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‘WE MUST REBUILD TRUST IN POLICE’
COP: No other names received connected to recent US arrests Fernander outlines programmes to restore integrity within RBPF Confirms new questions raised on suspect in Rolle airport murder case
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
‘Great father’ is one of three killed at weekend
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
THE grieving partner of Ronaldo Rolle, one of the victims of Saturday night’s double murder in Pinewood Gardens, described him as “a great father” and “a great leader” whose life was tragically cut short.
Snoviah Hepburn said Ronaldo, father of their
four-year-old son and a nine-year-old child from a previous relationship, was a mentor to young men.
She described the devastating moment she learned of Ronaldo’s death, saying it left her in a state of disbelief and sorrow.
“It was disturbing, tragic. I had just spoken to him recently,” she said,
POLICE Commissioner Clayton Fernander outlined steps during a national address last night that the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the government will undertake to boost the public’s trust in the force after a US federal indictment exposed corruption. He said the new measures will include introducing an anonymous whistleblower platform, mandatory
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
SEE PAGE THREE
FREE National Movement (FNM) leader Michael Pintard said he would end political appointments in the uniformed branches if the FNM is elected to govern.
His comment at a press conference yesterday came after a US federal indictment alleged that police have helped facilitate cocaine smuggling into the United States.
“We will end the political appointments of heads
P intard: ‘We would end political appointments in uniformed branches’ SEE PAGE THREE
WORLD FAMOUS VALLEY BOYS W IN SUPREME COURT RULING
By EARYEL
BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
A SUPREME Court judge on Friday upheld an injunction preventing the Office of the Registrar General from removing the World Famous Valley Boys from the list of non-profit organisations, according to the Junkanoo group, led by Brian Adderley.
Trevor Davis, interim chairman of the second Valley Boys group, said his group’s lawyer has been directed to appeal the ruling.
Friday’s proceedings were held in chambers, and reporters were not allowed to attend.
The ruling follows a temporary injunction
SEE PAGE 13
Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Rawson
THE LIGHTING of the Baystreet Christmas Tree was held by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture to launch Cultural Heritage Month and the start of the Christmas Season included a vriety of performances shared by youthat Rawson Square yesterday.
Photos: Chappell Whyms Jr
‘We must rebuild trust in police’
Minister Marvin Dames.
annual integrity testing for senior officers, and a publicly published list of shortlisted recruits.
He revealed plans to request increased funding from the Ministry of National Security to expand anti-corruption investigations.
His address came after a US South District of New York indictment claimed that these people provided critical assistance to drug traffickers smuggling tons of cocaine through The Bahamas into the United States.
The indictment listed charges against 11 Bahamians, including the officer-in-charge of aviation, Chief Superintendent Elvis Curtis and Defence Force Chief Petty Officer Darren Roker. Commissioner Fernander revealed that police have not yet received a request to arrest the other people mentioned in the indictment.
“Also, we have not been given the names of any additional police or government officials who may be under suspicion and, as far as I know, no one else in country has been given the names of any individual or individuals referenced to the indictment,” he said.
Pintard:
He presented “a framework to rebuild” the police force, saying the plan is rooted in accountability, action, and transparency. from page one from page one
He proposed the immediate implementation of an encrypted, anonymous whistleblower platform.
He said this would strengthen the existing protections for whistleblowers and allow officers and citizens to report wrongdoing without fear of retaliation.
He also proposes mandatory financial disclosures for ranks at chief superintendent and above.
“Any individual who has departmental responsibility should be subject to ‘unexplained wealth orders’, he said. “The public deserves to know that those at the
top of this organisation are beyond reproach.”
As for recruits, he admitted that character references provided by members of the public were sometimes untrue in the past.
“Moving forward, I propose publishing the names of shortlisted recruits in the newspaper for public feedback during a 30-day review period,” he said. “This will allow citizens to raise concerns confidentially about any individual’s character or past behaviour. We want to know if someone in your community is unfit to wear
‘We would end political appointments in uniformed branches’
of the uniformed branches by passing legislation that sets out basic qualifications for the senior leadership positions in the security agencies that will require an open application and regimented and rigorous interview process for prospective candidates,” Mr Pintard said.
“No elected official would be able to promote persons into a position that are not among the two top candidates recommended by the respective service commissions. In other words, the commissions that are in place by law ought to have the ability to narrow the field to two candidates, rather than a policy maker, bypassing all of it.”
He said the FNM would implement a full suite of anti-corruption legislation, adding the country should have an integrity commission and code of conduct for public officials.
He said the commission would not be under the control and direction of any minister.
He also responded to former Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller’s public allegations that Chief Superintendent Elvis Curtis, one of 11 people charged with crimes last week, is a well-known associate of the FNM.
Mr Pintard said CSP Curtis was promoted under the Progressive Liberal Party, and was one of three officers who skipped a rank.
He was previously assistant superintendent of police.
He expressed concern that government officials did not know the Bahamians identified in the indictment were under investigation for three years.
He said Commissioner Clayton Fernander should resign.
The indictment alleged a “high-ranking politician” was expected to authorise Bahamian law enforcement officials to facilitate a cocaine trafficking scheme to the United States for $2m.
Mr Pintard said the government should release the politician’s name before the trial because it is unfair to have the public speculating about all public officials.
The opposition leader reiterated his call for establishing a commission of inquiry to investigate corruption within law enforcement and public offices.
“All of us have a right to know whether or not we have the right gatekeepers who are presiding over law and order in The Bahamas,” he said. “We have a right to know that those
who are incarcerated, are they incarcerated righteously, and some who are free are they free because they have had help to evade the law? Commissions have a way of shining a light in some very dark places. There are many persons, including some who have participated in the skullduggery, that are willing to testify. We should give them an opportunity.”
“There’s a highest standard for the gatekeepers, for those who preside over Parliament, over the executive of the country, for those that are in law enforcement because in Parliament, we make the law. So people are not expecting that we are colluding with with criminals to break the very laws that we’re putting in place. Secondly, the public is not expecting that law enforcement agents would themselves participate in criminal activity.
He invited the public to participate in a demonstration at Rawson Square at 9am on Wednesday.
this uniform.”
“Every credible concern will be investigated. Recruits will also face enhanced screenings to ensure only individuals of the highest integrity join this force.”
He proposed that longserving members of the force undergo mandatory annual ethics training.
“Every officer, from the most junior to the most senior, will be reminded that serving the Bahamian people with integrity is not optional — it’s the bare minimum,” he said. “Finally, we will create
independent oversight channels where external bodies can review misconduct reports to ensure transparency. No report will be swept under the rug.”
Commissioner Fernander said on November 26, while travelling with his family in Florida, he received a call from RBPF aircraft captain ASP Foster Rolle, informing him that CSP Curtis had been arrested overnight and was scheduled to be arraigned in Federal Court.
He said he then contacted CSP Harris Cash, the police liaison officer attached to the Bahamas
Consulate in Miami, who confirmed that CSP Curtis was in custody and outlined the charges he faced.
The commissioner said he later met Chief Supt Curtis’ wife at the courthouse and did not speak to CSP Curtis.
“This moment was not just shocking — it was devastating,” he said. “It cut to the core of the trust that the Royal Bahamas Police Force is meant to represent.” He said he has already spoken with former Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle, who served from March 2020 to July 2022, and intends to contact former Commissioner Anthony Ferguson, former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and former National Security
He said at no time during his tenure did any international partner raise concerns about the activities outlined in the US indictment.
“I have reviewed my meetings with agencies such as the FBI, US Homeland Security, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the US Drug Enforcement Agency, and the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, as well as with the US Charge d’Affaires,” he said.
“As recently as October 2024, none of these interactions highlighted suspicions about the individuals or activities now under investigation.”
He said the culture of corruption that has “infiltrated” the police force did not happen overnight.
“But from today, we will redouble our efforts to stamp it out,” he said. “Dealing with police wrongdoing is complex and will require both a new legislative framework and operational changes.”
He claimed the example of his forced vacation leave in 2019 helps the public “understand how we have arrived at this point”.
He said the political directorate reduced the size of the force’s senior leadership and transferred a number of experienced officers outside of the organisation.
COP CONFIRMS NEW QUESTIONS RAISED ON SUSPEC T IN AIRPORT MURDER C ASE
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
POLICE Commissioner Clayton Fernander confirmed that new questions are being raised given the connection between a former person of interest in a murder case and a senior police officer, both allegedly involved in a cocaine trafficking scheme He revealed this last night while addressing a US federal indictment that alleges that drug traffickers smuggled tons of cocaine through The Bahamas into the United States since 2021 with the “support and protection of corrupt Bahamian government officials, including high-ranking members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.”
Officer in charge of aviation Chief Superintendent Elvis Curtis was named in the indictment and was arrested in Florida last week along with Chief Petty Officer Darren Roker of the Defence Force. Also named is Donald Ferguson, a man police previously questioned as a person of interest in the killing of Giovani Rolle.
Mr Rolle, a former Jet Nassau employee, was shot multiple times after arriving at work on June 16.
Commissioner Fernander said Ferguson’s “connection to this case, alongside Chief Superintendent Curtis, raises new questions that we are actively pursuing as part of our expanded investigation”.
Melanie Rolle-Hilton, one of Giovani’s four sisters, expressed concern to
The Tribune that the investigation into her brother’s death might have been compromised.
The family questioned Curtis’s involvement in that investigation, given that he was the officer in charge of the Lynden Pindling International Airport
“What makes it even more disturbing now is these alleged allegations that took place at LPIA, the very same place where our brother was brutally murdered,” Mrs Rolle-Hilton said.
“And the senior officer is in charge of the airport of aviation. To think that the law enforcement officers being entrusted to conduct this investigation are also suspects of these criminal allegations in the indictment, I mean, it’s deeply troubling.”
Mitchell affir Ms faith in Davis’ lea Dership, NOTES EVERY COUNTRY HAS CORRUP T AC TORS
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell said
The Bahamas is not a systemically corrupt nation, insisting neither its people nor institutions are corrupt.
He said while “every country in the world has corrupt actors”, people must be held responsible for their own actions.
His comment came after a US federal indictment accused members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) of aiding drug traffickers in smuggling large quantities of cocaine from South America to the United States.
Mr Mitchell said: “The moment a fisherman starts calling its fish stink, there’s a problem.”
“Every country in the world has corrupt actors, and as I indicated in an earlier statement to one
of our partisans when he was arrested, each person must defend his own personal conduct. We are not responsible for the personal conduct of individuals.”
He also gave his full support to Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, saying: “I have faith in the leader of the PLP and Prime Minister of our country that he will deal appropriately with these issues. I am also confident that whatever is done, the country will emerge stronger. Our people are resilient.”
Mr Mitchell lambasted the Free National Movement for suggesting “all kinds of nefarious untruths” in connection with the indictment. He said: “I’m listening, I’m watching the comments, and I always go back to first principles: Hear the other side. Do not prejudge. Act judiciously. Act fairly. Speak judiciously. It’s easy to condemn, but hard to take back injudicious words that are spoken.”
Mr Mitchell also took aim
at FNM Leader Michael Pintard, calling him the “actor-in-chief”, and criticised the opposition MP‘s behaviour during Wednesday’s House of Assembly sitting. Tensions rose when House Speaker Patricia Deveaux prevented Mr Pintard from speaking after the prime minister.
“You could see it coming,” he said. “This is going to be an attempt by Mr Pintard and his actors to derail the government’s agenda for the day because a court in New York City decided to arrest and indict a policeman and a defence force officer on the course of issuing the charges, making some pretty sweeping generalisations within the article about The Bahamas, its government and its people.”
“I invite you to do what Stevie S said in his song, hold your head. Read the indictments and its language, and you will have many questions to ask and for which truthful answers are necessary.”
POLICE COMMISSIONER CLAYTON FERNANDER
FNM LEADER MICHAEL PINTARD
Woman awarded $16k for wrongful dismissal
THE Supreme Court awarded $16,498.32 in damages to a woman for wrongful dismissal from her job of 33 years.
Justice Simone Fitzcharles awarded Bebie Farrington, a former Technical Accountant at Bahamas First Holdings Ltd., the damages after Ms Farrington alleged breaches of her employment contract after her termination in February 2021.
Ms Farrington was dismissed after rejecting an early retirement offer.
The court found that her severance package, while generally consistent with legal and contractual standards, failed to include group insurance contributions for the 24 weeks of notice and severance provided. This omission led to the court’s ruling in her favor on the wrongful dismissal claim.
The dispute began on February 5, 2021, when Ms Farrington was offered early retirement by her employer. The package included six months’ salary, retiree medical insurance rates, and the option to work on a contract basis for up to six months.
Ms Farrington declined the offer and countered with a proposal for a fiveyear payout, citing her long tenure and significant contributions to the company. The counteroffer was rejected, and her employment was terminated on February 15, 2021.
Upon her dismissal, Ms Farrington received $39,123.72, which included 26 weeks of severance pay, accrued vacation, and an ex-gratia payment recognising her long service. However, she claimed that the package was
inadequate, falling short of what was owed under the Employee Handbook and the Employment Act. Specifically, she alleged that the six-month notice period was insufficient for her 33 years of service and argued that the company had failed to compensate her fully for pecuniary benefits.
Ms Farrington’s role as technical accountant involved critical financial reporting responsibilities. The company claimed her dismissal was due to redundancy caused by changes in its operational requirements, including automation and compliance with stricter regulatory standards following its listing on the Bahamas International Securities Exchange (BISX).
Testimony from the company’s vice president of human resources
indicated that Ms Farrington’s position was impacted by her inability to meet the demands of the role in an evolving technological environment.
The court reviewed the evidence and found inconsistencies in the employer’s rationale. While redundancy was cited as a reason for her dismissal, other testimony suggested her termination was based on subpar job performance.
Ms Farrington’s performance evaluations showed an average score of 2.7 out of 5, below the company’s expectations.
Justice Fitzcharles ruled that Ms Farrington’s dismissal did not meet the statutory definition of redundancy under Bahamian law. The court determined that the company continued to require the functions of
her position, and no evidence was provided that similar employees had been retained over Ms Farrington.
The court further noted that her dismissal complied with procedural requirements under the Employment Act and the Employee Handbook, which allowed termination for business reasons with pay in lieu of notice.
However, the court found that the omission of group insurance contributions from Ms Farrington’s severance package constituted a breach of contract.
Justice Fitzcharles ordered the defendants to pay $16,498.32 to compensate for this shortfall. Additionally, Ms Farrington was directed to select a payout option for her pension within 21 days to ensure any remaining funds owed were processed.
Ms Farrington’s claim for unfair dismissal was dismissed. The court concluded that the company had provided adequate notice and engaged in meaningful dialogue regarding her termination. The decision highlighted that dismissal for business reasons is permissible under Bahamian law as long as the employer fulfills its financial obligations.
The court also addressed Ms Farrington’s request for a bonus, ruling that it was discretionary under the Employee Handbook and therefore not an entitlement. Similarly, her demand for damages totaling $205,149.65 was rejected, with the court noting that the majority of her claims lacked legal or contractual support.
Both parties were ordered to bear their own legal costs.
Tarpum Bay residents demand answers over funds paid for properties
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter
RESIDENTS of Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera, are demanding answers after more than $80,000 they paid for land lots remains unaccounted for.
More than 50 residents who made payments through the Tarpum Bay Commonage Committee have yet to receive their promised lots or refunds, amid allegations that funds were deposited into personal accounts instead of an official committee account.
The committee’s financial management faced challenges after its funds, held with the One Eleuthera Cooperative Credit Union, became inaccessible following the
credit union’s closure in 2022. The Tribune understands a check for the remaining funds was issued but remains uncashed due to the absence of a new account. This financial gap has stalled land allocations, leaving those who paid for property with little clarity on the situation.
In June 2024, the matter was formally reported to the Financial Crimes Unit of the Royal Bahamas Police Force. According to documents obtained by The Tribune, Superintendent Anthony McCartney acknowledged the complaint and assigned the case to Sergeant Travis Strachan.
However, communication with police reportedly ceased soon after. Efforts
to follow up, including letters sent in October and November 2024, did not receive responses, leaving the community in limbo. Eric Carey, a trustee of the Tarpum Bay Commonage Committee, said the issue has left many residents feeling frustrated.
“These funds are all documented with receipts and supporting documentation,” Mr Carey said.
“Despite repeated and consistent attempts to secure an accounting of these transactions, and the requisite handing over of these funds, the vast majority of these funds remain outstanding and unaccounted for.”
The matter was also brought to the attention of Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources, and Family Island Affairs Clay
Sweeting, who serves as MP for Central and South Eleuthera.
In messages sent in November and copied to National Security Minister Wayne Munroe, committee members expressed frustration over the lack of progress and appealed for government support.
Responding to The Tribune via WhatsApp, Mr Sweeting said: “Commonage land is governed and policed by the Commonage Committee.”
He explained that government involvement is limited to cases of rule contraventions, appeals, or the implementation of new rules.
He recommended that any criminal allegations be handled through the proper police investigation protocol.
The Commonage Act, which was enacted in 1896, has drawn scrutiny for its inability to address modern challenges. The lack of updated governance measures has left the committee vulnerable to mismanagement and financial discrepancies. In response to longstanding governance weaknesses, the current committee has taken steps to modernise its operations. A subcommittee was formed to draft new rules aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency, according to emails. These updated rules, still in draft form, will be presented to commoners for approval and later submitted to Minister Sweeting for formal enactment.
According to emails obtained by the Tribune, committee members emphasised that modernising the governance framework is essential to rebuilding trust and ensuring smoother operations. However, the missing funds have stalled the committee’s ability to prepare and allocate new lots. Without money to survey and clear land, the committee has been unable to process allocations for those who have already paid.
“This isn’t just about money — it’s about trust,” Mr Carey said, echoing sentiments shared by many affected residents. Efforts to reach the Financial Crimes Unit for an update on the investigation have been unsuccessful.
HER Excellency Dame Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt, Governor General, presented the Instrument of Appointment to Cordell Frazier, as Director of Public Prosecutions, in a ceremony on November 28, 2024 at Government House. Pictured at the event are family, friends, and dignitaries including Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Ryan Pinder who gave Remarks; Chief Justice Sir Ian Winder; former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham; and former Chief Justice and president of the Court of Appeal Sir Michael Barnett.
Photos: Anthon Thompson/BIS
‘Great father’ is one of three killed at weekend
recounting the shock of receiving the call about his passing.
Snoviah had been with Ronaldo for seven years, but says they’ve known each other since childhood.
“He was spiritual,” she said.
Mr Rolle and another man were fatally shot on Plane Street, off Willow Tree Avenue, shortly after 10pm. A third victim, a man who sustained a gunshot wound to the lower body, was taken to the hospital by private vehicle, where police said he remained in stable condition.
Authorities said the perpetrators involved in the incident were traveling in a light-colored vehicle, and two people are suspected to have carried out the attack.
Following the shooting, a 36-year-old man was taken into police custody.
One witness recounted finding a victim hiding under a deck in their backyard, bleeding heavily from a head wound.
CSP Minus noted that investigators were reviewing footage from multiple CCTV cameras in the area as part of their inquiries.
On the scene, a resident voiced his concern about potential retaliation.
Hours later, another fatal shooting rocked the capital.
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
me. I just put my foot on the gas and sped off because I was on my way somewhere.”
The witness said when she returned to the area, she saw the victim lying lifeless on the ground.
“His eyes were fixed, so I knew he wasn’t going to make it,” she said. “It looked like he picked up a lot of shots. I was like, oh my goodness, this man is gone. It’s so sad.”
She described her shock upon realising the victim was someone they knew.
“I grew up with his mother,” she said. “She’s a Christian lady. She loved God, she loved people, and she forgives the person that did that to her son. It’s so sad. He was a nice young man. He’s not troublesome at all. He has a ways about him, but he’s not a killer, he’s not a gangbanger, nothing like that. Everybody in the area loved him.”
Police were called to the scene of a murder on the corner of West End Avenue and Market Street shortly before 7pm yesterday.
Authorities reported that a man in his mid20s was shot multiple times outside a business
MAN STRUCK BY TWO VEHICLES BECOMES LATEST TRAFFIC FATALITY
A MAN lost his life in a traffic accident on Wulff Road near Union Village Road on Saturday night. Police reports indicate the victim was lying in the street around 10pm when he was struck by two vehicles. Emergency responders found no signs of life, and a doctor pronounced him dead at the scene. The drivers involved are cooperating with the investigation. The identity of the deceased remains unknown.
Earlier that evening, police responded to two armed robberies at separate businesses. The first occurred shortly after 5pm at a store on Eden Street, where a masked gunman stole cash and personal items before fleeing. The second robbery happened near 6pm at a store on Baillou Hill Road, where another masked man held an employee at gunpoint, took cash, and escaped in a silver Japanese car seen heading west on Meadow Street.
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establishment. The victim attempted to flee but collapsed in a nearby yard. Emergency Medical Services confirmed he showed no signs of life.
Officer in Charge of South Central Division
Chief Superintendent Dwight Smith said the gunman, armed with a high-powered weapon, fled the scene in a white vehicle.
Police have not disclosed a motive, but investigators confirmed the victim was not known to have any criminal involvement.
One witness recounted hearing the gunfire, initially mistaking it for a transformer explosion before realising it was gunshots.
“I heard approximately 20 to 25 shots,” the witness said. “I thought they were shooting at
When asked whether officers planned to increase patrols and maintain a constant presence in the area, given its reputation as a “crime hot spot” following multiple murders nearby, CSP Smith said police had already intensified their efforts.
He highlighted ongoing patrols, stop-and-search operations, and community engagement, adding that investigators would review CCTV footage from the area to aid in the investigation.
THE BODY of a male in his mid-twenties being removed from the corner of West End Street and Market Street yesterday. The weekend saw four people shot in two separate incidents. Three died from their wounds.
The Tribune Limited
NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI
“Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”
Publisher/Editor 1903-1914
PICTURE OF THE DAY
LEON E. H. DUPUCH
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Publisher/Editor 1919-1972
Contributing Editor 1972-1991
RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B.
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Commission of Inquiry the clean slate we need
POLICE Commissioner Clayton Fernander last night addressed the nation – a rare move for someone in his position – in the wake of allegations of a wide-ranging conspiracy to smuggle cocaine through The Bahamas into the US and involving corrupt officials.
Two of his own force’s members have been named in the indictment filed in the US into the matter – with one of them arrested along with a defence force officer.
Last night, Mr Fernander detailed how he learned about those arrests.
He said he was in Florida when the two men were arrested, and later that day he met with Chief Superintendent Harris Cash, the liaison officer attached to the Bahamas consulate in Miami and the wife of the arrested officer, Chief Superintendent Elvis Curtis.
While he met Mrs Curtis, he said he could not speak with Chief Supt Curtis due to federal procedures.
Following the conclusion of the arraignment at the courthouse, Mr Fernander said he immediately updated the Prime Minister and the Minister of National Security.
He called the moment “not just shocking – it was devastating”. This indicates the complete absence of knowledge on the Bahamian side about the details of this investigation.
Mr Fernander reiterated that when he said: “For now, we only know what is outlined in the indictment.”
The Tribune on Friday published a story noting that both Chief Supt Curtis and a man named Donald Ferguson are named as part of the conspiracy in the indictment – Ferguson was arrested and released as part of an investigation into the murder of Giovani Rolle.
Last night, Mr Fernander acknowledged that the indictment “raises new questions that we are actively pursuing as part of our expanded investigation” with regard to that case.
So what will the commissioner do about all this?
Well, he is going to talk to predecessors in commissioner and political roles about the historic elements of the allegations. He also pledged to “cooperate fully” with the US Department of Justice – a stance that is utterly correct and which should not be swayed by political voices sniping and suggesting that the
US is interfering when it should look to its own house. He also discouraged speculation over names of people who may be involved.
This is notable because of the allegation that a “high-ranking politician” would for a payment of $2m direct police resources to protect drug smugglers.
Mr Fernander said “we have not been given the names of any additional police or government officials who may be under suspicion” and “as far as I know, no one else in country has been given the names of any individual or individuals referenced in the indictment”.
If that is correct, then the name of the high-ranking politician remains a mystery to everyone in the country. That would mean we have a viper in the nest.
The Prime Minister has not spoken to this – he should. He should be forthright in admitting that the name is not known – not least because for the past few days there has been a slanderous guessing game going on across social media. Several names have been touted on social media as absolutely being the politician referred to – even as those rumours directly contradict each other.
Mr Fernander also detailed several other measures that he plans to introduce, particularly with regard to whistleblowing, screening of candidates, financial disclosures and more.
Those are welcome for the future – but we also find ourselves needing to deal with the present. The right path forward is a Commission of Inquiry.
We need to get to the absolute truth of both this investigation and the one into voice notes purporting to capture a discussion between a senior officer, a lawyer and two criminals who have since been killed – also notably involving a case that originated at an airport, a $1.3m theft from a security car.
If we have indeed been blindsided by this investigation as seems to be suggested, then we need every resource possible to be directed to find out what has gone on. Those in charge have missed what happened – are we to have confidence they will now pick up on what went on under their noses?
A Commission of Inquiry is the clean slate we need. It ensures transparency. It is the path we should take.
Time for change and accountability
EDITOR, The Tribune.
WE are living in one of the darkest periods of our nation’s history. The recent actions in the House of Assembly, where the Leader of the Opposition was seemingly silenced while trying to bring attention to pressing issues, are deeply concerning. His attempt to address critical matters — from the disturbing prevalence of sex crimes to the federal indictment of senior law enforcement officers — was met with resistance, revealing a disturbing trend of muzzling dissenting voices. The use of technicalities and grandstanding in Parliament to stifle the opposition is a troubling sign that something is fundamentally wrong. The people of The Bahamas, whether out of passivity or fear, have allowed corruption within both the police force and political circles to fester unchecked. These institutions, which should serve to protect and uphold justice, appear instead to
be embroiled in a web of apparent dishonesty and self-preservation. Recent revelations only add to the public’s growing sense of unease. A senior officer of the Central Detective Unit allegedly has been captured in recordings negotiating the release of armed robbers in exchange for hundreds of thousands of dollars — apparent proceeds from criminal activities. Additionally,two senior officers from the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) and Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) are now indicted on federal drug charges. These incidents should be enough to shake us from our collective complacency, yet the question remains: why are we so calm in the face of such corruption? Are we afraid to stand up against this entrenched system of wrongdoing, or have we simply resigned ourselves to the belief that such matters will be swept under the rug, never to be addressed again? The media and the
Monster in homes is video games
EDITOR, The Tribune. IT is a misconception that the leaders of the two major parties past and present don’t want to deal with crime. I believe they all were, and still are today committed to finding that apparent elusive magical solution. However, like a plumber trying to fix a water leak, but don’t know where it’s coming from, or a mechanic, doctor or any professional attempting to fix or correct problem, but cannot acutely find the source, so is the plight of our leaders.
opposition appear to be the last remaining voices willing to speak out against this rampant corruption. Yet, the opposition is being silenced, while the media is told to avoid certain lines of inquiry, with arbitrary limits on what can be discussed publicly. This is not just a failure of leadership — it is an affront to democracy. As a young citizen of this country, it is disheartening to witness so little change over the years. Are we so comfortable with the status quo that we no longer demand accountability from those in power? Or are we, perhaps, too fearful of the consequences of speaking out? Even more troubling, could it be that we no longer care about the rampant criminality and corruption that plagues our nation? It is time for us to confront these issues head-on and demand change. The future of The Bahamas depends on it.
TEVIN BANNISTER December 1, 2024.
The source of our crime problem landed on the shores of New Providence in the early 1980’s. It grew and mushroomed undetected under our noses in the 1990’s and today it is a monster spreading its tentacles into the family islands. That monster is the Video Games! In 1993 l bought an Atari video game for my son as it was very popular and new and improved from the boring Pac Man everybody knew. I decided to learn it to teach the son, unfortunately I became totally addicted and I never gave it to him. Sometimes up to 3am to 5am I would be immersed in that thing. After I saw the affect it was having on me I tried to put it down, but I was addicted. I had to destroy that machine with a hammer to break the hold it had on me.
At that time ZNS was
running a very popular talk show called, “Immediate Response” with a very rude host. I called in to one of his shows to sound the alarm and warned the nation of the dangers of this new craze, as my daily work carried me into homes where I saw the upgrades to people being exposed to killing like machines, assaulting women, decapitating heads or spilling gruesome blood like child’s play. I warned that our youths are being conditioned to kill without a soul in cold blooded fashion... Nobody listened to me. As a matter of fact the host insulted me and “cut me” like Darold Miller use to do to annoying callers. Today, we are seeing root sprouting all over the island with young people in- sensitise to kill at the drop of the hat. Unable to work out their differences because their brains have been rewired for instant results, irrespective of the consequences and you see that today.
A wise tribesman leader, seeing the danger coming to his people would take immediate action to protect and save even the ignorant among his people. So the first place to start is to stop harmful
and destructive practices at your boarder. You cannot allow a businessman or company to import things that will be a major problem for the society at large under the guise of free competition.
Now that I have exposed the problem it is up to the brilliant minds to come up with a solution. We are dealing with minds programmed to kill cold and calculated without mercy!
Now combine the above with the obnoxious onslaught of sexual enhancing drinks being advertised on Facebook and other social medias. Young men who formally crowded neurologist offices seeking redress to ED, are now revitalised and out of control, without natural affection and attacking elderly women well past their sexually active ages, and the young and vulnerable infants and toddlers. Why? Because both groups are weak and defenseless against an aggressive young man. It behooves the leaders now to deal with the source of our crime problem rather than wringing their hands in apathy. If the Watchman sees the sword coming and doesn’t sound the alarm, the people’s blood will be on him, but If he sounds the alarm and he’s ignored, their blood is on them!’
APOSTLE G PINDER Nassau, November 26, 2024.
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BUFFALO Bills fans sit between snow covered seats as they watch players warm up before an NFL football game between the Bills and the San Francisco 49ers in Orchard Park, New York yesterday.
Photo: Gene J. Puskar/AP
Candlelight vigil hosted ahead of World AIDS Day
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
THE Ministry of Health and Wellness, The Bahamas National AIDS Programme, and The Bahamas AIDS Foundation hosted a candlelight vigil on Friday evening, ahead of World AIDS Day on December 1.
The event, held at the Ministry of Health Courtyard at 6pm, acknowledged the lives lost to AIDS and aimed to raise awareness about the ongoing fight against the virus. The Bahamas recorded 130 newly diagnosed cases of
HIV in 2023, with about 4,098 people living with the virus by year-end — about one percent of the population.
World AIDS Day, observed globally on December 1, is a time to reflect on the fight against HIV/AIDS, honour those who have passed, and renew the commitment to the cause. It highlights the importance of prevention, raises awareness, and advocates for greater access to treatment and education.
Dr
Nikkiah Forbes, director of the National HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Programme at the Ministry of Health,
said: “The candlelight vigil is an annual event. It is a partnership between the National AIDS Programme and the Ministry of Health and one of our private partners, The Bahamas AIDS Foundation. World AIDS Day is commemorated on December 1 every year, you will know that this is just as close to World AIDS Day — two evenings before World AIDS Day.”
“So often on the evening before World AIDS Day, we come out and the candlelight vigil is about commemorating the lives of those that we have lost to AIDS. It is something
that is very preventable, and we also stand in solidarity with those that are infected or affected by HIV and AIDS and we also raise awareness on a day like today.”
Aramae Ford, president of The Bahamas AIDS Foundation, emphasised the ongoing work of the foundation, particularly in supporting children and adolescents affected by HIV.
“We have been very focused on supporting children and adolescents who are living with HIV and affected. You know they may be from a family with this issue so we will
continue this work,” she said.
“But for me, I also want to amplify education, testing, and awareness to the public to prevent new infections. So, ask yourself how does a child become infected? It’s by the irresponsible behaviour of adults. So, if we can really capture the root of the issue, which is ensuring that people who are at highest risk are on PrEP and are conducting their sexual behaviour in a responsible way, we will not have new infections.”
Ms Ford also highlighted the need for innovative public outreach.
“We have to go and meet people where they are and once we get positive diagnoses, make sure those people get on medication and just try to help,” she said. “You just remind the public that HIV is still around us and we all need to be very aware and protect ourselves. Your health is your personal responsibility and we want to make sure that people are aware and thinking about it.”
The vigil highlighted significant progress in combating HIV in The Bahamas, particularly through the government’s commitment to providing free medications.
BAHAMAS CHINA FRIENDSHIP A SSOCIATION HOLDS SECOND KITE FESTIVAL
CHINESE Ambassador to The Bahamas Yan Jiarong looks to the sky to view kites during the Bahamas China Friendship Association’s kite festival held at Aquinas College on Gladstone Road on Saturday. Dozens of people young an old assembled a kites in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours and coaxed them to take flight.
Photos: Chappell Whyms Jr
THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2024
Not a time for hiding
By T YLER MCKENZIE
THERE are too many questions and not enough answers after the stunning news of an alleged cocaine conspiracy involving corrupt Bahamian officials, police officers, a defence force officer, drug traffickers and even Marxist-Leninist guerillas in Colombia.
The indictment was filed in the US. No arrests have been made here – at least, not at the time of writing, although this comes ahead of the Police Commissioner’s national address on Sunday evening.
Prime Minister Philip Davis came to the House to make a statement. The first part of the House session was filled with an argument over whether or not the Opposition could also speak on a matter of such national importance. They were not allowed. Mr Davis spoke. No questions, no answers.
The Police Commissioner issued a statement on the matter. No press conference was held. No questions, no answers.
The Commodore issued a statement on the matter. No press conference was held. No questions, no answers.
The commissioner’s national address was again without the media present. No questions … well, you get the idea.
When the Prime Minister was asked on Friday by reporters why no one has resigned or been relieved of their duties following the indictment, he did not reply.
The Office of the Prime Minister subsequently said Mr Davis would provide updates when he receives more information and rejected any suggestion that he was avoiding the controversy. Let us consider some of the information he ought to have by now.
A high-ranking politician is not named in the indictment, but has been named to US investigators by the arrested Chief Superintendent Elvis Curtis. The indictment reported Curtis’ statement that in exchange for $2m, that politician would authorise the assistance and involvement of Bahamian law enforcement officials, including armed police, in facilitating and insuring cocaine shipments.
The Prime Minister needs no further updates to tell us whether he knows the identity of this politician or not, and whether that individual has been spoken to, or action discussed.
If the identity is not
known, then our country’s leadership is sitting side by side with someone, not knowing if they are working alongside someone who was willing to betray the nation. If the identity is known, then that individual ought to be relieved of their duties while an investigation takes place. As yet, no answer. Then there is another person indicted – Riccardo Adolphus Davis, a Bahamian citizen described as being “purported to be an official in the Bahamian government”. The Prime Minister surely needs no further updates by now to tell us who this individual is and whether or not they are indeed an official in the government, what that position is and what action has been taken. If this Davis individual is not in government, then the government would greatly benefit from being able to say as much, and to distance themselves from him. As yet, however, no answer. How about an update on what action the police force
is taking on this matter?
Are these individuals being sought for arrest? Or is the government waiting for a request from the US government for extradition before they proceed? As yet, unless it is addressed by Commissioner Clayton Fernander on Sunday evening, no answer. A number of the individuals in the indictment are listed as pilots. Several are associated with charter flight companies. Are those flight companies now under investigation? Are they allowed to continue to fly? Have their premises been searched by police following the allegations? As yet, no answer. This is, of course, not the only corruption investigation underway in The Bahamas. The Tribune published a story on Friday asking the question whether a murder probe had been swayed by the fact that a man arrested in the investigation was part of the alleged conspiracy, as was Chief Superintendent Elvis Curtis, who heads the airport section. The murder
took place at an airport location.
Another incident that took place at an airport location was the $1.3m theft from a security car that led to the corruption probe following the leaking of several voice notes detailing a discussion between a senior police officer, a lawyer and two criminals who have subsequently been murdered. The two criminals were suspected of involvement, but never charged. A third man, who was charged, has been subsequently murdered.
An investigation into that has supposedly involved foreign investigators –although the commissioner has been tight-lipped on the matter so there has been no real confirmation of that.
Does Curtis’ role and current indictment in the US indicate any connection? And what does it say for the police force that two such major corruption investigations are underway at the same time?
Bear in mind, neither of these investigations was
uncovered by our police force on their own. The first began after pressure following the leaking of the voice notes, the second has been instigated by US investigators. Reading through the indictment, it seems clear there is an absolute lack of trust from US investigators in sharing information with officials here. Given the claims involved, that is of little surprise, but it is confirmed by the Prime Minister stating in his address in the House that a diplomatic note would be sent asking for more information. We are in the dark.
The indictment goes on to detail occasions when “corrupt RBPF officials have denied the DEA access to seized cocaine and related evidence”. It says that information was also given to the DEA that was contradicted by aerial surveillance. On at least one occasion, the indictment claims that a DEA agent was told that certain drug-trafficking targets were “off limits”. Off limits. Who? How? Why? And does this sound to you like a conspiracy involving only the individuals named in the indictment so far or as if there might be more coming? There have been calls for the removal of the police commissioner and the Minister of National Security – because this happened on their watch. They do
have to take responsibility. How that responsibility is taken will be judged by the public on the basis of their actions. Anything less than a full-force investigation will not be enough.
There were already calls for a Commission of Inquiry after the first corruption probe – this second wave of revelations only increases the need for such an inquiry.
These are the most serious allegations that The Bahamas has faced since it was branded A Nation For Sale. Let us be absolutely, 100 percent clear. There are many, many good, honest officers serving our nation. Every one of those is being let down by those who would sell out our nation to drug and gun dealers.
There have been strong words from senior police officers and the government on the need to crack down on those who bring guns into the nation – it seems from this indictment that some of those bringing the guns into the country might be police officers themselves. If so they are nothing less than traitors – and their colleagues deserve, well, the same as we all deserve. Answers.
There is no hiding from this. If the government hides from this, it will drag them down all the way to election day. We need to be told, and if so, we need to remove the rot from within.
PACKAGES of cocaines seized in a prior drug bust in The Bahamas.
Haiti’s leaders must set aside petty differences
AS gang violence spirals out of control in Haiti, the limitations of international efforts to restore order, including a Kenyanled security mission, have laid bare the depth of the crisis. A nation already on its knees now faces an even darker abyss. Haiti’s tragedy serves as a stark reminder that no matter how dire circumstances may seem, they can always deteriorate further.
CENTURIES OF INJUSTICE
Haiti’s revolution (17911804) — the first successful uprising by enslaved people — should have been a beacon of hope. Instead, it marked the beginning of relentless punishment by a global order which was infused with racism and avarice. Forced to pay France reparations for its own freedom, Haiti was crippled by debt and subjected to invasions, occupations, and economic exploitation. This financial and political stranglehold laid the groundwork for centuries of poverty and instability.
Corrupt leadership, often propped up by external powers, exacerbated the country’s struggles for decades, while natural disasters — earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods — repeatedly decimated its fragile infrastructure. By the time President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in 2021, Haiti’s constitutional institutions had disintegrated. The nation was left adrift, ruled by unpopular decrees without any form of public participation, amid surging gang violence, widespread hunger, and political paralysis.
A NATION ON THE BRINK
Today, Haiti teeters on the edge of collapse. Nearly half of its population—5.41 million people — are acutely food insecure, and one in six children faces famine. Over 700,000 people have been forcibly displaced, while more than 900 schools remain closed, depriving hundreds of thousands of children of education.
Criminal gangs dominate nearly 80 percent of Port-au-Prince and its surrounding areas, holding 2.7 million people hostage to violence, extortion, and kidnappings. Even more alarmingly, thousands of children are now counted among their ranks, coerced into roles ranging from looters to murderers. These
World View
By SIR RONALD SANDERS
gangs, emboldened by weak governance, maintain their firepower and expand their reach even in the face of international interventions. Haiti’s police force, outgunned and underfunded, struggles to maintain order.
The Kenyan-led multinational security mission, a contingent of just 430 personnel, has proven woefully inadequate against entrenched criminal networks. Frustrated communities have taken matters into their own hands, forming vigilante groups to deliver brutal justice. In one chilling scene, gang members’ bodies were dismembered in front of a silent and seemingly complicit police force.
THE TRANSITIONAL COUN CIL: LOSING ITS OPPORTUNITY TO LE AD
As basic services collapse and desperation deepens, the transitional council has squandered its chance to provide leadership. In April
2024, under pressure from the United States and with the backing of CARICOM, Haiti established the council to stabilise the country, restore constitutional legitimacy, and pave the way for elections. The council appointed Garry Conille, a former UNICEF official, as interim prime minister, alongside a technocratic cabinet. While this initiative offered hope, it was fraught with danger from the start and destined to fail. The mix of ambitious politicians and technocrats - many of whom were not selected by the council – set up disquiet and quickly led to dysfunction.
By November, the council’s fractious relationship with Conille and his cabinet culminated in his dismissal. In just five months, little progress had been made toward stabilising the country or addressing the root causes of its crisis. This failure further eroded international confidence and left
Haiti’s plight unresolved. UN PE ACEKEEPING INITIATIVE STALLED – DESPITE HUMANITARIAN DISASTER
Haiti’s plight is more than a humanitarian disaster - it is a test of the United Nations effectiveness. The Haitian government, supported by CARICOM and the United States, has called for a full-scale UN peacekeeping operation. Such an initiative could provide the resources and personnel needed to restore order, with its costs distributed among all UN member states. However, China and Russia - two of the five veto powers in the Security Council - have opposed the idea, arguing that peacekeepers are meant to maintain peace, not combat urban crime or rescue dysfunctional states. This effort, therefore, remains stalled.
THE COLL APSE OF BASI C SERVI CES
As violence intensifies, basic services have crumbled. The United Nations recently evacuated its staff from Port-au-Prince, citing
escalating dangers. Humanitarian organisations, like Doctors Without Borders, have suspended operations due to threats against staff and patients. Food for the Poor, a non-profit organisation that manages feeding programmes, can no longer deliver aid reliably because of gang blockades, road hazards, and airport closures.
The transitional council’s inability to form an electoral council or advance constitutional reforms has only compounded the crisis. Without these critical steps, Haiti remains stuck in a cycle of instability. A new prime minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, has taken office, but his government faces the daunting task of rebuilding trust, addressing gang violence, and navigating a transitional council prone to micromanagement. Time is not on his side.
THE WAY FORWARD
Ultimately, the responsibility for Haiti’s recovery lies with its leadership. The transitional council must demonstrate unity, stability, competence, and urgency in its efforts to stabilise the
country. Without decisive action to rebuild constitutional institutions and restore governance, the council risks isolating Haiti further, plunging the country deeper into chaos as the gangs grow stronger, more strident, and more determined.
Haiti’s history is one of resilience against unimaginable odds, but the resilience of its beleaguered people alone cannot rebuild a nation. It is time for its leaders to rise above petty divisions and forge an agreed plan to achieve stability and peace. Only then can Haiti’s neighbours and international partners step forward with confidence to help pull the nation from the brink. This is the task to which all involved— both domestically and internationally— must commit, setting aside perceived strategic interests, whether personal or national.
The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US and the OAS. The views expressed are entirely his own. Responses and previous commentaries: www. sirronaldsanders.com.
WOMEN take cover during a gun battle between police and gang members in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, March 1, 2024.
Photo: Odelyn Joseph/AP
Activism a key factor for change
By ROCHELLE DEAN
THE cries of outrage for the recent heinous crimes committed against women and children continues to ring loudly in the ears of many Bahamians.
The voices of so many activists, advocates and parliamentarians finally present a resounding fortified united agreement that is hard to ignore with the public fully supporting the much warranted view that something must be done to reduce crime and acts of violence against women and children.
Recent criminal activity has landed many minors in trouble with the law as they are hauled before the courts for crimes that not only go against natural law, but also goes against what is reasonably acceptable by young persons who have access to the internet and technology.
These realities in an ever changing world with local archaic and outdated knowhow is at the centre of the crime wave in the country.
This, however, doesn’t mean that our leaders should be blamed or even receive accolades for their outrage, but it means that tackling crime requires them to find and fund solutions that are 21st century progressive according to the times in which we are in.
There are so many vantage points to consider when we look at solutions to crime in the country, but we must first acknowledge those mitigating factors that may have been roads less travelled in an effort to address crime.
These mitigating factors are many, but we can first begin to have a fresh perspective by examining a few of them below:
Social responsibility
The biggest smoke screen to addressing violence against women and girls and overall crime always stems from who we as society deem corrigibly responsible.
If this outlook has a space in addressing crime and violence in The Bahamas, then the church and its message of a loving God who sees all things, both good and bad and uses these circumstances to save us, presents a strong argument that the transformation of people’s hearts, relies heavily on their ability to trust its faculty to bring about sincere change for a people willing to reform for the overall wellbeing of society.
Seeing the impact of church dynamism goes beyond a preached word and is greatly indicative of how a society responds to the most vulnerable, including the incorrigible among us. The church has operated as a grouping for those desiring to become socially acceptable instead of as a beacon of hope, for the change we all want to see in ourselves.
This desire cannot bring about the hope that is, the seed planted to transform the heart and produce changed behaviour.
That means that the concept of faith is not a piein-the-sky rationale and is rooted in the expectation of change bringing about better decision-making and finally the strength and humility to ask for help and guidance.
This approach requires a shift from authoritarian leadership to a more authoritative approach, where people can exemplify their leaders and be shaped and moulded to become like them.
This is the significance of the church and why its leaders should be held to a significantly higher
standard.
It is only then that the fellowship of the church can facilitate our social responsibility to love and care for each other and ultimately the community at large.
Capital punishment
Capital punishment has recently been heralded over the cries of grief for loved ones who have become victims to violence and even death in the past few weeks. And while community stakeholders present compelling arguments and opinions across the media, it can only be expected that these comments bring with them consensus of outrage, trepidation as well as unresponsiveness and hard-heartedness.
This communal also brings with it comparing of crimes to determine whose tragedy is the worst, while opining the need for relief.
Capital punishment is a legal instrument that tells someone who commits a crime that they should be put to death for the wrong they have done. This implies by legal standards that this person is the worst of the worst.
And while society seems to lean more to this measure of punishment due to public opinion that any such acts of violence, rape and murder committed against women and children should qualify for this type of recourse, there still remains the consideration of whether capital punishment is the answer to addressing crime and whether or not our moral compasses; that ultimately dictates how we see each other, bestows a punishment that cannot be reversed as necessary.
This, therefore, means there still exists those caught at a cross-roads between human rights and their belief that The Bahamas, being a Christian nation, would require more preventive measures.
And as ambiguous as these two concepts may seem, they can also be perceived, both a blessing and a curse as ultimately this direction brings with it the notion, that if people commit a crime, they are simply released back into society with the expectation that they can repeatedly offend and the measure of punishment is limiting in its effect to be a corrective deterrent.
While this would seem like a compelling reason to charge ahead with capital
punishment, this still leads one to consider how human beings; whether legal expert, pastor, psychiatrist, and the like decide what qualifies as a death sentence and how do we get to the point of wanting people to be dead, even if they deserve this type of punishment.
The Bible contains the first laws written by Moses and the sixth commandment states: Thou shall not kill.
This law gives no exception, whether that be for capital punishment or self defence, yet we have a public outcry to kill.
The Privy Council, the highest court in our jurisdiction, requires a case to be the worst of the worst in order to implement a death sentence and in many cases while those in society are recognising the many and frequent heinous crimes, we can only continue to have a sense of liberation that we haven’t reached the threshold of what legal experts consider to be a death sentence.
The last execution in The Bahamas occurred on January 6, 2000. Many Bahamians are old enough to remember that sobering (cumbersome) day where perhaps this emotion was only prevalent for some of the citizenry but it represented a day of the overall conscience mind, made manifest as David Mitchell was at the time appealing his sentence before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.
One can only imagine how he must have felt during his quest for justice as his fate was contingent on him having murdered two German nationals who were visiting tourists.
This case may have been double jeopardy with dogmatic speculation that, at the time, there could have existed even more heinous crimes that could have been classified as the worst of the worst, according to public opinion, but at that particular time, capital punishment served its purpose as an example, if not a lesson for all. Therefore, we can assume that capital punishment does send a message to those incorrigible criminals, but it also sends a deeper message to each and every one in society as well, that perhaps as a collective, Bahamians are just as barbaric as those committing the crimes in the community.
Preventive measures
Recently, the Davis
administration has publicly declared that they believe preventive measures will deter crime and acts of violence in our society as a whole.
This point of view may seem favourable to criminals when we hear it on the news after the latest murder, but perhaps this is the beginning of better measures for the entire community to be safe from crime and violence.
This would then seem like a step in the right direction for The Bahamas at large, however, society may be more obliged to see some of the tools and mechanisms that the Davis administration has implemented and can aid in preventing, overall crime and deterring acts of violence against its women and children.
And while many of us have heard this rhetoric before, those that give them can be applauded for their suggestions when crime is generally not as politically polarised as many may want to believe, even with the murder rate toppling one hundred plus victims for this year alone.
Let’s not forget that the House of Assembly and its political elite class also have recently revisited this new crime era, through the very recent and shocking murder of former parliamentarian Donald Saunders, Sr.
This particular murder reminded the political elites that crime is still not out of reach for even the most dignified of person’s within the nation.
Of course, it is anticipated that this should weigh heavily on any government and all administrations when one of its own is impacted by the very same vices that are viewed as the issues of common folk as is often implied.
It is then believed that statements where we hear talk of preventive measures, either quell the public in one sense, while on the other hand further sensationalises more economic concerns for taxpayers.
Therefore, it would then seem to the average rightthinking Bahamian that they are paying to imprison criminals and also to prevent them from reoffending.
It will then be interesting to consider how these “socalled” preventive measures will impact public finance.
But let us be reminded that crime is not the action of sensible regulation and some of the skills and debate that comes from behind the
prison gates could potentially be the very tools that succeed in initiating relapses back into criminality.
Yet, that still doesn’t mean offenders deserve no opportunity at all, although recidivism is believed to be a key element for strong push back to administer capital punishment of criminals believed to be incapable of reintegration.
Restoration
This leads us to the most important element of crime in The Bahamas which implies that victims are unscathed within our society.
There seems to be no resolutions for restoration of persons who have suffered damage or loss to acts of violence and crime.
This can be attributed to the fact that even the government does not take accountability for the wrongs imposed on those it offends.
Silence and defences of barred statutes are not mechanisms that produce accountability and proper well-being for Bahamians or anyone for that matter.
Simply put, this society presents a reality that, victims must move on as though nothing happened or as though they have no feelings or humanness at all.
This is of no surprise to the astute within Bahamian society and, therefore, there remains no mechanisms of restoration, reintegration or apology outside of monetary compensation that the state clearly limits to those who have suffered loss, ordered by way of the judiciary.
Restorative justice programmes are innovative systems that take a holistic approach to legality and all those involved in any form of crime.
There are currently, no restorative justice programmes in the country and any type of healing is monetised by professionals who want to implement these measures long past the point of legality.
Restorative justice programmes, however, are heralded as the bridge to proper wellbeing for victims, with the capacity to flag those criminals who are capable of reintegration. However, The Bahamas, a country with more than 2,000 registered attorneys, have yet to introduce this multi-faceted concept. And there is a saying that goes: Hurt people, hurt people!
Activism
Awareness is the key factor in bringing about the change that can impact the effects of crime in society.
The intergenerational impact of sexual violence and overall crime on families includes biological proneness and can span decades, with the shame and biases associated with being a victim of crime, surviving through lineages.
This is especially prevalent for women and children victims of crime.
These are a few questions all stakeholders, especially grassroots organisations must ask themselves to be able to facilitate and implement resolutions of restoration for victims of crime and violence:
1. Are activists challenging themselves to develop new and innovative mechanisms that can save lives?
2. Are activists using fundraising opportunities to help victims or to simply help their own organisations?
3. Are activists bringing clarity and not confusion at the expense of victims who are hurting and have limited access to resources?
4. Are activists speaking up out of due care for the needs of those vulnerable to acts of crime?
5. Are activists presenting concern for these victims and their loss of life, family and hope?
6. Are activists telling the stories of victims because they care and want to help others?
It is, therefore, imperative that the voices of activists are heard in the areas of relief that bring about due care, accountability, forgiveness and healing.
Activism requires speaking up for victims who require care and need the confidence to trust those who can help them to heal in safety so that the most vulnerable within our communities can be restored.
Imagine being a nation where the resilience of victims of crime is driven by spaces that exist for social responsibility, where there is present both: the good and the bad, as we continue to regenerate a nation of people that benefits off the brokenness of its own.
And it is in this vein that The Bahamas must make it a priority to make every effort to dedicate all action towards bringing restoration and healing to victims of crime.
PROTESTORS at an anti-gunviolence protest in the US.
ROCHELLE DEAN
BTVI’s ‘Giving’ programme encourages public participation in school’s success
THE Bahamas Techni-
cal and Vocational Institute
(BTVI) is set to launch its inaugural giving day campaign. Marking a new milestone in support of the institution, the campaign scheduled for December 17 is expected to be a powerful example of BTVI pride in action.
BTVI’s marketing coordinator, Shacqeel Coleby, noted the 24-hour period is one where faculty, staff, students, alumni and the wider community are encouraged to make financial donations to BTVI to support various student and campus programmes.
“We wish to rally donors within the BTVI community and corporate Bahamas as a whole. Giving is key and fosters engagement. We want each community member to feel connected back to the institution; giving is one indicator of interest and potential investment for the future growth of the institute,” said Mr Coleby.
“We make a special appeal for students and alumni to get involved. It’s their way of saying, ‘Thank you BTVI’ for pouring into me, for helping me to discover the possibilities and chart the course for success. It’s also a way to build bridges for future students to walk across. It’s important to help others get to the other side,” he stated.
BTVI president Dr Linda A Davis encouraged all BTVI stakeholders to take ownership of giving day by sharing the flyer across their social media networks, but also directly contributing.
“Together, we can do this. It’s about continuing the legacy that empowers our students to make the most of their BTVI experience. In fact, it’s beyond being a fundraiser; it’s a celebration of our collective vision for BTVI’s future and by extension, the future of The Bahamas,” stated Dr Davis.
“In fact, giving is the very ethos with which team BTVI approaches its work. It’s about coming together to drive meaningful change, particularly as we are on the
GAIN AN EDGE
A NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON HIGHER EDUCATION
road to national and international accreditation,” she added.
BTVI became a candidate for accreditation with the Commission of the Council
on Occupational Education (COE) in September 2024. It is a pivotal step in the accreditation process. BTVI is also seeking accreditation with the National Accreditation
and Equivalency Council of The Bahamas (NAECOB). Dr Davis called on corporate Bahamas to join in this opportunity to give back to
BTVI, which she considers fundamental to the building of the Bahamian economy.
“We understand that many opportunities our students have been afforded have been made possible by the generosity of donors. With the funds raised, BTVI can continue to provide students with the resources they need to elevate their experiences,” said Dr Davis.
““Anyone who donates to BTVI during this day of giving, makes an investment in the institution’s future.
Your support helps us advance our strategic goals as we position our students to chart their course for success,” she added.
“Gain An Edge” is a collaboration of Lyford Cay Foundations, the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute and the University of The Bahamas aimed at promoting a national dialogue on issues surrounding education. To share your thoughts, email gainanedge@tribunemedia.net.
Trump has called for dismantling the Education Department
WASHINGTON Associated Press
THROUGHOUT his campaign, President-elect
Donald Trump heaped scorn on the federal Department of Education, describing it as being infiltrated by “ radicals, zealots and Marxists.”
He has picked Linda McMahon, a former wrestling executive, to lead the department. But like many conservative politicians before him, Trump has called for dismantling the department altogether — a cumbersome task that likely would require action from Congress.
The agency’s main role is financial. Annually, it distributes billions in federal money to colleges and schools and manages the federal student loan portfolio. Closing the department would mean redistributing each of those duties to another agency. The Education Department also plays an important regulatory role in services for students, ranging from those with disabilities to low-income and homeless kids. Indeed, federal education money is central to Trump’s plans for colleges and schools. Trump has vowed to cut off federal money for schools and colleges that push “critical race theory, transgender insanity, and other inappropriate racial, sexual or political content” and to reward states and schools that end teacher tenure and enact universal school choice programs.
Federal funding makes up a relatively small portion of public school
budgets — roughly 14%. Colleges and universities are more reliant on it, through research grants along with federal financial aid that helps students pay their tuition.
Here is a look at some of the department’s key functions, and how Trump has said he might approach them.
The Education Department manages approximately $1.5 trillion in student loan debt for over 40 million borrowers. It also oversees the Pell Grant, which provides aid to students below a certain income threshold, and administers the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which universities use to allocate financial aid.
The Biden administration has made cancellation of student loans a signature effort of the department’s work. Since Biden’s initial attempt to cancel student loans was overturned by the Supreme Court, the administration has forgiven over $175 billion for more than 4.8 million borrowers through a range of changes to programs it administers, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
The loan forgiveness efforts have faced Republican pushback, including litigation from several GOP-led states.
Trump has criticized Biden’s efforts to cancel debt as illegal and unfair, calling it a “total catastrophe” that “taunted young people.” Trump’s plan for student debt is uncertain: He has not put out detailed plans.
Civil rights enforcement Through its Office for
Civil Rights, the Education Department conducts investigations and issues guidance on how civil rights laws should be applied, such as for LGBTQ+ students and students of color. The office also oversees a large data collection project that tracks disparities in resources, course access and discipline for students of different racial and socioeconomic groups.
Trump has suggested a different interpretation of the office’s civil rights role.
In his campaign platform, he said he would pursue civil rights cases to “stop schools from discriminating on the basis of race.” He has described diversity and equity policies in education as “explicit unlawful discrimination” and said colleges that use them will pay fines and have their endowments taxed.
Trump also has pledged to exclude transgender students from Title IX protections, which affect school policies on students’ use of pronouns, bathrooms and locker rooms. Originally passed in 1972, Title IX was first used as a women’s rights law. This year, Biden’s administration said the law forbids discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation, but Trump can undo that. While the Education Department does not directly accredit colleges and universities, it oversees the system by reviewing all federally recognized accrediting agencies. Institutions of higher education must be accredited to gain access to federal money for student
financial aid. Accreditation came under scrutiny from conservatives in 2022, when the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools questioned political interference at Florida public colleges and universities. Trump has said he would fire “radical left accreditors” and take applications for new accreditors that would uphold standards including “defending the American tradition” and removing “Marxist” diversity administrators. Although the education secretary has the authority to terminate its relationship with individual accrediting agencies, it is an arduous process that has rarely been pursued. Under President Barack Obama, the
department took steps to cancel accreditors for a now-defunct for-profit college chain, but the Trump administration blocked the move. The group, the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, was terminated by the Biden administration in 2022. Much of the Education Department’s money for K-12 schools goes through large federal programs, such as Title I for lowincome schools and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Those programs support services for students with disabilities, lower class sizes with additional teaching positions, and pay for social workers and other nonteaching roles in schools.
During his campaign, Trump called for shifting those functions to the states. He has not offered details on how the agency’s core functions of sending federal money to local districts and schools would be handled.
The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, a sweeping proposal outlining a far-right vision for the country that overlaps in areas with Trump’s campaign, offers a blueprint. It suggests sending oversight of programs for kids with disabilities and lowincome children first to the Department of Health and Human Services, before eventually phasing out the funding and converting it to no-strings-attached grants to states.
SMALL Business Administration Administrator Linda McMahon speaks during a news conference with President Donald Trump in Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla., March 29, 2019.
(AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta
World Famous Valley Boys win Supreme Court ruling
Justice Darron Ellis issued in September.
The World-Famous Valley Boys Junkanoo Group is the first claimant in the case, with The Valley Boys Junkanoo Club Ltd (Way Forward) as the second claimant. The Registrar General is the first defendant, while the Office of the Attorney General is the second defendant.
The dispute stems from a split within the Valley Boys.
In a statement, the World-Famous Valley Boys expressed satisfaction with the ruling.
“The status quo remains unchanged, and we will continue to operate as usual,” the group said.
“Our focus remains on our preparations, performances, and preserving the legacy of excellence that defines the Valley Boys.”
However, Mr Davis said the injunction was extended for another two weeks.
“While some may celebrate what they perceive as a victory, we know it is only temporary,” he said. “This matter remains before the courts, and we
‘Revamp
are confident that when the dust settles, the truth will emerge, and the members of the Valley Boys, under the leadership of the Way Forward Committee, will stand in victory.
“Plan B is already in motion, and we will update you on our strategy before the end of the week. Despite attempts to manipulate the system and delay progress, we remain resolute.
“Meetings are currently being held to address this matter. This journey has its challenges, but we will overcome and reclaim the path forward together. Let us remain united, steadfast, and focused on the greater good of our group and its legacy. Victory will be ours.”
Dion Miller, chairman of the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence (JCNP), has previously said the group led by Mr Adderley will not be required to change its name to participate in the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day Junkanoo parades. He said only Mr Adderley’s group will be recognised to compete in the A category, while Mr Davis’s faction will participate as a “fun group”.
the System’ to Avoid Another Adriel, says Ann Marie Davis
ANN Marie Davis, Office of the Spouse says all government and non-government institutions responsible for the care, protection and empowerment of children must be revamped to ensure every aspect is approached through the lens of ending gender-based violence, Lamenting the recent sexual assault and murder of 12 year-old Adriel Moxey, Mrs Davis said all professionals who deal with children must understand what gender based violence is in order to more effectively protect and empower children.
School administrators and teachers, healthcare workers, police officers, and social service workers - all public servants - are only a part of the puzzle. NGOs are critical to assisting in ensuring that children of The Bahamas are able to grow up in healthy, safe environments where they can thrive, she said.
In this light, Mrs. Davis applauded the Zonta Club of New Providence (ZCNP) now in its 14th year of community-based advocacy to end gender based violence. ZCNP is in the midst of the 16 Days of Activism to End Gender Based Violence, an international effort also known as the Orange the World campaign.
Zontians laid out an orange carpet and lined it with pairs of shoes for residents in need to take freely - each pair representing the life of a woman or girl lost to violence.
The 16 Days Campaign kicked off on November 25, the International Day to End Violence Against Women and Girls, and ends on December 10, International Human Rights Day.
Mrs. Davis pointed out that the nation should note that victims of gender based violence are not relegated to those in specific income brackets. She said there are women who are leaders in various disciplines of society who are silently suffering, some from physical abuse, but also financial, emotional, and verbal abuse, among others.
MEMBERS of The Valley Boys perform during the 2023 Boxing Day Junkanoo parade on December 27, 2023. Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
OFFICE of the Spouse of the Prime Minister Ann Marie Davis speaks at Zonta Club of New Providence’s even as part of 16 Days to End Gender Based Violence.
Photos: Nikia Charlton
Trump to select Kash Patel as FBI director to remake the agency
WASHINGTON Associated Press
PRESIDENT-ELECT
Donald Trump’s stunning announcement that he will nominate Kash Patel as FBI director sets the stage for a fresh round of turbulence at a law enforcement agency tasked with protecting the homeland and investigating federal crimes.
Patel, a steadfast Trump ally with plans to shake up the bureau, is a study in contrasts from the current tight-lipped director, Christopher Wray, who preaches a “keep calm and tackle hard” mantra.
In selecting Patel late Saturday over more conventional contenders, the incoming Republican president is again testing the loyalty of Senate Republicans and their willingness to defy him.
Here’s a look at what happens next: What happens to the current FBI director?
Wray was appointed director by Trump in 2017 and technically has three years left on his 10-year tenure.
That length of time is meant to ensure that directors of the nation’s most prominent federal law enforcement agency can operate free from political influence or pressure. Presidents have typically but not always retained the director who was in place at the time they took office, as Democratic President Joe Biden has done with Wray.
But it’s also the case that all FBI directors serve at the pleasure of the president; indeed, Wray was nominated after Trump fired James Comey, the FBI chief he inherited in his first term.
Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said Sunday that the Biden administration “adhered to the long-standing norm that FBI directors serve out their full terms because the FBI director is a unique player in the American government system.”
Noting that Trump had named Wray to the job, Sullivan told NBC’s “Meet the Press” that “Joe Biden didn’t fire him. He relied upon him to execute his responsibilities as the director of the FBI and allowed him to serve out the fullness of his term. ... So that’s how we approached things and we would like to ensure that the FBI remains an independent institution insulated from politics.”
Trump’s announcement
means that Wray can either resign from the job, consistent with Trump’s apparent wishes, or wait to be fired once Trump takes office in January. Either way, the selection of a successor is a clear indication that Wray’s days are numbered.
The bureau, in a statement Saturday night, said, Every day, the men and women of the FBI continue to work to protect Americans from a growing array of threats. Director Wray’s focus remains on the men and women of the FBI, the people we do the work with, and the people we do the work for.”
Can Patel be confirmed by the Senate?
Republicans may have won control of the Senate, but his confirmation is not assured.
There are no doubt lawmakers who support Trump’s desire for a radically overhauled FBI, particularly following federal investigations that resulted in two separate indictments against the president-elect, and who share his sentiment that federal law enforcement has been “weaponised” against conservatives.
Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, in line to be the Senate Judiciary Committee chairman when Republicans take control in January, said in a post on X that Wray “has failed at fundamental duties” and that it was time to “chart a new course 4 TRANSPARENCY +ACCOUNTABILITY at FBI.”
But, he added, Patel “must prove to Congress he will reform & restore public trust in FBI.”
Patel is likely to face deep skepticism during his confirmation hearings over his stated plans to rid the government of “conspirators” against Trump, and his claims that he would shut down the FBI’s Pennsylvania Avenue headquarters in the nation’s capital and send the thousands of employees who work there to “chase down criminals” across the country.
And while Trump may have wanted a loyalist willing to pursue retribution against his perceived adversaries, that perspective is likely to give pause to senators who believe that the FBI and Justice Department should operate free
of political influence and not be tasked with carrying out a president’s personal agenda.
Foreshadowing the potentially bruising confirmation fight ahead, Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, who is expected to the ranking Democrat next year on the Judiciary Committee, called Patel “an unqualified loyalist” and said in a statement that “the Senate should reject this unprecedented effort to weaponise the FBI for the campaign of retribution that Donald Trump has promised.”
Trump has also raised the prospect of using recess appointments to push his nominees through the Senate.
If Patel is confirmed, can he actually do what he’s said he’ll do?
Patel has made a series of brash claims about his plans for the federal government, but most of those proposals would require backing and buy-in from other officials and would almost certainly encounter significant resistance.
His desire, for instance, to reduce the FBI’s footprint and scale back its authority
stands in contrast to the tack traditionally taken by leaders of the bureau, who invariably say they want more resources — not less.
He’s mused about trying to rid the government of “conspirators” against Trump and of going “after the people in the media who lied about American citizens who helped Joe Biden rig presidential elections,” whether criminally or civilly. Under the FBI’s own guidelines, criminal investigations can’t be rooted in arbitrary or groundless speculation but instead must have an authorized purpose to detect or interrupt criminal activity. And while the FBI conducts investigations, the responsibility of filing federal charges, or bringing a lawsuit on behalf of the federal government, falls to the Justice Department. Trump said earlier this month that he intended to nominate former Florida attorney general Pam Bondi to serve as attorney general.
Patel proposed crackdown on leaks of information by government officials to the media is an indication that he would want the Justice
Department to reverse its current policy generally prohibiting the seizure of reporters’ phone records in leak investigations. That policy was implemented by Attorney General Merrick Garland following an uproar over the revelation that federal prosecutors had secretly obtained subpoenas for journalists’ phone records. Patel has also talked about disentangling the FBI’s intelligence-gathering activities — now a core function of the bureau’s mandate — from the rest of its law enforcement operations. It’s unclear whether he intends to carry through on that pledge or how it would be greeted at a time when the US is facing what officials say is a heightened threat of terrorism.
And he’s said he thinks the FBI’s storied Pennsylvania Avenue headquarters should be shut down, with the employees who work there dispatched around the country to fight crime. It’s not clear if that’s a hyperbolic claim simply reflecting disdain for the “deep state” or something he’d actually try to implement.
KASH PATEL, former chief of staff to Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller, speaks at a rally in Minden, Nevada, October 8, 2022.
Photo: José Luis Villegas/AP
SPORTS
Xavier’s Giants win title, finally
After falling short for the past seven years, Xavier’s Lower School Giants finally stomped their way to the Catholic Diocese Primary Schools girls’ basketball title.
In the third and deciding game of their best-of-three championship game on Friday at Loyola Hall, the Giants turned back the defending champions St Francis/Joseph Shockers 25-22 in overtime.
And, in the consolation third-place game, St Cecilia’s needed double overtime to pull off an 8-6 win over St Thomas More Sparks that turned out to be a defensive battle from start to finish.
Giants 25, Shockers 22 (Overtime)
Jordyn McKay scored three and Sheri Bascom, D’Anita Rose and J’Lynn Bain all came up with a basket in the extra three minutes in overtime to
Girls celebrate basketball crown
Bahamas 3rd at CARIFTA Gymnastics
BAHAMIAN gymnasts picked up 22 medals in their first appearance at the inaugural CARIFTA Gymnastics Championships in Kingston, Jamaica, over the weekend.
The gymnasts accumulated 22 medals including four gold medals, seven silver medals and 11 bronze medals for third place overall.
Trinidad & Tobago won the junior regional competition with 161 medals in total and Jamaica was second with 118 medals.
Rashad Cunningham, head coach for the Bahamas’ CARIFTA Gymnastics team, was proud of their efforts over
“It was absolutely amazing. The girls went out there and they did what they were taught. They performed exceptionally, especially under the pressure of having so many children from the neighbouring Caribbean countries competing in the same category,” he said. Sade Hall, a level nine gymnast, picked up four medals. She came second on the beam and floor exercise and was third in the uneven bars and all around.
The Bahamas’ level six team, including Rhianna Smith, Kia Bazard, Maleah Miller and Charis Edgecombe placed second to capture silver.
Mikala Cartwright clinched first place on the
ANDROS HEAT
RACE THE Andros Heats has announced that its fifth
WITH so much to be thankful for, the Triple Threat Throwers Club showed their appreciation during Thanksgiving to help those less fortunate.
According to head coach Khyle Higgs, who took over from founder Dawn Woodside-Johnson in 2022, this was the second straight year that Triple Threat decided to make the gesture.
“As a coach, my belief is that I develop more than athletes, I develop people,” said Higgs of their initiative over the weekend as they drew support from the public in their food drive.
“It’s my job to make sure that athletes go beyond the Triple Threat, prepared to be the best for the next
THREE of the four Bahamas national men’s basketball team players are still alive with their respective teams in the Emirates NBA Cup 2024 following their performances on Friday night.
While Chavano “Buddy” Hield and his Golden State Warriors have clinched the top spot in the West Group C, Deandre Ayton and his Portland Trail Blazers and Kai Jones and his Los Angeles Clippers are battling for the wild card in the West Group B. Unfortunately, Eric Gordon and his Philadelphia 76rs have been eliminated from the East Group A. Their group is being led by the Orlando Magic and the New York Knicks, who will battle it out for the top spot and the wild card when the NBA Cup competition resumes play on Tuesday. Hield and the Warriors are also perfect as they head their group C in the west with a 3-0 record.
The Dallas Mavericks, 2-0 and the Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies, both 1-2, are still in the hunt for the wild card.
Meanwhile, in Group A, Ayton and the Rockets, who are 2-1, will take on Jones and the Clippers, who are 1-2, 10:30pm Tuesday to
chapter in life, college and the working world.”
Higgs said it’s all about being one that serves.
“For me, leadership is an act of service, and so, instilling a mindset of servitude contributes to a character that is based around supporting others, being a blessing to those in need, and being reliable enough to accomplish your dreams while helping others along the way,” he said. “We are called to be a blessing to others, and not to be served, but truly, to serve.” Higgs said it’s their intention every year to perform a community service initiative.
“This was
THANKSGIVING! TRIPLE THREAT MAKES DONATION TO HELP THOSE LESS FORTUNATE
partner with St Joseph’s Catholic Church Soup Kitchen ministry to provide meals to the needy,” he disclosed. “Over these two years we’ve also made donations of goods to the soup kitchen to support their operations, and we’ve supported other organisations as well.”
Last year, Triple Threat also made a donation to Persis Rodgers’ Home for the Aged, and this year, they decided to donate goods to the Bahamas Children’s Emergency Hostel.
“With the help of parents, volunteers and donors of goods, we served just over 150 plates of breakfast to the community surrounding St Joseph’s Catholic Church,” Higgs stated.
“We donated to each of the organisations several
cases of water and a multitude of boxes of cleaning supplies, canned and dried goods. It’s an honour to see our athletes and parents come together and be a blessing, especially during this time of year.”
The club was the brainchild of Woodside-Johnson in 2016. After taking a break due to COVID-19, Higgs revived the club in the fall of 2022. It was Higgs’ goal to make it a sport for all.
“We believe that this sport is one for everyone and we pride ourselves on being an athletic club that focuses on the throws, an area of track and field that doesn’t have many clubs giving it attention,” he stated.
The club currently has 15 active members and is growing, according to Higgs, a former thrower
himself who represented the Bahamas on the CARIFTA team.
Higgs revealed that alumnis of our club have gone on to attend several institutions in the United States, including Morgan State University, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Mars Hill University, and US based high schools such as Spire Institute, Tallulah Falls School and the Bolles School.
“This year, we are expecting to build on the success that the club has already experienced,” he said. “Triple Threat has produced several members of teams that competed at the CARIFTA Games and the U18/23 NACAC Championship.
“Both of these meets are upcoming in the 2025 season and we have several athletes that I’m excited to
see position themselves to be a part of these national teams.
“We not just expect to be a part, but we are looking for medallists. We are also looking forward to having our collegiate athletes debut on the NCAA scene soon.”
Cailyn Johnson and Makhi Edgecombe are currently competing in NCAA Division 1 and Division 2 and Nathaniel McHardy is at Central State University.
“It’s my hope that these athletes can be a part of national teams they are eligible for, and make their country and schools proud,” Higgs projected.
“Last year, we had Jace Colebrooke take leaps and bounds in the shot put, going from a beginner athlete to Bahamas Junior National Champion in the event.
“I look forward to him moving the mark and by God’s grace, being in Trinidad for Carifta.
“I also look forward to Perry McPhee having a successful season as he transitions from the U17 division to U20. We have a few more prospects that will make their mark, and we are working strategically towards executing at the right time.”
As for the club, Higgs said the athletes’ performances are just as important as academic performance.
“We have a 2.75 minimum grade point average requirement and this allows us to ensure that we mitigate as many college admission issues as possible and push more athletes toward receiving both academic and athletic funding.”
By ANDREW COAKLEY Bahamas Information Services
MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg says the William Dale Burns Basketball Classic exemplifies the values Bahamian parents hope to instil in their young children - hard work, fair play, respect and gratitude.
“This tournament teaches us that the game is not just about the score, but about the lessons learned in striving towards a goal,” added Minister Bowleg in his remarks during the opening ceremony at Tabernacle Baptist Academy, host of the tournament.
This year’s tournament attracted two high schools from Georgia – Dutchtown High School and Columbia High School -- and one school from Nassau, R.M.Bailey Pacers.
Local schools competing in the tournament included Jack Hayward High, St. Georges High, Sunland Baptist, Bishop Michael Eldon High School and Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The tournament was played at St. George’s High School gymnasium November 28-30.
Minister Bowleg said:
“Firstly, this tournament serves as an unparalleled opportunity for young athletes to showcase their talents,” said Minister Bowleg. “It is here where dreams are kindled and nurtured. Whether it’s a dream of earning a scholarship, excelling at the collegiate level or developing in character to succeed off the court. Every game played here is a step towards personal and collective growth.
“Secondly, these classics foster a sense of community. Each Thanksgiving, teams from across regions come together not just to compete, but to connect. Players meet players from different backgrounds. Communities rally to support their teams and families gather to create lasting memories.
“In a world where division often dominates, this tournament reminds us of the power of unity.”
The event featured a cultural show by students of Tabernacle Baptist Academy. The opening ceremonies ended with a Junkanoo rush-out.
BAHAMIAN gymnasts can be seen over the weekend during their
appearance at the
Gymnastics Championships in Kingston, Jamaica.
level three team of Skai Campbell, Daelyn Jones, Anai Ingraham, Rielle Whylly, Amelia
TEAM BAHAMAS RETURNS FROM PICKLEBALL TOURNEY WITH MEDALS
THIRTEEN players from the 100-member-strong Bahamas Pickleball Federation recently returned from international competition at Pickleball World Cup 2024 in Lima, Peru.
The contingent joined teams from more than 30 different countries for the week-long event that featured women’s, men’s and mixed doubles formats.
Despite the group’s relative inexperience with international tournament play, the Bahamas scored points at the event when Sierra Donaldson and Kevaughn Ferguson captured the bronze in pretournament 3.5 doubles play, sharing the winner’s platform with teams from Honduras (gold) and Bolivia (silver).
“The Peru trip was great for me as both a competitor and a coach,” said Ferguson.
“I definitely learned a lot from playing against this type of competition and can see that there are many areas I can improve upon.”
The Bahamas team has already begun preparing for the inaugural Caribbean Championships being held in the Cayman Islands in February 2025, as well as another event before the end of the year organised by the Pickleball Federation of Americas (PFA). Ferguson says the tournament has given the entire team an up-front-andpersonal look at the level of play they can expect to meet in future international tournaments.
“There were some great teams at the World Cup, especially India and Peru,” he said. “Their shot-making was just so sharp and accurate.”
Puerto Rico finished the tournament on top of the Open category followed by Peru and Chinese Taipei while the US won gold in the Senior category with
New Zealand and Puerto Rico rounding out the official medal count.
The game of Pickleball - a hybrid paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong - has become the fastest growing sport in the US over the past several years, and its popularity has spread like wildfire across the world thanks to its accessibility for players of all ages and skill levels.
The newly-designated non-profit Bahamas federation has become the main resource for all things pickleball in the country, from lessons to competitive play.
A combination of locals and tourists’ demand has been strong enough to prompt both hotels and local communities
to address the need for facilities.
Atlantis, for example, recently debuted four new pickleball courts at their Tennis and Pickleball Center on Paradise Island.
The game continues to enjoy heightened interest throughout the Bahamas and the federation continues to provide useful information to anyone interested through its website (www.bahamaspickleballfederation. com) and ongoing local tournaments.
The game’s recent official designation from the Bahamas Olympic Committee and future inclusion in the 2027 Pan Am Games should also continue to attract Bahamians of all ages to the game.
Despite special teams blunders Seahawks manage a come-from-behind win over Jets
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP)
— Zach Charbonnet ran for a go-ahead 8-yard touchdown with 5:31 remaining, Leonard Williams returned an interception 92 yards for a momentum-turning score and the Seattle Seahawks held on to beat the New York Jets 26-21 on a chilly, windy Sunday for their third straight victory.
Geno Smith threw a touchdown pass to AJ Barner for the Seahawks (7-5), who were sloppy early but took over sole possession of first place in the NFC West with Arizona losing to Minnesota.
Aaron Rodgers and the Jets (3-9) led most of the way and appeared energised early in their first game coming out of their bye-week break.
VIKINGS 23, CARDINALS 22
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)
— Sam Darnold’s second touchdown pass of the second half went to Aaron Jones for Minnesota’s first lead with 1:13 left, and the Vikings rallied from 13 points down to beat the Cardinals for their fifth straight victory.
Darnold went 21 for 31 for 235 yards while being sacked five times by the blitz-heavy Cardinals, who kept the Vikings (10-2) out of the end zone until Darnold hit Johnny Mundt with 1:17 remaining in the third quarter.
Kyler Murray threw two interceptions in the fourth quarter to spoil what had been a stellar performance by the Cardinals (6-6), who fell into second place in the NFC West behind Seattle.
Jonathan Greenard poked the ball out of Murray’s hand on second down for Minnesota’s first sack of the game with 48 seconds to go, and Greenard chased down Murray on the next
play for a 3-yard gain in bounds to force Arizona to use its second timeout.
EAGLES 24, RAVENS 19
BALTIMORE (AP) — Saquon Barkley scored on a 25-yard run with 7:56 remaining, and Philadelphia’s stingy defense kept Lamar Jackson mostly under control in a victory over Baltimore, the Eagles’ eighth win in a row. Justin Tucker’s nightmarish season continued for Baltimore. The star kicker missed two field goals and an extra point as the Ravens (8-5) fell 1 1/2 games behind first-place Pittsburgh in the AFC North. The NFC East-leading Eagles (10-2) rallied from an early 9-0 deficit with two secondquarter touchdowns, and although Tucker did make a 50-yard kick shortly before halftime, the Ravens didn’t manage a point after that until the final seconds of the game.
The much-anticipated rushing matchup between Saquon Barkley of the Eagles and Derrick Henry of the Ravens didn’t quite live up to expectations.
STEELERS 44, BENGALS 38
CINCINNATI (AP) — Russell Wilson threw for a season-high 414 yards and three touchdowns, and Pittsburgh outlasted Joe Burrow and Cincinnati.
Wilson logged the second-most passing yards and the third 400-yard game of his career.
He threw for 452 yards for Seattle against Houston on Oct. 29, 2017. Wilson finished 29 for 38 as the Steelers (9-3) rebounded from losing to the Browns 24-19 in a Nov. 21 game in the snow in Cleveland. He also threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown in the first quarter.
The Bengals (4-8) lost for the fourth time in five games. They also dropped to 1-5 at home, increasing the likelihood that they will miss the playoffs for the second straight year.
Najee Harris had a 10-yard touchdown run and Chris Boswell kicked two field goals to help Pittsburgh to a 27-21 halftime lead. It was the highest scoring first half in the 110 meetings between the longtime rivals. Wilson had 257 yards passing for his best total in a first half in his career.
and one of four thrown by Atlanta quarterback Kirk Cousins as the Chargers handed the first-place Falcons their third straight loss.
In a game that neither team seemed eager to win, the Chargers (8-4) overcame five sacks, a fumble deep in their own territory, a fake punt that didn’t work and a largely listless offense.
The 36-year-old Cousins looked like a rookie for the Falcons (6-6) on a fourth-and-5 pass at the Los Angeles 40 late in the third
Harris finished with 75 yards rushing and 54 yards receiving. George Pickens, Calvin Austin III and Pat Freiermuth caught TD passes for the Steelers.
CHARGERS 17, FALCONS 13 ATLANTA (AP) — Rookie Tarheeb Still returned an interception 61 yards for a touchdown, his second pick of the game
The tournament is scheduled to begin at 12:30pm at the Ocean Club Golf Course, Paradise Island. All interested players must register at: https://app. eventcaddy.com/events/ tee-off-for-hunger-2024/ register.
TRACK BAAA ODD DISTANCE
MEET THE Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations has announced that its Odd Distance Track and Field Meet will be held on Saturday, December 14 at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium. The event will allow field competitors to compete in field events from shorter approaches and track events will be either shorter or longer than the traditional track events.
FAST TRACK WINTER CLASSIC
THE Fast Track Athletics Track Club announced that its Fast Track Winter Classic will be held on Saturday,
December 14, starting at 10am at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex. The meet will take the form of an odd distance meet with track club competing in non traditional events and field competitors contesting events from shorter or longer approaches. Tons of giveaways will be given out to the spectators. For more information, persons are urged to contact 727-6826 or Fast Track Management for more information.
BAAA CHRISTMAS PARTY
THE Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations has announced that their Christmas Party in the backyard will take -place on Friday, December 20. The event will take place at Sealy’s Backyard in Sea Breeze Lane from 6 om. Prizes and surprises will be given out all night long.
ROAD RACE BBSF WALK RUN THE Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation is inviting the general public to participate in their Family Fun Run/Wa;lk, scheduled for Saturday, January 11th, starting at 6 am from the
Charles W Saunders High School, Jean Street.
The walk will leave Jen Street and head north to Bernard Road, west on Bernard Road to Soldier Road, som=uth on Soldier Road to P{rinceChrles Drive and east on PrinceCharles Drive to Jean Street.
The run will leave Jean Street and head south to PrincecChrles Drive, east to Fox Hill Road, north to Bernard Road and west to Jean Street.
The categories include female and male 15- andunder, 20-and-under, 40-and-under,60-and-under and over-60. There will also be a Pastors/Ministers/Deacons’ division. Trophies will be presented to the overall winner, while the top three finishers in each group will get medl. The registration fee is $10 per person. Chicken and turkey souse will also be on sale at $10 esch. Interested persons can contact Ann Thompson at 425-3557 or email ann837609@gmail.com or Brent Stubbs at 42-67265 or email stbbobo@gmail.com.
MACEDONIA
WALK RACE THE Men’s Department of MacedoniaBaptist
quarter.
Still read the play all the way, stepping in front of Darnell Mooney and sprinting untouched down the sideline in front of the Falcons bench for the touchdown that put the Chargers ahead to stay.
COLTS 25, PATRIOTS 24
FOXBOROUGH, Mass.(AP) — Anthony
Church is inviting the public to participate in their 2025 Family DFun Walk Race. The event will begin at 6:30 am from the church on Bernard Road.
Competitors will leave the Church grounds and head onto Bernard Road and travel west to Village Road, turn around and head east back to the church.
Categories include male and female under-15, under-20, under-40, under60 and 60-and-over as well as Pastors/Ministers/ Deacons. Awards will be presented to the first three finishers in each age group and trophies presented to the overall male and female.
The registration fee is $10 per person. Interested persons can contact Eric Sweeting at 376-7211 or Brent Stubbs at 426-7265. Chicken souse will be on sale at $10. Free medical check up will be provided free of charge.
SOFTBALL
BBSF
LEAGUE
SOFTBALL
THE Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation will hold its 2025 softball league, starting on Saturday, February 1 at the Charles W
Richardson threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Alec Pierce with 12 seconds left and ran for the go-ahead 2-point conversion, and Indianapolis beat New England when the Patriots’ Joey Slye missed a 68-yard field goal attempt as time expired.
Richardson finished 12 of 24 for 109 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions to help the Colts (6-7) keep their playoff hopes alive. Three of Indianapolis’ final four opponents have losing records.
The Patriots (3-10) have lost four of five. Drake Maye finished 24 of 30 for 238 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
Indianapolis capitalized on a pass-interference penalty to get into the red zone with just over a minute left. Then, facing fourth-andgoal on the 3, Richardson rolled out and hit Pierce to get Indy within a point.
After the successful conversion, Maye connected with tight end Hunter Henry on two passes for 20 yards to advance the ball to midfield. The Patriots lined up from there for what would have been an NFL record-long field goal. Slye’s kick was on line but fell short of the crossbar.
TEXANS 23, JAGUARS 20
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Joe Mixon ran for 101 yards and a touchdown, Nico Collins caught eight passes for 119 yards and Houston beat Jacksonville after knocking quarterback Trevor Lawrence out of the game with a concussion.
The AFC South-leading Texans (8-5) won for just the second time in five weeks and staggered into their bye week with a little momentum.
Mixon became the third player in NFL history with
Saunders High School, Jean Street. The co-ed slow pitch league will allow each team up to a total of 15 players with the registration fee of $200. The deadline for team registration with rosters and team payment is Saturday, January 25th, 2025. Interested persons can tournament director Thomas Sears at 424-2888 or elaim 242softball@gmail. com or Brent Stubbs at 4267265 or emil stubbobs@ gmail.com
TRIATHLON ELECTION OF OFFICERS
THE Bahamas Triathlon Association has announced that its annual general meeting and election of officers is scheduled to be held at 7pm on Thursday, December 12, at The Bahamas Olympic Association headquarters on Solider Road.
Elections will also be live on Zoom, where members who are able to attend can view and vote. Nominations are due by midnight on Monday, December 8. The nomination forms can be found on our website https://www. bahamastriathlon.org/ documents.
at least 100 yards rushing and a rushing touchdown in six road games in the same season. He joined Tiki Barber of the New York Giants (2004) and Derrick Henry of Tennessee (2020) in accomplishing the feat. Mixon is the first to reach the marks in his first six road games of a season.
He carried 20 times, none bigger than his 8-yard gain on third-and-5 in the waning minutes that moved the chains and sealed the victory.
C.J. Stroud completed 22 of 34 passes for 242 yards, with a 22-yard TD pass to Dalton Schultz early in the fourth quarter that essentially iced the game. It was Houston’s 12th win in its past 14 meetings with the Jaguars (2-10) and sixth in a row in Jacksonville.
COMMANDERS 42,
TITANS 19
LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Jayden Daniels threw two of his three touchdown passes to Terry McLaurin and also scored one rushing, and Washington got their groove back by beating Tennessee to end their losing streak at three.
Daniels completed 25 of 30 passes for 206 yards and the TD passes to McLaurin and Zach Ertz, offsetting his interception and bolstering his status as favorite for AP Offensive Rookie of the Year. Brian Robinson Jr. returned from a sprained ankle to run for 103 yards and a TD, and the defense and special teams each forced a fumble in a game the Commanders (8-5) had well in hand before halftime. The bounce back from defeats to Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Dallas keeps Washington solidly in a playoff spot at its long-awaited bye week. It was made possible by the offense returning to elite,
The nominees will be sent out on Tuesday, December 9 to all BTA members via the WhatsApp group and posted on the website so you can decide on whom to vote at the AGM. If nominees want to add a résumé or any information about themselves to be sent out, you are more than welcome to. Please send nomination forms and information to secretary@ bahamastriathlon.org. To vote at the AGM you must be a member of the BTA of the age of eighteen (18). This means that current membership must be paid to date (2024). Membership forms can be also found on the website at http://www.bahamastriathlon.org/documents. Membership fees can be paid directly to our account or can be paid with cheques or cash.
Payment along with the forms can be dropped off to Dorian Roach at Baha Mar (424- 8038) or Lori Roach (376-0062). Meeting Agenda
The AGM agenda will also be sent out on Tuesday, December 9, along with some proposed constitutional changes to be voted on.
BAHAMAS Pickleball Federation members at the Pickleball World Cup 2024 in Lima, Peru.
RAVENS kicker Justin Tucker reacts after missing a second field goal during the second half against the Philadelphia Eagles last night in Baltimore.
(AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Oklahoma beats Louisville 69-64 to win Battle 4 Atlantis
By TENAJH SWEETING
THE Oklahoma Sooners men’s basketball team captured their third Bad Boy Mowers Battle 4 Atlantis men’s tournament championship in the Imperial Arena at the Atlantis resort on Friday. The Sooners went down to the wire against Louisville in the championship game but prevailed 69-64 to improve to a 4-2 record in the men’s tourney.
Oklahoma previously won the Battle 4 Atlantis trophies back in 2014 and 2018.
Jalen Moore led the Sooners in scoring with 24 points, seven rebounds and a steal. He shot 7-for13 from the field and made two threes. He was efficient at the charity stripe, knocking down 8-of-9 free throws.
Glann Taylor Jr poured in 12 points, three rebounds, a steal and a block. He scored eight of his 12 points during the game’s final six minutes.
The Battle 4 Atlantis men’s championship game was tightly contested in the beginning minutes of the first half.
After trading leads and ties, Brycen Goodine connected on a shot from behind the arc at the 3:10 mark to give the Sooners a 34-27 lead which was followed by an and-one.
The Cardinals’ Chucky Hepburn was able to shave the slight deficit down to just five (37-32) with less than 21 seconds to go in the first half.
Moore threw down a dunk for the Sooners to close out the first half of play in the driver’s seat 39-32 at the break.
He spoke about the resilience the team displayed during the tournament.
“I think at that point it is really mental and really just realising what you have to do to have your brother’s backs in that moment - to win this championship and to win the game. It’s really just mental toughness and our coaches were pouring into us and our brothers
were pouring into us to keep going and that’s where we got our energy and our win from,” he said.
Oklahoma continued to lead to start the second half until Noah Waterman placed the Cardinals within one (41-40) at the 14:24 mark. Cardinals guard Reyne Smith tied the game at 58 apiece with 5:06 remaining in the ball game but Sooners never relinquished their advantage.
Taylor turned in the next six points for the Sooners to put Oklahoma in charge
64-59 and they never let up after this point.
The Sooners improved to a 7-0 win/loss record for the season. The Cardinals dropped to 5-2 with the B4A championship loss. In the bronze-medal matchup, West Virginia defeated Arizona 83-76.
The University of North Carolina women’s basketball team won the Battle 4 Atlantis women’s championship game 69-39 against Indiana. It was their first tournament championship victory.
Xavier’s Giants girls win basketball title, finally
FROM PAGE 15
secure the win for Xavier’s.
Rose led the Giants with eight points, McKav, the game’s most valuable player, had six, Bain had five, Bascom had four and Londyn Mortimer helped out with two.
Grace Smith, who was a tower of strength, paced St Francis/Joseph with a game high 17 as she worked through a series of double teams throughout the game. She got the trophy for the most points scored with 131, including 91 in the regular season and 40 in the championship.
Kayleigh Morris and Jem Parker chipped in with three and two points respectively.
The Giants trailed 7-4 at the end of the first quarter and 9-4 at the half. But they turned things around in the fourth. Both teams scored four points as the Shockers stayed up 13-8 at the end of the third, but the Giants fought back in the fourth to tie the game 16-16 at the end of regulation.
Xavier’s head coach Raygail Smith, assisted by Ijana Rolle and Rhian Davies, said she knew she had the
best team this year and they played like they were.
“It’s not how you start, but it’s how you finish,” said Smith, trailing St Francis/ Joseph as the number two ranked team all season long. “They know. They know we deserve this.
“After trying so hard every year, we finally got it. My girls worked hard and they went out there and played hard. By the grace of God, we got it.” Smith said she was thrilled for the school, the principal, staff students, and her coaching staff for completing the mission in winning their first title.
“As a part of their celebrations, Smith said the girls will get their championship shirts and will be escorted through the streets of New Providence in a motorade.
Como Ferguson, coach of St Francis/Joseph, said it was the Shockers’ lack of defence that made the difference.
“We made too many mistakes and didn’t hit all of our free throws,” Ferguson said.
“We broke down on defence again. We couldn’t stop them when they made their run.”
Ferguson, however, congratulated Xavier’s Lower School for dethroning his highly ranked St Francis/ Joseph team. “They deserve this win. They deserved this win,” he summed up.
Strikers 8, Sparks 6 Theanna Kemp came up with the only two points in the second extra three minutes to seal the deal for St Cecilia’s.
added a pair of shots each. Paris Johnson scored three and Gabrielle Edwards added two.
NBA CUP: DEANDRE AYTON, ‘BUDDY’ HIELD AND KAI JONES STILL ALIVE
FROM PAGE 15
determine who will advance out of the West.
It’s a much anticipated match-up as the two Bahamians clash.
Also Tuesday, Hield and the Warriors will be out to keep their winning streak alive against the Denver Nuggets, while Gordon and the 76ers will close out play against the Charlotte Hornets.
The Emirates NBA Cup 2025 is an in-season
tournament that the NBA initiated last year to provide some more excitement for the teams.
The Los Angeles Lakers started this year’s tournament on Tuesday, November 12, as the defending champions, but they were eliminated last week.
All 30 teams were randomly drawn into groups of five within their conference based on their win-loss records from the 2023-24 regular season.
Each team would have played four designated Group Play games, facing each opponent in their group with two games played at home and two on the road. At the end of those games, eight teams will advance to the knockout rounds, six with the best records from their Group Play games and two wild card entries, the teams from each conference with the best record in Group Play games but finished
second in its group. They will then play in the single elimination format in the quarterfinals, semifinals and the championship at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Tuesday, December 17..
The Emirates NBA Cup prize pool will be allocated to the players on the teams that participate in the knockout rounds, with allocations increasing depending on how far the team progresses in the tournament.
At the conclusion of the Emirates NBA Cup, the media panel will select the Most Valuable Player of the competition and the AllTournament team. Selections will be based on the players’ performance in both Group Play and the knockout rounds. Hield, Ayton and Jones are hoping that they will continue to play well to play through the rest of the tournament, which serves as a confidence booster for the rest of the regular season.
Hield, Ayton, Gordon and Jones all played on the Bahamas men’s national team in their quest to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France. While Jones didn’t get to make it to the final round, Hield, Ayton and Gordon helped The Bahamas to reach the final of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Spain where they lost out to Spain in the final in July. The teams are playing regular season games around the tournament.
Kemp finished with four points and both Ciera Knowles and Cori Ann Smith
St Thomas More scored one point in both the first two quarters. And, after getting shut out in the third, they came up with four points in the fourth.
ST FRANCIS/JOSEPH SHOCKERS, primary girls basketball runners-up.
ST Cecilia’s Strikers primary girls basketball third-place finishers.
HARRISON SCORES 27 AS TARLETON STATE DOWNS
HOFSTRA 61-59 TO
BAHA MAR HOOPS TITLE
NASSAU, Bahamas
(AP) — Ronnie Harrison Jr. helped lead Tarleton State past Hofstra on Saturday night with 27 points off of the bench in a 61-59 victory in the championship game at Baha Mar Hoops. Harrison added seven rebounds and three steals for the Texans (2-6). Bubu Benjamin scored 15 points and added eight rebounds. Chris Mpaka finished 4 of 4
from the floor to finish with eight points. The Pride (5-3) were led in scoring by Jean
Aranguren, who finished with 21 points and three steals. Jaquan Sanders added seven points for Hofstra. TJ Gadsden also recorded six points.
Tarleton State went into halftime leading Hofstra 31-26. Benjamin scored nine points in the half. Harrison scored 20 points down the stretch in the second half to help lead Tarleton State to a two-point victory.
BACON KING
Pepperoni Bacon King
Crispy Chicken Pepperoni Bacon King