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Volume: 121 No.3, November 23, 2023

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PLP VOTE RISES AS SMITH WINS RACE • DAVIS: WE WANTED TO WIN FOR OBIE • VOTER TURNOUT LOW IN BY-ELECTION • FNM FEWER VOTES THAN IN 2021 • COI LEADER BAIN LOSES DEPOSIT By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net THE Progressive Liberal Party’s Kingsley Smith comfortably won the West Grand Bahama and Bimini

by-election yesterday, buoying the Davis administration in a race some saw as a potential barometer of the governing party’s popularity near the mid-point of its term. Voter turnout, which had

been unusually low in the 2021 general election, was similarly low this time, with 3,765 out of 6,015 people voting, according to unofficial results. However, Mr Smith got more votes than his

KINGSLEY SMITH, centre, celebrating after his victory in the West Grand Bahama and Bimini by-election. Photo: Vandyke Hepburn predecessor, the late Obie Wilchcombe, did in the last election –– 2150 versus 2034 –– while the Free National Movement lost ground. The FNM’s Bishop Ricardo Grant got 1276 votes, 34 per cent of the share, fewer than

the 1,484 Pakesia ParkerEdgecombe got in 2021. While the Coalition of Independents, through its leader, Lincoln Bain, improved on its 2021 performance, it was not enough for Mr Bain to get

back the $400 he deposited to run in the race. He got 307 votes for eight per cent of the vote. Two independents, Terneille Burrows and DaQuan Swain, got a combined 32 votes. SEE PAGES 2,3,4,5

Maritime contracts signed ‘maliciously’ GERMAN TOURIST By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net A SENIOR civil servant is alleging that two controversial multi-million dollar maritime contracts were executed “negligently, unlawfully and maliciously” in contravention of public service rules. Antoinette Thompson, the top civil servant in the then-Ministry of Transport and Housing until she was placed on “unrecorded

leave” in April 2023, is claiming in legal documents that the two “large contracts” were signed and executed by junior officials “without the knowledge or authority” of herself even though - as permanent secretary - she was the one required to sign-off. And she alleged that one of the contracts, which committed the government to pay $3.355m for the development of an online portal to capture private boat and yacht charter fees, was signed by Gaynell Rolle, the

Ministry of Transport and Housing’s under-secretary, prior to all the necessary documents arriving at the ministry’s offices. That contract, handed to DigieSoft Technologies, as well as the annual $3.57m award to Adolpha Maritime Group for the maintenance of navigational aids in Nassau and other harbours across The Bahamas, were both cited for procedural irregularities in Ms Thompson’s October 27 action. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

MISSING AFTER SHARK ATTACK

A GERMAN tourist is missing after a shark attacked her in waters near West End on Tuesday. Police said the woman was participating in a diving excursion in the Tiger Beach area when she encountered the shark. “After briefly surfacing, she disappeared and has not resurfaced since. Only her SEE PAGE SEVEN

PAGE 2, Thursday, November 23, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

SCENES from voting in West Grand Bahama and Bimini yesterday. Photos: Vandyke Hepburn

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, November 23, 2023, PAGE 3

PLP vote rises as Smith wins race from page one Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said his party took nothing for granted to win the race as several dozen energetic supporters cheered him on as he spoke at the PLP’s headquarters on Farrington Road in New Providence. They sang “One Love,” an ode to Mr Wilchcombe, whose death created a vacancy in the House of Assembly and in whose name many campaigned. Hundreds also gathered at one of the party’s offices in Grand Bahama to celebrate. “We wanted to win to honour the memory of Obie,” Mr Davis said, adding that the race demonstrated the strength of democracy in the country.

“After the celebrations tonight,” he said, “tomorrow we’ll be right up bright and early because it’s time to get back to work.” Asked about the lower voter turnout, Mr Davis said turnout isn’t an issue for him. “The issue for me is that I turn out my voters and I won,” he said. “We turned out our voters. We encouraged our voters and they voted. It was their job to get their voters out and it is our job to encourage participation, but yet again, as I said, it is a democratic right for anyone.” He said the message voters sent the FNM is that they still have confidence in his administration. “They realised that this administration has only been in for two years. They saw some movement. They

had hope in us that we will not neglect them and that we will deliver on what we said we would do,” he said. In the campaign’s final weeks, the PLP mobilised resources, signed contracts and touted its record. The Davis administration held a rare Cabinet meeting in Grand Bahama on Tuesday. The FNM dismissed these actions as a ploy for votes and brought former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham to the rally stage for the first time since 2017. Mr Ingraham told reporters earlier this month that he advised FNM leader Michael Pintard that by-elections historically favour the PLP. Mr Pintard told The Tribune last night he had no regrets contesting the seat. The governing party has now won four of the last six by-elections.

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis celebrating at PLP headquarters last night. Photo: Dante Carrer

‘NO WASTING TIME’ DECLARES NEW MP By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

A VICTORIOUS Kingsley Smith alongside Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper last night.

KINGSLEY Smith is all smiles as he wins the West Grand Bahama and Bimini by-election. Photo: Vandyke Hepburn

A SMILING Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis at the PLP headquarters as the party held on to the West Grand Bahama and Bimini seat. Photo: Dante Carrer

Photo: Vandyke Hepburn

WINNING more than 2,000 votes at the polls in the West Grand Bahama and Bimini by-election yesterday, newly elected MP Kingsley Smith said he and the Progressive Liberal Party are up for the challenge. Mr Smith won the byelection with 2,150 votes, while FNM candidate Bishop Ricardo Grant had 1,276 votes. He spoke on his victory shortly after the release of the unofficial results. He was joined by a sea of gold and blue dressed Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) supporters at the party’s headquarters in West Grand Bahama. Mr Smith said his time as a parliamentarian will be spent fulfilling and addressing the concerns he heard from residents of West Grand Bahama and Bimini, while campaigning. “There are a lot of concerns I would have heard throughout this course of the campaign. There is no wasting time, there is no partying, there is no time to slunk, there is no time to sleep, no time for vacation, we need to get to work. “There is a lot of work to do and I am up for the challenge. I would have seen my people and what is happening and I want to make sure

that I help them the best way I can. “So I am going into Parliament with the government to come through and provide for the residents of West Grand Bahama and Bimini,” Mr Smith said. Mr Smith predicted his win earlier that day, saying he was the candidate of choice, with a plan for constituents, as opposed to Free National Movement (FNM) candidate Bishop Ricardo Grant, who, he said, had “no plan” for the constituency. “I would have laid out my plans. I would have said it throughout the course of this campaign. It was clear, it was articulate. We know that any other candidate, and the Bishop, would have said he had no plan and he wanted to hear the people. “I came out from day one with a plan. I born here, I raise here. I know what the community needs and I am here to do it for me, my family, the residents and the community.” Mr Smith said the FNM’s supporters were from out of the constituency and were used to show the FNM had support at the polls, when it did not. “What they tried to do is a perception and when you look at their supporters, all of them that you see there are from out of West Grand Bahama and Bimini. There is no concern. What we have today are voters, actual voters.”

PAGE 4, Thursday, November 23, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

ELECTION RESULTS: WEST GRAND BAHAMA AND BIMINI CONSTITUENCY Polling divisions

COI

NO. 1

NO. 2

FNM

IND

DaQuan Swain

Terneille Burrows

151

NO. 3

NO. 4

NO. 4A

PLP

Polling divisions

COI

198

NO.8A

268

NO. 9

188

NO. 5

NO.5A

NO. 6 NO. 7

FNM

IND

PLP

DaQuan Swain

Terneille Burrows

123

161

NO. 10

123

NO. 11

NO.11A

NO. 12

118

116

114

NO. 13

101

128

NO. 14

111

123 307

1276

2150

NO. 8

129

TOTAL

Bain ‘awesome’ after winning 307 votes in by-election battle By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net COALITION of Independents Leader Lincoln Bain said although the Progressive Liberal Party won the by-election, his party is prepared to win the war ahead of the 2026 general election. “They won the battle, but we are going to win the war,” said Mr Bain. Mr Bain, PLP candidate Kingsley Smith, Free National Movement candidate Bishop Ricardo Grant, and independents DaQuan Swain and Terneille Burrows contested the West

Grand Bahama and Bimini seat. However, Mr Smith claimed victory, with an unofficial total of 2,150 votes. Grant finished with 1,276 votes, Bain with 307 and Swain with 28 and four for Burrows. “I feel awesome,” Mr Bain said. “I think we got to come and do what we have always been doing, that’s fighting for the people, advocating for the people and getting things done and I think that is what we did.” Mr Bain classified his defeat as a learning experience, hoping to regain his bearings for the 2026

general election. “This is a PLP seat,” he said yesterday. “I mean the whole government and everyone had to come down, this has never happened in political history. “They spent a lot of money on the grounds and they wanted to win this so it doesn’t take anything from us, but we are going to go in the general election to get ready to take the country.” The West Grand Bahama and Bimini constituency is said to be predominately a PLP seat, with yesterday’s poll reflecting this reality. While acknowledging this, Mr Bain urged the

Charlotteville Lot No. 180 Property for Sale Mr. Edmund L. Rahming, in his capacity as court approved Receiver, is soliciting offers for the purchase of the debtors right, title and interest in Lot No. 180 located within the Charlotteville Subdivision Community situated in the Western District of the Island of New Providence, one of the Islands of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

government to do what was promised on their campaign trail. Asked how he feels about missing the threshold to get a return on his $400 nomination fee, Mr Bain expressed no concern about the money. “We have been a success, it wasn’t about any money, we don’t need $400. “This is literally about some relief for the people. “I wish some of the people in this consistency could get that $400 because there are people who are suffering. “There are people who just don’t know what they are going to eat tomorrow, there are people whose homes are in disarray and destroyed, they don’t have light, they don’t have water and so it’s really about fighting for the people and that’s really the most important thing for us.”

DAQUAN SWAIN, left, on the campaign trail yesterday.

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THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, November 23, 2023, PAGE 5

‘No regret’ over contesting by-election for FNM leader By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard said he does not regret contesting the West Grand Bahama and Bimini bi-election and does not believe the result shows the FNM is poorly positioned three years away from the next general election. Some see by-elections as a referendum on the governing party and that the comfortable victory for the PLP’s Kingsley Smith

shows the party’s continued strength in the country. “I only would remind you and the public that there have been multiple byelections and the outcome of by-elections has little very bearing at the end of the day on the general election,” Mr Pintard said yesterday, noting that after the FNM lost the North Abaco by-election in 2012, it emerged victorious in the 2017 general election. “Again, at the end of the day, we believe this is a stress test on the

organisation at the various stages, and we will see what we need to correct, whether it’s the machinery,” he said. Mr Smith unofficially secured 2150 votes while Bishop Ricardo Grant got 1,276. Mr Grant said although he did not win, he was proud of his campaign and would not let yesterday’s defeat discourage him from running again. “As far as running is concerned, I’m not going to stop running. One of the things is when you start,

THE WAIT for results yesterday and scenes from voting during the day.

you don’t stop,” he said. “I’m here to continue to work with the citizens here of West Grand Bahama and Bimini and stand with them and serve with them as I’ve been doing over the years.” Mr Pintard said an “overwhelming majority” of FNM members thought it was essential to contest the seat. Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham had previously told him by-elections favoured the PLP. “Hubert Ingraham was one of our speakers on the

Photos: Vandyke Hepburn

platform consistently so he and I are one in terms of contesting this election,” Mr Pintard said yesterday. He said despite the loss, the people of West Grand Bahama and Bimini received more attention from the government than ever before. “A number of commitments have been made,” he continued. “We will now hold the government accountable to see whether they fulfil that, whether that is the completion of the airport in Bimini and whether

it’s the comprehensive road work to address flooding.” When asked if he believes the results would energise those in the FNM who oppose his leadership, Mr Pintard replied: “The matter for me does not arise. I come to enjoy the overwhelming support of not only the officers and members of the party but the FNMs throughout the country, so I’m focused on holding the government accountable and continuing to refine the machinery of our party.”

PAGE 6, Thursday, November 23, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

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PICTURE OF THE DAY

NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI “Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

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Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt . Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991

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Five takeaways from by-election vote THE race has been run. The votes have been counted. And after all the sound and fury, the money spent and the time on the campaign trail, we are back to where we started. West Grand Bahama and Bimini have chosen a PLP candidate to fill the vacancy left by the death of PLP MP Obie Wilchcombe. So is it the same old, same old? Well, perhaps not. Here are five things to think about emerging from the vote results. PLP ENCOURAGED For the PLP, it will be a case of job done. Kingsley Smith did not come into the by-election with a reputation to match his political predecessor, but he has come away with more votes than Obie Wilchcombe. He won 2,150 votes compared to 2,034 for Mr Wilchcombe at the last election. The party clearly did not take any chances, however. A string of contract signings across the constituency in the run-up to the vote allowed them to tell voters they were doing things for them, and the Cabinet meeting held at Eight Mile Rock was an obvious photo-opportunity to bring in the heavyweights in a show of being there for the community. The PLP very definitely wasn’t taking things for granted – and got the outcome it wanted. Now, of course, it will have to live up to promises made on the campaign trail, while Mr Smith will have to get to work, and show his constituents in the two years or so before the next general election why they were right to vote him in. LOW TURNOUT Mr Smith may have won, but across the board voter turnout was low. Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis may have played down the issue of voter turnout, saying “we turned out our voters”, but a low number of people going to the polls shows a lack of enthusiasm for all parties. When it comes around to the general election, the PLP must hope that such mid-term apathy does not hang over, or it may face trouble. Thousands of voters stayed at home – that puts all of their votes in play for the next time. Whichever party hopes to win that future battle will want to find a way to galvanise those stay-at-home voters. Those who do may see a big swing in their fortunes. NO LOVE FOR INDEPENDENTS Independent candidates DaQuan Swain and Terneille Burrows certainly did not lack for enthusiasm – though they did lack for votes, with just 32 between them. Candidates without the backing of a party traditionally do not do well in our election system, and so it proved again. Still, both are to be applauded for

having the determination to bring their issues to the table, and perhaps making people talk about policies that might otherwise have been ignored. COI STILL IN THE GAME The Independent that perhaps is not an independent was Lincoln Bain, leader of the Coalition of Independents, a curious Frankenstein’s monster of a party that has bolted together all manner of individuals with different beliefs. As a party, it might not be as independent as its label suggests, but there were enough voters for Mr Bain in the by-election to likely give him some encouragement. It was not enough for him to get back his deposit – landing eight percent of the vote. But it is certainly enough to define the COI as the closest thing to a third party in The Bahamas right now. It might not set them on a winning trajectory for the next election, but it certainly is enough to suggest they might still be around, and those few percent might be crucial in separating the next eventual winners and losers. BAD NEWS FOR FNM The FNM does not have a lot to celebrate from this vote. The campaign exposed some cracks and fissures in the party – including playing a game of Where’s Wally but substituting former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis for Wally. The party candidate, Bishop Ricardo Grant, seemed well liked, but got fewer votes than Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe got for the FNM in 2021. It was a step backward personally and for the party – although it might lend more strength to the suggestions that it should have been Parker-Edgecombe who got the nomination rather than Bishop Grant. The FNM needs to sort out its identity problems. Is it a party running against the PLP? Or is it a party leader running against his predecessor? This might not have been a seat the FNM was likely to win – former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham sounded the warning from the off that incumbent governments tended to win by-elections – but there has not been enough indication from this result that the party is any closer to the prospect of a general election win when the time comes. Dr Minnis is surely not the answer for the FNM, particularly given his absence from the party campaign. But current leader Michael Pintard still has to make his case that he is. There will be plenty more in the tea leaves, we are sure. As each party picks apart the proceedings over the next few days, it will be interesting to see what else emerges. For Mr Smith, however, it’s time to get on with things. He has a new constituency to impress.

A PLP supporter wears a shirt paying tribute to Obie Wilchcombe on the day his successor as MP for West Grand Bahama and Bimini was elected. Photo: Dante Carrer

Two year wait for MSC deal EDITOR, The Tribune. THE obviously rushed for PR effect HOA with MSC for further expansion at their treasure island Ocean Cay raises a critical question … declared that the proposal for the $100m development was pending more than two years! By the way Ocean Cay has nothing to do with Bimini or West End. Surely it wasn’t that MSC hadn’t proven their qualification? Surely it wasn’t that funding was a question? MSC is one of the largest most profitable global

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net corporations around - they made a bid to acquire by takeover Global Ports - great pity they didn’t, Bahamas could have gotten a far better deal than the FNM did possibly we could have got a commitment for MSC to port at least twomega ships right out of Port of Miami to Nassau on way down to the Caribbean not as is the last port of call - passengers maxed their plastic.

If FDI projects have to wait around for two years I can guarantee the DavisCooper government will be a failure - two years to create 200 jobs and they, the government, so proud but, of course, if it wasn’t for the bye election MSC would probably still be waiting in 2026! Truly amazed and surprised thought DavisCooper were far smarter. No wonder Jamaica gets the investors faster. D ROLLE Nassau, November 21, 2023.

Keep views of the coast EDITOR, The Tribune. AS A tourism destination, vistas, views along the coast are essential to be retained and not obstructed, but we see more and more walls going up and vegetation growth growing taller and taller blocking all vistas. Location - Love Beach Road heading west past Love beach on right side new high wall... wall has to be l0 plus feet tall. This wall, if allowed, will block

totally the view of the sea and beach area. Thought max height of boundary walls, was 4ft 6inches? Oh, those billboards… can you believe it even on the Love Beach Road one of the media Cos has a four plus sheet plywood billboard… Town Planning - erect one you know soon two-threefour will appear. Surely this is a very inappropriate place for billboards, many in the recent months

around Super Value, Cable Beach far too many. Caves Condos heading west - boy their management brutally cut the bush over the famous cave… please find a responsible contractor who knows how to do it without harming the trees - it honestly looks awful and will do so for months whilst regrowth. M THOMPSON Nassau, November 22, 2023.

Readers have their say AFTER Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said his administration would approve the sale of the Grand Bahama Port Authority if the new owners meet the government’s standards, readers of www.tribune242.com had their say on the issue. TimesUp said: “As a Licensee, I consider any move by the government to buy the port as a hostile action. “Every move I make for my business is hindered and confounded by the government and its various branches. They are strangling licensees and Freeport in general to facilitate a bid to take over.

“The Port are allowing this discrimination towards licensees where they should be fighting! They have given up and I worry they will sell our rights, and any chance of Freeports success from under us. “I support, and will pay my part towards a take over via the licensees, this is the true best outcome for Freeport and the worst nightmare for the government.”

Sickened said: “Ummm. The Bahamas Government is willing to buy the Port??? Pray tell... with what money? You have no money to fix the hospital, pave ANY road, fix any school properly and up to code... and y’all want to buy the port?!?!? The PLP punch drunk on power.” Exposed02C said: “Well, ain’t dat da pot callin’ da kettle black! Davis obviously refuses to acknowedge and accept that the government he leads has not fulfilled its own obligations to maintain Nassau’s infrastructure and facilitate its growth.” • Join in the conversation at www.tribune242.com.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, November 23, 2023, PAGE 7

$500,000 bill for Christmas decorations this year By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net AS the Christmas season approaches, New Providence and Family Island residents can expect a sparkling display of decorations worth over $500,000, according to Luther Smith, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Works and Utilities. Mr Smith told The Tribune yesterday that this year will be the first time the ministry pays for Christmas decorations on some of the Family Islands, including Abaco, Exuma, Cat Island, and Eleuthera. He said Island Pearls International was awarded the contract to provide Christmas lights for Pompey Square, Downtown, and Fish Fry. Another contract was awarded to Kaismu Ellis, who will be assisting the ministry with dazzling light displays in the southern area of New Providence, including Edumund

THE CHRISTMAS tree in Rawson Square last year. This year’s decorations are expected to be installed by December 1.

Moxy Park. Mr Smith said the country’s annual light displays get better each year. “When you drive on West Bay Street next Monday or Tuesday, you will see that the lights have already been wrapped around the trees and the balls hanging out of the trees,” he said. “Then in the south, it will be something similar in that area. So, everybody will be able to enjoy it young and old.” Asked about the few Family Islands that will be decorated with lights this year, Mr Smith expressed excitement that the ministry will be able to provide lights for more Family Islands in the future. “The areas that we have identified are very popular areas,” he said. He said all of the Christmas lights are expected to be installed by December 1. The historic Pompey Square display is expected to be completed by December 8.

MOTHER OF TODDLER FOUND DEAD IN ABACO HELPING POLICE THE mother of a fouryear-old girl who was found dead in Abaco is still assisting police with their investigations. Police said the woman was not in custody, but is being questioned in connection with the child’s death. The toddler was reportedly at a gated community in South Abaco on Saturday when she wandered off from her mother who,

The Tribune understands, is a security guard in the community. Police said moments later, the child was found unconscious on the beach. This incident comes after two-year-old Daniel Nixon was found dead in bushes near his home in the Fox Hill area. His parents were charged in court this week with cruelty to children.

GERMAN TOURIST MISSING AFTER SHARK ATTACK from page one diving equipment has been recovered as rescue efforts continue,” police said. In August, police found the body of a man floating at Saunders Beach with injuries they said were consistent

with a shark attack. Meanwhile, in June, an American woman was attacked by a shark in waters south of Taino Beach, Grand Bahama. She was taken to the Rand Memorial Hospital, where she was said to be in serious condition at the time.

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PAGE 8, Thursday, November 23, 2023

PARENTS OF TWO-YEAR-OLD FOUND DEAD GRANTED BAIL By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net THE parents of Daniel Nixon, a two-year-old found dead in bushes in Fox Hill last week, were granted $7,000 bail yesterday after spending two nights in prison. They have been charged with cruelty to children. Douglas Nixon, 40, and Jenny Nixon, 31, appeared tired before Senior Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans during their bail hearing. Police reportedly recovered the remains of their toddler in the bushes in the Fox Hill area on the night of November 14. The victim had apparent injuries to his neck and head. The animal control unit took blood samples from stray dogs after the incident, but authorities have yet to disclose an official cause of death. Two days after pleading not guilty to the charge, the Nixons’ bail was set at $7,000 with one or two sureties each. Under the terms of their bail, they must sign in at Fox Hill Police Station every Friday. They are also to be fitted with monitoring devices. Their trial is scheduled for February 7, 2024.

MAN CHARGED WITH DAMAGE, GRIEVOUS HARM, THREATS OF DEATH By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was granted bail after he allegedly stalked, threatened and injured his ex-girlfriend last month. Magistrate Shaka Serville charged Nikito Sturrup, 26, with damage, grievous harm and three counts of threats of death. Edwina Waldron represented the accused. Sturrup allegedly seriously injured his former girlfriend Shiomte Woodhouse during a fight at Charles Vincent Street on October 27. Sturrup is alleged to have returned to the complainant’s residence on November 9 and threatened to kill her. On the night of November 14, the defendant again allegedly threatened to kill Ms Woodhouse and Vanessa Henfield. He

also allegedly caused damage to Henfield’s security door, trying to get into the house. While Sturrup initially pleaded guilty to the charge, he changed his plea to not guilty after consulting with his attorney. After Ms Waldron interceded on her client’s behalf by informing the judge of Sturrup’s family’s modest financial situation, Magistrate Serville set his bail at $1,500 with one or two sureties. Under his bail, the accused must sign in at the Grove Police Station every Monday and Friday. He was warned to stay away from Ms Woodhouse and the other witnesses in this matter. The complainant told the magistrate that she is still scared of the defendant following his arraignment. Sturrup’s trial begins on August 16, 2024.

THE TRIBUNE

Accused ‘confessed to being part of fatal armed robbery’ By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A POLICE INSPECTOR testified yesterday that a man confessed to being part of the armed robbery of a bus on East Street in 2014 that left a 43-year-old male passenger dead. Michael Newland, 29, is accused of killing Martin Flauristine during a stickup of a #1 bus on East Street near Island Games on February 24, 2014. Newland’s trial on charges of murder and five counts of armed robbery continued before Justice Renae McKay. Inspector McKenzie testified that while he was attached to the Central Detective Unit he interviewed witnesses at the scene of the incident on February 25, 2014. On March 6, 2014, Inspector McKenzie said that he interviewed the defendant in connection with the

shooting, during which time Newland denied all involvement. However, during a second interview that took place in August of 2016 Inspector McKenzie said that the defendant confessed to being involved in the bus holdup. He recalls that under caution Newland told officers that he along with Arturio “Ali” Miller and Franklyn Stubbs planned the bus robbery at the Patch. Newland said that it was Stubbs plan. When the suspects got on the bus Newland said he sat at the back of the bus while his accomplices sat to the front. After drawing a black and chrome .40 pistol the suspects told the bus patrons to hand over their money to the front of the bus. They were met with no resistance from the passengers. Newland told police that Miller shot Flauristine causing the defendant to jump out of a window and flee on

foot in the direction of Kelly’s Lumber Yard. When the defendant later asked Miller why he shot the victim, he was told that the deceased tried to grab Miller. Newland told officers that he never got any money from the heist. The defendant’s signed record of interview was shown in court. A video of the defendant during the police interview showed him wearing a white t-shirt slouched over the table with his head down. When asked by Prosecutor Timothy Bailey if the defendant was coerced into giving a confession, Inspector McKenzie said that Newland confessed of his own free will. Dr Caryn Sands, pathologist at PMH, testified that on March 3, 2014 she performed an autopsy on the deceased. Her autopsy report indicated that Flauristine’s cause of death was a gunshot

wound to the chest. She further said that the bullet entered the left side of his chest and exited through the right. The bullet’s trajectory went downward and passed through the deceased’s eighth rib, left lung, liver and rib. There was no evidence of close range discharge on the victim’s skin. When Mr Bain pointed out that the incident happened on a bus and suggested that the gun must have been fired from close range the doctor said it was possible. Dr Sands said that it was possible that the gunman could have fired more than 2ft from victim as he sat in the row behind the driver. She however cannot indicate where the shooters were standing exactly but that the bullet trajectory indicates the gunman was standing up.

MAN ACCUSED OF STEALING SOLAR PANELS FROM BAHAMAS HARVEST CHURCH By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN was granted $7,000 bail yesterday after he allegedly stole $21,218.22 worth of solar panels from Bahamas Harvest Church over the summer. Senior Magistrate Carolyn

Vogt-Evans charged Dano Hunt, 34, with receiving, three counts of stealing and three counts of unlawful entry. Hunt is alleged to have illegally entered the Bahamas Harvest Church Eastern Campus storage room between July 27 and 31, stealing 18 solar panels valued at $21,218.18. During the same timeframe,

he allegedly stole a solar battery valued at $398. After pleading not guilty, as a term of Hunt’s bail, he must sign in at the Fox Hill Police Station every Sunday. He is also expected to be fitted with a monitoring device. Hunt’s trial begins on March 4, 2024.

Howard Thompson to be appointed new director of Department of Labour ATTORNEY Howard Thompson.

ATTORNEY Howard Thompson will be appointed the new director of the Department of Labour, the government announced yesterday. His predecessor, Robert Farquharson, who served in the position for three years, will now serve as executive manager of special projects. The Ministry of Labour said the handover process would maximize the strengths and position of both candidates. “Howard Thompson is a seasoned attorney who has worked in the areas of labour and employment law, dispute resolution, and civil litigation, among other areas,” the ministry

said. “His career has spanned roles at top local firms like McKinney, Bancroft, and Hughes, and he has served as a partner at Baycourt Chambers, as well as Maynard and Thompson. “In recent years, he worked as a supervisor at the Office of the Judiciary Research Council and served as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of Directors at the Bank of The Bahamas.” Labour Minister Pia Glover-Rolle said the leadership change is necessary to enhance senior leadership. The leadership change comes after the ministry started new initiatives,

including a notice of vacancy policy and an enforcement unit. The ministry is also implementing the International Labour Organization (ILO) Decent Work Country Programme and the National Apprenticeship Programme. Both of these initiatives now fall under Mr Farquharson. “The decision was made to transition him away from general duties so that he can focus his strengths as a leader on these key projects that he is uniquely positioned to lead in his new role as an Executive Manager in the Department,” the ministry said.

PAGE 10, Thursday, November 23, 2023

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Where is the public monument for the 50th anniversary? PUBLIC monuments play an essential role in the commemoration and celebration of significant national achievements, events and heroes. They are like visual storybooks crafted from granite, marble, bronze and various other stone and metal. They are also crafted from the proverbial blood, sweat and tears of a people, as well as other intangible but as enduring material such as a people’s hopes, dreams, failures and values. In a 2021 US Library of Congress blog entitled, “History in Our Backyards: Monuments and Memorials”, Kaleena Black instructs: “Monuments and memorials can reflect values, important stories, and power, and they serve as reminders that history is not just in books, but all around us. As public historian Edward Linenthal writes, ‘our choices about who gets remembered, what gets remembered, where acts of remembrance take place, and how we express the significance of remembrance is as much – or more – about the future than the past’.” Most countries create monuments to celebrate independence and anniversaries such as jubilees, centenaries and bicentennials. To celebrate independence from British rule in 1973, a statue depicting a young black female holding an unclothed baby was commissioned in 1974 by the late Oscar Johnson.

The bronze statue, located at Prince George’s Wharf, represents the role women played in our history and celebrates national qualities such as resilience. Independence Highway on New Providence is another public marker. At independence, Delta Airlines granted the country a granite monument bearing the coat of arms and national motto, which was placed at the entrance to the Nassau Botanical Gardens. Prince Charles laid the cornerstone for the Central Bank on July 9, 1973, as part of the celebrations. In this Jubilee year, a significant milestone, it is telling that we have failed to create a notable public monument commemorating our freedom from colonial rule while celebrating our

accomplishments. This is more than a missed opportunity. It is a glaring lacuna in our national consciousness. It represents a failure to commemorate our history and to bequeath such a monument for future generations. It is a sad indictment of what is missing in our national spirit in the present moment. It is an indictment of our priorities and what is desperately lacking in our sense of history. It is an indictment of the public and the political directorate. We should collectively plead guilty without equivocation or the ritual lame excuses we sloppily offer after glaringly failing to rise to the historical moment. While there have been a number of notable public and private celebrations, what will be remembered beyond the festivities? What tangible monument will future generations look to? Will the series of festivities seem like a blur? When a teenager or young adult reaches their 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s, what public monument will they take their children and grandchildren to in order to teach them about our history? Or, will they mostly vaguely recall the parties we held? Emancipation Park in Kingston, Jamaica, with the iconic figures of two freed unrobed slaves, one male and one female, celebrates the emancipatory spirit of the Jamaican people. Replete with ceremonial fountains, native fauna and flora, and West African Adinkra symbols, the Park also celebrates the African heritage of the majority of Jamaicans. In the heart of Kingston, Emancipation Park, a safe green space, daily used for recreation by many residents of Jamaica’s capital, is also the site of numerous cultural and civic events. The Park is a source of pride for Jamaicans. The Pompey Museum and Pompey Square suggest what is possible in terms of public monuments and spaces. Many Bahamians and tourists have visited both. Monuments and memorials are basic elements of historical and cultural commemoration. Why have we failed such a basic test of nationhood during this jubilee? It constitutes a tragedy of indifference and ineptitude. When travelling and surveying the public monuments of a country, one gets a sense of a people’s history including what is deliberately and meticulously

A FLIGHT of drones spelling out 50 at this year’s Independence celebrations. ignored, obscured or hyped. Many of the statues to Confederate heroes in the United States were erected sometime after the Civil War as a way to rewrite history, to obfuscate the pernicious legacy of slavery, and to lionise those who were determined to keep slaves in bondage to serve their racist and economic interests. The Atlanta History Center notes: “While many Confederate memorials of the 1860s through the 1880s were erected to mourn and honour Confederate dead, most Confederate monuments were created during the Jim Crow era beginning in the 1890s.” The Center notes: “While conducting research on Confederate monuments, pay close attention to the speeches and writings of those in power when monuments were erected. Many explicitly express sentiments of Lost Cause ideology. “Lost Cause ideology, an alternative explanation for the Civil War developed by white Southerners after the war’s end, seeks to rationalize the Confederacy. It claims that slavery was not the central cause of the Civil War. “Instead, it claims the primary motivations for secession were threats to the US Constitution and the principle of states’ rights. It deliberately leaves millions of people out of the story, ignoring the agency of enslaved Black people in their liberation and denying the diversity of political sentiment among white Southerners.” Winston Churchill’s quip about writing history is often misquoted. He is reported to have actually

said: “For my part, I consider that it will be found much better by all Parties to leave the past to history, especially as I propose to write that history.” The colonisers are no longer responsible for our monuments. We are! That a freed Bahamian people have failed to create and erect various public monuments is inexcusable. What is commemorated or memorialised in monuments, whether sculptures, friezes, murals or types of displays, is a way of writing history and a proposal to future generations of how we tell our stories and who is included in the diverse narratives of a nation. In the Caribbean, the Americas, Africa and Asia, there are many public monuments related to colonial history and times. One has to be careful in the wholesale removal of such monuments. Some of them need to be preserved and contextualised in order to be honest and more complete in recording the sweep of history, including the wounds, scars and scabs of that history. One has to study the context of a statue or monument and its place in history. The statue of Christopher Columbus at the entrance of Government House has courted controversy for years, especially from those who would like it removed because of the history of subjugation surrounding Columbus’s journeys to the West Indies. Because Columbus’s journey to the Bahamas was a monumental moment in world history and Bahamian history, the narrative of this history, with its many dimensions, should be retold with attention to at

times curious and intriguing details. Sir James Carmichael Smyth was Royal Governor of the Bahamas during Pompey’s 1830 rebellion. The abolitionist governor left the colony in 1833, in great part because of the disdain of the local white elite and oligarchy. A story in the 2017 Bahamas Handbook on Pompey suggests the need for deliberation in thinking about our public monuments. The story notes that, “According to Dr [Keith] Tinker, in appreciation of the Governor’s pro-Emancipation views and his efforts to ameliorate slave conditions and improve the general treatment of slaves, various people of colour collected a considerable amount of funds which were used to sculpt a statue of Christopher Columbus, as a gift to the colony.” The story continues: “It was intended to be placed in the public square at the entrance to the Houses of Parliament in Nassau but the local elite objected to a statue paid for by blacks to be erected in such a prominent location. Instead, it was placed at Peck’s Slope at the entrance of Government House. “…The local elite commissioned a statue of Queen Victoria for the main public square. History is filled with ironies. Though Victoria was praised by slaves for emancipation, it was actually King William IV who signed the declaration of Emancipation.” Though the statues of Columbus and Queen Victoria may be relocated and replaced with other figures, they should be preserved, with the history of both placed in historical context. Alongside these, a new generation of statues and monuments will celebrate a broader Bahamian history and spirit. In this regard, in commemoration of the Jubilee, the Grand Bahama Port Authority has succeeded where the Government of The Bahamas and the country have failed. The Authority recently renamed Churchill Square to Independence Square. It has erected a sculpture by Grand Bahamian artist Antoine John, of the hand of Sir Lynden Pindling holding the mace of the House of Assembly, an iconic reminder of Black Tuesday and its role in the fulfillment of majority rule and independence. Despite our collective failing to create a Jubilee monument, we may still have an opportunity to get it right, more of which, next week.

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Thursday, November 23, 2023, PAGE 11

PRESIDENT Joe Biden speaking in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Tuesday.

Photo: Evan Vucci/AP

Biden seeking to avoid gaffes US PRESIDENT Joe Biden is known for avoiding live press conferences. In sharp contrast to his predecessor, Biden appears to believe that such largely unrehearsed sessions would expose him to more of the gaffes and errors that have occurred many times throughout his long public career – albeit without the crippling effect of some of his contemporaries’ mistakes and misstatements. Consider, for example, Hillary Clinton’s famous description of Trump voters and other grievancefocused citizens as the “Deplorables.” The Republicans and Trump still evoke the response they seek from campaign supporters at the mention of Clinton’s careless remark, because everyone believes she absolutely meant it. Or how about 2012 presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s remark that “there are 47 percent of the people who will vote for the president no matter what, because they are dependent upon government, believe that they are victims, believe the government has a responsibility to care for them. These are people who pay no income tax”. Biden has chosen to do his best to avoid this kind of blunder. As a result, the American public has therefore been largely left to discern Biden’s policy priorities via carefully staged speeches or statements by those national security and domestic advisers closest to him in the White House. However, all American presidents also occasionally resort to an Op-Ed piece in a widely-read national newspaper or magazine to emphasise policies they regard as particularly important. Biden did this on Sunday, and in writing his Op-Ed for the Washington Post, he confirmed many of the policies and attitudes we have been discussing in this space for months. It’s worth noting. Here are some key excerpts: “The United States is the essential nation. We rally allies and partners to stand up to aggressors and make progress toward a brighter, more peaceful future. The world looks to us to solve the problems of our time. That is the duty of leadership, and America will lead. For if we walk away from the challenges of today, the risk of conflict could spread, and the costs to address them will only rise. We will not let that happen. “We know from two world wars in the past century that when aggression in Europe goes unanswered, the crisis does not burn itself out. It draws America in directly. That’s why our commitment to Ukraine today is an investment in our own security. It prevents a broader conflict tomorrow. “We are keeping American troops out of this war by supporting the brave Ukrainians defending their freedom and homeland. We are providing them with weapons and

STATESIDE with Charlie Harper economic assistance to stop Putin’s drive for conquest, before the conflict spreads farther.” In addition to emphasising his Cold War-era determination not to be bested by Russian President Putin, Biden is careful to remind readers that he has been able so far to fight the Ukraine War by proxy without placing American troops in harm’s way. Biden was wise to issue such a strong pronouncement when he did, inasmuch as isolationist sentiment among House Republicans threatens to rise to levels that would imperil legislative approval for new aid to Kyiv that is regarded as essential by almost every sober analyst of the war situation in Europe. So far, majorities favour assisting Ukraine. But by the end of January, the picture may not be as rosy. And while ideology is driving much of the GOP resistance to Ukraine assistance at the levels to which President Zelensky and his military have become accustomed, overall budget concerns may add to the ranks of resistance. ••• Meanwhile, a growing number of Americans is expressing concern about some of Donald Trump’s plans if he is returned to the White House by voters instead of, for example, being bundled off to prison by judges. The highly respected Economist magazine has joined the ranks of the highly concerned. In a recent issue, The Economist summed up why a Trump victory in 2024 would differ from his first win in 2016. “A second Trump term would be a watershed in a way the first was not,” the magazine’s editors wrote. “Victory would confirm his most destructive instincts about power. His plans would encounter less resistance. And because America will have voted him in while knowing the worst, the nation’s global moral authority would decline.” Trump looks forward to a second term as an opportunity for retribution, when he would weaponise the Justice Department to go after his opponents. There have been newspaper reports that he has identified individuals he would target for investigation, including a number who served in his administration. Among those cited in the article were former White House chief of staff John Kelly, former attorney

general William P Barr and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Mark A. Milley. Trump has also reportedly considered targeting Biden and his family. The Washington Post has quoted the observant remark of a veteran political observer about Trump in 2016: “The press takes him literally, but not seriously,” she wrote. “His supporters take him seriously, but not literally.” That observation pretty much summarizes the failings of the press in coverage of Trump seven years ago. Despite much public handwringing by journalists in the years since then, it sometimes does seem that the press hasn’t learned its lesson well enough. Maybe as this campaign unfolds the media will learn to cover Trump more seriously. ••• Of course, control of the White House is not the only critical prize for America’s dominant two political parties. Gaining or maintaining a numerical advantage in the House and Senate is also vital for both parties. These contests are unfolding somewhat counterintuitively so far. In the House, the GOP maintains such a narrow edge now that it can lose important votes if even a literal handful of Republican congresspersons votes with a heretofore united Democratic minority. While a GOP majority in the House after next year’s elections is hardly unimaginable, abortion and the Republicans’ abject inability to actually govern with their current majority make their lead seem tenuous. According to some analyses, as many as 18 current Republican House members are regarded by both parties as vulnerable to defeat next year. Six of these incumbents are from New York state, including the infamous George Santos. They are from swing or Democratic districts, and many pundits feel that if the New York Democratic party had been paying attention last year, few if any of these six would have even been elected. Five other vulnerable Republicans represent California, where the tide outside the heavily agricultural Central Valley may be turning even more blue. Again, better Democratic party effort in the Golden State could produce a significant reversal of GOP fortunes there, too. Elections that determine control of the US Senate have settled into an almost

predictable pattern in recent cycles, based on how many seats up for grabs in the election are held by one party in a state that trends strongly toward the other party. 2024 is generally regarded as one of great risk for Democrats as they try to expand or maintain their slim majority in the upper house. Four races in particular are the subject

of considerable speculation already. They involve seats held now by Democratic incumbents in Arizona, Montana, Nevada and Ohio. In Arizona, incumbent Senator Krysten Sinema has been a mercurial maverick, and has now declared herself to be a political independent. She has also not yet said whether she will even seek re-election. If Republicans can manage to nominate a moderate and Sinema and a Democratic congressman also compete, the GOP might capture this seat. The decision by Democrat Joe Manchin of West Virginia not to seek election almost certainly concedes that deep red state to whomever the GOP

chooses to run. Manchin could also further damage Democratic prospects by running for president on a third-party ticket. Senators Jon Tester in Montana, Jackie Rosen in Nevada and Sherrod Brown in Ohio represent states where they could be swept out of office by unified Republican opposition. But two things work in their favour. There may well not be unified Republican opposition after anticipated bitter primary races next spring. And secondly, each of these three enjoys significant personal popularity and a general sense they are doing a good job in office. That still counts for something.

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RUBY Ann Darling was administered the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Office as Deputy to the Governor General by Chief Justice Sir Ian Winder, in the Diplomat Room of the Office of the Governor General yesterday. Government House announced the appointment of Mrs Darling to act as deputy due to the absence from office of Governor General Cynthia Pratt. Photos: Letisha Henderson/BIS

Five researchers to win Wilson Awards A CADRE of five trailblazing researchers who are uncovering new knowledge across pivotal facets of The Bahamas are the newest recipients of the Wilson Awards, a prestigious programme of the Wilson Family Foundation (WFF) in collaboration with University of The Bahamas (UB). The awardees were announced during a ceremony held at UB’s Oakes Field Campus on Wednesday, November 15, before an audience of higher education supporters, research proponents and government officials. The research duo of Dr Ian Bethell-Bennett and

Jessica Minnis are collaborating on “Social Justice and Identity in Climate Change and Sea Level Rise” and Dr Mark Stephens is exploring “Price Calculation for Non-Market Tourist Sites with Special Emphasis on Caves and Blue Holes in New Providence, The Bahamas”. Dr Tanya Simms is researching “The Role that the Transatlantic Slave Trade Played in Shaping the Contemporary Maternal Gene Pool” while Ms Keisha Oliver’s project is entitled, “Digitizing Bahamian Cultural Heritage Through Public Photographic Collections”. The Wilson Awards incentivises and funds

innovative Bahamian research, an imperative affirmed by businessman Sir Franklyn Wilson, his wife Sharon Lady Wilson, and their family. The recently-announced grantees comprise the second cycle of recipients under the programme. “What I heard provides a very compelling case that University of The Bahamas is gifted with some very serious scholars,” said an ecstatic Sir Franklyn. “My family and I are privileged to just have the opportunity to help. I mean, look at what these people are doing. This is transformational stuff. So, we deem it to be a privilege. We’ve got

a country to build, and I don’t see how you’re going to build a country without continuing to build University of The Bahamas.” The initiative is crucial as it represents more than generous philanthropy, but a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible to support outstanding research that will shape the future of education and innovation. “What universities need, in addition to adequate public funding, are people and organizations with the capacity to give and the inclination to do so, as well as the ability to reach out to others to follow their lead,” said Acting President of UB Janyne Hodder. “It is this mix, adequate public funding and robust philanthropy, that lifts the University from ‘good’ to ‘great’. “That is what great philanthropy can do: build on what the University knows how to do and help it do it better. We celebrate and recognise the Wilson Family Foundation and its philanthropy that made these works possible and supports the future of Bahamian scholarship.” A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) UB executed between the Wilson Family Foundation and UB in July 2021 paved the way for the second round of announcements. Scholars from multiple academic disciplines are

encouraged to produce full monographic studies on major themes related to The Bahamas’ transition from a British colony to an independent nation, and the first 50 years thereafter. Each of the topics of these latest grantees probes some aspect of nation formation and collective consciousness. The Wilson Awards is a perennial programme that will support research projects as they unfold, and reward and honour excellent completed research and scholarly work on a yearly basis, under the auspices of UB. The researchers expressed profound gratitude to the Wilsons for their tangible support. “I’m very happy that the Wilson family has decided to partner with the University by giving grants and scholarships to both faculty and students to do work in The Bahamas,” said Ms Minnis. “It is vital, it is necessary, it is needed. I definitely admire them, and I say congratulations and kudos to them for taking the lead in this kind of endeavour. I hope others see what can be done and also follow their lead.” Dr Bethell-Bennett agreed. “One of the things that needs to happen more is that there has to be more money put into research, and this is the beginning,” said Dr Bethell-Bennett.

“So, more people have to step up and follow the Wilson’s example, because they’re one of the few families that actually support academic endeavours. Research is a really important part of national development. Policy should not simply be made without the consideration of what the researchers are doing, what the researchers are saying, and what the research is showing to support those policies.” Dr Mark Stephens commended the Wilson family. “I think the award is essential for us to do research,” said Dr Stephens. “Research is a wonderful, creative thing, and we need resources to do it, things like funds to travel to the sites for equipment, for student assistance. Research is so important for us to make decisions in society, because it helps to give us some evidence whereby we can make the correct choices and put resources into the correct areas. My interest is caves and blue holes, and I see that as something very valuable and can really help with sustainable development, as well as protect nature. So, it can be a winwin situation.” The Wilson Awards help to defray research expenses such as travel, student research assistance, and course load reduction for faculty, and is renewable for one additional year upon proof of progress.

SPORTS PAGE 14

NBA,

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023

A SWEET HOMECOMING ‘Coach Yo’ experiences glory on home soil By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

he sounds of sweet Junkanoo music playing filled the Imperial Arena, Paradise Island, on Monday as the University of Mississippi Ole Miss Rebels were crowned the third Bad Boy Mowers women’s champions. The joyous moment was an historic one for the team, winning their first title in the tourney, but a poetic one for their head coach Grand Bahamian Yolett “Coach Yo” McPhee-McCuin who was able to become the first Bahamian coach to win the women’s tournament on her home soil. It was indeed a sweet homecoming for Coach Yo and over the course of the

SEE PAGE 20

TEAM EFFORT: Grand Bahama native Yolett “Coach Yo” McPhee-McCuin and the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) Rebels visited the Sports Walk of Fame during their trip to New Providence for the Battle 4 Atlantis women’s tournament. Photo: Javier Bowe

BATTLE 4 ATLANTIS MEN: TAR HEELS TO FACE WILDCATS IN SEMIFINALS TODAY By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net THE 12th Battle 4 Atlantis men’s tournament got off to a hot start for the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels yesterday at the Imperial Arena, Paradise Island. The Tar Heels obliterated the Northern Iowa Panthers 91-69 and the Wildcats dominated the Texas Tech Red Raiders 85-69 to arrange a Thanksgiving meeting in today’s semifinals at 2:30pm. Stakes are high for both teams as the Tar Heels hope to make it to their first Battle 4 Atlantis finals and Villanova remains hungry for their third title in the three-day men’s tournament. The 1-3 (win loss/record) Panthers started the opening round of the tournament on fire in the first half. The team scored at will, canning 15-for-25 of their field goals on an efficient 60 per cent

shooting clip. Meanwhile, the Tar Heels could not buy a bucket and shot a dismal 33.3 per cent from the field and 23.1 per cent from behind the arc. However, the second half of the game featured a revitalised UNC men’s basketball team after they fell behind 41-35 in the first half. Hubert Davis, head coach of the Tar Heels, talked about the second half turnaround which translated into a win. “We had to respond. I just didn’t feel like we were playing our best on both ends of the floor. I just challenged them to be better. The change in the second half was 100 per cent them, just the energy and the effort defensively. “In the second half, it started off defensively then we rebounded the basketball and offensively we were taking really good shots and just executing on

SEE PAGE 18

ABOVE THE RIM: Jae’Lyn Withers and the North Carolina Tar Heels routed the Northern Iowa Panthers 91-69 yesterday on day 1 of the Battle 4 Atlantis men’s tournament at the Atlantis resort’s Imperial Arena, Paradise Island, to arrange a Thanksgiving meeting in today’s semifinals. Photo: Dante Carrer

C I GIBSON RATTLERS OPEN UP STRONG IN GSSSA BASKETBALL By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net THE CI Gibson Rattlers’ senior girls and boys put the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA) on notice after both earned resounding double-digit wins yesterday against the Doris Johnson Senior High School Mystic Marlins. The latter got blown out 58-8 by the Lady Rattlers at the DW Davis Gymnasium. The senior boys were also in top form and took care of business in their game (82-22) to both collect their first victory of the young GSSSA basketball season. The senior games were the only ones played yesterday. Senior Boys The senior boys’ defending champions had to shake

SEASON OPENER: The CI Gibson Rattlers senior boys and girls’ basketball teams got back into action in hopes of defending their respective titles for this season in the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA). Photo: Tenajh Sweeting/Tribune Staff

off some rust in game one of their GSSSA season but, after the first half, they were firing on all cylinders. The Rattlers started the opening quarter 10-7 and closed out the period leading 16-9. In the following quarter, the Mystic Marlins began to pick up steam and a timely two-pointer by Stephen Robinson made the score 26-15. The Mystic Marlins then trailed the Rattlers by 14 (29-15) going into the halftime break. Kevin ‘KJ’ Johnson, head coach of the Rattlers, thought his team came out flat in the first segment of the game but rounded into form to close it out against the Mystic Marlins. “We came out horrible, turning

SEE PAGE 19

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, November 23, 2023, PAGE 15

Pro Picks: Three favourites should have a feast in division matchups on Thanksgiving Day By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer THESE aren’t the same old Detroit Lions everyone is used to watching on Thanksgiving. The Lions (8-2) enter today’s game against the Green Bay Packers (4-6) with their best record through 10 games since 1962. A turnaround that started with a 7-2 finish after a 1-6 start in 2022 carried over into this season and the Lions hold a 2 1/2 game lead over Minnesota in the NFC North. Jared Goff bounced back from three picks to lead Detroit to a comeback win over Chicago last week. Jordan Love rallied the Packers to a comeback win last week over the Chargers. The Packers-Lions kick off a holiday football feast that features three divisional matchups. Dallas hosts Washington in the late afternoon game and San Francisco visits Seattle in the nightcap. The Lions are 7 1/2-point favourites, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Pro Picks likes the first-place team. LIONS, 27-17 PITTSBURGH at CINCINNATI Line: Steelers minus 1 1/2 Maybe a new offensive coordinator and play-caller will get Kenny Pickett and the Steelers (6-4) going. The Bengals (5-5) turn to Jake Browning with Joe Burrow out for the season. BEST BET: STEELERS, 22-16 BUFFALO at PHILADELPHIA Line: Eagles minus 3 The Eagles (9-1) are flying high after a comeback win in their Super Bowl rematch against Kansas City. They’re the better team but it’ll be difficult to match the emotion and intensity after facing the Chiefs, especially in a short, holiday week coming off a Monday night road win with an NFC championship game rematch against the 49ers looming ahead. Josh Allen and the Bills (6-5) are the more desperate team. UPSET SPECIAL: BILLS, 24-23 WASHINGTON at DALLAS Line: Cowboys minus 12 1/2 The Cowboys (7-3) have won six games by 23 or more points but their schedule is going to get much tougher after the Commanders (4-7) so they need to take advantage against a losing team before a tough stretch. Washington has been inconsistent, playing Philadelphia close twice

but getting swept by the Giants. COWBOYS, 31-16 SAN FRANCISCO at SEATTLE Line: 49ers minus 7 The 49ers (7-3) are healthy and back to playing at a championship calibre. The Seahawks (6-4) just finished being swept by the Rams and quarterback Geno Smith is banged up. 49ERS, 26-17 MIAMI at NEW YORK JETS Line: Dolphins minus 9 1/2 The first Black Friday game features Tua Tagovailoa and Miami’s high-octane offence against the Jets (4-6) and their stingy defence. If only Aaron Rodgers was under centre for New York to face the first-place Dolphins (7-3). Instead, Tim Boyle makes his first after replacing Zach Wilson. DOLPHINS, 24-16 NEW ENGLAND at NEW YORK GIANTS Line: Patriots minus 3 1/2 Mac Jones or Bailey Zappe will start for the Patriots (2-8) who somehow are road favourites despite their dismal record. The Giants (3-8) aren’t much better but Tommy DeVito led them to a win last week. PATRIOTS, 23-18 JACKSONVILLE at HOUSTON Line: Jaguars minus 1 1/2 This is an unexpected battle for first place in the AFC South. The defending division champion Jaguars (7-3) were supposed to be in this position. The surprising Texans (6-4) are in playoff contention thanks to rookie sensation QB C.J. Stroud and first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans. JAGUARS, 27-23 NEW ORLEANS at ATLANTA Line: Falcons minus 1 1/2 The first-place Saints (5-5) and the Falcons (4-6) face each other again in Week 17 in a game that could determine the NFC South. The winner this week gets a clear advantage. Desmond Ridder is back as Atlanta’s starting QB. Derek Carr began the week in concussion protocol so it could be Jamies Winston under centre for New Orleans. FALCONS, 22-20 CAROLINA at TENNESSEE Line: Titans minus 4 Rookie No. 1 pick Bryce Young and the Panthers (1-9) are having a miserable season. So are the Titans (3-7). At least losing helps Tennessee get a better draft pick. Carolina’s first-round pick belongs to Chicago. TITANS, 21-20 TAMPA BAY at INDIANAPOLIS Line: Colts minus 2 1/2

DETROIT Lions quarterback Jared Goff walks off the field after the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, November 19, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

The surprising Colts (5-5) are in playoff contention, but made a stunning move this week to release three-time All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard. The Buccaneers (4-6) are only in the playoff mix because they’re in a weak division. BUCCANEERS, 24-23 KANSAS CITY at LAS VEGAS Line: Chiefs minus 9 1/2 Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs (7-3) aim to bounce back after beating themselves against Philadelphia. They’ve got issues on offence, especially in the second half. The Raiders (5-6) have won both of rookie QB Aidan O’Connell’s home starts. CHIEFS, 24-16 LOS ANGELES RAMS at ARIZONA Line: Cardinals minus 1 1/2

Kyler Murray has made the Cardinals (2-9) more competitive. The Rams (4-6) are hanging in the playoff mix thanks to their defence. RAMS, 20-17 CLEVELAND at DENVER Line: Broncos minus 1 1/2 Even with rookie QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson, the Browns (7-3) are a contender because Myles Garrett and the defence have been dominant. Russell Wilson and the Broncos (5-5) have won four in a row and the defence has completely turned things around since giving up 70 points in Week 3. BRONCOS, 19-16 BALTIMORE at LOS ANGELES CHARGERS Line: Ravens minus 3 1/2

Losing tight end Mark Andrews hurts the offence, but the Ravens (8-3) have a real chance to hold onto the No. 1 seed if they win the games they’re supposed to the rest of the way. The underachieving Chargers (4-6) have been a major disappointment mostly because of a defence so bad even Justin Herbert can’t rescue them. RAVENS, 27-24 CHICAGO at MINNESOTA Line: Vikings minus 3 1/2 Joshua Dobbs and the Vikings (6-5) try to rebound after a turnoverfilled game ended their five-game winning streak. Justin Field returned and invigorated the offence, but the Bears (3-8) blew a big lead and couldn’t hold on to upset Detroit. VIKINGS, 24-21

QB BOYLE IN HIS FIRST START FOR JETS AGAINST DOLPHINS ON FRIDAY By DENNIS WASZAK JR AP Pro Football Writer FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Tim Boyle looks back at his first three NFL starts two years ago and sees a different quarterback. That version of himself wasn’t nearly as prepared — mentally or physically — as he believes he is now while heading into his first start with the New York Jets on Friday against the Miami Dolphins. “You’ve got to feel like you’re dangerous out there,” Boyle said Tuesday. “You can’t go into a play or a series thinking with any doubt. Confidence is critical going in there and feeling like I’m the guy and that I’m not going to miss. That’s kind of the focus. “But, yeah, confidence is everything playing quarterback.” The 29-year-old Boyle is stepping into the huddle in place of the benched Zach Wilson, who had started past nine games for the injured Aaron Rodgers. It’ll be the first significant playing time for Boyle since he started three games for Detroit during the 2021 season, which he started on injured reserve because of a broken right thumb. He went 0-3 in those games and his numbers were hardly eye-popping: 61 of 94 for 526 yards and three touchdowns with six interceptions. And Boyle’s struggles weren’t all just on the field. “I feel like my actual play on the field has changed since then,” Boyle said. “I came off my thumb injury and those three starts I had in Detroit, I didn’t really feel like myself. I felt like I was healthy enough to play, but truthfully, I really didn’t feel like I was confident, like that ‘dangerous’ feeling I was talking about earlier. “So, I’m just coming back to myself and believe in myself. The confidence is high right now, but I feel like I’m seeing it well, I’m throwing it well. And that’s ultimately what’s playing quarterback’s all about.” Wilson and the Jets struggled mightily this season after Rodgers went down just four snaps into his debut with New York. Coach Robert Saleh and his staff made some tweaks last week, but offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett’s unit still couldn’t do much in a 32-6 loss at Buffalo on Sunday. Wilson was pulled late in the third quarter and Boyle came in and went 7 of 14 for 33 yards and an interception. Saleh made the decision Monday to bench Wilson — and make him the No. 3 quarterback — this week, with Boyle the starter and Trevor Siemian his backup.

Hurts, Eagles continue to find ways to win in latest victory over Chiefs By AARON BRACY Associated Press PHILADELPHIA (AP) — By their own standards, the Philadelphia Eagles’ victory over the Kansas City Chiefs wasn’t a masterpiece performance. But it was yet another masterclass in winning. Jalen Hurts overcame five sacks in the first half, the Eagles pushed aside some ineffective play on both sides of the ball and the result was a 21-17 comeback victory over Kansas City in a rematch of last year’s Super Bowl. “I’d trade winning last year for this one, but it feels good to get this one,” Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said. Sirianni was most impressed by his team’s intangibles in the victory that improved them to a league-best 9-1. “We have a bunch of guys who know how to win,” he said. The Eagles couldn’t protect Hurts before halftime when they fell behind by 10 points and didn’t

look much better when they opened the second half with two consecutive three-and-outs. But there was no panic on the sideline. “There’s a calmness there,” Hurts said. “You have to truly remain in control. You want to play to the standard all the time, but things happen.” Philadelphia, eventually, started making winning plays. D’Andre Swift’s 35-yard thirdquarter run set up 10-yard TD rush on a QB draw for Hurts that pulled the Eagles within three points. On the ensuing Chiefs possession, Bradley Roby halted a long drive by punching the ball out of Chiefs TE Travis Kelce’s hands at Philadelphia’s 9-yard line. The Eagles went ahead for good in the fourth quarter when Hurts checked off the called play and found DeVonta Smith for a 41-yard pass to the Chiefs’ 1, followed by Hurts scoring on a tush-push 1-yard run. The offensive statistics weren’t impressive, but the Eagles made just enough plays at the just the

EAGLES quarterback Jalen Hurts speaks during a news conference on Monday in Kansas City, Mo. The Eagles won 21-17. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga) right time while beating former coach Andy Reid for the first time in five tries. “I don’t think we played clean, nowhere near our standard,” Hurts said. “But the thing you can’t quantify is the resilience a team has, the ability to persevere

and this team has that. We’ve yet to put up a performance to our standard, but we continue to find ways to win. That builds character.” WHAT’S WORKING Hurts continues to lead the Eagles to victories, even if they’re not always the prettiest performances. Against Kansas City, he had a passer rating of just 64.6, completing 14 of 22 passes for 150 yards while rushing 12 times for 29 yards and two touchdowns. Those aren’t gaudy statistics, but last year’s MVP runner-up to Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes makes winning plays. He perfectly read Kansas City’s coverage when checking to a play that got Smith one-on-one with safety Mike Edwards on the gamechanging long completion with 6:55 remaining. WHAT NEEDS HELP Production at tight end. With starting TE Dallas Goedert (fractured forearm) sidelined and backup Grant Calcaterra (ankle) leaving with an injury versus

Kansas City, the Eagles have lost an important part of their offence. Third-stringer Jack Stoll made one catch for three yards. STOCK UP With leading receiver A.J. Brown bottled up on the other side of the field, Smith had another stellar outing. The thirdyear pro and former Heisman winner out of Alabama made six catches for 99 yards, including several tough ones over the middle, before securing the pivotal deep ball late that turned the game in Philadelphia’s favour. STOCK DOWN Can the NFL’s second-leading receiver go here? Brown is tied with Dallas’ CeeDee Lamb with 1,013 receiving yards, trailing only the Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill’s 1,222. But Hurts’ top target had just one catch for eight yards against Kansas City. He also had a miscommunication with Hurts on a second-quarter target that was intercepted by L’Jarius Sneed. Expect this high-performing stock to recover quickly.

PAGE 16, Thursday, November 23, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

Buddy misses potential game-winning 3-pointer PASCAL SIAKAM, SCOTTIE INDIANAPOLIS (AP) BARNES HELP RAPTORS BEAT — Pascal Siakam scored 36 points, Scottie Barnes HIELD AND PACERS 132-131 drove for the go-ahead By MARK AMBROGI Associated Press

dunk with 27 seconds left, and the Toronto Raptors beat the Indiana Pacers 132-131 last night. Barnes had 20 points and 11 rebounds, and his slam put Toronto ahead 130129 for the last of five lead changes in the final 1:22. Dennis Schroder scored 26 points for the Raptors. Buddy Hield missed a potential game-winning 3-pointer with 1.2 seconds left for the Pacers. He finished with 31 points and made 7 of 12 3s. Tyrese Haliburton had 33 points and 16 assists for Indiana.

The Pacers led 101-100 after three quarters, and the teams traded the lead for much of the fourth. Haliburton’s 3 gave the Pacers a 123-116 lead with 4 minutes left. O.G. Anunoby put Toronto back on top with a 3-pointer with 1:22 left. The Pacers retook the lead two more times before Barnes gave Toronto the lead for good. The Pacers shot 55% for the game and the Raptors shot 53%. Toronto shot nearly 63% in the first half,

but Indiana kept it close by making 11 of 20 3s. The Pacers had set a franchise scoring record a night earlier when they beat Atlanta 157-152. Indiana guard Andrew Nembhard missed his third consecutive game with a sore lower back. The Pacers also were without forward Aaron Nesmith, who missed his first game of the season with a sprained right wrist. Raptors forward Precious Achiuwa was sidelined with a sore right knee.

TORONTO Raptors guard Malachi Flynn (22) shoots in front of Indiana Pacers guard Buddy Hield (7) during the second half of an NBA basketball game last night in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Marc Lebryk)

Tatum and Brown lead Celtics past Bucks in showdown of East leaders BOSTON (AP) — Jayson Tatum shook off an illness to have 23 points and 11 rebounds, carrying the Boston Celtics over the Milwaukee Bucks 119-116 last night in an early showdown of top Eastern Conference teams. Jaylen Brown had 26 points and eight assists for Boston, which improved the NBA’s best record to 12-3. Kristaps Porzingis added 21 points and Derrick White scored 13. The Celtics opened a 21-point lead in the first half and never trailed. They held that double-digit edge until the Bucks made a late charge in the final two minutes, slicing it to 114-111 before Tatum hit three free throws in the closing 21.2 seconds. Brook Lopez led Milwaukee (10-5) with 28 points. Damian Lillard had 27 points, five rebounds and five assists, but Giannis Antetokounmpo was limited to 21 points after scoring at least 40 in his last two games. The Bucks, who scored 130 points or more in their last three games, had a fivegame winning streak halted. CLIPPERS 109, SPURS 102 SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Kawhi Leonard scored 26 points while hearing boos that prompted San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich to admonish the crowd, Paul George added 24 and Los Angeles beat San Antonio. Victory Wembanyama, the No. 1 overall draft pick, had 22 points and 14 rebounds for the Spurs, whose fans were more focused on jeering one of their former stars. Fans booed as Leonard stood at the free-throw line late in the first half. Popovich grabbed the public address microphone and told the crowd to “stop all

the booing” and “have a little class.” The fans were quiet momentarily but then began booing even more loudly. Jeremy Sochan finished with 19 points, Devin Vassell added 18, Zach Collins had 16 and Johnson 15 for San Antonio, which has trailed by at least 15 points in eight games this season. NUGGETS 124, MAGIC 119 ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Franz Wagner scored 24 of his 27 points in the second half, Paolo Banchero added 23 points, and Orlando beat Denver for its fifth straight win. Nikola Jokic finished with 30 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists for the Nuggets, who fell to 4-4 without injured guard Jamal Murray. The tripledouble was the sixth of the season for Jokic and 111th of his career. Michael Porter Jr scored 25 points for Denver. Cole Anthony scored 20 points for the Magic, who took the lead for good on Banchero’s 3-pointer with 1:49 left. TIMBERWOLVES 112, 76ERS 99 MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Anthony Edwards scored 31 points, Karl-Anthony Towns added 23 points and 11 rebounds, and Minnesota beat Philadelphia, which was playing without MVP Joel Embiid. Embiid missed his first game of the season with left hip soreness after playing 38 minutes with 38 points and 12 rebounds in the 76ers’ 122-119 overtime loss at Cleveland a night earlier. Rudy Gobert had 13 points and 11 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who have won three straight and 10 of 11. Marcus Morris Sr started for Embiid and scored 16 points. Tyrese Maxey and

MILWAUKEE Bucks centre Brook Lopez, left, tries to block Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the second half of an NBA basketball game last night in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) De’Anthony Melton each had 16 points for the Sixers, who’ve lost four of six. THUNDER 116, BULLS 102 OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai GilgeousAlexander scored 40 points, Chet Holmgren had 18 points, 13 rebounds and four blocked shots, and Oklahoma City beat Chicago for its sixth straight victory. Isaiah Joe added 20 points for the Thunder (114), on their longest winning streak since the 2018-19 season. Gilgeous-Alexander raised his average to 30 points for the season and was showered with “MVP! MVP!” chants as he closed out the game with six free throws down the stretch.

DeMar DeRozan, after making just one basket in the first half, led the Bulls with 25 points. HAWKS 147, NETS 145, (Overtime) ATLANTA (AP) — Trae Young scored a seasonhigh 43 points, including 14 in overtime, and Atlanta outlasted Brooklyn in its second shootout in two nights. A night after falling 157152 to the Indiana Pacers, the Hawks snapped a threegame losing streak and got back to .500. De’Andre

Hunter had 25 points and 11 rebounds, and scored nine straight points for the Hawks in the fourth quarter. Clint Capela finished with 14 points and 15 rebounds. HEAT 129, CAVALIERS 96 CLEVELAND (AP) — Kyle Lowry made seven 3-pointers and scored a season-high 28 points, and Miami rolled past sluggish Cleveland. Lowry made his first five 3s and finished 7 of 9 from long range. The Heat were without injured All-Star centre Bam Adebayo but built a 19-point lead in first half and never trailed in winning for the ninth time in 10 games. Rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. had his best game as a pro with 22 points. The Cavs, a day after inning in overtime at Philadelphia, had their winning streak stopped at four. Cleveland rookie Craig Porter Jr. scored a teamhigh 16 points in his first career start. PELICANS 117, KINGS 112 NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Zion Williamson scored 25 points, Brandon Ingram added 21 and New Orleans beat Sacramento. Jonas Valanciunas had 15 points and 11 rebounds for the Pelicans, who also beat the Kings in New Orleans on Monday night. Jordan Hawkins added 13 points and Naji Marshall scored 12. De’Aaron Fox finished with 26 points for the Kings. Domantas Sabonis had 23 points and nine rebounds,

SPORTS CALENDAR New Providence Softball Association (NPSA) Championship Games Venue: Banker’s Field Date: November 23, Thursday Game one Black Scorpion vs UB Mingoes at 7pm Chances Mighty Mitts vs Cyber Tech Blue Marlins 9pm Game two is scheduled to be played on Saturday, November 25 and, if necessary, game three will take place on Sunday, November 26 Bahamas Scholastic Athletic Association (Basketball) Date: Thursday, November 23 Venue: The Hope Center Primary school girls and boys will be in action. Teleos Christian School vs Freedom Baptist Academy Kingsway Academy vs Queen’s College Junior Girls and Boys CW Saunders vs Akhepran International Academy Akhepran International Academy vs Greenville Preparatory Academy Senior Boys Mt Carmel Preparatory vs Akhepran International Academy

and Harrison Barnes added 22 points. New Orleans missed 23 of 30 3-point attempts but outscored the Kings 62-28 in the paint. ROCKETS 111, GRIZZLIES 91 HOUSTON (AP) — Jalen Green scored 26 of his season-high 34 points in the second half and Houston beat Memphis to stop a three-game skid. Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr scored 23 points each for the Grizzlies, who lost for the third time in four games. Dillon Brooks, who spent his first six seasons with the Grizzlies, had 13 points in the first game against his former team after signing with the Rockets in the offseason. Jabari Smith Jr added 18 points with nine rebounds as the Rockets improved to 7-1 at home. HORNETS 117, WIZARDS 114 CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — LaMelo Ball had 34 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds as Charlotte rallied from a 19-point deficit to hand Washington its seventh straight loss. Miles Bridges had a season-high 33 points and 11 rebounds, and Mark Williams added 11 points and 14 rebounds for Charlotte. Ball had 12 points, seven assists and four rebounds in the fourth quarter, and Bridges hit a step-back 3 with 47 seconds left to put Charlotte ahead for good. Kyle Kuzma had 28 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds, and Jordan Poole added 24 points for the Wizards.

Nov 2023

Teleos Christian School vs Greenville Preparatory Academy BSAA basketball scoresWednesday, November 23 Mini Division TOTAL SCORE: Teleos 10 vs Queens College 3 Omario Baugh 4 pts Khalil Miller 7 pts Primary Boys TOTAL SCORE: Genesis 21 vs Kingsway 10 Caz Bethel 8 pts Raz Bain 8 pts Yorrick Carroll 5 pts Blake Marshall 5 pts Junior Girls TOTAL SCORE: Teleos 15 vs Freedom 7 Kayla Bien 6pts Shanika Davis 5 pts Junior Boys TOTAL SCORE: Teleos 41 vs Freedom Baptist 36 Deon Rolle 8 pts Joevardo Wright 23 pts Senior Boys TOTAL SCORE: Boost Academy 40 vs Achievers Academy 11 Shiloh Munroe 21pts Kamari Butler 7 pts

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Thursday, November 23, 2023, PAGE 17

BSAA volleyball champions - girls DOLPHINS LOOK TO and boys - soak up the spotlight CUSHION

THEIR AFC EAST LEAD By DENNIS WASZAK JR AP Pro Football Writer

VICTORY LAP: The Bahamas Scholastic Athletic Association (BSAA) volleyball championships wrapped up with Genesis Academy winning the junior girls’ title. Mt Carmel Preparatory Academy came away with the junior and senior boys’ championships and the Teleos Christian Schools’ Lady Cherubims won the senior girls’ championship in the respective best-of-three series.

BAHAMAS YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Playoffs and championship games all set for Dec. 2

WRAPPING UP: The Bahamas Youth Flag Football League’s (BYFFL) playoffs and championships games are slated for December 2 on the fields opposite the original Thomas A Robinson national stadium. Photos: O.L. Wilkinson

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins are having a whirlwind of a week. After a close victory over the Las Vegas Raiders last Sunday, the Dolphins’ itinerary included some rest, meetings, watching game video, getting in a little practice time, hopping on a 1,000-mile flight and spending Thanksgiving preparing to face the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Friday. “It is more challenging, only because when you play a game, there’s a science behind the 48-hour time window of practicing or not practicing,” the Dolphins quarterback said of the quick turnaround between games. “It’s a lot of mental reps for all of us. “We’ll probably have one day of field practice to run around and make sure everything is on point and on time. But outside of that, what makes these short weeks tough is that a lot of these things are more mental than physical.” Jets coach Robert Saleh tried to take an optimistic approach to the short week. “It’s better than a Thursday game,” he said, “from a timing standpoint and with regards to preparation for your team, at least from my opinion with all the research we’ve done.” Sure, the Jets and Dolphins are getting one more day to get ready than the six teams with Thanksgiving games. But the spotlight will be on the AFC East rivals during the first game in NFL history to be played on Black Friday. Miami (7-3) sits atop the division after bouncing back from a 21-14 loss to Kansas City two weeks ago and beating Las Vegas 20-13 last Sunday. With Buffalo in second place at 6-5, the Dolphins have a chance to create some more separation between them and the rest of the AFC East. “They’re still a division opponent and every time we play them it’s always a tough game, regardless of the outcome,” Miami defensive tackle Christian Wilkins said of facing New York. “That’s the tough thing about this league and the tough thing about playing division opponents (is) they know you, you know them. There typically isn’t much surprise.”

PAGE 18, Thursday, November 23, 2023

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BATTLE 4 ATLANTIS MEN - DAY 1 HIGHLIGHTS

Tar Heels rout Panthers 91-69

PLAY ACTION: North Carolina Tar Heels routed the Northern Iowa Panthers 91-69 yesterday on day 1 of the Battle 4 Atlantis men’s tournament at the Atlantis resort’s Imperial Arena, Paradise Island, to arrange a Thanksgiving meeting in today’s semifinals.

FROM PAGE 14 the offensive end. We started to find a lot of confidence when Harrison and Cormac were hitting shots and we just took it from there,” the head coach said. The teams reversed roles in the second half because the Tar Heels were suddenly on a roll offensively following a shaky effort in the opening period. They pushed out to a 16-1 start to get the second half going and that blossomed into a 34-6 run to strike back against the Panthers. In this period, the no. 14 ranked Tar Heels earned their biggest lead of the contest with 24 at the 1:28 juncture of the game. Forward Harrison Ingram came to put in work at the Imperial Arena on

Wednesday. He exploded for a game-high 16 points, 10 rebound double-double complemented by three dimes in the round one win. Tar Heels guard Ryan Cormac was also brilliant for the undefeated Atlantic Coast team. He scored a total of 15 points on the Panthers defence along with four rebounds and three big blocks. Ingram and Cormac were just two of six Tar Heels players to score in double digits. The team collectively improved in all shooting statistical groups in the second half with 50 per cent on field goals, a scorching 69.2 per cent from behind the arc and 86.7% at the charity stripe. It was no doubt their best half of the game as they outscored the Panthers 56-28.

The bench players also showed up in a big way, besting the Panthers 37 to 22 in that category. Cormac, the team’s second highest scorer, shared what their experience has been like playing and being in The Bahamas. “It has been fun. It is a blessing to come down here and play at an event like this in such a beautiful location. “I think at the end of the day our focus is that it is a business trip so we play a game today, tomorrow, and we will play a game Friday. Being focused is our priority,” he said. He added that the team is a group of disciplined players that can put aside fun to lock in and be ready for the match against Villanova today.

The Wildcats will be a tough opponent as their two appearances in the men’s tournament in 2013 and 2017 have both resulted in championship wins. They came into the Thanksgiving tournament with a 3-1 record which improved to 4-1 after they steamrolled the Red Raiders by 16 points and booked their ticket to yet another semifinals round. Forward Eric Dixon led all scorers with 19 points and pulled down six rebounds. Justin Moore, Red Raiders guard, had a balanced game with 18 points, six rebounds and five assists. The Red Raiders and Wildcats game is slated to get underway 2:30pm today in the Imperial Arena and will be broadcast live on ESPN.

Photos by Dante Carrer

MARK CARRIES NO. 20 ARKANSAS TO DOUBLE-OVERTIME VICTORY OVER STANFORD 77-74 IN BATTLE 4 ATLANTIS NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Travon Mark scored 25 points, including the last six for Arkansas in the second overtime, and the No. 20 Razorbacks outlasted Stanford 77-74 last night in the Battle 4 Atlantis. With the win, Arkansas (4-1) advances to play Memphis in a semifinal today while Stanford (3-2) will take on Michigan. After Mark’s driving layup with 19 seconds left in the second OT, Stanford’s Spencer Jones and Benny Gealer missed 3-point attempts. Mark was particularly clutch at the line, hitting 12 of 15 free throws, including 10 of 13 through the second half and overtime. Trevon Brazile added 14 points and a career-high 17 rebounds and Davonte Davis had 10 points. Chandler Lawson had 13 rebounds to go with nine points and five blocks. Jones, who missed the Cardinal’s previous game with a wrist injury, was 10-of-20 shooting with five 3-pointers and scored 27 points with eight rebounds. Jared Bynum added 13 points and eight assists. Maxime Raynaud had 10 boards to go with eight points. Gealer banked in a hurried 3-pointer at the buzzer to tie at 66-all in the first overtime when the

ARKANSAS’s Chandler Lawson and Stanford’s Maxime Raynaud clash during a rebound at the end of the second half of their NCAA college basketball game in Battle 4 Atlantis yesterday. Photo: Tim Aylen/ Bahamas Visual Services via AP)

Razorbacks didn’t have a basket but made 7 of 8 free throws. Stanford led 59-55 and Bynum was at the line with

13.8 seconds left in regulation. He missed the free throw and Davis raced down the floor and was fouled with 6.8 remaining.

He made both free throws to tie it and Bynum’s open 3-pointer went off the back of the rim. Mark scored 10 straight points

for the Razorbacks until Davis’ final two that forced overtime. Arkansas shot only 30% but was 26 of 33 at the line

to Stanford’s 13 of 24 and pulled down 21 offensive rebounds for a 21-7 advantage on points in the paint. Stanford shot 40%.

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Thursday, November 23, 2023, PAGE 19

SEASON OPENER: The CI Gibson Rattlers senior boys and girls basketball teams got back into action in hopes of defending their respective titles for this season in the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA). Photo: Tenajh Sweeting/Tribune Staff

GSSSA

FROM PAGE 14 the basketball over, so I trusted my bench. They really got the momentum going in terms of the energy level and we kept it going in the second half,” coach Johnson said. The second half brought out a different Rattlers basketball team. After a first half filled with turnovers, and defensive lapses, they locked in and ran up the score on the Mystic Marlins. Gerrad Rolle was the game’s leading scorer with 11 total points for the victors. Darius Hanna and Mario Rolle also came up big with 10 points apiece in the win. In the third quarter, the defending champions outscored the Mystic Marlins 18-2 with some stingy defence. The third period concluded with 47-17 on the scoreboard. In the fourth quarter, the Rattlers poured in 35 points compared to eight from their opponents and had a 55-point advantage at the 1:14 mark. The Mystic Marlins never recovered. Coach Johson talked about the team’s expectations as the season progresses into next year. “We are going to take it one game at a time because every game is different. We got to understand the way referees are calling and make our adjustments as a team and coaching staff. At the end of the day, we have to continue to grow and learn from this and continue to get better,” he said. Senior Girls The Lady Rattlers secured a comfortable win behind the efforts of last season’s Most Valuable

Player (MVP) Jada Francis. She gave the Mystic Marlins all she had for a game-high 17 points, with eight scored in the first quarter. The Rattlers turned in 22 points in the opening period, with 15 coming from Francis and Ferelus Sterva, who rounded up seven points. The Mystic Marlins saw half to their game total scored by Faith McKinney in the first quarter but, after that point, they were outmatched by the Rattlers across the board. Dashara Stubbs scored the final point for the Mystic Marlins at the halfway mark of the fourth quarter. With the score at 45-8, Brihanna Ferrington called bank on a difficult three-pointer to put an exclamation point on the dominant win. Coach Johnson said it was a good win by the senior girls. “It was a pretty decent win. I think it started on the defensive end. We slid our feet defensively and forced some turnovers and were able to score easy baskets,” he said. “It is very important that we continue to teach and let them learn and play the game the right way. That is important because going down the stretch there are going to be harder teams so we need to understand what we need to do so they can learn and continue to play better,” the head coach added. For the seniors, the RM Bailey Pacers take on the CR Walker Knights in the CI Gibson gymnasium at 4pm today. At the DW Davis gym, the HO Nash Lions play against the Anatol Rodgers Timberwolves in the junior division.

PAGE 20, Thursday, November 23, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

‘COACH YO’ EXPERIENCES GLORY ON HOME SOIL FROM PAGE 14 three-day event she talked to reporters about its cultural impact, the Bahamian support and, most importantly, what it means for her as a fellow woman in sports. “Anytime I get to be in a leadership role it means a lot not only for my players but for my two daughters who get to watch and see me lead. My team gets to see it too, even the males on my staff are learning to be okay with women in leadership,” the head coach said. The Grand Bahama native currently leads the women’s basketball programme for the Ole Miss Rebels. She has seen steady improvements with the Southeastern Conference’s (SEC) Lady Rebels since being hired in 2018. Under her leadership, the women’s team earned a 25-9 win/loss record last season accompanied with an 11-5 record in the SEC. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) D1 team made it to their first Sweet 16 since 2007 last season with Coach Yo at the helm. Most recently, she coached the Lady Rebels to a 60-49 championship win over the Michigan Wolverines in her return home.

With ample experience as a leader, she is hopeful that her accomplishments provide an inspiration to other women. “I know in The Bahamas that is something that I am passionate about. Women should have a chance to be in leadership as well, anytime I get to say that, I do. I came down and spoke at the Jubilee women’s luncheon and that’s what I talked about, it’s our time. Hopefully, my presence alone provides an inspiration for other women in their fields to continue to stand tall and lead from the front,” Coach Yo said. She has been responsible for turning “history” into “her story” over the years. Last year, McPheeMcCuin joined the senior men’s national basketball team coaching staff as an assistant alongside Golden State Warriors assistant coach Chris DeMarco. She became the first woman to ever coach the respective team. The former national team coach also led the charge for the women’s national basketball team from 20142017. With the decorated head coach at the forefront, The Bahamas earned the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) women’s championship in 2015 as the best national team in the Caribbean. The top women’s coach is well-versed in her field and wants to see The Bahamas women’s national team make a comeback. “I believe the women’s national team could have a resurgence as well. I just think we have to be intentional about getting those young women to come back and maybe convincing Jonquel to come back and play for the 242,” she said. Not only is Coach Yo ready to see a resurgence of the women’s national team but she also wants to take the reins herself if given the opportunity to coach again. “Absolutely. If invited for sure, I am passionate about The Bahamas and I believe that we can do things special. I think we have enough, you have seen when the commitment happened from the men what they were able to do. I think we can do the same thing on the women’s side,” she told reporters. The Grand Bahamian is hoping to see more emphasis placed on development at the elementary and high school levels and gave a special shoutout to Lady Rebels’ rookie Rhema Collins, hailing from Nassau.

“I would love to see more emphasis on the grassroots level, the high school and elementary level because that is where it starts. I really believe there is a lot of untapped talent. “Rhema Collins, she is from Nassau and she will be a pro. There is tons of untapped potential,” she said. Tournament experience With regards to the Bad Boy Mowers Battle 4 Atlantis women’s tournament, the Ole Miss Rebels enjoyed themselves and earning the championship hardware was just the cherry on top. On their journey, they took down the Howard University Bison and the University of Arizona Wildcats in back-to-back games over a three-game stretch. According to Coach Yo, the experience was second to none. “Battle 4 Atlantis has been a phenomenal tournament from the competition, hospitality, of course the beautiful Atlantis and security, everything was elite. We came down and really had a phenomenal experience, not just saying that because we won but we have truly enjoyed our time here,” she said. Throughout the tournament, the Lady Rebels paid homage to McPheeMcCuin’s hometown culture, wearing clothing from Bahari instead of their usual Nike gear, in the three games played. Coach Yo was also impressed with the support from Bahamians as many secondary school students filled the stands at the Imperial Arena on Monday. She is hopeful that the youth will be inspired from the experience. “You cannot be what you cannot see, representation matters no matter what, nationality matters. For me to come home and be able to do this, hopefully it provides inspiration to the youth. I did it old school, I graduated from high school in the Bahamas. I am born and raised in the 242 so for me to be able to go out and live the American dream, play college basketball and have an opportunity to do what I am doing, I hope it provides inspiration for the Bahamian people,” she said. With the curtains now closed on the third Battle 4 Atlantis women’s tournament, the Ole Miss Rebels return to Oxford, Mississippi, to play the Little Rock Trojans at the Pavilion at 4pm on Saturday.

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