12202024 NEWS AND SPORT

CCA TOLD PAY $1.9B TO PURSUE APPEAL

US court overturns temporary injunction in Baha Mar legal battle

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A KEY Sarkis Izmirlian ally yesterday asserted “it doesn’t take a blind man” to see that Baha Mar’s contractor will likely lose its appeal against the growing $1.642bn damages awarded to the original developer.

Dionisio D’Aguilar, who sat on Baha Mar’s Board prior to Mr Izmirlian’s ouster from the mega resort project, nevertheless told Tribune Business that China Construction America’s (CCA) threatened liquidation of its Bahamian assets - namely the British Colonial and Margaritaville Beach Resort - “won’t come into play at

all” as a result of yesterday’s New York verdict.

The New York State Supreme Court’s appeals division, in a brief onepage decision, overturned the temporary injunction previously obtained by CCA and its affiliates that barred Baha Mar’s original developer from enforcing the earlier $1.642 damages award plus interest that he obtained against them. The ruling leaves the Chinese state-owned contractor once again scrambling to raise, and post, the $1.9bn bond surety bond mandated by the New York court otherwise it will be unable to pursue its appeal against Mr Izmirlian’s initial comprehensive legal win.

AG: NO CONCERN OVER JOBS

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder said he is not concerned about potential job losses at two Nassau resorts after a New York court rejected their owners’ bid to prevent Sarkis Izmirlian from enforcing a $1.6bn damages award. Mr Pinder’s comments followed a ruling by The New York State Supreme Court’s appeals division overturning a temporary injunction previously obtained by China Construction America (CCA) and its affiliates.

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

PRESIDENT of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Obie Ferguson said 14 unions are holding strike certificates, signalling their preparedness to take industrial action as unresolved labour disputes with the government persist.

Mr Ferguson stressed that while unions have been patient, continued delays in addressing these matters

could force them to act.

“We have outstanding issues. We have communicated to the government,

we have committed to the government for the last three years that these matters will be resolved,” Mr Ferguson said, listing unresolved disputes involving customs and immigration officers, the Bahamas Hotel Managerial Association, and national insurance workers.

Highlighting unions’ efforts to resolve matters amicably, Mr Ferguson added: “We thought when

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Public Service Union (BPSU) president Kimsley Ferguson has called for a structured poll to determine public servants’ opinions on the proposed shift to bimonthly pay.

Family Court opening held

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

GOVERNMENT and judicial officials attended the soft opening of the Family Court Complex off Bernard Road yesterday, marking the initial phase in what the Davis administration says is a comprehensive improvement programme for the court system.

When fully developed, the complex will house the Supreme Court’s family and probate divisions, the Magistrates’ family and domestic courts, and the juvenile court. It will ultimately accommodate four magistrates, the family registrar, three Supreme Court judges, the relevant registries, and support staff.

Chief Justice Ian Winder noted that the Family Court Complex is already partially operational. Its Magistrate’s Court section is complete, and the registries have been moved to the new site.

The family and probate division is expected to be fully refitted and ready by the start of the new year.

By January, the family and probate division judges are expected to occupy their complex portion. Chief Justice Winder added that by the summer of 2025, the completion of the juvenile court and mediation centre will fully “build up the complex”.

He emphasised the complex’s focus on sensitive cases involving juveniles, child support, maintenance applications, binding over applications,

protection orders, legal separation, divorce, matrimonial matters, guardianship, adoptions, applications under the Mental Health Act, and contentious probate disputes.

Traditional holding cells have been replaced with child-friendly detention rooms, and social service officers will be on-site to assist with family and juvenile matters. Additionally, the complex will include space for a temporary daycare service for court users.

“We are hoping that a nongovernmental organisation will assist in managing the daycare facility,” Chief Justice Winder said. He stressed that a reformed legislative framework is essential for the meaningful development of the family court.

“A proper court is more than just adequate and appropriately appointed building spaces and services,” he said. “The laws, in addition to procedural upgrades, some areas of substantive family law require attention. The laws relating to matrimonial causes and access to unmarried fathers to their children readily come to mind.”

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis reaffirmed the government’s commitment to justice by opening the Family Court Complex.

“We aspire to uphold the highest standards of justice,” he said. “Families will be supported by social workers and legal advocates who understand the gravity of their situations.

Having this modern dedicated space to hear matters of importance to families is a huge step forward that should be celebrated.” He also stressed the need to reduce unnecessary delays in the court system: “If this complex can help to protect a child, support a mother, or provide a fair arrangement for a father seeking to be in his child’s life…then this investment would have been worth it.” Attorney General Ryan Pinder announced progress on other projects, including a dedicated Commercial Court and a new Supreme Court Complex. He said Poinciana Holdings had acquired a facility for the Commercial Court. The goal is to have the Commercial Court operational by summer 2025, if not sooner. The attorney general also confirmed that Poinciana Holdings acquired the former Registrar General’s office at 50 Shirley Street, and the government has taken possession of the Rodney Bain Building. Demolition of the Rodney Bain Building will initiate the construction of a new Supreme Court Complex, with plans to issue a tender in the first half of 2025.

In addition, the attorney general assured that plans are underway for a dedicated Sexual Offences Court and a new Coroner’s Court, underscoring the government’s broader commitment to strengthening and modernising the judicial infrastructure.

THE RIBBON is cut on the new Family Court complex, above, and, below, Chief Justice Ian Winder addressing the audience.

Photos: Nikia Charlton

JAMAAL Rolle presenting artwork at the Family Court opening.

A POLICE band performing at the Family Court event yesterday.

HMBS Flamingo survivor determined to rebuild

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

RETIRED Defence Force Captain Whitfield

Neely has spent every day rebuilding his home of more than 40 years from the ground up after a fire destroyed the structure in May and hopes to move his family back in early next year.

“God is good,” he told The Tribune yesterday as he reflected on how life has changed for his family since the tragedy.

Mr Neely, a survivor of the HMBS Flamingo attack, was out running errands when he received a call from his son about the May 31st blaze, which destroyed everything he had built and left his family displaced.

Since then, he has worked daily to rebuild what was lost.

“I’ve been in this yard every day since then, even Sundays and Saturdays,” he said. “I go to church seven o’clock Sunday morning. When church is done, I come straight here and I work. And I’ve been doing that every day since my house burned.”

Mr Neely said he initially hoped to move into his three-bedroom, threebathroom home before Christmas but now hopes to do so early in the new year.

“We were looking at December, but something happened and things just stopped,” he said. “I guess it’s the Christmas effect in The Bahamas and I’m really looking forward to moving into my house at least in about six weeks, so by the middle of February, we should be living in our house.”

He said the rebuilding process had gone smoothly, with only painting, electrical installation, tiling, plumbing, and other interior work left to complete.

He thanked his family and friends for their outpouring of support, which allowed him to get a head start on rebuilding.

Ultimately, Mr Neely said he has had to dip into his savings and make sacrifices to keep the project going.

“We’ve been moving forward with help from the kids,” Mr Neely said. “Everyone is chipping in,

and we’re working as a unit to complete the project. We’re not just sitting on our haunches and waiting on someone to give us because that period, I think, has passed.”

The Neely family was initially left displaced after the blaze, with Mr Neely and his wife living in one home while his son and family stayed in another.

However, Captain Neely said that thanks to the generosity of good Samaritans, the family has been reunited and is now living together in a home until their house is rebuilt.

AG: NO CONCERN OVER JOBS

from page one

The injunction had barred Mr Izmirlian, Baha Mar’s original developer, from enforcing the judgment he won against CCA, the project’s contractor.

In October, New York State Supreme Court Judge Andrew Borrok ruled in favour of Mr Izmirlian, finding that CCA had acted in bad faith by misleading him about the Baha Mar project’s completion timeline, which led to its 2015 bankruptcy.

Judge Borrok described the construction delays and mismanagement as “an absolute sham and shakedown” that triggered the financial collapse.

CCA and its subsidiaries have previously warned that without a stay or injunction on Mr Izmirlian’s ability to enforce his damages award, they may be forced to file for bankruptcy and liquidation in the US and The Bahamas, respectively.

Such a move could affect downtown Nassau’s British Colonial and Margaritaville Beach resorts, which are owned by CCA (Bahamas) and represent the Chinese construction company’s major assets. Asked if he was concerned about jobs at the hotels in light of that ruling, Mr Pinder said the government was not worried about the ruling’s impact, as the government “has to be involved” in any developments that take place.

“We’re not concerned,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the official opening of the Family Court.

“The government has the mind of the Bahamian people first and foremost. Whatever happens, the government has to be involved in the process and, ultimately, they have to come to government to effect any kind of order or any kind of result that they achieve, and the government –– when they approach that –– they will approach that with the mindset of Bahamians first,” Mr Pinder said.

He added that his office’s review of the original verdict that awarded Mr Izmirlian his $1.6bn has not uncovered anything for the government to be concerned about.

This comes despite the judge ruling that “evidence establishes” the $2.3m paid by CCA to Notarc Management Group was intended to “curry favour” and “gain access” to former Prime Minister Perry Christie’s senior policy advisor and the Bahamian government during the peak of the Baha Mar dispute.

The ruling’s findings renewed concerns about the then-Christie administration’s handling of the Baha Mar dispute and the broader implications for governance in The Bahamas, prompting opposition calls for an independent investigation into the allegations.

“We have reviewed the ruling,” Mr Pinder said. “We don’t see any instances in the ruling that would really point to anything that the government should be concerned about, and that was the first ruling, so we’ll review the court of appeal ruling that just came down and see if that has any implications.”

ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder at the Family Court opening yesterday.

Photo: Nikia Charlton

THE HOME of retired Defence Force Captain Whitfield Neely as he rebuilds after a fire destroyed the structure in May.

Gaming Board signs agreement with Bahamas Public Service Union

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

THE Gaming Board for The Bahamas and the Bahamas Public Service Union (BPSU) yesterday signed an industrial agreement, but officials declined to disclose notable details about the agreement, which is set to expire in 2028.

The agreement, which had been outstanding for

a year, brings increased benefits for the Gaming Board’s bargaining unit members.

Dr Daniel Johnson, executive chairman of the Gaming Board, described the process as a success resulting from collaboration.

“This is a result of good communication, good collaboration and good compromise, and I hope that in our wider sphere, we

continue to communicate, collaborate, and compromise where it’s mutually beneficial,” he said. “The gaming board is really happy to say that we enjoy very good relations with unions, stewards and staff.”

Dr Johnson said the Gaming Board does not discuss the financial details of its agreements, citing confidentiality. “As a regulatory body, we don’t generally speak of values of

what we do inside here. But at the end of every year, we will publish a report, and this information will now be available on our website in painstaking detail,” he said.

“But we don’t generally talk money at the Gaming Board because we hold a lot of people’s private information.”

BPSU president Kimsley Ferguson expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the negotiations.

“We’re pleased to say that the negotiations were very, very, very amicable,” he said. “We were able to arrive at some decisions concerning the benefits discussed on behalf of the membership here at the Gaming Board.”

The agreement will impact 97 people in the BPSU’s bargaining unit, with notable improvements in salary increases over the five-year period.

Mr Ferguson highlighted additional enhancements, including increases in phone, mileage, and on-call allowances.

“I believe they’re going to be very pleased with what was agreed to on their behalf. Persons will be able to move to even a little higher standard of living based on the increases we were able to agree to today,” Mr Ferguson said.

EXECUTIVE chairman of the Gaming Board Daniel Johnson speaking to tje press at yesterday’s signing of an industrial agreement.

Photo: Nikia Charlton

‘14 unions have strike certificates’

remain unaddressed.

we signed a memorandum of understanding as a body, we thought that strikes as industrial action will be a thing of the past.”

In August 2021, the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Congress of Trade Unions Bahamas (NCTUB) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

The agreement, known as the “Workers’ Agenda,” outlined commitments to addressing

workers’ concerns, including protecting union influence and improving labour conditions.

While the PLP framed the signing as a commitment to labour rights, several affiliate unions criticised the process, alleging a lack of consultation and transparency.

Dissent grew within the NCTUB, with some affiliates expressing no confidence in President Bernard Evans and calling for his resignation.

Leadership defended the MOU, asserting it had executive approval, but the criticism highlighted

internal divisions and challenges in the union’s decision-making processes.

Some Bahamians, including former Director of Labour John Pinder, viewed the agreement as politically motivated, reflecting a broader pattern of election-period promises often lacking follow-through.

In October 2024, the Bahamas Customs, Immigration, and Allied Workers Union (BCIAWU), under the TUC’s umbrella, announced plans for a strike vote due to grievances over delayed overtime and transportation payments, as well as concerns about

the contractual rehiring of retired public servants.

Mr Ferguson said that the BCIAWU remains in a stalemate with the government over these long-standing issues. Despite the union’s adherence to legal protocols, including obtaining a strike certificate, no resolution has been reached, increasing frustration among members.

The BCIAWU’s grievances are among a broader set of unresolved labour disputes involving 14 unions, many of which are also prepared to take industrial action if their concerns

The following month, Mr Ferguson revealed that the TUC and its affiliates would convene to strategise potential strike actions, expressing frustration over unresolved grievances and unfulfilled terms from the Worker’s Agenda agreement.

The union leader reiterated his commitment to negotiation but warned that unions are ready to act if necessary.

Mr Ferguson said: “We will do what we have to do. We tried to avoid taking strikes. That was the last thing we agreed not to do.

Instead of doing that, we sit around the table, we would negotiate and bring it to head. But that ain’t happen.”

Reflecting on the importance of the labour movement to the country’s progress in light of recent issues, Mr Ferguson said: “Some of our people who made it, we tend to forget who caused us to be where we are. We just accept that man so because of the working people involved, that’s us, and that is reason why I’m so committed to do what I have to do, to bring some other people along.”

‘HAVE A VOTE ON BI-MONTHLY PAY PROPOSAL’

He stressed the importance of gauging workers’ perspectives before implementing the change.

Labour and Public Service Minister Pia GloverRolle initially set early 2025 as the start date for the biweekly system but later extended the timeline for further consultation after union leaders expressed concerns. Despite the delay, Mrs Glover-Rolle has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the change, citing consistent cash flow between pay periods as a major advantage.

While acknowledging potential benefits, Mr Ferguson said the general preference among workers is to maintain the current monthly pay structure, adding that the union is not opposed to change but seeks clarity on how the shift would benefit employees.

“A number of persons that I would have spoken to oppose the change simply because they feel disciplined enough to take care of their personal affairs and commitments in a monthly fashion as opposed to doing it twice monthly,” he said.

He also raised practical concerns, pointing out that the current system pays workers two working days before the month’s end. A bi-monthly schedule could require more frequent financial management,

potentially disrupting workplace productivity if employees need additional time off.

“I think it’s more beneficial for the government in relation to ensuring that the local economy remains buoyant,” he said. “I’m still trying to explore how the persons that we will represent or we do represent, will benefit from the change. And so again, we are still expecting there to be some form of consultation with our unions so that we can go back to our people and apprise them of the views of the government and how it can benefit them individually in the country nationally.”

The BPSU president stressed that proper consultation is critical.

“We have a responsibility to the persons we represent. Once we are provided with the necessary information, we can go back to our people, arrive at a consensus, and give an official response,” he said, proposing a formal poll to allow workers to vote on the matter.

Mr Ferguson also highlighted issues with recent meetings, noting that he and other union leaders, including Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) President Belinda Wilson, attended a meeting on December 13 but waited for over an hour without clarity on the agenda. Regarding a subsequent meeting invitation, Mr Ferguson described it

as impromptu, citing prior commitments as the reason for his absence.

Earlier this week, Mrs Glover-Rolle noted that union leaders were informed of the Tuesday meeting but were reportedly unavailable. She added that the Ministry of Finance had not responded to the union’s last-minute notice of their inability to attend, sent after business hours on Friday.

Prime Minister Philip Davis KC announced the bi-weekly pay initiative as part of the 2024-2025 Budget, describing it as a key element of public sector reforms. During the Budget debate, Mr Davis highlighted that bi-weekly payments would provide employees with more frequent paydays, improve cash flow, and potentially reduce reliance on highinterest consumer loans.

The initiative is part of broader reforms, including electronic salary notifications, online job applications, and the Cloud Bahamas project to digitise the public service. Additionally, Mr Davis announced a $10m allocation to review public sector salaries, which he deemed too low.

BPSU president Kimsley Ferguson speaking to the press at the Gaming Board signing with the BPSU yesterday.

Photo: Nikia Charlton

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“Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”

LEON E. H. DUPUCH, Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

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

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972

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Publisher/Editor 1972-

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Union trouble a warning sign

THERE is trouble brewing with unions, it would seem.

We have already seen Bahamasair staff taking industrial action – deemed illegal action by their employers.

And now we hear that 14 more unions have obtained strike certificates.

A strike certificate does not, of course, mean a strike action. It merely opens the way for such.

But it does show the simmering issues that remain unresolved.

Add to that concerns raised over the proposed move to bi-weekly salary payments. The concern there is that a significant number of workers are happy with their pay the way it is, thank you very much. Changing to bi-weekly rather than monthly has all kinds of implications for workers who have mortgages coming out of their accounts on specific dates, or loans, or all manner of things that are none of the government’s business.

Some unions are even making noises to suggest they have been excluded from discussions on that matter.

One swallow may not make a summer, but a whole flock is certainly an indication of the weather.

This extent of union unrest is a sign of a potentially challenging time ahead

for the government – and for the public if those strike certificates translate into strike action.

All this at a time when the government has been making noises about looking towards the next election.

Now some might well say that unions might be looking to use the election countdown as a bargaining position.

How much flexibility the government may actually have financially in that countdown is open to question.

There are a lot of things still up in the air economically – and how the state of the economy feels to citizens will play a great part in how they might decide to vote. It always does.

So is the union disgruntlement a bellwether for an election defeat? It is far too soon to say that. It does suggest though that the government has plenty of hearts and minds to win over before any election bell is rung.

And that is before we get to such matters as the scandals surrounding investigations into police officers and government officials in assorted matters.

Are we facing a winter of discontent? Or will peace break out?

Either way, it seems there is far from festive feeling going on in some quarters.

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Over the festive season, The Tribune is open during the following hours:

Monday December 23rd normal working hours

Be a good Samaritan

EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE recent brutal and unprovoked attack on a woman in our community has sparked widespread outrage, with countless verbal and written comments pouring in. While these reactions are valid and necessary, they must also serve as a call to action. As a society that witnesses crimes against women and children daily, we each have a moral duty to respond. This duty remains, even when helping a stranger or someone we know might place our own safety at risk. I am not suggesting that anyone recklessly disregard their safety. It is wise and prudent to assess a situation before intervening. However, I appeal to the moral conscience of us all, inspired by the biblical mandate to be our brother’s and sister’s keeper. Too often, we have become bystanders, quick to pull out our phones to record incidents for social media clout, seeking likes and shares instead of making a difference. But what if we chose another path? What if we prioritised calling for help or offering assistance instead of simply capturing tragedy?

The woman attacked is someone’s sister, mother, daughter, or cousin. She did not deserve the heinous violence inflicted upon her. Now, she must live with fear, trauma, and the physical and mental scars of this random act of brutality. Can we imagine her struggle—the loss of trust, the sleepless nights, the pain of feeling unsafe in her own community? And to the powers that be, I ask: whose family member will be next?

This incident is a wake-up call. It highlights the urgent need to address the plight of mentally ill individuals who roam our streets, often without adequate care or treatment. Those living with untreated mental illnesses must be provided the professional help they need to avoid becoming threats to themselves and others. Without intervention, tragedies like this will only continue. We should also reflect on the biblical story of the Good Samaritan. When others passed by the wounded man, ignoring his plight, the Samaritan stopped, cared for him, and ensured his safety. He didn’t wait for someone else to act. He didn’t

Proposed Ambassador to Bahamas

prioritise his convenience or fear but instead chose compassion and responsibility. This story is a timeless lesson that speaks directly to us today: to love our neighbours as ourselves, to intervene when others are in need, and to act as guardians of one another. In the Bahamas of yesteryear, we were a community of care and connection. We looked out for one another, reported wrongdoing, and supported our police. Our hearts were warm, our bonds strong. But somewhere along the way, our hearts have turned cold. Let us return to that spirit of unity, where we prioritise humanity over apathy. This tragedy should inspire change. It is time to stop being mere spectators and start being active participants in building a safer, more compassionate community. Let us rekindle the spirit of love, responsibility, and courage. The time to act is now.

SHERVONNE CASH

HOLLIS Advocate for Rights of Women and Children Nassau, December 19, 2024.

EDITOR, The Tribune. THE recently announced proposal of USA PresidentElect, the Hon Donald J Trump, to nominate Mr Herschel Walker of Atlanta, Georgia, as the full-fledged Ambassador to The Bahamas bodes well for our wonderful nation. This is the first time in almost Eleven years that, if Walker is approved by the Senate of the USA, that we will have a designated senior diplomat. I have long advocated that once a Republican administration is in place that The Bahamas is respected and treated in a dignified manner. Bahamians, in the main, are colour blind but as a majority black nation, it is more than appropriate that Mr Trump would nominate someone who is probably better suited to interact and relate as a “down home boy” an electrifying personality like brother Herschel.

Walker has many

attributes as an achiever but my favorite one is the fact that after dropping out of college, decades ago, he decided to return to university at a mature age where he recently obtained his degree in property management and policy. This is similar to what I would have been telling Bahamians for many years. If one had to or opted to drop out of high school or even a collage, for whatever reasons, once it becomes viable go back and complete whatever you started out to do. Age, save and except for dementia, is only a number. Georgia, especially Atlanta, has the highest level of Black people of wealth and education than most other states in the USA. For sure, it has the largest Black population of middle to higher levels of entrepreneurs. There are hundreds of Bahamians

and descendants currently working and residing up there or attending institutions of higher learning. Atlanta is my favorite USA based city and I would have actually lived up there for a little over a year and enjoyed every minute of my stay.

Common Cause and The National Republican Arena, both of which I serve as Executive Director, welcome this stellar nomination by Mr Trump and look forward to his eventual confirmation by the Senate of the USA. With this proposed appointment, President-Elect Trump is/has sent/sending a very strong signal to The Bahamas that despite the occasional flare ups, that he and the American people continue to have an unbreakable bond with The Bahamas. To God then, in all things, be the glory.

ORTLAND H BODIE, Jr Nassau, December 19, 2024.

Raise our standards

EDITOR, The Tribune. I FULLY concur with the letter written by B A Sweeting entitled “mediocrity in plain sight”, which was printed in Thursday’s Tribune. But what makes the matter even worse, is that the workers are not even using white paint! They are using masonry white lime mixed with water.

verges along Milo Butler Highway, especially on the Western side on the last bend heading towards the Harold road roundabout.

One would usually have to crane one’s neck to see around the tall grass protruding out across the highway. It cannot be that no one in authority sees this! Maybe in the spirit of goodwill this Christmas, those responsible could put the wheels in motion or issue some political contracts (using our money) to some persons to clean these verges, like

was previously done with the white washing of the sidewalks along the Cable Beach strip. And while I’m at it, those three or four huge billboards near the Harrold Road roundabout (one of which was recently put up) tend to uglify the landscape. They block the drivers view. But that is a topic for another day. And so we await the cleaning of the verges along Milo Butler Highway. Merry Christmas!

19, 2024.

THE Urban Renewal Band performing at the Family Court opening yesterday

Photo: Nikia Charlton

CHIEF JUSTICE TO MEET BAR PRESIDENT ON JUDICIAL COMPLAINTS

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter

CHIEF Justice Ian

Winder said he will meet with Bar Association president Khalil Parker before the opening of the next legal year to finalise the proper procedure for handling judicial complaints.

In January, Mr Parker said the chief justice has collaborated with the Bar Council to form a committee to draft a Judicial Complaints Procedure that he expected to be rolled out in the months that followed.

“I have agreed to meet once before the opening of the year to finalise what we’ve already discussed in terms of putting in place the proper procedure for judicial complaints,” Chief Winder said yesterday.

“But there’s always been a procedure for judicial complaints. The Judicial Legal Service Commission under the constitution and the legislation has disciplinary measures in respect of

complaints against judges.”

“I think what Mr Parker’s concern is that a process that allows it to flow, where he says legal officers face no repercussions in making that complaint. But there’s always been a procedure and a process for judicial complaints.”

Attorney General Ryan Pinder said last year that he supports a disciplinary system for the judiciary because judges should be held accountable for misconduct like everyone else.

Mr Winder said complaints against judges are examined within the existing system.

“Magistrates and registrars do not have the process in the constitution, but the only way you could remove them is through the establishment of a tribunal,” he said.

“But for disciplinary proceedings with magistrates and registrars as with any law office of the crown, there’s a mechanism and service regulations to deal with those.”

POLICE OFFICERS GIVEN JUNE 2026 TRIAL DATE

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter

pbailey@tribunemedia.net

THREE police officers charged with manslaughter in the 2021 death of 31-year-old Azario Major were notified on Wednesday that their trial will begin in June 2026. This come more than a year and a half after a Coroner’s Court jury returned a finding of homicide by manslaughter in Major’s case.

The officers — Sergeant 2825 Antonio Sweeting, Sergeant 3039 Jamal Johnson, and Sergeant 3726 Deangelo Rolle — are accused of fatally shooting

Major in his car outside a bar on Fire Trail Road on December 26, 2021. Justice Guillimina Archer-Minns informed the trio that the trial is set to start on June 1, 2026. If it cannot proceed as scheduled, an alternate trial date has been set for March 8, 2027. Case management is scheduled for September 17, 2025. Attorney Keevon Maynard represents the accused officers. Meanwhile, Constable Dennis Sturrup, who was charged with manslaughter for the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Gino Finley Jr during an alleged armed robbery at Seagrapes Plaza

in 2017, is expected to go to trial in May before Justice Cheryl Grant-Thompson.

Last month, the Coroner’s Court informed the families of Valentino Johnson and Shanton Forbes that decisions regarding advancing their cases to the Supreme Court would be announced later.

The Coroner’s Court also confirmed that the cases of five other officers — previously pending review — are now closed and will not proceed to trial.

These include the deaths of Harold Brown and Richard Brown, Deangelo Evans, Elroy Stubbs, and Ernest Forest.

ACCUSED IN YEAR’S SECOND MURDER IS GRANTED BAIL

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN who allegedly gunned down a 31-year-old in his South Beach home –– the year’s second murder –– was granted bail yesterday.

MAN DENIES ROLE IN ARMED CARJACK AND POLICE CHASE

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A 44-YEAR-OLD man has denied involvement in an armed carjacking that led to a police chase earlier this year.

Senior Justice Cheryl Grant Thompson arraigned Alex Williams on an armed robbery charge. Prosecutors allege that on February 18, while armed with a .40 Austrian

Glock pistol, Williams robbed Jamal Forbes of $311 and stole a 2012 Chevy Traverse, valued at $12,000, from Genovia Pinder in the Sears Hill area.

Later that day, police reportedly engaged Williams in a high-speed pursuit on Montrose Avenue.

After he abandoned the vehicle and tried to flee on foot in the Montell Heights area, Williams allegedly threw the firearm

into a nearby school shortly before his arrest. Authorities later recovered the Glock pistol, which contained six rounds of ammunition. Williams pleaded not guilty to the charge. His case will proceed before Justice Gregory Hilton, with a trial date scheduled for January 16, 2025. Justice Thompson warned that any further misconduct could lead to his bail being revoked.

Senior Justice Cheryl Grant Thompson granted Gamaliel Gray, 32, bail as he awaits trial for a pending charge of murder. Gray and an accomplice allegedly chased Gerrard Coakley from his back porch into his residence on Datura Avenue, where they allegedly shot and killed him on January 2. At the time of his death, Coakley was awaiting trial for his alleged attempt to kill Tamiane Lewis and Jermaine Thompson on March 13, 2019.

Gray was informed that under the terms of his bail, he would be fitted with a monitoring device. He was warned not to miss any court date, or his bail could be revoked.

TEN MONTHS IN JAIL FOR MAN WHO BREACHED BAIL CONDITIONS

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was sentenced to ten months in prison after admitting he violated the conditions of his bail in a firearm-related case.

Senior Magistrate Raquel Whyms arraigned 22-yearold Malcolm Rolle on charges of breaching bail conditions. Rolle had originally been released on charges of possessing an unlicenced firearm and ammunition, specifically a black Taurus G2 9mm pistol and ten rounds of 9mm ammunition, which were allegedly found outside a business on Second Street on September 18, 2023. Prosecutors said Rolle failed to sign in at his local police station multiple times between October 16 and December 11 in New Providence. After pleading guilty, Rolle received a ten-month sentence at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. Sergeant 2257 Wilkinson served as the prosecutor in the case.

CHIEF Justice Ian Winder at the Family Court opening event yesterday.

Photo: Nikia Charlton

The fire that devoured the SS Yarmouth Castle

By Eric Wiberg

THE steam passenger ship SS Yarmouth Castle was halfway through The Bahamas in 1965 when poor management practices on an old ship created an explosion of flames which effected 500 participants, leaving 90 dead.

Thousands of rescuers both afloat and on shore, particularly medical personnel in Nassau and mariners put themselves at risk to save lives. From this preventable tragedy arose a positive impact on safety regulations like SOLAS, or Safety of Life at Sea conventions, as well as the creation of the Bahamas’ first emergency room, and a volunteer corps called Yellowbirds to better cope with large-scale tragedies.

Yarmouth Castle was built in 1927 by William Cramp & Sons of Philadelphia for the Eastern Steamship Lines firm.

Though possibly named for the castle on Isle of Wight, it was christened Evangeline, whose sister ship, Yarmouth, operated a passenger run across the Bay of Fundy from Boston to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.

The steamship was 5,043 gross tons, 378’ long, 56’ wide, 27’ deep, had six boilers and two turbine engines which pushed her at 18 knots. By 1965 her accommodation was for 365 passengers in 186 cabins. She departed Miami for Nassau on November 12, with 376 passengers and 176 crew members aboard, totaling 552 people. The ship was under the command of 35-year-old Captain Byron Voutsinas.

The fire ignited shortly after midnight in room 610 on the main deck, which was was being used as a storage for mattresses, chairs and other combustible materials. No sprinkler head was installed there,

and the precise source of the fire is not known, whether by sparks, wiring, through the ventilation, carelessness with a cigarette, or all three.

The fire quickly raged out of control, killing 87 persons on board, most of whom went down with the ship and their bodies were never recovered. Three others were rescued alive, including the ship’s doctor and a stewardess, and died after.

In sum, 462 persons survived, rescued by the passenger ship Bahama Star saved over 350 people, and a cargo ship named Finnpulp, which rescued nearly 100. Numbers are hard to ascertain as helicopters and boats then took some persons off these ships.

Fourteen of the most critically injured rescued were taken by helicopter from Bahama Star to hospitals in Nassau, about 60 miles south. Flashback Miami described the ship as “an ageing liner,” and how the fire started “100 miles out at sea, nine hours after departing”. There followed a rescue operation impressive by any metric, particularly given the radio operator was burned to death before sending a Mayday – the massive pyre could be seen for many miles. Then, in daylight ships were forced away as flames engulfed the stricken hulk. The ship sank at 6.03am, in 11,000 feet. Among corrective actions implemented with SOLAS were that passenger ships calling in United States ports were required to have steel bulkheads and decks, fireproof passenger areas shielded from engine room and galley, and proper fire shelter for radio operators. This inspired Gordon Lightfoot to compose and sing Ballad of the

Yarmouth Castle. It generated several helpful medical studies in the treatment of large burns by Mary Kelly, Hilda Neely. Virginia Ballance, medical school archivist, published an article in the Bahamas Historical Society Journal. She notes that “the post-disaster emergency care resulted in the establishment of the intensive care unit at the government hospital and the establishment of a hospital volunteer corps… out of the disaster came some important legacies”.

Aside from crew response, the state of the vessel speaks to the

casualties. It is said that Yarmouth Castle had so many coats of paint it was said to be “held together by paint.” A troop transport in WWII, it was laid up for many years up to 1953.

In 1964, she was bought by the Chadade Steamship Company, indirectly owned by Canadian Jules Sokoloff, then living in Nassau, who ran them to Baltimore and New York and Nassau until repeated breakdowns moved them between Miami to Nassau, and $300,000 was spent on upgrading safety aboard by 1965. That night Finnpulp was a short distance ahead trying to beat the passenger ship into Nassau, and Bahama Star was behind – all watching one another. At 1.25 am the captain ordered “Abandon Ship”, though a general alarm was never issued. By 1.45 am the only motorised lifeboat was launched. Many passengers gave up on jammed lifeboats and either slithered down the side or jumped into the waters. Finnpulp’s crew noticed the ship stopped moving forward. The first boat off was filled with Yarmouth Castle crew including Captain Voutsinas, though he later returned to the ship. By 1.54, the Finnish captain was able to reach the US Coast Guard by radio,

some 1.5 hours after the fire started. Captain Brown of Bahama Star took overall charge, and by 4am all survivors that could be were pulled from the water. A US Coast Guard helicopter took its first evacuee from the Finnpulp at 5.15am. When the ship sank it let out masses of air which emitted erie sounds, like groaning or wailing. The head of Nassau’s medical effort, Dr Richard Cory, was woken at 5.30 am. His young daughter Sally and Marlene and Kay Thompson were on board the Yarmouth Castle. Emergency personnel fanned out to the airport (Windsor Field), Prince George Dock, and Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH). Pretty much every volunteer and public service organization in the capital turned out. They are too many to name, but “the response over everyone in Nassau was maginificent”.

A photo of Bahama Star arriving in daylight shows hundreds out and ready to receive her victims. The 13 patients arrived three at a time via helpicopter. Police had to keep Shirley Street clear to enable a stream of ambulances into PMH, and the public donated large volumes of bood for the strangers on their shores. Without a burn unit or ER room, patients flooded into

the male ward, private surgery, and eye units.

The British Colonial Hotel set up a reception centre in the lobby to sort out survivors and distribute information and families and international press arrived. Airlines, BASRA, and the American Women’s Club provided toiletries, cigarettes, meals and other basics to survivors, many of whom landed with nothing but pajamas. Most simply “wanted to get home”, as Ballance put it. In Nassau hospitals, 36 patients went to emergency treatment for burns and cuts from breaking windows. Nineteen remained afterwards, five were airlifted to Miami’s Jackson Memorial Hospital, one died from smoke inhalation in Nassau, and two died in the US. Many people were traumatized even though not on board the ship –nurses, doctors, reporters and others in the maritime and land transport sectors – anyone who witness such horrific burn injuries. Victims were among the first to be treated with .5 percent aqueous silver nitrate, which was pionered just the year before by Dr Carl Moyer in the US. Doctors came to Princess Margaret Hospital to learn about this therapy.

The Yellowbirds, or Princess Margaret Hospital Auxilary, were founded out of this experience, as was the first Intentive Care Unit there. A contributor to this effort was US Embassy Vice Consul Olive Jensen. In this effort the Ministry of Health administrators were ably and enthusiastically supported by Mrs Nancy Kelly and Mrs Peggy Jones. Growing from 60 to over 100 volunteers, this organisation has flourished and is vital to the nation’s emergency preparedness – after all we continue to hosts ships, hotels and aircraft filled with visitors. The Nassau Tribune was awarded a Merganthaler Award for coverage of this story, and Captain Brown was honored by the government of The Bahamas.

BAHAMA Star brings survivors of the Yarmouth Castle disaster into Nassau, November 12, 1965, nurses and medical staff stand by. Photo: Virginia Ballance, Bahamas Historical Society Journal.

There’s just something about the holidays that brings hope for the future and longing for the past

IT’S FUNNY how the mind works. How you can want something to happen a certain way tomorrow and in the same instant, wish it could be the way it was in the past. It’s almost as if you had split vision, one eye staring forward, the other gazing back. There’s just something about the holidays that reawakens the nostalgia residing quietly inside us before.

All of which explains why my work family ended up at one of the true split vision treasures of The Bahamas for our holiday party, John Watling’s Distillery (JWD). Everything about the experience validated the belief that there is economic value in historic preservation if done right and they have certainly done it right at JWD which should serve as a model for turning an historic site or cultural icon into a must-see or do experience.

It wasn’t just about the rum-making which was really just bottling rum that was already made (thank heavens for I can only imagine the mess we might have made left to our own devices to turn sugar cane and whatever else goes into making the drink that defines tropical delight).

It was about the tour with l’eisha Johnson, who has been there eight years and never tires of telling the tales of pirates and privateers, the good guys and bad guys who inherited or owned the property before or the rich and famous who visited it when it was a hotel and restaurant or later when it was the classy Buena Vista restaurant.

By Diane Phillips

It wasn’t any one thing. It was that this rich piece of history that will celebrate its 236th anniversary in February was alive and flourishing. Hundreds of visitors a day pass through and enjoy the grounds, marvel at the 74-foot deep well, listen to the tales of pirates and freed slaves who owned Buena Vista Estate long before it became a distillery where everyone can watch the action and those who pay a few dollars more can make a sample bottle, seal it and take it home.

In private hands How many more properties are there like this in Nassau, properties that in private hands can be preserved, renovated, reimagined?

Less than two miles east along the same hilltop ridge lies the decaying but potentially magnificent Collins House. Every year that it remains in the hands of the state-owned Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation it costs more to repair and this is not what governments strapped

for financial resources were meant to do. In private hands, Collins House with its fine, strong bones could be a cultural centre, showcasing history while providing a place for events. It could become whatever its owners envision, a place for art, music, wine tastings, drama, TED talks, an active, thriving experience steps from downtown. What can we learn from the John Watling’s Distillery model? Or the Bahamian Rum Cake Factory where dozens line up every hour of the day, rain or shine to see what it is like to make a rum cake and to

taste an authentic Bahamian product? Or Exuma’s swimming pigs where folks fly from continents halfway across the globe to stand in the same water as an animal that belongs on a farm but cannot resist a dip in the sparkling, clear aquamarine bays that boaters seek?

Risk is work

Our nearly nine million guests this year are longing for experiences and we have the historic structures, the built environment and the pristine waters to provide untold new experiences. We don’t lack funding, we lack imagination and courage. That’s the sad truth.

We are scared to put our money into building or creating an attraction that takes investment because it is a whole lot easier to invest in a Treasury note and sit back passively waiting for a few dollars of interest to trickle in.

Our ancestors were risktakers. Our success stories today are risk-takers. We admire them from a distance and then we turn the other way, afraid to take a chance ourselves, afraid to embrace the past to create the future. It’s a lot of work. But the future depends on our preservation in every sense of the word – in preserving the waters that Bahamians swim in, fish and make a living from, the waters that draw others to our shores. The future depends on

our willingness to invest in buildings that need love and a new life and green space and parks. The future depends on our willingness to awaken our nostalgia and throw it into a blender with a heavy helping of imagination, find the funding and go for the unknowable like the two cousins did who reinvented John Watling’s in one of the poorest sections of town and made it one of the richest experiences on the island. We can create a downtown that rivals any waterfront port of call. Remove parking from the south side of Bay Street, broaden the sidewalk allowing for outdoor dining, a jazz club or music lounge, live entertainment, art gallery, shops that sell more than t-shirts, sunblock and coconut ashtrays. All that is standing in our way is us. All we need to do is remind ourselves of the beauty of split vision, the economic rewards of untapped resources staring us in the face – one eye looking back, another looking forward and putting the two together for a brilliantly clear picture of success. Just like the distillery that once belonged to pirates and later to freed slaves. Coming up on 236 years of history, an estate at the top of a hill where past meets present and the story of The Bahamas is told and never gets old.

THE BUENA Vista estate.

TAKING a tour of the John Watling’s Distillery.

BUENA VISTA, now John Watling’s, pictured in 1918 with Mrs Petrie visible.

KIWANIS CLUB OF CABLE BEACH

The Kiwanis Club of Cable Beach once again demonstrated its commitment to community well-being with its signature project, a highly successful Health Fair held on December 14th, 2024. The club’s president, Keishla Cash, with a vision to broaden the impact of the signature project, decided to relocate the event from Gambier Village to Windsor Park to impact more lives. From 8am to 1pm, the park buzzed with excitement and activity under the uplifting theme, ‘Celebrating Health, Empowering Lives’.

A diverse array of health-related services was offered to ensure a holistic approach to wellness. Attendees benefited from consultations with a doctor and nurse and enjoyed relaxing sessions with a professional masseuse. The fair’s dedication to health was evident in these services and the healthy breakfast options, including chicken souse and an assortment of fresh fruits. The Caribbean Bottling Company generously donated healthy drinks and water, keeping everyone hydrated and energized throughout the day.

In addition to health services, the fair provided a variety of other activities and services that delighted visitors of all ages. Hair braiding and barbering services were available for the girls and boys, ensuring everyone left looking their best. The Kiddies Corner was a hit, with a bouncing castle and face painting that entertained the little ones. Each child received a package containing a health-themed coloring book, crayons, and a toy, promoting healthy habits from a young age. The various club committees collaborated to create a memorable experience for all present.

Entertainment was abundant with live demonstrations of healthy drinks and a thrilling fire truck demonstration as well as a fitness demonstration by the Extreme Basketball Team that had the young and the young at heart moving to the pulsating beat of the music. The Bahamas International Drill Team and a dynamic DJ kept the atmosphere lively, filling Windsor Park with music and joy. The hoopla table was a popular spot where attendees won various gifts, adding an element of fun and surprise to the event.

The Kiwanis Club of Cable Beach also addressed community needs by distributing free gently used clothing, blankets, and tams ensuring everyone could benefit from the fair. Special presentations were made to the principal of the Stephen Dillet Primary School and the principal of the Marjorie Davis Institute, which supports students with special needs, as well as to the Aktion Club, a Kiwanis Club for the disabled. All of this was made possible by the generous donations provided by private partnerships and friends of the Kiwanis Club of Cable Beach.

The event was graced by the presence of the Minister of Centerville, Jomo Campbell, who took the time to meet with attendees and assist in distributing grocery bags to families in need. The Rotary Club of West Nassau, partnering with the Kiwanis Club of Cable Beach, presented single-parent families with disabled children grocery vouchers, ensuring these families have a hearty, healthy meal for Christmas. The excitement of the Health Fair was preceded by a community walkabout the week before. Members of the Kiwanis Club of Cable Beach engaged with

local residents to understand their needs better. During this week, the president of the Aktion Club, Jas mine Fraser, was also invited to speak on disability, further emphasizing the club’s inclusive and supportive spirit.

and experiences, enriching our club’s dynamic. president, Camron Reckley, expressed his excitement about the new members:

“Their unique perspectives and eagerness to learn will undoubtedly enrich our club. We are committed to helping each member achieve their personal goals and build lasting friendships.” As we look ahead, we encourage anyone interested in improving their public speaking and leadership skills to join us at the Red Cross Society every Thursday evening @8pm. Together, we can help each other grow and thrive in our personal and professional journeys.

ROTARACT

CLUB OF EAST NASSAU

As the holiday season unfolds, the Rotaract Club of East Nassau sends warm wishes to everyone in our community. We hope your Christmas is filled with peace, love, and cherished moments, and may the New Year bring new opportunities, growth, and happiness.

This year, we have been honoured to serve and engage with our community through various initiatives, including our valued partnership with the Rotaract Club of Pétion-Ville in Haiti.

Looking ahead, we are excited about continuing our mission of service above self, building stronger communities, and fostering lasting connections. Together, let’s make the coming year even more impactful and inspiring.

Representative promises to be a beacon of excellence and collaboration. We are immensely proud to celebrate this significant milestone with Juliann. Please join us in wishing her every success as she embarks on this new chapter of leadership. Congratulations, Juliann! Your Rotaract family stands beside you with pride and enthusiasm.

ROYAL VICTORIA LODGE #443

The holiday spirit was in full swing as this past Saturday, Royal Victoria Lodge #443 hosted its yearly Christmas Drive, a heartwarming tradition that brings joy and community togetherness to the Woods Alley Community here in Nassau. This beloved event, organised in collaboration with Big Harvest Church and Community Sunday School, has become a hallmark of generosity and celebration during the festive season.

A Day of Giving and Celebration

The Christmas Drive featured an exciting lineup of activities, ensuring smiles for children and adults alike. Present giveaways were the highlight of the day, as gifts brought cheer to many families. A lively pizza party, complemented by a variety of snacks, added to the festive atmosphere. The event also included engaging games and activities, creating a memorable experience for everyone in attendance.

Community Spirit and Brotherhood

We are filled with gratitude for the tremendous support and participation that made this event a resounding success.

This Health Fair was more than just an event; it was a glowing example of community spirit and collaboration. The Kiwanis Club of Cable Beach truly illuminated the lives of many, empowering and uplifting the community through health, kindness, and a shared commitment to better living.

FIRST BAHAMAS BRANCH OF TOASTMASTERS CLUB 1600

The First Bahamas Branch of Toastmasters Club 1600 is excited to announce the addition of several new members who have joined our ranks over the past four months. As we continue to foster communication and leadership skills in our community, we are thrilled to welcome these enthusiastic individuals who are eager to grow and contribute. Since our inception in 1969, Toastmasters Club 1600 has been dedicated to providing a supportive environment for personal and professional development. Our new members bring diverse backgrounds

Thank you for being part of our story. May your holidays be as wonderful as the smiles we’ve shared and the lives we’ve touched.

Wishing you a joyous Christmas and a spectacular New Year!

• The Rotaract Club of East Nassau is thrilled to congratulate Juliann Grant on her appointment as District Rotaract Representative for 20272028. This esteemed role reflects Juliann’s unwavering commitment, exemplary leadership, and dedication to the values of Rotaract.

Throughout her journey, Juliann has been a pillar of inspiration, consistently fostering positive change and strengthening our community. Her innovative vision and boundless energy will undoubtedly drive impactful projects, unite clubs across the district, and uphold the Rotaract spirit of service above self. As she takes on this exciting responsibility, we are confident that Juliann will continue to make a meaningful difference, empowering others and championing initiatives that benefit our district and beyond. Her journey as District Rotaract

The event showcased the collective effort and unity of brethren from Royal Victoria Lodge, Lodge of Unity, and Bahamas Turks and Tercentenary Lodge. Their dedication and teamwork ensured the success of the event, demonstrating the power of community service and fellowship.

Honouring Decades of Service

A special acknowledgement was given to Bishop Ferguson and his wife, Mrs Ferguson, for their unwavering commitment to serving the community. Their selfless efforts over the decades have been an inspiration and a cornerstone of the event’s success. Their leadership and dedication continue to uplift the lives of countless individuals.

A Well-Attended Tradition Year after year, the Christmas Drive draws an enthusiastic crowd, reflecting the strong bond within the community. The event’s success is a testament to the hard work, planning, and heart that go into creating a day filled with love, joy, and togetherness.

TOASTMASTERS from left, TM Johnathan Albury, TM Farentino Knowles, TM Amar Pearson, TM Eddie Toote III, TM Cedric Munroe, TM Camron Reckley (President), TM Azano Major (VP Membership), TM Jordan Clarke, TM Phillip Armbrister, TM Garret King, TM Charles Rose. Not pictured is TM Cam’Ron Ryan and TM Ezra Bodie Jr.

THE KIWANIS Club of Cable Beach held a health fair in Windsor Park.

THE ROTARACH Club of East Nassau sending Christmas wishes and also extending their congratulations to Juliann Grant, right.

THE ROYAL Victoria Lodge held its traditional Christmas drive.

Sydney Clarke and Denali Nottage are the national tennis champions

It took Sydney Clarke two sets, while Denali Nottage needed three hard-fought sets to earn the ladies and men’s titles at the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s annual Giorgio Baldacci Open Tennis Nationals. At the end of the shortened three-day tournament because of the limited number of entries, Clarke and Nottage had to withstand the two-hour rain delay in the middle of their matches at the National Tennis Centre to regain their respective titles. Clarke dethroned defending champion Simone Pratt to recapture the ladies’ title she last held in 2018 with a 6-3, 6-4 win. Both players also earned another appearance on the Billie Jean King Cup for 2025. On the men’s side, Nottage prevailed with a 7-6

(5), 3-6, 6-3 decision over Michael Major Jr to regain the title he last held in 2022. Likewise, both players booked their spots on the Davis Cup team for 2025. In the consolation matches, Jalisa Clarke captured the ladies’ third place with a straight set win over BreAnn Ferguson and Donte Armbrister was declared the men’s winner with a walk-over against William McCartney.

returns a shot to Daria Snigur, of Ukraine, during the first round of the U.S. Open tennis tournament, August 29, 2022, in New York.

SIMONA HALEP GETS A WILD-CARD ENTRY FOR AUSTRALIAN OPEN QUALIFYING

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep, working her way back from a drug suspension, and Hall of Famer Lleyton Hewitt’s 16-yearold son Cruz were among the players awarded wildcard entries on Wednesday for Australian Open qualifying next month.

Halep, a 33-year-old from Romania, was the runnerup at Melbourne Park in 2018 and won major titles at the French Open later that year and at Wimbledon in 2019.

She has been ranked as high as No. 1 but is currently 877th and hasn’t played at any Grand Slam tournament since 2022 after missing all tournaments for 1 1/2 years because of a doping case. Cruz Hewitt is ranked outside the top 1,000. His father, who won two major trophies and reached No. 1 in the rankings, made his Australian Open debut in 1997 at age 15 via a qualifying wild card.

Lleyton Hewitt retired in 2016, was elected to the International Tennis Hall

of Fame in 2021 and is currently Australia’s Davis Cup captain.Other men who got wild cards for the Jan. 6-9 qualifying event include 2023 Wimbledon quarterfinalist Chris Eubanks and former top 25 players Dan Evans and Bernard Tomic, while the women’s group includes Paris Olympics doubles gold medallist and 2012 French Open singles runner-up Sara Errani and top 20 players Petra Martic and Ana Konjuh. Main-draw action begins in Melbourne January 12.

SIMONA HALEP, of Romania,

(AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Photos by Chappell Whyms Jr

ON THE REPLAY: Tennis players in action during the the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s annual Giorgio Baldacci Open Tennis Nationals.

Bahamas moves on to ICC World Cup Qualifier

THE Bahamas men’s national cricket team set out a goal to advance to the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Men’s T-20 World Cup Regional Americas Qualifier and they did just that at the

subregional qualifiers hosted in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from December 6-16. The national team clinched the third qualification spot, wrapping up the first phase of qualification

with a 6-2 win/loss record in a nine-team field. Bermuda closed out the subregional qualifier with an unblemished 7-0 win/ loss record, followed by the Cayman Islands with a 6-2 win/loss record.

ON THE REPLAY: Bahamas men’s national cricket team in action in the subregional qualifiers in Buenos Aires, Argentina, December 6-16.

INDIA WILL PLAY AT A NEUTRAL SITE AND NOT GO TO PAKISTAN FOR CHAMPIONS TROPHY CRICKET

By RIZWAN ALI AP Sports Writer

ISLAMABAD (AP) — India will not play cricket in Pakistan during the Champions Trophy next year.

All of India’s games will be at a neutral venue, including if it reaches the semifinals and final, the International Cricket Council confirmed on Thursday. In a tit-for-tat move, Pakistan will not play in India in ICC events in the 2024-27 cycle. Pakistan will also go to a neutral venue when India hosts the 2025 Women’s World Cup and co-hosts the 2026 men’s T20 World

Cup with Sri Lanka. India refused more than a month ago to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, the eight-team, 50-overs tournament.

The ICC yesterday did not reveal where India will play its games, but Dubai, Dhaka and Colombo are the front-runners.

Political tensions between Pakistan and India have prevented their teams from touring each other’s country since 2012, when Pakistan went to India for a bilateral one-day international series. Both teams face each other regularly in ICC tournaments — Pakistan went to India last year for the men’s World Cup. But before the World Cup, India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup and played all of its games in Sri Lanka. This hybrid model was initially refused by the Pakistan Cricket Board, but as recompense the ICC gave Pakistan the 2028 women’s T20 World

Cup. The Champions Trophy schedule will be announced “in the coming days,” according to the ICC. Defending champion Pakistan, India, Australia, England, New Zealand, Bangladesh, South Africa and Afghanistan will participate.

PAKISTAN IN GOOD SHAPE FOR THE CHAMPIONS TROPHY AFTER WINNING ODI SERIES IN SOUTH AFRICA

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Pakistan won a second straight major one-day international series away from home when it beat South Africa by 81 runs at Newlands on Thursday. After beating Australia 2-1 last month, Pakistan has taken the Proteas 2-0 with a game to spare.

Half-centuries by Babar Azam, captain Mohammad Rizwan and allrounder Kamran Ghulam staked Pakistan to 329 all out.

Heinrich Klaasen hit 97 but South Africa’s chase was strangled by Pakistan, and fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi ended the last meaningful resistance with three wickets in three overs. Klaasen was the last man out on 248 in the 44th over.

Pakistan’s fifth successive bilateral ODI series win puts it in good stead for the Champions Trophy it will host in February.

It was unchanged from the three-wicket win on Tuesday in Paarl, made to bat first, and minus both openers in the first 10 overs.

Rizwan was smashed on the back of his helmet by debutant pacer Kwena Maphaka but gathered his senses with Babar in a steady but safe stand of 115.

The partnership was broken when Babar was caught at midwicket for 73 off 95 balls, his first halfcentury in any format for Pakistan since May, and first in ODIs in 13 months.

When Rizwan followed three overs later for 80 off 82, caught and bowled

by Maphaka when he was accelerating, Pakistan was forced to reset at 192-4 with 14 overs to go. Amid four dropped catches by South Africa, Ghulam piled more misery on the host by smashing a 25-ball half-century on his fifth six.

Ghulam was the last batter out for 63 off 32, the main plunderer as Pakistan scored 105 runs off the last 10 overs.

“Kamran Ghulam’s innings was absolutely fantastic,” Rizwan said.

“We were looking for 300 but we got 300-plus, must give credit to him. I had trust in him but not like that ... that was something different.”

Set 330 to win, openers Temba Bavuma and Tony

de Zorzi gave South Africa a promising start in the first 12 overs.

But spinners Abrar Ahmed and part-timer Salman Agha chipped out three top-order wickets and slowed the scoring so the run rate required gradually climbed.

Klaasen and the fit-again David Miller were reviving the chase and starting to charge when Miller was caught behind off Shaheen for 29, ending a stand of 72 runs in 12 overs with Klaasen.

Klaasen soldiered on, out three runs short of a fifth ODI century, as Shaheen grabbed 4-47 and fellow pacer Naseem Shah took 3-37.

The last ODI is on Sunday in Johannesburg.

Sailors represent Bahamas well at Opti Worlds

A TRIO of Bahamian

sailors made their mark at the 2024 Optimist World Championships hosted in Mar del Plata, Argentina, December 5-15. The Bahamas was represented by sailors Lorenzo Laramore, Callum Pritchard and the reigning Optimist national champion Finley McKinney-Lambert.

Mckinney-Lambert fared well in his second appearance at the Opti Worlds.

He was the team’s top performer, placing 53rd overall with a total of 295.25 points. He was brilliant in race one, placing 11th in the red fleet. He also had his best finish in race six, placing 10th in the blue fleet. Laramore finished up the event in the 217th position with a net total of 638 points. He placed 20th in the bronze. Pritchard was two spots behind at 219th with 640 net points.

AN ‘EMBARRASSING’ NIGHT FOR CURRY, HIELD AND WARRIORS, WHO FALL BY 51 AT MEMPHIS

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)

— Stephen Curry had a game like none other in his career. It was part of an awful night for the Golden State Warriors.

Curry didn’t make a shot from the field in his 24 minutes — the first time he’s played that many minutes without a basket in his 16-year career — and the Warriors fell behind by 57 points in what became a 144-93 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies last night.

“We ran into a buzz saw,” Curry said. “We obviously know we are better than that. I’ve got to be better than that.”

The 51-point final margin and 57-point deficit were both the largest in the NBA this season.

“You lose by 51, that’s humbling,” coach Steve Kerr said after his team, which started the season 12-3, lost for the ninth time in its last 11 games.

Curry was 0 for 7, missing all six of his tries from 3-point range.

It was only the fifth time in Curry’s career that he’d taken a shot in a game and not registered a field goal — he was 0 for 1 once, 0 for 2 once, 0 for 3 once and 0

for 4 once. “He’s one of the toughest covers in the history of the NBA,” Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said. Not on Thursday, however.

“That was embarrassing,” Curry said. It was only the fifth time in Warriors history that they lost a regular-season game by more than 50 points.

Of those, three have come in the last five years — by 53 to Toronto at Tampa, Florida in 2021, by 52 at Boston on March 3 and Thursday’s 51-point loss.

The franchise regularseason record is a 63-point loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1972.

The Philadelphia Warriors lost by 51 at Boston in 1962.

“It wasn’t any of our nights,” Kerr said. “Including mine.”

Curry and Draymond Green had never combined for zero field goals in a game in which both played, until Thursday.

“There’s a first time for everything, right?” Curry said.

Brandin Podziemski and Andrew Wiggins combined

to make 15 of their 24 shots for Golden State. The rest of the Warriors shot 17 of 66 - 25.8% - with Dennis Schroder going 2 for 12 in his Golden State debut. Jonathan Kuminga also shot 2 of 12.

The Warriors have now trailed at least one game by 45 points in each of the last six seasons. “Once we’re all locked in defensively, you see what type of team we can be,”

Grizzlies guard Ja Morant said. The Grizzlies now have the two biggest victory margins in the NBA this season. They beat Portland by 45 on Nov. 10. Memphis also led Golden State by 55 in Game 5 of the 2022 Western Conference semifinals, ultimately winning that game by 39 points. The Warriors went on to win that series in six games and

eventually won that season’s NBA title.

“I know who we are. I know what our team is about,” Kerr said. “I know we’ve got competitors, and I know we’re going to bounce back and we’re going to regroup. So, I’m not concerned about that. But we’ve got a lot of work to do to execute and learn how to execute under pressure and take care of the ball and get good shots.”

NPBA SEASON SHUTS DOWN FOR CHRISTMAS

FROM PAGE 16

and had two rebounds and a steal. Hot shooting from the Rebels was a difference maker in the contest. The team collectively made 48.5 per cent of their field goals while holding the Regulators to 27.9 per cent shooting.

After the first period, the Rebels were in charge 22-15.

Rolle canned a twopointer at the 1:02 mark of the second period to push the score to 39-24. By the halftime mark, the Rebels had a 41-24 advantage.

The Rebels put their feet on the gas and started to steamroll the Regulators by 23 (59-36) at the 2:34 mark of the third quarter. After this point, the game was all but over.

Cruz Simon scored a team-high 16 points, 10 rebounds and one assist for the Regulators in the loss.

Division Two

The Athletico Bahamas needed all 28 of Antanel Pierre’s points to sneak past the Rebels division two team down the stretch. He paired the 28 points with eight boards and a steal.

After three tightly contested quarters, the Rebels were ahead 54-50 but a game winner from Pierre rained on their parade.

The Rebels’ Javon Vil made a layup to cut Athletico’s lead 68-66 in the final minutes of the fourth quarter.

Emmanuel Adams was fouled and made a pair of freebies to give Athletico a 70-68 advantage.

Nathan Pratt hit a timely three-pointer to give the Rebels the lead 71-70 with 1:13 remaining.

With the game hanging in the balance, Pierre hit a go-ahead two pointer to steal the win for Athletico Bahamas. Vil scored a team-high 20 points for the Rebels in the loss. The 2024-25 NPBA basketball season is set to resume next year - January 3.

Justin Herbert passes for 2 touchdowns, Chargers score on free kick and rally past Broncos 34-27

By JOE REEDY AP Sports Writer

INGLEWOOD, Calif.

(AP) — Justin Herbert passed for 284 yards and two touchdowns, including a go-ahead 19-yarder to Derius Davis early in the fourth quarter, and the Los Angeles Chargers got closer to wrapping up a playoff spot by rallying past the Denver Broncos 34-27 last night.

The Chargers’ comeback also included Cameron Dicker making the first successful fair-catch kick in the NFL in 48 years. He was good from 57 yards on the final play of the first half to pull the Chargers within 21-13.

Gus Edwards rushed for two touchdowns for Los Angeles (9-6), which needs losses by Indianapolis and Miami on Sunday to secure its second postseason berth in three seasons.

Denver (9-6) could have clinched a playoff spot but had its four-game winning streak snapped. The Broncos still have an 85%

chance of making it, according to the NFL, but they have tough remaining tests at Cincinnati on December 28 and at home against Kansas City in Week 18.

Bo Nix was 29 of 40 for 263 yards and two touchdowns for Denver, which was swept by the Chargers for the first time since 2010. The Broncos appeared well on their way to wrapping up their first postseason berth since 2015 after they scored on their first three drives to go up 21-10. But after Wil Lutz’s 41-yard field goal midway through the third quarter gave the Broncos a 24-13 advantage, the Chargers stormed back.

Edwards — who had 14 carries for 68 yards — went off 5 yards off left end to get the Bolts within 24-19, but the 2-point conversion was no good when Herbert was stopped short of the goal line.

After Denver went threeand-out for the second time in three possessions, the Chargers took their first lead. On first-and-10 from

the Denver 19, Herbert — who completed 23 of 30 passes with an interception — scrambled left and threw across his body off his left foot to Davis with 12:29 remaining.

Herbert then found Joshua Palmer in the back of the end zone for the 2-point conversion. Palmer tipped the ball with his left hand and then secured it before going out of bounds to make it 27-24.

Los Angeles put it out of reach with 2:27 remaining on Herbert’s 34-yard

touchdown pass to Hassan Haskins.

Lutz narrowly made a 55-yard field goal with 57 seconds remaining to get Denver within a touchdown, but Los Angeles’ Nick Niemann recovered the onside kick to dash any hopes of a comeback.

Herbert completed passes to 10 players, including Ladd McConkey, who had six receptions for 87 yards.

Nix had a pair of touchdown passes in the first half and completed 15 of 21

passes for 155 yards before halftime. It was the first time this season Los Angeles’ defence allowed scores on three straight possessions to start a game.

Audric Estime’s 3-yard run off right guard gave the Broncos a 7-0 lead midway through the first quarter. It was only the third time this season Denver reached the end zone on its opening possession.

Los Angeles evened it on its next drive when Edwards burrowed in from the 1, but Denver went back on top when Nix rolled right and connected with Burton on a 1-yard TD early in the second quarter.

One play after Marvin Mims took a screen pass by Nix 53 yards, Devaughn Vele caught a 6-yard pass in the left corner of the end zone to make it 21-10 with 6:22 remaining in the first half.

Dicker makes history Coach Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers took advantage of a seldomused fair-catch kick, which allows a team that has just

made a fair catch to try a free kick for three points. The kick is attempted from the line of scrimmage, and the defending team must stand 10 yards away. The Chargers were able to try it because Denver’s Tremon Smith committed fair-catch interference on what would have been the final play of the first half when Los Angeles’ Derius Davis attempted to field Riley Dixon’s punt at the Chargers 38. The penalty moved the ball to the Denver 47 for an untimed down. The Chargers were also the last team to successfully execute a free kick when Ray Wersching converted from 45 yards for San Diego on Nov. 21, 1976, against Buffalo. Injuries Chargers: S Marcus Maye (ankle) and LB Denzel Perryman (hamstring) were injured in the first half and did not return.

Up next

Broncos: At Cincinnati on Saturday, Dec. 28. Chargers: At New England on Dec. 28.

Richard Lowe making the most of his first season with the Magicians

the Magicians played Morehouse on Thursday night, and then on Saturday night at the same venue, they will face Clark Atlanta.

After the Christmas break, they will open up against Fort Valley State on the road at the HPE Arena in Fort Valley, Georgia, on January 2.

“We just need to minimise our mistakes because

we beat ourselves,” Lowe said.

“We are in some close fights, but we end up making some mental mistakes at the end of the games that are causing us to lose.

“We’re only losing by two and three points, so it’s not like we’re losing by 20-plus points.

“We are in some close games. We’re just beating ourselves down the stretch.”

Despite the slow start, Lowe has been holding his own on the court, averaging 16 points per game with 12-13 rebounds, a pair of steals and even a blocked shot.

“So far, I’m playing well, but I still feel I can do a little more to help us on offence and defence,” he said.

For his efforts, Lowe was named the Newcomer of the Week last week. It was an honour that he felt

he “deserved,” but wished it came with a winning season. The 6-foot, 8-inch forward/centre is expected to return home on Sunday and will be here enjoying some good old home cooking and spending some time with his family and friends before he leaves on December 28.

“Moving forward for the second half of the season, I just want to see our team together like a brotherhood

and we learn and understand each other more,” he projected. “Once we do that, it should transfer over to our performance on the court. So once we go out and execute and play hard every night, we can get some more wins.”

No matter how the Magicians play, Lowe said he’s committed to completing his studies towards his degree in criminal justice.

This past semester, he finished with a 4.0 grade point

average with all As. “School is going pretty good,” Lowe summed up.

“I’m really pleased with the way I am performing on and off the court and especially in the classroom,” he stated.

Lowe, who turns 24 on January 30, thanked his mother Delerece Lowe, Keith Sands and Stephanie Hanna from JS Johnson and Uncle Lou Burrows from Fun Foods for assisting him in college.

GOLDEN State Warriors guard Buddy Hield, right, handles the ball against Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. (1) in the first half last night. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)

CHARGERS quarterback Justin Herbert (10) his pressured as he rolls out of the pocket during the second half last night. (AP Photo/ Ryan Sun)

Tryouts for school golf championships SCHOOL GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS TRYOUTS AT BAHAMAS

JUNIOR golfers participate in tryouts for the school golf championships at the Bahamas Golf Federation’s (BGF) nine-hole golf course on Tuesday.

OVER 20 junior golfers participated in the school golf championships tryouts hosted at the Bahamas Golf Federation’s (BGF) nine-hole golf course on Tuesday. Golfers ranging from ages 6-14 ran through various golf skills including putting and chipping exercises in hopes of making the cut for the fifth School Golf Championships scheduled for next year. The golf tryouts commenced on Monday at the facility and, by day two, the golf instructor was impressed by the talent level she saw across the various age groups from both the private and public school golfers.

By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer

THE PGA Tour,

flush with a $1.5 billion

investment from private equity and still negotiating with the Saudi-backers of LIV Golf as a minority investor, is hiring a CEO for

the first time who will work alongside Commissioner Jay Monahan. Monahan made the announcement to his staff Tuesday morning as part of a year-end message that looked ahead to 2025.

“Everything is on the table,” Monahan said in a video message posted on PGA Tour’s social media channels.

The PGA Tour is wrapping up a year of sweeping changes while still unable to reach an agreement with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, though recent signs indicate they are closer than ever.

Still unknown is to what degree this can unite a sport where its biggest names are competing in opposite leagues. Strategic Sports Group, a consortium of

American sports business owners led by Fenway Sports Group, invested $1.5 billion in a deal announced in late January, with the possibility of that investment reaching $3 billion. That led to a first-of-itskind equity ownership for the players, depending on their level of success and contributions to the tour.

“We’re bringing new perspectives on to our team to help us realize the incredible opportunities ahead for our sport, including launching a search for a CEO of the PGA Tour,” Monahan said. “We can learn so much from across the world of sport and entertainment, and I’m excited to meet candidates for this important new role.”

Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, part of SSG and a member of the new commercial PGA Tour Enterprises, will be leading a search committee that includes Monahan.

PGA Tour Enterprises runs the for-profit business of the tour, while Monahan is the commissioner of PGA Tour Inc.

The PGA Tour Enterprises board includes all six

players on the policy board, led by Tiger Woods, four members of SSG, Monahan and Valero CEO Joe Gorder.

The 13th member is former PGA Tour player Joe Ogilvie in a liaison role. Professional golf now has four top executive openings. The LPGA is searching for a new commissioner to replace Mollie Marcoux Samaan; the PGA of America has narrowed its search for a CEO to replace Seth Waugh; and LIV Golf is expected to name Scott O’Neil as its new CEO with Greg Norman taking on a different role.

The PGA Tour already has tightened its player eligibility by eliminating 25 cards through the FedEx Cup, meaning only the top 100 will be guaranteed full status at the end of the year. Field sizes also are being reduced.

The tour also will be launching its massive PGA Tour Studios next to its headquarters, filled with the latest technology that will allow the tour to produce its own content and “delivering our fans around the world more of what

you want to see,” Monahan said.

The tour also has invested in the TMRW Golf League that starts next month, an indoor competition among six teams that will be televised on ESPN platforms. Woods and Rory McIlroy are behind TGL and belong to the teams filled with top players.

Monahan’s message came on the day McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler play an exhibition match against Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka from LIV Golf, a sign interpreted as a small step toward getting PGA Tour and LIV Golf players together more often than the four majors.

But there has been no indication of any serious competition among the two leagues. LIV still hasn’t filled out its 2025 schedule — its fourth season.

Monahan had talked in August about reaching out to the fans, and he said more than 50,000 of them responded to a “fan forward” survey geared toward improving the product. He did not mention details of what the tour learned.

Photos by Chappell Whyms Jr

Balancing strength training and skill development during the off-season

By Dr Kent L Bazard

AS the competitive season winds down and athletes shift focus to offseason preparation, many wonder how to strike the right balance between strength training and skill development.

For Bahamian athletes

- particularly those in multidimensional sports - this balancing act is crucial for building the foundations for future success while maintaining their athletic edge.

Why Off-Season is Key

The off-season is a prime time for athletes to focus on long-term goals without the pressure of competition.

It’s a time to rebuild, restore and enhance areas that may have been neglected during the highintensity demands of the regular season.

For Bahamian athletes, this is also an opportunity to take advantage of access

to our outdoor spaces for functional training while honing the technical aspects of their sport.

However, maximising this period requires a calculated approach to balancing training intensity and skill refinement.

Key Strategies for Balancing Strength and Skill

1. Periodisation of Training Periodisation is essential for organising training phases effectively. A typical plan divides the off-season into distinct periods: foundational, preparatory, and pre-competition phases.

Foundational Phase: Emphasise general strength-building exercises (e.g., squats, deadlifts) to improve overall muscle function.

Preparatory Phase: Add sport-specific drills alongside progressive overload

in strength training to build power. PreCompetition Phase: Reduce volume and focus on technical skills to peak closer to competition season.

2. Setting Priorities Based on Individual Needs

Each athlete’s goals and needs should dictate how training is allocated. For instance:

An athlete needing to gain muscle mass may prioritise more hours in the gym.

A sportsperson needing to refine form or reaction times should dedicate more time to drills under their coach’s supervision.

3. Cross-Training for Development

The off-season is an excellent time to introduce cross-training to improve balance, agility and coordination.

Activities like swimming, Pilates, or yoga can aid recovery while contributing to athletic development.

4. Avoiding Burnout

Balancing hard gym sessions with lighter skillsfocused training can keep athletes mentally and physically fresh.

Rest days or lighter recovery sessions are vital during off-season training.

5. Progress

Monitoring Athletes should periodically assess progress. Are lifting metrics improving? Are technical drills translating into improved game performance?

Coaches and trainers can use this feedback to adjust focus areas.

How Parents and Coaches Can Help Parents and coaches play vital roles during the off-season.

Support from family ensures that athletes get proper nutrition, sleep, and emotional encouragement.

Coaches can structure balanced programmes, encourage accountability, and prevent athletes from overtraining.

Real-World Example

Consider a young Bahamian soccer player during their off-season:

Strength training focuses on lower body power (squats, lunges) and core stability for better agility on the field.

Skill work includes drills on touch control and tactical awareness with reduced physical intensity.

Recovery days feature low-impact beach runs or yoga sessions.

The Takeaway Balancing strength training and skill development isn’t about choosing one over the other but about blending both effectively to maximise growth. Bahamian athletes should see this time as an opportunity to set the stage for a standout season, combining physical and technical development to rise above the competition.

By understanding their needs, following a structured plan, and resting when necessary, athletes can ensure their off-season lays the groundwork for future success.

sports medicine physician at Empire Sports Medicine, specialises in ensuring athletes reach their peak performance safely. With extensive experience and a passion for sports health,ance for athletes of all ages.

THE Teleos Cherubims with their championship hardware.

Father Marcian Peters Invitational champions get their trophies

FROM PAGE 16

minute, but the teams who showed up, they played very well. We had a lot of close games,” Clarke said.

“For basketball, the future looks bright, especially from the primary schools that I saw play. There are some talented guards and some big kids, who can handle the ball. But most of all, I think our biggest deficit in this country is we need some outside shooters.”

Clarke, a former national team player as a guard himself, said he would like to see the coaches work a little more on getting their players to shoot the outside shots.

“The championship games saw the junior girls, senior girls and the primary boys going down to the wire. They had everyone on edge,” Clarke said.

“Even though the primary girls were a little lopsided, we saw some talented kids who can handle the ball, especially from Xavier’s. They played very well. The future looks bright for basketball.”

DW Davis’ coach Mark Hanna said this was just a continuation of the successful season his Royals are enjoying right now.

“We worked hard this year in preparation for our season. We played a lot of games,” Hanna said. “We went to Andros and we won over there. We went

SPORTS CALENDAR

FROM PAGE 16

BBSF SOFTBALL LEAGUE

THE Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation will hold its 2025 softball league, starting on Saturday, February 1 at the Charles W Saunders High School, Jean Street. The co-ed slow pitch league will allow each team up to a total of 15 players with the registration fee of $200. The deadline for team registration with rosters and team payment is Saturday, January 25, 2025.

Interested persons can tournament director

to Eleuthera and we won there. Now we are in Grand Bahama for another tournament and we hope to win this one too.

“We also played in various tournaments in Nassau and won. The team is growing and we’re getting better. For a lot of these guys and even myself, basketball is a hobby. We love the game and so we are going to continue to work and play as much as we can and hopefully we can continue to win.”

Hanna, however, said it’s not all about hoisting the trophies in the air, but he’s more concerned about helping to develop his players into young men, who can become productive citi-

“Some of them are going to go to college and some are just going to stay home and enrol in the Police Force or the other armed forces so they can help our country.

“So it’s bigger than basketball right now. Every opportunity I get to influence them in a positive way, that is what we are all about. So we’re always ready to go.”

The Royals are participating in the tournament organised by Quintin ‘Three Ounce’ Hall at St George’s Gym in Grand Bahama. It will wrap up on Saturday. In February, Xavier’s Giants will be taking their primary girls to Grand

Thomas Sears at 424-2888 or email 242softball@gmail. com or Brent Stubbs at 4267265 or email stubbobs@ gmail.com. ROAD RACE BBSF WALK/RUN

THE Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation is inviting the general public to participate in their Family Fun Run/Walk, scheduled for Saturday, January 11, starting at 6am from the Charles W Saunders High School, Jean Street. The walk will leave Jean Street and head north to Bernard Road, west on Bernard Road to Soldier Road, south on Soldier Road to Prince Charles Drive and east on Prince Charles Drive to Jean Street.

Bahama to play in their fourth tournament for the season and head coach Raygail Smith is looking forward to making it four straight as champions.

In winning the title at Father Marcian, Xavier’s added to the championships they won at the Golden Eagles Tournament and their first title in the Catholic Diocesan Primary School League. “I’m extremely excited and happy for the girls, the school, their parents and for myself,” Smith said. “We look forward to getting the fourth title in February in Grand Bahama. “This is the most that the school has won. This is history making and so I’m pleased and joyful. I’m just thankful for what we are doing as a team.”

Sheri Bascom was named the MVP.

Clarke, a consultant at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, said here in New Providence, the ministry held six good days of basketball with the junior and intermediate boys playing at DW Davis and the other diviGymnasium. However, on championship day, all of the games Isaacs gym. Clarke thanked all of the coaches for the job they did with their players. He also thanked all of the officials and even the parents who showed up and supported their children.

The run will leave Jean Street and head south to Prince Charles Drive, east to Fox Hill Road, north to Bernard Road and west to Jean Street. The categories include female and male 15-andunder, 20-and-under, 40-and-under, 60-and-under and over-60. There will also be a Pastors/Ministers/Deacons’ division. Trophies will be presented to the overall winner, while the top three finishers in each group will get medals. Interested persons can contact Ann Thompson at 425-3557 or email ann837609@gmail.com or Brent Stubbs at 42-67265 or email stbbobo@gmail.com.

BAZARD DR KENT

SPORTS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2024

Champs get their trophies

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

After a week of intense competition, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture crowned its champions in the 36th Father Marcian Peters Invitational Basketball Tournament.

The finals were played on Wednesday at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.

Judith P Thompson clinched the primary boys’

title with a 44-41 victory over the Temple Christian Suns. And Xavier’s Giants secured the primary girls’ crown with their 50-19 rout over Temple Christian.

The DW Davis Royals proved once again to be the head of the junior boys’ division with their 53-40 decision over the Jordan Prince Williams Falcons and Teleos Cherubims earned the junior girls’ title, holding off the CH Reeves Raptors 30-27.

THE Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations has announced that their Christmas Party in the backyard will take place on Friday, December 20. The event will take place at Sealy’s Backyard in Sea Breeze Lane from 6pm. Prizes and surprises will be given out all night long.

PAGE 15

Patrick J Bethel took the intermediate boys’ crown back to Abaco with their 44-32 decision over Teleos, while the Kingsway Academy Saints nipped the CV

Bethel Stingrays 38-36 for the senior girls’ title.

The tournament, according to tournament director James Clarke, turned out to be a very successful one

with some exciting games played.

“We had a few teams who pulled out at the last

Richard Lowe making the most of his first season with the Magicians

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

IT’S not the transition that Richard Lowe anticipated, but he’s making the most of his first season with the LeMoyne-Owen College Magicians men’s basketball team.

Lowe and the Magicians have not performed

any magic since he transferred to LeMoyne-Owen from Northwood where he didn’t play because of a coach’s decision that actually saw him sit out the entire season.

THE New Providence Basketball Association (NPBA) wrapped up the final games of 2024 over the weekend at the CI Gibson Gymnasium.

In division one, the Rebels went into the Christmas break on a high note after defeating the Leno Regulators 88-55.

Over in division two play, Athletico Bahamas narrowly knocked off the Rhythm Rebels 72-71 to head into 2025 with a win. Division One

The Rebels cruised to a comfortable victory against the Regulators thanks to double-digit scoring numbers from Ishad Rolle, Kevin Wright Jr and Martin Conliff.

Wright Jr paced the team with 17 points, eight assists and six rebounds. He shot 8-for-15 from the field.

Rolle turned in 12 points, six rebounds and one assist. Conliff dropped 13 points

“Hopefully we can turn things around in the new year. We have two tough games to play before the break. So we hope to see how we finish up the year.”

In two home games at the Bruce-Johnson Hall in Memphis, Tennessee,

“We’re having a rough start,” said Lowe of the Magicians, who are 1-9 going into their final two games this year this weekend before they take a break for the Christmas holiday.

THE DW Davis Royals junior boys’ basketball team with their championship hardware.