11172023 NEWS AND SPORT

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Volume: 120 No.221, November 17, 2023

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DOUBTS OVER SMITH’S ‘ABSURD’ ASSET CLAIM Sands asks how can former passport chief not have bank account

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net DR DUANE Sands ripped into Kingsley Smith’s financial declarations for the West Grand Bahama and Bimini by-election, insisting the PLP’s candidate has “absurdly” implied that he does not have a bank account.

Candidates must accurately declare their assets,

Youth dies next to Tribune days after 18th birthday

income and liabilities before elections, according to the Parliamentary Elections Act. They are expected to reveal what they have in savings accounts, current accounts, securities, salaries, properties, other income and debts.

Mr Smith declared $200k in securities, $65k in accounts receivable,

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net POLICE Commissioner Clayton Fernander said the parents of the two-yearold boy found dead in Fox Hill on Tuesday are unfit to keep their other four young children.

He said the Ministry of Social Services will investigate and determine whether the children should remain with their parents. He said the mother and father are in police custody.

The toddler, Daniel Nixon, was found dead in

SEE PAGE THREE

MOULTRIE: PETTY SHOULD RESIGN AS DEPUTY SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net FORMER House of Assembly Speaker Halson Moultrie believes North Eleuthera MP Sylvanus Petty should resign as deputy speaker of the chamber for the same reason he was removed as chairman of the Water and Sewerage Corporation.

He said the leaders of the

House should epitomise integrity and credibility.

“Mr Petty sits in the seat of the deputy speaker, and the institution of the Parliament will definitely be affected by the fact that he was forced to resign as chairman under such a scandal,” he said.

“The Speaker or the Deputy Speaker, when substituting for the Speaker, SEE PAGE THREE

FERNANDER: PARENTS OF CHILD FOUND DEAD UNFIT

SEE PAGE FIVE

POLICE officers and EMT at the scene where a teen died on Deveaux Street, in front of The Tribune parking lot just days after his 18th Birthday. See PAGE TWO for story.

Photo: Timothy Roberts

COP SAYS MURDERS DOWN BY 16 PERCENT

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net POLICE Commissioner Clayton Fernander said major crimes are trending down, with the murder rate 16 per cent lower than it was up to this time last year.

He said 92 people have been killed so far.

“We continue to be tasked with our same prolific offenders, who

COMMISSIONER of Police Clayton Fernander continue to get bail and return in their old ways and

POLICE CHIEF ‘will search for files’ in NYGARD PROBE

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

continue to commit crime,” he said during an Office of the Prime Minister briefing yesterday. “It is like a death sentence. An individual gets bail and, in a few days or weeks, he’d end up dead.”

He said police have solved nearly 70 per cent of murders this year, insisting officers are doing their job by finding people and

POLICE Commissioner Clayton Fernander said he will search for the investigation files concerning complaints women in The Bahamas made about Peter Nygard to see why charges were never brought against the former fashion mogul.

Charges and convictions against Nygard abroad have spotlighted the lack of action in this country where Nygard lived for years.

The Tribune reported

SEE PAGE FIVE

SEE PAGE FIVE

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

PAGE 2, Friday, November 17, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

Former Senator Alma Adams laying in state

MINISTER of Housing and Urban Renewal Keith Bell (above) and other senators, family and friends paid tribute to former senator Alma Adams as her body lay in state yesterday.

Photos: Dante Carrer

YOUTH DIES ON THE STREET NEXT TO THE TRIBUNE JUST DAYS AFTER 18TH BIRTHDAY

A POLICE officer places a cover over the body of an 18-year-old who died on Deveaux Street next to The Tribune’s parking lot last night.

Photo: Timothy Roberts POLICE are investigating after an 18-year-old male died on Thursday night on Deveaux Street next to The Tribune parking lot.

He was able to speak briefly to police before he died. The incident is currently being classified as a sudden death.

He was wearing an ankle monitoring bracelet, was out on bail for a serious offence and was due to appear in court this month.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, November 17, 2023, PAGE 3

Doubts over Smith’s ‘absurd’ asset claim

FNM CHAIRMAN DR DUANE SANDS from page one automobiles worth $52k, property worth $60k, a salary of $34,750, other income of $25k and debts of $243k.

Notably, he was the only candidate not to declare anything related to savings or current accounts.

“It is difficult to believe that an acting chief passport officer, as I believe was his substantive role, doesn’t have a bank

account because I don’t know how he would get paid,” Dr Sands said on Wednesday.

Yesterday, Mr Smith told The Tribune to call back to discuss the matter, but he did not respond to repeated calls before press time. A source in the PLP, unauthorised to speak publicly on Mr Smith’s behalf, told this newspaper the candidate stands by his declaration.

“What person in the

world would have security of $200k and a liability of two hundred something thousand dollars but don’t have a bank account?” Dr Sands asked.

“What we suspect is he has taken note of the debt that secures money loaned to him in order for him to not be bankrupt.

That’s the only way we could see it, but nobody has considered that these documents ought to mean something.”

“You have no savings accounts, yet you gon’ tell me you have $200k in securities and you owe $243k?

How you paying the friggin debt? You putting it in a brown paper bag and taking it to the person?”

Dr Sands also questioned the declaration of Coalition of Independents leader Lincoln Bain, who declared no debt and a net worth of $1.8m.

Mr Bain claimed in a social media broadcast

earlier this month that he is one of the country’s biggest producers of mobile apps and websites and that The Tribune is among his biggest clients. However, in an editorial, the newspaper said an app Mr Bain’s company produced for Jamz –– a separate entity from The Tribune –– amounted to $600 per year.

“If that’s his biggest client,” Dr Sands said, “then how the hell he get a net worth of $1.8m?”

The Bahamas does not have a robust system surrounding public disclosures.

In its annual human rights report, the United States has repeatedly noted that no independent verification of the information public officials submit exists.

Dr Sands said the Public Disclosure Act and the Parliamentary Elections Act must be updated with more “teeth” to ensure all candidates forward complete and accurate information.

MOULTRIE: PETTY SHOULD RESIGN Cornish trial for alleged rape and physical assault set for April 2024 AS DEPUTY SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE

NORTH ABACO MP KIRK CORNISH

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net FORMER HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY SPEAKER HALSON MOULTRIE from page one is the judge of the high court of Parliament so that integrity and the credibility of the person sitting in the Speaker and Deputy Speaker’s chair should not come into question.”

“And in my personal view, if a person is unworthy of sitting as chairman of the Water and Sewerage Corporation, they are absolutely unworthy as sitting as the deputy speaker, particularly in a circumstance where the current speaker seems to always or more often than not, not be in the chair.”

“I think it would bring the institution of Parliament into disrepute because it would be difficult for the government or the legislative branch to convince the public that it is indeed an honourable

institution if you have a person sitting in the seat of judgement who is deemed to be dishonourable.”

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis requested and accepted Mr Petty’s resignation after it was revealed during the Adrian Gibson corruption trial last week that his daughter received a contract from the WSC. The Tribune understands the contract was given to the daughter’s company, Mainscape Maintenance and Management, which offers landscaping and general maintenance services.

Officials have not said whether the contract went through a tendering process.

Yesterday, acting press secretary Keishla Adderley said the prime minister’s acceptance of Mr Petty’s resignation showed there

is “intolerance” for such conduct.

The Tribune asked her if officials would investigate whether other friends or relatives of Mr Petty benefited in various ways.

“The government moved very quickly, as you saw this week, to take action to investigate the matter from the end of the Water and Sewage Corporation to speak with Mr Petty and made sure that there was a fair hearing,” she said.

“If there are further allegations or questions, I expect that they will be investigated in like manner, but it is clear that through the actions that were taken of the Davis administration that the request and acceptance of Mr Petty’s resignation, that there is intolerance for such conduct.”

NORTH Abaco MP Kirk Cornish’s trial for alleged rape and physical assault against his ex-girlfriend is set to begin on April 29, 2024.

Cornish pleaded not guilty to charges of rape, assault and threats of death

last week.

He is accused of raping a 35-year-old woman on two separate occasions and threatening to kill her while in New Providence on April 4.

He also allegedly assaulted her in Cooper’s Town on January 20 and then again on March 25.

Owen Wells, Cornish’s attorney, sought

to expedite his trial and requested the earliest date possible.

Justice Renae McKay set MP Cornish’s trial to begin on April 29, 2024, during which time his $9,000 bail will continue.

Cornish’s next case management date is December 6.

Timothy Bailey will serve as prosecutor.

PAGE 4, Friday, November 17, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

Delays on rebuilding critical GB airport ’another disappointment’, says Turnquest

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net FORMER Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest stressed that an international airport is critical for Grand Bahama and expressed disappointment over the wait for the project.

He said the Davis administration is unfocused on urgent issues, and its performance thus far is lacklustre.

“The airport is another disappointment,” Mr Turnquest said. “The new government said they have or had a partner. We understand they are having some challenges now with that agreement, which is very unfortunate.”

“But given the lack of transparency with respect to the PPP in the first place, we are not surprised that there are hitches that have not been disclosed and that are now coming to roost and maybe delaying this project.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism, Investment, and Aviation Minister Chester Cooper recently announced that the airport’s development in Grand Bahama is on target for 2025.

The government entered an agreement with the Manchester Airport Group [MAG], Aerodrome Limited, a Bahamian company, and BHM Construction

International, a Londonbased company, to develop the Grand Bahama International Airport in February 2023.

The Minnis administration had purchased the airport, hoping to find a partner to redevelop it.

“We need the airlift to fill these hotels,” Mr Turnquest said. “So it is critical we find a partner that will have the right strategic plan to make it profitable and provide us with a product that will be suitable to attract international traffic.”

The contentious relationship between the Grand Bahama Port Authority and the government is unproductive, Mr Turnquest added.

He believes more would be accomplished by sitting at the table as partners to chart a way forward for Grand Bahama.

“One of the problems that Grand Bahama has had is that we had constant push and pull between the Grand Bahama Port Authority and central government, everybody blaming the other for the lack of focus on investment and lack of focus on infrastructure,” said the former MP for East Grand Bahama.

Mr Turnquest said the government has not done much to improve West and East Grand Bahama, where they have full control.

“If you were to look at the city of Freeport

FORMER DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER PETER TURNQUEST compared to the outskirts, it is night and day, and there is no reason for it.

And when I hear these statements of what the Port Authority is not doing, the question that comes to my mind is, what is the

government doing?”

Mr Turnquest said the $1.5 billion in investments in Grand Bahama that the Davis administration is touting are all projects that started under the previous Minnis administration.

“There is nothing new that has come on the table thus far,” he said. “We keep hoping and waiting for something new to be presented. But the fact of the matter is you see all of these things that were

talked about before. Even the lunch programme implemented at the Holmes Rock Primary was already in transit. We spoke about these things and the government is trying to take credit for it.”

SOCIAL SERVICES NEEDS MORE FUNDING DUE TO RISING COSTS, SAYS LARODA

MINISTER of State for Social Services Myles Laroda.

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net MINISTER of State for Social Services Myles Laroda said more funding will be needed to sustain the Department of Social Services until the next budget cycle in 2024, citing inflation, rising electricity bills, limited increases in the minimum wage, and Bahamians’ reliance on assistance programmes.

Mr Laroda said most of the department’s funds are used to provide food and

financial services, shelter and housing, protection and safety services.

He said while employment is low, “there is still a need out there”.

“We are dealing with individuals in terms of short-term housing who have been there for a year.

The need for groceries is still there,” he said.

Mr Laroda’s comments followed the signing of a contract between Caribbean Renewable Energy Limited and the Ministry of Finance valued at $1.6m to install microgrids

Photo: Dante Carrer that would allow for a supply of solar energy at three Children’s Homes: The Ranfurly Home for Children, the Nazareth Centre and The Elizabeth Estates Children’s Home.

The project would invest over $500,000 in the three children’s homes.

Minister of Energy and Transport JoBeth ColebyDavis said the signing for this project represents an important step toward achieving at least a 30 per cent reliance on fossil fuels by 2030, adding that The Bahamas trails behind some of its regional counterparts.

She said in 2021, solar energy accounted for just two per cent of solar generation in The Bahamas, compared to Barbados, which was over seven per cent and St Lucia, which was over five per cent.

“Our nation is behind,” Mrs Coleby-Davis said.

“With today’s signing, we’re not only closing the gap of solar energy supply, but also taking concrete steps to achieve a minimum reliance on fossil fuels by 30 per cent by 2030.

She said the benefits of installing the microgrid system would include “energy storage systems at the homes include the creation of a more sustainable future for all three facilities, specifically the reduction in electricity bills, increase in the value of the three homes, enhancement of energy autonomy and independence”.

COP says murders down by 16 percent THE TRIBUNE

Friday, November 17, 2023, PAGE 5

from page one bringing them to court promptly.

“We are losing too much, with young men on both sides of the coin, as victims and the accused,” he said.

Commissioner Fernander could not say how many persons accused of murder were on bail.

On Tuesday, a man in his early 30s was shot to death in the Nassau Village community. Police said the man was on bail for murder, armed robbery and possession of an unlicensed firearm.

On Tuesday last week, a

33-year-old man was shot dead near Deveaux Street.

He was on bail for drugrelated matters.

On October 31, a 29-year-old man was shot to death after leaving the gym at the Harbour Bay Plaza. Police said he was on bail for serious offences.

On October 21, a 21-year-old man was murdered on First Street, Coconut Grove.

Police said the man was on bail for three offences: possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of a firearm, and possession of ammunition.

POLICE COMMISSIONER CLAYTON FERNANDER

FERNANDER: PARENTS OF TWO-YEAR-OLD CHILD FOUND DEAD IN FOX HILL UNFIT from page one bushes near his home on Tuesday. The child had apparent injuries to his neck and head.

An autopsy will determine the cause of his death.

The commissioner said

the pathologist was invited to the scene and did a preliminary assessment, but she was unclear about the nature of the injuries.

“We have to do a better job managing and taking care of our children,” Commissioner Fernander said.

He said what neighbours told the media about the child’s environment concerned him, with some reportedly saying they saw the child unattended outside late at night.

“You have to speak up, man, as neighbours, you

Police chief ‘will search for files’ in Nygard probe

PETER NYGARD from page one in 2019 that local police were investigating six allegations of rape against the 82-year-old.

The women alleged that Nygard sexually assaulted and raped them when they were younger than 16 at his Lyford Cay mansion.

Commissioner Fernander told The Tribune he never saw a file of complaints against Nygard, noting he was sent on vacation leave in 2019.

In 2019, Mr Fernander,

then an assistant commissioner, was forced to take vacation leave.

“I would have to locate the files to see what decision was made at that time, why the matter did not make the courts,” he told The Tribune.

“I’ll have to try to find out from CID if they have any files with any sex matters coming from Nygard.”

In 2020, former Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle said when police visited Nygard’s home

in 2019, he had already left the country. He suggested that the probe went nowhere because Nygard refused to return and cooperate with the investigation.

Nygard was convicted of sexual assault in Toronto, Canada, this month in the first of several criminal trials he will face over how he treated women in multiple countries across several decades.

He was found guilty of four counts of sexual assault.

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have to speak up,” he said.

The two-year-old’s grandmother, Barbara Nixon, said the boy was at home with his mother before he went missing. She said the house door was open while the boy’s mother was washing the baby’s clothes in the

bathroom –– creating the opportunity for him to go outside.

Daniel is the youngest of four children. The others are aged ten, five, and four.

“There are four other young kids living at that residence, and I don’t feel,

based on what I’ve seen and what was brought to my attention, the parents are not fit to keep these individuals, these children, so that’s why social service are on board and they will do their investigation,” Commissioner Fernander said.

PAGE 6, Friday, November 17, 2023

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Any young life’s end is a loss EMERGENCY lights were flashing outside The Tribune last night – so of course our reporters went to find out what was going on.

In a tragic turn of events, it appears a young man died on Deveaux Street, the short street that runs alongside The Tribune parking lot.

He had turned 18 just days ago, and while there will be no doubt some who point to the fact he had an ankle monitor on and was due to face a court case, this was not necessarily another case of a person out on bail being murdered.

The cause of death was uncertain at the scene, with The Tribune speaking to officials present to find out more.

The young man was conscious when police arrived, and spoke to them briefly before he died, but at this time the cause of death remains a mystery.

It is of course unsettling for anyone when death comes to the doorstep – but in this case the details of the victim were more unsettling.

Whatever one may think of someone being on bail for a serious offence, 18 is far too young to lose a life.

This young man was potentially facing the loss of years of his freedom, of course, but there are too many caught in these avenues that lead only to death or incarceration.

For those seeking justice for the offences that he was accused of, there may now never be answers. There may never be a resolution.

Scrutiny needed If anyone ever doubted the value of properly examining the candidates vying for Parliament, the by-election for West Grand Bahama and Bimini is proving the merits of the process.

First up were questions about Lincoln Bain’s finances which, despite his Facebook claims of being targeted by The Tribune when we dared to call him up

and ask about a court judgement against him that included a fine absent from his declarations, he was quite right that as an appeal was in process it did not count as a liability yet. We noted that here at the time, although that did not seem to stop him from spinning our questions for social media.

Then there is the FNM candidate, Bishop Ricardo Grant, who seems to have been involved in a pyramid scheme in the past. He has remained quiet since, despite promising to speak to The Tribune after the advance poll.

In a Whatsapp note, he declared that he and his wife were not the primary local organisers of the pyramid scheme in Grand Bahama, and declared that they “owe no one”. Aside from that, no further response has been forthcoming.

And the PLP candidate has come under focus – see today’s front page for more details – for notable absences from his declaration, such as his bank account.

That candidate, Kingsley Smith, the former acting chief passport officer, did not declare anything related to savings or current accounts.

Mr Smith said he would call The Tribune back to discuss the matter – but like Bishop Grant, no further response has been forthcoming.

So when some roll their eyes at the declaration process, or the questions raised of candidates, this by-election ought to restore some faith that candidates are being called to account.

Quite how this swirl of claims will affect the voters, of course, is a different issue.

All voters deserve the best candidate possible – and uncovering such details helps to clarify the issues so voters can make a sound judgement.

The vote draws near – who earns voters’ trust will be decided shortly. Will there be more revelations before voting day? We shall see.

Business not easy in The Bahamas EDITOR, The Tribune.

INFLATION — alleged unnecessary cost increase of retail — merchants not passing reduction of Duty/ Taxes on?

First, when last did the Ministry of Finance meet with the merchants? There should be a standing Committee meeting monthly to review trends and changes in the market.

Doing business is not easy in The Bahamas...

Turn-over is limited to the purchasing public’s total of probably under 200,000 persons — massive competition from Miami — on-line and the untalked level of consumer

stealing/tiefing.

Topping that Government institutionalised. “It’s Better shopping in Miami” over shopping at home...still a returning travel exemption of $1000a year spilt over 26-weeks... great, the new Exempt app is catching more and more revenue from these folks who have chosen Miami over Nassau.

What is the basic weekly bread basket purchase of the majority? Is this price?

What is the middle-class basket? Anyone knows if you don’t how can the politicos make negative critical comments?

Uninformed, but criticise. Suggest to the politicos refrain from watching Social media and

listening to Talk Shows the participants comments are never responded to by the merchants the Talk Shows don’t want that.

Does anyone mention the enormous level of not paying for merchandise?

Supermarkets include an up charge for loss/dented merchandise 2.5%, but ask any merchant he will confirm their loss over the 2.5% is as much as a further 3+%...3% on a gross sale of $200 million is...a whopping $6 million guess who swallows that cost... keep the lights on, etc, etc.

STEPHEN MOSS Nassau, November 15, 2023.

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CAIMANS gather on the banks of the almost dried up Bento Gomes River in the Pantanal wetlands near Pocone, Mato Grosso state, Brazil, Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. Amid the high heat, wildfires are burning widely in the Pantanal biome, the world’s biggest tropical wetlands.

Photo: Andre Penner/AP

Concerned by changes by telecoms EDITOR, The Tribune.

I’M presently a director at a global internet service orovider. I started my career at BTC. I’ve been in telecommunications for more than 20 years. In the past, I’ve not commented on The telecommunications sector in The Bahamas, however, I think last week’s announcements and the comments deserves an editorial. Would you please permit this to be printed.

The most recent announcement by Liberty Latin America divesting itself of the cellular towers in their asset portfolio is quite a harbinger for things to come. Globally, telcos have been moving major portions of their assets and services to third parties in a lease or subscription-based model in a desire to reduce capital expenditure (CapEx ) and streamline the operational expenses (OpeEx) to more predictable “payas-you-go” models. As a matter of fact, the entire cloud infrastructure model is based on this concept of more predictable costs, where resources are only used when the demand is required. The challenge for us in The Bahamas is: “We are not driving the Bus”.

Having sold off the majority decision making for BTC, we will always only know about these deals once they are in the public sphere. We are also quite aware that; property in The Bahamas owned and managed by foreigners will most likely be available and continue to be owned by foreign entities going forward. The most we could hope for is in its approval, the government of The Bahamas, (TGOTB) create a condition where Phoenix Tower establishes a local or Bahamas based subsidiary/office with local staff to maintain these towers.

Let’s be frank; BTC’s minority Bahamian boards only tools are; moral persuasion and recommend delay or deny work permits.

One of the logical next steps in this telecoms enterprise metamorphosis is the sale of other BTC properties like the traditional central offices. With the reduction of home phones coupled with the proliferation of fiber to the home/ building (FTTH/B), the need for central offices have become drastically reduced.

The good news here is that these central offices can now be repurposed as data centers. TGOTB would be well advised to get ahead of the next tranche of sale activities by LLA because, it’s coming. Data centres can truly democratise the telecommunications space in The Bahamas. Data centres along with allocating “Right of Way” (access to roads & utility poles) terms for new hopefully local fiber companies will give true choices to the Bahamian population.

Let’s be reminded that Liberty Latin America/ Cable and Wireless have already transferred all of

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net the initially Bahamian submarine cable assets into a separate company called “Liberty Networks”. Liberty Networks has sole responsibility for allocating fiber space on the existing inter Island infrastructure and connectivity to the mainland US. This submarine network has now become one of the two choke points for internet/ data transmission between the Bahamas and the world.

Liberty Networks and Cable Bahamas are defacto oligopolies in The Bahamas. Liberty Networks has the Bahamas II, ARCOS & BDNSI subsea cables and Cable Bahamas owns the BICS subsea cable through its Caribbean Crossings subsidiary.

These two entities acting like true oligopolies, keep Internet prices exorbitantly high (local direct symmetrical access is .10 USD per Mbs. In the US compared to 10.00 USD per Mbs in the Bahamas).

In a truly competitive environment, more subsea cables from The Bahamas to the mainland will reduce the cost per Mb. Several strategies can be deployed to achieve this which include encouraging existing subsea operators that pass through the Bahamas or establish new subsea partners.

TGOTB is also actively promoting the Fintech industry at an unprecedented pace, perhaps as a global hub in the west. Fintechs by their nature trade/ make huge financial transactions at a time and can be data intensive and time sensitive. These trade executions can lose huge sums of monies when trades are delayed. Execution is critical & transaction speeds need to be less than 20 milliseconds. Today, neither Bahamas based entities can guarantee these sub 20 milliseconds latency speeds. Lots more upgrades are required on existing platforms in order to be compliant. Further, existing Fintechs in other competitive regions like Cyprus and Singapore use optical wavelength technology that supports these speeds. For The Bahamas to be competitive in this space, optical wavelengths must be deployed (this requirement is a must).

I’d like to revisit the data centre concept; Data centers are becoming quite popular in the region quite frankly, BTC presently use LLA data centers in Curacao and other parts of the Caribbean region to house several of their OSS/ BSS applications in its use. Data centres in a deregulated telecoms environment can attract the big 4 cloud infrastructure providers like Amazon’s Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, Microsoft’s Azure and Oracle Cloud.

These providers need

unfettered fiber access to the mainland and local business and residents to truly enable democratisation of telecoms in The Bahamas.

Only then will telecomms be competitive and internet services be at a higher standard and affordable cost. Otherwise, these two entities (BTC and CBL) will continue to become a bottleneck for optimum growth.

In reality, the true genius of the LLA/Cable and Wireless purchase is the subsea cable network. A quick review of both the Liberty Networks and the TeleGeography Submarine cable website will reveal how liberty has amassed the subsea cable ownership through a series of purchases of regional and small operators from unsuspecting governments including TGOTB. If I remember correctly, someone floated the idea of separating the sub-sea network.from the local network during the privatization exercise. That idea was evidently not perused (This was pre-BDNSi). However, Liberty’s subsea network is running at less than 10 percent of the technology capacity this is despite their upgrading the platforms from Huawei to Infinera.

Oligopolies uh!

While the devil is in the details, most of BTC’s towers are on government-owned property, outside of the central offices. Towers are on BPL, WSC, UB, MoE, OPM, RBDF, RBPF Baha Mar and various church properties throughout the Bahamian archipelago.

The sale relates mostly to the towers themselves. At approval, it becomes incumbent upon URCA to hold Phoenix Tower accountable for the proper use and maintenance of the Towers.

In the wireless space, fiber is a critical component of the 5G infrastructure.

5G is a lot more fiber intensive than previous wireless generations primarily for efficiency & latency requirements. Therefore, fiber build out is critical.

However, we need to appreciate that both wireless providers have pushed back on 5G delivery dates.

In reality both BTC and Aliv have been selling 5G capable phones since 2021.

Both Samsung and Apple have 5G capable phones in all major and new frequencies since 2021. 5G wireless networks also bring a new feature called “Private Networks” through a process called Network Slicing” TGOTB itself as well as the new Port development in Grand Bahama can truly benefit from Private Networks. The bottom line, TGOTB can and should benefit from these moves by their multinational partners, however, being more proactive will drive much more benefits for the Bahamian people.

CONCERNED TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROFESSIONAL November 16, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, November 17, 2023, PAGE 7

GRAND BAHAMA AND Man who held woman hostage on his bus WEST BIMINI BY-ELECTION ADVANCED and raped her gets ten-year sentence POLL SEES 95 PERCENT TURNOUT

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A BUS driver was sentenced to ten years in prison for trying to rape a woman he held hostage outside the Mall of Marathon in 2021.

During the trial, the 21-year-old victim said she was a passenger on the number 15 bus of Douglas Edey, 38, after he picked her and her friends up at Potter’s Cay Dock on March 7, 2021. She told her friends that Edey made her feel uncomfortable and asked to be dropped home first.

Later that evening, after Edey had dropped everyone else off, he stopped in the area of the Mall at Marathon and told her that she wasn’t leaving until she had

sex with him.

During the sexual asault, Edey reportedly grabbed the victim’s breasts and privates and told her to put the tip of his penis inside her.

She escaped from her assailant twice, running once to Wendy’s and a second time to KFC. After the second escape, Edey reportedly pulled out a hammer and threatened her outside Kelly’s Home Centre, forcing her back to the bus. She said he told her: “Watch and see what I’m going to do to you.”

She recounted through tears how she fought him and “felt it” when he put the tip of his penis inside her.

She also said she saw him put on a condom and felt it near her privates.

The victim ultimately escaped when Edey stopped the bus, allowing her to jump out of a window.

He was reportedly arrested outside Kelly’s Lumber Yard on East Street in the company of the visibly traumatised victim later that evening.

A nine-person jury unanimously found Edey guilty of the offence over the summer.

He has a previous unlawful sexual intercourse conviction from 2014.

Throughout his trial, he maintained his innocence and claimed that he and the victim were in a relationship at the time of the assault.

Justice Guillimina Archer-Minns told the convict that the young victim

suffered mentally, physically and emotionally from the ordeal. She also said he made her relive her harrowing experience by having to testify.

The judge noted that Edey only expressed remorse in the late hours following his conviction and dismissed the idea that he was ever in a relationship with the victim.

“This is not the manner of conduct that love is expressed,” Justice Archer Minns said. If she were in a relationship, “she would have been running toward you and not away from you.”

Edey’s 10-year jail sentence must run from the date of his conviction.

Eucal Bonaby prosecuted the case. Nathan Smith represented the accused.

Two men accept plea deal for string of armed robberies - sentenced to six years prison time

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net TWO men were sentenced to six years in prison as part of a plea agreement for a string of armed robberies that occurred from 2017 to 2020.

Justice Guillimina Archer-Minns sentenced Ashley Minnis, 32, and Letero Pyfrom, 28, for numerous armed robbery charges after the pair accepted a plea agreement.

David Cash represented Minnis. Cassie Bethell represented Pyfrom.

Pyfrom and an accomplice reportedly held Dario Williams and Shawn Moxey at gunpoint at Fritz Lane on April 29, 2017. Pyfrom is said to have stolen a $2,200 Rolex, a $50,000 Rolex Presidential watch, a $600 Samsung Phone and $7,400 in cash from the two men.

Pyfrom was arrested later that night during an armed confrontation in which he was shot in his left thigh.

Minnis reportedly held up Phoenix Foodstore and robbed cashier Marlene Pierre of $3,300 in cash on July 2, 2020.

Both Minnis and Pyfrom, armed with a .380 pistol, robbed cashier Derick Hepburn of $544.90 in cash belonging to Coca-Cola on July 16, 2020.

Following their guilty pleas, the defence counsels submitted that both their clients had spared the court a trial and were remorseful for their actions. In addition to saying that both men are the fathers of young children, they said the defendants were actively pursuing legitimate work to put behind their lives of crime.

They asked that Minnis

be enrolled in kitchen and carpentry courses and Pyfrom in electrician courses while at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

Both men were sentenced to six years in prison, but only Minnis’ time in remand will be deducted from his sentence. Pyfrom will be placed on one-year probation upon his release; defaulting would carry an additional twoyear sentence.

Both defendants must be enrolled in their desired courses in prison.

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Staff Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE advanced poll in Bimini had a 95 per cent turnout rate, according to administrator Eva Kay Arthur, the assistant returning officer overseeing the process on that island.

On Wednesday, 112 people voted out of the 118 on the approved list for early voting in the by-election for the West Grand Bahama and Bimini constituency.

Ms Arthur reported the process went smoothly despite inclement weather

conditions.

The advanced poll was held at the courthouse in Alice Town.

“People were not in the rain, and we provided chairs because we had a lot of elderly persons who needed to be seated,” she said.

The advanced poll is for special people such as the elderly, disabled, and uniformed officers. A total of 460 people, including 342 in West Grand Bahama, and 118 in Bimini, were approved for early voting.

Some 6,015 people have registered in the West Grand Bahama and Bimini constituency.

MAN ACCUSED OF MOLESTING 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL GRANTED BAIL

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A 34-YEAR-OLD man was granted $5,000 bail after he allegedly molested a 15-year-old girl.

Senior Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evan charged Benjamin Lightbourne with indecent assault.

Lightbourne allegedly inappropriately touched

an underaged girl in New Providence on November 9.

After pleading not guilty, the defendant was informed that under the terms of his bail, he must sign in at the Fox Hill Police Station on the last Sunday of each month.

He was also warned not to interfere with the witnesses or complainant.

Lightbourne’s trial begins on December 11.

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

The Board of Directors of FOCOL Holdings Limited (FOCOL) is pleased to present the unaudited results for the year ended September 30, 2023.

Total Net Profit and Comprehensive Income for the year ended September 30, 2023 was $32.2 million compared to $21.4 million for the previous year.

FOCOL’s performance for fiscal year 2023 represents the company’s successful return to its pre-pandemic level of earnings with a 15% improvement over its 2019 performance. The strong results are supported by a record year in tourist arrivals for The Bahamas and growth across various sectors in the Group.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (UNAUDITED) (Expressed in Bahamian dollars - $000)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED) (Expressed in Bahamian dollars - $000)

As the company grows, Management is increasingly focused on efficiency, operational excellence and customer service.

The Board of Directors wishes to thank our loyal customers, dedicated staff and shareholders for their continued confidence in FOCOL Holdings Limited.

Sir Franklyn Wilson, KCMG Chairman.

Copies of a full set of the unaudited financial statements can be obtained via email request to bpinder@sunoilbahamas.com.

A budget and a dream that became a passion PAGE 8, Friday, November 17, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

CONSOLIDATED PBY CATALINA BOMBER on a budget.

That’s what I chose to name my pyric missions to find the metal and scraps of old World War II aircraft in our country. While it may seem glamorous, the main ways I find things is still basic: research the hell out of the topic in every database and archive you can, get to the site and ask as many people as you can about what they know – often what they don’t know is more informative that you are in the wrong place – and finally, get dirty, get wet, get cut up: if you don’t you probably won’t find plane.

An important person in this process as I began it in middle aged and recently divorced, having been away from home from ages 12 to 52, was our mother, Jane McDermid Wiberg, who passed after a long illness at Christmas time in 2022. I went home to Cable Beach to see her for a week, which turned into a month.

Unable to mope around at home, I fixated on the first World War II plane I found, and went out alone swimming after in Delaporte Bay, sometimes dawn, midday and dusk, up to five hours a day.

My tools? A $50 inflatable pool raft which I named

By Eric Wiberg B-26 MARAUDER

ERIC WIBERG Clementine due to its mask and snorkel and fins orange colour and that was set I bought to find the B-26 Churchill’s wife’s name. I Marauder. I never used a bought a dumbbell and tied motor, but a kindly captain floating ski rope around it did tow me to shore once and used that basic equip- when I was sinking trying to ment and a $60 children’s drag the coaming of a large

engine half a mile to shore.

What is my point? It’s simply that most of the 150 air wrecks from the war in The Bahamas took place either on land or in shallow enough water that the planes can be found. Most errors and collisions took place taking off and landing at airfields, and pilots in distress were smart enough to head for land, for beaches and coastlines, to improve their survivability. This means that most of the wrecks, even the ones going back to the 1930s, are accessible to persons in the Bahamas, and that for the most part a sturdy pair of shoes, mask and snorkel, and grit and determination are enough to find them.

I was extremely fortunate in that eight persons loaned me vessels, whether 20ft or 59ft, for between 20 minutes and over a month.

The generosity and empathy of those kind souls, as well as the hundreds of volunteers in archives, in

genealogical sites, on the ground in cities ports and villages we visited, and just friendly helpful persons online who helped with so many details, all deserve my thanks.

Not to draw attention back to myself, but if I were to inspire others to attempt feats like going from “found no aircraft” to “found ten of them” in 14 months, I would say that it is up to each of us to become well informed about our chosen interest, and then be able to communicate, to package and highlight what you’ve learned so as to effect, infect, inspire and motivate others to assist – often not with direct investment, but rather with giving and lending their time and expertise.

That is why I am so grateful to the editors of the Nassau Tribune, for ZNS presenter Spence Finlayson, to the RBDF who came out to help me, publishers, readers, and Howard, Amanda, John, Rich, Phicol and the

many others who shared their resources.

I would encourage others to find something they are genuinely interested and passionate about, try to focus on areas which have not been already combed over, be ready to pivot, as I did, away from U-boats and maritime to the RAF and aviation since the latter offered many more accessible WWII wrecks.

Lastly, our mother inspired us to give something back; as I child I watched as she spoon-fed an elderly woman who had worked for us in her home behind Nassau. She has donated scholarships for girls in particular to buy tennis equipment with and get a start in the sport she so loved. Do it, she would admonish us as we practiced tennis before school: do it. It goes back to Goethe, and really inside each of us: Whatever you dream you can do, BEGIN IT.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, November 17, 2023, PAGE 9

Swimming - when sport becomes survival

PERCY KNOWLES (LEFT) AND HIS SON ANDY KNOWLES

IN the darkness of predawn, when most of us are pulling the covers over our heads finding a perfectly good excuse to snuggle right where we are for a few more minutes, Percy Knowles is preparing for his morning routine, the same as he has done for decades.

He’s going to swim 40 laps in an Olympic size pool. A thousand metres a morning.

That might not be such a big deal if Percy Knowles weren’t 93.

But at 93, Knowles is not just a unique story of an incredibly fit man dedicated to a sport. Nor is it part of the larger Knowles family story of sailing and swimming legends, a family that included his brother the late Sir Durward Knowles, first Olympic gold medalist in The Bahamas and his grandson, Jeremy Knowles, the third generation of Knowles Olympic competitors. A family that also includes Dallas Knowles, now chairman of the National Family Island Regatta.

While we can marvel at a person in their 90s whose family has set and held records in sailing and swim events, the more important story lies not in what the Knowles clan has done in their remarkable achievements, but in what the majority of others do not.

It is the stark contrast between those who take to the water with ease and those who live in a nation of islands surrounded by water and have no idea how to swim.

Two events this week drew attention to swimming, the first a tragic accident when a double decker ferry carrying guests to Salt Cay, known as the popular Blue Lagoon Island, took on water and sank in Nassau harbour. As frightening as it must have been for those onboard, many of whom leapt from the top deck as the vessel went bow down into the relatively shallow waters, life vests and the ability to swim saved lives. The accident forced us to look at what we do with new eyes and a serious question – does every tourist excursion involving water sports or transport over the waters require staff members to be able to swim?

Boats are licensed, captains are licensed, but should crew working in commercial water sports be required to know how to swim and to perform life-saving measures?

By Diane Phillips Should they be provisionally licensed as swimmers capable of life-saving measures?

Every day, tens of thousands of persons visit The Bahamas. Whether they stay in hotels, short-term vacation rentals or arrive by cruise ship, they are eager and excited to get into the waters they have heard are the most beautiful in the world, waters that glisten and sparkle so intensely that even in the video of the ferry sinking, the deep turquoise colours looked stunning. And when do we stop to ask ourselves – are we fully prepared to manage those experiences when we are a nation in which the vast majority of the population cannot swim and is not even comfortable in the water?

Let’s Swim Bahamas founder Andy Knowles, son of that 93-year-old who does 40 laps a day, says the percentage of those who cannot swim is higher than we realise.

“It’s more like 97 percent, about the same ratio of water to land, 97 percent of the population of The Bahamas either cannot swim or is not comfortable in the water,” says Knowles.

And if anyone knows about swimming and The Bahamas, it is Andy Knowles. He has been swimming competing, coaching and teaching for more than half a century.

For the last 16 years, he and his wife Nancy have devoted their lives to teaching swimming, especially to youngsters. Knowles coached the Sea Bees when PM Philip Davis was a competitive swimmer. He coached the Barracudas Swim Club. He has competed in the Olympics and coached Olympic swimmers including greats like Allan Murray. But his most important work, he says, is the teaching of basic swim and water survival skills to students, a passion he and Nancy share. Thanks to that passion and their absolute resolve, some 6,000 more young people in The Bahamas can swim.

With the full support of the Ministry of Education, they are now running swim lessons for students

in eight primary schools.

It means transporting and teaching and transporting back to the campus.

The accident in the harbour that focused attention on survival skills coincided with the publication of Let’s Swim Bahamas, a book that Andy Knowles has worked tirelessly on compiling. Let’s Swim Bahamas is an extraordinary journey that details the history of competitive swimming in The Bahamas and will take its rightful place as the definitive record of a sport and a skill that should be a required subject in every school as important to survival in an island nation that is more than 90 percent water as any subject in the curriculum.

Even if you don’t care about who held what record in swim events, Knowles’ book, Let’s Swim Bahamas, is a good read, filled with fascinating tidbits, like the fact that Stephen Wrinkle, the first Bahamian to earn a full swimming scholarship to a top Division 1 school (University of Alabama), beat the all-time legendary great Mark Spitz when they competed in 50 freestyle in a dual meet between the two Alabama and Spitz’s university, Indiana. Yes, that’s the same Stephen Wrinkle, outspoken champion of contractors and farmers.

Knowles will do a book signing this weekend at Heat Wave and the Sports Centre, Harbour Bay Centre, Nassau. All proceeds from the sale of the book go to Let’s Swim Bahamas.

Here’s a direct excerpt from the surprising history of swimming: “On September 5, 1949, a Nassau Tribune reporter wrote an article after Percy won the marathon swim in the Nassau harbour. The reporter said, ‘Victory had been won by a member of a family whose tradition of the sea penetrates to the marrow of their bones.’”

That marathon swim winner with a tradition of the sea that penetrates to the marrow of their bones is the same man who, at 93, swims a thousand metres a morning. God bless him.

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

ANDY Knowles holding a copy of his book, Let’s Swim Bahamas.

SPORTS PAGE 11

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023

Brown and Armbrister bring home the medals

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

C

oach and chiropractor Mike Armbrister and fitness guru Natasha Brown returned from the 2023 NCCMA Outdoor Athletics Championships in Juarez City, Mexico, with some hardware over the weekend.

Armbrister, an 800metre specialist, captured a gold in both the 400m and the long jump and a silver in the 800m in the 65-69 age group category of the masters track and field competition.

Brown got a silver in the women’s 50-55 age group long jump, but Nick Dean, the only other member of the team, didn’t compete

in the 100m in the 40-45 because of a slight injury.

For Armbrister, it was a good feeling to be back on top of the medal dias again.

“It was a comeback for me in international competition,” said Armbrister, who last competed at the World Masters Track and Field Championships in 2010 where he fell short of getting on the podium.

“I was at the beginning of my age category, so I was very pleased that I got to do so well against the more seasoned competitors. It went very well.

I was very happy with my performances.”

Although he’s been a formidable competitor in the two-lap race (800m), Armbrister said the long

SEE PAGE 15

BAHAMIANS NATASHA BROWN, Mike Armbrister and Nick Dean pose above with one of their Mexican friends at the NCCMA Outdoor Athletics Championships in Juarez City, Mexico.

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

TRAINING DAY: The Memphis Tigers women’s basketball team took advantage of their free day before the start of the Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament to host a basketball clinic for some of the local high school players.

Photo: Dante Carrer of basketball to watch,” she said.

“We share the ball a lot.

We like to play fast, get up and down the court and press the defence.

“We are a defensiveminded team, so you will see our team get a lot of steals and be able to play in transition. We have a lot of older players on the team,

but this is our first time trying to get to know each other on and off the court.

So we are looking forward to the tournament.”

With this being an off day, Simmons thanked Miller-Uibo and her family and all of the local people who came together and helped to get the event off the ground for them. “We

SPORTS CALENDAR

Nov 2023

wanted to use this day to get into the community and what better way to do that than to get on the basketball court with some younger guys who want to be just like us soome day,” she pointed out.

“So I thought our team did a really good job of interacting, teaching and coaching these players. I

saw a lot of potential. You could tell they really love basketball. Their attitude was great and they really are interested in learning and that is the most important thing.”

Simmons and the Tigers will spend today going over their game plan in

SEE PAGE 13

Dr Bridgette Rolle, one of the organisers, the tournament was postponed due to circumstances beyond their control.

She noted that when they host the tournament in January, they hope to have a competitive high school segment to the open men and women category with teams coming in from Grand Bahama and Abaco and possibly Exuma.

BASKETBALL TIMBERWOLVES MIDNIGHT MADNESS THE Anatol Rodgers Timberwolves senior boys’ basketball, coached by Denycko Bowles, is slated to hold their Timberwolves Basketball Midnight Madness on Saturday at the Anatol Rodgers School Gymnasium.

The event will start at 7pm when the

SEE PAGE 15

BAHAMIAN boxer Carl Hield will make his commute to Santa Marta, Colombia, today to prepare for his second professional boxing match scheduled for next week Wednesday.

Hield will match up against Colombia’s Diomedes Miranda in the super welterweight division at the Fight Night.

The former decorated amateur boxer’s upcoming match comes on the heels of his successful pro debut at the International Knockout Night in Cartagena, Colombia. He bested the host country’s Elkin Bolaño in the second round via a technical knockout at the Saga Boxing Club Gym. After a big win in his first professional fight, Hield is ready to make a statement against Miranda on November 22. The Bahamian’s opponent has a record of 21 wins, including 17 knockouts and has been defeated just four times.

“This is my second pro fight, it is a big step up fight for me where I have to make a big statement. This fight is going to be a big step for me to prove to myself that I belong in there with the best,” the veteran boxer said.

The 36-year-old made his transition from amateur boxing to competing on a pro level in October to get more experience in matches in preparation to try and qualify for next year’s Olympic Games in Paris, France.

“I am trying to be more active than I was with the amateurs. After my last qualifying event in Cali, Colombia, I would not have competed anymore until next year but now, with pro fights, it is a lot more experience and staying active for next year to be able to qualify for the Olympics,” he said.

SEE PAGE 13

BLTA PRESIDENT NEWTON: WE HAD A GOOD SHOWCASE

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

BASEBALL BASEBALL CAMP THE Major League Baseball Players Alumni will hold its Learn With The Pros Baseball Camp this weekend.

The free two-day instructional camp for players between the ages of 7-18 years will be held on Saturday from 9am to noon and 1-4pm and again on Sunday from 2-5pm at the Junior Baseball League of Nassau.

Participants will learn the fundamentals of the game from former and current professional players and coaches.

VOLLEYBALL SPIKING IN PARADISE POSTPONED THE Spiking in Paradise Volleyball Tournament, which was scheduled for this weekend, has been postponed until January. According to

BOXER CARL HIELD PREPARES FOR SECOND PRO MATCH

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

Memphis in town for Battle 4 Atlantis THE Memphis Tigers women’s basketball team, through their connection with Bahamian Olympic and world champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo, took advantage of their free day before the start of the Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament to host a basketball clinic for some of the local high school players.

The event took place inside the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium yesterday just before the Tigers began their final preparation for the start of the Bad Boy Mowers-sponsored tournament at the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island.Memphis is scheduled to open play at 1:30pm on Saturday against Arizona.

Head coach Alex Simmons, who transferred from Garner University in April, said the tournament will be a good way for her Tigers to get back on track after losing their last game to the No.15 ranked Tennessee 84-74 in overtime on Monday.

“We play a really fastpaced game. It’s a fun style

CARL HIELD

FOLLOWING a busy two weeks at the National Tennis Centre (NTC), beginning with a regional training camp and concluding with the U14 Junkanoo Bowl, BLTA president Perry Newton was impressed with the development and competition levels on display.

The BLTA held the first ever hosting of the International Tennis Federation (ITF)- COTECC regional training camp for English-speaking countries over the course of a few days earlier in November.

After the training camp was completed for 12 of the top under-14 players

PERRY NEWTON from the host country, Trinidad and Tobago, St Lucia, Curaçao and Barbados, the U14 Junkanoo Bowl followed behind and wrapped up on Wednesday at the NTC. Newton was particularly happy that the juniors got to experience

the opportunity to compete and develop with players from other English-speaking countries within the region.

“I am so excited that the children had this opportunity. I am very glad everything went how we planned, especially the weather holding up on the final day.

“Bahamians were able to capture a few titles in the finals so we are happy with that. The kids have really shown what they have been working on all year and it was a good way to end for the under14s,” the BLTA president said.

Among the Bahamians to capture titles at the COTECC event

SEE PAGE 13

PAGE 12, Friday, November 17, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

BSF ALL-STAR CLASSIC MEN’S GOLD MEDAL GAME

Cyber Blue Marlins take down Grand Bahama 8-3

D

espite playing in the wee hours of the morning, the Bahamas Softball Federation completed its 2023 All-Star Classic on Sunday with the Cyber Blue Marlins keeping the men’s title in New Providence while Grand Bahama carted off the ladies’ crown.

The tournament was staged as a follow up to the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture’s 6th Bahamas Games in July.

And with not that many islands participating in any type of fast-pitch competition, the entry list was limited but there were still keenly contested matches over the four days in the Banker’s Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.

Men’s Championship Cyber Blue Marlins 8, Grand Bahama 3 Winning pitcher Thomas Davis, with 15 strike outs on five hits, was named the most valuable player as he sparked the Blue Marlins to victory.

It took two extra innings after the game ended up tied at 2-2 at the end of the seven innings before Cyber opened the flood gates in the sixth, scoring six runs in the eighth to push the game out of reach for Grand Bahama.

Shortstop Austin Hanna had a pair of hits, scored

Photos by Dante Carrer

as many runs and drove in another, centre fielder McKell Bethel was 2-for-5,

scoring two runs for Grand Bahama. Marvin Rolle, coming in to pinch run in

the sixth, scored their only other run. Chris Tynes was the losing pitcher.

ON THE REPLAY: The Cyber Blue Marlins defeated Grand Bahama 8-3 in the Bahamas Softball Federation’s All-Star Classic men’s gold medal game in the Banker’s Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, November 17, 2023, PAGE 13

Bahamas Association of Athletic Coaches hosting throwers’ clinic with Jack

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net IN their bid to provide an opportunity for more coaches to get exposure to coaching in all areas of the sport, the Bahamas Association of Athletic Coaches (BAAC) is hosting a threeday throwers’ clinic under the supervision of American coach Greg Jack.

Despite the inclement weather, the session got started in a classroom format yesterday, but BAAC president Corrington Maycock is hoping that the weather will clear up for their outdoor session today at the original Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium.

On Saturday, the clinic will conclude with a weight training session at the Empire Fitness Center before the local coaches participating will have a practical session at Queen’s College where they will get to demonstrate what they’ve learned with some of the local throwers, especially those in the Blue Chips Athletic Club programme.

“The purpose of this clinic is to educate as many coaches as possible in every discipline,” Maycock said.

“This is just one of the series that we want to implement going into next year and hopefully we can take these clinics up to level two, three, four and five.”

Maycock said eventually they want to get coaches to sit the World Athletics or the United States Track and Field Coaches courses to earn their international certifications.

At yesterday’s session, at least two local coaches indicated that they were thrilled with the information that coach Jack imparted to them.

B4A

FROM PAGE 11 preparation for their first match on Saturday.

Depending on their outcome, there is a possibility that Memphis could face the Ole Miss Lady Rebels and Bahamian coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin in their second game on Sunday.

Ole Miss, which features Bahamian injured forward Rhema Collins, will play the first game of the tournament on Saturday at noon against Temple.

Either way, those on hand were just delighted to have Memphis in the gym sharing their expertise with the local players.

Bahamas Basketball Federation’s president Eugene Horton thanked May Miller, Miller-Uibo’s mother, for reaching out to the BBD through Bahamas Union of Teachers’ president Belinda Wilson for setting up the event.

He noted that a committee that included himself, Wilson, Varel Davis, president of the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association, along with the National Sports Authority to make it happen..

“It’s good to see the young girls out here participating in the event,” Horton said. “Hopefully this will be the start of something great.”

BLTA

FROM PAGE 11 sponsored by Custom Computers included Patrick Mactaggart and Tatyana Madu in the singles matchups. Madu, of Grand Bahama, was in cruise control in her last two rounds of the U14 Junkanoo Bowl tournament. The 14-year old was the number one seed in the girls singles division and dropped Curaçao’s Keziah Fluonia in two sets 7-6(3), 6-1. In the finals,

AMERICAN coach Greg Jack, sitting in front row third from left, is flanked by local coaches participating in the throwers’ clinic. The Bahamas Association of Athletic Coaches (BAAC) is hosting a three-day throwers clinic under the supervision of American coach Greg Jack. BAAC president Corrington Maycock is hoping that the weather will clear up for their outdoor session today at the original Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium.

Sydline Justilien, a physical education teacher and coach for the Lions at HO Nash Junior High School, said the session has been quite informative for her.

“I know that we are more dominant with the track events and not the field, so this is a good opportunity to get some information that I can provide some more knowledge for my students with the shot put, discus and javelin.”

Justilien said with the knowledge, she can help them to apply it as they prepare for the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association’s track and field championship next year.

Ann Bullard, now assigned to CC Sweeting High School where she’s grooming the once dominant Cobras’ programme, said she liked the way that

coach Jack was able to break down the concepts of the throwing events.

“He’s made it so easier for us to impart the knowledge to our athletes,” she pointed out. “It’s so important for us to get as much knowledge as possible so we can make it better for our programme to improve.”

Having spent some time coaching on the Family Islands, Bullard said the challenge is greater here in New Providence because the student-athletes are easier distracted than those on the islands.

“On the Family Islands, we also have to struggle in providing the equipment to train the athletes, but there is a bigger crowd,” she said.

“Here in Nassau, the crowd is bigger to select from, but it’s harder to get the student-athletes to

come out and participate.

“I think based on what I’ve heard from coach Jack so far, I can better encourage more of the student-athletes to come out and participate in the throwing events, rather than just focusing on the track events.”

Coach Jack, a multiple thrower who attended Florida State, started coaching at the University of Pittsburgh for two years before he moved to Virginia Tech where he stayed for 17 years.

He then ventured in track and field consultancy where he’s travelling around helping universities, coaches and coaches with their throwing programme.

Since he first came here to do some recruitment, coach Jack said he met Maycock through his Blue

Chips Athletics and he fell in love with two of his standouts Keyshawn Strachan and Rhema Otabor.

“We stayed in touch and he told me that he wanted me to come back and get this thing going,” coach Jack said.

“We have different levels of coaches here and that will only snowball because they are all eager to learn.”

Once this session is over, coach Jack said he would love to return in the future and continue to work with the local coaches to follow up how they have been able to apply the knowledge shared with their athletes.

Maycock said he’s excited to have coach Jack in town and he’s certain that he will be able to impart a lot of knowledge to the local coaches during the sessions.

Ready for Battle 4 Atlantis

READY FOR BATTLE: The Memphis Tigers women’s basketball team took advantage of their free day before the start of the Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament to host a basketball clinic for some of the local high school players.

Photo: Dante Carrer Wilson said when she was asked by Miller to assist Memphis, she immediately contacted the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Ministry of Tourism, the NSA, the GSSSA and the BBF. And “we formed a small committee to make sure this event happened. We are really pleased with all of the groupings and entities who partnered with us,” she started.

“We hope that this can be an annual event because the 15 players and nine coaches were able to benefit from the clinic. We wish Memphis well during the tournament.”

Davis, an advocate for women’s sports in the island nation, having played basketball at the international level before she became a coach, said the visit by Memphis will really help to boost the GSSSA as they prepare for

the start of their basketball season on Monday.

“This will definitely go a long way. This is the first time that the players get to interact with a team like this, so they were able to see what the college teams go through,” she stated.

“We look forward to watching them and the other teams play in the tournament.”

Jaida Fraser, an eighth grader at HO Nash Junior High, said it was a good

opportunity for her to display her skills before the coaches and players from Memphis.

“This year, I’m going to try my best to be the best and to come out as the best player in high school,” she said.

“I think the team looked good. They really inspire me to be like them,” The versatile, all-around player said her goal is to go to college and eventually play pro basketball.

she ousted Trinidad and Tobago’s Makeda Bain in consecutive sets 6-0, 6-3 to win one of two titles in the event. She earned her second trophy alongside Bain in the doubles finals against Bahamian Briana Houlgrave and Fluonia.

The BLTA president praised the efforts of Madu and other top juniors in the competition for their work on the courts.

“We had a good showcase, it was really good for our top players in U14 to win the finals. Tatyana was

a top player in this tournament. It is really good to see her development as she is from Grand Bahama.

It showcases the talent we have across the country for her to be the top U14 girl and end her U14 run with a win at home,” he said.

John Goede, ITF development officer for the Caribbean, led the charge at the regional training camp and complimented the efforts of the BLTA and competitors from the host country. “On behalf of ITF and COTECC I would

like to thank the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association for hosting this and making this possible. It did not look like it would happen in the Caribbean and we are very grateful that The Bahamas took it up and made this happen,” Goede said.

He noted that having the top players from different islands of The Bahamas including Grand Bahama and Eleuthera available for the regional training camp was commendable.

“I have seen the players develop a lot. It is always

wonderful to be in one of the very few countries in the Caribbean where girls tennis is big. I always appreciate that there are a lot more girls playing tennis here on an historic level since I have been the development officer,” he concluded.

The other winners from the U14 Junkanoo Bowl were Barbados’ Dimitri Kirton and Curaçao’s Brandon Bridgewater in the boys’ doubles finals.

ROCKETS PULL OFF 67-62 WIN IN NPBA THE Produce Express Rockets pulled off a 67-62 victory over the Mekaddish Millionaires in the lone New Providence Basketball Association game played at the AF Adderley Gymnasium on Wednesday night.

The Rockets, in winning their Derrick ‘Bats’ Ferguson’s Division II conference opening game, had three players in double figures.

The Millionaires lost their season opener despite producing a balanced attack.

Rumalo Ellis led Produce Express with a game high 15 points and a pair of rebounds and assists, while Anthon Williams and Randy Blanfort both had 12 points with six and five rebounds respectively.

Williams also had five assists and four steals and Blankford got two steals.

For Mekaddish, Javon Adderley poured in 14 points with 14 rebounds, four assists and three steals, Ronie Pierre had 12 points, Giveson Gelin had seven points and Avery Nesbitt and Chad-Vaughn James both contributed six points.

James also had six rebounds and two steals.

The men’s division one feature contest between the TMT Giants and the Sunlight College Stampers was not played.

Friday 7:30pm - Cyber Tech Blue Marlins vs Rhythm Rebels (DII).

8:30pm - Tucker Boys vs Brandon Deli Kings (D1).

Saturday 7:30pm - Your Essential Store vs Javon Medical Shockers (DII).

8:30pm - Zulu Media & Symphony vs Caro Contractors Shockers (D1).

Monday 7:30pm - BIBT Great Whites vs Rhythm Rebels (DII).

8:30pm - Island Development Rebels vs Leno Regulators (D1).

ATP FINALS: SINNER GETS 3-SET VICTORY TURIN, Italy (AP) — Jannik Sinner is setting new standards match after match at the ATP Finals.

The home crowd favorite from Italy registered a first career win over Holger Rune, 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 on Thursday, two days after beating Novak Djokovic for the first time.

Sinner, who had already secured his place in the semifinals at the seasonending event for the year’s top eight players, went one step further and finished first in his group with a perfect 3-0 record.

“I bounced back in the third set just like I did against Nole,” Sinner said.

“This victory means a lot, coming back after such a big match with so many emotions. But I was still able to win the big points.”

HIELD

FROM PAGE 11 As for preparation ahead of the big fight, Hield has trained alongside fellow boxer Rashield Williams as they both are preparing for upcoming matches.

Williams is set to compete in Tampa, Florida, on Saturday and the two boxers have helped each other ahead of the tough matches next on their schedules.

“Preparation and training camp was awesome. I want to give a good thanks to my fellow teammate Rashield Williams. He will be competing on Saturday and was helping me while I was helping him with sparring. We did a lot of work together to get prepared for our upcoming matches,” he said.

The veteran boxer is dedicating his next fight to his late mother Norma Hield, as he always does, and wants to make his dreams come true to honour her.

PAGE 14, Friday, November 17, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

BEYOND INTRODUCTION: DEEPENING THE DIVE INTO SPORT PSYCHOLOGY AND MENTAL CONDITIONING FOR ATHLETES B

uilding upon the foundations laid in our previous exploration of sport psychology, this feature delves deeper into the realms of mental conditioning for athletes.

Moving beyond the basics, we unravel the intricacies of how sports psychology techniques, mindfulness practices, and advanced mental training elevate athletic performance across diverse sports disciplines.

Crafting a Resilient Mind-Body Connection Understanding the symbiotic relationship between the mind and body is

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paramount for athletes seeking enduring success.

Mental conditioning takes this understanding a step further, emphasizing the need to synchronise mental and physical capabilities.

Let’s explore how this holistic approach shapes the mental fortitude of athletes.

Advanced Mental Training Techniques Visualisation Mastery: Building on the concept of visualisation introduced earlier, athletes refine their mental imagery, creating detailed, vivid scenarios of success. Visualisation becomes a personalised movie, enhancing not only muscle memory but also bolstering confidence on a profound level.

Goal Precision: While setting goals remains a fundamental aspect, advanced mental training involves refining the precision of these objectives. Athletes now navigate intricate

goal-setting strategies, incorporating short-term milestones that align seamlessly with the overarching athletic journey.

Cognitive Restructuring: This technique addresses the restructuring of thought patterns. Athletes learn to identify and challenge negative thoughts, replacing them with constructive and empowering alternatives.

Cognitive restructuring becomes a powerful tool for cultivating a positive and resilient mindset.

Mindfulness as a Performance Catalyst Revisiting mindfulness, we uncover its advanced applications in sports psychology: Flow States: Athletes explore the concept of ‘flow,’ a mental state where they are fully immersed in their performance.

Mindfulness practices aid in achieving and sustaining these flow states, promoting optimal

DR KENT BAZARD performance and a sense of transcendence.

Mental Toughness Training: Mindfulness becomes a cornerstone of mental toughness training.

Athletes learn to confront and manage adversity

with composure, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.

Individualising Mental Conditioning Strategies Acknowledging the universality of mental conditioning, we now turn our attention to the importance of individualisation.

Recognising that each athlete’s mental landscape is unique, tailored mental conditioning strategies emerge as essential.

Sports psychologists work closely with athletes, understanding their psychological profiles and crafting personalised programmes that resonate with their specific needs and goals.

Conclusion: A Continuum of Mental Excellence As we deepen our exploration of sport psychology and mental conditioning, it becomes evident that this journey is a continuum. From foundational

principles to advanced techniques, athletes are equipped with a spectrum of tools to navigate the intricate interplay of mind and body.

The pursuit of mental excellence in sports is an ongoing process, an evolution that mirrors the athletes’ own growth and mastery in their chosen disciplines.

UÊ ÀÊ i ÌÊ >â>À`Ê ÃÊ >Ê Bahamian sports medicine physician, sports performance coach, sports nutrition specialist and founder of Empire Sports Medicine.

Our mission is to empower athletes to reach new heights while safeguarding their health and well-being. We understand the unique demands of sports activities, and we are dedicated to helping athletes prevent injuries, overcome challenges, optimise nutrition and performance.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, November 17, 2023, PAGE 15

BROWN AND ARMBRISTER BRING HOME THE MEDALS FROM PAGE 11 jump has now turned out to be his best event to compete in. As for the competition, Armbrsiter said it was just what he expected.

“The guys, who I competed against have been competing a lot more than me so they were more race sharp than I was,” said Armbrister, who now serves as an assistant coach for the Red-Line Athletics Track Club.

“But I really surprised myself. I went out there and I competed well against them. I knew that I was in shape because I work out with our athletes. So I really, really prepared for the competition.”

Brown, who has since turned to bodybuilding and fitness since she last competed, said the spirit of competition never left her, so she felt right in her element.

“When I went on to get my pro card in fitness, that was another avenue for me to sustain myself explosively,” she noted.

“I’ve gotten up in age and I missed my opportunity to make the Olympic team as a track athlete, which was my ultimate dream.

“But I felt like I was jumping again just as I did in the 2000 Olympic trials. I had a lot of different things that got in my way and prevented me from jumping the way I really wanted to, but I felt really good. It felt like I wasn’t away as long

as I was since the Olympic trials in 2000.”

Now that she has the competitive juices flowing again for the sport, Brown said she will definitely be back for an encore at the masters level.

Having won the gold in the long jump and a bronze in the high jump at the 1984 CARIFTA Games here at home at the original Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium, Brown said she got a nostalgic moment during the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of CARIFTA here in April at the new Thomas A Robinson Stadium where she was interviewed about her past performance.

“So 39 years after winning these medals, the message is not about winning the medals, but rather the lifestyle, in addition to having my clientele, it allows me to get up every morning at 5am. It’s a lifestyle.

“The message is that track and field allowed me to get a collegiate scholarship and I was able to come back home and continue in bodybuilding, winning my pro card and now assisting so many people with their healthy lifestyle.”

Like Armbrister, who has competed in several masters competitions, Brown said she intends to continue to perform for the Bahamas in her post-track and field career, while she maintains her fitness programme with her clients.

at the University CALENDAR Saturday of the Bahamas grass track,

FROM PAGE 11

boys’ team will be introduced to the public. The entry fee for the event is $5 for adults and $3 for children. Prizes and surprises will be offered.

TRACK SPIA CONDITIONING RELAY CHALLENGE THE SPIA Track and Field Conditioning Relay Challenge will be held on

starting at 8am.

Team registration is $50 per team. The categories include under-9, under-11, under-13, under-15, under17 and open men and women and mixed teams.

Medals will be presented to the first three finishers in each category as well as trophies to the divisional winners in the primary, junior and senior schools with their combined scores.