02022023 NEWS AND SPORT

DAVIS: IT’S YOUR FAULT, DR MINNIS

PM blames hospital woes on former administration

By TANEKA THOMPSON Tribune News Editor tmthompson@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip Davis accused the Minnis administration of neglecting Princess Margaret Hospital during its four years in office, but charged that he will “fix” the problems left behind.

As he wrapped up debate on the Nurses and Midwives Bill in the House of Assembly last night, he hit back at criticism from former Prime

FIREARMS TASK FORCE ‘TO CREATE SAFER BAHAMAS’

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip Davis said the success of a firearms task force will make fighting illegal weapons more likely by providing a coordinated and comprehensive approach to the problem.

Mr Davis spoke at the launch of the Firearms Anti-Gang Task Force Unit yesterday, which he called a “momentous occasion”.

“It represents our

continued commitment to the safety and security of our citizens and to focus on intercepting and preventing the illegal trade of firearms. These efforts aim to create a safer, more secure future for all Bahamians,” he said at police headquarters. He acknowledged the impact of illegal weapons smuggling is significant and can be seen in the increase in violent crimes, gang activities, and overall insecurity in communities.

Minister Dr Hubert Minnis about the state of disrepair and crisis PMH is in.

He laid the blame for the current issues at the public hospital at Dr Minnis’ feet.

His remarks sparked a heated row in the House of Assembly as Dr Minnis sought to rebut what he called “wrong information” about his term in office.

“He had four years,” Mr Davis said.

‘NO NEW TAX MEASURES REQUIRED’ BY GOVERNMENT

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE government’s top finance official yesterday reiterated his optimism that “no new tax measures” will be required to grow its revenues by some 43 percent to over $4bn during the next four years.

Simon Wilson, the Ministry of Finance’s financial secretary, told Tribune Business that closing the “VAT gap” and stricter compliance and enforcement are among the initiatives that will enable the Davis administration to expand the Public Treasury’s income by almost $1.2bn between now and the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

$150M COST OF GOVT FUEL HEDGE DECISION

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIANS have been burdened with a $150m bill due to the mishandling of Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) fuel hedging strategy, it was revealed yesterday.

The full cost was branded “a significant unbudgeted liability” in the just-released Fiscal Strategy Report, which said BPL’s arrears must be paid off to prevent electricity being interrupted.

“The recent disclosure of approximately $150m of payment arrears of Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) represents a significant unbudgeted liability of the government,” the report said.

‘MANGO SEASON GIRLS’ ARRESTED, SAYS BELL

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

FOUR Jamaican women, known as the “Mango Season Girls,” were arrested last month for working illegally in the country as a part of government operations to stamp out illegal immigration, Immigration Minister Keith Bell revealed in the House of Assembly yesterday.

The women have since been charged, deported and

placed on the restricted list, Mr Bell added. He said their detainment came after officers raided a number of “dancing

clubs” as a part of a wider operation to crack down on foreigners living in The Bahamas without the necessary documentation.

“Investigations indicate that some of these clubs illegally employ persons who enter the country as a visitor and also overstay the time granted by immigration to remain in the country,” he said during his communication in the House of Assembly.

LABOUR and Immigration Minister Keith Bell.

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis and US Chargé d’Affairs Usha Pitts cutting the ribbon to mark the opening of the Firearms Anti-Gang Task Force Unit yesterday.

Photo: Moise Amisial

Coalition protests after 14-day deadline passes

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

MEMBERS of the Coalition of Independents protested outside the House of Assembly yesterday over what they considered an immigration crisis, narrowing in on Haitian nationals.

Last month, Lincoln Bain, leader of COI, and his supporters protested outside the Office of the Prime Minister to present a letter that gave the government 14 days to implement a list of suggestions to tackle illegal immigration in the country.

At the time, the group said failure to implement the suggestion would lead to Bahamians being called to “occupy” Parliament Square. Yesterday was the result of the government’s failure to comply.

Around 10am, the group held a “peaceful” protest

on Parliament Street to address what Mr Bain considers a “60-year-old issue”.

However, the protestors were later redirected by police to Rawson Square.

“The Bahamian people have gathered here today because we are fed-up and tired of waiting (on) the government to deal with the 60-year-old issue and that is the issue of illegal immigration in our land,” Mr Bain told reporters yesterday in Rawson Square.

“The problem is not just illegal immigration, because the same network that facilitates illegal immigration facilitates the proliferation of crime. It facilitates the proliferation of guns and drugs into our society. It is facilitating the proliferation of Haitian gangs in our country.”

He added: “When will enough be enough? When will the government realise

that we have to close the door?”

Mr Bain insisted that there will be “no future” for the country if the Davis administration fails to

tackle the illegal immigration matter.

Protesters sang the Bahamian national anthem and chanted “Brave got to go” outside of the House of Assembly yesterday.

The political activist denied claims that his primary focus was on persons of Haitian descent. However, Mr Bain said that the group’s intentions are specifically geared towards the “crisis”, which he suggested is due to a specific group of people.

He said: “We are concerned about illegal immigration, however, there is a crisis right now where we’re being flooded and overrun.

“People on the Family Islands, including members of Parliament, are saying there’s a crisis and they need help.”

During his contribution in the House of Assembly yesterday, Immigration Minister Keith Bell said that in a democratic society people have a “qualified right to assemble and peacefully protest”.

However, Mr Bell urged Bahamians to “let sanity prevail”.

“We are a country of

laws and the maintenance of law and order must remain a cornerstone of our country,” Mr Bell told the House yesterday.

“Xenophobia has no

place in The Bahamas, nor does the arbitrary harassment of any person on the basis of any perception as to their nationality. To those doing it — stop!”

LINCOLN BAIN, leader of the Coalition of Independents, along with supporters, led a protest on Bay Street in front of the House of Parliament yesterday demanding the government adheres to a list of suggestions to tackle illegal immigration that his party put forward to the Prime Minister 14 days ago.

Photo: Moise Aimsial

COALITION of Independents deputy leader and attorney Maria Daxon seen yesterday on Bay Street during a protest over the government’s lack of action regarding their list of suggestions.

Photo: Moise Aimsial

TOP: Lincoln Bain addresses the media surrounded by supporters of the protest yesterday.

BELOW: A female protestor holds a placard with former Prime Minister Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling’s quote on it; “If Bahamians are not prepared to stand up and fight for their own Bahamas then we don’t deserve to have it.

Photos: Moise Aimsial

Davis administration has ‘thrown in the towel’ on illegal migration, Pintard says

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

AMIDST the upswing in illegal migrants seeking refuge in The Bahamas, Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard called on the Davis administration to do more to stem the flow.

In a press statement yesterday, Mr Pintard criticised the government’s attempts in addressing this “age-old” and “vexing” problem, adding that it serves as a threat to the country’s national security and way of life.

“Based on such observations and the apparent inaction of the government in aggressively addressing this age-old and very vexing problem, which now threatens our national security and our way of life, it is our considered view that the Davis administration has thrown in the towel on the issues of Haiti and the persistent illegal migration of Haitian nationals to The Bahamas,” Mr Pintard said yesterday.

In the statement, he called out both Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell and Immigration Minister Keith Bell on their handling of the issue.

While empathising with Haitians on the challenges with which their nation is faced, the opposition leader said: “We (the

FNM) sincerely empathise and sympathise with the plight of our Haitian brothers and sisters, however, we cannot continue to accept every distressed Haitian national seeking to find sanctuary in our developing country which has a myriad of challenges of its own.”

The Marco City MP suggested that the government should do more by “vigorously” petitioning Haitian officials, CARICOM, the Organization of American States and the United Nations to take action toward addressing Haiti’s long standing political and security challenges, and the resulting impact on nations such as The Bahamas.

Mr Pintard further explained how the government must address better protection of the country’s maritime borders and visa process, adding that the government should find the means to expedite applications made by children born to foreign nationals, calling the process “simply too long and intolerable.”

He noted that irregular communities in The Bahamas must be addressed with urgency by the Davis administration as their presence serves as an erosion to the establishment of law and good order.

“Furthermore, their (irregular communities) existence poses a clear health and safety issue to the residents that occupy

them and the wider community,” Mr Pintard said.

“The illegal use of electricity is a well-known byproduct of unregulated developments. This must be addressed as a priority and in the most humane manner.

“It is our view that all entitled to be in The Bahamas must abide by the laws of The Bahamas and the requirements for land ownership and construction of buildings are no exceptions,” he added.

He noted that in an effort to tackle the immigration crisis, a bipartisan collaboration and the involvement of many public and private stakeholders is essential. However, Mr Pintard said that these efforts should not be driven by “xenophobia and scapegoating one group”.

Mr Pintard said he intends to petition Parliament to establish a select committee to investigate the issues associated with the challenges of illegal migration, but especially from Haiti.

“This important committee must be empowered to call for records and summon individuals with responsibility for the many varied bodies and various aspects connected to these complicated issues. This select committee will be a litmus test of our commitment to address the crisis we now face,” he said yesterday.

‘MANGO SEASON GIRLS’ ARE ARRESTED IN ILLEGAL WORKERS CRACKDOWN, SAYS BELL

from page one

In a separate matter, he revealed that officers found a number of irregular migrants, one of whom was found with a fraudulent work permit.

The minister then spoke about recent migrant vessel interceptions and pointed to last month’s apprehension of nearly 400 migrants who were spotted in waters near Cay Sal Bank. Among those apprehended were some 55 children. They were later turned over to the RBDF and sent to Inagua for processing.

“Madame Speaker, in that voyage were some 55 minor children, the largest number of migrant children ever in the history of all of these treacherous voyages,” he said.

“Additionally, Madame Speaker, I want to pause to just highly commend the United States Coast Guard for their intuition and for their high skill and for the job that they continue to do to assist us.

“it is impossible, Madame Speaker, for us, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and our law enforcement agencies to police our waters - and so there is a collaborative effort to ensure that we stop all of these migrant vessels.”

Repatriation exercises also remain ongoing with over 300 migrants deported in the last several days, according to

Minister Bell.

He also gave an assurance that every foreigner was treated humanely.

The increase in illegal migration to The Bahamas follows months of civil unrest and political turmoil in Haiti after its President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in his home by armed men in July 2021.

Local officials have already said that no new work permits will be processed for Haitians until revised protocols are introduced to ensure the authenticity of documents produced by Haiti’s government.

Additionally, existing and new permits to reside applications for Haitian citizens will only be considered on a case-by-case basis.

In response to some who suggest that actions taken by the government unfairly targets Haitians, Mr Bell said this: “Let me assure everyone that this is not the case. “The policies being introduced are not designed to discriminate against any national group, but rather to address legitimate concerns regarding the documents released by the Haitian government having regard to the actions of the Haitian national police and the departure from office of Haiti’s last remaining senators.”

“In light of all these circumstances, at this time, the Department of Immigration is not able to have full confidence in character and

MAN AIRLIFTED FOLLOWING ALLEGED SUICIDE ATTEMPT

BY DENISE MAYCOCK

Freeport Reporter

ABACO police are investigating an alleged attempted suicide by a 21-year-old man who was found with a rope around his neck at a residence.

The victim has been airlifted to a hospital in New Providence, where is listed in stable

other certificates issued by the Haitian national police and other government entities.

“Madame Speaker, the Bahamas maintains a strict regulatory framework for the review and processing of all immigration

applications. This is the only process by which persons are permitted to enter The Bahamas.

“This Davis-led administration is resolute in its commitment to protect the territorial sovereignty of The Bahamas.”

MICHAEL PINTARD, leader of the Free National Movement, in parliament yesterday.

Photo: Moise Aimsial

MINISTER of Immigration Keith Bell spoke yesterday in parliament about illegal migrant crack downs with a focus on working illegally and fraudulant permits.

Bipartisan support as debate begins on new Nurses and Midwives bill

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

MEMBERS of Parliament yesterday began debating the Nurses and Midwives Bill (2022) which, once enacted, will repeal the Nurses and Midwives Act (1971) and expand the nursing and midwifery practice in the country.

Health and Wellness

Minister Dr Michael Darville, who led debate on the legislation in Parliament, said the bill is for the advancement of the nearly 1,700 nurses and 200 midwives across the public and private health care sector. “This new Nurses and Midwives Bill is a clear demonstration of our support for nurses in The Bahamas,” he said. “We must be mindful that

nurses complete a rigorous training programme and undergo theoretical and practical assessments to ascertain their level of competency.

“They have, therefore, earned the right to expand their scope of practice and we are committed to making that happen.”

The legislation was first introduced in Parliament in May, but was revised after

consultation.

Yesterday, Dr Darville told parliamentarians that the primary aim of the bill is to bring a higher level of focus to the way that nursing is practised in The Bahamas.

“It speaks specifically to the various categories of nurses and the need for continuous training, regulation, and preservation of the standards of the profession,” the health minister continued.

“Madam Speaker, this bill gives interpretation to terms such as licensed practical nurse, nurse intern, a new category of nurses known as the advanced practice nurse, nurse practitioner and other terms that are necessary in order to reference the role of the nurse in our modern society.

“It also goes into detail explaining the meaning of ‘practice of nursing, practice of midwifery’ and the relevant competency skills and other roles and functions within each scope of practice.”

Under the new bill, the Nursing Council will consult with the minister to develop codes of conduct for nursing personnel, standards and monitor systems relating to the qualifications, education, training and practice of nursing and midwifery.

The body will also determine continuing professional development for nurses.

“It is important to emphasise here that continuing professional development is very important in any health profession because it ensures sustained proficiency in and enhances skills to safeguard the quality of care delivered,” the minister added.

“It also helps in advancing careers as continuous and ongoing learning results in superior professional growth.”

Dr Darville said under

the current law, the council and the registrar were required to deal with the enrolment of licensed practical nurses and registered midwives and make provisions for yearly licensing for practising professionals, among other things.

However, he said during the pandemic, officials learned that there may be times when all hands are needed on deck like a graduate nurse or an intern who has not yet completed the requirements for a licensed or registered nurse.

“In such instances the bill provides for the granting of a letter of authorisation to practise with further criteria, stipulations and safeguards given by the Council,” he added.

In addition to this, the new legislation also addresses the code of conduct in the profession and Dr Darville was clear that misconduct will not be tolerated.

This comes when public outrage was ignited last month after the death of Kenise Darville, who went live on Facebook days before her death.

The distraught mother of three claimed that she experienced negligence and poor healthcare at PMH.

News of her death prompted other persons to share their alleged bad experiences at the hospital.

“Nurses are admonished to adhere to the code of

ethics. It is important that we continue to uphold the nursing profession at a high standard, where professionalism is expected at all times,” the health minister continued.

“Madame Speaker, it is of the utmost importance that nurses maintain their licences and remain in good standing with the Council. There may be occasions when a complaint, a statement of dissatisfaction or grievance alleging misconduct or professional misconduct is levelled by a member of the public to the Council against unlicensed assistive personnel, a nurse intern, a licensed practical nurse, a registered nurse, a midwife or an advanced practice nurse.

“In such circumstances, the bill requires that the Registrar notify the person of the nature of the complaint and request a written explanation or representation of the complaint, thus commencing the process of investigation and further determination by the Council.”

Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard said the opposition supported the bill which they believe would greatly benefit nurses.

However, he was also clear that the government should not boast or take credit for a bill that he said was long overdue and “30 years in the making.”

“Madame Speaker, as you talk to the nurses, they will tell you, it’s been thirty years in the making. That’s why I always find it so sadly humorous when we come in here and beat up the table and beat up our chest as if we’ve done something incredible when the truth is, we are overdue,” Mr Pintard added.

He also said that while passing the bill was important, “if we don’t improve the infrastructure and ecosystem, this will be a small step in the right direction.”

PM BLAMES HOSPITAL WOES ON FORMER ADMINISTRATION

from page one

PRIME Minister Philip Davis accused the Minnis administration of neglecting Princess Margaret Hospital during its four years in office, but charged that he will “fix” the problems left behind.

As he wrapped up debate on the Nurses and Midwives Bill in the House of Assembly last night, he hit back at criticism from former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis about the state of disrepair and crisis PMH is in.

He laid the blame for the current issues at the public hospital at Dr Minnis’ feet.

His remarks sparked a heated row in the House of Assembly as Dr Minnis sought to rebut what he called “wrong information” about his term in office.

“He had four years,” Mr Davis said.

“If those who were there when I visited the hospital, I spoke about the crisis and if they had witnessed what I witnessed - when we saw gurneys with elderly persons in the corridors and it appears that every little inch of the hospital because of the neglect of the infrastructure of the hospital for

four years, deterioration, because of that neglect, yes I did say I (will) fix it. And we are fixing it, that’s what I said.”

Mr Davis was referring to a tour of the hospital he took on Saturday of PMH’s wards, in particular those that are under renovation.

He said a number of wards had been in disuse during the Minnis administration, depriving people of needed hospital beds.

He said it appeared “hundreds” of people were seeking attention during his visit and he saw makeshift rooms where people were on gurneys awaiting admission because there are no rooms. He hit out at Dr Minnis for not fixing PMH’s issues when he led the country.

“As a doctor holding the post of prime minister, and knowing the state of that hospital, and to do nothing. Nothing was done. I won’t talk about the Family Islands and all the clinics they just abandoned and did nothing to. And he has the temerity to say what we must do - you don’t have the moral standing to speak to these matters,” Mr Davis said.

“The neglect of our health system in recent years was indefensible. And what we were then doing, we were inspecting our efforts to fix it and it is being fixed and within the next six or eight weeks those wards will be up and running and we will no longer need (the arrangement with) Doctors Hospital West, we are also building the module hospital with 26 beds and we are well on the way, having completed the feasibility study, for the hospital to be built here in New Providence and it’s now gone to the financiers for their look and we’re hoping to get a response very shortly.”

He said funds have been secured for the hospital in Grand Bahama.

“The money is here. . we should see that very soon,” Mr Davis said. His remarks drew Dr Minnis to his feet, who said he had a right to rebut the prime minister.

“I rise on a point of clarification. The prime minister cannot give wrong information and I sit and say nothing,” Dr Minnis shouted.

“The prime minister – cannot come here and believe that he can lambaste this side without clarification. This is not his House! This is the people’s House and he has in this House, in this House every man is equal!”

Mr Davis then rose and tried to speak, however, Dr Minnis shouted from his chair, prompting shouting from members on both sides.

When he was given the chance to speak again, Dr Minnis said the problems at PMH are the fault of the Davis administration.

“In this House. . .everybody is equal,” Dr Minnis said. “The problems that we face today in the healthcare system is because of their inadequacies, in addition to that, the prime minister should not worry about what happened on the opposition’s side — he needs to worry about that crew in the front bench.”

MINISTER of Health and Wellness Michael Darville in House of Assembly

PM aims for budget surplus by fiscal year 2024/25

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

WHILE tabling the 2022 Fiscal Strategy Report (FSR) in Parliament yesterday, Prime Minister Phillip Davis said his administration’s plan to restore the country’s fiscal health is working and already “bearing fruit.”

He told parliamentarians that the report outlined the government’s plans to achieve specific key fiscal targets, among them an improved revenue performance.

“These targets include: an improvement in government revenue yield to more

than 24 percent of GDP by fiscal year 2024/25, a measured reduction in government expenditure to less than 23 percent of GDP by fiscal year 2024/25, and as a result of these measures, achievement of a budget surplus by fiscal year 2024/25,” Mr Davis said.

Yesterday, he also tabled the fiscal year (FY) 2023/24 to 2025/26 medium term debt management strategy.

“Madame Speaker - the general outlook is that the fiscal plans implemented by this administration since coming to office are already bearing fruit,” Mr Davis continued.

“As a result, the public can expect the achievement

of a budget surplus by FY 2024/25 and a decline in the debt to GDP ratio to 67.1 percent by FY 2026/27.

“The comments I make today about our nation’s fiscal health echo those of reputable international financial institutions and economists, who have performed advanced reviews of the draft documents.”

Mr Davis also praised the report, saying it is widely believed to be the “most comprehensive and clearly articulated” strategy the country has ever produced.

“And these are not just technical achievements –they represent real progress for The Bahamas, progress that Bahamians are going

to feel. “Progress on our fiscal goals supports our efforts to build a diversified economy, one that will generate more inclusive opportunities and prosperity.

“Progress on our fiscal goals means progress for the people,” he continued.

The prime minister said his administration has always been transparent about the challenges facing the country, but remains confident that they have what it takes to chart a new course forward.

Mr Davis’ tabling of the report follows recent criticisms from the Free National Movement concerning the government’s

failure to meet the initial deadline to publish the annual report.

As mandated by the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2018, the government is required to present the report by the third Wednesday in November of each year; however, Mr Davis told parliamentarians the report was delayed for several reasons.

The date for one, he said, was simply “not feasible.”

“While in opposition, and since coming to office as the government, we have articulated on multiple occasions the fundamental flaws in the FRA – including this very same timeline,” Mr Davis said.

“During the fiscal year

2022/23, the FRA would have required government to table its fiscal strategy report in Parliament on 16 November 2022. This date, Madame Speaker, was simply not feasible, for at this time, the Bahamas was in the middle of its S&P biannual credit rating review.

“Tabling such a document would have interfered with the independent review process.” Following Mr Davis’ speech, FNM leader Michael Pintard asked when debate will begin on the report as required by law. However, no timeline was provided.

BAHAMIAN DIPLOMATS RETURN FROM HAITI ‘TEMPORARY’

Letre

Sweeting lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip Davis yesterday met with Bahamian diplomatic officers recently evacuated from Haiti, who expressed being “okay” despite an “abnormal” incident involving the country’s law enforcement.

The officers returned to the country on Monday.

“We will continue to monitor the situation in Haiti, to tell them when they ought to go back, because it is important that we understand what is going on in Haiti, for intelligence to ensure that we could continue to protect our borders from the migration and the only way we’re going to be able to do that is to have a presence in Haiti,” Mr Davis said.

Captain Godfrey Rolle, chargè d’Affaires of The Bahamas’ Embassy in Haiti, was one of the seven diplomatic officers brought back from Haiti. He has been stationed in Haiti since August 24, 2022.

Mr Rolle said yesterday at a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that he never expected to spend his birthday — January 26 —facing potential danger in Haiti, and having to leave.

“Haiti, it is indeed a country of ebbs and flows. But what happened on that day was abnormal. So, it was thought best for us to return home,” he said.

Mr Rolle added that “military force is needed in Haiti” for any kind of resolution to be made in the country.

“As it stands now, in my opinion, there can be no resolution, with what’s going on now, unless there is a station of some sort of military force,” he said.

Mr Rolle recounted the “abnormal” incident that prompted a temporary, but immediate involuntary departure order from Prime Minister Davis last Thursday of all Bahamian diplomatic personnel out of Haiti.

“We’re used to the police and their blockings on the road. And we’re used to police seeing a diplomatic plate on the car and beckoning us and making a way for us to go past whatever blockage there is, so that is what we expected when the police beckoned to us,” Mr Rolle said.

“But when we got there, it was a different ballgame. In fact they said they want us out of the car. We said that we were diplomats, but they were not in any kind of state to have any sensible conversation with us and so I believe we managed the situation very well. Things did not escalate,” he said.

It was reported earlier that the Chargè said they had been stopped by Haitian police and relieved of their vehicle and weapons as part of a protest by the Haitian National Police against their own authorities.

Mr Rolle said despite his recent experience in Haiti and its current state of unrest, he and his team are eager to return and serve their country, pending

security assessments from The Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“Let me speak for myself and, of course, my colleagues. I’ve been in Haiti before, I think we all are aware of the situation in Haiti. There are times when it can be volatile,” Mr Rolle said.

“For us as diplomats, we’re given information that allows us to make a sensible decision as to when we can leave our residences and go to the embassy or when we work from home.

So, it’s a matter of adjusting to the situation. And so, it’s not been very difficult for us to do that,” he said.

“We all live in secure areas. The embassy is secure in fact, the ministry has just boosted the security at the embassy and that is an ongoing process.

So, I don’t, or let me put it this way, nobody has come to me to say that they have any extraordinary concerns about anything,” Mr Rolle said.

He added that there are still some Haitian staff at the embassy with whom they are in contact.

Mr Rolle said he expects to see the completion of the security assessment of Haiti “fairly soon”.

He also said the government of the Dominican Republic was very helpful and instrumental in his and his team’s safe evacuation from Haiti.

BAHAMIAN diplomatic officers, above, were evacuated from Haiti Monday as the situation on the ground worsened. Last Thursday Haitian police stopped the diplomats’s vehicle and relieved them of the vehicle and their weapons. Conditions in Haiti have deteriorated since the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse. Captain Godfrey Rolle, chargè d’Affaires of The Bahamas’ Embassy says that despite the recent events he is eager to return.

ENTRANCE EXAMINATION 2023-2024

Temple Christian High School will hold its Entrance Examination on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at the school on Shirley Street from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon for students wishing to enter grades 7, 8, 9 and 10.

Application forms are available at the High School Office. The application fee is twenty-five dollars ($25). Application forms should be completed and returned to the school by Friday, February 10, 2023.

For further information, please call telephone number: 394-4481/394-4484.

TEMPLE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

The Tribune Limited

Captain Rolle offers insight into Haiti situation

THE diplomats who have returned safely from Haiti have seen the situation on the ground there first-hand.

First, we must be thankful that they have returned home safe and intact – and then we should listen to their experience.

The incident started on a day when police across Haiti staged protests following the deaths of a number of officers in recent times during conflicts with gangs.

That led to Bahamian diplomats being stopped – and their car being taken, according to officials.

The Chargé d’Affaires for the embassy in Haiti, Captain Godfrey Rolle, said yesterday: “We’re used to the police and their blockings on the road. And we’re used to police seeing a diplomatic plate on the car and beckoning us and making a way for us to go past whatever blockage there is, so that is what we expected when the police beckoned to us.

“But when we got there, it was a different ballgame. In fact they said they want us out of the car. We said that we were diplomats, but they were not in any kind of state to have any sensible conversation with us and so I believe we managed the situation very well. Things did not escalate.”

Weapons were removed from the Bahamian party, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and soon after the order went out from The Bahamas for all Bahamian officials to leave the country.

A helicopter was used to airlift staff to the Dominican Republic, from where they returned safe and sound on Monday.

Captain Rolle describes the situation in Haiti as “abnormal”, saying that he thought it best for the staff to return home.

So what now for Haiti? What is needed to bring the country back to normal instead?

Captain Rolle says he feels that “military force is needed in Haiti”.

He said yesterday: “As it stands now, in my opinion, there can be no resolution, with what’s going on now, unless there is a station of some sort of military force.”

Captain Rolle’s voice is not the only one speaking about the prospect of military intervention. On Tuesday, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said the country would be willing to take part in an international military deployment to Haiti. He also said Kingston would be ready to host talks between Haitian leaders and civil representatives. Jamaica’s Opposition leader, Mark

Golding, broadly supported Jamaican participation – though added reparations for Haiti should be on the agenda for any talks.

El Salvador’s Vice President, Felix Ulloa, has offered to send a “technical team” to offer Haiti advice in fighting gangs – advice hard earned in El Salvador’s own troubles with armed groups.

Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry has asked for foreign military support, a call repeated by the UN envoy to Haiti, Helen La Lime – but Mr Henry’s call came in October and there has not been the urgent response he might have hoped for.

Our own Prime Minister, Philip “Brave” Davis, has said that if CARICOM decides that troops need to be deployed, then we shall “abide by the outcome”. National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said in October that the country will be “ready, willing and able to deploy” Bahamian marines if requested.

Mr Davis during his recent visit to Argentina reiterated that action is needed – and spoke of needing any solutions to be Haitian-led, although the challenge the country faces include the last remaining senators having had their terms expire, leaving the country without any democratically elected institutions. The country is long overdue for an election, so who are the leaders who will lead such solutions?

So as we cast about for what to do and who should do it, we should look again at Captain Rolle.

He has just been in the heart of the situation, stopped by police and having to be flown out by helicopter to safety.

He says there are times when Haiti can be “volatile” but that these are very much not normal times.

But he is also ready to return as soon as it is secure to do so.

As much as the situation is dangerous, there are people willing to find the best path out of such danger. That includes people such as Captain Rolle and his team. Calls for action so far have been met with limited results – proposals for increased sanctions and so on.

The next step has to be taken –for the sake of our own people, our diplomats who will be back on the ground, and for the sake of the Haitian people.

This instability cannot go on, or things will only get worse.

So we thank Captain Rolle for his insight – and hope his words are listened to across the region.

Stop expecting water into wine from Pintard

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I WRITE my first letter to the editor to shake my head at the vocal minority of FNM’s who cling to hope that any of their former leaders will sit on the throne once again.

Unfortunately for those of us without grey hair, there will always be some who cannot resist looking to the past to solve the problems of today.

These legacy supporters overwhelmingly tend to be above a certain age, stuck in their ways and deaf to the younger voices begging them to move off the scene.

Minnis not the man to lead FNM

EDITOR, The Tribune.

PLEASE allow me a small space in your paper to respond to a letter to the editor penned under the name The Councilman.

Anyone who knows me knows I like a good laugh and love to watch stand-up comedy. What I read this morning was better than any stand comedy routine I have ever seen.

Nobody in their right mind believes Dr Hubert Minnis is the man to lead the FNM to the next general election victory. In fact, if he is the leader of the FNM they can be guaranteed a second term in Opposition.

The Bahamian people have spoken by soundly rejecting him in the last general elections, September 16th, 2021 and they continue to send strong messages to him every day saying “stay home”. If you pay attention to social media, people every day lambast him saying he, didn’t do the job when he was Prime Minister what makes him believe he can tell them now what is right

from wrong. We haven’t forgotten his arrogance and his bad attitude when he served as the Competent Authority. I can’t believe what I read, I really believe either the Councilman is out of touch or he’s being told what to write. I cannot agree with him when he says Dr, Minnis’s performance in parliament is “unmatched”.

I don’t know which parliament he watches. In fact, it is my opinion that Dr Minnis is an embarrassment to the FNM and to his performance as a Prime Minister when he speaks. If Dr Minnis is ever elected leader of the FNM, one can say the FNM is finished as a party and will never see the light day in government again.

It is my firm belief that Michael Pintard is the right man for the FNM, he is what I consider a generational leader. He relates to all generations

and especially to the firstand second-time voter, the young people. Michael Pintard has been leading the charge and has made the public aware of many blunders of the PLP. He has on several occasions pointed out the many times the PLP government seems to have broken the law. If you want to talk about a performance in the parliament that was and is unmatched, we talk about Michael Pintard. He has kept and is keeping the PLP’s feet to the fire. His representation of the FNM and the people of the Bahamas has been second to none.

In talking to the many young people, he supports they all say he listens to them and looks at their suggestions seriously. Mr Pintard is a better people’s person, he is more in touch with the needs of the people and not just a select few.

Pintard is the only way forward for the FNM and the right choice as leader.

LAVIA JONES

Nassau, January 30, 2023.

Wrong on leader

EDITOR, The Tribune.

The claim another writer named “The Councilman” made that Bahamians are clamoring for the return of former Prime Minister Hubert Minnis is a tragic example of what happens when you have fallen far out of touch with the masses. No evidence of an appetite for the Doctor’s return can be found outside of his and the Mackey Street Man’s strategically timed Letters to the Editor. They hope that a lie repeated often enough will become the truth. While it is true that Michael Pintard has not

yet convinced the general voting public that the FNM deserves another shot at governance, it could never have realistically been expected that he would do so in just one year and two months.

Rarely, if ever, are the public criticisms levied against Mr Pintard substantive. Sensible observers know that the impatience on display is silly, unfair, and a poorly-disguised attempt at political manoeuvring.

BAHAMIAN UNDER 30 Nassau, January 31, 2023.

PLEASE permit me a space to say a few short words in response to the Mackey Street Man. You are dead wrong Mackey Street Man. Micheal C Pintard will indeed lead the FNM into the next general election. He has what it takes and FNMS do want to follow him and are doing so enthusiastically. You know what our biggest problem is? Persons like you who won’t stand behind our new leader because you are too busy trying to live in the past. You asked who will replace Pintard - no one will and for sure it won’t be

Dr Minnis. We don’t want Dr Minnis back as leader. FNMs couldn’t even bring themselves to come out and vote for our party because we all wanted to see the back of him. It took everything in me to vote for my own party last election because a vote for my own party was a vote for him.

Today, FNMS have to sit down and suffer unprecedented victimisation as the PLP, who came to office eight months early, pick all the low hanging fruit that Minnis let grow but wouldn’t even pick for us.

This week we all have to watch the PLP PR parade brag on their first year in

office when all they did was work our projects on our time.

Pintard has what it takes and he is about his business, fixing up the institution that in my opinion Minnis highjacked and gutted. He is the one that is, to use your words, “charismatic, intelligent, experienced and ready on day one to lead our country.”

Mackey Street Manhit the Road Jack and don’t you come back no more no more no more no more! THE MACKEY STREET WOMAN Nassau, January

MEMBERS of the Beija Flor samba school rehearse in the streets ahead of Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival Parade, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Tuesday.

Photo: Silvia Izquierdo/AP

Firearms task force ‘to create safer Bahamas’

from page one

“This is not just a problem for our law enforcement agencies but all of us. Illegal firearms contribute to a climate of fear and uncertainty, making it difficult for our citizens to feel safe in their homes and communities. They also pose a severe threat to the safety of our police officers and other law enforcement personnel who work daily to keep us all safe.”

The prime minister explained the importance of the unit.

“The success of the Firearm Task Force Unit, Anti-Gang Firearm Task Force Unit, will make fighting illegal firearms more likely by providing a coordinated and comprehensive approach to the problem,” he said.

“By bringing together experts from multiple agencies, we can ensure that all available resources are being utilised to maximum effect, and that the most effective strategies are being deployed to tackle the problem.

“This new unit, in combination with additional police resources, demonstrates our commitment to tackling the root causes of crime and making our country a safer place to live, work and visit.”

Guns are not manufactured here and the illegal weapons are smuggled in mostly from the United States, officials say.

“As we know, and I often repeat, that we don’t manufacture the guns and we know where most of that comes from. With the help of the ATF agents who are here, (we will be) able to identify the gun shop that sells these weapons,” he said.

During his remarks at the ceremony, Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander

called the event a “very important occasion”.

The commissioner noted that firearms are used in the commission of more than 90 percent of all violent crimes in The Bahamas, including murder at the rate of 91 percent and armed robbery at the rate of 96 percent.

He added that officials have taken more firearms off the streets in 2022 than in 2021.

“This multiple agency initiative will tackle illegal weapons and gang violence in our country. In particular, the task force is geared towards tracing and identifying gun smugglers and firearms trafficking with special attention to our ports, and borders,” Mr Fernander stated.

“I am pleased to announce that the task force is made up of an esteemed group of officers from our local and international partners, including the defence force, Bahamas Customs, immigration, Department of Inland Revenue, and our US partner, ATF, and Homeland Security.”

For her part, US Chargé d’Affaires Usha Pitts told reporters this is a Bahamian effort, but noted support by the American embassy.

She also mentioned the Safer Communities Act — bilateral legislation was passed in America. She added it is aimed at increasing the penalties for people who traffic in firearms and for trans-national criminal networks.

“It’s still new legislation. So we will see how it will play out but meanwhile, we’re also working on ways Caribbean countries can work regionally to combat gun crime and that will most likely be in the form of tracing guns and working with US prosecutors through the judicial system to prosecute them.”

MAN WANTED FOR STEALING

BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

GRAND Bahama Police are searching for a man accused of stealing by reason of service.

A wanted flyer has been issued by police for Kevin Sidney Roberts, 45, of Integrity Road, Imperial Park.

He is Caucasian and stands at five feet, seven inches tall, and of heavy build, weighing 330lbs. He has dark brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information concerning his whereabouts

is asked to call police at 911, 919, 350-3014/6 or call the nearest police station.

KEVIN SIDNEY ROBERTS

THE UNVEILING of the plaque to mark the new Anti-Gang Firearm Task Force Unit yesterday by Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis and National Security Minister Wayne Munroe. Right, US Chargé d’Affairs Usha Pitts speaking at the event and, far right, the Prime Minister greeting Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander. Photos: Moise Amisial

Responsibilities, rights and obligations of a free press

RESPONSIBLE, competent and professional media are indispensable to the maintenance, development and flowering of a democracy.

It is doubtful that a democracy can survive at all without a vigorous and intelligent media capable of asking penetrating and incisive questions of government, business, civic, religious and other leaders and officials, as well as critical questions of itself.

Freedom of the press is an enumerated right in most national constitutions, including The Bahamas. Press freedom is sine qua non for a flourishing democracy. So, too, a responsible press.

And as with all freedoms in a democracy there are concomitant responsibilities and duties, including a commitment to fairness and probity.

The freeing of the broadcast media and the dismantlement of state control of radio and television was an extraordinary advance in freedom of the press and freedom of expression in the Bahamas. It helped to deepen and to broaden our democracy.

Talk radio allows for a diversity of opinion and unrelenting and often colourful criticism of political leaders. Citizens get to offer and to vent their views on a host of matters, even when they are factually wrong, unintelligible and myopic. Talk radio is also a significant moneymaker for some broadcast houses.

As with any media, talk radio has featured hosts and broadcasters who have abused the medium, and whom a number of the stations have had to let go. This medium can easily be abused by crusaders with unfettered agendas and certain mercenaries. It is essential in the wake of the social media-enabled proliferation of sources of information these days to note the distinction between professional or institutional media and the unprofessional and sometimes reckless social media which is wide open to egregious abuse. When the dubious and fake information on social media is utilized as a source of news, the media landscape deteriorates even further. More reputable news organizations

still serve as gatekeepers, though some news consumers often prefer ideologically driven news and information skewed to their biases.

The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how susceptible many are to fake news and information which they forward without checking the provenance and veracity of the falsehoods they help perpetuate, often giddily.

A society should expect that its institutional media - newspapers, television and radio - are populated by responsible, well-trained journalists and managers.

UNDISTORTED

It is the responsibility of professional media to hold up an undistorted mirror to the society, to keep the people informed about what is happening in the country, about the functioning of its national institutions – especially its political institutions – and about the state of the society in general.

It is also the responsibility of professional media to lead the development of public opinion and attitudes by providing intelligent and vigorous commentary on every aspect of a nation’s life and to provide forums for the free expression of public opinion.

The 50th anniversary of independence is a prime opportunity for the media to provide space for widespread discussion on this

milestone, including the country’s direction. This may include various programming, guest columnists and other features.

The state of the media in The Bahamas today cannot be described as its best. For example, it is highly irresponsible on the part of owners of radio and television outlets to inflict on the public ignorant and irresponsible commentators merely because they happen to be glib or entertaining.

Unfortunately, very rarely do the media hold up a mirror to themselves in the vigorous manner they do with others. There seems to be precious little selfcriticism, no credible media watchdogs or ombudsmen.

Despite relentless criticism of politicians, when some in the media are criticised by a politician they often become apoplectic and reflexively claim that the freedom of the press is under attack, which is typically exceedingly overblown. Is there a clear, identifiable code of ethics for the press in The Bahamas or a press club-like media oversight group as in other jurisdictions which help to maintain press accountability?

ACCOUNTABILITY

Every human institution - government, church, corporate - require internal and external accountability mechanisms. So do the media. Institutions typically fail at self-reflection and accountability absent external accountability.

It is a good thing to see so many relatively young people being attracted to television journalism, but it is sometimes painfully obvious from their use of the language that some of them suffer from the lack of more mature oversight and mentoring.

The mangling and sometimes butchering of English is painful to read and watch, as is the improper pronunciation of words, names and other items. There is not a week that goes by when the evening news broadcasts are free of basic mistakes. The state broadcaster, ZNS, is notorious for such screeching errors, which are alternately sad and comic.

Even our two venerable dailies, which play an essential role in our democracy, sometimes fall quite short. It seems that the Fleet Street tabloid disease has infected some. One paper features occasional commentaries that read more like tirades.

In addition to skill and judgment in gathering and reporting the news, command of the language is an absolute necessity for professional journalists.

It is the most important tool at their disposal and they ought to be better at

TALK radio allows for a diversity of opinion and unrelenting and often colourful criticism of political leaders. Citizens get to offer and to vent their views on a host of matters, even when they are factually wrong, unintelligible and myopic.

language than the rest of us. The population should be able to look to the media for examples of proper English usage.

Aspects of the Bahamian media have sadly shifted to the same activist positions we see in various media overseas. Rather than just providing the news and facts, some push their biases, agendas and personal grievances to the public dressed as news. Some in their commentary express near hate for certain public figures. Week after week there is an attack on the same people. Such a mindset risks coloring one’s news judgment.

METICULOUS

A former noted journalist recalls that in the 1950s and 60s, how he and other reporters took meticulous notes of House proceedings, dutifully reporting on debates in various newspapers.

While there may have been no golden age of journalism, the reportage in contemporary journalism in The Bahamas is often wanting. This is not to deny the challenges of media houses in finding capable journalists, the rise of social media, and the economics of journalism, including declining revenues.

There is a US-styled gotcha coverage in certain parts of the media. Some radio programs are FOX News-like shows more interested in shock journalism than providing genuine context and insight on the news.

During electoral contests in The Bahamas and overseas, some in the media mostly report on personalities and the barbed exchanges between leaders and candidates. It is often easier to report the combat of politics instead

of detailing and analysing policies, which are less sexy and spectacular than the cut and thrust of campaigns.

During elections here at home and overseas, various commentators, including media pundits, often tuttut and upbraid politicians for their political attacks, while gleefully reporting these attacks tabloid-style because they make for juicy copy.

Sensationalism is as old as journalism but it should not obscure genuine policy debates, ideas and the news beyond the din of the moment.

Just as politicians have democratic responsibilities so does the press, who play an essential role in providing the public with news coverage that should be as in-depth as possible and non-jaundiced.

There are examples in North America of fair and reasonable news. In the United States, the PBS Newshour delivers facts and sober commentary. It uses rational analysis when considering matters.

The purpose of the Newshour is to inform and educate. It does not seek “to go after” any public or private figure.

In Canada, the CBC News similarly gives the news as it is. When watching its coverage, there is no obsession. It presents a diverse set of stories and fairly airs the views of various sides on issues of national importance.

In a democracy, journalists must have the maximum freedom to do their essential work. All freedoms also demand tremendous responsibility, restraint and an ethic and duty of fairness.

The media should be as vigorous in demanding accountability of itself as it is of others, including public officers and politicians.

IT is the responsibility of professional media to hold up an undistorted mirror to the society, to keep the people informed about what is happening in the country, about the functioning of its national institutions – especially its political institutions – and about the state of the society in general.

Church, State and votes

MARGARET and her friend Cecile were worrying about the latest coming of the polar vortex and how it would affect their desire to go shopping in Manhattan later this week. Enjoying a latte together in a suburban New York coffee house as they contemplated changing their plans, Cecile frowned.

“What’s with the sad face, Ceci?” Margaret asked. “We can always put off our outing until the weather cooperates.”

“I know, Mags. It’s something else that’s been kind of troubling me for a little while, sort of nibbling at the edges of my thoughts. Seems like almost every day, I’ve been hearing for years about Republican politicians doing stuff that promotes churches and churchgoers. Former governors like Mike Pence in Indiana and Mike Huckabee in Arkansas have always emphasised their religiosity. Governor Ron DeSantis in Florida is actively promoting churches right now.

“I thought the separation of church and state was something locked into our American constitution. You used to be a history teacher. What’s going on?”

Margaret smiled. “Well, I can try to explain it to you. But you’ll have to listen to a short history lesson to really understand it. Do you have time and patience for that?”

Her friend nodded. “Sure. Go ahead. Just don’t get all pedantic on me. I’m not a teenager sitting in your classroom.”

“OK,” Margaret said. “I’ll try to give you the executive summary. But it does start way back in the 16th Century.” She looked up at her friend. “Don’t groan like that! I’ll get us to today in no time.” Both women settled back against the cushions in their adjoining love seats. Margaret began.

STATESIDE

“I know you remember from your history lessons about the religious tyranny that helped lock Europe into the Dark Ages?”

“Yeah,” Cecile replied. “The Catholic Church was the state in a lot of places.”

“Right. The Protestant Reformation began with Martin Luther in 1517, nailing his 95 “theses” on the cathedral door. The Reformation arrived in England in 1534 when the king, Henry the Eighth, wanted to divorce his wife and the Pope wouldn’t approve. The result was the establishment of the Church of England, which was similar to Catholicism, except that its sovereign was the English monarch instead of the Pope. King Henry got his divorce. No big surprise

there.

“In almost no time, the Church of England – a state religion at the time – spawned dissidence. Socalled Separatists wanted to worship according to their own beliefs. This led them to flee from England, first to Holland and then to the ‘New World’ in America. You remember that, don’t you?”

“Sure. But what’s that got to do with Mike Pence?”

Margaret laughed out loud. “Patience, dear Ceci. Want another latte?”

“Looks like I’m going to need one, Mags.” Both ordered refills.

“So what all this history has to do with Mike Pence is that he sees himself as a very faithful, religious man. So too did those religious

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refugees from England. But the new North American settlers didn’t all follow the same beliefs either, and religious disputes roiled the early American colonies.

“By the time the American Revolution succeeded and the Founding Fathers got around to drafting a constitution, they still remembered the Pope and Henry the Eighth. Thomas Jefferson in particular believed that a clear separation between churches and the state would help ensure that the new American democracy would survive and prosper. He wrote about it. Hang on just a minute. I can show you.

“Here’s part of a letter Jefferson wrote to a Connecticut congregation in 1802: ‘Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man and his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, and not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should “make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,” thus building a wall of separation between Church and State.’”

Cecile sighed. “OK, I get that. Thanks. But what parts of our constitution reflect this?”

“The first amendment says ‘Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.’ And Article Six specifies that no religious test should ever be introduced as a prerequisite

for holding public office in the US.”

Cecile was frowning again. “OK. Separating church and state. Free exercise of religion. No state religion. How does that get us to these Republicans of today?”

“Aha,” her friend replied. “A bit more history. The influx of Roman Catholic immigrants to the United States from Ireland, Italy and elsewhere in Europe in the nineteenth century essentially created a challenge to what had become an unofficial Protestant establishment that was especially prominent in public schools and institutions. That challenge reinforced religious-based tensions and violence in American society.

“More recently, contemporary conflicts have emerged to divide those who oppose any government aid to religious institutions from those who think that such aid is appropriate if it extends to religious institutions in general and not to one particular sect. These groups obviously interpret Jefferson and the Constitution differently.”

Margaret paused. “Now I know you disapprove of Trump and his, um, lack of conventional civility. But I know you like many of his conservative policies, right?”

“Yes!” Cecile replied. “Let’s not go there now, OK?”

“Right. But the fact is that Trump added Pence to his ticket in 2016 and kept him there in 2020 mostly to appeal to religious nationalists, evangelicals and others who believe America should represent a religious ideal to the rest of the world. A result of the alliance between Trump, a classic narcissist whom no one paying attention would confuse with a devout or moral man, and the millions who profess to put faith in God above all else, was the appointment to American courts of conservative religious zealots. Many of these

are conservative Catholics.

“The Supreme Court is a good example. There have only been 15 Catholic Supreme Court justices in US history. Six of them presently constitute a majority on the Supreme Court, of whom five are Republican appointees.”

“Hang on a moment,” Cecile said. “Are you saying Republicans are trying to restore a Catholic government in Washington?”

“No, of course not,” Margaret replied quickly. “In fact, I think Catholics are evenly divided politically. What the Republicans seem to be doing is supporting conservative Catholics, and conservative Evangelical Protestants. Their appeal is to conservative religious people. And it’s paying off. Let me read you something Linda Greenhouse wrote in the New York Times. You know of her, right? She might be the foremost contemporary commentor on our highest court. Listen:

“‘There have been many attempts over many years to persuade Congress to amend Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, to shift the balance explicitly in favour of religiously observant employees. Between 1994 and 2019, more than a dozen such bills were introduced, but none emerged from Congress. Now, it seems that the Supreme Court is privileging religious claims above all others, whether in the context of COVIDrelated public health measures or claims brought by employees of religious organisations.

“A recent case accepted by the Court reinforces this point. The plaintiff who finally persuaded the justices to take his case is in fact, according to the joint statement of facts agreed to by the parties, “an evangelical Christian within the Protestant tradition.” When the court doubtless rules for him later this term, the decision will not stand as a vindication of minority rights. It will instead signify the court’s complete identification with the movement in the country’s politics to elevate religion over all other elements of civil society.

“Whether today’s Supreme Court is helping to lead that movement or has been captured by it is by now beside the point. Religion is the lens through which the current (Supreme Court) majority views American society.” Margaret sat back and sipped her latte.

Cecile replied. “I guess what you said explains a lot. It seems the Republicans understand that as the numbers of conservative religious white people dwindle in the US, they would want to organise politically to retain their influence. And they’ve become Trump’s conservative base.”

with Charlie Harper

MAN ACCUSED OF ASSAULTING WIFE WITH CUTLASS

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was granted bail after being accused of assaulting his wife with a cutlass earlier this week.

The accused, Ricardo Smith, 48, appeared before Magistrate Shaka Serville on a charge of assault with a dangerous instrument.

It is alleged that he assaulted his wife on

DECOMPOSED BODY FOUND IN DERELICT BUILDING AT BAZAAR

January 29 during an argument.

In court, Smith pleaded not guilty to the charge. During bail consideration when the question of living arrangements arose, Smith said he would live with other family members if released. He was granted $1,000 bail.

The magistrate urged that he take alternative residence during proceedings. His trial is set to begin on March 3.

TEEN PLEADS GUILTY ON DRUG POSSESSION GRANTED BAIL

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A TEENAGER was placed on probation yesterday after admitting to having two grams of marijuana earlier this week.

The 18-year-old and Lusconder Jean, 20, both faced Magistrate Kara Turnquest-Deveaux on a charge of possession of dangerous drugs.

On January 31 in New Providence, being concerned together, the

accused were arrested after they were found in possession of two grams of Indian hemp.

In court, the teenager pleaded guilty to the offence while his coaccused pleaded not guilty. The teenager was granted a conditional discharge to be placed on probation for three months. Should he breach his probation, he faces three months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

TWO-YEAR SENTENCE FOR MAN CAUGHT WITH GUN AND AMMUNITION

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A 24-YEAR-OLD man was sentenced to two years in prison yesterday after police found a loaded gun in his car on Monday.

Anderson Tertulien, represented by attorney Wendawn Miller-Frazer, stood before Magistrate Kendra Kelly on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition.

According to police reports at around 9am on January 30 in the area of Sandilands Village, officers stopped Tertulian in his silver coloured Nissan Cube for suspicious behaviour.

A search of the defendant’s vehicle uncovered a black Glock 45 9mm pistol hidden under the passenger seat. This weapon, which had its serial number erased, was also found with 13 unfired rounds of 9mm ammunition.

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

AN ELDERLY man was placed on probation for six months and ordered to attend drug counselling after he admitted to stealing a semi-automatic rifle from the car he was cleaning.

Ira Burrows, 70, faced Magistrate Shaka Serville on charges of stealing and receiving.

On January 26 in New Providence, while cleaning Dion Smith’s Honda Fit the accused stole his .22 Ruger semi-automatic rifle.

SEX ATTACK ON GIRL

DURING BREAK-IN AT FREEPORT RESIDENCE

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A BADLY decomposed body was found early this week in an abandoned building at the International Bazaar in Freeport.

Police made the discovery shortly before 4pm on Tuesday.

Officers were on routine patrol in the area when they discovered a severely decomposed body inside an abandoned building.

Foul play is not suspected; however, an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death.

Sometime last year, relatives of a missing 56-year-old Eight Mile Rock woman were searching the International Bazaar area.

The woman suffered from mental illness and had been missing since last July. In October, over a dozen people joined the woman’s son in a search of several burned out dilapidated structures at the Bazaar. There were two other outstanding missing persons reported last year, a female in the inner city of Grand Bahama and a 17-year-old male of Eight Mile Rock.

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A GIRL was sexually assaulted by an intruder who unlawfully entered a residence in the Freeport area early this week, police reported.

The incident reportedly occurred shortly before 2am on Tuesday.

According to reports, an unknown man burglarised a home in a Freeport neighbourhood and assaulted a minor resident there. Police did not release the victim’s age, but said she is a juvenile. A male resident of the home was alerted by an unusual noise

and disturbance and approached the assailant. There was a physical argument, but the intruder was able to escape.

Police are investigating the matter.

In Bimini, police arrested a man who was allegedly found in possession of 10 grams of suspected marijuana and cash believed to be from the sale of illegal drugs.

Officers at the Alice Town Police Station conducted a routine stop and search of a vehicle on King’s Highway around 4pm on Monday when they allegedly discovered $100 worth of drugs, and $236 in cash believed to be proceeds of the crime.

The drugs and cash were confiscated. Investigations are continuing into the matter.

Bimini police are also searching for a stolen vessel.

A 26-ft white Avance vessel, with two Mercury 250hp engines, was removed sometime between 9am and 8pm on Monday, from the Wildcrest Apartments on Kings Highway.

Anyone with information that might assist the police with their investigation into locating the vessel or the suspect/suspects responsible is asked to contact police at 911, 919 or the Bimini Police Station.

In court Anderson pleaded guilty to the offence.

During Ms MillerFraser’s mitigation plea, she said that her young client is gainfully employed and remorseful for what he did. After stating that Anderson is still redeemable and calling his actions a lapse in judgement, she implored the court to be as lenient as possible in its judgement.

Magistrate Kelly concurred that keeping the firearm was a lapse in judgement before citing the alarming rise in firearm related-deaths of late.

The judge sentenced Anderson to two years in the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services for the firearm charge. He also got an 18-month sentence for the ammunition charge, to be served concurrently.

Before being taken into remand the accused was allowed a brief moment with his family.

The weapon has since been returned to its owner.

In court Burrows pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the facts in his case. He then told the magistrate that he suffers from drug addiction. He begged the court for help saying that it was his “last chance.”

Magistrate Serville placed Burrows on probation and referred him to Community Counseling & Assessment Centre (CCAC) for counselling and drug rehabilitation.

The accused is expected to return to court for a report on March 1.

Anyone with information that can assist police with their investigations into these missing persons cases are asked to call 911, 919, or the nearest police station.

ELDERLY MAN WHO STOLE RIFLE GIVEN PROBATION AND COUNSELLING

Key suspects in Haiti presidential slaying in US custody

PUERTO RICO Associate Press

FOUR key suspects in the killing of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse were transferred to the United States for prosecution as the case stagnates in Haiti amid death threats that have spooked local judges, US officials announced Tuesday.

The suspects now in custody of the US government include James Solages, 37, and Joseph Vincent, 57, two Haitian-Americans who were among the first arrested after Moïse was shot 12 times at his private home near the capital of Port-au-Prince on July 7, 2021.

Also charged is Christian Emmanuel Sanon, an elderly pastor, doctor and failed businessman that authorities have identified as a key player. His associates have suggested he was duped by the real - and still unidentified - masterminds behind the assassination that has plunged Haiti deep into political chaos and unleashed a level of gang violence not seen in decades.

The fourth suspect was identified as Colombian citizen Germán Rivera García, 44, who is among nearly two dozen former Colombian soldiers charged in the case.

Rivera, along with Solages and Vincent, face charges including conspiring to commit murder or kidnapping outside the US and providing material support and resources resulting in death, the US Justice Department said.

Sanon is charged with conspiring to smuggle goods from the US and providing unlawful export information. Court documents state that he allegedly shipped 20 ballistic vests to Haiti, but that the items shipped were described as “medical X-ray vests and school supplies.”

It was not immediately known if the four suspects had attorneys who could comment on the development. The men are scheduled to appear in federal court Wednesday in Miami.

A total of seven suspects in the case are now in US custody. Dozens of others still languish in Haiti’s main penitentiary, which is severely overcrowded and often lacks food and water for inmates.

The case has reached a virtual standstill in Haiti, with local officials last year nominating a fifth judge to investigate the killing after four others were dismissed or resigned for personal reasons.

One judge told The Associated Press that his family asked him not to take the case because they feared for his life. Another judge

stepped down after one of his assistants died under murky circumstances.

Court documents state that exactly two months before Moïse was killed, Vincent texted Solages a video of a cat “reacting alertly” to the sound of gunfire and that Solages laughed, prompting Vincent to respond: “That’s the way Jovenel will be pretty much, but (sooner) if you guys really up to it!”

The document states that Solages responded that “(this) cat will never come back,” and “trust me brother, we definitely working our final decision.”

Then in June, some 20 former Colombian soldiers were recruited to supposedly help arrest the president and protect Sanon, who envisioned himself as Haiti’s new leader. Rivera was in charge of that group, the documents state.

The plan was to detain Moïse and whisk him to an unidentified location by plane, but that plot fell through when the suspects couldn’t find a plane or sufficient weapons, authorities said.

A day before the killing, Solages falsely told other suspects that it was a CIA operation and that the mission was to kill the president, according to the documents. Shortly before the killing, authorities said, Solages shouted that it was allegedly a DEA operation to ensure compliance from the president’s security detail.

About a year after the killing, US authorities say they interviewed Solages, Vincent and Rivera while they were in Haitian custody and that they agreed to talk.

The other suspects already in US custody are Rodolphe Jaar, a former US government informant and a Haitian businessman who was extradited from the Dominican Republic, where he was detained in January 2022.

That same month, US authorities arrested Mario Antonio Palacios Palacios, a former Colombian soldier who was deported by Jamaica after fleeing there from Haiti. While en route to Colombia, he was detained by US officials in Panama during a layover.

Also in January 2022, authorities arrested former Haitian Sen John Joël Joseph, who also had fled to Jamaica.

Alfredo Izaguirre, a Miami-based lawyer for Palacios, said Tuesday’s arrival of the four other suspects will postpone the trial because they all have to be tried at the same time. He said Palacios had been prepared for the trial to begin in early March, but now it could be postponed for up to four months.

RADIOACTIVE CAPSULE FOUND IN AUSTRALIA

PERTH, Australia

Associated Press

AUTHORITIES in

Western Australia on Wednesday recovered a tiny but dangerous radioactive capsule that fell off a truck while being transported along a 870-mile Outback highway last month in what an official said was like finding the needle in the haystack.

Officials said the capsule the size of a pea was found south of the mining town of Newman on the Great Northern Highway. It was detected by a search vehicle travelling at 43 miles per hour when specialist equipment picked up radiation emitting from the capsule.

Portable search equipment was then used to

locate it two metres from the side of the road.

“This is an extraordinary result... they have quite literally found the needle in the haystack,” said Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson.

Chief Health Officer Andy Robertson said the capsule did not appear to have moved and no injuries had been reported.

It contains the caesium 137 ceramic source, commonly used in radiation gauges, which emits dangerous amounts of radiation, equivalent of receiving 10 X-rays in an hour. It could cause skin burns and prolonged exposure could cause cancer. Search crews had spent six days scouring the entire length of the highway.

SUSPECTS in the assassination of Haiti’s President Jovenel Moise, among them Haitian-American citizens James Solages, left, and Joseph Vincent, second left, pictured in July 2021.

Photo: Odelyn Joseph/AP

Universal Church bishop seeks to uncover the secrets of the soul in new book

By JEFFARAH GIBSON | Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

THE Universal Church of the Kingdom of God recently celebrate the successful launch of the book “The Secrets and Mysteries of the Soul” by its Brazilian founder, Bishop Edir Macedo, one of the world’s “most notable evangelical leaders.”

The Universal Church of the Kingdom of God is made up churches all around the world. Its Bahamian branch hosted the launch last Sunday, where the book was well-received by congregants.

Attending the special service was Ambassador of Brazil Claudio Raja Gabaglia Lins and the Reverend Ruby Ann Darling.

“We believe people left with a better insight of the importance of the soul and what they need to do to prepare for eternity,” said Bishop Macedo.

“Most people think that eternity is far away and that they’ll have time to think about it later, but life is uncertain... Nobody

knows how close they are to their last breath. Eternity is a choice that needs to be made while we are still alive... We didn’t choose to come into the world, but we have the right to choose where we spend eternity.

“The Secrets and Mysteries of the Soul” seeks to explain the Word of God –the meaning, importance, and needs of the soul. It is a recipe for how to care for our souls and how to prepare for eternity based on the Word of God.

Bishop Macedo said he was inspired to write the book to minster to the souls of so many who are lost.

“There are people whose souls have been strangled by bad experiences, so

they carry inner pain, sadness, hatred, and feelings of revenge. These bad feelings are what ruin the lives of so many, this book will reveal the secrets and the mysteries of the soul and will help the reader to solve the inner pain that is the pain of the soul,” he said.

Through this book, he said, readers will have the opportunity to understand the importance of their soul and having a relationship with God.

Bishop Macedo, now 70 years old, was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In 1963, he started his professional

A safe space through gospel artist’s “Occupy” movement

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net

KICKING off its 2023 activities, the OCCUPY mentorship programme recently held a well-attended Vision and Financial Literacy Workshop.

The event was designed to cultivate leadership, interpersonal and soft skills, and financial literacy in all those that attended.

Gospel artist and radio personality Dr Ricardo Clarke’s OCCUPY initiative has over the years aimed to shape character, teach discipline, foster business acumen and promote health within the youth. Core areas of the programme include faith, education, vocation/trade, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, health, financial literacy, and etiquette.

The speakers at the recent event included names Dr Tanya McCartney; attorney and CEO of the Bahamas Financial Services Board; Fareda Sands, banker, trained communicator and AML specialist; Amad Thompson, CEO of Astute Talent Management, and Dr Clarke himself.

“This session was with the students of International Elite Sports Academy, which has a concentration on education and sports. The school, which has had 34 of its students sign to professional baseball teams (Major League Baseball), has partnered with OCCUP” to receive training and development in character and life skills,” said Dr Clarke.

“The students gave feedback about the sessions, their plans, possible distractions and how to eliminate them.

They also engaged in exercises to reinforce the information communicated and to test what they’ve learned. Our goal is to help young persons be equipped for the areas and opportunities that will inevitably come.”

Dr Clarke said the OCCUPY program,r is trying to create a safe space for students to learn, and expose them to seasoned professionals who can encourage a growth mindset.

“More specifically, we have worked with IElite School virtually from its inception and recognise that our life skills program combined with their athletic ability can easily make them a greater asset to the teams that view their talent,” he said.

OCCUPY is a recognised non-profit organisation in the Bahamas. It provides free events for students where they can connect and learn from professionals and community leaders.

Academically, Bishop Macedo received degrees in Theology from the Evangelical School of Theology Seminário Unido and the College of Theological Education in São Paulo (Fatebom). He received a doctorate in Theology, Christian Philosophy and an honorary degree in Divinity, in addition to a Masters in Theological Science received through the Federación Evangélica Española de Entidades Religiosas (Madrid, Spain).

Today, Bishop Macedo is recognised as one of the most notable evangelical leaders in the world; he has conducted gatherings with millions of people.

career as a public worker; he worked in the lottery for the State of Rio de Janeiro (Loterj) and worked at the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) as a researcher during the economic census of 1970. He spent 16 years of his life as a public worker.

During a recent event in Sao Paulo, 700 tonnes of non-perishable food items were collected and later distributed to those in need.

A copies of the book are available for $20 at the church, seven days a week from 7am to 7pm. For more information, call 449-8916.

BTVI COMMUNITY TOLD TO ‘HONOUR GOD IN ALL YOU DO’

THE Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) community was encouraged to stay on track in 2023 by leaving the past behind and pressing determinedly into the future.

Delivering a thought-provoking message during the institution’s third annual virtual prayer breakfast was Senior Pastor of Grace Community Church, Lyall Bethel. He encouraged staff, faculty and students to not hold on to negative seasons of life.

“Develop an attitude of holy forgetfulness. You need to deliberately put behind the bad, the negative that handicapped you, what left you feeling stuck, made you feel like a failure. Maybe you are haunted by a bad experience. Put it under the blood. Don't let your past haunt you. Let go so you can live," urged Pastor Bethel.

Under the theme, ‘Staying on Course,’ the recent prayer breakfast was hosted by the Student Affairs Department. It is held each January and features a guest speaker who takes students through a time of spiritual reflection and re-assessment. Dean of Student Affairs, Racquel Bethel, said despite the challenges of the last few years, the Almighty God still hears and answers prayers.

Additionally, Pastor Bethel, who said he has a “profound love” for what BTVI does, urged those present to do their work as unto the Lord; therefore, working in peace with each other.

“Give up your grudges. Grudges are dangerous, destructive. Let there be peace and sweet fellowship at BTVI. Forgive each other. Change the spirit, change the climate of whatever has been off by forgiving,” said Pastor Bethel.

“Honour God in all you do, regardless of what your job is. Don’t be on retirement or pension watch…we are creatures of time. We are creatures of seasons. We set our lives on calendars. Sometimes God has us in a season of learning, famine, harvest. We need to work within that season. We serve a God of seasons…We serve a God who doesn’t operate on clocks and calendars, but through revelation. We are responsible for that fresh word he gives us,” added the pastor.

The event featured a solo by student, Sasha Ferguson, a scripture reading along with stations of prayer for students, BTVI leaders, staff, faculty and national leaders. Though virtual, it was followed by breakfast treats on the Old Trail Road campus.

FROM left to right Mrs Bruna de Souza; Reverend Ruby Ann Darling, Claudio Raja Gabaglia Lins; Ambassador of Brazil; Fernando de Souza, senior pastor of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, Nassau.

LYALL BETHEL

SPORTS

Chisholm looking for MVP season

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter

Birthday boy Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm said he’s thrilled to have been selected as the face of the Major League Baseball (MLB) The Show video game. But he’s even more excited about returning to the Miami Marlins line-up in a new role in a bid to win the Most Valuable Player award this year.

While he’s usually home for a “low key” celebrations, Chisholm’s 25th birthday yesterday was a little more appreciated

as he spent time with his family, friends and the media at Fusion Superplex where he talked about a little of everything from being selected to returning to action after he got injured last season.

In the first of a two-part series today, Chisholm will talk about his rise to become the seventh Bahamian to play in the Major League of Baseball to be sidelined and returning from the mid-season ending injury.

First of all, happy birthday Jazz.

“It’s kind of funny that every year I come home and celebrate my birthday low keyed,” he said. “It’s like nobody knows, except

ED ARMBRISTER BASEBALL LEAGUE OFFICIALLY OPEN

my family and my close friends know I am home. It might look like I’m in the States training on my birthday, but probably every year, I celebrate my birthday at home.”

And home to celebrate this year with his latest achievement as the face of The Show, Chisholm said it’s even crazier because this is something that he only dreamed about and now it has finally come to reality.

He said they just called him and told him he was going to be the cover athlete and after they told them that they will have him on the cover, he signed

BRADY RETIRES AT 45, INSISTING THIS TIME IT’S ‘FOR GOOD’

the seal and sure enough everything else fell into place.

“A lot of parents who have been out at Freedom Farm and see me play when I was younger and hear me yelling around the field how I want to be a big leaguer, how I want to be a Hall of Famer, how I want to be on the cover of the magazine of the video game, these are some things I was saying from I was a kid,” he said.

“So to see it live now and to see it happen right before my 25th birthday is the best gift I can get. It

SEE PAGE 17

Man United beats Forest 2-0, reaches 1st final with Ten Hag

By JAMES ROBSON AP Soccer Writer

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Erik ten Hag was hired to bring the good times back to Manchester United.

Now, just nine months after his appointment, he is one game away from ending the club’s six-year trophy wait. A 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest yesterday sealed a 5-0 aggregate victory in the League Cup semifinals.

United will face Newcastle in the final at Wembley Stadium on February 26 for the English season’s first piece of major silverware.

“It is good to reach the final of course, but it is not about reaching the final, it is about winning it,” Ten Hag said. “It has to give

huge motivation to us and we want to bring that cup (back).”

Substitute Anthony Martial opened the scoring in the 73rd minute and Fred added a second in the 76th, with both goals set up by Marcus Rashford. United won the first leg 3-0 at the City Ground last week.

“When you get this far you want to go one further. The damage was really done last week,” Forest manager Steve Cooper said.

Ten Hag has not made United fans wait long for a first cup final under him.

The Dutchman took charge last April and was given the task of turning the club’s fortunes around after too long in the shadows of fierce rivals Manchester City and Liverpool.

The League Cup was the earliest possible final

he could reach and victory in the showpiece occasion later this month would further fuel belief that he is building a team capable of competing for the biggest prizes in club soccer again.

United has not won a trophy since 2017 when former manager Jose Mourinho triumphed in the League Cup and Europa League in his first season

By FRED GOODALL AP Sports Writer

TAMPA, Florida (AP) —

This time, Tom Brady says he’s done for good.

The seven-time Super Bowl winner with New England and Tampa Bay announced his retirement from the NFL yesterday, exactly one year after first saying his playing days were over, by posting a brief video lasting just under one minute on social media.

Unlike last winter, though, the most successful quarterback in league history, as well as one of the greatest athletes in team sports, said his decision was final.

“Good morning guys. I’ll get to the point right away,” Brady says as the message begins. “I’m retiring. For good.”

He briefly retired after the 2021 season but wound up coming back for one more year with the Buccaneers. He retires at age 45, the owner of virtually every meaningful NFL passing record in an unprecedented 23-year career.

A year ago when he retired, it was in the form of a long Instagram post. But about six weeks later, he decided to return for one more run, citing “unfinished business” after an early playoff exit.

The Buccaneers — with whom he won a Super Bowl two seasons ago — made the playoffs again this season, losing in their playoff opener. And at the time, it begged the question about whether Brady would play again. Only a couple of weeks later, he has given the answer.

“I know the process was a pretty big deal last time, so when I woke up this morning, I figured I’d just press record and let you guys know first,” Brady says in the video. “I won’t be longwinded. You only get one super emotional retirement essay and I used mine up last year.”

SEE PAGE 19

Griner return, free agency could spark charter flight change

By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer

BRITTNEY Griner’s return to the WNBA this summer after being traded in a dramatic prisoner swap in December with Russia has collided with free agency, creating potential travel complications for the league out of safety concerns for her.

If Griner, who is a free agent but has said she’ll return to Phoenix, needs special travel accommodations — such as chartered flights — the league will have to come up with a plan for the 6-foot-9 star. Griner’s safety when travelling will be a top priority for her team and the league.

“We are very cognizant of BG’s unique situation,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert told The Associated Press. “We’ve been planning and we’ve been thinking it through with security experts, BG’s side, our side. We’ll find the right time to comment on it when she signs with a team.”

That could come Wednesday, when free agents can officially sign.

While the Griner situation is unique, other marquee players raised the issue of charter flights, which teams have deemed too costly.

The current collective bargaining agreement

MANCHESTER United’s head coach Erik ten Hag gestures as he stands on the touchline during the English League Cup semifinal second leg soccer match against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, yesterday.

(AP Photo/Dave Thompson)

JAZZ CHISHOLM

THE ED Armbrister Baseball League was officially opened on Saturday and will continue through April.

TOM BRADY

DEANDRE AYTON SCORES 20 POINTS BUT HAWKS ROLL PAST SUNS 132-100

By DAVID BRANDT AP Sports Writer

PHOENIX (AP) —

Dejounte Murray scored 21 points, Trae Young added 20 and the Atlanta Hawks rolled past the Phoenix Suns 132-100 last night.

The Hawks never trailed, jumping to a 9-4 lead with three 3-pointers.

Atlanta never let up, pushing to a 102-67 advantage by the end of the third quarter and leading by 43 points in the fourth.

Just about everyone was hitting shots for the Hawks, who made 52 of 91 shots (57.1 percent), including 19 of 33 (57.6%) on 3-pointers. Bogdan Bogdanovic

added 18 points off the bench.

Phoenix — with star guard Devin Booker close to returning from a groin injury — lost for just the second time in eight games.

The Suns were sloppy with 16 turnovers that turned into 31 points for the Hawks and had a dismal shooting night, hitting just 4 of 28 (14.3%) shots from 3-point range.

Mikal Bridges led the Suns with 23 points but shot just 6 of 18 from the field, including 1 of 7 on 3s.

Deandre Ayton added 20 points and nine rebounds.

The Hawks used a 13-0 run early in the second quarter to take a 66-47

Tatum scores

31 points, NBA-leading Celtics rout Nets

BOSTON (AP) —

Jayson Tatum had 31 points and nine rebounds and the NBA-leading Boston Celtics rolled to a 139-96 victory over the shorthanded Brooklyn Nets last night.

Jaylen Brown added 26 points as both of Boston’s stars hit seven 3-pointers in a game the Celtics never trailed and led by 49 points.

Boston dominated on both ends of the floor, shooting 60% through three quarters on the way to its largest victory of the season.

Robert Williams finished with 16 points and nine rebounds in his return from a sprained ankle. Derrick White added 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Kyrie Irving scored 20 points and Cam Thomas added 19 for Brooklyn, which struggled throughout while shooting 41%, including 9 of 39 beyond the arc. The Nets dropped to 4-7 since Kevin Durant sprained his right knee Jan.

8.

BAISS: SUDDEN DEATH PLAYOFFS

lead into halftime. Murray led Atlanta with 15 points before the break while Bridges had 17 for the Suns. Phoenix shot just 18 of 47 (38.5%) in the first half, including 2 of 16 (12.5%) from 3-point range.

SUNS SIGN LEE

The Suns announced yesterday that they’ve signed guard Saben Lee for the rest of the season.

Lee has emerged as the team’s backup point guard over the last three weeks after being signed to backto-back 10-day contracts. He’s filling in for Cam Payne, who remains out with a foot injury. To make room for Lee on the roster, the Suns

released Duane Washington Jr, who played in 31 games this season, starting three. He averaged 7.9 points, but shot just 36.7% from the field.

Lee had six points, three assists, three steaks and three rebounds in 21 minutes against the Hawks.

TIP-INS Hawks: Onyeka Okongwu made all seven

of his shots. He finished with 17 points. ... Former Suns center Frank Kaminsky got a technical foul in the fourth quarter.

Suns: Booker, Payne and G Landry Shamet (foot) were out. ... Hosted a 54th straight sellout crowd.

UP NEXT Hawks: At Utah on Friday night. Suns: At Boston on Friday night.

THE Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools opened its sudden death basketball playoffs at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium yesterday.

In the junior girls’ division, the Kingsway Academy Saints marched past the Queen’s College Comets 43-1 as Andica Curtis scored a game high 21 points. D’Shantae Sears had nine, Michayla Joseph six, Kaliyah Campbell five and Cedranique Wilmore added two.

The Jordan Prince Williams Falcons advanced to the final after they knocked off the St John’s Giants 48-26. M Munnings scored a game high 25 points in the win, while Leonardo Rolle had seven in the loss.

The St Augustine’s College Big Red Machine, behind Antonicia Moultrie’s 18 and Dior-Rae Scott’s 17, got by the Queen’s College Comets 48-27. K Higgs and C Bowe both had 11 points in the loss.

In the senior boys’ division, the Charles W Saunders Cougars prevailed 79-69 over the Kingsway Academy Saints. R Strachan came through with 23 points and T. Strachan added 17 in the win. Evan Cartwright had 29 in the loss.

The other half of the playoffs will be played at 4pm today to determine who will meet the winners above.

Junior girls - SAC vs St John’s.

Junior boys - SAC vs QC. Senior girls - St John’s College vs Kingsway Academy.

76ERS 105, MAGIC 94 PHILADELPHIA (AP)

— Joel Embiid had 28 points and 11 rebounds, James Harden added 26 points and 10 assists and

GRINER

FROM PAGE 15

requires that all teams fly commercial and doesn’t allow teams to charter flights. Any change in that would have to be approved by both the union and the league.

“No one wants to make this work more than me,” Engelbert said. “That’s why we’re working so hard to transform the economic business model. We’ve had positive changes over the last couple years, but we’re not going to jeopardize the financial viability of the league. We are on the cusp of something big here.”

HOW MUCH WOULD IT COST THE WNBA TO CHARTER FLIGHTS?

Engelbert says it would cost the league about $25 million each season for each of its 12 teams to charter flights to every game. That number has increased about $5 million from previous estimates by the commissioner due to the new 40-game WNBA schedule this season, fuel costs and other factors.

The estimated cost per franchise to charter flights would be approximately $2 million. Air travel expenses

Philadelphia beat Orlando. The Sixers split the homeand-home set this week with Orlando. The Magic stormed back from a 21-point, first-quarter deficit to beat the 76ers 119-109 on Monday night. That loss ended the 76ers’ sevengame winning streak.

Embiid, the NBA scoring leader, made all 10 of his free throws and was 9-of-17 shooting overall.

Markelle Fultz led Orlando with 18 points.

TRAIL BLAZERS 122, GRIZZLIES 112

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Damian Lillard had 42 points and 10 assists, Anfernee Simons added 26 points and Portland Trail rallied to beat Memphis.

Jerami Grant had 18 points in the first half, before leaving because of concussion symptoms. Portland outscored Memphis 38-22 in the fourth quarter to win for the fourth time in five games.

Ja Morant had 32 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds for Memphis.

JAZZ 131, RAPTORS 128

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Lauri Markkanen had 28 points and 13 rebounds and Mike Conley

currently for each team is about $150,000, according to two people familiar with the costs. The people spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to publicly address the issue.

“We did it last year for the Finals and we have experience on how much it costs for routes we need to fly,” Engelbert said. “We are monitoring and updating our analysis. We are going to try and get an economic model to fund this as soon as we can.”

WHAT HAPPENS IF A TEAM CHARTERS FLIGHTS?

If teams violate the current CBA, they could be fined.

The New York Liberty were fined a WNBA record $500,000 in 2021 for chartering flights to away games during the second half of that season.

HAS THE WNBA CONSIDERED SUBSIDIZING FLIGHTS?

Breanna Stewart, who announced on social media that she’ll play with New York on Wednesday, started a social media campaign to try to help get chartered flights for the league. She tweeted: “I would love to

added a three-point play and two clutch free throws in the closing minutes to lift Utah past Toronto.

Jordan Clarkson scored 23 points, and Conley had 19 points and eight assists. Toronto’s Fred VanVleet had his second career triple-double with 34 points, 10 assists and a career-best 12 rebounds.

KINGS 119, SPURS 109

SAN ANTONIO (AP)

— Domantas Sabonis scored a season-high 34 points and had 11 rebounds and Sacramento handed San Antonio its seventh straight loss.

De’Aaron Fox added 31 points for Sacramento.

The Kings have won two straight and nine of 12.

Rookie Malaki Branham

had a season-high 22 points for San Antonio. The Spurs have lost 12 of 12.

ROCKETS 112, THUNDER 106

HOUSTON (AP)

— Eric Gordon had a season-high 25 points and rookie Tari Eason added career-high 20 and matched his career high with 13 rebounds to help Houston beat Oklahoma City.

The Rockets (13-38), who have the worst record in the Western Conference, have won three of their last five games after dropping 18 of the previous 19. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 24 points for Oklahoma City.

TIMBERWOLVES 119, WARRIORS 114, OT MINNEAPOLIS (AP)

— D’Angelo Russell scored 14 of his 29 points in the

fourth quarter, Anthony Edwards took over in overtime after Russell fouled out and Minnesota outlasted Golden State.

After a scoreless fourth quarter, Edwards was aggressive in overtime, driving to the basket and scoring in traffic on multiple possessions. Edwards helped the Timberwolves — who trailed by 11 after three — complete the comeback. He scored just four of his 27 points in overtime but was the catalyst in the extra session.

Stephen Curry had 29 points and 10 rebounds for Golden State. Jordan Poole added 18 points, and Draymond Green had 10 points and 12 rebounds. The Warriors had won three in a row.

afford $250 million over the next decade.”

Stewart said on Wednesday that she knows it “won’t go from zero to 100.

Obviously we would love to have a charter company come in and get sponsors for the entire year. If we can be able to pick and choose the flights whether it’s the East to West Coast trip or you know the worst backto-back. ... Right now it’s just a no. Maybe it can be a maybe or a yes sometimes. No is really hard to work with.” DO

WOMEN’S

COLLEGE TEAMS

CHARTER FLIGHTS?

WNBA players are used to flying charter flights. That’s how they traveled in college.

Senior boys – St Augustine’s College vs Jordan Prince Williams.

• The best-of-three finals will be played on February 6, 8 and 9, if necessary.

PRIMARY SCHOOLS

DAY one of the New Providence Public Primary School Sports Association’s mini basketball tournament for boys got started yesterday at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium. • Here’s a look at the results posted: Claridge Primary def. Centreville 14-10.

Palmdale def. EP Roberts 14-3.

Albury Sayles def. Eva Hilton 16-11.

Sandilands def. Marjorie Davis 22-10.

Palmdale def. Woodcock 18-2.

Thelma Gibson def. TG Glover 21-20.

Uriah McPhee def. Claridge 18-6. Uriah McPhee def. EP Roberts 25-3. Sandilands def. Eva Hilton 24-11. Albury Sayles def. Marjorie Davis 40-8. Carlton E. Francis def. Gerald Cash 16-4.

CW Sayer def. Sadie Curtis 8-7. Garvin Tynes def. Gambier 14-5. Cleveland Eneas def. Ridgeland 13-8.

Sybil Strachan def. Gerald Cash 27-5.

CW Sawyer def. Yellow Elder 14-5.

Carlton E Francis def.

Garvin Tynes 22-5. Sadie Curtis def. Yellow Elder 12-5. CW Sawyer def. Cleveland Eneas 13-10.

The teams are stacked in the following pools:

Pool A – Carlton E Francis, Gambier, Garvin Tynes, Gerald Cash and Sybil Strachan.

be part of a deal that helps subsidize charter travel for the entire WNBA. I would contribute my NIL, posts + production hrs to ensure we all travel in a way that prioritizes player health + safety, which ultimately results in a better product. Who’s with me?”

Many current and former WNBA and NBA players

offered their support — though any change to travel restrictions would have to be voted on by the union and the league. “We would need a commitment to it in perpetuity,” Engelbert said. “That’s 250300 million dollars. Look at the gate and media deal and sponsorship dollars. We’re not close to being able to

Title IX legislation requires universities to have equal opportunities for their men’s and women’s athletic programs. The NCAA flies both the men’s and women’s teams on charter flights for its marquee college basketball tournament if they are more than 400 miles from the site of their game.

That legislation doesn’t apply to the pros, so NBA teams chartering between cities has no effect on what WNBA teams do.

Pool B – CW Sawyer, Cleveland Eneas, Ridgeland, Sadie Curtis and Yellow Elder.

Pool C – Centreville, Claridge, EP Roberts, Palmdale, Uriah McPhee and Woodcock.

Pool D – Albury Sayles, Cleveland Eneas, Marjorie Davis, Thelma Gibson, TG Glover and Sandilands.

Teams return 9am today to determine which teams advance to playoffs on Friday when the girls teams will also play.

BOSTON Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, right, drives to the basket against Brooklyn Nets forward Royce O’Neale during the first half yesterday in Boston.

(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

WNBA star Brittney Griner. (AP)

ATLANTA Hawks forward De’Andre Hunter shoots over Phoenix Suns centre Deandre Ayton (22) and guard Chris Paul during the first half last night in Phoenix.

(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Ed Armbrister Baseball League officially open

PLAY ACTION ON DIAMOND CONTINUES THROUGH TO APRIL

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

AFTER hosting their developmental training programme at Flamingo Park in Carmichael Road, organiser Michael Butler said it was time for them to expose the players to a fullfledged league with games being played at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.

The Ed Armbrister Baseball League was officially opened on Saturday and will continue through April. Among those present were Bahamas Baseball Association’s secretary general Teddy Sweeting, Gomez, marketing manager at CBS Bahamas, Garth Moncur of Urban Renewal, Rose Armbrister, widow of the late Ed Armbrister and several of his relatives.

After Rose Armbrister threw out the first pitch, Martin Burrows, president of the Local Umpires Association, officiated the opening game.

“I’m quite pleased because I see the enthusiasm in the kids, which means that they are ready to play,” Butler said. “That’s the first step in trying to help these kids in their development. “It’s a developmental league.

“But at the same time, we are hoping that we can place as many of these kids

made me live out my dream. I could remember seeing Albert (Cartwright) and Antoan (Richardson) do it and that made me want to do it.”

And even though he’s living it out, Chisholm ran into a snag last year when he was sidelined on July 22 with a stress reaction in his lower back.

On September 10, the Marlins announced that he would be out for the rest of the season.

Now fully recovered, Chisholm said he’s looking forward to the start of the 2023 season with the Marlins.

“My body feels great. Every day it feels like it’s getting stronger and stronger and I feel like I am ready to play 160 games. My plan is just to stay on the field,” he said. “That’s the only thing I feel I have to work on is staying available.”

Chisholm, however, will be moved from second base to centre field because of an off-season trade that Miami made bringing in Luis Arraez. But he said his grandmother Pat Coakley always told him he could do what he put his mind to.

“New position it doesn’t matter to me. I will just go out there and play baseball,” he said. “I’m a second baseman, but I’m sure a lot of people saw me run down fly balls in centre field that a centre fielder should catch, so I feel I can go out there and catch the balls in centre field that the centre fielders should catch.”

The only difference in the change in position will force Chisholm to run a lot more than he would as a shortstop or second baseman.

“Every day I am on the field. Even when I’m home, I’m on the field training,” Chisholm said. “I’m working out every day, getting my reps in, getting my workout done. No matter what, if I fly here for one day I get my reps in and when I fly back, the next day I get my reps done. I never stop working. I’m always ready.”

It’s good, however, Chisholm said, to come home and be able to train in the new Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium.

BATTING CHAMP ARRAEZ, MARLINS GO TO SALARY ARBITRATION

PETERSBURG,

ST.

Fla. (AP) — AL batting champion Luis Arraez went to a salary arbitration hearing Wednesday against the Miami Marlins, who acquired the infielder from the Minnesota Twins last month.

Arraez asked for a raise from $2.2 million to $6.1 million, and the Marlins argued for $5 million. The case was heard by John Stout, Mark Burstein and Scott Buchheit, who are expected to issue a decision Thursday.

Arraez hit .316 with eight homers, 49 RBIs and a .795 OPS, starting 61 games at first base, 34 at designated hitter and 31 at second. The 25-year-old was traded on Jan. 20 for starting pitcher Pablo López and a pair of prosects: infielder Jose Salas and outfielder Byron Chourio.

into high school and college programmes in the United States wherever it is possible and eventually help in getting them to the pro ranks.”

Butler, who was assisted by a number of coaches including his brother Nat Butler and Wellie Stubbs, said he liked what he’s seen from the first day of competition and, if that is any indication, they should have some exciting action over the next few weeks.

Stubbs said he really wanted to get involved with flag football into the school

system, but after there was some resistance, he decided to join up with his good friend Mike Butler in his Community Baseball League.

“It’s a good way to keep them from being idle,” said Stubbs, who serves as one of the coaches.

“I just hope that this can go far and we can see some of these players getting the opportunity like Ed Armbrister to play professional baseball.”

Orlando Knowles, who just joined the programme, has been playing baseball

in Grand Bahama for the past 15 years. Having just recently moved to New Providence, he said he’s glad that the league gives him an opportunity to get his groove back on.

“I want to stay focused and get back into playing competitive baseball again,” he said.

“It was fun playing with my team-mates, even though we lost the game. Mistakes are made, but you have to learn from this one and come back bigger and better the next time you play.”

The 17-year-old former St George’s High student, now in the 12th grade at CC Sweeting, is encouraging all of the players in the league to come out and put their best foot forward and help to make it a vibrant one.

Among the sponsors for the league are:

Brands Auto Parts, Soldier Road; Bahamas Christian Fellowship Center; CBS Bahamas; Bahamas Waste Management; Bahamas Leisure Impact Company and Ivan ‘Showtime’ Francis.

Arraez is eligible for free agency after the 2026 season. Seattle defeated Diego Castillo in the first salary arbitration decision this year on Wednesday, and the relief pitcher will get a raise to $2.95 million rather than his request of $3,225,000.

A decision is being held for Los Angeles Angels outfielder Hunter Renfroe, whose case was argued Monday.

Twenty-three players remain scheduled for hearings, to take place through Feb. 17.

TEN HAG

FROM PAGE 15

in charge. While Ten Hag can emulate the Portuguese coach by also winning a trophy in his debut campaign with United, his ultimate challenge is to deliver Premier League and Champions League titles.

Those were standards set by managerial great Alex Ferguson and ones United has not come close to meeting since his retirement in 2013.

Ten Hag is the fifth permanent managerial appointment since then and took over a team that finished sixth last season, 35 points below champion City.

A title bid was always unlikely this year, but United is in a strong position to qualify for the Champions League, currently fourth in the table and still competing in the FA Cup and Europa League.

“We have a good squad so we have to demand and control the high standards. You have to bring that every game. We are Manchester United.

When you are a United player you have to match the standards,” Ten Hag said.

“I always wanted to play in the baseball stadium, so to get the opportunity to work out there and stuff like that, I honestly can’t wait to see how it will turn out in the end,” he said. “I’m just glad to get the chance to work out.”

Looking back at his season, Chisholm said it hurt that he didn’t get to play in the All-Star game for the National League after being selected as a starter. He went to the game at the Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, but couldn’t watch the entire game. “It’s just something that you take in. It was my first All-Star, my first time being at the All-Star game and not getting to play was tough,” he said. “This year, I have to get back there. I already told them, I have to go deep (hit a home run) in the All-Star game.”

And while many felt he was having a remarkable year before the injury, Chisholm said it was just average, even though in 213 at-bat, he had an average of .254 with 14 home runs, 45 runs batted in (RBI) and 12 stolen bases in 60 games played up to his injury.

“I was doing that in rookie ball and low A and double A,” he said. “As a big l, I feel I should have

been doing more. I can’t be duplicating the things that I was doing as a kid.

I mean I am 25 now, so I am a man now. So I feel it’s time for me to become the man that everybody wants me to become.”

And the only thing he would like to add on his résumé this year is the “MVP” most valuable player award.

“I don’t expect less of myself,” he charged.

As for the Marlins, Chisholm said he’s watching his team-mates work out every day when he’s in Miami and with more and more of the players coming out, he likes what he’s seen so far on the field and in the gym.

“We might be underrated, but we will coming out with some fire,” he said. “They might be thinking they can blow by us, but we have a couple of sticks coming for us.”

Chisholm said he’s expected to get in some early workout sessions in a minor league that is expected to be staged in Miami when he gets back.

Once he can get in sufficient at-bats, he’s hoping that he can suit up and play for Great Britain next month in the World Classic with the other Bahamian players.

“All of the things that have been happening the past seven-eight years in Bahamian baseball is

leading towards the Bahamas having its own team,” he said.

But after working out with coaches Geron Sands and Albert Cartwright, who worked with him from before he turned pro, Chisholm said he enjoyed his birthday and he’s looking forward to spending time with his family and friends.

Note: In the second part of the interview on Friday, Chisholm pays tribute to his first ever coach Frankie Simmons, who recently passed away.

Chisholm will also talk about his involvement with both Sands and Cartwright and others who assisted him along the way.

For a club that has won an English record 20 league titles, a League Cup final is a long way short of its greatest achievements. Old Trafford, however, was in party mood in anticipation of a trip to Wembley.

Supporters expected United to comfortably complete the job after taking such a commanding lead into the second leg.

Yet Forest came close to opening the scoring in the first half, only for Emmanuel Dennis’ close-range shot to be blocked by teammate Sam Surridge when the ball looked destined to find the back of the net.

United striker Wout Weghorst then saw a header come back off the post.

Ten Hag made changes, bringing on Rashford, Martial and Jadon Sancho shortly past the hour mark.

It had the desired effect with Rashford setting up goals for Martial and Fred.

United can expect a tougher challenge from a Newcastle team aiming to win its first major trophy since the FA Cup in 1955.

The Saudi-backed club has been one of the biggest surprises of the season, sitting third in the Premier League, one place above United.

The match will be a repeat of the 1999 FA Cup final, which United won 2-0.

THE ED Armbrister Baseball League was officially opened on Saturday and will continue through April.

JAZZ Chisholm talks to the media at Fusion Superplex yesterday.

Photos: Austin Fernander/Tribune Staff

BIRTHDAY boy Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm spent time with his family, friends and the media at Fusion Superplex yesterday where he talked about a little of everything from being selected to returning to action after he got injured last season.

Bowleg for two!

MINISTER OF YOUTH, SPORTS AND CULTURE SUPPORTS HOOPS FOR HOME INITIATIVE

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture

Mario Bowleg joined Xavier’s Lower School Student of the Year Adrian Dean in shooting a few basketballs for the faculty, staff, students and parents as a part of the Hoops for Home drive.

Blythe Rolle and Kyle Rolle emerged as the upper and lower champions of the Hoops for Home initiative hosted by Dean.

The pair were crowned after a series of shooting competitions on Tuesday at the school’s basketball court where Bowleg commended Dean for having the vision to assist those in need. “I’m just proud to see that a young man is willing to go out there and assist the needy,” he said. “And the fact that he has the entire staff and Xavier’s School behind him, we decided to come on board and help him in this endeavour.

“We understand that sporting disciplines is used to help people to develop lifelong characters, but we can also use it as a vehicle to help those that are in need in our community.”

Bowleg presented a cheque to Dean to assist in his venture, saying that he’s encouraging his political colleagues and others in the community to assist in events such as this or to form their own initiatives.

“I am very proud of him, and I will continue to monitor this programme and I will assist him as much as I can possibly do so,” Bowleg stated.

Said Dean, a 10-year-old sixth grader: “I love basketball. Even though I may not play it, I enjoy it. I just want to help those people who can’t help themselves.

“I just think that we need to help those who we can. I am trying to help an 80-year-old in our community, so if there are persons who want to help, they can contact our school and get on board.”

Photos by Austin Fernander/Tribune Staff

“I really thank you guys so much, to every single one of you for supporting me. My family, my friends, teammates, my competitors. I could go on forever. There’s too many. Thank you guys for allowing me to live my absolute dream. I wouldn’t change a thing. Love you all.”

Brady is the NFL’s career leader in yards passing (89,214) and touchdowns (649). He is the only player to win more than five Super Bowls and has been MVP of the game five times. He also holds marks for regular-season wins (251), Super Bowl appearances (10), playoff games and wins (48, 35), as well as playoff yards (13,400) and TDs (88).

“Tom’s legacy is unmatched in the history of this game. All the Super Bowl titles and statistical records speak for themselves, but the impact he had on so many people through the years is what I appreciate the most,” Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said.

“His imprint on this organisation helped take us to the mountaintop. We will certainly miss him as our quarterback, but I will also miss him as a leader and friend,” Licht added.

“Our entire organisation is indebted to him for what he provided us over the past three years. We won’t ever forget the wins or the accolades, and his influence will be felt for years to come.”

Brady announced his retirement one day after attending the premiere of “80 for Brady” — which comes out Friday — in Los Angeles. The movie tells the story of four lifelong friends, played by Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno and Sally Field, who went to a Super Bowl to see Brady play.

He was asked Tuesday night whether he felt a connection working with women — the four stars range in age from 76 to 91 — who don’t want to retire.

“They’re working hard and they love it. So good for them,” Brady told The

Associated Press. “You know, it’s just that’s what life is about. You got to, you know, wake up every day with a purpose. And when you find something you love to do, you know, it’s hard to stop. You really enjoy it. And there’s a lot of aspects that you do enjoy. So they still bring it at this age. It’s really unbelievable to watch them on set and how much energy they have. And I certainly was inspired by them and learned a lot of lessons on this whole experience.”

Famously underrated coming into the NFL — he was picked 199th in the 2000 draft by the Patriots, behind six other quarterbacks, three kickers and a punter — Brady certainly wasn’t expected to become synonymous with greatness. He played in one game as a rookie, completing one of three passes for six yards.

The next year, it all changed.

Brady took over as the Patriots’ starter, the team beat the St Louis Rams in the Super Bowl that capped the 2001 season and he and New England coach Bill Belichick were well on their way to becoming the most successful coach-QB duo in football history.

More Super Bowl wins came after the 2003 and 2004 seasons. The Patriots returned to football’s mountaintop for a fourth time in Brady’s era a decade later to cap the 2014 season, the start of three more titles in a span of five years.

He signed with Tampa Bay in free agency in 2020 and added a seventh Super Bowl ring to his collection in his first season with his new team.

The Buccaneers won 37 games (including postseason) with Brady at quarterback — third most in the league over the past three seasons behind Kansas City (46) and Buffalo (41).

“I think I’ve been on the record dozens of times saying there’s no quarterback I’d rather have than Tom Brady, and I still feel that way,” Belichick said in 2021 — shortly before Tampa Bay, with Brady,

came to New England and beat the Patriots in a game dubbed “The Return.”

“I was very lucky to have Tom as the quarterback, to coach him, and he was as good as any coach could ever ask for.”

Brady set league single-season records for completions (490) and pass attempts (733) while throwing for 4,643 yards, 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions in his final season.

The Buccaneers, however ranked dead last in rushing offence and, forced to rely almost solely of Brady’s arm, struggled to get the ball into the end zone.

After scoring 61 touchdowns in 2021, Tampa Bay slipped to 31 last season and averaged just 18.4 points per game — down from over 30 in Brady’s first two seasons with the Bucs.

At 8-9, Brady’s only losing season in over two

decades as a NFL starter, the Buccaneers became just the fourth team in league history to earn a postseason berth with a losing mark in a non-strike year. The offensive struggles continued during a lopsided loss to Dallas in the NFC wild-card round.

Brady won three NFL MVP awards, was a firstteam All-Pro three times and was selected to the Pro Bowl 15 times.

Brady and model Gisele Bündchen finalised their divorce this past fall, during the Bucs’ season. It ended a 13-year marriage between two superstars who respectively reached the pinnacles of football and fashion.

It was announced last year that when Brady retires from playing, he would join Fox Sports as a television analyst in a 10-year, $375 million deal.

MOVI GROUP SPONSORS CARIFTA

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

THE Movi Group, having produced some top notch local and international events in the past, became the latest media company to become a partner with the 50th CARIFTA Games, making sure that the best production is secured for the regional’s greatest track and field competition in April.

Movi Group of Companies President Burton Wallace said they are delighted to venture with the Local Organising Committee for the hosting of the games, scheduled for April 7-11 at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium.

Before his team of accountant Chenisha Stubbs and videographer Edwina Maynard made a cheque presentation to the LOC yesterday in the foyer of the stadium, Wallace said last year when he learned about the games coming to the Bahamas, the reels started to roll to get their production in motion.

“Sports has a huge role to play when it comes to nation building,” Wallace said. “It helps in elevating qualities like discipline, determination, team work and a passion for fitness in the physique of a nation,” Wallace said.

“The Movi Group has been involved in the broadcast of sports for many international sporting events, some of which includes COMCAFA and FIFA, the Carifta Swimming Championships in 2017, Beach Soccer worldwide in 2018, ESPN PGA golf and most recently the Bahama Hoops, Battle 4 Atlantis and the Bahamas Bowl.”

In collaboration with its other media partners, including REV TV, Wallace said the Movi Group will deliver the best production that has ever been experienced in the Bahamas. He said this year, they will definitely set the bar for all

sporting events they have covered in the past.

Pauline Davis, the Dame of the Games, said the LOC is excited to invite the Movi Group on board.

“As a former athlete back in the day, being able to help someone like this amazing company to give back to the CARIFTA Games and by extension the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, it means so, so much,” Davis said. “We just want you to know how appreciative we are.”

Lynden Maycock, the chief executive officer of the LOC, said it’s now time for “lights, camera and action.”

“It’s time to put on the best CARIFTA Games, the CARIFTA show that this world has seen today,” Maycock said. “We’re bringing to the Bahamas the best junior athletes in the world at CARIFTA Games.

“This year for the 50th anniversary of the CARIFTA Games, we are getting ready to put on the greatest sports production that has been seen in the 50 years of the games. In order to do this, we need the best team, a team that is capable and is skilled and is passionate and desirous to put on a desirable show.”

The CARIFTA Games is a stage, according to Maycock, that will enable the young athletes to perform

and shine against their peers throughout the region ands he’s looking forward to seeing them perform in this spectacular show.

“The Movi Group will oversee the filming and recording of all of the wonderful action, the highlights and triumphs of these wonderful CARIFTA Games,” Maycock said.

“Today, it is my pleasure to welcome our newest media partners to these 50th CARIFTA Games, the Movi Group.”

While Movi Group and REV TV will be collaborating with the broadcasting of the games, Wallace encouraged all Bahamians to come out and show their support to the home team by packing the stadium during the games.

And Maycock said the games is for everyone to participate and he encouraged persons to log onto Arawak X website and make their financial contributions to the games, no matter the size of the donation as they make the games the best ever.

“All of the contributions that we receive, every dollar will be accounted for,” he stated. “So we welcome everyone in the Bahamas, everyone in the region, everyone fromanywhere in the world, to make their contributions to assist to these games.”

EXECUTIVES of the Movi Group and Local Organising Committee for the CARIFTA Games at the cheque presentation.