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The Tribune

MINISTER: I’M NO CHEAT

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

ENERGY Minister

JoBeth Coleby-Davis

clarified in the House of Assembly that Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) is not renting two newly commissioned turbine engines to improve power reliability. “It is a power purchase agreement which includes the cost of fuel and the capacity, not a rental,” she told Parliamentarians while discussing the new agreement between BPL and

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

ENERGY Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis filed a complaint with police against social media personality Brittany Harris, accusing her of criminal libel. In a letter to Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander, Ms Coleby-Davis’s attorney, Owen Wells, said Ms Harris defamed his client by falsely accusing her in a recent social media post of engaging in corrupt practices while in office and participating in extramarital affairs. Mr Wells said her claims were untrue and fabricated to tarnish Ms Coleby-Davis’s reputation

Govt breaks ground on new $6.8m clinic in Mangrove Cay, Andros

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

RESIDENTS of Mangrove Cay, Andros, could soon have access to healthcare that could eliminate the need to travel to New Providence for basic medical services, as the government broke ground for a new medical clinic valued at over $6.8m yesterday. The clinic, located near the Clarence A Bain International Airport, will cover 14,460 square feet and

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

TWO years after Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville announced that the government’s catastrophic healthcare fund would be audited, details about the fund are still unknown. In recent budgets, the Davis administration

allocated $10m as a catastrophic healthcare fund to help Bahamians who need costly healthcare services. The administration has not revealed how much has been spent, how many people have benefited, and how eligibility or the application process is determined. In July 2022, Dr Darville

feature hurricane-impact windows, an attached morgue, a standalone medical waste building, and emergency service cottages. It will offer a wide range of medical services, including

RESORTS World Bimini’s financial performance has “never been close” to budget projections in 15 years, its minority owner is complaining, as the property suffers under an annual $57m debt servicing burden. The financial plight of Bimini’s major hotel was the focus of Board discussions as representatives of RAV Bahamas, had “ever encountered these kinds of financial numbers” during his 40-year career in the hotel industry.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

JOBETH Coleby-Davis speaking in the House of Assembly yesterday.

Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

Mental Health Forum led by Dr Allen BIS celebrates 50 years

: BIS MENTAL

Photo: Chappell Whyms

Jr

celebrates 50 years. Front row: Ministry of Social

Information and Broadcasting Permanent Secretary

ming-Turnquest, fourth right; director general Elcott

right; executive director Diana Swann, second right; and from left -- administrative assistant & committee co-chair Cassandra McKenzie, Senior Photographer Patrick Hanna, human resources manager Kathryn Campbell, assistant director/editorial Camilla Cheong, and senior information officer & committee co-chair Lindsay Thompson (at right). golden jubilee planning committee members, in second row, from left: photographer Denys Gomez, senior information officer Betty Vedrine, clerk/social media Perrinique

administrative

and

BIS

Services,

Phedra Rah-

Coleby, third

Horton,

assistant Lesha Rolle, graphics manager Mark Cunningham,

senior photographer Letisha Henderson. PHOTOS

Minister: I’m not a cheat

from page one

and expose her to public ridicule.

Ms Harris made the allegations on her Facebook page called “Island Tea”, claiming she would release voice notes from a friend of Mrs Coleby-Davis that would confirm the accusations.

“The false accusations aren’t only damaging to our client personally and professionally but have the potential to cause irreparable harm to her standing as a public servant and the integrity of the office she holds,” Mr Wells wrote.

“The malicious nature of the post coupled with its wide dissemination on a public forum like Facebook warrants immediate and serious attention.”

Mr Wells said that, given the severity of the allegations, damage had already been inflicted.

He called on police to investigate and pursue criminal libel charges.

“We trust that the necessary action will be taken to ensure that the individual responsible is held accountable under the laws of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas,” he said.

Commissioner Fernander could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Coleby-Davis clarifies BPL’s Power Purchase Agreement

Bahamas Utilities Holdings Limited. “Nothing has been divesting out of the hands of BPL.” She revealed new details about the partnership yesterday, saying it is governed by a 30-year power agreement, which also allows BPL to assume full ownership and control of this power generation segment once it is financially stronger.

“The PPA for this project includes clearly defined key performance indicators and penalties for non-performance,” she added. “Provisions have also been included to lock down rates, which will protect Bahamian households and businesses from large cost fluctuations.”

Her comments followed Tuesday’s commissioning ceremony for two 31-megawatt GE dual-fuel turbine engines supplied

by Bahamas Utilities Holdings, which operate on both diesel and natural gas at Clifton Pier.

The new turbines, which are said to be 35 percent more efficient and emit 30 percent fewer emissions than most older generators currently operating, are part of the government’s latest energy reform initiative.

She acknowledged scepticism surrounding the government’s energy reform

plans but said it would not “deter us from acting”.

She said the partnership between BPL and BUC represents a strategic solution that has proven effective in transforming the energy market.

“In many countries, including the United States, PPAs have been successful in positively transforming the energy system, delivering consistent electricity supply, reducing

carbon emissions, and providing cost-savings,” she said.

“The partnership with Bahamas Utilities Holdings Limited will allow for BPL to increase its generation capacity, with direct benefits for households and businesses in New Providence such as improved reliability in electricity service.”

Currently, New Providence has an electricity capacity of 256 megawatts.

The new engines would add 62 megawatts to the grid at full capacity.

By June 2025, officials expect these dual-fuel turbines to run entirely on LNG, lowering emissions, reducing costs, and providing reliable power for families and businesses.

She said the government’s reform plans also include transitioning all existing BUC plants from rental arrangements to be governed under the PPA.

DAVIS ADMINISTRATION TABLES BILL TO ESTABLISH AN URBAN RENEWAL AU THORITY

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE Davis administration tabled legislation to establish an Urban Renewal Authority to enhance residents’ quality of life in designated urban communities.

The bill, tabled yesterday, empowers the authority to organise Urban Renewal centres, manage community projects — including clubs, training programmes, and educational initiatives — oversee funds, and acquire or dispose of property.

The authority will be governed by a board of directors consisting of two co-chairpersons appointed by the minister, a managing director, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry responsible for Urban Renewal, and between five and eight additional members representing civil society organisations, also appointed by the minister.

The board will have the power to establish committees, manage contracts, grant loans for community projects and minor home repairs, and identify and report dangerous or dilapidated buildings to the minister.

According to the bill, individuals desiring to establish programmes or projects in urban communities, such as educational initiatives for children or efforts to discourage criminal activity, can apply to the board to approve grants or loans.

After disbursing monetary grants or loans, the board will investigate to ensure the funds are used

as intended. It can also assist homeowners or building owners in urgent need of repairs.

To assess eligibility for a grant, the authority will inspect the property, evaluate the urgency of the repairs, and confirm that the owner meets the specified qualifications. If the owner qualifies, the Authority may award a grant in an amount determined by the minister and approve the necessary repair work.

The board may also grant loans for minor home repairs upon application, with loan amounts set by the minister and terms and interest rates determined by the board. If the board finds that a loan was granted based on misrepresentation by the borrower or circumstances have materially changed, it may cancel the loan without incurring liability.

“The authority may postpone the payment of any sum due to it as principal or interest under a loan, upon such terms and conditions as it deems necessary,” the bill adds. “From time to time, extend the period for the repayment of any loan and compound any interest payable on the loan subject to such terms and conditions as it deems fit; write off any loan or any part thereof with the approval of the Minister upon the Minister being satisfied that all measures have been exhausted for the recovery of the loan.”

All individuals currently serving in the Urban Renewal Commission will be transferred to the Authority, with their consent, for one year, pending

their acceptance or refusal of permanent employment with the Authority.

Transferred individuals will receive remuneration on terms no less favourable than those in the Urban Renewal Commission.

A transferred public officer, contract officer, or temporary worker in government service may apply for a transfer to a government ministry or department during the one-year period following their transfer to the Authority.

The bill also outlines financial provisions and property vesting.

The financial year of the Authority will run for twelve months, beginning on 1 July each year.

At least six months before the commencement of the upcoming financial year, the Authority shall submit to the minister an estimate of the funding required to maintain operations.

Additionally, the Authority shall prepare a draft procurement plan in writing, by the Public Procurement Act each financial year and revise it as needed.

Any board member interested in a company or

entity proposed for a contract with the Authority must disclose the particulars of that interest and the details must be recorded in the meeting minutes at which the disclosure is made.

A notice by a Board member to other members advising that they are a member of a company or entity interested in any contract that may be made after the date of the notice shall be considered a sufficient declaration of interest regarding that contract.

However, the notice has no effect unless presented at a Board meeting or unless reasonable steps are taken to ensure it is brought up and read at the next Board meeting.

MINISTER of Energy and Transport JoBeth Coleby-Davis speaks during a sitting of Parliament yesterday.

Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

Still no answers on healthcare fund audit

said the programme would undergo a full audit and that “serious” guidelines would be established for its spending. He reiterated in April that the programme would be audited, adding that individuals suffering from cardiovascular, orthopaedic, and oncological conditions had received assistance.

Asked yesterday for an update on the audit, he said: “There’s a line item in my ministry and the Ministry of Finance is the one who’s responsible for auditing. I’ll have to get back to you to let you know the exact time when the complete audit will be finished.”

In April, former Health Minister Dr Duane Sands criticised the lack of transparency surrounding the catastrophic healthcare fund. He raised concerns about the programme’s administration while supporting the initiative and

recognising its potential impact.

“Who qualifies?” Dr Sands asked. “Who makes the determination and so on and so forth, because you’re talking about $10m of the public’s money. We would like to know how much of that money has been spent. How much has been spent weekly? How much is spent monthly?”

Dr Darville has previously responded to Dr Sand’s criticism by claiming that the Davis administration has been an “open book” regarding the programme.

Yesterday, Dr Darville also said officials are finalising a process to expand coverage for the 44,000 members under the National Insurance Board’s prescription drug plan to include NHI members with chronic non-communicable diseases.

He said a new NHI Bill will facilitate this and is currently with the Attorney General’s Office.

Doctors Hospital launches membership scheme for healthcare

By KEILE CAMPBELL

Tribune

Staff Reporter

kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

DOCTORS Hospi-

tal introduced its Loyalty Advantage Membership Program (LAMP) at its Paradise Island Medical Clinic location yesterday, offering healthcare services for $119 per month.

The plan includes urgent care, unlimited primary care visits, and discounts on prescription medication and diagnostic services.

“Doctors Hospital has to disrupt in the space of healthcare financing, how people are fundamentally paying for healthcare,” said Dr Dennis Deveaux, chief financial officer of Doctors Hospital. He emphasised the plan’s goal to make healthcare more accessible to uninsured Bahamians and small businesses.

“We hope to be a leader in that space and make it

CARLYLE Bethel and Dennis Deveaux yesterday talk about the Loyalty Advantage Membership Program that is strarting at Doctors Hospital at he the Paradise Island location.

Chappell Whyms Jr

accessible and affordable.”

This new initiative seeks to fill the gaps in the healthcare system, offering a more affordable option for Bahamians who might struggle

with traditional insurance costs.

Carlyle Bethel, manager of LAMP, highlighted the programme’s wide accessibility, saying: “There are

no pre-screenings, no age gaps. You get signed up, and you can access your services within 30 days.”

Dr Dennis Deveaux also shared plans for a new hospital in Grand Bahama to open by fall 2025 and a medical center in Rock Sound, Eleuthera.

“Our hospital is on budget, and we expect the hospital’s opening sometime in the summer to fall of 2025,” he said, describing progress being at “a very satisfactory pace”.

The LAMP Ultimate plan offers immediate benefits, such as a 25 percent

discount for the first 1000 people who sign up in October and November.

The plan’s primary goal is to make healthcare “accessible and affordable” while transforming the financial model of medical care in The Bahamas.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS MINISTER DR MICHAEL DARVILLE

Photo:

Govt breaks ground on new $6.8m clinic in Mangrove Cay, Andros

from page one

laboratory testing, X-rays, ultrasounds, telemedicine, and IT platforms to ensure connectivity with tertiary facilities in New Providence and Grand Bahama.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said the clinic would allow residents to receive high-quality medical care without leaving the island.

“We understand the challenges that come with living on a Family Island,” he said. “We know the difficulties that can arise when a loved one falls ill, and the necessary medical care is not immediately available; this clinic will help to ease those challenges and provide a peace of mind that comes from knowing quality care is close by. As I stand here, I can’t help but feel proud of the progress we are making in healthcare.”

Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Michael

Darville acknowledged the project’s delays. He said the Progressive Liberal Party began work on the Mangrove Cay clinic in 2016, but it was halted after Hurricane Matthew and the party’s loss in the general election. He said the Davis administration is now fulfilling its promise to provide healthcare facilities to Mangrove Cay and other Family Islands in need.

Dr Darville said the clinic is being funded by the Ministry of Finance and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). He added that officials anticipate three ambulances will be delivered to Andros by the end of this week or next.

Leon Lundy, MP for Mangrove Cay, South Andros, and Central Andros, called the clinic a step toward a healthier, stronger, and more progressive Andros. “We are laying the

foundation for a brighter future for the island and its people,” Mr Lundy said. The clinic is expected to be completed in 15 to 18

general contractor. Livingston Forbes from the Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs’ special project infrastructure unit is the

PRIME Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, alng with Minister of Works Clay Sweeting and Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Michael Darville prepare to break ground for a new $6.8m clinic in Mangrove Cay, Andros.

Photos: Devante Butler/Ministry of Health & Wellness

months. The contract was signed yesterday with Bastian Brothers Construction Company of Mangrove Cay, Andros, serving as the

The Tribune Limited

NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI

“Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”

LEON E. H. DUPUCH

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH, Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972

Contributing Editor 1972-1991

RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B.

Publisher/Editor 1972-

Published daily Monday to Friday

Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207

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How far will Freeport be allowed to play by their own rules?

THINGS can be different in the Magic City.

Freeport has its own rules – notably the Hawksbill Creek Agreement. But how far can that go?

Around the world, there has been an ongoing push to bring in a corporate income tax of 15 percent.

The Bahamas has acquiesced to that plan – for multi-national companies with a significant amount of earnings, topping 750m euros or more.

In terms of our nation, that would mean companies such as Atlantis or Baha Mar. Perhaps the Riu, the Warwick, then banks such as RBC, CIBC, Scotiabank… the list goes on.

There is an element of balance, in that those companies would not have to pay for business licences.

Which brings us to Freeport. How will this move affect Grand Bahama?

Well, here’s the thing – the Hawksbill deal prevents Grand Bahama Port Authority licensees from paying any form of income tax. That would include a corporate income tax. Or will it?

Attorney General Ryan Pinder says differently.

He says that the 15 percent corporate income tax will apply in Freeport.

The bill laid in the House of Assembly to go with the tax specifies that it will apply in the port area, regardless of what Hawksbill says.

As you might well imagine, attorneys are looking over the details – and as you well know, there have been tensions between the government and the port authority already.

The exemptions expired in 2015 –though a 2016 bill gave exemptions to the GBPA, Hutchison Whampoa and their affiliates with an automatic 20-year renewal. And yet that law was put forward by the Christie administration

and not given effect by the Minnis administration.

If you can see a few holes in all of this, then you can be sure others will too –and that might end up in court.

But imagine a worldwide pressure for the introduction of such a tax – and Grand Bahama being the odd one out.

It’s a fascinating thought – and you can be sure it won’t be the end of the story.

Condolences to our dearly departed

In 2007, Althea Scantlebury joined The Tribune

She worked for us as a delivery driver.

A familiar face to her customers on Paradise Island and in the Eastern area.

She would have celebrated her 70th birthday on October 24 – and despite suffering from failing eyesight in recent times, never missed a day of work.

The Tribune’s circulation manager described her, saying: “Althea was a faithful, committed driver, who, despite her failing eyesight, never missed a day of work and came prepared to fulfill her delivery. She was devoted to satisfying her customers and took it upon herself to redeliver if a paper was stolen or mis-thrown.”

That is how we knew her at The Tribune. Her family tell of how she was just as dedicated in all her previous jobs.

And devoted to her family too.

We shall miss Althea, and we pray that she rests in peace. Our condolences to her family – and to her Tribune family too.

WE have lost four of our greatest—Obie Wilchcombe, Loftus Roker, Philip Galanis, and George Smith—progressive soldiers who embodied the very heart and soul of the Progressive Liberal Party. These men carried the hopes and dreams of Bahamians on their shoulders, leading with a relentless commitment to justice, progress, and opportunity for all. They forged a path for us to follow, leaving an indelible mark on this nation. Now, as they leave us, we stand at a pivotal moment, faced with the weighty challenge of continuing their legacy.

Sir Lynden Pindling once said, “Step now our finest warriors forward, amazons of vision, fighters of courage, warriors of steel; no weak hearts, no half-steppers, no weak links.” Those words resonate deeply today. The finest warriors of our party have passed, and the responsibility of filling their shoes now rests on our generation. Are we ready to rise to the challenge with the same courage and resolve? Can we summon the strength to carry the torch they held so high, and continue their fight for a just and better Bahamas? The road ahead will demand unwavering strength, conviction, and the ability to weather storms,

just as these four men did throughout their lives. These giants didn’t shy away from the tough work; they embraced it. They were builders, creators, and warriors— determined to see The Bahamas rise to its potential. They led in the face of adversity, standing firm in their convictions while creating a future full of promise for every Bahamian. Today, we are tasked with continuing their work, building on their foundation with the same grit and determination. The shoes we now seek to fill are heavy, but they also offer us a path forward if we have the courage to walk in them.

Filling their shoes means embracing the weight of responsibility that comes with their legacy. It means being the foundation for the next generation, just as they were for us. Sir Lynden’s call for fighters with courage, soldiers of vision, and warriors of steel echoes now more than ever. The Bahamas needs leaders who will stand firm in their beliefs, unafraid to build and transform, even when it’s difficult. As we honor their passing, we must also honor their work by carrying it

forward with the same relentless spirit they embodied.

As former Prime Minister Perry Christie often recited in moments of great reflection, “As for man, his days are like grass— he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.” These words ring true today. We must acknowledge that our time here is fleeting, but the impact we leave can last for generations. These four men bloomed with brilliance in their time, leaving a legacy that will not soon be forgotten. Though the winds of life have taken them from us, it is now our duty to ensure their spirit, their fight, and their vision continue to live on.

Their days may be gone, but we, the next generation, must ensure that the field they flourished in remains vibrant, tended to with the same care, passion, and love that they showed for this country. Let us rise to the moment and carry their torch, ensuring their legacy is not only remembered but expanded, for the betterment of The Bahamas.

LATRAE RAHMING Director of Communications

Office of The Prime Minister October 16, 2024.

Good work by Ministry of Finance

EDITOR, The Tribune. THE New Day Government set a course to “change the status quo”. Despite the resistance from some who wish to evade their fair share, the government is resolute in its mission to level the playing field. While the new systems are still being refined, the overarching principle remains: everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status, should contribute their fair share. This collective responsibility is crucial for the prosperity of our nation.

In Bahamian culture, we have found skillful ways to circumvent the law, so we get services through the back door, tipping who we can so as not to pay. Since time immemorial, we have quickly not paid at all to gain an advantage while expecting the government to provide all our needs free of charge.

Not so long ago, a merchant in the Carmichael Road area “pitched a bitch” because he believed the government was too heavy-handed visiting the store. The

merchant’s tricky public relations went ahead of the government, hollering that they were compliant. This outcry brought some sympathisers, especially from people who would avoid living up to their financial responsibilities.

Those with the most want to pay the least; they want the masses to carry the heavy load while they reap the fat of the land and pay nothing.

While there are many investors with good intentions, renegade investors come to the Bahamas hoping to exploit us because of their preconceive thoughts that we are naive and that they can dangle some ‘pie in the sky’ scheme to gain advantages that profit them and disadvantage the Bahamas.

So February Point flexes its muscle with threats of selling its properties because it is made to pay Real Property Tax like everyone else, does not frighten anyone. They think we are fools. Their tired playbook of providing menial jobs for Bahamians does not

exempt them from paying taxes like everyone else.

The Ministry of Finance would not be worth its salt if it insisted that Joe Blow from Over the Hill be taxed and made to pay, and the millionaires and billionaires pay nothing because they hire maids, cooks and yardmen. The devil is a liar if these presumptuous investors think they can jump on our backs and ride us to the ground until we buckle. It is time to change the status quo.

I commend the Ministry of Finance for its relentless efforts in collecting all outstanding revenue from everyone who should pay, especially those who have already made millions. Finance’s dedication is a testament to its commitment to a fair and just financial system.

Tax collected before the sale of a property is a moot point because it certainly should not be after the sale. The seller should clean his slate and not burden the buyer.

IVOINE W INGRAHAM Nassau, October 16, 2024.

The Tribune mourns the loss of dedicated long-time employee Althea Scantlebury

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

THE Tribune family is mourning the loss of Althea Scantlebury, a devoted delivery driver who faithfully served the newspaper for over 17 years. Althea’s dedication to her work, community involvement, and love for her family left a mark on those who knew her.

Since joining The Tribune in 2007, Althea was known for her reliability and unwavering commitment to her job. Even as her health declined, she remained determined to continue her work.

Her dedication was not limited to her role as a delivery driver. According to her daughter, Desiree, she showed the same level of commitment in all her previous jobs, including her work in the tourism industry and as a photographer.

This steadfast approach defined Althea’s life, whether she was behind the camera, serving tourists, or delivering newspapers for The Tribune.

After undergoing eye surgery in 2019, which affected her vision, she continued with her deliveries.

“After her recent eye surgery, she wasn’t able to see for a while, but once she regained some vision, she made it work. She never stopped delivering

those papers,” her daughter, Desiree Bowe-Rolle, said.

Althea’s persistence was so strong that she would even rent a car or ask family for help when her vehicle failed to ensure her customers received their newspapers.

Her oldest son, Desmond, recalled how her connection with her customers went beyond her role as a delivery driver.

“She wasn’t just delivering papers; she was out there interacting with people. She loved meeting her customers, and she treated everyone like family,” he said. In addition to her work, Althea was an active figure in her community.

As a breast cancer survivor for over 22 years, she was involved in volunteer work with the Cancer Society and participated in programmes supporting children with autism. At home, Althea was a beloved matriarch who cherished family

TWO WOMEN ACCUS ED O F S TE A LING OVER $200,000 F ROM GOVT GR A NTED BA IL

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

TWO women were granted bail yesterday after allegedly stealing over $200,000 in government funds while working in Abaco and Eleuthera earlier this year.

Senior Magistrate Kendra Kelly arraigned 39-year-old Rickell Johnson on 19 counts of stealing by reason of employment.

Magistrate Kelly also arraigned 43-year-old Sherika Baillou-Hall on a separate charge of stealing by reason of employment.

Johnson allegedly stole $87,181.60 while employed at the Harbour Island Road Traffic Department between June 3 and August 31, 2024.

Baillou-Hall allegedly

stole $170,400 while employed at the Abaco Post Office between August 1, 2022, and June 21, 2024. Both women pleaded not guilty to their respective charges and appeared calm during their arraignments.

Johnson’s bail was set at $20,000 with two to three sureties, and she must sign in at the Harbour Island Police Station every Wednesday by 7pm.

Baillou-Hall’s bail was set at $35,000 with two or three sureties, and she must sign in at the Cooper’s Town Police Station every Thursday by 7pm. Johnson’s trial is scheduled to begin on January 27, 2025.

Baillou-Hall’s trial is scheduled for February 4 and 6, 2025.

Sergeant Vernon Pyfrom served as the prosecutor.

traditions. Every Christmas, she took on the role of Santa Claus, handing out gifts to her family.

As Althea approached her 70th birthday, her family was planning a surprise celebration.

“She didn’t have an idea we were planning it, but we knew she wanted to do something special,” Desiree shared. Sadly, Althea passed away before the celebration could take place, but her legacy lives on through her family — especially her youngest son,

ALTHE A SC A NTLEBURY, a devoted delivery driver who faithfully served the newspaper for over 17 years. Althea’s dedication to her work, community involvement, and love for her family left a mark on those who knew her.

Dietrich, who has taken over her paper route.

“She always said that if she died, she would want one of us to be committed to it, take it on that road,” Desiree explained. Dietrich, who had been

helping his mother in her final years, expressed how much his mother cared for others.

“Mommy was a loving person,” her youngest son said. “She’s that person who would take the

sure

before

shirt off her back. She’ll make

you’re straight

she’s straight.” Althea’s five children survive Althea: Desiree, Desmond, Dietrich, and her twins Dencil and Delano.

The depth of toxic sexism and misogyny

Synonyms for toxic: poisonous, virulent, noxious, dangerous, destructive, malignant.

FORMER Donald

Trump adviser Stephen Miller, famously known for his extreme anti-immigrant and xenophobic views, delights in bluntly expressing his outlandish feelings on a range of topics.

Interviewed recently on Jesse Watters Primetime on Fox News, the host asked Miller: “Our audience at Primetime believes you are some sort of sexual matador. What do you have to say for yourself?”

Miller responded: “If you are a young man – it’s very important in election season – who’s looking to impress the ladies, to be the alpha, to be attractive... The best thing you can do is wear your Trump support on your sleeve.

“Show that you are a real man. Show that you are not a beta. Right? Be a proud and loud Trump supporter and your dating life will be fantastic.”

What curious dating advice from a man who would not exactly grace the cover of a fashion or sports magazine. Recall that those who often boast the most of a certain prowess in public forums are barely matadors of any sort, though they are expert at talking bull.

Still, many men revel in this sort of sexism because it communicates to other men in a feral manner that they too are tough, highly sexual men. Much of it is farce. It is obviously ridiculous. It is laughable. But, it so often works politically.

It is similar to the mock masculinity of television

wrestling matches with its manufactured violence, blood, and gore. Nevertheless, it is also deadly serious because it too often results in domestic violence and violence against women.

Blatant misogyny is not simply tolerated. It is celebrated, lauded, trumpeted. Donald Trump and many of his supporters wear their supposed machismo and sexism on their expensive tailored sleeves. This impresses many men who see it is a sign of strength and virility, which they may attach themselves to vicariously.

Trump knows that his behaviour attracts many men, including young and typically college non-educated men who superficially see him as the alpha male ejaculating emotional pheromones from his testicular misogyny.

These men desperately want to be a part of tribes that reinforce their sense of masculinity and supplant

their feelings of inadequacy and insecurity.

Others have described Trump’s “feral genius”, his capacity to incite the basest instincts in supporters: fear, violence, hatred, racism, misogyny, victimhood, xenophobia, anti-Semitism, impotence, sense of failure, powerlessness, and other primitive instincts.

This incitement is in service of his own pathological demons and lust for power to quench his bottomless insecurity and egotism.

In response to last week’s column, a beloved friend noted a “sad and secret truth of the impending presidential election in the US: a dominant thread of misogyny that has imprisoned men in their impotent rage against women who demand their freedom to think and live their lives, and against men who reject their definition of masculinity”.

The friend observed: “Power, violence and oppression express themselves in many different ways. Biblical suspicion of women’s intelligence and resourcefulness continues to wreak havoc.”

Much of this toxic masculinity is ironically superficial and deep. The conceit: Men are more intelligent and powerful and should be able to dominate women, all of which is literally a God-given right, which the state must zealously uphold.

For easy and sorrowful reference see: Commonwealth of The Bahamas where men can still rape their wives and where the male-dominated political directorate steadfastly

‘These men desperately want to be a part of tribes that reinforce their sense of masculinity and supplant their feelings of inadequacy and insecurity.’

refuses to enact simple legal changes that will remove this antediluvian law.

A septuagenarian Bahamian woman who experienced racism growing up in The Bahamas and who supported majority rule notes that she no longer experiences such racism at home.

But nearing 80, she laments that open and toxic misogyny still reigns as king in The Bahamas. It evokes an image of the male genitals as a sort of scepter and orb emblem for such a sad monarchy.

Recall the remarks of the self-described potcake, former cabinet minister and member of parliament, Leslie Miller, in the House of Assembly of all places some years ago. Miller’s vile remarks were reported in one of the dailies: “‘That’s like beating your wife or your girlfriend every time you go home. You just beat her for looking at her. I love ya. Boom, boom, boom. I had a girlfriend like that.

“‘When I didn’t beat her she used to tell me I ain’t love her no more cause I don’t hit her. But seriously I had one like that. I had one. She used to tell me,’ he insisted as other members murmured and chuckled.

“House Speaker Dr Kendal Major injected, ‘We know that you’re joking with that.’ “However, Miller said he was ‘serious with that’.

“‘I tell her I get tired, man,’ he continued, laughing. ‘My hands hurting a little bit … give me a break.’

“After a comment from a sitting member inquiring whether he was joking, he reiterated, ‘I am telling you the truth. One thing I don’t do is lie’.”

Stunningly, no male member of the House rebuked his remarks then or later. The mostly men’s club embarrassed themselves and the country. They bargained that if they criticised Miller, many

Bahamian men would not be pleased. Miller’s female colleagues in his party also remained silent, a telling sign. Had his remarks been racial in nature he would have been roundly condemned and perhaps censured.

One can imagine a cartoon of a man grabbing a woman by her hair dragging her into a cave, with the words “Home, Sweet Home” in a frame on the cave wall, as the man roars and brags, while beating his chest, “If she doesn’t do what I say I’ll beat her. I is man.” Miller has also thundered elsewhere: “If my sister marries a foreigner, I expect for that foreigner to take her home to his country and support her.

“What they bringing him here for? Don’t come to my country and take a job from one of my Bahamian brothers.” Miller managed to sound like a sexist and a xenophobe in one breath. He failed to note the number of households in which women earn more than their partners. Sadly, many women and men still agree with his antiquated worldview.

Many people of faith and church leaders note the radical dignity of women made in the image and likeness of God. Yet religion, including Christianity, is a great bastion of patriarchal dominance and sexism, with women locked out of ordained ministry, church governance and polity at the highest level.

For millennia, male religious leaders have with condescension and contempt controlled and characterised women’s intellects, ambitions and especially their bodies. Female sexuality and natural body functions were often classified as impure.

Many men continue to defend all manner of theological gobbledygook and tortured arguments about why women cannot become church leaders. Those long-dominated by others often tend to internalise and justify their position in society as well as the discrimination meted out to them. Women are no different. At home and abroad many women view as normal their treatment as unequal.

In reaction to the vulgar misogyny of Trump, Michelle Obama once lamented: women: “I feel it so personally. And I’m sure that many of you do too. Particularly the women. The shameful comments about our bodies.

“The disrespect of our ambitions and intellect. The belief that you can do anything you want to a woman. It is cruel. It is frightening. And the truth is, it hurts. It hurts.”

If a black Bahamian man wants to better understand the pain of sexism, imagine being demeaned on a regular basis because of one’s race. This is the quality or moral empathy still absent from so many men who claim to adore their back mothers, daughters, sisters and wives.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari once dismissed criticism by his wife of his government with this reply: “I don’t know which party my wife belongs to but she belongs to my kitchen and my living room and the other room.” In other words, shut up and know your place, woman.

Today, all too many men would applaud Buhari or at least remain silent so that their masculinity and membership in the all-male club is not questioned.

A female religion writer once observed that she was less concerned about what her church said about women and more disturbed about what her church suggests that God supposedly ordains about the equality or inequality of women.

STEPHEN Miller speaking at an event in Phoenix, Arizona.

Irony in Trump’s political campaign

TRUMP has simply, finally, lost his mind.” A long-time friend sighed wearily. “Did you see the clip of him at one of his rallies the other day? They apparently had technical problems, and the sound system failed. What did Trump do? He stood on stage for over half an hour, swaying rather incongruously to the music of what seemed to be his own playlist. He looked totally oblivious to his surroundings.

STATESIDE

with Charlie Harper

“This guy is acting like the presidential campaign is a game. It’s just a way to defy all the accumulated scorn that has been heaped

on him for almost 50 years. He knows he’s been rejected by various elites that he envies and that still dismiss him with disdain.

“But, as in 2016 but not in 2020, he also acts like he already knows that he isn’t going to win.”

Trump’s presidential campaign career is indeed full of irony. Perhaps the biggest irony is that he won when he wasn’t prepared to win, and lost when he didn’t expect to lose.

It’s true that ahead of the 2020 election, he early identified Joe Biden as the candidate most likely to defeat him. But he didn’t expect to lose. He clearly believed that, having won a surprising upset victory in 2016 and then stayed – at least in his own mind – scrupulously true to his campaign promises and to what he said were his core beliefs, he should have won reelection by an even greater margin than before.

Trump tried to lay the groundwork for his defeat when he won in 2016, beginning with his repeated claims that if he lost it would only be because the system was rigged against him and Democrats and the “secret deep state” had corrupted the American electoral system to frustrate his chances of success.

Those fraudulent claims were only amplified four years ago when Trump actually did lose his second presidential election. There is plenty of evidence that he was surprised by that outcome, starting with his despicable indifference to the breaching of the US capitol building by a mob of his supporters in January 2021.

He was perhaps the sorest loser of all American time.

Now, according to mainstream media reports, virtually every Trump rally features a rant by the candidate against the sinister forces and corrupt officials who will again keep him from his rightful place in the White House.

Perhaps goaded by feelings of guilt after they hounded president Joe Biden out of his own reelection bid earlier this year by magnifying GOP claims of his failing mental acuity, mainstream TV and newspapers have begun to pick up and report on Trump’s own failing capabilities that are exposed in the harsh light of a never-ending news cycle.

He misspeaks. He fumbles names. He looks older – not as old, infirm or hesitant as Biden, to be sure. But he does look older, never more so than as he was being assisted from the stage after a would-be assassin clipped his right ear with a bullet.

Perhaps the most startling thing about this third consecutive Trump presidential candidacy is its lack of imagination. Maybe his closest advisers are really urging him to stick to the basic issues

like immigration and the economy on which polls show the Republican Party enjoys greater public confidence. And maybe not.

Maybe this crowd of intimates has learned not to gainsay a candidate who is so unjustifiably certain of his campaign methods.

It would be reasonable to infer from his defeat four years ago that there were things Trump should change this time around. But little has changed. Most media overuse the phrase “double-down” to use a Black Jack card game strategy to describe a behavior that amounts to little more than doing and saying the same things over and over again.

Even Trump must be weary of the same old scenario. No wonder he looks tired.

Many of his closest trusted advisers are mostly back, either at his side, temporarily in jail or lurking the shadows, literally and figuratively just off stage. Paul Manafort, Roger Stone, Stephen Miller, Steve Bannon, Kellyanne Conway, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Jim Jordan, Kari Lake, Marjorie Taylor Greene are all around somewhere. What a misbegotten collection of misbehaving miscreants.

Few if any words have been heard from Jeff Sessions or Mike Pence or Bill Barr, though. Maybe their dreadful experiences with Trump have persuaded them that “doubling down” cannot work to their advantage. It must also be a relief to be out of Trump’s spotlight, because he can make one-time political allies feel really small when he, seemingly inevitably, turns against them.

We also have heard practically nothing from Jared Kushner or Ivanka Trump. It certainly seems that Jared and Ivanka, having prodigiously enriched themselves from Trump’s first candidacy, have decided to cash in and slink out of the public eye and enjoy their wealth and, hopefully, their family. It’s hard to blame them for doing so.

Also largely missing from the current chaotic national discourse are Republican senators like Josh Hawley, Tom Cotton, Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz. Cruz, whose personal unpopularity is not limited to his political opponents, finds himself stuck in an unexpectedly close reelection race against a younger Democratic congressman in Texas.

The other three aren’t running this year, but are more likely waiting to watch Trump lose and continue to pursue their own political ambitions in the aftermath of another Republican giveaway of an election they could have won with a different candidate.

A couple of years is a long time in a nation with so short a political memory as America reveals almost every day. That would be plenty of time for them to inch quietly away from Trump’s burned-out campaign and onward to a more politically palatable stance. They might even become sober residents

of the American political center-right. That is, after all, the traditional place for the GOP

But on the other hand, if Trump manages to win in spite of himself, none of them has done anything to offend Republican faithful voters and financial supporters. Nor, he hopes, has lame-duck Virginia governor Glenn Youngkin, the former venture capitalist who cannot legally succeed himself and whose term ends next year. Youngkin, who clearly enjoys the spotlight bestowed by high political office, continues to try to walk the tightrope between staying ideologically pure to Trumpism and embracing policies that have broader centrist appeal.

Youngkin knows his state won’t be in Trump’s win column on Election Day. He seems to be hoping that the former president will nonetheless prevail and reward him with a cabinet post.

Elsewhere in Virginia, however, die-hard Trumpers continue to plot and act in support of either manipulating the results of the upcoming election, casting doubts on its unwelcome outcome, or both.

Waynesboro, Virginia, is located in western Virginia across the front range of the Appalachian Mountains, which nowadays locates the town politically in thoroughly red West Virginia. It’s around 100 miles west of Washington DC, but politically it may as well be in Alabama or Idaho. Waynesboro boasts of plenty of outdoorsy tourist activities, craft breweries and friendly townsfolk.

But behind that innocuous façade, Trumpers are plotting. According to yesterday’s Washington Post, “top Republican election officials in rural Waynesboro, Virginia say they will refuse to certify the results of the November 5 presidential election unless the city’s ballots are counted by hand, alleging in a lawsuit that voting machines could be secretly programmed to rig the outcome”.

Similar strategies have been hatched in Georgia and elsewhere. They appear designed to delay and perhaps thwart an undesirable outcome from the November election. In this particular case, the Republican members of the local board of elections said “the board members have taken an oath to uphold the Virginia Constitution, and the Virginia Constitution prohibits the counting of ballots in secret, so the board members do not believe that any election decided by voting machine total in the City of Waynesboro can be certified as accurate”.

“Yes, there are some in our society that have blind faith in the machines,” elections board Chairman Curtis G Lilly II said in an email to The Washington Post on Monday. “And some that say Officers of Election already have enough to do. But this is the price of freedom!”

REPUBLICAN presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a Univision town hall, Wednesday, yesterday in Doral, Florida.

Photo: Alex Brandon/AP

COOPER: GOVT IN INT ENSE NEGOTIATIONS WITH M ARGARITAVILL E AT SE A AFT ER THE CRUISE LINE RESTRUCTURED SCHEDUL E TO GB

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter

kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

DEPUTY Prime Min-

ister Chester Cooper said the government is engaged in “intense” negotiations with Margaritaville at Sea after the cruise line restructured its sailing schedule to Grand Bahama.

He reassured Parliament that the cruise line had not discontinued its service to the island but acknowledged that the reduced frequency of visits had sparked concerns about the island’s tourism-reliant economy.

“Margaritaville cruise to Grand Bahama has been the subject of intense discussions over a number of months,” he said, clarifying that the cruise line is not halting its service but is restructuring the

number of calls to the island. “Some months, there will be more calls than they currently have. Some months, there will be less.”

Margaritaville at Sea said it has been adjusting its operations as part of a broader growth strategy, expanding itineraries to include new destinations like Nassau and Key West. These changes are aimed at diversifying the cruise line’s offerings and enhancing its appeal to passengers, but they have raised concerns among Grand Bahama’s local businesses.

Marco City MP Michael Pintard, the leader of the FNM, highlighted the “tremendous anxiety” felt by residents over the potential economic fallout from the restructuring, given the island’s dependence on cruise

tourism.

“We have looked at one of the itineraries that is circulating from the company but are uncertain as to whether or not Grand Bahama has just dramatically reduced its service,” he said yesterday in the House of Assembly.

He also pressed the government on whether Margaritaville at Sea continues to receive concessions despite the reduced number of visits.

For his part, Mr Cooper addressed the ongoing suspension of service for Bahamians travelling between Freeport and Florida, which has caused frustration for many residents. He clarified that the issue arose from discussions between Margaritaville at Sea and US Customs and Border Protection and was not the result of any Bahamian

P RINCIPAL R ELIE V ED AFT ER BEING ACQUITT ED OF CHARGE OF ASSAULTING A T E ACHER

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

PRINCIPAL Olivia

Daxon appeared relieved yesterday after being acquitted of an assault charge stemming from an incident in which she was accused of slamming a door on a teacher at Thelma Gibson Primary School in 2022.

Senior Magistrate Shaka Serville presided over the case and delivered his ruling on a no-case submission by Ms Daxon’s attorney, Ian Cargill.

Ms Daxon, 52, was accused of assaulting her subordinate, Sheniqua Sweeting, with a door while they were at the school on September 12, 2022. The incident allegedly led to a teacher walkout the following day, which The Tribune previously reported.

Mr Cargill argued that the complainant had been standing in the doorway of her classroom as Ms Daxon attempted to leave, leading to the alleged assault.

While Mr Cargill

acknowledged that the evidence suggested his client hit the complainant with the door, he argued that Ms Sweeting blocking the door amounted to false imprisonment. He further said the door hit the complainant by accident, with no malicious intent. He noted that his client maintained her innocence and had cooperated with the police. Mr Cargill asked: “If you’re standing in the doorway and someone is trying to open it, what do you expect to happen?”

He also contended that Ms Sweeting’s testimony was shaky, damaging her credibility, and claimed that she had an “axe to grind” against Ms Daxon due to prior hostility. The attorney concluded that when witness testimony is contradictory, the case should be resolved in the defendant’s favour.

After reviewing the evidence, Magistrate Serville ruled that the prosecution’s case, even at its strongest, could not lead to a conviction. He noted that the

fact the two were in close proximity to the room’s only exit supported the defendant’s claim that Ms Sweeting was blocking her way. He also referenced testimony from another teacher, who said it appeared Ms Daxon was leaving before the alleged assault.

The prosecution was informed of its right to appeal the decision within seven days.

Following the court’s ruling, Ms Daxon’s family and supporters celebrated, embracing her in the aftermath.

EL EUTHERA MAN CHARGED FOR ATT E MPT ED MURDER

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was remanded into custody yesterday after allegedly trying to shoot and kill another man in Eleuthera last week.

Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley arraigned Lavardo McKenzie, 47, on charges of attempted murder and possession of a firearm with

intent to endanger life.

McKenzie is accused of shooting Camron Willie Dean in the upper body with a handgun in Green Castle, Eleuthera, at noon on October 5. The 20-year-old victim was airlifted to New Providence for medical treatment.

McKenzie was informed his case would proceed to the Supreme Court through

government action.

“We anticipate that ongoing conversations with

Margaritaville at Sea may cause some adjustment,” he said, indicating that the government is actively

working to reverse a ban that currently prevents Bahamians from purchasing tickets for the route.

GRANT’S TOWN WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH AND THE 1ST BAHAMAS (NASSAU) COMPANY OF BOYS’ BRIGADE

a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

The defendant asked the magistrate for the earliest possible return date.

He will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his VBI is potentially served on February 27, 2025.

Inspector Deon Barr served as the prosecutor.

M AN ACCUSED OF SMUGGLING IT E MS INTO PRISON

By PAVEL BAILEY

Staff Reporter

pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was denied bail yesterday after being accused of smuggling a phone and drugs into prison last month.

Senior Magistrate Kendra Kelly arraigned Calvin Alain, 29, on charges of taking prohibited items into prison and possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply. While in custody for another matter, Alain allegedly smuggled a phone, a battery, ten cigarettes, a radio, and 34 wrapping papers into the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services on September 19. He was also allegedly found with 3.8lb of marijuana during the same incident.

Alain pleaded not guilty to all charges. Bail was denied after prosecutor Sergeant Vernon Pyfrom objected, citing the defendant’s prior criminal behaviour.

Alain will remain in custody at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his trial on December 16.

PRINCIPAL Olivia Daxon celebrates after being acquitte of assault charges.

MINISTER of Tourism and Aviation and Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper speaking in the House of Assembly yesterday.

Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

NPEP launches community service outreach initiative

NPEP employees purchased school supplies and snacks for children at All Saints Camp, reflecting the team’s belief in the power of small actions to make a meaningful difference. Pictured from left,

Sands, Karrington Brown, Alexander Brooks, Lavette Smith.

THE New Providence Ecology Park (NPEP) has launched a community service outreach initiative, a programme designed to give back and make a difference in the lives of those it serves.

Paint Fair celebrates opening of new location in Grand Bahama

ran a successful online order and curbside pickup service enabling customers to carry out the much-needed repairs to homes damaged by the storm.

“The generosity of our employees in stepping up to serve the

NPEP employees have taken the lead in organising a series of community-focused programmes. Among their efforts, employees personally purchased over 30 school bags filled with essential school supplies and pooled their resources to provide snacks for the children at the All Saints Camp, one of the country’s oldest non-profits supporting individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.

community is truly inspiring,” said Jaime Strachan, NPEP manager, HR and administration. “Their willingness to donate their time, effort, and personal resources to those in need speaks volumes about their dedication to making a real difference. This initiative isn’t just a company programme — it’s an employee-led movement to uplift our community.”

CARIBBEAN BOTTLING COMPANY EMPLOYEES TAKE PART IN BEACH CLEANING AT BLUE L AGOON ISLAND

THE company behind Coca-Cola in The Bahamas recently took part in a clean-up at Blue Lagoon Island. Volunteers from Caribbean Bottling Company’s (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, watched the sunrise at South Beach Poolside as they began setting up for the event’s 8:30am start on Saturday, September 21.

A CELEBRATION was held recently for the opening of Paint Fair’s new location - a newly refurbished 8,000 square foot building on Bellevue Lane (just off Queen’s Highway). Keystone Construction team was responsible for the design and work to bring Paint Fair president Lesley Davies-Baptista’s vision to life.

“The journey to the new facility was a challenging one,” said Davies-Baptista. “Enduring and recovering from Dorian, having to rent a place to get back up and running after the storm and then COVID … it has been crazy to say the least.”

The 2019 storm caused severe flooding up to 10ft high in Paint Fair’s location on West Settler’s Way built by Davies-Baptista’s late mother, Joan Davies, who co-founded Paint Fair with Colin Davies in 1980.

Securing a rental spot on West Settler’s Way, Paint Fair opened weeks after Hurricane Dorian and for the last five years provided their customers with the same excellent service and products they were known for. During the COVID pandemic they initiated and

“But here we are today, grateful to be home; even though it is a new home, it already feels right,” DaviesBaptista added. “We’ve got new products, new lines, new technology and it’s just a great space. So, we are excited for our customers to come visit this store.”

With only a week under their belts in the new location the Paint Fair team is already busy preparing for the return of their popular colour and design shows. “We are so excited

to announce that we can finally resume our colour shows which have always been a great way to bring in the holiday season with colour and design inspiration,” said Davies-Baptista. PPG Paint’s Colour & Design Team will host an architect, designer and contractor show on Tuesday, October 29th and the DIY and residential show on Wednesday, October 30.

“Space is limited,” said Tim Neuner, of PPG Paint, who was on island for the opening. “We have a wonderful show planned to welcome everyone to this new space, so be sure to follow Paint Fair’s Facebook and Instagram to secure your space.”

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Teshalla Clarke, education and sustainability supervisor at Blue Lagoon Island, said: “Words cannot begin to express how grateful Blue Lagoon Island is towards Caribbean Bottling Company/ Coca-Cola. Your corporate sponsorship allows us to engage our local communities through volunteer-ship.” Paulette Dormeus, brand manager associate at CBC, said: “This is my

In addition to providing volunteers, CBC also supplied promotional items and beverages for volunteers and organisers.

second-year volunteering at Coastal Cleanup Day, and I’m super proud that Coca-Cola can support this super important initiative.”

She added: “It always amazes me at all the organizations that come out to clean the beach. Waking up this early on a Saturday morning is not the easiest thing to do but that’s why we’ve provided a variety of beverages to keep everyone hydrated.” For more details, visit www.cbcbahamas.com.

St John’s College holding school reunion on October 18-20

ST John’s College is holding a reunion this weekend, from October 18-20.

Events start on Friday at 6pm where current and former scholars will gather for a games night, ending with a Junkanoo rushout led by the St John’s Alumni Junkanoo Group.

On Saturday, a fun run walk starts with registration and warm-up at 5.45am ahead of a 6am start. The walk will start and end at the school, to be followed by a souse out, health fair and expo and a baby carriage race.

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The event is not limited to St John’s scholars but is open to all .

Funds raised will assist in the alumni donating to the school’s projects and maintenance.

The carriage race was a staple fund raiser in former years. The alumni seeks to resurrect this activity. The weekend culminates with a church service at St George’s Anglican Church followed by a fellowship luncheon at the school’s auditorium.

Cathy Cox, Anthony Pinder, Tesserina Rolle, Trevor Higgs, Alma Darville, Niki Williams, Diana Ingraham, administrator, All Saints Camp; Kashala Forbes, assistant administrator, All Saints Camp; Alecetha Nixon-Smith, Joan

COCA-Cola’s volunteers wrapping up the transformation of South Beach (Canal) during Coastal Cleanup Day.

Pressure grows for countries to deliver on promised biodiversity targets at UN conference

Associated Press

TWO years after reaching a historic biodiversity agreement, countries will gather next week to determine whether they are making progress on efforts to save Earth’s plant and animal life.

The agreement signed by 196 countries at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference calls for protecting 30% of land and water by 2030, known as 30 by 30. When the agreement was signed, 17% of terrestrial and 10% of marine areas were protected — which hasn’t changed significantly.

At the conference known as COP16, countries next will report on progress made toward the goals, and governments are expected to agree on mechanisms to assure the implementation of them, according to a European Parliament report.

The two-week meeting in Cali, Colombia will also focus on efforts to raise hundreds of billions of dollars to protect nature by 2030 — with the payment of $20 billion for developing countries due next year. Twenty-three targets will be discussed including cutting food waste and

World

preventing the introduction of invasive species.

SIGN S OF PROGRESS HARD TO FIND

The nearly 200 countries are supposed to submit national plans ahead of the conference showing actions they are taking to meet the 30 by 30 goals. But as of this week, around 46% of countries have submitted targets and less than 15% submitted plans for reaching them. Australia has yet to submit its targets while India has not submitted a national plan. Brazil, which includes much of the Amazon rainforest, hasn’t submitted targets or a plan.

The United States, which is not party to the biodiversity convention, is not required to submit any plans. But the Biden administration has committed to protecting a third of American land and waters by 2030. Some countries are expected to use the conference to unveil plans for creating or expanding protected areas and for how they’ll spend biodiversity funding. Canada, for example, has committed to spending $800 million on four Indigenous-led projects. Conservation groups are concerned that more

countries have not yet detailed their biodiversity goals and how to achieve them.

Bernadette Fischler Hooper, head of global advocacy for WWF International, called the commitments so far “disappointing.” WWF, which is tracking the progress, also found some plans lack actions to halt biodiversity loss, funding to support efforts and sufficient buy-in from across government.

“This is really, really getting close,” Hooper said. “There are some countries who can easily afford to update (their plans). There’s no reason why they didn’t do it ... and there are countries that didn’t get the support they needed.”

Of the 91 countries that submitted targets, the convention’s secretariat found more than half had targets of protecting and conserving at least 30% of their terrestrial area and about a quarter had targets for 5% to 30%. For marine and coastal areas, more than one-third had a national target of 30% or more, and another third had targets between 5% and 30%.

But Astrid Schomaker, executive secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, said the small number of countries

submitting plans isn’t surprising since governments first had to come up with targets and then develop action plans.

“These are complex processes that are meant to be a whole of government,” she said of the plans that require coordination and buy-in from ministries, business leaders and community stakeholders, as well as raising money. “That’s not happening overnight.”

Achieving these targets is especially critical to migratory species, more than 40% which a UN report found are declining.

“Birds do not recognize boundaries of a protected area and move according to their feeding and roosting needs,” said Jennifer George, who leads the Seoul-based East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership, a nonprofit focused on birds migrating between East Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

FUNDING CRUN CH

Much like the UN climate talks, a big topic of debate at the biodiversity conference will be financing.

Poor countries pushed to include language requiring that $200 billion a year be raised by 2030 for

biodiversity from a range of sources to fund the target-specific projects. Rich countries committed to providing developing countries $20 billion starting next year and gradually scaling that up to $30 billion by 2030.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development reported in September that development finance for biodiversity more than doubled from 2015 to 2022. But when it comes to funding for this agreement, the world was still 23% short of the $20 billion goal.

Advocates said money will be critical since much of the biodiversity that needs protecting is in developing countries like those in Africa.

“There has been progress. Is there enough progress? No,” said Susan Lieberman, the vice president of international policy at Wildlife Conservation Society. “Some countries are taking it seriously and other countries are saying, Oh we want to do this, but where’s the money?’”

MORE THAN 30 BY 30

In addition to top-tier biodiversity targets, the conference will discuss

a goal in the agreement to halt human-induced extinction of threatened species and, by 2050, to reduce extinction rates tenfold. The goal also calls for increasing the “abundance of native wild species” to healthy levels.

But conservationists say the goals lack specifics and hope details can be agreed upon at the meeting.

“Many of these other targets need to be nailed down and quantified, like stopping species extinctions,” said Duke University ecologist Stuart Pimm. “At the moment, they are terribly vague.” Countries plan to showcase the role biodiversity plays in achieving climate mitigation goals and in health, especially preventing future pandemics.

The meeting will also consider adoption of a global mechanism for sharing of benefits from digital data from genetic material derived from plants, animals, bacteria and viruses. The materials are often used to developed commercial products like drugs — and the hope is that an agreement will ensure profits are shared equitably.

set to make abundant electricity, but more clean energy is needed, report says

Associated Press

THE world is set to make abundant energy by the second half of the decade as the production of batteries and solar panels surges — but there’ll also be an excess of planet-warming fossil fuels, a report released Wednesday by the International Energy Agency said. We’re now moving at speed into the Age of Electricity,” IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said in a press statement marking the release of the annual World Energy Outlook. Energy worldwide will “increasingly be based on clean sources of electricity,” he said.

But the report also notes that the world is still way off what’s needed to cap warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above preindustrial times — the limit set in the Paris Agreement — because emissions would decline too slowly. It expects demand for oil and gas to peak later this decade and puts the world on pace to hit 2.4 degrees (4.3 Fahrenheit) of warming.

China in particular — the world’s current biggest emitter of greenhouse gases but also the main manufacturer of solar panels and batteries — is driving global energy trends, the report said.

In recent years, China has accounted for most of the growth in oil demand, but electric vehicles now make up 40% of new sales

of cars there, and 20% of sales globally, putting major oil and gas producers “in a bind.”

The report indicates that China’s emissions of planetwarming gases may peak by 2025, but “given the changes underway in China we think that might be a bit pessimistic,” said Bill Hare, CEO of Climate Analytics.

Hare said “there’s every chance” China’s emissions have already peaked in 2023, but more data is needed to be sure.

China already accounts for half the world’s electric cars on the road. By 2030, it’s projected that 70% of new car sales in China will be electric. With its massive additions of new wind and solar power, China is aligned with its target for addressing climate change.

The report outlines a future where EV adoption continues to gain momentum, potentially displacing up to 6 million barrels per day of oil demand by 2030. The agency said based on current trends and policies and the availability of materials, EVs will reach 50% of global car sales in 2030. The clean energy expansion, however, is happening alongside a rise in demand for energy, including power produced by burning coal, according to the Paris-based agency. “This has meant that even as we saw record growth in clean energy installations and additions, emissions kept increasing,”

said Lauri Myllyvirta, lead analyst at the think tank Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. Electricity demand is growing even faster than expected, “driven by light industrial consumption, electric mobility, cooling, and data centres and AI,” the report said. The contours of switching heating, vehicles and some industry over to electricity, it said, are

beginning to become clear. Globally, the IEA said that the expansion of wind and solar power alongside the increasing adoption of EVs will ensure a peak in demand for coal, oil and gas within the decade, with carbon emissions also reaching their highest point and ramping downward. As China’s rapidly switches toward batteries and renewable energy, oil

companies find they can sell more of their product to India. The IEA projects that India will add nearly two million barrels per day of oil to its demand by 2035, potentially offering a lifeline to oil producers looking to offset declining growth in other regions. Laveesh Bhandari, president of the New Delhi-based think tank Centre for Social and Economic Progress, said India’s booming economic growth means it will take the energy it can get. While demand for EVs will rise exponentially, the growth will not be able to cover all of the additional growth in demand for vehicles,” Bhandari said. “So fossil fuel-powered vehicles use will increase for some time before levelling off and falling.”

BIGEYE trevally fish swim against the current at Wolf Island, Ecuador in the Galapagos on June 10, 2024.

Photo: Alie Skowronski/AP

WIND turbines operate at the Klettwitz Nord solar energy park near Klettwitz, Germany, Tuesday.

Photo: Matthias Schrader/AP

SPORTS

19

SECTION E

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024

Jonquel and Liberty take 2-1 series lead

Game three of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) Finals shifted to Minneapolis, Minnesota, but that was not a problem for Grand Bahamian Jonquel “JJ” Jones and the topseeded New York Liberty last night.

The Minnesota Lynx took a different approach to game three by being more aggressive early on but New York responded to the call in the second half and defeated their opponents 80-77 at the Target Centre.

New York is now sitting in the driver’s seat 2-1 in the best-of-five championship series with just one game separating the team from their first WNBA championship in the history of the franchise.

It would also be the first WNBA crown for Grand Bahamian big Jones, who has been unsuccessful on her previous three trips (2019, 2022 and 2023) to the WNBA’s final round.

Breanna Stewart showed why she deserved to be

selected to the All-WNBA first team and why she is a former MVP. She lit up the Target Centre for a game-high 30 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks. She made 9-of-20 field goals and went 10-of-10 at

the freethrow line. Jones, who made the cut for the All-WNBA second team, chipped in 13 points, five

rebounds, four assists and two blocks in 33 minutes of

Burrows looking forward to NPBA season

basketball endeavour.

JARAUN “Kino” Burrows is a staple in the Bahamian basketball community. When he is not playing pro ball overseas or making his contributions as a veteran member of the men’s national basketball team, you can usually find him pouring into younger Bahamian basketball players in his spare time at home.

These days the 39-yearold forward is spending his time at New Providence Basketball Association (NPBA) training camps in preparation for the upcoming 2024-25 season. He recently spoke with Tribune Sports about his excitement for his newest

“During my career, starting from college I have always come home and fully entrenched myself in the local basketball scene with the rest of my friends. Whether that be ‘Peace on Da Streets’, Summer of Thunder, I always made sure I took my time to give back to camps or clinics and to make appearances and make a donation in any way that I can give back.

“I think this is just another opportunity to come home and use my platform, while I am still capable of playing at a high level, to bring something to the league.

“Also, to use my network that I have developed over the past few years in America and Europe to

see what kind of assistance we can bring to the other talented players starting from division two to the division one level,” he said.

The 6-foot-8 Bahamian forward has an extensive résumé in basketball over the course of his 20-year career. He has competed

with the Bahamas senior men’s national basketball team since 2007 with his most recent stint being at the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament this summer in Valencia, Spain. He has averaged six points per game (ppg), 3.6 boards and 1.0 assists in 11 FIBA tournament appearances at the senior level.

Prior to the Olympic qualifying campaign, Burrows played with the Andrezieux Boutheon Loire Sud Basket in the French NM1 league during the 2023-24 season.

He played in 25 games and turned in 8.8 ppg, 3.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists while shooting 58.5 per cent on twos and 47.4 per cent on threes.

Despite making plans to retire twice in his career,

THE SPORTS CALENDAR October

TEE-OFF FOR HUNGER

THE Bahamas Feeding Network is scheduled to host its 3rd annual Teeoff For Hunger on December 9 with Fidelity as its title sponsor.

The tournament will begin at 12:30pm at the Ocean Club Golf Course, Paradise Island. All interested players must register at https://app.eventcaddy.com/events/ tee-off-for-hunger-2024/register. Players will be in teams of two and the registration fee is $500 per team. ALL CARIBBEAN WRESTLING FIGHT FOR PARADISE

THE All Caribbean Wrestling (ACW) is scheduled to hold its Fight for Paradise show on Saturday, October 19, at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.

Doors open at 1pm. Wrestlers from throughout the Caribbean and the United States of America will be participating. For ticket information, persons can contact FightForParadise.eventbrite.com TRACK SPIA MILE

CHALLENGE

THE second annual SPIQ Mile Challenge will take place on Saturday, October 19 at the University of the Bahamas, starting at 7am. The event is geared for male and female in the under-9, U11, U13, U17, U20 and open divisions.Trophies will be awarded to the first three finishers in each age group. There will also be awards for the divisional winners.

THE Bahamas senior men’s national soccer team went into the October window of their CONCACAF Nations League group stage with the hopes of being promoted to League B, but Barbados had other plans. The Bajan team dealt the “Junkanoo Boyz” a 6-2 loss on Tuesday night at the Wildey Turf in Bridgetown, Barbados. While the home team got promoted to League B with an unblemished 4-0-0 win/ draw/loss record in Group A standings, The Bahamas finished second with a 1-1-2 record and were left out of the CONCACAF Nations League play-in.

Brandon Adderley picked up right where he left off last game in the win against the US Virgin Islands over the

Burrows insists this is not the end of the road but just a pause for the time being.

“I wouldn’t say that I am retired because I already retired twice in the past and the good Lord keeps rebuilding me back stronger to compete at a high level. I still feel like I am capable.

“Although I am 39-years-old now, I played a full 10-month season last year and I played the full summer.

“In a 20-year career you miss out on a lot so for me I just wanted to take a little pause after the good Olympic run and just stay home for a little while with family, loved ones and friends. Also, I thought it would be a good time to

TEXAS A&M is not only serving as the host school for this week’s White Sands Bahamas NCAA Women’s Invitational at the Ocean Club Golf Course at Paradise Island, Bahamas, but it will enter the competition as the favourite in the 10-team field.

The 54-hole event is scheduled for October 18-20).

The Aggies have the best golfer in the field in reigning NCAA individual champion Adela Cernousek of France, who bested the national field by three strokes in May. And Cayetana Fernandez Garcia-Poggio of Spain is a strong player as well. Garcia-Poggio finished 16th at the 2024 NCAA Championship and enters the new season as a preseason first-team All-America, according to Golf Channel. Texas A&M is ranked ninth in the preseason poll released by Golfweek ahead of the initial NCAA rankings.

“Our one-two punch is as good as anyone in the country,” noted Texas A&M head coach Gerrod Chadwell. “But we have to find four good scores each day to give ourselves a good chance. I have felt a connection to the island for quite some time now, and to be able to bring the Aggies to paradise is an honour. It has been special to see this event grow since 2019 and we can’t wait to tee it up this week.”

Georgia and Baylor would appear to offer the best challenge to the Aggies. Georgia is ranked No. 28 in the preseason poll, while Baylor is No. 29. Other teams competing are Abilene Christian, College of Charleston, Coastal Carolina, Kansas, Missouri, Purdue and Xavier.

The women will play the course at 6,415 yards over the par 72 Ocean Club Golf Course. Texas, Campbell, Lipscomb and Kansas State are past winners of the women’s competition. Kansas State won the title last year by seven strokes.

weekend. He scored the first goal of the contest within six minutes. He launched a right-footed shot into the box to score the opener at the sixth minute mark. It was his sixth goal of CONCACAF Nations League play in League C,

Group A and his third goal in the October window. Barbados’ Andre Applewaithe responded with the equaliser two minutes later to lock the score at 1-1. Niall Reid-Stephen helped

Dragon Boat, PAGE

BARBADOS dealt the “Junkanoo Boyz” a 6-2 loss on Tuesday night at the Wildey Turf in Bridgetown, Barbados.

NEW York Liberty forward Jonquel Jones reacts after missing a shot during the second half against the Minnesota Lynx in Game 3 of a WNBA basketball final playoff series, Wednesday, October 16, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

JARAUN BURROWS

SPORTS CALENDAR

FROM PAGE 15

CROSS COUNTRY

BSAA CHAMPIONSHIPS

THE Bahamas Scholastic Athletic Association will hold its cross country championships on Saturday, October 26. The event will begin at 10am at Goodman’s Bay. Interested persons are urged to contact Emerrick Taylor at 565-4962, Keno Demeritte at 436-6921 or Mr Burrows at 433-5070 for more information.

BBSF CLASSIC

THE Bahamas Basketball Sports Federation postponed its cycling classic on Saturday and will now be rescheduled for Saturday, October 26, at the Perpall Park on West Bay Street. The event is scheduled to begin at 9am on the new date and will cater to the open and masters men and women divisions as well as the boys and girls 15-17, 12-14 and 9-11 years old divisions. The entry fee is $20, which will include the use of a bike.

CYCLING FEDERATION ELECTION OF OFFICERS

THE Bahamas Cycling Federation’s secretary general Barron “Turbo” Musgrove has announced that their general meeting and election of officers will take place on Saturday, October 26.

The elections are all set to be held at the office of the Bahamas Olympic Committee, starting at 5pm. Nominations for positions in the federation must be submitted to Musgrove in person or via email atbammus1967@gmail.com by Sunday, October 13.

Positions to be filled are president, two vice presidents, general secretary, assistant secretary, treasurer and assistant treasurer The current president is Roy Colebrooke.

BAPTIST SPORTS FEDERATION TRACK

MEET

THE Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation will hold its Renee ‘Sunshine’ Curry-Davis Memorial Track and Field Classic on Saturday, November 16, at the Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium.

The meet, hosted in conjunction with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and the Bahamas Association of Certified Officials, will recognise Curry-Davis, a former executive of the BBSF, who was working as the director for track and field before her death this year.

Beginning at 9am, the meet will be geared for men and women competing in the under-7, under-11, under-15, under20 under-30 open, under-50 open and masters 50-andover categories as well as the clergy for pastors, ministers, evangelists and deacons.

The entry deadline for teams to participate is Friday, November 1 and should be submitted to TEK Results via tmoss@ locbahamas.org or contact Brent Stubbs at 426-7265 or email stubbobs@gmail. com.

A technical meeting will take place at 6pm on Tuesday, November 12 at the Bahamas Baptist College, Jean Street.

BSF HALL OF FAME

DUE to the threat of Hurricane Milton to the Northern Bahamas, the Bahamas Softball Federation’s 2024 Hall of Fame Induction has been postponed until a later date. The induction was scheduled to take place at Government House with Governor General Cynthia “Mother” Pratt, a Hall of Famer, is expected to preside over the proceedings.

Hoof! Equestrians kick off horse show season

EQUESTRIANS

kicked off the 2024-2025 horse show season with a weekend of camaraderie, teamwork and spirited competition, as four teams gathered to contest the first leg of the Bahamas Interscholastic Equestrian League (BIEL).

Defending champions Mariposa Gold Drops looked strong in their first start, winning convincingly with a total of 48 points. The Camperdown Equestrian Centre Blue Marlins were 2nd with 40 points, while the Mariposa Monarchs and CEC Sand Dollars finished 3rd and 4th respectively.

The competition took place at Mariposa Stables and was judged by Mary Knowlton, USEF ‘R’ judge and former president of the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA).

Once the awards were handed out, riders lined up to confer with judge Knowlton and receive feedback on their performances.

Founded in 2017, the BIEL competition circuit is favourite amongst Bahamian junior equestrians because of the unique format, based on collegiate competition rules, in which competitions are teambased and riders and horses are matched by random draw.

BIEL competitions are subsidized by Equestrian Bahamas, the national federation for equestrian sport, providing affordable competition options while also preparing athletes for college competition.

BIEL defending champions Mariposa Gold Drops took first place. Shown, from left to right, judge Mary Knowlton, Anouk Formigé, Gabriela Souza, Emma Johnston, Ella Tomlinson and team coach Erika Adderley.

CAMPERDOWN Equestrian Centre Blue Marlins placed second. Shown, from left to right, team coach Kimberly Johnson, Marlo Pinder, Maria Iachelli, Kennedy Albury, Kelsey Pyfron, Madison Miller, Connor Watkins and judge Mary Knowlton.

MARLO PINDER, of the CEC Blue Marlins, rode Laureanna CF in the Intermediate Equitation Over Fences class.

HANNAH KNOWLES, of the CEC Sand Dollars, rode Lea’s Pride in the Intermediate Equitation Under Saddle class.

GOOMBAY PUNCH: EXCLUSIVE LIMITED-EDITION CONGRATULATORY CANS FOR SUSAN CHASE

CARIBBEAN Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, hosted a celebratory affair to launch the limited-edition Bahamas Goombay Punch Susan Chase packaging.

This special edition Susan Chase design is in honour of the sloop winning the 2023/2024 Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup.

The event, attended by Minister Clay Sweeting, Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs, captain Stefan Knowles and the skippers of the Susan Chase at the Nassau Yacht Club, was a celebration of all things sailing and Bahamas Goombay Punch.

In 2022, CBC linked the beloved national beverage, Bahamas Goombay Punch, to sailing with the creation of the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup competition.

Minister Sweeting shared his astounding approval of CBC’s incorporation of culture and business.

“Programmes like the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup are crucial to preserving and advancing our rich cultural tradition of sailing. Since 2022 this collaboration between the private sector and the

sailing community has not only celebrated the heritage of regattas but also provides the necessary resources to sustain the sport,” said Minister Sweeting. Stefan Knowles, captain of Susan Chase, shared what it means to have his sloop exclusively featured on the Bahamas Goombay Punch cans. “It is a privilege to be on the Bahamas Goombay Punch can for sailing. This just goes to show how Caribbean Bottling Company is actively pouring into our communities, making them a great corporate citizen,” he said. Since the competition’s inception, sailors across The Bahamas were judged throughout three regattasThe Best of The Best, The National Family Island and The Long Island Regatta. Each sailing season the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup rotates between different classes - the 2023-2024 winners took the crown in the B-Class.

In addition to earning bragging rights, the Susan Chase of Long Island also won $5,000.00 and an $8,000.00 stipend was awarded to Long Island’s Junior Sailing Club. “The Goombay Punch Cup has

the potential to leave a legacy for Bahamians sailing. By offering financial incentives and national recognition, it encourages more sailors to participate, enhancing competition and skill development.

“Add to that, featuring different classes each year will create a wider platform for sailors of all levels to showcase their abilities, ensuring that the sport

continues to thrive,” stated Minister Sweeting.

Knowles knows all too well about legacies. He revealed how exciting this win was for him and his family.

“Winning is truly an honour, especially because the boat is named after my mother. Susan Chase has been in my family for 61 years so my parents were very happy we won the

championship and that our sloop will be on the Bahamas Goombay Punch cans,” Knowles said.

Both CBC and Minister Sweeting recognise that the future of sailing is in the youth. “This is why CBC ensures that junior sailors are also impacted through the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup.”

Minister Sweeting expressed hopes that the

E-Class sloops would be next to be featured on the Bahamas Goombay Punch cans, providing a major boost to young skippers.

“Highlighting sloops like the Sugar Loaf will not only encourage our young sailors who are already involved, but may also inspire future sailors to join and participate in our national sport,” Minster Sweeting stated.

The sailors of Sugar Loaf are members of the Eleuthera Sailing Academy (ESA), demonstrating how junior sailing organisations actively aid in the preservation of Bahamian culture.

As the beginning of the 2024/2025 sailing season kicks off in a few weeks, Minister Sweeting encourages all the participating sailors to lead with heart.

“I encourage you to embrace this opportunity with determination and pride.

“Sailing is deeply rooted in our Bahamian heritage, and each of you represents the strength and resilience of our people. As you prepare for the first leg at the Best of the Best, know that your hard work and dedication are already a testament to your passion for the sport,” he said.

Pro Picks: Week 7 brings Super Bowl rematch, another London game, NFC North showdown

By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer

A SUPER Bowl rematch, another London game and a first-place showdown in the NFC North highlight Week 7 in the NFL. There are six home underdogs, too. The San Francisco 49ers (3-3) aren’t one of them, even though they’ll take on the undefeated twotime defending champion Kansas City Chiefs (5-0).

The inconsistent 49ers are 1 1/2-point favourites on BetMGM Sportsbook.

Two struggling 1-5 teams face off across the pond when the Jacksonville Jaguars and New England Patriots meet.

The Jaguars were routed by Chicago last week in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. They’ll move to Wembley Stadium to play the Patriots.

The Minnesota Vikings, the NFL’s other unbeaten team at 5-0, host the Detroit Lions (4-1) in an early battle for first place in the only division that features four winning teams.

Pro Picks aims to keep rolling after another winning week:

Tennessee at Buffalo

Line: Bills minus 9

Josh Allen is playing at an MVP level and the offence just added wide receiver Amari Cooper so the only thing that can slow the Bills (4-2) this week is themselves on a short week after a Monday night win over the Jets. That’s unlikely against the woeful Titans (1-4). Tennessee’s defence is No. 1 in fewest yards allowed but the offence is next to last in yards and is averaging just 19.2 points per game.

BEST BET:

BILLS: 30-17

Detroit at Minnesota

Line: Vikings minus 2 1/2

Jared Goff and the Lions (4-1) are rolling on offence. They’ve scored 89 points in the past two games but face a difficult task against Minnesota’s defence. Detroit’s defence stepped up last week in Dallas after a rough game against Seattle. Losing Aidan Hutchinson is a major blow, however. The Vikings (5-0) are looking to continue their momentum and maintain their hold on the NFC North following a bye. Sam Darnold had his least productive game so this will be an important bounce-back game. It’ll be tough for the Vikings to keep up with the Lions.

UPSET SPECIAL:

LIONS: 24-23

Denver at New Orleans Line: Broncos minus 2 1/2

Sean Payton returns to New Orleans for the first time and his surprising Broncos (3-3) are the better team. That hot start for the Saints (2-4) is a distant memory. They’ve lost four straight after two lopsided wins. Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler played decent in his first career start but a talented defence was the problem in a 51-27 loss to the Buccaneers. Broncos rookie QB Bo Nix and the offence are sputtering. They’re 29th in yards and scoring only 18.7 points per game. Denver probably won’t have star cornerback Patrick Surtain II (concussion) but the Saints could be missing wide receivers Rashid Shaheed (knee) and Chris Olave (concussion). The Saints will have to count on Alvin Kamara to pull off the upset.

SAINTS: 19-17

New England vs. Jacksonville in London

Line: Jaguars minus 5 1/2

The Jaguars (1-5) have unravelled after starting the season with high expectations. Trevor Lawrence mentioned the team being “fragile” and safety Andre Cisco said players “quit” last week. They have too much talent to be this bad. The rebuilding Patriots (1-5) were supposed to be here but they have reason for optimism because rookie QB Drake Maye showed plenty of promise in his first start.

JAGUARS: 24-20

Seattle at Atlanta

Line: Falcons minus 3

The Seahawks (3-3) have lost three in a row after winning their first three games. The defence isn’t stopping the run and the offence is losing the turnover battle. Geno Smith leads the NFL with 1,778 yards passing but he’ll face a defence that’s ninth against the pass. The Falcons (4-2) have a multidimensional offence that can rely on Kirk Cousins throwing or Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier running or both. They could have a big day against Seattle.

FALCONS: 26-21

Cincinnati at Cleveland

Line: Bengals minus 6 1/2

Joe Burrow and the Bengals (2-4) have no margin for error after another slow start. They’ve got to stack wins to have any shot at making the playoffs. The Browns (1-5) are in disarray and have the league’s worst offence behind Deshaun Watson. They’re the only

team that hasn’t scored 20 points in a game or reached 300 yards.

BENGALS: 23-18

Houston at Green Bay

Line: Packers minus 2 1/2

C.J. Stroud and the Texans (5-1) aim for the team’s first four-game winning streak since 2018. Joe Mixon’s return boosted Houston’s run game. Will Anderson Jr. is coming off an incredible performance — three sacks, four tackles for loss — and could make things difficult for Jordan Love.

The Packers (4-2) have held opponents to 19 points or fewer in their four wins and an opportunistic defence leads the NFL with 17 takeaways.

PACKERS: 26-23

Miami at Indianapolis Line: Colts minus 3 1/2

The Dolphins (2-3)

finally won a game without Tua Tagovailoa before a bye. Maybe they should’ve signed Joe Flacco in the offseason. He has completed 70% of his throws with five TD passes and one interception while leading the Colts (3-3) to two wins in three games.

But Flacco is going back to the bench once Anthony Richardson returns from an oblique injury. Richardson was back at practice this week. Indianapolis needs running back Jonathan

Taylor to return to take pressure off Richardson.

COLTS: 23-16

Philadelphia at New York Giants Line: Eagles minus 3 Saquon Barkley faces his former team and the Eagles (3-2) try to build some momentum. Jalen Hurts has his receivers back and the offence looks better but still isn’t clicking. Making Barkley the focal point this week makes sense and also will open up the passing opportunities. Daniel Jones and the Giants (2-4) aren’t scoring enough points and will be missing stalwart left tackle Andrew Thomas. Maybe Philadelphia’s underachieving defensive line can take advantage.

EAGLES: 24-19

Las Vegas at Los Angeles Rams Line: Rams minus 7

It’s rare to see a one-win team favored by a touchdown but the Rams (1-4) are in that spot. They’re coming off a bye and looking to get back on the winning track while the Raiders (2-4) celebrate offfield victories. Tom Brady’s bid to purchase a minority stake in the team got approved on the same day star wide receiver Davante Adams was traded to the Jets. Neither team is going anywhere but the Raiders have Maxx Crosby and he

could wreck Matthew Stafford’s afternoon so this one should stay close.

RAMS: 20-17

Carolina at Washington Line: Commanders minus 8

While Bryce Young watches Andy Dalton from the sideline for the Panthers (1-5), rookie QB Jayden Daniels has quickly displayed he’s the real deal in Washington. The Commanders (4-2) had won four in a row before battling Baltimore in a close loss. They’re facing a defence that’s given up 33.8 points per game.

COMMANDERS: 27-20

Kansas City at San Francisco Line: 49ers minus 1 1/2 Chiefs coach Andy Reid is 21-4 coming off a bye in his career; 13-1 in Philadelphia and 8-3 in Kansas City. One of those losses came last year when the Eagles beat the Chiefs in Kansas City in a Super Bowl rematch. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs (5-0) are unbeaten while playing far less than their best ball. The injuryfilled 49ers (3-3) have been up and down so far. Still, they have the No. 2 pass offence behind Brock Purdy and No. 3 run offence despite missing Christian McCaffrey. Super Bowl champions are 6-3

in rematches the following season. The Niners need this one more.

49ERS: 26-23

New York Jets at Pittsburgh

Line: Jets minus 2

Davante Adams is expected to step in and play, a huge boost for Aaron Rodgers and the Jets (2-4). New York is a couple of missed field goals away from 4-2, but still hasn’t done enough to win close games. Russell Wilson could make his debut for the Steelers (4-2) even though Justin Fields has played well enough to win. Still, the Steelers are 28th in passing and 20th in scoring and Wilson has greater upside.

JETS: 20-16

Baltimore at Tampa Bay Line: Ravens minus 3 1/2 Lamar Jackson looks like a two-time NFL MVP and the Ravens (4-2) are back after an 0-2 start. Derrick Henry has turned Baltimore’s offence into a nightmare for defensive coordinators. Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles is one of the best at scheming ways to stop potent teams. Baker Mayfield is even more dangerous when the Buccaneers (4-2) run the ball successfully as they did in New Orleans.

RAVENS: 26-24

Los Angeles Chargers at Arizona

Line: Chargers minus 3

Justin Herbert’s passing and J.K. Dobbins’ running have given the Chargers (3-2) a balanced offence and they’re playing Jim Harbaugh’s winning brand of ball. Harbaugh is 6-0 as a coach on “Monday Night Football.”

Kyler Murray and the Cardinals (2-4) are a model of inconsistency, following up an upset over San Francisco with a lopsided loss to Green Bay. Jonathan Gannon’s defence is giving up too many yards (373.3) and points (27.2).

CHARGERS: 24-20

column where AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi shares his picks for upcoming games.

VIKINGS quarterback Sam Darnold throws during the first half against the New York Jets on Sunday at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in London. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

MEMBERS of the winning Susan Chase, along with Minister Clay Sweeting (centre left) and captain Stefan Knowles (centre right).

Photo: Racardo Thomas/Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs

OHTANI HOMERS AS DODGERS ROUT RICHARDSON AND METS 8-0 FOR 2-1 LEAD IN NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

By MIKE FITZPATRICK AP Baseball Writer

Shohei Ohtani launched a three-run homer for the Los Angeles Dodgers that punctuated their 8-0 victory over the New York Mets in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series last night.

two-run shot to make it 4-0 in the sixth inning and waved to the Citi Field crowd he quieted. Los Angeles rebounded from a loss at home and grabbed a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series by pitching its fourth shutout in the past five playoff games. Ohtani connected in the eighth, a 410-foot drive that soared into the second deck

in right field and barely stayed fair above the foul pole. Max Muncy went deep in the ninth for his 13th career postseason homer, tying Corey Seager and Justin Turner for the franchise record. Muncy also connected in Game 2.

Boxing contenders getting ready for Courtyard Brawl

LIVE boxing is on the horizon when five weight-class matches take place in the courtyard at Fusion Superplex in Nassau.

The mastermind behind this special event is Tommy Stubbs who produced two successful “Pain & Glory” pro cards with Bahamian boxing champion Meacher “Pain” Major.

Organisers of “Courtyard Brawl” have confirmed three fighting contenders, including a female, who have committed to battle on Friday, November 22.

The contenders are:

age 24, at 5”10” and 210 lbs.

age 26, who’s 5’10” tall at 154 lbs. 34, standing at 5’10 and weighs 137.

Stubbs said during registration, Amiee was a nervous wreck, but she’s determined to show for the first time in real boxing action what she has learned in the stiff training over the years.”

And he said Jermaine is ready for action.

“He actually came fully dressed to get in a ring at registration. He’s got some experience while he was a member of the late Ray Minus Jr Boxing Club.”

Stubbs said Allie is one of those persons who has watched boxing for years with a strong love for the sport.

“He’s ready to display his skills in the ring. He’s tired of watching. He wants action now.”

With the assistance of boxing clubs and the Bahamas Boxing Federation, dozens of fighters are expected to sign up as contenders before the final cut of 10 fighters. Persons can register via (242)

421-9783 or by email at bes@bahamasevents.net.

Major will represent the Red Team of five fighters and Jermaine “Chu Chu” Mackey will manage the Blue Team of five boxers.

“We’re delighted to have these two classy local champions in our corner for this event.

“We’ll see which one of them will have bragging rights – with at least three victories on their side – after the final bell rings and a championship belt is presented,” said Stubbs.

He said the management at Fusion Superplex wanted to

include sporting events at its beautiful facilities at Gladstone Road

“And we sold them on the idea of partnering with Bahamas Events & Sports (BES) to host this boxing showcase of the year.”

Stubbs said boxing action will be fast and furious under the courtyard lights with each of the five bouts scheduled for three rounds over two minutes per round.

“There will be no time to feel out one’s opponent. “We always hear people around our communities talking about how they are as fighters and who they could defeat.

action. Three-point sniper Sabrina Ionescu not only played a pivotal role in shutting down the Lynx on Wednesday but dropped 13 points, five rebounds and dished out six helpers on the night. Prior to game three, Minnesota had hoped for a better start after falling behind to the Liberty in the first two games of the series and they got it. The Lynx benefited greatly from the home court advantage in the opening quarter. They started game three on a 14-5 run which blossomed into a 15-point lead (2813) at the 1:20 mark. They ended the first period up 10 (28-18) after Jones helped the Libs to shave down the lead with a pair of made free throws at the charity stripe.

Minnesota held a double-digit edge for most of the second quarter until long range shooter Ionescu was on target for a driving

floater with six seconds remaining until halftime. The Lynx were still on top 43-35 as both teams headed back to the locker rooms.

New York clearly came out of the break with newfound motivation and made it their business to chip away at the lead. The Libs had an offensive surge in the third quarter and outscored the Lynx 26-19. Stewart could not be stopped on offence and scored the last five points for the Liberty to close out the third period. She converted an andone play after being fouled by Courtney Williams on a jumper and placed the Libs within one (62-61) with one more quarter left. After climbing out of a 15-point hole, the 2023 WNBA MVP was in peak form and helped the Liberty to tie the score at 66 with a big shot from deep with 6:57 remaining. It would be none other than the Grand Bahamian

WNBA Second All-Team forward to make back-toback buckets and give the Libs their first lead since the first quarter. Ionescu followed up Jones’ go-head layup with a three to put New York ahead 77-73 with under a minute remaining.

WNBA defensive player of the year Napheesa Collier managed to knot the score at 77 with two freebies at the free-throw line. However, Ionescu would spoil Minnesota’s night with a deep step-back three to put the nail in the coffin.

The 2024 Defensive Player of the Year had 22 points, nine rebounds and five steals in the loss.

The Liberty had an efficient shooting night, making 45.9 per cent of their field goals and 40 per cent of their threes.

A fired-up Walker Buehler struck out Francisco Lindor to leave the bases loaded, and the Dodgers got five stingy innings from their hard-throwing bullpen. Buehler combined with four relievers on a four-hitter.

“Now it’s their time to put up or shut, if they dare. No more excuses.

“Let’s see who’s tough enough and have what it takes to win in the ring, fair and square.

“We want to inspire new fighters and encourage those persons who are in training for future fights. Any adult may sign up to make the final cut to get into the ring.

“This is an opportunity for exposure and more boxing action and the fighters will compete for over $2,000 in prize money to support their clubs or further training,” according to Stubbs.

Game 4 is tonight in Queens, with $325 million rookie Yoshinobu Yamamoto scheduled to start for Los Angeles against veteran left-hander Jose Quintana.

‘JUNKANOO BOYZ’ SUFFER 6-2 LOSS AGAINST BARBADOS

Barbados to get the ball to the back of the net once again, this time on a penalty kick that put his team ahead 2-1.

Barbados was in charge of the game 3-1 after Sheran Hoyte connected on a rightfooted shot in the box at the 26th minute to extend the lead. An own goal by Nicoli Braithwaite just two minutes before halftime helped The Bahamas to close in 3-2. In the second half, it was all Barbados.

The host team’s Omani Leacock made good on a shot within the six-yard box at the 47th minute to put his team in front by two goals (4-2).

Barbados’ remaining two goals were scored by Applewaithe (52’) and Hoyte (64’) to close out the “Junkanoo Boyz” in the group stage of the 202425 CONCACAF Nations League.

Barbados (Group A), Belize (Group B), Saint and the Cayman Islands (Group C) all advanced to the CONCACAF Nations League play-in and were promoted to League B. The “Junkanoo Boyz” will stay in League C for CONCACAF Nations League in 2025.

PAGE 15

explore options as I spoke to Ricardo, some of the coaches in the NPBA and visited some of the training camps,” he said. According to NPBA president Ricardo Smith, it be joining the Sand Dollar High Flyers roster for next season.

The High Flyers came up short in their bid to make the NPBA Finals last season. Despite having a strong season, they were eliminated 3-1 in the bestof-five semifinals by the reigning champions Discount Distributors Liquors Rockets.

The veteran Bahamian forward is expecting his impact to bring more eyes and fans to the league.

“It is an impact that I hope will bring eyes on the league and bodies in the stands. That’s where it starts. Ricardo has been expressing to me future thoughts of the ultimate goal is to have a semi-pro league in Nassau with an ecosystem of local basketball on television and guys under contract and just creating the sports business ecosystem between clubs, the league, corporate and the government to really take Bahamas ball to the next level,” he said.

The NPBA season is expected to start in November. Officials will release an official date for the season opener in upcoming weeks.

LIBERTY forward Jonquel Jones (35) drives around Lynx forward Alanna Smith during the first half in Game 3 of a WNBA basketball final playoff series last night in Minneapolis.

JONQUEL Jones warms up before Game 3 of a WNBA basketball final playoff series against the Minnesota Lynx. (AP Photos/Abbie Parr)

ANTOAN RICHARDSON

JERMAINE “Showcase” ALLEN AMIEE “She-ra” NEWCHURCH

ALFRED “Allie” KEMP JR

SHOHEI OHTANI

ENTER THE DRAGON BOAT

LENO TEAM MAKES A STRONG FINISH AT THE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

LENO is proud to announce that its dragon boat team secured a thirdplace finish in the C Major Open 200 metre competition at this past weekend’s Dragon Boat Festival.

In their first year of competition, the team, led by chief operating officer Andre White, demonstrated remarkable skill and teamwork.

Although Leno didn’t take home a trophy this year, the team remains enthusiastic and energised for next year’s competition.

“We gave it our all and are already excited about coming back stronger next year,” said Andre White, team leader.

Leno’s growing participation in events like the Dragon Boat Festival reflects the company’s dedication to promoting teamwork and community involvement.

As the festival continues to grow in popularity, Leno is proud to be part of this exciting event that brings people together in the spirit of competition and camaraderie, accroding to a press release.

SHOWN, from left to right, Darcy Delaney, Ian Beneby, Erica Longley, Trevor Longley, Andre White, Adriel Marshall, Berenthia Marshall, Olivia Longley, Amanda Archer and Catherine Darling.

RACE DAY: This past weekend’s Dragon Boat Festival was a great success. Photos: Chappell Whyms Jr

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