The Tribune
‘We need ansWers on missing Taylor’
Family say they don’t feel ‘as confident’ as police in their efforts
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter
lrolle@tribunemedia.net
MORE than a week after American Taylor Casey went missing, her relatives said they need more answers surrounding her disappearance and don’t feel “as confident” in police’s investigations.
Ms Casey was reported
missing on June 20 when she failed to attend morning classes at a yoga retreat on Paradise Island.
Police said they have used drones, retrieved Ms Casey’s phone and interviewed people from the retreat to help find her, but their efforts have been unsuccessful.
Bahamian Student S hope to avoid hurricane Beryl
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter
lrolle@tribunemedia.net
AS Hurricane Beryl barrels towards the Caribbean, some Bahamian students in Jamaica are anxious and making plans to return home.
Beryl, the first named hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic season, strengthened
into a dangerous Category Four storm yesterday while nearing the southeast Caribbean, becoming the earliest storm with Category 4 strength on record. It is expected to pass just south of Barbados early today.
The system led officials to postpone the 47th Regular
Bahamian swim coach takes part in carrying the Olympic torch in France
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
BEFORE the Olympics begin later this month, 11,000 people will have carried the Olympic Torch in a
relay. One of them is a Bahamian. Michael Guy, 43, got his chance on Friday in the northeast French city of Saint Dizier. Photographers and people of all ages,
many waving flags of different countries, crowded the relay route to capture the moment.
The Olympic Torch Relay is a longstanding
JohnSon drop S legal action againS t the Fnm
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
FORMER Free National Movement vice-chairman Richard Johnson has discontinued his legal action against the FNM, which he said was expensive for him to pursue. He had sued the party’s leadership after its council barred him from attending meetings.
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter
He said on Friday that one of the main reasons he is discontinuing his action is that he is no longer a member of the party and has nothing to gain from pursuing the matter further. He told The Tribune on Friday: “It was fruitless, in my view. It was very taxing on me, very stressful on me and I just came to the
bing
Police
former FNM vice-chairman Richard Johnson.
governor General Cynthia “Mother” Pratt offers a toast during a reception in celebration of US Independence Day and the arrival of US Chargé d’Affaires Kimberly Furnish (left) at the new US Embassy compound on Friday. See PAGE THREE for story.
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
Celebration of National Flag Day
The Bahamas celebrated Flag Day as the countdown continued to this year’s independence celebrations on Friday. The day formed part of a series of celebration events leading up to the nation’s 51st anniversary.
Photos: Nikia Charlton
New US ChargÉ d’AffA ires introduced
At us embAssy opening ceremony
THE US Embassy in Nassau celebrated the 248th Independence Day anniversary of the United States on Friday with a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony that also marked the opening of its new embassy compound on Shirley Street.
The event also saw the official introduction of the new US chargé d’affaires, Kimberly Furnish, who replaces Usha Pitts.
She said: “As I look at this new US Embassy, I see many things. I see the next 50 years of friendship. I see a physical symbol of the
United States. I see investment in The Bahamas. I see a partnership more than worthy of celebrating tonight. I see our shared future.”
For his part, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis welcomed Ms Furnish and spoke about the close friendship between the United States and The Bahamas.
He said the new embassy was a symbol of “our enduring friendship” and said it represented their commitment to strengthen bilateral ties.
He said: “As we reflect on tonight’s theme, ‘Our Shared Future,’ I am reminded of the countless ways our nations have supported each other over the years. Whether in the aftermath of our deepest tragedies or through collaborative efforts to protect our borders, the United States has always been a steadfast ally to The Bahamas.”
“When hurricanes ravaged our islands, leaving destruction and despair in their wake, the United States was there, providing
vital aid, resources, and support. I can’t help but think of the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson who said, ‘The only way to have a friend is to be one.’ The US has been a true friend to The Bahamas.”
“Moving forward, we will undoubtedly continue to maintain close ties – and not just diplomatic ties but social, cultural, and economic ties as well.”
Officials broke ground on the 90,000 sq ft compound in October 2019, with more than $300m budgeted for the project.”
Johnson drops legal action against the FNM
from page one
conclusion that, you know, kind of bring that to an end.”
In 2022, Mr Johnson sought some $500,000 in compensation for general or exemplary damages concerning the suspension, which stems from allegations that he “acted contrary to the interests of the party, its platform, policies”, etc.
Supreme Court Justice Deborah Fraser instituted an injunction last year preventing the party’s leaders from barring him from council meetings until she has addressed the substantive matter.
He admitted on Friday that the legal matter was financially a very “expensive exercise”.
“I could have a conversation with Michael Pintard because I think we could have that dialogue,” he said. “Whenever he sees me in public he speaks to me or hails me or I hail him, as far as we go, but the other character, as long as I have breath in my body, as long as he lives, he has nothing to say to me.”
He said he would never support the FNM under their leadership.
“I won’t support no candidate because a vote for that candidate will be a vote for them,” he said. “I won’t support none of their policies and initiatives. I will not support their agenda. I don’t believe in their views on the way the party should run.”
“I’m gonna actually take a vacation. You know, come back, reflect, and then make a decision from there.”
RichaRd Johnson (left) speaks with Adrian Gibson outside court during Gibson’s trial earlier this year.
US Chargé d’Affaires Kimberly Furnish speaks during a reception in celebration of US Independence Day and marking her arrival at the
new US Embassy compound on Friday.
Photos: dante carrer/Tribune Staff
Bahamian students hope to avoid major Hurricane Beryl
Meeting of CARICOM
Heads of Government, scheduled to be held this week in Grenada, one of several counties currently under a hurricane warning.
Forecasters predict the storm will head into the Caribbean Sea as a major hurricane and move towards Jamaica before weakening mid-week.
TraVelle Bain, president of the University of West Indies’ Mona Campus Bahamian student association, which represents more than 70 members, told The Tribune yesterday that students were panicking yesterday after learning of Beryl’s rapid growth to a category four storm.
“They’re surprised it’s a Category Four and some parents are calling their kids to come back home,” she said.
The medical student said she has been communicating with Bahamian officials to develop a plan in case evacuation is needed.
She said most students returned to the country last week for the summer semester and had already stocked up on groceries.
She said the scenes at grocery stories are much different now than they were early yesterday morning.
“When I went to the grocery store, it was calm, and it seemed regular,” she said. “When I went for water, the lady said she was happy that I came early because the news just hit her about the hurricane, and my flatmate just went out for stuff for the hurricane this morning.”
“People were making light preparations, but my answer may change tomorrow or Tuesday.” Hours after the interview, she sent a message to The Tribune, saying the stores were full and that people were panicking.
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged residents over the weekend to begin their preparations ahead of the storm, warning that, based on various weather
models, Beryl is likely to impact the country.
Ms Bain said students are anxious, adding that some may leave as early as tomorrow depending on what happens.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued an advisory for Bahamians in Barbados and the Windward Island to take the necessary precautions.
It is unclear how many Bahamians are currently in those countries; however, this newspaper was told that a group of Bahamian accountants were in Barbados for a conference.
Bahamian swim coach takes part in carrying the Olympic torch in France
tradition of the games. As usual, the relay began this year in Greece, the Olympics’ birthplace, and arrived on its journey across France on May 8.
The flame route has been designed to highlight the country’s history.
Surrounded by security guards, participants typically carry the torch for 300 meters.
As the initial torchbearer approached Mr Guy, a torch kiss between the two signalled the start of his journey.
His route started in an area with many children’s sports clubs, so he encountered many children who wanted pictures
of the torch. Friday’s moment was long in the making for Mr Guy, who lives in the United Kingdom. Last year, he was nominated by his swimming club because of his work in the sport. He was involved in the 2012 London Olympics and the Paralympics, the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and 2022, and the Para Swimming World Championships. His nomination was sent to the Paris 2024 local organising committee, which kicked off what he called “a bit of a long process.” About a year later, the committee formally offered him to participate in the relay. “I had to go through
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that SONITA SUZETTE SCOTT-VICKERIE of P.O. Box N-111, Zion Blvd, South Beach, New Providence, The Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas and that any person who knows any reason whyregistration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 24th day of June, 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.
NOTICE is hereby given that EDNER PIERRE of P.O. Box EE-15893, #8 Sea Breeze Lane, New Providence, The Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas and that any person who knows any reason whyregistration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 24th day of June, 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.
two different rounds of selection and judging based on my background with sports and volunteering and then I had to keep it quiet for a number of months as well,” he said. “So only about three months ago, they announced it, and that’s when I was allowed to tell people that actually I’d been selected as a torch bearer.”
He said the torch was surprisingly heavy.
“It was a one and a half kilograms and you also had to hold it because, obviously, it’s emitting heat as well. So they tell you, don’t keep it too close to your body but it was fine.”
It was easy for Mr Guy to forget how heavy the torch was amid the energy and excitement of the moment.
“The crowds are just going nuts while you’re there,” he said.
He said he did not
initially register the significance of being a Bahamian carrying the torch. Friday was Flag Day in The Bahamas and he reflected on the way the small country has held its own at the Olympics.
“You just think of yourselves, as historically, this torch relay, it’s about messengers of peace, and you’re carrying this message from town to town about peace and friendship and the power of sport,” he said. “So I just felt as part of that sort of Olympic movement.”
“But obviously, it was flag day on Friday as well. So you are very proud to be a Bahamian and also be part of that relay.
“We’re a small country, but we’re a very proud country. “
Mr Guy said he would return to Paris for the opening of the Olympic Games and attend a few sporting events.
PUBLIC NOTICE
INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL
The Public is hereby advised that I, LEE SANCHEZ KASHEV RASHAD THOMPSON, formerly known as, LEE SANCHEZ KASHEV RASHAD DORMEUS, of No. 50 Pinewood Drive, Pinewood Gardens, New Providence, Bahamas, intend to change my child’s name from KAMORA CHIANTI NI’KARA DORMEUS to KAMORA CHIANTI NI’KARA THOMPSON If there are any objections to this change of name by Deed Poll, you may write such objections to the Chief Passport Officer, P.O. Box N-742, Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas no later than thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice.
NOTICE is hereby given that LOUIS FRANCOIS of Pinweood Gardens, New Providence, The Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas and that any person who knows any reason whyregistration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 1st day of July, 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.
NOTICE is hereby given that CAROLE
FRANCOIS of Pinweood Gardens, New Providence, The Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas and that any person who knows any reason whyregistration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 1st day of July, 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.
from page one
Michael Guy carrying the torch in France on Friday.
Michael Guy holding the Olympic torch in France on Friday.
BEAUZILE
‘We need answers on missing Taylor’
Meanwhile, the family said they’re not satisfied that the police are doing enough and want more done.
“We’re looking for more answers. We want straight answers, but I haven’t heard anything I wanted to hear so far,” said Colette Seymore, Ms Casey’s mother, in a recent interview with international media.
“People can tell you anything long distance. I’m here right now. Yeah, I need to know that they are taking this seriously. I need to know they’re taking this seriously and helping to bring our loved one home. I need to know that and no, I’m not feeling that confident about that.”
National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said last week that criticism of police’s efforts to find the woman is “odd”, insisting officers are doing everything they can.
He said information has been gathered from Ms Casey’s cell phone and that the US Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) is also assisting police with its investigation.
But the family wants local police to return her phone to them, believing it will give them much-needed answers into Ms Casey’s disappearance.
Mrs Seymore said when the family learned of her daughter’s disappearance, they tracked her phone in the water, leaving them frightened.
“They haven’t given me the phone, but I want that phone before I leave,” she said, adding the family also hasn’t spoken to anyone from the FBI.
The concerned mother said she believes information is being withheld
surrounding her daughter’s disappearance.
When asked if they had seen surveillance footage, the family said no, noting this was one of the many concerns they expressed to police.
Ms Seymore described her daughter as the “pillar” of their family, adding she loved yoga and attended the retreat because she wanted to be an instructor.
She said her daughter was looking forward to this trip and had been talking about it for months.
“Taylor would call me and send me pictures,” Ms Seymore said of the retreat. “Taylor seemed like really happy at the place and send me pictures of Taylor in the water and explaining to me about the yoga and what Taylor was going to teach me when Taylor got here so it seemed to be going good.”
Ms Seymore recalled when representatives from the Yoga Retreat alerted her to her daughter’s disappearance, asking if she had been in contact with Ms Casey, to which she replied “yes”.
She said when they told her Ms Casey missed a whole day of classes, her “heart started pounding.”
“I couldn’t think then. I really couldn’t,” she said. “My heart started pounding and I’m thinking like what you are saying. You guys can’t find my child and they really didn’t want to say that of course.”
She said her child would not go anywhere without her knowing, adding: “Whenever Taylor left, I knew where Taylor was going.”
Ms Casey is described as a light-skinned black woman, approximately 5ft 10 tall and 145 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes
Woman and man killed in two separate incidents this weekend
approached her vehicle and collapsed.
When police arrived on the scene, they discovered a laceration to his neck. EMS were called and later pronounced him dead.
Police said a 24-year-old man is in custody in connection with the incident.
Hours earlier, police reported the death of a 36-year-old woman who was shot by her boyfriend on June 23rd.
The incident reportedly happened during a domestic dispute at their Yellow Elder Gardens home. The woman was taken to hospital, but she died days later.
Their deaths have pushed the country’s murder count to 61 for the year, according to The Tribune’s records.
Meanwhile, police also reported a double
shooting in Eleuthera involving two men.
The police rport said that around 11:40 am, a group of men were in the area of a club in Green Castle when an argument began between two men.
Police report that one of the men involved in the altercation produced a handgun and opened fire in the direction of the male with whom he was arguing, but that male was able to evade the suspect; however, two other males, ages 41 and 44, who were not involved in the altercation, were shot.
Both victims were taken to the local clinic, where they were treated and discharged. Police investigations continue.
Yesterday, FNM deputy leader Shanendon Cartwright called the recent spate of violence “unacceptable” and urged the government to do more to
fight crime.
“Sadly, the cycle of yearly murders has continued unabated and the fear of crime is increasing throughout Bahamian communities,” the shadow national security minister said in a statement.
“When will the government lead? When will the government marshal strategic resources and stakeholders together to begin discussions and execute a long-term plan that begins to reverse this crime epidemic?”
“The longer we take to address the root and genesis of our crime problems as a people, we will face further social and community decay. The government must implement longterm preventative and enforcement crime policies that address the many social conditions that lead to crime.”
Police still looking into an a PParent motorbike accident that left teen dead
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
POLICE have yet to classify the death of Jamesly Richmond, a 19-year-old whose motorbike reportedly went missing after he was apparently run over in a traffic accident.
Jamesly was found badly injured on the road on June 23 and died on Tuesday in the Princess Margaret Hospital.
Yesterday, Chief Superintendent Eugene Strachan, head of the traffic division, said he is addressing the matter with the head of the Criminal Investigation Department. He said officers are still in the preliminary period of the investigation.
Although police have not confirmed the details of his death, scores of people called for justice and expressed sorrow on Facebook after learning of his story.
He worked as a server at Sandals and a part-time barber at Young Kings Cutz Barbershop on Robinson Road.
His death came nine years after his father, Jean Richmond, was shot and killed in Palm Cay during an argument with a contractor over outstanding payments.
His mother, Michelle Aime, and cousin, Mark Baptise, begged him not to buy a motorbike, fearing it would put him in danger and jeopardise his safety.
Ms Aime said police had not contacted her.
“Jamesly is a
hard-working young man, little man, who tries to get something for his own life, so they take away half of me,” she said.
“Jamesly was the type of person that you don’t know, but he knows you,” said Mr Baptiste. “Sometimes, some of the customers that we have in here, I might not know my customers names, but guess who knows that customer’s name? Jamesly would know that customer’s name.”
Missin AMericAn woMAn, TAylor cAsey
The Tribune Limited
NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI
“Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”
LEON E. H. DUPUCH
Publisher/Editor 1903-1914
SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH, Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .
Publisher/Editor 1919-1972
Contributing Editor 1972-1991
RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B.
Publisher/Editor 1972-
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Landmark occasions as new US Embassy opens
TheRe were two landmark occasions at the US embassy – the new one – on Friday.
One was the location itself, cutting the ribbon on an impressive new complex that manages to emphatically demonstrate the presence of the US mission here while also embracing Bahamian culture at the same time.
One such example was a tree that had been at the site when it was cleared to become the new complex – repurposed into a work of art by antonius Roberts that sets the tone for arrivals as they come to visit.
There were other touches too at the ribbon cutting event. Guests could send a postcard to space, with a helping hand from Bahamian scientist aisha Bowe. There was a Junkanoo display that caught the eye – but on closer inspection, it was there to promote The SYNC, a Junkanoo entrepreneurship Programme seeking to help teenagers explore new ideas and industries – with a helping hand from a bunch of Bahamian partners.
There was a time capsule, due to be opening in 25 years, which people could add messages to recalling their favourite moments of US-Bahamian connection. Fittingly, the capsule is shaped like a lighthouse, recalling the US assistance in restoring the elbow Reef lighthouse.
Then there were the drink and food stalls, with everywhere you look a Bahamian brand name. Connections were everywhere.
The second landmark occasion though was the first chance to get to meet and hear the new chargé d’affaires, Kimberly Furnish, here to step into the shoes of predecessor Usha Pitts, who certainly made her mark in The Bahamas.
The new chargé brings with her experience as an international narcotics and law enforcement attaché in Pakistan, which given our joint efforts to tackle gun and drug smuggling in The Bahamas will be welcome.
The new embassy is still a few months away from being fully operational, so the old one remains the base of operations for now – but it is the new chargé who will oversee that transition, all while the US goes through its steps towards the next election too.
There may be uncertain waters in that process, but the new chargé made a positive start, talking about seeing the start of the next 50 years of friendship – and a “shared future”.
Looking at how much we have to share already in our present, she has a solid foundation to build upon.
Making a difference
In an article last week, Felicity Darville’s Face to Face column, she told the story of Captain Fernley Palmer. You can read it on our website if you missed it.
Captain Palmer has made a difference in the lives of young Bahamian men, trying to change the inner city life that can serve as a trap to so many.
Mr Palmer’s story is an inspiring one – and it might be interesting to note that he also served as an inspiration to Sgt Christina allen.
Sgt allen has reached out to The Tribune before, seeking to highlight the senior citizens who are so valued in the community. a luncheon was held to celebrate those seniors, complete with sashes and crowns for the king and queen of the occasion. It was Sgt allen who called The Tribune to let us know about Captain Palmer’s many achievements. Those achievements have even been recognised in the official gazette of The Bahamas, with moves afoot to rename a street after Captain Palmer – a suggestion put forward by Sgt allen. a date was even set for the renaming on april 26 – although that date has been put back as further plans are made. at the age of 93, he looks forward to the new date.
We often hear negative stories about the inner city – but it is the inspirational stories of people such as Captain Palmer that make a true difference.
It has made a difference to Sgt allen – who in turn looks to make a difference to others. She was in touch at the weekend about another project to assist senior citizens – one we look forward to revealing more details about. Watch this space.
Thoughts on D-Day and today
EDITOR, The Tribune.
SOMeWhaT belatedly I would refer to the recent article by your columnist Peter Young, of whom I am an avid reader, in connection with the recent anniversary of the D-Day Normandy landings. I have no doubt that in his illustrious career he has not been the recipient of highly sensitive secret material, such as details of the preparation of D-day. I can well understand the fear that the soldiers, some of whom were only nineteen or twenty years old, crammed into the landing crafts, felt as they approached the beaches when the ramps opened and they had to wade with heavy equipment through the water to the beach itself when so many were almost immediately killed or wounded by machine-gun fire.
For my own part I was born in 1934 and brought up in rural england in Devon. I vividly recall when the sirens went off my mother waking up me and my elder brother from our beds to go to the family air-raid shelter as we heard the German bombers passing overhead to bomb the dockyards in South Wales. Later on I also recall standing outside the house with my father while we watched the sky, illuminated red, which I gathered were the fires lit by the German bombers bombing the docks at Plymouth some ninety miles away. I might add some two years before that my elder brother, a Flt Lt in the air Force, lead a bombing raid in North africa when he was shot down and killed aged 20. after the war ended rationing continued for several years. I well remember
Review RBPF leadership
EDITOR, The Tribune. I have long been the most consistent supporter of the current Commissioner of Police. I had high hopes (pardon the pun) for him. When he had been seconded from the Royal Bahamas Police Force by the Minnis administration, for whatever reasons, to a back water posting, I was one of the first Bahamians to rise up and protest, at great economic and political backlash to myself. That did not deter me and I was strident in my demands that he and former a CP Ken Strachan, be reinstated and promoted, where possible. Like Joseph of old, I beseeched them both “not to forget me” once they would have been reinstated and elevated. They all did just that, forget about Ortland h Bodie, Jr. Well, like most Bahamians, they both promptly “forgot” about me when they re-entered Pharaoh’s opulent courtyard. Mr Fernander upon his return to the RBPF was elevated to the post of Commissioner of Police; awarded a huge monetary compensation for his forced absence from his job, as well as Ken Strachan and one or two other officers. Strachan became one of his Deputy a ssistant Commissioners of Police. Strachan has now ridden off into the sunset to “enjoy” his well deserved retirement. Brother Fernander is at the helm and the beat goes on.
for example seeing and eating my first banana when I was fourteen years old. I may be wrong but I believe the rationing extended to one egg per child per week. Meat was reduced to a small amount per family per week. also, for example a local store only received packets of Smith’s Crisps (Lays) once per week and when they were sold out there was no further delivery for another week. Clothing was also rationed and you could only buy a shirt for example by surrendering clothing coupons. Gasoline was also strictly rationed and limited for special reasons so that you could never take any unnecessary personal trips. how times have changed but conflicts still abound.
LEON R POTIER Nassau, June 26, 2024.
a llow me to postulate that crime is not, solely, a police problem. We are all guilty, in some measure, for the ungodly spike in crime and the fear of crime. That being said it must also be appreciated that the detection
rate of suspected crimes and apprehension of suspected perpetrators are among the best in this region. While prevention is almost impossible the RBPF does not appear to have the specialised manpower and trained manpower to make a significant dent in the prevention and discouragement of crime. Mind you there are numerous other factors to be considered; such as the “failure” of the collective church; the abysmal disappearance of the traditional family structure and the apparent “slackness” of the judicial system.
In my opinion the communications abilities and skills of the current COP is poor, to say the least. h is utterances, do not engender confidence and transparency within and on the police force. In all aspects of life, there comes a recognisable time when it is time for an individual to hang up his/her hat and go home. Is it time for a strategic regime change? Is the current high command in touch and in tune with the average Bahamian and their crime fighting expectations?
While the RBPF does not set policies of any administration, it plays a vital role in carrying them out. This would include seeking, recruiting and retaining qualified and talented personnel. It should also include the return of at least four officers to be physically stationed at all junior and high schools, especially here in New Providence. The National Youth Guard should and must be
expanded and marketed with the full support and financing by the administration. In short, any modern and progressive Commissioner of Police, going forward, must think and appear to think, outside the proverbial box.
The Intelligence Unit of the RBPF seems to have fallen by the wayside. e veryone here in New Providence and Grand Bahama are believed to actually “know” the suspected perpetrators of suspected crime and their enablers. In fact, I daresay that many of these same individuals are husbands; boyfriends; associates and lovers. Most of them sleep in a comfortable bed at night while earning a living from criminal enterprises and should be known to the police! What is this unit doing and why does it not appear to be more effective? a re there officers who might be conflicted or compromised? God forbid!
The RBPF as currently led must be reviewed and assessed for the political directorate to be able to determine the effectiveness or otherwise of the police commissioner; his high command and rank and file officers. Bahamians, by and large, hate changes and like to give others the benefit of the doubt. Most of us are also not inclined to call for a regime change in any organisations, despite the abject “failures” of the leadership. Times change, however, and people must be shuffled around or transferred into areas where they may better fit in. To God then, in all things, be the glory.
ORTLAND H BODIE, Jr Nassau, June 24, 2024.
Blue Origin Astronaut Aisha Bowe greets Governor General Cynthia “Mother” Pratt during a reception in celebration of US Independence Day and the arrival of US Chargé d’Affaires Kimberly Furnish at the new US Embassy compound on Friday.
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
Ministry of Health and Bahamas AIDS Foundation hosts HIV testing initiative
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
The Ministry of health and Wellness, in partnership with The Bahamas AIDS Foundation, held a Regional hIV Testing initiative on Friday, urging people to take the next step and know their status.
Beverly Boyd, acting managing director of the Infectious Disease Unit, said this initiative was geared at getting the community involved and taking their health seriously.
The 2024 Regional hIV Testing under the theme
“Take The Next Step and Take The Test”, was held every Friday during June.
Friday’s event was held at RM Bailey Park from 8am to 8pm and offered free blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol screenings.
“The initiative is to ensure that as many of possible persons in our nation know their status.
In knowing their status, they can take themselves and bring their selves into better care because you know how to better care and you know how to better assist your health,” Ms Boyd said.
“It’s about knowing how to better assist your health and taking steps to ensure that you are healthy and get attention or get help for what comes next.”
She expressed her satisfaction with the initiative as it has gained traction each week, adding that “you can take care of yourself and you can also take care of your partner.”
According to data reflective to the end of 2021,
MEDICAL and administration staff at the Regional HIV Testing Day held in Pompey Square in 2022.
95 per cent of persons in The Bahamas living with hIV now know their hIV status. Moreover, 73 percent of persons who know their status are on treatment while 81 percent of those on treatment are
virally suppressed. health officials are working to remove the stigma around hIV testing. They are targeting young Bahamians in particular, encouraging them to know their hIV status
to ensure early hIV diagnosis and serve as a safeguard to the health and well-being of all Bahamians.
People can also get tested at the Royal Victoria Gardens Clinic on
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and at The Ministry of health Office on Rosetta Street on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Ora-Quick is another hIV testing method
East Nassau wat Er outagE duE to damagEd tra NsmissioN maiN oN
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
SOMe eastern New Providence residents had their water supply interrupted as the Water and Sewerage Corporation repaired a damaged transmission main on Prince Charles Drive yesterday.
The WSC said there was a leak on the transmission main near Popeye’s Chicken and that residents east of Fox hill Road and south of Prince Charles Drive in the Joe Farrington Road area were affected.
A video from the corporation showed flooding in front of Popeyes and a
large pothole with water a few feet away from the restaurant. Throughout the day, the company provided updates and pictures of the pipe repair process on the road. Many highlighted the inconvenience this situation caused.
“This is crazy. No water on Sundays and no light
during the week. We need some type of relief in the east,” one person said on Facebook.
approved by the Ministry of health and Wellness. Ports International is the official distributor, and it retails at $20. It is also free through national health programmes and public health services.
PriNcE charl Es driv E
In May, water service was interrupted due to a leak repair of a transmission main on Prince Charles Drive. WSC advised there was a road closure from Springfield Road to Fox hill Road during that time. Users expressed frustration over the repeat incidents.
“Y’all have to stop,” one person said. “Second time on the same line less than 1000 ft apart and less than two months apart. I am no mechanical engineer or rocket scientist, but y’all need to dig up the whole of Prince Charles, which y’all put down less than ten years ago, and start again.
Y’all didn’t buy good pipes and this time have real people do the contracts.” Another said: “Just a month from the last major leak in the same area. So why can’t water and sewerage get their repair right! No water for a whole day again. This is garbage.”
MONDAY, JULY 1, 2024
Pressing threats to our marine environment should inspire Bahamians to act
By JERVON SANDS
IT was disappointing to see a fun and celebratory snorkeling event marred by oil contamination in our waters this past Saturday while attending the 10th anniversary of the Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) Coral Reef Sculpture Garden (CRSG) at Clifton Heritage. This site is often described as “the perfect fusion of art, education and conservation”. It has been featured in over 100 publications worldwide in its mere than ten-year history.
BREEF staff, volunteers, citizens and members of the press were surprised to surface in oil contaminated waters after admiring the impactful sculptures and beautiful marine life that reside at CRSG.
Executive director Casuarina McKinney-Lambert, who was present at the event, shared her concerns about the consequences of this contamination as it relates to BREEF’s work with coral restoration and sustainable tourism. She urges the country to lead the world in reducing fossil fuel dependence and implement a ban on oil drilling occurring within our
territorial waters.
The area surrounding CRSG is a part of the Southwest New Providence Marine Managed Area which is a protected area. However, the marine ecosystems there are facing multiple threats related to the climate crisis.
On one hand the continued use of fossil fuels will inevitably lead to issues of oil contamination in our waters which can reduce marine biodiversity, poison marine environments, disrupt food chains, damage habitats, hinder economic growth of industries like tourism and fisheries, and could even have eventual harmful effects on human health due to bio-accumulation.
On the other hand, rising temperatures are warming our waters which stresses coral leading to the phenomenon known as coral bleaching. This has cascading effects on the marine environment as a whole because coral reefs are responsible for a large portion of the biodiversity in oceans. They serve as nurseries, gardens/food sources and habitats for marine life.
If our coral reefs are unable to recover from compounding threats, then our islands will lose natural breakwaters
that took centuries to develop.
These underwater barriers protect us by limiting impacts from the increasingly severe hurricanes we experience due to climate change.
Failure to protect our marine environment along with miss-management of marine resources can have long-lasting impacts on marine ecosystems, underscoring the importance of prevention, preparedness, and effective response strategies when addressing issues affecting our marine environment.
The Bahamas is a small island nation, but we are also a large ocean nation made up of around 100,000 square miles of water. That reality makes marine conservation a top priority for our nation. This year, Prime Minister Philip E Davis recognised National Ocean Protection Week, the first week in June 2024, coinciding with World Oceans Day. This proclamation emphasises the importance of safeguarding marine ecosystems, crucial for the Bahamas’ economy, culture, and identity.
Both BREEF and Waterkeepers Bahamas played a key role in this process, highlighting the need for marine conservation.
Facilitating the protection of our waters and
enhancing opportunities for sustainable development of our marine resources requires a strong relationship between Bahamians and our marine ecosystems. BREEF envisions a Bahamas where all people appreciate the value of our sea and take action to protect it. The organisation’s main focuses are grass-roots programmes in education, outreach, research and policy which together impact all Bahamian
stakeholders, as well as visitors, in order to fulfill its vision. One such programme is the BREEF Summer Sea Camp which concluded in New Providence on Friday, June 28, but will be reappearing in Central Eleuthera and North Andros later this summer.
• To get involved follow BREEF on social media @ breef242 or visit their website: www.breef.org.
Jervon SandS
Why is govt taking such a hostile posture towards businesses?
By MalcolM Strachan
THE sight of armed officers marching into CBS Bahamas – and, it turns out, a bunch of other businesses – is a spectacular own goal by the current administration. Were they there to apprehend dangerous criminals? No.
Were they there to assist the businesses with security in a dangerous environment? No – although given the ongoing murder count and even gunshots outside court these days, the environment is certainly dangerous. Were they there to check paperwork at the point of a gun? Apparently. There has been
widespread anger in response to this being the way that law-abiding businesses have been treated.
But listen, never mind the reaction for a moment – we’ll get to that – but who thought this was a good idea in the first place?
This was a door-to-door exercise to ensure businesses were compliant with all taxes. So think about that for a second. Firstly, we keep getting told we are becoming ever more digital in the ways we are doing things. So why on earth are these visits needed for the vast majority of compliance issues. Most of that is filed electronically these days.
You don’t need to show up in force for that, you need
to check your files.
Secondly, if you roll up unannounced looking for paperwork, you’re not giving businesses a chance to be prepared and have the information you still need on hand – speeding the whole process up.
After all, what if you arrive without giving any warning and the accountant is not on the premises for whatever reason – given they did not know you were coming. Other members of staff may not know where to find what you are looking for. What are you going to do, come back? A waste of time and effort. And thirdly – what is the consequence for a business if it is not compliant? If it is missing papers?
What are all those people standing around with weapons for? They can’t do anything – the next step is taking the business to court to pay up or issuing fines.
This is treating businesses like criminals for no good reason. And it seems no one thought about that beforehand.
Now, the government is making noises about whether this will carry on this way – the press secretary said a review is under way of how the Revenue Enhancement Task Force is conducting itself.
But listening to some people within government, there are plenty who still think there is nothing wrong with treating people like this.
If showing up with guns instead of clipboards seems appropriate, just wait for the government to start throwing audits around.
CBS was not the only business to be approached in this way – marinas also talked of the same treatment, with officials boarding foreign-flagged boats as well.
Over at CBS, Brent Burrows II, the company’s vice president, nailed it when he said: “We are slowly but surely continuing to trend in a direction that is increasingly hostile for Bahamian businesses.
“Regulatory burdens aside, the intimidation tactics employed during routine checks only serve to create an atmosphere of fear and distrust. We need to address these practices to ensure that businesses are not made to feel under siege but are encouraged to thrive and contribute
positively to our economy. It’s crucial for the business community and government to work together to foster a supportive and transparent environment.”
The thing is, all of this also goes against what Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis has said too.
Mr Davis has spoken a number of times about trying to improve the ease of doing business. Surprise armed inspections certainly isn’t on the list of making things easier.
Back in 2022 – as he hailed the recent arrival of FTX in The Bahamas, ah well, can’t win them all – he said: “We committed ourselves to enhancing the ease of doing business in The Bahamas. Some of the ways to achieve this are by revamping and streamlining processes at the Bahamas Investment Authority, Registrar General, Department of Inland Revenue and other agencies to become one of the most business-friendly countries for local and foreign investors.”
Look at that. Businessfriendly. Is the way we are going about things the friendly way?
Then last year, at the Cat Island Business Outlook conference, in his own constituency, he criticised public officials for adopting inflexible approaches to the collection of outstanding taxes that “close the business”.
He said: “If one applies for licence renewal, for example, and the application is tied to whether one’s taxes are current or not, I want to address that issue to make the process more conducive
to commercial activity. So if there’s a question about what is owed, either in your National Insurance contributions or real property tax, or your Business Licence fees, then talk about it but don’t close the business or not issue the licence.”
He added that “somehow public servants are blinkered and don’t see beyond that”.
He went on: “The ease of doing business creates the environment for conducive investments. Residents here are no strangers to vexing connectivity challenges, which have the counterintuitive effect of causing digitisation to become a hindrance to business and productivity.”
That all sounds good –but even then, what Mr Davis was saying was not quite matching up to what was taking place, with holds on bank accounts, garnishes being applied and Inland Revenue warning it would exercise the “power of sale” on properties where tax was owing for a long time. Some of those properties have since indeed been put up for sale – that latter one may well be justified, of course, how long should you wait for someone to pay their tax before saying enough is enough?
But the process is a legal one, a court one, and not solved by showing up with armed officers unannounced. Compliance is of course the goal. We want to make sure businesses and individuals do what they are supposed to do. But there has to be a better way than this.
Inland Revenue agenbts accompanied by armed officers enter CBS Building Supplies on Monday last week.
FOCUS: Student support for budding educators
SINCE 2011, Lyford Cay Foundations has served more than 500 students through FOCUS, its out-of-school time, tuition-free enrichment programme for youth in grades 5 through twelve. With the Ministry of Education’s curriculum as its foundation, FOCUS provides college readiness and access support for public school students over an eight-year period as they seek to become the first in their families to attend college.
GAIN AN EDGE
A NATIONAL DIALOGUE
While the impact of FOCUS on students is widely known, the programme’s positive effect on budding educators is also notable because of the programme’s emphasis on teacher coaching and mentorship. Avinel Newball-Smith, a senior
educator who is also the principal at Cleveland Eneas Primary School, has worked with FOCUS
for over 12 years. She serves as the FOCUS Quality Assurance and Curriculum Coordinator and is responsible for ensuring that the programme’s teachers and interns effectively deliver content. During her time at FOCUS, she has witnessed how pre-service teachers have grown through the experience.
“FOCUS uses both trained teachers and pre-service teachers who are studying education and related fields at the University of The Bahamas and other colleges,” said Newball-Smith.
“The pre-service teachers, who we call interns, bring energy, excitement
Responsibilities include:
• Grading tests and homework
• Record keeping
• Monitoring student behaviour
• Preparing the classroom for lessons
• Overseeing students during non-classroom times, such as lunch, recess, or field trips
• Supervising group activities
• Working with the lead teacher to monitor class schedules
• Teaching small groups who need additional help or guidance
• Listening to children read, reading to them, or telling them stories
• Helping children who need extra support to complete tasks
• Helping students to adjust, learn and socialise Requirements or skills:
• A minimum of 2 years experience as a teaching assistant or similar role
• Associate’s degree in
• Familiarity with school
methods
• Great communication and
• Positive attitude
• Firm but kind personality
• A love for teaching and the
with students, teachers and parents
and a fresh perspective. In exchange, they receive hands on training, guidance and support.”
It takes 30 teachers to run FOCUS each year.
During FOCUS’ 45 days of programming, pre-service teachers implement best practices as they teach students through project-based learning. Under the direction of trained teachers, the interns are mentored in classroom management, creativity and innovation.
“Before pre-service teachers get into the classroom, FOCUS takes them through intensive training where they learn important teaching strategies,” noted Newball-Smith.
“Then they are assigned to a teaching team, which includes a team lead and a coach. This creates a supportive structure where they can be observed and receive feedback from expert teachers.”
Naydalle Rolle initially came to FOCUS as a biology major at University of The Bahamas and is now embarking on her fifth summer with FOCUS.
“I learned to complete lesson plans, forecasts and unit plans. It was like a free education course in my opinion,” said Rolle. “Over the years, my teaching abilities have strengthened tremendously. I am now a teacher in the private sector and more senior teachers have commented on my teaching skills.”
Aashna Stuart is a fifthyear primary education major at University of The Bahamas who is looking forward to being an
intern for the first time this summer.
“From what I’ve heard, FOCUS is demanding and challenging, but it also rewarding, and you receive support throughout the experience.”
She noted, “I’m excited to see how project-based learning unfolds and how well the students respond. I’m also really excited to be a part of a realistic school experience with lessons, electives, field trips and even a sports day.”
Just as many FOCUS students are blossoming academically, FOCUStrained interns are excelling professionally.
“Pre-service teachers who come through FOCUS usually perform extremely well during their teaching practice and are highly sought after for placement in schools,” Newball-Smith shared. “The key is that we make sure our interns have a strong support system. We will not leave them behind. At FOCUS, we carry the whole team with us.”
Lyford Cay Foundations is honoured to support the development of teachers and future teachers of The Bahamas through FOCUS.
• Gain An Edge is a collaboration of Lyford Cay Foundations, the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute and the University of The Bahamas aimed at promoting a national dialogue on issues surrounding education. To share your thoughts, email gainanedge@tribunemedia.net.
CAPTION: AASHNA STUART, FOCUS intern; Avinel Newball-Smith, FOCUS Quality Assurance and Curriculum Coordinator; Naydalle Rolle, FOCUS teacher.
Ministry of Health reports increase in flu-like illnesses and COVID-19
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
THE Ministry of Health and Wellness reported an increase in the number of people testing positive for influenza-like illnesses (ILI), including COVID-19.
Health officials issued a press release on Friday urging the public to remain vigilant amid the uptick.
“This is not unexpected due to seasonality of these types of infections, known in some parts as ‘summer colds’,” the statement read.
“As such, it is essential to continue practising good hand hygiene, wearing masks, maintaining physical distance, getting tested and vaccinated. These practices can significantly
reduce transmission rates of infectious diseases as we continue to live with COVID-19 and be on the lookout for new viruses.”
The ministry added that several other viruses are causing ILIs globally. The press release gave an assurance that the National Communicable Diseases Surveillance Unit remains vigilant and
continues to monitor the situation, both locally and globally.
On January 7, the ministry advised of an increase in the number of COVID-19 positive cases being reported on New Providence and Grand Bahama.
At that time, the ministry reported 36 cases that had been reported in six weeks, with 26 of them reported in December. Grand Bahama had recorded 11 new cases within two weeks, and a man had also reportedly died from COVID-19 on that island.
In New Providence, two persons were hospitalized in January after testing positive for the virus. However, officials said those cases did not require intensive care management.
LPIA receives reaccreditation for overall customer satisfaction
THE Lynden Pin -
dling International Airport (LPIA) said it received Airports Council International (ACI) reaccreditation for its customer experience, one of 19 regional facilities to do so.
The airport first received accreditation in 2019, according to a press release.
“To obtain reaccreditation, participating airports undergo a thorough assessment of airport services, facilities, and overall guest satisfaction,” LPIA said. “Staff and stakeholders take part in a comprehensive review and training process focused on a 360˚ view of guest experience management.”
Vernice Walkine, president and CEO at Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD), said:
“Our operations are passenger-centric , and we strive to exceed expectations at every touchpoint. As the first and last impression of our destination, we want to treat all of our passengers as guests.
“We are pleased to receive this reaccreditation, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire airport community. This certification reaffirms our commitment to creating a seamless and enjoyable journey for everyone who passes through our airport.”
Jonathan Hanna, vice president of operations at NAD, said: “At LPIA, we continue to use tools to measure guest experience. We have been using the globally recognised ASQ (Airport Service Quality) surveys for many years
to better anticipate guest needs. Our goal is to build on this reaccreditation by implementing innovative solutions to further enhance the guest experience. We have an ambitious target of becoming a five-star facility and we believe that we can get there by listening to our guests and meeting their needs at every step.”
LPIA said it has implemented several initiatives to improve guest satisfaction.
“These include bringing on additional guest service team members to assist the travelling public, guest experience training for front-line staff, investing in technology to provide real-time information to passengers and a robust capital project plan aimed at making improvements to the facility,” LPIA said.
The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute held a mixer event last week. The True Blue Mixer was a networking event to encourage connections between board members, management, faculty, staff, alumni, prospective graduates, donors and industry partners – who were all invited to wear shades of blue to symbolise unity and pride in the BTVI community.
Photos: BTVI
51st Bahamas Independence beat retreat
The annual Independence Beat Retreat was held in Parliament and Rawson Squares yesterday despite rainy weather. Guests were treated to performances by the Royal Bahamas Police Force, The Royal Bahamas Defence Force and The Bahamas Department of Corrections marching bands.
Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
SPORTS
Who will compete in Paris?
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor
Although there were some notable performances amidst the absence of some top-notch competitors, athletes will have to wait and see if they have booked their tickets to the 2024 Olympic Games. For those who didn’t officially qualify, they will have to rely on their world rankings by World Athletics before the Bahamas Olympic Committee announces who will represent the Bahamas in Paris, France, July 27 to August 11.
However, the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations will get to decide who will compete at the World Athletics’ Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru, August 27-31. The performances will be decided based on the BAAA three days of competition that was held from Wednesday to Friday at the original Thomas A.
Robinson Track and Field Stadium.
One of the highlights of the final day of competition came on the field from national record holder and NCAA Championships back-to-back champion Rhema Otabor with her toss of 190-09 or 58.15 metres.
Otabor, who has already surpassed the Olympic qualifying standard of 209-11 (64.00m) in repeating as the NCAA champion for Florida International University, finished well ahead of Davanna Collie who was a distant second with 137-08 (41.96m).
Taysha Stubbs took the under-20 girls’ javelin with her toss of 48.01m 157-06 (48.01m). Kamera Strachan was second with 148-03 (45.18m) and Gshan Brown was third with 121-10 (37.15m).
In the marquee men’s high jump, the 39-year-old vintage Donald Thomas won his fourth straight and eighth overall national
SEE PAGE 15
#WEINLIMABEY - The Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations will get to decide who will compete at the World Athletics’ Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru, August 27-31.
By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net
EVER since the Bahamas senior men’s national basketball team won the FIBA Men’s Pre-Qualifying Olympic Qualifying Tournaments in Santiago del Estero, Argentina, last summer, there has been growing optimism about the team’s chances of making Bahamian history at the Olympic level. The national team is now gearing up for pool play in Group B of the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament slated to begin tomorrow in Valencia, Spain. First up on the schedule will be the no.17 ranked Finland, who will be playing without the services of Utah big man Lauri Markkanen. The following day The Bahamas will go up against the no. 15 ranked Poland national team. If the team is successful in the final phase of Olympic qualification, it will become the first time The Bahamas had made it to the
SEE PAGE 15
Wrestler Kaylia Capri dazzles home crowd in win
By TENAJH SWEETING
Sports Reporter
BAHAMIAN wrestler
Alexis Gray, also known by stage name Kaylia Capri, experienced a warm welcome in her first official pro wrestling match in The Bahamas at the inaugural Baha Bash live wrestling event presented by All Caribbean Wrestling (ACW) on Saturday.
The Bahamas’ first professional women’s wrestler had the support of a loud and animated home crowd behind her the entire way as she scored a gutsy win against JC Storm via pinfall in a packed Andros Ballroom at the Baha Mar Resort.
The sweet homecoming was made even sweeter as she left with an extra $10,000 in her pocket, presented to her by former world heavyweight
champion and world’s strongest man (WSM) Mark Henry after the singles victory. Capri was beaming with joy after her match and could not stop smiling and she spoke about the experience from her pointof-view. “I will say that it is just by God’s luck. I didn’t know what was going on in the match. She clocked me with a couple of good ones and it knocked me into a little daze here and there. It was getting very hot and I was getting tired but I just heard the crowd telling me ‘get up you got this keep going’ and it resonated in my head and I said I gotta pull off the W for the 242,” she said. JC Storm dished out some offensive jeers to a boisterous Bahamian crowd before the ring bell sounded so it was no surprise that the matchup got off to an intense start.
THE SPORTS CALENDAR
The hometown favourite withstood some tough bumps in the matchup as Storm shoved her into the ringpost outside of the ring.
SOFTBALL NPSA ACTON AFTER
Sunshine Auto Wildcats vs UB Mingoes (L) 8:30 pm Chances Mighty Mitts vs Renegades (M) Wednesday 7pm - Black Scorpions vs Sunshine Auto Wildcats (L) 8:30pm - UB Mingoes vs R&N Operators (L)
July, 2024
Thursday 7pm - Johnson Lady Truckers vs Black Scorpions (L) 8:30pm - Renegades vs Chances Mighty Mitts(M) SOFTBALL BBSF TOURNAMENT
THE newly formed Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation has pushed back its Co-Ed Softball Invitational Tournament to Saturday, July 6 at the Charles W. Saunders High School, Jean Street. The tournament was delayed from starting on Saturday, June 22, due to the passing of the federation’s director of track and field, Renee ‘Sunshine’ Davis, of Golden Gates
SEE PAGE 18
This led to the two wrestlers exchanging blows in front of the fans. The action moved back into the ring and while JC Storm was
gloating, the Bahamian wrestler decided to sneak in a quick roll up pin which only resulted in a two-count pinfall.
In a pivotal moment of the match, Capri misfired on a jump kick which took down the official and allowed for outside interference from members of the 12-man Battle Royal that took place earlier in the evening. Despite the interference, Capri along with the assistance of local wrestler “The Dealer” managed to clear the ring and she finished off JC Storm with a mean face plant for the three-count pinfall.
Capri, also known as Sierra Breeze on the Women of Wrestling (WOW) Superheroes brand, said the win was necessary against JC Storm.
“I needed that match so I could respect her and she could respect me and know better than to talk about The Bahamas. It was electric, the whole place was
SEE PAGE 19
WRESTLER SHANNON HANNA II TAKES HOME GOLD, BRONZE
By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter
BAHAMIAN amateur wrestler Shannon Hanna II made his tournament appearances count in June, picking up two medals along the way.
He opened up the month with a gold medal finish on June 8 at the United World Wrestling (UWW) Pat Shaw Memorial and closed it out with a bronze medal placement in the 65kg freestyle weight class at the U23 PanAmerican Championships on June 22 in Rionegro, Colombia.
His latest top three finish earned him his third international medal of 2024 and bumped him up to a 9-4 (win/loss record) in 13 bouts this year.
The bronze medallist said it was fun to claim another medal this time around
despite experiencing a minor setback in the quarter finals.
“It was fun. I had to wrestle against the USA in the first round and it was crazy to see that the two best guys in the bracket had to go against each other in the first round.
“It was a bit annoying because first matches are always the hardest for everyone, being that you kind of want to warm up in your first match,” he said.
Hanna would go on to lose against the USA’s Wyatt Henson 4-2. He revealed that he thought it was a match that he had a chance to win but fell a bit short.
“I lost my first match against the USA. It was a really close match that I should have won. It was really tough and I had to get my mind back right in order to wrestle again and take bronze. I wanted to take gold but I had to get the next
best thing after that which was bronze,” he said. Fortunately, his tournament experience would continue thanks to the repechage system against Puerto Rico’s Tyler Knox. The Bahamian would comfortably defeat the Puerto Rican 10-0 via tech fall for the bronze medal. The 23-year-old shared his mindset in the bronze medal match following a tough loss in the opening round against the USA.
“After I lost the first match, I had a ‘I smelled blood in the water’ mentality. I just wanted to finish the match quickly and get the win as fast as possible and that is what I did,” he said. This is the fifth tournament Hanna has wrestled in since the calendar switched to 2024. He admitted that the exposure has definitely SEE PAGE 19
WINNING FASHION: Bahamian pro wrestler Kaylia Capri celebrates after defeating JC Storm via pinfall in front of a packed home crowd in the Andros Ballroom of the Baha Mar resort.
Photo: Tenajh Sweeting/Tribune Staff
Photo: Nikia Charlton
Athletes waiting to see if they have booked their tickets to Olympics
FROM PAGE 14
title clearing 7-1 (2.15m).
Shaun Miller Jr, was second with 6-8 3/4 (2.05m), tied with Kyle Alcime, who got third on more knockdowns.
Joshua Williams won the under-20 boys’ high jump with 6-06 3/4 (2.00m). Justin Hanna was second at the same height with Jelani Morrison third with 6-0 3/4 (1.85m).
Olympic hopefuls
Kaiwan Culmer soared 55-1 (16.79m) to win the open men’s triple jump, while collegian Shyrone Kemp was second with 52-9 1/4 (16.08m).
William McKinney claimed the under-20 boys’ triple jump title with 49-08.25 (15.40m). Rollie Hanna was second with 48-04.75 (134.75m) and Johnathon Rogers was third with 48-02.75 (14.70m).
On the track, without defending Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo competing, collegian Javonya Valcourt won the women’s 400 metres in 52.32 seconds, well off the qualifying standard of 50.95.
Fellow collegians Quincy Penn and Lacarthea Cooper got second and third in 53.35 and 53.38 respectively.
Miller-Uibo, who was runner-up to Valcourt in the semifinals on Wednesday, stopped running in the semifinals of the 200m on Thursday and was unable to go in the 400m final. She is reportedly nursing a hamstring injury..
Valcourt, coming off her semifinal appearance at the NCAA Championships for the University of Tennessee, said while she didn’t achieve the time she anticipated, she was thrilled to secure the victory.
“I was glad that I came out injury free because last year, I didn’t get to finish my last year under-20 because of an injury,” said Valcourt, who still has hopes of going to the Olympics to compete in the mixed 4 x 400m relay.
The 19-year-old, who ran a lifetime best of 51.15 at the Percy Beard Track in Gainesville, Florida in April 13, said she has to continue to work on her start and her strength.
A change in the schedule saw both the final of the women’s 400 and 200m held
on the same day. The 400m for women was moved from day two of the championships when the finals for the men took place. In the final of the women’s 200m, Kristina Knott from the Philippines took the title in 23.33. American Tricht Jocelyn was second in 24.43 and Bahamian Miriam Byfield got third in 27.05. The men’s 200m also missed two of the top Bahamians in collegians and Terrence Jones.
In their absence, Ian Kerr pulled off the victory in 20.47 with Samson Colebrook second in 20.93 and Adam Musgrove third in 20.97.
Eric Cray, also from the Philippines, won the open men’s 400m hurdles in 49.86, but Bahamian Olympic hopeful Shakeem Hall-Smith struggled with a slight injury for second in 1:00.19.
Morgan Moss also secured his ticket to the World under-20 championships with his win in 53.34. Clinton Laguerre, who did the standard at college, was second in 53.41 and Berkley Munnings, another collegian, was third in 53.41.
Winning the under-20 girls 400m hurdles was Rachari Wildgoose in 1:08.77. Kei-Mahri Hanna was second in 1:00.91 and Aydin-Bethany Bullard was third in 1:20.73.
Carlos Brown Jr opted to compete in the open men’s 200m.
Instead, he clinched his ticket along with Andrew Styles for the World Under20 team after they were both clocked in 20.83. Nijae McBride was third in 21.75.
“First of all, I want to thank God for allowing me to go out there and do my best, execute my race and finish injury free,” said Brown Jr, who also pulled off the win in the 100m on Wednesday in 10.48.
“The season started off rough for me. I was dealing with slight injuries, but I’m back and I’m better. I want to break the junior national record and bring back the gold.”
Styles, who was third in the 100m in 10.71, was just as thrilled to make the team. “I just wanted to have a smooth transition, get out and stay relaxed,” he said. “I know Carlos is a fast competitor. He’s going to push me off the curve. Off the curve, I just stayed with my game plan.”
Going into Peru, Styles said although he had a slight injury, he was thankful to God for allowing him to get through it without injury and so he just wanted to stay sharp and be ready for the championships.
Alexis Roberts, winner of the under-20 girls’ 400m the day before in 55.88, completed a double dose of victory in the 200m in 24.34.
Nia Richards was second in 24.48 and Morgan Komolafe was third in 24.85. Komolafe also got second in the 400m in 58.36.
Everette Fraser won the under-17 boys’ 200m in 21.3 for his sprint double as he also took the 100m in 10.77. Barry Miller was second in the 200m in 22.39 and Jonathan Higgs third in 22.50.
Kianna Henchell took the under-17 girls 200m in 25.00 with Caitlyn Smith second in 25.72 and Nataya Watson third in 26.40. It was the same two positions for Henchell (12.24) and Smith (12.70) in the 100m with Shekinah Johnson third in 13.06.
Aiden Musgrove won the under-15 boys 200m in 22.42. Kamron Henfield, the 200m champion, was second in 22.79 and Shawne Ferguson got third in 23.02.
Brianna Bootle won the under-15 girls 200m in 25.31. Zara Fraser was second in 25.44 and Rocelis Moxey was third in 25.59.
The positions changed in the 100m with Moxey, Bootle and Fraser taking the top three spots.
Nipsey Jones also got the sprint double in the under-13 boys division as he added the 200m title in 26.24 to add his win in the 100.
Patricio Sherman was second in the 200m in 27.03 and Kendal Garcis was third in 27.45.
Symone Martin took the girls under-13 200m in 26.28. Cassidy Pratt was second in 26.48 and Sandra Russell was third in 26.66. Russell, Martin and Pratt finished in that order in the 100m.
The under-11 boys was won by Aiden Knowles in 29.25 with Liam Bethell second in 29.80 and Liam Thompson third in 31.03. It was the same order for the trio in the 100m.
Cai-Lily Catalyn was the winner of the girls under-11 200m in 28.81. Tanaz Davis was second in 28.98 and Keeshan Rolle got third in 30.16. Catalyn, Davis and Laveah Johnson got the top three spots in the 100m. In the under 11 boys 150m, Gabriel Deleveaux won in 23.65; Leslie Munnings got second in 23.78 and Jaden White was third in 25.00. The girls under-11 150m was won by Jazmyn Demeritte in 22.61. Monae Miller was second in 24.38 and Daejah Farrington was third in 26.45. Two competitors contested the boys under-7 150m with Giovanno Bain running 27.14 to edge out Kamaro Hunt, who trailed in 27.18. The girls under-7 150m title went to Ledeya Walker in 29.71. Darina Cooper was second in 31.95 and Aria Moss was third in 40.87. Joel Forbes was the lone competitor in the open men’s 800m, running 1:53.75.
Raywind Winder, however, had some competition as he took the under-20 boys race in 1:57.80 with Sharan Roker second in 1:58.55 and Christopher Minors third in 1:59.93.
Jennifer Estime was also the only competitor in the open women’s two-lap race, winning in 2:29.19. The under-20 girls race had a pair with Jasmine Mackey clocking 2:21.75, ahead of A’Karee Roberts’ time of 2:37.76.
Tieano Ferguson was the winner of the under-17 boys 800m in 2:03.56. Kyden Ferguson was second in 2:04.22 and Jenico Gibson was third in 2:11.40. Yulianis Akompi won the under-17 girls 800m in 2:32.58 with Denika Gittens, second in 2:33.78 and Ramonique Mclennon was third in 2:33.78. The under-15 boys 800m was won by Cordell Munroe in 2:08.32, Devontae Crowl was second in 2:12.30 and Arjay Roberts got third in 2:16.56. Winning the under15 girls 800 was Cierra Delancy, Cierra in 2:36.86. Haleel Munnings was second in 2:41.22 and Aliyah Culmer was third in 2:45.06. Fabian Sautil won the open men’s 5,000m in 17:44.69 with Devonta Newbold second in 18:49.06.
Johnathan Turner took the under-20 boys race in 17:30.09 and Edoney Russell was second in 19:50.57. And Grace Farrington captured the under-20 girls 5000m title in 22:28.84. Breynice Kemp finished second in 23:26.81 and Tellica Seymour third in 23:51.31.
SENIOR MEN’S NATIONAL BASKETBALL TEAM
PASSION’
Olympics for a team sport. Before the next chapter of the Olympic qualification begins for The Bahamas, veteran national team member Jaraun
“Kino” Burrows said it is a
“dream come true” to witness and be a part of the team’s development over the last 18 years.
“I have been a part of the programme since 2006 for about 18 years now. I have seen this thing come from one level completely to the next. Back then, we used to dream about being able to put together teams like this and play this level of competition in Europe and on the world stage. To be here and to be present is honestly a dream come true. I am just so proud to be Bahamian and to be a part of this basketball culture that we are building. I think this is just the beginning and 242 to the World is gonna continue,” he said.
The Bahamas Basketball Federation (BBF) has a star-studded roster set to represent the country. The roster is headlined by NBA pros Deandre
Ayton, newest 76er Eric
“EJ” Gordon and Chavano
“Buddy” Hield.
Burrows said it has been an honour to observe the different generations of basketball talent playing for the national team and witness a shift in the culture.
“I have been around long enough to see everybody’s first national team experience. I had a chance in my rookie year to play with Franco Miller Sr, who I was mentored by, and now I have an opportunity to mentor Franco Miller Jr. I have seen so much and I have seen a complete culture change starting with a guy like Buddy Hield making a commitment to his country to come home and help to build this thing and shift this culture to
where we are. He led and everybody else followed.
“Now you see we have our top players coming home and even exciting young talent like VJ, Donnie and AJ all ready and willing to come home and represent with passion and pride.
“It is just a wonderful feeling to see this culture, hunger and level of talent coming out of the country. It is just so special and I am so happy to be a part of it,” he said.
With a good combination of veteran, collegiate and high school talent, the 18-year national team member said the mindset is the same as it was last summer for the upcoming FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
“The mindset is similar to last summer. These windows are tricky because you have to put together a team, cut and submit the players within a certain amount of time and then you have to build chemistry which
takes time. We have had the opportunity to play in some friendly games and we have had a great training camp. The mindset is just go out here and represent with pride and passion and try to make history. I think everybody is on the same page starting with the general manager LJ Rose to the coaching staff led by Chris DeMarco to the federation. We are all locked in on trying to make history and getting this job done,” he said.
The Bahamas played in two international friendlies against Greece and Montenegro in the Aegean Acropolis Tournament in Athens, Greece, last week. The team, which is now ranked at no. 8 on the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament Power Rankings, dropped back-to-back games to both clubs. They dropped game one 93-80 against Montenegro and fell 102-75 in game two against a Giannis Antetokounmpo-led Greece team. According to Burrows, the coaching staff didn’t want to show too much in the international friendlies but they have been watching film to work on minor mistakes.
“The team has been working really hard. We have been doing a lot of film study and a lot of on the court work. Also, the training staff behind the scenes is working fulltime to keep our bodies stretched and massaged and feeling good. I just think we have a good collective of veteran leadership, young talent and a great coaching staff. The goal is to get the job done,” he said. The 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament will run from July 2-7. The team to prevail over the six squads (Group A and B) will be promoted to the Paris Olympic Games slated for July 26 to August 11.
#WEINLIMABEY - The Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations will get to decide who will compete at the World Athletics’ Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru, August 27-31.
Photos: Nikia Charlton
FAMILY GUARDIAN WINS 2ND BANKERS ATHLETICS ASSOCIATION GOLF TOURNEY
THE Bankers Athletics Association hosted its second annual golf tournament last Saturday at the Bahamas Golf Federation’s (BGF) nine-hole golf course at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.
A total of 12 teams participated, including Fidelity, RBC, Family Guardian, Global Sun Integration Management, Scotia, CIBC and Royal Fidelity.
At the end of the oneday competition, Family Guardian were crowned champions with Global Sun Integration Management placing second overall.
The Bankers Athletics Association advised that another golf tournament is planned for later in the year at Baha Mar’s Royal Blue Golf Course.
RENEE ‘SUNSHINE’ CURRY-DAVIS
REMEMBERED AS A ‘LEGEND, A HERO’
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
RENEE Curry-Davis was remembered as the “Sunshine” who met the “Son Shine” in our heavenly father as she exemplified what it meant to be a “legend, a hero and a caring and loving person” to everyone she came in contact with.
Those were some of the sentiments expressed on Saturday at the funeral service for Curry-Davis at the Bible Truth Ministries before she was interred in Woodlawn Gardens for her final resting place.
The charismatic 56-yearold Curry-Davis, with that bright radiant smile and witty comments, left behind her husband, Lloyd ‘Ratty’ Davis, children Dino Sweeting and Tiffanie Adderley, grandson Lavardo Deveaux and a host of relatives and friends.
A large crowd of people from all walks of life packed the church to pay their last respects to Curry-Davis, who was a former volleyball and softball player who also ran track.
She was famous for her boisterous accolades of the Wildcats softball team in the New Providence Softball Association, the Finance Invaders in the Bahamas Government Departmental Softball Association and the Golden Gates Native Baptist Church in the Baptist Sports Council.
But Curry-Davis, an active member of the Bahamas Association of Certified Officials (BACO), the Saxons Superstars junkanoo group and the Prince Hall Grand Lodge, was just as vocal as she supported her family members as they engaged in their various sporting disciplines.
The Rev. Dr. Alonzo Hinsey Jr, her pastor at Golden Gates Native Baptist Church, said CurryDavis’ presence was felt as she served as an usher and a member of their sporting team.
While he highlighted some of her commitments to the church, he said she had a personal touch with God and when she was in hospital, he got the news from her that she was finally going to a private room, which suggested that she was getting better.
But less than an hour later on Wednesday, June 12 after they had prayed for her in their prayer meeting and bible study, he got the sad news that she had passed away, only to receive the private room that she so longed for.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, who had the pleasure of working with Curry-Davis, said she will be remembered as a “legend,” who represented the essence of her nickname “Sunshine” as one could not think about sports without the thought of sunshine.
He noted that she dedicated her life to upliftment of young people and her impact on the Ministry of Sports was evident and farreaching through the many roles she participated in.
“There was no sport or programme that she did not touch and her fingerprints are evident in the success stories of many young athletes and so many others,” he said. “Because this is what she did, uplifted and empowered.”
“Sunshine,” according to Bowleg, was a “woman who got things done period.”
He noted that her “tenacious spirit and unyielding determination” were infectious, inspiring those around her to strive for greatness.
From his perspective, Bowleg said Curry-Davis led by “example, demonstrating that hard work, passion and love for community” are the pillars of a fulfilling and impactful life.
“Her legacy will continue to shine brightly through the lives she touched, the programmes she championed and the spirit of community she so fervently nurtured,” said Bowleg as he encouraged her family and friends to let her light continue to illuminate in the hearts and the community for generations to come.
After leaving the Ministry of Sports where she felt that she was being underused, Curry-Davis joined the staff at the Ministry of Immigration last year where she made an immediate impression.
Her immediate boss, Sharon Pratt-Rolle, thanked Bahamas Public Service Union president Kimsley Ferguson for recommending her to the Bahamas Immigration.
In preparation for her tribute, Pratt-Rolle, the under-secretary at Immigration, said she googled “Sunshine” and everything about Curry-Davis, her secretary, showed up.
“A brightness with radiance. Gives warmth, cozy comfort. Cheerfulness, happiness, gladness,” she said.
“Think about it, when you were in her presence there was always laughter, joy, merriment, a sense of glee. She was the epitome of Sunshine.”
Pratt-Rolle remembered how one day Curry-Davis came into her office and said they had to do something about their co-workers’ morale because there were people who weren’t speaking to each other.
She challenged her to go and speak to those persons and today, Pratt said CurryDavis made the difference in offering her words of advice and sound counsel.
“It was as if she was the glue to bring the various sections together,” PrattRolle said.
On the job, Pratt-Rolle said Curry-Davis was “always on time, prompt, attentive, alert, vigilant, always on the ball, caring, generous, giving, she never said no, flamboyant, colourful, stylish, confident in her skin, exuberant, full of energy, like the energiser bunny and smart, computer savvy and a technical geek.”
As for her family, Pratt_Rolle said her husband Lloyd was truly her “babes,” her daughter Tiffanie was the only one who had a mother, her son Dino was the “best softball player” in the world and her grandson Lavardo Deveaux, she was extremely proud of your achievement from a baseball player to a track and field athlete.
She also thanked Ruth Coakley, her Wildcats’ team-mate, for providing all of the support she needed while in hospital, ensuring that her bed was made up and that she was comfortable.
Chaplin and chief starter Barry Saunders, representing BACO, headed by president Valdarine Kemp, dubbed his tribute “My Hero” for their secretary, whom they found no incongruence between what they say and what they mean.
“Renee said what she meant and meant what she said and she said it without guile or malice. You could take it or leave it, when she said her piece, that was that,” said Saunders of Curry-Davis.
“She’d then turn around and ask you if you were mad, and before you could answer, she would say, “that’s ya business,” and still offer you something out of her cooler.”
In making reference to how Curry-Davis treated just about all of their members as the same, especially when it came to sharing the stipend they received, Saunders expressed what it meant to be a “hero.”
“My heroes are the Renee’s who are true to
duty and wouldn’t hesitate to call others to duty as well,” he said.
“Renee would be one of the first at an event (track and road races) and you would hear her voice note loud and clear: “Officials, officials, the meet begins in an hour, and I’m the only one here, come out now.
“My heroes are the Renee’s who walk the walk.
Dr. Myles Munroe puts it this way, “Die empty!”
“Make sure that every drop of your talents is used up in the service of humanity.
“The graveyard is no richer today because certainly Renee ‘Sunshine’ Curry-Davis spent every ounce of her life and talent in service to and for her fellow man as is evident by
the many people and organisations here today.”
While he shared his own personal experience and noted that they can sit and recount the endless heroic exploits of Curry-Davis until next week, he encouraged persons to “go out and do great exploits of your own, make the graveyard a little poorer, live worthy of Sunshine’s legacy.”
Captain Tyrone Archer gave a fitting “as I knew her,” while Member of Parliament for South Beach Bacchus Rolle, Kingsley Ferguson, Henry Dean and host pastor Ellison Greenslade of Bible Truth Ministries, all gave some remarks on the life of Renee ‘Sunshine’ CurryDavis. May her soul rest in peace.
SUNSHINE Auto Wildcats pose for the late Renee “Sunshine” Curry-Davis.
Photos: Reginald Hepburn
BAHAMAS Association of Certified Officials members line up.
BLTA FIELDS TWO MORE TALENTED TEAMS FOR U12 COMPETITION
THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) has fielded two more talented teams for competition at the under-12 competition in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
The teams have started competition with a bang, winning 3-0 on the girls’ side and tied one all on the boys’ side. The girls team, which is seeded number 2, consists of Marina Bostwick, Danielle Saunders, Ellie Nash and Coach Paula Whitfield. The girls faced the host nation Dominican Republic on day one yesterday.
Saunders and Bostwick both won their singles and the duo of Saunders and Nash put another win for Team Bahamas. On the boys side the team is tied one all against Bermuda. The Bahamas team consists of Kingston Rees, Harrison Van Onselen, Oliver Van Onselen and Coach Marvin Rolle. Van Onselen won in a three-set thriller and Rees fought hard but lost his singles. It will come down to the doubles which is delayed due to the rain in Santo Domingo.
At the opening ceremony, Bostwick was selected to read the player’s pledge. The BLTA wishes the team all the best as they continue to play strong.
Native Baptist Church. The registration fee is $200 per team that will include a maximum of 28 players, including the manager and coach. Interested persons are urged to contact federation president Brent Stubbs at 426-71265 or tournament director Thomas Sears at 424-2888 for more information.
BASEBALL
FORD CAMP
THE Mario Ford Summer Baseball Camp will start today and run through July 12 at Windsor Park. The camp will be held daily from 9am to 1pm. It’s opened to boys and girls ages 7-15 years old. For more information, persons can contact Ford at 556-0993.
PEACE ON DA STREETS
BASKETBALL
THE annual Peace On Da Streets Basketball Classic, dubbed “Shooting Hoops instead of Guns,” is scheduled for July 15-21 at the Michael ‘Scooter Reid” Basketball Center at the Hope Center. All games start at 6pm daily. Categories include 12-and-under, 16-and-under, 20-andunder, government ministry, church and open divisions.
AMATEUR WRESTLER SHANNON HANNA II WINS
THE BRONZE AT U-23 PAN AM CHAMPIONSHIPS
FROM PAGE 14
helped him to improve his craft as an amateur wrestler and believes that the international experiences will help for NCAA wrestling.
“I have been getting a lot of exposure. Wrestling in
BAHA BASH: Bahamian wrestler Kaylia dazzles the home crowd in win
FROM PAGE 14
rocking and shaking and I heard the 242 roars. Before I came out, I said I have to do this because we are in my country and everybody came out here for me,” she said. The former track athlete was also grateful for the support she received from the Bahamian fanbase during her preparation for the event and while inside the ropes.
“I feel great about the support, about everything everybody has been doing for me and pouring all the love into me. I appreciate it so much. I am dripped down in Bahamian designer by Kevin Evans and with my Exclusive bundles. Everything you see on me is Bahamian so I definitely had to come hard for the home crowd,” she said.
Capri was not the only Bahamian to get a pop from the crowd in the Andros Ballroom. Local wrestlers, including The Dealer, Porkchop, Island Boy and Warren Santangelo were key members of a 12-man Battle Royal.
The Dealer outlasted all of his Bahamian counterparts by pulling off a sneaky double elimination in the end with one half of the Russell Twins involved in the action.
Sadly, his celebratory moment was interrupted by JC Storm, who snuck into the ring and tossed him over the top rope. “I did win but that young lady came out and threw me over. I guess she wanted my spotlight. That Battle Royal was really rough and it was the roughest I have ever had so far but that is the name of the game,” he said. He described how it felt to have the rousing support of the Bahamians in attendance. “It was nervewracking but when I came out there I was right at home. It felt so great just being in front of hundreds of people. I look forward to many more in the near future,” he said.
The ACW Caribbean tour continues to Jam Slam in Kingston, Jamaica on July 6.
RESULTS
FEW Champion Jay Rios retained his title in triple
threat action versus Kenny King and Patrick Clarke. King was well on his way to upsetting the champion as he pinned Clarke but Rios thwarted his chances with an elbow from the top rope to sneak away with the win.
ACW champion Mazzerati had a tall task against a tough opponent in Vanessa Kraven.
The latter dominated the match the entire way until the reigning champion used her speed to sneak in a match-ending kick to Kraven’s face for a threecount pinfall.
“Pope ‘’ Elijah Burke, ACW Champion, had a crowd thrilling match against Prince Agballah. The challenger tried to use his brute force to dictate the match but Pope withstood the blows.
The champion needed three consecutive flying elbow drops from the ropes to finish off Agballah and retain his hardware.
Former WWE Superstar JTG defeated Lince Dorado.
FEW Flares Women’s Champion knocked off Mia Friday.
all of these tournaments, I have been able to wrestle against a bunch of different countries with different styles. It has been special because I think it is gonna help me for the NCAA with all USA wrestlers. Being able to wrestle outside of the USA has really helped
me elevate my game,” he said. Next up for Hanna will be the U23 World Championships scheduled for October 21-27 in Tirana, Albania. As the dedicated wrestler continues his journey, the Pan-Am bronze medallist is making an appeal
to corporate Bahamas to offer some assistance with regards to his travel and training expenses.
Interested sponsors can reach out to him via email at shannon.hanna18@gmail. com or to his agents chris@ agentcy.co and sawyer@ agentcy.co.
BAHAMIAN amateur wrestler Shannon Hanna II.