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Volume: 121 No.18, December 14, 2023

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INGRAHAM: REBELS WANT NEW LEADER Former PM backs Pintard - while standing next to likeliest rival Minnis

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net IN a rare and fascinating joint interview with Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday, Hubert Ingraham said “rebels” in the Free National Movement are unnecessarily pushing the party to hold a convention, but he still has confidence in the team Michael Pintard

leads and does not want FNMs to be distracted.

Mr Ingraham, standing next to Dr Minnis, spoke bluntly even though many believe Dr Minnis’ faction opposes Mr Pintard’s leadership and that Dr Minnis is the most likely person to challenge the Marco City MP if the FNM calls a convention.

SEE PAGE THREE

COURIER COSTS COULD RISE AFTER GOVT AIR FREIGHT DEAL

By NEIL HARTNELL and YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporters AN ex-prime minister yesterday warned Bahamians will have to pay increased costs to import goods via air freight from New Year’s Day due to a $25m outsourcing deal struck by the Government.

Dr Hubert Minnis told

Three men shot, two are dead

Tribune Business that JDL’s $25m agreement to transform the Government’s air freight terminal, the final terms for which are still being worked out, has also sparked fears among Bahamian courier companies that they will either have to close or layoff staff.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

THE SCENE on Nicoll’s St where three men were shot resulting in two deaths yesterday.

Photo: Dante Carrer

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net TWO men were shot dead in Yellow Elder yesterday, leaving Mount Moriah MP McKell Bonaby in tears after he likened them to a younger son and

brother.

Screams pierced the air on Nicoll’s Street as relatives and residents gathered after the latest killing.

Press Liaison Chief Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings said around 4.30pm, officers on routine patrol heard gunshots and

found a man lying in the street with multiple gunshot injuries when they showed up at Nicholas Court.

She said emergency medical services visited the scene and confirmed no signs of life.

“The officers received SEE PAGE FIVE

DAD MAY SEEK LEGAL ACTION AFTER DOG BITES SON

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net A GRAND Bahama father said he is considering legal action after his one-year-old son was bitten and injured by a dog in Grand Bahama.

“It was very scary when I got the call, and it is something I don’t wish on nobody to get a call that

TODDLER that was bitten by dog at daycare. something happened to one of your kids, and you

JUSTIFIABLE KILLING RULED IN ADDERLEY SHOOTING CASE

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

don’t know the situation until you get there,” said Lavano Cooper.

He said both of his child’s legs were injured on Tuesday, with doctors deciding not to perform surgery because of his young age.

The toddler was released from Rand Memorial Hospital on

A CORONER’S Court jury ruled yesterday that police were justified in killing Royal Bahamas Defence Force leading seaman Rodney Adderley, Jr, on Dunmore Avenue on January 10, 2022.

The finding came after five jurors heard testimony and watched body camera footage that showed Adderley lunging at an officer during a search. The officer

SEE PAGE TWO

SEE PAGE FOUR

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PAGE 2, Thursday, December 14, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

Dad may seek legal action after dog bites son at daycare from page one Tuesday and is recovering at home.

“We are trying to get some things together now to get him to a private doctor to see what is

what because they have told us because he is so young, just hold off on the surgery and let it heal by itself,” Mr Cooper said.

Little Levon Cooper was at a daycare facility when the attack occurred.

Animal Control has custody of the two dogs that resided on the property.

According to police, two dogs walked into the daycare facility and bit the child.

Mr Cooper and his

girlfriend now have to take time off from work to care for their son at home.

“It is a big inconvenience right now,” the father said. “A daycare facility has reached out to me already, but that would

TODDLER that was bitten by dog at daycare seen here just after being released from the hospital. not be until next year.

“I don’t think it was a good idea to have two grown aggressive dogs in a daycare with children,” he said, describing the incident as upsetting.

Mr Cooper said he has nothing against dogs because he is a dog lover

and has two pet dogs.

“If you have dogs in an environment where there are kids, you should see to it that they cannot get out,” he said.

Efforts to contact Animal Control up to press time were unsuccessful.

TWO TODDLERS FOUND UNRESPONSIVE IN POOL POLICE said that two male toddlers aged 1 and 3 are in critical condition after they were found in a swimming pool, unresponsive in the Tropical Gardens community.

The incident reportedly occurred yesterday shortly before 2pm.

According to reports , the toddlers’ were

retrieved from the pool by their parents who quickly administered CPR until emergency medical technicians arrived at the location.

The toddlers were subsequently transported to the hospital for further medical care.

Police are conducting further investigation into this incident.

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THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, December 14, 2023, PAGE 3

Ingraham: Rebels want new leader from page one

After Dr Minnis presented Mr Ingraham with a copy of his new book, “The Power of Determination,” the two former FNM prime ministers also discussed their strained relationship, with Mr Ingraham saying the Killarney MP grew distant from him when he became prime minister. Dr Minnis countered that he needed to create his own path.

In a recent open letter, former Deputy Prime Minister Desmond Bannister urged Mr Pintard to call a convention “at the earliest possible date,” saying a delay would diminish confidence in his leadership amid divisions in the party.

Mr Ingraham, however, said the FNM has never consistently held conventions every two years as its constitution mandates, and one is not needed now.

“The FNM has conventions when the leadership of the party believes it’s time to have a convention,” he said. “The constitution says every two years, but the council has frequently voted to move that date to another date, and I assume, therefore, that will be the case this time.

“I don’t believe that there’s a call for a convention. I think that there’s a leadership challenge they want to launch against Mr Pintard’s leadership, and

FORMER PRIME MINISTER HUBERT INGRAHAM they are cloaking it in this thing called convention.”

Mr Ingraham said nothing has happened to cause people to lose confidence in

the FNM’s leadership team unless they have a “special kind of agenda”.

“They still have my confidence, and I expect them

to have a convention when they think the time is right to do so, to put forward their programme to the public, The Bahamas, and

prepare the FNM for the next general election,” he said.

“And this call for a convention by Desmond, who like me, is not active, not active at all, doesn’t go to meetings, hardly, and to wake up one morning and decide, have a convention, please don’t do that to us.

“A convention should be held when they have some reason and purpose to have it, not because there are some rebels within the party who want to have a convention. It’s very expensive exercise, etc.

“So there’s no urgent need for convention. That’s a made up story by whoever’s making it up, and I’d like to urge FNMs not to be distracted.”

Dr Minnis recalled that two conventions were held when he was leader of the Opposition.

“As a matter of fact,” he said, “I had one convention within the first ten months of leadership and then I would have had another one, as you know, I think, in 2016. That answers your question. As opposed to governance, I would have been tied up with Dorian. I would’ve been tied up with COVID.” The FNM, he said, has faced challenges before and overcame them.

“I have no doubt that the FNM will get over whatever challenges they have and subsequently go on

and defeat the PLP because the PLP is not good for the country,” he said. “They’re not doing a good job. The FNM has always been great at governance. The PLP has always been excellent at Opposition.”

Reflecting on their relationship, Mr Ingraham said Dr Minnis was close to him before he became prime minister.

“He was very close to me, very close to me,” he said, adding that Dr Minnis often visited his house and the two went out together often.

“After he became prime minister, he was a different man altogether, but I never lost my respect for him,” he said.

Dr Minnis countered that he needed to chart his own course.

“There comes a point in time, especially when you get certain positions, you try your best to carve a direction for you,” he said.

“But if you find yourself in challenges, problems, then of course, you always return to your mentor or the more knowledgeable one and ask for opinions.

“But you will find that as you have your children, they too will carve their way, but they will always come back and ask questions, your recommendation, etc. So it’s not that they distance themselves, but it’s the reality of the world.”

Minnis presents Ingraham with a copy of his book - ‘The Power of Determination’

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis presented a copy of his new book, “The Power of Determination”, to Hubert Ingraham yesterday.

The book is one of three memoirs Dr Minnis is expected to release in the coming years.

After the two men posed for photographs at Mr Ingraham’s office, Mr Ingraham praised Dr Minnis’ rags to riches life.

“You came from the bottom of society,” he said. “You are the son of a single woman, unmarried woman. You became a doctor, a specialist and a very successful one at that.

“A good businessman.

You came into politics late in life. When I say late, I mean compared to old horses like myself who went early in life and succeeded. You’re now in your third, fourth term in the House of Assembly.

You became the second FNM who became prime minister of The Bahamas.

“The PLP is the older party. They’ve only had three prime ministers. The FNMs had two. You are one of those, so hopefully, your life could inspire others to seek to succeed as you have.”

Discussing his life, Killarney MP Dr Minnis said he nearly died in the first month of his life after developing pneumonia and not getting proper medical care.

He said his mother was uncertain he would be able to walk because he took so long to do so.

“As you read the book, you’ll see a lot of different challenges that I faced, but it’s an inspirational book,” he said. “Basically, informing individuals that you will run into and meet a lot of challenges, but those are usually placed before you to make a better leader and a stronger person of you.

“You just overcome those challenges and

FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis presented a copy of his new book, “The Power of Determination”, to Hubert Ingraham yesterday.

Photo: Moise Amisial continue to work to move forward. As you read the book, you will see the

many challenges that I’ve encountered and subsequently overcome.”

Bahamas Crisis Centre holds annual children’s Christmas party at St Matthew’s

THE BAHAMAS Crisis Centre held its annual children’s Christmas party yesterday at St Matthew’s Church Hall. The hall was turned into a winter wonderland with gifts, games, and many standing in line to take a picture with Santa Claus. Every child was able to get a gift during the party which was sponsored by the Rotary Club and other corporate citizens.

Photo: Moise Amisial

PAGE 4, Thursday, December 14, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

Justifiable killing ruled in Adderley shooting case from page one said he believed Adderley was lunging for his gun.

Adderley’s father, Rodney Adderley, Sr, was incensed by the justifiable homicide finding, telling The Tribune the shooting was unreasonable.

This is the fourth time in 2023 that jurors returned a justifiable homicide ruling. There has also been one open verdict finding and three findings of homicide by manslaughter, including the highly publicised Azario Major and Deangelo Evans cases.

At the time of his death, Adderley Jr was on administrative leave from the RBDF. During the three days of testimony, Inspector Deon Rudon, the system administrator of the police body cams, played footage of Corporal Rashad Pratt’s body cam.

CPL Pratt, who was the subject of the inquest, approached the deceased’s silver coloured Mazda Demio, which was parked suspiciously in a vacant lot in the dark of night.

While the deceased initially hesitated to get out of his vehicle, he eventually complied with officers’ orders and put his hands on top of his car. As CPL Pratt was looking at the deceased’s ID with his gun drawn, Adderley launched himself toward the officer, resulting in a brief scuffle over the weapon. CPL Pratt shot Adderley.

PC Phillip Deveaux, CPL Pratt’s mobile patrol partner that night, corroborated his story. He said he feared for his life as Adderley engaged his partner. He confirmed that the deceased was unarmed at the time of his shooting and that nothing illegal was recovered at the site.

CPL Pratt appeared calm when the inquest finding was disclosed.

After the finding was revealed, Mr Adderley, Sr, expressed his family’s disappointment and said they remain heartbroken about his son’s death.

“My son was an unarmed suspect. Unarmed,” he said. “And the police are supposed to contain the situation. This was literally a killing, criminally negligent homicide, misconduct on behalf of the police. It was an extreme use of force, unnecessary and unreasonable. There’s a hole in our hearts that cannot be filled.”

Acting Coroner Kara Turnquest-Deveaux presided over the inquest.

Bjorn Ferguson represented the deceased’s estate. K Melvin Munroe represented the officer.

Angelo Whitfield marshalled the evidence.

RODNEY ADDERLEY, Jr’s whose father Rodney Adderley, Sr, was incensed by the justifiable homicide finding, telling The Tribune the shooting was unreasonable. “My son was an unarmed suspect.

Unarmed,” he said. “And the police are supposed to contain the situation. This was literally a killing, criminally negligent homicide, misconduct on behalf of the police.”

CONSERVATION ADVOCATES CALL ON BAHAMAS GOVT TO JOIN PACIFIC ISLAND NATIONS ON OIL NON-PROLIFERATION TREATY CONSERVATION advocates are calling on the government of The Bahamas to join Pacific Island nations, as well as Antigua and Barbuda, among other jurisdictions, international entities and prominent individuals, in endorsing the initiative for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.

This petition comes as the Davis administration is representing the country at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change conference (COP28), beginning this week in Dubai. Our Islands, Our Future’s (OIOF) Chris Wilke and Rashema Ingraham are attending as well.

OIOF reiterated its praise for Mr Davis’ statement two years ago following COP26 that he was “not minded” to allow oil drilling in Bahamian waters. The group urged Mr Davis to announce his government’s endorsement of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative to the world before the end of COP28.

This global civil society initiative aims to stop fossil fuel exploration and expansion and urgently phase out existing production while supporting a just transition to renewable energy. Its objectives are in line with the targets of the Paris Climate Agreement.

The treaty has been

endorsed by the Vatican, the World Health Organization, the European Parliament, Nobel laureates, academics, researchers, activists, and a growing list of governments and individual lawmakers. Closer to home, Antigua and Barbuda is the first island nation in the region to endorse the treaty.

OIOF is a grassroots coalition advocating for a permanent ban on oil exploration activities in The Bahamas, urges The Bahamas government to endorse the treaty and claim a place at the forefront of this progressive conservation movement.

The coalition maintains that this leadership is in

the best interest of The Bahamas in countering the existential threat of climate change to our islands and waters.

“The Davis administration has made several commendable commitments to environmental protection and resource conservation in the face of climate-driven threats to the local economy and our way of life,” noted Casuarina McKinney, Executive Director of BREEF, a founding member of OIOF. “It’s difficult to imagine a better way to solidify this dedication than by declaring support for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty to protect our precious natural resources

and preserve our coastal communities.”

Rashema Ingraham, of Waterkeepers Bahamas, another OIOF founding member, said: “This treaty is crucial for the future of The Bahamas, a coastal nation where the various threats from oil exploration and extraction could have a catastrophic impact. We have already seen this with the terrible Equinor oil spill in Grand Bahama and the recent spill in Exuma. The country also dodged a serious bullet when a recent attempt to drill an offshore oil well failed. We call upon our government to do everything possible to ensure that such a situation never arises again.”

Chris Wilke, of Waterkeepers Alliance, also an OIOF founding member, noted that the

treaty’s focus on renewable energy dovetails well with the government’s recent signing of an agreement with the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency for the development of an Integrated Resource and Resilience Plan to aid in the efficient integration of renewable energy across the country.

“OIOF commends the Davis administration for its climate leadership and commitment to renewable energy goals,” he said.

“We believe the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is the perfect next step, and we encourage the government of The Bahamas to take its rightful place among world leaders in protecting global waterways and communities from climate disaster.”

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, December 14, 2023, PAGE 5

Three men shot, two are dead

MORTUARY services personnel remove the body of a male from the scene on Nicolls St where three men were shot resulting in two deaths yesterday.

Photos: Dante Carrer

from page one additional information that two other persons were also shot,” she said. “It was reported that a second victim was transported to the Grove Police Station by a private vehicle where emergency medical services visited that scene and confirmed no signs of life.”

She said the third victim, who is a suspect in the matter, was taken to hospital by a private vehicle with his condition unknown up to press time.

Mr Bonaby consoled

relatives in a close embrace at the scene.

He said both victims were residents of the community, identifying one as Chareeve King and the other as “Rick”.

He described one of the deceased as hard-working and joyous.

“I have been in this community for more than 10 years, 12 years. I know Chareeve King, he is a government worker,” he told the press.

“I know Rick as well. I watched both young men grow up in this community,

and Chareeve is like a son to me and Rick is like my younger brother.

“When I got the news, I was actually at my daughter’s Christmas production, so I had to leave and be with the family. This is a tough pill to swallow because death is final, and it’s no coming back from death.”

Mr Bonaby became tearful and didn’t finish the interview.

CSP Skippings said police have increased their presence in communities ahead of the holidays.

PAGE 6, Thursday, December 14, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

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Former PM Ingraham gets to the point LIKE him or not, it has to be admitted that former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham never shies away from what needs to be said.

And with talk of tensions in the FNM between leader Michael Pintard and former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, Mr Ingraham launched right into the matter – with Dr Minnis right beside him.

“I don’t believe that there’s a call for convention,” he said. “I think that there’s a leadership challenge they want to launch against Mr Pintard’s leadership, and they are cloaking it in this thing called convention.”

He is right, of course. The push for a convention has not been about process or timelines or administrative matters inside the party – it has been setting the stage for a possible challenge to Mr Pintard from his predecessor.

He also called out former Deputy Prime Minister Desmond Bannister, saying he “like me, is not active, not active at all, doesn’t go to meetings, hardly, and to wake up one morning and decide, have a convention, please don’t do that to us”.

In describing those pushing for a convention as “rebels” – an interesting term considering the once “Rebel Seven” who opposed Dr Minnis in a push to unseat him as leader – Mr Ingraham dismissed their calls, calling it a “made-up story”.

He also shot down the talk of the need for a convention every two years, as specified by the party’s constitution, noting occasions in the past when a vote had been held to move it. That’s true, though it’s not necessarily good practice.

As for Dr Minnis, there was an interesting exchange between the two with Mr Ingraham saying the two had been “very close” but that “after he became Prime Minister, he was a different man

altogether, but I never lost my respect for him”.

Dr Minnis responded: “There comes a point in time, especially when you get certain positions, you try your best to carve a direction for you … you will find that as you have your children, they too will carve their way, but they will always come back and ask questions, your recommendation, etc. So it’s not that they distance themselves, but it’s the reality of the world.”

Far from a denial, certainly – more an amicable agreement on the matter.

Throughout the exchange, Dr Minnis certainly did not deny he had an interest in challenging for the leadership – though he had plenty of opportunity.

By now, surely it seems it is an open secret, if secret is even the right word.

Mr Ingraham, for his part, expressed confidence in Mr Pintard as leader. The question remains how much of the rest of the party shares that view. Then the bigger question is how much of the electorate does.

Still, there is much to be said for Mr Ingraham’s approach of addressing the debate in plain sight. Why tiptoe around with talk of calls for convention instead of saying what you really mean and that you want a change of leader?

The FNM does need to resolve its internal disagreements – while the PLP pulled together to unite on the campaign trail in the by-election, the FNM was clearly divided, with Dr Minnis nowhere to be seen. If the party can’t count on support internally, how can it convince people they’re the right choice at the ballot box?

If Dr Minnis wants to be leader, let him say so clearly. And if he doesn’t, then enough of these shadow games.

Well said, Mr Ingraham, for calling the issue out into the light.

OWLS rest on a palm tree in Hyderabad, India, yesterday.

Rich need to pay like the rest of us EDITOR, The Tribune.

I APPRECIATE the editor allowing me to speak truth to power without fear or favour.

Too many of us sit idly by and have a problem with what’s being said but need help to gather the courage to say something.

These same people would be the first to complain about anything and criticise everyone who steps up to shine a light on the hypocrisy. We are too busy calling wrong, right, and right wrong because of who is talking.

I am amazed to read that, with a straight face, the chairman of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation, Timothy Ingraham, would fix his mouth to lobby for the wealthy and not mention the least among us.

Ingraham wants the government to ease up on businesses with more than $5m turnover to have audits completed by April.

In the government’s quest to recover some outstanding much-needed

revenue, they have started an audit across the board or announced that one would be done on all businesses to determine who owes what and eventually recoup the outstanding monies.

We all know that the playing field has been unleveled for decades, and the wealthy have not paid their fair share, but sucked every dime out of the economy and solidified that the rich stay rich and the poor pay their way.

This practice has been going on for decades. The rich are given exemptions and fewer bank fees on money borrowed because they are on the boards.

National Insurance is a clear example because there is a limit on the salaries. People who make the most money are taxed less.

So this unconscionable position by the president of the Chamber only confirms to me what we all thought: the rich don’t want to pay but want to reap the harvest while the masses struggle.

I would be highly

disappointed if the government agrees with the chamber and does not continue on course to have the audits completed by April next year and all outstanding taxes paid in full. Failing to continue as planned will only send a signal that the rich could get away with everything, and the poor get to experience hardships to pick up the slack.

We expect the rich to use threatening tactics to be exempted, like if they have to pay, they will lay off their employees.

This government must not blink, but move full steam ahead to ensure that all pay their way and that we, as Bahamians, feel safe and not be sacrificed on the altar of greed by the haves.

The Buddha said: “There’s no enemy outside our soul. The real enemies inside us are anger, ego, greed, and hate.”

IVOINE INGRAHAM Nassau, December 13, 2023.

W

Photo: Mahesh Kumar A/AP

Try this experiment, share love EDITOR, The Tribune.

MAKING a list and checking it twice might be a notion popularized by a certain holiday jingle, but too many frustrated and annoyed Bahamians seem to be preoccupied with lists of legitimate grievances, even at this festive time of year. Now, that’s not a reference to that ever-present horde of fellow Bahamians who simply grumble for grumbling sake. No. For far too many of us, very real problems and issues seem to compound exponentially around us day after day. Some of us may even have lists which extend from 2022 all the way into 2024.

Trying to make sense out of so much of our enigmatic situations can lead to quite a manic depression; a frustrating mess.

Taking our seriously deficient “whatever buck up goes” state of affairs too seriously could place too many of us on high doses of fluoxetine, paroxetine or other antidepressants.

So, in our own best interests, how about considering another strategy, while not abandoning our personal gripes, plus that lists of things in need of improvements across our picturesque 700 Islands, rocks and cays.

Accordingly, please take part in a little experiment.

Especially at this festive time of year, what could be the most meaningful and wonderful gift to give as well as get, without

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net spending nary a dime or a dollar? How about that gift of that second greatest commandment of all --- to love thy neighbour as thyself. Seriously! And, that’s not to wax biblically or religiously to the slightest degree. Even though a large number of Bahamians still pretend to remember ‘the reason for the season’, the actual underlying motivations for all those various celebrations unfolding all around us for the next couple of weeks are just as mixed up as conch salad.

What I’m presumptuous enough to suggest here is that we individually, as well as collectively, make a grand effort to truly treat each other just as we would like others to treat us. What a greatly transformed Bahamas this would be ... if only for this brief experiment in the holiday season! Maybe, just maybe, those desired changes on our long, long list of outstanding grievances might be rectified by some of those “others” we begin to treat as we would like to be treated, ourselves.

This might not be a magic pill, but quite possibly an effective placebo.

It’s certainly worth a try, from what I can see.

Undeniably, no singular thought or action can change our Bahamas

from what it was and is into what it could and should be. All the same, the power of one cannot be underestimated. With the historical records as a reference, we can see that one person can make a pivotal difference in moving masses of people in positive or negative directions.

Our little experiment aims for the former of those two directions. Are you willing to participate in our little experiment?

To reach the unreachable star could also mean to optimistically reach, when our arms are too weary.

Alternatively, you must agree that when we do nothing, we can reasonably and logically expect to get nothing. However, in this world today, and indeed The Bahamas, that’s not always true. Paradoxically, some people get what they don’t deserve, while others don’t get what they deserve. Still, you don’t have to spend a nickle (pennies are now outof-style) to try this little suggested experiment between now and 2024.

No puff of magic will make our lists go away as the clock strikes midnight on the 31st, but when enough of us practice that second greatest commandment, betya that list is bound to shorten.

Happy Experiment and Happy Holidays!

MB Nassau, December 13, 2023.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, December 14, 2023, PAGE 7

Pintard calls on govt to pay retired officers ‘denied millions in gratuity’

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard renewed calls for the government to pay hundreds of retired police officers who claim they have been wrongfully denied millions in gratuity.

Mr Pintard raised the issue in the House of Assembly yesterday after a group of retired officers showed up in the lower chamber in frustration.

Mr Pintard said he was told that about 450 retired officers are still waiting to receive the overdue payments after demanding them for over a decade.

“Some of them, Madame Speaker, are not with us any longer and we often find resources for a wide range of persons, persons whose issues have arisen since those officers have engaged in the fight,” he said.

Responding to Mr Pintard, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bowe-Darville dismissed litigation officers brought on the matter for procedural reasons.

He said: “There is a contention that for some class of officers, the ten years after retirement replaces gratuity. That is a matter

in which the Office of the Attorney General has rendered an opinion. I’ve met with two lawyers for this group, and I’ve advised both lawyers that they ought to take the matter to conclusion, this time being sure to comply with the procedural steps so the court could accurately adjudicate it and whatever the court corrects, the government will obey.”

Retired Constable Shannon Bannister told reporters he’s been fighting for benefits allegedly owed to him since he retired from the police force 23 years ago.

“I don’t know how anyone in the police force –– the commissioner or anyone –– came to the conclusion that only an inspector and above is entitled to a gratuity,” he said.

“Every one of us, when we completed 25 years, should’ve been given a gratuity.”

He said he doesn’t blame the government but the people in the RBPF and past police commissioners.

“I continue to fight,” he added. “We have officers like Mr Andrews here. He has cancer. He had an operation. A number of officers with a number of ailments.

I have persons I paid for to the lawyer personally because they couldn’t

Cleare responds to UN Working Group criticisms over Detention Centre

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net AFTER the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WAGD) criticised the Department of Corrections for not allowing conjugal visits since the COVID-19 pandemic, acting Corrections Commissioner Doan Cleare countered yesterday that video calls are common and have generally replaced in-person visits.

In its preliminary report on Friday, the WGAD said the absence of conjugal visits in correctional facilities affects family situations and jeopardises people’s return to society. The Working Group also said the prison conditions are below standard and noted detainees often cannot access medical care.

“We have video visitation,” acting Commissioner Cleare said. “Video visitation is through video conferencing. Their report did not mention that, and that is something that I pointed out to them. Everybody now does visits through video.”

Acting Commissioner Cleare also noted that the prison implemented a sixmonth Grow Your Child programme in August, which allowed dozens of mothers at the female prison to be visited by their children and other relatives for the first time. Plans are underway to expand the programme to the mediumsecurity facility in January, followed by the remand centre and then the maximum-security prison.

“To me, video visitation is better than the physical contact because people on the Family Islands, Grand Bahama, Exuma, Eleuthera, they don’t have to come to Nassau anymore to have a visit,” Mr Cleare said.

“I can have 120 persons visiting at any given time through video. Each video visitation will last a half hour. So, some days, we will have 400 visits per day.

Video visitation is unlimited. Once it is scheduled, it will take place.”

The Working Group expressed extreme concern about detainees’ inability to access medical care,

ACTING Corrections Commissioner Doan Cleare. including specialist care.

Mr Cleare said about five people with acute illnesses are referred to the Princess Margaret Hospital daily.

“The only challenge that I am having as it relates to medical care is the persons who are mentally ill, because the one psychiatrist and the one psychologist, they are overwhelmed in terms of offenders in here,” he said.

“That’s why we asked the government for four more persons. Two have arrived already, and we are awaiting the arrival of two more, with one coming mid-January, the psychiatrist.”

The Working Group received complaints about limited yard time, with inmates sometimes getting only ten to 20 minutes twice weekly.

“The exercise yard in maximum can only hold about 30 persons at any given time, and when you have over 600 residents in maximum, it is difficult to give everyone one hour exercise, and you also factor gang fights,” Mr Cleare said. “This only occurs in maximum. Persons in medium and the remand are out all day.”

Mr Cleare said most of the report’s concerns relate to what happens in maximum security.

“I can’t fault the report, because it is no secret that maximum is overcrowded and has people sleeping on the floor,” he said. “It is no secret that maximum may have four persons in a given cell. That’s a known fact. Also, what is known is that the government is now taking the initiative to construct a new facility because the current was built in the 1950s for punishment.”

afford it because these persons need a small sum of what they’re entitled to.

“All we’re asking this administration is to come to the table, tell us what you want to give us and let us negotiate about it. There’s nothing hard about it.”

Granville McMinns, former detective sergeant, said their cries for help have fallen on deaf ears.

“I spoke to the persons concerned and the present commissioner of police,” Mr McMinns said.

“I left the police force 38 years ago, and I have not received my gratuity, and it is wrong. I spoke to my cousin, Brave Davis, and told him I wanted to see him and he tells me he going away.

“I have not been able to catch up with him. I tried to make an appointment to see him but nobody answers and that is wrong.

“They’re looking at us like dirt, but we’re not dirt.

We served our country and we want what is rightfully ours according to the Police Act.” The retired officers allege that about $30m is owed to them.

RETIRED Detective Sergeant MacMinns 857 speaks to reporters outside the House of Assembly yesterday.

Photo: Dante Carrer

PAGE 8, Thursday, December 14, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

RCI donates 2,000 backyard farming kits to the Agricultural Development Organization WITH a food import bill topping $1 billion annually and the vivid memory of supply chain shortage, the movement to grow more of what we eat and eat more of what we grow got a boost yesterday when Royal Caribbean International (RCI) presented the last 200 of 400 backyard farming kits to the Agricultural Development Organization (ADO).

Recipients of the kits lined up at St Thomas More Parish Hall, Centreville, ready to start or expand a garden farm they could manage at home with the aid of a field officer visiting once a month. Each kit was packed with soil, 72 seeds of dozens of varieties, small irrigation tubing and fertilizer.

Among the special guests at the presentation and distribution ceremony were Minister of Agriculture Jomo Campbell, RCI general manager of Bahamian business and president of the Royal Beach Club Philip Simon and ADO Executive Chairman Philip Smith.

This is the second time the agriculture minister participated in the backyard farm distribution of kits provided by a donation from Royal Caribbean International, a collaboration and programme he called “a shining example of corporate responsibility.”

“We cannot thank donors like Royal Caribbean enough,” said Philip Smith.

“Without the tremendous outpouring of corporate support by a few key donors like Royal Caribbean, we would not be where we are today and where we are with having provided materials to start 2,700 backyard farms in less than two years is just the beginning.”

Mr Smith, who focused on feeding for 17 years, including founding and heading up the Bahamas Feeding Network for nearly a decade, says growing what we eat is essential for two reasons.

“First, there is the issue of food security and I fully believe that the answer to that lies right in our own backyards,” he said. “Our heritage is farming. Our ancestors did not clamber for greens, potatoes, yams, onions, cucumber, even eggs. They walked out into the backyard and picked what they needed that day. And the taste of a home-grown tomato is so much fresher than one picked elsewhere, packaged, trucked, put on a cargo ship, shipped across the seas, then the container trucked to a store before that tomato has been offloaded, labelled and put on a shelf. The stores try hard, but there is a world of difference.”

Mr Smith also cites the nation’s declining health with greater incidences of hypertension, heart disease, cancer, diabetes and arthritis. He said the link to an increased dependence on processed and fast foods cannot be ignored.

Agriculture Minister Jomo Campbell cited multiple benefits from the good to grow campaign and the collaboration between ADO and partners – improved food security, economic opportunities, health benefits, environmental sustainability and community building. “In earlier times, farming was not an unfamiliar profession in The Bahamas,” the minister recalled.

“Many of our grandparents, mothers and fathers practised substance

agriculture where they grew crops according to their family’s needs...This programme demonstrates that we can do this again and simultaneously cut down on our exorbitant food import bill that continues to be pegged at $1 billion.”

RCI’s Philip Simon explained the cruise company’s reason for strong support.

“Royal Caribbean International is committed to sustainability,” he said.

“That commitment is evident in everything we do –– in investing in the most advanced technology to minimise waste and maximise recycling onboard our ships, in our commitment for the Royal Beach Club to be landfill waste-free by 2030. But creating a sustainable planet takes more than massive recycling. It also involves the things we can do every day, including the nutritional benefits of growing our own food.”

Mr Simon said RCI’s long-time support of the Bahamas Feeding Network lent naturally to supporting ADO. “We understand that there will always be a need to feed, but if we begin to grow more of our own and restore the joy of a farming culture, bringing us closer to the earth, we will all benefit, and RCI is proud to be part of this important community initiative.”

In addition to backyard kits, ADO is assisting 26 schools throughout The Bahamas to create farms, and on December 9, Smith and team will be in Exuma to help launch the Rolleville Commonage Community Farm with Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper officially opening the halfacre garden of greens and more.

ROYAL Caribbean International (RCI) presents the last 200 of 400 backyard farming kits to the Agricultural Development Organization (ADO).

LEWIS CALLS FOR MORE FUNDING TO DEVELOP LOCAL SPORTS TALENT DURING ANTI-DOPING BILL DEBATE

CENTRAL Grand Bahama MP Iram Lewis said more funds should be allocated to the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture to develop local talent.

Photo: Dante Carrer

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net CENTRAL Grand Bahama MP Iram Lewis said more funds should be allocated to the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture to develop local talent.

Mr Lewis, a former athlete, spoke during the debate on the Anti-Doping in Sports (Amendment) Bill 2023 yesterday, which was passed in the House of Assembly.

The bill outlines potential therapeutic uses for prohibited substances and details the measures athletes must take to meet international standards.

Mr Lewis questioned whether the Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission, a body responsible for

combating sports doping, would get the funding needed to perform its duties under the bill.

“I truly believe that not enough is being done to protect our national talents, our natural resources,” Mr Lewis said. “I believe that, pound for pound, we are the best in the world, but more funding is needed for talent search, talent development and exposure to the global stage.

“More should be invested in sports programmes and facilities. As always, we are now a day late and a few million short.”

Mr Lewis said he knows cases where opportunities were missed because athletes lacked financial backing.

“I believe a well managed, and this is my

personal opinion, letter or alternative funding system should be explored or considered,” he added.

Current Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg said the doping legislation aligns with international standards.

“The changes to the Anti-Doping in Sports Act are not merely administrative; they are imperative for The Bahamas to maintain compliance with WADA’s standards and secure our eligibility to participate in and host international sporting events,” he said.

“The consequences of noncompliance are severe and far-reaching, affecting not only our athletes but the very fabric of our nation’s reputation in the global sporting community.”

PAGE 10, Thursday, December 14, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

MAN ACCUSED OF FIRING ON THREE POLICE GRANTED BAIL

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN allegedly engaged three police officers in a gunfight in Bain Town last week.

Magistrate Lennox Coleby yesterday charged Henry Munroe, 34, with possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of ammunition and three counts of possession of a firearm with intent to put another in fear.

K Melvin Munroe represented the defendant.

Police reportedly spotted Munroe outside a bar on West Street at around

8.30pm on December 8.

Upon seeing the police, the defendant allegedly fled the scene only to pull a gun on SGT 3112 Pinder, PC 4475 McDonald and SGT 3295 Curtis at the junction of West and Ferguson Streets. Authorities reportedly shot the defendant.

After the shooting, police recovered a black Glock 19 9mm pistol and eleven rounds of ammunition.

Munroe pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Prosecutor Inspector Lincoln McKenzie objected to his bail, citing the one year the man served in prison for a prior

firearm conviction and his alleged risk to public safety.

In response, Mr Munroe stated that his client posed no danger to the public and was a fit candidate for bail.

He also said the defendant still required medical attention for a gunshot injury to his right shoulder.

Magistrate Coleby granted the defendant bail at $9,500 with one or two sureties. Under this bail, Munroe must sign in at the Carmichael Road Police Station every Monday, Wednesday and Friday by 6:30pm.

Munroe’s trial begins on March 7, 2024.

FOUR GRANTED BAIL AFTER THEY ALLEGEDLY THREATENED MAN AND STOLE HIS PHONE

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net TWO men and two women were granted bail yesterday after they allegedly threatened a man with death and stole his phone by force.

Magistrate Raquel Whyms charged Patrick Johnson, 57, Chamekia Pedican, 46, and Fedline Jean, 26, with robbery, stealing, receiving and threats of death.

Julian Aranha, 31, faced a charge of receiving.

The defendants, by means of violence and threats of death, allegedly robbed Dalano Bethel of his $1,200 white and black Google Pixel 8 on the morning of December 11 in New Providence.

Later that day, they were arrested after they allegedly were found with the stolen phone.

All four defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.

The male defendants were granted $4,000 bail, while the female defendants’ bail was set at $3,000.

Johnson is expected to sign in at the Quakoo Street Police Station on Thursdays, and Aranha will report to the same station every Wednesday.

The female defendants must also sign in at this station every Monday by 6pm.

The trial in this matter begins on February 19, 2024.

AMERICAN TOURIST WAS GRANTED CONDITIONAL DISCHARGE AFTER BEING FOUND WITH MARIJAUNA

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net AN American tourist admitted to having marijuana on his person while visiting Parliament Street earlier this week.

Magistrate Samuel McKinney charged

Dontayue Hudson, 49, of Georgia, with possession of dangerous drugs.

Hudson was arrested on Parliament Street after police found him with three grams of marijuana on December 12.

After pleading guilty to the charge, Hudson apologised for his actions and

said he was unaware that weed was illegal in the Bahamas.

Magistrate McKinney granted him a conditional discharge when Mr Hudson would be on six months probation.

Should he default, he will face a $500 fine or one month in prison.

CARIBBEAN BOTTLING COMPANY DONATES $20,000 TO ONE FAMILY JUNKANOO GROUP

JADRIAN TURNQUEST, Marketing Manager of CBC presents a check for $20,000 to Holly Bain, Vice Chair of One Family Junkanoo Group.

CARIBBEAN Bottling Company (CBC), the local producer of Coca-Cola products, has sponsored $20k to the One Family Junkanoo and Community Organisation as it prepares for the 2023 Boxing Day Parade.

Proudly Bahamian, CBC supports the local community through donations and participation at several cultural events throughout the year, including local regattas.

“We’re very pleased to lend our support to such an essential part of our

national identity,” said Jadrian Turnquest, Marketing Manager of CBC. “Junkanoo is fundamentally Bahamian, and as dedicated corporate citizens we look to extend support to events and activities that sustain and celebrate our Bahamian culture.”

Media and PR Coordinator for One Family Junkanoo Group Anthony Coakley expressed their gratitude saying: “One Family is thankful and proud to be once again partnering with CBC and its fine portfolio of

products. For the past five Junkanoo parades, we have successfully collaborated to enhance the presentation of the group and add exciting elements to the experience for the thousands of fans watching, clearly creating a winning formula. CBC sponsorship is proof of their commitment to support our greatest national cultural expression; Junkanoo.”

In addition to monetary support, CBC will also join One Family to provide complimentary soft drinks to spectators along the parade.

A deep crisis of culture THE TRIBUNE

A DEAR friend was asked after her public service as a contract officer whether she was disillusioned by government.

Her response: “I now have a greater appreciation of the complexities of government work. But after working in government I am more disillusioned about the Bahamian people!”

She understands the strengths and weaknesses of government bureaucracy in the country and the need for ongoing reform. But she was deeply disturbed by the poor attitudes of many Bahamians and the difficulties inherent in governing a shockingly ill-informed, entitled populace with an insatiable appetite for handouts.

She was especially shocked by the selfish behaviour and mindset of many Bahamians in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian and during the COVID-19 pandemic, both of which exposed often deplorable attitudes by many citizens. The lack of a shared sense of purpose or common good was especially troubling.

The problems with our political culture are not confined to the political class. The quality of our leaders reflects the quality of talent from whom we choose our parliamentarians and public officers.

Moreover, many of our leaders are content to feed us patronage, favours and money as a part of our deep-seated “throw me out” culture.

Reports about the amount of money spent buying votes during the recent West End and Bimini by-election says as much about voters as it does about the politicians bribing us supposedly good upstanding Christian people.

In a small country in which who you know often trumps what you know and the quality of your service and talent, there is little incentive to perform well at any task.

Despite our glib and self-serving rhetoric about excellence, we are decidedly and mostly a culture of indolence, slackness, indifference and low expectations. The examples of excellence in The Bahamas are precious few.

Amidst the independence hoopla and fanfare there were a few notable attempts to genuinely reflect on the parlous state of Bahamian culture. However, some of us were content to beat our chests in an orgy of empty nationalistic triumphalism.

While we should rightly celebrate our successes over the past 50 years, we have not been equally as serious in researching, analysing and addressing the deep cultural problems that are at the root of our major social challenges.

The number of murders in a country our size is abnormal. So too the high incidence of obesity, which too many of us actually celebrate. We are normalizing the abnormal and the unhealthy in our culture.

Thursday, December 14, 2023, PAGE 11

The stories and examples of poor cultural attitudes and habits are evident everywhere and experienced daily. Good and consistent service now comes as a surprise. Such service is the norm in an ever decreasing number of places.

A high performing and diligent teacher in a government-operated primary school is

say they are coming in for an interview or to perform a professional service, but never show up and never call to say they cannot come.

In most first world countries this rarely happens. It is normal in The Bahamas.

So, what exactly is better in The Bahamas?

With majority rule in 1967 we adopted the policy of Bahamianisation which had a number of successes.

Institutional racism was dismantled. But the policy was not as well thought out as was necessary for longterm development.

We could have learned a number of lessons from Lee Kuan Yew, the father of modern Singapore. Lee was a

weapon, a money-making tool, or as a personal device at the whim of immigration officials of the day.

One particularly sad story was of a Canadian woman who dedicated her life to The Bahamas. She was a volunteer extraordinaire. Yet she was denied citizenship because she lacked certain connections.

Lee also ensured that there were institutions and programmes dedicated to the elite in his country. The demise of the Government High School as an elite institution was a singular mistake by certain Progressive Liberal Party leaders who sent their children to private high schools.

Equality, including equality of opportunity, does not obviate the need for elite institutions and high-skilled international talent. We needed all the talent we could muster, both

rule and independence leaders did not have a fuller sociological understanding of our cultural deficits. Lee understood the deficits of Singaporeans more acutely.

He wrote and spoke in detail about these deficits.

He had few to no illusions about the poor habits of his fellow citizens.

Politicians tend to pander. Because his was a more autocratic country and because the people trusted him, Lee was exceedingly upfront and at times brutally honest in reminding Singaporeans of the cultural deficits they had to overcome.

Because most Bahamians are

customer care programme that can be introduced through the University of The Bahamas.

The initiative would teach students and enrolees the most basic habits needed in public and private service: civility, punctuality, the qualities of productivity, basic discipline, how to answer a telephone or respond to a complaint, etc.

Like the Bahamahost Certification Programme, such an initiative would be open to employers and anyone wishing to enrol to be certified in client and customer service.

In essence, such a programme is really about teaching basic human skills that have atrophied and are

Despite our glib and self-serving rhetoric about excellence, we are decidedly and mostly a culture of indolence, slackness, indifference and low expectations. regularly chastised and shunned by lazy colleagues who resent that she is setting a high standard. In their minds she is showing them up: “Who she think she is?!”

A former cabinet minister recalled his lament to education officials. He estimates that a high percentage of teachers in the government school system are incapable of passing the BGCSE subjects they teach.

One of the more disturbing and revealing stories heard by this columnist this year was from an acquaintance who was asked: “What do you like about living in The Bahamas?” The acquaintance is highly intelligent and articulate. He happily admits to not realizing his considerable abilities.

“What I like about The Bahamas,” he insisted, “is that I can be mediocre and a little lazy and still outperform the majority of Bahamians!” He was referring to both the quality of talent in the country and, equally, the attitude toward hard work and quality performance.

A friend with a retail store exasperatingly observes that it is commonplace for someone to

pragmatist who combined liberal and conservative ideas with a strong capitalist ethos tailored for his country, alongside compelling insights into the sociology and cultural mindset of his people.

At home, a certain leftist mindset by some blindsided and limited our labour and national development policies. The necessity to provide education and populate our institutions with Bahamian talent was critical, but insufficient.

The late Lee educated Singaporeans and ensured their elevation to positions within the public and private sectors. Simultaneously, he ensured continued high rates of immigration at multiple professional levels. Today, approximately 40 percent of Singapore’s workforce is non-Singaporean.

Our Bahamianization policy often reflected an anti-foreigner mindset, with politicians playing games with work permits, permanent residency and citizenship. To be sure, there were some who should not have been granted any of the aforementioned.

But there were too many examples of immigration policy used as a political

Bahamian and foreign, following majority rule and independence.

As a small country we needed foreign labour with various skills and talent.

Now, with significant highskilled talent lost, we still need a vigorous liberal immigration policy.

Even the most successful countries require considerable foreign expertise and talent to develop. What arrogance and insularity one must have to harbour the conceit that a small country of approximately 400,000 has most if not all the talent necessary for national development.

The talent we need today is more than at the level of skills. We need talent that will exemplify discipline, timeliness, customer care, a desire to work. Our country is sorely lacking in many hard and soft skills.

What made matters worse was a certain doctrine of “we reach, we can do whatever we want now.”

It was preached by some at the highest levels of politics who instilled in many Bahamians a view that because they were now masters of their domain that they did not have to be as productive as necessary.

A number of our majority

fragile and cannot accept constructive criticism, our leaders will have to find ways to address our deficits, including through humour. But leaders do a disservice when they pander and glibly express how wonderful we are even as our culture continues to deteriorate.

We must also find ways to inculcate basic habits in our people. One such idea being proposed is a basic

sorely lacking. We are in desperate need of programmes that will help to develop basic human and citizenship skills in current and new generations.

Given the state of the country, and how cultural habits are instilled and maintained, such programmes will have to endure way past our 100th anniversary of independence.

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PAGE 12, Thursday, December 14, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

Biden firm on Ukraine support - but alternative peace solution needed LAST week, US president Joe Biden gave an address to the country that appealed for Congressional passage of another big package of military aid to Ukraine. Fox News, Newsmax and the more liberal cable outlets all interrupted normal programming to broadcast Biden’s mid-day remarks. The US continues to double down on Ukraine and on resistance to Vladimir Putin’s armed Russian invaders.

The State Department followed up Biden’s plea with the following announcement from Secretary of State Anthony Blinken: “Unless Congress acts to pass the President’s national security supplemental funding request, this will be one of the last security assistance packages we can provide to Ukraine. Helping Ukraine to defend itself against Russian aggression and secure its future advances our national security interests and contributes to global stability around the world, and we need Congress to act immediately.”

This was underscored again in an earlier exchange between a reporter and Blinken. The outlines of a likely settlement to this brutal war of attrition are to be found within the question and Blinken’s response.

Here is the exchange: Reporter: “And secondly, if I may, could I get your thoughts on former (NATO) Secretary General Rasmussen’s plan that would see Ukraine be allowed to join NATO, but without Russian-occupied territories being covered

by Article 5 (an attack on NATO ally is an attack on all)?

Blinken: “What you describe is not at all what I’m hearing, seeing, nor what we’re doing. We have now more than 50 countries in the effort to resist the Russian invaders, most,

STATESIDE with Charlie Harper

A MEMBER of the pro-Ukrainian Russian ethnic Siberian Battalion practices at a military training close to Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. Ukraine’s military has formed a battalion of soldiers made up entirely of Russian citizens who want to fight against Russian invasion.

Photo: Efrem Lukatsky/AP but not all of them NATO members, who have been almost from day one fully part of the effort to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs not only to defend itself against ongoing Russian aggression, but to help enable it to retake territory that Russia seized from it.

“At the same time, there’s also – and I think this is critically important – a commitment on the part of many countries to help Ukraine build a future force that can ensure deterrence and ensure defense against aggression going forward.

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other areas – for example, to generate private sector investment in Ukraine so that its economy can continue to grow, to build, and it has resources of its own – as well as making sure that it’s advancing on reforms to strengthen its democracy, which will be tremendously facilitated by the fact that the European Union is engaging Ukraine in – on the accession process, and of course reforms are necessary for that.”

The reporter’s question is nonetheless significant and illustrative of a growing sense in many quarters that the US and its allies in the West and elsewhere

may have to urge Ukraine to settle for exactly the solution the reporter outlined. A prolonged war of attrition in Ukraine that stretches both budgets and patience in the democratic West is not going to be tolerated indefinitely politically, militarily or economically.

That’s why Biden is increasingly stressing that the US needs to stay the course in Eastern Europe.

He and his advisers know that another year of stalemate means a Korea-type solution whereby the current battle lines effectively become the new RussoUkrainian border – and

Kyiv is soon welcomed as a full NATO member, even as South Korea has become a democratic free-market economy since the Korean War armistice in 1953.

It’s not ideal from anyone’s point of view. Putin reportedly thought his army would roll into Kyiv. We have seen that Ukraine will fight to the death to preserve its independence that is still less than 35 years old.

But it is also true that before Putin’s aggression starting ten years ago in Crimea, Ukraine was regarded as a hotbed of crime, corruption and general misbehaviour.

President Zelensky, facing an election next year, knows that the territory seized by Russia was largely ethnically Russian.

Given the clear alternative of literally exhausting his electorate in a no-win stalemate, he will find a way to broker peace off the battlefield.

The Americans’ many loyal allies in Western Europe will have seen popular support steadily erode for continuing to support Kyiv in an evidently fruitless quest to actually defeat the Kremlin. While they will follow Washington’s lead with high-minded declarations and continued assistance to Ukraine, it is already apparent that there won’t be endless popular support for such budgetary drains.

It may well be that the last person to join in what seems to be an inevitably growing consensus to end this war will be US president Joe Biden. Hopefully, if he is re-elected, he will acknowledge that much as he would like to do so, he cannot use his Ukrainian proxy to defeat Kyiv’s much wealthier and still domestically popular Russian rival Putin.

On the other hand, if Donald Trump is somehow returned to the White

House in November, all bets are off. Putin’s cynical reliance on the unpredictable nature of American voters and popular opinion will have been spectacularly vindicated. Still, pundits shouldn’t catastrophize too quickly.

Conservatives caution that with Trump, you have to watch what he is actually able to accomplish, not what he says. While many liberals proclaim that he will turn the US into an autocracy – and he might well prefer to do just that – the US has shown considerable resiliency despite the recent threats to its lofty traditions and ideals.

And while Trump clearly admires and probably envies Putin, few in the American government, judiciary or military share that misguided view.

A newly reelected Trump would find it difficult, if not impossible, to simply abandon Ukraine to the Kremlin.

Indeed, a good indicator of what Trump might be able to do as president may be found in the attitude and public remarks of GOP foreign policy traditionalists in the US Senate such as minority leader Mitch McConnell.

Only if they forswear decades of Republican interventionism and the use of American military power abroad would a thorough capitulation of Western interests in Ukraine be conceivable. And that’s not likely to happen.

Next year, the world will await the outcome of America’s November elections to see who will be chosen for a second term as president, and what the balance of power in the country’s legislature will be. But either way, abandonment of America’s role in the world in general and in Europe in particular is unlikely to change significantly.

Record amount of elections in 2024 MEANTIME, the world in 2024 will experience an unprecedented wave of elections. The prestigious US Atlantic Council estimated recently that as many as 75 nations will hold significant votes next year. The US and Ukraine are but two of them. Never before in human history have so many plebiscites been scheduled.

Other noteworthy elections will be held in South Africa, India, Mexico, the UK and the European Union, among many others.

Altogether, the Atlantic Council experts, who hosted a recent on-line event on the subject, estimated that 4.2 billion people will be heading to the polls next year.

According to these experts, serious issues lurk in several key votes.

In India, for example, the

elections are menaced by repeated incidents of repression of journalists offering reporting and commentary independent of the ruling party, as well as recurring threats of violence.

And listeners were reminded of the assault on Brazil’s parliament three years ago by supporters of the losing party – just two

days after the January 6 riots in Washington, DC. But guests from Google and Microsoft both said the biggest single issue in ensuring honest and fair elections will be the need for management and dissemination of information voters could trust. They estimated that $10 billion will be spent in the US

alone on next year’s general elections, and much of that staggering sum will be spent on false narratives.

Both decried censorship and a tilt toward the right-wing agenda on X, formerly Twitter.

The growing threat to authentic information posed by Artificial Intelligence was often noted. They worried about a nagging feeling among voters around the world that “everything in our lives is outside our control.” Why vote if you feel that way?

Voting is a sacred democratic right. Ensuring its authenticity, the panelists warned, must come from an active collaboration between voters and civil authorities. It will be fascinating to see how the Americans and many others manage it next year.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, December 14, 2023, PAGE 13

Millions infected with dengue this year in new record as hotter temperatures cause virus to flare SAN JUAN Associated Press DENGUE is sweeping across the Western Hemisphere in numbers not seen since record-keeping began more than four decades ago, with experts warning that rising temperatures and rapid urbanization are accelerating the pace of infections.

A record more than 4 million cases have been reported throughout the Americas and Caribbean so far this year, surpassing a previous record set in 2019, with officials from the Bahamas to Brazil warning of crowded clinics and new infections daily. More than 2,000 deaths in that region also have been reported.

“This year is the year we’ve been seeing the most dengue in recorded history,” said Thais dos Santos, adviser on surveillance and control of arboviral diseases with the Pan American Health Organization, the regional office of the World Health Organization in the Americas. She noted that record keeping began in 1980.

“Vector borne diseases, especially these diseases that are transmitted by mosquitoes … provide us a really good sentinel of what is happening with climate change.”

Poor sanitation and a lack of robust health systems have contributed to a rise in cases, but experts say droughts and floods linked to climate change are causing greater transmission of the virus, with stored water and heavy rains attracting mosquitoes.

Dr. Gabriela Paz-Bailey, chief of the dengue branch for the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Puerto Rico, noted that higher temperatures also are extending the mosquito’s habitat and helping the virus develop faster inside the mosquito, leading to higher viral loads and higher probability of transmission.

“These infections are a symptom of some big underlying trends happening in the world,” Dr. Jeremy Farrar, chief scientist of the World Health Organization, said in an interview. “Climate change is seemingly so difficult to address, and so many countries are now becoming urbanized, I can see dengue and the other diseases…

CHILDREN with dengue wait to be seen by doctors at the Mario Ortiz Children’s Hospital in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, Feb. 16, 2023. Dengue is sweeping across the Western Hemisphere in numbers not seen since record-keeping began more than four decades ago.

Photo: Ipa Ibanez/AP becoming increasingly frequent and increasingly complex to deal with.”

Dos Santos said officials are seeing “lots of new things” as dengue spikes, including record temperatures, extended seasons and the spread of dengue farther north and south than usual.

California, for example, reported its first two locallyacquired dengue cases this year, and Florida 138 such cases — a record for the state.

Last year, Florida reported 65 cases, Paz-Bailey said.

This year’s Northern Hemisphere summer was the hottest ever, with August some 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than pre-industrial averages.

And so far, 2023 is the second hottest year on record, according to Copernicus, the European climate service.

Worldwide, more than 4.5 million cases of dengue had been reported as of early November, with more than 4,000 deaths reported in 80 countries. Farrar believes that a global record set in 2019 of 5.2 million cases could be surpassed this year.

“Dengue is something that the Americas need to be increasingly concerned about, but it’s almost a global phenomenon now,” he said.

Countries like Bangladesh are seeing a record number of cases and deaths. The government in the South Asian country has reported more than 313,700 cases and more

than 1,600 deaths, the majority of them occurring within three days of hospitalization, according to published data.

The mosquito that carries dengue also has been identified in 22 European countries, with local spread of the disease seen in France, Italy and Spain. In August, the central African country of Chad reported its first-ever dengue outbreak.

Dengue affects some 129 countries, with roughly half the world’s population at risk, according to the World Health Organization. The virus is transmitted mainly by infected female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which bites hosts to obtain protein for its eggs. The virus can cause crushing headaches, fever, vomiting, a rash and other symptoms. While most infected people don’t get symptoms, severe cases can lead to plasma leakage and death.

What’s worse, experts say, repeated infections means a higher risk of developing severe dengue.

While the mosquito that carries dengue also spreads chikungunya and the Zika virus, there is less circulation of the other two viruses because of past immunity, Paz-Bailey said, adding that it’s very rare for a mosquito to carry two viruses at once.

In January, the World Health Organization warned that dengue poses a pandemic threat and is the

In hypochondria paradox, Swedish study finds a higher death rate in those who fear serious illness Associated Press A LARGE Swedish study has uncovered a paradox about people diagnosed with an excessive fear of serious illness: They tend to die earlier than people who aren’t hypervigilant about health concerns.

Hypochondriasis, now called illness anxiety disorder, is a rare condition with symptoms that go beyond average health worries.

People with the disorder are unable to shake their fears despite normal physical exams and lab tests.

Some may change doctors repeatedly. Others may avoid medical care.

“Many of us are mild hypochondriacs. But there are also people on the other extreme of the spectrum who live in a perpetual state of worry and suffering and rumination about having a serious illness,” said Dr. Jonathan E. Alpert of Montefiore Medical Center in New York.

People with the disorder are suffering and “it’s important to take it seriously and to treat it,” said Alpert, who was not involved in the new study.

Treatment can involve cognitive behavioural therapy, relaxation techniques, education and sometimes antidepressant medication.

The researchers found that people with the diagnosis have an increased risk of death from both natural and unnatural causes, particularly suicide. Chronic stress and its impact on the body could explain some of the difference, the authors wrote.

The study, published Wednesday in JAMA

A HOSPITAL exam room is seen in Alabama on July 30, 2015.

A large Swedish study, published yesterday in JAMA Psychiatry, has uncovered a paradox about people diagnosed with an excessive fear of serious illness: They tend to die earlier than people who aren’t hypervigilant about health concerns.

Photo: Brynn Anderson/AP Psychiatry, addressed “a clear gap in the literature,” said David Mataix-Cols of the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, who led the research. “We got lucky,” he said, because the Swedish classification system for diseases has a separate code for hypochondriasis, allowing data analysis on thousands of people over 24 years, 1997-2020.

Older research had suggested the risk of suicide might be lower for people with the condition, but “our hunch, based on clinical experience, was that this would be incorrect,” Mataix-Cols said. In the study, the risk of suicide death was four times higher for the people with the diagnosis.

They looked at 4,100 people diagnosed with hypochondriasis and matched them with 41,000 people similar in age, sex and county of residence.

They used a measurement called person years, which

accounts for the number of people and how long they were tracked.

Overall death rates were higher in the people with hypochondriasis, 8.5 versus 5.5 per 1,000 person years.

People with the condition died younger than the others, a mean age of 70 versus 75. Their risk of death from circulatory and respiratory diseases was higher. Cancer was an exception; the risk of death was about the same.

Referring an excessively anxious patient to mental health professionals takes care, said Alpert, who leads the American Psychiatric Association’s council on research. Patients can be offended, because they feel they’re being accused of imagining symptoms.

“It takes a great deal of respect and sensitivity conveyed to patients that this itself is a kind of condition, that it has a name,” Alpert said. “And, fortunately, there are good treatments.”

world’s fastest spreading mosquito-borne disease.

While there are vaccines and specially bred mosquitoes containing a bacteria called Wolbachia to fight dengue, there are no specific treatments for the virus once someone becomes infected.

It’s unclear how many countries, if any, have requested vaccines from manufacturers, but the Pan American Health Organization said its immunization technical advisory group recently met to talk about dengue vaccines and would publish recommendations once they’re finalized.

The Americas broke the previous regional record for dengue earlier this year, with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Peru reporting the most cases worldwide. Peru declared a state of emergency in some areas after reporting a historic number of cases.

The Caribbean also is battling a surge in cases, with the region reporting a 15% increase in confirmed cases by early October compared

with the same period last year, according to the Caribbean Public Health Agency.

Officials on the French Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique declared an epidemic in August that is still ongoing.

Martinique, for example, is reporting an average of 800 cases a week on the island of some 394,000 inhabitants.

Meanwhile, Jamaica and the Bahamas declared an outbreak in September followed by Barbados in October.

“The associated risks and ripple effects must not be underestimated as outbreaks of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases … pose a significant threat to health, tourism, as well as social and economic development,” the Caribbean Public Health Agency said in a statement.

Impoverished countries struggle the most with dengue, with poor sanitation creating fertile breeding grounds for infected mosquitoes, a lack of air conditioning and screened windows allowing the insects to roam freely and rickety health systems groaning under a growing caseload.

Farrar, chief scientist for the World Health Organization, said dengue is very difficult to treat in part because patients often delay in seeking medical care and because the virus can progress so quickly. Caring for patients is tricky because staff must ensure they receive the correct amount of fluid, which requires a lot of time and monitoring, he said.

“Imagine that you have a thousand people like that requiring all that delicate clinical care. It can very quickly overwhelm a system,” he said.

Claude Burton, a 70-yearold retiree who lives in

Jamaica, knows first-hand about the strain on medical facilities. Last month, he began to feel increasingly worse until he finally visited a doctor.

After testing positive, he took a taxi for an hourlong ride from Ocho Rios to Kingston after the doctor advised he be hospitalized.

The first hospital he visited turned him away, with staff telling him no beds were available. Then at the second hospital he went to, Burton spent two nights in a wheelchair until a bed freed up.

“I was really bad,” he recalled, adding that he had blood in his urine and ended up spending four nights at the hospital.

Dr. Georgiana Gordon-Strachan, director of the Tropical Metabolism Research Unit at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica, said the island’s summer of 2023 provided the perfect conditions for its newest outbreak.

“Heat is one of the drivers of dengue fever,” she said.

Most worrisome is that the second strain of dengue — the most severe out of all four — is the dominant one currently circulating in Jamaica, she said.

To fight the virus, trucks are rumbling across Jamaica, Barbados and other Caribbean islands and fogging areas with a product that contains small amounts of insecticide. Health officials also keep urging people to discard old tires, plastic containers and other recipients that collect rainwater, as well as to sleep with netting over their beds and wear pants and long-sleeved shirts.

“It’s really important that we talk more proactively about dengue since it’s becoming such an important public health threat,” PazBailey said.

SPORTS PAGE 14

NFL PICKS, Page 17

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023

35TH FATHER MARCIAN PETERS INVITATIONAL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

Six teams hoist trophies

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

S

ix teams hoisted their championship trophies in the 35th Father Marcian Peters Basketball Tournament yesterday evening at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium.

On the final day of tourney action, the Jordan Prince Williams Falcons took the title in the intermediate division while the Freedom Baptist Academy Warriors as well as the Teleos Christian School Cherubims won the primary schools boys and girls’ titles respectively.

The CV Bethel Stingrays took home yet another championship hardware for the senior girls’ division and the CH Reeves Raptors avenged last year’s loss to win the junior girls’ trophy.

For the boys, the DW Davis Royals emerged as victors on Wednesday.

The Stingrays collected a 38-32 win over the CI Gibson Lady Rattlers to take the senior girls’ hardware. Leading the Stingrays to a second

HEART OF A CHAMPION: MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg presents medals to the CV Bethel Stingrays senior girls, who took home the championship title yesterday. Six teams hoisted championship trophies at the conclusion of the 35th Father Marcian Peters Invitational Basketball Tournament at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium. SEE PHOTOS ON PAGE 19 Photo: Dante Carrer consecutive victory at the tournament’s Most Valua- Rattlers. They then closed coach award for the senior Marcian Peters tourney ble Player (MVP) honours. out the second half with a girls, was impressed by was Trinity Bodie. She The newly-crowned cham- 17-14 advantage and never them earning a second dropped a game-high 16 pions opened the contest looked back. straight victory.

Shantelle Rolle, who points to not only lead all 10-3 in the first quarter “It feels great. I told scorers but take home the against the CI Gibson Lady earned the outstanding my girls we have to come

out and defend our championship. I think our performance was great. We came out and executed on defence which translated to easy offence. This is our fourth time beating them, every time we play them we have to do what we have to do to beat them,” Rolle said.

The Raptors were last year’s runners-up in the junior girls’ division but this time around they were crowned champions after knocking off the Lady Cherubims 27-15.

The victors got a 6-3 advantage in the first period which blossomed into an 11-8 lead at halftime.

Tajhaniqua Morley poured in 21 points for CH Reeves, scoring eight points in the fourth quarter for the win. Her game-high performance helped her to secure the MVP award.

Varel Davis, who took home the outstanding coach award for the junior girls, was happy to see the girls - a majority being new players on the roster - avenge last year’s loss. “Throughout the tournament we

SEE PAGE 19

TEAMS ANNOUNCED FOR HOOPFEST IN PARADISE

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net AFTER a successful hosting of the inaugural Hoopfest in Paradise High School Basketball Tournament in 2022, the basketball extravaganza has returned for its second year, this time with more teams added to the fold.

Last year the marquee high school basketball tourney only featured six teams, which has now increased to 10, who will display their skills from December 15-16 at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium.

The visiting teams will include four top girls high school teams from the United States along with six top male teams.

Additionally, The Bahamas will field two teams both hailing from New Providence’s public and private schools.

Glenn Smith, the event organiser for Hoopfest in Paradise Basketball, has high expectations for the tournament’s second year in New Providence.

“We are expecting two days of high level basketball, a chance for not only the teams from America but the two teams from The Bahamas to be able to showcase their talents in front of college coaches as well as NBA scouts so

I think this is going to be a really exciting time in The Bahamas,” Smith said.

The girls’ teams competing out of the United States of America are Lake Highland Preparatory School, Etiwanda High School, Long Island Lutheran Middle & High School and Desoto High School.

For the boys, the six teams expected to compete are the Long Island Lutheran Middle & High School, Mater Dei High School, Link Academy, Dynamic Preparatory, Faith Family Academy and Riviera Preparatory School.

Top Bahamian prospect VJ Edgecombe, who plays for Long Island Lutheran, will return home this weekend to compete in the tournament and Smith said he is ready to go.

“I was already bringing the Long Island Lutheran girls team then once I found out that he was from here and he found out that I was doing the event here, I had somebody reach out to him and he had somebody reach out to me.

We talked and me and his coach figured it out.

“I am looking forward to seeing his facial expressions when he walks into Kendal GL Isaacs because everytime we talk on FaceTime, his face just lights up because he is coming back home

SPORTS CALENDAR 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.

FAMILY FUN WALK RACE 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 Saturday,

and this is his first time back, especially playing, and it will be some people here to watch him, not just his family and friends but college coaches from Duke, Kentucky, Florida and Michigan as well as NBA scouts will be here to check him out as well,” Smith said.

As for the local teams, there will be a New Providence public school team coached by Kevin “KJ” Johnson and a New Providence private school team coached by Dario Burrows.

The 12 players on the public school team are Dwayne Finley, Tashon Bethel, Stevacko Jacques, Gerrad Rolle, Mario Rolle, McKell Alonzo, Dakulve

Dec 2023

January 6 with a Family Fun Walk Race.

The event will honour the late Minister Charles Albury.

The fun walk race starts at the church on 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.

For those not participating in the walk, souse will be on sale. Contact Brent Stubbs at 426-7265 or stubbobs@gmail. com for further information.

Cumming, Emmanuel Adams, Sylvano Gibson, Daniel Bodie, Derrick Edgecombe and Condae Smith.

Coach Johnson was honoured to have the opportunity to lead the charge for the aforementioned team.

“It is an honour and privilege to coach this all-star team. I made my time available for this occasion, I am excited about it.

I reached out to all the public schools so they could get their players to come out and this is what we have,” he said.

“I think this is a very good and talented team. We will compete and definitely by the grace of God give a good showing.

“We are excited about it. I know we have been working hard preparing as best as we can and will definitely come out and do our best and try to win some games,” he added.

On the New Providence private school team are Treymon Wright, Romail Strachan, Daquan Strachan, Ramone Woods, Nakero Brown, Ray Smith, Treyvon Clarke, Kayden Adderley, Michael Thompson, Dorien LaRoda, Jakayo Kemp and Joel Butler.

Coach Burrows was optimistic about the team’s ability ahead of this weekend’s basketball tourney.

“I will be leading 12 wonderful young men from private schools throughout New Providence.

You are gonna see a group of young men representing a brand and I have to commend the coaches because I can say leading this group my job is easy. We are not trying to teach systems at this point, but we are teaching principles.

“We want to be competitive.

We want to give a good showing and we want to be just a model to try and sensitise the world to Bahamian basketball at the high school level,” he said.

In addition to NBA scouts and college coaches, expected to be in attendance will be 10-time All Star Carmelo Anthony, Hall of Famer Kenny ‘The Jet’ Smith, head coach of Dynamic Prep Jermaine O’Neal and four-time NBA champion Andre Igoudala.

“We are excited to have them here, as well as the college coaches that will be in attendance and we are super excited for this year’s event. We are looking forward to it and hope everyone will come out and support their local teams as well as come out and check out some of the future stars of tomorrow,” Smith said.

The teams from the USA will start to arrive today in preparation for this weekend’s tournament.

PSG ADVANCES IN TENSE FINISH TO CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP

By GRAHAM DUNBAR AP Sports Writer GENEVA (AP) — Paris Saint-Germain and Kylian Mbappé were left holding a ticket to the Champions League knockout round yesterday after a tense finish to the tightest group saw Newcastle let its chance slip.

Porto also earned its place in the round of 16 draw on Monday with a 5-3 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk, which needed to win to advance.

PSG’s 1-1 draw at Group F winner Borussia Dortmund — earned by 17-year-old Warren Zaïre-Emery’s 56th-minute leveller — was enough to secure second place

PSG’s Kylian Mbappe applauds after the Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund yesterday.

(AP Photo/Martin Meissner) because Newcastle lost 2-1 at home to AC Milan.

“We are still alive,” said PSG coach Luis Enrique, whose unseeded team can

now be drawn to face Manchester City, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich. “No team will hope to play us in the next round.”

Newcastle was in the box seat kicking off the second half with a one-goal lead but ended in last place without even the consolation prize of entering the second-tier Europa League as a third-place finisher.

That reward flipped to Milan when it took the lead in the 84th as substitute Samuel Chukwueze raced clear to score one minute after coming on from the bench. Milan had levelled in the 59th on United States playmaker Christian Pulisic’s goal.

SEE PAGE 18

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, December 14, 2023, PAGE 15

Local Italian community supports the Eleuthera Sailing Academy NOW a tradition, members of the resident Italian community come together each year to donate their time and efforts at the International Culture, Wine and Food Festival (ICWFF).

The 26th festival, held in October at Fort Charlotte, was a delight for attendees. All proceeds from the Italy booth are donated to a worthy cause each year.

This year, the team led

by Dr Alberto Suighi, the honorary consul general from Italy, selected The Eleuthera Sailing Academy in Savannah Sound.

As an organisation, the Eleuthera Sailing Academy supports the Bahamian national sport of sailing by teaching those in the community interested in learning to sail.

The programme currently has over 35 kids involved, with the most advanced training to represent The Bahamas both nationally and internationally.

Outside of sailing, the programme also teaches kitesurfing, windsurfing and more promoting the love of the ocean and natural environment.

Impressed by the efforts of the sailing academy programme, the enthusiasm and guidance of Mrs.Laura Paine and the positive impact of the sport for the youths of Eleuthera, the Italian community pledged to support by sponsoring an additional 10 local children to join the programme in 2024.

During a special presentation at the academy in Savannah Sound, Eleuthera, Dr Suighi met with several young sailors and their coach.

Head coach Martin Marinque thanks the Italian community for their support as the academy is in constant need of materials for repairs and maintenance as well as equipment like sails and boat parts.

“Italy is a great example of a country where sports play a huge role in the youth, and is right now the biggest country in youth sailing!

“We are confident that the community understands the benefits that sailing can bring to the youth of Eleuthera,” Martin stated.

FUNDS RAISED FROM ITALY BOOTH AT INTERNATIONAL CULTURE, WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL TO ASSIST YOUNG BAHAMIAN SAILORS

SMILES at the The Italy Booth at this year’s International Culture, Wine and Food Festival.

DR ALBERTO SUIGHI, the honorary consul general from Italy, and some of the young people in the Eleuthera Sailing Academy in Savannah Sound.

COLLEGE ATHLETES WHO TRANSFER TWICE CAN PLAY, FOR NOW, AFTER A JUDGE SETS ASIDE NCAA TRANSFER RULE

By JOHN RABY AP Sports Writer CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — College athletes who were denied the chance to play immediately after transferring a second time can return to competition — for now — after a federal judge issued a 14-day temporary restraining order yesterday against the NCAA. U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey in northern West Virginia issued the order against the NCAA from enforcing the transfer rule. A lawsuit filed by West Virginia and six other states alleged the rule’s waiver process violated federal antitrust law. The order clears the way for athletes to play during the two-week period and also ensures that schools won’t be punished for allowing it.

The NCAA said in a statement it would comply with the order and notify schools.

The ruling comes while the transfer window is open for football and creates an opportunity for players who have already transferred using their socalled one-time exception for immediate eligibility to enter the portal again and be cleared to compete next season.

A hearing on the restraining order is scheduled for December 27.

NCAA rules allow underclassmen to transfer once without having to sit out a year. But an additional transfer as an undergraduate generally requires the NCAA to grant a waiver allowing the athlete to compete immediately. Without it, the athlete would have to sit out for a year at the new school.

Last January, the NCAA implemented stricter guidelines for granting those waivers on a case-by-case basis.

Bailey wrote that the transfer rule “is the exact kind of unreasonable restraint of trade within labour markets that the relevant antitrust laws prohibit” and that the plaintiffs “have a strong likelihood of success.”

The states involved in seeking the restraining order were Colorado, Illinois, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee and West Virginia.

It wasn’t immediately clear whether any of the affected players would try to compete during the 14-day window.

West Virginia basketball player RaeQuan Battle transferred this season from Montana State after

THE NCAA headquarters in Indianapolis is shown in this file photo. College athletes who were denied the chance to play immediately after transferring a second time can return to competition — for now — after a federal judge issued a 14-day temporary restraining order yesterday against the NCAA. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) previously playing at Wash- now-coach Josh Eilert had ington and has been sitting lived on the Pine Ridge out.

Indian Reservation in “I’m in the gym every South Dakota with his single day with the team, mother following his parwith the blood, sweat and ents’ divorce and felt a tears with them,” Battle connection with the coach. told the court yesterday.

West Virginia’s next game “When the ball is thrown is Saturday in Springfield, up and that tipoff starts, I’m Massachusetts, against not suited up. That’s what UMass. hurts me the most.”

“We are consulting with Battle, who grew up on WVU’s General Counsel the Tulalip Indian Res- along with outside counsel ervation in the state of prior to making a deterWashington, has said his mination on the eligibility mental health is a big status of any of our studentreason why he came to athletes,” West Virginia West Virginia. Battle said athletics said in a statehe has lost “countless ment. “We will discuss this people” to drugs, alcohol with our student-athletes and COVID-19. to make the best decision After Battle visited West possible taking into conVirginia, he learned that sideration the potential

consequences of our decision.”

Battle has the opportunity to play in at least three games before the 14-day window ends.

“Welcome to the party,” West Virginia forward Quinn Slazinski said on social media.

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey said he’s “looking forward to proving definitively” that multitransfer athletes should be able to play without a waiting period.

The lawsuit alleged requiring athletes to sit can mean lost potential earnings from endorsement deals with their name, image and likeness (NIL) or professional careers. It pointed to exposure from competing in national broadcasts, noting: “One game can take a college athlete from a local fan favourite to a household name.”

“It is ironic that this rule, stylised as promoting the welfare of college athletes, strips them of the agency and opportunity to optimize their own welfare as they see fit,” the lawsuit said.

A recent transfer-waiver case involved North Carolina wide receiver Devontez Walker. The NCAA initially denied his waiver as

a two-time transfer. He previously played at Kent State and also had a stop at North Carolina Central, although he never played there because the COVID19 pandemic wiped out NCCU’s 2020 season. UNC fought for months to get Walker cleared in a testy case before the NCAA reversed its position in October.

The waiver process has become a source of frustration throughout college sports. Since the rules were changed to allow all athletes to transfer one time before graduating and be immediately eligible to compete, some are questioning whether any exceptions should be made for athletes who look to transfer a second time as an undergraduate.

“I’ve served in the men’s basketball aspect of the NCAA for quite some time on some committees and you ask most coaches and they’ll say, ‘We don’t want any waivers. There shouldn’t be any waivers,’” Conference USA Commissioner Judy MacLeod said last week during a panel at the Intercollegiate Athletics Forum in Las Vegas.

“But as soon as they get a kid that they want want to get eligible, they’re all for a waiver.”

PAGE 16, Thursday, December 14, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

ROADRUNNERS TRACK CLUB’S 23RD ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET @ SANDALS

Honouring our top athletes A

number of student athletes from the Roadrunners Track Club were honoured on Saturday night at Sandals Royal Bahamian as the club hosted its 23rd Annual Awards & Presentation Banquet.

Under the patronage of Rev Diana Francis, senior pastor at First Baptist Church, the event was held using the theme: “Chosen to Rise Up,” song “Rise Up” and scripture text from Isaiah 40: 29-31,” which were all selected by Chayanna Hepburn, one of the under-13 girls’ Athlete of the Year.

Joining Hepburn as Athletes of the Year in the various age group categories were Kenna Smith, under-7 girls; Kasey Rolle, under-9 girls; Jehiani Major, under-11 girls; Jasmine Thompson, under-15 girls; Tamia Taylor and Akaree Roberts, both under-17 girls and Jada Bridgewater, under-20 girls.

The male athletes of the year were Edvardo Burrows, under-9; Ronald Simon, under-11; Dukari Fulford, under-13; Shawn Ferguson, under-15; Trent Ford, under-17 and Temar Davis, under-under-20 Awards were also presented to the most outstanding athletes. On the female side, the winners were Aliyah Henfield, under-7; Teshan Williams, under-9; Lavaeh Johnson, under-11; Azalia Henderson, under-13; Denika Gittens and Shannon Edwards, under-15 and Katranel Dean, under-27.

On the boys’ side, the winners were Adyen McDonald, under-13; Ashley Demeritte, under15; Ethan Stuart, under-17 and Desmond Harris and Malcolm Williams, both under-20. The Dominique

Higgins award, presented to the student athletes with grade point averages of 4.00, were presented to Chyanna

Hepburn, Waynedeshia Douglas, Moreon Roberts and Gabrielle McLean. The club also honoured parents

of the year Tino and Kissie Wilson and Joyce McKenzie. Among the dignitaries on hand, along with Rev

Francis, were Mr and Mrs Harrison Petty, Dr Shantel and Travee Missick, Mr and Mrs William Delancy,

Mrs Patrice and Sunae Adderley and Phil Smith of The d’Albenas Agency Limited.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, December 14, 2023, PAGE 17

Pro Picks: Easton Stick will lead Chargers to an upset road win over Raiders in first NFL start

By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer EASTON Stick will be the latest backup to make his first start in a season filled with injuries to highprofile quarterbacks.

Justin Herbert joined a growing list of signalcallers who’ve suffered season-ending injuries, paving the way for Stick to make his first career start tonight when the Los Angeles Chargers (5-8) visit the Las Vegas Raiders (5-8).

Stick came off the bench after Herbert went down in a loss to Denver last week and completed 13 of 24 passes for 179 yards.

The Raiders have lost three in a row after interim coach Antonio Pierce won his first two games. Aidan O’Connell and the offence couldn’t do anything in a 3-0 loss to Minnesota and Pierce wouldn’t say Wednesday if veteran Jimmy Garoppolo would start against Los Angeles.

The Raiders are 3-point favourites, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Pro Picks looks to continue its winning ways on Thursday nights and will take the road team.

UPSET SPECIAL: CHARGERS, 20-17 ATLANTA at CAROLINA Line: Falcons minus 3 The Desmond RidderDrake London connection is heating up for the Falcons (6-7). Atlanta can’t look past the woeful Panthers (1-12) with first place very much in play.

BEST BET: FALCONS, 24-13 MINNESOTA at CINCINNATI Line: Bengals minus 3 1/2 The Vikings (7-6) are turning to their fourth starting quarterback, going from Joshua Dobbs to Nick Mullens. Jake Browning has saved the season for the Bengals (7-6) after Joe Burrow went down. Cincinnati has scored 34 points in consecutive wins.

BENGALS, 27-20 PITTSBURGH at INDIANAPOLIS Line: Colts minus 2 1/2 Mitch Trubisky will make his second straight start filling in for injured QB Kenny Pickett and the Steelers (7-6) aim to rebound from consecutive losses to teams that entered with two wins. They might be without star edge rusher T.J. Watt. The Colts (7-6) had their four-game winning streak snapped last week, but they’re right in the middle of the AFC wild-card race.

COLTS, 24-17 DENVER at DETROIT Line: Lions minus 4

The Broncos (7-6) have won six of seven to climb within one game of AFC West-leading Kansas City.

Russell Wilson could have a big day against a defence that’s allowed an average of 29.8 points over the past five weeks. The Lions (9-4) have a comfortable lead in the NFC North, but their shaky defence is a major concern.

LIONS, 27-26 TAMPA BAY at GREEN BAY Line: Packers minus 3 1/2 Baker Mayfield’s lastminute touchdown pass against Atlanta put the Buccaneers (6-7) on top of the weak NFC South. Now, they’ve got to find a way to win another road game against a team fighting for a wild-card spot. The Packers (6-7) are on a short week after they were on the wrong end of Tommy DeVito leading the Giants to a comeback win Monday night.

PACKERS, 20-17 CHICAGO at CLEVELAND Line: Browns minus 3 1/2 With Joe Flacco providing a steady hand at quarterback as well as the team’s stingy defence, the Browns (8-5) have a chance to put some heat on the AFC North-leading Ravens. They can’t afford a slip-up against the improved Bears (5-8).

Justin Fields has led Chicago to consecutive wins.

BROWNS, 23-19 NEW YORK JETS at MIAMI Line: Dolphins minus 8 1/2 After a major collapse in the final minutes Monday night against Tennessee, the Dolphins (9-4) can’t let up against another inferior opponent. Zach Wilson is coming off his best game for the Jets (5-8) and they still are clinging to slight playoff hopes.

DOLPHINS, 23-17 NEW YORK GIANTS at NEW ORLEANS Line: Saints minus 6 DeVito has turned into a folk hero after leading the Giants (5-8) to three straight wins to put them one game behind a bunch of teams in the NFC wildcard race. Derek Carr and the Saints (6-7) catch New York on a short week. New Orleans has covered the spread just twice in the past eight games.

SAINTS, 23-16 HOUSTON at TENNESSEE Line: Titans minus 2 1/2 Fresh off an improbable comeback win in Miami on Monday night, Will Levis and the Titans (5-8) look to spoil Houston’s playoff hopes. The Texans (7-6) have lost two of three and QB C.J. Stroud is in

49ERS’ MCCAFFREY, COWBOYS’ LAMB AMONG BEST BETS TO SCORE IN WEEK 15

By DORIAN COLBERT

LOS Angeles Chargers quarterback Easton Stick (2) passes during the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday.

(AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

concussion protocol. If he doesn’t play, Tennessee has the upper hand.

TITANS, 22-17 KANSAS CITY at NEW ENGLAND Line: Chiefs minus 9 1/2 Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs (8-5) are frustrated following two straight losses. Bill Belichick’s Patriots (3-10) had an extra few days to prepare after a Thursday night win.

CHIEFS, 27-13 SAN FRANCISCO at ARIZONA Line: 49ers minus 13 1/2 The 49ers (10-3) have taken over as the NFC’s No. 1 seed, but can’t afford to look ahead to a primetime matchup against the Ravens on Christmas.

San Francisco has been favoured by at least 13 points twice in the past four games and didn’t

cover the spread either time. The Cardinals (3-10) are 1-2-2 against the spread as a double-digit underdog in the past 10 games.

49ERS, 30-17 WASHINGTON at LOS ANGELES RAMS Line: Rams minus 6 1/2 The surprising Rams (6-7) have moved into the NFC wild-card race by winning three in a row before an overtime loss at Baltimore. The Commanders (4-9) have lost four in a row and coach Ron Rivera’s seat is getting hotter.

RAMS, 26-20 DALLAS at BUFFALO Line: Bills minus 1 1/2 Josh Allen saved Buffalo’s season with an impressive performance in a win at Kansas City. Now the Bills (7-6) even have a shot at the AFC East, but Dak Prescott and the Cowboys (10-3) have been

scorching hot during a fivegame winning streak.

BILLS, 31-28 BALTIMORE at JACKSONVILLE Line: Ravens minus 3 Lamar Jackson and the Ravens (10-3) can strengthen their grip on the AFC’s No. 1 seed with a road win.

Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars (8-5) are reeling after two straight losses.

RAVENS, 27-23 PHILADELPHIA at SEATTLE Line: Eagles minus 3 1/2 The Eagles (10-3) are on the ropes after two straight lopsided losses. They’ve lost seven in a row to the Seahawks (6-7) and haven’t won in Seattle since 2008.

Geno Smith is banged up for the Seahawks, who’ve lost four in a row.

EAGLES, 30-23

FANTASY football playoffs are underway, and scoring is at a premium.

Rest easy with these picks to find the end zone in Week 15. These are my best bets to score.

Running Back KYREN WILLIAMS, RAMS Williams is playing well since returning from an injury three weeks ago, either putting up 100+ yards and or scoring in all three games. It’s pretty telling that he’s tied for the thirdmost running back TDs (10), and he’s played four fewer games than most of his competitors. Vegas has given Williams -125 odds to score, second best for a running back this week, and we concur since he’s facing a Commanders group that’s our fourth-best matchup for opposing runners.

DAVID MONTGOMERY, LIONS Montgomery is only 13th in rushing yards, but like Williams, he’s tied for the third-most running back TDs (10) this season, and similar to Williams, he’s done it in fewer games (10) than most (40.95 TD dependency). He’ll face a Denver defence this week that, despite defending the pass well, is the secondbest matchup for opposing runners.

CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY, 49ERS Recipient of Vegas’ best odds to score (-275), McCaffrey has the perfect storm this week. Football’s current runner-up in running back TDs (17) is going up against our absolute-best matchup for opposing runners, the Cardinals, in Week 15. Only Carolina has allowed more TDs (20) than Arizona (18).

Wide Receiver AJ BROWN, EAGLES Brown has scored in only one of his past four games since the bye, but he hasn’t had the opportunity of facing the Seahawks.

They’re our 10th-best matchup for opposing receivers coming in, allowing five wide receiver TDs in their past four games.

Vegas likes his chances too, as it has given him 120 odds to find the end zone, tied for the second-best odds for any receiver this week.

CEEDEE LAMB, COWBOYS Lamb is tied for the third-most wide receiver TDs this season and has the second-most fantasy points per game (14.4) of any wide receiver. He’ll face the Bills secondary this week. They’re our 15thbest matchup for receivers, and Lamb gets -105 odds to score based on it, the best odds for any receiver this week.

Dolphins need to make sure collapse against Titans doesn’t turn into a late-season skid

By ALANIS THAMES AP Sports Writer MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — In the moments after the AFC East-leading Miami Dolphins blew a late 14-point lead to the Tennessee Titans, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa shook his head at the thought of the past.

Just last year, the Dolphins lost five straight December games during a stretch that nearly knocked them out of the playoffs and was reminiscent of collapses of years past.

Despite Miami’s lacklustre offensive performance and head-scratching fourth-quarter undoing, Tagovailoa doesn’t believe Monday’s 28-27 home loss to the Titans has any correlation to previous years.

“I don’t think this is the same Dolphins team that everyone thinks about,” Tagovailoa said. “We’ve got a lot of really good players.

We’ve got really good coaches. It’s one home loss this year. It’s not like the world ends because we lost this game.”

Miami had a chance to become just the second AFC team (Baltimore) to reach 10 wins on the season and pad its lead atop the AFC East, but instead was knocked out of the top spot in the AFC after allowing Will Levis and the Titans to score twice in the final three minutes Monday to pull off the upset.

How the Dolphins (9-4) respond to their worst loss of their season will be crucial. After they host the New York Jets (5-8) Sunday, the Dolphins’ schedule toughens considerably with a home game against Dallas, a trip to Baltimore and a rematch against the Buffalo Bills — whom they lost to in Week 4 — in their regular-season finale.

MIAMI Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) looks up during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Monday night in Miami.

(AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) “If this is what we needed The Dolphins still largely to get into this playoff race control their fate the rest of and December football the season — they’ll clinch then that’s what we need,” the AFC’s top seed and said fullback Alec Ingold. home-field advantage in “You take this one as a man the playoffs if they win the and look in the mirror and remaining four games on go back and improve. You their schedule. take this stinging feeling, They’ll likely need to get this gut punch as a learning more healthy to do that. lesson that you can’t leave Looming over Monday’s plays out there.” game was the health of

star receiver Tyreek Hill, who played just 34 snaps because of an ankle injury suffered in the first quarter.

Hill said after the game that he was trying to manage the pain in his left ankle as he was in and out most of the second half, but he couldn’t cut and change directions as he normally would.

As for his status going forward, Hill said he always expects to be available to play. “That’s never a question in my head,” Hill said. “That’s never something that I would be thinking about. But if the trainers come to me, if they see something in the scans whenever I get these scans, they say, ‘hey, Reek, you can sit out,’ I do it. But me being me, I don’t want to sit out. I want to be able to help this team any way I can, and that’s just who I am. I just don’t want to miss any games.”

WHAT’S WORKING With its passing offence faltering, Miami rushed for 158 yards, led by Raheem Mostert, who had 96 yards on 21 carries.

Mostert has an NFL-best 16 rushing touchdowns this season.

WHAT NEEDS HELP The Dolphins were 2 of 5 in the red zone and lost a fumble at the Titans 2 on a bad quarterback-centre exchange on their first possession. Connor Williams, Miami’s starting centre, went down with a knee injury in the first quarter and did not return. His replacement, Liam Eichenberg, was in on the bad snap and also had two penalties accepted against him.

NEXT STEPS The Dolphins beat the New York Jets on the road in Week 12 and will face them again Sunday.

PAGE 18, Thursday, December 14, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

76ers hand Pistons 21st straight loss DETROIT (AP) — Joel Embiid scored 30 of his 41 points in the first half and the Philadelphia 76ers handed the Detroit Pistons their 21st straight loss, 129111 on Wednesday night to open a home-and-home series.

Detroit matched the longest streak in franchise history, set at the end of the 1979-80 season and start of 1980-81. It is the sixthlongest single-season losing streak in the NBA. Only the 2010-11 Cleveland Cavaliers and the 2013-14 76ers (both lost 26 straight), along with the 1995-96 Vancouver Grizzlies, the 1997-98 Denver Nuggets and the 2011-12 Charlotte Bobcats (all lost 23 in a row) have lost more games in a row in a season.

Philadelphia holds the overall mark of 28, set at the end of 2014-15 and start of 2015-16.

Detroit dropped to 2-22, with the teams set to meet again Friday night in Philadelphia. Bojan Bogdanovic led the Pistons with 33 points.

LAKERS 122, SPURS 119 SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Anthony Davis had

PSG

FROM PAGE 14 Newcastle joined Manchester United in losing at home — United on Tuesday — to finish bottom of a group and give England its weakest round of 16 challenge for 11 years: just defending champion Man City and Arsenal are in the draw Monday.

“We are absolutely devastated not to go through,” Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said.

The 16-team lineup was completed by Porto, which finished runner-up in Group H to Barcelona though the Spanish champion lost 3-2 at Royal Antwerp.

37 points and 10 rebound and Los Angeles held off Victor Wembanyama and San Antonio, extending the Spurs’ franchise-record losing streak to 18.

The Lakers were without LeBron James, with the four-time MVP sitting out the first of two straight games in San Antonio because of left calf injury.

The teams will meet again Friday night.

Wembanyama had 30 points, 13 rebounds and six blocks for San Antonio, which has not won since November 2.

Keldon Johnson added 28 points, and Malaki Branham had 16.

PELICANS 142, WIZARDS 122 WASHINGTON (AP) — Brandon Ingram scored a season-high 40 points, Trey Murphy III added six 3-pointers and 27 points and short-handed New Orleans had its best offensive showing of the season to rout Washington.

CJ McCollum had 22 points and Jonas Valanciunas added 16 points and 18 rebounds. Zion Williamson sat out because of a sprained ankle. Kyle Kuzma scored 27 points for

DETROIT Pistons centre James Wiseman (13) fouls Philadelphia 76ers centre Joel Embiid (21) in the second half last night in Detroit.

(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) HEAT 115, Miami beat Charlotte to Washington. The Wizards HORNETS 104 finish off a two-game homelost for the 20th time in 23 MIAMI (AP) — Duncan and-home sweep. games.

Lowry was perfect shootIt is the fastest the team Robinson scored 23 points, has reached that loss total Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kyle ing — 5 for 5 from the Lowry each added 17 and floor, 4 for 4 of those on since the 2012-13 season.

3-pointers and 3 for 3 from the line. Jimmy Butler had 15 points and 10 assists.

Terry Rozier scored 28 points for Charlotte.

RAPTORS 135, HAWKS 128 TORONTO (AP) — Pascal Siakam scored 33 points, Scottie Barnes had 27 points and 10 rebounds and Toronto beat Atlanta to end a four-game losing streak.

O.G. Anunoby added 22 points for the Raptors in the opener of a twogame home set against the Hawks. Trae Young scored 35 points and matched a season high with 17 assists, but Atlanta’s season-worst losing streak reached five.

The teams will meet again Friday night in Toronto.

ROCKETS 117, GRIZZLIES 104 HOUSTON (AP) — Tari Eason scored a career-high 25 points, Jabari Smith Jr. added 20 points and 10 rebounds and Houston beat Memphis to extended its home winning streak to 11.

Eason came off the bench to shoot 10 for 16 and matched a career high with 14 rebounds. Jaren Jackson Jr. had a career-high 44 points for Memphis.

Atletico Madrid’s 2-0 win over Lazio ensured it would finish top of Group E and be seeded in Monday’s draw. Lazio had already advanced before the final round of games. Last-place Celtic got a stoppage-time goal to beat Feyenoord 2-1.

Man City sent out a team of few regular starters — including former ball boy Micah Hamilton who scored on his debut — to win 3-2 at Red Star Belgrade and ensure the defending champion completed a six-win program atop Group G. In the other group game that also did not affect the final standings, Leipzig beat Young Boys 2-1.

ROUND OF 16 DRAW The draw at UEFA headquarters on Monday includes eight former champions who have combined to win 33 of the 67 titles since the European Cup started in 1955.

Group winners (seeded): Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Real Sociedad, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City, Barcelona.

Runners-up (unseeded): Copenhagen, PSV Eindhoven, Napoli, Inter Milan, Lazio, Paris Saint-Germain, Leipzig, Porto.

In the round of 16, teams cannot play an opponent from their own country or a team they already faced

expanded 36-team format under pressure from clubs who want more guaranteed games, a varied programme with more higher-quality opponents and more money.

Each team in the 202425 Champions League will play eight games instead of six, against eight different opponents, in a single standings to rank them.

The top eight teams in January 2025 will advance to a 16-team knockout phase in a seeded draw like a tennis tournament bracket. Teams placed 9 through 24 in the standings will be paired in two-leg playoffs to fill the round of 16 bracket.

in the group stage. Draws later in the season for the quarterfinals and semifinals are open with no seeding or country protection.

EUROPA LEAGUE PLAYOFFS Third-place teams in Champions League groups keep playing in February in the knockout playoffs for the second-tier Europa League, which also are drawn Monday.

Playoffs qualifiers: Galatasaray, Lens, Braga, Benfica, Feyenoord, AC Milan, Young Boys, Shakhtar Donetsk.

Those teams will be unseeded, playing the home leg first, against runnerup teams in the Europa

League groups.

Those runners-up include Sporting Lisbon, and could add Roma and Brighton after Thursday’s games.

Winners of the Europa League playoffs advance to the round of 16 to face group winners like Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen, current leaders of the Premier League and Bundesliga, respectively.

LAST-EVER GROUP STAGE The Champions League said farewell yesterday to the traditional round-robin groups of four teams playing each other home and away.

Last year, UEFA approved a new and

OHTANI TO BE INTRODUCED AT DODGER STADIUM TODAY AFTER RECORD $700M DEAL

By BETH HARRIS AP Sports Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers will officially introduce Shohei Ohtani at a news conference on Thursday.

The two-time AL MVP agreed to a record $700 million, 10-year contract last weekend, a deal that the team announced Monday and provides that 97% of the money be deferred without interest and not fully paid until 2043.

“The World Series is the goal going in,” reliever Joe Kelly said Wednesday.

Ohtani will be introduced during a news conference in Dodger Stadium’s Centerfield Plaza starting 3 p.m. PST. MLB reported Wednesday that Ohtani broke Fanatics’ record for the highest jersey sales within the first 48 hours of a release, topping soccer stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

He was out of sight at the stadium on Wednesday, meeting with teammates, including seven-time AllStar outfielder Mookie Betts and Kelly.

“I had a chance to talk to him,” Kelly said, surrounded by kids attending an outdoor holiday party with music blaring. “He was already working out, already grinding, getting bigger and stronger. His arm looked good to me.”

Ohtani last spoke with reporters on Aug. 9, two weeks before a pitching injury that required surgery and will keep him off a mound until 2025.

He had the operation on Sept. 19, but the nature of the surgery was not fully announced. Ohtani had Tommy John surgery on Oct. 1, 2018.

A unique two-way star as both a hitter and pitcher, the 29-year-old left the Los Angeles Angels as a free agent after six years.

THE LOS Angeles Dodgers will officially introduce Shohei Ohtani at a news conference today. (AP Photo) Kelly is switching uniform numbers after finalizing his $8 million, one-year contract with the team on Monday, opening No. 17 for Ohtani, who thanked him for the gesture. “I wasn’t going to give it up to just anybody,” Kelly said. “If Shohei keeps performing, he’ll be a future Hall of Famer and I’ll be able to have my number retired.

That’s the closest I’ll get to the Hall of Fame.”

Asked what Ohtani was giving him in return, Kelly said, “Oh, there’s a list, but no comment.”

Ohtani spoke infrequently to the media during his years in Anaheim, leaving his teammates to be peppered with questions about the enigmatic superstar.

Kelly said he was prepared to entertain Ohtani questions “maybe once a week.”

Ohtani’s move from Anaheim to Hollywood has sent fans on both sides of the Pacific Ocean flocking to buy Dodgers merchandise and inquire about tickets on the secondary market.

The team has yet to begin single-game ticket sales for next season. “It’s going to be sold-out every game,” Kelly said. “Every game that we’re a part of is going to be like a playoff atmosphere.”

Ohtani will receive just $20 million of his contract over the next 10 years, with $680 million payable from 2034-43 in an unusual structure that gives the team greater payroll flexibility in coming seasons.

“I think all around it’s a good gig for both parties,” Kelly said. “The Dodgers are competitive every year and this is one of those things, he’s the highest paid player in all of sports, and we’re still going to be able to add to our team every single year he’s a Dodger.”

Ohtani’s contract calls for annual salaries of $70 million, according to details obtained by The Associated Press.

Of each year’s salary, $68 million is deferred with no interest, payable in equal installments each July 1 from 2034-43. The deal includes a full no-trade provision and provides for a hotel suite on road trips, a premium luxury suite for home games and a fulltime interpreter.

Ahead of his 30th birthday on July 5, Ohtani has a .274 average with 171 homers, 437 RBIs and 86 stolen bases along with a 39-19 record with a 3.01 ERA and 608 strikeouts in 481 2/3 innings. Ohtani has 34.7 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), per Baseball Reference.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, December 14, 2023, PAGE 19

35TH FATHER MARCIAN PETERS INVITATIONAL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

Champions take centre court

Photos by Dante Carrer FROM PAGE 14 played extremely well.

Last year we were runnersup to HO Nash so I told my girls this is our year to win.

We are excited and happy to take the trophy back to Raptors country. This year I have all new players other than two players from last year and to see the growth and improvement over the past few weeks has been good. These girls are dedicated and they are willing to learn so I am very proud of them for the job they did here tonight,” she said.

The Royals shut down the LW Young Golden Eagles 57-25 to blow out their opponents and take the junior boys’ title. On Wednesday evening, Windisky Paul was too much for the Golden Eagles as he scored 19 points to propel his team over their opponents. Paul was named the junior boys’ MVP. The champions bested the latter 38-17 to go into the second half and after this period the game was a foregone conclusion.

Mark Hanna, head coach of the DW Davis Royals and recipient of the outstanding coach award, was pleased with the win and tournament experience.

“This was a very excellent tournament, hats off to the committee, Jimmy Clarke and his crew who did an excellent job. This is the most organised I have seen it over the years we have been coming. It feels great to be a champion in this tournament because it is a collaborative effort between private schools, government schools and island schools, so if you come out on top of this you get bragging rights for the full year,” Hanna said.

The Falcons defeated Patrick J Bethel in the intermediate boys’ division 43-39. Meanwhile, the Lady Cherubims ended the Warriors 18-13 in the primary girls’ division. Evanaya Pierre was presented with the MVP trophy. The Warriors’ primary school boys toppled the Temple Christian Suns 33-13. Dario Musgrove hoisted the MVP award for the team.

CREAM OF THE CROP: Six teams hoisted championship trophies yesterday at the conclusion of the 35th Father Marcian Peters Invitational Basketball Tournament.