12112023 NEWS AND SPORT

HOUSE & HOME MONDAY

HIGH 81ºF LOW 73ºF

CARS! CARS!

The Tribune

CLASSIFIEDS TRADER

Established 1903

L AT E S T

N E W S

O N

T R I B U N E 2 4 2 . C O M

Biggest And Best!

Volume: 121 No.15, December 11, 2023

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: PRICE–$1

UN REPORTS ON DETENTION FLAWS Forced confessions and prison problems among issues noted by group

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net THE United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) offered a searing assessment of the country’s detention systems, finding numerous faults relating to how the criminal justice system treats people deprived of their liberty.

The WGAD found the country is not doing enough to ensure forced confessions to crimes are not impeding people’s right to a fair trial.

The body said people are too often arrested without a warrant, and arrests are sometimes based on outdated or expired warrants.

Contrary to the law, SEE PAGE THREE

‘Notable iNequality’ as some families uNable to afford bail

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net A UNITED Nations group is concerned that some families in The Bahamas cannot afford to pay for bail, creating inequality regarding access to bail.

The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention released its preliminary

report on Friday.

“The Working Group concludes that in many cases suspects are detained pending trial as their families are unable to pay the bail,” the report said.

“Examples varied from a mother of several children whose husband was unable to pay the bail to a young SEE PAGE THREE

Don’t Blink - The Bahamas with back-to-back wins NEWLY crowned home run champion Breyias Dean in centre is surrounded by Don’t Blink Home Run Derby in Paradise organizers Todd Isaacs Jr at left and Lucius Fox at right. Dean was the second consecutive Bahamian to win the title in the six-year history of the tournament held in Montagu Bay on Saturday. He follows in the footsteps of last year’s champion BJ Murray Jr, who was eliminated in the preliminary rounds. See Sports section PAGE 14 for story.

Photo: Dante Carrer

WSC ‘very inhumane’ to disconnect uteb calls for Abaco customers on bills since Dorian traNspareNcy oVer btVi picK for presideNt

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

FURIOUS Abaco residents yesterday slammed the Water & Sewerage Corporation’s move to launch mass pre-Christmas disconnections

over bills dating back four years to Hurricane Dorian as “very inhumane”.

Lydia Higgs, an Abaco realtor and property manager, told Tribune Business that many locals, second home owners and vacation renters had received

an unpleasant “Christmas surprise” after finding that the state-owned utility had “locked” their meters and cut-off supply over sums allegedly outstanding from September 2019 to present.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

neighbour in Lowell, Massachusetts, expressed shock at the woman’s death.

“I mean, these poor people, they probably looked forward to this vacation for months,” she said. “Trip of a lifetime.

It’s heartbreaking. It really is. Oh, my God, terrible. I can’t even imagine, don’t

THE Union of Tertiary Educators of the Bahamas (UTEB) is calling for “transparency” on behalf of its members at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), regarding who has been chosen as the new BTVI president.

UTEB said a BTVI Presidential Search Committee was initiated on November 25, 2022. But, despite the committee reportedly concluding its

SEE PAGE FIVE

SEE PAGE THREE

bHs calls for eNd to ‘cHummiNg’ practices BAHAMAS Humane Society president Kim Aranha called on the public to stop chumming in public swimming areas in response to recent fatal shark attacks.

Last week, 44-year-old newlywed Lauren Erickson Van Wart of Massachusetts was killed while paddle boarding at the Sandals Resort when a shark bit her.

In an interview with

LAUREN ERICKSON VAN WART an American news station, Beth Stack-Emerson, Mrs Van Wart’s next-door

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporters jrussel@tribunemedia.net

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, December 11, 2023, PAGE 3

UN reports on detention flaws from page one

detainees are often detained for significantly longer than 48 hours without court-granted extensions.

In many cases, arrested people lack access to a lawyer, showing the need for greater access to statefunded attorneys.

In prison, detainees often cannot access medical care, and visits from relatives have been prohibited since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the preliminary report released on Friday.

The report came after the Working Group’s first official visit to the country this month. The body, comprising independent human rights experts, visited ten facilities and reportedly interviewed over 134 people.

In some cases, the country’s record was praised, and examples of ongoing efforts to improve and fill gaps were highlighted.

For instance, the Working Group noted that some Department of Correctional Services facilities are being refurbished, and it praised the establishment of a medical block at the Detention Centre. It also highlighted the government’s plan to enact relevant immigration and oversight legislation.

Nonetheless, the group’s criticism of the country’s record stands.

For years, defence lawyers have said a reliance on forced confessions is a grave human rights problem, one legislators and courts have inadequately addressed.

The Working Group was told that people are tortured for confessions. The group found the evidentiary threshold to prove a confession was made under duress high, with the burden of proof on the defendant.

“Notably, the Evidence Act does not oblige a court to have corroborating evidence once an accused has confessed, thus a confession obtained under duress might become the sole basis for a conviction, in gross breach of international human rights standards,” the Working Group said.

The group noted the country is a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which mandates placing the burden to prove a confession was freely given on the government, not the defendant.

ARREST PRACTICES Many detainees the group interviewed were never presented with a warrant, and the report characterises the powers of police to arrest without a warrant as too broad.

“The Working Group considers that such expanded exceptions to the arrest warrant requirement are not consistent with human rights law,” the group said. “It thus recommends ensuring that warrants are obtained in advance to avoid undermining judicial control of detention.”

“The Working Group is also alerted to a widespread practice of arrests based on outdated or expired warrants and release after 24 or 48 hours. It has also received information about the practice of detaining individuals, including those wearing electronic ankle monitors, during certain festive periods as a policing technique. Such detentions lasting between 24 and 48 hours have severe repercussions, including loss of jobs due to absence from work.”

The Working Group said it interviewed people who

spent seven days or longer in police custody, concluding detainees are often kept longer than the law allows “without any notification of charges and judicial oversight.”

ACCESS TO LAWYERS The Working Group said it interviewed many detainees who did not initially have legal representation because they lacked the financial means.

“As a result, individuals who lack the socio-economic resources to secure private legal representation face an increased likelihood of arbitrary detention,” the report said.

The group also said it encountered many detainees unaware of their right to counsel. Some convicted in the Magistrates Court were reportedly unaware of their right to appeal their conviction within seven days.

“In one instance, the Working Group came across an individual serving a life sentence who did not have a lawyer throughout all stages of criminal proceedings,” the report said.

The group added that suspects are frequently denied having their lawyer present when they are interrogated and interviewed by police even though the physical presence of lawyers during initial police interrogations is essential.

“Despite the ad hoc availability of legal representation at the Magistrates Courts through the legal aid clinic attached to the Eugene Dupuch Law School Clinic and pro bono assistance from members of the Bar Association, much broader access to statefunded lawyers is needed,” the report said.

“Only during the trial

at the Supreme Court, pursuant to the filing of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI), does the Supreme Court appoint a lawyer to represent the defendant free of charge from the Public Defender’s Office or the Crown Brief System. The Public Defender’s Office grapples with an overwhelming caseload and is under-resourced, with only six attorneys available. The Working Group calls on the authorities to improve access to legal assistance by strengthening significantly of the the Public Defender’s Office.”

PRISON CONDITIONS The Working Group highlighted familiar concerns about overcrowding at the prison, particularly in the maximum-security section, where slop buckets are still used and there is a lack of running water and adequate sanitation.

“The Working Group received information that some detainees suffered vision loss due to their detention in darkness,” the report said.

The report also raises other concerns, noting recurrent complaints about detainees’ inability to access medical care and the absence of treatment for drug-dependent people.

“The Working Group concludes that conditions of detention do not meet international standards,” the report said. Among other things, detainees do not spend enough time outside in fresh air.

The report added: “The Working Group is furthermore deeply concerned that inmates have not been allowed family visits since the outbreak of COVID19. The Working Group

THE United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.

Photo: Earyel Bowleg was informed that inmates could contact their families by telephone, but this is dependent on their families placing money on their telephone account.

“Moreover, many phones in the maximum- security section did not function.

In the remand section, detainees have no access to phones and must request that prison officers communicate any messages to their family or lawyer. Consistent testimonies indicated that such requests were often not heeded and hindered their ability to contact their family and seek legal representation.

“Such restrictions run counter to principle 19 of the Body of Principles for the Protection of All Persons under Any Form of Detention or Imprisonment and rules 43 and 58 of the Nelson Mandela Rules. The Working Group urges the authorities to urgently reinstate family visitations.

“The Working Group finds that the absence of any conjugal visits in the correctional facilities affects family situations and jeopardises the return to society.

Furthermore, the Group

expresses its concern on the practice of separating newborn babies from detained women.”

The Working Group found it concerning that children detained in correctional facilities do not have access to regular education.

Regarding those kept at the Simpson Penn Centre for Boys and Willie Mae Pratt Centre for Girls, the Group said it is regrettable that some are confined to detention centres for minor infractions.

DETENTION OF PEOPLE WITH PSYCHOSOCIAL DISABILITIES The Working Group noted that some people have stayed at the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre for over 30 years, with the shortage of communitybased services potentially causing some to remain at the centre indefinitely when they could be discharged.

The group called conditions at two psychiatric wards at the prison “deplorable”. The wards are for people who commit criminal acts but are not competent to undergo criminal proceedings due to their psychosocial disabilities.

‘Notable inequality’ as some families unable to afford bail from page one man who was waiting for his family to sell property to cover the bail. The Working Group is convinced that the pursuit of justice must avoid inequality and that bail decisions must transcend financial status.”

The WAGD’s comment comes as authorities lament how many people get bail and encourage courts to be more restrictive.

Carlos Reid, a consultant in the Ministry of National Security, recently revealed that 43 per cent of this year’s

murder victims were men on bail for serious crimes.

Mr Reid blamed the electronic monitoring system for the statistic, saying the company that provides the service is ineffective. The company’s leader, in turn, said police sometimes fail to act on their notifications about people breaking bail rules.

The Working Group said it received consistent testimony about ankle monitors malfunctioning.

“In one instance, an individual was arrested despite having made a telephone call to the private service

provider to complain about the malfunction,” its report said. “Moreover, the police station check-ins that rely on biometrics to monitor those on bail do not provide confirmation to verify their attendance.”

The group encouraged the government to improve the bail system’s technical functioning.

It also noted that many detainees are awaiting trial while remaining in correctional facilities for a long time. The group encountered a detainee who has been in custody for over a year and

UTEB CALLS FOR TRANSPARENCY OVER BTVI PICK from page one findings for the presidential position in April of this year, BTVI staff have not been informed of what decision was made by the committee.

“Nearly nine months later, the faculty and staff at BTVI remain uninformed about the Committee’s official selection for the position or the rationale behind the Committee’s formation if its recommendation was not to be implemented,” UTEB said in a recent statement.

“UTEB expresses concern about the perceived lack of respect, transparency, and accountability in

the treatment of BTVI faculty and staff by the Board of Directors and the Search Committee throughout the process.

“In contrast to the University of The Bahamas (UB), where stakeholders, were invited and encouraged to meet Presidential finalists, BTVI did not extend a similar courtesy to its stakeholders, most importantly its management, faculty, students, and staff even though this criterion was stated in its presidential search profile.”

UTEB added it has written to BTVI’s board of directors for an official response regarding the matter.

The statement continued: “In concurrence with the advertised presidential profile, UTEB certainly believes and hopes that in the very near future – whomever is the newly appointed president, he or she will be a TVETqualified professional with a positive leadership track record known to foster productivity, increase morale, creativity, and unify employees, which is paramount for the institute going in the new year, 2024.”

UTEB noted it is looking forward to receiving the “long-awaited” official results of the search committee.

has a trial set to begin in January 2025.

“Another individual had been in pre-trial detention for 14 months and was still awaiting his trial date,” the group said. “The Working Group also met some post-conviction detainees awaiting the review of their case following an appeal,

who either did not have their trial dates set or their appeal hearings have been scheduled for as late as 2025 and 2028. Everyone charged with a criminal offence has the right to be promptly brought before a judge and to be tried without undue delay. Under international human rights

law, detained persons are entitled to stand trial within a reasonable time or to be released.”

In an interview with reporters, WGAD vicechair Dr Ganna Yudkivska rejected authorities’ view that people accused of serious crimes should remain in detention for their safety.

Traffic fatalities see 50 percent rise for women, says Coleby-Davis PAGE 4, Monday, December 11, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

TRANSPORT AND ENERGY MINISTER JOBETH COLEBY-DAVIS

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net TRAFFIC fatalities involving women jumped by more than 50 per cent this year compared to 2022, Transport and Energy Minister Jobeth Coleby-Davis said.

Forty-eight people have died in traffic fatalities this year, with increases among women under 45 and

motorcyclists.

“The number of fatalities involving females rose by more than 50 per cent,” Mrs Coleby-Davis said. “The number of fatal traffic accidents involving motorcycles has also increased by 50 per cent.

“These observations are quite disturbing and a cause for serious national concern. Many of the fatal traffic accidents in our country continue to

primarily involve young Bahamians under the age of 45. This category of individuals represents the future of our nation.”

Mrs Coleby-Davis urged Bahamians to slow down, drive cautiously, and obey road laws.

“Let me be very clear and direct: we must practice safe driving on our streets every day,” she said. “No one is above the laws of our country.”

“We must obey the speed limit, wear seat belts and put down those cell phones. We must not drink and drive. We must ensure that our vehicles have current insurance. Road Traffic, y’all better get it together, you know that’s my slogan. Get it together and get these cars off the road that do not have insurance.

“We must be courteous to all our road users,

including pedestrians and motorcyclists.”

Mrs Coleby-Davis’s comments came during the Road Traffic Supervisors Training Programme graduation ceremony on Friday.

“Over the course of three weeks, the graduates of this comprehensive training programme were exposed to sessions on human resource management, communication, customer service and

human interaction, conflict resolution, first aid strategies, stress management and road traffic laws regulations,” she said.

“Graduates, as Road Traffic supervisors, you will play a key role in ensuring that we reduce traffic fatalities and adhere to the rules of the road. Be always respectful and fair, do not abuse your role. Do not get caught up in corrupt practices.”

PROMOTERS OF THE BURNA BOY CONCERT DEFEND TICKET PRICES

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net PROMOTERS of the concert Burna Boy will headline said tickets are expensive because of the significance of the headline act.

“This is an international opportunity for us, so when it comes down to the ticket pricing, you have to think about the fact that Burna Boy is on the likes of Beyonce,” Kendika Campbell-Moss said on Friday during a press conference ahead of this weekend’s Spilligate ‘23 event.

“So those tickets, of course, will be expensive, but you are looking at what we’re bringing to you in terms of international

BURNA BOY popularity.

You’re looking at what we’re bringing to you in terms of entertainment.”

Some residents have bemoaned the ticket costs on social media.

General admission is $200; VIP is $300; Platinum Plus is $1,000; Platinum is $3,000; sky pods range from $6,000 to 14,000; skyboxes range from $12,000-18,000; stage skyboxes are $20,000; and corporate boxes are $25,000-$30,000.

Foreign Currency is the promotions and event management company organising the event.

Tickets, which can be purchased at the box office of The Kendal GL Isaacs National Gymnasium or online, are subject to VAT according to the Foreign Currency website.

In addition to local patrons, officials noted ticket sales from Nigeria, Maryland, Texas, Florida, Atlanta, and New York.

In addition to Burna Boy, the event will feature Bahamian artists such as Natural Empress, Rika C, Mighty Pencil, and Judah

Tha Lion.

The event is scheduled to run from 4pm to 4am.

From 4pm to 7pm, event organisers will host a family-friendly festival.

Javon Williams, events manager for the National Sports Authority, urged concertgoers to purchase tickets for paid parking to ensure the security of their vehicles.

NSA has organised eight designated parking zones, with pricing ranging from $10 to $25. The pricing structure for the parking zones is based on proximity to the concert grounds.

Each complex will have members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, security guards, and parking attendants.

“You also have the option of free parking in the public areas that are on the exterior of the NSA parking venues,” said Mr Williams.

“Those areas will have no police officers, no security officers, and no parking attendants. The only thing you will have there is hope, so choose wisely.”

BHS calls for end to ‘chumming’ practices near public swim areas THE TRIBUNE

Monday, December 11, 2023, PAGE 5

from page one want to imagine.”

Rob Waldron, CEO of Curriculum Associates in Billerica, where the victim worked, released a statement saying his team is heartbroken.

“Lauren was a beloved member of our math editorial team, and she infused her deep dedication to students and educators into every material she touched,” he said. “Her commitment to excellence and outstanding work was driven by a higher purpose, focused on improving learning outcomes for all. Our Curriculum Associates community is mourning this tragedy and extends our deepest love and support to Lauren’s wonderful husband and all of her family.”

The woman’s death reignited debate about how to handle sharks.

Ms Aranha called for restraint, saying calls for a mass culling of sharks would do nothing to fix the issue.

“I think we have a bunch of people with a ridiculous knee-jerk reaction wanting to go out and cull every shark they can find when they don’t even know if it was a bull shark or a tiger shark or how big it was,” she said.

“They don’t know anything about it and yet now we’ve got all these people who in their ignorance, and I’m sorry to say ignorance, but it’s true, think that by going out and killing a bunch of sharks they’re going to stop shark attacks.”

LAUREN Erickson Van Wart of Massachusetts, a newlywed on vacation to The Bahamas, was bitten while paddle boarding about 3/4 of a mile offshore near Sandals last week.

REPORTEDLY the paddle board of Lauren Erickson Van Wart of Massachusetts who died after being bitten by a shark believed to be the same one seen circling here less than a mile from shore near Sandals.

She suggested that chumming in public swimming areas, such as those near Rose Island, is linked

to recent shark attacks.

She specifically noted the case of a man found dead near Saunders beach

with shark bites in August.

While she acknowledged that there was

no proven connection between chumming and the death of Mrs Van Wart, she said the government should intervene and enforce restrictions on where people can chum.

“I think that we’ve got to stop chumming everywhere,” she said.

“This isn’t in response to the tragedy. This is the fact that we need to stop chumming in areas where there are a lot of swimmers, whether they are tourists or locals. It’s totally irresponsible.

“There are people that go out there with wood

chippers, and they put fish in it so they have a wide range to scatter chum because they want to bring sharks in. They want to bring ‘em in because they want to tag them, or they want to bring them in because they want to photograph them or whatever the reasons are.”

“If you are going to put out chum for sharks, you need to do it a certain distance from any island.

I would suggest ten miles off shore, frankly.”

Ms Aranha also advised against using squid to attract turtles as it also attracts sharks.

PAGE 6, Monday, December 11, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

The Tribune Limited

PICTURE OF THE DAY

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

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH,

Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991

RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B. Publisher/Editor 1972-

Published daily Monday to Friday

Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207 TELEPHONES News & General Information Advertising Manager Circulation Department Nassau fax Freeport, Grand Bahama Freeport fax

(242) 322-2350 (242) 502-2394 (242) 502-2386 (242) 328-2398 (242)-352-6608 (242) 352-9348

WEBSITE, TWITTER & FACEBOOK www.tribune242.com

@tribune242

tribune news network

We know the problems - what next?

THERE is a tendency at times for our nation to resist advice from outside bodies – but the criticisms levelled by the UN ought to be weighed appropriately, not least because they are reiterating problems we already know about.

There are problems with our bail system? Our own police commissioner gets in front of a camera to complain about that. The detention centre is in need of improvement – there have been many stories down the years pointing that out.

But it is the detail that helps to point out to us some of the specifics that are a worry.

Take for example the consideration that the financial cost of bail can be a burden on families who are already struggling, perhaps pushing them further into difficulties. It’s not the families, after all, who committed the crime, so does the financial cost play any part in reducing the risk of further crime or does it just add another challenge?

Last month, The Tribune wrote about some of the other problems of the bail system.

One woman talked of how if she could rewind time, she wouldn’t let her older brother get bail. Elvardo Deveaux was out on bail when he was shot dead at the age of 22. Was he out on bail too soon?

Well, he had been on remand at prison for two years. He had not been found guilty in that time – he was accused of murder – but how long does someone not yet guilty of a crime have to wait in prison in the expectation of a trial?

Perhaps it would have meant he was alive still – gunned down in the street, one more of the 42 percent of murder victims this year to have been murdered while out on bail.

Could the monitoring system be more effective? Ministry of National Security consultant Carlos Reid said that the company monitoring the system has been ineffective, with police not receiving notifications. The monitoring company said the police are notified – with the president of the company saying “Let’s just say you broke curfew this morning. We will notify the police this morning.”

The Minister of National Security, Wayne Munroe, defended both the company and the police, saying: “Yes, Metro does report to the police violations. Yes,

the police do follow up. Whether it’s within the timeframe that Metro thinks is efficient is a different question.”

So where does that get us?

There are other concerns from the UN group – such as not enough being done to prevent forced confessions. For clarity, that’s where prisoners are beaten until they admit to the crime, even if that means just saying anything to get their abusers to stop.

The Tribune has reported numerous cases over the years where there have been allegations of officers beating people to obtain confessions – but precious few cases where officers have been held to account.

One case in Eleuthera saw three people claim they were tortured by police – only for their official complaint to be adjudged to have run out of time for consideration even though they made it in timely fashion, and it was the police delay that made the complaint lapse.

The group also highlighted arrests without warrants, or detainees being held longer than 48 hours without extensions being granted by the court.

There is praise too – for improvements at the prison, and the addition of a medical block at the detention centre, so the report is even-handed.

The question of allegations of prisoners being abused ought not to be one we are still dealing with – it should not be too challenging to ensure that there is security camera footage within police stations to prevent such actions. We already have bodycams for police officers – so station cameras ought to be a standard feature too. That not only prevents abuse, but also protects officers from false allegations of abuse.

Some of the points noted by the UN group are stunning, though – such as the note that some prison inmates are losing their eyesight because of being locked up in darkness, or the detail that some people – some, not just one – have been in Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre for more than 30 years. No sign of rehabilitation there.

What matters, of course, is what happens next. This report should not just be filed in a cabinet to gather dust. What will we do to remedy the issues that have been highlighted?

That is the next question that must – and will – be asked.

Human Rights Day Message from the UN EDITOR, The Tribune.

“ALL human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”

The iconic opening sentence of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is as important today as it was when it was adopted 75 years ago.

The Universal Declaration is a roadmap, helping to end wars, heal divisions and promote lives of peace and dignity for all.

But the world is losing its way. Conflicts are raging.

Poverty and hunger are increasing. Inequalities are deepening. The climate crisis is a human rights crisis that is hitting the most vulnerable hardest.

Authoritarianism is on the rise.

Civic space is shrinking and the media is under attack from all sides.

Gender equality remains a distant dream and women’s reproductive rights are being rolled back.

Today, it is more important than ever to promote and respect all human rights – social, cultural, economic, civil and political – which protect us all.

The Universal Declaration shows the way to common values and approaches that can help resolve tensions and create the security and stability our world craves.

As we work to update global frameworks and

make them more effective in the 21st century, human rights must have a unique and central role.

I call on Member States to use this 75th anniversary, and the Summit of the Future next year, to strengthen their commitment to the timeless values of the Universal Declaration.

And on Human Rights Day, I urge people around the world to promote and respect human rights, every day, for everyone, everywhere.

ANTONIO GUTERRES United Nations Secretary General December 10, 2023

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

WORKERS on the roof of the Thomas A Robinson Stadium on Saturday.

Photo: Dante Carrer

Convention calls are for Minnis EDITOR, The Tribune.

FORMER Free National Movement Cabinet Minister Desmond Bannister’s calls for a convention in a recent letter to the FNM leadership team is a repeat of the Loretta Butler-Turner faction’s calls for a convention during the tumultuous tenure of Dr Hubert Minnis as Opposition leader in 2016. Everyone knew what were the underlying motives behind the calls for Minnis to go to convention. The Gang of Six were deeply dissatisfied with Minnis’ leadership and several of them were behind the push for Butler-Turner to replace him as leader. At the time, FNMs were led to believe that whatever the results would be in the highly anticipated convention would put to rest the revolt against Minnis.

A convention, we were led to believe, would finally settle the issue of leadership within the FNM once and for all. That did not happen. In the 2014 convention, Minnis would gain 298 votes to Butler-Turner’s 106. In the 2016 convention, however, the Butler-Turner and Dr Duane Sands team bowed out of the race after it became clear that they were going to lose in convincing fashion. Even though FNM delegates overwhelmingly voted to retain Minnis as Opposition leader, the Butler-Turner faction still went ahead and sidestepped the electoral process within the 2016 convention by removing Minnis via a constitutional provision. It was Butler-Turner’s last resort in accomplishing what FNM convention delegates refused to give to her.

While the utilisation of the Westminster system worked in demoting Minnis in the House of Assembly as Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition Leader, it did nothing to alter his role as the democratically elected leader of the FNM. Judging by the overwhelming endorsement of Minnis coupled with the lack of support for the former Long Island MP in the 2016 convention, it was obvious to the Bahamian people that Butler-Turner had overestimated her popularity within the FNM. Her calls for a convention that year were really her stating to FNMs to elect her as Minnis’ replacement. The fact that she would orchestrate the removal of Minnis as Opposition leader in the House of Assembly tells me

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net that it wasn’t really about holding a convention that was her main concern. It was about replacing Minnis as FNM leader. Had convention delegates yielded to her wishes, there wouldn’t have been any need to engage former Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling. Removing Minnis was a pyrrhic victory for Butler-Turner, as that earth shattering move would seal her political fate in Minnis’ FNM. The situation today regarding FNM Leader Michael Pintard is eerily similar.

All of a sudden, a narrative within the FNM has developed that says that Pintard is opposed to the idea of going to convention for fear of losing his leadership post to Dr. Minnis. This is what I am starting to sense coming out of the Minnis camp. It would appear that the Minnis camp is utilizing the same political playbook that the Butler-Turner camp used in its protracted fight with Minnis. What the Minnis camp is saying about Pintard today is nearly identical to what the Butler-Turner camp was saying about Minnis between 2014 and 2017. Minnisites have even gone as far as comparing the current situation with Minnis with that of former FNM Leaders Hubert Ingraham and Tommy Turnquest between 2002 and 2005. Those who lobbied for the return of Ingraham argued that the FNM could not win with Turnquest.

Ingraham had led the party to two consecutive general election wins in 1992 and 1997. The Minnis camp feels the same way about their candidate of choice, although it has to be reiterated that the 2017 general election was highly unusual.

It was the first time a sitting prime minister would lose his seat, which is almost unheard of in western democracies. Moreover, the general sentiments among the Bahamian voting population towards Ingraham in 2005 is vastly different from what it is today towards Minnis in 2023. While Ingraham was still somewhat popular in 2005, Minnis -several years removed from the protracted COVID-19 lockdowns -- is still very unpopular among young voting Bahamians, many

of whom are still nursing a grudge against his administration for restricting their freedoms. Unfortunately for Minnis, the youth demographic seems to be under the impression that The Bahamas was the only country in the Western hemisphere that enforced curfews during the height of the pandemic. COVID19 coupled with Hurricane Dorian had traumatized tens of thousands of Bahamians. It would’ve been a miracle for the FNM under Minnis to retain ten seats in the 2021 electoral exercise.

Additionally, Ingraham had a very cordial relationship with the press; is articulate; was a master politician who could speak extemporaneously and was one of the best political orators in his generation, having learned from Sir Lynden O Pindling, perhaps the greatest political orator this country has ever seen. Whenever the FNM holds its next convention, you can rest assured that in the event Pintard manages to stave off a Minnis comeback, he will still face stiff opposition from the Minnis camp. Already having the FNM leadership bogged down in a frivolous litigation, they will continue to fight Pintard every step of the way. The FNM leader is currently tasked with two responsibilities; fending off the Minnis camp while having to fulfill his role as Opposition leader. The current dilemma is untenable.

I do not foresee a scenario in which the two camps will be able to galvanise with Pintard at the helm, for the simple reason that the Minnis camp seems unwilling to negotiate a political ceasefire or to recognize the FNM leader’s authority.

You get the impression that these people view Pintard as being an interim leader.

Accordingly, any complaints about Pintard’s inability to galvanise the various factions is disingenuous. At this juncture it would seem that a convention in and of itself will not resolve the current conflict, unless Minnis emerges victorious.

Like the Butler-Turner faction, a convention is not what these people are really agitating for. What they really want is Dr Minnis being reinstalled as FNM leader.

KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama December 6, 2023.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, December 11, 2023, PAGE 7

GOVT SEEKING A NEW PARTNER FOR NAZARETH CENTRE

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net THE Catholic Church’s partnership with the government to run the Nazareth Centre will end this month, according to State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Myles Laroda.

He said a new operating partner for the centre will be onboard “shortly”.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese ran the Nazareth Centre, one of the Department of Social Services’ residential care facilities for children, for over 20 years.

Mr Laroda said the

government was discussing the centre’s future with two other groups.

“These are troubling times,” Mr Laroda said, explaining why the Catholic Church ended the partnership. “These are tough times financially, and the pie is only so big for every institution, and while we are sad or disappointed that the Catholic Church has made that decision, we understand that theirs is a work that affects different areas of society. So we’d like to move forward in selecting an entity and be in a position to serve those individuals affected at the Nazareth Centre.”

SIX MONTHS SENTENCE FOR MAN ADMITTING TO INJURING OFFICER

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN was sentenced to six months in prison after he admitted to injuring an officer responding to a burglary incident last week.

Magistrate Shaka Serville charged Reginal Jean aka Reginal Dorcly, 41, with burglary, damage, stealing, causing harm, resisting arrest and deceit of a public officer.

Jean allegedly broke into the home of Donald Masekenuba and stole his $1,000 weed whacker and $1,300 black Lenero t14 laptop at around 1.24am on December 5. During this same incident the

defendant allegedly broke Masekenuba’s bell Howell solar spotlight.

Later that same day in the process of resisting arrest the defendant injured PC 4318 Brown and gave the officer a false statement.

Although Jean pleaded guilty to the causing harm, resisting arrest and deceit charges, he was was not able to enter a plea for the burglary related charges.

He was informed that those matters would be moved to the Supreme Court by way of Voluntary Bill of Indictment (VBI).

Jean was sentenced to six months for the resisting arrest charges and is expected to return to court for service of his VBI on January 29, 2024.

FOUR YEARS JAIL FOR MAN OVER VIOLENT ROBBERY OF TWO WOMEN

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN was sentenced to four years in prison on Friday after he admitted to stealing over $2,000 from two women in a violent robbery last week.

Magistrate Algernon Allen Jr charged Lousaint Dumont, 31, and Alpheaus Smith, 29, with two counts of robbery.

The pair reportedly violently robbed Brenda Stone and Janet Perry of $2,000 and $150 in

cash respectively along with personal belongings on December 5 in New Providence.

Although Dumont pleaded guilty to the charges, his co-accused Smith pleaded not guilty.

Dumont was sentenced to 48 months in prison for the offence, while Smith was granted bail at $6,000 with one or two sureties.

Smith is expected to sign in at the Fox Hill Police Station every Monday and Wednesday by 7pm.

Smith’s trial in the matter begins on March 8, 2024.

NO BAIL FOR MAN CHARGED OVER FOUR BAIL VIOLATIONS

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN was remanded to prison after he allegedly failed to charge his monitoring device while on bail for assault with a deadly weapon.

Magistrate Algernon Allen Jr charged Kermit Evans, 37, with four counts of violation of bail conditions.

While on release for

charges of assault with a deadly weapon and causing harm, Evans allegedly failed to charge his monitoring device four times between September 8 and 15.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Evans was not granted bail and was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

Evans is to return to court on December 13 for court date fixture.

MAN FINED $1,500 FOR HAVING ONE POUND OF MARIJUANA

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN was fined $1,500 after admitting to having a pound of marijuana in his house last week.

Magistrate Samuel McKinney charged Renaldo Maycock, 36, with possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

Levan Johnson represented the accused.

Maycock was arrested after police found him

with 1lb of marijuana in his house on Carmichael Road on December 5. $882 in cash was also seized in this drug bust, believed to be the proceeds of crime.

The drugs seized in this incident have an estimated street value of $1,000.

After pleading guilty to the charge, Maycock was ordered to pay a fine of $1,500 or risk three months in prison. The money confiscated during his arrest is to be forfeited to the crown.

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

‘National Youth Guard will train for climate resilience’

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said the second cohort of the National Youth Guard will be trained in the fight for climate resilience and gain other employable skills.

Mr Davis invited young people to apply for the four-month programme during a press conference at the National Training Agency on Gladstone Road on Saturday.

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force, NEMA, the Disaster Reconstruction Authority, LJM Maritime Academy and the Royal Bahamas Police Force have joined to host the programme.

Recruits are trained in CPR, search and rescue, maritime training, plumbing and electrical work, climate disaster preparedness and recovery.

Internships with various programme partners are also included.

Three new cohorts will be welcomed to the National Youth Programme in 2024, the first on January 15, 2024.

“The National Youth

Guard is a testament to the government’s commitment to engage youth in crucial ways that shape the landscape of this country,” Mr Davis said. “The programme is designed to develop employable skills and capacity in youth while simultaneously harbouring government and institutional readiness in the event of a disaster.”

National Security Minister Wayne Munroe, who also attended the press conference, said unlike the Rangers Programme, the National Youth Guard is not a feeder programme for the Royal Bahamas Defence Force or other law enforcement agencies.

He said members of the guard “are like first responders”.

“They are there right then knowing what to do,” he added.

“What we will be saying to corporate Bahamas is if you tell us you are looking for employees, don’t expect to get any work permits for anything that any of these young people can do.

“We intend to police that system so that we can tell you that we know about these young people, we vetted them, and we

PRIME MINISTER PHILIP ‘BRAVE’ DAVIS recruited them. So, you can’t tell us any foolishness about them not being suitable. We have trained them in areas that you as a business should want.”

The first cohort, trained in Grand Bahama, had 64 graduates in March, and the programme included young Bahamians from ten different islands.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2023

THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS

Mission details for troops headed to Haiti still needed

By MALCOLM STRACHAN

THE prospect of Bahamian troops being deployed to Haiti edges ever closer – and yet we still do not really know what it is they will be doing.

What we do know is that the possibility of being sent out with no clear idea of what the mission will be while surrounded by gangs has already put some Bahamians off the idea of joining up with the Royal Bahamas Defence Force in favour of other organisations – and who can blame them?

Commodore Raymond King’s comments last week on the deployment were far from encouraging.

He said during a press briefing: “We have received our warning order from the Prime Minister that we will deploy, but we have yet to receive instructions explicitly in terms of the role or functions.”

Imagine that. Pack up your bags, we’re off to Haiti. No idea what we’re doing, but let’s go.

He told the press that there would be three platoons of at least 50 people per platoon, with a tour of duty lasting four months in Haiti.

He said: “Those persons have been selected from all of the main branches within the Royal Bahamas Defence Force: intelligence, administrations, operations, planning and communications. You need persons from all those disciplines, including interpreters, persons from our welfare unit, our chaplaincy office.”

We definitely need the chaplains, because it’s the only way we’ll have a prayer of success if the mission has not been defined.

Training had been carried out for the troops – though for what it is hard to say if the mission is so unclear – but even that is out of date now, according to the commodore.

He said initial training had been on “infantry optics” in an urban setting, but the situation, he says, has changed.

He said: “When I speak of it changing, the criminal gangs are now blocking humanitarian aid from getting to those who need it most.”

He pointed out ports being obstructed – though the gangs were doing that

JIMMY Cerizier - aka Barbeque - leader of the G9 coalition lead the blockade of a major fuel terminal in Haiti which the UN said could cause famine for 19,000 people and fuel security for more than four million. The blockade ended in November of last year.

Photo: Dieu Nalio Chery/AP already more than a year ago.

Back in October of last year, the blockade of a major fuel terminal led to UN officials warning that it was causing famine to more than 19,000 people in Haiti and leading to food insecurity for four million more.

The gangs had surrounded the terminal in mid-September to demand the resignation of Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry and to protest the rise in gas prices after the government announced it could no longer afford to subsidise fuel costs.

That particular blockade – by the G9 coalition led

by Jimmy Cherizier, aka Barbecue – was ended in November of last year with Haitian police taking control, but it is far from the only blockade carried out by gangs across Haiti.

So to say that things have changed is intriguing.

Gangs are still restricting movement between areas. Gangs are still carrying out kidnappings and

demanding ransoms. Gangs are still threatening medical facilities, such as the attack last month on the Fontaine Hospital that saw bullets smashing through the windows and mothers with babies having to huddle on the floor to avoid being hit before being smuggled out by police in armoured cars. Some of the newborns had to be carried while being given oxygen.

One baby died during the attack – during a breech birth because gunfire stopped medical staff from helping the mother.

After that attack, the hospital director and founder, Jose Ulysse, said that the state “had disappeared”. That attack was carried out by the Brooklyn gang, and also left dozens of homes on fire. That gang is led by Gabriel JeanPierre, AKA “Ti Gabriel”, who heads the gang alliance called G-Pep. Between July 1 and September 30 this year, there have been more than 1,230 killings and 701

kidnappings – and there is a change here, in that those figures are more than double the figure reported during the same period last year.

So while the tactics of the gangs are not particularly changing, things are escalating.

Commodore King said: “In addition to the fuel, they are now creating obstructions for all of the major infrastructure in Haiti. Critical infrastructure includes electricity supply, communication, all of those required amenities society needs.”

He said RBDF officers would train with police officers in saturation patrols and anti-gang operations. Saturation patrols is an interesting thought – as there are only 9,000 active duty officers or so to police a nation of 11 million people. It is hard to saturate areas when officers are outnumbered so significantly to begin with.

If this sounds like we are going into a situation that is

a hot mess, that is because it is. But we knew that.

There are no elected officials to be found, the Prime Minister was an acting appointment that has prolonged without properly being sanctioned, and the police are the last men standing when it comes to stopping the gangs running completely wild.

Significant manpower is needed – and The Bahamas numbers will contribute to that alongside troops from Kenya and whoever else joins this coalition – but it remains concerning that no one seems to be saying what the goal is.

Is it to secure permanent access to fuel terminals? Is it to break up the blockades on the roads and keep travel open between parts of the country?

Is it to safeguard food distribution?

What counts as a successful mission in this situation?

And what constitutes the point at which the mission ends? Do we just pull out again after four months

regardless? Or is there a defined goal that signals the end of our involvement?

Will more troops go in after four months? Will four months become eight, 12, 16, 20, more?

The absence of discussion about what our troops will be doing if the deployment goes ahead is worrying – and the concerns can be seen by recruits voting with their boots and going to sign up elsewhere.

If Commodore King truly is having to prepare without explicit instructions on the role or functions of the force to be deployed, then he is operating with both hands tied behind his back and a blindfold on as well.

He needs to be given exact details of what is required before troops are put in harm’s way. That’s not his fault – his duty is to serve as ordered, and he will do his best. But those above need to give him all the help he can get.

So send those chaplains, by all means, Commodore – because heaven help us.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, December 11, 2023, PAGE 9

INSIGHT

PAGE December 11, 2023 PAGE10, 10 Monday, MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2023

THE TRIBUNE EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

Disinformation is rampant on social media – a social psychologist explains the tactics used against you

By H. COLLEEN SINCLAIR Louisiana State University INFORMATION warfare abounds, and everyone online has been drafted whether they know it or not.

Disinformation is deliberately generated misleading content disseminated for selfish or malicious purposes. Unlike misinformation, which may be shared unwittingly or with good intentions, disinformation aims to foment distrust, destabilise institutions, discredit good intentions, defame opponents and delegitimise sources of knowledge such as science and journalism.

Many governments engage in disinformation campaigns. For instance, the Russian government has used images of celebrities to attract attention to anti-Ukraine propaganda.

Meta, parent company of Facebook and Instagram, warned on November 30, 2023, that China has stepped up its disinformation operations.

Disinformation is nothing new, and information warfare has been practiced by many countries, including the US. But the internet gives disinformation campaigns unprecedented reach.

Foreign governments, internet trolls, domestic and international extremists, opportunistic profiteers and even paid disinformation agencies exploit the internet to spread questionable content. Periods of civil unrest, natural disasters, health crises and warstrigger anxiety and the hunt for information, which disinformation agents take advantage of.

Certainly it’s worth watching for the warning signs for misinformation and dangerous speech, but there are additional tactics disinformation agents employ.

It’s just a joke Hahaganda is a tactic in which disinformation agents use memes, political comedy from state-run outlets, or speeches to make light of serious matters, attack others, minimize violence or dehumanize, and deflect blame.

This approach provides an easy defense: If challenged, the disinformation agents can say, “Can’t you take a joke?” often followed by accusations of being too politically correct.

Shhh … tell everyone Rumour-milling is a tactic in which the disinformation agents claim to have exclusive access to secrets they allege are being purposefully concealed. They indicate that you will “only hear this here” and will imply that others are unwilling to share the alleged truth – for example, “The media won’t report this” or “The government doesn’t want you to know” and “I shouldn’t be telling you this...”

But they do not insist that the information be kept secret, and will instead include encouragement to share it – for example, “Make this go viral” or “Most people won’t have the courage to share this.” It’s important to question how an author or speaker could have come by such “secret” information and what their motive is to prompt you to share it.

People are saying Often disinformation has no real evidence, so instead disinformation agents will find or make up people to support their assertions.

This impersonation can take multiple forms. Disinformation agents will use anecdotes as evidence, especially sympathetic stories from vulnerable

groups such as women or children.

Similarly, they may disseminate “concerned citizens’” perspectives.

These layperson experts present their social identity as providing the authority to speak on a matter; “As a mother…”, “As a veteran…”, “As a police officer…”. Convert communicators, or people who allegedly change from the “wrong” position to the “right” one, can be especially persuasive, such as the woman who got an abortion but regretted it. These people often don’t actually exist or may be coerced or paid.

If ordinary people don’t suffice, fake experts may be used. Some are fabricated, and you can watch out for “inauthentic user” behaviour, for example, by checking X – formerly Twitter – accounts using the Botometer. But fake experts can come in different varieties.

UÊ Êv>ÕÝÊiÝ«iÀÌÊ ÃÊà i iÊÕÃi`Êv ÀÊ their title but doesn’t have actual relevant expertise.

UÊ Ê «ÃiÕ` iÝ«iÀÌÊ ÃÊ Ã i iÊ Ü Ê claims relevant expertise but has no actual training.

UÊ Ê Õ Ê iÝ«iÀÌÊ ÃÊ >Ê Ãi ÕÌ°Ê / iÞÊ may have had expertise once but now say whatever is profitable. You can often find these people have supported other dubious claims – for example, that smoking doesn’t cause cancer – or work for institutes that regularly produce questionable “scholarship”.

UÊ Ê iV Ê iÝ«iÀÌÊ ÃÊ Ü i Ê ` à formation sources cite each other to provide credence for their claims.

China and Russia routinely cite one another’s newspapers.

UÊ Ê ÃÌ i Ê iÝ«iÀÌÊ ÃÊ Ã i iÊ who exists, but they weren’t actually contacted and their research is misinterpreted. Likewise, disinformation agents also steal credibility from known news sources, such as by typosquatting, the practice of setting up a domain name that closely resembles a legitimate organisation’s.

You can check whether accounts, anecdotal or scientific, have been verified by other reliable sources.

Google the name. Check expertise status, source validity and interpretation of research. Remember, one story or interpretation is not necessarily representative.

It’s all a conspiracy Conspiratorial narratives involve some malevolent force – for example, “the deep state” – engaged in covert actions with the aim to cause harm to society. That certain conspiracies such as MK-Ultra and Watergate have been confirmed is often offered as evidence for the validity of new unfounded conspiracies.

Nonetheless, disinformation agents find that constructing a conspiracy is an effective means to remind people of past reasons to distrust governments, scientists or other trustworthy sources.

But extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. Remember, the conspiracies that were ultimately unveiled had evidence – often from sources like investigative

journalists, scientists and government investigations. Be particularly wary of conspiracies that try to delegitimise knowledge-producing institutions like universities, research labs, government agencies and news outlets by claiming that they are in on a cover-up.

Good vs evil Disinformation often serves the dual purpose of making the originator look good and their opponents look bad. Disinformation takes this further by painting issues as a battle between good and evil, using accusations of evilness to legitimise violence. Russia is particularly fond of accusing others of being secret Nazis, paedophiles or Satanists. Meanwhile, they often depict their soldiers as helping children and the elderly.

Be especially wary of accusations of atrocities like genocide, especially under the attention-grabbing “breaking news” headline. Accusations abound. Verify the facts and how the information was obtained.

Are you with us or against us?

A false dichotomy narrative sets up the reader to believe that they have one of two mutually exclusive options; a good or a bad one, a right or a wrong one, a red pill or a blue pill. You can accept their version of reality or be an idiot or “sheeple”.

There are always more options than those being presented, and issues are rarely so black and white. This is just one of the tactics in brigading, where disinformation agents seek to silence dissenting viewpoints by casting them as the wrong choice.

Turning the tables Whataboutism is a classic Russian disinformation technique they use to deflect attention from their own wrongdoings by alleging the wrongdoings of others. These allegations about the actions of others may be true or false but are nonetheless irrelevant to the matter at hand. The potential past wrongs of one group does not mean you should ignore the current wrongs of another.

Disinformation agents also often cast their group as the wronged party.

They only engage in disinformation because their “enemy” engages in disinformation against them; they only attack to defend; and their reaction was appropriate, while that of others was an overreaction. This type of competitive victimhood is particularly pervasive when groups have been embedded in a long-lasting conflict.

In all of these cases, the disinformation agent is aware that they are deflecting, misleading, trolling or outright fabricating. If you don’t believe them, they at least want to make you question what, if anything, you can believe.

You often look into the things you buy rather than taking the advertising at face value before you hand over your money. This should also go for what information you buy into.

UÊ Originally published on www.theconversation.com

THE TRIBUNE

‘The Power of Determination’ - Dr Minnis hosts book launch

FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis hosted a soft launch for his first book, “The Power of Determination,” at Crypto Isles on Thursday. The book recounts Dr Minnis’ struggles growing up, emphasising his tenacity and ambition in the face of adversity. The book is the first of three memoirs the Killarney MP is expected to release in the coming years.

Photos: Moise Amisial

St GeorGe’S HiGH ScHool overall top winner of national artS feStival aGain

FOR the third year in a row, St. George’s High School, out of Grand Bahama, received the GovernorGeneral’s Award as the overall top winner at the 2023 E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival Awards Ceremony, held at the University of The Bahamas, held at the University of The Bahamas on December 8, 2023. Almost 1,000 students and community members from throughout The Bahamas received trophies and plaques in recognition of their achievements. Joining teachers and parents in cheering on those recognized were the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg; Permanent Secretary Cora Colebrooke; Under Secretary Montez Williams; consultant and former Permanent Secretary Harrison Thompson; Acting Director of Culture Dereka Deleveaux-Grant and officers and staff members of the Division of Cultural Affairs.

Photos: Eric Rose

Monday, December 11, 2023, PAGE 11

Michael Johnson of GB wins Deltec’s DIYE pitch competition PAGE 12, Monday, December 11, 2023

MICHAEL Johnson of Blue Water Organics Farm won $10,000 for his shrimp farm in Grand Bahama after competing and beating five other finalists in the Deltec Foundation Pitch Competition.

Mr Johnson is the first from the Family Islands to win the Deltec Initiative for Young Entrepreneurs (DIYE) Award held in New Providence. In addition to the cash award, he will receive a one-year mentorship with Deltec Bank.

The BAMSI graduate has aspirations of becoming a national producer of fresh shrimp through a national seafood supermarket chain.

Last Tuesday, Mr Johnson and five other finalists presented their business plan during a 15-minute pitch in ‘Shark Tank’ format before a panel of judges, including Deltec Bank Chairman Jean Chalopin; business mogul and The Bahamas’ ambassador to Central America Sebastian Bastian; Davinia Bain, businesswoman and co-founder of Crypto Isle; Henri Arslanian, author and global fintech keynote speaker; and Shayne Davis, an investment

adviser.

The six finalists were mentored over the past six months by Deltec executives -volunteers who helped them develop their business models, and pitch and introduced them to Deltec’s global network.

The Deltec Initiative Foundation was implemented in 2013 to empower Bahamian youth across three pillars: entrepreneurship, the arts, and scholarship and education.

The DIYE is a charitable effort launched as part of the Foundation’s mission to empower and support young Bahamians with innovative ideas to grow their small and mediumsized enterprises.

Mr Johnson thanked his mentors for their guidance and encouragement. “(My mentors) showed me that failure was not an option. But, in addition to that, they also showed me that, in business, obstacles are inevitable, and they stressed that resilient companies are the ones that last. And my win is an example of that,” he shared.

He also commended DIYE for affording all Bahamians, not just Nassauvians, the opportunity

THE TRIBUNE

to participate in the initiative.

Through Blue Water Organic Farm, Mr Johnson plans to provide fresh, sustainable seafood to locals and tourists through national supermarket chains, and five-star restaurants, and neighbourhood eateries.

DIYE chairman Robert Turnquest believes Mr Johnson’s win demonstrates a national effort to attract young entrepreneurs from around the country.

“We hope that the winning entrepreneur, Michael Johnson, being from Grand Bahama, sends a positive statement that if you are an accomplished businessperson with an intriguing idea to solve a real-world problem profitably, you too have a shot at being our next Deltec Young Entrepreneurs winner,” he said.

The Deltec Foundation congratulated all of the finalists and encouraged them not to give up their entrepreneurial pursuits.

Individuals may learn more about the Foundation and the application process at deltecbank.com/ deltecinitiativesfoundation

ABOVE: Winner of the Deltec Initiative for Young Entrereneurs (DIYE) Michael Johnson. Bottom left: finalist Nakia Brice; Bottom right: finalist Rayeisa Basden.

FLUOROSCOPY ROOM AT RAND MEMORIAL HOSPITAL IN GB REOPENS

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Staff Reporter dmaycock@ tribunemedia.net THE Rand Memorial Hospital reopened its Fluoroscopy Room on Friday after it was closed for several years.

Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey attended the rededication ceremony and said it marks the return of essential diagnostic services after a five-year absence in Grand Bahama.

A Philips ProxiDiagnost N90 digital radiography and fluoroscopy system was donated

by Direct Relief, an international partner of the Public Hospitals Authority and Grand Bahama Health Services.

Ms Moxey said the Radiology Department can now perform a wide range of examinations with the new machine.

“It has been over five long years since the hospital was able to provide these services to the Grand Bahama community. And during that time, patients had to endure the inconvenience and expense of traveling offisland for these essential procedures,” she stated.

Ms Moxey said reducing the need for patients to travel for such specialised procedures saves patients time and money. And it improves the overall patient experience.

She noted that timely

access to imaging services is crucial for better patient case management and enhances the delivery of quality healthcare in Grand Bahama.

The minister said that Direct Relief has been a good partner, especially in the wake of Hurricane Dorian, assisting with the recovery and repair of the health infrastructure in Grand Bahama.

“Their unwavering commitment to our healthcare system has significantly impacted patient care at GBHS facilities,” she said.

Mr Kele Isaacs, acting Managing Director of PHA, said reopening the Fluoroscopy Room is pivotal because patients can now access essential and routine diagnostic procedures here in Grand Bahama.

“Today, we put an end to that inconvenience and ensure that our community has access to the vital healthcare services they need right here at home,” he said.

Mr Isaac said PHA is prioritising upgrading of health infrastructure throughout Grand Bahama.

He mentioned the expansion of the Rand Memorial Hospital’s infectious disease capacity and rehabilitative services with modular buildings, the ongoing construction of the Freeport Health Campus (which will be the future home of the Freeport Community Clinic),

THE COMMISSIONING Ceremony of the Fluoroscopy Room in the Radiation Department of the Rand Memorial Hospital was held on Friday when Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey said the new equipment will change the lives of so many who will no longer have to travel for the service. Also present were Andrew Edwards, chairman of the Public Hospitals Authority; Kele Isaacs, Acting Managing Director of the Public Hospitals Authority; senior government officials and staff of the Public Hospitals Authority. Following the official ceremony, Minister Moxey and Mr Edwards unveiled the plaque and toured the facility.

Photo: Andrew Miller/BIS the upgrading and refur- commitment to provid- and commitment despite progress and improving bishing of the morgue, ing top-notch healthcare the challenges. health infrastructure on cafeteria, and kitchen, and services to the Grand He also thanked Direct our island. The impact the renovations to Com- Bahama community.

Relief for their continued of their contributions munity Clinics across the Mr Isaac commended partnership with Grand extends far beyond these island. the leadership and staff of Bahama Health Services. walls, touching the lives of The projects, he the Rand Memorial Hos“Their support has been countless Bahamians,” he said, underscore their pital for their resilience instrumental in driving stated.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, December 11, 2023, PAGE 13

In inaugural speech, Argentina’s Javier Milei prepares nation for painful shock adjustment BUENOS AIRES Associated Press IT WASN’T the most uplifting of inaugural addresses. Rather, Argentina’s newly empowered President Javier Milei presented figures to lay bare the scope of the nation’s economic “emergency,” and sought to prepare the public for a shock adjustment with drastic public spending cuts.

Milei said in his address to thousands of supporters in the capital, Buenos Aires, that the country doesn’t have time to consider other alternatives.

“We don’t have margin for sterile discussions. Our country demands action, and immediate action,” he said. “The political class left the country at the brink of its biggest crisis in history.

We don’t desire the hard decisions that will need to be made in coming weeks, but lamentably they didn’t leave us any option.”

South America’s second largest economy is suffering 143% annual inflation, the currency has plunged and four in 10 Argentines are impoverished. The nation has a yawning fiscal deficit, a trade deficit of $43 billion, plus a daunting $45 billion debt to the International Monetary Fund, with $10.6 billion due to the multilateral and private creditors

by April.

“There’s no money,” is Milei’s common refrain.

He repeated it Sunday to explain why a gradualist approach to the situation, which would require financing, was not an option.

But he promised the adjustment would almost entirely affect the state rather than the private sector, and that it represented the first step toward regaining prosperity.

“We know that in the short term the situation will worsen, but soon we will see the fruits of our effort, having created the base for solid and sustainable growth,” he said.

Milei, a 53-yearold economist, rose to fame on television with profanityladen tirades against what he called the political caste.

He parlayed his popularity into a congressional seat and then, just as swiftly, into a presidential run. The overwhelming victory of the self-declared “anarchocapitalist” in the August primaries sent shock waves through the political landscape and upended the race.

Argentines disillusioned with the economic status quo proved receptive to an outsider’s outlandish ideas to remedy their woes and

transform the nation. He won the election’s Nov. 19 second round decisively — and sent packing the Peronist political force that dominated Argentina for decades. Still, he is likely to encounter fierce opposition from the Peronist movement’s lawmakers and the unions it controls, whose members have said they refuse to lose wages.

Earlier on Sunday, Milei was sworn in inside the National Congress building, and outgoing President Alberto Fernández placed the presidential sash upon him. Some of the assembled lawmakers chanted “Liberty!”

Afterward, he broke tradition by delivering his inaugural address not to assembled lawmakers but to his supporters gathered outside — with his back turned to the legislature. He blamed the outgoing government for putting Argentina on the path toward hyperinflation while the economy stagnated, saying the political class “has ruined our lives.”

“In the last 12 years, GDP per capita fell 15% in a context in which we accumulated 5,000% inflation. As such, for more than a decade we have lived in stagflation. This is the last rough patch before starting the reconstruction of Argentina,” he said. “It won’t be easy; 100 years of failure aren’t undone in a day. But it begins in a day, and today is that day.”

Given the general bleakness of Milei’s message, the crowd listened attentively and cheered only occasionally. Many waved Argentine flags and, to a lesser extent, the yellow Gadsden flag that is often associated with the U.S. libertarian right and which Milei and his supporters have adopted.

“Economically, we are just like every Argentine, trying to make it to the end of the month,” said Wenceslao Aguirre, one of Milei’s supporters. “It’s been a very complicated situation. We hope this will change once and for all.”

As Milei takes office, the nation wonders which version of him will govern: the chainsaw-wielding, antiestablishment crusader from the campaign trail, or the more moderate president-elect who emerged in recent weeks.

As a candidate, Milei pledged to purge the political establishment of corruption, eliminate the Central Bank he has accused of printing money and fueling inflation, and replace the rapidly depreciating peso with the U.S. dollar.

But after winning, he tapped Luis Caputo, a former Central Bank president, to be his economy minister and one of Caputo’s allies to helm the bank, appearing to have put his much-touted plans for dollarization on hold.

Milei had cast himself as a willing warrior against the creep of global socialism, much like former U.S. President Donald Trump, whom he openly admires.

But when Milei traveled to the U.S. last week, he didn’t visit Mar-a-Lago; rather, he took lunch with another former U.S. leader, Bill Clinton.

He also dispatched a diplomat with a long history of work in climate negotiations to the ongoing COP28 conference in Dubai, Argentine newspaper La Nacion reported, despite having insistently rejected humanity’s involvement in global warming. And he backtracked on plans to scrap the nation’s health ministry.

And during his inaugural address, he directed some comments to the political class, saying that he has no intention to “persecute anyone or settle old vendettas,” and that any politician or union leader who wants to support his project will be “received with open arms.”

His moderation may stem from pragmatism, given the scope of the immense challenge before him, his political inexperience and need to sew up alliances with other parties to implement his agenda in Congress, where his party is a distant third in number of seats held.

He chose Patricia Bullrich, a longtime politician and first-round adversary from the coalition with the second most seats, to be his security minister, as well as her running mate, Luis Petri, as his defense minister.

Still, there are signs that Milei has not given up his radical plans to dismantle the state. Already he has said he will eliminate multiple ministries, including those of culture, environment, women, and science and technology. He wants to meld the ministries of social development, labor and education together under a single ministry of human capital.

Following his inaugural address, Milei traveled in a convertible to the presidential palace. Later on Sunday he is scheduled to swear in his ministers and meet with foreign dignitaries.

Prominent far-right figures will be among them: Hungarian Prime Minister

STUDENTS, LAWMAKERS AND OTHERS GATHER AT PHILADELPHIA TEMPLE TO DENOUNCE ANTISEMITISM Associated Press STUDENTS, lawmakers and religious leaders joined forces Sunday at a temple in Philadelphia to strongly denounce antisemitism on college campuses and in their communities.

The gathering at Congregation Rodeph Shalom came one day after University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill resigned amid criticism over her testimony at a congressional hearing.

Magill was unable to say under repeated questioning that calls on campus for the genocide of Jews would violate the school’s conduct policy.

“I have seen Pennsylvanians take actions big and small, and both matter, to combat antisemitism,” Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, said at the event. “I’ve seen it here in Philadelphia where students raised their voices, where students made sure they were heard in the halls of power at their university, and leadership was held accountable.”

Similar sentiments were voiced by U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Jr., a fellow Democrat, and student speakers

UNIVERSITY of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill has resigned amid pressure from donors and criticism over testimony at a congressional hearing where she was unable to say under repeated questioning that calls on campus for the genocide of Jews would violate the school’s conduct policy.

Photo: Mark Schiefelbein/AP from Harvard and Penn. called the rise in antisemHarvard President Claudine itism on the school’s campus.

Gay also took part in the He cited a Jewish fraternity congressional hearing along being defaced with grafwith Massachusetts Institute fiti that read “The Jews are of Technology President Nazis” and spoke of friends Sally Kornbluth. They also who no longer wear yarmuldrew criticism for their law- kes on campus out of fear. yerly answers.

“What surprises me is not Eitan Linhart, a sopho- the hatred,” Linhart said. more at Penn, discussed his “What surprises me is the experience with what he indifference.”

ARGENTINA’s newly sworn-in President Javier Milei arrives to the government house in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023.

Photo: Julian Bongiovanni/AP Viktor Orbán; the head of Spain’s Vox party, Santiago Abascal; former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and Bolsonaro-allied lawmakers, including his son.

Milei reportedly sent a letter inviting Brazil’s current president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, after calling the leftist “obviously”

corrupt last month during a televised interview and asserting that, if he became president, the two would not meet.

Lula dispatched his foreign minister to attend Milei’s inauguration.

Also joining was Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who made his

first visit to Latin America as Kyiv continues to court support among developing nations for its 21-monthold fight against Russia’s invading forces. Zelenskyy and Milei shared a close exchange just before the inaugural address and held a bilateral meeting later in the day.

SPORTS PAGE 14

MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2023

Breyias Dean emerges as the ‘Home Run King’

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

A

year ago, Breyias Dean was walking around in awe as the stars came out to perform in the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby in Paradise on Montagu Bay. On Saturday, the Miami Marlins’ minor league affiliate rookie had the stars watching him.

After getting off to a slow start, the 18-yearold Dean got really hot to become the youngest Home Run King and the second consecutive Bahamian to keep the title at home.

BJ Murray Jr, an infielder with the Chicago Cubs’ minor league affiliate, got eliminated in the first round of his title defence. Dean, in a real close encounter, edged out Will Benson of the

Cincinnati Reds minor league affiliate 8-7 in the final showdown. Dean, a 6-foot, 2-inch infielder admitted that there was a lot of pressure, but the crowd cheering him on helped to propel him over the top. “It feels great. It’s good to get the title placed around my neck,” Dean said. “I just wanted to put on a show, perform and do my best.”

Dean said once he was told how many he had when he tied Benson, he knew with about three shots left, he had a chance to eventually secure the title. “I can’t wait for next year,” said Dean, as he vowed to defend his title in 2024.

Prior to the back-toback feat by Murray Jr and Dean, the title left town with MJ Melendez in 2021, Lewis Brinson in ‘20 and

SEE PAGE 15

CREAM OF THE CROP: Breyias Dean, 18, became the second consecutive Bahamian to keep the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby title at home.

Photo: Dante Carrer

Baha Mar Cup raises $120,000

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net THE Baha Mar Cup returned to the sporting paradise for the fourth time at the Baha Mar Racquet Club over the weekend.

Professional tennis players, including Victoria Azarenka, Jessica Pegula, Taylor Townsend, James Blake, Austin Krajicek and Mark Knowles took the courts at the threeday event in support of the Baha Mar Resort Foundation and Mark Knowles Children’s Tennis Initiative.

The annual tennis extravaganza raised $120,000 which was the highest total amount raised for the event.

Josh Herman, senior vice president of marketing at Baha Mar, was impressed with the fourth hosting of the Baha Mar Cup

at the renowned resort.

“We were thrilled to raise $120,000 to benefit the Baha Mar Foundation and Mark Knowles Children’s Initiative. That is the most we have ever raised at this event. It really is designed to work in connection with Mark and benefit the community here.

“We resurfaced several courts last year and we are trying to figure out the best way to put the money to work here in the community and toward the growth of tennis,” Herman said.

With the event completely sold out in its fourth year, Herman talked about the continued growth of the annual tennis event.

“Sports tourism is a growing part of our business. We just hosted Baha Mar Hoops and are excited to do the Baha Mar Cup in its fourth year. This is the biggest one we have ever had, it was 100 per cent sold out this year with

SPORTS CALENDAR SOFTBALL/BASEBALL HAMILTON PASSED AWAY THE local softball and baseball fraternity is remembering the life of Frederick ‘Rico’ Hamilton, who passed away on December 8 at the age of 75.

Hamilton served as the deputy chief to the late chief umpire Arthur ‘Old Art’ Thompson for many years as they officiated both sports when they were in their heydays in the 1980s and 1990s.

MACEDONIA BAPTIST CHURCH FAMILY FUN WALK THE Men’s Department of Macedonia Baptist Church is scheduled to hold a Family Fun Walk Race to kick off the new year and the beginning of its Men’s Anniversary at 6am on Saturday, January 6 with a Family Fun Walk Race.

The event will honour the late Minister Charles Albury, who passed away this year. It starts at the church on

NBA, Page 18

‘BUDDY’ HIELD AND PACERS FALL TO LAKERS

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net CHAVANO “Buddy” Hield, who was linked to trade rumours with the Los Angeles Lakers, watched as LeBron James and Anthony Davis put on a show to dismantle his Indiana Pacers to claim the first National Basketball Association’s In-Season Tournament title.

While both James and Davis said it was all about being the first to do it, the Lakers were all motivated by the hefty $500,000 that each player pocketed as a Christmas gift for their 123-109 triumph over the Pacers on Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

It was another cause for celebrations for the Lakers and their die-hard fans as they added the inaugural IST to the crown of the league’s first NBA “bubble”

SEE PAGE 18

TENNIS PROS HOST SUCCESSFUL KIDS’ CLINIC

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

Association (WTA) doubles title holder, shared how pleased she was with her first time experience at the Baha Mar Cup. “It was super fun. I think I made it a little bit different than they have ever had it before. We had a lot

THE fourth Baha Mar Cup presented by Mark Knowles culminated with a successful hosting of a tennis kids’ clinic at the Baha Mar Racquet Club on Sunday.

Professional tennis players, including the likes of three-time major quarterfinalist Jessica Pegula, four-time WTA doubles title holder Taylor Townsend and former no.1 doubles player Austin Krajicek were in attendance at the clinic, teaching various tennis skills and drills to the younger participants.

Players of the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) joined to partake in the clinic and

SEE PAGE 15

SEE PAGE 15

THE Baha Mar Cup - annual tennis extravaganza - raised $120,000 which was the highest total amount raised for the event at the Baha Mar Racquet Club over the weekend. people coming from as far as Singapore to support us here. Our goal is to continue to expand a number of events we do and use them as a vehicle to drive visibility for The Bahamas and Baha Mar. “We want to provide a fun and exciting environment and look forward to

Dec 2023

Bernard Road, Fox Hill, and heads west on Bernard Road to the Village Road round-a-bout and returns on Bernard Road to the church. Awards will be presented to the first three finishers in each category for men and women.

The registration fee is $20 per person.

For those not participating in the walk, souse will be sold at $10. Interested persons are urged to contact Brent Stubbs at 426-7265 or stubbobs@gmail.com for further information.

A BASEBALL CHRISTMAS THE National Sports Authority is slated to host a Baseball Christmas at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium December 22-23.

The public is invited to come out and get signed autographs from the Bahamian pro baseball players, who will also compete in a series of games. Tickets are priced at $5.

its growth every year,” he said.

The professional players participated in a Pro-Am tournament along with a pro exhibition on Saturday which was followed by a successful kids’ clinic on Sunday morning.

Townsend, a fourtime Women’s Tennis

PM DAVIS COMMENDS DON’T BLINK DERBY ORGANISERS

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis commended organisers Todd Isaacs Jr and Lucius Fox for their continuation of the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby in Paradise that has now grown to become a signature sporting event in December in the Bahamas.

Davis, a former baseball player, was on hand to view the sixth edition of the event, dubbed the “Greatest Event on Sand’ on Saturday as a number of professional baseball players participated in the Bahamas versus the World showdown.

“I’m proud of these young Bahamians, who started this event six years ago,” Davis said. “I was there when they were talking about the idea and we

PRIME Minister Philip Davis with Don’t Blink Derby organisers Todd Isaacs Jr and Lucius Fox. Photo: Timmy Eneas were encouraging them, can partner with them, but making sure they have they can’t take it over.” sponsors for the event.

From its infancy stage “What’s so amazing is to where it has flourished that it has caught the eyes with so many more players of Major League Base- coming out to participate ball and I guess there was and the crowd of spectaan effort to take it over, tors swelling every year, but I told them this has to remain Bahamian. We SEE PAGE 15

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, December 11, 2023, PAGE 15

DON’T BLINK HOME RUN DERBY IN PARADISE @ MONTAGU BAY

Breyias Dean the ‘Home Run King’ Photos by Dante Carrer

FROM PAGE 14 Bo Bichette, the only two-time winner in 201819. With every cheer he got from the fans, Dean said he was inspired to hit another long ball over the home run boundary in the water in Montagu Bay. As for any celebrations for this year’s feat, Dean said he doesn’t know what he will do, but he’s eager to enjoy whatever his family and friends have planned for him.

Albert Cartwright, a former minor league player turned coach, pitched the balls to Dean. He was appreciative of the opportunity, just as he was to congratulate his long-time friends Isaacs Jr and Fox for putting on another successful event.

“It was a pleasure to come here and pitch for the Home Run Derby and to do it for the champion,” Cartwright said. “It puts the Bahamas in the spotlight, especially with another champion being crowned.

“But Todd and Lucius and Todd Sr did a tremendous job in keeping this event alive. It was a lot of fun. We had so many people out here watching an event that they would only get to see on TV with so many stars participating.”

A disappointed Benson, in his only comments after his defeat, noted that “they cheated. I was supposed to win, but it was a hometown decision,” but the 25-year-old native of Atlanta, Georgia opted not to elaborate.

Sebastian Walcott, another 18-year-old rookie, who signed with the Texas Rangers - a 6-3 shortstop - said he really wanted to get his shot at the final, but while his time to shine was delayed, he rejoiced with Dean.

“Just being in this atmosphere is really exciting.

This is my first time being in it, so I really enjoyed it,” he said.

“But Breyias is my boy.

He had to bring it home for the 242. We couldn’t let the team title and the

PM DAVIS

FROM PAGE 14

BREYIAS DEAN individual title leave the 242.”

Despite falling short in the preliminary rounds, Murray Jr said it was all about having fun.

The third baseman returned to the stage as a champion, having helped his Tennessee Smokies clinch the Double-A Southern League title in September.

“I’m glad to see Breyias win and people like Sebastian (Walcott) put on a show for the public,” Murray Jr said. “It was good to support the boys in the final rounds. Shout out to the Bahamas.”

Here’s how they manoeuvred during the rounds: Preliminary round Team World - Will Benson (Cincinnati Reds) and Lewis Brinson (Yomiuri Giants) both with 11; Josh Palacios (Pittsburgh Pirates) 10; Lawrence Butler (Oakland Athletics) eight; Ritchie Palacios (St Louis Cardinals) seven; James Wood (Washington Nationals) and Akil Badoo (Detroit Tigers) both with six; Brennen Davis (Chicago Cubs) five; Termarr Johnson Pittsburgh Pirates) four; Bahamas Breyias Dean (Miami Marlins) and Sebastian Walcott (Texas Rangers) - nine each; Ryan Reckley (San Francisco Giants) eight; Kristin Munroe (Los Angeles Angels) seven; Chavez Young (Pittsburgh Pirates) and D’Shawn Knowles (Texas Rangers) six each; Paris Johnson (LA Dodgers) five; Adari Grant (St Louis Cardinals) four and

CREAM OF THE CROP: Breyias Dean, 18, became the second consecutive Bahamian to keep the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby title at home.

Photos: Dante Carrer

Toby Simmons (Miami Marlins) and Cheriff Neymour (Miami Marlins) one each.

Semifinal Bahamas - Breyias Dean (Miami Marlins) 10 and

Sebastian Walcott (Texas Rangers) six.

Team World - Will Benson (Cincinnati Reds) nine; Josh Palacios (Pittsburgh Pirates) eight and

Lewis Brinson (Yomiuri Giants) six.

Final Bahamas - Breyias Dean (Miami Marlins) eight.

Team World - Will Benson (Cincinnati Reds) seven.

Davis said the event can only increase in every aspect over the ensuing years.

“The first event of the event was Bo Bichette, a young baseball player, who is now the starting shortstop for the Toronto Bluejays and he’s already touted to be a Hall of Famer.

“So this has attracted real talent and it’s good to know that we have these persons among us, who the Bahamas has touched. When he was here that week, he inspired us to see where he is right now.”

Following in the footsteps of BJ Murray Jr, the first Bahamian to win the title last year, Breyias Dean, who just completed his rookie season of the Miami Marlins’ minor league affiliation, made it two straight.

However, in the team title, the World out-slugged the Bahamas. It was the first time that Isaacs Jr and Fox went with the concept as they sought to find more innovative ways to enhance the event for the viewing public.

With so many fans on hand to watch, it turned out to be a celebratory one for baseball, but Davis indicated that he hopes that same excitement will spill over to the entire nation as we enjoy for the yuletide season.

“Let’s enjoy the season,” Davis stated.

“Let’s acknowledge and respect those around us and whatever we can do to help one another, let’s do it and let us always know that there’s so much world in this world that we can worry about, but we are a peaceful, loving country and we must share that peace and love with one another. That’s what I ask for.”

Davis said he’s looking forward to what will unfold in 2024.

BAHA MAR CUP FROM PAGE 14

LENDING A HAND: The fourth Baha Mar Cup wrapped up yesterday with the hosting of a kids’ tennis clinic at the Baha Mar Racquet Club.

TENNIS CLINIC

FROM PAGE 14 were delighted by the experience. Perry Newton, president of the BLTA, talked about the great impact of the Baha Mar Cup kids’ clinic on the youth in attendance.

“It is always good that the BLTA can be involved in such an impactful programme. This is the second year that we have been here, it’s a community event they want to bring the kids together and it provides an opportunity for them to take advantage of the coaching with the professionals that come

out. The kids really enjoy it and it’s a spark that fuels them headed into the new year. We are happy for Baha Mar and Mark Knowles for doing this good thing,” Newton said.

Jacobi Bain, of Xavier University of Louisiana, along with Michael Major Jr, helped along with the professionals on Sunday.

“It feels good to be home, it’s been a long semester, it has been kind of rough. I went through rehab with my knee but I am just happy to be home in the place I love so much,” Bain said.

“I enjoyed the Baha Mar Cup because I got to meet a lot of new pros, make a lot of new friends and it is just great

to have all of these connections and experiences. The kids’ clinic has been amazing. I remember when I was a kid people would do it for me so it always feels good to give back,” he added.

Sarai Clarke, who recently competed at the under-14 Junkanoo Bowl, enjoyed her time at the kids’ clinic.

“It is a lot of fun, it is exciting being able to work with the pro players and a ton of very experienced players, I got to learn a lot,” Clarke said.

With the Giorgio Baldacci Open National Tennis Championships set for December 18-21, Clarke is ready for competition. “I am really excited to play, it’s my first time playing so

I just hope I am able to play to the best of my ability and that I have fun,” she said.

Singles competitor Tatum Culmer shared his experience at the kids’ clinic for the second time.

“It’s really nice. I was here before and it is a very good experience that I am able to hit with the different pros and sharpen my skills more. It is a once in a lifetime experience that you do not get to experience a lot so it is just good to come out here and do what I have to do against the big-timers,” Culmer said.

The Baha Mar team was grateful for another year of success with the Baha Mar Cup.

of fun but after playing five hours my arm is a little sore but it was very exciting,”she said.

The 2023 French Open doubles finalist commended the Mark Knowles Children’s Tennis initiative for its contributions to the tennis community over the years.

“I love Mark and his whole family. I was always very intrigued by him being from The Bahamas and representing The Bahamas while always maintaining that throughout his career which I think is amazing because there are sometimes where people would switch but him keeping his Bahamian roots was always so important. It is just so nice to know him for so many years and be connected to this to see how his initiative and programme is growing. I am really so happy and proud to be a part of this,” she added.

Pegula, who is currently the fourth ranked American in singles and eighth in doubles, made it to her second Baha Mar Cup and was very happy with the event’s success. “It has been amazing. I think this year there were more people involved which is great to see, hopefully that means we are raising more money for the community here, it’s been really fun and I enjoyed it this year,” the threetime major singles quarterfinalist said.

Among the other first-timers were former no.1 ranked doubles player Krajiceck who thought the experience was second to none.

“It is an absolutely beautiful place, my wife and I had a wonderful time and then to be able to help out for a cause like this and help Mark at this charitable event is really special for us so anytime we could give back and help its fun,” “It’s been fun from the beginning. We had a great pro am tournament yesterday morning and then a fun exhibition,” he said.

The Baha Mar Cup concluded on Sunday with a kids’ clinic which included some players from the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA).

PAGE 16, Monday, December 11, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

Shohei Ohtani agrees to record $700 million, 10-year contract with Dodgers

By RONALD BLUM AP Baseball Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Shohei Ohtani has set a financial record to go along with his singular on-field performance, getting $700 million to make a 30-mile move up Interstate 5 to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

His agent, Nez Balelo, issued a midafternoon news release Saturday announcing the 10-year contract, ending months of speculation that began even before Ohtani became a free agent on November 2. In recent days, media and fans had tracked private plane movements and alleged sightings like detectives in attempts to discern the intentions of the two-time AL MVP with the Angels.

“This is a unique, historic contract for a unique, historic player,” Balelo said.

“He is excited to begin this partnership, and he structured his contract to reflect a true commitment from both sides to long-term success.”

Ohtani’s total was 64% higher than baseball’s previous record, a $426.5 million, 12-year deal for Angels outfielder Mike Trout that began in 2019.

His $70 million average salary is 62% above the previous high of $43,333,333, shared by pitchers Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander with deals they struck with the New York Mets. Ohtani’s average salary nearly doubles the roughly $42.3 million he earned with the Angels.

It also exceeds the entire

payrolls of Baltimore and Oakland this year.

His agreement includes unprecedented deferred money that will lower the amount it counts toward the Dodgers’ luxury tax payroll, a person familiar with the agreement told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the details were not announced.

“He structured his contract to reflect a true commitment from both sides to long-term success,” Balelo said. “Shohei and I want to thank all the organisations that reached out to us for their interest and respect, especially the wonderful people we got to know even better as this process unfolded.”

This is perhaps the largest contract in sports history, topping highs believed to be set by soccer stars Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé.

There was no immediate comment by the Dodgers.

Ohtani has not spoken with reporters since August 9.

“I apologise for taking so long to come to a decision,” Ohtani said in an English-language statement on Instagram. “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone involved with the Angels organisation and the fans who have supported me over the past six years, as well as to everyone involved with each team that was part of this negotiation process.”

“And to all Dodgers fans, I pledge to always do what’s best for the team and always continue to give it my all to be the best version

SHOHEI Ohtani has agreed to a record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

(AP Photo) majors’ elite players in both promising him the freedom of myself,” he continued.

“Until the last day of my roles when healthy. Along to train and to play howplaying career, I want to the way, he has become one ever he wanted.

Ohtani immediately dazcontinue to strive forward of the most marketable athnot only for the Dodgers letes in the world, a force zled the entire sport in but for the baseball world.” when it comes to ticket 2018, batting .285 with 22 Ohtani joins a lineup that sales, TV ratings and spon- homers and 61 RBIs as a designated hitter and going also includes 2018 AL MVP sorship revenue.

He was a unanimous 4-2 with a 3.31 ERA and 63 Mookie Betts and 2020 NL MVP Freddie Freeman. AL MVP in 2021 and 2023 strikeouts.

Ohtani won the AL The Dodgers won the NL — he finished second in West this year for the 10th 2022 — winning this year Rookie of the Year award time in 11 seasons before despite injuring his elbow in in 2018 despite making they were swept by Arizona late August and an oblique just one pitching appearance after early June due in the Division Series in muscle in early September.

Ahead of his 30th birth- to an injured elbow ligaOctober.

Los Angeles begins the day on July 5, he has a .274 ment that required Tommy 2024 season in Seoul, South average with 171 homers, John surgery following the Korea, against San Diego 437 RBIs and 86 stolen season. Ohtani made just bases along with a 39-19 two mound appearances on March 20-21.

Ohtani’s decision came record with a 3.01 ERA in the next two years while six years and one day after and 608 strikeouts in 481 continuing to play as the he first agreed to his deal 2/3 innings. Ohtani has Angels’ DH. 34.7 Wins Above ReplaceWhen his arm was finally with Angels.

Ohtani has redefined ment (WAR), per Baseball healthy in 2021, Ohtani put together a season for the modern baseball since he Reference.

The Halos are a peren- ages. chose the Angels as his first He won the AL MVP major league team. Nobody nial also-ran, both in the has come close to match- AL standings and in the award with 46 homers ing his achievements at the Los Angeles market, but and 100 RBIs at the plate plate and on the mound, they won Ohtani’s ser- while going 9-2 with a 3.18 becoming one of the vices in late 2017 partly by ERA on the mound. He

improved as a pitcher in 2022, going 15-9 with a 2.33 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP while still driving in 95 runs at the plate, but finished behind Aaron Judge in the MVP voting after the Yankees star hit an AL record 62 homers.

After winning the MVP award in the World Baseball Classic last March while leading Japan to victory — he struck out Trout to end the tournament — Ohtani maintained his two-way magnificence this year, hitting 44 homers with a career-high 1.066 OPS while going 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA before tearing his elbow ligament again on Aug. 23.

He didn’t hit after September 3 because of the strained right oblique.

Along with his elbow injuries, Ohtani’s transcendent success has come with another significant damper: He has never made the playoffs or even played on a winning team in the majors. Owner Arte Moreno’s Angels haven’t won more than 80 games or finished higher than third in the AL West during his tenure alongside Trout, a three-time AL MVP, and a perennially disappointing cast of supporting players.

Ohtani earned $42,269,259 in his six seasons with the Angels. After receiving a signing bonus of $2,315,000 with his initial deal, he had salaries of $545,000, $650,000, $259,259 (in the pandemicshortened 2020 season), $3 million, $5.5 million and $30 million.

OHTANI CASHES IN AS FANS IN JAPAN WAIT FOR HIM TO DELIVER MORE GOODS AND PLAY IN A WORLD SERIES

By STEPHEN WADE and KOJI UEDA Associated Press TOKYO (AP) — Now that Shohei Ohtani has his money — a record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers — some fans in Japan are waiting for one more thing to complete the deal.

“I want Ohtani to play in the World Series,” said Isshin Watanabe, a baseball fan speaking yesterday near Tokyo’s famous Ginza shopping area. “That’s my hope,” he added.

Baseball fans across Tokyo lined up yesterday to buy special editions of the Yomiuri newspaper, announcing Ohtani’s move across town from the Los

Angeles Angels to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

This is perhaps the largest contract in sports history, topping highs believed to be set by soccer stars Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé.

Ohtani is likely to only play this coming season as a designated hitter as he recovers from surgery that is expected to keep him from pitching.

“I think Ohtani will return to the two-way role the year after next,” Watanabe, the fan, said. “I want him to be the home run king next year.”

Ohtani is a bigger-thanlife hero in Japan, the country’s most famous athlete who has stoked national pride by reaching the pinnacle of a game

beloved by many Americans and Latin Americans.

One fan noted that Ohtani’s salary is more than the entire player payroll for at least one Japanese professional team. He used the SoftBank Hawks of Fukuoka as the example, “That sounds like a dream,” said Yuto Manabe, also speaking in Ginza.

Fans in Japan’s northeastern prefecture of Iwate, where Ohtani grew up and went to high school, also celebrated by buying extra editions of the local newspaper — the Iwate Nippo.

“I’ve been following Ohtani since his high school years,” Asihisa Suzuki told Japan’s news agency Kyodo. “I want to cheer him wherever he is.”

A STAFF distributes an extra edition of the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper reporting on Shohei Ohtani to move to the Los Angeles Dodgers yesterday in Tokyo. Ohtani agreed to a record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

(AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Kyodo reported that fans gathered at Ohtani’s high school, named Hanamaki Higashi, and took photographs of a monument that shows his handprint.

Japanese fans have already been following Ohtani intently through television and other media, but this move is sure to raise his profile even higher with advertisers and sponsors who focus on the Japan market. Ohtani is one of the most marketable athletes in the world, driving ticket sales, television revenue, and sponsorship deals. “I’m so happy. I had been waiting for this announcement since yesterday,” said Sho Sato, who said she works as a nurse. And so has all of the baseball world.

MAN CITY BEATS LUTON WITHOUT HAALAND TO END 4-MATCH WINLESS RUN, TOTTENHAM THRASHES NEWCASTLE 4-1

By STEVE DOUGLAS AP Sports Writer WITHOUT the injured Erling Haaland and trailing 1-0 to Luton at halftime, Manchester City was in danger of plunging into a full-blown crisis approaching the halfway point of its Premier League title defense.

The defending champions managed to turn it round, though, as goals by Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish in a three-minute span earned a 2-1 victory Sunday that ended their four-match winless run and trimmed the gap to firstplace Liverpool to four points.

If it wasn’t for the recovery in the second half, City manager Pep Guardiola would have stumbled into the worst streak of results in his coaching career, having never gone five matches without a win.

That was the bleak scenario facing Guardiola and City after striker Elijah Adebayo headed in Andros Townsend’s cross at the back post in the second minute of first-half

stoppage time to give Luton the lead at Kenilworth Road — five days after the promoted hosts blew a 3-2 lead against Arsenal to lose 4-3. Haaland was sidelined because of a foot injury so City was without the league’s top scorer in its bid to produce a fightback.

Still, Rodri was back from suspension and when the Spain midfielder’s surge into the area was stopped by a timely challenge, Silva was there to pounce on the loose ball and curl a finish into the bottom corner in the 62nd.

Grealish then converted a cross by Julian Alvarez in the 65th. “People say, ‘City is over already,” Guardiola said. “This is the challenge that we have ahead of us.

Prove them wrong and still be there.”

City stayed in fourth place, with Guardiola saying Haaland will be assessed ahead of the home game against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

NEWCASTLE SUFFERING The injuries are piling up for Saudi-owned Newcastle, and so are the losses.

TOTTENHAM’s Richarlison celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England, Sunday, Dec.10, 2023.

(AP Photo/Ian Walton) With the 4-1 thrashing at Tottenham, Newcastle has lost more games in the Premier League — six — than the team had in the whole of the 2022-23 campaign.

Three of them have come in the last five games

and away from home as Newcastle manager Eddie Howe struggles to balance playing domestic and Champions League soccer amid an injury crisis that has led to him playing the same starting lineup in five straight games. Next up is its biggest game of the season, at home to AC Milan on Wednesday when Newcastle’s Champions League hopes are on the line.

Destiny Udogie scored for the first time in the Premier League, Richarlison added goals either side of the break and Son Heung-min converted a late penalty for Tottenham, which hadn’t won since Oct. 27 — when the team was unbeaten and top of the standings.

There have been four defeats and a draw since then, with Spurs taking the lead in each of those games but failing to hold on. Not this time, though Joelinton scored a stoppage-time consolation for Newcastle.

SURGING EVERTON Everton is surging clear of the relegation zone, less than a month after

plunging into the bottom three after being deducted 10 points for financial mismanagement.

A 2-0 win over Chelsea secured a third straight win for Everton, which has moved four points clear of third-from last Luton.

Abdoulaye Doucoure scored for the third time in five games, converting a rebound in the 54th after Dominic Calvert-Lewin had a shot saved by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. Lewis Dobbin added a second in the second minute of stoppage time.

After spending around $1 billion on players in the last three transfer windows, Chelsea isn’t even in the top half after losing three of its last four games.

The visitors also lost right back Reece James to another injury after he was forced off in the 27th minute with a suspected hamstring problem.

IN-FORM JIMENEZ Raul Jimenez is enjoying a new lease of life at Fulham.

The Mexico international went through some

lean times after sustaining a career-threatening head injury while playing for Wolverhampton in November 2020.

From being one of the most sought-after strikers in the Premier League, he appeared to lose all of his confidence and was sold to Fulham in July.

With his 22nd-minute strike in Fulham’s 5-0 win over West Ham, Jimenez has four goals in his last five games and is leading a midseason resurgence from the London club.

Willian and Tosin Adarabioyo added first-half goals while Harry Wilson and Carlos Vinicius added more after the break as Fulham scored at least three goals for the fourth straight game, after doing so against Wolverhampton, Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.

It was a second straight 5-0 win, after thrashing Forest by that score in midweek.

Marco Silva’s team is now in 10th place and only three points behind ninth-place West Ham, whose fourmatch unbeaten run in the league came to an end.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, December 11, 2023, PAGE 17

TOP Cowboys pull even with Eagles in NFC East with 33-13 win VIKINGS RAIDERS 3-0

By SCHUYLER DIXON AP Pro Football Writer ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Dak Prescott threw for two touchdowns, Brandon Aubrey made four field goals to start his career a record 30-for-30, and the Dallas Cowboys pulled even in the NFC East with their 15th consecutive home victory, 33-13 over the Philadelphia Eagles last night.

The Cowboys (10-3) weren’t deterred by Jalen Carter’s 42-yard fumble return for a touchdown, winning their fifth consecutive game since a loss at Philadelphia that gave the Eagles a two-game division lead.

The Eagles (10-3) lost three fumbles and didn’t score an offensive touchdown as quarterback Jalen Hurts, who had the first fumble, lost consecutive

games for the first time since October 2021.

While the Cowboys currently hold the tiebreaker with an extra NFC East victory, the Eagles would take the division title on subsequent tiebreakers if they win their remaining four games.

Aubrey became the first kicker with two of at least 59 yards in the same game, connecting from 60 yards late in the first quarter.

His 59-yarder in the third allowed Aubrey to surpass Greg Zuerlein and Harrison Butker, who each had a pair from at least 58 yards.

The 28-year-old rookie added a 45-yarder in the fourth and another from 50 in the final two minutes, extending his NFL record for perfection to start a career.

With Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy calling plays from the sideline

DALLAS Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott reacts after a play against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half yesterday.

(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) just four days after an emergency appendectomy, Prescott had a career-best

seventh consecutive game with at least two TD passes.

The Dallas offence bogged down after Prescott’s first-half TD passes, but two big completions for first downs to tight end Jake Ferguson, including a hurdling effort early in the fourth quarter, led to Aubrey’s last two field goals.

The Cowboys were cruising when Prescott lost control of the ball while being sacked by Fletcher Cox in the third quarter, and Carter picked up the loose ball and ran untouched to get the Eagles within 24-13.

Down two touchdowns late in the third, Philadelphia couldn’t convert on fourth-and-8 from the Dallas 30-yard line.

Stephen Gilmore made the open-field tackle on DeVonta Smith, who later had the third lost fumble

for Philadelphia, ending any realistic hopes of a rally.

CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup had the scoring catches for Dallas, and Rico Dowdle had a 1-yard plunge that was originally called short but overturned when the Cowboys challenged.

Prescott was 24 of 39 for 271 yards, and the Cowboys limited Hurts to 197 yards passing and 30 rushing.

UP NEXT Eagles: At Seattle on Monday, December 18.

The Seahawks’ loss at San Francisco means Philadelphia won’t face a team with a winning record in its final four games.

Cowboys: At AFC Eastleading Miami next Sunday in the first of consecutive road matchups with playoff contenders from that division. The second is Buffalo.

Ravens beat Rams 37-31 on Tylan Wallace’s walkoff punt return in OT BALTIMORE (AP) — Tylan Wallace returned a punt 76 yards for a touchdown in overtime to lift the Baltimore Ravens to a 37-31 victory over Los Angeles yesterday, snapping the Rams’ three-game winning streak.

Wallace, who committed a crucial penalty on special teams earlier in the game that led to points for Los Angeles (6-7), eluded a couple of tackles after fielding the punt and stayed on his feet when Shaun Jolly made a diving attempt at him along the left sideline.

The Ravens (10-3) remained atop the AFC, a half-game ahead of Miami, which hosts Tennessee tonight.

Lamar Jackson and Matthew Stafford threw three touchdown passes apiece, overcoming wet conditions and dropped passes in a game that was highscoring yet sloppy. Each offence went three-and-out in overtime before the final Los Angeles punt.

Jackson’s 21-yard touchdown strike to Zay Flowers with 1:16 remaining — and his 2-point conversion pass to Flowers — put Baltimore up 31-28. Stafford then guided the Rams into position to take multiple shots to the end zone, and when that failed, Lucas Havrisik made a 36-yard field goal with 7 seconds left to force OT. Jackson threw for 314 yards with an interception, while Stafford threw for 294 yards without a turnover.

BROWNS 31, JAGUARS 27 CLEVELAND (AP) — Joe Flacco threw for 311 yards and three touchdowns in his home debut for Cleveland, which survived a late rally by Jacksonville.

The 38-year-old Flacco, who was signed three weeks ago by the Browns (8-5), went 26 of 45 and improved to 10-2 as a starter in Cleveland. His previous wins came while playing for Baltimore and the New York Jets.

Trevor Lawrence for the Jaguars (8-5) played despite spraining his right ankle in Monday night’s loss to Cincinnati.

He finished 28 of 50 for 256 yards and threw a season-high three interceptions.

Lawrence’s third TD pass — to Evan Engram with 1:33 left — pulled the Jaguars within four points. Myles Garrett then sacked Lawrence on the 2-point conversion, and the Browns recovered an onside kick.

Flacco threw two TD passes in the first half to tight end David Njoku and completed a 41-yarder to

BALTIMORE Ravens punt returner Tylan Wallace, right, celebrates his punt return for a touchdown as he celebrates with Ravens linebacker Del’Shawn Phillips (53) as Los Angeles Rams tight end Davis Allen, second from left, looks away and Ravens running back Justice Hill (43) tries to join the celebration during overtime of an NFL football game yesterdayin Baltimore.

(AP Photo/Nick Wass) David Bell in the fourth for first place in the NFC snapped and its play- quarters. He finished 18 for off positioning took a 26 for 119 yards. quarter when the Jaguars South.

The Buccaneers (6-7) sit hit. Gardner Minshew Rookie Bryce Young’s gambled with an all-out atop the division alongside threw for 240 yards with a season-long struggles blitz on fourth down. the Falcons and the New touchdown and an inter- continued.

BEARS 28, Orleans Saints. ception for the Colts, The first overall draft LIONS 13 Atlanta (6-7) rallied for whose offence stalled after choice finished 13 of 36 for CHICAGO (AP) — Justin Fields threw for a a 25-22 lead with a pair of halftime. The game was 137 yards and lost a fumble touchdown and ran for TDs in the final period, tied at 14-all at the break, in the first half. He was quarterback but Indy’s first four second- sacked four times. another, and Chicago including JETS 30, beat NFC North-leading Desmond Ridder’s 6-yard half possessions ended with scoring run with 3:23 two punts, a pick thrown TEXANS 6 Detroit.

by Minshew and a failed EAST RUTHERFORD, Receiver DJ Moore remaining.

But Mayfield, who fourth-down attempt.

N.J. (AP) — Zach Wilson had his first career rushMeanwhile, the Bengals threw a pair of second-half ing touchdown and caught passed for just 144 yards, a scoring pass to help the guided a 12-play, 75-yard scored on their first two touchdown passes in his return from a two-game Bears (5-8) win for the scoring drive. The biggest drives of the second half. play was a 32-yard compleSAINTS 28, benching as New York beat third time in four games.

PANTHERS 6 Houston to stop a fiveThe Bears scored 15 tion to Chris Godwin.

Atlanta had one last NEW ORLEANS (AP) game skid. points in a span of about The Jets shut down the seven minutes to break chance at winning it. — Derek Carr returned open a game that was tied Ridder completed a pass from a recent concussion Texans’ C.J. Stroud before at 13-all late in the third down the middle from the and upper-body injuries to the star rookie quarterback quarter. They got the pay- Tampa Bay 31 to Drake throw touchdown passes left late with a concussion.

Wilson was 27 of 36 back they were seeking London, who was smoth- to Chris Olave and Jimmy after giving up 17 points ered 3 yards shy of the end Graham, and New Orleans for 301 yards — his third beat NFL-worst Carolina. career game of 300 or more over the final 2:59 in a loss zone.

BENGALS 34, Alvin Kamara ran 9 yards — in easily his best at Detroit three weeks COLTS 14 yards for a touchdown as performance of the season. earlier.

CINCINNATI (AP) — the Saints (6-7) snapped a Breece Hall and Randall Detroit’s Jared Goff threw two interceptions, Jake Browning threw two three-game skid and pulled Cobb caught touchdown lost a fumbled snap and touchdown passes and ran into a first-place tie with passes and Xavier Gipson was sacked four times. The for a score in his second Atlanta and Tampa Bay in ran for a score for the Jets (5-8), who reached 30 Lions (9-4) have lost two of straight outstanding per- the feeble NFC South. formance as Cincinnati The Panthers (1-12) have points for just the second three. lost six straight for the time this season.

Fields completed 19 of pounded Indianapolis.

With Joe Burrow out for second time this season.

Stroud left with 6:30 33 passes for 223 yards. He Johnny Hekker’s punt remaining after a hit by also ran for 58 yards, giving the season because of a wrist injury, Browning has attempt in the second Quinnen Williams. Davis him 2,021 in his career. kept the Bengals (7-6) in quarter was smothered by Mills replaced him.

BUCCANEERS 29, playoff contention. He fol- Saints linebacker Nephi Stroud, who came in FALCONS 25 ATLANTA (AP) — lowed up a 354-yard outing Sewell. D’Marco Jackson leading the NFL in yards Baker Mayfield threw an in a win at Jacksonville last scooped up the ball and passing, was 10 of 23 for a 11-yard touchdown pass Monday night by complet- returned it 8 yards for a season-low 91 yards.

The Texans (7-6) finto Cade Otton with 31 ing 18 of 24 passes for 275 touchdown that gave New Orleans a 14-3 lead. ished with 135 total yards seconds remaining, and yards with an interception.

Indianapolis (7-6) had Carr had just 37 yards and went 1 for 12 on third Tampa Bay beat Atlanta to move into a three-way tie its four-game win streak passing through three-plus down.

IN LOWESTSCORING NFL GAME IN 16 YEARS LAS VEGAS (AP) — Minnesota and Las Vegas played the lowest-scoring NFL game in 16 years, with Greg Joseph’s 36-yard field goal with 1:57 left giving the Vikings the victory.

It was the first 3-0 game since Pittsburgh beat Miami on November 26, 2007, the third in the past 40 years and the seventh in the Super Bowl era.

Joseph’s kick ensured the game wouldn’t end regulation scoreless for the first time since the New York Giants played the host Detroit Lions to a 0-0 tie on November 7, 1943.

The Vikings (7-6) had just 230 total yards, and the Raiders (5-8) — losers of three in a row — were limited to 201 yards and nine first downs. Minnesota beat an AFC West opponent for the first time this season after going 0-3.

Nick Mullens relieved a struggling Joshua Dobbs at quarterback and led the Vikings on their lone scoring drive. His 22-yard completion to Jordan Addison to the Raiders 20 set up Joseph’s kick.

Ivan Pace intercepted Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell on the next drive.

BILLS 20, CHIEFS 17 KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Josh Allen threw for 233 yards with touchdowns running and throwing, and Buffalo held on to beat Kansas City thanks in part to a crucial penalty on Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney.

Tyler Bass kicked a goahead, 39-yard field goal with 1:54 left for the Bills (7-6).

Moments later, the Chiefs (8-5) thought they had taken the lead when Patrick Mahomes hit Travis Kelce over the middle, and the high school QB threw far across the field to Toney, who ran the rest of the 49 yards for a touchdown.

But the play was wiped out because Toney had lined up offside.

The Chiefs still had time to get in range for a tying field goal, but Mahomes threw three straight incompletions. Kansas City has lost four of six.

James Cook had 58 yards rushing and caught five passes for 83 yards and a score for Buffalo, which improved to 3-6 in games decided by six points or fewer.

Mahomes finished with 271 yards passing and a touchdown with an interception.

BRONCOS 24, CHARGERS 7 INGLEWOOD, California (AP) — Russell Wilson threw two touchdown passes and Denver beat Los Angeles, which lost quarterback Justin Herbert to a broken finger on his right hand.

Wilson completed 21 of 33 passes for 224 yards, including a 46-yard touchdown to Courtland Sutton in the third quarter for the Broncos (7-6), who have won six of seven.

Herbert has a fracture in his right index finger, coach Brandon Staley said.

He was 9 of 17 for 96 yards with an interception before being injured in the second quarter, apparently while he was taken down awkwardly by Denver’s Zach Allen after throwing a pass.

Easton Stick completed 13 of 24 passes for 179 yards in Herbert’s place.

The Chargers (5-8) have dropped four of five.

Denver’s defence had six sacks and forced a pair of turnovers.

TO ADVERTISE TODAY IN THE TRIBUNE CALL @ 502-2394

PAGE 18, Monday, December 11, 2023

BUDDY HIELD

FROM PAGE 14 in 2020 during the shortened season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Los Angeles, coached by Darvin Ham, ended up with a perfect 7-0 win-loss record in the tournament, while Indiana, coached by Rick Carlisle, dropped to 6-1.

Despite their loss, Hield and his Pacers, led by rising star Tyrese Haliburton, collected a credible $200,000 each for their efforts at the much-anticipated finale of the month-long tournament that the NBA hopes to make an annual addition to its schedule.

If there was any consolation for Hield, he will be remembered for hitting the first shot on a three-pointer from an assist from Haliburton with just 38 seconds gone on the clock in the first quarter.

However, Hield only managed to score eight points without hitting a three-pointer. The Grand Bahamian native finished with eight points, five rebounds and four assists as their starting shooting guard.

Haliburton, who is projected to be a superstar in the league, had 20 points with 11 assists to pace the Pacers. Benedict Mathurin also had 20 points and Aaron Nesmith chipped in with 15.

Indiana advanced to the final after they dismantled the Milwaukee Bucks 128119 on Wednesday in their semifinal match-up. They just didn’t have the energy to match against Los Angeles, who led from start to finish.

Davis ignited the Lakers with an impressive 41 points and 20 rebound performance, but it was James who took the spotlight when he was named the tournament most valuable

THE TRIBUNE player.Throughout the tournament, in which the voting took place for the MVP honours, James averaged 26.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.6 assists, 1.6 steals and shot 56.8% from the field and 60.6% on 3-pointers.

The Lakers won despite making just 2 of 13 3-pointers, but were 47 of 88 from the floor (53.4%).

Using their size advantage, they also controlled the boards with a huge difference margin of 55-32.

The NBA’s fourth ranked Pacers from behind the three-point arc were simply cold as they connected on just 10 of 41 of their 3-pointers as a team.

The game drew a lot of celebrities, including basketball Hall of Famers Julius Erving and Shaquille O’Neal, football Hall of Famers Tim Brown and Shannon Sharpe, former tennis star Steffi Graf, former boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr., chef Bobby Flay, rapper

LOS Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) grabs a rebound next to Indiana Pacers forward Isaiah Jackson (22) and guard Buddy Hield (7) during the second half of the championship game in the NBA basketball In-Season Tournament on Saturday in Las Vegas.

(AP Photo/Ian Maule) Flavor Flav and members of the two-time champion Las Vegas Aces, including WNBA Finals MVP A’ja Wilson.

Hield and the Pacers will be in Detroit tonight to start

a four-game road swing as they try to improve on their 12-8 fifth place standings in the Eastern Conference.

The Lakers, who don’t play again until Tuesday when they head to Dallas to face

Anthony Davis leads Lakers to NBA In-Season Tournament title, 123-109 over Pacers

By MARK ANDERSON AP Sports Writer LAS VEGAS (AP) — As Commissioner Adam Silver prepared to hand LeBron James the MVP trophy of the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament, he cautioned that “it doesn’t come with a franchise.”

James bent over in laughter, but he has been serious about wanting to own an NBA expansion team in Las Vegas.

For now, he’ll more than settle for the individual honour and tournament championship after scoring 24 points and adding 11 rebounds Saturday night to help the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Indiana Pacers 123-109 in the final.

“My enthusiasm about being here post-career, bringing a team here has not changed,” James said.

“The fans are amazing here. They have everything already: WNBA team, they have a baseball team (Athletics) coming in soon, NFL team, hockey team, F1 (Formula One) was just here. This is a place that loves great attractions, and I think the NBA will be another great addition to this city.”

As well as James played Saturday, the star was teammate Anthony Davis, who had 41 points and 20 rebounds — numbers that would have been season highs if they counted. This is the only game in the tournament that doesn’t figure in the standings or statistics.

Davis also shot 16 of 24, had five assists and blocked four shots. “They’re a hell of a one-two punch,”

Lakers coach Darvin Ham said about James and Davis. “That one or two could be either one of them on any given night. At the end of the day, they know how to take it to the next level when everything is on the line.”

Los Angeles is the first In-Season Tournament champion because the two headliners received plenty of help.

Austin Reaves scored 28 points, D’Angelo Russell added 13 points and Cam Reddish set the tone defensively by limiting the damage by Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton, who emerged as one of the faces of this tournament.

He had 20 points and 11 assists against the Lakers, often passing to a teammate rather than trying to force the action. “(Reddish) didn’t score a lot (nine points), but I felt like he was one of the best players on the court with the way he defended and really changed the game on that end of the floor,” Reaves said.

Also for the Pacers, Bennedict Mathurin scored 20 points and Aaron Nesmith had 15.

In addition to taking home a trophy, Lakers players on standard contracts each made $500,000 and the Pacers received $200,000 apiece.

Players on two-way deals take home half those amounts.

The tournament and the title game had a combination of a NBA playoff and one-and-done NCAA Tournament kind of atmosphere, and the Pacers and Lakers played as if their seasons were on the line.

the Mavericks, are also in fifth in the Western Conference at 14-9.

Both teams are riding a three-game winning streak before taking a break for the IST.

SOUTHERN California guard Bronny James in action yesterday.

(AP Photo/Mark J Terrill)

LONG BEACH STATE BEATS USC 84-79 IN OT, SPOILING BRONNY JAMES’ DEBUT FOR TROJANS

LOS Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, centre, lifts the the NBA Cup while celebrating with teammates after they defeated the Indiana Pacers 123-109 in the championship game in the NBA basketball In-Season Tournament on Saturday in Las Vegas.

(AP Photo/Ian Maule) Los Angeles making it Las Vegas where it was essentially the home team before a sellout crowd played Sunday like it had been here before.

The situation was different for the Pacers, who are still trying to prove they are a championship-level team.

“We just got outplayed tonight from the start of the game to the end of the game,” Haliburton said.

“Just didn’t do the job on loose balls, didn’t rebound, didn’t get enough stops when needed. They just outplayed us, and it’s frustrating.

“It’s funny because everybody says this has the NCAA Tournament feel, but after a game like that you’re sitting in the locker

room going, ‘Most of us ain’t graduating.’ We play on Monday.”

The Lakers led most of the game, though Indiana kept in striking distance until Los Angeles went on a 15-3 run late in the fourth quarter to turn in a 100-96 lead into a 115-99 advantage.

“Our guys got a real taste of what the elevated stage is all about,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said.

“It’s so important to have this experience, to feel the intensity, to feel the glare and the glow and to find out what it means to be totally together in an effort to conquer it. We conquered a lot of challenges along the way. This one tonight was a little too steep.”

CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS Among those in attendance were basketball Hall of Famers Julius Erving and Shaquille O’Neal, football Hall of Famers Tim Brown and Shannon Sharpe, former tennis star Steffi Graf, former boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr., chef Bobby Flay and rapper Flavor Flav. Members of the twotime champion Las Vegas Aces, including WNBA Finals MVP A’ja Wilson, also watched.

UP NEXT Pacers: At Detroit tonight to open a fourgame road swing.

Lakers: At Dallas on Tuesday night to begin a three-game Texas trip.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Marcus Tsohonis scored 28 points and Long Beach State outlasted Southern California 84-79 in overtime yesterday, spoiling Bronny James’ college debut for the Trojans.

James played his first college game since suffering cardiac arrest in July.

He was cheered on by his father, Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James.

James finished with four points, three rebounds and two assists in 16 minutes.

He came off the bench and his minutes were limited as he works his way back into game shape for the Trojans (5-4).

Jadon Jones added 18 points and eight rebounds, and AJ George had 12 points for the Beach (7-4), which won its fourth in a row.

The Beach snapped a four-game skid against USC, which had won each of those games by 11 points or less.

USC led 45-30 at the break, but the Beach outscored the Trojans 44-29 in the second half and 10-5 in overtime. USC was 20 of 36 from the free-throw line.

PACERS GUARD TYRESE HALIBURTON’S STAR ON THE RISE AFTER AN IMPRESSIVE IN-SEASON TOURNAMENT SHOWING

By W G RAMIREZ Associated PRESS LAS VEGAS (AP) — Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton just wants to win.

He doesn’t care about his stats, he doesn’t want to be put in any conversations regarding All-Star teams, and he certainly isn’t interested in talks about being an MVP candidate.

He just wants to win.

And while it may not have happened Saturday night, when the Los Angeles Lakers beat Indiana 123-109 in the inaugural In-Season Tournament championship game, the rest of the league should be on notice about Haliburton and Pacers.

“I think last year we snuck up on teams, teams didn’t really know what to

expect,” said Haliburton, who had 20 points and 11 assists. “But I think now when you play the Pacers you know what to expect. ... Obviously, people didn’t expect us to get here, the championship game, but I think teams are prepared for us.”

Indiana gets back to the regular season tonight with the league’s No. 1 offence, which is averaging 128.4 points, led by Haliburton who is averaging 26.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and a league-high 12.1 assists.

And whether he likes it or not, those numbers have him almost assuredly on his way to a second straight All-Star appearance and have placed him in earlyseason MVP chatter.

In seven tournament games, he led all players who made it to the final

INDIANA Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) reacts after a play against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of the championship game in the NBA basketball In-Season Tournament on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, in Las Vegas.

(AP Photo/Ian Maule) “Tyrese is a great young with an average of 26.7 points per game on 52.4% player that has all the tools, shooting, and had 13.3 has the personality and has the desire,” Indiana coach assists per contest.

Rick Carlisle said. “The month, seven weeks that he’s put together so far in this season, people are talking about him for MVP, and rightly so.

“He was completely unfazed by the limelight and it brought his game to a higher level (during tournament games). Like Reggie Miller, he’s very similar to him. Body type stature, personality, and just overall character. He wants the responsibility for winning and losing. And he wants it unconditionally, and that’s special.”

Special enough that NBA commissioner Adam Silver loved the championship storyline of having one of the most storied players in NBA history — LeBron James — facing a young team with a budding star who’s just beginning to

author his story. “I think fans on a national level forget that he was an AllStar last year, so he has been recognised already as a top player,” Silver said.

Just don’t tell him that.

“People have said MVP, or all-NBA All Star or whatever,” Haliburton said.

“But at the end of the day I just want to play basketball and I want to succeed as a team.

“I know (with) the team’s success, individual success comes with that.

“So I think that that’s been something that I really enjoyed about our run right now, is that its forced the media to talk about what’s in front of them, which is basketball.

“And I think as a person who loves the sport, I think everybody can appreciate that.”

Traffic fatalities see 50 percent rise for women, says Coleby-Davis PAGE 4, Monday, December 11, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

TRANSPORT AND ENERGY MINISTER JOBETH COLEBY-DAVIS

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net TRAFFIC fatalities involving women jumped by more than 50 per cent this year compared to 2022, Transport and Energy Minister Jobeth Coleby-Davis said.

Forty-eight people have died in traffic fatalities this year, with increases among women under 45 and

motorcyclists.

“The number of fatalities involving females rose by more than 50 per cent,” Mrs Coleby-Davis said. “The number of fatal traffic accidents involving motorcycles has also increased by 50 per cent.

“These observations are quite disturbing and a cause for serious national concern. Many of the fatal traffic accidents in our country continue to

primarily involve young Bahamians under the age of 45. This category of individuals represents the future of our nation.”

Mrs Coleby-Davis urged Bahamians to slow down, drive cautiously, and obey road laws.

“Let me be very clear and direct: we must practice safe driving on our streets every day,” she said. “No one is above the laws of our country.”

“We must obey the speed limit, wear seat belts and put down those cell phones. We must not drink and drive. We must ensure that our vehicles have current insurance. Road Traffic, y’all better get it together, you know that’s my slogan. Get it together and get these cars off the road that do not have insurance.

“We must be courteous to all our road users,

including pedestrians and motorcyclists.”

Mrs Coleby-Davis’s comments came during the Road Traffic Supervisors Training Programme graduation ceremony on Friday.

“Over the course of three weeks, the graduates of this comprehensive training programme were exposed to sessions on human resource management, communication, customer service and

human interaction, conflict resolution, first aid strategies, stress management and road traffic laws regulations,” she said.

“Graduates, as Road Traffic supervisors, you will play a key role in ensuring that we reduce traffic fatalities and adhere to the rules of the road. Be always respectful and fair, do not abuse your role. Do not get caught up in corrupt practices.”

PROMOTERS OF THE BURNA BOY CONCERT DEFEND TICKET PRICES

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net PROMOTERS of the concert Burna Boy will headline said tickets are expensive because of the significance of the headline act.

“This is an international opportunity for us, so when it comes down to the ticket pricing, you have to think about the fact that Burna Boy is on the likes of Beyonce,” Kendika Campbell-Moss said on Friday during a press conference ahead of this weekend’s Spilligate ‘23 event.

“So those tickets, of course, will be expensive, but you are looking at what we’re bringing to you in terms of international

BURNA BOY popularity.

You’re looking at what we’re bringing to you in terms of entertainment.”

Some residents have bemoaned the ticket costs on social media.

General admission is $200; VIP is $300; Platinum Plus is $1,000; Platinum is $3,000; sky pods range from $6,000 to 14,000; skyboxes range from $12,000-18,000; stage skyboxes are $20,000; and corporate boxes are $25,000-$30,000.

Foreign Currency is the promotions and event management company organising the event.

Tickets, which can be purchased at the box office of The Kendal GL Isaacs National Gymnasium or online, are subject to VAT according to the Foreign Currency website.

In addition to local patrons, officials noted ticket sales from Nigeria, Maryland, Texas, Florida, Atlanta, and New York.

In addition to Burna Boy, the event will feature Bahamian artists such as Natural Empress, Rika C, Mighty Pencil, and Judah

Tha Lion.

The event is scheduled to run from 4pm to 4am.

From 4pm to 7pm, event organisers will host a family-friendly festival.

Javon Williams, events manager for the National Sports Authority, urged concertgoers to purchase tickets for paid parking to ensure the security of their vehicles.

NSA has organised eight designated parking zones, with pricing ranging from $10 to $25. The pricing structure for the parking zones is based on proximity to the concert grounds.

Each complex will have members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, security guards, and parking attendants.

“You also have the option of free parking in the public areas that are on the exterior of the NSA parking venues,” said Mr Williams.

“Those areas will have no police officers, no security officers, and no parking attendants. The only thing you will have there is hope, so choose wisely.”

BHS calls for end to ‘chumming’ practices near public swim areas THE TRIBUNE

Monday, December 11, 2023, PAGE 5

from page one want to imagine.”

Rob Waldron, CEO of Curriculum Associates in Billerica, where the victim worked, released a statement saying his team is heartbroken.

“Lauren was a beloved member of our math editorial team, and she infused her deep dedication to students and educators into every material she touched,” he said. “Her commitment to excellence and outstanding work was driven by a higher purpose, focused on improving learning outcomes for all. Our Curriculum Associates community is mourning this tragedy and extends our deepest love and support to Lauren’s wonderful husband and all of her family.”

The woman’s death reignited debate about how to handle sharks.

Ms Aranha called for restraint, saying calls for a mass culling of sharks would do nothing to fix the issue.

“I think we have a bunch of people with a ridiculous knee-jerk reaction wanting to go out and cull every shark they can find when they don’t even know if it was a bull shark or a tiger shark or how big it was,” she said.

“They don’t know anything about it and yet now we’ve got all these people who in their ignorance, and I’m sorry to say ignorance, but it’s true, think that by going out and killing a bunch of sharks they’re going to stop shark attacks.”

LAUREN Erickson Van Wart of Massachusetts, a newlywed on vacation to The Bahamas, was bitten while paddle boarding about 3/4 of a mile offshore near Sandals last week.

REPORTEDLY the paddle board of Lauren Erickson Van Wart of Massachusetts who died after being bitten by a shark believed to be the same one seen circling here less than a mile from shore near Sandals.

She suggested that chumming in public swimming areas, such as those near Rose Island, is linked

to recent shark attacks.

She specifically noted the case of a man found dead near Saunders beach

with shark bites in August.

While she acknowledged that there was

no proven connection between chumming and the death of Mrs Van Wart, she said the government should intervene and enforce restrictions on where people can chum.

“I think that we’ve got to stop chumming everywhere,” she said.

“This isn’t in response to the tragedy. This is the fact that we need to stop chumming in areas where there are a lot of swimmers, whether they are tourists or locals. It’s totally irresponsible.

“There are people that go out there with wood

chippers, and they put fish in it so they have a wide range to scatter chum because they want to bring sharks in. They want to bring ‘em in because they want to tag them, or they want to bring them in because they want to photograph them or whatever the reasons are.”

“If you are going to put out chum for sharks, you need to do it a certain distance from any island.

I would suggest ten miles off shore, frankly.”

Ms Aranha also advised against using squid to attract turtles as it also attracts sharks.

PAGE 6, Monday, December 11, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

The Tribune Limited

PICTURE OF THE DAY

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

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH,

Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991

RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B. Publisher/Editor 1972-

Published daily Monday to Friday

Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207 TELEPHONES News & General Information Advertising Manager Circulation Department Nassau fax Freeport, Grand Bahama Freeport fax

(242) 322-2350 (242) 502-2394 (242) 502-2386 (242) 328-2398 (242)-352-6608 (242) 352-9348

WEBSITE, TWITTER & FACEBOOK www.tribune242.com

@tribune242

tribune news network

We know the problems - what next?

THERE is a tendency at times for our nation to resist advice from outside bodies – but the criticisms levelled by the UN ought to be weighed appropriately, not least because they are reiterating problems we already know about.

There are problems with our bail system? Our own police commissioner gets in front of a camera to complain about that. The detention centre is in need of improvement – there have been many stories down the years pointing that out.

But it is the detail that helps to point out to us some of the specifics that are a worry.

Take for example the consideration that the financial cost of bail can be a burden on families who are already struggling, perhaps pushing them further into difficulties. It’s not the families, after all, who committed the crime, so does the financial cost play any part in reducing the risk of further crime or does it just add another challenge?

Last month, The Tribune wrote about some of the other problems of the bail system.

One woman talked of how if she could rewind time, she wouldn’t let her older brother get bail. Elvardo Deveaux was out on bail when he was shot dead at the age of 22. Was he out on bail too soon?

Well, he had been on remand at prison for two years. He had not been found guilty in that time – he was accused of murder – but how long does someone not yet guilty of a crime have to wait in prison in the expectation of a trial?

Perhaps it would have meant he was alive still – gunned down in the street, one more of the 42 percent of murder victims this year to have been murdered while out on bail.

Could the monitoring system be more effective? Ministry of National Security consultant Carlos Reid said that the company monitoring the system has been ineffective, with police not receiving notifications. The monitoring company said the police are notified – with the president of the company saying “Let’s just say you broke curfew this morning. We will notify the police this morning.”

The Minister of National Security, Wayne Munroe, defended both the company and the police, saying: “Yes, Metro does report to the police violations. Yes,

the police do follow up. Whether it’s within the timeframe that Metro thinks is efficient is a different question.”

So where does that get us?

There are other concerns from the UN group – such as not enough being done to prevent forced confessions. For clarity, that’s where prisoners are beaten until they admit to the crime, even if that means just saying anything to get their abusers to stop.

The Tribune has reported numerous cases over the years where there have been allegations of officers beating people to obtain confessions – but precious few cases where officers have been held to account.

One case in Eleuthera saw three people claim they were tortured by police – only for their official complaint to be adjudged to have run out of time for consideration even though they made it in timely fashion, and it was the police delay that made the complaint lapse.

The group also highlighted arrests without warrants, or detainees being held longer than 48 hours without extensions being granted by the court.

There is praise too – for improvements at the prison, and the addition of a medical block at the detention centre, so the report is even-handed.

The question of allegations of prisoners being abused ought not to be one we are still dealing with – it should not be too challenging to ensure that there is security camera footage within police stations to prevent such actions. We already have bodycams for police officers – so station cameras ought to be a standard feature too. That not only prevents abuse, but also protects officers from false allegations of abuse.

Some of the points noted by the UN group are stunning, though – such as the note that some prison inmates are losing their eyesight because of being locked up in darkness, or the detail that some people – some, not just one – have been in Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre for more than 30 years. No sign of rehabilitation there.

What matters, of course, is what happens next. This report should not just be filed in a cabinet to gather dust. What will we do to remedy the issues that have been highlighted?

That is the next question that must – and will – be asked.

Human Rights Day Message from the UN EDITOR, The Tribune.

“ALL human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”

The iconic opening sentence of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is as important today as it was when it was adopted 75 years ago.

The Universal Declaration is a roadmap, helping to end wars, heal divisions and promote lives of peace and dignity for all.

But the world is losing its way. Conflicts are raging.

Poverty and hunger are increasing. Inequalities are deepening. The climate crisis is a human rights crisis that is hitting the most vulnerable hardest.

Authoritarianism is on the rise.

Civic space is shrinking and the media is under attack from all sides.

Gender equality remains a distant dream and women’s reproductive rights are being rolled back.

Today, it is more important than ever to promote and respect all human rights – social, cultural, economic, civil and political – which protect us all.

The Universal Declaration shows the way to common values and approaches that can help resolve tensions and create the security and stability our world craves.

As we work to update global frameworks and

make them more effective in the 21st century, human rights must have a unique and central role.

I call on Member States to use this 75th anniversary, and the Summit of the Future next year, to strengthen their commitment to the timeless values of the Universal Declaration.

And on Human Rights Day, I urge people around the world to promote and respect human rights, every day, for everyone, everywhere.

ANTONIO GUTERRES United Nations Secretary General December 10, 2023

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

WORKERS on the roof of the Thomas A Robinson Stadium on Saturday.

Photo: Dante Carrer

Convention calls are for Minnis EDITOR, The Tribune.

FORMER Free National Movement Cabinet Minister Desmond Bannister’s calls for a convention in a recent letter to the FNM leadership team is a repeat of the Loretta Butler-Turner faction’s calls for a convention during the tumultuous tenure of Dr Hubert Minnis as Opposition leader in 2016. Everyone knew what were the underlying motives behind the calls for Minnis to go to convention. The Gang of Six were deeply dissatisfied with Minnis’ leadership and several of them were behind the push for Butler-Turner to replace him as leader. At the time, FNMs were led to believe that whatever the results would be in the highly anticipated convention would put to rest the revolt against Minnis.

A convention, we were led to believe, would finally settle the issue of leadership within the FNM once and for all. That did not happen. In the 2014 convention, Minnis would gain 298 votes to Butler-Turner’s 106. In the 2016 convention, however, the Butler-Turner and Dr Duane Sands team bowed out of the race after it became clear that they were going to lose in convincing fashion. Even though FNM delegates overwhelmingly voted to retain Minnis as Opposition leader, the Butler-Turner faction still went ahead and sidestepped the electoral process within the 2016 convention by removing Minnis via a constitutional provision. It was Butler-Turner’s last resort in accomplishing what FNM convention delegates refused to give to her.

While the utilisation of the Westminster system worked in demoting Minnis in the House of Assembly as Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition Leader, it did nothing to alter his role as the democratically elected leader of the FNM. Judging by the overwhelming endorsement of Minnis coupled with the lack of support for the former Long Island MP in the 2016 convention, it was obvious to the Bahamian people that Butler-Turner had overestimated her popularity within the FNM. Her calls for a convention that year were really her stating to FNMs to elect her as Minnis’ replacement. The fact that she would orchestrate the removal of Minnis as Opposition leader in the House of Assembly tells me

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net that it wasn’t really about holding a convention that was her main concern. It was about replacing Minnis as FNM leader. Had convention delegates yielded to her wishes, there wouldn’t have been any need to engage former Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling. Removing Minnis was a pyrrhic victory for Butler-Turner, as that earth shattering move would seal her political fate in Minnis’ FNM. The situation today regarding FNM Leader Michael Pintard is eerily similar.

All of a sudden, a narrative within the FNM has developed that says that Pintard is opposed to the idea of going to convention for fear of losing his leadership post to Dr. Minnis. This is what I am starting to sense coming out of the Minnis camp. It would appear that the Minnis camp is utilizing the same political playbook that the Butler-Turner camp used in its protracted fight with Minnis. What the Minnis camp is saying about Pintard today is nearly identical to what the Butler-Turner camp was saying about Minnis between 2014 and 2017. Minnisites have even gone as far as comparing the current situation with Minnis with that of former FNM Leaders Hubert Ingraham and Tommy Turnquest between 2002 and 2005. Those who lobbied for the return of Ingraham argued that the FNM could not win with Turnquest.

Ingraham had led the party to two consecutive general election wins in 1992 and 1997. The Minnis camp feels the same way about their candidate of choice, although it has to be reiterated that the 2017 general election was highly unusual.

It was the first time a sitting prime minister would lose his seat, which is almost unheard of in western democracies. Moreover, the general sentiments among the Bahamian voting population towards Ingraham in 2005 is vastly different from what it is today towards Minnis in 2023. While Ingraham was still somewhat popular in 2005, Minnis -several years removed from the protracted COVID-19 lockdowns -- is still very unpopular among young voting Bahamians, many

of whom are still nursing a grudge against his administration for restricting their freedoms. Unfortunately for Minnis, the youth demographic seems to be under the impression that The Bahamas was the only country in the Western hemisphere that enforced curfews during the height of the pandemic. COVID19 coupled with Hurricane Dorian had traumatized tens of thousands of Bahamians. It would’ve been a miracle for the FNM under Minnis to retain ten seats in the 2021 electoral exercise.

Additionally, Ingraham had a very cordial relationship with the press; is articulate; was a master politician who could speak extemporaneously and was one of the best political orators in his generation, having learned from Sir Lynden O Pindling, perhaps the greatest political orator this country has ever seen. Whenever the FNM holds its next convention, you can rest assured that in the event Pintard manages to stave off a Minnis comeback, he will still face stiff opposition from the Minnis camp. Already having the FNM leadership bogged down in a frivolous litigation, they will continue to fight Pintard every step of the way. The FNM leader is currently tasked with two responsibilities; fending off the Minnis camp while having to fulfill his role as Opposition leader. The current dilemma is untenable.

I do not foresee a scenario in which the two camps will be able to galvanise with Pintard at the helm, for the simple reason that the Minnis camp seems unwilling to negotiate a political ceasefire or to recognize the FNM leader’s authority.

You get the impression that these people view Pintard as being an interim leader.

Accordingly, any complaints about Pintard’s inability to galvanise the various factions is disingenuous. At this juncture it would seem that a convention in and of itself will not resolve the current conflict, unless Minnis emerges victorious.

Like the Butler-Turner faction, a convention is not what these people are really agitating for. What they really want is Dr Minnis being reinstalled as FNM leader.

KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama December 6, 2023.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, December 11, 2023, PAGE 7

GOVT SEEKING A NEW PARTNER FOR NAZARETH CENTRE

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net THE Catholic Church’s partnership with the government to run the Nazareth Centre will end this month, according to State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Myles Laroda.

He said a new operating partner for the centre will be onboard “shortly”.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese ran the Nazareth Centre, one of the Department of Social Services’ residential care facilities for children, for over 20 years.

Mr Laroda said the

government was discussing the centre’s future with two other groups.

“These are troubling times,” Mr Laroda said, explaining why the Catholic Church ended the partnership. “These are tough times financially, and the pie is only so big for every institution, and while we are sad or disappointed that the Catholic Church has made that decision, we understand that theirs is a work that affects different areas of society. So we’d like to move forward in selecting an entity and be in a position to serve those individuals affected at the Nazareth Centre.”

SIX MONTHS SENTENCE FOR MAN ADMITTING TO INJURING OFFICER

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN was sentenced to six months in prison after he admitted to injuring an officer responding to a burglary incident last week.

Magistrate Shaka Serville charged Reginal Jean aka Reginal Dorcly, 41, with burglary, damage, stealing, causing harm, resisting arrest and deceit of a public officer.

Jean allegedly broke into the home of Donald Masekenuba and stole his $1,000 weed whacker and $1,300 black Lenero t14 laptop at around 1.24am on December 5. During this same incident the

defendant allegedly broke Masekenuba’s bell Howell solar spotlight.

Later that same day in the process of resisting arrest the defendant injured PC 4318 Brown and gave the officer a false statement.

Although Jean pleaded guilty to the causing harm, resisting arrest and deceit charges, he was was not able to enter a plea for the burglary related charges.

He was informed that those matters would be moved to the Supreme Court by way of Voluntary Bill of Indictment (VBI).

Jean was sentenced to six months for the resisting arrest charges and is expected to return to court for service of his VBI on January 29, 2024.

FOUR YEARS JAIL FOR MAN OVER VIOLENT ROBBERY OF TWO WOMEN

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN was sentenced to four years in prison on Friday after he admitted to stealing over $2,000 from two women in a violent robbery last week.

Magistrate Algernon Allen Jr charged Lousaint Dumont, 31, and Alpheaus Smith, 29, with two counts of robbery.

The pair reportedly violently robbed Brenda Stone and Janet Perry of $2,000 and $150 in

cash respectively along with personal belongings on December 5 in New Providence.

Although Dumont pleaded guilty to the charges, his co-accused Smith pleaded not guilty.

Dumont was sentenced to 48 months in prison for the offence, while Smith was granted bail at $6,000 with one or two sureties.

Smith is expected to sign in at the Fox Hill Police Station every Monday and Wednesday by 7pm.

Smith’s trial in the matter begins on March 8, 2024.

NO BAIL FOR MAN CHARGED OVER FOUR BAIL VIOLATIONS

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN was remanded to prison after he allegedly failed to charge his monitoring device while on bail for assault with a deadly weapon.

Magistrate Algernon Allen Jr charged Kermit Evans, 37, with four counts of violation of bail conditions.

While on release for

charges of assault with a deadly weapon and causing harm, Evans allegedly failed to charge his monitoring device four times between September 8 and 15.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Evans was not granted bail and was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

Evans is to return to court on December 13 for court date fixture.

MAN FINED $1,500 FOR HAVING ONE POUND OF MARIJUANA

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN was fined $1,500 after admitting to having a pound of marijuana in his house last week.

Magistrate Samuel McKinney charged Renaldo Maycock, 36, with possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

Levan Johnson represented the accused.

Maycock was arrested after police found him

with 1lb of marijuana in his house on Carmichael Road on December 5. $882 in cash was also seized in this drug bust, believed to be the proceeds of crime.

The drugs seized in this incident have an estimated street value of $1,000.

After pleading guilty to the charge, Maycock was ordered to pay a fine of $1,500 or risk three months in prison. The money confiscated during his arrest is to be forfeited to the crown.

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

‘National Youth Guard will train for climate resilience’

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said the second cohort of the National Youth Guard will be trained in the fight for climate resilience and gain other employable skills.

Mr Davis invited young people to apply for the four-month programme during a press conference at the National Training Agency on Gladstone Road on Saturday.

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force, NEMA, the Disaster Reconstruction Authority, LJM Maritime Academy and the Royal Bahamas Police Force have joined to host the programme.

Recruits are trained in CPR, search and rescue, maritime training, plumbing and electrical work, climate disaster preparedness and recovery.

Internships with various programme partners are also included.

Three new cohorts will be welcomed to the National Youth Programme in 2024, the first on January 15, 2024.

“The National Youth

Guard is a testament to the government’s commitment to engage youth in crucial ways that shape the landscape of this country,” Mr Davis said. “The programme is designed to develop employable skills and capacity in youth while simultaneously harbouring government and institutional readiness in the event of a disaster.”

National Security Minister Wayne Munroe, who also attended the press conference, said unlike the Rangers Programme, the National Youth Guard is not a feeder programme for the Royal Bahamas Defence Force or other law enforcement agencies.

He said members of the guard “are like first responders”.

“They are there right then knowing what to do,” he added.

“What we will be saying to corporate Bahamas is if you tell us you are looking for employees, don’t expect to get any work permits for anything that any of these young people can do.

“We intend to police that system so that we can tell you that we know about these young people, we vetted them, and we

PRIME MINISTER PHILIP ‘BRAVE’ DAVIS recruited them. So, you can’t tell us any foolishness about them not being suitable. We have trained them in areas that you as a business should want.”

The first cohort, trained in Grand Bahama, had 64 graduates in March, and the programme included young Bahamians from ten different islands.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2023

THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS

Mission details for troops headed to Haiti still needed

By MALCOLM STRACHAN

THE prospect of Bahamian troops being deployed to Haiti edges ever closer – and yet we still do not really know what it is they will be doing.

What we do know is that the possibility of being sent out with no clear idea of what the mission will be while surrounded by gangs has already put some Bahamians off the idea of joining up with the Royal Bahamas Defence Force in favour of other organisations – and who can blame them?

Commodore Raymond King’s comments last week on the deployment were far from encouraging.

He said during a press briefing: “We have received our warning order from the Prime Minister that we will deploy, but we have yet to receive instructions explicitly in terms of the role or functions.”

Imagine that. Pack up your bags, we’re off to Haiti. No idea what we’re doing, but let’s go.

He told the press that there would be three platoons of at least 50 people per platoon, with a tour of duty lasting four months in Haiti.

He said: “Those persons have been selected from all of the main branches within the Royal Bahamas Defence Force: intelligence, administrations, operations, planning and communications. You need persons from all those disciplines, including interpreters, persons from our welfare unit, our chaplaincy office.”

We definitely need the chaplains, because it’s the only way we’ll have a prayer of success if the mission has not been defined.

Training had been carried out for the troops – though for what it is hard to say if the mission is so unclear – but even that is out of date now, according to the commodore.

He said initial training had been on “infantry optics” in an urban setting, but the situation, he says, has changed.

He said: “When I speak of it changing, the criminal gangs are now blocking humanitarian aid from getting to those who need it most.”

He pointed out ports being obstructed – though the gangs were doing that

JIMMY Cerizier - aka Barbeque - leader of the G9 coalition lead the blockade of a major fuel terminal in Haiti which the UN said could cause famine for 19,000 people and fuel security for more than four million. The blockade ended in November of last year.

Photo: Dieu Nalio Chery/AP already more than a year ago.

Back in October of last year, the blockade of a major fuel terminal led to UN officials warning that it was causing famine to more than 19,000 people in Haiti and leading to food insecurity for four million more.

The gangs had surrounded the terminal in mid-September to demand the resignation of Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry and to protest the rise in gas prices after the government announced it could no longer afford to subsidise fuel costs.

That particular blockade – by the G9 coalition led

by Jimmy Cherizier, aka Barbecue – was ended in November of last year with Haitian police taking control, but it is far from the only blockade carried out by gangs across Haiti.

So to say that things have changed is intriguing.

Gangs are still restricting movement between areas. Gangs are still carrying out kidnappings and

demanding ransoms. Gangs are still threatening medical facilities, such as the attack last month on the Fontaine Hospital that saw bullets smashing through the windows and mothers with babies having to huddle on the floor to avoid being hit before being smuggled out by police in armoured cars. Some of the newborns had to be carried while being given oxygen.

One baby died during the attack – during a breech birth because gunfire stopped medical staff from helping the mother.

After that attack, the hospital director and founder, Jose Ulysse, said that the state “had disappeared”. That attack was carried out by the Brooklyn gang, and also left dozens of homes on fire. That gang is led by Gabriel JeanPierre, AKA “Ti Gabriel”, who heads the gang alliance called G-Pep. Between July 1 and September 30 this year, there have been more than 1,230 killings and 701

kidnappings – and there is a change here, in that those figures are more than double the figure reported during the same period last year.

So while the tactics of the gangs are not particularly changing, things are escalating.

Commodore King said: “In addition to the fuel, they are now creating obstructions for all of the major infrastructure in Haiti. Critical infrastructure includes electricity supply, communication, all of those required amenities society needs.”

He said RBDF officers would train with police officers in saturation patrols and anti-gang operations. Saturation patrols is an interesting thought – as there are only 9,000 active duty officers or so to police a nation of 11 million people. It is hard to saturate areas when officers are outnumbered so significantly to begin with.

If this sounds like we are going into a situation that is

a hot mess, that is because it is. But we knew that.

There are no elected officials to be found, the Prime Minister was an acting appointment that has prolonged without properly being sanctioned, and the police are the last men standing when it comes to stopping the gangs running completely wild.

Significant manpower is needed – and The Bahamas numbers will contribute to that alongside troops from Kenya and whoever else joins this coalition – but it remains concerning that no one seems to be saying what the goal is.

Is it to secure permanent access to fuel terminals? Is it to break up the blockades on the roads and keep travel open between parts of the country?

Is it to safeguard food distribution?

What counts as a successful mission in this situation?

And what constitutes the point at which the mission ends? Do we just pull out again after four months

regardless? Or is there a defined goal that signals the end of our involvement?

Will more troops go in after four months? Will four months become eight, 12, 16, 20, more?

The absence of discussion about what our troops will be doing if the deployment goes ahead is worrying – and the concerns can be seen by recruits voting with their boots and going to sign up elsewhere.

If Commodore King truly is having to prepare without explicit instructions on the role or functions of the force to be deployed, then he is operating with both hands tied behind his back and a blindfold on as well.

He needs to be given exact details of what is required before troops are put in harm’s way. That’s not his fault – his duty is to serve as ordered, and he will do his best. But those above need to give him all the help he can get.

So send those chaplains, by all means, Commodore – because heaven help us.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, December 11, 2023, PAGE 9

INSIGHT

PAGE December 11, 2023 PAGE10, 10 Monday, MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2023

THE TRIBUNE EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

Disinformation is rampant on social media – a social psychologist explains the tactics used against you

By H. COLLEEN SINCLAIR Louisiana State University INFORMATION warfare abounds, and everyone online has been drafted whether they know it or not.

Disinformation is deliberately generated misleading content disseminated for selfish or malicious purposes. Unlike misinformation, which may be shared unwittingly or with good intentions, disinformation aims to foment distrust, destabilise institutions, discredit good intentions, defame opponents and delegitimise sources of knowledge such as science and journalism.

Many governments engage in disinformation campaigns. For instance, the Russian government has used images of celebrities to attract attention to anti-Ukraine propaganda.

Meta, parent company of Facebook and Instagram, warned on November 30, 2023, that China has stepped up its disinformation operations.

Disinformation is nothing new, and information warfare has been practiced by many countries, including the US. But the internet gives disinformation campaigns unprecedented reach.

Foreign governments, internet trolls, domestic and international extremists, opportunistic profiteers and even paid disinformation agencies exploit the internet to spread questionable content. Periods of civil unrest, natural disasters, health crises and warstrigger anxiety and the hunt for information, which disinformation agents take advantage of.

Certainly it’s worth watching for the warning signs for misinformation and dangerous speech, but there are additional tactics disinformation agents employ.

It’s just a joke Hahaganda is a tactic in which disinformation agents use memes, political comedy from state-run outlets, or speeches to make light of serious matters, attack others, minimize violence or dehumanize, and deflect blame.

This approach provides an easy defense: If challenged, the disinformation agents can say, “Can’t you take a joke?” often followed by accusations of being too politically correct.

Shhh … tell everyone Rumour-milling is a tactic in which the disinformation agents claim to have exclusive access to secrets they allege are being purposefully concealed. They indicate that you will “only hear this here” and will imply that others are unwilling to share the alleged truth – for example, “The media won’t report this” or “The government doesn’t want you to know” and “I shouldn’t be telling you this...”

But they do not insist that the information be kept secret, and will instead include encouragement to share it – for example, “Make this go viral” or “Most people won’t have the courage to share this.” It’s important to question how an author or speaker could have come by such “secret” information and what their motive is to prompt you to share it.

People are saying Often disinformation has no real evidence, so instead disinformation agents will find or make up people to support their assertions.

This impersonation can take multiple forms. Disinformation agents will use anecdotes as evidence, especially sympathetic stories from vulnerable

groups such as women or children.

Similarly, they may disseminate “concerned citizens’” perspectives.

These layperson experts present their social identity as providing the authority to speak on a matter; “As a mother…”, “As a veteran…”, “As a police officer…”. Convert communicators, or people who allegedly change from the “wrong” position to the “right” one, can be especially persuasive, such as the woman who got an abortion but regretted it. These people often don’t actually exist or may be coerced or paid.

If ordinary people don’t suffice, fake experts may be used. Some are fabricated, and you can watch out for “inauthentic user” behaviour, for example, by checking X – formerly Twitter – accounts using the Botometer. But fake experts can come in different varieties.

UÊ Êv>ÕÝÊiÝ«iÀÌÊ ÃÊà i iÊÕÃi`Êv ÀÊ their title but doesn’t have actual relevant expertise.

UÊ Ê «ÃiÕ` iÝ«iÀÌÊ ÃÊ Ã i iÊ Ü Ê claims relevant expertise but has no actual training.

UÊ Ê Õ Ê iÝ«iÀÌÊ ÃÊ >Ê Ãi ÕÌ°Ê / iÞÊ may have had expertise once but now say whatever is profitable. You can often find these people have supported other dubious claims – for example, that smoking doesn’t cause cancer – or work for institutes that regularly produce questionable “scholarship”.

UÊ Ê iV Ê iÝ«iÀÌÊ ÃÊ Ü i Ê ` à formation sources cite each other to provide credence for their claims.

China and Russia routinely cite one another’s newspapers.

UÊ Ê ÃÌ i Ê iÝ«iÀÌÊ ÃÊ Ã i iÊ who exists, but they weren’t actually contacted and their research is misinterpreted. Likewise, disinformation agents also steal credibility from known news sources, such as by typosquatting, the practice of setting up a domain name that closely resembles a legitimate organisation’s.

You can check whether accounts, anecdotal or scientific, have been verified by other reliable sources.

Google the name. Check expertise status, source validity and interpretation of research. Remember, one story or interpretation is not necessarily representative.

It’s all a conspiracy Conspiratorial narratives involve some malevolent force – for example, “the deep state” – engaged in covert actions with the aim to cause harm to society. That certain conspiracies such as MK-Ultra and Watergate have been confirmed is often offered as evidence for the validity of new unfounded conspiracies.

Nonetheless, disinformation agents find that constructing a conspiracy is an effective means to remind people of past reasons to distrust governments, scientists or other trustworthy sources.

But extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. Remember, the conspiracies that were ultimately unveiled had evidence – often from sources like investigative

journalists, scientists and government investigations. Be particularly wary of conspiracies that try to delegitimise knowledge-producing institutions like universities, research labs, government agencies and news outlets by claiming that they are in on a cover-up.

Good vs evil Disinformation often serves the dual purpose of making the originator look good and their opponents look bad. Disinformation takes this further by painting issues as a battle between good and evil, using accusations of evilness to legitimise violence. Russia is particularly fond of accusing others of being secret Nazis, paedophiles or Satanists. Meanwhile, they often depict their soldiers as helping children and the elderly.

Be especially wary of accusations of atrocities like genocide, especially under the attention-grabbing “breaking news” headline. Accusations abound. Verify the facts and how the information was obtained.

Are you with us or against us?

A false dichotomy narrative sets up the reader to believe that they have one of two mutually exclusive options; a good or a bad one, a right or a wrong one, a red pill or a blue pill. You can accept their version of reality or be an idiot or “sheeple”.

There are always more options than those being presented, and issues are rarely so black and white. This is just one of the tactics in brigading, where disinformation agents seek to silence dissenting viewpoints by casting them as the wrong choice.

Turning the tables Whataboutism is a classic Russian disinformation technique they use to deflect attention from their own wrongdoings by alleging the wrongdoings of others. These allegations about the actions of others may be true or false but are nonetheless irrelevant to the matter at hand. The potential past wrongs of one group does not mean you should ignore the current wrongs of another.

Disinformation agents also often cast their group as the wronged party.

They only engage in disinformation because their “enemy” engages in disinformation against them; they only attack to defend; and their reaction was appropriate, while that of others was an overreaction. This type of competitive victimhood is particularly pervasive when groups have been embedded in a long-lasting conflict.

In all of these cases, the disinformation agent is aware that they are deflecting, misleading, trolling or outright fabricating. If you don’t believe them, they at least want to make you question what, if anything, you can believe.

You often look into the things you buy rather than taking the advertising at face value before you hand over your money. This should also go for what information you buy into.

UÊ Originally published on www.theconversation.com

THE TRIBUNE

‘The Power of Determination’ - Dr Minnis hosts book launch

FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis hosted a soft launch for his first book, “The Power of Determination,” at Crypto Isles on Thursday. The book recounts Dr Minnis’ struggles growing up, emphasising his tenacity and ambition in the face of adversity. The book is the first of three memoirs the Killarney MP is expected to release in the coming years.

Photos: Moise Amisial

St GeorGe’S HiGH ScHool overall top winner of national artS feStival aGain

FOR the third year in a row, St. George’s High School, out of Grand Bahama, received the GovernorGeneral’s Award as the overall top winner at the 2023 E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival Awards Ceremony, held at the University of The Bahamas, held at the University of The Bahamas on December 8, 2023. Almost 1,000 students and community members from throughout The Bahamas received trophies and plaques in recognition of their achievements. Joining teachers and parents in cheering on those recognized were the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg; Permanent Secretary Cora Colebrooke; Under Secretary Montez Williams; consultant and former Permanent Secretary Harrison Thompson; Acting Director of Culture Dereka Deleveaux-Grant and officers and staff members of the Division of Cultural Affairs.

Photos: Eric Rose

Monday, December 11, 2023, PAGE 11

Michael Johnson of GB wins Deltec’s DIYE pitch competition PAGE 12, Monday, December 11, 2023

MICHAEL Johnson of Blue Water Organics Farm won $10,000 for his shrimp farm in Grand Bahama after competing and beating five other finalists in the Deltec Foundation Pitch Competition.

Mr Johnson is the first from the Family Islands to win the Deltec Initiative for Young Entrepreneurs (DIYE) Award held in New Providence. In addition to the cash award, he will receive a one-year mentorship with Deltec Bank.

The BAMSI graduate has aspirations of becoming a national producer of fresh shrimp through a national seafood supermarket chain.

Last Tuesday, Mr Johnson and five other finalists presented their business plan during a 15-minute pitch in ‘Shark Tank’ format before a panel of judges, including Deltec Bank Chairman Jean Chalopin; business mogul and The Bahamas’ ambassador to Central America Sebastian Bastian; Davinia Bain, businesswoman and co-founder of Crypto Isle; Henri Arslanian, author and global fintech keynote speaker; and Shayne Davis, an investment

adviser.

The six finalists were mentored over the past six months by Deltec executives -volunteers who helped them develop their business models, and pitch and introduced them to Deltec’s global network.

The Deltec Initiative Foundation was implemented in 2013 to empower Bahamian youth across three pillars: entrepreneurship, the arts, and scholarship and education.

The DIYE is a charitable effort launched as part of the Foundation’s mission to empower and support young Bahamians with innovative ideas to grow their small and mediumsized enterprises.

Mr Johnson thanked his mentors for their guidance and encouragement. “(My mentors) showed me that failure was not an option. But, in addition to that, they also showed me that, in business, obstacles are inevitable, and they stressed that resilient companies are the ones that last. And my win is an example of that,” he shared.

He also commended DIYE for affording all Bahamians, not just Nassauvians, the opportunity

THE TRIBUNE

to participate in the initiative.

Through Blue Water Organic Farm, Mr Johnson plans to provide fresh, sustainable seafood to locals and tourists through national supermarket chains, and five-star restaurants, and neighbourhood eateries.

DIYE chairman Robert Turnquest believes Mr Johnson’s win demonstrates a national effort to attract young entrepreneurs from around the country.

“We hope that the winning entrepreneur, Michael Johnson, being from Grand Bahama, sends a positive statement that if you are an accomplished businessperson with an intriguing idea to solve a real-world problem profitably, you too have a shot at being our next Deltec Young Entrepreneurs winner,” he said.

The Deltec Foundation congratulated all of the finalists and encouraged them not to give up their entrepreneurial pursuits.

Individuals may learn more about the Foundation and the application process at deltecbank.com/ deltecinitiativesfoundation

ABOVE: Winner of the Deltec Initiative for Young Entrereneurs (DIYE) Michael Johnson. Bottom left: finalist Nakia Brice; Bottom right: finalist Rayeisa Basden.

FLUOROSCOPY ROOM AT RAND MEMORIAL HOSPITAL IN GB REOPENS

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Staff Reporter dmaycock@ tribunemedia.net THE Rand Memorial Hospital reopened its Fluoroscopy Room on Friday after it was closed for several years.

Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey attended the rededication ceremony and said it marks the return of essential diagnostic services after a five-year absence in Grand Bahama.

A Philips ProxiDiagnost N90 digital radiography and fluoroscopy system was donated

by Direct Relief, an international partner of the Public Hospitals Authority and Grand Bahama Health Services.

Ms Moxey said the Radiology Department can now perform a wide range of examinations with the new machine.

“It has been over five long years since the hospital was able to provide these services to the Grand Bahama community. And during that time, patients had to endure the inconvenience and expense of traveling offisland for these essential procedures,” she stated.

Ms Moxey said reducing the need for patients to travel for such specialised procedures saves patients time and money. And it improves the overall patient experience.

She noted that timely

access to imaging services is crucial for better patient case management and enhances the delivery of quality healthcare in Grand Bahama.

The minister said that Direct Relief has been a good partner, especially in the wake of Hurricane Dorian, assisting with the recovery and repair of the health infrastructure in Grand Bahama.

“Their unwavering commitment to our healthcare system has significantly impacted patient care at GBHS facilities,” she said.

Mr Kele Isaacs, acting Managing Director of PHA, said reopening the Fluoroscopy Room is pivotal because patients can now access essential and routine diagnostic procedures here in Grand Bahama.

“Today, we put an end to that inconvenience and ensure that our community has access to the vital healthcare services they need right here at home,” he said.

Mr Isaac said PHA is prioritising upgrading of health infrastructure throughout Grand Bahama.

He mentioned the expansion of the Rand Memorial Hospital’s infectious disease capacity and rehabilitative services with modular buildings, the ongoing construction of the Freeport Health Campus (which will be the future home of the Freeport Community Clinic),

THE COMMISSIONING Ceremony of the Fluoroscopy Room in the Radiation Department of the Rand Memorial Hospital was held on Friday when Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey said the new equipment will change the lives of so many who will no longer have to travel for the service. Also present were Andrew Edwards, chairman of the Public Hospitals Authority; Kele Isaacs, Acting Managing Director of the Public Hospitals Authority; senior government officials and staff of the Public Hospitals Authority. Following the official ceremony, Minister Moxey and Mr Edwards unveiled the plaque and toured the facility.

Photo: Andrew Miller/BIS the upgrading and refur- commitment to provid- and commitment despite progress and improving bishing of the morgue, ing top-notch healthcare the challenges. health infrastructure on cafeteria, and kitchen, and services to the Grand He also thanked Direct our island. The impact the renovations to Com- Bahama community.

Relief for their continued of their contributions munity Clinics across the Mr Isaac commended partnership with Grand extends far beyond these island. the leadership and staff of Bahama Health Services. walls, touching the lives of The projects, he the Rand Memorial Hos“Their support has been countless Bahamians,” he said, underscore their pital for their resilience instrumental in driving stated.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, December 11, 2023, PAGE 13

In inaugural speech, Argentina’s Javier Milei prepares nation for painful shock adjustment BUENOS AIRES Associated Press IT WASN’T the most uplifting of inaugural addresses. Rather, Argentina’s newly empowered President Javier Milei presented figures to lay bare the scope of the nation’s economic “emergency,” and sought to prepare the public for a shock adjustment with drastic public spending cuts.

Milei said in his address to thousands of supporters in the capital, Buenos Aires, that the country doesn’t have time to consider other alternatives.

“We don’t have margin for sterile discussions. Our country demands action, and immediate action,” he said. “The political class left the country at the brink of its biggest crisis in history.

We don’t desire the hard decisions that will need to be made in coming weeks, but lamentably they didn’t leave us any option.”

South America’s second largest economy is suffering 143% annual inflation, the currency has plunged and four in 10 Argentines are impoverished. The nation has a yawning fiscal deficit, a trade deficit of $43 billion, plus a daunting $45 billion debt to the International Monetary Fund, with $10.6 billion due to the multilateral and private creditors

by April.

“There’s no money,” is Milei’s common refrain.

He repeated it Sunday to explain why a gradualist approach to the situation, which would require financing, was not an option.

But he promised the adjustment would almost entirely affect the state rather than the private sector, and that it represented the first step toward regaining prosperity.

“We know that in the short term the situation will worsen, but soon we will see the fruits of our effort, having created the base for solid and sustainable growth,” he said.

Milei, a 53-yearold economist, rose to fame on television with profanityladen tirades against what he called the political caste.

He parlayed his popularity into a congressional seat and then, just as swiftly, into a presidential run. The overwhelming victory of the self-declared “anarchocapitalist” in the August primaries sent shock waves through the political landscape and upended the race.

Argentines disillusioned with the economic status quo proved receptive to an outsider’s outlandish ideas to remedy their woes and

transform the nation. He won the election’s Nov. 19 second round decisively — and sent packing the Peronist political force that dominated Argentina for decades. Still, he is likely to encounter fierce opposition from the Peronist movement’s lawmakers and the unions it controls, whose members have said they refuse to lose wages.

Earlier on Sunday, Milei was sworn in inside the National Congress building, and outgoing President Alberto Fernández placed the presidential sash upon him. Some of the assembled lawmakers chanted “Liberty!”

Afterward, he broke tradition by delivering his inaugural address not to assembled lawmakers but to his supporters gathered outside — with his back turned to the legislature. He blamed the outgoing government for putting Argentina on the path toward hyperinflation while the economy stagnated, saying the political class “has ruined our lives.”

“In the last 12 years, GDP per capita fell 15% in a context in which we accumulated 5,000% inflation. As such, for more than a decade we have lived in stagflation. This is the last rough patch before starting the reconstruction of Argentina,” he said. “It won’t be easy; 100 years of failure aren’t undone in a day. But it begins in a day, and today is that day.”

Given the general bleakness of Milei’s message, the crowd listened attentively and cheered only occasionally. Many waved Argentine flags and, to a lesser extent, the yellow Gadsden flag that is often associated with the U.S. libertarian right and which Milei and his supporters have adopted.

“Economically, we are just like every Argentine, trying to make it to the end of the month,” said Wenceslao Aguirre, one of Milei’s supporters. “It’s been a very complicated situation. We hope this will change once and for all.”

As Milei takes office, the nation wonders which version of him will govern: the chainsaw-wielding, antiestablishment crusader from the campaign trail, or the more moderate president-elect who emerged in recent weeks.

As a candidate, Milei pledged to purge the political establishment of corruption, eliminate the Central Bank he has accused of printing money and fueling inflation, and replace the rapidly depreciating peso with the U.S. dollar.

But after winning, he tapped Luis Caputo, a former Central Bank president, to be his economy minister and one of Caputo’s allies to helm the bank, appearing to have put his much-touted plans for dollarization on hold.

Milei had cast himself as a willing warrior against the creep of global socialism, much like former U.S. President Donald Trump, whom he openly admires.

But when Milei traveled to the U.S. last week, he didn’t visit Mar-a-Lago; rather, he took lunch with another former U.S. leader, Bill Clinton.

He also dispatched a diplomat with a long history of work in climate negotiations to the ongoing COP28 conference in Dubai, Argentine newspaper La Nacion reported, despite having insistently rejected humanity’s involvement in global warming. And he backtracked on plans to scrap the nation’s health ministry.

And during his inaugural address, he directed some comments to the political class, saying that he has no intention to “persecute anyone or settle old vendettas,” and that any politician or union leader who wants to support his project will be “received with open arms.”

His moderation may stem from pragmatism, given the scope of the immense challenge before him, his political inexperience and need to sew up alliances with other parties to implement his agenda in Congress, where his party is a distant third in number of seats held.

He chose Patricia Bullrich, a longtime politician and first-round adversary from the coalition with the second most seats, to be his security minister, as well as her running mate, Luis Petri, as his defense minister.

Still, there are signs that Milei has not given up his radical plans to dismantle the state. Already he has said he will eliminate multiple ministries, including those of culture, environment, women, and science and technology. He wants to meld the ministries of social development, labor and education together under a single ministry of human capital.

Following his inaugural address, Milei traveled in a convertible to the presidential palace. Later on Sunday he is scheduled to swear in his ministers and meet with foreign dignitaries.

Prominent far-right figures will be among them: Hungarian Prime Minister

STUDENTS, LAWMAKERS AND OTHERS GATHER AT PHILADELPHIA TEMPLE TO DENOUNCE ANTISEMITISM Associated Press STUDENTS, lawmakers and religious leaders joined forces Sunday at a temple in Philadelphia to strongly denounce antisemitism on college campuses and in their communities.

The gathering at Congregation Rodeph Shalom came one day after University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill resigned amid criticism over her testimony at a congressional hearing.

Magill was unable to say under repeated questioning that calls on campus for the genocide of Jews would violate the school’s conduct policy.

“I have seen Pennsylvanians take actions big and small, and both matter, to combat antisemitism,” Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, said at the event. “I’ve seen it here in Philadelphia where students raised their voices, where students made sure they were heard in the halls of power at their university, and leadership was held accountable.”

Similar sentiments were voiced by U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Jr., a fellow Democrat, and student speakers

UNIVERSITY of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill has resigned amid pressure from donors and criticism over testimony at a congressional hearing where she was unable to say under repeated questioning that calls on campus for the genocide of Jews would violate the school’s conduct policy.

Photo: Mark Schiefelbein/AP from Harvard and Penn. called the rise in antisemHarvard President Claudine itism on the school’s campus.

Gay also took part in the He cited a Jewish fraternity congressional hearing along being defaced with grafwith Massachusetts Institute fiti that read “The Jews are of Technology President Nazis” and spoke of friends Sally Kornbluth. They also who no longer wear yarmuldrew criticism for their law- kes on campus out of fear. yerly answers.

“What surprises me is not Eitan Linhart, a sopho- the hatred,” Linhart said. more at Penn, discussed his “What surprises me is the experience with what he indifference.”

ARGENTINA’s newly sworn-in President Javier Milei arrives to the government house in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023.

Photo: Julian Bongiovanni/AP Viktor Orbán; the head of Spain’s Vox party, Santiago Abascal; former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and Bolsonaro-allied lawmakers, including his son.

Milei reportedly sent a letter inviting Brazil’s current president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, after calling the leftist “obviously”

corrupt last month during a televised interview and asserting that, if he became president, the two would not meet.

Lula dispatched his foreign minister to attend Milei’s inauguration.

Also joining was Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who made his

first visit to Latin America as Kyiv continues to court support among developing nations for its 21-monthold fight against Russia’s invading forces. Zelenskyy and Milei shared a close exchange just before the inaugural address and held a bilateral meeting later in the day.

SPORTS PAGE 14

MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2023

Breyias Dean emerges as the ‘Home Run King’

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

A

year ago, Breyias Dean was walking around in awe as the stars came out to perform in the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby in Paradise on Montagu Bay. On Saturday, the Miami Marlins’ minor league affiliate rookie had the stars watching him.

After getting off to a slow start, the 18-yearold Dean got really hot to become the youngest Home Run King and the second consecutive Bahamian to keep the title at home.

BJ Murray Jr, an infielder with the Chicago Cubs’ minor league affiliate, got eliminated in the first round of his title defence. Dean, in a real close encounter, edged out Will Benson of the

Cincinnati Reds minor league affiliate 8-7 in the final showdown. Dean, a 6-foot, 2-inch infielder admitted that there was a lot of pressure, but the crowd cheering him on helped to propel him over the top. “It feels great. It’s good to get the title placed around my neck,” Dean said. “I just wanted to put on a show, perform and do my best.”

Dean said once he was told how many he had when he tied Benson, he knew with about three shots left, he had a chance to eventually secure the title. “I can’t wait for next year,” said Dean, as he vowed to defend his title in 2024.

Prior to the back-toback feat by Murray Jr and Dean, the title left town with MJ Melendez in 2021, Lewis Brinson in ‘20 and

SEE PAGE 15

CREAM OF THE CROP: Breyias Dean, 18, became the second consecutive Bahamian to keep the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby title at home.

Photo: Dante Carrer

Baha Mar Cup raises $120,000

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net THE Baha Mar Cup returned to the sporting paradise for the fourth time at the Baha Mar Racquet Club over the weekend.

Professional tennis players, including Victoria Azarenka, Jessica Pegula, Taylor Townsend, James Blake, Austin Krajicek and Mark Knowles took the courts at the threeday event in support of the Baha Mar Resort Foundation and Mark Knowles Children’s Tennis Initiative.

The annual tennis extravaganza raised $120,000 which was the highest total amount raised for the event.

Josh Herman, senior vice president of marketing at Baha Mar, was impressed with the fourth hosting of the Baha Mar Cup

at the renowned resort.

“We were thrilled to raise $120,000 to benefit the Baha Mar Foundation and Mark Knowles Children’s Initiative. That is the most we have ever raised at this event. It really is designed to work in connection with Mark and benefit the community here.

“We resurfaced several courts last year and we are trying to figure out the best way to put the money to work here in the community and toward the growth of tennis,” Herman said.

With the event completely sold out in its fourth year, Herman talked about the continued growth of the annual tennis event.

“Sports tourism is a growing part of our business. We just hosted Baha Mar Hoops and are excited to do the Baha Mar Cup in its fourth year. This is the biggest one we have ever had, it was 100 per cent sold out this year with

SPORTS CALENDAR SOFTBALL/BASEBALL HAMILTON PASSED AWAY THE local softball and baseball fraternity is remembering the life of Frederick ‘Rico’ Hamilton, who passed away on December 8 at the age of 75.

Hamilton served as the deputy chief to the late chief umpire Arthur ‘Old Art’ Thompson for many years as they officiated both sports when they were in their heydays in the 1980s and 1990s.

MACEDONIA BAPTIST CHURCH FAMILY FUN WALK THE Men’s Department of Macedonia Baptist Church is scheduled to hold a Family Fun Walk Race to kick off the new year and the beginning of its Men’s Anniversary at 6am on Saturday, January 6 with a Family Fun Walk Race.

The event will honour the late Minister Charles Albury, who passed away this year. It starts at the church on

NBA, Page 18

‘BUDDY’ HIELD AND PACERS FALL TO LAKERS

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net CHAVANO “Buddy” Hield, who was linked to trade rumours with the Los Angeles Lakers, watched as LeBron James and Anthony Davis put on a show to dismantle his Indiana Pacers to claim the first National Basketball Association’s In-Season Tournament title.

While both James and Davis said it was all about being the first to do it, the Lakers were all motivated by the hefty $500,000 that each player pocketed as a Christmas gift for their 123-109 triumph over the Pacers on Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

It was another cause for celebrations for the Lakers and their die-hard fans as they added the inaugural IST to the crown of the league’s first NBA “bubble”

SEE PAGE 18

TENNIS PROS HOST SUCCESSFUL KIDS’ CLINIC

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

Association (WTA) doubles title holder, shared how pleased she was with her first time experience at the Baha Mar Cup. “It was super fun. I think I made it a little bit different than they have ever had it before. We had a lot

THE fourth Baha Mar Cup presented by Mark Knowles culminated with a successful hosting of a tennis kids’ clinic at the Baha Mar Racquet Club on Sunday.

Professional tennis players, including the likes of three-time major quarterfinalist Jessica Pegula, four-time WTA doubles title holder Taylor Townsend and former no.1 doubles player Austin Krajicek were in attendance at the clinic, teaching various tennis skills and drills to the younger participants.

Players of the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) joined to partake in the clinic and

SEE PAGE 15

SEE PAGE 15

THE Baha Mar Cup - annual tennis extravaganza - raised $120,000 which was the highest total amount raised for the event at the Baha Mar Racquet Club over the weekend. people coming from as far as Singapore to support us here. Our goal is to continue to expand a number of events we do and use them as a vehicle to drive visibility for The Bahamas and Baha Mar. “We want to provide a fun and exciting environment and look forward to

Dec 2023

Bernard Road, Fox Hill, and heads west on Bernard Road to the Village Road round-a-bout and returns on Bernard Road to the church. Awards will be presented to the first three finishers in each category for men and women.

The registration fee is $20 per person.

For those not participating in the walk, souse will be sold at $10. Interested persons are urged to contact Brent Stubbs at 426-7265 or stubbobs@gmail.com for further information.

A BASEBALL CHRISTMAS THE National Sports Authority is slated to host a Baseball Christmas at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium December 22-23.

The public is invited to come out and get signed autographs from the Bahamian pro baseball players, who will also compete in a series of games. Tickets are priced at $5.

its growth every year,” he said.

The professional players participated in a Pro-Am tournament along with a pro exhibition on Saturday which was followed by a successful kids’ clinic on Sunday morning.

Townsend, a fourtime Women’s Tennis

PM DAVIS COMMENDS DON’T BLINK DERBY ORGANISERS

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis commended organisers Todd Isaacs Jr and Lucius Fox for their continuation of the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby in Paradise that has now grown to become a signature sporting event in December in the Bahamas.

Davis, a former baseball player, was on hand to view the sixth edition of the event, dubbed the “Greatest Event on Sand’ on Saturday as a number of professional baseball players participated in the Bahamas versus the World showdown.

“I’m proud of these young Bahamians, who started this event six years ago,” Davis said. “I was there when they were talking about the idea and we

PRIME Minister Philip Davis with Don’t Blink Derby organisers Todd Isaacs Jr and Lucius Fox. Photo: Timmy Eneas were encouraging them, can partner with them, but making sure they have they can’t take it over.” sponsors for the event.

From its infancy stage “What’s so amazing is to where it has flourished that it has caught the eyes with so many more players of Major League Base- coming out to participate ball and I guess there was and the crowd of spectaan effort to take it over, tors swelling every year, but I told them this has to remain Bahamian. We SEE PAGE 15

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, December 11, 2023, PAGE 15

DON’T BLINK HOME RUN DERBY IN PARADISE @ MONTAGU BAY

Breyias Dean the ‘Home Run King’ Photos by Dante Carrer

FROM PAGE 14 Bo Bichette, the only two-time winner in 201819. With every cheer he got from the fans, Dean said he was inspired to hit another long ball over the home run boundary in the water in Montagu Bay. As for any celebrations for this year’s feat, Dean said he doesn’t know what he will do, but he’s eager to enjoy whatever his family and friends have planned for him.

Albert Cartwright, a former minor league player turned coach, pitched the balls to Dean. He was appreciative of the opportunity, just as he was to congratulate his long-time friends Isaacs Jr and Fox for putting on another successful event.

“It was a pleasure to come here and pitch for the Home Run Derby and to do it for the champion,” Cartwright said. “It puts the Bahamas in the spotlight, especially with another champion being crowned.

“But Todd and Lucius and Todd Sr did a tremendous job in keeping this event alive. It was a lot of fun. We had so many people out here watching an event that they would only get to see on TV with so many stars participating.”

A disappointed Benson, in his only comments after his defeat, noted that “they cheated. I was supposed to win, but it was a hometown decision,” but the 25-year-old native of Atlanta, Georgia opted not to elaborate.

Sebastian Walcott, another 18-year-old rookie, who signed with the Texas Rangers - a 6-3 shortstop - said he really wanted to get his shot at the final, but while his time to shine was delayed, he rejoiced with Dean.

“Just being in this atmosphere is really exciting.

This is my first time being in it, so I really enjoyed it,” he said.

“But Breyias is my boy.

He had to bring it home for the 242. We couldn’t let the team title and the

PM DAVIS

FROM PAGE 14

BREYIAS DEAN individual title leave the 242.”

Despite falling short in the preliminary rounds, Murray Jr said it was all about having fun.

The third baseman returned to the stage as a champion, having helped his Tennessee Smokies clinch the Double-A Southern League title in September.

“I’m glad to see Breyias win and people like Sebastian (Walcott) put on a show for the public,” Murray Jr said. “It was good to support the boys in the final rounds. Shout out to the Bahamas.”

Here’s how they manoeuvred during the rounds: Preliminary round Team World - Will Benson (Cincinnati Reds) and Lewis Brinson (Yomiuri Giants) both with 11; Josh Palacios (Pittsburgh Pirates) 10; Lawrence Butler (Oakland Athletics) eight; Ritchie Palacios (St Louis Cardinals) seven; James Wood (Washington Nationals) and Akil Badoo (Detroit Tigers) both with six; Brennen Davis (Chicago Cubs) five; Termarr Johnson Pittsburgh Pirates) four; Bahamas Breyias Dean (Miami Marlins) and Sebastian Walcott (Texas Rangers) - nine each; Ryan Reckley (San Francisco Giants) eight; Kristin Munroe (Los Angeles Angels) seven; Chavez Young (Pittsburgh Pirates) and D’Shawn Knowles (Texas Rangers) six each; Paris Johnson (LA Dodgers) five; Adari Grant (St Louis Cardinals) four and

CREAM OF THE CROP: Breyias Dean, 18, became the second consecutive Bahamian to keep the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby title at home.

Photos: Dante Carrer

Toby Simmons (Miami Marlins) and Cheriff Neymour (Miami Marlins) one each.

Semifinal Bahamas - Breyias Dean (Miami Marlins) 10 and

Sebastian Walcott (Texas Rangers) six.

Team World - Will Benson (Cincinnati Reds) nine; Josh Palacios (Pittsburgh Pirates) eight and

Lewis Brinson (Yomiuri Giants) six.

Final Bahamas - Breyias Dean (Miami Marlins) eight.

Team World - Will Benson (Cincinnati Reds) seven.

Davis said the event can only increase in every aspect over the ensuing years.

“The first event of the event was Bo Bichette, a young baseball player, who is now the starting shortstop for the Toronto Bluejays and he’s already touted to be a Hall of Famer.

“So this has attracted real talent and it’s good to know that we have these persons among us, who the Bahamas has touched. When he was here that week, he inspired us to see where he is right now.”

Following in the footsteps of BJ Murray Jr, the first Bahamian to win the title last year, Breyias Dean, who just completed his rookie season of the Miami Marlins’ minor league affiliation, made it two straight.

However, in the team title, the World out-slugged the Bahamas. It was the first time that Isaacs Jr and Fox went with the concept as they sought to find more innovative ways to enhance the event for the viewing public.

With so many fans on hand to watch, it turned out to be a celebratory one for baseball, but Davis indicated that he hopes that same excitement will spill over to the entire nation as we enjoy for the yuletide season.

“Let’s enjoy the season,” Davis stated.

“Let’s acknowledge and respect those around us and whatever we can do to help one another, let’s do it and let us always know that there’s so much world in this world that we can worry about, but we are a peaceful, loving country and we must share that peace and love with one another. That’s what I ask for.”

Davis said he’s looking forward to what will unfold in 2024.

BAHA MAR CUP FROM PAGE 14

LENDING A HAND: The fourth Baha Mar Cup wrapped up yesterday with the hosting of a kids’ tennis clinic at the Baha Mar Racquet Club.

TENNIS CLINIC

FROM PAGE 14 were delighted by the experience. Perry Newton, president of the BLTA, talked about the great impact of the Baha Mar Cup kids’ clinic on the youth in attendance.

“It is always good that the BLTA can be involved in such an impactful programme. This is the second year that we have been here, it’s a community event they want to bring the kids together and it provides an opportunity for them to take advantage of the coaching with the professionals that come

out. The kids really enjoy it and it’s a spark that fuels them headed into the new year. We are happy for Baha Mar and Mark Knowles for doing this good thing,” Newton said.

Jacobi Bain, of Xavier University of Louisiana, along with Michael Major Jr, helped along with the professionals on Sunday.

“It feels good to be home, it’s been a long semester, it has been kind of rough. I went through rehab with my knee but I am just happy to be home in the place I love so much,” Bain said.

“I enjoyed the Baha Mar Cup because I got to meet a lot of new pros, make a lot of new friends and it is just great

to have all of these connections and experiences. The kids’ clinic has been amazing. I remember when I was a kid people would do it for me so it always feels good to give back,” he added.

Sarai Clarke, who recently competed at the under-14 Junkanoo Bowl, enjoyed her time at the kids’ clinic.

“It is a lot of fun, it is exciting being able to work with the pro players and a ton of very experienced players, I got to learn a lot,” Clarke said.

With the Giorgio Baldacci Open National Tennis Championships set for December 18-21, Clarke is ready for competition. “I am really excited to play, it’s my first time playing so

I just hope I am able to play to the best of my ability and that I have fun,” she said.

Singles competitor Tatum Culmer shared his experience at the kids’ clinic for the second time.

“It’s really nice. I was here before and it is a very good experience that I am able to hit with the different pros and sharpen my skills more. It is a once in a lifetime experience that you do not get to experience a lot so it is just good to come out here and do what I have to do against the big-timers,” Culmer said.

The Baha Mar team was grateful for another year of success with the Baha Mar Cup.

of fun but after playing five hours my arm is a little sore but it was very exciting,”she said.

The 2023 French Open doubles finalist commended the Mark Knowles Children’s Tennis initiative for its contributions to the tennis community over the years.

“I love Mark and his whole family. I was always very intrigued by him being from The Bahamas and representing The Bahamas while always maintaining that throughout his career which I think is amazing because there are sometimes where people would switch but him keeping his Bahamian roots was always so important. It is just so nice to know him for so many years and be connected to this to see how his initiative and programme is growing. I am really so happy and proud to be a part of this,” she added.

Pegula, who is currently the fourth ranked American in singles and eighth in doubles, made it to her second Baha Mar Cup and was very happy with the event’s success. “It has been amazing. I think this year there were more people involved which is great to see, hopefully that means we are raising more money for the community here, it’s been really fun and I enjoyed it this year,” the threetime major singles quarterfinalist said.

Among the other first-timers were former no.1 ranked doubles player Krajiceck who thought the experience was second to none.

“It is an absolutely beautiful place, my wife and I had a wonderful time and then to be able to help out for a cause like this and help Mark at this charitable event is really special for us so anytime we could give back and help its fun,” “It’s been fun from the beginning. We had a great pro am tournament yesterday morning and then a fun exhibition,” he said.

The Baha Mar Cup concluded on Sunday with a kids’ clinic which included some players from the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA).

PAGE 16, Monday, December 11, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

Shohei Ohtani agrees to record $700 million, 10-year contract with Dodgers

By RONALD BLUM AP Baseball Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Shohei Ohtani has set a financial record to go along with his singular on-field performance, getting $700 million to make a 30-mile move up Interstate 5 to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

His agent, Nez Balelo, issued a midafternoon news release Saturday announcing the 10-year contract, ending months of speculation that began even before Ohtani became a free agent on November 2. In recent days, media and fans had tracked private plane movements and alleged sightings like detectives in attempts to discern the intentions of the two-time AL MVP with the Angels.

“This is a unique, historic contract for a unique, historic player,” Balelo said.

“He is excited to begin this partnership, and he structured his contract to reflect a true commitment from both sides to long-term success.”

Ohtani’s total was 64% higher than baseball’s previous record, a $426.5 million, 12-year deal for Angels outfielder Mike Trout that began in 2019.

His $70 million average salary is 62% above the previous high of $43,333,333, shared by pitchers Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander with deals they struck with the New York Mets. Ohtani’s average salary nearly doubles the roughly $42.3 million he earned with the Angels.

It also exceeds the entire

payrolls of Baltimore and Oakland this year.

His agreement includes unprecedented deferred money that will lower the amount it counts toward the Dodgers’ luxury tax payroll, a person familiar with the agreement told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the details were not announced.

“He structured his contract to reflect a true commitment from both sides to long-term success,” Balelo said. “Shohei and I want to thank all the organisations that reached out to us for their interest and respect, especially the wonderful people we got to know even better as this process unfolded.”

This is perhaps the largest contract in sports history, topping highs believed to be set by soccer stars Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé.

There was no immediate comment by the Dodgers.

Ohtani has not spoken with reporters since August 9.

“I apologise for taking so long to come to a decision,” Ohtani said in an English-language statement on Instagram. “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone involved with the Angels organisation and the fans who have supported me over the past six years, as well as to everyone involved with each team that was part of this negotiation process.”

“And to all Dodgers fans, I pledge to always do what’s best for the team and always continue to give it my all to be the best version

SHOHEI Ohtani has agreed to a record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

(AP Photo) majors’ elite players in both promising him the freedom of myself,” he continued.

“Until the last day of my roles when healthy. Along to train and to play howplaying career, I want to the way, he has become one ever he wanted.

Ohtani immediately dazcontinue to strive forward of the most marketable athnot only for the Dodgers letes in the world, a force zled the entire sport in but for the baseball world.” when it comes to ticket 2018, batting .285 with 22 Ohtani joins a lineup that sales, TV ratings and spon- homers and 61 RBIs as a designated hitter and going also includes 2018 AL MVP sorship revenue.

He was a unanimous 4-2 with a 3.31 ERA and 63 Mookie Betts and 2020 NL MVP Freddie Freeman. AL MVP in 2021 and 2023 strikeouts.

Ohtani won the AL The Dodgers won the NL — he finished second in West this year for the 10th 2022 — winning this year Rookie of the Year award time in 11 seasons before despite injuring his elbow in in 2018 despite making they were swept by Arizona late August and an oblique just one pitching appearance after early June due in the Division Series in muscle in early September.

Ahead of his 30th birth- to an injured elbow ligaOctober.

Los Angeles begins the day on July 5, he has a .274 ment that required Tommy 2024 season in Seoul, South average with 171 homers, John surgery following the Korea, against San Diego 437 RBIs and 86 stolen season. Ohtani made just bases along with a 39-19 two mound appearances on March 20-21.

Ohtani’s decision came record with a 3.01 ERA in the next two years while six years and one day after and 608 strikeouts in 481 continuing to play as the he first agreed to his deal 2/3 innings. Ohtani has Angels’ DH. 34.7 Wins Above ReplaceWhen his arm was finally with Angels.

Ohtani has redefined ment (WAR), per Baseball healthy in 2021, Ohtani put together a season for the modern baseball since he Reference.

The Halos are a peren- ages. chose the Angels as his first He won the AL MVP major league team. Nobody nial also-ran, both in the has come close to match- AL standings and in the award with 46 homers ing his achievements at the Los Angeles market, but and 100 RBIs at the plate plate and on the mound, they won Ohtani’s ser- while going 9-2 with a 3.18 becoming one of the vices in late 2017 partly by ERA on the mound. He

improved as a pitcher in 2022, going 15-9 with a 2.33 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP while still driving in 95 runs at the plate, but finished behind Aaron Judge in the MVP voting after the Yankees star hit an AL record 62 homers.

After winning the MVP award in the World Baseball Classic last March while leading Japan to victory — he struck out Trout to end the tournament — Ohtani maintained his two-way magnificence this year, hitting 44 homers with a career-high 1.066 OPS while going 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA before tearing his elbow ligament again on Aug. 23.

He didn’t hit after September 3 because of the strained right oblique.

Along with his elbow injuries, Ohtani’s transcendent success has come with another significant damper: He has never made the playoffs or even played on a winning team in the majors. Owner Arte Moreno’s Angels haven’t won more than 80 games or finished higher than third in the AL West during his tenure alongside Trout, a three-time AL MVP, and a perennially disappointing cast of supporting players.

Ohtani earned $42,269,259 in his six seasons with the Angels. After receiving a signing bonus of $2,315,000 with his initial deal, he had salaries of $545,000, $650,000, $259,259 (in the pandemicshortened 2020 season), $3 million, $5.5 million and $30 million.

OHTANI CASHES IN AS FANS IN JAPAN WAIT FOR HIM TO DELIVER MORE GOODS AND PLAY IN A WORLD SERIES

By STEPHEN WADE and KOJI UEDA Associated Press TOKYO (AP) — Now that Shohei Ohtani has his money — a record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers — some fans in Japan are waiting for one more thing to complete the deal.

“I want Ohtani to play in the World Series,” said Isshin Watanabe, a baseball fan speaking yesterday near Tokyo’s famous Ginza shopping area. “That’s my hope,” he added.

Baseball fans across Tokyo lined up yesterday to buy special editions of the Yomiuri newspaper, announcing Ohtani’s move across town from the Los

Angeles Angels to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

This is perhaps the largest contract in sports history, topping highs believed to be set by soccer stars Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé.

Ohtani is likely to only play this coming season as a designated hitter as he recovers from surgery that is expected to keep him from pitching.

“I think Ohtani will return to the two-way role the year after next,” Watanabe, the fan, said. “I want him to be the home run king next year.”

Ohtani is a bigger-thanlife hero in Japan, the country’s most famous athlete who has stoked national pride by reaching the pinnacle of a game

beloved by many Americans and Latin Americans.

One fan noted that Ohtani’s salary is more than the entire player payroll for at least one Japanese professional team. He used the SoftBank Hawks of Fukuoka as the example, “That sounds like a dream,” said Yuto Manabe, also speaking in Ginza.

Fans in Japan’s northeastern prefecture of Iwate, where Ohtani grew up and went to high school, also celebrated by buying extra editions of the local newspaper — the Iwate Nippo.

“I’ve been following Ohtani since his high school years,” Asihisa Suzuki told Japan’s news agency Kyodo. “I want to cheer him wherever he is.”

A STAFF distributes an extra edition of the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper reporting on Shohei Ohtani to move to the Los Angeles Dodgers yesterday in Tokyo. Ohtani agreed to a record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

(AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Kyodo reported that fans gathered at Ohtani’s high school, named Hanamaki Higashi, and took photographs of a monument that shows his handprint.

Japanese fans have already been following Ohtani intently through television and other media, but this move is sure to raise his profile even higher with advertisers and sponsors who focus on the Japan market. Ohtani is one of the most marketable athletes in the world, driving ticket sales, television revenue, and sponsorship deals. “I’m so happy. I had been waiting for this announcement since yesterday,” said Sho Sato, who said she works as a nurse. And so has all of the baseball world.

MAN CITY BEATS LUTON WITHOUT HAALAND TO END 4-MATCH WINLESS RUN, TOTTENHAM THRASHES NEWCASTLE 4-1

By STEVE DOUGLAS AP Sports Writer WITHOUT the injured Erling Haaland and trailing 1-0 to Luton at halftime, Manchester City was in danger of plunging into a full-blown crisis approaching the halfway point of its Premier League title defense.

The defending champions managed to turn it round, though, as goals by Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish in a three-minute span earned a 2-1 victory Sunday that ended their four-match winless run and trimmed the gap to firstplace Liverpool to four points.

If it wasn’t for the recovery in the second half, City manager Pep Guardiola would have stumbled into the worst streak of results in his coaching career, having never gone five matches without a win.

That was the bleak scenario facing Guardiola and City after striker Elijah Adebayo headed in Andros Townsend’s cross at the back post in the second minute of first-half

stoppage time to give Luton the lead at Kenilworth Road — five days after the promoted hosts blew a 3-2 lead against Arsenal to lose 4-3. Haaland was sidelined because of a foot injury so City was without the league’s top scorer in its bid to produce a fightback.

Still, Rodri was back from suspension and when the Spain midfielder’s surge into the area was stopped by a timely challenge, Silva was there to pounce on the loose ball and curl a finish into the bottom corner in the 62nd.

Grealish then converted a cross by Julian Alvarez in the 65th. “People say, ‘City is over already,” Guardiola said. “This is the challenge that we have ahead of us.

Prove them wrong and still be there.”

City stayed in fourth place, with Guardiola saying Haaland will be assessed ahead of the home game against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

NEWCASTLE SUFFERING The injuries are piling up for Saudi-owned Newcastle, and so are the losses.

TOTTENHAM’s Richarlison celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England, Sunday, Dec.10, 2023.

(AP Photo/Ian Walton) With the 4-1 thrashing at Tottenham, Newcastle has lost more games in the Premier League — six — than the team had in the whole of the 2022-23 campaign.

Three of them have come in the last five games

and away from home as Newcastle manager Eddie Howe struggles to balance playing domestic and Champions League soccer amid an injury crisis that has led to him playing the same starting lineup in five straight games. Next up is its biggest game of the season, at home to AC Milan on Wednesday when Newcastle’s Champions League hopes are on the line.

Destiny Udogie scored for the first time in the Premier League, Richarlison added goals either side of the break and Son Heung-min converted a late penalty for Tottenham, which hadn’t won since Oct. 27 — when the team was unbeaten and top of the standings.

There have been four defeats and a draw since then, with Spurs taking the lead in each of those games but failing to hold on. Not this time, though Joelinton scored a stoppage-time consolation for Newcastle.

SURGING EVERTON Everton is surging clear of the relegation zone, less than a month after

plunging into the bottom three after being deducted 10 points for financial mismanagement.

A 2-0 win over Chelsea secured a third straight win for Everton, which has moved four points clear of third-from last Luton.

Abdoulaye Doucoure scored for the third time in five games, converting a rebound in the 54th after Dominic Calvert-Lewin had a shot saved by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. Lewis Dobbin added a second in the second minute of stoppage time.

After spending around $1 billion on players in the last three transfer windows, Chelsea isn’t even in the top half after losing three of its last four games.

The visitors also lost right back Reece James to another injury after he was forced off in the 27th minute with a suspected hamstring problem.

IN-FORM JIMENEZ Raul Jimenez is enjoying a new lease of life at Fulham.

The Mexico international went through some

lean times after sustaining a career-threatening head injury while playing for Wolverhampton in November 2020.

From being one of the most sought-after strikers in the Premier League, he appeared to lose all of his confidence and was sold to Fulham in July.

With his 22nd-minute strike in Fulham’s 5-0 win over West Ham, Jimenez has four goals in his last five games and is leading a midseason resurgence from the London club.

Willian and Tosin Adarabioyo added first-half goals while Harry Wilson and Carlos Vinicius added more after the break as Fulham scored at least three goals for the fourth straight game, after doing so against Wolverhampton, Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.

It was a second straight 5-0 win, after thrashing Forest by that score in midweek.

Marco Silva’s team is now in 10th place and only three points behind ninth-place West Ham, whose fourmatch unbeaten run in the league came to an end.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, December 11, 2023, PAGE 17

TOP Cowboys pull even with Eagles in NFC East with 33-13 win VIKINGS RAIDERS 3-0

By SCHUYLER DIXON AP Pro Football Writer ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Dak Prescott threw for two touchdowns, Brandon Aubrey made four field goals to start his career a record 30-for-30, and the Dallas Cowboys pulled even in the NFC East with their 15th consecutive home victory, 33-13 over the Philadelphia Eagles last night.

The Cowboys (10-3) weren’t deterred by Jalen Carter’s 42-yard fumble return for a touchdown, winning their fifth consecutive game since a loss at Philadelphia that gave the Eagles a two-game division lead.

The Eagles (10-3) lost three fumbles and didn’t score an offensive touchdown as quarterback Jalen Hurts, who had the first fumble, lost consecutive

games for the first time since October 2021.

While the Cowboys currently hold the tiebreaker with an extra NFC East victory, the Eagles would take the division title on subsequent tiebreakers if they win their remaining four games.

Aubrey became the first kicker with two of at least 59 yards in the same game, connecting from 60 yards late in the first quarter.

His 59-yarder in the third allowed Aubrey to surpass Greg Zuerlein and Harrison Butker, who each had a pair from at least 58 yards.

The 28-year-old rookie added a 45-yarder in the fourth and another from 50 in the final two minutes, extending his NFL record for perfection to start a career.

With Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy calling plays from the sideline

DALLAS Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott reacts after a play against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half yesterday.

(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) just four days after an emergency appendectomy, Prescott had a career-best

seventh consecutive game with at least two TD passes.

The Dallas offence bogged down after Prescott’s first-half TD passes, but two big completions for first downs to tight end Jake Ferguson, including a hurdling effort early in the fourth quarter, led to Aubrey’s last two field goals.

The Cowboys were cruising when Prescott lost control of the ball while being sacked by Fletcher Cox in the third quarter, and Carter picked up the loose ball and ran untouched to get the Eagles within 24-13.

Down two touchdowns late in the third, Philadelphia couldn’t convert on fourth-and-8 from the Dallas 30-yard line.

Stephen Gilmore made the open-field tackle on DeVonta Smith, who later had the third lost fumble

for Philadelphia, ending any realistic hopes of a rally.

CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup had the scoring catches for Dallas, and Rico Dowdle had a 1-yard plunge that was originally called short but overturned when the Cowboys challenged.

Prescott was 24 of 39 for 271 yards, and the Cowboys limited Hurts to 197 yards passing and 30 rushing.

UP NEXT Eagles: At Seattle on Monday, December 18.

The Seahawks’ loss at San Francisco means Philadelphia won’t face a team with a winning record in its final four games.

Cowboys: At AFC Eastleading Miami next Sunday in the first of consecutive road matchups with playoff contenders from that division. The second is Buffalo.

Ravens beat Rams 37-31 on Tylan Wallace’s walkoff punt return in OT BALTIMORE (AP) — Tylan Wallace returned a punt 76 yards for a touchdown in overtime to lift the Baltimore Ravens to a 37-31 victory over Los Angeles yesterday, snapping the Rams’ three-game winning streak.

Wallace, who committed a crucial penalty on special teams earlier in the game that led to points for Los Angeles (6-7), eluded a couple of tackles after fielding the punt and stayed on his feet when Shaun Jolly made a diving attempt at him along the left sideline.

The Ravens (10-3) remained atop the AFC, a half-game ahead of Miami, which hosts Tennessee tonight.

Lamar Jackson and Matthew Stafford threw three touchdown passes apiece, overcoming wet conditions and dropped passes in a game that was highscoring yet sloppy. Each offence went three-and-out in overtime before the final Los Angeles punt.

Jackson’s 21-yard touchdown strike to Zay Flowers with 1:16 remaining — and his 2-point conversion pass to Flowers — put Baltimore up 31-28. Stafford then guided the Rams into position to take multiple shots to the end zone, and when that failed, Lucas Havrisik made a 36-yard field goal with 7 seconds left to force OT. Jackson threw for 314 yards with an interception, while Stafford threw for 294 yards without a turnover.

BROWNS 31, JAGUARS 27 CLEVELAND (AP) — Joe Flacco threw for 311 yards and three touchdowns in his home debut for Cleveland, which survived a late rally by Jacksonville.

The 38-year-old Flacco, who was signed three weeks ago by the Browns (8-5), went 26 of 45 and improved to 10-2 as a starter in Cleveland. His previous wins came while playing for Baltimore and the New York Jets.

Trevor Lawrence for the Jaguars (8-5) played despite spraining his right ankle in Monday night’s loss to Cincinnati.

He finished 28 of 50 for 256 yards and threw a season-high three interceptions.

Lawrence’s third TD pass — to Evan Engram with 1:33 left — pulled the Jaguars within four points. Myles Garrett then sacked Lawrence on the 2-point conversion, and the Browns recovered an onside kick.

Flacco threw two TD passes in the first half to tight end David Njoku and completed a 41-yarder to

BALTIMORE Ravens punt returner Tylan Wallace, right, celebrates his punt return for a touchdown as he celebrates with Ravens linebacker Del’Shawn Phillips (53) as Los Angeles Rams tight end Davis Allen, second from left, looks away and Ravens running back Justice Hill (43) tries to join the celebration during overtime of an NFL football game yesterdayin Baltimore.

(AP Photo/Nick Wass) David Bell in the fourth for first place in the NFC snapped and its play- quarters. He finished 18 for off positioning took a 26 for 119 yards. quarter when the Jaguars South.

The Buccaneers (6-7) sit hit. Gardner Minshew Rookie Bryce Young’s gambled with an all-out atop the division alongside threw for 240 yards with a season-long struggles blitz on fourth down. the Falcons and the New touchdown and an inter- continued.

BEARS 28, Orleans Saints. ception for the Colts, The first overall draft LIONS 13 Atlanta (6-7) rallied for whose offence stalled after choice finished 13 of 36 for CHICAGO (AP) — Justin Fields threw for a a 25-22 lead with a pair of halftime. The game was 137 yards and lost a fumble touchdown and ran for TDs in the final period, tied at 14-all at the break, in the first half. He was quarterback but Indy’s first four second- sacked four times. another, and Chicago including JETS 30, beat NFC North-leading Desmond Ridder’s 6-yard half possessions ended with scoring run with 3:23 two punts, a pick thrown TEXANS 6 Detroit.

by Minshew and a failed EAST RUTHERFORD, Receiver DJ Moore remaining.

But Mayfield, who fourth-down attempt.

N.J. (AP) — Zach Wilson had his first career rushMeanwhile, the Bengals threw a pair of second-half ing touchdown and caught passed for just 144 yards, a scoring pass to help the guided a 12-play, 75-yard scored on their first two touchdown passes in his return from a two-game Bears (5-8) win for the scoring drive. The biggest drives of the second half. play was a 32-yard compleSAINTS 28, benching as New York beat third time in four games.

PANTHERS 6 Houston to stop a fiveThe Bears scored 15 tion to Chris Godwin.

Atlanta had one last NEW ORLEANS (AP) game skid. points in a span of about The Jets shut down the seven minutes to break chance at winning it. — Derek Carr returned open a game that was tied Ridder completed a pass from a recent concussion Texans’ C.J. Stroud before at 13-all late in the third down the middle from the and upper-body injuries to the star rookie quarterback quarter. They got the pay- Tampa Bay 31 to Drake throw touchdown passes left late with a concussion.

Wilson was 27 of 36 back they were seeking London, who was smoth- to Chris Olave and Jimmy after giving up 17 points ered 3 yards shy of the end Graham, and New Orleans for 301 yards — his third beat NFL-worst Carolina. career game of 300 or more over the final 2:59 in a loss zone.

BENGALS 34, Alvin Kamara ran 9 yards — in easily his best at Detroit three weeks COLTS 14 yards for a touchdown as performance of the season. earlier.

CINCINNATI (AP) — the Saints (6-7) snapped a Breece Hall and Randall Detroit’s Jared Goff threw two interceptions, Jake Browning threw two three-game skid and pulled Cobb caught touchdown lost a fumbled snap and touchdown passes and ran into a first-place tie with passes and Xavier Gipson was sacked four times. The for a score in his second Atlanta and Tampa Bay in ran for a score for the Jets (5-8), who reached 30 Lions (9-4) have lost two of straight outstanding per- the feeble NFC South. formance as Cincinnati The Panthers (1-12) have points for just the second three. lost six straight for the time this season.

Fields completed 19 of pounded Indianapolis.

With Joe Burrow out for second time this season.

Stroud left with 6:30 33 passes for 223 yards. He Johnny Hekker’s punt remaining after a hit by also ran for 58 yards, giving the season because of a wrist injury, Browning has attempt in the second Quinnen Williams. Davis him 2,021 in his career. kept the Bengals (7-6) in quarter was smothered by Mills replaced him.

BUCCANEERS 29, playoff contention. He fol- Saints linebacker Nephi Stroud, who came in FALCONS 25 ATLANTA (AP) — lowed up a 354-yard outing Sewell. D’Marco Jackson leading the NFL in yards Baker Mayfield threw an in a win at Jacksonville last scooped up the ball and passing, was 10 of 23 for a 11-yard touchdown pass Monday night by complet- returned it 8 yards for a season-low 91 yards.

The Texans (7-6) finto Cade Otton with 31 ing 18 of 24 passes for 275 touchdown that gave New Orleans a 14-3 lead. ished with 135 total yards seconds remaining, and yards with an interception.

Indianapolis (7-6) had Carr had just 37 yards and went 1 for 12 on third Tampa Bay beat Atlanta to move into a three-way tie its four-game win streak passing through three-plus down.

IN LOWESTSCORING NFL GAME IN 16 YEARS LAS VEGAS (AP) — Minnesota and Las Vegas played the lowest-scoring NFL game in 16 years, with Greg Joseph’s 36-yard field goal with 1:57 left giving the Vikings the victory.

It was the first 3-0 game since Pittsburgh beat Miami on November 26, 2007, the third in the past 40 years and the seventh in the Super Bowl era.

Joseph’s kick ensured the game wouldn’t end regulation scoreless for the first time since the New York Giants played the host Detroit Lions to a 0-0 tie on November 7, 1943.

The Vikings (7-6) had just 230 total yards, and the Raiders (5-8) — losers of three in a row — were limited to 201 yards and nine first downs. Minnesota beat an AFC West opponent for the first time this season after going 0-3.

Nick Mullens relieved a struggling Joshua Dobbs at quarterback and led the Vikings on their lone scoring drive. His 22-yard completion to Jordan Addison to the Raiders 20 set up Joseph’s kick.

Ivan Pace intercepted Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell on the next drive.

BILLS 20, CHIEFS 17 KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Josh Allen threw for 233 yards with touchdowns running and throwing, and Buffalo held on to beat Kansas City thanks in part to a crucial penalty on Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney.

Tyler Bass kicked a goahead, 39-yard field goal with 1:54 left for the Bills (7-6).

Moments later, the Chiefs (8-5) thought they had taken the lead when Patrick Mahomes hit Travis Kelce over the middle, and the high school QB threw far across the field to Toney, who ran the rest of the 49 yards for a touchdown.

But the play was wiped out because Toney had lined up offside.

The Chiefs still had time to get in range for a tying field goal, but Mahomes threw three straight incompletions. Kansas City has lost four of six.

James Cook had 58 yards rushing and caught five passes for 83 yards and a score for Buffalo, which improved to 3-6 in games decided by six points or fewer.

Mahomes finished with 271 yards passing and a touchdown with an interception.

BRONCOS 24, CHARGERS 7 INGLEWOOD, California (AP) — Russell Wilson threw two touchdown passes and Denver beat Los Angeles, which lost quarterback Justin Herbert to a broken finger on his right hand.

Wilson completed 21 of 33 passes for 224 yards, including a 46-yard touchdown to Courtland Sutton in the third quarter for the Broncos (7-6), who have won six of seven.

Herbert has a fracture in his right index finger, coach Brandon Staley said.

He was 9 of 17 for 96 yards with an interception before being injured in the second quarter, apparently while he was taken down awkwardly by Denver’s Zach Allen after throwing a pass.

Easton Stick completed 13 of 24 passes for 179 yards in Herbert’s place.

The Chargers (5-8) have dropped four of five.

Denver’s defence had six sacks and forced a pair of turnovers.

TO ADVERTISE TODAY IN THE TRIBUNE CALL @ 502-2394

PAGE 18, Monday, December 11, 2023

BUDDY HIELD

FROM PAGE 14 in 2020 during the shortened season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Los Angeles, coached by Darvin Ham, ended up with a perfect 7-0 win-loss record in the tournament, while Indiana, coached by Rick Carlisle, dropped to 6-1.

Despite their loss, Hield and his Pacers, led by rising star Tyrese Haliburton, collected a credible $200,000 each for their efforts at the much-anticipated finale of the month-long tournament that the NBA hopes to make an annual addition to its schedule.

If there was any consolation for Hield, he will be remembered for hitting the first shot on a three-pointer from an assist from Haliburton with just 38 seconds gone on the clock in the first quarter.

However, Hield only managed to score eight points without hitting a three-pointer. The Grand Bahamian native finished with eight points, five rebounds and four assists as their starting shooting guard.

Haliburton, who is projected to be a superstar in the league, had 20 points with 11 assists to pace the Pacers. Benedict Mathurin also had 20 points and Aaron Nesmith chipped in with 15.

Indiana advanced to the final after they dismantled the Milwaukee Bucks 128119 on Wednesday in their semifinal match-up. They just didn’t have the energy to match against Los Angeles, who led from start to finish.

Davis ignited the Lakers with an impressive 41 points and 20 rebound performance, but it was James who took the spotlight when he was named the tournament most valuable

THE TRIBUNE player.Throughout the tournament, in which the voting took place for the MVP honours, James averaged 26.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.6 assists, 1.6 steals and shot 56.8% from the field and 60.6% on 3-pointers.

The Lakers won despite making just 2 of 13 3-pointers, but were 47 of 88 from the floor (53.4%).

Using their size advantage, they also controlled the boards with a huge difference margin of 55-32.

The NBA’s fourth ranked Pacers from behind the three-point arc were simply cold as they connected on just 10 of 41 of their 3-pointers as a team.

The game drew a lot of celebrities, including basketball Hall of Famers Julius Erving and Shaquille O’Neal, football Hall of Famers Tim Brown and Shannon Sharpe, former tennis star Steffi Graf, former boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr., chef Bobby Flay, rapper

LOS Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) grabs a rebound next to Indiana Pacers forward Isaiah Jackson (22) and guard Buddy Hield (7) during the second half of the championship game in the NBA basketball In-Season Tournament on Saturday in Las Vegas.

(AP Photo/Ian Maule) Flavor Flav and members of the two-time champion Las Vegas Aces, including WNBA Finals MVP A’ja Wilson.

Hield and the Pacers will be in Detroit tonight to start

a four-game road swing as they try to improve on their 12-8 fifth place standings in the Eastern Conference.

The Lakers, who don’t play again until Tuesday when they head to Dallas to face

Anthony Davis leads Lakers to NBA In-Season Tournament title, 123-109 over Pacers

By MARK ANDERSON AP Sports Writer LAS VEGAS (AP) — As Commissioner Adam Silver prepared to hand LeBron James the MVP trophy of the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament, he cautioned that “it doesn’t come with a franchise.”

James bent over in laughter, but he has been serious about wanting to own an NBA expansion team in Las Vegas.

For now, he’ll more than settle for the individual honour and tournament championship after scoring 24 points and adding 11 rebounds Saturday night to help the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Indiana Pacers 123-109 in the final.

“My enthusiasm about being here post-career, bringing a team here has not changed,” James said.

“The fans are amazing here. They have everything already: WNBA team, they have a baseball team (Athletics) coming in soon, NFL team, hockey team, F1 (Formula One) was just here. This is a place that loves great attractions, and I think the NBA will be another great addition to this city.”

As well as James played Saturday, the star was teammate Anthony Davis, who had 41 points and 20 rebounds — numbers that would have been season highs if they counted. This is the only game in the tournament that doesn’t figure in the standings or statistics.

Davis also shot 16 of 24, had five assists and blocked four shots. “They’re a hell of a one-two punch,”

Lakers coach Darvin Ham said about James and Davis. “That one or two could be either one of them on any given night. At the end of the day, they know how to take it to the next level when everything is on the line.”

Los Angeles is the first In-Season Tournament champion because the two headliners received plenty of help.

Austin Reaves scored 28 points, D’Angelo Russell added 13 points and Cam Reddish set the tone defensively by limiting the damage by Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton, who emerged as one of the faces of this tournament.

He had 20 points and 11 assists against the Lakers, often passing to a teammate rather than trying to force the action. “(Reddish) didn’t score a lot (nine points), but I felt like he was one of the best players on the court with the way he defended and really changed the game on that end of the floor,” Reaves said.

Also for the Pacers, Bennedict Mathurin scored 20 points and Aaron Nesmith had 15.

In addition to taking home a trophy, Lakers players on standard contracts each made $500,000 and the Pacers received $200,000 apiece.

Players on two-way deals take home half those amounts.

The tournament and the title game had a combination of a NBA playoff and one-and-done NCAA Tournament kind of atmosphere, and the Pacers and Lakers played as if their seasons were on the line.

the Mavericks, are also in fifth in the Western Conference at 14-9.

Both teams are riding a three-game winning streak before taking a break for the IST.

SOUTHERN California guard Bronny James in action yesterday.

(AP Photo/Mark J Terrill)

LONG BEACH STATE BEATS USC 84-79 IN OT, SPOILING BRONNY JAMES’ DEBUT FOR TROJANS

LOS Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, centre, lifts the the NBA Cup while celebrating with teammates after they defeated the Indiana Pacers 123-109 in the championship game in the NBA basketball In-Season Tournament on Saturday in Las Vegas.

(AP Photo/Ian Maule) Los Angeles making it Las Vegas where it was essentially the home team before a sellout crowd played Sunday like it had been here before.

The situation was different for the Pacers, who are still trying to prove they are a championship-level team.

“We just got outplayed tonight from the start of the game to the end of the game,” Haliburton said.

“Just didn’t do the job on loose balls, didn’t rebound, didn’t get enough stops when needed. They just outplayed us, and it’s frustrating.

“It’s funny because everybody says this has the NCAA Tournament feel, but after a game like that you’re sitting in the locker

room going, ‘Most of us ain’t graduating.’ We play on Monday.”

The Lakers led most of the game, though Indiana kept in striking distance until Los Angeles went on a 15-3 run late in the fourth quarter to turn in a 100-96 lead into a 115-99 advantage.

“Our guys got a real taste of what the elevated stage is all about,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said.

“It’s so important to have this experience, to feel the intensity, to feel the glare and the glow and to find out what it means to be totally together in an effort to conquer it. We conquered a lot of challenges along the way. This one tonight was a little too steep.”

CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS Among those in attendance were basketball Hall of Famers Julius Erving and Shaquille O’Neal, football Hall of Famers Tim Brown and Shannon Sharpe, former tennis star Steffi Graf, former boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr., chef Bobby Flay and rapper Flavor Flav. Members of the twotime champion Las Vegas Aces, including WNBA Finals MVP A’ja Wilson, also watched.

UP NEXT Pacers: At Detroit tonight to open a fourgame road swing.

Lakers: At Dallas on Tuesday night to begin a three-game Texas trip.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Marcus Tsohonis scored 28 points and Long Beach State outlasted Southern California 84-79 in overtime yesterday, spoiling Bronny James’ college debut for the Trojans.

James played his first college game since suffering cardiac arrest in July.

He was cheered on by his father, Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James.

James finished with four points, three rebounds and two assists in 16 minutes.

He came off the bench and his minutes were limited as he works his way back into game shape for the Trojans (5-4).

Jadon Jones added 18 points and eight rebounds, and AJ George had 12 points for the Beach (7-4), which won its fourth in a row.

The Beach snapped a four-game skid against USC, which had won each of those games by 11 points or less.

USC led 45-30 at the break, but the Beach outscored the Trojans 44-29 in the second half and 10-5 in overtime. USC was 20 of 36 from the free-throw line.

PACERS GUARD TYRESE HALIBURTON’S STAR ON THE RISE AFTER AN IMPRESSIVE IN-SEASON TOURNAMENT SHOWING

By W G RAMIREZ Associated PRESS LAS VEGAS (AP) — Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton just wants to win.

He doesn’t care about his stats, he doesn’t want to be put in any conversations regarding All-Star teams, and he certainly isn’t interested in talks about being an MVP candidate.

He just wants to win.

And while it may not have happened Saturday night, when the Los Angeles Lakers beat Indiana 123-109 in the inaugural In-Season Tournament championship game, the rest of the league should be on notice about Haliburton and Pacers.

“I think last year we snuck up on teams, teams didn’t really know what to

expect,” said Haliburton, who had 20 points and 11 assists. “But I think now when you play the Pacers you know what to expect. ... Obviously, people didn’t expect us to get here, the championship game, but I think teams are prepared for us.”

Indiana gets back to the regular season tonight with the league’s No. 1 offence, which is averaging 128.4 points, led by Haliburton who is averaging 26.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and a league-high 12.1 assists.

And whether he likes it or not, those numbers have him almost assuredly on his way to a second straight All-Star appearance and have placed him in earlyseason MVP chatter.

In seven tournament games, he led all players who made it to the final

INDIANA Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) reacts after a play against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of the championship game in the NBA basketball In-Season Tournament on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, in Las Vegas.

(AP Photo/Ian Maule) “Tyrese is a great young with an average of 26.7 points per game on 52.4% player that has all the tools, shooting, and had 13.3 has the personality and has the desire,” Indiana coach assists per contest.

Rick Carlisle said. “The month, seven weeks that he’s put together so far in this season, people are talking about him for MVP, and rightly so.

“He was completely unfazed by the limelight and it brought his game to a higher level (during tournament games). Like Reggie Miller, he’s very similar to him. Body type stature, personality, and just overall character. He wants the responsibility for winning and losing. And he wants it unconditionally, and that’s special.”

Special enough that NBA commissioner Adam Silver loved the championship storyline of having one of the most storied players in NBA history — LeBron James — facing a young team with a budding star who’s just beginning to

author his story. “I think fans on a national level forget that he was an AllStar last year, so he has been recognised already as a top player,” Silver said.

Just don’t tell him that.

“People have said MVP, or all-NBA All Star or whatever,” Haliburton said.

“But at the end of the day I just want to play basketball and I want to succeed as a team.

“I know (with) the team’s success, individual success comes with that.

“So I think that that’s been something that I really enjoyed about our run right now, is that its forced the media to talk about what’s in front of them, which is basketball.

“And I think as a person who loves the sport, I think everybody can appreciate that.”