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Volume: 121 No.46, January 29, 2024

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LAST BREATH ON WAY TO HOSPITAL Sister says victim only went out to celebrate his friend’s birthday

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net A WOMAN rushing a stabbing victim to the hospital crashed into a wall after seeing her friend take his last breath as her birthday celebration night turned to tragedy.

Toyza Stubbs, the sister of Sanchez Gittens, the

country’s latest murder victim, told The Tribune that her brother did not want to go out on Saturday, but did so not to disappoint his friend, who was celebrating her birthday.

Gittens was stabbed multiple times at a bar around East Street and Soldier SEE PAGE THREE

‘not enough time given’, says abaco shanty town resident

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net ALTHOUGH for years government has threatened to destroy Abaco’s shanty towns, a father of two facing eviction from The Farm fears his family will have nowhere to go before the deadline is up to leave the unregulated community, his

Looking cool

home for 20 years.

The 30-year-old Abaco resident, Enrique, said he had just got off from work when he saw the eviction notice on his door last week, giving him 28 days to pack up and leave.

“Everyone’s worried at the moment,” he told The Tribune yesterday. “They SEE PAGE FOUR

THREE young participants in the Grand Bahama Junior Junkanoo Parade - which also honoured the late Anthony “Huck” Williams”. See PAGE TWO for more tributes to Huck Williams, and PAGE 13 for more photographs.

Photo: Vandyke Hepburn

Pintard says Road Traffic is in ‘chaos’ as govt did not maintain facilities

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard said there is “chaos” at the Road Traffic

Department as customers, forced to visit smaller substations, complain of long lines and a licence plate print machine that does not consistently work.

He criticised the government, saying it did

not maintain facilities at the Thomas A Robinson Stadium.

“The Davis PLP administration has allowed the temporary facilities that SEE PAGE THREE

skippings: country is still a safe place

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net AFTER the United States raised its travel advisory for The Bahamas over the weekend, police called a press conference yesterday to assure the public that they are working to address the high murder rate.

Nineteen people have

CHIEF Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings already been killed this year, one of the deadliest

starts in the country’s history; two people were killed over the weekend.

The US changed the country’s advisory level from Level 1, which means “exercise normal precautions”, to Level 2, “exercise increased caution”.

This is not the first time the US State Department

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

SEE PAGE THREE

mullings and mccoy break national records see sports

PAGE 2, Monday, January 29, 2024

THE TRIBUNE

Junkanoo legend Anthony ‘Huck’ Williams remembered at funeral

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Anthony “Huck” Williams 2024 Junior Junkanoo Parade was a spectacular display of culture and talent as 19 schools took to the road on Saturday in Freeport, Grand Bahama.

The late Anthony “Huck’ Williams, the founder of the Swingers, was laid to rest on Saturday after a funeral service at Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church.

Hundreds packed the church to say farewell to the Junkanoo legend whose contribution to the event spanned over 40 years.

This year’s parade included four pre-schools, six primary schools, three All-Age schools, two junior high schools, and three senior high schools.

The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute participated for the first time as a community fun group.

Jack Hayward High School’s theme was “School Spirit” in the senior high school division. Students displayed adventures of school life, depicting house sports teams and clubs. The choreographed dancers represented cheerleaders, school girls dressed in the school’s uniform, and majorettes.

The music section contained goat-skinned drummers, a brass crew, cowbellers, and whistle-blowers.

The Eight Mile Rock High School ‘Blue Jays’ presented “The Sugar Rush!” theme.

The school’s banner contained

Blue Jays Candy House, similar to Wonka’s Candy World, with candy canes and other sweet treats.

Students dressed as candy shop workers and off-the-shoulder dancers portrayed popcorn, cotton candy, nerds, Twix, M&M, Jolly Rancher, and Skittles.

The choreographed dancers and Candy Crush Girls were dressed in colourful costumes. The students also distributed sweet treats to the spectators along the parade route.

The St George’s High School theme was “The Wild Wild West.” The school’s banner depicted iconic places and transportation methods used during the Wild West era.

The dancers were dressed as Native American Indians and cowgirls in white and blue.

The bellers and scrapers were train engineers and conductors, and the brass section represented sheriffs and US Marshals. The free dancers were barmaids, outlaws, cattle herders, and Indian warriors.

In the Junior Division, Sister Mary Patricia Russell Junior High School participated under the theme “All the Flowers of the Bahamas,” and Jack Hayward Junior High’s theme was “The Stars of Jack Hayward Junior High”.

Participants in the all age division were The Beacon School under the theme, “Natures Allure: the vibrant, the wild, the Beautiful; Sunland Baptist Academy – Stinger Safari; and Tabernacle Baptist Academy – Sun, Sand and Sea.”

THE LATE Anthony “Huck’ Williams, the founder of the Swingers, was laid to rest on Saturday after a funeral service at Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church. Hundreds packed the church to say farewell to the Junkanoo legend whose contribution to the event spanned over 40 years.

Photos: Vandyke Hepburn

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, January 29, 2024, PAGE 3

Last breath on way to hospital from page one Road around 2am. His friend was taking him to the hospital when she lost control of the car and crashed into a wall near East Street and Sands Lane.

Ms Stubbs said the friend lost control of the car because she watched him take his last breath.

“The girl called me crying, telling me she was so sorry and she felt responsible, but that can’t bring my brother back,” she said.

“It was her birthday, and he didn’t want to go, and she keep calling, and he said man, I gon’ just go and I gon’ come back, and my mummy say where you going, and he said mummy, I’m only going for two hours because I don’t want to disappoint her.”

Ms Stubbs said her brother dreamed of playing professional basketball and planned to move to California next month to pursue his dream.

“They took that away from him,” she said.

“His heart was basketball. That’s what he wanted to do all of his life from the age of eight. They killed my brother for no reason. They killed him four days before my birthday.”

She recalled her last moments with her brother, when the two were in her room laughing over a joke she had made before he left the house.

“I told him be safe and if anything happen, call me because if he’s out and a

fight break out, he’ll always call and say sis come for me cuz they fighting, and I’ll always pick him up from wherever he is.”

She said hours later, a group of girls came to her house crying, saying: “They just stab up Sanny, y’all need to go to the hospital.”

She said a police friend told her go to the station to prevent the family from seeing the crash scene.

Ms Stubbs said she was told her brother was leaving the bar because a group of girls with him started fighting.

She said as he walked to his car, a man came “fooling with him because my brother sucked his teeth and say they’re girls”.

“He ain’t getting in nobody business because he never liked confusion.

“They said he sit in the car, and the boy just gone there to fight him and stab him up in the car.”

The family suspects the man killed Gittens “over a girl he was only friends with”.

Her family is shocked and heartbroken.

“I haven’t slept for two days, and I can’t eat,” she said. “I have to stay strong for my mother and that was my baby. Everywhere I go, he go.”

She said her brother was quiet and humble. Sometimes, she said, he would wait on the porch until she arrived home safely.

Police said a 26-yearold man is in custody helping them with their investigation.

SANCHEZ GITTENS

SKIPPINGS: COUNTRY IS STILL A SAFE PLACE Pintard says Road Traffic is in ‘chaos’ as govt did not maintain facilities from page one

CHIEF Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings. from page one has elevated the country’s advisory level. Officials say the warnings historically do not deter tourists.

Chief Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings said the country is still a safe place.

She suggested other government officials are addressing the elevated advisory with the US. “I can say to you that the matter is being addressed in another forum at this time and so I wish to allow that forum to deal with it,” she said.

During the press conference, police said a 17-year-old youth from eastern New Providence is in custody for allegedly killing Israel Gibson on Pineyard Road on January 17. The suspect is expected to be charged with murder today.

Police also said they have a 26-year-old in custody

helping with the latest murder. In that incident, an 18-year-old youth was stabbed multiple times at a bar near East Street and Soldier Road around 2am on Saturday. When he was being taken to the hospital in a private car, the driver lost control and crashed into a wall near East Street and Sands Lane. Emergency medical technicians found no signs of life when they arrived at the scene.

In the earlier killing, a man was shot dead, and two others, a man and a woman, were sent to the hospital after a shooting around First Street, Coconut Grove, between Palm Tree Avenue and Robinson Road.

The victims were reportedly gathered in front of a residence when people in a white coloured Nissan car approached. Three men, all with firearms, reportedly got out of the car and

Photo: Pavel Bailey opened fire on the group.

The 27-year-old suffered gunshot wounds to his upper body and died in hospital. The two other victims, a 50-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man, were shot in their lower body.

Furthermore, police said a 25-year-old male is in custody helping with the investigation of the attempted murder of Demetrio Forbes, 17, at Esso On The Run on East Street South on January 23. A video of the incident was widely circulated.

An adult man in Abaco is expected to be arraigned today on two counts of attempted murder in Abaco in connection with a shooting on January 22 in Cooper’s Town.

Police said seven people were arrested accused of murder, and another seven were arrested for breach of bail conditions last week.

POLICE SHOOT MAN IN LEG AFTER CAR CHASE POLICE shot a 38-yearold man in the Carmichael Road area on Saturday after he allegedly tried to disarm an officer of his weapon.

Officers were responding to intelligence about a suspect wanted for multiple fraud matters when they went to a business on Carmichael

Road around 5.30pm.

When they entered the parking lot of the business, the suspect, the lone occupant of a white Honda Civic car, reportedly left the parking lot at high speed when he saw the officers, resulting in a short pursuit that ended on Adderley Terrace

off Faith Avenue, where he abandoned the car and ran.

Officers pursued the suspect and caught him at the back of a residence after shooting him in his right leg because he allegedly tried to disarm one of them.

He was taken to hospital and is in stable condition.

house Road Traffic to fall into an appalling state of disrepair, dilapidation and PLP decay,” Mr Pintard said in a statement yesterday.

“The facilities at the Sports Centre are falling apart and overrun by rodents, driving the staff out and cramming them into the West Bay Street and Carmichael Road substations. These small outlying facilities were not designed to handle the regular monthly flow of vehicle registrations and issuing of driver’s licences that pass through the Sports Centre facility for any given month.

Further complicating the matter is the nonsensical requirement that the West Bay Street substation only transacts using credit and debit cards.”

Highlighting printing issues, he blamed the matter on the government’s failure to pay fees to a foreign firm.

“The licence plate printer is down, and we are told that printing is now taking place on two Family Islands, raising concerns about the expensive and unnecessary duplication of licences.

Despite this, we are told that the corrected licences will not be printed until the government pays the New Zealand firm that services Road Traffic the substantial funds it is owed.”

Mr Pintard said Minister of Energy and Transport JoBeth Coleby Davis should be held accountable for the deteriorating situation.

He also urged the Davis administration to immediately reopen the Road Traffic Department(RTD) substations at Elizabeth Estates, South Beach, and Cable Beach.

During a press conference yesterday, Superintendent Eugene Strachan said police were

FNM LEADER MICHAEL PINATRD notified about the licence said. “As it relates to them plate issue. not being able to furnish He said people should them, we can make a check have a receipt to show they from the controller so that must get a licence plate. we can be on the same page He said police will ensure as it relates to an individual affected people are not presenting him or herself booked unnecessarily. and at the end of the day, “I have yet to see any they should be able to get communication coming them, but we cannot dictate from the RTD as it relates to the controller of Road to the way forward,” he Traffic.”

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‘Not enough time given’, says Abaco shanty town resident PAGE 4, Monday, January 29, 2024

THE TRIBUNE

from page one don’t know what they gon’ do. They don’t know what’s their next move.”

“Twenty-eight days is too short. If they had given us a year or so, then that would’ve been okay, but 28 days is not long enough.”

Enrique said he remembered when only a handful of people lived there. e said the community grew tremendously after Hurricane Dorian, and he blames the government for letting the situation get out of control.

“From they saw one house start to build up, they should’ve stopped that immediately,” he said. “They allowed all of these homes to be built in the back of there.”

He believes hundreds of shanty town residents could be left homeless if the government follows through on its action, citing a housing shortage on the island.

“I’ve been looking but there’s just none available,” he said, referring to houses.

He said a one-bedroom apartment in Abaco costs around $1,000, which is not easy for someone like him, his family’s sole breadwinner.

Another shanty town resident, who spoke to The Tribune on the condition of anonymity, said people don’t mind renting, but find it difficult getting a place.

“Do they have apartment available for people to rent? Do they have that to accommodate the people?” asked the mother of five.

“There is no way in four weeks’ time people going to find somewhere to be.”

The Abaco resident, who works two jobs to cope, said she has already purchased property to build a home, but living in The Farm is a temporary solution until her house is completed.

“They feel like we’re just freeloading, but no, we’re there because we’re trying to build our house a proper way,” she said. “A lot of us already start building our house, but we just ain’t finish.”

The woman, three of whose children are in school, said she is prepared for whatever comes.

“I am not going stress myself,” she said. “I am not going to worry. Whatever they say, if they’re going to break, if they’re going to do that, then I’m for it.”

Buildings control officer Craig Delancy said last week that 95 eviction notices had been posted in a shanty town off SC Bootle Highway.

The government’s push to demolish shanty towns in Abaco comes after structures in the Kool Acres and All Saints Way shanty towns of New Providence were destroyed.

THE MINISTRY of Works put up 95 eviction notices on shanty structures in Abaco last week giving residents 28 days to leave.

Residents are saying that 28 days is not enough time.

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Emergency medics feel impact of violence surge THE TRIBUNE

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net NATIONAL Emergency Medical Services Deputy Director Kevin Bell said the soaring crime rate is having a “tremendous impact” on staff members mentally and efforts are being made for more mental healthcare avenues.

He made the statement on Friday during the donation of 40 ballistic vests to the National Emergency Medical Services Unit.

The donation comes at a time when the country currently has a murder count of 19 for 2024.

“We are a very busy high volume emergency response team and to add to the burnout, the normal burnout of our staff, is these murder scenes, these gunshot calls, it’s having a tremendous impact on our staff members mentally and we are in the process of arranging even more mental health care avenues for our staff members as we speak,” Mr Bell said.

“They really see a lot.

When we average it out, it is said that the average human or the average civilian or citizen will see maybe two to three horrific scenes in their lifetime. These men and women, they see those things on average six times a week. So if you do the math, that’s how much impact it’s having on these individuals and so mental health care for them is very important to us.”

Monday, January 29, 2024, PAGE 5

The vest donations were coordinated through Global Emergency Management Consulting Group COO Dr Hezedean Smith. He explained the vests were secured through generous donations from fire departments in the Central Florida area. There also will be tactical emergency casualty care training.

He explained the vests are level three vests, which are recommended

by National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) 3000 as appropriate due to first responders not being law enforcement.

“We’re not preparing them to go into the hot zone,” he said. “We’re preparing them to interact within the warm area of a particular incident. Hence there’s no chest plates in the front or the back.

So that’s the idea behind having a ballistic vest for EMS providers.”

Dr Smith emphasised that there have seen many incidents across the Caribbean and also in the United States that require a change in response plans and preparedness for EMS providers.

“So the public health authorities support and the diaspora involvement are very vital in fortifying the pre-hospital readiness here in The Bahamas. The efforts of Global Emergency Services Consulting Group, in assisting with these donations, really it’s dear to my heart.

“The Caribbean is dear to my heart, The Bahamas is dear to my heart.

Equipment donated to help disaster response OFFICIALS of the United States Embassy, Nassau, and the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), presented counterparts at The Bahamas’ Ministry of Disaster Risk Management and its agencies with several critical pieces of disaster response equipment in a move that is expected to further boost the nation’s capability to better respond to natural disasters.

The Handover, which took place on the grounds of the National Emergency Management Agency’s (NEMA) Compound, Gladstone Road and NEMA Way, is in line with the Davis Administration’s year-round focus on mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.

The equipment consisted of a water truck, septic truck, two trailers, two forklifts, and hydro tail, valued at approximately $1.05M and is a continuation of the longstanding partnership between The Bahamas and the United States Government and its agencies such as the US Embassy, Nassau, and USNORTHCOM. The value of the equipment goes beyond its dollar amount. The availability of a septic truck, for example, is immeasurable in the aftermath of a Tropical Storm or Hurricane, as heavy rainfall and storm surge associated with the two events have the potential to cause significant issues for septic (sewage) systems -- particularly in low lying, coastal and flood-prone areas associated with The Bahamas – and by extension can cause environmental and public health issues: Compromised septic/ sewage systems can lead to contamination which can then lead to disease transmission.

Forklifts, on the other hand, have become a major player in the relief and recovery efforts following

a natural disaster as they have the ability to speed up the removal large amounts of debris from impacted areas in a shorter space of time, while also improving delivery times of critical emergency supplies through the loading and off-loading process.

The versatility of forklifts in the aftermath of a natural disaster have made them an invaluable tool in the response and recovery efforts.

The US Handover contingent was led by Mrs Usha Pitts, Charge d’Affaires, US Embassy, Nassau; and Major General Constance L Jenkins, the Director of Logistics and Engineering, J4, Headquarters, North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command, Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado.

Major General

EMT with National Emergency Medical Services (NEMS) are helped with donning ballistic vests during a press conference to announce the donation of the vests to first responders at the NEMS Headquarters on Friday.

Photo: Dante Carrer So I really feel that it was important to ensure that we provide as much support as we can in terms of getting these donated vests here to The Bahamas and the training that goes along with it.”

Mr Bell expressed the number one priority in emergency medical services and response to emergency scenes is safety of personnel. The deputy director added

Jenkins is responsible for integrating, collaborating, and executing strategic logistics capabilities to provide viable solutions to homeland defence, theatre security cooperation, and providing rapid/ flexible response to civil authorities. They were joined by other Embassy/ USNORTHCOM/US Government officials.

Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for the Ministry of Disaster Risk Management, Leon Lundy, led the Bahamian delegation. He was accompanied by Dr Marcellus Taylor, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Disaster Risk Management; Captain Stephen Russell, Director, National Emergency Management Agency; Mrs Gayle Outten-Moncur, Deputy-Director, National Emergency Management Agency and officials of the Disaster Reconstruction Authority, the National Emergency Management Agency, and the Disaster Management Unit.

that the donation marks a huge leap of progress in the department as they provide even more safety devices for staff members.

“As was already mentioned, we do respond to a lot of emergencies, namely, gunshot incidents. There’s always the potential for that scene to become a hot zone for our staff and so now that they have the necessary gear

– should something like that happen, they would be more protected,” Mr Bell said.

He detailed the safety measures for first responders that are still in place.

“Prior to this, what would happen is, when we get a call for a gunshot wound, our crew members would stay a distance away from the scene. Perhaps two corners away

from the scene, and await the arrival of the police on the scene and then the police would confirm from their control room, where our dispatcher sits, that the scene is now safe and they can enter. And so our dispatchers will radio to the ambulance and say, okay, police are on scene, you can proceed.”

The next safety item to be acquired will be ballistic helmets.

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Failing to provide ‘ease of doing business’ IF there is one phrase that The Bahamas continues to fail to live up to, it is “ease of doing business”.

St Anne’s MP Adrian White spoke up at the start of this month to say that we continue to “fumble the ball” after he spent a day wrestling with the Inland Revenue’s portal, which was down on its first full business day, leaving business owners trying their best to find a way to file their returns and make applications.

Last week, realtors protested that “there’s no such thing as ease of doing business in The Bahamas” with the time to do property deals having increased four to six-fold.

Long-time leader in the field Mike Lightbourn talked of a real estate transaction that was two years in the making that was still needing to be closed but slowed down by issues with Inland Revenue. He pointed to another transaction where a house was listed for sale at $2m but the property tax for it was valued at $3.1m.

Needless to say, buyers do not want to be paying property tax at a rating a million above the price tag.

Then again last week, businesses struggled to meet Monday’s VAT payment deadline due to what was described as “growing pains” with the Inland Revenue tax portal.

Let us be clear – there should not be growing pains with such a crucial portal. It should work. If there are growing pains, it probably means that it was not adequately tested before it went live.

As it was, it was not accepting electronic payments by credit and debit cards. One would think that would be an essential of a portal that is trying to receive, well, revenue. The clue is in the name of the department.

The developer is apparently being asked for “more bandwidth”. How much stress testing was done for the number of visitors the site could handle at any one time, we wonder.

The operations manager of the department said complaints that companies could not pay online were “not a good excuse” because they could instead do a wire transfer or go to an RBC branch

instead. Nonsense. If a business allocates the time to complete the task based on the premise that your portal works, it then has to scramble to carry out an alternative.

And some businesses may not have a convenient RBC branch – especially those on Family Islands.

The only way to budget the time accordingly is to presume that the government will fail on its end of the bargain.

Business licence filings are around the corner on January 31. Will we see a quiet week with smooth running for businesses?

What’s your prediction?

And in today’s Tribune, we read of the woes at Road Traffic.

Long lines, a machine to print licences that often doesn’t, and apparently printing now taking place on Family Islands instead because we do not appear to be up to the task in New Providence.

According to FNM leader Michael Pintard, there is also apparently a financial dispute – with corrected licences not being printed until the government pays a New Zealand firm for funds it is owed.

If that is true, is the government running short of funds? Clarity on that situation ought to be forthcoming – and quickly.

Meanwhile, the Road Traffic facilities at the Sports Centre are, according to Mr Pintard, “falling apart and overrun by rodents, driving the staff out and cramming them into the West Bay Street and Carmichael Road substations”.

That brings all the customers needing to carry out licence renewals or registrations and so on to each of those smaller stations, which are not built for such a volume of people.

Try telling those the phrase “ease of doing business” to those left to wait for hours in the sun at one of the Road Traffic substations.

Put it all together. Website portals that do not work. Disputes that slow down property deals – and other business deals.

VAT struggles. Hours in queues to carry out simple procedures. Machinery that doesn’t work. Locations that are inadequately maintained.

Is this really the best we can do?

We must stand together against violence EDITOR, The Tribune.

IN the wake of an unsettling surge in violence within the first week of the new year, the Eta Psi Omega Chapter, Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter and Tau Nu Chapter (the Bahamas Chapters) of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. express profound concern and an unwavering commitment to address acts of violence displayed in our community. Our hearts are heavy as we confront the reality that recently eight lives have been tragically lost, leaving communities reeling and families shattered.

The escalation of murder, amongst other forms of crime (which is on the decline), especially its devastating toll on women and children, demands immediate and decisive action. Women, the pillars of our communities, face an insidious burden, bearing witness to the disintegration of safety and security in their daily lives.

The trauma inflicted is not just a fleeting moment of fear but a lasting scar on the psyche of our society.

In response to this crisis, The Bahamas Chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,

Inc. stand united, calling upon every sector of our community to join forces in a powerful coalition against violence. Our plea extends beyond mere words and is a call for tangible, actionable steps towards dismantling the cycles of crime that plague our nation.

We urgently advocate for robust, community-centred strategies to combat this scourge. This includes enhanced crime prevention initiatives, more effective community policing, and comprehensive support systems for victims. It is critical that local authorities amplify their efforts, but equally vital is the role of every citizen, and all civic organizations, in fostering a culture of vigilance and mutual support.

At the heart of our mission, the Advocate for Social Justice Committee, has a deep-seated resolve to empower those most affected by these troubling times. Through our transformative programming initiatives, we will continue to equip our communities with the tools, knowledge, and support to activate

their voices and mobilize self-help to empower communities to help themselves.

We pledge to continue to focus on the integration of employment, education, social services and public health services into efforts to reduce crime and ease the burden on law enforcement and correctional services. We acknowledge that the causes of violent crime are multifaceted, intertwined and chronic and the solutions must be multisectional, interwoven and sustained.

The Bahamas Chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. remain steadfast in our dedication to service, scholarship, and sisterhood, with a focused commitment to uplifting women and children in these trying times. Together, we continue to stand in solidarity with Bahamians, unwavering in our pursuit of a safer, more peaceful future for all.

ETA PSI OMEGA CHAPTER PI UPSILON OMEGA CHAPTER TAU NU CHAPTER ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY January 10, 2024

THE TRIBUNE

mistake law for justice EDITOR, The Tribune.

IT IS my opinion that Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander’s criticisms of the courts of law granting bail to accused persons (males) are highly detrimental and intrusive as it relates to the role and duties of a Commissioner of Police of the Royal Bahamas Police Force by calling for yet another amendment to the Bail Act. Obviously, the COP does not understand the constitutionality of the role, existence and purpose of courts of law which essentially are not courts of justice: “Never mistake law for justice.

Justice is an ideal, and law is a tool.”

The COP ought to be concerned with securing an efficient and effective police force, crime and national security in providing safer communities not in telling the courts what they should/ought to do relative to their admitting accused persons to bail and the amendment to the implementation of the statutory provisions mandated by the Bail Act. It appears that the COP may not fully appreciate the purpose or nature of granting bail by the courts of law as it relates to an accused and the constitutionality of safeguarding one’s right to freedom. Some argue that perhaps the only amendment to the Act the legislature may want to consider should be that part of the Act which allows judges to order that accused persons be remanded for their own protection. Whilst this may seemingly be part and parcel of the sacrosanct principle of the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, in reality, the decision to remand for protection seems to extinguish the presumption of innocence concept. Surely, if a court has made a decision to remand an accused person for his/ her own protection based on an application by that accused person to be admitted to bail, that court must have had some evidence before it that that accused person has violated or is involved in some criminal offence or the reasonable inference thereof in order to decide to remand him for his/her own protection. Should a court be responsible for protecting accused persons by placing further expense burden on taxpayers to provide free boarding and lodging to an accused person?

Not sure that that is the purpose or business of a court of law when attempting to uphold the presumption of innocence guaranteed under the Constitution.

Equally disturbing is that the Anglican priest, Reverend Harry Bain, at the church service commemorating the Opening of the Legal Year 2024 admonished the judiciary to listen to the COP and what he has to say about the courts granting bail.

Although the Reverend’s sermon was eloquently delivered, the contents of which were thoroughly researched; yet ostensibly heard before and forgotten especially hearing after having a few glasses of wine or whatever libation of choice at the reception immediately held after the pomp and pageantry celebration - none cares to even remember what was said as seems ‘same ole same ole.’

The discussion of granting of bail by the courts has been critically discussed ad nauseum for years with some members of the society lambasting

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net the courts without listening to persons who are experienced and qualified to impart what may be the root causes of criminality in our communities. At the opening of the Legal Year 2019, The Tribune newspaper reported the speech given by then acting Chief Justice, the Honorable Justice Vera Watkins when she responded to what she considered “unfair criticisms” of the country’s judicial system in granting bail.

In The Tribune article, she reminded “those who continue to blame the courts for the country’s crime woes that the courts do not create criminals, but society does.”...

Criminals are created in the homes and societies in which they live.”

She went on to say that the focus of blame had shifted from the courts to where it ought to be on “the role of the family in the prevention of crime.”

As to the family, it seems we continue to give “a pass” to the women of our country who give birth to these young men who later become criminals, and who in many cases, if not all, become that way because of the abusive behaviour directly or indirectly, whether physical, sexual or mental, towards these young people, particularly males, who in most incidences just want to belong and be loved. If you were to speak with a young male criminal who feels comfortable enough to disclose honestly with you the abuse they went through as a child or children at the whims of their mothers or ‘supervised abuse’ by their boyfriends whom they bring into the homes, is horrifying yet understanding why they became criminals - they were trained by the ‘maternal best’.

Although, some blame could be at absentee fathers for not being involved in their children’s lives - because of the reality of them not being involved in the upbringing of their children - could they really be blamed for the brutal abuse of them by some of the female mothers have molded these young people into being the criminals they are wreaking havoc on civil society by what some mothers have done to them.

The women’s groups together with the Bahamas Christian are usually very silent on inviting these abusive female mothers to desist and cease from abusing their children. Of course, it’s apparent that young people do not respect or acknowledge those who are members of the pulpit due to their many ways of a hypocritical life styles so they will rarely listen to them. Someone once said that “children do not listen to adults, but they learn from examples of the adults.”

The police have to improve in the way they talk and treat the young men who are not a part of the bourgeois class in our midst - these young men are not stupid or dumb.

We see the blatant abuse by the RBPF of our very young boys televised on national television (ZNS TV) on a show called SHOCK TREATMENT. I encountered this TV show by accident and was sickened by the abuse of these officers who obviously were having a ‘field day’ in physically and mentally abusing these

kids being televised for all their peers to see.

In the episode I accidentally encountered whilst watching TV, I disgustingly and painfully watched for a few minutes - there was a kid about 12 years old who seemed very intelligent and who was trying to answer the officer as to why he did not listen to his mother. The child tried to explain that he was always blamed for things done by his older sibling who the mother favoured over him and refused to listen to anything he had to say. The officer, obviously not trained in any type of counseling or psychology, didn’t listen at all to the child in order to explain to the child what he should do.

In another segment of the show, I watched a police body slam a very young male child to a chain link fence.

The name of the show is quite telling - ‘shock treatment’ was treatment used in the 1900 by officials who felt patients were deemed “crazy” and before the establishment of institutions professionally dealing with persons who may have been perceived as having mental issues. I am surprised that the RBPF or any of its officers have not been charged in a court for abuse pursuant to the Child Protection Act or the Cruelty to Children Act. In most Western world countries this would not have been allowed or the person (s) responsible for hosting such a cruelty to children would have been hauled before the courts. This can’t be a way to help these young men become good law-abiding citizens - shaming them on national TV can’t be the answer. And, it is not certain that the parents can consent, in law, to allow their minor children to be involved in such an abusive and cruel show.

The police as well as the family environment must do their part. They cannot come on television daring the criminal enterprise “that we coming for you....” When in many cases they are not aware of who may have done the particular crime.

Relatedly, as a possible means to solve the wave of crimes, an immigration expert who observed the immigration laws of The Bahamas and its nonimplementation thereof opined that if The Bahamas can resolve its immigration crisis, ninety to ninety-five percent of crimes/murder/traffic violations, etc., would be resolved.

Finally, whilst the above is in no way ‘hating on’ our police officers, I know that there are some very fine officers on the Force - some whom I have found to be very respectful, courteous and hard-working, and whom have become my very dear friends to my heart.

I also do not mean to be offensive to the COP whom I know personally as a very exemplary officer and human being.

But the RBPF must work with our young men. I know the Force has come a long way from the 1980s when statements were obtained from suspects by plucking the hairs on a male’s testicles until he confesses to a crime he knows nothing of nor was he aware of the place the crime was alleged to have occurred. So that’s good!

ELEANOR ALBURY Nassau, January 24, 2024.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, January 29, 2024, PAGE 7

GB MAN CONVICTED OF CHILD ABDUCTION RECEIVES THREE-YEAR PRISON SENTENCE A 27-YEAR-OLD Grand Bahama man was convicted of child abduction and sentenced to three years in prison in Grand Bahama last week.

Justin Seymour was charged with three counts of child abduction on Thursday, with the events occurring between January 8, 2021, and

December 7, 2022. He pleaded guilty to the charges.

He was sentenced to three years on each count to run concurrently.

Second annual Bahamas Charter Yacht Show held

MAN ACCUSED OF RAPE OF TEENAGE GIRL

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A 36-YEAR-OLD man was put behind bars on Friday accused off sexually assaulting a 19-year-old girl in New Providence last week.

Magistrate Algernon Allen, Jr, charged

Bertram Frazer, Jr, with rape.

Wendawn Miller-Frazer represented the accused.

Frazer allegedly had sexual intercourse with a teenage girl without her consent on January 21.

The defendant was told that his case would be transferred to the Supreme Court by a voluntary

bill of indictment (VBI).

He will be sent to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until the higher court grants him bail.

Before being taken to prison Frazer was allowed a moment in court with his emotional relatives.

The accused’s VBI is set for service on April 23.

THREE TEEN BOYS ACCUSED OF INJURING MAN IN FIGHT

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net THREE teenage males were granted $4,000 bail after they allegedly injured a man in a fight in Acklins last month.

Assistant Chief

Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt charged Labrone Williams, 19, Mario Virgil Jr, 18, and Amarri Poitier, 18, with causing harm.

The trio are accused of attacking and injuring Robert Emmanuel on December 18, 2023 in Lovely Bay, Acklins.

After the three accused pleaded not guilty to the charges, their bail was set at $4,000 each with one or two sureties.

Under the terms of this bail they must sign in at their local police station every Monday by 5pm.

Their trial will begin on April 22.

TWO AMERICANS FINED FOR DRUG POSSESSION

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net TWO American tourists were fined on Friday after they admitted to have a quantity of drugs in New Providence in two separate incidents last week.

Magistrate Samuel McKinney charged

Christian Busick-Cahill, 24, and Jeanine Bonanno, 47, both of New York with separate counts of possession of dangerous drugs.

Busick-Cahill was arrested by police after they found him with 1oz of marijuana on January 23.

Bonnano was found with a quantity of

THE SECOND annual Bahamas Charter Yacht Show noted that the industry allows guests to visit multiple destinations and participate in activities that generate income for the Family Islands. For more SEE BUSINESS. Photos: Dante Carrer

marijuana on January 24.

Both defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges.

Busick-Cahill was fined $400 or risk one month in prison, while Bonnano was fined $300 or risk a similar month in prison.

The defendants were to be released upon payment of their fine.

MAN GETS SIX-MONTHS JAIL FOR DAMAGING $4k of ex-girlfriend’s belongings by fire

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN was sentenced to six months in prison on Friday after he admitted to breaking into his former girlfriend’s house last month and setting fire to over $4,000 worth of her property out of revenge.

Magistrate Kendra Kelly

charged Jamaal Fernander, 38, with housebreaking and damage.

Fernander is accused of breaking into the home of Lateisha Smith on Olga Close and Bellot Road on December 15, 2023 and causing an estimated $4,430 worth of property damage inclusive of windows, doors, clothing, appliances and toiletries.

After pleading guilty to the offence and admitting that he and the complainant used to be in a relationship, the accused was sentenced to serve six months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. He must also fully financially reimburse Ms Smith for her damaged belongings or risk an additional six months in prison.

Death Notice For Ruby G.E. Barigelli, 80 of Little Blair Estates died at her residence on Monday, 15th January 2024 Arrangements by Kemp’s Funeral Home Limited.

MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 2024

THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS

Bahamas travel advisory: Zero violent crimes against visitors in 2024

By ED FIELDS AS we have learned over the many years, the US State Department is required by law to report on anything that may affect Americans travel-

the result of frustration, disenfranchisement, emasculation and economic degradation. But this is another discussion for another day.

So, with that said, it is left to us to tell the world

What we should be doing is promoting how visitors related crime is so low, especially given the seven million visitors coming to these shores.

Frankly, it is exemplary. ling to other countries.

This legal requirement does not require context and the State Department’s reporting has no obligation to be concerned about the impact on tourism in The Bahamas. That responsibility rests on The Bahamas. Regretfully we tend to repeat the narrative, by amplifying the stridency of the State Department’s advisories.

In other words, the travel advisory is not concerned about upsetting people or local economies. It is focused on warning the citizens of the United States, such that, people take the warning seriously enough to make decisions that are in their best interest.

This is where the interests of the State Department and The Bahamas diverge.

Admittedly, we have a very real problem. It is literally a “domestic violence” problem and like all domestic violence issues, the real impact is the Bahamian “family”.

It is a problem, that demonstrates our failure as a country to provide an environment for its citizens to be reared, nurtured, educated and economically engaged so that violence is not

the facts.

Fact: in 2024, there have been 18 murders of Bahamians in the Bahamas. ZERO VISITORS. The advisory went on to warn visitors that they should co-operate if they are faced with an armed robbery. However, the advisory failed to advise that no visitors to The Bahamas have reported armed robberies. Given that ZERO visitors were victims of armed robbery in The Bahamas in 2024, this would be forwarded more as common-sense advice than a warning.

Advice that all nine billion residents of planet earth might wish to take.

Though unconfirmed, to

POLICE work a scene, Monday, January 22, 2024, in Joliet, Illinois, after multiple people were shot and killed over two days at three locations in the Chicago suburbs.

Photo: Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Chicago Sun-Times/AP with respect to the number of murders. These murders are not random and have not occurred in touristic areas.

By contrast, the US has had 25 mass killings this

Fact: in 2024, there have been 18 murders of Bahamians in The Bahamas. ZERO VISITORS. date, no sexual assaults on visitors have been reported in 2024.

In order to head off any counter based on my limited focus on the 29 days in 2024, note this is the period the advisory alluded to

year, so far, the second highest on record for January. The record thus far is in 2023, when there were almost two mass shooting per day.

We recognise the per capita thing. Per capita,

there is ZERO chance in getting killed in a random mass shooting in The Bahamas. There are no mass shootings. Per capita, there is close to a ZERO chance of being murdered if you are visitor to The Bahamas. If you are a visitor going to the United States, there is a greater than ZERO chance of being killed by a disgruntled citizen with a semi-automatic weapon.

We wish to emphasise yet again, the US is by law, fulfilling its obligations to its citizens.

Their advisory is not an attack on The Bahamas. It is their duty to their citizens. It is our responsibility to respond appropriately. We do not need to reprint verbatim

the advisory. The State Department does not publish advisories, other than on their website, but we seem to leap at the opportunity to announce it to the world. Then, it is picked up by foreign media and then they go so far as to publish it with a picture of Atlantis or the Cruise Port. Once one network affiliate picks it up, it goes viral.

As citizens, does it make an iota of sense for us to publish the US travel advisories on social media? How many of the 300 million US citizens are posting travel advisories on the US by other countries? Have you ever seen a travel advisory about the United States with the Magic Kingdom

or JFK Airport as the file photo?

What we should be doing is promoting how visitors related crime is so low, especially given the seven million visitors coming to these shores.

Frankly, it is exemplary.

Our headlines need to reflect that The Bahamas is extremely safe for visitors and that we have some serious social issues which make it unsafe for some Bahamians as it relates to death by gun violence. It is our duty to our citizens and the health of our economy to publish that narrative far and wide.

Have you ever seen any headlines on how many tourists are murdered in Las Vegas every year?

Google it.

INSIGHT

PAGE January 29, 2024 PAGE10, 10 Monday, MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 2024

Is murder a serious issue, or is it not?

By TYLER MCKENZIE IS it just me or is there some serious crosstalk going on over crime?

As I write this, the murder count for the month stands at 19 – including two more over the weekend, one on Friday, one on Saturday.

The level of violence is so concerning that Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis gave a national address on the issue. He even said at the time that he had hoped to be talking about other things instead – but here he was, moved by the seriousness of the issue to talk to the nation about where we are and what we’re going to do about it.

That, of course, is the right thing to do – take it seriously and deal with it.

And yet, when the United States puts out a travel advisory warning its citizens about the levels of crime, up go the arms in protest.

The advisory was perfectly straightforward, warning people to practice “increased vigilance in ‘Over the Hill’ area (south of Shirley Street) where gang-on-gang violence has resulted in a high homicide rate primarily affecting the local population”.

Notice the last five words there, “primarily affecting the local population”.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs rushed to respond on the issue, putting out its own statement saying that the government “has taken note of a number of advisories about personal security issues when tourists travel to The Bahamas” – not mentioning any names, but seems pretty clearly a response to the US advisory.

It added that while “states have a right to inform their citizens” – well, of course they do – “we do not believe there is any elevated or increased security risk to tourists travelling to The Bahamas”.

Oh, so no problem as long as they’re not killing tourists, got it.

The statement added: “We believe that anyone visiting The Bahamas for tourism or business should

take the normal prudent precautions that any visitor to a large city in the developed world will take”.

One international newspaper that carried the alert noted the number of murders but quickly got into the sights of the government for a formal complaint when they included the picture of a murder in another country.

Now it is of course the job of the government to defend the reputation of the country – but it seems quite a contrast from the position of the Prime Minister standing up and declaring the severity of the issue, along with talking about introducing measures such as more intrusive policing and bail proposals that have lawyers questioning their constitutionality.

Meanwhile, the crime rate is also affecting the medical staff having to patch up the victims and clean up the messes from one shooting after another.

The National Emergency Medical Services deputy director, Kevin Bell, said that staff are experiencing a “tremendous impact” from the crime wave.

He spoke on Friday as paramedics were presented with 40 ballistic vests to try to protect them if they become the victims of attacks.

Mr Bell said: “They really see a lot. When we average it out, it is said that the average human or the average civilian or citizen will see maybe two to three horrific scenes in their lifetime.

These men and women, they see those things on average six times a week.”

Six times a week. Just think about that.

Now, just to be clear, he said there is no plan to put such personnel into dangerous situations – the ballistic vests are precautionary not, as he says, for preparing them for the “hot zone”.

He said: “We’re preparing them to interact within the warm area of a particular incident.”

That’s worth clarifying before we start proclaiming what kind of world are we in where our medics are becoming targets – they’re not, it’s just being safe.

THE TRIBUNE EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

‘...we should avoid downplaying the situation – not least because it leaves Bahamians feeling as if they are less important than those who bring in the tourist dollars.’

Lord knows the criminals have not seemed to have slowed up much since the PM made his address and since the saturation patrols started putting more roadblocks on our streets, so there is no guarantee some of these killers would not show up at a scene and start firing again. This move is in case of those worst eventualities.

But let’s be clear – the murder rate has spiked, our medical staff are struggling to the extent that their deputy director is talking of supporting their mental health needs, we are talking about greater police intervention and changes to the law. We’re in a spot. In that light, the US advisory, which made clear that it affected locals primarily, is not out of line.

Are tourists being targeted? Thankfully, no. It does seem to be largely gang-driven, with others caught in the crossfire, sometimes literally. That tends to take place in the areas where the targets live. We read of shootings at houses, or on people as they drive in cars, or as they hang out in front of a building, sometimes at a business. When there was a shooting at Harbour Bay last year, part of the shock was precisely because it is not the kind of location that normally experiences such a thing. (And how much of a reflection on us is that we can use the word “normal” about such attacks?)

Will the attacks have an impact on tourism? Likely not, but wiser voices than mine shall chip in on that subject.

But we should avoid downplaying the situation – not least because it leaves Bahamians feeling as if they are less important than those who bring in the tourist dollars.

We get it. We know that’s about protecting our economy – and making our economy worse would only likely drive up crime anyway. But either these murders are a big problem worthy of national addresses and challenges to human rights – or they’re not a problem at all. Pick one.

Red Sea crisis: Houthi attacks raising prices worldwide THE TRIBUNE EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

UP until a few weeks ago, the Red Sea and Yemen held little significance for the peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean. However, an unexpected turn of events thrust these regions into the spotlight—the relentless attacks on commercial shipping by a group known as the “Houthis.” Emerging from global obscurity, the Houthis have become central to headline news worldwide.

HOUTHI ATTACKS DRIVING UP PRICES FOR GOODS The Houthi assaults severed vital shipping routes by blocking access to the Suez Canal, a critical link connecting the Red Sea to the Mediterranean, representing a staggering 15 percent of global trade. These attacks have propelled shipping costs to unprecedented levels — data from the Londonbased Drewry Shipping Consultants reveals that the average global price for a 40-foot container has more than doubled in the past month.

Furthermore, the World Trade Organization reported a staggering 40 percent decline in wheat shipments through the Suez Canal in the first half of January. Faced with this disruption, companies are re-routing fleets away from the Red Sea, opting for the Cape of Good Hope route around South Africa. However, the journey takes 10 days longer, further increasing costs.

NO REGION OF THE WORLD IS IMMUNE While Europe, Africa, and the Middle East directly bear the brunt of trade disruptions from the conflict, the global turmoil poses risks for all, including the Caribbean. Intertwined global transportation, with rising shipping costs, idle warehouses, and disrupted container schedules, initiates a ripple effect, impacting prices universally.

Additionally, the global stock market’s speculative nature further contributes to rising prices. Notably, in mid-January, heightened risks in the Red Sea led to a surge in oil prices to $80 per barrel.

The Caribbean, already grappling with elevated costs from the COVID-19 pandemic and the RussianUkrainian conflict, is not immune to the recent price hikes. Prolonged disruption by the Houthis, far from a distant concern, directly affects the Caribbean, impacting the pockets of people across the region.

WHO ARE THE HOUTHIS AND WHY ARE THEY ATTACKING SHIPPING The problem is the Houthis have no self-serving interest to stop. The Houthis are a political and military organization in Yemen, a country located in the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the north and Oman to the northeast. Significantly, it overlooks the Red

INSIGHT

Monday, January 29, PAGE 11 11 MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 2024, 2024 PAGE

World View

By SIR RONALD SANDERS Sea at its narrowest point - a 20-mile strait of water – before it plunges into the Arabian sea. It is from this vantage point that the Houthis have been attacking ships since the conflict between Hamas and Israel in Gaza began in November 2023.

The Houthi Organization controls most parts of Yemen, including the capital. They have been at war with a military coalition, organised and supported by Saudi Arabia for 10 years.

The Organization is supported by the Government of Iran for two reasons. The first is that Iran rivals Saudi Arabia for regional dominance; Yemen is a proxy for the wider competition.

The rivalry is exacerbated by religious differences Iran is largely Shia Muslim, while Saudi Arabia is Sunni Muslim.

The second reason for Iran support of the Houthis is the conflict between Israel and Hamas over Gaza. Israel and Iran are sworn enemies, and Iran is believed to be financing the Houthis to attack ships serving ports in Israel.

But what started out as an attempt to inflict damage on Israel in support of the Palestinian cause, has spread into attacking ships belonging to the US, the UK and other Western nations regarded as allies of Israel.

THE UN RESPONSE On January 10, 2024, the United Nations Security Council attempted to address the issue by passing a resolution, condemning the Houthi attacks on shipping. But the resolution, while adopted, exposed serious divisions among the 5 veto-nations on the Council. The US, UK and France voted in favour, Russia and China abstained. Both Russia and China linked their abstention to the consequences of Israel’s military operations in Gaza that have now lasted for more than 3 months, resulting in more than 25,000 people being killed.

SITUATION ABOUT TO WORSEN Recent US and UK airstrikes across Yemen, directed at Houthi operations, prompted a Houthi demand for the expulsion of all US and UK UN and humanitarian staff within a month. Whether this demand hints at further retaliatory actions against the US and UK remains uncertain.

Meanwhile, the Houthis lack an incentive to cease attacks on Western-owned ships, as their actions in Yemen, purportedly in support of Palestine, have bolstered their popularity, diverting attention from the Organization’s failure to provide basic services to the Yemeni people.

Both the US and UK governments are facing general elections this year.

Wars – even small ones – have the tendency to rally national support behind governments, particularly if they claim that the involvement in conflict is to provide economic benefits or enhance national power. Thus, the US and UK governments also have domestic political reasons to intensify their military response to the Houthis, in the hope that it will build their political capital.

NO PROSPECTS FOR AN EARLY END The ongoing disruptions underscore the urgency for nations to unite in diplomatic efforts, prioritizing humanitarian concerns, and seeking enduring solutions to restore stability.

However, given all the vested interests at play, no

IN this photo provided by the Indian Navy on Saturday a view of the oil tanker Marlin Luanda on fire after an attack, in the Gulf of Aden. The crew aboard a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker hit by a missile launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels is battling a fire onboard the stricken vessel sparked by the strike.

Photo: Indian Navy/AP such thing will happen.

Therefore, the prospect is real of a prolonged disruption of shipping.

Countries around the world need to prepare for higher prices. And, once

again, small states, through no fault of their own, will be the victims of events in which they play no part.

(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US and the OAS. He is

also the current President of the OAS Permanent Council. The views expressed are entirely his own. For comments and previous commentaries, see: www.sirronaldsanders.com)

PAGE 12, Monday, January 29, 2024

THE TRIBUNE

Junior Junkanoo - Bay Street

MORE images from the Junior Junkanoo Parade held Thursday night on Bay Street.

Photos: Dante Carrer

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, January 29, 2024, PAGE 13

GRAND BAHAMA JUNIOR JUNKANOO

SCHOOLS in Grand Bahama participating in Junior Junkanoo, where Anthony ‘Huck’ Williams was also honoured.

Photos: Vandyke Hepburn

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, January 29, 2024, PAGE 13

GRAND BAHAMA JUNIOR JUNKANOO

SCHOOLS in Grand Bahama participating in Junior Junkanoo, where Anthony ‘Huck’ Williams was also honoured.

Photos: Vandyke Hepburn

SPORTS PAGE 14

NFL

Page 18

MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 2024

Mullings and McCoy break national records

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

W

ith personal best performances in six of the seven individual events, Ken Mullings combined his points total to improve on his own Bahamas national record in the men’s heptathlon, while producing a world-leading performance.

Mullings, whose previous record was 5,933 points he established this same time last year in Champaign, Illinois, returned to the same spot to power past the 6,000-point mark with a new national record of 6,340 points. He highlighted the weekend performances

JEREMY PAUL WINS BAHAMAS GREAT EXUMA CLASSIC IN the final round, with back-to-back bogey-free 5-under 67s, Jeremy Paul, a 29-year-old golfer from Germany and a graduate of the University of Colorado, emerged the winner of this year’s Korn Ferry Tour at The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic.

Now in its 7th edition, the elite golf tournament took place January 14-17 at the fascinating Sandals Emerald Bay Reef Course in Exuma. Paul was one of 132 professional golfers who vied for one of the 30 coveted cards in this year’s PGA Tour.

Paul’s winning total – 17-under 271 – ranked second in tournament history, only behind Zecheng Dou’s 18- under 270 in 2019.

His triumph not only showcased his golf prowess but also underscored The Bahamas’ unmatched capability as a premier destination for hosting world-class sporting events.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, I Chester Cooper, extended congratulations to the winning athlete.

SEE PAGE 17

that also saw sprinter Wanya McCoy ink his name in the men’s 60 metres, while Anthonique Strachan had a world leader in the women’s race.

“This one actually made me happy to know that all of my hard work has finally paid off,” said Mullings as he returned to the meet to duplicate the record-breaking feat.

“This felt perfect, like a dream come true. I’m now in the territory where I want to be. Scorewise, I’m showing that I’m making the improvement. And I did it with personal best performances in six out of the seven events. I wanted to do it in the pole vault, but I didn’t clear the height.”

On the first day of competition on Friday, Mullings won the 60m in 6.83 for 944 points, the long jump with 7.52m for 940 (1,884 points), shot put with 15.91m for 846 (2,730 points) and high jump with 2.14m for 934 (3,664 point).

Mullings came back on Saturday and completed the final three events, taking the 60m hurdles in 7.76 to increase his lead with 4,707 points, the pole vault with 5.95m for 895 (5,602 points) and was sixth in the 1,000m in 2:52.68 for 738 (6,340 points).

McCoy record feat At the Razorback Invitational, McCoy, competing for the Florida Gators, was second in the men’s 200m

in 20.46, erasing Grand Bahamian Demetrius Pinder’s previous national record of 20.50 that he set on February 3, 2012 at the New Mexico Classic in Albuquerque.

McCoy, now in his sophomore year, was beaten out at the tape by his Florida teammate Robert Gregory, a junior, who won in 20.40.

Anthony Greenhow, junior at South Carolina, trailed McCoy in 20.60 for third.

Before he was done, McCoy, running a split of 46.48, teamed up with Reheem Hayles (46.13), Ashton Schwartzman (47.06) and Jevaughn Powell (46.14) to run the fastest collegiate time this year of 3:05.89.

Also at the meet, Florida’s junior Anthaya Charlton got seventh overall, but third in the collegiate segment of the women’s long jump with her leap of 20-8 (6.30m). Tara Davis-Woodhall took the title with 22-2 1/4 (6.76m).

Strachan leading lady Outside of the United States, Strachan competed at the Athletics Federation of the Republic of Kazakhstan’s Astana Indoor Meet where she took the women’s 60m in a world leading time of 7.21, holding off Poland’s Magdaleba Stefanovicz, who followed in 7.22.

Taylor was victorious Back in the US at the Bob Pollock Meet at the Clemson University Indoor

Junior sailing champions

Track in Clemson, South Carolina, national record holder Charisma Taylor won the women’s triple jump with her leap of 44-2 3/4 (13.58m). Imani Oliver, also unattached, was second with 43-3 (13.48m).

Campbell surged At the Jack Johnson Classic, Grand Bahamian Zion Campbell, competing for Iowa Central Community College, clocked 6.64 to win the men’s 60m. Brandon Carnes of Asics was second in 6.66.

Miller back Wendell Miller, competing for the MVP Track and Field Club, won the men’s 200m in 21.55. He finished

SEE PAGE 19

NPWBA IS BACK AFTER FOUR-YEAR HIATUS

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

and came in second to Weech.

Meanwhile, Katie Kelly trailed both gentlemen for third with 24 total points.

Weech said the racing was the closest he had ever seen it but was happy to pull out the victory.

“It feels great, honestly we had really close racing and I really had to fight for it in the end. I really

AFTER a four-year hiatus, the New Providence Women’s Basketball Association is back and so was versatile scoring machine Philicia Kelly.

In the lone game played on Saturday night at the DW Davis Gymnasium, the Lady Defenders, behind the double-double performance from Kelly, knocked off the Shift Lady Eagles.

Kelly, one of the most explosive players in the league before the break, was not as effective, shooting 8-for-20 from the field, 1-for-4 from behind the three-point arc and 3-for-6 from the free throw line.

But she finished with her double-double with her 20 points and 10 rebounds, along with five steals and four assists, as well as seven turnovers in 36 minutes and 33 seconds.

What she didn’t do, the rest of her team-mates made up the difference.

Roberta Quant was their next best scorer with eight points, 12 rebounds and two assists. The veteran centre said it was just good to be playing women’s basketball again. “It’s good to be back out on the court. I just came out to support the girls,”

SEE PAGE 19

SEE PAGE 15

ON THE WATERS: Junior sailors turned in top performances at the 2024 Deltec Youth Regatta in the Optimists, ILCA and Sunfish classes this weekend on Montagu Bay. Photo: Bahamas Sailing Association

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net JUNIOR sailors took the waters of Montagu Bay by storm over the weekend at the 2024 Deltec Youth Regatta to be crowned victors.

The competitors earned their bragging rights in the Optimists, ILCA and Sunfish classes at the first youth regatta of the year.

SPORTS CALENDAR

The event was organised and hosted by the Bahamas National Sailing School and Nassau Yacht Club in cooperation with the Bahamas Sailing Association on Saturday and Sunday.

Joshua Weech, multiple time optimist nationals title holder, won the tiebreaker against Norman Cartwright Jr to be crowned the champion of the ILCA 6 Class.

Cartwright Jr also earned 10 points

Jan. 2024

PROFESSIONAL BOXER CARL HIELD IMPROVES HIS RECORD TO 4-0

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

BASKETBALL NPWBA ACTION THE New Providence Women’s Basketball Association will continue its regular season action this week at the DW Davis Gymnasium with the following games on tap: Tuesday 7pm - Elite Ballers vs Lady Defenders 8pm - Sand Dollar Lady Flyers vs Shift Lady Eagles Thursday 7pm - Sand Dollar Lady Flyers vs Elite Ballers 8pm - Shift Lady Eagles vs Lady Defenders Saturday 8:30pm - Lady Defenders vs Sand Dollar Lady Flyers NPBA ACTION THE New Providence Basketball Association will continue its regular season action this week with the following games on tap:

Tonight 7pm - Produce Express Rockets vs Heatwaves (DII) 8:30pm - Caro Contractors Shockers vs Discount Liquors Rockets (D1) Wednesday 7pm - Cyber T4ech Blue Marlins vs Rhythm Rebels (DII) 8:30pm - Zulu Media & Symphony vs Discount Liquors Rockets (D1) YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL THE Bahamas Youth Flag Football League will be hosting a free offensive camp February 3 and Feb 10 @ the multipurpose field at the Sports Center.

Kids ages 6 - 17 are invited to attend and can sign up by email byffl242@gmail. com. This is the first official event for the BYFFL in 2024 and this will be followed by the 2nd Annual High School Tournament which is planned for April 13, 2024.

SEE PAGE 18

IT was a new opponent but same result for pro boxer Carl Hield who lifted his hands in celebration for the fourth straight bout.

The Bahamian boxer defeated Colombia’s Jose Agustin Julio via knockout in the third round of the super welterweight division at the Coliseo de Pescaito David Ruiz Ureche in Colombia last week.

The latest victory helped Hield improve to 4-0-0 (win/loss/draw record) while Julio dropped to 24-20-1.

The former Sugar Bert Boxing Tournament champion was grateful to take down yet another opponent on his professional journey.

ON A ROLL: Pro boxer Carl Hield defeated Jose Augustin Julio on Thursday to emerge 4-0-0 in pro bouts.

“I want to give God thanks for giving me the strength and knowledge.

It feels good because it was a tough opponent and

when I looked him up he had already fought for a world title. He lost his last two fights but took guys to unanimous decision losses and also to eight and 10 rounds. “I was able to take him out in three rounds and it proves that I am ready to fight for a world title in the next two to three fights,” Hield said.

The 5-foot-8 boxer had a shorter opponent in Julio but that did not change his strategy in his latest match.

In the third round leading up to the knockout, Hield landed a few quick jabs on his competitor as they moved around the ring.

The two exchanged some powerful blows until Hield’s left hand connected with Julio who went down for the count. According to Hield, with every win he

SEE PAGE 18

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, January 29, 2024, PAGE 15

Pair of Giants keep rolling in the NPBA

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net THE Commonwealth Bank Giants and Your Essential Store (YES) Giants flexed their championship pedigrees against the Sand Dollar High Flyers and Cyber Tech Blue Marlins on Saturday night to remain unbeaten in the New Providence Basketball Association (NPBA).

The Discount Distributors Rockets also picked up their fourth win of the season with a 90-88 showing against the Produce Express Rockets.

YES Giants vs Cyber Tech Blue Marlins The YES Giants and Blue Marlins both stepped onto the court at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gym with a zero in their loss columns. However, after Saturday night’s triple header, the defending champions are now the only team in division two that have not suffered a loss on the season.

Matthew Saunders played a pivotal role on offence in the YES Giants’ 79-72 win. He picked up the slack, posting 25 points along with three rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Saunders made up for usual offensive stud Brandon Strachan, who was neutralised by the Blue Marlins’ zone defence.

Mark Hanna, head coach of the YES Giants, said the key to the sevenpoint victory was making the necessary in-game adjustments. “It is always a good feeling to remain undefeated. They were tougher than I expected, they came out with great zone defence and a good plan with trapping my best player Brandon Strachan and made it very difficult for him. My guys made some adjustments and played a tight zone and forced them to shoot jump shots and pushed it against them in transition,” coach Hanna said.

The reigning champions held the advantage 42-39 after the first half of play. The Blue Marlins hung around on the scoreboard behind the services of Deonta Tinker, who dropped a team-high 14 points and pulled down seven rebounds. However, the YES Giants ran out to their biggest lead of the

game in the third quarter, leaving the Blue Marlins behind by 13. Although the latter was within striking distance towards the end of the contest, a shoddy third quarter quashed their chances. The division two leaders outrebounded their opponents 67 to 49.

Additionally, they came away with 23 secondchance points compared to 18 from the Blue Marlins.

Coach Hanna said it is great to remain undefeated in the season but they have to recommit, get back in the gym and sharpen the system for the remainder of the season.

CB Giants vs Sand Dollar High Flyers Out of the eight games played by the CB Giants this season, the High Flyers kept it the closest despite falling 90-85 in Saturday’s division one main event.

The Giants called upon Dylan Musgrove on offence and he answered.

He dropped a gamehigh 37 points and shot 15-for-29 on 52 per cent shooting from the field. He dominated the glass and grabbed 12 rebounds in the eighth straight CB Giants win.

Jackson Jacob was also firing on all cylinders, powering his way to 25 points while dishing out six assists and securing three rebounds.

The High Flyers had the defending champions’ number for the majority of the game. They led by 14 points to mark the end of the first quarter and went into halftime with a 46-41 advantage.

Jacob nailed a smooth jump shot at the 7:35 mark of the third period to put the Giants up 47-46. The lead was short-lived and the contest turned into a back and forth affair with Musgrove hitting the final shot of the quarter to change the score to 66-65, favouring the High Flyers going into the fourth.

Perry Thompson, head coach of the CB Giants, credited the High Flyers for being a tough opponent but said his team never really panicked despite being down early.

“Being undefeated is always a great feeling and a testament to the hard work we put in this preseason and continue to do so week after week. Sand Dollar is a tough opponent and they have managed

PHILICIA KELLY, far right, plays defense against Ashley Bethel.

NPWBA

FROM PAGE 14

ON TO THE NEXT: The Commonwealth Bank Giants, Your Essential Store (YES) Giants and Discount Distributors Rockets all came away with victories in division one and two during the New Providence Basketball Association (NPBA) triple header on Saturday night. to keep their core players from division two where they had a lot of success in the past. “However, this Giants team has returned most of the championship team from last year so we never really panicked after going down early after a slow start. Foul trouble really threw our rotation out of whack and didn’t allow us to be as physical as we would have liked but there was no doubt that we would pull through with the win,” Thompson said.

Musgrove and Jacob were in the driver and passenger seat respectively in the final segment of the game. The duo pushed the Giants ahead 81-73 with 5:23 remaining in the game but Van Hutchinson Jr would go down swinging.

He retaliated with a twopointer to cut into the lead and came close to putting together a triple double performance. Hutchinson was one of five High Flyers to score in double digits with a game-high 19 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists.

The versatile player hit a big three-pointer with 1:23 on the clock to pull his team within three on the scoreboard (88-85).

Jackson then countered with a driving layup to shut the door on the High Flyers and hand them their first loss of the season.

Discount Distributors Rockets vs Express Rockets The Discount Distributors Rockets barely escaped with the victory against the Produce Express Rockets who had a chance to send the game into overtime at the end.

After leading 44-40 going into the second half, the winners saw the pesky Produce Express Rockets capitalise on some costly late game mistakes.

The Distributors Rockets were up 89-83 following a made two-pointer converted by Keith Rolle.

A costly turnover by Davito Mcintosh then led to a two-point score by the Produce Express Rockets on the other end of the court. The latter then

forced yet another turnover which translated to a big time three-pointer, changing the score to 89-88.

The Distributors Rockets were fouled and iced consecutive free throws to seal the game. Despite a last minute attempt at an alley-oop with 0.2 on the clock, the Produce Express Rockets came up short.

Abel Joseph, who plays for the division one Rockets and coaches the division two team, said a team effort led to the win.

“It feels good to get a win against my other team.

It was a team effort, we are a grinding team so with a little defence and just talking to them and motivating them, I think that was it,” Joseph said.

He said the team will make it far, they just have to practice and put in the work to see how far they can go.

NPBA action continues with the Caro Contractors Shockers versus the Discount Liquors Rockets at 8:30pm tonight.

said Quant, who indicated that this will be her final season before she stops playing for good. The Lady Defenders, coached

by D’Asti Delancy, also got seven points and 12 rebounds from Chrishanda Rahming, seven points and six rebounds from Tannica Joseph, six points and three rebounds from Trenice Comarcho and five points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals from Tiffany Wildgoose.

“I enjoyed playing with the girls to help develop the younger players and to help instil in them some of the moves of the game,” Quant added. “But I’m glad that we also got the win to start the season on the right track.”

For the Lady Eagles, coached by Anastacia Moultrie, Alesha Curtis and Briontae Riley both had 10 points and nine rebounds each, but it just wasn’t enough as they trailed from start to finish in the game.

Ashley Bethel canned three three-pointers for nine points to help out, Garcia Hanna had seven points, eight rebounds and four steals and Christine Sinclair added six points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals.

“We took the first loss, but we’re not one of the stronger teams in the league,” she said. “We’re still looking for more players, but as the season progresses, we will only get better.”

Despite the loss, Moultrie said it was good to have the women’s league back.

“It feels good. The crowd came out. I guess they were waiting and anticipating us coming back,” said Moultrie, who also serves as the league’s president.

“It was nice to get the first opener for the season.

“It’s slow and steady, but the crowd enjoyed it, so it’s going to get better from here.”

The league will play its regular season games on Tuesday and Thursday nights with doubles, while one game will be played on Saturday following the youth developmental league play.

Liverpool advances in the FA Cup in Klopp’s first game since announcing plans to stand down

By JAMES ROBSON AP Soccer Writer IT was business as usual for Liverpool in its first game since Jurgen Klopp announced his shock decision to walk away at the end of the season.

The Merseyside club advanced to the fifth round of the FA Cup after a 5-2 win against second-tier Norwich yesterday.

How Klopp would love to end his trophy-laden reign on a winning note by guiding Liverpool to more silverware this year. And victory at Anfield kept alive his team’s four-pronged trophy pursuit, having already secured a place in League Cup final this week.

Liverpool also tops the Premier League and is in the knockout stage of the Europa League.

The customary rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” felt even more emotionally charged than usual as fans showed their appreciation for Klopp before kickoff.

The German smiled as he drank in the atmosphere, but if there were any concerns the announcement of his departure would take

the edge off his team, there was little sign of that as it routed Norwich.

“It was great for the fans to show their love to me and we need an atmosphere on the pitch,” Klopp said.

“We need the crowd and for them not to think about the manager. We need to forget it for a while and go for each opponent like crazy and that’s what we want to do and the next chance is on Wednesday (against Chelsea in the league).”

Curtis Jones opened the scoring in the 16th minute and although Ben Gibson levelled for the visitors six minutes later, Darwin Nunez restored Liverpool’s advantage.

His strike in the 28th gave Liverpool a halftime lead and goals from Diogo Jota in the 53rd and Virgil Van Dijk in the 63rd put the home team in control.

Borja Sainz’s stunning goal in the 69th made it 4-2, but there was little danger of Klopp’s day being spoiled and Ryan Gravenberch completed the scoring in the fifth minute of time added on.

Liverpool plays Watford or Southampton in the next round.

LIVERPOOL’s Darwin Nunez runs during the English FA Cup fourth round soccer match between Liverpool and Norwich, at Anfield stadium in Liverpool, England, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024.

(AP Photo/Jon Super) UNITED SCARE The cup represents Erik ten Hag’s last realistic chance of a trophy in his second season at the club and it took second-half goals from Antony and Rasmus Hojlund to secure the Premier League team’s place in the next round.

United had quickly raced in front through goals from Bruno Fernandes in the seventh minute and Kobbie Mainoo in the 13th.

But Ten Hag’s team was shocked when Bryn Morris pulled one back with a deflected long shot in the 36th.

And it took only two minutes of the second half for Will Evans to slide in an equaliser.

In front of incoming United director Dave Brailsford, it had the potential to be a humbling day for Ten Hag - even if the game had ended in a draw.

But when Luke Shaw’s curling shot hit the post, Antony was quick to react and converted the rebound from an angle in the 68th.

Hojlund made certain of the win in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

United will play Bristol City or Nottingham Forest in the next round.

CROWD TROUBLE The FA said it would investigate after the game between West Bromwich

Albion and Wolverhampton was stopped because of “dangerous and inexcusable” crowd trouble.

Wolves won the heated West Midlands derby 2-0, but the result was overshadowed by scenes off the field at the Hawthorns and the lengthy delay until the game could be restarted.

“The disorder that occurred at the Black Country derby between West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers is completely unacceptable,” the Football Association said.

The game was stopped shortly after Matheus Cunha scored Wolves’ second. Pedro Neto had fired the visitors ahead in the first half.

Stuart Armstrong scored an 89th-minute equaliser to earn Southampton a replay against Watford after a 1-1 draw at Vicarage Road.

WREXHAM INCENTIVE Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham was given added incentive to overcome Blackburn today after the winner of their game was drawn against Premier League Newcastle in the fifth round.

PAGE 16, Monday, January 29, 2024

THE TRIBUNE

Magic pull away in 4th quarter to beat Booker and Suns 113-98 ORLANDO, Florida (AP) — Paolo Banchero scored 26 points and the Orlando Magic beat the Phoenix Suns 113-98 last night, overcoming Devin Booker’s 44-point effort two days after he had 62 in a loss at Indiana.

Phoenix went more than eight minutes without a field goal in the fourth quarter, losing its second straight after a seven-game winning streak.

Booker was 17 of 26 from the field, making 1 of 2 3-point attempts, and hit 9 of 11 free throws. But he had only two points in the Suns’ 11-point fourth quarter.

Moritz Wagner added 16 points and 12 rebounds for Orlando. Markelle Fultz had 14 points and five steals, and Franz Wagner finished with 11 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.

Kevin Durant had 15 points for the Suns, who extended the franchise record for consecutive games with 40-point scorers to six.

PACERS 116, GRIZZLIES 110 INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Bennedict Mathurin scored 24 points, Jalen

BUDDY HIELD SCORES 3 IN WIN OVER GRIZZLIES

INDIANA Pacers’ Buddy Hield dribbles during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, in Indianapolis.

(AP Photo/Darron Cummings) Smith made the go-ahead 3-pointer and Indiana beat Memphis. Smith made it 110-107 with his 3-pointer with 3:10 remaining. He finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Pascal

Siakam also had 19 points.

Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 25 points.

HAWKS 126, RAPTORS 125 ATLANTA (AP) — Saddiq Bey dunked off

Trae Young’s miss with 1.1 seconds left to lift Atlanta past Toronto.

Bey finished with a season-high 26 points and had 13 rebounds. Young had 30 points and 12 assists, and

Clint Capela finished with 19 points and 14 rebounds.

Jordan Nwora had 24 points and nine rebounds for Toronto. The shorthanded Raptors have lost five straight.

DUREN’S FIRST CAREER 20-20 GAME LEADS PISTONS TO LOPSIDED WIN OVER THUNDER DETROIT (AP) — Jalen Duren had 22 points and a career-high 21 rebounds and the Detroit Pistons ended the Oklahoma City Thunder’s five-game winning streak with a 120-104 victory yesterday.

“I just think our guys care,” Pistons coach Monty Williams said of Detroit’s best win of the season.

“We had every reason to make excuses — a back-toback against the best team in the West — and our guys just competed.”

Duren’s performance included a career-high nine of Detroit’s 15 offensive rebounds. It was the Pistons’ first 20-20 game since Andre Drummond on January 31, 2020.

“I also had six assists,” Duren pointed out to the media.

“I knew 20 and 20 was bound to happen for me at some point. The game is slowing down for me tremendously.”

Jaden Ivey added 19 points for the Pistons, who played without leading scorer Cade Cunningham, who was a late scratch for what the team termed “injury management.”

Cunningham returned from a knee injury on Saturday.

LeBron James has triple-double and hits winning free throws, Lakers beat Warriors in double overtime SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — LeBron James made two free throws with 1.2 seconds left in the second overtime to cap his triple-double of 36 points, 20 rebounds and 12 assists in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 145-144 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night.

Warriors star Stephen Curry hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 4.7 seconds left in the second OT and made another over Anthony Davis with 1:22 to go on the way to 46 points with a season-high nine 3s.

D’Angelo Russell connected from deep with 53 seconds left in the second OT and also hit another earlier in the period after also coming up clutch late in regulation on the way to 28 points.

James scored 12 points in the two OT periods and had his third triple-double of the season and 110th of his career. Davis added 29 points and 13 rebounds.

NUGGETS 111, 76ERS 105 DENVER (AP) — Nikola Jokic had 26 points and 16 rebounds, but was

denied his rematch with fellow MVP contender Joel Embiid when Denver fended off short-handed but gritty Philadelphia.

Philadelphia’s star centre missed a game at Denver for a fourth consecutive season after the team’s medical staff determined he shouldn’t play on his balky left knee.

Jamal Murray added 23 points for Denver and Michael Porter Jr. had 20.

Paul Reed led Philadelphia with a career-best 30 points and Kelly Oubre Jr. had 25.

The 76ers scratched Embiid minutes before tipoff after he had discomfort in his troublesome left knee during warmups.

It denied basketball fans another marquee matchup between the last two NBA MVPs. KINGS 120, MAVERICKS 115 DALLAS (AP) — De’Aaron Fox scored 34 points and Sacramento beat Dallas, with Mavericks star Luka Doncic finishing with 28 points, 17 assists and 10 rebounds a night after scoring a franchise-record 73

LOS Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James rests on the bench during the second half of the team’s NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday in San Francisco.

(AP Photo/Nic Coury) points in a win at Atlanta.

Harrison Barnes had 20 points, Kevin Huerter added 18 and Domantas Sabonis had 17 points and a game-high 11 rebounds as the Kings won their third straight following a seasonworst four-game losing streak.

The Mavericks split their back-to-back, having won 148-143 at Atlanta on Friday night when Doncic tied for the fourth most points in a game in NBA history behind only Wilt Chamberlain and Kobe Bryant.

CLIPPERS 115, CELTICS 96 BOSTON (AP) — Kawhi Leonard scored 26 points in only 29 minutes and Los Angeles routed Boston.

Paul George added 17 points for the Clippers, who used a 21-0 run in the third quarter to win their fifth straight and avenge a 37-point home loss to Boston in December. Leonard, George and the rest of the starters sat out the fourth quarter.

It was the most-lopsided loss of the season for Boston, which lost for just the second time at home after starting the season 20-0 at TD Garden. Jayson

Tatum led Boston with 21 points. The Celtics shot 35% from the field.

BUCKS 141, PELICANS 117 MILWAUKEE (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo had 30 points and 12 rebounds in Milwaukee’s blowout victory New Orleans.

Damian Lillard added 26 points, nine assists and six rebounds. Brook Lopez scored 24 points with 6-for-9 shooting from 3-point range, and Bobby Portis had 20 points.

The Bucks shot 56% as they improved to 2-1 in their third and final game with Joe Prunty as interim head coach following the firing of Adrian Griffin.

Doc Rivers held his introductory news conference as Griffin’s permanent replacement Saturday.

Brandon Ingram scored 26 points for New Orleans.

SPURS 113, TIMBERWOLVES 112 SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Devin Vassell had 25 points, Victor Wembanyama added 23 points and 10 rebounds and San Antonio rallied to beat Minnesota.

Anthony Edwards had 32 points and 12 rebounds for Minnesota, and Rudy

Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns had 19 points each.

Towns missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer as the Timberwolves had a two-game winning streak snapped.

Officials halted play two minutes into the game when a bat descended on the court seconds after Wembanyama made a 3-pointer.

The Spurs’ mascot, The Coyote, captured the bat with a net after numerous failed attempts, much to the delight of Wembanyama and Jeremy Sochan. The Coyote had previously corralled two bats, and Manu Ginobili swatted another to the court with his bare hand in November 2009.

KNICKS 125, HEAT 109 NEW YORK (AP) — Jalen Brunson had 32 points and eight assist and New York beat Miami, winning its sixth straight and sending the Heat to a sixth consecutive loss.

Julius Randle added 19 points and nine rebounds for the Knicks, but left with 4:27 remaining after landing hard on his right shoulder when Jaime Jaquez Jr. stepped in front of him trying to take a charge on Randle’s drive to the basket.

Coach Tom Thibodeau said after the game that he knew only that Randle was being checked by the medical staff and didn’t know the nature of the injury.

OG Anunoby also had 19 points for the Knicks, who improved to 12-2 this month after he made his first start on New Year’s Day. Jimmy Butler scored 28 points for Miami.

WIZARDS 118, PISTONS 104 DETROIT (AP) — Kyle Kuzma scored 30 points and Washington beat Detroit for Wizards interim coach Brian Keefe’s first victory.

Keefe lost his first game Thursday, hours after Wes Unseld Jr. was moved to the Wizards’ front office.

Jordan Poole added 17 points to help Washington end a six-game losing streak. Bojan Bogdanovic led Detroit with 30 points.

JAZZ 134, HORNETS 122 CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Lauri Markkanen had 33 points and 12 rebounds and Utah beat Charlotte for its 11th victory in 15 games.

Collin Sexton added 24 points and 13 assists. The Jazz shot 56% from the field, made 17 3-pointers and built 36-point lead in the third quarter.

P.J. Washington tied a career high with 43 points — 31 in the second half — and Nick Richards added a career-best 26 to go with 13 rebounds for Charlotte.

NETS 106, ROCKETS 104 NEW YORK (AP) — Cam Thomas scored 37 points and Brooklyn outlasted Houston to snap a three-game losing streak.

The Nets led by 28 points in the second quarter, with the Rockets rallying to cut it to one with seconds left.

Mikal Bridges and Dorian Finney-Smith each had 19 points for Brooklyn.

Jalen Green, Dillan Brooks and Cam Whitmore each had 19 points for the Rockets. They have lost seven of their last 10 games.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, January 29, 2024, PAGE 17

TENNIS Jannik Sinner beats RANKINGS: TO Medvedev to clinch his SINNER STAY NO. 4, first Grand Slam title SABALENKA NO. 2

By JOHN PYE AP Sports Writer

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Jannik Sinner lined up a forehand, drilled it down the line and dropped to the court on his back, giving himself some moments to process how he’d managed to come back from two sets down to win his first Grand Slam title.

The 22-year-old Sinner found a way to turn defence into attack in his first major final and take the Australian Open title from Daniil Medvedev 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 yesterday.

“I like to dance in the pressure storm,” he said of his seemingly serene approach to the most tense moments. “I like it, because that’s where most of the time I bring out my best tennis.”

It was his third straight win over a top 5 player after his quarterfinal victory over Andrey Rublev and his semifinal upset that ended No. 1-ranked Novak Djokovic’s long domination of the tournament.

Only Djokovic and Roger Federer have done that previously in a major played on hard courts.

So he’s in great company.

Sinner is the first Italian to win the Australian Open and the youngest winner in a men’s final here since Djokovic won his first Grand Slam title in 2008.

With Carlos Alcaraz winning Wimbledon last year and Sinner winning the

season-opening major, a generation shift is arriving.

“I still have to process it, because ... beating Novak in the semis and then today Daniil in the final, they are tough players to beat,” Sinner said. “It’s a great moment for me and my team. But in the other way, we also know that we have to improve if we want to have another chance to hold a big trophy again.”

Sinner’s success has lit a tennis fuse in Italy, where his run to the ATP Finals championship match and leading role in the Davis Cup title win in November captured the country’s attention. The night time final in Australia made for pre-lunch viewing in Italy.

For 2021 U.S. Open champion Medvedev, the loss was his fifth in six major finals. The third-seeded Medvedev set a record with his fourth five-set match of the tournament and time on court at a major in the Open era, his 24 hours and 17 minutes surpassing Carlos Alcaraz’s 23:40 at the 2022 U.S. Open.

He’s also the first in the Open era to lose two Grand Slam finals in five sets after taking a 2-0 lead.

Medvedev lost back-toback Australian Open finals — to Djokovic in 2021 and to Rafael Nadal after holding a two-set lead the following year.

Sinner only dropped one set through six rounds — in a third-set tiebreaker against 10-time Australian

JANNIK Sinner reacts during the men’s singles final match against Daniil Medvedev yesterday.

(AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) Open champion Djokovic broke in the third game — until he lost two straight and took the first set in 36 to Medvedev. minutes.

It wasn’t until a break in He had two more service the sixth game of the fifth breaks in the fourth and set that he really had a full sixth games of the second grip on his first Grand Slam set but was broken himself title. at 5-1 trying to serve it out.

In two of Medvedev’s He was successful next try. five-set matches — a secThe third set went with ond-round win over Emil serve until the 10th game, Ruusuvuori that finished when Medvedev was a at almost 4 in the morning, point from levelling at 5-5 and a 4-hour, 18-minute until three forehand errors semifinal win over No. 6 gave Sinner the set, and the Alexander Zverev — he momentum. He won the had to come back from two fourth set, again with a sersets down. Nobody had vice break in the 10th game, done that on the way to an recovering immediately to Australian Open final since win three points after misPete Sampras in 1995. hitting a forehand so far Against Sinner, he started out that it shocked the Rod like a man who wanted to Laver Arena crowd. win points quickly.

And so the tournament Standing closer to the equalled a Grand Slam baseline to receive serve Open era record set at the and going to the net more 1983 U.S. Open with a 35th regularly than usual, he match going to five sets.

In the sixth game of the fifth set, Sinner had triple breakpoint against a fatiguing Medvedev. He missed with his first chance but converted with his next, a forehand winner, for a 4-2 lead. From there, he didn’t give Medvedev another chance.

Medvedev had faced either Djokovic or Rafael Nadal in all five of his previous major finals. He beat Djokovic to win the 2021 U.S. Open title but lost all the others.

The 27-year-old Russian has been saying through the tournament that he has more stamina than he used to, and is mentally stronger in the tough five-setters. He certainly showed incredible endurance but came up just short — again.

Medvedev won his first six career meetings with Sinner, but has now lost four in a row — including three finals.

“I want to congratulate Jannik ... you showed it again why you deserve it,” Medvedev said. “Probably that’s not your last Grand Slam, but I hope I can try to get the next one if you play in the final.”

Medvedev also sent a message to his family and supporters.

“Unfortunately I couldn’t make it today, but I’m going to try to make it work next time for you,” he said. “It always hurts to lose in the final, but probably being in the final is better than losing before.”

Sabalenka wins second straight Australian Open title, beating Zheng Qinwen 6-3, 6-2

By JOHN PYE AP Sports Writer MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — In the back of her mind Aryna Sabalenka didn’t want to be, in her words, that player who wins a major title and disappears.

Winning her first Grand Slam crown in Australia a year ago gave Sabalenka the confidence she could do it again. Losing the U.S. Open final last September gave her the extra motivation.

Sabalenka ensured she wasn’t a one-hit wonder by clinching back-to-back Australian Open titles with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Zheng Qinwen on Saturday in a one-sided women’s final that contrasted sharply with her comeback threeset victory here over Elena Rybakina last year.

“I just wanted to show that I’m able to be consistently there and I’m able to win another one,” the 25-year-old from Belarus said. “So compared to last year, it’s a completely different me. Compared to the U.S. Open, once again, it’s a different me; I’m more controlled and kind of like

don’t let the rest of the things come to my mind.”

In 2022, Sabalenka struggled so badly with her serve in tense moments that she doubted she could win a major.

Now she’s relying on it to break down opponents. She didn’t serve a double-fault in the final, and she didn’t face a break point.

No. 2-seeded Sabalenka set the tone with big, deep forehands and converted service breaks early in each set against the 21-year-old Zheng, who was making her debut in a Grand Slam final.

The journey and the destination were equally important for Sabalenka.

In the semifinals, she avenged her U.S. Open final loss to No. 4-ranked Coco Gauff with a straight-set win. That followed straightsets wins over 2021 French Open winner Barbora Krejcikova in the quarterfinals and Amanda Anisimova in the fourth round.

“I’m definitely a different person and a player and I have more experience playing the last stages of the Grand Slams,” Sabalenka said, reflecting on the last 13 months.

JEREMY PAUL WINS BAHAMAS GREAT EXUMA CLASSIC FROM PAGE 14 “Jeremy Paul’s remarkable victory adds a new chapter to The Bahamas’ legacy as a destination that seamlessly blends sports and paradise.

We are thrilled to have hosted this prestigious event, showcasing our commitment to providing a world-class experience for both athletes and fans.”

Commenting on his winning performance, Paul said: “Once I got on the golf course, I honestly

felt pretty comfortable.

I knew I was hitting the ball really well, but I think that was actually a benefit of this course, because I was able to stay in the moment.”

Paul joins the ranks of PGA TOUR winners Akshay Bhatia (2022) and Sungjae Im (2018) as the only winners of The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic at Sandals Emerald Bay who carded a bogey-free final round.

For more information, visit www.pgatour.com, www.bahamas.com or www.Tourismtoday.com.

ARYNA Sabalenka reacts during her match against Zheng Qinwen in the women’s singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, on Saturday.

(AP Photo/Andy Wong) “There was some tough moments for me losing the U.S. Open final — that loss actually motivated me so much to work even harder.”

And that, she said, gave her more confidence in her game and more self-belief.

“The first one is always special because I feel like it’s more emotional,” she said. “For the second time, it’s just such a relief.”

Only two things slowed down Sabalenka’s progress Saturday to her second Grand Slam singles title.

In the third game of the second set, with Zheng serving, the match was interrupted after an activist started yelling out. The match continued after the man was escorted out by security.

Then, when she was serving for the match, Sabalenka had three championship points at 40-0 but missed two with unforced forehands errors and another with Zheng’s clever drop shot.

After giving Zheng a breakpoint chance, she bounced the ball away behind her in disgust. But she recovered her composure to win the next three points.

Sabalenka is the first woman since Victoria Azarenka in 2012 and ‘13 to

ARYNA Sabalenka poses with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup the day after her win over over Zheng Qinwen of China in the women’s singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, yesterday.

(AP Photo/Mark Baker) win back-to-back Austral- slapping and autographing ian Open titles, and the the bald head of her fitness fifth since 2000 to win the trainer, Jason Stacy, before championship here with- each match in Australia. out dropping a set — a After the final, Stacy, group that includes Serena wearing a shirt with the Williams. message “Simplicity is the She credited her sup- key to brilliance” printed port team for keeping her on the back, held the trophy on track, and making sure on the court as Sabalenka she enjoyed the moment. huddled with her team in a Sabalenka made a habit of victory celebration.

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australian Open champions Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka will stay where they are when the new rankings are released on Monday.

Sinner consolidates his hold on a career-best No. 4 spot in the ATP rankings, and former top-ranked Sabalenka stays at No. 2 in the WTA rankings.

Sinner rallied from two sets down to beat Daniil Medvedev 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 to win the Australian Open final yesterday for his first Grand Slam title.

Sabalenka clinched backto-back Australian Open titles with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Zheng Qinwen on Saturday.

In the men’s rankings, Novak Djokovic will stay top despite a rare defeat in the semifinals at Melbourne Park, where he is a 10-time champion.

Medvedev missed the opportunity to move past No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz with a win against Sinner. He remains at No. 3.

Andrey Rublev is at No. 5 and Australian Open semifinalist Alexander Zverev is sixth.

Holger Rune, Hubert Hurkacz, Taylor Fritz and Stefanos Tsitsipas are in the Nos. 7-10 spots.

SWIATEK STAYS NO. 1 Despite her thirdround exit at Melbourne Park, Iga Swiatek holds on to the top ranking, ahead of Sabalenka.

Elena Rybakina falls two positions to No. 5 after failing to defend the ranking points she gained for her run to the final at last year’s event.

The 19-year-old Coco Gauff rises to equal her career-high at No. 3 and her fellow American Jessica Pegula moves up one spot to No. 4.

Zheng Qinwen, who made her first appearance in a major final at Melbourne Park this year, breaks into the top 10 for the first time, up from No. 15 to No. 7, behind Ons Jabeur.

Markéta Vondroušová is at No. 8, Maria Sakkari at No. 9 and Karolína Muchová rounds out the women’s top 10.

A decade after Li Na held the Australian Open trophy aloft, Zheng made her best run in nine majors to date.

She said during the tournament that she felt well-supported in Melbourne because of the big Chinese community. And that played out for the final, where the flags waved and she had the crowd behind her.

But she was playing an opponent ranked in the top 50 for the first time in this tournament.

It was the second time in as many majors their paths had met in the second week; Sabalenka beat Zheng in the U.S. Open quarterfinals last year.

Zheng’s push to the final was two rounds better than her previous best run to the quarterfinals in New York last September.

She was the first player in four decades to advance through six rounds without playing anyone ranked in the top 50 — and was only the third in the Open era to reach a major final without facing a seeded player.

The step up against No. 2-ranked Sabalenka proved too much.

“I didn’t perform my best. That’s really pity for me, because I really want to show better than that,” Zheng said.

“I think I can learn more with the loss today. And then I just hope next time I can come back as a better tennis player and come back, yeah, stronger.”

PAGE 18, Monday, January 29, 2024

THE TRIBUNE

CHIEFS SHUT DOWN RAVENS 17-10

By NOAH TRISTER AP Sports Writer BALTIMORE (AP) — Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were at their magnificent best in the first half, and Kansas City’s defence delivered another masterpiece against Lamar Jackson and Baltimore, helping the Chiefs reach the Super Bowl for the fourth time in five years with a 17-10 victory in the AFC championship game yesterday.

Kelce caught 11 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown, and now the big question at next month’s Super Bowl in Las Vegas is whether his girlfriend Taylor Swift will be able to make it there in the middle of her tour. The pop star was on hand again yesterday, and the 34-year-old Kelce was at his best.

“The Chiefs are still the Chiefs,” said Kelce, who broke Jerry Rice’s career record for receptions in the postseason. “And believe it — you’ve got to fight for your right to party! Believe it, baby, we’re going to Las Vegas.”

Kansas City (14-6) will face either San Francisco or Detroit on February 11, and a win would make the Chiefs the first team to win it all in back-to-back seasons since the New England Patriots 19 years ago.

Swift’s presence has turned the Chiefs into even more of a glamour team than they already were, but it’s been more of a bluecollar performance on the field this season. Aside from Kelce, Mahomes hasn’t had the receiving playmakers he’s enjoyed in years past.

Instead, the defence has been a big part of why Kansas City won the AFC West and eventually prevailed in two straight road playoff games against Buffalo and Baltimore to win the conference.

“It’s been a heck of a year. We’ve been underdogs the last few games,” Mahomes said. “We never feel like underdogs. We’ve got a lot of guys on this team that know how to win. When the playoffs get around, they’re here to make it happen. And now we’re in the Super Bowl.

The job’s not done.”

The Chiefs led 17-7 at halftime, and Justin Tucker’s 43-yard field goal with 2:34 to play was the only scoring of the second half.

Baltimore kicked deep after that, and on thirdand-9, Mahomes connected with Marquez ValdesScantling — one of his most-maligned receivers — on a 32-yard pass that sealed the game.

RAVENS quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) reacts after Ravens’ Zay Flowers was called for taunting against the Chiefs yesterday.

(AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Mahomes went 30 of which included Ravens 39 for 241 yards and a defensive back Arthur touchdown.

Maulet and a group of Jackson could win his Kansas City players having second MVP after leading to be separated.

Baltimore to the league’s Then the Chiefs forced best record and point a three-and-out on the differential during the reg- game’s first drive and went ular season, but the Ravens 86 yards for the openallowed touchdowns on the ing touchdown. Kelce first two Kansas City pos- caught a 13-yard pass from sessions and appeared a bit Mahomes over the middle panicky at times after that. on fourth-and-2. Then the Baltimore (14-5) made star tight end beat All-Pro undisciplined mistakes all safety Kyle Hamilton for game, while Kansas City a 19-yard touchdown to looked the part of the team make it 7-0. making its sixth straight Jackson answered in his appearance in the confer- own spectacular way. He ence title game. broke free for a 21-yard run With the Ravens down when Baltimore went for it by 10 in the third quar- on fourth-and-1 from its 34. ter, rookie Zay Flowers Then the star quarterback caught a 54-yard pass to the ducked out of a near-sack Kansas City 10 — then was by Leo Chenal, retreated a flagged for taunting after bit farther back and threw the play. Moments later, he a 30-yard scoring strike to fumbled near the goal line Flowers, who celebrated and the Ravens ended up with teammates by doing with no points. the “swag surf” dance that That was one of several Swift and Chiefs fans did at frustrating moments for a recent game.

Baltimore fans, whose city Kansas City was unbothwas hosting an AFC cham- ered. Mahomes drove pionship game for the first his team 75 yards in 9:02 time since January 1971, — with the help of an acrowhen the Colts beat the batic diving catch by Kelce Oakland Raiders. on one third down toss — Jackson went 20 of 37 for and Isiah Pacheco capped 272 yards and a touchdown, the 16-play march with a but Baltimore never really 2-yard touchdown run. exploited its perceived The Chiefs actually advantage on the ground. missed chances to extend Jackson raced under one their lead. A sack by of his own tipped passes in Charles Omenihu forced the first half for a 13-yard a fumble by Jackson that reception, but he also gave Kansas City the ball turned the ball over twice, at the Baltimore 33. But including a forced pass into Kelce was marked just heavy coverage that was short on a third down catch, picked off in the end zone and Pacheco was stopped with 6:45 left in the game. on the ensuing fourth down Jackson fell to 2-4 as a at the 13. starter in the postseason After a couple of perdespite having been the sonal fouls on Baltimore top seed in the AFC twice. helped Kansas City cross He made a few sensational midfield late in the half, individual plays, but the the Chiefs were flagged Ravens had trouble moving for back-to-back holding the ball otherwise. calls, the second of which Mahomes, meanwhile, wiped out a 33-yard screen competed his first 11 pass pass to Rashee Rice for attempts, and although the what would have been a Ravens largely shut Kansas touchdown.

City down after that, the A 9-yard pass to damage was done on a Kelce put Kansas City in rainy day in Baltimore. position for Harrison ButThere was some chippy ker’s 52-yard field goal that behaviour before the game, made it 17-7.

49ERS running back Christian McCaffrey celebrates after scoring against the Lions yesterday.

(AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez)

49ERS BEAT LIONS 34-31 TO ADVANCE TO SUPER BOWL

By JOSH DUBOW AP Pro Football Writer SANTA CLARA, California (AP) — Brock Purdy threw for 267 yards and a touchdown, and the San Francisco 49ers rallied from 17 points down at halftime to beat the Detroit Lions 34-31 yesterday and reach the Super Bowl.

The 49ers (14-5) scored 17 points in an eight-minute span of the third quarter to tie the NFC championship game and then pulled away in the fourth quarter to earn a rematch against Kansas City after losing to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl four years ago.

San Francisco mounted the fourth comeback ever from 17 points down or more in a conference title game thanks to some big plays by Purdy and bad mistakes from the Lions (14-6), including two failed fourth downs in field-goal range.

Detroit fell short of reaching the first Super Bowl in franchise history.

After being questioned about whether he could lead a comeback, Purdy has now done it twice in as many weeks. He engineered a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter to beat Green Bay last week and then had an even bigger comeback against the Lions.

Christian McCaffrey had two TD runs and little-used backup Elijah Mitchell scored on a 3-yard run to make it 34-24 with 3:02 to play as the Niners got over the conference title game hump after losing the past two seasons.

The Niners blew a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter of the NFC

SPORTS NOTES

FROM PAGE 14 5K RUN/WALK Bahamas Feeding Network THE Bahamas Feeding Network will hold its 5K Fun Run/Walk & Health Fair on Saturday, February 3. The registration fee is $20.

Interested persons can register online at www.facebook. com/qcpharmacypi or www. bahamasfeedingnetwork. org. For more information,

championship game against the Los Angeles Rams two years ago and then were forced to play much of last year’s title game loss at Philadelphia without a functioning quarterback after Purdy injured his elbow on the opening drive and fourth-stringer Josh Johnson left with a concussion early in the third quarter.

But San Francisco managed to make the long journey back to this stage and now is in position to deliver the franchise its record-tying sixth Super Bowl title and first since the 1994 season.

A magical season for the Lions ended in heartbreak.

Detroit remains the only team to play every season of the Super Bowl era without reaching the ultimate game. This looked like it could be the year to end that drought when Detroit won back-to-back playoff games after winning just one in the previous 56 seasons.

But the Lions couldn’t finish the job despite holding a 24-7 halftime lead.

San Francisco settled for a field goal on the opening drive of the second half before the game completely flipped in a four-minute span.

Detroit coach Dan Campbell opted to go for it on fourth-and-2 from the San Francisco 28, but Josh Reynolds couldn’t hold onto a pass from Jared Goff, leading to a turnover on downs.

The Lions then seemed to have a potential interception when Purdy’s deep pass bit Kindle Vildor in the face mask, but the ball popped up and was caught for a spectacular 51-yard

gain by Brandon Aiyuk.

Purdy found Aiyuk three plays later for a 6-yard score.

Jahmyr Gibbs then fumbled on the next play from scrimmage, setting up a 1-yard run by McCaffrey to tie the game at 24.

It only got worse from there for the Lions with Reynolds dropping another pass on third down, leading to a punt that Detroit had a chance to down at the 1 but botched.

Purdy then drove the Niners to a 33-yard field goal by Jake Moody and their first lead of the game.

Campbell bypassed a chance at a game-tying field goal on fourth-and-3 from the Niners 30 midway through the fourth quarter.

Goff threw an incomplete pass and the Niners drove to the insurance touchdown.

Goff added a TD pass to Jameson Williams with 56 seconds to play.

But the 49ers recovered the onside kick to seal the win. Goff finished 25 for 41 for 273 yards and a touchdown.

San Francisco’s heralded front seven had no answer in the first half for Detroit’s offensive line, which repeatedly opened up big holes, giving the backs several yards even before first contact.

The Lions ran for 148 yards in the first half, getting TD runs from Williams, David Montgomery and Gibbs.

Michael Badgley added a late field goal to give Detroit a 24-7 lead at the half, tied for the secondbiggest scoring output for a road team in the first half of a conference title game since the NFL-AFL merger.

persons can also contact 242605-9559, 242-395-9559 or 242-676-2676.

TENNIS Inaugural Valentine’s Doubles Classic Open Invite THIS February, during the season of love, Insurance Management and The Gym Tennis Club of Winton invite tennis players in the country to experience the “love of the game” with their inaugural Valentine’s Doubles Classic Tennis Open Invitational.

The tournament will begin on February 10 and tennis

players from all around the island will converge at the Gym Tennis Club in Winton to battle it out in a “doubles” only tournament featuring four categories, including: Men’s, Ladies, Over 55, and the always entertaining Mixed Doubles category.

Interested players should e-mail “gtctourbah@gmail. com” to get their registration forms. Insurance Management and the Gym Tennis Club encourages fans and those who want to discover the love of tennis, to come come out, cheer, enjoy and even hit a ball or two.”

CARLHIELD FROM PAGE 14

earns, it provides him with a confidence boost to keep going after his ultimate goal.

“Every fight is a stepping stone because with the coaches and promoters who are helping me out down here, every fight they take it up a notch to really see where I am at. I really showed that I am a step up and that I am ready to go in there with the big guys,” he said.

The former amateur boxer is now looking ahead to his fifth match scheduled for February 17 and the future opportunities to come his way.

“I am just gonna be training and getting ready for that to see what fighter they are gonna bring to the table so that I can bring up my rankings on Boxer Rec and be in a position to fight for a world title. My main focus is also to come home and get the national title because that would give me more rankings to show that I am one of the best in the country,” he said.

The win was dedicated to the late Norma Hield.

Also, a special thanks was offered to Rollin Tyre Imports (Trinidad and Tobago),

PRO BOXER CARL HIELD Jet Wave, J-Tech Windows, SO Management, the Bahamas Boxing Federation and Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, January 29, 2024, PAGE 19

McCoy, Mullings break national records

WITH personal best performances in six of the seven individual events, Ken Mullings combined his points total to improve on his own Bahamas national record in the men’s heptathlon, while producing a world-leading performance.

FROM PAGE 14 well ahead of his nearest rival Mazinho Barrett of UWI, who did 21.95.

Kemp soared At the UND Open and Multi, Shyrone Kemp, the number one ranked jumper in division II, cleared 51-06 1/2 (16.71m) to win the men’s triple jump. He was over by almost two feet over his nearest rival Gee-ef Nkwonta of WOAC with 49-08 1/2 (15.15m).

Andrews double threat At the PNC Lenny Lyles Track and Field, Antoine Andrews of Texas Tech won the men’s 60m hurdles in 7.66. Stephen Eloji of Mid Tennessee State was second in 7.70. Andrews had the fifth fastest qualifying time of 7.83.

To help with his speed, Andrews also ran in the preliminaries of the 60m where he had the fourth fastest qualifying time of 6.72. However, he did not contest the final.

Also at the meet, Shaun Miller Jr of Ohio State finished in a two-way tie for fourth place at 6-10 3/4 (2.10m) with Graayson Rolen of Indiana. Trey Allen of Lousiana won the event with 7-03 1/4 (2.22m).

Dean missed cuts Karon Dean, competing for UTEP at the New Mexico Team Open, got fourth in his heat of the men’s 60m in 6.84, but he didn’t advance. He missed qualifying for the final of the 200m as well after he got second in his heat for 30th overall in the 200m in 21.84.

YOUTH REGATTA FROM PAGE 14

enjoyed it and we have honestly never seen it this close before so I am just glad I came out on top,” he said.

For one of the top Bahamian junior sailors, he is expecting great things for the rest of the year and is looking forward to working hard towards more wins in the future.

Eliza Denning prevailed over her fellow sailors in the ILCA 4 Class on Sunday.

She came first to hoist the winner’s trophy after amassing seven points. John

SEE PAGE 14

ANTHONIQUE Strachan in action at the Athletics Federation of the Republic of Kazakhstan’s Astana Indoor Meet. Strachan won the women’s 60 metres in a world-leading time of 7.21.

FLORIDA junior Anthaya Charlton ended up 7th overall, but placed third in the collegiate segment of the women’s long jump at the Razorback Invitational.

Alexiou trailed behind in the ranking with 13 points good for second best. Mary Jac Nash settled for third place with 22 points in the competition.

Denning, who picked up two wins on Sunday, was grateful for the windy conditions which aided her to an overall victory.

“It was pretty windy today so that was really fun.

I managed to win two of the three races from today so that was good,” she said.

As far as her expectations for the rest of the year, her goal is to perform well at upcoming international regattas.

“I have some big international regattas coming up so I am excited for them

claiming the third position of the race with 18 points.

Ponnore was grateful for his brother’s efforts which ultimately propelled him to a championship win. “The win felt good since on the first day I was losing terribly but, on the second day, my brother came and helped me to get first and he came second which resulted in the other guy losing points thanks to that. It was really good competition,” he said.

The Sunfish Class saw Delano Davis take home the championship hardware with seven points.

Silas Munroe rounded up 12 points for second and Zachery Cartwright ended the class with 15 points and a third place finish. Davis,

and I am hoping to perform well,” she said.

Former Optimist national champion Finley McKinney Lambert demonstrated his prowess in the Optimist Advanced racing fleet.

He totalled nine points tied with Patrick Tomlinson, who won the Bahamas Optimist National Open Championship for two straight years, but won the tiebreaker.

Armaan Manwatkar fell behind on the scoresheet with a total of 25 points for the third position.

Lambert knew it was neck and neck between him and Tomlinson but was happy to narrowly edge out his opponent to become victorious.

“It was super tight between me and my highest competitor. We were completely tied and I won the last race which made me win overall. I am very happy about it and I hope that I will have the same success later on in the year.

I am hoping that I can get to a few international regattas and do my best,” the 14-year-old said.

Joel Ponnore excelled on the waters in the Optimist green fleet. A mere point separated the first and second positions of this race. Ponnore concluded first with eight points and Christian Wells dropped one position with nine points for second. Abel Ponnore joined his brother,

who is only 15-years-old, experienced some adversity on day one but was able to overcome his challenges on day two for the win.

“It feels good knowing that I can beat all of them in the same class as me. It was good on the waters but it was rough at first when the wind died down, but the next day it picked back up and that’s how I was able to win,” he said.

The newest champion has one main objective going forward. “I am looking forward to going back into Laser and to hopefully beat Joshua Weech and Greg,” he said.

The first youth regatta of 2024 was sponsored by Deltec Bank & Trust.