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Volume: 121 No.55, February 9, 2024

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: PRICE–$1

‘EXPECT EVEN MORE AGGRESSIVE POLICING’ DCP Deleveaux says public may experience potential inconvenience

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net WEEKS after Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said more intrusive policing is coming to curb the murder rate, Deputy Commissioner of Police Leamond Deleveaux said yesterday that the public should expect even more aggressive policing and potential inconveniences.

“It may be inconveniencing for some motorists and some members of the public, but we will not rest until we address this crime issue,” he said.

Asked about the prime minister’s warning of more intrusive policing last month, he said: “It’s gonna even go further than that.”

He declined to give details but said: “We even SEE PAGE THREE

WANTED MAN DEPORTED TO BAHAMAS FROM US

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net LARRY Burrows, a 38-year-old wanted suspect, is in police custody after US authorities deported him here yesterday.

Burrows was granted bail in March 2022 after he was accused of conspiracy to import firearms.

Final salute for a fallen colleague

Police said he was ordered to report to the Quakoo Street police station three times a week and keep his curfew as part of the conditions of his bail.

But two months later, they received information that Burrows had violated his bail conditions and travelled to Andros.

SEE PAGE THREE

POLICE officers, family, friends and medical personnel line along a corridor in Doctors Hospital for the final farewell of Inspector Tomas McIntosh who was left brain-dead by a traffic accident last week. McIntosh, who died yesterday, had chosen to donate his organs upon his death. See PAGE TWO for story.

Photo: Dante Carrer

Man accused of killing mother and ALLEGED RAPE daughter denied bail for own safety VICTIMS START GOFUNDME TO RAISE $10K

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

A SUPREME Court judge cited concern for an alleged murderer‘s safety as she denied bail to the 24-year-old man accused

of killing Allison Thompson, 37, and her 14-year-old daughter, Trevonika Thompson, last year.

The man, Blake Strachan, will remain in prison until his trial date on May 12, 2025.

Strachan is accused of

killing a mother and her daughter in a building on Ross Corner sometime between April 11, 2023, and April 14, 2023. Police found the partially decomposed remains of the victims in SEE PAGE SEVEN

$18m lost as buyer ‘spooked by crime warning’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net AN $18M home sale in Paradise Island’s Ocean Club Estates collapsed yesterday after the buyer was spooked

by The Bahamas’ crime woes, with a realtor warning: “We’re going to pay for that.”

George Damianos, Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty’s president, told Trib une Business he received an early morning e-mail from

REALTOR George Damianos the client revealing they are now “not pursuing any real estate deals” in The Bahamas

due to perceptions this nation is unsafe following recent US and international media reporting the early 2024 murder spike.

Providing tangible evidence that media coverage, which the government and private sector say has “misinterpreted” an unchanged ‘Level Two’ US travel advisory on The Bahamas, is negatively impacting the economy.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net TWO American women who allege they were sexually assaulted in Grand Bahama on Sunday have started a GoFundMe page to raise $10,000 although the company SEE PAGE THREE

SUPER BOWL LVIII SUPPLEMENT INSIDE

Final salute for a fallen colleague PAGE 2, Friday, February 9, 2024

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net GRIEVING family, friends and colleagues bade farewell to Inspector Tomas McIntosh, an officer involved in a catastrophic road accident while on duty last week, during an emotional ceremony at Doctor’s Hospital before his organs were donated yesterday.

McIntosh, 33, was seriously injured on Sir Milo Butler Highway last Wednesday after a passing vehicle struck him.

His family made the difficult decision to donate his organs after doctors declared him brain dead.

Many gathered yesterday for the Hero’s Walk, where medical staff took him to the operating room to begin the procurement procedure.

His relatives cried and his colleagues saluted him. Others sang “The Wind Beneath My Wings” as his body left the hospital’s hallway.

Deputy Police Commissioner Leamond Deleveaux said the donation was what McIntosh would have wanted.

“He’s always been a caring person who always looked out for others,” he said. “He went beyond the call of duty of looking out for his colleagues and anyone he came into contact with so he would not have any issue.”

Hospital president and CEO Dr Charles W Diggiss thanked the man’s family for their cooperation, saying the donation will save multiple lives.

“Almost over a decade ago was the last opportunity to do a multi-organ

system procurement on a Bahamian patient,” he said. “These are opportunities that allow almost deceased to bring life and bring function to others, and it’s an amazing gift based on the variety of tissues and organ systems that are indeed procured and harvested during this procedure.”

Dr Sheena AntonioCollie, the hospital’s chief medical officer, encouraged relatives facing similar situations to consider letting their loved ones become donors.

She said a national effort around this would reduce the burden on technologies that require a lot of money, such as dialysis.

“This will also help people in terms of their lifestyles, extending life, so we are very excited about what we’re about to embark on, and this is such a step in the right direction,” she said.

Dr Rhea Thurston-Carrroll, a kidney transplant physician, added: “The goal is to help to start a programme where we look at donation not only from a living standpoint but from a deceased standpoint. With the high burden of kidney disease in country, we are going to be able to save lives.

Now with the deceased donation, we are going to move forward and put policy and procedures in place so that when these circumstances arise, we are going to be able to do some further good and promote health in the country.”

Police said they are continuing their investigation to determine whether the person who hit Inspector McIntosh will be charged with a crime.

THE TRIBUNE

YESTERDAY police officers, family, friends and medical personnel line along a corridor in Doctors Hospital for the final farewell of Inspector Tomas McIntosh who was left brain-dead by a traffic accident last week.

Photos: Dante Carrer

Tributes paid to Dr Elwood Donaldson during lying in state

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

ROYAL Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) and Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) officers stand guard as the body of former Member of Parliament and Ambassador Dr Elwood Donaldson lay in state at the House of Assembly yesterday.

Photo: Dante Carrer

FAMILY, friends and political colleagues paid tribute to former member of parliament and Ambassador Dr Elwood Donaldson.

He was described as courageous, talented, and a devoted servant to his country.

Dr Donaldson died at the age of 86. His body laidin-state in the foyer of the Senate yesterday.

Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard recognized Dr Donaldson as one of the founding fathers of the FNM, and said that he was also someone who courageously stood for what was right even in the darkest times.

Former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said growing up in the inner city as a young child, Dr Donaldson was like a role model to him.

Former Prime Minister Perry Christie applauded Dr Donaldson for having the courage to enter politics in a time of ostracism, racial injustice, and other challenges.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, February 9, 2024, PAGE 3

‘Expect even more aggressive policing’ from page one gone up on the intelligenceled policing. You’re gonna see a number of things.

Many of those I cannot reveal to the public. I can tell you, I can assure you, the Bahamian people will be very pleased with the aggressive way we will police this country.”

Mr Deleveaux, who spoke to reporters on the sidelines of a Rotary Club of West Nassau meeting, said murder is the only crime that is up.

“Of course, that’s very little consolation to the public,” he said.

Twenty-five people have been killed in 2024, one of the deadliest starts to a year in the country’s history.

Warnings of aggressive policing worry some people who are concerned that police officers often lack proper oversight and accountability.

Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard said last month that civil liberties and human rights could be threatened by intrusive policing.

Mr Deleveaux, who is responsible for disciplinary matters in the force, said:

“We are your police officers. We’re here to serve the public. We are here to ensure that the public is safe. If a police officer runs afoul of the law, he breaks the law in the execution of his duties, then we will deal with that police officer.

“As you know just a couple of days ago, we dealt with a police officer where we placed him before the courts for allegedly causing grievous harm, causing harm to a member of the public so we have no issues with dealing with police officers in the same breath.

“We must caution members of the public who sometimes fabricate stories against police officers. We have a way to dealing with those persons also.”

During his address to the Rotary Club, Mr Deleveaux said police found that most murders are due to gangrelated offences or drugs.

He said police have identified the gang leaders.

“We have put a strategy in place, which I do not wish to discuss at this time,” he said. “At the appropriate time, the commissioner will address a strategy that has been put in place.

“We know who they are.”

DEPUTY Police Commissioner Leamond Deleveaux during a meeting of the Rotary Club of West Nassau at Poop Deck at Sandyport yesterday.

Photo: Dante Carrer

Wanted man deported to Bahamas from US Alleged rape victims start GoFundMe to raise $10k

AMBER Shearer and Dongayla Dobson claim they were raped while at a resort on Grand Bahama.

The two American women were on an excursion while on a Carnival cruise when the alleged incident occurred. from page one

LARRY Burrows escorted by police at the airport after he was deported from the US yesterday. from page one “We got an alert that his electronic monitoring device was being tampered,” Chief Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings told reporters at LPIA shortly after the suspect’s arrival.

“Once we got to that location, we found the damaged device in bushes in Andros, and we later learned that he had absconded to the United States.”

The man’s case comes as

the work of the bail monitoring company, Metro Security Solutions, faces scrutiny by government officials concerned that too many people on bail for serious offences are circumventing rules.

CSP Skippings said Burrows was arrested for illegal entry by Miami police in September 2022. Bahamian and US authorities have been collaborating since then.

“It shows that this Royal Bahamas Police Force has a far-reaching

network,” CSP Skippings said.

“We communicate with law enforcement agencies all over the world and whenever you abscond, we will find you. We will get you and bring you back here and put you back before the courts, and we will work to have your bail revoked and have you placed where you ought to be.”

CSP Skippings said the 38-year-old will soon appear before the court on absconding charges.

where the alleged incident took place said video evidence contradicts some of their claims.

Pirates Cove did not elaborate, but said in a statement: “Upon further review of the surveillance videos, the allegations made on-site and in subsequent social media posts and news stories conflict with what the time-stamped surveillance videos contain.

As such, the lengthy videos of all concerned have been handed over to the local

police and will be shared with our industry partners as needed.

Police on Wednesday also disputed some of the women’s claims, denying that they were denied rape kits. Police said the women, Amber Shearer and Dongayla Dobson, refused medical help.

“These girls were just trying to enjoy a well deserved girls weekend which turned into a nightmare, leaving them with psychological trauma,” the GoFundMe page for the women said. “To add to

that is the financial strain of missing work and expensive meds and counselling.”

Carnival Cruise Lines released a statement yesterday on the alleged incident.

“Our onboard Care Team provided support for the two guests as they sailed back to Jacksonville,” Carnival said. “Bahamian police are investigating the matter, and Carnival is providing our full cooperation.”

A representative added that the shipboard team routinely share guidance on keeping safe ashore.

TEMPLE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

ENTRANCE EXAMINATION 2024-2025 On Saturday, February 17, 2024, Temple Christian School will hold its Entrance Examination for students entering grades 7,8,9 and 10.

TIME: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

LOCATION: High School Campus, Shirley Street Application forms are available at the High School Office and should be completed and returned to the school

by Friday, February 16, 2024.

The application fee is twenty-five dollars ($25).

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

PAGE 4, Friday, February 9, 2024

THE TRIBUNE

Forensic officer defends himself - toxicology reports had to be ‘reviewed’ internally first

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A SENIOR police forensics officer defended himself after the coroner criticised his delay in bringing toxicology reports of the three men police killed in Blair Estates in 2019, saying the reports had to be “reviewed” internally first.

Police killed Tony Jamal “Foolish” Penn Smith, Valentino “T-Boy” Pratt and Trevor “Coopz” Cooper on Commonwealth Avenue in the early morning of May 17, 2019. Fifteen officers, including three Defence Force marines, are the subject of the Coroner’s Court inquest.

Acting Coroner Kara Turnquest Deveaux questioned Assistant Commissioner of Police Earl Thompson of the police forensic science section on why a toxicology report wasn’t brought with him when he gave testimony earlier this week.

She reminded the officer that on the day in question, he told her that toxicology reports had to be “vetted” before they came before the court.

ACP Thompson responded that it was standard police procedure for a report of lab work done abroad to be reviewed by police before presenting it in court.

When asked by Coroner Deveaux if that meant

he was not confident the report could not stand on its own, ACP Thompson said that a portion of the report was done locally. He said the forensic science unit added a cover letter to the report, which was prepared by the Miami Dade Medical Examiner’s Office.

ACP Thompson told Ciji Smith-Curry, an attorney for the estates of the dead men, that there was no “interpretation” of the results by the police.

When asked by Romona Farquharson Seymour, another attorney for the estates, why the officers’ weapons were not part of his firearm report, ACP Thompson said they were not submitted to his lab.

Although he said his report was complete based on what was submitted, he told the attorney that the coroner could request that officers’ firearms be collected for forensic analysis.

ASP Cyprian Collie of the forensic science unit said the toxicology report of Tony Smith showed he had 1.16 per cent ethanol in his blood system. ASP Collie explained this means Smith was in the excitement stage of intoxication, with a level of impairment to him at the time of his death.

He said the deceased could have had slurred speech, muscular incoordination, swayed while he walked and was more likely to take risks at the time.

He also confirmed to Mrs

POLICE officers remove a body from a home in Blair Estates where police shot and killed three men on May 17, 2019.

Seymour that the level of alcohol in Smith’s system would be higher than the legal limit to drive in the United States.

During questioning from K Melvin Munroe, the attorney for the officers, ASP Collie confirmed that there was THC present in Trevor Cooper’s blood and that it could have affected his brain.

He clarified that it could have impaired his thought process and gait as well as brought on possible paranoia.

ASP Collie told Ryzard Humes, the last attorney for the estates, that scientists could only observe drugs in a person’s system from second-hand smoking in a very controlled and restricted space. He explained that it was highly improbable that one would experience such effects in an open space.

He also said that while ethanol was found in Cooper’s system, he was only in the euphoria stage of intoxication.

When Mrs Smith-Curry asked why only Valentino

Pratt’s blood was not tested according to the toxicology report, the officer said that because there was no alcohol in his system, they did not need to test his vitreous humor sample. He said doing so would give them a more accurate result of the ethanol percentage in his blood system.

He said that comparing ethanol content in blood to what is found in the vitreous humor helps with accuracy as alcohol concentration could increase in a body post-mortem.

ASP Collie said that he couldn’t speak to the level of drug consumption of any of the three men because of each person’s unique body chemistry and how they process substances.

In response to a question from the jury, the officer said that not all the substances found in the systems of the men were legal.

However, when asked

by Mr Humes, he confirmed that there are circumstances in which medicinal marijuana can be prescribed.

Henfield asks how Social Services will support evicted shanty town residents in Abaco

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net FORMER Foreign Affairs Minister Darren Henfield questioned how the Ministry of Social Services will support Abaco shanty town residents facing eviction, saying the ministry can hardly provide “succour and support” to Bahamians in other circumstances.

Although Abaco residents say the island lacks housing even for public teachers post-Dorian, Social Services Minister Myles Laroda said on Wednesday he was confident his ministry would provide the necessary help.

Mr Henfield said Abaco’s housing shortage was also a concern of the Minnis Administration.

“That was a concern when we attempted to do it, it remains a concern today,” he told reporters yesterday.

Ministry of Works officials recently posted over 400 eviction notices across three shanty towns in Abaco, giving residents 28 days to pack up and leave.

“I don’t know how he’s going to do that,” Mr Henfield said, referring to Minister Laroda.

“The question might be better to ask him how he intends to do that.”

Former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, asked about the issue, said those found to be illegal should be repatriated.

“I think if we work it out systematically in terms of those who are legal, regularise them so that they can now be matriculated,” he said.

“They can qualify for land, they can qualify for housing, they can qualify to go and rent or purchase anywhere.”

FORMER FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER DARREN HENFIELD

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

Death Notice For Anthony King, 57 of Lady Slipper & Cassia Avenue, Garden Hills #2 died at the Princess Margaret Hospital on Friday, February 2nd, 2024.

He is survived by his wife: Marina King; son: Anthony King; daughter: Anthoneka King; sisters: Dianne Spencer & Michelle Pinnock; brother: Wilfred King; grandchild: Larissa King and other relatives and friends.

Arrangements for the funeral service are being finalized and details will be announced at a future date.

Christie: Young men have become ‘human weapons’ THE TRIBUNE

Friday, February 9, 2024, PAGE 5

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Prime Minister Perry Christie said a holistic approach is needed to combat crime, adding young men have become “human weapons”.

He spoke to reporters as the body of Elwood Donaldson, Sr., lay in state.

Twenty-five people have been killed in 2024, one of the deadliest starts ever in a year.

“We clearly will have to find the formula to understand why young men, in particular, are being weaponised by the environment in which they live,” Mr Christie said. “They literally become human weapons and weapons that are not working in the best interests of the country.”

Mr Christie believes involvement in crime relates to someone’s home environment, neighbourhood, struggles with unemployment, or being drawn to the form of brotherhood that exists in gangs.

“It’s a question of governance and effective governance and putting that in place and making sure that you are responding to the needs of the people,” he said. “And, as I said before, I think that those ideas are now in play. And I have no doubt in the coming days and weeks, you’re going to see major activity on the part of the government.”

The murder rate has sparked concerns about the impact on the tourism industry.

Last month, Tourism Minister Chester Cooper said he is not concerned about this, adding: “The Bahamas is a safe place.”

Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard said yesterday that Mr Cooper’s response was unfortunate.

“His statement gave the impression that he had no concerns when the stakeholders themselves immediately respond and say we have concerns because our bookings have changed,” Mr Pintard told reporters. “And so the response of government should simply be one, that you meet with your stakeholders and strategise around how we are addressing the issue that affects the number one industry in the country.

“Secondly, you ought to make sure that your public relations machinery is communicating the right message.

I thought it was a mistake for government officials not to directly talk to the international media. What they sought to do is to work through the various agencies that work on our behalf, who couldn’t tell the story better than we can. And so I thought they missed an opportunity.”

“We clearly will have to find the formula to understand why young men, in particular, are being weaponised by the environment in which they live.”

- Perry Christie

FORMER PRIME MINISTER PERRY CHRISTIE

Former PM says international community must ensure Haiti doesn’t become ‘failed state’

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net FORMER Prime Minister Perry Christie said the international community must ensure Haiti does not fall into a “completely failed state”.

Mr Christie, a member of the CARICOM Eminent Persons Group (EPG), which is trying to solve the crisis gripping Haiti, said the group has been meeting with relevant stakeholders in Haiti to facilitate a

Haitian-led solution.

Mr Christie said the conditions in Haiti are deteriorating significantly at a dangerous rate.

“We in the Eminent Group have always chosen not to make public statements,” he said. “But I will simply say that I had the privilege of entertaining the top Catholic leader number two in the Catholic Church on Monday. He flew in to meet with us to explain the position of the church in this particular period.

“The international community, clearly,

CARICOM clearly, we all have an obligation to ensure that we do not let Haiti fall into a completely failed state. Enormous sacrifices are being made by families, and enormous damage is being done to children who are being displaced, people who are being raped and people who’ve been killed. And so there is a call for action, and hopefully, that action will take place soon.”

The future of the international community’s efforts to help Haiti remains uncertain. In January, Kenya’s high court barred the country from deploying its police officers to Haiti.

The officers were expected to lead efforts to train Haitian offices and stabilise the country.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis has said he expects another country to step up and lead the mission if Kenya’s government doesn’t play the role, noting CARICOM countries lack the “capacity or the wherewithal” to lead the mission.

The Bahamas has committed to sending 150 officers to Haiti as part of a multi-national force to curb the violence in that country.

Kenya said it would send 1,000 police officers to lead the force.

PAGE 6, Friday, February 9, 2024

THE TRIBUNE

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Let businesses know of changes in good time RECENTLY in this column, we talked about the ease of doing business – or lack thereof – in The Bahamas.

Those who trade in stocks and shares, or follow the ups and downs of the global markets, will be familiar with the truism that the market likes predictability. The same holds true at the local level.

So the shifts and zigzags that businesses face as they go about their day-to-day running are a frustration, but also a handbrake on the ability to plan future profitability.

Take, for example, the latest announcement that the government has made that it will start to levy VAT on private islands belonging to the cruise trade from March 1.

That 60-day deadline given to the cruise industry to implement VAT was described in yesterday’s Tribune by Michael Maura, the cruise port’s top executive, as seeming “unreasonable” and was “just not enough time”.

It is a fair point. Whether or not you feel the levy should be introduced, there certainly is a question of what the turnaround time could be expected for the industry to implement such a tax. But more than that, why the short notice?

That industry operates with passengers who book many months, sometimes years in advance, we know that.

This move would be something longterm to bring financial returns over years and decades ahead. If we knew we were going to implement it from March, why not tell the cruise industry back in December, or September or earlier?

Letting businesses know in advance allows them to plan accordingly. Sudden shifts sometimes need sudden corrections – and that can be as brutal as job cutbacks to deal with the unexpected costs.

Of course, there may not be much sympathy from the Bahamian public for the cruise industry, which is often seen as being outsiders despite the number of locals who derive their livelihoods from the industry.

So what about the boat owners who have found out that the government is busily U-turning on boat registration fees?

We are told that the government is going to have reduced fees for boat registration from March 1.

However, lots of people already paid the higher fees – and for those wanting to pay whatever the lower fees are, they want to know what it will be.

There is talk of refunds or credits for those who have already paid, so they ought to know what their financial situation is so that they know what to do with that money.

It seems those who already paid – the ideal people who have done what was asked from the off – might just get a credit to future payments rather than a refund. That seems like penalising the best-behaved taxpayers for government indecision.

Then there is the elephant in the room – the expected increase to NIB due to take effect from July 1.

Again, why do we not know the amount that will be, with the very sensible Peter Goudie, head of the labour division over at the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employer’s Confederation, last week asking: “What’s the big secret?”

He said that there should be a minimum notice of six months, saying: “People have got to plan on this stuff.

How can you budget?”

He’s right.

The cruise lines ought to get that same option to plan. The boat owners – especially the likes of fishermen and small businessmen – ought to get the option to plan. And every business up and down the land ought to get the option to plan.

A well-run economy does not need to spring surprises on people financially. Simply let people know in good time what the changes will be so they can adjust to it. Otherwise, businesses have to leave more in the pot unspent to cover any unexpected shocks. That’s money that could be working to benefit the economy all round rather than being held in reserve just because you do not know which way the government will jump.

Do we need money so urgently that we cannot give advance notice? Is that a warning bell for our economy?

Or can we just extend the courtesy to businesses and citizens to allow them to know what is coming?

Whatever the reason for this rollercoaster ride, it does not help to boost confidence that our economic plan is well-thought out.

THE PARIS 2024 Olympic gold medal is presented to the press in Paris, Thursday. A hexagonal, polished piece of iron taken from the Eiffel Tower is being embedded in each gold, silver and bronze medal that will be hung around athletes’ necks at the July 26-Aug. 11 Paris Games and Paralympics that follow. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Sowing bad seeds and expecting a good harvest EDITOR, The Tribune.

SOME have questioned why I, over these many decades, would regularly submit editorial letters and articles for publication in the media. Well, as a proud citizen of The Bahamas, it has always been my stance that while one has breath in his/her body that he/she should speak out and advocate for national issues. Being silent or polite are not the stuff of which a successful and dynamic nation is built. God did not give any one individual all knowledge and that is why dialogue is so important.

Here in our wonderful nation, despite the obvious challenges, many persons, all across the wider society are perplexed and

We are at a fork in the road EDITOR, The Tribune

THIS isn’t rocket science, but coming up with an effective remedy for the sad, sad state of violence and chaos engulfing The Bahamas today seems to elude the powers that be by several light years. We are definitely at a fork in the road.

It hurts me dearly to have arrived at the conclusion that I have come to, even if it is not the whole truth and nothing but the truth. We all have, and are entitled to, our own perspectives about everything under the sun.

Even when some of us might be diametrically opposed to others, regarding certain situations, common grounds of agreements can be --- and have been --- arrived at. My turn at this fork in the road may not be yours. So, here’s my reasoning.

To make a turn merely to maintain a certain unity would be hypocritical, when it goes against one’s best judgment and sincerity of soul. In fact, it may be one of the significant factors why some youth, in particular, are engaged in their destructive/ self-destructive behaviours.

Choosing our own course at that fork in the road might not be as independent as it might seem.

In this Bahamas today, where we appear to be rapidly going from bad to worse, there is definitely a need for all right-minded, lawabiding Bahamians to do all that we can to stem the tsunami of lawlessness confronting us daily. Together, that mission can no doubt be accomplished. But, will that necessary level of togetherness ever be attained? From my perspective, the answer to that question is a resounding “no!”

Tsunami, hurricane, forest fire or any other such encroaching disaster ought to afford us some limited time for a sobering and realistic response. Self-preservation demands that we do all that we can to save ourselves, assist others as much as we can, while not ignoring or downplaying the stark reality of the situation.

Around the world, not just in The Bahamas, this upsurge in lawlessness and wanton violence shows no sign of abating. Plus, the various remedies (if and when applied) seem to be little more than bandaids to cover up the gushing gunshot wounds of unconscionable criminality.

Nations, high-level leaders, common petty criminals all take advantage of the lack of

appropriate consequences to their actions.

While those in charge cannot be everywhere all of the time nor address all the social ills which contribute to the ruthlessness abounding all around us, inaction can be worse than the wrong action, as we negotiate that fork in the road.

For sure, criminals, corrupt officials, facilitators and enablers of all descriptions are emboldened by the lack of adequate, sure and consistent deterrents. Today’s news accounts (local and international) only seem to anesthetise us enough to be able to accept the more horrific news accounts of tomorrow. No lines in the sand are drawn, so the new norms become the culture.

When that fork in the road becomes a choice of doing nothing because things will not change, and doing something, but things will still not change, we can retort to a saying I’ve heard endless times. “Six of one, or halfdozen of the other.”

Don Quixote, where are you?

Learning to love ourselves is said to be the greatest love of all. Next in line is to love others as we love ourselves.

In this world of reality, though, we must admit that

such noble ideals have challenged humanity around the globe for centuries.

In our little Bahamas, the challenge is as astounding as it is perplexing, since most of us are kith and kin, removed by only one or two degrees of separation. So, the best bottom line in this conundrum might proclaim “to thyself be true.”

“It is better to sit alone than in company with the bad, and it is better still to sit with the good than alone.

It is better to speak with a seeker of knowledge than to remain silent, but silence is better than idle words.”

We may listen to the noises in the markets. We may look at the bad actors in our midst splendidly going through their performances. Then, we may consider that Time is our most precious possession. How we spend it is our most valuable choice.

Should we spend the rest of our time trying to fix people who cannot or do not wish to be fixed?

PreWho knows, perhaps it is possible to reach that unreachable star. But, is that the best use of our limited time left? I see myself at that fork in the road. Do you ...?

MB February, 2024,

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net

almost going crazy over the single issue of ‘crime’ and alleged gang related homicides. May I be so bold as to remind readers that there was a time way back in the past, when one used to see persons whom we referred to, loosely, as Jonsers. They were a cause for undue alarm in the major islands, especially New Providence.

Well, today, they are hardly ever seen. Either some died from the ravages of cocaine addiction; were jailed or simply changed their mindsets and ceased to get high on crack.

These alarming gangrelated homicides will also cease one day, sooner rather than later, when the perpetrators eliminate each other to the irreducible minimum. Callous, but so true.

Crime and the desire to commit the same starts with a ‘seed’ that is planted in an individual’s mind either by warped thinking or due to bad influences.

No one was simply born a criminal. You plant a bad seed what sort of harvest do you expect to reap? A good one? God forbid! It is akin to planting a banana seed and expecting to reap oranges.

Every seed produces after its own kind.

Even in the animal world, the seed of a lion will, ordinarily, only produce a lion cub...it cannot come out as a monkey, with all due respect to monkeys.

No amount of police; no amount of resources which are thrown at policing; no amount of political rhetoric and posturing and certainly no amount of public praying will ever change the seed that is planted in one’s vineyard.

Only the owner of the particular vineyard (his/her mind) is able to select the

type seed that he/she will plant. The particular individual makes that choice... good or bad.

Most Bahamians simply need to change their mindsets by digging or plowing up the current vineyard, filled will prickly thorns and replant the same with ‘good’ seeds. You want pineapples? Sow pineapple seeds. You want ‘good’ children? Show them how to plant and nurture ‘good’ seeds. You wish to see the mayhem amongst our people continuing?

Continue to cloak ourselves and children in planting bad societal and economic seeds.

Far too many Bahamians are poor and financially disadvantaged due to the seeds of poverty which they have planted or allowed to be planted in their minds.

When those seeds are ripe for harvest, the results are dismal at best.

That is why it has been declared and written that: ‘The poor are always with you’! This is what God Himself decreed. Biblical and spiritual principles are like immutable laws of nature....they cannot be avoided or changed at will.

Until there is a renewing of one’s mind, Bahamians may bark at the Moon until the Rapture, but little will abate of change the gang related homicides and other serious crimes.

You cannot plant a bad seed and expect to reap a good harvest.

Most of you are focusing on the harvest, but paying absolutely no mind to the type seeds which many of you are planting or allowing to be planted or grafted into your personal vineyard.

We planted oranges, but tamarinds came out of the ground! To God then, in all things, be the glory!

ORTLAND H BODIE, Jr Nassau, February 8, 2024.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, February 9, 2024, PAGE 7

Man accused of killing mother and daughter denied bail for own safety from page one their apartment.

Justice Cheryl GrantThompson concluded that Strachan was not an eligible candidate for bail, calling him a flight risk.

“The primary reasons are the cogency of the evidence against him in this matter and also that there are no conditions available to the

Court to ensure the applicant does not abscond,” she said in her judgment.

“The Crown also requested that bail be denied for his own safety and due to there being nothing peculiar relative to his present circumstances.”

She noted that Strachan was not of good character, listing previous convictions for vagrancy,

stealing, armed robbery, assault with intent to commit rape and a warrant of arrest for possession of dangerous drugs and possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

The convictions took place in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

As Strachan was the boyfriend of one of the deceased and lived in the

same area as the murder victim’s family, the judge considered that Strachan might interfere with witnesses.

The Davis administration has repeatedly pushed judges to consider the danger people accused of serious crimes face when they are given bail.

Justice Grant-Thompson noted the frequency of

retaliatory killings in the country, adding that public safety is of paramount concern when considering bail applications.

“The Court takes judicial notice of the retaliatory killings in The Bahamas and is concerned for the safety of the applicant,” she said. “The Court, therefore, remands the applicant for his own safety having

regard to the current conditions which prevail in the country.

“The Court is of the view that there are no conditions that can be implemented to ensure the applicant’s return for trial. The Court also remands the applicant for the safety of the public who may be caught in the crossfire if the applicant is released on bail.”

Women accused of trying to knock down police American man accused of fatal officers charged with five counts of assault stabbing of his father granted bail

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A WOMAN was taken into custody after being accused of trying to knock down five police officers in a stolen car, attracting gun fire from the officers earlier this week.

Magistrate Shaka Serville charged Ellen Glinton, 42, with five counts of assault with a dangerous instrument, stealing and receiving.

Glinton is accused

of stealing a blue 1998 Volvo belonging to William Smythe on February 5. Around 2am that day, police responded to calls of a stolen vehicle near Marathon Road and found that Glinton had stopped the vehicle on Baillou Hill Road.

As officers ASP N Bain, CPL 2970 Johnson, CPL 3878 Campbell, WPC 4229 Rolle and PC 4776 Spence stepped out of their vehicle, Glinton allegedly attempted to knock them down.

Psychological evaluation ordered for teen accused of staying in a vacant hotel room

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A 19-YEAR-OLD boy was ordered to have a psychological evaluation after he was accused of staying in a vacant room at the Baha Mar Resort without permission earlier this week.

Acting Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley charged Mario Taylor with trespassing and vagrancy.

Wendawn Miller-Frazer represented the accused.

Taylor allegedly trespassed onto the Baha Mar resort and stayed in room 1958 without permission on February 7.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Although prosecutor Inspector Deon Barr objected to his bail, Taylor was granted it at $3,500 with one or two sureties.

Under the terms of his bail, he must receive a psychological evaluation while on release.

Taylor’s trial starts on April 10.

CHINESE EMBASSY DONATES FIVE COMPUTERS TO GARVIN TYNES PRIMARY SCHOOL

A GIFT of five desktop computers was presented to Garvin Tynes Primary School, off Carmichael Road yesterday courtesy of the People’s Republic of China, via the Chinese Embassy. In attendance at the presentation was Chinese Ambassador H.E. Dai Qingli and Health and Wellness Minister, Dr Michael Darville, MP for the area. They are shown seated.

Photos: Ulric Woodside/AP

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

After the officers opened fire on the defendant, she reportedly briefly evaded police until she was arrested on Soldier and Baillou Hill Roads.

Glinton was successfully treated in hospital for her gunshot injuries.

After pleading not guilty to the charges, the defendant was informed that she would be sent to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until her bail hearing on February 16.

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A 26-YEAR-OLD American man accused of fatally stabbing his father on New Year’s Day was granted bail yesterday.

Mario Cash, Jr, appeared from prison before Justice Gregory Hilton to determine his bail application.

The accused once again appeared lethargic with an overgrown beard as he stood before the camera.

Mario Cash, Jr, is accused of stabbing his father, Mario Cash Sr, at his residence in western New Providence on New Year’s Day. Ian Cargill, the defendant’s attorney, claimed during his client’s bail hearing last week that the defendant stabbed his father in self-defence after the victim allegedly tried to strangle him.

Earlier in January, the defendant claimed he suffered a sickle cell crisis the weekend before he

appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley.

After reviewing Cash’s bail application, which was first filed on January 9, Justice Hilton granted the accused $30,000 bail with two sureties.

The bail terms require Cash, Jr, to surrender his passport and to be electronically monitored. He must also sign in at the JFK Airport every Monday, Wednesday and Friday by 6pm.

PAGE 8, Friday, February 9, 2024

THE TRIBUNE

The 1657 shipwreck of the Madema do Brasil near Gorda Cay, Abaco GORDA Cay was named because of its round shape – in Spanish it means simply ‘fat’ – the only village, occupied by itinerant farmers from nearby Sandy Point, Abaco, was named Pumpkin Harbour. Just two miles by a mile, it is nine miles to Great Abaco, 30 to Grand Bahama, and 25 miles to the Berry Islands. Gorda Cay is also about halfway on the 9,000-mile voyage from the colonial Spanish silver mines of Potosí, Bolivia, high in the arid Andes, and Madrid.

Because it sits along the critical Northwest Providence Channel, many tons and millions of pesos worth of silver, gold, chests of worked metals were wrecked there. These precious metals boosted Indians serving with the Spanish, newly arrived Eleutheran Adventurers, fishermen, the Development Board, and numerous amateur and professional treasure hunters.

“The Island is small, approximately 1,000 acres in size. It was first inhabited in 1783.”

On October 26, 1654 a Spanish treasure galleon Jesus Maria de la Limpia Concepcion de Nuestra Senora wrecked off Ecuador from Peru to Panama.

Much of the silver and gold was salvaged, and placed on another galleon, the Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas. This ship, en route was caught in a vicious hurricane rounding northern Bahamas.

On January 4, 1656 the Maravillas collided with another ship named Nuestra Señora de la Concepción and sank in minutes on Little Bahama Bank, to be re-discovered in 1972. The Spanish aggressively salvaged the treasure, and their enemies tried. A ship from the fleet was towed into Bermuda, and the crew convinced to lead an expedition to salvage treasure.

A skilled opportunistic Spanish duo named Juan de Somovilla Tejada and Gaspar de los Reyes Palacio survived the wreck of the Maravillas, salvaged some cargo, and delivered it to Spain.

Dave Horner, in Shipwreck, states that in San

By Eric Wiberg Juan “a Portuguese ship, the Madama do Brasil, was in the harbour preparing to sail.” It was a merchant vessel called a frigate, não, nau, or carrack, of 400 tons, 120 feet long, 25 feet wide, with three masts, a large bowsprit, deep draft and high decks, and a few cannons. It soon was the main platform for extensive salvage of the Maravillas wreck and treasure in The Bahamas.

With the king’s approval Somovilla and Reyes returned to the site until in mid-August 1657 a sudden fierce storm sent some ships running for shelter south of Grand Bahama. Somovilla followed on the Madama do Brasil, the storm continuing fierce. It caught the Spaniards south of Grand Bahama, and sank their ship El Panito. Despite cutting down their mast, the Madama do Brasil lost its rudder. At that point, with the ship heavily laden with treasure it was impossible to manage. On the night of 22 September, the Spaniards and their loot struck the reefs, probably on southwest Gorda Cay. Though seven men drowned, Somovilla and about 100 of the remainder swam and crawled their way to shelter. They were to remain for months, unarmed and underfed.

As the Spaniards and Indian divers found and salvaged large ingots and bars of silver, 72 pounds in weight, they buried them near their camp. They survived mostly on sea grass and managed to make small boats and send them to Cuba. The first made it and they returned months later, and the second desperate boat was found by the rescuers. By then much of the treasure had been stolen,

but the Spanish managed to retrieve their stashes.

Three weeks later, on October 12, a well-equipped group of wreckers led by Richard Richardson, John Williams, and Asa Eyley sailed from Eleuthera and fired at the Spanish, who withdrew. Then the Eleutheran Adventurers bribed Indian divers to get the lay of the land and locate of the wreck and treasure.

Setting up a camp at Sandy Point, these entrepreneurs returned to Eleuthera in less than a month with 2,600 pounds sterling in silver, which they carefully divided; significantly improving their lot.

The same group made the 70-mile voyage in October, salvaging at least 1,400 pieces of eight. In 1898-1903, “it was rumoured that Bahamian fishermen worked the site, but what they found was never officially reported,” per Dave Horner.

Then in 1947 “a storm rearranged the beaches of Gorda Cay, revealing evidence of the wreck to local fishermen. And a year later, American diver Art McKee found three 72-pound silver bars there. In August of 1950 Nassau businessmen and treasure-hunters Roscoe Thompson and Howard Lightbourn retrieved “a 72-pound silver ingot in 15 feet of water, just off the exposed shoal. Its markings showed the bar to be the property of Spain’s King Philip IV.” They also found “three coins from the same era.” This gained immense publicity, as “it was later displayed at the Tourist Development Board in Nassau.” Ian Fleming cited this silver find in Thunderball (p.107). Per the Nassau

THE MADAMA do Brasil would have looked like this typical 17th century merchant ship

ON the night of 22 September, the Madema do Brasil ,piloted by the Spaniards, and their loot struck the reefs, probably on southwest Gorda Cay. Though seven men drowned, Somovilla and about 100 of the remainder swam and crawled their way to shelter. They were to remain for months, unarmed and underfed.

TREASURE-hunters Roscoe Thompson and Howard Lightbourn retrieved “a 72-pound silver ingot in 15 feet of water, just off the exposed shoal. Its markings showed the bar to be the property of Spain’s King Philip IV.” They also found “three coins from the same era.”

Tribune, Albert E. Worswick bought the ingot and donated it to the board. Valued at $20,000, the Nassau duo is said to have bought it from a fisherman who found it in the ballast pile for $50, according to rumour.

In 1979 Mike Kelley recovered “four Spanish cobs … from the Gorda Cay wreck in the Bahamas. [using] … metal detector looking in the

cracks in the coral close to the beach … along the shore line to the end of the island.”

There are said to be aggressive sharks there. In 1997, a group on RV Explorer of Honduras “salvaged several thousand coins and other Capitana artifacts.” In the 2000s, treasure seekers reported “some coins were found in the coral on the beach, and some big ingots

in the water” at Gorda Cay. Dave Horner observes that “there is no way to determine how much might remain today on the shallow reefs at Gorda Cay before they drop off into deep water.” Beware – a large mouse stands in the way of those seeking the treasure... the island has been recast for an American entertainment conglomerate and its ships.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, February 9, 2024, PAGE 9

Our historic and cultural treasures hidden in plain sight “The discovery of these drawings was a stark reminder of how much we have lost, but also a positive reinforcement of how much we still have to preserve and to honour as we redevelop historic Nassau.”

TANYA Melich Crone was cataloging the work of her late father, architect Henry Melich, when she came across these handdrawn works, masterpieces of buildings that helped frame the city of Nassau.

She must have frozen in place, staring, holding in her hand the masterful drawings of a man who died 25 years ago after leaving his mark on a city that once celebrated its architecture and today overlooks its potential as a draw for cultural tourism, one of the fastest-growing niches in the tourism industry.

Melich Crone shared the images when she found them, knowing the passion I feel for historic Nassau.

I, too, stared, in awe of the detail drawn by a man’s hand, long before there were programmes that did this kind of work for you, long before AutoCAD was the architect’s best friend or AI finished your sentence for you.

Awe, admiration and, I confess, a touch of sadness overcame me. One of the drawings, what was once the Bernard Sunley Building on the northern corner of Rawson Square, showed a structure that was first to meet the eye of anyone who landed in the harbour. It was demolished in 2021 along with the adjacent Churchill Building. At that time, we were told a new Cabinet office would be built on the site. It seems unlikely, if not unnecessary now, given that Cabinet has a meeting place in the Cecil Wallace-Whitfield Centre on West Bay Street.

By Diane Phillips The other building, Norfolk House, remains in private hands, is a highly desirable downtown office location and in stark contrast to the nearby government buildings has been maintained through the years.

There is no sense belabouring the point about lack of ongoing maintenance in public buildings. I watched as the former Bahamas Gaming Board building on Goodman’s Bay was torn down this week, a building with nearly perfect proportions, a structure that could so easily have been repurposed as a community centre or revisited to become a gathering and scoring centre for track events or fun run, walk fund-raisers.

The discovery of these drawings was a stark reminder of how much we have lost, but also a positive reinforcement of how much we still have to preserve and to honour as we redevelop historic Nassau.

Creating a management authority is a step in the right direction. It must have a combination of public and private sector, non-political expertise. It will take experience, energy, insight and most of all vision.

Meantime, we can start with small steps, including

historic plaques. Graycliff did not wait for someone else to do it, and every day, visitors stop and take photos next to the historic explanation of one of Nassau’s most famous buildings.

We must preserve those treasures like Graycliff and the irreplaceable Victoria Court, the only building downtown that has loyally remained residential throughout the decades. Its several Bahamian owners/ residents must be asking themselves how a government can give tax breaks to ex-pats who are building huge sky high profit centres and not to working Bahamians breathing life into the capital city by calling it home.

We do not need to wait for a management authority to provide the incentives that would drive a new population to downtown or make it financially practical for those who live there to stay. Real property tax incentives must be provided to downtown residents if we are going to breathe new life into the city.

And no living city thrives without a residential population. I’ve said it many times before, for a city to live, people have to live in it.

Thank you, Tanya Melich Crone (who compiled all the

MASTERFUL hand drawings discovered reminding us of the hidden treasures right before our eyes. drawings and photos for the stunning book, Island Follies, Romantic Homes of the Bahamas) for sharing those images, and for still caring about the beauty of design.

We will never get back the Sunley Building or others of architectural merit which we lost, and in many ways, we have moved on. Several recently demolished structures did not have architectural value and their absence has just cleared the way for new designs and experiences. We have the

sparkling Nassau Cruise Port and whether you are a fan of large, contemporary architecture or prefer small scale neoclassical design, there is room in a city that welcomes millions of visitors a year for both streams to co-exist.

We are at a crossroads and the decisions we make over the next five years will impact the Nassau our children and grandchildren will inherit, our visitors enjoy or reject, our residents and businesses support or flee.

The decision is in our

hands, the reward for making Nassau a star in Bahamian cultural history at our fingertips. Or we can pay lip service and let it slip through our hands. One more time. Let us get it right this time.

And thank you, Tanya, for showing us once again all the reasons we should, showing us through the drawings of a genius who died 25 years ago the treasure he left for us to keep breathing life into for decades to come.

Shark out of water

STORM winds this week took their toll on boats, including this fishing vessel called Joe Shark. The boat was one of two which washed up across from Arawak Cay close to Saunders Beach. Elsewhere, two sailboats broke free from their temporary (unregulated) anchorage in Montagu Bay, ending up on the rocks near the Nassau Yacht Club. And, what are we doing about the lack of pump-out facilities and requirements for all these sailboats and now powerboats getting free dockage in Montagu Bay and presumably flushing overboard?

PAGE 10, Friday, February 9, 2024

THE TRIBUNE

KIWANIS CLUB OF OVER-THE-HILL – Standing from left: Past president Berry Sweeting, chair Heath Campbell, past president Quintin Percentie, chair Tino Cash, treasurer Solomon Gibson, president Dominique Gaitor, Ms Moss home administator, distinguished president Juan Gibson, president elect Jovon Woodside, chair Stanford Burrows and chair Kaleel Solomon.

BAHAMAS ASSOCIATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS

BAHAMAS Association of Administrative Professionals recently presented a cheque to The Cancer Society of The Bahamas.

From left to right: Marianne Cadet, President of BAAP, Errin Storr, Administrator of The Cancer Society of The Bahamas and Merlande Barrett, Civic and Hospitality Chairperson and Administrative Professional of the Year.

The intrusive disease of cancer has such a grip on the lives of so many Bahamians. With this in mind, The Bahamas Association of Administrative Professionals (BAAP) recently presented The Cancer Society of The Bahamas with a cheque to assist them in helping those who are fighting for their lives.

On hand for the presentation were Marianne Cadet, president of

BAAP, and Merlande Barrett, civic and hospitality chairperson of BAAP and Administrative Professional of the Year (APOTY). Accepting the cheque was Errin Storr, administrator of The Cancer Society of The Bahamas.

“The reason we selected the Cancer Society is because we recognize the great contributions that this society has made to the people of The Bahamas to fight this horrible disease,” said Ms Cadet.

She added that the association wants to not only promote professional growth, but also physical and mental well-being.

ABOVE AND BELOW: The Kiwanis Club of Nassau held a popup community breakfast.

KIWANIS CLUB OF OVER-THE-HILL

On Friday, January 19, a group of ten members from the Kiwanis Club of Over-The-Hill led by president Dominique Gaitor, travelled to Cat Island to charter our second Key Club at the Arthur’s Town Comprehensive School.

In addition to the latter, we visited the Old Bight Gospel Mission Home for Children on Saturday, January 20, to make a donation to the children of that home.

Currently there are 15 children in the home, ranging in ages from two to 18.

The home has a capacity of 25 children and is currently managed by the Ministry of Social Services.

We donated 25 head tams and glove sets, which we believe will assist in keeping the children warm during cooler months in the year.

We also toured the home, to ascertain which other areas of assistance they will need.

ROTARY Club of East Nassau.

KIWANIS CLUB OF NASSAU

The Kiwanis Club of Nassau held a pop-up community breakfast in conjunction with Centreville Urban Renewal on Saturday at Mason’s Addition Park, from 8am.

ROTARY CLUB OF EAST NASSAU

Tomorrow, the Rotary Club of East Nassau will host a Rotary Foundation Million Dollar Dinner at Baha Mar Convention Centre with Barry Rassin, the current chair of The Rotary Foundation Board of Trustees, as Patron and Jennifer Jones, immediate past president of Rotary International, as the keynote speaker.

Jennifer Jones is also currently a Rotary Foundation trustee and has been a member of Rotary since 1997 serving as RI vice president, director, training leader, committee chair, moderator, and district governor. She played a lead role in Rotary’s rebranding effort by serving as chair of the Strengthening Rotary’s Advisory Group.

She is the co-chair of the End Polio Now Countdown to History Campaign Committee, which aims to raise $150 million annually for polio eradication efforts.

Jones recently led the successful #RotaryResponds telethon, which raised critical funds for COVID-19 relief and was viewed by more than 65,000. Jones has also received Rotary International’s Service Above Self Award and The Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service. She is accompanied by her husband, Dr Nick Krayacich who is a District Governor Elect for Rotary International District 6400.

Barry Rassin has been a Rotarian since 1980 and served as Rotary International president in 2018-19, the first from the Caribbean. He has served RI in many other capacities, including as RI director, Rotary Foundation trustee and vice chair, chair of both the Finance and the Shaping Rotary’s Future committees. In 2010, Rassin coordinated Rotary’s disaster relief efforts in Haiti after a devastating earthquake.

He is now chair of The Rotary Foundation Board of Trustees. The board manages the business of The Rotary Foundation, the charitable arm of our organisation that funds service activities. The RI president-elect nominates the trustees, who are elected by the RI Board to four-year terms.

As the name states, the objective is to raise One Million Dollars for The Rotary Foundation that will finance projects here and around the world. In attendance at the dinner will be donors who have recently pledged or made a contribution of $10,000 or more to this initiative led by the members of Rotary International, a worldwide network of inspired individuals who translate their passions into relevant social causes to change lives in communities.

OUR Clubs and Societies page is a chance for you to share your group’s activities with our readers.

To feature on our Clubs and Societies page, submit your report to clubs@tribunemedia.net, with “Clubs Page” written in the subject line.

For more information about the page, contact Stephen Hunt on 826-2242.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, February 9, 2024, PAGE 11

Special counsel: Biden ‘willfully’ disclosed classified materials, but no criminal charges warranted WASHINGTON Associated Press PRESIDENT Joe Biden “willfully” retained and disclosed highly classified materials when he was a private citizen, including documents about military and foreign policy in Afghanistan and other sensitive national security matters, according to a Justice Department report that nonetheless says no criminal charges are warranted for him or anyone else.

The report from special counsel Robert Hur, released Thursday, represents a harshly critical assessment of Biden’s handling of sensitive government materials, but also details the reasons why he should not be charged with the crime.

The findings will likely blunt his ability to forcefully condemn Donald Trump, Biden’s likely opponent in November’s presidential election, over a criminal indictment charging the former president with illegally hoarding classified records at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

“Our investigation uncovered evidence that President Biden willfully retained and disclosed classified materials after his vice presidency when he was a private citizen,” Hur wrote.

Hur’s report says evidence suggests that many of the classified documents recovered by investigators at the Penn Biden Center, in parts of Biden’s Delaware home, and in his Senate papers at the University of Delaware were retained by “mistake.”

Biden said in a statement that he was “pleased” the special counsel had “reached the conclusion I believed all along they would reach — that there would be no charges brought in this case and the matter is now closed.”

He made a point of saying that he sat for five hours of in-person interviews over two days on Oct. 8 and 9, “even though Israel had just been attacked on October 7th and I was in the middle of handling an international crisis.”

“I just believed that’s what I owed the American people so they could know no charges would be brought and the matter closed,” Biden said.

The report comes after a yearlong investigation into the improper retention of classified documents by Biden, from his time as a senator and as vice president, that were found at his Delaware home, as well as at a private office that he used in between his service in the Obama administration and becoming president.

The investigation into Biden is separate from special counsel Jack Smith’s inquiry into the handling of classified documents by Trump after Trump left the White House. Smith’s team has charged Trump with illegally retaining top secret records at Mar-a-Lago home and then obstructing government efforts to get them back.

Trump has said he did nothing

wrong.

After Biden’s lawyers uncovered classified documents at his former office, Biden’s representatives promptly contacted the National Archives to arrange their return to the government. The National Archives notified the FBI, which opened an investigation. Biden made his homes available to agents to conduct thorough searches, and that is how the most sensitive documents came to the attention of the Justice Department.

Hur assessed that the evidence did not support that Biden willfully retained some of the classified documents that were recovered — including the ones at the Penn Biden Center that sparked the probe.

Biden could not have been prosecuted as a sitting president, but Hur’s report states that he would not recommend charges against Biden regardless.

“We would reach the same conclusion even if Department of Justice policy did not foreclose criminal charges against a sitting president,” the report said.

Part of the report centres on Biden’s handling of classified documents about Afghanistan — specifically, the Obama administration’s decision to send additional troops there — that he retained after he left office as vice president in his Delaware home. Biden preserved materials documenting his opposition to the troop surge, including a 2009 classified handwritten memo to then-President Barack Obama.

“These materials were proof of the stand Mr. Biden took in what he regarded as among the most important decisions of his vice presidency,” the report said.

The documents have classification markings up to the Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information Level and were found in a box in Biden’s Delaware garage “that contained other materials of great significance to him and that he appears to have personally used and accessed.”

Photographs included in the report showed some of the classified Afghanistan documents stored in a worn cardboard box stored in his garage, apparently in a loose collection with other household items, including a ladder and a wicker basket.

Classified documents from the Obama administration were also found in Biden’s basement den, according to the report. Classified documents from his time in the Senate in the 1970s and 1980s were also found in his garage.

Despite signs that Biden knowingly retained and disclosed classified materials, Hur’s report said criminal charges were not merited for multiple reasons.

Those include the fact that as vice president, and during his subsequent presidency when the Afghanistan records were found, “he had the authority to keep classified documents at his home.”

As part of the probe, investigators reviewed a recording of a February 2017 conversation between Biden and his ghostwriter in which, referring to the 2009 memo to Obama, Biden said that he had “just found all the classified stuff downstairs.” Biden was renting a home in Virginia at the time and consolidated his belongings in Delaware when he moved out in 2019. Prosecutors believe that Biden’s comment was a reference to the same classified records that FBI agents later found in his Delaware home.

Though the best case for charges could involve his possession of the Afghanistan documents as a private citizen, prosecutors said, it was possible that Biden could have found those records at his Virginia home in 2017 and then forgotten about them soon after.

“This could convince some reasonable jurors that he did not retain them willfully,” the report.

The report said there was some evidence to suggest that Biden knew he could not keep classified handwritten notes at home after leaving office, citing his deep familiarity “with the measures taken to safeguard classified information and the need for those measures to prevent harm to national security.” Yet his kept notebooks containing classified information in unlocked drawers at home.

“He had strong motivations to do so and to ignore the rules for properly handing the classified information in his notebooks,” the report said.

“He consulted the notebooks liberally during hours of discussions with his ghostwriter and viewed them as highly private and valued possessions with which he was unwilling to part.”

While the report removes legal jeopardy for the president, it is nonetheless is an embarrassment for Biden, who placed competency and experience at the core of his rationale to voters to send him to the Oval Office.

“Mr. Biden was known to remove and keep classified material from his briefing books for future use, and his staff struggled — and sometimes failed — to retrieve those materials,” the report states. “And there was no procedure at all for tracking some of the classified material Mr. Biden received outside of his briefing books” In declining to prosecute Biden, Hur’s office also cited what it said was Biden’s “limited memory” both during his 2017 recorded conversations with the ghostwriter and in an interview with investigators last year.

“Given Mr. Biden’s limited precision and recall during his interviews with his ghostwriter and with our office, jurors may hesitate to place too much evidentiary weight on a single eight-word utterance to his ghostwriter about finding classified documents in Virginia, in the absence of other, more direct evidence.”

“We have also considered that, at trial, Mr. Biden would likely present himself to a jury, as he did during our interview of him, as a sympathetic, wellmeaning, elderly man with a poor memory,” investigators wrote.

There is recent Justice Department precedence for criminal charges against individuals accused of sharing classified information with biographers or ghostwriters.

Gen. David Petraeus pleaded guilty to doing exactly that in 2015 and was sentenced to probation.

Yet in this instance, prosecutors say, Biden could have plausibly believed that the notebooks were his personal property and belonged to him, even if they contained classified information.

In an interview with prosecutors, the report said, Biden was emphatic with investigators that the notebooks were “my property” and that “every president before me has done the exact same thing.”

White House lawyer Richard Sauber said Biden takes classified information seriously and “strives to protect it,” but making mistakes when packing documents at the end of an administration can be a common occurrence, as the report noted.

“We disagree with a number of inaccurate and inappropriate comments in the special counsel’s report. Nonetheless, the most important decision the special counsel made — that no charges are warranted — is firmly based on the facts and evidence,” Sauber said.

Biden’s personal attorney

THIS image, contained in the report from special counsel Robert Hur, and marked with the number 1, shows a damaged box where classified documents were found in the garage of President Joe Biden in Wilmington, Delaware during a search by the FBI on December 21, 2022.

Photo: Justice Department/AP Bob Bauer accused the special counsel of violating “well-established’ norms and “trashing” the president.

“The special counsel could not refrain from investigative excess, perhaps unsurprising given the intense pressures of the current political environment. Whatever the impact of those pressures on the final report, it flouts department regulations and norms,” he said in a statement.

Trump responded to the report in a statement as he travelled to Nevada for Thursday evening’s Republican caucuses. “THIS IS A TWOTIERED SYSTEM OF JUSTICE!” he said in a statement, claiming the Biden case was “100 times different and more severe than mine.”

“I did nothing wrong, and I cooperated far more. What Biden did is outrageously criminal - He had 50 years of

documents, 50 times more than I had, and “WILLFULLY RETAINED” them,” Trump added, once again claiming “ELECTION INTERFERENCE!” White House lawyers and Biden’s personal attorney were given the opportunity to review and comment on the report. Biden chose not to assert executive privilege over any portion of the report, White House counsel’s office spokesman Ian Sams said.

Attorney General Merrick Garland in January 2023 named Hur, a former US attorney for Maryland, to handle the politically sensitive Justice Department inquiry in an attempt to avoid conflicts of interest. It is one of three recent Justice Department investigations into the handling of classified documents by politically prominent figures.

SPORTS PAGE 14

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2024

SG ‘Buddy’ Hield traded to 76ers

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

ANTHONIQUE STRACHAN: ‘I WAS JUST CONTENT WITH WHAT I DID’

By BRENT STUBBS Senor Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

G

rand Bahama native Chavano “Buddy” Hield is set to join his fourth National Basketball Association (NBA) team after being traded to the Philadelphia 76ers by the Indiana Pacers yesterday.

The former acquired the three-point marksman in the deal that sent Marcus Morris Jr and Furkan Korkmaz along with three second-round draft picks to the Pacers ahead of the NBA’s trade deadline.

Hield, who is in the final year of his four-year contract, along with the 76ers can both benefit from the latest move.

For the Grand Bahamian, he has bounced between the Pacers’ starting lineup and bench unit ever since contract negotiations stalled between himself and the organisation ahead of the NBA’s training camp.

Now on a new team in desperate need of more scoring after the league’s MVP Joel Embiid went down with a meniscus injury, the senior national basketball player can provide them with a scoring punch from deep.

The Grand Bahamian sharpshooter will be an offensive spark for Philadelphia who are converting just 31 per cent of their three-pointers on the season.

He is one of the league’s premier three-point shooters, canning 40 per cent for his career. Additionally, last season with the Pacers he poured in a career-high 288 made threes.

During his time with Indiana this season, Hield averaged 12 points per game, 3.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists while shooting 44.3 per cent on field goals and 38.4 per cent from three.

He got the starting nod in 28 games this season and scored 13 ppg on 46 per cent shooting from the field and 39.1 per cent

ANTHONIQUE Strachan.

(AP Photo) the fifth position, ahead of Hield’s former team.

WITH this being another banner year both locally and internationally for Bahamian track and field athletes, sprinter Anthonique Strachan said she will take it all in stride.

Strachan, who currently trains out of Jamaica and the MVP Track Club, has opened her season with a world-leading winning time of 7.21 seconds in the women’s 60 metres at the Track & Field Complex in Qazaqstan, Astana, Kazakhstan.

The time was off her personal best of 7.13 she ran twice in 2022, but Strachan admitted that it was just another day in the office.

“I had no expectations, so I was just content with what I did,” Strachan said.

Strachan, 30, will be back in action this weekend when she competes at the Tyson Invitational in Fayetteville, Arkansas and just like last month, she’s striving towards her trek to the World Indoor Championships next month.

“I’m just competing and going ahead to learn what I need to work on,” Strachan reflected.

Still working on her first senior global medal since she left her mark behind as the double gold medallist in the women’s 100 and 200m at the World Under-20 Championships in Barcelona, Spain in her breakout year in 2012, Strachan pointed out that it would be good to get her first one at the World Indoors in Glasgow, Scotland, March 1-3.

But after coming so close with her sixth place finish in the World Outdoor Championships in Budapest, Hungary last year, Strachan is not putting any added pressure on herself.

“I have no expectations of the future,” she said. “I’m just living in the

SEE PAGE 17

SEE PAGE 16

ON THE MOVE: Shooting guard Chavano “Buddy” Hield has been traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. from behind the arc. In recent games, the 76ers have been on a three-game skid and have lost seven of

the last eight games playing without the services of Embiid. The team previously sat at the third seed

SPORTS CALENDAR BAHAMAS BAPTIST SPORTS FEDERATION RUN/WALK IN their relaunch of the Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation, formerly the Bahamas Sports Council, a Family Fun Run/Walk will be held on Saturday, February 17 at the William Thompson Auditorium on Jean Street.

The event, to be held in honour of the Rev. Dr. Philip McPhee - the 11th president of the Bahamas Baptist Missionary and Educational Conventional - is scheduled to begin at 6am.

The walk will start at the William Thompson Auditorium in Jean Street and travel south to Prince Charles Drive, turn right onto Prince Charles Drive and head west to Soldier Road, turn onto Soldier Road and head north to Bernard Road, turn onto Bernard Road and head to Jean Street, turn onto Jean Street and finish at the William Thompson Auditorium.

Feb. 2024

The run will start at the William Thompson Auditorium on Jean Street and head north to Bernard Road, turn right onto Bernard Road and head east to Fox Hill Road, continue onto Fox Hill Road to Prince Charles Drive, turn right onto Prince Charles Drive and head west to Jean Street, turn onto Jean Street and finish at the William Thompson Auditorium.

Age group categories will include primary division under-13, junior high under-15, senior high under-18, open 19-35, 36-50, 51-69, and 70-and-over in both the walk and run for men and women.

For a registration fee of $20, each participant will receive a t-shirt and a certification on completion of the race.

Medals will be presented to the first three finishers in each age category.

The overall male and female will also

SEE PAGE 17

in the Eastern Conference but the recent drought has dropped them to 30-20 (win/loss record), good for

BAHAMAS ATHLETES SHINE IN CARIBBEAN EQUESTRIAN ASSOCIATION FINAL STANDINGS IT was all good news for the Bahamas equestrian community when the final results of the Caribbean Equestrian Association 2023 Mini Jumping Challenge and 2023 Mini Dressage Challenge were released last week.

Bahamian equestrians dominated nearly every category of competition.

The CEA Mini Jumping Challenge and Mini Dressage Challenge are a series of competitions contested over the calendar year by the member nations of the CEA. The competitions take place in each individual country and the results are judged collectively at the year end.

In 2023, The Bahamas competed against Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, emerging 1st overall in the MDC

SEE PAGE 15

SIENNA Jones (centre) placed 1st overall in the CEA Mini Jumping Challenge Height Class B, besting riders from Bermuda, Barbados and the Cayman Islands. Emma Johnston (right) and Sennen Fitzmaurice (left) placed 3rd and 5th overall respectively.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, February 9, 2024, PAGE 15

GSSSA BASKETBALL FINALS START MONDAY

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net THE Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA) basketball championships are all set for next Monday at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium.

The pennant-winning HO Nash Lions will face the CH Reeves Raptors in a finals rematch from last year in the junior girls’ division.

For the junior boys, the DW Davis Royals are set to take on the Anatol Rodgers Timberwolves.

In the senior girls’ division, the CR Walker Knights are matched up with the pennant-winning CV Bethel Stingrays.

The Rattlers’ senior boys are back on the hunt for yet another championship against the second seeded Timberwolves.

Junior Boys The SC McPherson Sharks appeared to be en route to an upset win against the Timberwolves.

However, a massive turnaround in the fourth quarter led to a 49-43 win by the higher seed.

The Timberwolves had to overcome a sluggish start which saw them trail 15-9 going into the second half.

Suddenly, their offence and defence kicked into high gear. The team collectively poured in 40 points in the second half and outscored the Sharks 40-28.

Despite going into the fourth down 7, the Timberwolves validated their second seed and tied the bout at 42 with less than two minutes on the clock. They moved ahead 47-45 and the Sharks had a chance to get within three at the charity stripe but were unsuccessful on both attempts.

Joshua Russell was a monster on offence for the Timberwolves. He powered his way into a game-leading 27 points as the Sharks had no answer for him on defence in the second half.

Kavashti Rahming, of the Sharks, mailed in a teamhigh 14 points.

Junior Girls The Raptors and Lions will meet again after the CH Reeves junior girls ended the Royals season 27-24 yesterday. The Royals got ahead 13-10 at the half but a strong fourth quarter was all the Raptors needed to put the exclamation point on the victory.

After watching the Royals go into the fourth with a 21-15 advantage, the Raptors outscored them 12-3 to close out the game.

Tajhaniqua Morley was a Jill of all trades for the Raptors with a side-high 22 points.

Vonnisha Rolle put together a nine-point scoring effort for the Royals in the loss.

Senior Boys The CC Sweeting Cobras gave the Timberwolves a tough matchup but their opponents ultimately pulled off a 71-59 win to set up a sequel of last year’s finals.

The Timberwolves took an early 21-10 advantage to conclude the opening period and went into the break up 43-29.

In the third quarter, the result remained unchanged with the team maintaining a comfortable 15-point lead at the 2:11 mark. They never let the Cobras get within striking distance and were able to secure the win.

Senior Girls The senior girls’ championships will be without the defending champions this time around. The Knights ran away with a come from

THE GSSSA basketball championships are all set to begin on Monday at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium.

Photo: Tenajh Sweeting behind victory 54-53 to and only 8.8 seconds on upset the Rattlers last night. the clock, Shamaraja CumLast year’s pennant win- mings stepped to the stripe ners seemed all but ready and hit two clutch free to book another trip to the throws to put the Knights in finals after running away control.

CI Gibson’s Tami33-23 at the end of the third period. However, the sha Reckley had one last Knights continued to chip chance to save the season or away the lead and eventu- force OT but was unable to ally took over 47-46 with hit any of her final two free throw attempts. Cummings under 3:00 to play.

The tides permanently mailed in a team-high 25 shifted in the contest follow- points for the Knights.

Last year’s MVP Jada ing a slight scuffle between opposing players but it was Francis went down swingin the Knights’ corner. With ing with 21 points for the the Rattlers ahead 53-52 Rattlers.

Rev McPhee praises Charles Saunders Cougars senior boys on BAISS championship win

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net THE Charles W Saunders Cougars repeated as champions, winning their second Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools senior boys’ basketball title at the Kendal Isaacs Gym on Wednesday night.

It was a celebration that was enjoyed by Bahamas National Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention president Rev. Dr. Philip McPhee, executive secretary Rev. Dr. Glendon Rolle and principal Annabel Thompson, along with a large crowd of faculty, students, family members and friends.

But as they enjoyed their success, Rev. Dr. McPhee promised that the convention intends to do more to make not only Charles W. Saunders, but their other Baptist school, Jordan Prince Williams, a more viable institution to attend in the future.

“It is very important for us to understand the holistic programme of a high school,” Rev. Dr. McPhee said. “It plays a very important part in terms of developing our sporting programmes at your high schools and its primary schools.”

In watching the team prevail with a two-game sweep over the Kingsway Academy Saints, McPhee said they will be engaging talks with fellow Baptists and not Baptists with the view of garnering the support for the schools.

“We have really not done as much as the other traditional schools in giving our financial scholarships as other high schools have been doing to attract great young people for the various sporting disciplines,” he stated.

“We are now gathering that kind of commitment from primary school students all around the Family

TIGER Woods watches his shot on the fourth tee during the third round of the Hero World Challenge PGA Tour at the Albany Golf Club December 2, 2023. (AP)

TIGER WOODS MAKES IT OFFICIAL: HIS 2024 DEBUT WILL COME NEXT WEEK AT RIVIERA

BAISS president Rev. Perry Cunningham presents coach Dario Burrows and his CW Saunders Cougars senior boys with their championship trophy. Rev. Dr. Philip McPhee and principal Annabel Thompson join in.

Islands,” he pointed out.

“We salute our schools for what they have achieved under the conditions that we have been in for the past few years.

“I am now determined as the president and with the help of our secretary general, that we will not only be a school of intellectualism, but also a school of a sporting destination.”

The school board, according to Rev. Dr. McPhee, along with its counsellor, Rev. Dr. William Thompson, will be looking at offering the same type of incentives that other schools such as Queen’s College, St Augustine’s College and St John’s, so that both Charles W. Saunders and Jordan Prince Williams will be a part of the players in all disciplines in the BAISS. “We are proud of what CW Saunders Cougars have done in winning the championship for two

“WE HAVE REALLY NOT DONE AS MUCH AS THE OTHER TRADITIONAL SCHOOLS IN GIVING OUR FINANCIAL SCHOLARSHIPS AS OTHER HIGH SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN DOING TO ATTRACT GREAT YOUNG PEOPLE FOR THE VARIOUS SPORTING DISCIPLINES.” – Rev Dr Philip McPhee consecutive years, which proves that our coaches and students are prepared and are able to compete at the high school level,” he stated.

“We salute our coaches, we salute our principal and all of the assistant coaches, parents and the students for helping our senior boys to repeat as champions,” he said.

Daerio Burrows, coach of the Cougars, completed a perfect season, but he admitted that it wasn’t an easy road to hoist the championship trophy for the second secontuvie year.

“I see a team that had its ups and downs, but when it mattered, we rose to the occasion. The boys executed well. Kingsway Academy did a good job, but we were able to weather the storm and come out victorious.”

Burrows said despite the fact that the Saints made their adjustment from their game one loss on Monday, his Cougars never wavered from their game plan and they got the job done.

He commended Rev. Dr. McPhee for attending both games and cheering the team on. “He was so

engaged and locked in. He brought the energy. He is such an energetic man and fun to be around, so we really appreciate him and Dr. Rolle for their attendance,” Burrows said.

Now the celebrations are about to begin.

Once they are done with their participation in the prestigious Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic next week, Burrows said Charles W. Saunders will celebrate just as they did last year with their assembly and motorcade.

“I know the president made us some promises, so we’re looking forward to that,” said Burrows, who declined to discuss what it was. “I think the boys have a lot of good events to look forward to.”

“We say, we’re still Baptist and proud,” Rev. Dr. McPhee summed up. “God bless Baptists and the Bahamas in a very special way.”

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Tiger Woods has confirmed he will make his first PGA Tour start since the Masters at the Genesis Invitational next week at Riviera, a tournament he hosts.

Woods posted on social media that he was “excited to be a playing host” when the PGA Tour’s next signature event with a $20 million purse starts on February 15.

Woods also teased about his announcement Monday of new apparel now that he has ended a relationship with Nike that dated to 1996 when he turned pro.

“The vision remains the same,” he wrote.

Riviera is the course Woods has played the most times — 12 as a pro — without winning.

He withdrew after 36 holes at Riviera with the flu in 2006 and did not return until 2018. A year ago, he tied for 45th. He next played the Masters, making the cut and then withdrawing during a cold, rainy weekend, had ankle surgery and did not return to golf until December.

The Genesis Invitational is a limited field for top performers. Woods will be playing on a sponsor exemption.

A, just edged out by the Introductory Level C EQUESTRIAN Class Barbados’ Emily Dickson Test outright. Emma John-

FROM PAGE 14

Adult Team competition, 2nd overall in the MDC Children’s Team Competition and 4th overall in the Team Mini Jumping Challenge.

The individual results of Bahamas riders were equally as impressive across both competitions.

In the Mini Jumping Challenge Height Class B, Sienna Jones placed 1st out of 22 competitors, piloting Lea’s Pride around the course in 66.5 seconds, just 1.5 seconds off the Optimal Time. Alexis Osazuwa on her own mount Coraggio di Essere placed 2nd in Height

aboard Mystique.

However, the jumping team score suffered a blow when Gabriella Moran and Fiona dropped a rail in Height Class C, with the result that the jumping team finished 4th overall.

Bahamas equestrians dominated the CEA Mini Dressage Challenge, despite 2023 being the country’s first time competing in this discipline.

In the children’s competition, Addison Spraggins placed 1st in the Introductory Level A Test. Katerina Coello finished 2nd in the Introductory Level B Test, just behind Bermuda’s Charlotte Arthur, but won

ston was 3rd in Training Level Test 1. Overall, the children’s team placed 2nd, just 1.375% points behind the winning Bermuda Team.

Bahamas adult Dressage riders performed very strongly. Rowena Jones placed 1st in the Introductory Level A Test; Gabriella Moran was 1st in the Introductory Level B Test; Erika Adderley placed 1st in the Introductory Level C Test, and Lorrinda Maura placed 2nd in the Training Level 1 Test. As a result the Adult Team placed 1st overall, outscoring 2nd place Jamaica by over 16 percentage points.

ALEXIS Osazuwa placed 2nd WINNERS of the Mini Dressage Challenge Adult Team Competioverall in Height Class A of the tion - shown from left to right - Gabriella Moran, Erika Adderley CEA Mini Jumping Challenge. and Lorrinda Maura with competition judge Cesar Torrente.

PAGE 16, Friday, February 9, 2024

THE TRIBUNE

BAHAMAS FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION AND URBAN RENEWAL LAUNCH COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMME A groundbreaking initiative has been launched through a partnership between the Bahamas Football Association (BFA) and Urban Renewal, introducing a community engagement programme aimed at empowering innercity youth.

This programme commenced in Kemp Road on January 31 with football sessions held every Wednesday from 4:00 to 5:30pm at the Uriah McPhee playing field, with plans to expand to Bain Town.

Anya James, president of the BFA, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating: “Through this partnership, we’re not just playing football, we’re building a foundation for the future of our youth. By offering them a structured environment where they can learn discipline, teamwork and perseverance, we’re opening doors to endless

KICKING Towards a Brighter Future: Inner-city youths engage in a structured football session under the BFA’s community programme at Uriah McPhee playing field, aimed at offering productive activities and educational opportunities. opportunities, including About education and scholarships.

Urban Renewal This programme is about Urban Renewal is dedimore than sports, it’s about cated to enhancing the shaping the leaders of quality of life for residents tomorrow.” of inner-city communities

COMMUNITY Unity Through Soccer: Coach Romario West, youth training officer in the BFA, with young aspiring players at Uriah McPhee playing field. through comprehensive developmental and transformational strategies.

It aims to provide access to basic services, rehabilitate living environments, and improve safety and security, ensuring a better

quality of life for all Bahamians.

The initiative reflects the BFA and Urban Renewal’s commitment to using football as a vehicle for positive change, offering a pathway for young participants to

develop essential life skills and pursue higher education opportunities.

For more details on the program and how to get involved, please visit BFA’s website or reach out to the BFA Secretariat.

A. Robinson National Sta-

their exhilarating victory

coaching staff assembled by

will serve as a key quali-

world-class

Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo, along with Alonzo Russell, or whoever is selected, to compete in the mixed 4 x 400m relay.

The last time the World Relays was staged in the Bahamas in 2017, Strachan, Gardiner, Miller-Uibo and Michael Mathieu captured the hearts of the cheering Bahamian crowd with

include the event.

Mathieu has since retired and while Strachan and Miller-Uibo, despite coming off the birth of her daughter last year, are still the top two spots for the women and Gardiner and Russell have been pegged as the top two males.

The make-up of the team will be determined by the

said she was just delighted that the World Relays is back home after heading to Yokohama, Japan, in 2019 and Chorzow, Poland, last year.

If there’s any consolation for the athletes and teams coming here to compete, World Athletics’ president Lord Sebastian Coe has announced that the event

aiming to help the Bahamas qualify for the Olympics in both the mixed relay and the women’s 4 x 100m relay, said she’s excited about what is expected to take place here.

“I’m happy for other athletes to see the beauty of The Bahamas culturewise and for the citizens (of The Bahamas) to get to see

seasons last year when she dropped her lifetime best in both the 100 and 200m to 10.92 and 22.15 respectively.

Now the only thing left for her to do is to ascend the podium for an individual medal or at least a final spot at either the World Indoors or the Olympic Games as she fast tracks her performance this year.

(competition)

May 4-5. in the mixed relay, held in the Bahamas Association of fier for the Olympic Games right at home,” she stated.

ANTHONIQUE dium There’s the expectation the World Relays for the Athletic Associations. in Paris, France, July 27 to As for her individual that Strachan will team up first time. The two editions But, as they wait for the August 11. achievements, Strachan STRACHAN with Olympic champions in 2014 and 2015 didn’t announcement, Strachan Strachan, who will be came off one of her best

FROM PAGE 14

moment so I can enjoy my life and my training while I can.”

The reigning Bahamas double sprint champion has made her commitment to compete in at least one significant meet with the return of the World Relays to the refurbished Thomas

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, February 9, 2024, PAGE 17

BRONZE STATUE IN MEMORY OF KOBE BRYANT

By GREG BEACHAM AP Sports Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers unveiled a statue of Kobe Bryant yesterday, honouring their late superstar with a 19-foot bronze likeness outside their downtown arena.

The 4,000-pound statue depicts Bryant in his white No. 8 jersey with his right index finger raised as he walked off the court following his 81-point performance against the Toronto Raptors in January 2006.

Bryant’s widow, Vanessa, said during the dedication ceremony that the statue is the first of three that will be created to honour the five-time NBA champion and top scorer in Lakers history. Another statue will feature Bryant in his No. 24 jersey, which he wore for the second half of his career, while a third will depict Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, who died with him and seven others in a helicopter crash in January 2020. “This statue may look like Kobe,

but really it’s what excellence looks like,” Kareem Abdul-Jabbar said. “What discipline looks like. What commitment looks like. ...

It captures a person frozen in time, while at the same time acknowledges that the reason there is a statue in the first place is because that person is timeless.

We’re all here today to honour a man who represents not just extraordinary sports achievement, but also timeless values that inspire us all to try harder to be not just better, but our best.”

The first statue was unveiled at a ceremony attended by dozens of Lakers greats and hundreds of season ticket holders.

Vanessa Bryant spoke at the ceremony after remarks from team owner Jeanie Buss, former teammate Derek Fisher, Abdul-Jabbar and longtime Lakers coach Phil Jackson.

“I think of Kobe constantly, and I miss him and Gigi more than words can say,” Buss said. “But today, I’m filled with joy because in the future, I know fans

CONFETTI is released during the unveiling of a statue in honour of former Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant outside the NBA basketball team’s arena yesterday in Los Angeles.

(AP Photo/Eric Thayer) will gather here in the shade of this statue beside this building where Kobe gave us so many memories, and we will share what he

meant to us. As we do so, we will motivate a new generation to emulate the Mamba Mentality.”

Bryant retired in 2016 after a 20-year career spent entirely with the Lakers.

He is the fourth-leading scorer in NBA history with 33,643 points, and his accolades included 18 NBA All-Star selections and two NBA Finals MVP awards.

His death has scarcely dimmed the shine of his presence in Los Angeles, where he remains a beloved icon of his adopted city. Bryant and his daughter are featured in hundreds of vibrant public murals across the Southland.

Even before Bryant’s death, Lakers fans speculated about the pose or image that would be immortalised in his statue.

While the announcement of three statues changes the argument, Vanessa Bryant said there shouldn’t be a debate at all: Kobe himself chose the pose for the first statue before his death.

“Kobe has so many people that have supported him all over the world

from the very beginning, and this moment isn’t just for Kobe, but it’s for all of you that have been rooting for him all of these years,” she said. “To the fans here in LA, this is a special city Kobe was so proud to represent. You welcomed him with open arms and have been so important to him, our family, and his legacy.

“It brings me joy to see how much love you have for all of us. We love you back.”

The statue’s base reads: “Kobe Bean Bryant,” with his nickname, “Black Mamba,” carved below.

The triangular platform — a nod to Jackson assistant Tex Winter’s famed triangle offence, the bedrock of the Lakers’ success in the 2000s — is surrounded by five replicas of the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

The base includes the box score from his 81-point game and a QR code for fans to watch highlights of the performance. A Bryant quote is also featured: “Leave the game better than you found it. And when it comes time for you to leave, leave a legend.”

Indiana Pacers trade Hield to 76ers among flurry of deals

By DAN GELSTON AP Sports Writer PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The 76ers turned over the back-end of their roster on NBA trade deadline day, with team president Daryl Morey making a whopping four deals — in large part to create the roster and salary cap space needed to pursue players on the buyout market.

The slumping Philadelphia 76ers acquired guard Chavano “Buddy” Hield from the Indiana Pacers for Marcus Morris Jr., Furkan Korkmaz and three second-round draft picks, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press yesterday.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the trades were not yet official.

Morey made the moves hours — all trades with Eastern Conference teams

BUDDY HIELD

FROM PAGE 14 Despite the recent stretch, if the 76ers are able to regain their footing in the conference, it will be Hield’s first time making the playoffs in his eight year NBA career.

Hield is set to be a free agent at the end of this regular season. The 31-year-old veteran has averaged 15.7 ppg, 4.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists for his career.

Along with Hield, the 76ers acquired former Milwaukee Bucks guard Cameron Payne and a future second-round draft pick. Also, they received a 2024 second-round pick from the Boston Celtics.

The seasoned veteran’s newest team will take the floor at the Wells Fargo Center today versus the Atlanta Hawks at 7pm.

— ahead of the NBA trade deadline with the Sixers tumbling down the East standings without injured All-Star Joel Embiid.

The Sixers also sent Daniel House and a 2024 second-round pick to the Detroit Pistons; then traded guard Patrick Beverley to the Milwaukee Bucks for guard Cameron Payne and a future second-round draft pick; and finished the deadline by sending 2021 first-round pick Jaden Springer to the Boston Celtics for a 2024 second-round pick, the person said.

The Sixers cleared millions in salary cap space — $4.3 million alone on the House trade, as part of the traded player exception — and could target potential buyout options who could strengthen the postseason run such as Charlotte’s Kyle Lowry or Spencer Dinwiddie.

The 76ers now have three open roster spots.

The team is $4.9 million below the luxury tax and has a $2.2 million trade exception, per Capsheets. com.

The 76ers are 4-12 without Embiid and will be without the reigning MVP for at least month — if not much longer — following knee surgery this week.

The 76ers will seemingly look like a whole new team when they host Atlanta tonight.

Beverley broke his own news of the trade: “BREAKING: @patbev21 to the Milwaukee Bucks,” was posted on the social media account that belonged to Beverley’s podcast.

Beverley, a two-time NBA All-Defensive Second Team selection, signed a $3.2 million, $1 million free-agent deal with the Sixers. The Pat Bev Podcast posted video on Instagram of Beverley sitting on a sofa with a

ON THE MOVE: Shooting guard Chavano “Buddy” Hield has been traded to the Philadelphia 76ers.

(AP Photo) cell phone against his ear watching the news break on the ESPN ticker.

Hield will earn $19.2 million this season in the final year of a four-year contract.

He averaged just 12 points this year in 52 games with the Pacers. He is a career 40% 3-point shooter. Hield made just 28 starts this year but should see an expanded role on a Sixers team hit hard by injuries and illness.

The Sixers have lost seven of eight games.

Hield has been one of the top 3-point shooters in the NBA for years in both volume and makes. He hit at least 260 in four straight seasons with the Sacramento Kings and made a career-high 288 last season with the Pacers.

The Sixers are shooting just 31% from 3-point range this season and can only hope Hield provides not only a viable outside option down the stretch

but can take some of the pressure off All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey, who has struggled in Embiid’s absence.

Maxey has a combined 50 points in three games since he scored a careerbest 51 last week against the Utah Jazz.

Indiana’s desire to move Hield was not much of a surprise. Hield, who finished sixth in the league with 3.6 3s per game last season, had been the subject of trade rumours since last year’s trade deadline.

An expiring contract and his ability to score made him a likely addition for a team trying to make a deep playoff run — which the 76ers still believe they can do if Embiid is healthy and can return in time of the playoffs.

But the Pacers also needed to make a move to clear out minutes for players such as last season’s all-rookie selection Bennedict Mathurin, who opened

aimed at empowering inner- scholarships. This program players in the country to SPORTS is about more than sports; experience the “love of the city youth.

This programme com- it’s about shaping the lead- game” with their inaugural CALENDAR menced in Kemp Road on ers of tomorrow.”

Valentine’s Doubles Classic

FROM PAGE 14

receive a trophy. For more information, persons can write to the federation at bahamasbaptistsportsfederation@gmail.com or visit our facebook page at bahamas baptist sports federation.

SOCCER BFA URBAN COMMUNITY PROGRAMME A groundbreaking initiative has been launched through a partnership between the Bahamas Football Association (BFA) and Urban Renewal, introducing a community engagement programme

January 31 with football sessions held every Wednesday from 4:00 to 5:30pm at the Uriah McPhee playing field, with plans to expand to Bain Town.

Anya James, president of the BFA, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating: “Through this partnership, we’re not just playing football; we’re building a foundation for the future of our youth.

By offering them a structured environment where they can learn discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, we’re opening doors to endless opportunities, including education and

YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL THE Bahamas Youth Flag Football League will be hosting a free offensive camp on Saturday @ the multipurpose field at the Sports Center. Kids ages 6 - 17 are invited to attend and can sign up by email byffl242@gmail.com. This is the first official event for the BYFFL this year and will be followed by the 2nd Annual High School Tournament planned for April 13.

Inaugural Valentine’s Doubles Tennis Classic Insurance Management and The Gym Tennis Club of Winton invite tennis

Tennis Open Invitational.

The tournament is slated to begin February 10 and tennis players will converge at the Gym Tennis Club in Winton to battle it out in a “doubles” only tournament featuring four categories, including: Men’s, Ladies, Over 55, and the always entertaining Mixed Doubles category.

Interested players should e-mail “gtctourbah@gmail. com” to get their registration forms.

Insurance Management and the Gym Tennis Club encourages the public to come come out, cheer, enjoy and even hit a ball or two.”

the season as a starter but had been playing primarily behind Hield.

If Morris and Korkmaz stay with Indiana, they will add veteran voices to a young locker room without much playoff experience.

They also have expiring contracts, which will free up money for Indiana to re-sign players — perhaps even two-time All-Star Pascal Siakam, who was obtained from Toronto in a mid-January trade.

And the three secondround draft picks will help offset the three first-round picks Pacers president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard sent to Toronto in the Siakam trade.

The 35-year-old Beverley has averaged 6.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 19.6 minutes in 47 games.

The Bucks needed a boost to their perimeter defence since the start of the season after losing fivetime All-Defensive Team member Jrue Holiday in the trade that brought seven-time All-NBA guard Damian Lillard to Milwaukee.

The Bucks will be the sixth different team Beverley has joined over the last four seasons. He spent the 2020-21 season with the Los Angeles Clippers, played for the Minnesota Timberwolves in 202122 and split last season between the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls.

Payne, 29, has averaged 6.2 points, 2.3 assists, 1.3 rebounds and 14.9 minutes in 47 games with the Bucks while shooting 39.7% from 3-point range.

He joined the Bucks this season after spending the last four seasons with the Phoenix Suns. Payne also has played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers.

CHINA ADDS TO GOLD MEDAL HAUL WITH WINS IN DIVING AND ARTISTIC SWIMMING DOHA, Qatar (AP) — China added to its gold medal haul with two more victories at the World Aquatics Championships yesterday.

Lian Junjie and Yang Hao won their third straight world title in synchronised 10-metre platform diving, while twins Wang Liuyi and Wang Qianyi claimed a narrow victory in the duet free routine of artistic swimming.

Also yesterday, Australia edged Italy in a thrilling mixed 4x1,500-metre open water race at Doha Old Port.

Lian and Yang gave China’s powerhouse diving team its seventh gold medal in 10 events at the Hamad Aquatic Centre. They led after all six rounds to finish with 470.76 points.

With everyone else basically diving for second, Tom Daley and Noah Williams of Britain claimed the silver with 422.37. The bronze went to Oleksii Sereda and Kirill Boliukh of Ukraine at 406.47.

Lian and Yang sealed the victory with their highest-scoring dive of the competition in the final round. Spinning in perfect sync on a forward 4½ somersaults in the tuck position, they barely made a splash as they sliced through the water in tandem. The duo received a pair of 10s and nothing lower than a 9.0 from the judges.

The 27-year-old Wang sisters earned gold at the Aspire Dome with 250.7729 points, edging another set of twins, Bregje and Noortje de Brouwer of the Netherlands, at 250.4979. The bronze went to Britain’s Kate Shortman and Isabelle Thorpe with 247.2626.

The Chinese stars have each won four gold medals in Doha. They also paired up to claim the top spot in duet technical routine, and were both members of the Chinese squad that claimed gold in team acrobatic and team technical.

Overall, China has 12 gold medals in 24 events through the first week of the 17-day championships, the first to be held in the Middle East.

Australia’s team of Moesha Johnson, Chelsea Gubecka, Nicholas Sloman and Kyle Lee captured the open water gold in 1 hour, 3 minutes, 28 seconds — only 0.20 seconds ahead of the Italian squad.

In the hectic sprint to the finish, Lee moved up on Domenico Acerenza’s hip and shoulder before sliding inside and swiping the pad just ahead of the Italian swimmer in a photo finish that took several minutes before the results were confirmed.

“I just tried to stay calm and it is so hectic in that finishing chute,” Lee said.

“I guess I got lucky on the touch.”

The other members of the silver medal-winning team were Giulia Gabbrielleschi, Arianna Bridi and Domenico Acerenza.

The Hungarian squad of Bettina Fábián, Mira Szimcsák, Dávid Betlehem and Kristóf Rasovszky settled for bronze in 1:04:06.80.