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Volume: 120 No.207, October 30, 2023

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: PRICE–$1

TIME IS UP FOR SHANTY HOMES ‘Demolition to begin’ Crowds out in force for as 28-day deadline on evictions reached 30 years of 100 Jamz

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net THE Ministry of Works said it will begin demolition exercises in the Kool Acres and All Saints Way shanty towns, noting the 28-day eviction notice given to residents in those communities ends today.

“This demolition exercise aims to address critical

safety concerns within unregulated communities in The Bahamas,” the ministry said in a statement.

“To ensure that the process was carried out humanely, the Unregulated Communities Action Task Force in particular the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Department of Social Services conducted SEE PAGE FOUR

LYNES SAYS BID FOR CHAIRMAN position not ‘anti-leadership’

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net FORMER Senator Robyn Lynes said she would not be intimidated running to be chair of the Progressive Liberal Party, insisting her bid is not “anti-leadership”.

“This is our constitution,” she said during a press conference yesterday. “This is

our democracy. We set the date for this agenda. And so I think it’s nonsense to say participating in a party process is anti-party.”

Ms Lynes, former Cabinet Minister Shane Gibson and incumbent office holder Fred Mitchell will run for chair at the PLP’s convention next month.

Although Mr Gibson’s SEE PAGE THREE

TARRUS Riley performs before a packed crowd on Saturday at a concert that formed part of the 30th anniversary celebrations of 100 Jamz. See PAGE FOUR for the full story.

Experts: We need healthier soil $110M CLICO to bolster nation’s food security SETTLEMENT

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net UNIVERSITY of The Bahamas researchers said the country must improve soil health to achieve food security and strengthen its agricultural sector.

Experts who collected

and analysed soil samples from backyard farms on Andros, Eleuthera, Exuma, Grand Bahama, Ragged Island, New Providence and the Berry Islands found that none were optimal according to selected indicators.

Their findings are featured in a research paper published in a special

edition of the International Journal of Bahamian Studies focusing on natural science research.

In another study, researchers found that soil salinity on Grand Bahama is decreasing post-Hurricane Dorian –– good news SEE PAGE FOUR

TEARFUL MOM PLEADS FOR RETURN OF MISSING SON

DANIEL PADILLA JR

“Please, I just need my Daniel,” she said yesterday in a tearful interview.

“Oh, please if I could only see him now, I miss him so much, you wouldn’t believe it.”

Ms Mitchell recalled her last interaction with her son, her only child.

like she can’t breathe.

SEE PAGE SEVEN

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net TODAY marks a month since Daniel Padilla, Jr, went missing.

His mother, Ulean Mitchell, has been emotionally unstable since he disappeared, unable to eat and sleep. Sometimes she feels

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

PROGRESS

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net CLICO (Bahamas) liquidator has been given the authority to accept a $110.827m settlement that could fully repay all debts owed to policyholders, creditors and the Government.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

PLAYER OF THE MONTH AWARD

SEE SPORTS

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, October 30, 2023, PAGE 3

Lynes says bid for chairman position not ‘anti-leadership’

from page one bid has not shocked party insiders, given the tension between him and Mr Mitchell that played out publicly when he unsuccessfully sought the nomination for the West Grand Bahama and Bimini by-election, Ms Lynes’ bid has annoyed some members of the party’s establishment who see it as a challenge to the interests of party leader and Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis.

Mr Mitchell has revealed that Mr Davis asked him to run for chairman again. He said in a WhatsApp message to PLP supporters over the weekend that Mr Davis and PLP Deputy Leader Chester Cooper signed his nomination papers.

“Notwithstanding that, there is a challenge unexpectedly from two members of the party,” he wrote.

“This is most unfortunate but the run-off will be on Friday, 10 November, 2023.

Pray for my success.”

Ms Lynes said yesterday that just as the Davis administration reset its legislative agenda by proroguing then reopening Parliament, it is time the PLP “reset internally”.

“More than ever, now is the time for us to reset to our core values and reinvigorate our traditional base of supporters,” she said.

“They need to hear the PLP they know. Too many of our members are not satisfied with the direction and the sound, and that is not a critique that is meant to divide

or destroy.

“We must focus on and take care of our home base.

We have to do that whilst managing successfully the task of governance.

“A singular focus is needed for the national chair, a focus that is party and party-oriented.”

Ms Lynes, 40, was the PLP’s national vice chair from 2009 to 2017 and is currently the national deputy chair.

She praised the party’s leadership team yesterday and said Mr Mitchell had been an exceptional chairman.

However, she said party members want more from the chair.

“I believe that we have to shift it to someone who can focus on the party and focus

on the needs of the party as a sole focus and not a divided one,” she said.

Mr Gibson declined to be interviewed yesterday. However, on Friday, he sent a WhatsApp message to PLP supporters explaining why he wants to be chairman.

He said he would bring cohesiveness to the party’s policies and ideologies and mend fractured relationships.

Nominations for offices in the PLP closed last Thursday.

The chair is responsible for the organs and apparatus of the party and is its chief executive officer, according to the PLP’s constitution.

The chair presides over convention and NGC meetings.

The chair and the party leader are the spokespersons

Immigration Commission ‘focused MCINTOSH CONFIDENT IN on wrong things’, says FNM leader RE-ELECTION BID FOR MICAL

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard derided the immigration commission established by the Davis administration, saying it is focused on the wrong things.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said the commission will review how the Department of Immigration exercises its discretion.

The commission has three members: attorney Alexandria Hall, former Education Director Marcellus Taylor and former Royal Bahamas Defence Force Commodore Clifford Scavella.

Mr Davis announced that a commission would be formed this summer after Mr Pintard leaked

documents showing senior immigration officials were concerned with former Immigration Minister Keith Bell’s alleged interference in their work.

Mr Bell’s role in allowing the release of Chinese nationals staying at the British Colonial Hotel in January despite their work permit irregularities was among the incidents Mr Pintard brought to the public’s attention. Former Immigration Director Keturah Ferguson wrote to the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Immigration to express disapproval over the episode.

Mr Pintard also released documents describing instances when Mr Bell allegedly intervened to have people released from detention or given work permits.

“The opposition would support the objectives

of the announced Immigration Commission if it indeed aims to improve the administration of Immigration matters,” Mr Pintard said yesterday. “But given that this is neither a fully representative consultative body, nor does it have the remit to investigate the precise instances of alleged wrongdoing, we must conclude sadly that this is just another example of PLP political performance art masquerading as sound governance. It is only a cynical deflection strategy.”

Mr Pintard said if the Davis administration was serious about accountability, it would pursue a forensic audit of Mr Bell’s actions.

“This is a prime minister who has been all too eager to investigate the actions and activities of FNM government officials, citing the critical importance of

accountability and transparency,” he said. “Yet every day, he demonstrates his naked conflict and double standard by his refusal to shine the same intense spotlight on the activities of his own ministers.

“It is particularly troubling that while our prime minister seems to be shielding his Minister and his facilitators from a proper investigation, we also see reports of rank and file Immigration officers being charged for allegations related to the sale of visitor extensions.”

“We will have much more to say about the ongoing debacle at Immigration in the coming days.

The Bahamian people can look forward to the FNM putting forward more recommendations for true and meaningful reform in the administration of Immigration matters in the country.”

PLP rally in West Grand Bahama

PRIME Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis and Deputy Prime Minister on the by-election campaign trail supporting their candidate Kingsley Smith for the West Grand Bahama and Bimini seat.

Photos: Vandyke Hepburn

MICAL MP BASIL MCINTOSH

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net MICAL MP Basil McIntosh said he intends to seek re-election in the next general election despite Shane Gibson’s previous interest in the seat.

“There is no doubt that I will win again,” he told The Tribune.

Before he sought to be the Progressive Liberal Party’s candidate in the upcoming West Grand Bahama and Bimini byelection, Mr Gibson, a former Cabinet minister and MP for Golden Gates, showed interest in the MICAL seat, saying residents want him to be their representative while noting

his family ties to the areas.

PLP chairman Fred Mitchell later said the party allowed no party member to canvas a constituency with a sitting PLP representative.

“He had asked me if I was interested in running in the 2026 election, and at the time, I said it was too early for that,” Mr McIntosh said in a recent interview, recalling a conversation he had with Mr Gibson.

“I really couldn’t answer it. It was too early, so that is where I left it.”

He expressed confidence that the PLP will select him to run in the constituency again.

“I am confident that I will be the candidate again,” he said.

PAGE 4, Monday, October 30, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

Tarrus Riley helps 100 Jamz celebrate 30 years of radio

A PACKED crowd turned out at the Nassau Cruise Port on Saturday night to see Tarrus Riley perform as part of the

30th anniversary celebrations for 100 Jamz.

The reggae performer was the headliner for the event, which also

featured Jah Hem, Julien Believe and others.

Thousands gathered around the stage in the port complex for the

show, which was hailed by 100 Jamz DJ Reality as something “super extra” for the radio sattion’s 30th anniversary.

TARRUS Riley performs before a packed crowd on Saturday during a concert that formed a part of the 30th anniversary celebrations of Nassau radio station, 100 Jamz.

Photos: Dante Carrer

Time is up for shanty homes from page one a comprehensive outreach in the All Saints Way and Kool Acres unregulated communities.”

The ministry said the task force’s outreach to the communities ensured residents were aware of notices posted earlier this month and collected data to facilitate a seamless transition process.

“This data will be used to better understand the unique needs and challenges faced by the residents and help develop support services,” the ministry said, adding that the task force “offered

support and guidance to residents.”

“We understand that the demolition exercise may cause temporary disruptions to surrounding communities.

However, UCATF’s goal is to build a safer and more secure future for all residents in The Bahamas.”

The ministry urged residents to pay attention to official notices concerning demolition schedules and safety guidelines.

Although successive administrations have pledged to eradicate shanty towns, their efforts have often been stymied in court.

Earlier this year, in

a long-awaited ruling, Supreme Court Justice Cheryl Grant-Thompson concluded that the Minnis administration’s eradication policies were lawful.

The Office of the Attorney General then asked Chief Justice Ian Winder to order the demolition of nearly 300 structures that were built in contravention of Justice Grant-Thompson’s previous order prohibiting the construction, erection or alteration of buildings or structures in shanty towns throughout the country pending her ruling.

Chief Justice Winder only granted permission for two

structures to be demolished. However, his ruling paved the way for the minister of works to initiate a demolition process under the Buildings Regulation Act. In addition to All Saints Way and Kool Acres, shanty towns in Marsh Harbour, Abaco and elsewhere in New Providence could become targets for the government.

When eviction notices were posted in the affected communities earlier this month, immigration officers apprehended more than 60 people, some of whom have already been deported from the country.

A SHANTY home located at Kool Acres.

ExpErts: WE nEEd hEalthiEr soil to bolstEr nation’s food sEcurity from page one for residents there given that affected wellfields “provide drinking water supplies and irrigation for most of the population on the island.”

Another study found that the lack of weather buoys and other observational instruments have created a “major blind spot” that weakens the country’s ability to “predict, prepare for and respond to future

extreme weather events.”

The study’s author, Brandon Bethel, suggested the government use money from a $200m InterAmerican Development Bank loan to address the problem.

The release of the report about the country’s soil health comes after Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis touted what he called “unprecedented” investments his administration is making

in food production and food security. He made the comment earlier this month at the opening of Caribbean Week of Agriculture.

In their paper, “Comparative Analysis of Soil Health in Backyard Farms on Multiple Islands of The Bahamas,” UB researchers Devin Chambers, Carlton Watson, Okell Dames, and Williamson Gustave said the success of the government’s

backyard farming initiative –– one programme it is pushing to address food security issues –– depends on the presence of healthy soil.

Their research analysed 38 soil samples according to their nutrient availability, pH, salinity, water-holding capacity and organic carbon.

“Our results revealed that none of the 38 soil samples analysed fell within the optimal range for all

of the selected indicators,” they wrote. “Our results suggested that soil treated with synthetic fertiliser did not exhibit higher nutrient availability compared to naturally fertilised or unfertilised samples.”

“The samples tested in this study were mostly within the optimal range for nitrogen but showed excess phosphorus and very low potassium availability.

The pH of the samples was above the optimal range,

which is typical for limestone soil found in The Bahamas, and high pH negatively correlated with nitrate nitrogen.

“Additionally, organic carbon was above the optimal range in samples, and high organic carbon correlated with lower pH and higher water holding capacity. These correlations suggest that increasing organic carbon may be instrumental in optimising Bahamian soil health.”

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, October 30, 2023, PAGE 5

Transformational $600m shipyard investment to be ‘giant boost’ for GB, says Deputy PM

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Staff Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net A $600M TRANSFORMATIONAL project, which will include two of the largest dry docks in the world, was launched at the Grand Bahama Shipyard on Friday, and was said to be a “giant boost” to the island’s economy, tourism and employment.

The floating docks are being built in China and will accommodate 120,000tonne lifts for repairing the largest cruise ships and commercial vessels.

The docks are scheduled to arrive over the next two years.

The investment for the project is being undertaken by Royal Caribbean and Carnival Corporation, major shareholder partners in the shipyard.

Shipyard officials could not say exactly how many new jobs would be created for Bahamians at the shipyard.

Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investment and Aviation Chester Cooper, and Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey attended the launch.

Mr Davis touched on the longstanding issue concerning casual employment, suggesting the shipyard implement a new model that creates a career path to permanent jobs for those workers.

“Over the years, the issue of casual labour has not escaped our attention, he said. Many of these hardworking individuals, while playing a critical role in our industries, have not enjoyed the benefits, security, and stability that permanent workers do.”

Some of the challenges experienced by casual workers, the prime minister said, are lack of insurance, inability to secure job letters, secure credit, obtain loans, or access other financial services.

“This issue is not unique

to Grand Bahama, but the shipyard has seen its share of challenges in this regard.

The story of the worker who lost an eye testifies to the changes we need,” he said.

The Prime Minister proposed a new system for contract workers, one that envisions a process where, after a designated period or based on their performance, they can transition to full-time roles with all the attendant benefits.

He encouraged the shipyard to implement a model that creates a career path similar to the government’s Public Service Professional Engagement programme that creates permanent opportunities for participants at the end of a one-year period.

“The government is driving this change, and we encourage you to draw on our … programme for inspiration,” Mr Davis told shipyard officials.

“As we make progress on the implementation of the ILO Decent Work Programme, we recognise the gaps in our legislation when it comes to casual work.

Today, I reaffirm our commitment to bridging this gap. My administration will do whatever it takes to ensure these hardworking individuals are afforded the dignity and financial security they rightfully deserve,” pledged Prime Minister Davis.

Mr Davis said the government expects an increase in permanent jobs at the shipyard once the expansion project is completed.

Additionally, he stated that the expansion of the apprenticeship programme to develop 16 to 20 apprentices every year will ensure that young Bahamians are primed to replace the foreign workforce at the shipyard.

“This is in line with my government’s establishment of a new unit within the Department of Labour to ensure that Bahamians are trained to fill roles currently held by foreigners. This initiative, as I

mentioned in the House of Assembly, is a major move forward in protecting our workers and upholding Bahamianisation policies,” he stressed.

Dave Skentelbery, CEO of the Grand Bahama Shipyard, said that exact job numbers are not yet known as the two floating docks are not expected to arrive for another two years.

“There will be an increase in both direct and indirect employment as a result of this investment. It is very good news, but exact numbers are impossible to know at the moment,” he said.

“So, we are in the planning stages.

The apprenticeship programme has restarted with 16 apprentices, and there will be 20 next year. So, by the time the docks arrive, there would already be some definite jobs within the company.”

Mr Skentelbery added that attracting customers will also determine their employment numbers.

“The speed we can attract those customers back will also dictate the speed at which we can increase our workforce,” he explained.

Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, said the expansion project will reinvigorate Grand Bahama.

“There will be job opportunities for Bahamians in local businesses and contractors, including hundreds of full-time jobs once it is in full operation. We see a very bright future,” he said.

Josh Weinstein, CEO and Chief Climate Officer at Carnival Corporation, estimates that the project will bring billions of dollars in economic impact to Grand Bahama over the next 25 years.

With the expansion, he said, they will be able to significantly ramp up enrollment to 80 in the apprenticeship programme in the next few years at the shipyard.

Sarah St George, acting chairman of the Grand Bahama Port Authority,

COOPER SAYS GB AIRPORT GROUNDBREAKING COMING SOON, AND TO BE FINISHED BY 2025

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Staff Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net DEPUTY Prime Minister Chester Cooper said a groundbreaking ceremony for an airport in Grand Bahama will soon happen.

He said the airport will be completed in 2025.

He spoke on Friday during the launch of a $600m Grand Bahama Shipyard expansion project.

He said the new projects will position Grand Bahama as one of the most dynamic logistics and transhipment hubs.

“I am confident that this

will be a catalyst for solidifying GB’s position in the world as the leading maritime and logistics centre,” he said.

He commended the Bahamas Investment Authority and the Cabinet for approving the Shipyard project.

“It represents not only a monumental investment but a pivotal step in the revitalization in GB,” he said.

“It will create jobs, stimulate entrepreneurial opportunities, and create the critical mass that is needed on the island.”

“There will be many

spin-off opportunities for businesses such as retailers and transportation providers.”

Mr Cooper said that the government has enjoyed partnerships with both Carnival and Royal Caribbean in the past 50 years.

“The vision for the Shipyard only underscores the commitment to the Bahamas and establishes GB as a premier maritime destination for repair and revitalisation of vessels,“ he said.

He stressed that the floating docks will create the largest floating facility in the Western Hemisphere.

MINISTER of Tourism, Investment and Aviation, and Deputy Prime Minitser Chester Cooper. said the $600m when combined with Carnival’s new Celebration Key totals over one billion in new investments by the cruise lines alone in Grand Bahama.

“It is a giant boost to the

economy, tourism, employment,” she said, adding that the Hawksbill Creek Agreement was premised on making Grand Bahama an industrial and maritime metropolis.

Ms St George said that with the Freeport Harbour, the container port, and the shipyard expansion, Freeport is well on its way to becoming the maritime centre of the Americas.

PAGE 6, Monday, October 30, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

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Govt immigration commission lacking substance THE FNM is exactly right when it criticises the immigration commission launched to review issues at the Department of Immigration.

The announcement of the commission came after a series of concerns raised about apparent interference with the work of members of the department by then Immigration Minister Keith Bell.

And yet those issues are not being examined by the commission.

Instead, the commission will simply look at how the department exercises discretion. Not specific cases and instances.

If the claims over Mr Bell’s interference prompted the creation of the commission, it is nonsense that those specific allegations do not form part of the review.

FNM leader Michael Pintard had leaked documents at the time that showed senior immigration officials were concerned with Mr Bell’s involvement in their work.

That particularly related to the release of Chinese nationals working at the British Colonial Hilton in January despite work permit irregularities.

That promped then Immigration Director Keturah Ferguson to write to the permanent secretary at the ministry to express disapproval.

It seems we will never get a proper explanation of how that release was decided and authorised if this commission is not to examine it.

Mr Pintard said that the commission is “neither a fully representative consultative body, nor does it have the remit to investigate the precise instances of alleged wrongdoing”.

He said it was “just another example of PLP political performance art masquerading as sound governance. It is only a cynical deflection strategy”.

We are not sure if it is even that. Without findings on specific

allegations, its likely outcome is going to be nothing more than general guidelines, which can as quickly be ignored as the previous ones allegedly were.

It does nothing to show exactly what took place – and it does nothing to even attempt to clear Mr Bell’s reputation if the allegations were baseless.

Whether we will ever hear from this commission again is one thing – but given what is being investigated, even if we do, it will tell us nothing about particular concerns that have been raised.

Mr Pintard is right to call that out – and should go one step further. If this review is needed, fine, go right ahead, but where’s the investigation of the specific allegations to go with it?

Mr Pintard should demand the full investigation and the answers that seemed to have a prospect of being forthcoming when Mr Davis announced the commission.

After all, if one set of workers can get a minister swooping in to release them after being detained because of work permit irregularities, why can’t every other business get the same treatment?

What incentive is there for businesses who are doing their part and following the work permit regulations when others seem to have freedom to ignore those rules?

As for others in the construction industry, how much frustration must they feel that one project seems to be able to have significant numbers of workers with irregularities in their permits, while others are held to stringent account?

This commission can go about its work – but where is the investigation that will deliver real answers?

If the government truly wants to commit to transparency, that is the investigation we need to hear about.

New Traffic location is bad idea EDITOR, The Tribune.

MINISTRY of Energy Transport — Road Traffic one would have thought they would use all the technology and science available before making a traffic decision but no... let’s put a high volume traffic government licensing department on an already high trafficked highway!

Brilliant!

Independence Drive before the turn to the Environment Park [garbage dump] is already heavily trafficked ..... is there space to add turning middle road third lane on either direction?

Oh, well, at least someone will benefit.... but the rest of the motoring public will face traffic jams, waits

and possibly this could be creating a location for many minor bumper hits and possibly collisions.

Exiting and turning east will be a nightmare as east traffic will not give way.

Think again, Minister, dis ain’t the right location.

CRYSTAL HUMES Nassau, October 26, 2023.

TARRUS Riley performs before a packed crowd on Saturday at a concert that formed part of the 30th anniversary celebrations of 100 Jamz.

Photo: Dante Carrer

Protect our access to our beaches EDITOR, The Tribune.

I THANK you in advance for the space to address two issues that have dominated the headlines recently, that if not handled carefully can have devastating social consequences for this tiny island on which sits the capital of the country, financial and tourist-wise.

I urge the government to tread carefully and to use all of its powers to halt and reject all proposals for development, that would further encroach on the rights of Bahamians to have access to two of the three major remaining public beaches available to citizens on the island.

It is mystifying why anyone, foreign investor or local, would target the area surrounding Montagu Beach and Goodman’s Bay which presently serve as two of the remaining three major outlets for locals to enjoy a beaching experience on a public holiday. Long Wharf has been spared for the moment although that is an area that is also worth watching, as that prime location has not escaped the eyes of our modern day

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net plunderers. I am appalled that any government would entertain such proposals!

The cries of not enough beaching space for natives after every holiday, some place to vent and release the pressure from an already burdensome existence filled with exorbitant and unrelenting bills and not enough income cannot continue to fall on deaf ears.

The steady land grab of beach property by private owners on what should be public space is extremely disturbing and another one of those issues everyone says should be addressed but never is … that is until it is too late!

We run the risk of creating little “Sowetos” in New Providence and throughout The Bahamas. People are already very concerned about losing their cultural identities and some believe it is already lost (check the restaurant owners at Arawak Cay). This is a real event with drastic

consequences.

I invite the Government (inclusive of public servants) to take a look at Hawaii and see what has happened to the native population there. Economics is a social science and if we do not pay attention to the social consequences of our financial activities, there will be no viable markets or functioning communities left to conduct financial activities.

They should also take a hard look at what is happening to small developing nations as they go about recklessly accepting the economic philosophies of the larger controlling nations. There must be a better way to buy and sell land and to prosper financially.

The government should do something for once that the majority of Bahamians would consider a smart move, as opposed to the many blunders that have plagued them in recent times.

ANTHONY “ACE”NEWBOLD New Providence, October 29, 2023

Constitution does not discriminate EDITOR, The Tribune.

OUR Constitution does not discriminate between the genders so why do so many discriminate?

On a Business web site a photo of one of our Ambassadors, guess, yes a woman with the wife of the Prime Minister, again her description/title a misnomer there is no such official position as First

lady...oh yes, we love to copy but truth is truth... ain’t such ting so please stop it.

Hope the Bahamian female realises that you are being used by the politicians...they play up to you, try to impress, but it is all fluff.

We have official designated Women’s weeks-months galore still waiting to see a Men’s

week or month....this practice is a breach of a fundamental Constitutional Article.

Time we drop this foolishness…all identical… there isn’t a First Lady... males and females are constitutionally equal... thank you Editor.

D ROLLE Nassau, October 26, 2023.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, October 30, 2023, PAGE 7

Police investigating a shooting in Green Tearful mom Turtle Cay, Abaco, that left a man injured pleads for return POLICE in Abaco are investigating a shooting of a man at an establishment on Green Turtle Cay. The incident occurred shortly before 4am on Friday. The adult male was

involved in a physical argument with another male who produced a firearm and shot him.

The suspect fled the scene in an unknown direction. The victim sustained

injuries to his right arm.

His condition has been reported as stable and nonlife threatening.

Police said the victim is currently receiving medical attention at the local clinic.

of missing son

TEEN HELD IN PRISON ACCUSED OF KILLING formerly convicted murderer tiano d’Haiti

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A 16-YEAR-OLD was remanded on Friday after being accused of killing a former convicted murderer who was out on bail awaiting retrial earlier this month.

Magistrate Algernon Allen, Jr, charged the teenager, whose name is being withheld because he is a minor, with murder and two counts of attempted murder The accused with an accomplice allegedly shot

and killed 32-year-old Tiano D’Haiti as he was walking across Market Street on October 16. The suspects reportedly fled the scene in a dark coloured Japanese vehicle.

At the time of his death D’Haiti was awaiting retrial for his alleged involvement in the death of Robert Andre Cartwright during a home invasion in Blair Estates on October 24, 2014.

D’Haiti’s earlier 49-year murder conviction sentence was overturned in December 2020.

The defendant and his

accomplice are also alleged to have shot and injured Ishmael Lowe and Tarino Fisher on Quakoo Street on October 7. The victims in this incident received injuries to the face and arm respectively.

The accused was told that his matter would be moved to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). The defendant will be sent to Simpson Penn Centre for boys until the higher court grants him bail.

The VBI in this matter is set for service on February 20, 2024.

TWO IMMIGRATION OFFICERS ACCUSED OF BRIBERY SCHEME GRANTING VISITORS EXTENSIONS TO STAY

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net TWO Immigration officers were granted bail on Friday after they were allegedly caught in a bribery scheme to extend foreign nationals passports and visas in The Bahamas.

Magistrate Shaka Serville charged Chief Immigration Officer Wyberg Brown, 50, Immigration Officer Thorn

Curry, 30, and civilian Avery Francis, 30, with bribery and conspiracy to commit bribery.

A fourth defendant, Jennifer McKennis, 49, was arraigned on the same charges before Magistrate Raquel Whyms on October 17.

Wendawn Miller-Frazer, David Cash, Domek Rolle and Troy Kelman represented the accused.

The defendants are accused of bribing

immigration officers to get extensions on the Jamaican passports of Shaquera Anderson, Sasha Burke and Sasheen Thomas on October 11.

After the three defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, they were informed that their bail would be set at $4,000 with one or two sureties each.

The three are to return to court for mention and potential trial date fixture on November 21.

MAN CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED SHOP BREAKING OF A WEST BAY STREET BUSINESS

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN was remanded to prison after he allegedly attempted to break into a business on West Bay Street last week.

Magistrate Algernon

Allen, Jr, charged Jason Wilson, 33, with shopbreaking and vagrancy.

Wilson was accused of vagrancy in the Arawak Cay area on May 25.

Wilson is further alleged to have broken into Candies Enterprises near Arawak Cay on West Bay Street

between October 21 and 23.

After pleading not guilty to the offence and prosecution objecting to his bail, Wilson was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

The accused is expected to return to court for trial on January 25, 2024.

from page one Mr Padilla, 29, was last seen on October 2 in a grey Ford Fusion, license plate number AX5837. He was wearing long dress trousers and a navy and white striped button-down shirt.

Ms Mitchell said she saw her son around midday.

He was expected to go to the barber, then to Fusion Superplex for a meeting.

“He was supposed to come back to me because he was travelling the next day, that Tuesday morning,” she said.

She realised something was wrong when his girlfriend called to say he failed to pick her up from

DANIEL PADILLA JR work.

“I know that’s not like Daniel,” she said. “He would never ever be late or would not call if he is running late. If he is running late, he would call and say, ‘I am running a little late.’”

“I started calling him like crazy, but his phone kept cutting off and wasn’t answering at all.”

“Daniel is the sweetest, kindest, trusting person you could ever meet. He is such a loving person, softspoken, you can’t hear a loud sound come out of his mouth. He is so quiet sometimes you have to ask him if he could repeat himself because he is so quiet spoken.”

The family has launched search efforts and obtained video footage from Fusion Superplex.

Stephen Sands, Mr Padilla’s uncle, said police had questioned people about the matter, and investigations are ongoing.

The family is keeping faith.

“We are a praying family,” Mr Sands said. “We are a well-knitted family.

We are a well-rounded family. We prayed to the lord. We have a praying issue.”

“We believe that God does all things well and whatever God does is well.

We ask God to bring him back safely.”

MAN ACCUSED OF STEALING $2,000 WORTH OF PROPERTY GRANTED $4,000 BAIL

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN was given $4,000 bail after he was accused of stealing $2,000 worth of property last month.

Senior Magistrate Caro

lyn Vogt-Evans charged Ricardo Johnson, 42, with stealing and receiving.

Johnson is accused of stealing a black Vizio 60’ TV and a Franco gold chain altogether valued at $2,000 along with $350 cash from a person on September 13.

After pleading not guilty to the offence, Johnson was told that under the conditions of his bail he is to sign in to the Carmichael Road Police Station on the last Sunday of every month.

Johnson’s trial begins on February 22, 2024.

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2023

THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS

A successful way forward not easily seen in Haiti

LEADER of the “G9 and Family” gang, Jimmy Cherizier, better known as Barbecue, shouts slogans with his gang members after giving a speech, as he leads a march against kidnappings, through the La Saline neighborhood in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on October 22, 2021.

Photo: Matias Delacroix/AP

By MALCOLM STRACHAN A US court charged a Haitian gang leader last week in what seems an exercise in futility. The accused wasn’t there – and there seems no likelihood he ever will see the inside of that court.

The accusations were over a kidnapping last year of an American couple – Jean Franklin and Marie Odette Franklin. Armed gang members stormed the couple’s home, and shot Marie Odette dead in the process. Her husband was held for 21 days and released after ransom payments were made to the gang.

The gang leader, Vitel’Homme Innocent, is believed to be in Tabarre, Haiti, and he was also

charged last year over the 2021 kidnappings of Christian missionaries. Again, no sign of being brought to justice for those either.

There is a $1m reward for information leading to the arrest of Innocent, whose name seems about the only way he is innocent. He runs the Kraze Barye gang that operates in Port-au-Prince.

The gang has about 600 member and is known for crimes, including murder, rape, robbery, kidnapping and drug and weapons trafficking.

And yet, Kraze Barye is far from the biggest player in Haiti’s gang-riddled society.

Instead, it is allied to G-Pèp which, according to a report to the UN by an appointed Panel

of Experts, is one of the dominant gangs in Haiti, in conflict with the rival G9 alliance.

The UN team reported that the G-Pèp coalition has been growing – with kidnapping for ransom a prominent tool to bring in money, money then used to buy more guns, more drugs, and to reinforce the gang’s position, with a gang leader of the 5 Segond part of the coalition, Johnson André, nicknamed Izo, playing an increasingly influential role.

Meanwhile, G9 leader Jimmy Chérizier, nicknamed Barbeque, continues to lead major offensives against a number of neighbourhoods under the control of rival gangs, leading to

many killings, rapes and people being displaced.

This is the landscape that a proposed multinational force – including Bahamians – will have to operate in.

Where is the Haitian police in all this? Well, the simple answer is outgunned. The UN team reports that the gangs are developing ever more sophisticated arsenals, with their firepower already greater than that of the police.

The arms embargo against Haiti is described as ineffectual, and police continue to be targeted by gangs – along with the regular population – in what the UN team describes as “appalling crimes”.

Violations against human rights are described as “unprecedented”, with rape being a common occurrence, and even being used as a weapon in itself.

There are no elected representatives, and no sign of elections any time soon. The last senators had their terms expire in January, and there have been no presidential, legislative or municipal elections since 2016. Last year, an accord aimed for national election this year and the formation of a new government by February next year – but this year is running out.

On Friday, a retired Colombian army officer was sentenced to life in prison in Florida for his role in the assassination of Haiti President Jovenel Moise in 2021. German Alejandro Rivera Garcia, 45, known as “Colonel Mike”, pleaded guilty in September to his part in the plot. He was reportedly part of a convoy headed to Moise’s residence the day of the killing, with court documents saying he relayed information that the plan was not to kidnap the president but to kill him.

His is the second sentencing, after HaitianChilean businessman Rodolphe Jar was also sentenced to life, while former Haitian senator John Joel Joseph is due to be sentenced in December.

According to the charges, those three conspired with others,

including about 20 Colombian citizens and several dual Haitian-American citizens, in the plot.

The courts are making no progress, with the UN team describing a “near absence of convictions over the past three years”.

One outcome of this is mob justice – the Bwa Kale movement has spread throughout the country, with “several hundred atrocious executions” of alleged gang members. This includes dragging people accused of being in a gang into the street and setting fire to them.

The expert panel notes that “the wave of executions has also ensnared people not involved with gangs”. In other words, more innocents are caught up in revenge violence.

Other members of the Bwa Kale movement have started to organise selfdefence groups – some charging a monthly fee to secure residences, while others barricade the entrance to communities to stop gangs from gaining access, and closing the road at night. To me, this seems not far removed from just another set of gangs.

Meanwhile, despite the embargoes placed on Haiti, drug smugglers are taking advantage of the lack of border controls, and the demand for guns increasing trafficking in the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, spreading the crime and disorder within Haiti’s borders wider in the region.

The police force is said to be one of the last remaining institutions that is operational in the country, though the panel of experts said the force has “limited budget, is grossly understaffed, is illequipped and ill-trained to tackle the complexity of the situation”.

It is estimated that the number of officers available on 12-hour shift nationwide is about 4,000 – a ratio of less than one officer per 1,000 residents, the thinnest of blue lines.

Meanwhile, the economy continues to plummet, with about 59 percent of the nation said to be living in “abject

poverty”.

All of this did not appear from nowhere.

Former president Michel Martelly, for example, is said to have used gangs to expand his influence and to advance his political agenda. The panel of experts says this contributed to a “legacy of insecurity”. The experts say he helped to provide funds and/or guns to gangs such as Base 257, Village de Dieu, Ti Bois and Grand Ravine. He is even said to have created Base 257.

Our own nation forms part of the funding chain for Haitian gangs – with The Bahamas said to be the principal destination for cocaine, shipped in small vessels and planes, with Port-de-Paix and the island of Ile de la Tortue being key shipping stations, as well as from Miragoane, Saint-Marc and Cap-Haitien.

There is more – far more – in the panel of experts’ report. There is more on sexual abuse as a weapon. There is more on the recruitment of children as a key goal of gangs. There is more on kidnapping and extortion as primary tools of the gangs.

What there isn’t so much of is solutions. A solution seems as distant right now as the prospect of Vitel’Homme Innocent showing up in court in Florida.

As talks continue about deploying a multinational force to Haiti to assist police, it should be clear – this is a deeply volatile situation, and nowhere can truly be said to be safe.

There are not enough funds. There are not enough police. There is no stable political structure. There is no control over the ground.

How much confidence can we have that Bahamian troops, plus Kenyan officers, are anything more than a catspaw being used by other, bigger nations? And how much difference can we make?

It is hard to see a path to a successful mission from where we are now – but Haiti dearly needs help, that much is very, very clear.

PAGE October 30, 2023 PAGE10, 10 Monday, MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2023

INSIGHT

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The resident on call, and the dangers of motorcycles I ONCE worked at a prestigious hospital in New York and there were many days when I tracked how many times I walked up and down the stairs from the residents’ lounge to various parts of the hospital. Sometimes I timed myself. The emergency room, the in-patient floors and the operating theatre were all close enough to get to in less than ten minutes, give or take a minute or two.

This of course was dependent upon the time of day since the earlier my shift, the faster the cadence of my gait - one of the facts I accidentally discovered through that exercise of timing myself. But then there were times in communion with the chaos of the day that it was absolutely impossible to tell how many trips I made. On those days I was the resident on call and I simply wasn’t paying attention.

On one such night, the rest of my team had left to be with family and mentally decompress. Visiting hours were now over and throughout the hospital, the skeleton crew took command. The weather was frigid and the roads were icy so I knew it would be a busy Friday night.

I made my way to our lounge to get some hot chocolate.

Waiting for the elevator often took too long and at a busy hospital, every second counted. So, I took the stairs.

Apart from the quick access it provided, the stairwell also offered a hollow quiet that allowed me to strategize how to effectively conquer the night. I had a tedious list of things to do and time never seemed to be on my side.

I made it to the residents’ lounge in four minutes but there weren’t any more hot chocolate pods. Just a mix of coffee pods alongside a platter of picked-over bagels,

By DR KENNETH D KEMP

donuts and warm fruit.

During my stairwell strategy rumination, I was prepared to settle for tea if there was no more hot chocolate, but they didn’t even have that.

Luckily, I planned ahead and grabbed my wallet from my locker beforehand but I forgot my jacket. So, I carefully walked across the street to the convenience store with only my lab coat, scrubs and a tool belt of pagers on my waist. Unsurprisingly, neither of them offered any safeguard against the winter’s freeze.

As soon as I entered the store, the owner yelled ‘BAHAMAS’. He was an older gentleman from the Middle East and he was always smiling. ‘Good to see you my friend’ he’d say, loudly enough for everyone in the store to hear. He was an amazing person, full of joy and well situated across from a place where exhaustion, pain and heartache were all too commonplace. My teeth were still chattering from the cold but I told the gentleman to tell his wife that the chicken salad she made the day prior was amazing. His easy smile grew into a grateful grin. I purchased my hot chocolate and a health bar that I tucked into my pocket and made my way back to the hospital. Twenty minutes had past and I’d already wasted too much time. A crowd of people was waiting on the elevator so up the stairs I went.

On my way to the lounge, I saw one of the surgery

interns and based on her disheveled appearance, she was already overwhelmed.

She’d come off a long stint in the operating theatre and now she had to check on all of her inpatients. She stopped me to ask if I could

maelstrom of events was now beating at my doorstep.

My specialty is podiatry (foot and ankle medicine and surgery) but I was on my orthopedics rotation at a level one trauma centre and that night a young man was

Photo: Mehmet Talha Onuk

consult on one of them; a patient with an infected heel ulceration. Then, in the same breath, she asked if there was any more coffee in the lounge. I nodded yes to the coffee and told her that I’d see the patient within the hour. I got to the lounge, sat down and before I could take a sip, my pager went off. This evening’s veritable

brought in via ambulance following a motorcycle accident. I made my way down to the emergency room in six minutes. The victim was around my age and height and practically every bone in his body was broken. His leg and hip bones were crushed into multiple fragments, splintered like a kitchen glass that fell onto a hard

tile floor and shattered into a hundred pieces. He was in excruciating pain unsubdued by the cocktail of narcotics being pumped into him. His screams were so deafening that it pierced even the most stoic bystander as he cried for his mother and begged us not to let him die.

From the best we could make out in between screams of pain, he lost control of his motorcycle. His hand and wrist snapped as his bike flung up into the air.

He hit the ground, back first, and panicked as he heard something crack. Then the unthinkable occurred, his bike landed on top of him.

Fortunately, the patient had no past medical or surgical history, he wasn’t on any medication and he had no known drug or food allergies.

A full body CT-scan was performed. According to the radiologist, it was one of the worst he’d ever seen in his entire career. The patient had perforated multiple organs and was bleeding internally meaning general surgery was required not only to stabilise his fractures but to stop the bleeding that threatened his life. All of my senior residents were called to assist. The patient was placed into a harness and once stabilised he was signed over to the general surgery team. One of the ER nurses shook her head and sighed.

‘I hate motorcycles’ she said and her abrupt outburst was sandwiched between expletives. By then, my pager was beeping. I had another consult.

For the rest of my shift, I scrambled from one crisis to the next running back and forth consulting on patients already admitted to the hospital and those in the ER. Fortunately, none were as harrowing as the motorcycle

injury patient. But my mind constantly wavered back to the young man, a stranger, crushed by something that once brought him so much joy. I imagined how excited he must have been to purchase it and the freedom he felt from driving it. I thought that day must have seemed so trivial and far removed now on this day as he fought to stay amongst the living.

Then, I moved on to the next patient. There was absolutely nothing that I could do for him but my other patients needed me and deserved my undivided attention.

I finally got around to evaluating the surgery intern’s patient and significant sclerotic changes to the heel region were observed on his lateral foot X-rays. He was spiking a fever, his white blood count was grossly elevated and his wound probed to bone, which were symptoms pathognomonic for a bone infection. His vascular status was intact so I added him to our OR schedule for the following afternoon and updated my on-call attending physician.

All those consultations had to be interspersed between seeing our own inhouse patients – following up on blood work that I’d ordered earlier that day, reviewing patient vitals, changing wound dressings and adjusting medication dosages. By the time morning broke, I’d had less than an hour of sleep. As we rounded on patients together, I updated my team as to what happened during the course of the night and then, alone, I made my way back to the lounge relieved that no one died on my watch.

My hot chocolate was still waiting for me where I left it but, now cold, it had lost all appeal. I grabbed my health bar and ate it in between yawns. It was the first meal I’d eaten in 17 hours. It took me 11 minutes to get from the lounge to the lobby and I stopped by the ER to check on my motorcycle patient.

He’d already been taken to the OR but the nurse was sceptical if he’d survive. I never asked about him after that.

I’ve had many on-call nights but I thought about this one in particular because of the exponential rise in motorcycle-related deaths in The Bahamas this year, four just this past week.

According to police, none of the victims was wearing a helmet.

Even now, I wouldn’t go as far as the ER nurse and say that I hate motorcycles, but I’ve seen the damage they can inflict and always dissuade my family from getting on one. And for those who will no matter how stern the warning, never imagining that they could be the next victim, I implore them to wear protective gear as uncool as it may be. There’s nothing cool about a broken bone or a perforated kidney.

There’s nothing cool about the pain inflicted from being tossed off a motorbike while speeding at 50 miles per hour. And there’s nothing you can say to console a mother who has to watch her son’s brains being scooped up from the road.

I pray for all the victims and their loved ones involved in these recent accidents.

And I salute the residents on call challenged daily with the awesome responsibility of rendering care to these victims during their darkest hour, often with very little food, sleep or praise, day after day after day.

This is The KDK Report.

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INSIGHT

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Monday, October 30, PAGE 11 11 MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2023, 2023 PAGE

China trip offers different perspective of freedom and responsibility of the press A trip to China provided a look at the growing technological world of one of the world’s superpowers for Tribune reporter Earyel Bowleg - including questions of censorship and cultural differences in approaches to the media.

SINCE 1987, when China joined the ranks of other countries after Professor Qian Tianbai sent the country’s first email, the nation has had a technological revolution.

Now undeniably a sprawling tech hub, it has the most “netizens” in the world, with 1.079 billion people using the internet as of June this year. Meanwhile, about 1.076 billion access the internet through mobile phones.

It is a great leap since that first email sent from the Haidian District of Beijing, which read: “Across the Great Wall we can reach every corner in the world.”

I took my own journey across the Great Wall recently, on a 15-day trip to attend the Seminar for Young Media Professionals from Developing Countries sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce and organised by CICG Institute of International studies and Advanced Training.

The seminar was about a medium and its development in China but understanding the country’s political and historical development, diplomacy, and global development.

As a participant in the seminar, I was conscious of accusations against China of media censorship and being a highly controlled state.

Facebook, YouTube, and Whatsapp are blocked and can only be accessed via a virtual private network.

Those questions came to the fore during the seminar.

A video played in one of the presentations of Liu Xiu, an anchor for the English language news channel China Global Television Network, being interviewed by an Australian journalist.

Among the many questions about press freedom, the host pressed her regarding her colleague Cheng Lei, a Chinese-born Australian journalist, being detained on national security charges.

Cheng has spoken publicly since, saying that the reason for her detention was because she broke an embargo by a few minutes.

After three years, she was released on October 11 and reunited with her children.

The seminar’s lectures gave a strong response to the negative perception of China in the Western media, particularly the United States.

Media outlets such as CNN, BBC, and CBC are highly influential worldwide and have served as the benchmark to strive for in media excellence. Nonetheless, they are not infallible – and can spread incorrect information and create the wrong perception.

It is a complaint several countries make, especially developing countries. In fact, many of the participants shared their own frustrations over American press coverage of their country.

But to simply point to the West cannot entirely dismiss all of the allegations levied at China.

Xu Qinduo, a presenter at China Media Group (CMG), described Chinese media, saying it is not just about educating, informing, and entertaining - it is to unite.

“In China, sometimes also you need it to help create this,

what you call, a mainstream commonality - the mainstream value. To strengthen the mainstream of value,” he said.

He talked of how the fear of division fuels the need for unity - as he pointed to tension between Republicans and Democrats in the US. He said: “You have a divided society and it’s very difficult to manage daily affairs. It’s very difficult to govern and then there is a big problem. If it’s getting worse and worse then you tend to have a civil war if people can’t handle their differences in the nice way. So China is very mindful of that.

“So the Chinese media they do have a role. You don’t divide the nation, you don’t divide the people. When we report about ethnic issues and minority issues, you do it in a way to bring people together.

You don’t do it in a way, you know, having them against each other. Because for the sake of national unity, for the sake of the nation.

“So that’s called some Chineseness. Probably, usually, because it’s sponsored by the state, but increasingly, the state is reducing that account of sponsorship or no financing. They are also getting financing from the market. So they are serving, in a sense, the government, the public interests. But also meeting the needs of the consumers’ information.”

Then there is the concern of whether public state-funded media can be truly critical.

Xu Qinduo believed there is a delicate line between what Chinese call constructive criticism or criticism in the Western media environment.

He said: “I see that Western style media environment is sometimes the criticism from opposition parties, for example, is a zero sum. It is like the ruling party is all bad and you better help me to rule the country because they are bad people.

“We don’t do that. We say, ‘Oh, your policy largely is right but some of the details, they are not okay. Clear on opinions why they are not okay. They are not working well, or they are not practical enough. Here are some suggestions’.”

Citizens are aware opposition parties will be heavy on rhetoric most of the time. Outside of politicians, there are some journalists and columnists in Western media who do exactly what he describes as constructive criticism.

On the second week of the trip we attended the 13th China Digital Publishing Expo in Dunhuang, Gansu province.

The expo centred around “Empowering with Digital Intelligence, Connecting the Future”. At the opening ceremony, many of the speakers spoke about the predicted impact of artificial intelligence (AI) of the entertainment, gaming, and publishing industry.

Xiao Hong, CEO of Perfect World Co, said: “We know at the very beginning where AI is doing its assistant work, we actually have some expectation that in the future three or five years AI will extend its power to more and more

sectors in the publishing industry. And it will influence for everyone working in the publishing industry, we have to understand how to take such challenge.

“About two years ago, I reminded my staff that AI is coming. We should be aware of this risk and try to make ourselves stronger than before. And I believe that actually we should view it as a new opportunity.”

The majority of the trip was filled with excursions in Beijing and Dunhuang – and for me, the outings did offer a different view of China.

The first observation when I landed in the capital was that the infamous haze floating over Beijing was nowhere in sight.

For the remainder of my stay, it rarely made an appearance - the air felt light and fresh. There was one day when there was a haze of air pollution, but the visibility was not horrendous.

Looking around, it appeared the country was experiencing normalcy after the coronavirus was discovered in Wuhan back in 2019.

There were one or two people wearing face masks, but nothing out of the ordinary.

The city was heavily policed at the metro stations and major streets - certainly bolstering China’s reputation of being a safe country. Before entering the station on the platform, I had to go through a scanner.

However, the police were not threatening nor intrusive.

But Dunhuang definitely broadened my view of the country.

Located in western China, Dunhuang is an oasis city near a desert. I had never really seen such a landscape in images of China and it was my delight to actually see one.

Also in Dunhuang we encountered many minority groups. A unique aspect of the trip was interacting with one group - the Subei people - at the Subei Mongol Autonomous County.

This group speaks Mandarin, but they were distinctive in appearance from the Chinese people of Hun descent (the majority of China’s population).

Seminar participants were able to try on the Subei people’s traditional clothing and food.

Overall, the trip to China was a wider and relevant discussion on the influence of the media in a time when the public do not trust the press and the audience wonders “who do I believe”?

I am not in a Chinese newsroom and do not know any Chinese journalist personally to truly judge, so I cannot make the most indepth assessment on press freedom on China. Nevertheless, ideas about the future with positive advancements in technology are something I won’t overlook.

When that first email was sent, few could have predicted the scale of China’s embrace of technology and the internet. As it looks to a technological future in communication and publishing today, what will that next great leap bring?

A TRIP to China provided a look at the growing technological world of one of the world’s superpowers for Tribune reporter Earyel Bowleg, which included excursions to Beijing and Dunhuang.

PAGE October 30, 2023 PAGE12, 12 Monday, MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2023

INSIGHT

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Venezuela’s dangerous referendum threatening peace and international law FOR sixty years, from their entry into school, Venezuelans have been trained into believing that the Essequibo region of Guyana belongs to Venezuela.

Consequently, regardless of the facts, this belief is ingrained in the Venezuelan psyche.

This is why, the only matter on which the contending political factions in Venezuela can agree is that Essequibo is Venezuelan.

It has long been a political tactic that, when there is domestic discord, a common enemy should be created, in an attempt to gain political support generally. Hence, the periodic but persistent proclamations from Venezuela, claiming Essequibo.

The latest attempt to validate the acquisition of the Essequibo region is evident in the questions posed to the Venezuelan electorate in a forthcoming referendum with a predetermined outcome.

The contrived referendum, prejudicially titled, “in defence of Guayana Esequiba”, will be held on 3rd December 2023. Among its deliberately leading questions, designed to get a desired positive answer, is the following: “Do you agree with the creation of the Guayana Esequiba state and the development of an accelerated plan for

World View

By SIR RONALD SANDERS the comprehensive care of the current and future population of that territory that includes, among others, the granting of citizenship and Venezuelan identity card in accordance with the Geneva Agreement and international law, consequently incorporating said state on the map of Venezuelan territory?”

Given that for over 60 years, successive governments of Venezuela have carried out a propaganda policy of brainwashing their people to adopt the claim that Essequibo belongs to Venezuela in defiance of an 1899 International Arbitral Award, the question is framed to secure the electorate’s support as validation of the annexation of Essequibo.

Significantly, the questions for the referendum ignore entirely that there is an existing arbitral award since 1899 that establishes the boundaries between Venezuela and Guyana. Similarly,

the questions ignore the historical evidence that

makes no mention of the fact that, since 2018, there is a case before the highest legal court in the world, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), to settle the validity of the 1899 award.

The only reference to these proceedings is contained in question 3 of the referendum, which, prejudicially, poses the loaded question: “Do you agree with the historic position

of Guayana Essequiba?”

The Venezuelan authorities neglect to advise their electorate of Articles 92 and 93 of the Charter of the United Nations. Article 92 states, “The International Court of Justice shall be the principal judicial organ of the United Nations” and Article 93 declares, “All Members of the United Nations are ipso facto

background, it seems that the Venezuelan government is convinced that its chances of a favourable decision from the ICJ of its claims are very slim.

Therefore, it is moving to annexation, a blatant violation of the Charters of the UN and the Organization of American States.

Venezuela has reached this point after many efforts to scuttle the

Essequibo Region

Venezuela proclaimed the arbitral award and ratified it in their congress.

The referendum also

of Venezuela not to recognise the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice to resolve the controversy over the territory

parties to the Statute of the International Court of Justice.” Not to recognise the jurisdiction of the ICJ is tantamount to a repudiation of the UN Charter.

Moreover, the ICJ has already twice decided that it has jurisdiction to determine the validity of the 1899 award and the related land boundary between Venezuela and Guyana. The placing of the question in the referendum, in the manner in which it is framed, is a flagrant disregard for international law, the UN Charter and the ICJ. It is clear that this contrived referendum is designed to lead the Venezuelan electorate into giving cover for the government decision to ignore the ICJ proceedings and, instead, to take unilateral action to “incorporate” Essequibo into “the territory of Venezuela”.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) rightly responded to this situation by noting that “two of the questions approved to be posed in the Referendum, if answered in the affirmative, would authorise the government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to embark on the annexation of territory, which constitutes part of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, and to create a state within Venezuela known as Guyana Essequibo”.

Further, CARICOM reaffirmed that “international law strictly prohibits the government of one State from unilaterally seizing, annexing or incorporating the territory of another state. An affirmative vote as aforesaid opens the door to the possible violation of this fundamental tenet of international law.”

Against this

ICJ process, by asserting that the controversy with Guyana could be settled by dialogue and negotiation between the two states. In making this assertion, Venezuela ignores the 50 years of joint commissions, direct negotiations, and UN good offices mediation which all failed. It also ignores that the present ICJ process, which flowed directly from the 1966 Geneva Agreement in which both Venezuela and Guyana agreed, under Article IV (1), that the UN Secretary-General shall make the decision concerning “one of the means of settlement provided in Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations”. The SecretaryGeneral decided on the ICJ. And, Venezuela had every opportunity to participate actively in the proceedings even after it lost its legal arguments objecting to the Court’s jurisdiction.

Therefore, Venezuela’s call for dialogue and negotiation is another gambit to avoid the judicial means of settlement.

International law and the ICJ process are the legitimate and peaceful pathways to a definitive settlement of the land boundary.

Any attempt to unilaterally incorporate Essequibo into Venezuela as is promoted by the planned referendum, or any subsequent military action in furtherance of such a contrived referendum, will rightly be met by international odium, condemnation and action.

UÊ Responses and previous commentaries: www. sirronaldsanders.com The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US and the OAS. The views expressed are his own.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, October 30, 2023, PAGE 13

MATTHEW PERRY, Hurricane Otis death toll rises as EMMY-NOMINATED search and recovery work continues ‘Friends’ star, DEAD AT 54

ACTOR Matthew Perry who starred as Chandler Bing in the hit series “Friends,” has died. He was 54. The Emmy-nominated actor was found dead of an apparent drowning at his Los Angeles home on Saturday, according to the Los Angeles Times and celebrity website TMZ. Photo: Chris Weeks/AP Associated Press “FRIENDS” star Matthew Perry, the Emmy-nominated actor whose sarcastic, but lovable Chandler Bing was among television’s most famous and most quotable characters, has died at 54.

The actor was found dead at his Los Angeles home, according to coroner’s records. An investigation into how Perry died is ongoing, and it may take weeks before his cause of death is determined.

Perry’s body was found in a hot tub at his home, according to unnamed sources cited by the Los Angeles Times and celebrity website TMZ, which was the first to report the news. LAPD Officer Drake Madison told The Associated Press on Saturday that officers had gone to that block “for a death investigation of a male in his 50s.”

“This truly is The One Where Our Hearts Are Broken, “Friends” co-creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane, and executive producer Kevin Bright, said in a statement.

“We will always cherish the joy, the light, the blinding intelligence he brought to every moment - not just to his work, but in life as well. He was always the funniest person in the room. More than that, he was the sweetest, with a giving and selfless heart.”

Perry’s 10 seasons on “Friends” made him one of Hollywood’s most recognizable actors, starring opposite Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow and David Schwimmer as a friend group in New York.

As Chandler, he played the quick-witted, insecure and neurotic roommate of LeBlanc’s Joey and a close friend of Schwimmer’s Ross. During the show’s hijinks, he could be counted on to chime in with a line like “Could this BE any more awkward?” or another well-timed quip.

Perry was open about his long and public struggle with addiction, writing at the beginning of his 2022 million-selling memoir: “Hi, my name is Matthew, although you may know me by another name. My friends call me Matty. And I should be dead.”

“Friends” ran from 1994 until 2004, winning one best comedy series Emmy Award in 2002. The cast notably banded together for later seasons to obtain a salary of $1 million per episode for each.

Some of his “Friends” guest stars paid tribute on social media, posting photos, GIFS and bloopers from their favourite episodes.

“What a loss,” actress Maggie Wheeler, who played Perry’s on-again, off-again girlfriend Janice, wrote on Instagram. “The joy you brought to so many in your too short lifetime will live on.”

Actress Morgan Fairchild, who played Perry’s mother on the show, said the loss of a “brilliant young actor” was a shock.

“I’m heartbroken about the untimely death of my ‘son,’” she wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

By the “Friends” finale, Chandler is married to Cox’s Monica and they have a family, reflecting the journey of the core cast from single New Yorkers trying to figure their lives out to several of them married and starting families.

The series was one of television’s biggest hits and has taken on a new life — and found surprising popularity with younger fans — in recent years on streaming services.

Perry described reading the “Friends” script for the first time in his memoir, “Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing.”

“It was as if someone had followed me around for a year, stealing my jokes, copying my mannerisms, photocopying my world-weary yet witty view of life. One character in particular stood out to me: it wasn’t that I thought I could ‘play’ Chandler. I ‘was’ Chandler.”

Unknown at the time was the struggle Perry had with addiction and an intense desire to please audiences. “’Friends’ was huge. I couldn’t jeopardize that. I loved the script. I loved my co-actors. I loved the scripts. I loved everything about the show but I was struggling with my addictions which only added to my sense of shame,” he wrote in his memoir. “I had a secret and no one could know.”

“I felt like I was gonna die if the live audience didn’t laugh, and that’s not healthy for sure. But I could sometimes say a line and the audience wouldn’t laugh and I would sweat and sometimes go into convulsions,” Perry wrote. “If I didn’t get the laugh I was supposed to get I would freak out. I felt that every single night. This pressure left me in a bad place. I also knew of the six people making that show, only one of them was sick.”

He recalled in his memoir that Aniston confronted him about being inebriated while filming.

“I know you’re drinking,” he remembered her telling him once. “We can smell it,” she said, in what Perry called a “kind of weird but loving way, and the plural ‘we’ hit me like a sledgehammer.”

In the foreword to Perry’s memoir, Lisa Kudrow described him as “whip smart, charming, sweet, sensitive, very reasonable, and rational.” She added, “That guy, with everything he was battling, was still there.”

An HBO Max reunion special in 2021 was hosted by James Corden and fed into huge interest in seeing the cast together again, although the program consisted of the actors discussing the show and was not a continuation of their characters’ storylines.

Perry received one Emmy nomination for his “Friends” role and two more for appearances as an associate White House counsel on “The West Wing.”

Perry was born Aug. 19, 1969, in Williamstown, Massachusetts. His father is actor John Bennett Perry and his mother, Suzanne, served as press secretary of Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and is married to “Dateline” correspondent Keith Morrison.

DAMAGE is seen at a yacht club in the aftermath of Hurricane Otis in Acapulco, Mexico on Saturday.

ACAPULCO Associated Press AT LEAST 43 people died when Category 5 Hurricane Otis slammed into Mexico’s southern Pacific coast, the governor of hard-hit Guerrero said Sunday as the death toll continued to climb.

Gov. Evelyn Salgado said on X, the platform formerly called Twitter, that the number of missing also rose to 36 from 10 a day earlier.

That increase came after authorities had raised the toll to 39 on Saturday.

In Acapulco, families began to bury the dead on Sunday and continued the search for essentials while government workers and volunteers cleared streets clogged with muck and debris from the powerful Category 5 hurricane.

More resources were arriving as searchers recovered more bodies from Acapulco’s harbour and from beneath fallen trees and other storm debris.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said Saturday that his opponents are trying to inflate the toll to damage him politically, but with hundreds of families still awaiting word from loved ones it was likely to keep rising.

Otis roared ashore early Wednesday with devastating 165 mph (266 kph) winds after strengthening so rapidly that people had little time to prepare.

Kristian Vera stood on an Acapulco beach Saturday looking out toward dozens of sunken boats, including three of her own, all marked by floating buoys or just poking out of the water.

Despite losing her livelihood in Otis’ brutal pass through Mexico’s over Pacific coast, the 44-year-old fisher felt fortunate. Earlier in the day, she watched a body pulled from the water and saw families coming and going, looking for their loved ones.

Many people rode out on boats what had started as a tropical storm and in just 12 hours powered up into a catastrophic Category 5 hurricane.

Vera took turns with four others swimming out with empty gas jugs for flotation to try to raise their sunken boats from the shallow harbour.

Leaning against a small wooden fishing boat like her own, tipped on its side on a beach strewn with trash and fallen trees, she explained that some of the people who died were either fishermen caring for their boats or yacht

captains who were told by their owners that they needed to make sure their boats were OK when Otis was still a tropical storm.

“That night I was so worried because I live off of this, it’s how I feed my kids,” Vera said. “But when I began to feel how strong the wind was, I said, ‘Tomorrow I won’t have a boat, but God willing, Acapulco will see another day.’”

Military personnel and volunteers had worked along Acapulco’s main

tourist strip Saturday and Salgado announced Sunday that the boulevard had been cleared of debris.

But on the periphery of the city, neighbourhoods remained in ruins.

Salgado also said that the national electric company reported restoring power to 58% of homes and businesses in Acapulco and 21 water tankers were distributing water to outlying neighbourhoods.

Aid has been slow to arrive. The storm’s destruction cut off the city

Photo: Felix Marquez/AP of nearly 1 million people for the first day, and because Otis had intensified so quickly on Tuesday little to nothing had been staged in advance.

The military presence swelled to 15,000 in the area. López Obrador had called on the armed forces to set up checkpoints in the city to deter looting and robbery.

The federal civil defence agency tallied 220,000 homes that were damaged by the storm, he said.

SPORTS PAGE 15

MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2023

‘Honestly, getting the medal, I was really shocked’

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

L

amar Taylor, back in university as he prepares for the collegiate and World Championships and Olympic year, said he was “shocked” when he touched the wall for the Bahamas’ first swimming medal ever (for men) at the Pan American Games.

Taylor, one of seven members on the athletic team at the games being held in Santiago, Chile, clocked 22.13 seconds to pick up the bronze medal in the men’s 50m A final behind the American duo of Davis Curtiss (21.85) and Jonathan Kulow (21.90) during the swimming competition last week.

The time surpassed his previous Bahamas national record of 22.26 that he established at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan in July, but it was just shy of the qualifying standard of 22.07 for the Olympic Games in Paris, France in August.

As he reflected on his performance after he left for the games for Henderson State University in Arkansas, the Grand Bahamian native, now in his senior year, said he was quite thrilled by his performances.

“I was really happy with my times. I felt a little short in some events, but where I’m at in my training block, I would say that my swimming went extremely well,” Taylor said. “Honestly, getting the medal, I was really

shocked. I didn’t expect to win a medal at all.

“This meet was just a feel around for me, just to get some long course times in and to PR (produce personal best times).

I jokingly said ‘oh, I have a really good chance to medal because the shape that I was in, it wasn’t my best shape.”

As the day approached and the race got started, Taylor said he noticed that his kick had a little chop in it, especially my 100m free, so during the warm up, he was just trying to focus on it so he could get a steady kick during the race.

“I did a lot of that in the water where I was doing a lot of fast kicks so I could really get my legs moving,” he stated.

Stacked against a quality field of top-notch competitors added to the burden, but Taylor didn’t let it get to him. “There were a lot of fast swimmers, a lot of great guys and a lot of high talent, so the competition was there,” said Taylor, who noted that he made a lot of new friends and renewed some old rivalries.

Having had a chance to compete in other international meets, including the World Championships and the Commonwealth Games, really gave Taylor the impetus to believe that he had a slight chance of succeeding.

“The difference in this meet as opposed to the other international meets is that I had the opportunity to come back for a second swim,” Taylor said. “At Worlds, I swam extremely well and PRed, but I was shy of a second swim.

MAKING WAVES - Swimmer Lamar Taylor with his bronze medal in the men’s 50-metres freestyle at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023.

“I’m a better swimmer at night because I tend to make a lot of mistakes in the morning and I get a chance to watch the race and hopefully correct the mistake at night. So to have a second swim really helped me a lot.”

Although there’s cause for celebration, being the trendsetter as a medallist at the games, Taylor said he didn’t have time to enjoy the moment, but he will savour it for the rest of his life as he continues to add to his accolades.

“Hopefully, I’m allowed to swim at the World

Championships. I know it’s an Olympic year and the NCAA is going on at the same time, but I hope they allow the college athletes to compete at Worlds,” he said.

Back at school where he is trained by Scotty Serio, Taylor said his coach already started to make a framework for the Olympics.

And even though he’s looking forward to coming home and three-peating in his specialties at the Bahamas Aquatics’ Nationals at the refurbished Betty Kelly Kenning Aquatic Center,

he’s not going to let it deter him from his ultimate goal.

“I want to improve on my long course season, improving my times, getting my A cuts because I want to be able to at least make the semifinal or final at the Olympics next year,” said Taylor of the Olympics to be staged in Paris, France.

It was the second national record at the meet for the 20-year-old Taylor, who clinched another feat in the 100m back in 56.39 for 13th place overall as he improved on his previous time of 56.47 at the Bahamas Aquatics’ Nationals in June. He was also 16th in the men’s 100m freestyle.

“It was great to break my own record and make it a little harder for the younger swimmers coming behind me,” he said.

“I just want to make sure that they have something to work for.”

During the games, Taylor also got a chance to compete in a pair of 4 x 100m relays with compatriots Zaylie Thompson, Katelyn Cabral and Luke Thompson (mixed freestyle) and Mark-Anthony Thompson, Emmanuel Gadson and Luke Thompson (men’s medley) with both teams ending up in 11th place overall.

“The team in Chile was great. I had a lot of fun competing with them,” he said. “I always enjoy spending time with my fellow Bahamians. I always love it when I get a chance to go away with them and spend time with them.”

Hopefully, he can do it all over again next year at the Olympics.

Jonquel, Page 20

ELITE GIRLS BASKETBALL LEAGUE HEATS UP

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net THE action is starting to heat up in the Elite Girls Basketball League.

The league, which got started three weeks ago to provide more opportunities for the local high school girls, had an interesting slate of games played inside the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium between the six participating teams.

The Lucayan Aces, coached by Tamaro Butler, split their games, but head coach Butler said he was still pleased with what he saw from his players.

“We’ve been progressing. That’s the purpose of the tournament to get these girls to play,” Butler said.

“It’s a good thing that they are doing, to get these girls to play a lot more.

“You can practice all day, but it’s when they can go out there and execute what they’re learned in practice and then come back and correct the things that they didn’t do right. So this is a good thing.”

Butler said there are a number of areas that he was able to analyse where his team is at and when they return, they will be a lot better after ironing out some things in practice.

St Augustine’s College head coach Annie Moultrie said their Chi-Town team lived up to their potential.

She also coached the Seattle Storm team, which had a little more work to do.

“I’m thankful to Mr Turnquest for having this league,” Moultrie said. “It’s all about the development of women’s basketball at the same time, so I am truly grateful that these girls will get the opportunity to play a lot more games.”

In one of the games, Moultrie had her two teams playing against each other.

She took the opportunity to give some instructions to the more developed ChiTown team, while she sat on the bench coaching the

SEE PAGE 18

Bahamas Scholastic Athletic JAYSON ‘JAY SHRED’ MAKES A Association Cross Country JOHNSON NAME FOR HIMSELF Championships ‘a success’ AT ARNOLD CLASSIC

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

AFTER the closure of Fort Charlotte, the Bahamas Scholastic Athletic Association moved their cross country championships to Goodman’s Bay where the competition was bigger and better on Saturday.

The difference was the fact that not only members of the small schools association participated, but they were able to welcome a number of schools from the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association.

Hopefully, with the growth they’ve seen this year, organisers are looking forward to the inclusion of the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools (private schools) next year.

“I think this year’s event was a really good success,”

FIRST Bahamian double pro card recipient Jayson ‘Jay Shred’ Johnson added another feather to his cap when he competed in the IFBB Elite Pro World Championships at the 2023 Arnold Classic Europe & Fitness Sports Games, The championships, held from October 11-13, was a part of the multi-sport event with the presence of more than 50 sports in Madrid, Spain, which hosted the first five editions in Europe from 2011-2016.

The Arnold Classic, created in 1989 by Arnold Schwarzenegger and James J. Lorimer in the United States, moved to Europe in 2009 with its first edition held in Madrid before the baton was passed to Barcelona in 2016 where it remained until 2020. In 2021 and 2022, it was held

UNDER-7 girls winners in the in the Bahamas Scholastic Athletic Association cross country championships at Goodman’s Bay on Saturday. said Keno Demeritte, the meet director. “We could have more schools in the BSAA, but we have a lot

of schools from the government schools and clubs.

“It was really exciting for the kids, having the

experience of running on the sand and on the grass.

SEE PAGE 16

JAYSON JOHNSON in Seville before returning to Madrid.

Johnson, the only Bahamian to compete in the classic, participated in the men’s pro physique category where he ended up in the top 10 out of 25 competitors.

Only the top five competitors were recognised for their accomplishments.

SEE PAGE 18

PAGE 16, Monday, October 30, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

BAHAMAS SCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS AT GOODMAN’S BAY

ON THE MEDAL PODIUM - OPEN boys winners in the Bahamas Scholastic Athletic Association cross country championships at Goodman’s Bay on Saturday.

CROSS COUNTRY FROM PAGE 15

They got to run on a different terrain, so it was really exciting. I only expect it to get better next year.

Hopefully, we can continue to use this course here.`` Kirk Greene, the BSAA first vice president, said they have been hosting their cross-country championship for the past nine years and every year they try to do something different.

“Initially when we started, we wanted to do something just for our schools,” he said. “Then when we opened our other events to the GSSSA and the BAISS, we invited those schools and the local track clubs to get involved.

We want to thank Keno Demeritte as the technical person for track and field.

He got some of the other schools to get involved.”

As for the competition, Latahi Moxey brought the curtains down on the championships with his victory in the open boys one-mile race in 10 minutes and five seconds.

“I pushed my way through it and kept on going,” said Moxey, who came off a second-place finish in the University of the Bahamas’ cross country a few weeks ago. “The competition was good. I like competing in long distance races, so I knew I would do well.”

Steven Joseph, a former student of CI Gibson now at Noble Preparatory Academy, came in second in 11.02.

“I just came out here to put the school on the map,” said Joseph, who converted from a runner to a basketball player for the Rattlers’ senior boy’s basketball team. “I felt I could have done better, but things happen. I will get them next time.”

Danielle Heastie ran away with the open girls’ title in 12.14, well ahead of second place finisher Rebecca Smith of Noble Preparatory Academy in 13.27 and Keyon Rolle of RM Bailey in 17.58.

“I felt like I did my best,” said Heastie, who is competing in her final year for Windsor Academy. “The competition was really nice because all of the athletes are training to compete in the upcoming track and field season, so you have to be ready.”

The competition was also keenly contested with Angeleah Knowles, a versatile athlete representing the Sea Wave Triathlon, said she’s happy with her second place behind RM Bailey’s champion Bernechia Nelson. Knowles, however, just wants to compete in more events to display her talent in her final year at Windsor Academy.

Dario Butterfield, a 14-year-old, rebounded from second place to win the under-15 division.

“This year I came stronger because I wanted to win,” Butterfield said.

“The guy who was behind me really pushed me because I decided I didn’t want to come second again this year.”

WINNING WAYS - The various divisional winners (win the Bahamas Scholastic Athletic Association cross country championships.

Divisional winners are as follows: Girls under-7 (800m) Riley Munroe, X-Treme;

Anna-Arya Knowles, X-Treme; Shadnae Gibson, X-Treme.

Boys under-7 (800m) Landon, X-Treme; Kamaro

Hunt, X-Treme; Omauon Oliver,X-Treme.

Girls under-9 (800m) - Queen Severe, Teleos Christian; Gianni Fernander, X-Treme; Casey Smith, X-Treme.

Boys under-9 (800m) Clinton Brown, X-Treme; Antionne Rolle, X-Treme; Ethan Bradshaw, X-Treme.

Girls under-11 (1,200m) - Rayen Munroe, X-Treme; Kehligha Miller, X-Treme; Autumn Newbold, X-Treme.

Boys under-11 (1,200m) Luden Knowles, X-Treme; Anthony Knowles, Sea Wave Triathlon; Samuel Patter, X-Treme.

Girls under-13 (1,200m) - Paris Armbrister, CH Reeves; Fredricka Anguste, CH Reeves; Keturah Watson, CH Reeves.

Boys under-13 (1,200m) - Travon Moncur, CH Reeves; Tron Turner, Sea Wave Triathlon; Matherew Derius, CH Reeves.

Girls under-15 (one mile) - Nevaeh Mackey, C.H Reeves; Lendrea Davis, CH Reeves; Brendia Barrette, CH Reeves.

Boys under-15 (one mile) - Dario Butterfield, Noble Preparatory Academy; Densel Clarke, CH Reeves;Yahshua Dementle, CH Reeves.

Girls under-17 (one mile) - Bernechia Nelson, RM Bailey; Angeleah Knowles, Sea Waves Triathlon; Kaechan Munroe, X-Treme.

Boys under-17 (one mile) - Christopher Edwards, C I Gibson; Brian Burrows, CR Walker; Keyon Rolle, RM Bailey.

Open Girls (one mile) - Danielle Heastie, Sea Wave Triathlon; Rebecca Smith, Noble Preparatory Academy; Tashanae Bernard, Noble Preparatory Academy.

Open Boys (one mile) Lataji Moxey, RM Bailey; Steven Joseph, Noble Preparatory Academy; #108.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, October 5, 2023, PAGE 17

Vikings beat Packers 24-10 DOLPHINS GET 31-17 but lose Cousins to possible WIN OVER PATRIOTS Achilles tendon injury GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Kirk Cousins threw a pair of touchdown passes before leaving with what the Vikings fear is an Achilles tendon injury, and Minnesota beat the slumping Green Bay Packers 24-10 yesterday.

Cousins walked gingerly to the sideline after getting sacked on consecutive plays during a series that ended with Green Bay’s Karl Brooks blocking Greg Joseph’s 44-yard fieldgoal attempt. Jaren Hall, a rookie fifth-round pick from BYU, took over for the rest of the game.

This was the first Packers-Vikings matchup since 2006 in which both teams entered the game with losing records, but Minnesota (4-4) got back to .500 with its third straight victory.

Cousins, who went 23 of 31 for 274 yards, has never missed a game because of injury in his 12-year career.

Minnesota’s T.J. Hockenson and Jordan Addison had touchdown receptions less than two minutes apart early in the third quarter. Cam Akers gave the Vikings their first TD run of the season in the first quarter.

The Packers (2-5) started slowly again and lost their fourth straight. Green Bay has been outscored 73-9 in the first half of its past five games and trailed 24-3 in this one before Jordan Love connected with Romeo Doubs for a 1-yard touchdown on fourth down late in the third quarter. Jordan Love went 24 of 41 for 229 yards and threw one interception.

BRONCOS 24, CHIEFS 9 DENVER (AP) — Russell Wilson threw three touchdown passes, Justin Simmons had two of Denver’s five takeaways, and the Broncos stymied an ill Patrick Mahomes in snapping their 16-game losing streak to Kansas City.

The Broncos (3-5) handed Mahomes his first AFC West road loss, beating Kansas City’s quarterback for the first time in 13 tries.

Denver made a 14-9 halftime lead hold up by controlling the clock and keeping Mahomes and Travis Kelce cooling their cleats on the sideline in the second half. Kansas City (6-2) had just three secondhalf possessions before getting the ball back for one meaningless snap at the end.

The Chiefs punted, muffed a punt that led to a touchdown, turned it over on downs and lost the ball on an interception in the second half.

The Broncos came in averaging 22 carries per game, next to last in the league, but on a bitterly cold day they ran it 40 times for 153 yards and threw it just 19 times.

Javonte Williams led the way with 85 yards on 27 carries and added three receptions for 13 yards and a touchdown. Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton also caught TD passes for the Broncos, who won backto-back games for the first time since Weeks 2-3 of last season.

BENGALS 31, 49ERS 17 SANTA CLARA, Calif.

(AP) — Joe Burrow threw three touchdown passes, Cincinnati intercepted Brock Purdy on back-toback passes in the second half, and the Bengals beat San Francisco for their fourth win in five games.

After being hampered early in the season by a calf injury, Burrow came out of the bye week looking like his old self for the Bengals (4-3).

He managed to escape a sack attempt on a TD drive in the first quarter, had two long runs and was sharp all game throwing the ball against the 49ers (5-3), who lost their third straight game. Burrow went 28 for 32 for 283 yards and ran for 43 more against a Niners

defence that has uncharacteristically struggled in recent weeks.

Burrw helped Cincinnati take control of the game early in the fourth quarter after Logan Wilson intercepted a pass from Purdy.

The Bengals struck on the next play when Burrow lofted a 17-yard TD pass to Ja’Marr Chase to make it 24-10.

Purdy has five interceptions in the past three games after having none in the first five. He threw for 365 yards and had a TD pass to Christian McCaffrey on the drive after his backto-back interceptions.

COWBOYS 43, RAMS 20 ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Dak Prescott threw two of his four touchdown passes to CeeDee Lamb, DaRon Bland recorded his NFL-leading third interception return for a score, and Dallas beat Los Angeles.

Lamb had career highs with 12 catches for 158 yards, including another personal best with 122 yards before halftime.

Sam Williams blocked a punt for a safety before KaVontae Turpin returned the ensuing punt 63 yards to set up Lamb’s first TD grab, helping the Cowboys (5-2) to a 33-3 lead late in the first half.

Prescott finished the first half 17 of 21 for 225 yards.

He ended up with his first 300-yard game of the season (25 of 31 for 304 yards with an interception).

Dallas won its 11th straight home game, matching the club’s longest since an 11-game run at Texas Stadium in 1991-92.

Matthew Stafford had a rough day for the Rams (3-5). The former Dallas high school standout injured a thumb on a failed 2-point conversion pass, and ended up with a bloody elbow after he caught a 2-point throw from Tutu Atwell.

Stafford finished 13 of 22 for 162 yards, one touchdown and the pick to Bland, who had an easy 30-yard return of a ball that was thrown behind Cooper Kupp to make it 17-3 in the first quarter.

EAGLES 38, COMMANDERS 31 LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Jalen Hurts threw for four touchdowns while gutting through a knee injury, A.J. Brown had 130 yards receiving, and Philadelphia beat Washington to move to 7-1.

Hurts was limping and reluctant to run because of his gimpy left knee, but that didn’t stop him from completing 29 of 38 passes for 319 yards and the TD passes to Brown twice, DeVonta Smith and Julio Jones. Before kneeling twice to end the game, he had 7 yards rushing on two attempts — his fewest since Dec. 26, 2021.

One of those rushes was a “tush push” attempt when Hurts fumbled at the Washington 1-yard line, one of two Philadelphia turnovers inside the 5. Kenneth Gainwell lost a fumble at the 4 in the first half.

Brown became the first player in NFL history with 125-plus yards receiving in six consecutive games.

After allowing Sam Howell to complete 24 passes in the first half, Philadelphia’s defence responded down the stretch. Reed Blankenship intercepted Howell in the fourth quarter, and Haason Reddick sacked him with just over two minutes left — the Eagles’ first of the game — to set the stage for D’Andre Swift’s TD run.

Washington (3-5) lost for a fifth time in six games despite Howell throwing for a career-high 397 yards and four TDs behind a revamped offensive line.

JETS 13, GIANTS 10, OT EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Greg Zuerlein kicked a 35-yard field goal on the final play of regulation and converted a 33-yarder with 6:09 left in overtime, and the Jets

VIKINGS quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) is helped off the field after going down with an injury in the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers yesterday.

(Anthony Souffle/Star Tribune via AP) rallied to beat their New York rivals.

The Jets (4-3) moved 46 yards in six plays with the game-winning kick set up by a pass interference penalty against Adoree Jackson that gave them a first down at the 15. Zuerlein came out immediately and put his kick just inside the left upright for the Jets’ third straight win.

The Giants (2-6) gave up the tying field goal by allowing the Jets to move 58 yards in four plays without a timeout in the final 24 seconds. Zach Wilson hit Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard on consecutive 29-yard passes, allowing the Jets to spike the ball with 1 second to play.

Practice squad quarterback Tommy DeVito, who took over for an injured Tyrod Taylor (ribs) in the second quarter, gave the Giants a 10-7 lead with a 6-yard run to cap a 75-yard drive on the opening possession of the second half.

Saquon Barkley finished with 128 yards on 36 carries, but the Giants finished with minus-9 net yards passing, the fewest in a game since the Browns had minus-9 against the Jaguars on Dec. 3, 2000.

Wilson was 17 of 36 for 240 yards. Garrett Wilson had seven catches for 100 yards.

Kayvon Thibodeaux had three sacks for the Giants.

SEAHAWKS 24, BROWNS 20 SEATTLE (AP) — Geno Smith threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba with 38 seconds left, and Seattle rallied past Cleveland after blowing an early 14-point lead.

After struggling for long stretches against the best defense in the NFL, Smith was sensational on Seattle’s final drive. He connected on 4 of 5 passes, the last of which was a quick screen to Smith-Njigba, who got a block from DK Metcalf to spring him for the touchdown.

Seattle (5-2) gave itself a chance when Julian Love intercepted Cleveland quarterback P.J. Walker on a deflected pass near midfield with 1:57 remaining.

Smith finished 23 of 37 for 254 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Smith’s first pick came at the end of the first half with Seattle in position to get points, and he also took a sack from Myles Garrett midway through the fourth quarter that knocked Seattle out of field goal range while trailing 20-17.

Wide receiver Jake Bobo rushed for a 3-yard touchdown and Smith threw a 12-yard touchdown to Tyler Lockett as Seattle took a 14-0 lead less than 10 minutes into the game. Then the Seahawks’ offence came to a stop for most of the final three quarters.

Walker, making his second start for the injured Deshaun Watson, was 15 of 31 for 248 yards and threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to David Njoku in the first quarter. The Browns (4-3) saw their two-game winning streak end.

TITANS 28, FALCONS 23 NASHVILLE, Tenn.

(AP) — Rookie Will Levis

threw for 238 yards and four touchdowns in his NFL debut, and Tennessee scored its most points since 2021 in beating Atlanta.

Levis became the seventh rookie quarterback to start this season, the most rookies to start in the first eight weeks since the NFL merger, excluding the 1987 strike season. Levis joined Marcus Mariota (2015) as the only quarterbacks to throw at least four TD passes in their NFL debuts — both for the Titans — since the merger in 1970.

Two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons had two of Tennessee’s six sacks, including a strip-sack of Desmond Ridder that the Titans (3-4) turned into a touchdown.

Harold Landry had two sacks as well.

DeAndre Hopkins had three TD catches to match his career high and finished with 128 yards on four receptions. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine caught Levis’ fourth TD pass, a 33-yarder in the fourth quarter. Derrick Henry ran for 101 yards.

The Falcons (4-4) have lost two of their past three, dropped to 1-3 on the road and fell into a first-place tie with New Orleans in the NFC South.

Ridder was evaluated for a concussion and cleared after throwing for 71 yards in the first half. The Falcons switched to Taylor Heinicke in the third quarter. He finished with 175 yards passing and drove Atlanta to points on four of his first five possessions. He pulled Atlanta within 28-23 with 3:46 left with an 8-yard TD pass to Scotty Miller.

The Falcons got the ball back with 2:19 left and no timeouts but turned it over on downs.

JAGUARS 20, STEELERS 10 PITTSBURGH (AP) — Trevor Lawrence threw for 292 yards with a touchdown and an interception, and Jacksonville beat Pittsburgh for its fifth straight victory.

The Jaguars (6-2) strengthened their hold on the AFC South behind a defence that kept Pittsburgh’s erratic offence in check and more than enough offence to overcome mistakes that let the Steelers (4-3) hang around well into the second half.

Lawrence broke it open with a 56-yard strike to a streaking Travis Etienne with 5:14 left in the third quarter that helped Jacksonville build a 14-point lead. The Jaguars won at Acrisure Stadium for the sixth time in their last seven trips.

Etienne ran for 79 yards and caught three passes for 70 yards and the score, a play in which he streaked past rookie cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and raced to the end zone. Evan Engram hauled in 10 receptions for 88 yards as Jacksonville heads into its bye week.

Pittsburgh played the second half without quarterback Kenny Pickett, who exited late in the first half with a rib injury after getting drilled by defensive end Adam Gotsis. Mitch Trubisky came on and threw for 139 yards, including a 22-yard touchdown

pass to George Pickens late in the third quarter, but he was also intercepted twice.

PANTHERS 15, TEXANS 13 CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Bryce Young outdueled C.J. Stroud in a battle of the NFL’s top two draft picks, and Eddy Pineiro made a 23-yard field goal as time expired to give Carolina its first win of the season.

Young, the No. 1 overall pick, threw for 235 yards and a touchdown. He led a winning 15-play, 86-yard drive that took more than six minutes and helped the Panthers (1-6) snap a 56-game losing streak in games they trailed at any point during the fourth quarter, the longest in NFL since at least 1991.

Carolina’s last fourthquarter comeback win was October 21, 2018, against Philadelphia.

Stroud, the second overall pick, was 16 of 24 for 140 yards and ran for a touchdown for Houston (3-4).

Young overcame six sacks and three drops by his wide receivers. He had his two longest completions of the season — 40 and 31 yards.

Adam Thielen had eight catches for 72 yards for Carolina. Tommy Tremble caught a touchdown pass for the second straight game as the Panthers won in their first game with offensive coordinator Thomas Brown as play-caller.

RAVENS 31, CARDINALS 24 GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Gus Edwards ran for two of his three touchdowns following interceptions by Baltimore’s stout defence, and the Ravens beat Arizona.

A week after blowing out Detroit 38-6, the AFC North-leading Ravens (6-2) labored offensively.

The Cardinals (1-7) prevented Lamar Jackson from scrambling for more than a few yards at a time and the Ravens finished with 268 total yards. Jackson threw for 157 yards on 18-of-27 passing and ran for 18 yards on four carries.

Baltimore’s defence made up for its struggling offence.

The Ravens harassed quarterback Joshua Dobbs all afternoon, forcing two interceptions and a fumble.

Dobbs threw for 182 yards and two touchdowns, the second a 1-yard score to Marquise Brown with 1:14 left.

Arizona recovered the onside kick and Matt Prater kicked a 47-yard field goal, but the Cardinals couldn’t come up with another onside kick and lost their fifth straight.

SAINTS 38, COLTS 27 INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Derek Carr threw for 310 yards and two touchdowns in a bounce-back performance, Taysom Hill and Alvin Kamara scored two TDs apiece, and New Orleans beat Indianapolis.

The Saints (4-4) snapped a two-game skid with their fifth consecutive win in the series — a streak that began with their lone Super Bowl victory after the 2009 season — and moved into a share of the NFC South lead with Atlanta.

Carr, who spent this week answering questions about scolding teammates on the sideline and shouting at offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael, had a strong performance against Indy’s young, battered secondary.

He went 19 of 27 without an interception.

Rashid Shaheed caught three passes for a careerbest 153 yards and one TD, and for the second time this year, he helped seal the win with a long third-down catch in the final minutes.

Indy (3-5) has lost three straight and four of its five home games. Jonathan Taylor rushed for 95 yards, and Zack Moss added 66 yards rushing and a touchdown.

Gardner Minshew went 23 of 41 for 213 yards, with two TDs and one interception.

By ALANIS THAMES AP Sports Writer MIAMI GARDENS, Florida (AP) — Tua Tagovailoa has never lost to New England coach Bill Belichick.

The Miami Dolphins’ quarterback still considers the division rival Patriots one of the toughest opponents to beat.

Tagovailoa moved to 6-0 in his career against Belichick, throwing for 324 yards, three touchdowns and an interception in the Dolphins’ 31-17 win over the Patriots yesterday.

“If you look at a lot of the games, none of them were runaway games,” Tagovailoa said. “To me, those are always tough games. If you turn the ball over the way I have, it makes it a tough game, and you keep those guys in the game.”

Miami won for the 16th time in its past 18 home games and swept the Patriots. The Dolphins, 6-2 for the first time since 2001, have a one-game lead over Buffalo in the AFC East.

Tagovailoa completed 30 of 45 passes and moved his league-leading yardage total to 2,416.

Jaylen Waddle had seven catches for 121 yards and a touchdown, and Tyreek Hill had eight receptions for 112 yards and a score, becoming the first player in the Super Bowl era to top 1,000 receiving yards through eight games.

“You get a great litmus test of where you’re at as a football team when you have a division game, and then on top of that you’re going overseas the next week,” coach Mike McDaniel said, “and on top of that you have ‘Hard Knocks’ the week after. That is leading the league in potential distractions. So I knew we were going to find out a lot about our team today.”

Mac Jones had another uneven day for the Patriots (2-6), throwing for 161 yards on 19-of-29 passing with two touchdowns and one interception.

“We all need to play better,” Belichick said.

“We all just need to coach and play better.”

The Patriots trailed 24-10 midway through the fourth quarter when they drove inside the Miami 3 and scored on fourth down. Jones connected with JuJu Smith-Schuster for the receiver’s first touchdown this season to get the Patriots within seven.

The Dolphins responded with a 10-play, 75-yard drive, and Waddle waltzed into the end zone for an easy 31-yard score.

Smith-Schuster made a hard hit on Dolphins safety Brandon Jones on the Patriots’ final drive as Jones was attempting to come down with an interception. The play resulted in a brief skirmish between the teams near the Patriots’ sideline before Miami ran out the clock.

Jalen Ramsey shined in his Dolphins debut.

Ramsey intercepted Jones on a pass intended for Kendrick Bourne and returned it 49 yards in the second quarter.

He missed the first seven games of the season after having surgery in July to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee.

UP NEXT Patriots: Host Washington next Sunday.

Dolphins: Face Kansas City next Sunday.

TO ADVERTISE TODAY IN THE TRIBUNE CALL @ 502-2394

PAGE 18, Monday, October 30, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

76ers beat Deandre Ayton and winless Trail Blazers

By DAN GELSTON AP Sports Writer PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Joel Embiid closed his final stat line in the third quarter. The numbers in the NBA MVP’s home debut: 35 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists, six blocked shots. Oh, and four WWEstyle crotch chops that sent the crowd into a frenzy at the home opener.

“Now and then, I might kind of lose myself,” Embiid said, laughing.

“That’s a just a different me.”

Embiid dominated from tipoff, Tyrese Maxey added 26 points and 10 boards, and James Harden watched it all from Philadelphia’s bench in the 76ers’ 126-98 win over the Portland Trail Blazers last night.

Shaedon Sharpe led winless Portland (0-3) with 20 points and Malcom Brogdon had 18. Deandre Ayton contributed seven points, two steals, two assists, nine rebounds and a blocked shot in 21 minutes.

Harden yanked his yellow hood over his head and laughed at times with his teammates -- notably P.J. Tucker -- as he sat out a third straight game.

The official listed reason: return to competition reconditioning.

Harden has practiced off and on with the Sixers and participated in Sunday’s film session and walkthrough.

But his trade demand lingers over the organisation and there’s no telling when it will be resolved.

Harden had a quick highlight or two in the pregame hype video, though the 10-time All-Star was otherwise not acknowledged by the Sixers.

Embiid said it wasn’t awkward having Harden on the bench but limited his interactions with the sidelined star.

“When I’m playing, I’m always focused on the game,” Embiid said.

Embiid’s status for the home opener also was in doubt after an early morning arrival from Canada following Saturday night’s victory over the Raptors.

The 76ers flirted with resting Embiid.

Portland would have gladly signed up that option.

Embiid said there was “no chance” he would sit out the opener.

“Third game of the season, home opener, love playing in front of the fans, especially in Philly,” Embiid said. “I don’t think I would have missed the first game of the season in Philly.”

Embiid instead was fired up, no doubt galvanised by the “MVP! MVP!” chants that echoed throughout the Wells Fargo Center.

The calls from 20,000 fans each night for Embiid to win the award was spoken into existence last season.

He was voted NBA MVP -- that was Harden who bear-hugged Embiid when his name was called -- and won his second straight league scoring title.

Embiid and 76ers were also bounced from the second round and that ugly exit sparked an offseason of upheaval. Nick Nurse took over as coach for the fired Doc Rivers. Harden later demanded a trade, called team president Daryl Morey a liar, and was a late arrival for training camp.

Embiid always gives Philly a glimmer of hope.

De’Anthony Melton heaved a pass from free throw line to free throw line that Embiid caught and drove to the bucket for a finger-roll layup and a 93-71 lead. Embiid then mimicked a crude Degeneration X chop, a throwback show of emotion from the All-Star who has tried to temper in his in-game antics in recent seasons.

“Sometimes I think a lot of people see it as, I might not be as interested because I’m not the old Joel that I used to be at getting into it with the crowd and raising my hands all the time,” Embiid said. “But that doesn’t mean that I’m not as focused or I’m not interested, I don’t have the same passion. The passion is different.”

The Embiid-Maxey twoman game clicked from tipoff and could go a long

PHILADELPHIA 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey, centre, shoots against Portland Trail Blazers’ Deandre Ayton, right, during the second half of an NBA basketball game yesterday in Philadelphia.

(AP Photo/Chris Szagola) way toward easing the potential loss of Harden.

Maxey scored 10 fast points in the first quarter and made all 10 free throws overall.

“He’s the straw that stirs the drink here,” Portland

coach Chauncey Billups said.

“Embiid is the guy. He’s the man. He’s the MVP. But I think Tyrese makes this team go.

“They feed off his toughness, his energy, his speed.

ELITE GIRLS

FROM PAGE 15 Storm team. “I sat with the younger team to work with them,” she said.

“I gave the older team their instruments and just allowed them to play. But at the same time, I still got to scrutinise what they both did and they both got it from me when they messed up.”

Abel Joseph, one of the coaches of the Elite Basketball Club, said they couldn’t ask for anything more from their Storm, Mercury and Liberty teams that he and organiser Ryan Turnquest coached.

“I think the league is going good so far. It’s a work in progress and I have no problems assisting the young girls,” Joseph said.

“When Ryan called me to assist, I was ready. I think this is going to be a big thing in the future. We have a bunch of young talent to work with.”

Turnquest said the tournament is now stacked with six teams, having added a younger team of girls to participate this week.

“This is a development league and over the next few weeks we will continue to provide the opportunity for them to play and get to see what level they are at,” Turnquest said.

THE action is starting to heat up in the Elite Girls Basketball League. The league, which got started three weeks ago to provide more opportunities for the local high school girls, had an interesting slate of games played inside the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium between the six participating teams.

Photo: Dante Carrer He noted that there will be no action this weekend, but the competition will resume over the weekend of November 11-12.

At this time, they will engage in the opening of the New Providence Basketball Association where their affiliate Discount

Distributors Rockets will be participating.

Results of games played: CI Gibson Sparks 40, Lucayan Aces 10: Jada Francis led a balanced attack with 17 points; Vincinique Dames and Dominique Rolle both added seven and Darinique

Mackey contributed six and Sterva Fenelus finished with four in their lopsided win. Sanni Nixon and Tayla Smith scored five and four points respectively in the loss.

Elite Mercury 34, SAC Chi-Town 33: Teanna Gibson exploded for 20 and

Geraniqua Bethel chipped in with 10. Naveah Albury had 17 and Dor-Rae Scott helped out with nine, but it wasn’t enough for the losers.

Lucayans Aces 27, Elite Storm 6: Tayler Smith’s eight and Michalaya Joseph’s six were good

Just his spirit. I think he is the guy here.”

UP NEXT Trail Blazers: Visit Toronto tonight.

76ers: Host Toronto on Thursday.

enough to pull off the win.

Frantesia Newbold was the bright spot for the losers with three.

Elite Mercury 25, CI Gibson Sparks 24: Geraniqua Bethel canned 17 and Shararia Cummings came up with seven to lead the winners.

In the loss, Jada Francis powered through for 12 and Dominiqua Rolle added eight, but they fell short.

Elite Liberty 39, Lucayans Aces 26: The 1-2 punch from Shennell Stewart with 17 and Ricarra Beadle with 14 helped to secure the win.

Sanni Nixon had nine and both Andica Curtis and Tayler Smith chipped in with five in a losing effort, SAC Chi-Town 36, Elite Storm 12: Naveah Albury led the way with 16, Azzaria Marshall had six and DiorRae Scott followed with five in the win.

Faith Burns had five in the loss.

Elite Liberty 38, Elite Mercury 23: Both Reyamah Greene and Ricanna Beadle produced 10 points apiece to pave the way for the winners. Teanna Gibson also had 10 and Gereniqua Bethel eight in the loss.

Elite Liberty 44, Elite Storm 17: Ricanna Beadle came through with 20 and Kanisha Capron finished with seven in the win.

Frantesia Newbold had six, Katre Moss four and Kiara Knowles three in the loss.

“I’m just really getting Fashion (WBFF) show at “I felt I was in my ele“I just want to continue him as the assistant coach JAYSON into the sport, so it was a the International Pro Show ment competing against to learn and grow as I bring for the Bahamas national experience for me to in May (2021) at the Atlan- the best in the world and a different package to each team that competed in the JOHNSON good see exactly where I’m at. tis resort on Paradise Island trying to put the Bahamas show I compete in.

Central American and Car-

FROM PAGE 15

Competing on his third pro show for the year, Johnson said he was thrilled to have been on stage at one of the most prestigious bodybuilding and fitness competitions in the world.

And even though he didn’t get a medal, he said the experience gained was more valuable.

“It gave me a good opportunity to see where I stand against some of the top athletes around the world,” Johnson said.

“I think this will really help me because when I go back next year, I hope to compete even better.

“But all in all, it was a good experience and a good test for me, competing for the first time at the Arnold Classic.”

Two years after he started competing in the sport in 2019, Johnson became the first Bahamian to earn two pro cards in two different organisations in 2021.

He got first one at the World Beauty and Fitness

before he went to Miami, Florida and picked up his International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB)) card in August (2021).

The 31-year-old fitness instructor said based on his performance and from the critique from the judges, he needs to work on developing his calves.

And improve on his hand movement during the competition.

“I felt really good,” he said of his level of competition.

on the map in the championship. So it was a good experience.”

As a relative newcomer to the pro ranks, competing against competitors who have years of experience under their belt, Johnson said he feels he’s “gifted” enough to match his talent against therm.

“I know that I will only get bigger and better knowing that I am giving these guys a run for their money,” he said. “I just want to continue what I love doing and that is bodybuilding.

“I do have one more show before the year is over, so I am working on getting ready for that.

“Hopefully what I learn from the Arnold Classic will help me to get better as I go.”

Although he’s been selftrained, Johnson said he appreciates the words of encouragement he continues to receive from Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation president Joel Stubbs.

Additionally, Johnson thanked Stubbs for naming

ibbean Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships in August.

During the championships, Johnson also represented the Bahamas in the fitness challenge where he placed fourth. It was the only event he could compete in as a pro.

Back home since his trip to Europe, Johnson is encouraging more persons to get involved in the sport and for those interested they can contact ‘Jay Shred’ at 432-5165 for more information.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, October 30, 2023, PAGE 19

Webster looking ahead to college

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net WHEN former Bahamian basketball player turned coach Cedricka Sweeting-Badmus recruited Adena Webster during the COVID-19 pandemic, she knew that she was getting a player who could make the transition from the Bahamas to the United States.

That transition was made possible by Webster, who decided that instead of carrying jugs of water to survive, she decided to start playing basketball to get out of the trenches alive.

“I remember bouncing a basketball at an early age and it was natural for me,” Webster said. “God has truly blessed me with a gift and I used it to navigate my life in a positive way.”

Webster, the 17-year-old daughter of Dino Webster and Rose Hamilton, is a 5-foot, 7-inch guard who currently attends Schoolhouse Prep as she prepares to make another transition in her life.

This past summer, she already made the commitment to compete next year for the Temple University Owls, stationed in Philadelphia and competes in the American Athletic Conference.

Her transition all got started when she visited her cousin Shanae Armbrister, a graduate of the University of Georgia, during a trip to Miami, Florida and Sweeting-Badmus - a close friend of Armbrister - was impressed by her performance and advised her that she was coming to the Bahamas to get her.

“At the time, I didn’t know what it meant, but now I see the vision and I trusted the process,” Webster said.

True to form, Sweeting-Badmus got all of the formalities done and Webster, who at the time was attending the TA Thompson Junior High School, was off to Miami through her Paradise Hoops programme.

She credits her level of maturity to the coaching she received from Sweeting-Badmus at Schoolhouse Prep.

Last year, she averaged 34.4 points and 12 rebounds per game as she was listed number two in scoring in the state of Florida.

“You get the best of both worlds,” said Webster about being the wings of Sweeting-Badmus. “She’s someone you can relate to and someone you can grasp knowledge from. She is by far the best coach I ever had.”

And that was one of the reasons why she was recruited by Temple University.

In preparation for transition from high school to college, Webster said she’s looking forward to leaving her name in Florida.

“This season is going to be an incredible season with my niece along my side,” said Webster of Leiyah Bain, who was also recruited by Sweeting-Badmus to attend Schoolhouse Prep after she attended the HO Nash Junior High where she played under coach Patricia ‘Patty’ Johnson.

“We will achieve many great things this year I feel.

I do have a young squad alongside me as well. Being the only senior, I plan on

BASKETBALL standout Adena Webster. leaving an impact while inspiring and encouraging the younger ones to carry the torch.”

Out of all the schools that pursued her, Webster said she selected Temple University because it fit the trend that she developed under Sweeting-Badmus.

“The coaching staff are wonderful and the environment makes you feel as if you’re at home,” she stated.

“It’s not just about basketball and winning games but preparing us young ladies for adulthood.”

While she intends to pursue a degree in sports medicine, Webster said she’s looking forward to making an impression on the court for the Owls under head coach Diane Richardson.

“I think to have a lot of energy and bring intensity everyday, along with consistency to grow as a basketball player to elevate my game,” she said.

And a lot of that has to do with her upbringing.

“My cousin Shanae played at UGA, she was always an inspiration and my role model,” Webster reflected.

“I lean on her for a lot of knowledge and understanding about certain aspects of the game.

“But my parents are very supportive and excited for this new journey.”

As for her future plans.

Webster said she would like to eventually become a professional basketball player, if not in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), somewhere in Europe.

“I’m an ambassador for an organisation that helps kids like myself which is called Paradise Hoops,” she pointed out. “I understand the true meaning of giving back. I want to be able to give back not just to my

community but to others who need a helping hand because someone once helped me. “So, majoring in sports medicine, I can contribute to the young athletes in The Bahamas.”

But for now, Webster wants to continue to soar in her transition from the Bahamas to the United States.

PAGE 20, Monday, October 30, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

JONQUEL Jones is The Tribune Sports’ Player of the Month for October.

Jonquel ‘JJ’ Jones earns honours for October

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

G

rand Bahama native Jonquel “JJ” Jones is The Tribune Sports’ Player of the Month for October.

The newest Tribune Sports Section segment will recognise the brilliant performances of athletes (male and female) across all sporting disciplines for each month.

Jones has demonstrated her dominance in the month of October for the New York Liberty in her second consecutive return to the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) Finals.

Despite an unceremonious end to the New York Liberty’s postseason run, Jones put up some big numbers throughout October.

In her last five ball games, all played this month, she

put up three consecutive monster double-doubles.

Her three-game streak of double-doubles in October was a continuation of a postseason record of eight consecutive double-double games which began at the beginning of the playoffs.

The month of October saw the 6-foot-6 forward play a pivotal role in closing out her former team, the Connecticut Sun, in a 3-1 series win.

Jones posted a dominant 25 points, 15 boards and four blocks against the Liberty’s semifinals opponent.

She followed this performance up with 16 points and 10 rebounds in game one of her return to the WNBA Finals against the Las Vegas Aces.

The Grand Bahama native kept her individual momentum going in game two where she once again put up a 20-point doubledouble. She filled the stat sheet with 22 points and 10

rebounds. On the defensive end, she was a force to be reckoned with by stopping four attempted shots.

Although her WNBA postseason streak came to an end in game three against the Aces, she singlehandedly kept the Liberty’s season alive in the elimination game.

With the Aces up 2-0 in the series and looking to complete the sweep, the Liberty forward answered the call and powered her way to a team-high 27 points in the team’s lone win of the WNBA Finals.

Game three saw Jones put on her most impressive offensive performance in that five-game stretch. She shot an efficient 10-for-15 from the field for 66 per cent shooting.

Meanwhile, from behind the arc, she connected on four of her seven attempts for 57 per cent. Despite coming up short in the rebound category, she

managed to pull down eight rebounds.

Additionally, she dished out three dimes, stole the ball twice and altered three shots.

The former WNBA MVP finished the month of October leading the Liberty in scoring with 18.8 points, 10.8 rebounds and three blocks per game.

She shot a crisp 56.7 per cent from the field and 41.2 per cent from three to wrap up the final month of the WNBA playoffs.

UÊ -Ì>ÞÊ ÌÕ i`Ê v ÀÊ Ûi LiÀ½ÃÊ /À LÕ iÊ * >ÞiÀÊ vÊ Ì iÊ Ì °

JONQUEL Jones finished the month of October leading the Liberty in scoring with 18.8 points, 10.8 rebounds and three blocks per game.

‘BUDDY’ HIELD SCORES 10 IN WIN OVER CAVALIERS CLEVELAND (AP) — Aaron Nesmith scored a career-high 26 points and Tyrese Haliburton had 21 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds, sending the Indiana Pacers to a 125-113 victory over the short-handed Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night.

Chavano “Buddy” Hield contributed 10 points and four assists in 19 minutes on the floor for the Pacers.

Cleveland played without three starters, including All-NBA shooting guard Donovan Mitchell (right hamstring soreness). Point guard Darius Garland (left hamstring strain) and centre Jarrett Allen (left ankle bone bruise) also remain out.

Nesmith, who signed a three-year contract extension earlier in the week, had 17 points in the first half and finished with nine rebounds.

The 6-foot-5 forward was acquired last summer in a trade with Boston, where he spent his first two seasons.

“After I made my first layup, then the second one, I said, ‘This is going to be a good day,’” Nesmith said. “And when I made a 3-pointer, I said it was going to be a really good day. It was all just my teammates finding me.”

Myles Turner had 20 points and 12 rebounds

INDIANA Pacers guard Buddy Hield (7) goes to the basket in front of Cleveland Cavaliers guard Caris LeVert (3) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in Cleveland.

(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) for Indiana, which outscored the Cavaliers 29-12 in the second quarter and won its second straight game to open the season.

Bennedict Mathurin and Jalen Smith added 13 points apiece.

The Cavaliers pulled within 93-92 early in the fourth on Georges Niang’s 3-pointer, but Nesmith and Buddy Hield answered with back-toback 3s. Indiana ended any doubt with three minutes left when Haliburton buried consecutive

3-pointers and made a layup.

The Pacers began their season Wednesday with a 143-120 home victory over Washington and lead the league with a 134.0 scoring average. Haliburton ranks first in assists at 12.0 per game.

“Tyrese was amazing in the fourth quarter and played pitch-perfect tonight,” Indiana coach Rick Carlisle said. “He found the creases, he found the advantages, and he finished the game off.”