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Volume: 121 No. 241, November 8, 2024
AM A ZON FREE DELIVERY MOVE
Bahamas retailers and couriers brace for ‘seismic’ threat
By NEIL HARTNELL and ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business Reporters
BAHAMIAN retailers, courier companies and freight forwarders were yesterday put on alert over a “seismic” competitive threat after Amazon confirmed it is offering ‘free international delivery’ to this nation.
Brent Burrows II, CBS Bahamas’ vice-president of retail and sales, told Tribune Business that “now’s the time” for operators in these industries to develop a survival strategy after the world’s largest online retailer and e-commerce marketplace confirmed that the free delivery on purchases of “eligible products” worth $49 or more currently has no end date.
davis clarifies comments over cost of living after backlash
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter
kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
PRIME Minister Philip
“Brave” Davis clarified his comments on the high cost of living yesterday after sparking backlash for connecting the cost to people’s choices in an interview with reporters.
Responding to a recent University of The Bahamas study estimating that a middle-class family of four would need around $10,000 monthly to live comfortably in New Providence, Mr Davis acknowledged the high costs but noted in an interview yesterday morning that individual lifestyle choices also play a role.
PM expects no change in climate change progress with Trump in office
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said he does not believe his efforts to get developed countries to tackle climate change substantially will be derailed following Donald Trump’s victory in the United States
presidential election this week, despite Mr Trump’s critical views about climate science.
“He speaks for his country, and I don’t blame all this on him,” he said, adding that the United Nations Climate Change Conference has been ongoing for 29 years, and Mr Trump has only recently ascended in
US politics. “We’re still no further ahead than we were 29 years ago so what happens next will not just depend on what he does or does not do because nothing much has been happening even when he was not there.” Foreign Affairs Minister
IMMIGRATION Minister Alfred Sears said an immigration commission, appointed last year following the Keith Bell controversy, will be making its report “in due course”.
While in Grand Bahama on Thursday, reporters questioned Mr Sears about the progress of the commission’s work.
“The commission was appointed by the prime minister and would make their report in due course By
dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
IMMIGRATION Minister Alfred Sears would not specify yesterday when Immigration Director William Pratt will be replaced, saying it would be inappropriate for him to discuss specific personnel matters.
Mr Pratt, a former director of the department, is past retirement age. He was brought back to lead the institution after Keturah Ferguson, 62, retired early. The Davis administration
PRIME Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis speaking at the opening of the Energy Summit at the Baha Mar convention centre yesterday.
Photo: Tim Clarke
PM expects no change in climate change progress with Trump in
Fred Mitchell has said Mr Davis believes climate change is this country’s most pressing issue.
Mr Trump has also expressed hardline immigration views, promising mass detention and deportation of undocumented migrants.
Mr Davis said: “If Bahamians are there and they are not there properly, coming back home, they’re coming back home, so how would that impact us? They’re entitled to be back home.”
He said he hoped returning Bahamians acclimate
themselves and become productive in such a situation.
Mr Davis also said he had been advised that the country would soon have a US ambassador.
Former United States US Chargé d’Affaires Usha Pitts said last year that she was saddened about the country’s 12-year absence of a US ambassador.
In May 2022, US President Joe Biden announced Calvin Smyre as his nominee for the ambassador role. The last US ambassador to serve in The Bahamas was Nicole Avant, who left the post in 2011. from page one
PRIME Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis speaking at the opening of the Ministry of Energy and Transport’s Energy Summit at Baha Mar yesterday.
Photos: Tim Clarke
Davis clarifies comments over
cost of living after backlash
In a later interview with reporters after his initial comments were published online, Mr Davis said: “What I was speaking to is that the report — which I have not read but I do have a copy of — mentions a middle-class family needing $10,000 a month to survive. I said then that I don’t know what data was used to inform that. I don’t know because I didn’t read the report.”
He said his comments on choices were not intended to suggest the cost of living is not a serious issue but rather to point out that spending patterns vary depending on one’s decisions.
“I might decide to live in Venetian West when I could live in Stapleton and still be a middleclass person,” he said. “Now, I also said that when we think about spending and the demographics you might’ve used, it could be a matter of choice because I might decide to live in Venetian West when I could live in Stapleton and still be a middleclass person, so that’s what I was
PM notes ‘complexities’ in dealing with roadside garages
By JADE RUSSELL
Staff Reporter
RESIDENTS are still awaiting relief from the persistent issue of roadside garages crowding their neighbourhoods, as Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis highlighted the complexities in resolving the problem.
While he announced plans to find relocation areas for these businesses, Mr Davis stressed that without providing designated spaces, the issue could simply shift to new areas.
“We are also seeking areas where we can relocate most of these roadside garages,” he said during a community tour yesterday.
“Because you might get them out today, they might stay away for two months, and then next two months they’re kicking up again. So, we need to find a place for them to be.”
Acknowledging that the garages are a source of livelihood for many, Mr Davis said efforts to remove them
without offering alternative solutions would likely be ineffective. He also pointed out that recent updates to the law allow for spot fines on environmental violations, though it remains to be seen how strictly these will be enforced.
The wait for action has frustrated residents like Bancroft Lane’s Peter Taylor, who told The Tribune this week that car repairs, stripping, and bodywork are still being done on the street, making congestion worse. Mr Taylor has been advocating for the removal of roadside garages on East Street South for a decade, but the situation persists.
Earlier this year, Environment and Natural Resources Minister Vaughn Miller said officials would visit Bancroft Lane to address derelict vehicles, recognising their role in mosquito infestations.
Bamboo Town MP Patricia Deveaux also confirmed her ongoing work with Urban Renewal and the Department of Environmental Health to address the issue,
but residents report little visible progress so far.
Roadside garages have been a long-standing concern in New Providence. In May, a fire at a scrap metal yard on Joe Farrington Road prompted the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to reiterate its commitment to dealing with these facilities. The ministry acknowledged that “successive governments and communities have been very concerned about roadside garages that continue to reside and expand in residential communities”. Previous efforts included setting aside 20 acres on Fire Trail Road West for a new industrial park to accommodate such businesses, though implementation has been slow.
“It is the government’s intention to discourage roadside garages in general that have become an eyesore and environmental hazard in our communities,” the ministry said, noting its commitment to removing or banning these facilities from residential areas.
talking about.”
He said “there’s no doubt” that Bahamians are still concerned about the high cost of living, a concern he shares.
He attributed rising prices to global factors, including inflation, pandemic-related supply disruptions, and the conflict in Ukraine, saying: “We are not in any way downplaying the cost of living, and we are doing what we can to ensure we work to defeat it. Now, inflation is levelling out, but what we are recognising is that it’s not reaching the Bahamian people, the consumers.”
“So when,” he said, “I speak about choices, it’s not to do with whether it’s demeaning the cost of living cause whatever you choose today is expensive when it comes down to how we live, but I may choose to eat a hamburger today as opposed to going and getting a steak, so that’s what I’m talking about.”
After giving these comments, the Office of the Prime Minister released a statement saying it is reviewing the University of the Bahamas’ report.
“From limited competition in essential industries to high shipping costs, monopolised sectors, and a housing market affected by high demand from vacation rentals, the cost of living has remained persistently high in The Bahamas,” the statement said. “In fact, The Bahamas ranks among the top six most expensive places in the world, a reflection of these entrenched issues.
“Monopolies and a lack of competition in key areas mean that Bahamians often have limited choices and pay higher prices for goods and services. Additionally, the growth of the short-term rental market has squeezed rental inventory, making it more challenging and costly for Bahamians to find affordable housing.”
The statement said the administration is addressing the lack of competition, increasing consumer protection, reforming the energy sector to reduce costs, supporting families and students, expanding local food production, increasing access to affordable housing and pursuing trade diversification and partnerships.
PRIME Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis at yesterday’s opening of the Energy Summit.
Photo: Tim Clarke
Immigration commission report coming ‘in due course’
from page one
to the prime minister,” he said.
A year ago, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis established the commission to review discretionary decisions at the Department of Immigration.
Last month, Immigration Minister Sears declined to comment on the commission’s status. FNM chairman Duane Sands has questioned the existence of the immigration commission, saying there has been no update or full disclosure of its work and doubting the body’s existence.
“I doubt that the commission actually exists,” Dr Sands said. “If the commission has done any work — and I bet they haven’t — then just produce it. They’ve had more than a year to do enough work. So, show us what you’ve done.”
The prime minister announced the formation of the commission in October 2023 after leaked documents by Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard in July 2023 revealed concerns from senior immigration officials about former immigration minister Keith Bell’s alleged interference in their duties.
One of the incidents highlighted was Mr Bell allowing the release of Chinese nationals staying at the British Colonial Hotel in January 2023, despite alleged irregularities with their work permits. Former Immigration Director Keturah Ferguson had written to the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Immigration, expressing disapproval of the situation.
Marcellus Taylor, former education director; Clifford Scavella, former Royal Bahamas Defence Force Commodore; and Alexandria Hall were appointed to the commission to review how immigration decisions are made.
Prime Minister Davis said the commission’s work is to examine immigration processes and procedures to identify necessary improvements. He said that the time had come to review all immigration legislation to ensure its modernisation.
Inappropriate to speak on Pratt’s status, says Sears
from page one
has said his role is temporary and that they plan to replace him.
“All of the persons who are retired and extended are for a limited period of time,” Mr Sears said yesterday at a press conference in Grand Bahama. “The thing is in terms of personnel matters, it would be inappropriate for me say. But you know because it is a matter of public record what the tenure of his contract is, it has a finite time
and that is a matter of public knowledge.”
Mr Sears also noted that the Department of Immigration’s succession plan ensures that serving immigration officers will fill leadership roles.
“The succession plan is not about replacing; it is to ensure that the leadership of the Department of Immigration will be occupied by serving immigration officers. That is what the succession plan is intended to do,” he said. The Bahamas Customs
Immigration and Allied Workers Union has filed a trade dispute with the Department of Labour, contesting the Davis administration’s appointment of William Pratt as director of the Department of Immigration.
Deron Brooks, BCIAWU president, has said the union secured a Supreme Court victory in 2021 after arguing that immigration officers cannot be contract workers.
Regarding concerns raised a year ago by
immigration officers over a lack of promotions, the minister said addressing this issue has been a priority for his tenure.
“We set up in Nassau a special unit that comprises of persons under the leadership of the undersecretary, Sharon Pratt Rolle,” he said. He added that HR leaders from other ministries have been working since February after work hours, from 5pm to 10pm, reviewing every immigration officer’s personnel file.
DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION WILLIAM PRATT
IMMIGRATION MINISTER ALFRED SEARS
Police claim decline in crime since ‘Clear, Hold, Build’ launch
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrusssell@tribunemedia.net
POLICE claimed gunshots, murders, and armed robberies have declined in the Englerston community after the government launched its “Clear, Hold, Build” crime initiative last month.
Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis and Englerston MP Glenys Hanna-Martin toured the community yesterday to observe the initiative’s progress. The “Clear” phase focuses on removing overgrown properties and derelict vehicles used for drug dealing, hiding firearms, and gang activity. Assistant Superintendent McKell Pinder, who heads the Englerston Urban Renewal initiative, reported that 25 areas have been cleared, with 20 abandoned vehicles removed.
Assistant Commissioner Anthony Rolle said the initiative has disrupted gang activity and targeted gang leaders. Police also have aggressively executed search warrants on individuals suspected of criminal involvement.
ACP Rolle said since the initiative’s launch, there has been no crime in Englerston for the past three weeks.
During the tour, Mrs Hanna-Martin was greeted by residents and spoke with children walking from school. She described the initiative’s launch in Englerston as a “dream come true”.
She said in 2015, she envisioned an opportunity to bring all stakeholders together to address longstanding criminal and environmental issues in Englerston, adding that residents have expressed
gratitude for the improvements in their community so far.
A cleared property shown during the tour has been designated as the future site of a community centre for Englerston. Located on Miami Street, the centre is intended to offer residents educational opportunities and community events.
“We want to bring in people who can do lectures, legal aid, and a place for functions, so that it becomes something that engenders community and uplifts particularly young people, but not just young people. This is also something I’ve been thinking about a long time, and I’m very grateful that it is on its way,” Mrs HannaMartin said. She did not provide a timeline or budget for the community centre’s construction.
Mr Davis expressed hope that the “Clear, Hold, Build” initiative will expand across The Bahamas to prevent crime from taking root in neglected areas.
“I’m elated, and particularly starting in the community of Englerston, one of the oldest of communities in the modern Bahamas, where we came from,” he said. “When we grew up in these areas with such a different atmosphere, there was truly a sense of community somehow that has been interrupted by the fact that we’ve allowed the environment in which we live to be so degraded that it did not lend itself to becoming feeling up a sense of belonging, and you find yourself being here not as not because of choice, but rather because of necessity.”
Officials said they also plan to improve street lighting, repair potholes,
MAN CHARGED WITH MURDER AND ATTE MPTED MURDER
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
A 28-YEAR-OLD man was charged with murder and two counts of attempted murder in the Magistrate’s Court.
Mitchell Fox was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley.
While concerned with others, Fox, by means of unlawful harm, is alleged to have caused the death of Eddie Miller on September 5. He also faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder in connection with
Mr Miller’s death. Mr Miller was killed in front of his family at a plaza at the corner of Faith Avenue and Cowpen Road. Additionally, Fox allegedly attempted to cause the deaths of Rodlyn Henfield and Sheron Thompson on September 1. The accused was not required to enter a plea and has the right to apply for bail at the Supreme Court, as the Magistrate’s Court does not have the jurisdiction to grant bail. He is scheduled to return to court on April 10 for a Voluntary Bill of Indictment.
T WO IN COURT ON SEPARATE FEROCIOUS DOGS CHARGES
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
TWO people were charged with separate ferocious dog charges.
Kendal Wildgoose pleaded guilty to two counts of keeping a ferocious dog and has been ordered to pay $500 for each count as compensation. The incidents occurred at 7.53am on September 11 on Tierra Lane and again on October 14 on Sandilands Village Road. When Assistant Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans asked if they were the same dog, Mr Wildgoose initially said he did not know but
and install speed bumps in Englerston.
The government has yet to announce which area will be next in the “Clear, Hold, Build” initiative. In October, Police Commissioner Clayton
later agreed with his attorney that they were. Before pleading guilty, the 35-year-old said: “Even though it’s really not mine, I’m gonna just plea.”
His attorney said his client is remorseful. He also added that he is a man who provides service to this country and makes valuable contributions to Bahamian society. Meanwhile, Shervone Knowles pleaded not guilty to her charge. She is accused of allowing a large ferocious dog to roam freely around 7.40am and 12am on September 29 while at Seahorse Drive. The 53-year-old returns to court in February.
WARNED AND DISCHARGED OVER POSSESSION OF INDIAN HE MP
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
A 20-YEAR-OLD was given a warning yesterday after pleading guilty to having Indian Hemp. Kevon Princeton Sweeting appeared before Magistrate Shaka Serville. He was found on November 3 without proper authority to possess a quantity of dangerous drugs, namely an estimated amount of two grams of Indian Hemp. The court accepted his guilty plea, and he was warned and discharged. The court also ordered that the drugs be destroyed.
Fernander said Englerston was selected for the first round of the “Clear, Hold, Build” initiative due to recent crime trends that indicate a rise in serious crimes like murder and attempted murder, armed
robberies, and reports of gunshots. Eight of the country’s murders this year have occurred within the Englerston community, Mr Fernander said. The “build” phase reflects a broader
five-pillar strategy that includes prevention, prosecution, punishment, and rehabilitation, supported by recent legislative measures designed to streamline judicial processes.
PRIME Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis greets a man on the road during a walkabout in Englerston yesterday.
Photo: OPM
The Tribune Limited
NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI
“Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”
Publisher/Editor 1903-1914
PICTURE OF THE DAY
LEON E. H. DUPUCH
SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH, Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .
Publisher/Editor 1919-1972
Contributing Editor 1972-1991
RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B.
Publisher/Editor 1972-
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The fight continues, as always
IN the aftermath of the US election results, there has been a lot of strong emotion.
There has been a lot of publicly expressed concern about what the election of Donald Trump will mean.
There has been concern expressed about what it means for women’s rights, what it means for migrants living in the US, what it means for LGBT rights, and so on.
We have no doubt if the election had gone another way, there would have been supporters of Donald Trump expressing concern.
Polls ahead of the election showed that one of the main concerns of voters was the state of democracy in the nation – that cut both ways, Harris supporters worried about possible erosion of rights, Trump supporters worrying about election integrity. The events that led to the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021, showed that.
When Kamala Harris conceded the election on Wednesday, she said: “While I conceded this election, I do not concede the fight that fuelled this campaign.”
The fight.
For those who are concerned about losing rights, consider what it took to get them in the first place.
Consider what those who fought for those rights had to go through in order to make the change happen in the first place. They were often in a far more precarious situation than we are today.
Think of the likes of Ruby Bridges, the first black child to integrate at an allwhite elementary school in the south in 1960. At the age of six, she had to walk past protestors spouting hate in order to go to school. Then she was taught alone for a year.
Think of what people went through in the civil rights movement to attain the
rights so widespread today.
Close to home, we have had those fights too. In 1956, the late Tribune editor and publisher Sir Etienne Dupuch moved a resolution to end discrimination in the House of Assembly, a move that changed the racial landscape in The Bahamas forever.
It made it possible for black Bahamians to have free access to all public places. Before then, black people were banned from hotels and restaurants, and were refused admission to the whites-only Savoy movie theatre on Bay Street.
Former Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes said Sir Etienne’s move did more “than any one single person in the 20th century” to heighten “the political consciousness of the Bahamian people”. Was it easy? Far from it. For The Tribune, there was a business cost. Overnight, The Tribune’s revenue dropped by £25,000. That was enough to wreck the business – but a few men in the city believed in the fight, and kept The Tribune going, and kept the battle alive.
We should not forget what it took to get here. But too often we do.
In September, the Reinhard Hotel collapsed. An old, ramshackle building to many – one of the few hotels to allow black people to stay in a time when others did not.
The lesson of our history is that change is never easy. For those who are worried about losing rights, it is time to follow in the footsteps of those who went before us, for those who won those rights in the first place. That can start right here in The Bahamas. Build on those who went before us, and change our country for the better.
The fight does not start now. The fight never ended. It is simply our generation’s turn.
Suck it up, Trump is president
EDITOR, The Tribune.
KINDLY allow me space in your column to express an opinion on the recent historical USA presidential election. Firstly, the Trump haters needs to suck it up and get on with their life including a few of my friends. Secondly, congratulations to the 47th. President of the United States of America Donald J Trump on winning a non-consecutive second term as President of the USA! Love him or hate him, his message has always been consistent. Make America great! He talked American! He believes in America! And he defends America! Something our negro politicians may want to adopt. American voters recognised that Trump’s policies would improve their lives. He campaigned on Christian principles. And God recognised the values that the devil’s candidate was promoting and he sort to put an end to it. A
man is a man. A woman is a woman. The values of the devil sort to do away with Christianity. They sort to turn boys into girls. And girls into boys. God had to intervene and he did! The voters in America saw past the vitriol criticism against Trump and recognised the value in his policies. The results of this election had nothing to do with gender. The fact of the matter is inflation mattered. The price of fuel mattered. The spiraling out of control housing cost mattered. What was left in people’s wallet mattered. In addition Ms Harris was undemocratically anointed the nominee by the monied people. There was no convention to vote for a nominee. Nor did she receive one delegate. She was ‘put’ there. And had she won, she would have been nothing more than a puppet.
Madam Editor, a few of our local radio talk show hosts need to suck it and get over it! It’s time to lambasting men AND
Have a cool, fun, interesting, amazing photo? Have it featured here in The Tribune’s picture of the day! Email your high quality image to pictureoftheday@tribunemedia.net
A lesson for the FNM to heed
EDITOR, The Tribune.
THERE are critical lessons to be found in Donald Trump’s win for those willing to listen and learn.
I am no fan of his. If I were an American, I’d have cast my vote for the much more sane (and much less criminal) Kamala Harris and not thought twice about it. She ran a great campaign that attempted to climb the Democratic Party out of the hole it dug for itself by sticking with the aging Joe Biden for two years too long.
It wasn’t enough. The campaign could not credibly address the universal issue that men and women of all races, stripes, and affiliations cared most about - their individual quality of life.
In the FNM’s time in opposition under its new leader, it has found reason to criticise everything under the sun, from the government breaking procurement laws to its constant reluctance to be fully transparent with the Bahamian people.
women of misogamy. What has happened to respecting the opinion of someone whose opinion differs? They remind me of when you take a candy from a child. The child starts screaming. But when you give it back to them, they stop. In other words, they (radio talk show hosts) are right all the time. But when you oppose them, you’re wrong. Really? Sometimes we need to take a step back and take our emotions out of the conversation. Not necessarily because one is black or one is a woman, means I Must vote for you. Policies matter. Inflation matters. Americans looked at their lives and made a decision.
Madam Editor, in closing I say to our government let us work hand in hand with the incoming president of the United States of America Donald J Trump!
PATRICK STRACHAN Nassau, November 7, 2024.
While all these things are true, procurement laws don’t pay the bills. Secret settlements don’t affect the price of tuna and grits. In the words of Bill Clinton’s strategist Jim Carville, “It’s the economy, stupid!”
I may not have been around for a long time, but even I can tell that living a comfortable life in The Bahamas has never been this difficult. A University of The Bahamas study revealed that a family of four needs to make over $100,000 a year to make ends meet, set aside a little something in savings, give their children a good education, and eat a diet that checks all the boxes. Meanwhile, the average Bahamian has less than $1000 in their bank account.
College graduates are overqualified and underpaid. Housing is either unavailable or unaffordable. Government service quality is piss-poor. I’m paying more than I did for everything four years ago, while getting less. What Bahamians are experiencing today is also being felt by millions of Americans. The perceived poor state of affairs ensured a Trump victory.
Voters were willing to ignore a laundry list of ethical, moral and political deficiencies to vote for the
man they thought better understood their plight.
A vote for Harris meant endorsing the current state of their lives, and 2/3 American voters thought the country was on the wrong track.
A vote for Brave Davis is a vote for a Bahamas on the wrong track. The FNM needs to keep it simple.
“It’s the people’s time” propelled the FNM to victory because it was a populist message. It wasn’t rocket science. But too often, the FNM beats around the bush with highbrow, pedantic politicking. The Democrats tried that and got whacked across the map.
The FNM doesn’t need to be Trump, but it can’t afford to be bland. The fire is missing.
Pintard is a dynamic speaker who has made a career relating to young people and entertaining the masses. That is something to brand, exploit and unleash.
If they don’t, the FNM will, like the Harris campaign, be forced to ponder what went wrong after it’s too late.
A ZILLENNIAL BAHAMIAN Nassau, November 7, 2024.
Pundits and so-called experts
EDITOR, The Tribune
DURING the campaign for the American presidency, I listened to all the political pundits, the various commentators and members of the general public. No one that I heard was willing to go out on the proverbial limb to predict the election outcome, for fear of being wrong.
Everyone I heard was only willing to say that “it’s going to be close” or “we will see”. After Tuesday’s results, all of the self-anointed experts, the false prophets, and the political gurus jumped out of the tall grass holding up
“I told you so placards,” whilst some denigrated Ms Harris in the process. I never would have
imagined that Donald Trump had so many new found friends or followers in the Bahamas. My guess is that if Kamala Harris had won, then the situation would have been reversed. We are a unique people.
ZEPHANIAH BURROWS Nassau, November 6, 2024.
PRESIDENT Joe Biden on his way to speak in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, yesterday.
Photo: Mark Schiefelbein/AP
Supreme Court to summon employer over complaint of Gibson trial duration
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
A SUPREME Court judge plans to summon the employer of a sitting juror in the criminal trial of Adrian Gibson and others after the employer reportedly raised concerns about the trial’s lengthy duration.
This will be the second time Senior Justice Cheryl Grant-Thompson has taken such action since the trial began last November.
The first instance occurred last year when she summoned a major employer for reportedly informing their employee, also a juror in the case, that time off for jury duty would be counted as vacation leave.
Yesterday, Justice GrantThompson told the court she intended to “have a chat” with the unnamed employer after a juror reported difficulties, noting that their employer had “raised issues” about the extended jury duty.
The action comes days after the acting Director of Public Prosecutions accused the defence team of repeatedly delaying trial proceedings by introducing documents not yet proven to be relevant to the case.
She reiterated this point yesterday during the defence’s continued crossexamination of Water and Sewerage Corporation’s (WSC) general manager Robert Deal.
Defence attorneys pushed back, blaming the
prosecution’s witness for “wasting” the court’s time by not answering questions directly.
“The DPP is accusing us of causing delay, and her witness is up there wasting the court’s time,” said Geoffrey Farquharson, who represents Mr Gibson.
His comments came as lead defence attorney Damian Gomez, KC, grilled Mr Deal about the corporation’s tank painting project.
Mr Gomez highlighted Mr Deal’s signature on the capital works order for the project, asking, “So you approved of what was the subject matter of the capital works order?”
The witness replied that he did.
He also testified that he had seen the project’s figures and was aware of the contract details.
Mr Gibson, the Long Island MP, is on trial alongside Mr Elwood Donaldson Jr, the WSC’s former general manager, Joan Knowles, Peaches Farquharson, and Jerome Missick.
He faces charges related to his tenure as WSC executive chairman, including allegations of failing to declare his interest in contracts awarded by the corporation.
The defence team consists of Mr Gomez, Mr Farquharson, Murrio Ducille, KC, Ian Cargill, Bryan Bastian, Ryan Eve, and Raphael Moxey.
The Crown’s legal team includes Ms Frazier, Karine MacVean, and others.
Edukarting holds two days of diabetes awareness at RBDF base
EDUKARTING Bahamas held the first of two days of a diabetes awareness event yesterday at the RBDF base.
Today the event continues, with an opportunity to come and take part in racing, from 10am-4pm.
Officers from both the police and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force were present yesterday as the event sought to raise awareness as part of Diabetes Awareness Month. The event includes a race simulator as well as a chance to go karting, all while promoting the benefits of diet and exercise in tackling diabetes.
Photos: Tim Clarke
ADRIAN GIBSON
Ships immortalised in song: John B, Ballymena and Zelma Rose
WHEN folklore and fact intersect, often the truth is lost in the resulting haze. However, in several key songs originating in the Bahamas, we find a surprisingly high concentration of real vessels. These include Hoist up the John B Sails (1903), Ballymena (1926), and Zelma Rose (1954).
Verified vessels include the John B, Ballymena, and Zelma Rose. John B, was a sponger named for John Bethel. Another ship verified is Mystery J, which features in the Ballymena song popularised by Harry Belafonte and others.
The story of the legendary song Hoist Up the John B Sails is laudably chronicled by Edgar Seligman in Eleuthera. He relays how “Eddy Warner Prouty, an orchestra conductor from Spencer, Massachusetts in 1899 accepted the offer to play at the Colonial and Royal Victoria hotels. Although Prouty did not write the music for Hoist the John B Sails, in 1903 he became the first person to publish the song.” Next enter “John McCutcheon, owner of Blue Lagoon aka Salt Cay who in January 1927 printed The Island Song Book.” Regarding the actual sloop named John B, McCutcheon wrote “the weathered ribs of the historic craft lie imbedded in the sand at Governor’s Harbour, whence an expedition, especially sent up for the purpose in 1926, extracted
By Eric Wiberg
a knee of horseflesh and a ring-bolt. These relics are now preserved and built into the Watch Tower” at Blue Lagoon Cay, off Paradise Island. The Nassau Guardian of May 5, 1903, notes that the song was “respectfully dedicated to the citizens of Nassau, NP,” by Mr Prouty who called it home for seven years. A strong candidate for writing Bally Mena in 1926 also wrote the classic 1921 song about burning of the Colonial Hotel which goes Do Aun’ Nan-ny. He was police band director 1917-1935 (with a threeyear break) and served in the West India Regiment, writing their key recruitment song and a spiritual. An organist at St Agnes Anglican Church, in 1927 he published lyrics as Grants Town Melodies, Four Original Melodies of Bahamian Airs arranged by Austin Destoup. This is held at the British Library and includes the songs Ballymena and His’up the John B Sail. Is it likely that Austin Ira Destoup (1883-1956) penned the song at age 20, as well as the Ballymena,
only to have credit for them go overseas. The creators of Bahamianology suggests that racism in the period may have prevented Destoup from getting due credit. Certainly, Destoup has the demonstrative if not unique local knowledge, musical talent, and created similar classics, with even fellow Bahamians claiming credit for his work.
Wooden boat expert Bill Johnson, the artist and author living in Abaco, knew Blind Blake Higgs very well from the waterfront and music scene in Nassau going back to the
1950s. He says that Higgs claimed his family owned the sponging sloop John B. However, Mr. Higgs claimed credit and copyright to other work, like Run Come See Jerusalem, written in Andros in 1929 when Higgs, from Inagua, was 14, and the Bethel family are believed to have owned her and it for John Bethel, so the claim is unverified at best. No doubt this is an iconic name nationally: Bobby Symonette named all of his 5.5M Class sailing yachts John B and won World Championships in Australia and France in them. In 1998 John B once again raced and won for The Bahamas in the Netherlands, Germany and Finland, and it still races.
The best approach to dissect each song, the artist, and the vessels, is by date. The song Ballymena is based upon the pedigreed yacht Ballymena, which entered the Eleuthera mailboat route in 1922. The ship was built in of steel in Bristol, Rhode Island by the renowned designer Nat Herreshoff in October, 1888. Powered by engines as well as sails, she was 148’ long, 18’ wide, 140 tons, and developed 1,050 horsepower. Herreshoff had to be woken at 2.30am by the nightwatchman to prevent the hull being crushed by ice. Named for a district in north Ireland, her owners included J Nicholas Brown of Newport, George Brown of Baltimore, the Slaters, who named it Ballymere, the Neidlingers, and Downeys. The ship lasted 37 years until 1925 when her fate is last recorded by MIT and other renowned museums.
Historian van der Linde recorded in 2017 that “… Ballymena ended her days as a supplier for rum runners in Gun Cay Harbour (Bimini). In the earlier 1920s … reportedly in decrepit condition, she had transported passengers between Miami and Nassau … under the British flag. In 1925, she was
photographed (painted black) by William Greenough in his privately printed book “The Log of the Ventura in the Bahamas.” The image is captioned ‘Old Yacht Ballymena Loaded with Rum Anchored in Gun Cay Harbour,’ and shows her surrounded by a dozen or so sailing smacks. During this time or shortly after, a calypso song about the Ballymena and other rumrunning vessels became well known. It later was recorded by Gordon Bok, Harry Belafonte and others. It describes how the Ballymena, Mystery J, an auxiliary yacht carrying about 40 passengers between Nassau and Miami, and Inagua/Inua were repainted from white to black to prevent her recognition and how the Inua got in trouble in New York Harbour with the authorities. In 1923, Ballymena was also sued by the United States, probably related to her rum-running.”
Austin Destoup was a constable, composer, and pianist. He composed, published, distributed and with Harry Belafonte popularized the song Bally Mena in 1927. The ship was closed from the registry in 1926. Lyrics include “Put the Belamena on the dock / And paint the Belamena black, black, black / Paint the Belamena black, black / When she come back, she was white.” During the Prohibition, in order to throw off the US Coast
Guard and law enforcement in the US, ships would repaint themselves often. The final fate of this historic steam yacht owned by the founders of Brown University would be of national significance. The cargo boat Zelma Rose was immortalised by the Percentie Brothers of Harbour Island following her tragic sinking. Built of wood by a Mr Roberts in Marsh Harbour in 1947, she was a 30-ton motor vessel. While under the command of Captain Edison Higgs, at 2.50am on 1 June, 1952, whilst transporting passengers from Nassau to Spanish Wells, she was overwhelmed by 15-foot seas near Fleeming Channel. The seas caused the cargo of lumber, furniture, and canisters of gasoline to shift suddenly, and she capsized quickly. Among six persons who drowned were a 23-year-old nurse, Oona Newbold, her 18-year-old sister Carol, a 61-year-old Sunday school teacher from the UK, crew Welbourn Pinder, Ephraim (last name not known) from Andros, and Charles Algreen, age 44, of Current. A sloop named Sally managed to rescue 17 survivors clinging to flotsam. Remarkably an 18-month-old child named Terrance Lightbourn survived. His father Paul managed to find the infant in a submerged cabin and pull him out by a little foot. Oona Newbold directed the parents in successfully resuscitating the child, then she drowned soon thereafter. The survivors then got by clinging to the wreck and a dinghy until some eight hours later, when the boat sank and rescue arrived. It was rumoured that Captain Higgs swam five miles to Current Island and ran another six to the community to summon help, however this is unlikely to have been the case given the distances and available time. Fourthgeneration musicians The Percentie Brothers wrote, performed, and recorded their song Zelma Rose on at least one album: Songs in Calypso recounting the wreck, around 1954, popularizing awareness of this tragic incident. A dive site locates this wreck at “just north of
BALLYMENA painted black, with schooners and sloops anchored off Gun Cay, Bimini in 1925, during the Prohibition. By William Greenough, “The Log of the Ventura in The Bahamas,” courtesy of the New York Yacht Club Library.
PERCENTIE Brothers of Harbour Island and citation to Zelma Rose of 1952.
GRANTS Town Melodies by composer and musician Austin Ira Destoup, who probably wrote Hoist up the John B. Sails and Ballymena. CCL Rolle, bahamianology.com.
SGT. Austin Ira Destoup, song writer and composer. CCL Rolle, bahamianology.com.
ZELMA Rose sinking off Six Shilling Cay, 1947.
‘My heart is full today’
Kamala Harris a class act that cost her an election, Trump pushed all the right buttons
HAVING vowed to steer clear of politics in these weekly columns for the last seven plus years, this week’s American elections were just too juicy and fodder-rich to ignore. Pretending that I wasn’t dying to share what went wrong with the Harris campaign would be like asking a starving man to turn down a sizzling Porterhouse steak cooked medium rate with the aroma of fresh sea salt and pepper rising from the plate.
So this take on the elections has nothing to do with who deserved to win or chastising Americans for choosing a self-absorbed convicted felon to fill what is likely, still, the most important seat in the world.
This is a simple look at marketing in the arena where it counts the most, a perspective on who ran the best campaign and that was Trump, hands down.
The Trump campaign was mean, it was hyped, at times it was infuriating. It was packed with hyperbole and exaggeration if not outright lies, but it reached people where they live, in their pocketbooks and in their homes. Trump’s campaign spoke to the fears that poor people have about even poorer people crossing the southern border and taking their jobs. It spoke to people who, despite reports of low unemployment and millions of new jobs and economic recovery postCovid, don’t give a damned about a trillion-dollar economy, they care about how much a dozen eggs and a quart of milk costs in the grocery store and right now those eggs and that milk cost more than they used to.
Trump’s campaign aroused anger, bitterness, fear. It brought out the worst in people and led them right to the ballot box to protect whatever rights they thought were threatened. They wanted to choke off the border, carry guns, make women, even those impregnated by rape, carry the babies whose embryo was growing inside them, It was an angry America that went to the polls on November 5 and elected an angry man who believed right up to the day he won this time around that an election was stolen from him last time even in the face of mounds of proof that he lost fair and square. Trump and his people knew the right buttons to push and they pushed them hard, over and over again. Drill in the fear that an illegal immigrant could attack your daughter, ignore the fact that the economy of the United States is dependent upon immigrants. When you are struggling to pay
By Diane Phillips
the rent and gas and buy shoes for kids that grow out of them faster than you can say what just happened, you could care less that the assets of the US economy are pegged at the highest figure ever, $269 billion. The irony is that a rich Donald Trump who flies wherever he pleases, whenever he wants in his own $100m Boeing jet, lives the life of luxury and excess and can dine on two continents in a single day is the candidate who appealed to those struggling to keep gas in their car and food on the table. And Kamala Harris, whose roots really were working middle class with high ambitions and a strong work ethic, failed to appeal to those who want to do exactly what she did – succeed.
The Harris campaign focused too heavily on her upbringing and too little on what she achieved. She did not rise to the choice of the first female vice president by accident, The public
was left guessing, what did she actually do? Who is she, exactly? What does she stand for? You could see the passion in her face and hear it in her voice when she spoke of women’s rights to make their own choices about their own bodies, but for the most part, she was a bright woman with a bright smile and an enigmatic puzzle. You did not know how she would act in crisis or what leadership she would bring, Votes for Harris were not necessarily votes for Harris, they were votes against Donald Trump. And that was a shame for Harris had more to offer than she shared with the public. It was as if she were running for president but keeping who she was a secret. Donald Trump let it all hang out. You may not have liked him, but you knew what you were getting.
Harris tried to take the high road to the White House until she couldn’t
“...the light of America’s promise will always burn ofbright, love.”
take it anymore and then her finger-pointing felt like it was pointing at the public saying how can you be thinking of electing this man, insulting the audience she was addressing rather than the man she wanted the audience to ridicule and dismiss.
Trump also has the distinct advantage of being tested under pressure. Where she buckled, verbally stabbing her opponent at the end of a gruelling, bitter, toolong campaign, he won by gaining sympathisers as a victim, not once, but twice of assassination attempts. Like it or not, a man raising a victory fist in a MAGA hat while his ear is dripping blood has
got to rack up the points for courage in the time of crisis. The image has leadership sprawled so clearly across it that it gave rise to suspicions that the incident was a set-up. Personally, I don’t believe that but what I do believe is that Trump’s campaign managers and Trump himself understood a lot more about the ‘common man’ in America than Kamala Harris did despite her repeated messaging that it was she, not he, who understood the underdog and would have the common touch. In the end, America will deal with the choices it made for all three branches of government, with few checks and balances and a fully Republican slate
in the Oval Office, House and Senate and perhaps many will remember the words that Harris used in her remarks when she returned to her alma mater at Howard University to thank those who supported her, “My heart is full today... Full of gratitude for the trust you have placed in me, full of love for our country, and full of resolve. The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, not what we voted for, but hear me when I say: The light of America’s promise will always burn bright, of love.” We will hear from her again. You are right, Kamala, America’s promise will always burn bright.
DEMOCRATIC presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris delivers a concession speech after the 2024 presidential election, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, on the campus of Howard University in Washington.
Photo: Jacquelyn Martin/AP
OUR Clubs and Societies page is a chance for you to share your group’s activities with our readers.
To feature on our Clubs and Societies page, submit your report to clubs@tribunemedia.net, with “Clubs Page” written in the subject line. For more information, contact Stephen Hunt on 826-2242.
BILLY LOWE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
The Billy Lowe Basketball Tournament is set to take place on Sunday, November 10, at the C.I. Gibson Gym on Marathon Road, from 4pm to 8.30pm. This annual event was created not only to enhance relationships between our wholesale and retail teams but also to extend our reach into the community we have proudly served for over 70 years.
Basketball is more than just a game; it is a powerful medium for bridging gaps and fostering teamwork, leadership, and camaraderie. We believe that through sports, we can create connections that transcend our business objectives. The tournament will feature four local teams — Billy Ballers, Cash Crusaders, Lowe’s Legends, and Sands Soldiers — all vying for the championship title while embodying the spirit of community and collaboration.
Our motto, “Customer satisfaction is our #1 goal,” reflects our commitment not only to our customers but also to our internal team members.
This tournament represents a unique opportunity to celebrate this philosophy by bringing together players, families, and community members in a festive atmosphere.
We invite the public to this event, as it is not just about competition, but also about unity and community engagement. Attendees can look forward to exciting giveaways, delicious snacks available for purchase, and a vibrant atmosphere filled with sportsmanship and support for our local teams.
Admission is just $2.00, and Lowe’s staff will enjoy free entry with a Bamboohr. We encourage everyone to come out, support the teams, and be part of this memorable community event.
Join us in celebrating our community through the love of basketball!
KIWANIS CLUB OF PINEWOOD
The Kiwanis Club of Pinewood recently organised a water sale fundraiser to support two meaningful community initiatives: providing essential cleaning supplies to the local senior home and hosting a funfilled costume and candy celebration for Buttonwood Preschool. The water sale was a resounding success, thanks to the generosity of the local community. Proceeds from the event will help stock the senior home with much-needed cleaning supplies, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for its residents. Additionally, the funds will enable the Kiwanis Club to host a lively Halloween-themed celebration at Buttonwood Preschool, where young children can enjoy costumes and candy celebration. This event highlights the Kiwanis Club’s dedication to supporting all ages within the community, from children in preschool to elderly residents. The club extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed, either by purchasing water or simply spreading the word. The kindness and support of the public have made it possible for these initiatives to move forward, bringing joy and resources to those who need them most.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this event a success. The Kiwanis Club of Pinewood looks forward to future opportunities to serve and engage with the community!
ROTARY CLUB OF OLD FORT
The Rotary Club of Old Fort recently hosted “The Rotary Incubator: Today’s Titans Meet
Tomorrow’s Icons,” a programme dedicated to fostering youth empowerment and community development. The twoweek initiative, held from October 22 to November 5, brought together 55 Junior Achievement (JA) members from the LDG JA Company Tridents and some of the Bahamas’ most prominent industry leaders, providing a platform for young achievers to learn, innovate, and present their ideas for a better future.
Industry experts Tim Smith, Nicholas Rees, Danny Lowe, and Jillian Bethel led interactive sessions, offering mentorship and practical knowledge in their respective fields. Through workshops and a culminating pitch competition, JA members developed business concepts focused on economic and social impact, all while learning the values of leadership, peace, and tolerance. The winning team received a $500 cash prize to further pursue their ideas, and the Rotary Club of Old Fort donated an additional $500 to the JA Company for their future initiatives reinforcing Rotary’s mission to empower local youth.
In a unique “pay-itforward” initiative, JA members shared testimonials of what they’ve learned which will be shared with RCOF’s STEM Saturday program attendees, offering advice to younger students from the Adelaide Primary School. Testimonials from participants and viewers highlight the program’s lasting impact, reflecting Rotary Club of Old Fort’s dedication to building resilient communities and future leaders.
ROTARY CLUB OF SOUTHEAST NASSAU AND ROTARY CLUB OF NASSAU
The Rotary Club of Southeast Nassau and The Rotary Club of Nassau successfully hosted a transformative Peace Symposium at St John’s Native Baptist Church on November 2. The event brought together influential voices from mental health, law enforcement, and victim advocacy to discuss strategies for peaceful conflict resolution and sustainable peace within the community.
The distinguished panel included experts from various fields committed to fostering a culture of peace and resilience.
Panelists included Dr Davone Rolle, a psychiatrist from Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre, who highlighted the psychological impacts of conflict and violence; Khandi Gibson, Director of Family Of All Murder Victims (FOAM), who shared powerful insights into the effects of crime on families; and Commanding Officer Delvonne Duncombe of the National Youth Development Office and Royal Bahamas Police Force, who spoke on youth empowerment and proactive engagement. Dr Carlos Reid from the Hope Center contributed perspectives on community support structures, while ASP Kendra Whyms from the Royal Bahamas Police Force Domestic Violence Task Force Unit addressed the critical role of law enforcement in promoting safety and handling domestic conflicts. The symposium aimed to encourage community members to embrace conflict resolution strategies and peace-building practices as an integral part of daily life. Topics included the importance of open dialogue, support for victims of violence, and collaborative efforts to build safer neighbourhoods.
This Peace Symposium reflects the Rotary Clubs’ commitment to making a positive impact on local communities by addressing pressing issues and promoting a culture of peace.
SPORTS
SECTION E FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2024
BEST OF THE BEST REGATTA RETURNS
By TENAJH SWEETING
Tribune Sports Reporter
tsweeting@tribunemedia.net
THE seventh edition of the Best of the Best Regatta promises to be an exciting affair next month at Montagu Beach. The four-day event will bring out the best sloop sailors in the country from December 5-8.
Clay Sweeting, Minister of Works and Family Islands Affairs, spoke about the significance of the biggest event on the regatta calendar.
“It is a privilege to host this spectacular event, showcasing not only our culture and heritage but also the unity and pride that defines us as Bahamians. As we continue to do our part in solidifying sailing as our national sport,
‘Through this event, we celebrate our national sport of sailing and honour the skill, creativity and perseverance of Bahamian sloop sailors and boat builders. Sailing is more than just a sport in The Bahamas it is a part of our identity.’
we do this under this year’s theme ‘Putting Sailing Back into Regattas’. This event remains a highlight on our national regatta calendar and my ministry is thrilled to support this cultural celebration as we welcome visitors and locals to enjoy the true essence of Bahamian regattas,”
“Through this event, we celebrate our national sport of sailing and honour the skill, creativity and perseverance of Bahamian sloop sailors and boat builders. Sailing is more than just a sport in The Bahamas it is a part of our identity…While on shore festivities are an essential aspect of these
gatherings, this year we aim to bring the focus back to the thrilling races on the water that define our Bahamian heritage,” he said.
Hundreds of sailors will compete for bragging rights in Class A, B, C and D.
Class A features nine boats including Captain Gene, Ed Sky, Good News, New Courageous, New Legend, Original Courageous, Ruff Justice, Running Tide and Silent Partner.
Class B has eight boats including Ants Nest II, Barbarian I, Cobra, Eudeva, Lady Sonia, Lonesome Dove, Ole Boy and Susan Chase V.
Class C includes 36 sloops and the E Class has 32.
Chester Fox, Commodore of the Best of the Best Rsgatta, is expecting the
action on the waters to be exciting.
“This year’s Best of the Best promises to be the best and biggest ever. We have nine A class boats registered, eight B class boats, 36 C class boats and 32 E class boats. Those E class boats are a testament to the good junior programme that we have going on in our country.
“Everybody now is looking forward to the Best of the Best that is coming in less than a month. We are looking forward to some really competitive sailing. We have 82 boats registered and we are looking forward to some really keen competition,” he said.
Long Island skipper Stefan Knowles emerged victorious in Class B and C
at the sixth edition of the sailing event.
Class A went to Leslie
“Buzzy” Rolle, hailing from Exuma and Joss Knowles along with Kiano Hutchinson took home the trophy in the Class E event.
Sweeting encouraged everyone to come out and enjoy the best sailors The Bahamas has to offer.
“I invite everyone to join us in celebrating this year’s Best of the Best Regatta. Come and experience the thrill of competitive sailing, enjoy the rich Bahamian culture and embrace the unity and pride that defines who we are. Together, let us celebrate the very best in Bahamian sailing, tradition and community spirit on December 5-8 right here on Montagu Foreshore,” he said.
REGATTA TIME AGAIN: The “Best of the Best” Regatta is returning to the Montague Foreshore to feature the best skippers in the country from December 5-8.
RED-LINE ATHLETICS TO HOST FREE SPRINTS AND RELAY CLINIC, WELLNESS
By TENAJH SWEETING
Tribune Sports Reporter
tsweeting@tribunemedia.net
THE Red-Line Athletics Track Club is gearing up to host its fifth annual Motivational Health and Wellness Seminar along with a free sprints and relay clinic this weekend.
The events are geared towards “Building Holistic Champions” and will begin with the free sprints and relay clinic from 4.30pm to 6.30pm today at the original Thomas A Robinson Stadium.
The free clinic will be hosted by three-time
Olympic medallist Debbie Ferguson-Mckenzie. The clinic will be followed by a motivational health and wellness seminar on Saturday at the University of The Bahamas Auditorium from 9am to 3pm. The seminar will be spearheaded by a wide range of panelists covering a multitude of topics beneficial to student-athletes. Red-Line Athletics head coach Tito Moss expressed the importance of the annual seminars as it relates to helping the athletes to take that next step on the track or field.
“The importance of it is definitely to expose the kids to professionals who have done it at the highest levels who can actually help them a little more and make a difference in a kid that is a sprinter going from 10.70 to 10.60 because he is executing better out of the blocks. The reason why we put on the seminar is to just to work on those technical stuff and let them hear it from the experts who have done it and at one point were there and even in high school trying to make their mark,” Moss said. The sprints/relay clinic
will cover a wide range of skills including block starts, sprinting techniques, visual and non-visual passes for the 4x100m and 4x400m events.
On the following day, the panel will include speakers such as Dr Kent Bazard, Ferguson, Patrice and Dewey Taylor (parents of Olympian Charisma Taylor), along with Lakeisha Bowles. The panelists will cover a wide range of topics such as post workout nutrition, division one recruitment efforts, sacrifices and rewards of being a sports parent and financial
literacy. “One of the things that is important to us and is in our mandate we have in Red-Line is we cater to the whole child. We are holistic in our approach to the child’s development and that is the reason we do a lot of the things that we do. Before we coach that child athletically, we need to be able to reach them as coaches. These seminars are just bridges along the way in helping us to achieve the goal of raising and being more effective in reaching our studentathletes…Sometimes hearing it from us coaches
who they see everyday is one thing but hearing it from professionals, from another Olympian or coach hits differently and that’s why we continue to put on these seminars,” he said.
Bahamian Olympic bronze medallist Leevan
“Superman” Sands spoke on college recruitment and athlete’s self accountability at last year’s seminar. He also hosted a jumps clinic in his efforts to give back.
The two-day event is open to athletes from all track clubs from ages 13 to under-20.
BRONNY JAMES IS ASSIGNED TO THE LAKERS’ G LEAGUE AFFILIATE AHEAD OF ITS SEASON OPENER
California
EL SEGUNDO,
Associated Press
BRONNY James has been assigned to the Los Angeles Lakers’ G League affiliate, putting him on the roster in time for the South Bay Lakers’ season opener this weekend.
LeBron and Bronny made NBA history on Oct. 22 when they became the first father and son to play together during the Lakers’ season-opening win over Minnesota.
Bronny then scored his first NBA basket
The Lakers announced the move Thursday for James, the 20-year-old son of LeBron James. Bronny has played in three games for the Lakers, scoring four points in 13 combined minutes of action.
for the Lakers in Cleveland on Oct. 30 at the arena where he watched his father as a child.
But LeBron and the Lakers have already said Bronny will spend ample time this season with their G League affiliate as he works on his game.
Bronny survived cardiac arrest in the summer of 2023, and he played only sparingly during his one season of college
basketball at Southern California before declaring for the draft last summer. Los Angeles chose him late in the second round.
The South Bay Lakers play their home games at the Lakers’ training complex in El Segundo. They host the Salt Lake City Stars on Saturday night.
The Anatomy of Speed: Part 1 – How Speed is Produced in the Human Body
By Dr Kent L Bazard
SPEED is often what separates good athletes from great ones. But speed is more than simply “running fast”; it’s the product of complex interactions between muscle groups, energy systems, and movement mechanics. In Part 1 of our three-part series, we’ll dive into the anatomical and physiological components that contribute to speed production and define the foundation for different types of speed athletes encounter on the field. We’ll explore the mechanics of force production, the role of the neuromuscular system, and the body’s structural adaptations to speed training. This lays the groundwork for understanding how athletes can reach new levels of speed performance.
The Anatomy Behind Speed: Muscles and Mechanics At its core, speed production is a combination of force generation and rapid movement cycles. To create this explosive force, certain muscles play a critical role:
additional muscular effort. This “spring-like” action improves running efficiency, enhancing an athlete’s ability to maintain higher speeds over time.
kilogram of body weight— correlate strongly with gains in speed.
Smooth, quick transitions depend on body control, flexibility, and muscle coordination.
3. Maximum Velocity:
Core Muscles: The muscles of the core— abdominals, obliques, and lower back—stabilize the trunk and provide a foundation for limb movements, supporting efficient, coordinated motion.
2. Tendon Elasticity: Tendons, especially the Achilles, store and release elastic energy during running, aiding force production without
1. Primary Muscles for Speed: Quadriceps and Hamstrings: These muscles are pivotal in the extension and flexion of the leg. The quadriceps generate forward momentum by straightening the knee, while the hamstrings stabilize and control leg movement during the recovery phase. Gluteus Maximus: Known as one of the body’s strongest muscles, the gluteus maximus generates substantial power during hip extension, which propels the body forward. Calves (Gastrocnemius and Soleus): These muscles facilitate ankle extension, helping maintain stride length and stability while running at high speed.
3. Neuromuscular System: The neuromuscular system coordinates muscle contractions and limb movements. Speed involves rapid firing of motor units, with fasttwitch muscle fibers (Type II fibers) predominantly recruited for short, explosive movements. Training the neuromuscular system through high-velocity exercises can improve the efficiency and synchronization of these firing patterns, increasing speed and reaction times.
Force Production: The Foundation of Speed Speed is the result of force application against the ground. The greater the force an athlete can generate and direct into the ground in a short period, the faster they’ll move. This principle underlies two primary factors that determine how force affects speed:
1. Mass-Specific Force: The amount of force an athlete can produce relative to their body weight is a critical factor in speed. This measure allows athletes to maximize propulsion while minimizing unnecessary weight. Studies have shown that improvements in relative strength—strength per
2. Rate of Force Production (RFD): RFD refers to how quickly an athlete can develop force. While maximal strength is important, speed requires rapid force development, especially in the initial milliseconds of contact with the ground. Athletes can improve RFD through plyometric training, which involves explosive movements that target fast-twitch fibers and enhance neuromuscular responsiveness.
Types of Speed and Their Components
Athletes require a combination of various types of speed, depending on their sport and position. Let’s briefly explore the primary types of speed that play a role in athletic performance:
1. Pure Acceleration: The ability to reach top speed as quickly as possible. Acceleration is especially crucial for sports requiring quick reactions, such as basketball and soccer. The initial few seconds of movement depend heavily on maximal force and RFD, as the athlete needs to overcome inertia and propel forward.
2. Transitional Acceleration: Involves moving from one speed or direction to another. This could mean shifting gears in a sprint or transitioning from a jog to a full-speed sprint.
Maximum velocity is an athlete’s peak speed and is typically sustained for only a few seconds. Athletes who have mastered the mechanics of running—such as stride length, frequency, and posture—excel at reaching and maintaining their top speed.
4. Deceleration: Often overlooked, deceleration is the ability to slow down or stop quickly. It requires control, strength, and stability, particularly in the quads and core, to prevent injury and allow rapid direction changes.
5. Multi-Directional Speed:
This encompasses the ability to change directions quickly, an essential skill for sports involving lateral movements, like tennis or basketball. Developing multi-directional speed involves not only agility but also strength, flexibility, and balance.
Training Focus for Enhancing Speed
Understanding these types of speed allows athletes to train specifically for the demands of their sport. For instance: Pure Acceleration and Maximum Velocity benefit from sprinting drills and plyometric exercises that emphasize force application and leg strength.
Deceleration requires strengthening the quads, core, and posterior chain through resistance exercises and functional training to minimize injury risk.
Studies, such as those published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, underscore the importance of individualized training that considers an athlete’s biomechanics, age, and sport demands. Emphasizing appropriate training, recovery, and nutrition allows athletes to enhance force production and maximize their speed potential effectively.
Conclusion Speed is more than just fast movement; it’s the result of complex interactions between muscle mechanics, neuromuscular coordination, and specialized force application. In Part 1, we laid the anatomical foundation of speed and the significance of force production. Next, in Part 2, we’ll dive into factors affecting speed, including body type, weight, training maturity, and diet, especially for athletes in the Bahamas who may face unique challenges in these areas. By understanding the structure and science behind speed, athletes can train smarter, focusing on what matters most to unlock their highest potential. Stay tuned as we continue this journey into the anatomy of speed and uncover what it takes to reach top performance levels.
Transitional and MultiDirectional Speed rely on agility exercises, such as shuttle runs, to improve body coordination and control.
LOS Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James, centre, and forward LeBron James, right, watch from the bench with guard Dalton Knecht, left, in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, on Wednesday, October 30, in Cleveland.
Photo: Sue Ogrocki/AP
No 2 Georgia visits No 16 Ole Miss team that faces must-win situation for playoffs, SEC title
By JOHN ZENOR AP Sports Writer
LANE Kiffin typically steers clear of talk about playoffs and championships. This week is an exception.
There’s no sugarcoating the situation facing Kiffin and No 16 Mississipp i: They have to win out to keep those postseason hopes intact, starting Saturday with powerhouse No 2 Georgia.
“I told our players -because they hear it all the time -- you still have that stuff alive,” Kiffin said. “In my opinion, anybody that’s going to win it is going to have to go through Georgia at some point. They’re the premier program in college football.”
The Bulldogs (7-1, 5-1
By STEPHEN HAWKINS AP Sports Writer
Things to watch this week in the Big 12 Conference: Game of the week No 21 Colorado (6-2, 4-1
Big 12) at Texas Tech (6-3, 4-2), 4 p.m. ET, Saturday (Fox)
Coach Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes play their first November game tied for second place in the conference.
They got in that position and moved up two spots in the AP poll even during their open date last weekend, when Texas Tech won at previously-undefeated
Iowa State to leave No 9 BYU as the only Big 12
Southeastern Conference, No 3 CFP) have won two of the last three national titles and already toppled then-No. 1 Texas. Only a loss to Alabama mars their record.
The Rebels (7-2, 3-2, No 16) have dropped two games by a field goal apiece to Kentucky and LSU. They’re coming off a record-setting offensive performance in a 63-31 win over Arkansas. But leading rusher Henry Parrish Jr. is out and star receiver Tre Harris — who hasn’t played in the last two games — is listed as doubtful with injuries on the SEC’s availability report.
Injured runners Ole Miss will be without Parrish. Georgia’s top running back, Trevor
Etienne, left last week’s win against Florida with a rib injury. He wasn’t included on the availability report.
“The big thing is just his ability to sustain and deal with a little bit of pain because he’s going to have some there,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said. “But he’s a tough kid, and I think he’ll do well with it.”
Ole Miss had Ulysses Bentley IV, Matt Jones and Domonique Thomas behind Parrish. Parrish has 678 yards and 10 touchdowns. Etienne has 453 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.
Beck’s picks Georgia quarterback Carson Beck has three straight games with multiple
interceptions. Kiffin manages to put a positive spin on that, figuring it’s a fixable problem for a talented passer.
“Versus some people around the country where you go, well, they protect the ball but the quarterback can’t make the throws,” the Ole Miss coach said. “It’s a good problem to have.”
Dart’s big game
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart broke Archie Manning’s school record with 562 total yards (515 passing, 47 rushing) in the Rebels’ win at Arkansas. He also had six touchdown passes.
“This guy’s playing uncanny football when you talk about the accuracy, the completion percentage, the yards he’s
throwing it for,” Smart said. “He’s not throwing dink and dunk passes now. This guy’s throwing the ball vertical down the field, shots. Then let’s say you cover all that, and you do that, he can take off and run.”
Jordan Watkins had 254 receiving yards and five touchdown catches.
Thriving on fourth down Smart continues to have success when leaving the offense on the field on fourth downs. Georgia has been successful on 11 of 13 fourth downs this season for an 85% rate that leads the SEC. The Bulldogs have scored two touchdowns on fourth-down plays, including one by Etienne against Texas.
In Smart’s nine seasons
at Georgia, the Bulldogs have a 64% success rate on fourth down (74 of 115) with 12 touchdowns.
Upgraded front
The Bulldogs won last season’s meeting 52-17, prompting Kiffin to reflect on the talent gap on the offensive and defensive fronts.
They have definitely made some upgrades on the defensive line with players like Walter Nolen and Princely Umanmielen, and at linebacker with Chris Paul Jr.
“We’re a lot different there,” Kiffin said, “and hopefully that will help us.” Smart said of the Rebels’ defensive linemen: “Big humans. Large, fast humans and immovable objects with twitch and twist.”
team without a loss. That upset for the Red Raiders came after back-to-back losses.
Colorado and Texas Tech are already bowl eligible and go into the final stretch of the regular season in contention for a spot in the Big 12 championship game that matches the 16-team league’s top two finishers.
Colorado’s two-way standout Travis Hunter is second in the Big 12 with eight TD catches and third with 757 yards receiving, and at cornerback is tied for the conference lead with seven pass breakups.
The undercard No 9 BYU (8-0, 5-0, No
9 CFP) and Utah (4-4, 1-4)
play for the first time since 2021. Their instate “Holy War” matchup is getting revived in their first season together as conference foes since 2010, when both were in the Mountain West.
The Cougars are one of only five undefeated FBS teams. Utah went into its first Big 12 season as one of the league’s preseason favorites, but has a fourgame losing streak since winning at Oklahoma State (3-6, 0-6).
This will be the 102nd meeting between the Utahbased schools, but BYU recognises only 95 games since the private school officially began playing
intercollegiate football in 1922.
Impact player
TCU receiver Jack Bech has nine touchdown catches, the most in the Big 12 and tied for the most among Power Four players.
The former LSU transfer has two TD catches in three of the last six games. He is second in the league with 102.6 yards receiving per game and his 51 catches are a career high, surpassing 43 as a freshman with the Tigers in 2021.
Inside the numbers No 17 Iowa State (7-1, 4-1) goes for its seventh consecutive Big 12 road victory
Saturday, which would extend a school record.
The Cyclones play Kansas (2-6, 1-4) at Arrowhead Stadium. ... Oklahoma State (3-6, 0-6), which is at TCU on Saturday, has to win the rest of its regular season games to avoid its first losing season since 2005. That was Mike Gundy’s first season as head coach and the last time the Cowboys missed a bowl game. ... Baylor (5-4, 3-3) is going into an open date after a last-play field goal to beat TCU. That was after Texas Tech beat Iowa State with a last-minute TD last Saturday. Those are among 12 go-ahead scores in the final minute of games for
Big 12 teams, the most in the country this season.
Rushing QBs Cincinnati’s Brendan Sorsby leads all Big 12 quarterbacks with six rushing touchdowns, and West Virginia’s Garrett Greene tops league QBs with 443 rushing yards. The former Big East rival teams meet Saturday. Greene ran for 154 yards and three TDs in a 42-21 home win over Cincinnati last season. Sorsby is also one of the league’s top passers, throwing for 263.5 yards per game while completing 172 of 262 passes (65.6%) with 15 touchdowns and four interceptions.
UNIVERSITY of Mississippi running back Henry Parrish, Jr. (21) scores a touchdown during the first
half of an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma University on Saturday, October 26, in Oxford, Miss.
Photo: Sarah Warnock/AP
Man United ends winless run in Europe and Osimhen scores two as Galatasaray beats Tottenham
By JAMES ROBSON Associated Press
MANCHESTER United secured its first win in Europe for more than a year by beating PAOK 2-0 in the Europa League on Thursday.
Two second-half goals from Amad Diallo sealed the victory at Old Trafford and boosted United’s hopes of progressing in the competition, while Tottenham’s 100% start was ended by a 3-2 loss at Galatasaray.
United’s last win in Europe was against Copenhagen in the Champions League on Oct 24 last year.
“We addressed that in the dressing room and it was time to change that, so we did,” United interim head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy said.
Diallo’s looping header beat PAOK goalkeeper
Dominik Kotarski in the 50th minute and he followed that up with a deflected shot from outside the area that nestled into the bottom corner in the 77th.
It’s two wins from three games for United under Van Nistelrooy, who has one more match — against Leicester on Sunday — before handing over to Ruben Amorim.
It is not clear if there will be a role for the Dutchman after his temporary reign, but he is doing what he can to ensure that United is in the best possible position for when Amorim takes charge.
Erik ten Hag was fired last week after a woeful start to the campaign left the team in 14th place in the Premier League and without a win in Europe’s secondary competition the Europa League.
Amorim was quickly hired in his place, but it has been left to Van Nistelrooy to fill the gap while the Portuguese serves a notice period at Sporting Lisbon.
He has delivered wins in the English League Cup and the Europa League either side of a draw with Chelsea in the league.
Osimhen double Earlier, Victor Osimhen scored twice in eight minutes to help Galatasaray beat Tottenham 3-2 in Turkey.
Osimhen scored his first goal in Europe for Galatasaray after his transfer from Napoli with a precise low shot inside the right post to give the host a 2-1 lead in the 31st minute and added his second eight minutes later by heading home a curled cross from the right by Dries Mertens. It was Tottenham’s first loss in the competition after three wins. Galatasaray remains unbeaten with three wins and a draw. Every game on Thursday was preceded by a moment of silence to honor the victims of the devastating flooding in Spain. In Istanbul, Yunus Akgün put Galatasary ahead in the sixth minute when Spurs failed to properly clear a free kick by Mertens and the midfielder volleyed
home from outside the area past goalkeeper Fraser Forster.
Tottenham equalized in the 19th minute through Will Lankshear, who made only his second senior appearance for the London club and netted from close range after a cross from Brennan Johnson. However, Lankshear was later sent off for a second yellow card on the hour mark.
Substitute Dominic Solanke pulled a goal back for Tottenham with a backheel finish in the 69th.
Lazio perfect
Lazio is the only team to maintain a perfect record with four wins after Pedro Rodríguez scored in injury
time to secure a 2-1 victory over Porto.
Ajax had five different goal scorers in a 5-0 rout of Maccabi Tel-Aviv while three substitutes netted for Alkmaar in its 3-1 victory over Fenerbahce, the first loss of the competition for Jose Mourinho’s team.
Latvia’s RFS salvaged a 1-1 draw with Anderlecht with a stoppage-time equalizer as the Belgian side dropped points for the first time.
Earlier, Eintracht Frankfurt beat Slavia Prague 1-0 thanks to Omar Marmoush’s second-half goal, while Roma was held to a 1-1 draw at Union Saint-Gilloise, another disappointing result after a
3-2 loss to Hellas Verona in Serie A over the weekend. Rangers held last year’s Conference League champion Olympiacos to a 1-1 draw in Greece.
Athletic Bilbao beat Ludogorets 2-1 to stay unbeaten with three wins and a draw, while Qarabag upset Bodø/Glimt 3-1 in Norway to earn its first points. Nice drew 2-2 with Twente with both teams finishing the game reduced to 10 men.
Conference League Chelsea demolished Armenian club Noah 8-0 to set a record for the biggest victory in the third-tier Conference League.
Chelsea took a 6-0 lead in the first half on two goals from João Félix, and one a piece from Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, Axel Disasi and Mykhailo Mudryk. Christopher Nkunku added two more in the second half, the second from the spot. Nordsjaelland had the previous record, beating Ludogorets 7-1 last season. Chelsea is one of six teams with three wins after three games. Vitória beat Mladá Boleslav 2-1,
Jagellonia defeated Molde 3-0 and Heidenheim
2-0 at Hearts. Earlier, Legia Warsaw routed Dinamo Minsk 4-0 and SK Rapid eased past Petrocub 3-0.
MANCHESTER United’s Amad Diallo celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal during the Europa League opening phase soccer match between Manchester United and PAOK at the Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, last night.
Photo: Dave Thompson/AP
GALATASARAY’s Victor Osimhen celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal during the Europa League opening phase soccer match between Galatasaray and Tottenham Hotspur at Ali Sami Yen stadium, in Istanbul, Turkey, yesterday.
Photo: Khalil Hamra/AP