computer literate. Tech savvy is a plus

• Able to read/write.

• Able to travel to family islands overnight.

• Able to work nights and weekends if needed.

• Previous experience on draft beer machines not required but it is a plus.

Please email resume and qualifcations to info@jwsbahamas.com

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

that this was a major priority for his government and he called for more coordinated European action to tackle the rising numbers of irregular migrants arriving at the continent’s borders. At a special summit of some 45 European leaders in Spain, he said that levels of illegal migration to mainland Europe are the highest in nearly a decade and that these issues transcended national borders and required creative Europe-wide solutions. The situation was “immoral and unsustainable”, he said, and it was essential to tackle people-smugglers and tighten borders.

To show he meant business, Mr Sunak signed a deal with Belgium, Serbia and Bulgaria to share intelligence and to cooperate at the operational level, since Serbia, in particular, is a key transit country for many migrants wanting to get to Europe. It remains to be seen whether European leaders will agree to collective action, though they have already agreed to reform internal asylum rules to make it easier for countries like Italy and Greece to receive help from other EU members as necessary when overwhelmed by a surge of migrants.

The idea of people crossing borders and settling in other countries can be traced back to the dissolution of the medieval structure of Europe and the beginning of the notion of autonomy of the nation-state after the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648 brought an end to the Thirty Years War in Europe. Over the years, Britain has had a fine record in providing a safe haven for those genuinely facing persecution in their own countries; and this has included, most recently, refugees from Afghanistan as well as from Hong Kong after China’s security crackdown and those displaced by the war in Ukraine.

There are, of course, those who believe in open borders and the free movement of people. One has only to look at the crisis in the US in relation to its southern border with Mexico – and now the breathtaking hypocrisy of Biden’s decision to build a section of a new border wall. The 1951 Refugee Convention was drawn up after millions had been displaced by the Second World War and the Soviet Union had taken over many countries in eastern Europe. So the circumstances surrounding it were very different from modern times.

Nonetheless, to some people it remains sacrilege even to consider reforming the Convention. To others, however, conditions in the world have changed so radically that there is a need to bring it up to date. As it is said, today’s heresy is tomorrow’s orthodoxy – and many believe that at least the issue ought to be addressed before - in the provocative language chosen by Suella Braverman - a future “hurricane of immigration hits Britain” – and other countries in Europe as well.

Meanwhile, here in The Bahamas, successive governments take an appropriately

strong line over immigration - and those at home will be comforted by that as the security situation in neighbouring Haiti continues to deteriorate and the pressure grows from increasing numbers of potential migrants seeking a safe haven in The Bahamas by escaping the worsening mayhem in their own country.

VISIT

OF NEW UK TRADE MISSION

How satisfying and pleasant it is to be able to write today about the UK business mission which visited The Bahamas last week. Organised by the Caribbean Council in London, the mission was the first of its kind in over 20 years and had a full week of high level business and government meetings, including a programme in Grand Bahama. It is the case that some years ago UK companies did not fully appreciate the importance of the local market in the richest country in the region and tended to underestimate its strength and variety. This visit was, therefore, a significant indication of the growing interest in both The Bahamas and the UK in reconnecting after the pandemic and exploring new business ventures of likely mutual benefit. It was also evidence of British companies wanting to explore new markets around the world post-Brexit.

The visit came in the wake of a series of investment events organized in London in May by the Caribbean Council at which the Prime Minster of The Bahamas was the keynote speaker. It was a direct response to an invitation issued by him during his visit and was organized in conjunction with, among others, the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation (BCCEC) and the British High Commission, and it was sponsored by the Bahamas Financial Services Board.

The Caribbean Council is a London-based membership organization working to build beneficial relationships and two-way trade and investment between international companies and their Caribbean and Central American partners. It has been connecting quality businesses in the region since 2000.

The council’s managing director, Chris Bennett, was quoted as saying in advance of the visit that the delegation “encompassed some of the most iconic UK business brands which are known around the world for their excellent quality and durability of service”. He stated that UK companies are world leaders at delivering complex, new infrastructure projects with private capital. The delegation brought together experienced airport and port developers, global leading law firms, engineering consultants and suppliers of quality energy and construction equipment

For his part, British High Commissioner Thomas Hartley, who surely deserves much credit for making this trade mission happen,

thanked the Prime Minister for his engagement with British companies at the Caribbean Council’s events in London in May. It was the Prime Minister himself who ‘provided the catalyst for so many companies to come’ and who – with the Deputy Prime Minister and the Trade Commissionhad been a great partner in “bringing Britain and The Bahamas closer together through trade”.

Meanwhile, the Hon Barry Griffin, vice president of the Senate and Deputy Chairman of the Bahamas Trade Commission, said that the UK trade mission “spoke to the strong relationship between the UK and The Bahamas”. He hoped that the mission would be productive and looked forward to the Trade Commission playing its part in building stronger trade and business relations with Britain.

Everyone I have spoken to locally sees this trade mission as a positive and welcome development – and all concerned hope it heralds the beginning of increased bilateral trade and potential new investment in The Bahamas.

HOW RELIABLE IS PUBLIC OPINION?

Having concentrated this week on the important issues of immigration and trade, I also want to touch briefly on the less serious issue of what some consider the sometimes perfunctory nature of what is called public opinion. Of course, everyone accepts that it is the people themselves and what they think that is fundamental to democracy. But there are also too many instances of people who like to voice an opinion without - by their own admission – really understanding the issue under consideration or even being aware of the full facts.

It was reported over the weekend in the London Daily Mail that a row had broken out over plans to establish a memorial in Britain to the 800 sailors who perished in the sinking of HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse off Singapore in 1941 after a naval engagement against Japanese forces during the Second World War.

According to the report, the head of the National Museum of the Royal Navy feared that some UK government officials were blocking these plans for a memorial which could be visited by the loved ones of those who had perished. But the detail provided was limited.

This Daily Mail article attracted more than 300 varied comments in writing from members of the public who, it is safe to assume, could hardly have known the facts of the issue and yet felt able to pontificate about it despite being uninformed. Some say that that is one of the main points about freedom of expression. But it did make me pause to wonder about the limitations of free speech and what is claimed to be public opinion – depending, of course, on how that is measured!

BRITAIN’s Home Secretary Suella Braverman answers questions from the audience following a speech on immigration at the American Enterprise Institute on September 2023, in Washington.

Photo: Kevin Wolf/AP

BPL working now to prevent outages in the summer of 2024

from page one

she said.

“We saw a really big load usage this summer, and it really is tied into climate change. A lot of the world was experiencing an extremely hot summer, and so we want to make sure that we’re well prepared and ready, and so our team are already working towards preparation for a next summer.”

Mrs Coleby-Davis said she intends to expand the use of renewable energy, make electricity more affordable and improve relations between Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) staff.

“We have quite a lot of work cut out for us,” she said. “We’re bringing in some new legislation. We’re going to bring some legislation related to the renewable energy sector, and also for LNG

(Liquefied Natural Gas), and so we’re looking to bring alternative fuel mix that will help us to drive the costs of the electricity down.”

She reiterated that Bahamians should see lower power bills soon.

“I’m advised that it begin to trend downwards,” she said. “And then we’re getting into the cooler area, so less usage would be experienced from the consumers just generally out of natural actions in their own homes.”

“And then we’re seeking to bring on new fuel mixes in, so the less you burn, you can bring the cost down as well, and so that’s the discussion, and then we’re doing a tariff assessment as well so we’re seeking to have a lot of different contributing factors come together simultaneously so that it can help to bring the cost of electricity down.”

OKT OBERFEST EVENTS COME T O GRAND B AHAMA

MINISTRY of Tourism official Nuvolari Chotoosingh (centre) announced plans for Oktoberfest in Freetown, East End, on October 21. Clayton Russell, assistant general manager at Bahamian Brewery and Beverage Company (left), and Leyland Laing, of Freetown Festivals Committee (right) are partners with the MOTIA.

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Staff Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

GRAND Bahama has added a new festival to its calendar of events: Oktoberfest.

The Ministry of Tourism, Investment, and Aviation is partnering with Commonwealth Brewery and the Bahamas Brewery and Beverage Company to host an event on October 21 in Freetown, East End.

Nuvolari Chotoosingh, the general manager at MOTIA in Freeport, hopes to make Oktoberfest an annual event in Grand Bahama.

“I would like to thank our sponsors for bringing this festival to Grand Bahama Island for Bahamians and visitors to enjoy,” he said on Friday.

The festival will feature beers from the two breweries. There will be beer gardens, outdoor barbeque, and entertainment, including fire dancing and Junkanoo. The event will end with a bonfire at the beach in Freetown.

The Ministry of Tourism is providing bus

transportation for hotel guests. Residents are encouraged to support the festival.

Commonwealth Brewery will supply Kalik Beer. The Bahamian Brewery and Beverage Company will feature several beer brands, including Strong Back, High Rock, Sands, Sands Light, High Rock, Bush Crack, and 66 Step. T-shirts, hats, and other souvenir items will be available.

Clayton Russell said the brewery is excited to support the community festivals in East End, an area that Hurricane Dorian significantly affected.

“We want to see the area restored and back to where it needs to be,” he said.

In addition to the beer drinking, officials said there will be other native beverages such as Gullywash and Bahamian dishes available.

Mr Chotoosingh said events like Oktoberfest attract repeat visitors to the island year-round.

“We want to make it an annual event on our festival calendar. This type of festival is one where we want our visitors to build their vacation around,” he said.

P OLICE INVESTIGATE T WO FIRES THAT INJURED THREE PEOPLE

POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding two separate structural fires that injured three adults on Thursday.

The first incident occurred at around 3.45pm, when police were called to a single-storey business establishment off Wulff Road that was engulfed in flames.

Fire service personnel responded and effectively contained the fire; however, the building was extensively damaged.

Two male employees, aged 39 and 47, were also treated on the scene by emergency medical technicians for non-life-threatening injuries and were later taken to the hospital for further medical

attention. The cause of the fire is unknown and police investigations are continuing. The second incident occurred at around 6.30pm, when Fire Services received reports of an explosion at a residence on Oxford Drive in Stapledon Gardens.

Responding officers found the kitchen section of a six room, single-storey stone structure extensively damaged as a result of a propane gas tank that had exploded. A 35-year-old woman suffered burns to her body as a result of this incident and was taken to the hospital for further medical attention, where she remains in stable condition.

Photo: Vandyke Hepburn

TRANSPORT and Energy Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis told reporters on Friday that early maintenance of generators will play a key role in preventing outages in 2024.

Culture in the Park Community Festival

HENRY HIGGINS, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, Minister of Energy and Transport JoBeth Coleby-Davis and Minister of State for the Environment in the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources Zane Lightbourne congratulate the winner of a three-pointer contest, BJ Finley, during the Culture in the Park Community Festival hosted by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture on Monday.

Photos: Dante Carrer

Israel strikes and seals off Gaza after incursion by Hamas, which vows to execute hostages

JERUSALEM Associated Press

ISRAEL increased airstrikes on the Gaza Strip and sealed it off from food, fuel and other supplies Monday in retaliation for a bloody incursion by Hamas militants, as the war’s death toll rose to nearly 1,600 on both sides. Hamas also escalated, pledging to kill captured Israelis if attacks targeted civilians without warnings.

In the war’s third day, Israel was still finding bodies from Hamas’ stunning weekend attack into southern Israeli towns. Rescue workers found 100 bodies in the tiny farming community of Beeri — around 10% of its population — after a long hostage standoff with gunmen. In Gaza, tens of thousands fled their homes as relentless airstrikes levelled buildings.

The Israeli military said it had largely gained control in the south after the attack caught its vaunted military and intelligence apparatus completely off guard and led to fierce battles in its streets for the first time in decades.

Hamas and other militants in Gaza say they are holding more than 130 soldiers and civilians snatched from inside Israel.

Israeli tanks and drones were deployed to guard breaches in the Gaza border fence to prevent new incursions. Thousands of Israelis were evacuated from more than a dozen towns near Gaza, and the military summoned 300,000 reservists — a massive mobilization in a short time.

The moves, along with Israel’s formal declaration of war on Sunday, pointed to Israel increasingly shifting to the offensive against Hamas, threatening greater destruction in the densely populated, impoverished Gaza Strip.

“We have only started striking Hamas,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a nationally televised address. “What we will do to our enemies in the coming days will reverberate with them for generations.”

As the Israeli military brought additional forces near the border, a major question was whether it will launch a ground assault into the tiny Mediterranean coastal territory. The last ground assault was in 2014.

Around 900 people, including 73 soldiers, already have been killed in Israel, according to media. In Gaza, more than 680 people have been killed, according to authorities there; Israel says hundreds of Hamas fighters are among them. Thousands have been wounded on both sides.

In response to Israel’s aerial attacks, the spokesman of Hamas’ armed wing, Abu Obeida, said Monday night that the group will kill one Israeli civilian captive any time Israel targets civilians in their homes in Gaza “without prior warning.”

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen warned Hamas against harming any of the hostages, saying, “This war crime will not be forgiven.” Netanyahu appointed a former military commander to manage the hostage and missing persons crisis.

Israel and Hamas have had repeated conflicts in past years, often sparked by tensions around a Jerusalem holy site. This time, the context has become potentially more explosive. Both

sides talk of shattering with violence a yearslong IsraeliPalestinian deadlock left by the moribund peace process. The surprise weekend attack by Hamas left a death toll unseen since the 1973 war with Egypt and Syria. That is fomenting calls to crush Hamas no matter the cost, rather than continuing to try to bottle it up in Gaza. Israel is run by its most hard-right government ever, dominated by ministers who adamantly reject Palestinian statehood.

Hamas, in turn, says it is ready for a long battle to end an Israeli occupation it says is no longer tolerable. Desperation has grown among Palestinians, many of whom see nothing to lose under unending Israeli control and increasing settler depredations in the West Bank, the blockade in Gaza and what they see as the world’s apathy.

In the early evening, the sound of explosions echoed over Jerusalem when a volley of rockets fired from Gaza hit two neighbourhoods — a sign of Hamas’s reach. Israeli media said seven were wounded.

Also Monday evening, Israeli warplanes carried out an intense bombardment of Rimal, a residential and commercial district of central Gaza City, after issuing warnings for residents to evacuate. Amid continuous explosions, the building housing the headquarters of the Palestinian Telecommunications Company was destroyed.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant ordered a “complete siege” on Gaza, saying authorities would cut electricity and block the entry of food and fuel.

Jan Egeland, secretary general of the Norwegian Refugee Council aid group, warned that Israel’s siege would spell “utter disaster” for Gazans.

“There is no doubt that collective punishment is in violation of international law,” he told The Associated Press. “If and when it would lead to wounded children dying in hospitals because of lack of energy, electricity and supplies, it could amount to war crimes.”

The Israeli siege will leave Gaza almost entirely dependent on its crossing into neighbouring Egypt at Rafah, where cargo capacities are lower than other crossings into Israel.

An Egyptian military official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the press, said more than 2 tons of medical supplies from the Egyptian Red Crescent were sent to Gaza and efforts were underway to organize food and other deliveries.

In the southern Gaza city of Rafah, an Israeli airstrike early Monday killed 19 people, including women and children, said Talat Barhoum, a doctor at the local Al-Najjar Hospital.

The UN said more than 123,000 people have fled their homes in Gaza — many after Israeli warnings of imminent bombardment. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA said a school sheltering more than 225 people took a direct hit. It did not say where the fire came from.

Hundreds of Hamas militants were buried under rubble of buildings destroyed by Israel in the past 48 hours, according to Israeli Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari. His claims could not be confirmed.

State Funeral Service For

THE HONORABLE OBEDIAH HERCULES WILCHCOMBE, 64

Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas

a resident of Nassau, Bahamas and Freeport, Grand Bahama will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, October 12th, 2023 at Christ Church Cathedral, George Street, New Providence, Bahamas

FUNERAL SERVICE

will be held in Freeport, Grand Bahama at 10:00am on Saturday, October 14th, 2023 at The Pro-Cathedral Christ the King Church, Pioneers Way East Atlantic Drive, Freeport, Grand Bahama. Interment will follow in West End Public Cemetery, West End, Grand Bahama.

Left to cherish precious memories are his Children: Sherard, Obiecheryl, Alisa and Adia; Brothers: Jackson, Linden, Claude Christopher and Richard; Adopted Brothers: Basil and Desmond Sands, Vaughn Strachan; Sisters: Jacqueline, Keva and Judith; Adopted Sisters: Catherine Sands, Christine Sands-Been, Yvonne Sands, Heather Strachan, Adrienne Sands, Michelle Sands, Bonnie Basden, Patrice Johnson, Mavis Pinder-Smith; Grandchildren: Shamarzio, Sherard Connor, Khari, Devardo, Lamia, Tyrone, Stameko, Adayzcha, Zchavago, Zchavariya; Grand Nephews: K’ylin, Michael; Grand Nieces: Lyn’a, Laila, Maliah, Mickelle, La’shai; Uncles: Will Arthur, Cleveland Beneby, Gregory Mullings, Daniel Williams, Liston and Harry Jones, Charles Johnson Sr., Stephen Russell Sr., and Huel Braynen Sr., Harold Gray; Aunts: Gloria Delancy, Henrietta Arthur Mullings, Icilda Stuart, Mary Duhaney, Evenglia Jolly, Jencie Higgins, Doranda Russell, Rolander Johnson, and Judy Braynen, Olga Wilchcombe, Louise Butterfield, Lorraine Arthur, Lita Jones, Christine Beneby and Patrice Williams; Son-In-Law: Clyde Bowleg; Niece: Brandy Carey (Lashard); Nephews: Lynden, Julio (Leslia), Brandan (Anara), Charles, Brenden, Michael, Tevin, Kadeem; Cousins: Former Chief Justice Dame Joan Sawyer, Arnet Poitier and Family, Anita Bernard and Family, Premier of the Turks and Caicos, Washington Misick and Family, Former Premier of the Turks and Caicos, Michael Misick and Family, Minister of Immigration, Arlington Chuck Musgrove and Family, Kirkland Russell Sr. and Family, Artis Neely and Family, Kevin Thompson-Delancy, Vernon and Derick Delancy, Charles (Chuckie) Bridgewater, Tony Rigby, Ryan Davis, Hubert, Lionel, Wilfred, George and Michael Douglas, Gloria Forbes and Family, Katherine Forbes-Smith and Family, Neville Wilchcombe Jr., Dion and Deondre Russell, Jeremy and Perry Higgins, Geovanni Bain, Geraldo Outten, Sanford, Thomas, and Greg Duhaney, Jeffery, Geoffrey and Deangelo Stuart, Stephon and Stephen Russell Jr., Charles Jonhson Jr., Javon and Huel Braynen, Vincent and Jervane Musgrove, Leroy and Lofton Jolly, Treason Jr., Clifton, Mario, Barry and Kevin Scott, Dexter, Derek, Tony, Aaron, Denaj, Steven Wilchcombe, Gwendolyn Dorsette, Donnalee Murray, Joyann Tucker, Chrisker Bridgewater, Renee Lightbourne-Gibson, Venessa Lightbourne, Shenell Duncombe (Scheffan Duncombe), Desiree Burrows, Raquel Deveaux, Charmaine Poitier, Portia Nottage, Marsha Major, Sandra Duhaney, Patrice Gibson, Shirley Pinder, Gina, Natasha, and Michelle Stuart, Sheila Williams, Beverley Gray, Claudia Watson, Shanika Jones, Evelyn Glinton, Desiree Aranah, Rochelle Wilkerson, Joyann Saunders, Marvel Lightbourne, Tyrenda Russell, Geleatta Johnson, Carol, Laura, and Darcia Musgrove, Anissia Powell, Brendalee and Sherica Jolly, Velencia Juice, Latosha Scott, Josette, Aretha, and Tredicia Wilchcombe, Lillian Adderley, Andrea, Bridgette, Audajha, Audjhanae, and Cindy, Nathalie Gordon and Family, Esther Knowles and Family, Sinclair Knowles and Family, Joseph Rigby and Family, James Smith and Family, Linda Turnquest and Family, Anthony Robinson and Family, Curly Rahming and Family, Diana Swann and Family, Debbie Bartlett and Family, Karen Wilson and Family, Cheryl Johnson and Family, The Honourable Neko Grant, Former M.P., For Central Grand Bahama, Carlton and Portia Smith, Patricia Smith, Antoinette Neely, Delores Stubbs and Family, Brenda Smith and Family, Lincoln Forbes, Mildred Miller, Perry and Michael Lightbourne, Sharon and Sherry Rigby, Garrian Jones, Kevia Ferguson, Xavier Colton, Anson Hanna, Michael Hanna, Dru Poitier, Felicia Ferguson, Craig Grant, Douglas Grant, Franchelle Jones-Wilchcombe; Friends: The Honourable Philip E. Davis, QC, M.P., Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, The Right Honourable Perry Gladstone Christie, Former Prime Minister of The Bahamas, The Right Honourable Hubert Ingraham, Former Prime Minister of The Bahamas, The Honourable Glenys Hanna- Martin, M.P. Minister of Education, Technical & Vocational Training, The Honourable Wayde Watson, M.P. Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Economic Affairs, His Excellency Cornelius A. Smith, Former Governor-General, Muna Issa and Family, Mrs. Belinda Wilson, Mrs. Debra Armstrong and Family, Delroy Howell, Nuvolari Chotoosingh and Family, Andrea Jenoure, Pleasant Bridgewater and Family, Rengin Johnson and Family, Catherine Longley and Family, Howard Rolle and Family, Michelle Reckley and Family, Hilton Bowleg and Family, Jewel Major and Family, Janet, Andrea, and Pamela Carey, Dawn Weech, and Sharon Griffin, Raymond Neymour, Michelle Reckley and Family, Gladstone McPhee and Family, Peter Adderley, Elvis Hepburn and Family, Van Dyke Hepburn and Family, Joyann Stuart-McIntosh, Constance Hanna, Cora Lashae Colton, Scorpio Evans, Jenkins Rolle, Laura Williams, Barbara Pierre, Lulamae Smith, Felix Bowe, Charlie Major, Richard Demeritte, Bev Anglin, Lorna Lawrence, Jackie Adderley, Jervis Delancy Jr., Gary and Helen Barnett and Family, Theophilus Davis and Family, Darrel Rolle and Family, Lloyd Grant and Family, Gwen Symonette-Pinder and Family, Ava Roberts; and a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to mention

Great appreciation and gratitude to: The Rt. Rev’d. Laish Boyd Bishop of The Anglican Diocese of The Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos Islands, The Rev’d. Father Oswald Pinder, The Rev’d. Canon Curtis Robinson, The Rev’d. Canon Norman Lightbourne, Bishop Neil Ellis, Pastor Rex Major, Gerred DeGregory, Glendria Rolle, The Honourable George Weech, Former M.P. for Bimini and the Berry Islands, The Bahamas Government, The Rand Memorial Hospital Administration and Staff, Doctor Monique Pratt, Mr. & Mrs. Cecil Thompson, Mrs. Joyann Pennerman, Bahamas Union of Teachers, Nebo’s Lodge No. 21 PHA, West End, Grand Bahama, West Grand Bahama and Bimini Constituencies, Social Services & Urban Development Management & Staff, Information and Broadcasting Management & Staff, The Grand Bahama Port Authority Management & Staff, Progressive Liberal Party Women’s Branch of Grand Bahama, Marco City Constituency, Grand Lucayan Management & Staff, Maurice E. Moore Primary School Administration, Staff and Students, Mayfield Park Community, Rudy Meadows, Nate Moore and the Miami Dolphins Organization, James Culmer & Old Bahama Bay Management & Staff.

The body will lie in state at The House of Assembly, Parliament Square, Nassau, Bahamas, on Wednesday, October 11th, 2023 from 12:30noon to 5:00pm.

FREEPORT

The body will lie in state at the Police Headquarters, East Mall Drive, Freeport, Grand Bahama on Friday, October 13th, 2023 from 12:00noon to 5:00pm.

SMOKE rises after the Israeli air strike in the Gaza Strip on yesterday. Israel’s military battled to drive Hamas fighters out of southern towns and seal its borders yesterday as it pounded the Gaza Strip.

Photo: Fatima Shbair/AP

Jones and Liberty lose WNBA Finals opener

OLYMPICS SET TO TACKLE FLAG FOOTBALL AT LOS ANGELES OLYMPICS IN 2028

By EDDIE PELLS AP National Writer

FIRST, Taylor Swift.

Next, the Olympics.

The NFL’s ongoing push for worldwide exposure got another boost yesterday when organisers for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics delivered a proposal to put flag football on the programme when the Summer Games return to the United States for the first time in 32 years.

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

Grand Bahama native Jonquel Jones and the New York Liberty were handed a 17-point blowout loss in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) Finals opener.

The highly anticipated women’s matchup was finally underway as the league’s two superteams clashed but the defending champions Las Vegas Aces launched the first strike and took down their opponents 99-82.

The Aces had a dominant performance in the second half, showing why they are last year’s champions, to sap the excitement out of the Liberty’s first finals return since 2002 and remain undefeated in the playoffs.

With multiple narratives surrounding this year’s exciting matchup, it was a tale of two halves for the Liberty in game one. The latter jumped out to a 25-22 lead in the first quarter as

they looked to claim game one of the finals over the reigning champions. The team ended the first half of play leading by 3 and with the score 49-46.

Liberty guard Marine Johannes dropped 14 points off the bench in the loss. She scored all of her points in the first two quarters of the game, including four makes from behind the arc.

However, in the second half, her momentum stalled as the Aces defence left her scoreless.

Despite the loss, Jones earned her seventh consecutive double-double which is the most alltime recorded in a single postseason. The former WNBA MVP amassed 16 points, 10 rebounds and one block while shooting 7-for-12 from the field. She suffered a slight scare in the first quarter after an apparent ankle injury but was able to return for the Liberty in the following period.

The Liberty forward told reporters at the postgame press conference that she got the ankle taped up in

the locker room and felt fine.

Although she turned in a double-double, Jones only scored four of her 16 points in the second half.

“I just felt like they crowded the paint really well, they sat off, kind of made us make that extra pass out and were willing to kind of just give that up and see how we played it,” she said.

After holding a threepoint advantage going into halftime, then came the league’s number one team.

The Aces poked holes in the Liberty’s defence

in the second half of play. Aces guards Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum gave New York problems on the defensive end, as they each notched playoff career highs with 26 points apiece. The offensive onslaught by the two guards helped the Aces to run out to a 67-63 lead in the third quarter. The final period saw the defending champions gain a 22-point advantage, their largest lead of the game, at the 3:32 mark as they outscored the Liberty 53-33 in the second half.

Breanna Stewart, the league’s MVP, had a quiet

Make it 23 titles: Unstoppable Biles wraps up world championships comeback with 2 more gold medals

By SAMUEL PETREQUIN AP Sports Writer

ANTWERP,

Belgium

(AP) — Simone Biles was not too worried about the medal count, or the colour of the medals, at the gymnastics world championships this week.

That approach has sure paid off.

The American superstar claimed a third, then a fourth, gold medal on the final day of the 2023 competition on Sunday, winning the women’s balance beam and floor finals in a dominant fashion.

In Antwerp — where she started her collection of 23 world titles 10 years ago as a 16-year-old — Biles has made a stunning return to the international stage.

In addition to the pair of gold medals she won Sunday, she also claimed a silver medal on vault after the sixth all-around title that made her the most

decorated gymnast in history, male or female.

And, in the absence of Russian rivals because of sanctions imposed as a result of the war against Ukraine, Biles led the U.S. women to a record seventh straight victory in the team event.

“It’s like as long as I get out there, do those routines again, like it’s a win in my book,” the four-time Olympic gold medallist said about how she approached the meet.

“It doesn’t matter if I end up on the podium or not.”

Biles was competing at her first world championships since 2019 after a two-year break she used to focus on her mental health following the Tokyo Olympics. She only returned to competition this summer.

Biles was a bit worried on her comeback to the world stage, but the confidence of having trained properly combined with

what she called her new “whatever happens, happens” attitude helped her back to the top and demolish the competition. She will keep the same laid-back attitude on the road leading to the Paris Olympics next year.

“I think we’re going to take that approach, the same one that we took this year, just meet by meet and we’ll see where we end up,” said Biles, who applies herself to regular

21 points to pair with nine rebounds.

However, the defensive efforts of A’ja Wilson, who scored 19 points in the win, held the MVP to 8-for-19 shooting from the field and 1-for-4 from three. The performance of Chelsea Gray, who dropped 20 points in the win, along with Young and Plum derailed any chances of a Liberty win on Sunday night as they scored 72 points altogether.

The Aces held Jones’ team to 46.4 per cent shooting while converting 54.7 per cent of their field goals. The Las Vegas team outscored the Liberty 42 to 32 in the paint.

Additionally, they got to the line 23 times and made 20 of their attempts on 87 per cent shooting.

The theme of their last five games against each other continued this past weekend in which each victory margin was by an average 19.2 points.

The Liberty will look to make the necessary adjustments in game two of the best-of-five series at the Michelob ULTRA Arena Wednesday at 9pm.

The International Olympic Committee will vote on the proposal at meetings in Mumbai, India, that begin later this week. Also on the LA proposal were baseball and softball, which have been bouncing on and off the programme for decades; lacrosse; squash; and cricket — a fitting contrast to flag football in that it is virtually unknown in the United States but immensely popular over wide swaths of the globe.

LA chairman Casey Wasserman said the new sports are “relevant, innovative and community-based, played in backyards, schoolyards, community centres, stadiums and parks across the U.S. and the globe.” Though participation numbers have been declining, there is no bigger spectator sport in the U.S. than football.

Bringing its less-violent cousin into the Olympics would mark a huge victory for the NFL, which has been staging a handful of games in Europe for more than a decade now and is always looking for ways to grow both its participation and its audience beyond western Europe and the U.S.

One of this season’s biggest stories — one the NFL eagerly latched onto — has been pop megastar Swift’s trips to two Chiefs games to watch her friend, tight end Travis Kelce.

SEE PAGE 18

ARGENTINA AND FIJI COMPLETE RUGBY WORLD CUP QUARTERFINALS LINEUP, PORTUGAL MAKES HISTORY

PARIS (AP) — Argentina and Fiji completed the quarterfinal lineup at the Rugby World Cup on Sunday. Argentina went through the front door, Fiji came through the back.

Argentina ended Japan’s involvement in the tournament with a 39-27 victory in Nantes, where winger Mateo Carreras scored a hat trick of tries for the Pumas in a breathless match featuring eight in total.

The Argentines finished runner-up in Pool D behind England and will meet Wales in Marseille on Saturday in the first quarterfinal.

Fiji secured its place in the last eight for the third time, after the inaugural edition in 1987 and then 2007, thanks to a losing bonus point after falling to Portugal 24-23 in Toulouse.

The Fijians jumped above Australia into second place in Pool C and set up a match against England in the quarterfinals on Sunday.

The Wallabies failed to advance from the pool stage for the first time, though they’d had a couple of weeks to digest that likelihood after losing backto-back to Fiji and Wales.

In the other match, Tonga earned its first win by beating Romania 45-24 in Lille.

ARGENTINA 39, JAPAN 27

The Pumas missed out on the quarterfinals in 2019 but are back at that stage for the fifth time in the last seven World Cups. However, they look set to be without flanker Pablo Matera, who was helped off in the 23rd minute with a bad right hamstring injury. Japan was seeking back-to-back quarterfinal appearances after doing so on home soil four years ago but it proved to be the final match under departing coach Jamie Joseph, whose seven years in charge ends after this World Cup.

SEE PAGE 18

UNITED States’ Simone Biles shows her gold medal on the beam during the apparatus finals at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Antwerp, Belgium, on Sunday. (AP Photo/Geert vanden Wijngaert)

LIBERTY forward Jonquel Jones shoots over Aces centre Kiah Stokes during the first half in Game 1 of a WNBA basketball final playoff series on Sunday in Las Vegas. (AP Photos/John Locher)

ACES centre Kiah Stokes fouls Liberty forward Jonquel Jones (35) during the first half.

Asian Games close in China as hosts dominate medal count

By STEPHEN WADE AP Sports Writer

HANGZHOU, China

(AP) — The Asian Games closed their 16-day run on Sunday at the 80,000-seat Olympic Sports Center Stadium with host nation China again in command as Premier Li Qiang ended a show aimed partly at winning the hearts of Asian neighbours.

They’re officially called the Asian Games, but the more accurate description would be the “China Games,” illustrative of the country’s four-decade domination of the continental, multi-sports championships.

The 19th Asian Games — they began in 1951 in New Delhi, India — were a celebration for Hangzhou, a city of 10 million, the headquarters of Alibaba and a sprawling metropolis overshadowed by an even larger metropolis — neighbouring Shanghai.

“We have achieved the goal of a streamlined, safe and spectacular games,” spokesperson Xu Deqing said on Sunday. State media reported the spending to prepare for the games at approximately $30 billion.

Vinod Kumar Tiwari, the acting general secretary of the Olympic Council of Asia, called them “by far the largest ever Asian Games.”

The secretary general of the organising committee, Chen Weiqiang, characterised this version of the Asian Games as a “branding” campaign for Hangzhou. “The city of Hangzhou has been fundamentally changed,” he said.

“It is fair to say the Asian Games are a key driver for the takeoff of the city.”

These were bigger than any previous Asian Games with almost 12,500 competitors. Next year’s Paris Olympic will have about 10,500, similar to the Asian Games in 2018 in Jakarta, Indonesia, and the forecast for 2026 when the games move to Nagoya, Japan.

One of the few records China didn’t break this

BILES

FROM PAGE 14

therapy sessions that helped her in her comeback. Her coach, Cecile Landi, said Biles doesn’t want to speak in detail about the Olympics yet to protect herself and avoid the pressure. “But for us as coaches it’s obviously the goal,” Landi said. “And we will get her ready for that, if she wants it.”

At the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics, Biles was hampered by what’s known as “the twisties” that gymnasts can experience while in the air, and withdrew from several events.

“I think I worried a little bit more about ending up on the podium and now I’m just like, I don’t care,” she said when asked how she now deals with pressure.

Biles has now won a record 37 medals at the world championships and Olympics.

On Sunday, she started the afternoon with a superb

time was its overall medal haul of 416 when the 2010 Asian Games took place in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou.

This time, China won 201 gold medals and 383 overall. The next two teams — Asian powers Japan and South Korea — had fewer overall medals combined than China. Of course, their combined population is about one-eighth of China’s.

Japan won 52 gold, and South Korea 42. Combined, this was less than half of China’s gold total.

Twelve of the 45 nations or territories that entered had five medals or fewer and four — Bhutan, Maldives, Yemen, and Macao — failed to win a single medal. “How can we rate the performance of the Hangzhou Asian Games?’’

Wei Jizhong, the 87-yearold vice president of the Olympic Council of Asia, asked rhetorically in a news conference.

“We don’t rank Asian Games against others. But in terms of hosting games in China, let’s compare them with ourselves. I will give a 99 score. I always believe there is room for further improvement.”

The games offered all the traditional Olympic sports, and also a glimpse of one sport that’s previewing next year in Paris — breaking, or breakdancing. And another, cricket, which will be included in either the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, or in 2032 in Brisbane. Esports was a official entry for the first time, and a giant favourite. Esports is not in the Olympics yet, but the IOC is trying to figure out a way to capitalise on its mammoth revenue stream.

The games showcased socalled “mind sports” like chess and conract bridge, and offered some unique entries you won’t see anywhere else in a multi-sports event: dragon boat racing, kabaddi, sepaktakraw (foot volleyball), 3x3 basketball, and roller skating.

Yasuhiro Nakamori, the acting director general for

beam routine, oozing confidence throughout. She had no hesitation on her jumps and delivered controlled spins before dismounting in style, with just a small hop when landing.

She earned a score of 14.800 points to win ahead of China’s Zhou Yaqin by a margin of just 0.1 of a point.

Rebeca Andrade of Brazil took the bronze medal.

Biles later took to the mat for her last appearance of a busy week, in the floor final.

She had posted the highest score in qualifying and impressed again with a series of spectacular tumbling passes that wowed the crowd, reaching impressive height on her leaps.

Although she stepped out of bounds midway through her highly difficult routine, Biles earned the day’s best score, 14.633 points.

It was Biles’ sixth world floor championship, a discipline where she remains undefeated. Andrade, another star of the sport, took the silver

the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Games, said Japan would build only two new venues, unwilling to splurge as it did for the recent Tokyo Olympics.

Hangzhou is reported to have built 56 sports facilities and 30 training sites as well as major infrastructure investments for the games, which were delayed a year by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nakamori said the Chinese “hardware was wonderful. We can’t pretend those kind of games. Our concept is to use existing venues.”’

He said the two new venues that were being built are a stadium and an arena.

In addition, Nagoya will use the swimming and diving venue in Tokyo built for the 2020 Olympics, and will hold cycling and equestrian events near Tokyo.

“That means we have to work on the software and people power,” he added.

“For our side it is a disadvantage because we lose one year, especially for the marketing activity.”

Chen, the secretary general of the local organising committee, was asked if

Hangzhou would consider an Olympic bid.

“The venues are suitable to hold large, multi-sport event like the Olympics,” Chen said. “After the close of the Asian Games, what

we focus on is how the venues can be extensively used by the people.

“But we haven’t thought about whether we would hold the Olympic Games,” said Chen.

combined score of 15.050 points.

Jarman started with a nearly flawless vault and was pumped after he landed a Dragulescu on his second effort, giving a big hug to his coach and raising his arms in triumph.

His total allowed him to leapfrog American Khoi Young by a margin of 0.201.

Young’s pair of vaults earned him a runner-up finish and a third medal this week to go with the bronze in the team event and silver on the pommel horse. Nazar Chepurnyi of Ukraine finished third.

Young grinned broadly after sticking his second vault and turned toward fans waving American flags, urging them to make more noise as cheers and applause erupted from the stands at the Sportpaleis venue.

medal ahead of her Brazil teammate Flavia Saraiva.

In the men’s competition, Daiki Hashimoto of Japan — who earlier this week became the first athlete to

win back-to-back world allaround titles in eight years — won the horizontal bar final with 15.233 points.

Tin Srbic of Croatia trailed 0.533 points behind in

second place, with China’s Su Weide completing the podium Jake Jarman gave Britain its first medal by taking gold in the vault with a

Lukas Dauser of Germany took gold in the men’s parallel bars with a huge 15.400, finishing ahead of China’s Shi Cong and Kaito Sugimoto of Japan.

UNITED States’ Simone Biles competes on the beam during the apparatus finals at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Antwerp, Belgium, on Sunday. (AP Photo/Geert vanden Wijngaert)

DANCERS perform during the closing ceremony of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, on Sunday. (AP Photo/ Lee Jin-man)

PERFORMERS take part in the closing ceremony of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, on Sunday, October 8. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

MILITARY soldiers salute as a Chinese flag is raised during the closing ceremony of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, on Sunday. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

PERFORMERS prepare for the closing ceremony of the 19th Asian Games. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Raiders hold on to beat Packers 17-13

By MARK ANDERSON AP Sports Writer

LAS VEGAS (AP)

— Robert Spillane intercepted Green Bay’s Jordan Love twice, Amik Robertson made a game-sealing pick in the end zone, and the Las Vegas Raiders beat the Packers 17-13 last night to stop a three-game skid. The Raiders’ offence did just enough, with Jimmy Garoppolo completing 22 of 31 passes for 208 yards and a touchdown while throwing his NFL-high seventh interception. Jakobi Meyers caught seven passes for 75 yards and a

TD. Love was 16 of 30 for 182 yards and the three picks.

Both offences struggled. The Raiders (2-3) gained 279 yards and the Packers (2-3) finished with 285.

Las Vegas ended an eight-game skid against the Packers. The franchise last beat Green Bay in 1987 when it played in Los Angeles.

The Raiders took a 10-3 lead into halftime thanks to 9-yard touchdown pass from Garoppolo to Meyers. Las Vegas had a chance for even bigger lead after linebacker Spillane’s interception in the second

quarter gave the Raiders possession at the Green Bay 7, but settled for a short field goal. That kind of start was nothing new for the Packers, who have scored six first-half points in their past three games. They overcame a 17-0 deficit at the break two weeks ago to beat the New Orleans Saints, and last week outscored the Detroit Lions 17-7 in the second half but still lost by two touchdowns.

And, right on cue, the Packers opened the second half with Rudy Ford’s interception of Garoppolo.

That led to AJ Dillon’s 5-yard touchdown run to tie the game.

Later in the third quarter, Green Bay failed to take advantage of a short field. Love found Christian Watson without a defender within about 10 yards of him. The 77-yard completion — and a horse-collar tackle penalty — put the Packers at the 3. But Green Bay had to settle for a chipshot field goal to go ahead 13-10.

The lead didn’t hold up long. Josh Jacobs’ 2-yard touchdown run to open the fourth quarter put Las Vegas back in front.

GOLDEN KNIGHTS

LIGHT TORCH

The Vegas Golden Knights, with the Stanley Cup in tow, lit the Al Davis memorial torch before the game. They drew a loud ovation from the crowd, which chanted “Go Knights Go.”

The Knights will raise their championship banner tonight before facing the Seattle Kraken in the season opener.

UP NEXT

Packers: After a bye, play at Denver Oct. 22.

Raiders: The New England Patriots visit on Sunday.

Chiefs defeat Vikings, who lose Jefferson to hamstring injury

MINNEAPOLIS (AP)

— Patrick Mahomes threw two touchdown passes in the third quarter, one to Travis Kelce after the AllPro tight end briefly left the game with an ankle injury, and the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Minnesota Vikings 27-20 on Sunday.

Mahomes went 31 for 41 for 281 yards and no turnovers in his most efficient performance of the season for the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs (4-1), who once again won while not at their best.

Kirk Cousins threw for scores to Jordan Addison and Alexander Mattison for the Vikings (1-4). They had two chances at the tying touchdown in the final five minutes, but a late hamstring injury to star wide receiver Justin Jefferson and a lack of timeouts from earlier mismanagement of the game were ultimately too much to overcome.

49ERS 42, COWBOYS 10

SANTA CLARA, Calif.

(AP) — Brock Purdy threw three of his four touchdown passes to George Kittle and San Francisco extended its dominance over Dallas.

The Niners led 14-0 before the Cowboys (3-2) got their initial first down and were never really threatened on the way to matching a franchise record with their 15th straight regular-season win and earning their fifth 5-0 start.

Purdy calmly picked apart the league’s stingiest defence to improve to 10-0 as a starter in the NFL and San Francisco’s defence made life difficult on Dak Prescott all night.

JAGUARS 25, BILLS 20

LONDON (AP) — Travis Etienne rushed for 136 yards and two fourthquarter touchdowns, and Jacksonville beat jet-lagged

DOLPHINS RUSH TO 31-16 WIN AGAINST GIANTS

By ALANIS THAMES AP Sports Writer

MIAMI GARDENS,

Fla.

(AP) — De’Von Achane’s teammates are learning to brace for a big play each time the rookie running back touches the ball.

Achane delivered Sunday with a 76-yard rushing touchdown that helped the Miami Dolphins to a 31-16 win over the New York Giants.

He averaged 13.7 yards on 11 carries for a total of 151 yards, becoming the first Dolphins player with three straight 100-yard rushing games since Jay Ajayi in 2016.

Buffalo at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Jaguars (3-2) won back-to-back games in London, ended Buffalo’s three-game winning streak and proved they can hang with an AFC powerhouse.

The Bills (3-2) looked tired at times, rushed for only 29 yards, and had a rash of injuries.

STEELERS 17, RAVENS 10

PITTSBURGH (AP) —

Kenny Pickett hit George Pickens for a 41-yard touchdown with 1:17 remaining, and Pittsburgh rallied past Baltimore.

Pickett and the rest of Pittsburgh’s sporadic offence managed little over the game’s first 55 minutes, but a late interception by rookie cornerback Joey Porter Jr. gave the Steelers (3-2) life. Pickett responded by driving Pittsburgh 80 yards in eight plays, the last 41 coming on a rainbow down the sideline to Pickens.

It was the Steelers’ first touchdown in nearly nine quarters and it somehow was enough to beat the Ravens (3-2). Baltimore turned the ball over three times, including twice in the final five minutes.

JETS 31, BRONCOS 21

DENVER (AP) — Breece Hall ran for a 72-yard touchdown, Bryce Hall had a 39-yard, game-sealing scoop-andscore, and New York beat Denver.

The Jets (2-3) celebrated offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett’s return to Denver, where he lasted less than one season as head coach. His successor, Sean Payton, trashed Hackett’s coaching job during training camp this year.

The Broncos (1-4) fell to 0-3 at home under Payton. Russell Wilson led the Broncos to a touchdown and 2-point conversion to

make it 24-21 late in the fourth quarter. Patrick Surtain II’s interception of Zach Wilson’s pass to Garrett Wilson gave the Broncos the ball back at their 3 with 2:14 left, and the Broncos were nearly in field goal range when Quincy Williams stripsacked Russell Wilson. Bryce Hall scooped up the bouncing ball near the sideline and took it to the end zone. Russell Wilson was 20 of 31 for 196 yards and two TDs.

FALCONS 21, TEXANS 19

ATLANTA (AP) — Desmond Ridder passed and ran for touchdowns, providing an answer to those who had called for him to be benched, Younghoe Koo kicked a go-ahead 37-yard field goal as time expired, and Atlanta beat Houston to snap a twogame skid. Ridder’s 6-yard TD pass to rookie running back Bijan Robinson and 2-point pass to Tyler Allgeier gave the Falcons (3-2) a 15-12 lead early in the fourth quarter. Houston rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud answered with an 18-yard scoring pass to tight end Dalton

Schultz, giving the Texans a 19-18 lead with 1:49 remaining.

BENGALS 34, CARDINALS 20

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Joe Burrow threw three touchdown passes to Ja’Marr Chase, who finished with a season-high 192 yards receiving, and Cincinnati beat Arizona.

Burrow finished 36 of 46 for 317 yards in a muchneeded performance after he was slowed by a calf injury through his first four games. Chase set a singlegame franchise record with 15 receptions.

Cincinnati (2-3) scored a touchdown in the first half for the first time this season and had three offensive touchdowns overall, matching the unit’s total from the first four games combined.

SAINTS 34, PATRIOTS 0 FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Alvin Kamara rushed for a touchdown, Derek Carr had two scoring passes and New Orleans routed New England. Tyrann Mathieu added a 27-yard interception return for a touchdown to help New Orleans (3-2) chase

Patriots quarterback Mac Jones from the game — the second straight week coach Bill Belichick benched Jones in the second half.

Kamara had 22 carries for 80 yards, and his 73rd career TD made him the Saints’ career leader. Carr finished 18 of 26 for 183 yards, and Michael Thomas had four catches for 65 yards as New Orleans ended a two-game skid. The Saints outgained the Patriots 304 yards to 156.

LIONS 42,

PANTHERS 24

DETROIT (AP) — Jared Goff threw three touchdown passes in the first half and ran for a score in the fourth quarter, and Detroit kept Carolina winless.

The NFC North-leading Lions (4-1) are alone atop the division in October or later for the first time since 2016.

The Panthers (0-5) turned the ball over three times in the first half — two coming on consecutive snaps — to set up Detroit up for three touchdowns and a 28-10 halftime lead.

Carolina rookie quarterback Bryce Young, the No. 1 overall pick, was 25 of 41 for 247 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions.

COLTS 23,

TITANS 16

INDIANAPOLIS (AP)

— Zack Moss upstaged the return of Jonathan Taylor by running for a careerhigh 165 yards and two scores, and Gardner Minshew was sharp in relief of the injured Anthony Richardson to lead Indianapolis past Tennessee.

The Colts (3-2) snapped a seven-game losing streak at home and beat the Titans (2-3) for the first time in six tries.

Richardson left with a right shoulder injury late in the first half. He went 9 of 12 for 98 yards. Minshew was 11 of 14 for 155 yards.

“It’s very promising to know that he knows where he’s going to line up,” said quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, “and then basically if he’s getting the ball, you know it’s going to be a big play more often than not.”

The Dolphins’ 524 yards gave them 2,568 for the season, which is the most yards through the first five games of a season in NFL history.

With the win, Miami (4-1) regained first place in the AFC East after the Buffalo Bills (3-2) lost to Jacksonville in London earlier Sunday.

Tagovailoa was 22 for 30 for 308 yards with two touchdown passes and two interceptions.

The Giants’ Jason Pinnock returned one of the interceptions 102 yards for New York’s only touchdown. It was the Giants’ first touchdown in the first half of a game this season. The 102-yard interception return tied for the longest in Giants history.

Giants quarterback Daniel Jones left in the fourth with a neck injury after a sack by linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel. Tyrod Taylor replaced Jones with 12:11 left and led the Giants on a scoring drive capped by a 51-yard field goal by Graham Gano.

Jones had X-rays after the game and will underwent imaging tests yesterday to determine the severity of the neck issue.

“We’ve got to figure out a way to protect him better,” Giants coach Brian Daboll said.

Achane’s 76-yard touchdown in the second quarter helped Miami to a 17-10 halftime lead and made him the only player in the Super Bowl era with seven touchdowns through his first four NFL games. He had four touchdowns against Denver in Week 3 and two against Buffalo last Sunday.

Achane reached 21.76 mph on his touchdown run, according to NFL NextGen Stats.

HURTS AND TOUGH DEFENCE CARRY EAGLES TO 23-14 VICTORY OVER RAMS

By GREG BEACHAM AP Sports Writer

INGLEWOOD, Calif.

(AP) — Philadelphia went 74 yards in 30 seconds and lined up at the Rams 1 for one final snap before halftime. Just about everybody in SoFi Stadium knew that last play would be the “tush push,” the “Brotherly Shove,” or whatever Jalen Hurts’ secret name is for the Eagles’ signature shortyardage surge.

Los Angeles knew it was coming, but still couldn’t keep Hurts from scoring a touchdown that put Philly ahead for good.

That’s what it’s like facing the powerhouse Eagles these days: They don’t always execute perfectly, but they just keep moving forward.

Hurts passed for 303 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 72 yards and another score, and Philadelphia outlasted the Rams 23-14 on Sunday to remain unbeaten.

Dallas Goedert had eight catches for 117 yards and

an early TD for the Eagles, who are off to consecutive 5-0 starts for the first time in franchise history despite never pulling away in this meeting of the last two NFC champions. Philadelphia has won 22 of its last 23 regular-season games.

“It’s tough to win in this league, so we’re really happy with where we’re at,” Goedert said. “We do have stuff we need to clean up, but it’s a good start for us.”

A.J. Brown had six catches for 127 yards, but the Eagles couldn’t reach the end zone in the second half and had to rely on their defence, which shut out the Rams (2-3) after halftime. Hurts’ surge into the end zone at the halftime gun was the game’s final touchdown, but that was enough for Philadelphia.

The Eagles earned another road victory punctuated by another set of successful tush pushes, but they’ll also lament missed opportunities. They racked up 454 total yards but failed to score at least 25 points for the first time this season.

Philadelphia went 13 for 18 on third downs after struggling in that area last week. Still, the Eagles settled for short field goals by Jake Elliott after drives lasting 17 plays, 15 plays and 10 plays.

The Philly defence covered for the offence’s shortcomings, with Eagles rookie Jalen Carter picking up two sacks in the stadium

where he won a national title with Georgia nine months ago. Haason Reddick also had two sacks. Cooper Kupp had eight catches for 118 yards in the former Super Bowl MVP’s dynamic season debut for the Rams, who have lost three of four despite hanging in with three probable Super Bowl contenders during that stretch.

Kupp made five catches for 56 yards on Los Angeles’ opening drive, but the offence only made one more TD march.

Stafford passed for 222 yards and hit Tutu Atwell and rookie Puka Nacua for touchdowns, but Los Angeles’ offence didn’t cross midfield in the second half. Nacua finished with seven catches for a career-low 71 yards.

After coming off injured reserve this week, Kupp made a remarkable return to the NFL in the first game since November 2022 for the 2021 Offensive Player of the Year. Kupp missed the final eight games of last season with an ankle injury before getting sidelined early in this year’s training camp with a hamstring injury.

Goedert caught a 6-yard scoring pass to cap Philadelphia’s opening drive, but the Rams responded with a 14-play march that included six targets of Kupp before Atwell’s TD catch.

Los Angeles went up 14-10 with 32 seconds left

in the first half with a drive including two exceptional throws by Stafford, who hit Kupp for a 39-yard gain before finding Nacua in the corner for a 22-yard TD.

But Hurts still scored after the Eagles got major help from Rams cornerback Derion Kendrick, who committed 28 yards in penalties while trying to defend Brown.

LA’s Ahkello Witherspoon made an impressive end-zone interception in the third quarter to keep the Eagles from pulling away, but the Rams’ offence couldn’t capitalise on any opportunity.

“I think we’re too talented of a group to keep losing these types of games, coming up close against good opponents,” Witherspoon said.

“It’s time to start cashing in on W’s, and I think we have the group that can do it.”

UP NEXT Eagles: At the New York Jets next Sunday. Rams: Host Arizona next Sunday.

EAGLES quarterback Jalen Hurts celebrates after the Eagles defeated the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)

KANSAS City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrates with teammate quarterback Patrick Mahomes, left, after catching a 4-yard touchdown pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

CARLOS ALCARAZ ADVANCES TO FOURTH

ROUND AT SHANGHAI MASTERS

SHANGHAI (AP) —

Carlos Alcaraz had to rally from a break down in the first set to beat 30th-seeded Daniel Evans 7-6 (1), 6-4 yesterday and advance to the fourth round of the Shanghai Masters. In the second set, the Spaniard committed only two unforced errors.

“It was a really tough match. It was one of the toughest matches I have played outside of the Grand Slams,” Alcaraz said.

“Every time I play Daniel it is a tricky match and I have to play my best to beat him. Both of us played a high quality of tennis and I am really happy to get through.” Alcaraz will next face 18th-seeded Grigor Dimitrov, who beat 13th-seeded Karen Khachanov 7-6 (6), 6-4. Also yesterday, fifthseeded Andrey Rublev hit 35 winners as he defeated 31st-seeded Adrian Mannarino 6-3, 6-0. The Russian player will next play 12thseeded Tommy Paul after the American beat 19-yearold Arthur Fils 6-4, 6-7 (7), 6-4.

Double champions crowned at the BLTA Senior Nationals

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s (BLTA) Senior Nationals saw champions crowned after three days of competition ended yesterday.

Over the holiday weekend, singles and doubles matchups got underway at the National Tennis Centre (NTC) for both men and women. They competed in categories including the men and women’s 35, and men’s 55 in the singles division.

Additionally, the doubles matchups featured the men and women’s 35 in action on the tennis courts.

Alexander Murbach had quite the weekend at the NTC after he came away as a double crown champion for the second straight year.

The men’s 35 competitor earned his first championship hardware in singles action against Shaun Mahelis. He came away with a relatively comfortable win in two sets. The initial set was won 6-2 and the following set wrapped up 6-0.

He sealed the deal of accomplishing title number two in doubles action. The two-time double crown champion partnered along with Caitlin Drake, who also earned the double crown honours, at this year’s senior nationals.

The talented tandem bested the duo of Stephen Thompson and Marion Bain in two sets. They claimed set one 6-0 and followed it up with a 6-1 win to both take home their second championship of the weekend.

Murbach was overjoyed to accomplish his latest feat but remains hungry for more tennis championships.

“It feels good. I am getting hungrier every year now and I think it is a great opportunity to come out and play some players I have not played throughout the year,” he said.

The 43-year-old is looking forward to the growth of the nationals and, despite the weather conditions, he is open to more of these challenges.

Drake nabbed her first championship against the BLTA’s Esther Newton

in the women’s 35 singles division.

The newest double champion got the edge on Newton in two sets 6-0, 6-1.

The 37-year-old said it felt amazing to double up at this past weekend’s senior nationals.

“It was such a great tournament, hard matches, great points and I am just lucky I played well under these conditions,” she said. She credited Newton for pushing her on the court but ultimately attributed her win to executing strategy.

Thompson gutted out a tough win in one of yesterday’s most challenging matchups against former professional tennis player John Antonas. He had to work hard for his championship win in three sets. Antonas was the first to earn a victory, claiming set one 6-3 over his opponent.

In the following match, Thompson edged out a narrow 7-6 win to push for a tiebreaker. The final set culminated 10-8 favouring Thompson to wrap up the men’s 55 singles division. “It feels great to be a

champion. I worked hard and it really paid off…I started off the first set a bit slow, in the second set I found out what his weaknesses were, and in the third set I noticed he was getting a bit tired so I decided to move him around,” he said.

His runner-up said he had not played in a year and does not usually compete on hard courts but he wanted to get back into competition this time around which he thoroughly enjoyed.

In doubles action, the duo of Larikah Russell and Christie Cargill defeated Bain and Kathleen Fernandez in two sets. The two wrapped up their opponents in consecutive sets 6-2, 6-3.

The dynamic between the two was quite intriguing due to Russell being Cargill’s tennis coach outside of the competition.

“This is my first tournament. I went in with a lot of nerves but she kept me calm, gave me some pointers, and just told me to have fun and that is how we won,” Cargill said. After switching from the

coaching to teammate role at the 2023 senior nationals, Russell shared her experience from this past weekend.

“Our opponents today were very competitive, they had great returns, great serves but we pulled it off because my partner and I stuck together. All in all, it was good,” she said.

She added that she was very proud of her partner and helping her through the nerves to lead to the win was a great moment overall.

In the final doubles match, Johnnie Fong and his partner Alejandro Mesples emerged as victors against Eugene Gibson and Tyrone Serrao in two sets. The competitive sets ended 6-4, 6-3.

They both enjoyed the competition and said the match was fun, especially playing against an opponent they are familiar with.

The BLTA was grateful to host another successful showing of the Senior Nationals and are now looking forward to the Sheri Roberts Open in Marsh Harbour, October 21-22.

MATT FITZPATRICK WINS WEATHER-HIT DUNHILL LINKS CHAMPIONSHIP

ST. ANDREWS,

Scotland (AP) — Matt Fitzpatrick posed for photos with his mother as they crossed the Swilcan Bridge, then made birdie from 10 feet on the storied 18th hole at St. Andrews.

Talk about a perfect way to close out a first European tour title in two years.

Fitzpatrick shot 6-under 66 on the Old Course to win the weather-affected Dunhill Links Championship by three strokes yesterday. The 2022 U.S. Open champion was 19-under par overall for an event that was reduced to 54 holes after heavy rain wiped out play on Saturday and Sunday.

Play was only possible yesterday after remarkable efforts from the

greenkeepers at the three storied Scottish courses hosting the pro-am event — St. Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns — to make them playable. Large parts of Carnoustie, in particular, were unrecognisable on Sunday and there were still huge swathes of water on some fairways.

Ryan Fox, a recent winner at the BMW PGA Championship, shot 65 on the Old Course and was tied for second place with Matthew Southgate (66 at St. Andrews) and Marcus Armitage (66 at Carnoustie).

Fitzpatrick, who won the RBC Heritage on the PGA Tour in April, hadn’t won on the European tour since the Andalucia Masters in October 2021. This latest

title comes a week after he was part of Europe’s Ryder Cup-winning team in Rome, where he claimed his first point in golf’s biggest show after five straight

losses across away matches in 2016 and 2021.

“It’s funny really, it was kind of a freewheeling week — playing with mum and just trying to enjoy it the best I can and see what happened,” Fitzpatrick said.

The 29-year-old Englishman shot 67 at Carnoustie on Thursday and 64 at Kingsbarns on Friday.

“I couldn’t ask for a better week,” Fitzpatrick said. “Aside from the weather, it really was a perfect week.

“Even with all my wins, aside from a major, you forget about them in the future, and you’ll always remember the one that you won with your mum.”

A total of 39 players either withdrew or retired ahead of the third and final round.

Wild-card Diego Schwartzmann upset eighth-ranked Taylor Fritz 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (5) for his first win over a top-10 player in almost 18 months. The 31-year-old Argentine will next meet 22nd-seeded Nicolas Jarry, who beat Lorenzo Sonego 7-6 (4), 6-2.

COCO GAUFF, IGA SWIATEK WON’T PLAY IN BILLIE JEAN KING CUP

LONDON (AP) — U.S.

Open champion Coco Gauff was left off the American team for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals yesterday, while second-ranked Iga Swiatek of Poland is skipping the event for the second year in a row.

Gauff and Jessica Pegula, the two highest-ranked American players, were both absent from the U.S. team announced yesterday. Madison Keys, Sofia Kenin, Danielle Collins, Sloane Stephens and Taylor Townsend will play for the U.S. at the Nov. 7-12 event in Seville, Spain.

The biggest team competition in women’s tennis starts only two days after the end of the WTA Finals in Cancun, Mexico, which will feature the top eight players on the tour — including Gauff, Pegula and Swiatek.

Swiatek, who was then ranked No. 1, skipped last year’s Billie Jean King Cup in Glasgow, Scotland, because of a similar scheduling situation.

She said then that the “situation is not safe for our health” when players have to travel so far for the 12-team event — which is organised by the International Tennis Federation — right after the WTA Finals. She was left off the Poland team yesterday.

Gauff announced Sunday she was withdrawing from this week’s Zhengzhou Open tournament in China because of a shoulder injury that bothered her during a loss to Swiatek at the China Open semifinals last week.

Swiatek won that tournament on Sunday for her fifth title of the year.

WINNERS UNITE: The 2023 Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association Senior Nationals wrapped up this past weekend with the newest champions crowned.

He played with his mother, Susan, in the pro-am at the Dunhill Links — and they won, too.

ENGLAND’s Matt Fitzpatrick celebrates with the trophy after winning the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews, Scotland, yesterday. (Steve Welsh/PA via AP)

3Lynx Boyz, Eagles earn championship titles at the BFFL Heroes Tournament

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

THE Grand Bahama 3Lynx Boyz and Eagles are the 2023 men and women’s champions of the Bahamas Flag Football League (BFFL) Heroes Tournament.

The second edition of the two-day event saw the 3Lynx Boyz hoist the championship trophy for the second straight year and the newly-formed Eagles earn their first win in the tournament.

The Abaco Sharks also claimed their second consecutive championship in the competition at the Winton Rugby Field this past weekend.

The event showcased the flag football talents of local and international teams in the 9v9 and 5v5 men’s division as well as the 8v8 women’s division.

Bianca Lee, tournament director, was impressed with the competition on display between the 15 teams at this year’s tournament.

“The level of competition was exciting, teams were on the same level which allowed for an any given Sunday feel, you never know who is going to come out on top,” Lee said.

The tournament director considered the event a success and credited last year’s inaugural event for setting the foundation which showed them the things needed to make this year’s event even better.

The 3Lynx Boyz earned flag football bragging rights after wrapping up the twoday tournament with a win over the BFFL championship runner ups Oasis Team Red Dot. The Freeport team came away with

FLAG FOOTBALL

FROM PAGE 14

“The NFL is such a uniquely American sport and this is their big, global try,” said Dan Durbin, the director of the Institute of Sports, Media and Society at USC. “The NFL dominates in the U.S. You get 10 miles into the Atlantic or Pacific and it disappears. This gives it a chance to make it visible to a global audience.”

Flag football, in which “tackles” are made by pulling a flag off a belt worn by each player, would be a 5-on-5 affair played on a 50-yard field. There aren’t offensive and defensive linemen. At the World Games last year, the U.S. men won the gold medal while the women fell to Mexico in the final.

While flag football will feel familiar to the home fans, cricket will be a steep learning curve. It is almost a complete mystery in the United States.

Bringing a sport with no roots in America onto

RUGBY WORLD CUP

FROM PAGE 14

The Brave Blossoms depart having produced one of the highlights of the tournament through lock Amato Fakatava, who sprinted down the left wing, collected his own kick forward and trundled over the line midway through the first half for the first of Japan’s three tries.

Yet it was Carreras — Argentina’s stocky and powerful left winger — who proved to be the match winner, finishing

a 12-6 win on Sunday to repeat as champions in the 9v9 men’s division.

Janeil Cash was crowned the team’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the tournament win.

Craig Smith, head coach of the 3Lynx Boyz, was overwhelmed with emotion as he talked about this year’s win.

“It feels good to repeat, we feel like the kings of the hills, the key was we had to come back and defend ourselves,” Smith said.

The coach added that the competition was very competitive and he felt the tournament went smoothly and is also looking forward to coming back with the team next year.

For the women, the Eagles defeated the visiting Cayman Islands Lynx.

The sport’s newest team made a statement against the Lynx with a 13-6 win in the 8v8 division.

Ricarno Nixon, head coach of the Eagles, said the win was hard fought.

“It was a hard fought victory, my girls went out there and gave it their all and we came out victorious.

“But there are some things we have to clean up to get better as a team,” Nixon said.

He continued to say it was a good win for the team’s first time in the tournament, but there are still some offseason improvements to be made as they hope to vie for next year’s BFFL championship.

Shaniqua Thompson, who plays safety for the Eagles, was awarded the team’s MVP trophy.

“It feels good with the Eagles sitting out one season. We came back and we are winning,” Thompson said.

the programme could be viewed as a sweetener for places where it is popular, such as Australia, which is hosting the Olympics in Brisbane in 2032, and maybe even India, which is viewed as a potential host of the games in the future. A game called Twenty20 — a shorter version of the original game — is proposed for the schedule in Los Angeles. Cricket was played once before at the Olympics — in Paris in 1900. “It’s a sense of diplomacy in that getting cricket in there makes it look like you’re getting a broader spectrum of sports,” Durbin said. Not included in the LA programme is breakdancing, which will be a one-and-done after its debut in Paris next year. Others not making the cut: motorsports, kickboxing and karate. Unclear is whether other sports will have to trim the number of disciplines to help the IOC adhere to the limit it set of 10,500 athletes at a Summer Olympics. The addition of five team sports will inflate the number of participants.

off a flowing team move for his first try in the 28th and adding two more after halftime.

His third try was the clincher and came just after Japan reduced the gap to 29-27 with 15 minutes left.

Within three minutes, Carreras received the ball at almost a standing start, pushed away Japan centre Ryoto Nakamura with a right-hand fend, then burst through the middle with stunning acceleration before finishing with a swan dive over the line.

PORTUGAL 24,

FIJI 23

Portugal pulled off a stunner to beat Fiji with a try two minutes from the end and a match-winning conversion in the last

BRAVES RALLY FOR 5-4 WIN OVER PHILLIES

By PAUL NEWBERRY AP Sports Writer

ATLANTA (AP) —

After being held hitless into the sixth inning, the Atlanta Braves rallied for an improbable 5-4 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on two-run homers by Travis d’Arnaud and Austin Riley and a gameending double play for the ages to even the NL Division Series at one win apiece last night.

D’Arnaud, who started at catcher over slumping Sean Murphy, gave the Braves hope with his shot into the left-field seats in the seventh, cutting Philadelphia’s lead to 4-3. It was Atlanta’s first extra-base hit of the series. Riley provided the second, driving a 3-2 pitch from Jeff Hoffman (0-1) into the Phillies bullpen with two outs in the eighth to put the Braves ahead for the first time in the best-offive series.

Ronald Acuña Jr scored ahead of Riley after being plunked on the left arm by Hoffman’s first pitch coming in from the bullpen.

It ended in equally stunning fashion.

With Bryce Harper aboard, Nick Castellanos drove one to the fence in deep right-centre, only to be robbed on a great leaping catch by Michael Harris II.

She said her job was to be the intelligent one on the field, playing honest and being vigilant against her opponent which translated into her receiving the award.

The Sharks joined the 3Lynx Boyz as two-time champions this past weekend. The Abaco team won

the 5v5 men’s division over the Cayman Islands Cobras in a 19-13 victory. At last year’s inaugural launch of the tournament, the 3Lynx Boyz earned a 12-7 victory over the Skye’s Limit Rock Boyz.

Meanwhile, the Paradise Games Wildcats earned a dominant 20-0 win over

Grand Bahama’s Zero Tolerance in last year’s championships.

Teams have already expressed interest in returning to next year’s competition, according to Lee.

The 2024 Heroes Tournament is slated for October 12-13.

Harper had rounded second base when Harris made the catch. He backtracked desperately, and the throw back to the infield skidded past second baseman Ozzie Albies.

But Riley alertly backed up the play and zipped a throw to first that completed the double play.

Just like that, the series was all tied up. Game 3 is Wednesday at Philadelphia.

A.J. Minter (1-0) earned the win and Raisel Iglesias claimed his first save of this postseason.

MLB PLAYOFFS 2023: TWINS TIE ASTROS 1-1, RANGERS LEAD ORIOLES 2-0

CARLOS Correa had three hits and three RBIs and Pablo López pitched seven shutout innings, helping the Minnesota Twins beat the Houston Astros 6-2 on Sunday night to even their AL Division Series at one game apiece.

How a new version of football will be received five years from now in an already crowded 17-day sports schedule is anybody’s guess. The Olympics, like the NFL, have been working hard to entice a younger audience.

In recent years, the IOC has added skateboarding,

seconds for a storming finish to the tournament’s pool stage.

Fiji was the last team to qualify for the quarterfinals with a losing bonus point, but the manner of progression was nowhere near what the Flying Fijians, or the rest of the rugby world, were expecting. It was Portugal’s first ever Rugby World Cup win and came in the last game of Os Lobos’ — the Wolves’ — second World Cup appearance. Portugal had a golden chance at a breakthrough first win two weeks ago at the same stadium in Toulouse but missed a last-second kick in an 18-18 draw with Georgia. Down 23-17 in the dying minutes, left wing

climbing and 3-on-3 basketball to its schedule.

Flag football fits into that mold, said Bettina Cornwell, a sports business expert at the University of Oregon who also believes getting the less-violent version of football into the games could be a winning move for the league. “There are going to be

Rodrigo Marta scored the 78th-minute try that turned the World Cup on its head just for a moment, even if the result had no bearing on the final eight teams left in the competition. But tell the Portuguese that it didn’t meant anything.

After flyhalf Jeronimo Portela hoofed the ball out to confirm the victory, Portugal’s players leaped into each other’s arms to celebrate their biggest result ever.

Players streamed off the bench to join in.

hardcore NFL gridiron consumers who are not going to accept it,” she said.

“But you have to recognise the fact that the danger of gridiron play is a talking point. It’s not popular. If there’s a play that could change things, this is it. Give them kudos for trying.”

Both teams were drowned by Ireland, South Africa and Scotland in the deepest pool of the tournament, but against each other the ‘Ikale Tahi and Oaks found a contest in which they could express more of themselves and triggered an entertaining 10-try farewell.

Tonga blasted to 21-3 and Romania came back to close within four points twice.

Tonga pulled away in the last quarter when its zippier backs added three more tries for seven in total.

A day after an opening 6-4 loss, Kyle Farmer hit a two-run homer for the Twins. Game 3 of the best-of-five series is at Minnesota today.

Mitch Garver hit a thirdinning grand slam in his first appearance of these playoffs, and the Texas Rangers won their fourth consecutive game to start the postseason, pushing the Baltimore Orioles to the brink of elimination with an 11-8 victory in Game 2.

The Rangers’ Corey Seager became the first player to walk five times in a postseason game and scored twice. Baltimore pitchers walked 11, their most in a game since 2019, and six of those runners scored.

The wild-card Rangers have outscored the Orioles and Tampa Bay — the top two teams in the American League in the regular season — by 25-11. Texas can finish off the Orioles at home today.

BETTING FAVOURITES

45, ROMANIA 24

TONGA

Tonga leaves the Rugby World Cup with a win after overpowering Romania in their pool finale.

The Tongans’ highest score and biggest margin in Rugby World Cup history ensured a win at a fifth consecutive tournament.

The Astros are the current betting favourites to win the World Series at +340, followed by the Braves (+450) and Phillies (+480), according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

OTTAWA quarterback Madysen Carrera (21) is tackled by Midland defender Casey Thompson, left, during an NAIA flag football game.

(AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

THE FREEPORT 3 Lynx Boyz, above, repeated as the Heroes Tournament champions for the 9v9 men’s division, and the Eagles, top, earned the championship for the women’s 8v8 division.

MOTHER PRATT GETS FIRST COOKIES FROM GIRL GUIDES

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Education Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Girl Guides Association (BGGA) launched its annual cookie month last week and presented the first set of cookies to the Governor General, Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt. The Girl Guides Association (GGA) is an international programme dedicated to empowering girls and young women around the world. The BGGA was established in the Bahamas in 1915 and has influenced the lives of many Bahamian women throughout the country. BGGA member s can be found on several islands, including New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco, Eleuthera, Andros, Long Island and Inagua. Girls from age five through eighteen can participate as Sunflowers, Brownies, Guides or Rangers.

GB ready for National Youth Month

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Education Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

A SLEW of events announced for Grand Bahama young people during National Youth Month.

October has been declared National Youth Month with several events being held throughout the country to celebrate young leaders and organisations under the theme ‘Youth, excellence is the standard’.

Apostle Kenneth Miller, youth officer in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture Grand Bahama said there is a series of events and activities planned for young people on the island during the month, which will

centre around “celebrating the excellence of Bahamian young people”.

The month kicked off with a church service at Calvary Temple on Sunday, October 1, where young people were admonished to put God first in all their endeavours and prayers of covering,

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

inspiration and strength were offered over those present and for all the youth of Grand Bahama. The month of October will dispense a number of activities as part of the celebration of Grand Bahamian youth, including a youth leaders meeting, the Church of God 44th District Youth Convention, youth leaders breakfast reception, East End preliminary speech competition, school tours (October 11, 12 and 16), Youth Recognition Awards (October 14), Youth Month speech competition (October 18), Youth Month Iron Chef competition (October 20), Youth March and Rally (October 22), National Youth Awards (October 23) and Youth in Parliament (October 27).

BACK TO THE FARM AT BEACON

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Education Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

GRAND Bahama school launches agriculture programme with support from the Agricultural Development Organisation (ADO).

The Beacon School, a special needs school in Grand Bahama, launched a farming programme at the school with the assistance of ADO and headmistress Titi Moss said that students are thrilled to have a farming programme at their school again.

She said: “The students are very excited for the launch of the programme; we already have our small class gardens so they are looking forward to getting their hands dirty on a larger scale.”

Ms Moss noted that the school has not had an agriculture programme in five years, but eagerly anticipates its return. She explained that they will be introducing ground roots and an herb garden into their

farming program along with chickens for egg production.

Terrance Roberts III, managing director of Berkshire Bahamas Farms, said he is thrilled to partner with the ADO and the Beacon School as the school’s agriculture advisor.

ADO executive chairman Philip Smith, foreground, meets Terrance Roberts, winner of the Agrarian Awards Male Farmer of the Year 2023, and Titi Moss, headmistress of the Beacon School.

He said: “ADO will impact this school and the community, as agriculture is something that is not respected as it should be in our Bahamian community.

It’s important to start in our communities with education.”

In less than two years since its

launch, the non-government organisation has distributed more than 2500 backyard farming kits, helped churches plant on adjoining empty land and shone its attention on schools with a pledge to supply farming materials to 26 schools in 12 months.

ADO has collaborated with schools nationwide and launched programmes in New Providence, Grand Bahama, Eleuthera, Abaco and is headed next to Exuma.

CARLA Roker-Brown (right) and Apostle Kenneth Miller.

YOUNG people leading praise and worship during the launch of youth month’s church service at Calvary Temple on Sunday, October 1.