02142023 NEWS AND SPORT

SEBAS EYES $200M INVESTMENT IN HOTEL

Project set to create over 500 jobs when done

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

SEBAS Bastian’s Brickell Management Group is entering the resort industry with a 226-unit condo hotel as part of a $200m western New Providence development set to create over 500 full-time jobs at completion.

The gaming entrepreneur’s Venetian Village project, which is also forecast to generate up to 400 construction jobs, will be built-out over a six-year period on a 68-acre site adjacent to the Old Fort Bay Town Centre’s western

boundary as well as Venetian West.

Ansel Watson, Brickell Management Group’s president, told Tribune Business that the developer is aiming to break ground and start construction this year subject to receiving all the necessary government permits and approvals. With the public consultation on Venetian Village’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) set for March 2, 2023, as part of the process for obtaining a Certificate of Environmental Clearance, he pledged it will have “a good impact” for the economy.

MINNIS: INJUNCTION WAS A SETBACK TO THE COUNTRY

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Prime Min-

ister Dr Hubert Minnis says he believes the country would have been further ahead in dealing with unregulated shanty towns if Supreme Court

Justice Cheryl GrantThompson had made a similar ruling to Friday’s judgement when

MITCHELL: HAITI TO BE A MAIN TOPIC DURING CARICOM

WEEKEND SHOOTING SENDS FOUR MEN TO THE HOSPITAL

his administration was in office.

Dr Minnis said this would have allowed his administration’s work to continue, adding that the previous court ordered halt on shanty town demolitions was a setback to the country.

He spoke after Justice Grant-Thompson on Friday ruled that the Minnis

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell said yesterday that Haiti is one of the main issues that will be addressed at CARICOM, noting the country’s political and security challenges.

Mr Mitchell spoke at a press conference where he pointed out several matters

that will be discussed at the upcoming meeting such as climate change, food security, and energy security. The Bahamas is the host country for the event.

However, he also highlighted the ongoing challenges Haiti has faced in recent times.

“Haiti has been descending into chaos as a result of a collapse in their political

POLICE are searching for two men responsible for shooting four people outside a residence in Tropical Gardens.

Shortly before 11pm on Sunday, two masked men armed with handguns got out of a small blue vehicle and discharged gunshots in the direction of the victims, which resulted in the men being shot.

The victims were taken to hospital by ambulance and

MUNROE WARNS: DON’T ‘TEST’ LAW ENFORCEMENT

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

WITH the country prepared to host CARICOM this week, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe is warning people not to “test” law enforcement.

With many regional counterparts and diplomatic colleagues set to attend the 50th CARICOM, Mr Munroe gave an assurance that police and the resorts hosting the event

involved have developed a “robust” plan.

“We are assured that the police and the security

a private vehicle. One man is in serious condition and the others are in stable condition. Police are also looking for the assailants who stabbed a 22-year-old man early yesterday. The incident occurred shortly before 2am at a club on Bay Street. The victim was attacked and subsequently stabbed multiple

infrastructure of the resorts involved have robust plans in place to address security issues inclusive of any illegal demonstrations or assemblies,” he told this newspaper yesterday.

“It wouldn’t be wise for anyone to test the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) and its law enforcement partners. If they do, they will fail.”

The CARICOM meeting will also provide the opportunity for Bahamian talent

nual

Turks and Caicos and The Bahamas celebrate long-standing connection

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis celebrated

The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos’ long-standing friendship, saying both countries have shown cooperation and support to each other.

Mr Davis made his remarks last night at a reception in honour of the TCI Diaspora at Crypto Isles. Also in attendance was the Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Charles Washington Misick.

“Our shared contribution - it goes beyond our history and cultural identity. Because of the diaspora, the communities of the diaspora play a critical role in promoting who we are and promoting the understanding between our two nations,” Mr Davis said. The event showed the strong relationship between The Bahamas and TCI

through their ongoing cooperation with each other.

Mr Misick expressed gratitude for The Bahamas’ assistance in its deployment of police officers to TCI to assist in the fight against crime.

“The police officers melded seamlessly with ours, they brought experience and expertise which they were able to share with our technical unit. They were boots on the ground for us,” he said.

“And, of course, having shared the same heritage they understand the culture of the place. We have some of the same issues that you have. You call them shanty towns, or shanties, we call them informal settlements or yards. And so they were able to manoeuvre for those places,” he said.

The Bahamas and TCI have battled similar challenges such as crime and irregular migration.

In October, the Ministry of National Security sent

20 Royal Bahamas Police Force officers to assist TCI in its rise in crime.

In a statement at the time, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said of the joint effort:

“The Ministry of National Security and its regional partners recognised the emerging national security threats developing across borders throughout the Caribbean. However, the government of The Bahamas remains resolved in our strategic approach to mitigating external factors influencing our ongoing challenge domestically.

“The government of Turks and Caicos remains a critical partner in ensuring our people’s shared safety and well-being. We are confident that with these joint security missions between both countries, we can deliver an aggressive and robust counter-offensive against organised crimes impacting both The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos.”

PRIME Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis made remarks at the reception for Turks and Caicos islands noting the country’s long-standing relationship.

Photos: Moise Aimsial

ANYA WILLIAMS, Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Head of the Public Service, spoke at the ceremony last night.

THE ROYAL Bahamas Police Pop Band performed during the Turks and Caicos reception at Crypto Isles last night.

ANYA WILLIAMS, Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands and Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, at last night’s reception.

MINNIS: INJUNCTION WAS A SETBACK TO THE COUNTRY

administration’s shanty town eradication policy was lawful and that applicants did not come up with sufficient evidence that any move to seize their property was in breach of the law.

The ruling means that the injunction is lifted and demolition of shanty town properties by the government may resume.

Commenting on the judgement yesterday, Dr Minnis told The Tribune he was pleased to see that the previous injunction had been lifted, but also admitted to being disappointed when the court did not make a similar judgement when the FNM government was in power.

An injunction protecting shanty towns in New Providence and parts of Abaco was granted in 2018, but was extended to all of Abaco in 2021, after the Minnis administration began demolishing newly built illegal structures on the island following the devastation of Hurricane Dorian in 2019.

In 2021, Justice GrantThompson ordered the government to cease and desist further interference with those communities until the judicial review of the matter was completed.

Yesterday, Dr Minnis said he believed the 2021 ruling was a setback for the country.

“I would say that I am generally pleased with the court’s ruling (on Friday) along with many other Bahamians,” Dr Minnis told this newspaper.

“I was surprised, disappointed and disheartened by the court’s earlier ruling on this matter during my administration and I believe that the earlier ruling during

FNM leader: govt must act with urgency

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard said now that the “legal hurdles” have been overcome, the party supports and calls for immediate action after a Supreme Court Justice lifted an injunction on shanty town demolition on Friday.

Mr Pintard argued in a press statement on Sunday that the party considered it one of national importance as well when it took steps to address the problem.

Mr Pintard said: “The Free National Movement has called on the government to act with urgency on the immigration crisis in general and the unregulated development (including shanty towns) in particular for months now. Now that the legal hurdles have been overcome (we await the written judgement) we support and call for immediate action.

“I note that the judge

the previous FNM government was a setback for the country.

“And we would have been further ahead if the court had ruled differently back then. However, moving forward, I hope the government is going to act humanely and swiftly to address this long standing and vexing issue of shanty towns, including the threats to health and public safety, especially the possibility of cholera.”

Dr Minnis reminded that during his administration’s time in office, his government had also formed a committee “to look at many

referenced that the issue is one of national importance. The FNM considered this to be a matter of national importance when it took steps to address the problem. We have lost valuable time and are sure that history will judge all the actions which derailed our efforts to address this challenge.” The Marco City MP went on to discuss how some of the unregulated developments violate laws “on multiple levels”. There are communities on both Crown and private land. The FNM leader said these communities are “largely unsanitary” due to lack of proper water systems and bathroom facilities. These conditions have contributed to the damage of our water table.

“In addition, electricity is often illegally connected and shared in these communities. Sometimes generators are utilised and when improperly used result in injury or death. The presence of these communities negatively affect property values and quality of life. The growing disillusionment with government

aspects of removing illegal shanty towns throughout the country”.

He added that their approach was a comprehensive one and urged the Davis administration to follow a similar plan, adding “we cannot afford more delay”.

“The country will continue to watch how the executive... will proceed on this matter and if they will do so in a timely and consistent manner and I also must say that we cannot afford more delay especially as the situation in Haiti continues to worsen, and shanty

SHANTY RESIDENTS SEEK SYMPATHY FROM GOVT

By LETRE SWEETING lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

SHANTY town residents are calling on government to be sympathetic following the lifting of an injunction to legally allow officials to evict residents and tear down the unregulated communities throughout The Bahamas.

Residents of a shanty town off Joe Farrington Road spoke to The Tribune yesterday and voiced their concerns following a ruling by Justice Cheryl GrantThompson on Friday at the conclusion of a legal battle filed in 2018.

A 15-year-old resident who is living in the shanty town said the daily stress of having to provide for her family coupled with the fear of now being evicted and having her home torn down is scary.

“It’s crazy,” the teen said. “(Her mother) doesn’t understand stuff and can’t go to work, so I have to go work and I don’t make much. And I have a brother too. My (brother) had to live with someone else because my mommy can’t feed him and I can’t feed him,” the girl said.

“We won’t have no place to live. I don’t have money to pay rent. I don’t even have a father. I don’t even know, man. I’m so scared,” she said.

“Even my homework has dropped. One time I used to make 3.0 (GPA), but now I’ve dropped all the way to 1.0. I was trying to look for jobs. I trying to go back up now. I have to go by people to get (an) internet connection to work,” the girl said.

Another shanty town resident, Julien Olibrice said she feels hurt that the situation has come to a point where there is no sympathy for persons who are just trying to live as best they can.

“I really feel bad about that. For me, I voted for this prime minister, I have six children, I don’t have a job. I am their daddy and their mommy. Sometimes, I have to send them to school and I don’t have any money.

I am looking for a job everywhere, I can’t find no job,” she said.

“If they come (and demolish homes), where am

I going to live with my kids?

Why did I vote for them? They don’t want to give anybody a job, everybody here, where are they going to live?” Ms Olibrice said.

“Come on, man. We are Haitians, but what did we do bad? They don’t want to see us. Just talk with us, tell us what we have to do and we could do it,” she said.

A third resident who gave his name as Mr Francillon also expressed similar concerns.

“This situation is very hurtful, but I cannot stop the government. The government is the chief of the country. Whatever was decided, we accept it, but at least have some sympathy on our situation,” he said.

“If you want us to let go of everything in this road, it is going to affect many livelihoods. Is there any other way for us to live, like homes or anything, because we don’t mind paying rent,” Mr Francillon said.

Other residents said that as the government is in charge, they have no choice but to live with whatever is decided and whatever happens.

“I don’t have any problem with the government because they have the authority to do whatever they have to do. The government is a top force of the country. I don’t mind leaving if the government has a proper place to put us. I don’t mind paying rent,” a resident named Mr Vladimy said.

“Not only in this shanty town, but in all of them, some of us have work permits, but not even one job we can receive. They are in charge, but just give us a chance,” resident Arold Domer added.

Shanty towns across the country are predominantly populated with Haitian migrants and Bahamians of Haitian descent. Activists have said many residents of these impoverished, unregulated communities are in the country legally. These concerns come as gang violence and protests in Haiti are at an all-time high, which prompted Prime Minister

“Brave”

as soon as security conditions permit, as a temporary measure, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Then on Saturday, two Haitian nationals filed a complaint against the Department of Immigration (DOI) after they were beaten by men dressed as immigration officers this weekend at a barbershop in the Bacardi Road area.

After videos circulating on social media depicting two men being beaten by men dressed as immigration officers in an establishment, the DOI assistant director said they do not condone abuse of any kind and there is an “ongoing investigation” taking place concerning the matter.

officials is the failure to hold systemic law breakers to thrive while law-abiding citizens who are facing rising electricity costs are made to pay or lose their power supply,” Mr Pintard argued.

“The government in partnership with private developers and contractors should collaborate in launching in earnest a housing revolution across The Bahamas in order to meet decades old huge housing demands among Bahamians, labour imported for various projects and to accommodate, at fair market price, those Bahamians and non-Bahamians (with status) who would be in need of alternative legitimate housing. Persons with rental properties should be called upon to advertise vacancies they have in their inventory.”

He added: “Regional and global, non-governmental organisations and multi-lateral bodies should be engaged with a view of The Bahamas attracting the requisite resources to construct world-class detention centres to house persons who have

towns continue to grow,” the former Prime Minister continued.

“We here in The Bahamas must send a clear message on illegal migration and the need for deterrence. We must also send a message, a clear message to Bahamians who assist in these violations.”

Dr Minnis again doubled down on calls for the removal of all illegal shanty towns, saying his government was determined to rid the country of the communities and called on the Davis administration to do the same.

breached our immigration laws until such time that they can be repatriated to their country of origin or another country that is minded to accommodate them.

“The government should follow the law in this regard being careful not to engage in rhetoric or excessive actions that may undermine the legal entitlement of our country to protect its borders, and to compel citizens and non-citizens to comply with all laws related to taking possession of and occupying land, both private and public, for the purpose of home construction.”

Mr Pintard said immediate steps must be taken to ensure that “not one more new construction” takes place that violates the Building Regulations Act and the Planning and subdivision Act. Furthermore, owners of land who permit the transformation of their land into shanty towns should be compelled to follow the law.

“The government must act humanely, but with a sense of urgency address this crisis which we face,” he cautioned.

“It is very unfair for Bahamians who save up all their money, follow the law and get the necessary permits, etc, regardless of how long it may take, they go through the procedure, buy and hope to develop their greatest investment –a home,” he added. “Only the cost of their investment will depreciate by the development of shanty towns or illegal structures next to them that you cannot remove. This cannot and must not be tolerated in our country.”

FNM leader Michael Pintard echoed similar calls

Sunday, saying now that the “legal hurdles” have been overcome, the party supports and calls for immediate action against shanty towns.

Last year, a shanty town committee was formed under the auspices of the Ministry of Works to look into and investigate these irregular communities.

While Prime Minister Philip Davis has said that the government intends to begin the process of dealing with shanty towns in view of Friday’s ruling, he did not say when action will be taken by his administration.

THE SHANTY town off Joe Farrington Road yesterday.

Photo: Moise Amisial

FNM leader challenges House committee to ‘modify the rules’

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard said the opposition party is challenging those in the House of Assembly’s Rules Committee to modify the rules so that no administration can “duck” Parliament’s question and answer period.

The opposition has continuously pushed to have this period honoured and last week the House of Assembly was suspended after a screaming match erupted when Mr Pintard chastised the government for avoiding it.

However, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis called the opposition’s actions “despicable behaviour” while Obie Wilchcombe, the leader of government business and Social Services minister, described the FNM’s actions in Parliament as just a “show” and a misuse of the media.

Mr Pintard responded to their comments while on the radio programme “Darold Miller Live”.

“I saw in the papers today both the Prime Minister and the minister with responsibility for social services berated the opposition for us standing up in the House of Assembly because we are sick and tired of them ducking and dodging questions in the House of Assembly,” the FNM leader said.

“They will do any and everything to avoid the second Wednesday of the month... it’s very undemocratic behaviour. This is why we must modify the rules of the House of Assembly that if you miss

the second Wednesday of the month and you cannot answer the questions, questions are then answered in the very next sitting.

“So you don’t have to wait until the next Wednesday of the House. They have not yet modified the rules and we are challenging them in the Rules Committee to modify the rules so that no administration can duck questions and answer that’s the first point.”

He also spoke out against Mr Wilchcombe on the matter.

“On Monday, we will address the questions. Minister Wilchcombe said in other words we should be grateful that they’re giving us one. You’re not giving us one day — you are permitting the democratic process to work that you have (avoided) for so many months.

“So it is appropriate that we answer questions.”

The House of Assembly Rule 39 (2) states that unless the House determines otherwise, the House shall proceed, on the second Wednesday in each month, with the agenda that allows for question time.

Yet, governing parties have traditionally proceeded with their own agenda, thus not making time for the question period. The Minnis administration was criticised for failing to observe this period while in office.

But Mr Pintard, who was a part of that administration, argued that some people did answer questions.

“So if the media, if the government is interested when … they like to say

things like, ‘oh, y’all didn’t answer questions when you’re in the House.’ Well, we left some questions on the table. Michael Pintard wasn’t in the number by the way. I answered every question as far as I remember, Jeff Lloyd answered every question - I could go on.

“I wasn’t unique. There were others who answered every question that was raised in the House. I remember Desmond, Desmond Bannister who was very meticulous about trying to (answer). Some of them were not answered.

The PLP left hundreds in their previous iteration in

government. “So this nonsense about you all did not answer all the questions I’m saying to you, yes, that’s true for some persons... (but) I answered every question. We are holding you to account so that you can show what good governance is like. Answer the question, answer the question. So we stand by the actions that we took. It’s not grandstanding.” Mr Pintard was also asked by Mr Miller if he is in favour of the legalisation of cannabis. Mr Pintard said he did not support it being

legalised for recreational use but is supportive of medical marijuana.

“It depends on what you’re referring to; if you’re saying for recreational purposes, no, I’m not I’m not, I wasn’t in the last administration. When we were in government I was one of several members of the Cabinet who consulted with the various stakeholders whether it’s the faith-based organisations, entrepreneurs that are interested in the cannabis industry, as well as the Rastafarian movement, which ought to be a pivotal part of this discussion, etc.

“So, while I was not supportive, nor did I get a sense that there was a consensus among those persons who the commission spoke to because the commission did not come back with a recommendation either for the endorsement of legalisation of cannabis for recreational purposes, however, for medicinal marijuana, I think that that is a time, the time for that has come.”

However, he said he needs to see the legislation the Davis administration plans to implement before fully committing his support for the move.

PINTARD ON FNM: ‘UNDER MY LEADERSHIP, WE ARE FAR STRONGER’

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard has said that the opposition party is “far stronger” under his watch. While appearing as a guest on the radio programme, “Darold Miller Live”, the Marco City MP reflected on the challenges the FNM had post election.

The party was swept out of office in a landslide election, only capturing seven seats in the House of Assembly while the Progressive Liberal Party won 32 seats.

Killarney MP and former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis resigned as party leader shortly after the party’s devastating loss. Since the election, observers have said the FNM has a lot of rebuilding to do as the party appeared to be internally fractured.

Mr Pintard spoke about his leadership when host Darold Miller asked if the party were weaker or

stronger with him at the helm.

Mr Pintard answered:

“Well certainly under my leadership, we are far stronger. We went through a very difficult time, Darold, after the last

general election. I think a lot of Free National Movement supporters were tremendously hurt. Well quite a few of them, thousands of them, made a determination that they were not going to the polls.

“So there’s a simple history that we refer to in Bahamian politics on how supporters of various political organisations behave when they are dissatisfied with their organisation. For the Progressive Liberal Party, when they are in power, and their support is disconnected or disillusioned, a percentage of that organisation supports the Free National Movement. He added: “These are not the swing vote. These are core supporters of the Progressive Liberal Party. Whenever they become disillusioned with their organisation, a percentage of them, some say three to four percent of them, they support the Free National Movement. And the Free National Movement supporters, however, when they have challenges with their administration, where we empower, traditionally stay at home. So we believe that that was one of the contributing factors to our defeat.”

Similar sentiments regarding persons not showing up at the polls

were shared by Shango Woodside - the FNM national trustee in Grand Bahama. Back in September 2021, he said he believed Dr Minnis fell out of touch with members of the party leading many of them not to show up at the polls to vote.

Meanwhile, Mr Pintard expressed disappointment in not sitting the usual five-year term in office when he was asked if Dr Minnis made a mistake in calling an early election.

“Let me put it to you this way. I ran in order to serve the people of Marco City for five years and I’m disappointed I did not have that opportunity to do so. That was the contract I entered into and I believe that most members of Parliament if you put in the Free National Movement, if you were to interview them individually signed up for a full five-year run that no matter what the challenges were ahead at the end of the day we signed up to be soldiers to manage those challenges ahead,” he said yesterday.

“But let me say this we believe in the Free National Movement we have a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with those persons who have supported us for decades and to return to the core principles that governed us as well as cast a new vision

for what this country can be under new leadership.”

Mr Pintard believes the party still has a large base.

“We believe that we have a larger base nationally, given if you were to examine the total numbers over the last five general elections … but we believe we have the largest base that if we want to get our base out to vote, that’s before we get to the swing voters, which we believe is a growing number,” Mr Pintard explained.

“There’s a growing number of Bahamians, who are not diehard FNM or PLP, they will vote based on whether they believe one or the other organisation can help them achieve their goals and aspirations for themselves and their children. Which is why I believe political organisations ought to be very sensitive, certainly, you are to cater to your base, but you should not do so at the exclusion of letting all Bahamians know that you will act in their interests.

“So a part of what myself and Shanendon Cartwright, our leadership team in the House and also Duane Sands and the team, a part of our focus is to construct an inclusive message that will embrace the affairs and the issues that impact all Bahamians.”

THE FREE National Movement last Wednesday stood in the House of Assembly shouting ‘answer the questions, when the speaker moved on to other matters instead of allowing a question and answer period. The action eventually lead to the Speaker of the House suspending parliament that day. Prime Minister condemned the action as ‘despicable behaviour and Obie Wilchcombe said it was ‘just a show’.

FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard said that his party is ‘far stronger’ under his watch while appearing as a guest on the radio programme “Darold Miller Live” yesterday.

Munroe warns: don’t ‘test’ law enforcement

to be showcased, in addition to progressive in-depth discussions on energy security, climate change, and food security.

On Friday, Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis, CARICOM chairman, said his government has no security concerns. He noted that police are equipped to tackle any prospect of security breaches should they arise.

Political hopeful Lincoln Bain had previously said he planned to host another demonstration at this week’s CARICOM meeting in an effort to continue raising awareness on critical issues in the country.

Despite police warning that security will be tight at the event in view of the previous protest organised by his group, Mr Bain is of the view that the government should just allow the protest to be held without any hindrance, saying this is a part of democracy. Mr Munroe had previously suggested if any extra measures have been taken it is the result of recent incidents, such as a demonstration led by Coalition of Independents leader outside Parliament on February 1. “After the fiasco on Bay Street, the commissioner of police had a conversation with me. They were being very

tolerant, as you, the press could see, people were permitted right up to the door of Parliament. They abused the privilege,” he said at the time.

He added: “And so now the police have to react to what is there. And that should be a sign to people. Simply because you are given a privilege, you should be careful not to abuse it.”

Adding fuel to the fire, the prime minister recently received death threats, which prompted a full-blown investigation. Mr Davis however, has continued his normal duties, but under stricter security.

MITCHELL: HAITI TO BE A MAIN TOPIC DURING CARICOM MEETINGS

system,” he said.

Other countries have tried to assist in tackling the ongoing social problems that have left Haiti in a troubled state.

“The United States has been at the front and centre of this,” he said. “And that’s part of the reason why they’re bringing such a large delegation. The Bahamas being 90 miles to the north of Haiti and being the transit passage for Haitians on their way to the United States. The US has been trying to find ways to solve the political situation in Haiti and to improve security,” Mr Mitchell added.

In October, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said if CARICOM decides that the Haitian situation requires the deployment of security troops, then The Bahamas “will abide by the outcome” of the group’s resolution.

Once that decision is made in collaboration with the United Nations, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said

the country will be “ready, willing and able to deploy” Royal Bahamas Defence Force marines to the troubled state.

During the conference

Mr Mitchell noted that discussions are still in progress as to whether forces will be sent, however, he said, The Bahamas will provide manpower if the UN makes a decision.

“And so that’s why (Canadian Prime Minister) Justin Trudeau is coming here for discussions with our prime minister. Both Jamaica and The Bahamas have agreed to provide manpower, if the United Nations decides that there is a force to go into Haiti again,” Mr Mitchell said.

He continued: “The question is how will those modalities be handled? We obviously do not have manpower which is required to undertake such an exercise. But we want to contribute to it, and we want to contribute to a solution.”

The minister stressed that the political issues within Haiti have to be resolved before any “solution” can

be obtained.

He also said the meeting is an opportunity for world leaders and heads of government to meet faceto-face to discuss important matters.

Last week, Leslia MillerBrice, the Bahamas High Commissioner to CARICOM, said she looks forward to progressive discussions on energy security, climate change, and food security in The Bahamas at the CARICOM meeting.

While at the Office of The Prime Minister, Mrs Miller-Brice, who is also the Seabreeze MP and chair of the Independence Secretariat, spoke on what she hopes the upcoming CARICOM meeting will achieve, as both CARICOM and The Bahamas turn 50 this year.

“I look forward to welcoming our regional counterparts and diplomatic colleagues from within the region. I look forward to Prime Minister Davis’s chairmanship over the deliberations and in-depth discussions,” she said.

PRIME Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis took a tour of the Baha Mar Convention Centre yesterday in advance of the upcoming Caricom meetings which begin Wednesday. The main topics to be discussed involve Haiti, climate change and sustainable energy among others.

HAITI is expected to be a top concern for the upcoming Caricom meetings. Pictured above is a shanty town in the Joe Farrington Road area.

Photo: Moise Aimsial

The Tribune Limited

Has a decision been made or not?

SOMETIMES watching Bahamian politics is like a game of smoke and mirrors – you’re never entirely sure what is being said will come true.

Take, for example, the latest to-andfro about the National Insurance Board (NIB).

Last week, the Minister of State with responsibility for NIB, Myles Laroda, told reports that a decision had been made on what the government would do about the fund – which has been headed towards depletion by 2028 if nothing is done about it.

Mr Laroda has been quite forthright about the need for action about NIB, and last week he was again saying that the fund is “on pace to lose around $70m plus this year, that’s about $6m a month”.

But he was clear that the “matter has been dealt with at Cabinet. We are at a decision. We have a little bit of cleaning up to do with regards to the decision that was made”.

Note, the past tense there – the decision that was made. Not still to be made.

Later in the week, press secretary Clint Watson was pressed for details amid reports that an increase in rates had been agreed. Mr Watson, it seemed, didn’t have the approval to talk about it yet but again noted that “a decision has been made”, referencing Mr Laroda’s comments.

Which brings us to Friday of last week, when Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis was asked during a visit to Eleuthera about the government decision.

He said that increasing the rate is “one of the options that we are looking at”.

Mr Davis continued: “We understand that we have to do something, and we are trying to identify exactly what to do, and increasing the rate is one of the options that we are looking at.”

If options are still being looked at, it does not sound like a decision has been made.

So has Mr Laroda gone too far in saying so? Has Mr Watson aired Mr Laroda’s comments further when they might not be accurate? Or is Mr Davis simply hesitant to confirm the decision, while keeping the ball in the air a little longer?

Looking at how the increase in rates

for Bahamas Power & Light was handled, that too was something that was long delayed before Mr Davis made the announcement. Is that the same case here too? The decision made, but knowing its unpopularity, putting off the announcement as long as possible?

Time, of course, will tell – but time continues to tick for NIB, at the rate of $6m a month.

Government figures have talked of trying to find a creative solution before now, with a rate increase having been described as a “lazy” way of solving the problem.

The NIB can has been kicked down the road for too many years now, and now it is time to do something about it.

If a decision has been made, let’s hear what it is.

Good Samaritan

In this world where too often we hear of terrible stories, of crimes and murders, it can be easy to despair.

So when a positive story comes around, it is good to recognise those involved.

In the darkness of Eastern Road last week, a woman and her mother got a flat tyre. They called a mechanic but were left waiting, and waiting… and waiting.

Then came a Good Samaritan, a young man who pulled up and asked if they were ok. He offered to loan them a spare tyre – but no one had a jack. They thanked him and he went on his way.

Half an hour later and no mechanic –but then, the young man returned, jack in hand, and got them back on their way.

Posting on Facebook, the driver said: “You went out of your way to help us in a time when so many people don’t go out of their way to help others any more.”

One last note too – that Facebook post not only caught the heart of many who read it, but it also caught the attention of the young man who came to help.

Errol Knowles was that man – and the stranded motorists met him again to return the spare tyre, and to show him the gratitude and love prompted by his actions.

The world could use more Errols, but we’re glad he was in the right place when he was needed.

Why can’t Finance collect property tax?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

PM SAYS we are collecting 40 percent of the whole due from Real Property Tax - the FNM and then the PLP governments reassessed New Providence and found, so they say, and it is reported that thousands are not registered and hundreds with enormous arrears… didn’t they say $600m?

Pre-FNM government PLP had a revenue enhancement section… FNM got rid of that and seemingly tax delinquency increased by leaps and bounds… PLP back in office reinstated enhancement,

but even that has not been successful.

Finance… take a full page advertisement in Tribune and Guardian and list the persons who you wish to speak to with regards to tax arrears… simply list names and ask those listed to contact Finance within ten days.

You will be shocked by what a positive reaction you will have… talk about collecting?

Whilst on taxes… PM - Minister of Health be sensible and don’t push for the collection of VAT on more aspects of health… obvious public reaction will be to seek medical services in

Florida… we already spend over $1 billion can the reserves withstand further erosion and impact?

We should be doing the opposite, support our excellent medical sector and retaining at least 50 percent of that billion we give to Florida medical services… this VAT on insurances is a fool thought anyway… the cost savings to government is enormous… it is not only the middle-class that will be hot those in group Plus from the receptions up will be.

JEROME SMITH Nassau, February 7, 2023.

Due to a production error, ths page did not feature in yesterday’s Tribune and is reproduced today.

EDITOR, The Tribune, NO SENSIBLE person is able to deny that the Republic of Haiti is a ‘failed’ state. This is a sad indictment and is fast becoming a geopolitical problem and a source of dislocation for her people and a bane on the wider Caribbean, inclusive of The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos. The resources of these two nations have been stretched to the limits and the seams could rapidly burst in short order.

It would seem that ever since Haiti was able, against all odds, to defeat the then armed forces of Napoleon and declared Independence in 1804 that that nation has remained on its knees and has never had a cohesive national economy or a democratically sustainable government.

Indeed, shortly after the Haitian revolution, France and many other European nations demanded repatriations and/compensation for the loss of slaves and real estate in Haiti.

The resulting massive and crippling figures demanded have yet to be paid off and despite all efforts by “friendly nations”, so far, Haiti continues to lurch from pillar to post. That unfortunate country and her people have been subjected, almost like clockwork, to military dictatorships and mob rule. Political assassinations occur with regularity.

The most recently elected President Jovenel Moisie was brutally attacked and killed within the confines of his private home a few years ago. The case remains “unsolved”.

Following his slaying, a technocrat, Ariel Henry, was appointed and

elections were supposed to be held in short order.

To date, those elections have not been able to be scheduled and Haiti has no semblance of democracy. The Senate and the Lower House of Deputies, where they have ‘members’, are in political limbo. With the break down on the economic and political fronts tens of thousands of the lower classes of Haitians have taken to rickety ‘boats’ and fled their country for what they expect to be greener pastures. Most wish to get to the USA and Canada. A majority tend to migrate through the Turks & Caicos and, of course, the Bahamas. Other Caricom nations are also impacted negatively.

Here at home, we have seen, before our very eyes, the development and proliferation of what are commonly referred to as shanty towns. Last year the Davis administration deported over 5,000 illegal immigrants and migrants at tremendous cost. From time immemorial our natural resources and scarce national funds have been depleted due, partially, to the unknown numbers of illegal nationals in The Bahamas. Once they land here and are “integrated” into our communities, we are obliged by international protocols to educate them and to provide health care. The bulk of these people, unfortunately, are fleeing Haiti.

This week, Caricom will be hosted in The Bahamas by Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, KC, MP, our hard working

and brilliant Prime Minister in his capacity as rotational head of that block. Hopefully, the issue of Haiti and the strain which is placed on Caricom nations will be discussed and workable solutions offered. My hopes, however, are not high. There will be more talk and little concrete action. Haiti, like it or not, is the ‘elephant’ in the room.

Within The Bahamas, alas, there is little that we are able to do to eradicate the questions of illegal immigration; shanty towns and the vexing issue of citizenship and residency until the Privy Council makes final rulings. Compounding these points is the fact that many persons, inclusive of Bahamians and Haitianbased human smugglers are alleged to be raking in big money trafficking all and sundry illegal migrants.

The United Nations, a useless organisation and a mere social club, has been talking for a few years now about collating and deploying a security contingent of international police and soldiers, on the ground, in Haiti to stabilise and pacify it. The Bahamas has said that it would be willing to participate. While I love the people of Haiti and other Caricom nationals, I urge the Bahamian Prime Minister not to touch any sort of military intervention down there. The elephant must not be abandoned, but any sustainable solution to the Haitian crisis must be arrived at by her people. It is, I submit, as simple as that.

ORTLAND H. BODIE, JR.

Nassau, February 11, 2023.

A REVELLER dressed as a clown participates in the “Gigantes da Lira” street block party in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday. Merrymakers are taking to the streets for the open-air block parties, leading up to Carnival’s official February 17 opening.

Photo: Silvia Izquierdo/AP

Bahamas National Trust promotes ‘conchscious conchservation’

By LETRE SWEETING lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas National Trust is calling all Bahamians for preservation, moderation and “conchscious conchservation” as they yesterday premiered a documentary at Baha Mar highlighting conservation efforts in East Grand Bahama.

The BNT premiered its Conchious Movement documentary yesterday afternoon, at an SLS Baha Mar ballroom. The documentary included scenes from conservation efforts with Bahamians from East End, Grand Bahama, as they learned ways to fish sustainably.

The documentary was launched first in Grand Bahama three months ago, during the conservation project in Grand Bahama, which was completed in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB),

the Japanese government, the Baha Mar Resort Foundation and others.

Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle, BNT executive director, said “The conservation of conch in The Bahamas must remain as a top priority for all Bahamians. National parks are key conservation tools in the race to conserve conch. Marine parks protect expansive areas of healthy conch habitat, and in some cases thriving populations, with plans to explore more marine managed areas throughout the archipelago with the BNT and the government and local organisations,

“While there is more work to do, we are certain that in collaboration, we are able to do more research and education, well-enforced fisheries regulations and more importantly community involvement are required for sustainable harvest of Queen

56-YEAR-OLD MAN ACCUSED OF SEXUALLY ABUSING 10-YEAR-OLD

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A 56-YEAR-OLD man was remanded to prison accused of sexually abusing a ten-year-old girl over the course of a year.

Ralph Hepburn stood before Senior Magistrate Derence A Rolle Davis on 15 counts of sexual assault. These charges include two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse, one count of attempted unlawful sexual intercourse and 12 counts of indecent assault.

Between January 1 and February 2 in New Providence, it is alleged the accused had sexual intercourse with the child on two occasions.

It is further alleged that between December 1, 2022 and January 31, 2023, the accused attempted to have sex with the same minor.

From February 1, 2022, to January 31, 2023, Hepburn is accused of indecently assaulting the child on multiple occasions.

Due to the seriousness of the offences, the accused was not required to enter a plea yesterday. He was told that the matter would proceed to the Supreme Court by a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

Magistrate Rolle then informed the defendant that as he lacked the jurisdiction to grant Hepburn bail, he had the right to apply for it through the higher court.

Until that bail is granted, the accused will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

Hepburn is expected to be served his VBI on April 18.

MAN HELD ON RAPE AND DRUG POSSESSION CHARGES

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday after being accused of the sexual assault of a 41-year-old woman last week.

Sedell Pierre, 32, faced Magistrate Samuel McKinney on a charge of rape. Pierre was further charged with possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

It is alleged that on February 7 in New Providence, Pierre had sexual intercourse with a 41-year-old woman without her consent.

On the same day, the accused is also alleged to

have been found by authorities with 12 grams of Indian hemp.

As the rape charge is an indictable offence the accused was not required to enter a plea. He was informed that his matter would be transferred to the Supreme Court by way of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

The accused was also told that as the magistrate lacked the jurisdiction to grant him bail, he had the right to apply for it through the higher court.

He was then sent to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

Pierre’s VBI is set for service on April 30.

MAN RECEIVES TWO-YEAR SENTENCE FOR GUN POSSESSION

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was sentenced to two years in prison after admitting having a loaded gun in his car over the weekend.

Carlo Pierre, 30, and a 17-year-old male defendant, stood before Senior Magistrate Derence A Rolle Davis. They faced a charge of possession of an unlicencsed firearm and possession of ammunition.

Around 1:10am on February 12 on Providence Avenue, officers stopped Pierre in his blue Hyundai Elantra. The defendants were then arrested after a black Glock 19 9mm pistol with a defaced serial number was uncovered in the car. Pierre told the magistrate he willingly pointed the gun out to officers. The confiscated weapon is said to have been found with ten unfired rounds of 9mm ammunition.

In a subsequent police interview, Pierre admitted to ownership of the gun and

conch fisheries,” she said.

“(Additionally), we are pleased to state that through the the GEF (the Global Environment Facility) 2020 project, we will secure an advance for opportunities to support monitoring and research to save critically important species like the conch and the spiny lobster.

Ms Anderson-Rolle said she is happy to see Cabinet

QUEEN CONCH

considering legislation to better help with conservation efforts as well.

“Before the end of this project that we’re talking about today, official recommendations were submitted to the government of The Bahamas, which included new legislation to create a more sustainable conch fishery. Today, we are extremely glad to see some of those recommendations being

legislated,” she said.

“The BNT, along with other conservation partners that we have been working (and) we have been conducting research. We have been conducting outreach throughout The Bahamas, in the Bahamian communities and we’ve recommended a number of legislative changes,” Ms AndersonRolle said.

“One that is being considered right now has to do with the (conch’s) lip thickness and incorporating that in the legislation. Currently the conch legislation says that it has to have a well-formed or flaring lip, which doesn’t necessarily mean that they are adult conch. And so the draft legislation does now speak to utilising lip thickness as a way to determine whether or not the conch is an adult,” she said.

“Other recommendations were made in terms of export of conch. That is still up for

debate, but we know that the department of Marine Resources have been circulating the regulations for the new fisheries act and they have been conducting stakeholder consultations throughout the Bahamas to gather input and feedback before advancing the legislation,” Ms Anderson-Rolle said.

Meanwhile, Falon Cartwright, the director of science and policy at BNT, also announced that the organisation has started a new Queen Conch Restoration project in the Moriah Harbour Cay National Park in Rolle’s Town, Exuma. This new project will be centred around the use of a mobile Queen Conch hatchery. The mobile hatchery would raise conch as they mature under the mobile and controlled conditions. It is eight feet wide and 20 feet in length and is already set up on the island.

said he had it for his own protection.

In court, Pierre pleaded guilty to the offence while his juvenile co-accused pleaded not guilty.

In view of Pierre admitting to the offence, the charges against the teenager were officially dropped.

Pierre went on to tell the magistrate that it was a mistake travelling with the gun in his car. In addition to asking for leniency, he said he got the weapon from “a friend of a friend of a friend” after claiming to have been shot in 2020.

The prosecution told Magistrate Rolle Davis that Pierre had a previous ammunition conviction. Taking into consideration his early plea of guilt, the magistrate sentenced Pierre to two years in prison for the firearm and ammunition charges, to be served concurrently.

Before being taken into custody, the accused was informed of his right to appeal sentencing within seven days.

Velenzo Miller: Creating digital innovation with the use of drones

GREAT dreams are made of innovation and solutions to some of humanity’s biggest challenges. Creative enterprise comes from the ability to seize those great dreams and bring them to life for your own people.

Velenzo Miller has vivid dreams for his country, as well as the drive and the enterprising spirit to bring them to reality.

His startup company, Skyser, was recently recognised for this innovation when it recently received a grant from the Digi Innovative Project. It is a collaborative effort by the Digital Transformation Unit, Access Accelerator and Bahamas Development Bank, and the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

The grant was designed to improve productivity and competitiveness by promoting the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the public sector. A total of $900,000 was set aside for this project, and Skyser was awarded $74,000 to start the company, which is already analysing the workings of several government agencies with a view to improving their effectiveness.

Skyser is a digital information and drone technology company poised to provide tangible solutions to some of the challenges faced in The Bahamas.

Velenzo, also known as Lenny, dreamed big when he thought about how he could make his country a better place. Drones can much to improve the efficiency offer lives, he explains. There are many areas of governance that Skyser proposes that its drones can revolutionise.

In tourism, for example, they can analyse foot traffic data for tourist hot spots, and create virtual tourism platforms that can allow prospective visitors and individuals that are incapable of travelling to be immersed in the Bahamian experience.

Drones can prove very valuable in environmental work. They can monitor terrestrial and marine wild-life health, migratory patterns and potential threats in inaccessible regions of protected areas. They can monitor coastal zone integrity to detect erosion, along with coral reef and mangrove health. They can also engage in wide scale sanitation and fumigation for pest control exercises.

Skyser can make a significant impact in aviation.

Velenzo points out that there is a deficit of information available to air traffic and civil aviation. Drones can satisfy an immediate need for real-time surface and

By FELICITY DARVILLE

upper level winds recordings at the aerodromes.

At present, the Bahamas Department of Meteorology serves as the entity that supplies the information for surface wind and temperature for about ten of 48 airports across the islands, while supplying upper level winds using only three data points that encompasses The Bahamas.

Skyser proposes to dispatch a host of aerial drones to bolster real time surface data input for additional airports for commercial flights, as well as create an equal amount of data points to formulate an effective network via the collection of information on upper level winds for accurate reporting and briefing of pilots. This will not only make pilot briefings more efficient, but will also warn against low level turbulence that creates a hazard, especially for smaller aircrafts.

In the Ministry of Works, Skyser’s drones propose to assist with constructing land survey maps for construction and town planning purposes. They can even conduct power line inspections for diagnostics purposes for a compromised power grid.

“Skyser proposes a comprehensive platform that gathers, interpolates and processes data that can be readily available to shareholders in government and private sectors in order to make well informed decisions on improvements and increase efficiency within a given sector going forward,” Velenzo said.

“The company’s goal is to implement drone usage into a multi-faceted approach that will eventually lead to the launch of ‘smart cities’ across the breadth of the Caribbean.”

Agriculture is an area where Skyser hopes to make a national impact. Velenzo says his company seeks to implement a “smart-farming” initiative (inclusive of seed and water dispersal, and soil monitoring) using drone technology and education throughout the Family Islands.

These islands could also benefit from disaster mitigation drones can provide. Drones can create flood zone maps of vulnerable locations, and impact maps to access the effects of storm surges. They can provide

disaster relief through delivering of goods and medicine in impacted areas that are inaccessible during events like. hurricanes, and they can be deployed for search and rescue missions.

One of the most practical uses for these drones came to mind in the midst of what could have been strategy for Velenzo.

He was working at the Bahamas Department of Meteorology when he had a work-related accident that left him incapacitated for months on end. These life-changing incidents can make you or break you. For Velenzo, it gave him time to really figure out what direction he wanted to take in his life. He started brainstorming ideas, but he didn’t feel passionate about any of them.

“It wasn’t until I was returning to work from sick leave that the light bulb came on,” Velenzo said of his Eureka moment for Skyser.

‘I lived in the Winton area for the majority of my life and anyone who has ever lived in the east knows what morning traffic is like. I would usually take Yamacraw Hill Road and divert through Elizabeth Estates to get onto Prince Charles Drive. I was approaching the Elizabeth Estates Police Station and I realised that I had left my cellphone home. At that moment, I knew if I turned around, there was no way I would be on time for work at 9am. So I said, ‘that phone has to stay home today’. But an interesting thing happened because I didn’t have my head buried in my phone checking messages, emails, or social contents. I was able to look around and see how inefficient our country was operating. From the simple acts of people creating their own lanes and many other traffic infractions, and I said the same thing many Bahamians probably say each morning: ‘Where are the police when you need them?’ When I got to the office, I remembered asking for a legal pad from stationary and I just started writing all day. Needless to say, I didn’t get any other work done that day. On that day, the idea of Skyser was born.” When it comes to transport and local government, Skyser proposes to use its drones to optimise traffic

tion and increase road safety; recon struct traffic incidents; and generate a database using compiled footage and data for easy accessibility through mobile apps.

They can also provide real time sea measurements for boating information. These tasks are just a drop in the bucket in a myriad of solutions Velenzo shared with me.

Nation building is in Velenzo’s DNA. Not one, but two of his grandparents have parks in their respective communities named in their honour. Christopher Roberts, his mother’s father, was a stalwart on the Bullocks Harbour, Berry Islands and the park is named in his honour. His father’s mother, Menencia Miller was a veteran educator whose invaluable contributions resulted in the park in Deep Creek, South Andros being named after her.

The legacy continued with Velenzo’s parents, who were both career educators in the government system, helping to shape the lives of countless students in public schools throughout The Bahamas. When they retired from public service, they began teaching in the private sector. Both of these community giants retired as principals. Elliott Miller retired as principal at Charles W Saunders Baptist School, and his wife Enza

passed on the love of country and commitment to education to their three sons - Velesco, Velenzo and Wencil. Velenzo’s educational journey began at St Francis and Joseph Primary School. He went on to attend St Augustine’s College, where he graduated from high school in the Class of 1999. His tertiary education began at the College of the Bahamas for a brief time, before he transferred to Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina, well known as the first HBCU (historically Black Colleges & Universities) in the southern United States of America. He studied and earned a degree Business Management and Finance.

After coming back home to The Bahamas, he worked a few different jobs, which included teaching physical education and computer studies at both private schools where his parents taught. Later, he began working at the Department of Meteorology in the Forecast Office where he was a Meteorological Observer. This job afforded him the opportunity to travel to Barbados to attend the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology to attend a Class IV Meteorology Certification.

“The fall I had at work (at the Met Office) had the most profound impact of this process (the development of Skyser),” Velenzo shared.

“I suffered a dislocated knee cap and a herniated disc in my back. It was my first major injury in my life. Being a high school athlete in basketball and track and field and remaining active years later, it really had me in a state of depression - not being able to do the small things without pain and discomfort. The months of therapy, acupuncture, and pain killers just to get some relief was taking a toll one me.”

“I remembered praying one day saying if I ever get the chance to move around again without pain, I would never take another day for granted. At that point, I realised that pain is a lot more mental than physical. So, I started to push myself a little more in therapy and continued doing more exercises when I got home. Every day, I increased my workload. Being able to overcome this ordeal really gave me strength to know that if I put my mind to anything, great results will follow.”

The greatest result for Velenzo came in the form of Skyser - an idea that developed into a startup, and now a company set to make a

difference in The Bahamas and the region.

“Digitalisation speeds up development, helps economic growth, brings people closer together and enables better use of resources,” he advised.

“Digital technologies have the potential to boost more inclusive and sustainable growth by spurring innovation, generating efficiencies and improving services. They are also an important tool in helping countries to confront and recover from the COVID19 pandemic that has disrupted economies and societies globally. “

“A ‘smart’ city is accessible and enables a high quality of life by using technology which enhances social inclusion and governance processes in line with people’s expectations. Digital innovation remains central to the smart city concept. A smart city or community is one that is an accessible city that enables all its people high quality of life by leveraging technology and the services it enables, and by enhancing social inclusion and governance processes in line with people’s expectations.

In general, a national policy framework can facilitate the adoption of smart city initiatives. This could be an explicit smart city policy, or an implicit objective immersed in a broader policy. In those countries where this is in place, the smart cities national framework (SCNF) would normally include a vision for the cities and a plan to maximize their potential through the use of technologies.”

“The framework may also incorporate a diagnostic on how the national government understands the challenges, a division of responsibilities across all levels of government to contribute to the development of cities, and opportunities of cities and how government action could promote investment and growth.

“The aim is to ensure co-ordinated action and approaches across levels of government for public investment at the National.

Data is at the heart of smart city strategies National smart city policy frameworks emphasize the importance of accessing, producing, and using timely and accurate data for decision-making and public service delivery.”

To find out more about Skyser and to see their drones in action, look for Skyser242 on Instagram and Facebook. Call (242) 4478936 or email skyser242@ gmail.com.

ABOVE left: from left - Andrew Smith, Skyser Director; Velenzo Miller, Skyser CEO; Nathan Taylor; and Mick Massaar, Skyser Marketing Manager ABOVE right: Vijay Punwasi, Skyser Chief Drone Operator; Andrew Smith, and Velenzo Miller. BELOW: Valenzo Miller believes drones can be used to provide valauable data and serve to assist various industries, such as agriculture and aviation, in a smart and efficent way

Personalised care packages donated by Anchor Club of Lucaya

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

ANCHOR Club of Lucaya members and Advisors presented 20 personalised care packages to director Dudley Seide of Reach Out Outreach Community Centre.

President elect Journey Bannister and projects

director d’Azjah Archer commended Mr Seide for what he is doing in the community to assist the needy.

“The reason for selecting the organisation is due to his visible good work with the underprivileged in the Grand Bahama community,” they said.

The care packages include clothing, food, hygiene products, and

school supplies for families in need. The items were donated and packed in decorated boxes by the members of the club and included a personalised inspirational note as a part of an initiative launched by the Bahamas District, and in meeting Pilot International’s Helping Hands; Hungry and Homeless project mandate.

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was granted $4,000 bail yesterday after being accused of stabbing a male tourist in Nassau earlier this month.

Lasean Kemp, 28, appeared before

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

Magistrate Kendra Kelly on a charge of grievous harm. On February 4 in New Providence, it is alleged that Kemp stabbed US visitor Connor Brugge with a knife, resulting in the victim suffering serious injury.

- two men and one woman - have been arrested in connection with the discovery, which is the single largest cocaine seizure so far for 2023 in the Bahamas. According to police reports, shortly after

In court Kemp pleaded not guilty to the charge. Despite prosecutor Sergeant Vernon Pyfrom’s objections, $4,000 bail was granted to the accused with one or two sureties.

Kemp’s trial is to begin on April 12.

10am on Sunday, officers attached to the Alice Town Police Station, assisted by Royal Bahamas Defence Force officers conducted a search of a vessel at the Cat Cay Marina. The officers found and confiscated 96 kilos of suspected cocaine. Investigations are continuing.

MEMBERS of the Anchor Club of Lucaya put together 20 persanilised care packages

REACH Out Outreach Community Centre received the care packages from the Anchor Club of Lucaya

Horror of a lethal earthquake

WITH video coverage of natural disasters and war zones beamed instantly around the world these days, people have become almost accustomed to witnessing human suffering from afar. But the images and stories of the scale of destruction and horror this past week following Monday’s severe earthquake in southern Turkey and northern Syria have been hard to take in.

The UN’s humanitarian chief said at the weekend that this was the worst event in the region for a hundred years. It is saddening beyond measure to watch what has been happening as so many people have been affected by this disaster, with - so far - more than 30,000 deaths and thousands missing or injured.

Loss of life on such a huge scale without warning in the middle of the night is truly shocking – and, now, it is heartbreaking to see harrowing images of people trapped in the rubble of destroyed buildings. This tragedy is, of course, receiving widespread media coverage and the facts do not bear repetition here.

But it might be interesting to mention briefly two broader dimensions; namely, the political background to the rescue effort in response to what is being called Turkey’s most devastating earthquake since 1939 and the effect of the civil war in Syria on relief efforts there. A little research shows that Turkey lies on two fault lines and its building codes date back more than 80 years. But some people are now reported to be questioning whether such a large-scale disaster could have been avoided if these codes, which had been updated as recently as 2018, had been properly enforced rather than the government

The Peter Young column

recently offering an amnesty for code violations. They also accuse President Erdogan of allowing rescue efforts to be delayed and for not doing enough to save lives. Reportedly, he has admitted shortcomings but has blamed fate for the disaster, saying “some have always happened. It’s part of destiny’s plan”.

The country has more experience than any other of dealing with earthquakes. In this latest one, more than 6,000 buildings collapsed and numerous roads were damaged so access to the affected areas has been limited. Erdogan has accepted that there were delays in mounting a search and rescue operation. But, according to reports, a massive one was launched across ten of the country’s eighty-one provinces involving people from the professional and voluntary sectors. Apparently, Erdogan has promised action to limit future illegal construction, though it is widely acknowledged that this will be no easy task. Such an important issue will affect him politically in a highly polarised country

and, it is suggested, there is little chance of unifying the country before elections in May.

As for Syria, the BBC has described the situation as “a crisis within a crisis within a crisis”. After a decade and more of debilitating civil war, the country is now reeling in the wake of this crushing earthquake. But the seismic shock has not broken the entrenched conflicts and obstacles which are now obstructing the ability of rescue teams to reach the worst-struck areas in the northwest, which is largely ungoverned and in the hands of rebels, and deliver humanitarian aid when access is extremely difficult.

However, the Syrian government has reportedly given the go-ahead for delivery of aid to all parts of the country, including both state-controlled areas and those held by rebel groups.

The main problem seems to be that, in order to achieve greater access, more border crossing points from Turkey are needed than the single authorized one that Russia and China, which support the Syrian government, have agreed to at the UN.

Reuters has reported that governments and international organisations from around the world have responded with offers of support to both Turkey and Syria – including disaster teams from the US, UK, Canada, China, Spain, the EU and the WHO, to name just a few, together with a host of others amounting to some thirty in all. It is clear that these countries may have to be in it for the long haul as extended assistance will be needed in the months ahead.

As for Britain specifically, the nation has an organisation, the Disasters Emergency Committee,

which coordinates fundraising for a number of different charities. The UK Minister of State for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, has said in the press that all concerned learnt from the experience of dealing with the earthquake in Haiti in 2010 about the importance of coordination as the key to an international response. After asking the Turkish government what the UK could do to help, within hours a team was assembled in London comprising some 80 specialists, sniffer dogs, state-of-the-art equipment and an emergency medical team to support the international effort and save lives.

He went on to say that the situation in Syria was different and highly complex after more than ten years of brutal conflict which had devastated a once thriving country. He reported that the UK funds The White Helmets, the volunteer community-based humanitarian organisation known as Syria Civil Defence which operates on the ground in Syria. They had leapt into action in the northwest and had described the situation there as “absolutely catastrophic”.

This earthquake disaster has reignited the debate in Britain about international aid - in particular, what it is for and how generous it should be. The issue came to the fore in 2020 when Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was Chancellor of the Exchequer and reduced the UK international aid budget. It might be interesting to examine this issue in a future column. But, for now, it seems that, while there are doubts domestically about long-term development aid, most people agree that disaster relief is money well spent.

ZELENSKY IMPRESSES ON VISIT TO EUROPE

HAVING written about tanks for Ukraine in my last two columns, I hesitate – for fear of repetition – now to cover President Zelensky’s surprise visit to Europe last week that was only his second trip away from Kyiv since the Russian invasion a year ago. However, his visits to London, Paris and Brussels were sufficiently important, I think, to justify some comment today.

On Wednesday, he was in London where he met the Prime Minister, addressed the UK Parliament and later had an audience with King Charles who received him warmly. In Paris the next day, he met President Macron as well as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. He

SAD MOMENT BUT START OF A GOLDEN REIGN

ONE of the best known and memorable photographs of modern British history is of Queen Elizabeth coming down the steps of an aircraft in London on February 7, 1952, with Prime Minister Mr Winston Churchill waiting on the tarmac to greet her (he was then ‘Mr’ as he was not knighted until the following year).

Each February, people look back with nostalgia at this sad but historically iconic moment. For the young Princess had acceded to the throne at the age of twenty-five following the sudden death of her father, King George VI. She and her husband, Prince Philip, had been visiting Kenya as part of a Commonwealth tour and returned immediately to London on receiving news of the King’s passing.

Amidst the sadness, this was also seen later in a more positive light as marking the beginning of a second glorious Elizabethan age in Britain which was to last for seven decades. At the time of The Queen’s own passing on September 8 last year so much was written about her extraordinary life and achievements as the nation’s longest-serving monarch and also head of the Commonwealth that it would be superfluous to add to this today as people recall the time so long ago of her accession to the throne.

Suffice it to say that, as a symbol of stability, she was regarded as the most reliable, consistent, steady and enduring monarch who carefully and successfully steered the nation through turbulent times. She presided over a period of huge sociopolitical change and rapid technological expansion as Britain was transformed in so many different ways into a thriving modern nation.

It is sobering to be reminded that at the time of The Queen’s coronation in 1953, which is the formal investiture of a monarch with regal power, substantial rebuilding work in Britain was continuing after the destruction of the Second World War and food rationing still existed. But her coronation was seen as a turning point which signalled the end of years of austerity and restraint and the beginning of gradual progress towards post-war prosperity.

then travelled to Brussels where he gave an emotional address to the European Parliament. Presumably, his purpose throughout was to underline Ukraine’s urgent need for more weapons and military equipment to counter an expected Russian offensive in the spring.

While in London, Zelensky spoke to some 600 MPs and more than 700 members of the House of Lords in the 11th century Westminster Hall which is known as the cradle of democracy. He was given a standing ovation. He was effusive in his praise and gratitude for the UK’s help with the supply of weapons and military equipment and he singled out former prime

minister Boris Johnson “for bringing the world together when it seemed impossible. You extended a helping hand when the world had not yet come to understand how to react”. Now, he said, “the UK is marching with us towards the most important victory in our lifetime –after we win, any aggressor, big or small, will know what awaits him if he attacks international order”. He went on to ask the UK to supply modern fighter jets. The Prime Minister responded that nothing was off the table so that fighter jets “remain part of the conversation” even though he added that the UK’s Typhoon jets were a “very sophisticated piece of kit”

and there were issues of support and maintenance. It could also take up to three years to train a pilot to fly one. But, as Zelensky said, “we have freedom, give us wings to protect it”. Whatever happens about the supply of fighter jets, it is interesting that some 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers have already travelled to the UK for training, including learning how to operate Challenger 2 tanks which could be on the battlefield in a matter of weeks.

In his formal address to the European Parliament, President Zelensky said that Europe is Ukraine’s “home”. He made a heartfelt appeal to lawmakers in Brussels to allow his

country to become part of the EU because Ukraine and the bloc share the same values. He also thanked all the countries that had provided weapons and other assistance to Ukraine. But he also stressed that modern tanks, long-range missiles and modern fighter jets were still needed to protect its security – adding that this was also Europe’s security.

Most commentators consider that Zelensky’s speech in Westminster Hall was a ringing endorsement of what Britain stands for – liberty, justice and the dignity of the individual. They agree that the outcome of this war is fundamental to the UK’s own

security because, if Putin gets away with his invasion of Ukraine, other countries will be under threat -- not least the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania -- and a wider war could follow.

At Westminster, there was well-earned acclaim and adulation for the Ukrainian leader. Few figures have inspired such awe and wonder in what was a palpable rush of excitement as he addressed UK lawmakers. Heroic figure that he has become, Zelensky is recognised and admired for playing a vital role in thwarting tyranny and dictatorship. Most people in Britain will surely wish him well in his courageous stance.

US defends decision to shoot down three unidentified objects

WASHINGTON

Associated Press

THE White House on Monday defended the shoot downs of three unidentified objects in as many days even as it acknowledged that officials had no indication the objects were intended for surveillance in the same manner as the high-altitude Chinese balloon that traversed American airspace earlier this month.

The three objects, including one shot down Sunday over Lake Huron, were travelling at such a low altitude as to pose a risk to civilian air traffic, said White House national security spokesman John Kirby. While the Biden administration does not yet have evidence that they were equipped for spying purposes — or even belonged to China — officials have not ruled that out, he said.

“These were decisions based purely and simply on what was in the best interests of the American people,” Kirby said.

The weeks-long succession of objects, starting with a giant white orb first detected over US skies in

late January, has puzzled American officials and captivated curiosity around the world. Though the three most recent objects differed in size, manoeuvrability and other characteristics from the surveillance balloon shot down February 4 off the Carolina coast, officials moved to eliminate each one from the sky — actions that Pentagon officials believe has no peacetime precedent.

“Because we have not been able to definitively assess what these most recent objects are, we acted out of an abundance of caution,” Kirby said.

One possibility that the US has been able to rule out, officials said Monday, is any connection to extraterrestrial activity.

Other Western nations are also trying to assess the spate of incidents. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said Monday that the government would do “whatever it takes” to protect the country, as the UK announced a security review. And Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said “there is some sort of pattern” to the balloon and three other

objects, though the US has not echoed that claim.

Kirby spoke from the White House podium hours after China alleged that more than ten US high-altitude balloons have flown in its airspace during the past year without its permission. American officials have vigorously denied the claim, with Kirby saying Monday, “We are not flying surveillance balloons over China.”

The Chinese allegation came after the US shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon that had crossed from above Alaska to South Carolina over a period of multiple days, sparking a new crisis in bilateral relations that have sunk to their lowest level in decades and prompted Secretary of State Antony Blinken to cancel a planned visit to China.

The latest of the three objects was shot down Sunday over Lake Huron after being detected a day earlier over Montana.

On Friday, the North American Aerospace Defence Command, the combined US-Canada organization known as NORAD that provides

MOLDOVAN LEADER REVEALS RUSSIAN ‘PLOT’ TO TOPPLE GOVERNMENT

shared defence of airspace over the two nations, detected and shot down an object near sparsely populated Deadhorse, Alaska.

Later that evening, NORAD detected a second object, flying at a high altitude over Alaska, US officials said. It crossed into Canadian airspace on Saturday and was over the Yukon, a remote territory,

when it was ordered shot down by Trudeau.

In both of those incidents, the objects were flying at roughly 40,000 feet. The object on Sunday was flying at about 20,000 feet.

None of the three most recent objects has been recovered, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters in Brussels, where he was scheduled to attend

a NATO defence ministers meeting this week. Austin said weather has impeded recovery efforts in Alaska, while in Canada the object was shut down in a very remote area that was also impeding efforts. In Alaska, where the object landed on sea ice, windchill and safety concerns “are dictating recovery timelines,” he said.

11 STATES CONSIDER ‘RIGHT TO REPAIR’ FOR FARMING EQUIPMENT

northeastern plains, where the pencil-straight horizon divides golden fields and blue sky, a farmer named Danny Wood scrambles to plant and harvest proso millet, dryland corn and winter wheat in short, seasonal windows. That is until his high-tech Steiger 370 tractor conks out.

MOLDOVAN President Maia Sandu announces she nominated as Prime Minister designate Dorin Recean to form a new government in Chisinau, Moldova, Friday. Moldova’s government collapsed Friday as pro-Western Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita resigned, adding to a series of crises that have gripped the small nation since Russia invaded its neighbor, Ukraine.

MOLDOVA

Associated Press

MOLDOVA’S president

outlined Monday what she described as a plot by Moscow to overthrow her country’s government using external saboteurs, put the nation “at the disposal of Russia” and derail its aspirations to one day join the European Union.

President Maia Sandu’s briefing comes a week after neighbouring Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country had intercepted plans by Russian secret services to destroy Moldova, claims that were later confirmed by Moldovan intelligence officials.

“The plan for the next period involves actions with the involvement of diversionists with military training, camouflaged in civilian clothes, who will undertake violent actions, attack some state buildings, and even take hostages,” Sandu told reporters at a briefing.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine nearly a year ago, Moldova, a former Soviet republic of about 2.6 million people, has sought to forge closer ties with its Western partners. Last June, it was granted EU candidate status, the same day as Ukraine.

Sandu said the alleged Russian plot’s purpose is “to overthrow the constitutional order, to change the legitimate power from (Moldova’s capital) Chisinau to an illegitimate one,” which she said “which would put our country at the disposal of Russia, in order to stop the European integration process.”

She defiantly vowed: “The Kremlin’s attempts to bring violence to our country will not succeed.”

There was no immediate reaction from Russian officials to Sandu’s claims.

Sandu said that between October and December Moldovan police and its Intelligence and Security

Service, the SIS, have intervened in “several cases of organized criminal elements and stopped attempts at violence.”

Over the past year, nonNATO member Moldova has faced a string of problems. These include a severe energy crisis after Moscow dramatically reduced gas supplies; skyrocketing inflation; and several incidents in recent months involving missiles that have traversed its skies, and debris that has been found on its territory.

Moldovan authorities confirmed that another missile from the war in Ukraine had entered its airspace on Friday.

Last April, tensions in Moldova also soared after a series of explosions in Transnistria — a Russiabacked separatist region of Moldova where Russia bases about 1,500 troops — which had raised fears it could get dragged into Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Transnistria has a population of about 470,000 and has been under the control of separatist authorities since a civil war in 1992.

Sandu claimed that Russia wants to use Moldova in the war against Ukraine, without providing more details, and that information obtained by intelligence services contained what she described as instructions on rules of entry to Moldova for citizens from Russia, Belarus, Serbia, and Montenegro.

“I assure you that the state institutions are working to prevent these challenges and keep the situation under control,” Sandu said. She said that Moldova’s Parliament must adopt draft laws to equip its Intelligence and Security Service, and the prosecutor’s office, “with the necessary tools to combat more effectively the risks to the country’s security.”

there “was a huge pressure” on Moldovan authorities to explain more to the public after Zelenskyy first went public with the security information last week in Brussels.

“Today’s announcement by President Sandu legitimizes the narrative that Moldova needs to focus on its security,” he told The Associated Press. “Probably, based on the evidence they received, they are now more sure of these kinds of attempts by Russians.”

He added that Sandu going public could also be a preemptive bid to thwart “Russia’s attempts to destabilise Moldova,” in the same way Western officials called out the Kremlin’s war plans before its invasion of Ukraine.

The president added that the plan would “rely on several internal forces, but especially on criminal groups” and went on to name two Moldovan oligarchs, Ilan Shor and Vladimir Plahotniuc, both of whom are currently in exile. Both men last year were sanctioned by the US and the UK

Last fall, a series of mass anti-government protests organized by Shor’s populist, Russia-friendly Shor Party, also rocked Moldova amid the energy crunch.

The president’s press briefing Monday comes after the surprise resignation on Friday of Moldova’s Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita. The same day, Sandu appointed her defence and security adviser, pro-Western economist Dorin Recean, to succeed Gavrilita.

On Friday, after Moldovan authorities confirmed the missile incident, US State Department deputy spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters in Washington that “Russia has for years supported influence and destabilisation campaigns in Moldova, which often involve weaponising corruption to further its goals.”

The tractor’s manufacturer doesn’t allow Wood to make certain fixes himself, and last spring his fertilizing operations were stalled for three days before the servicer arrived to add a few lines of missing computer code for $950.

“That’s where they have us over the barrel, it’s more like we are renting it than buying it,” said Wood, who spent $300,000 on the used tractor.

Wood’s plight, echoed by farmers across the country, has pushed lawmakers in Colorado and 10 other states to introduce bills that would force manufacturers to provide the tools, software, parts and manuals needed for farmers to do their own repairs — thereby avoiding steep labour costs and delays that imperil profits.

“The manufacturers and the dealers have a monopoly on that repair market because it’s lucrative,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, a Democrat and one of the bill’s sponsors. “(Farmers) just want to get their machine going again.”

In Colorado, the legislation is largely being pushed by Democrats while their Republican colleagues find themselves stuck in a tough spot: torn between rightleaning farming constituents asking to be able to repair their own machines and the manufacturing businesses that oppose the idea.

The manufacturers argue that changing the current practice with this type of legislation would force companies to expose trade secrets. They also say it would make it easier for farmers to tinker with the software and illegally crank up the horsepower and bypass the emissions controller — risking operators’ safety and the environment.

Similar arguments around intellectual property have been levelled against the broader campaign called ‘right to repair,’ which has picked up steam across the country — crusading for the right to fix everything from iPhones to hospital ventilators during the pandemic.

In 2011, Congress passed a law ensuring that car owners and independent mechanics — not just authorized dealerships — had access to the

A combine harvests grain on Danny Wood’s farm in northeastern Colorado in July 2022. When his combine broke down Wood was forced to wait precious days for service as the manufacturer doesn’t allow him to make certain fixes. Lawmakers in 11 states have introduce bills to force farming equipment manufacturers to provide the tools, software, parts and manuals needed for farmers to do their own repairs. Photo:Danny Wood/AP

necessary tools and information to fix problems.

Ten years later, the Federal Trade Commission pledged to beef up its right to repair enforcement at the direction of President Joe Biden. And just last year, Titone sponsored and passed Colorado’s first right to repair law, empowering people who use wheelchairs with the tools and information to fix them.

For the right to repair farm equipment — from thin tractors used between grape vines to behemoth combines for harvesting grain that can cost over half a million dollars — Colorado is joined by 10 states including Florida, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, Texas and Vermont.

Many of the bills are finding bipartisan support, said Nathan Proctor, who leads Public Interest Research Group’s national right to repair campaign. But in Colorado’s House committee on agriculture, Democrats pushed the bill forward in a 9-4 vote along party lines, with Republicans in opposition even though the bill’s second sponsor is Republican Rep. Ron Weinberg.

“That’s really surprising, and that upset me,” said the Republican Wood.

Wood’s tractor, which flies an American flag reading “Farmers First,” isn’t his only machine to break down. His grain harvesting combine was dropping into idle, but the servicer took five days to arrive on Wood’s farm — a setback that could mean a hail storm decimates a wheat field or the soil temperature moves beyond the Goldilocks zone for planting.

“Our crop is ready to harvest and we can’t wait five days, but there was nothing else to do,” said Wood. “When it’s broke down you just sit there and wait and that’s not acceptable. You can be losing $85,000 a day.”

Rep. Richard Holtorf, the Republican who represents Wood’s district and is a farmer himself, said he’s being pulled between his constituents and the

dealerships in his district covering the largely rural northeast corner of the state. He voted against the measure because he believes it will financially impact local dealerships in rural areas and could jeopardize trade secrets.

“I do sympathize with my farmers,” said Holtorf, but he added, “I don’t think it’s the role of government to be forcing the sale of their intellectual property.”

At the packed hearing last week that spilled into a second room in Colorado’s Capitol, the core concerns raised in testimony were farmers illegally slipping around the emissions control and cranking up the horsepower.

“I know growers, if they can change horsepower and they can change emissions they are going to do it,” said Russ Ball, sales manager at 21st Century Equipment, a John Deere dealership in Western states.

The bill’s proponents acknowledged that the legislation could make it easier for operators to modify horsepower and emissions controls, but argued that farmers are already able to tinker with their machines and doing so would remain illegal.

This January, the Farm Bureau and the farm equipment manufacturer John Deere did sign a memorandum of understanding — a right to repair agreement made in the free market and without government intervention. The agreement stipulates that John Deere will share some parts, diagnostic and repair codes, and manuals to allow farmers to do their own fixes.

The Colorado bill’s detractors laud that agreement as a strong middle ground while Titone said it wasn’t enough.

Proctor, who is tracking 20 right to repair proposals in a number of industries across the country, said the memorandum of understanding has fallen far short.

“Farmers are saying no,” Proctor said. “We want the real thing.”

NATIONAL Security Council spokesman John Kirby speaks during a press briefing at the White House, Monday, Feb. 13, 2023, in Washington.

Photo: Evan Vucci/AP

Costin Ciobanu, a political scientist at the Royal Holloway University of London, said it’s likely

Photo: Aurel Obreja/AP

DENVER Associated Press ON COLORADO’S

GRAND BAHAMA PRIMARY SCHOOLS

ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION’S GLADSTONE ‘MOON’ MCPHEE/CECIL THOMPSON BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT A SUCCESS

THE Grand Bahama Primary Schools Athletic Association completed its Gladstone ‘Moon’ McPhee/ Cecil Thompson Basketball Tournament over the weekend with teams coming in from New Providence and Grand Cay to participate against the local teams from Grand Bahama. In the boys’ championship game, Freedom Baptist knocked off Walter Parker 32-24 to win the title.

BAAA

slightly different way in encouraging the small businessmen and women to join the big corporate conglomerates to get involved.

“Track and field touches all when it comes to the development of the country,” Archer said.

“If you look at the legacy of track and field, you would find that some of our best doctors and best lawyers and best politicians come out of the belly of track and field.

“It creates a levelled playing field for persons who otherwise would have not had the opportunity. Beyond identifying the world’s greatest athletes, we are trying to identify athletes who could be good student-athletes who would make great contributions to the country.”

Archer said they are appealing to corporate Bahamas to come out and support their efforts because their money will not go in vain, but will be well spent on developmental programmes and the implementation of programmes that will develop a more diverse and exciting country.

Archer revealed that they will be offering packages from $85,000 as

CROWDER WON’T MAKE BUCKS DEBUT UNTIL AFTER ALL-STAR BREAK

By STEVE MEGARGEE AP Sports Writer

MILWAUKEE (AP)

— Milwaukee Bucks forward Jae Crowder got so frustrated during his layoff that he sometimes yelled or cursed while watching multiple games simultaneously on the four televisions he’d set up at his home.

“I’d get mad,” Crowder said yesterday while talking to reporters for the first time since the Bucks acquired him at last week’s trade deadline. “I’d get frustrated because I’d know I was supposed to be in those situations at some point now, and I’m three or four months of not being in that situation.” Crowder must wait a little longer before making his debut with his new team.

Kayleb Russell, named the tournament’s MVP (most valuable player), scored a game high 17 points in the win. Kavon Russell had 15 in a losing effort.

In the girls’ championship game, it was a match-up between two New Providence teams with Teleos prevailing with a 20-2 win over St Francis/Joseph.

MVP Kayla Bien scored seven points in the win.

plantinum sponsorship to as much as $500 for the ordinary man or woman who wants to assist the BAAA.

BAAA Relays

The BAAA will return one of its popular events to its schedule on Saturday when they host the BAAA Relays, starting at noon at the original Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium.

Special events coordinator Damaris Cash said they have exciting events for both the schools and club teams to participate in.

“We want to put an environment where we can be moving the stick around the stadium in terms of disciplines like 4 x 1,” Cash said. “This year, we have a new one on our agenda, which is the mixed 4 x 1. We will have a mixed 4 x 1, mixed 4 x 4. We have 4 x 4 relay, 4 x 2, distance medley and a 4 x 800m for persons to start getting the distance programme back on track.

“In terms of individual events, we will be offering an opening male and female 100m. We have something new on the agenda, which is an elimination mile. The elimination mile will include fighting for position. So every lap, if you are in last place, you will be asked

to come off the track for those four laps.”

For the field competitors, there will also be the shot put and discus for the under-17 boys and girls to compete in. “This event, we are trying to get the fans more involved,” Cash stated. “So we will be giving out some keepsakes as we try to get some momentum for CARIFTA and other events to get fans to return home.

“We want to have more participation from our fans. We want to say thank you for travelling on this journey with us. We want this to be a movement where it is spirit filled and we are excited about these young kids and we are excited about this journey.”

Team Bahamas

Relay coordinator Fritz Grant revealed that their mission this year is to qualify all of their men and women relay teams for the international meets on the agenda this year.

“We have a number of sprint coaches, who will be assisting with these relays in reference to preparation and getting the teams together,” Grant said.

Everette Fraser, Andrew Tynes, Daron Lightbourn, Bernard Rolle and Olympian Ramon Miller are all assisting Grant in the venture.

“With these coaches, we have a list of the top 10 100, 200 and 400m runners and we will be inviting them on Wednesday to start working with baton exchanges. We know that exchanges are very important so we want to start working on that right away.”

With all of the coaches on board, Grant said they can now prepare to get the teams ready for competition. He noted that the elite athletes who are home training, like Samson Colebrooke, have pledged their support in getting the teams qualified. He noted that those home-based athletes will be teaming up to compete with the high school and club relay teams to add to the excitement of the relays on Saturday. To see where they stand and to sharpen their skills.

“A lot of athletes use relays to get themselves fit in reference to speed,” Grant said. “So what we’re looking at is developing some chemistry for our athletes, so we are looking at a big week ahead.

“We want to accomplish all of our goals in qualifying all of our relay teams for 2023, so it’s very exciting and we are looking forward to a great event and for great things as we look forward to our teams

qualifying to the 2024 World Relays.”

Stadiums under repair

With both the Thomas A Robinson Track and Field and National Stadiums in dire need of repair, Archer said while the old track will be fully resurfaced by Beynon, the new stadium will receive general repairs to improve it to a class two certification by Mondo.

“There will be no conflicts,” Archer said. “We are working very closely with the executives of the National Sports Authority and the scheduling will be such that there will be no interruption in competition and there will be no interruptions in practice sessions.”

Beynon will be in town by the end of the month and will commence their work on the old stadium by the beginning of March. Mondo, meanwhile, is already here, and by the beginning of March, they would have completed their work.

“Once we are completed with one facility, we will move over to the next facility for training and competition,” Archer said.

“Once work has commenced, on the weekends when we have competition, work will be suspended so there is no interruption.”

Coach Mike Budenholzer said yesterday that Crowder won’t start playing with Milwaukee until after the All-Star break. Crowder won’t be available when the Bucks put their 10-game winning streak on the line tonight against the NBA-leading Boston Celtics or when they visit Chicago two nights later.

Crowder hasn’t played at all this season after making 67 starts and averaging 9.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists for the Phoenix Suns in 2021-22. The Suns announced in late September that Crowder wouldn’t be joining them for training camp in what was described as a mutual decision. They’d been working on a trade for him ever since.

The 32-year-old Crowder wouldn’t specify what caused his issues with the Suns.

NEW MEX ST CANCELS SEASON AFTER SEX, HARASSMENT ALLEGATIONS

By EDDIE PELLS AP National Writer

NEW Mexico State’s men’s basketball season came to an abrupt halt Sunday after the release of a police report that detailed three players ganging up on a teammate and attacking him in a case that includes allegations of false imprisonment, harassment and criminal sexual contact.

“It’s time for this programme to reset,” chancellor Dan Arvizu said in the statement that announced the end of the season.

Arvizu said the shutdown was in response to a report filed to campus police on Friday by a player against three teammates. According to the report, the victim said that on February 6, his teammates held him down “removed his clothing exposing his buttocks and began to slap his (buttocks).

He also went on to state that they also touched his scrotum.”

The victim, whose name was redacted in the report along with those of the other players, said other incidents involving inappropriate physical and sexual touching had been occurring in locker rooms and on road trips since last summer.

Regarding the latest instance, the victim told police he had no choice but to let this happen “because it’s a 3-on-1 type of situation.”

TELEOS girls MVP Kayla Bien (centre).

TELEOS girls championship team.

FREEDOM Baptist boys championship team.

KAYLEB Russell received his MVP award from honouree Cecil Thompson.

WALTER PARKER, boys runners-up team.

BLTA ‘saddened’ by death of Wesley Rolle

THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA)

is saddened by the passing of Wesley Rolle.

Past president Rolle has made numerous contributions to the growth and development of tennis in The Bahamas over the years. He served as president of the BLTA during the period 2007 to 2009 and remained actively involved in the sport.

He assumed the role as facility manager of the National Tennis Centre under two administrations.

Rolle not only focused his attention on making a difference in New Providence, but also on the Family Islands.

From time to time, Rolle would hip-hop to Eleuthera and then “catch” the ferry to Harbour Island to conduct coaching sessions.

Besides serving as an executive and being a trailblazer for the association, he has served as a coach for many years, a Senior Nationals tournament director, and tournament director for a few ITF junior tournaments held in New Providence. Rolle was always willing to give wise

counsel and lend a helping hand wherever needed.

When asked in September 2019 to represent the BLTA by promoting the sport of tennis at a sports educational fair, he gladly accepted. He also possessed the skill of racquet stringing. Wes engaged in provocative dialogue and was considered a Davis Cup (Bahamas) historian.

As a coach, in 2020, Rolle participated in BLTA’s outreach programme in the form of a free tennis clinic hosted for some of the children at the Ranfurly Home. He imparted much knowledge to the kids and they walked away armed with the necessary tools to play the game.

President Perry Newton and the executive team of the BLTA was pleased to name the 2022 Senior Nationals in Rolle’s honour.

The entire tennis community mourns the loss of this great tennis contributor.

The BLTA extends deepest condolences to Leo Rolle, Larry Rolle, Marvin Rolle and the entire Rolle family during this most difficult time.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

TITLE-CHASING ARSENAL FACES DOUBLE THREAT FROM MANCHESTER

By JAMES ROBSON AP Soccer Writer

MANCHESTER, Eng-

land (AP) — If Arsenal is to win its first Premier League title in 19 years, it will have to hold off a growing double threat from Manchester.

The battle to be crowned English champions looks set to come down to just three clubs after wins for Manchester City and Manchester United on Sunday tightened the gap at the top of the table.

Defending champion City beat Aston Villa 3-1 and has the chance to move above leader Arsenal on goal difference with a win when the sides meet on Wednesday.

United is now five points off the top after beating Leeds 2-0 at Elland Road.

But the immediate threat to Arsenal, which has led the standings since August, is a City team that has the chance to wipe out an eightpoint deficit that existed less than a month ago, even if it has played a game more.

“We will see after all the games when the Premier League is finished. But we are going to London to try to get a win,” City manager Pep Guardiola said.

“When one team has made 50 points in the first leg (half of the season) it is because they are very good. We closed the gap today because the performance

from the team was really, really good.”

The wins for City and United will increase the sense of injustice felt by Arsenal at Ivan Toney’s equaliser against Mikel Arteta’s team in a 1-1 draw with Brentford on Saturday.

Referees chief Howard Webb contacted the club to explain “significant” and “human” error after VAR failed to rule Toney’s goal out for offside, but that is likely to be of little comfort to a team whose title challenge is beginning to show signs of faltering.

Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez all scored in the first half as City issued a defiant

response on the field following accusations this week of breaching financial regulations.

While City is primed to challenge, United has also emerged as a serious contender — even if manager Erik ten Hag may yet rue the dropped points in a 2-2 draw with Leeds midweek.

His team at least got the better of its rival from Yorkshire when meeting for a second time in the space of four days.

Even then United left it late, with Marcus Rashford opening the scoring in the 80th minute and substitute Alejandro Garnacho adding a second goal in the 85th. It was Rashford’s 21st

goal of the season and his 13th in his last 15 games. And with Cristiano Ronaldo departed and Anthony Martial enduring ongoing fitness issues, the England forward is vital to United’s ambitions.

Ten Hag said Rashford was now “definitely one of” the best in Europe.

“He has the skills. I was convinced from the first moment. I was really excited to work with him. I thought I could get more out of him,” he said. “But he has so many skills, such high potential and I think there can be even more. When he works well, he will even score more goals because he can score with his left, right and his head.”

HAALAND PENALTY MYSTERY

Erling Haaland has scored 31 goals in 28 appearances for City, but was denied No. 32 when overlooked for penalty duty against Villa.

The Norway international is City’s first choice from the spot, but had to make way for Riyadh Mahrez when his team was awarded a penalty late in the first half, which even caught Guardiola by surprise. “I need to talk to them,” Guardiola said. “Normally Erling is the first taker and Riyad is the second one. Rodri was involved so we will see what they say tomorrow.”

Haaland was substituted at halftime after taking a kick, with Guardiola unsure if he will be available against Arsenal.

Ollie Watkins pulled one back for Villa in the 61st.

DE GEA’S

LANDMARK

David de Gea made his 400th Premier League appearance in Manchester United’s win against Leeds. For the goalkeeper,

however, the victory was more important than his personal landmark.

“Today wasn’t about that, it was about winning the game and we did it so now I can enjoy the 400 Premier League games,” he explained.

“It’s great to come here, play like we did today. Clean sheet, three massive points and 400 games, perfect day.”

WESLEY Rolle assumed the role as facility manager of the National Tennis Centre under two administrations.

MANCHESTER United’s head coach Erik ten Hag congratulates Marcus Rashford as he leaves the pitch during the English Premier League soccer matchm against Leeds United at Elland Road, Leeds, England, yesterday. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

WESLEY ROLLE, far right, served as a coach for many years,

WESLEY ROLLE, above centre, served as president of the BLTA from 2007 to 2009 and was actively involved in the sport.

JOKIC HELPS NUGGETS SNAP HEAT’S EIGHT-GAME HOME WIN STREAK

MIAMI (AP) — Nikola

Jokic finished with 27 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists, and Denver snapped Miami’s eightgame home winning streak by topping the Heat 112108 last night.

Jokic made 12 of 14 shots, and Denver shot 58%.

Michael Porter Jr scored 17, Bruce Brown added 16, Jeff Green scored 12 and three Nuggets — Vlatko Cancar, Christian Braun and Thomas Bryant — each finished with 10 points.

Jimmy Butler had 24 points, nine assists and eight rebounds for the Heat. Max Strus scored 23, Bam Adebayo had 19, Gabe Vincent 15 and Jamaree Bouyea added 10 for Miami.

KNICKS 124, NETS 106

NEW YORK (AP) —

Jalen Brunson scored 40 points, Josh Hart added a season-high 27 in his second game with his new team and host New York snapped a nine-game losing streak against Brooklyn.

Julius Randle had 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Knicks, who beat the Nets for the first time in three years. Brooklyn never lost to the Knicks when Kevin Durant or Kyrie

MESSI

FROM PAGE 16

Milan and Tottenham, two of the seven round-of-16 teams that are currently outside the Champions League qualifying places in their domestic leagues. Chelsea is another and visits Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, when Club Brugge hosts Benfica.

Four more first-leg games are scheduled Feb. 21-22.

MESSI QUEST

At age 35, Messi finally has a World Cup title for Argentina. Now back to the business of winning a fifth Champions League.

When Messi won his fourth title with Barcelona in 2015 Barack Obama was president, Britain was in the European Union and Jose Mourinho won a league title, at Chelsea.

Messi has not been to the final since and his first try with PSG ended in the round of 16 against Madrid.

Irving played. More importantly for the seventh-place Knicks, they pulled within two games of the Nets for fifth place in the Eastern Conference.

Spencer Dinwiddie scored 28 points for the Nets, who showed again how much of a struggle scoring could be after trading their two All-Stars last week.

HORNETS 144, HAWKS 138 CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — LaMelo Ball had 30 points and 15 assists, Terry Rozier added 29 points and Charlotte held off Atlanta to snap a sevengame skid.

Gordon Hayward scored 26 points and P.J. Washington added 22 as the Hornets shot 63% from the field. Ball had six 3-pointers and Rozier hit five as Charlotte never trailed and tied a season high with 20 3s. It was the second-highest point total in Hornets franchise history, behind the 158 they scored against Indiana last season.

Trae Young finished with 25 points and 14 assists for the Hawks, who had their two-game win streak snapped. Clint Capela added 22 points,

When he last faced Bayern it was an 8-2 rout over Barcelona in the single-leg quarterfinals of the pandemic-hit 2020 edition.

Both PSG and Bayern have misfired since the World Cup. PSG was unbeaten entering 2023 then lost three in the league and is out of the French Cup. Bayern still leads the Bundesliga after restarting with three straight draws.

TEAMS IN SLUMPS A Champions League adage is the team you draw after the group stage is not always the one you meet in February.

When the last-16 draw was made on Nov. 7, Real Madrid was the unbeaten Spanish league leader paired with an already inconsistent Liverpool. Madrid has now lost three of eight and let Barcelona take a dominating lead.

At least second-place Madrid is so far clear of fifth in La Liga to be almost sure

Spotlight turns to baseball and Padres’ weighty expectations

By BERNIE WILSON AP Sports Writer

JUST hours after confetti fell on the NFL champion Kansas City Chiefs in Glendale, Arizona, the sports spotlight shifted to pitchers and catchers who began reporting yesterday to spring training complexes ahead of the World Baseball Classic.

A few miles up the freeway from Glendale, San Diego Padres skipper Bob Melvin spoke about managing expectations with his star-laden club, which has its long-suffering fans whipped into a frenzy after a stirring run to the NL Championship Series last fall.

Once Fernando Tatis Jr. rejoins the active roster on April 20 following a drug suspension, Melvin will roll out a lineup that figures to include Manny Machado, who finished second in NL MVP votig; Juan Soto, who came over in a blockbuster trade with Washington on Aug. 2; and Xander Bogaerts, who signed a $280 million, 11-year deal on Dec. 8.

“We have a lot of star players here. We seem to bring another one in every few weeks or so,” Melvin quipped. “It’s been neat to see because the fanbase has really followed it and

DeAndre Hunter had 21 and Dejounte Murray scored 20.

CAVALIERS 117, SPURS 109 CLEVELAND (AP) — Donovan Mitchell scored 41 points and led Cleveland to its seventh straight win as nose-diving San Antonio matched a team record with its 13th consecutive loss. Mitchell made five 3-pointers and scored 23 in the first half, helping the Cavs build an 18-point lead. Jarrett Allen had 17 points and 11 rebounds as Cleveland improved to 25-6 at home. Evan Mobley had 15 points and 10 boards.

Keldon Johnson scored 25 points and rookie Malaki Branham 18 to pace the Spurs, who are 2-20 in 2023.

The Spurs previously lost 13 straight during the 198889 season. 76ERS 123, ROCKETS 104 PHILADELPHIA (AP)

— James Harden had 29 points and 10 assists against his former team while Tyrese Maxey scored 26 off the bench as Philadelphia beat Houston.

Joel Embiid scored 23 points in 31 minutes for the Sixers, who have won three in a row and improved to

of qualifying for next season’s Champions League. Not so, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool. Nor AC Milan, Leipzig, Eintracht Frankfurt and Club Brugge. None is currently on track to qualify for next season’s competition. For Liverpool and Chelsea, European champions in 2019 and 2021, actually winning another final on June 10 in Istanbul might be their best chance of being in the group-stage draw in August. That should be worth about 100 million euros ($107 million) in UEFA prize money. That cash now looks almost essential to Chelsea after a season of lavish transfer spending signed off by American owner Todd Boehly. Chelsea plays a Dortmund team third in the Bundesliga, just three points behind Bayern, without yet seeming a convincing title challenger.

22-8 at home. Jalen Green scored 29 points for the Rockets, who have lost six straight to fall to a leagueworst 13-44. KJ Martin added 15 for Houston.

PELICANS 103, THUNDER 100

OKLAHOMA CITY

(AP) — Brandon Ingram scored 34 points and New Orleans outlasted Oklahoma City.

Oklahoma City had a chance to tie in the closing seconds, but Isaiah Joe’s 3-pointer bounced away at the buzzer.

Ingram carried the scoring load for the Pelicans while guard CJ McCollum sat out with a sprained right ankle.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 24 points and 10 rebounds, Jalen Williams

HALLER’S RETURN

Dortmund already has a great comeback story: Sébastien Haller’s return from a cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy treatment. Haller should make his European debut for Dortmund eight months since he was the club’s marquee summer signing to replace Erling Haaland. Haaland had five goals for Manchester City in the group, including in a 2-1 home win over Dortmund. He must wait another week to travel back to Germany for the first leg against Leipzig.

DARK HORSES

Napoli and Benfica topped their groups in November — ahead of Liverpool and PSG, respectively — to be seeded in the draw and avoid teams like Madrid, Bayern and Man City. Napoli travels to Eintracht Frankfurt on February 21, and Benfica plays Wednesday at Brugge.

scored 22 points and Joe added 16 for the Thunder.

MAGIC 100, BULLS 91 CHICAGO (AP) —

Paolo Banchero scored 22 points, Franz Wagner and Markelle Fultz added 18 points apiece Orlando beat cold-shooting Chicago.

Fultz just missed a tripledouble with 10 rebounds and nine assists. Wendell Carter Jr scored 15 points against his former team as the Magic won for the fourth time in six games. The Bulls matched a season high by dropping their fourth in a row.

The missed their first 16 3-pointers and finished 18 of 21 from long range.

Zach LaVine led Chicago with 26 points, and DeMar DeRozan scored 19.

Both are set up for domestic titles after strong returns from the World Cup break. Could an elusive Champions League title follow? Benfica has not been European champion since 1962, Napoli never got close.

However, Napoli mostly stayed out of January trading while Benfica sold Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez to Chelsea for a British record fee of about 120 million euros ($128 million).

Benfica should have enough to eliminate Brugge, which fired coach Carl Hoefkens in December after poor domestic results despite overachieving in the Champions League. Brugge hired Scott Parker, whose previous game had been a 9-0 loss at Liverpool in August with Bournemouth.

SUPER EAGUE?

Back in November, Barcelona and Juventus failed

NUGGETS centre Nikola Jokic (15) drives to the basket as Heat centre Orlando Robinson (25) defends during the first half last night in Miami.

Former Magic star Nikola Vucevic finished with 13 points and 13 rebounds.

JAZZ 123, PACERS 117

INDIANAPOLIS (AP)

— Jordan Clarkson and Lauri Markkanen each scored 29 points and Utah beat Indiana. Clarkson hit a 3-pointer for a 115-110 lead with 2:03 remaining, and added a 13-foot baseline jumper to extend the lead to 117-113 in the final minute. Markkanen hit 10 of 18 shots and had 11 rebounds for the Jazz.

Tyrese Haliburton had 29 points and 12 assists and Bennedict Mathurin scored 21 for the Pacers, whose skid reached five games. Buddy Hield struggled with eight.

to advance out of the Champions League groups as they and fellow Super League rebel Madrid awaited news of their legal challenge to UEFA at the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg. The court’s initial non-binding opinion in December was to disagree with the clubs’ claim that UEFA has monopoly control of European competitions.

The final ruling of 15 judges is expected in a matter of weeks.

Barcelona now leads La Liga and has a stellar game this week with Manchester United in the Europa League knockout playoffs. Juventus, which hosts Nantes in the Europa League on Thursday, has other issues — a 15-point deduction in Serie A during a criminal investigation of alleged false accounting that led to the board of directors resigning.

embraced it. When you have this many household names, it just adds to the excitement coming into spring training.”

Owner Peter Seidler hasn’t been afraid to add hefty contracts and many fans expect nothing less than the franchise’s first World Series title. The team estimated 48,000 people turned out for FanFest on Feb. 4, waiting in long lines, sometimes for hours, for autographs and photos, and jamming a grassy knoll beyond the center field fence to hear players speak.

“You have to embrace it,” Melvin said. “It’s going to be there regardless. You have to understand that’s the position we’ve put ourselves in. That’s a good thing, right? … I think everybody here understands what the expectations are.”

Position players headed for the WBC aren’t due in camp until Thursday, but Bogaerts already was taking swings on Monday. He’ll play for the Netherlands before returning to the Padres to play shortstop, with Tatis slated to play in the outfield. Righthander Yu Darvish, who signed a new $108 million, six-year contract on Thursday, flew to Japan on Sunday for his country’s pre-WBC camp.

TATIS’ TEASE

Tatis posted a brief video on his Instagram story showing a locker full of Nike cleats and trainers. Adidas ended its deal with Tatis after MLB suspended him for 80 games on Aug. 12 after he tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug. Neither Nike nor Tatis’ agent returned messages seeking comment. Tatis hasn’t played since 2021. He was on the cusp of returning from surgery on his broken left wrist when he was suspended. The video also shows a Rawlings glove. Rawlings is owned by Seidler Equity Partners and MLB Properties. Peter Seidler is founder and managing partner of Seidler Equity Properties.

METS MUSINGS

Veteran reliever Adam Ottavino, who re-signed with the New York Mets for $14.5 million over two years, is looking forward to pitching for the U.S. in the WBC.

“It’s going to be cool,” he said in in Port St. Lucie,

Florida. “I played in ‘09 for Italy and I always wanted another opportunity to play in it again. It was a really fun tournament for me that first time and I also knew that I wasn’t going to play for anybody but, you know, USA if I got the chance. It’s always been a kind of a dream. So excited to join the team and see if we can bring it home.”

Also in camp was outfielder Brandon Nimmo, who was re-signed at $162 million over eight years. “My work ethic doesn’t change. Who I am doesn’t change. What I expect out of myself doesn’t change,” Nimmo said. “I just get to focus on baseball and winning. And I’m really, really happy to be able to do that.”

The Mets, who won 101 games, were eliminated in the wild-card round by the Padres.

OUT

CORTES

OF WBC New York Yankees lefthander Nestor Cortes will miss the WBC due to a strained right hamstring

but hasn’t ruled out being ready for the start of the regular season.

“Came in on Wednesday and told the staff I was a little banged up,” Cortes said at the Yankees’ minor league complex in Tampa.

“After long talks, obviously, the best interest was to stay out of it. The biggest goal right here is to get healthy and be ready for the start of the season.

I think it’s something that’s definitely doable to start the season off healthy and in the rotation.”

GHOST RUNNERS

HERE TO STAY

Starting extra innings with a runner on second base during the regular season is now permanent after being unanimously adopted by MLB’s 11-person competition committee on Monday. Used for the last three seasons during the coronavirus pandemic, the rule is known by some as “Ghost Runner” and by others as the “Manfred Man” after commissioner Rob Manfred.

SYDNEY (AP) — Olympic 800-meter finalist Peter Bol on Tuesday said his provisional doping suspension has been lifted after the A and B samples didn’t match.

Usually testing of the B sample confirms a doping infringement.

“I was just informed that my B sample did not match my A sample,” Bol posted on Twitter. “My provisional suspension has been lifted by Sport Integrity Australia.”

Bol said he’s never taken banned performanceenhancing substances and he described the last month as a “nightmare.”

Athletics Australia announced last month that Bol had failed an out-ofcompetition test on Oct. 11.

The 28-year-old runner’s A sample tested positive to the banned drug erythropoietin, known as EPO.

“The relief I am feeling is hard to describe.” he said.

“The last month has been nothing less than a nightmare. I wish that the results of my A sample had not been leaked, but there is nothing I can do about that.

“To say it one more time: I am innocent and have not taken this substance as I was accused.”

Bol placed fourth in the 800-meter final at the Tokyo Olympics and was a silver medalist at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

(AP Photo/ Lynne Sladky)

YANKEES starting pitcher Nestor Cortes delivers against the Houston Astros.

(AP Photo/John Minchillo)

BOL: DOPING SUSPENSION LIFTED AFTER SAMPLES DIDN’T MATCH

UEFA BLAMED FOR NEAR-DISASTER AT CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL

By GRAHAM DUNBAR AP Sports Writer

GENEVA (AP)

— UEFA-appointed investigators have held European soccer’s ruling body mostly responsible for chaotic security failures at the 2022 Champions League final in Paris that put the lives of Liverpool and Real Madrid fans at risk.

“It is remarkable that no one lost their life,” the investigation panel wrote in a 220-page document published yesterday into a near “mass fatality catastrophe” at the biggest club game in world soccer.

“The panel has concluded that UEFA, as event owner, bears primary responsibility for failures which almost led to disaster,” the report said.

A failed security operation saw tens of thousands of fans held in increasingly crushed queues for hours before the May 28 game at the 75,000-capacity Stade de France, which is a key venue for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Many fans were fired on with tear gas by police before the game, which was delayed by nearly 40 minutes. After Madrid’s 1-0 win, dozens were robbed leaving the stadium by local residents in the impoverished Saint-Denis neighbourhood.

UEFA statements during the chaos and after the game blamed Liverpool fans for arriving at the stadium late and using fake

tickets to try to gain entry — wrongly blamed on both counts, the report said.

An apology to Liverpool supporters for “the experiences of many of them” and the unjust blaming was made yesterday by UEFA general secretary Theodore Theodoridis.

The panel, appointed seven months ago by UEFA, aimed blame yesterday at leadership of both the soccer body and its commercial subsidiary UEFA Events, and French public authorities.

“UEFA’s lack of oversight upon delegation of private safety and security matters, deference of all such matters in the public space to policing authorities, and simply not following its own safety, security and service requirements, was a recipe for the failures which occurred,” the report said.

“Senior officials at the top of UEFA allowed this to happen, even though the shortcomings of its model were widely known at senior management level.”

The long-time CEO of UEFA Events, Martin Kallen, is named often in the report, including as a representative at security planning meetings, and is broadly criticised by the panel.

UEFA’s Head of Safety & Security Operations, Zeljko Pavlica, who was at the game, is not identified by name in the 220 pages.

“On the evidence, the panel has concluded that the senior management of

UEFA Events marginalised the UEFA S&S Unit,” the report said. French police were blamed in the report for wrongly assuming that Liverpool fans posed a threat to public order.

The report team was chaired by a former sports minister of Portugal, Tiago Brandão Rodrigues, and included match security experts who formerly worked for UEFA and fan groups.

They criticised French public officials for an ongoing “misconception about what actually happened and a complacency regarding what needs to change.”

“This is particularly acute given the proximity

of the (2023) Rugby World Cup and Olympic and Paralympic Games and the importance of the Stade de France to both events,” the report said.

The Champions League final was moved to Paris at three months’ notice after UEFA stripped Russia of hosting the game in St Petersburg because of the military invasion of Ukraine.

The report also said “several key stakeholders have not accepted responsibility for their own failures but have been quick to attribute blame to others.”

“Institutional defensiveness, putting reputation and self-interest above truth and responsibility,

prevents progressive change,” the report said.

“A healthy organisation welcomes scrutiny and criticism based on evidence, an unhealthy one hides behind prejudice and baseless assertions, and contributes to a carousel of blame, where it is everyone else’s fault.”

A law firm representing more than 600 Liverpool supporters said those affected were due compensation.

“Liverpool fans have waited eight months for answers as to how and why the horrific events they experienced on 28 May 2022 unfolded,” Clare Campbell and Jill Paterson, partners at Leigh Day, said.

“While we have not seen a full copy of the report, early indications suggest that its conclusion echoes what Leigh Day have said all along, fans were seriously let down by UEFA.

“At this stage, we still strongly believe that UEFA need to compensate Liverpool fans for their experience on the day and the losses, suffering and injuries they have experienced and continue to deal with.

“The collective actions of (Liverpool) supporters was probably instrumental in protecting vulnerable people and averting what might well have been more serious injuries and deaths.”

UEFA pledged yesterday to “announce separately a special refund scheme for fans.”

Nyauchi went on to bowl Da Silva for 44 and had Alzarri Joseph caught splendidly for four at mid-wicket by Tanunurwa Makoni with a running effort.

Nyauchi’s first two wickets came from three balls and the Harare paceman believes the spin-friendly surface is now offering something for the quicker bowlers too. “It’s been a bit difficult…but it’s changing, it’s now nipping a bit,” said Nyauchi. “We’re happy to see that the ball is swinging now and getting to the keeper.”

Zimbabwe, with a mainly second-string side, is without Gary Ballance. The former England batter, who scored a historic undefeated century on his debut for his native country last week, is missing through illness.

Zimbabwe was skittled out for 115 in its first innings and the West Indies are hoping to post a commanding lead, probably aiming not to bat again in the test. “I’m happy with the position we are in,” Chase added. “If we can push the lead up to 250 that will be enough for us to bowl at Zimbabwe.” The first test ended in a draw.

LIVERPOOL fans wait in front of the of the Stade de France prior the Champions League final soccer match between Liverpool and Real Madrid, in Saint Denis near Paris, on May 28, 2022. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

SPORTS

CI Gibson Rattlers in the win column

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

While his CI Gibson Rattlers senior girls had to dig down deep to hold onto a three-point win over the RM Bailey Pacers, coach Kevin ‘KJ’ Johnson had his Rattlers’ senior boys clinching on all cylinders from start to finish in their 30-point rout over the CR Walker Knights.

The Rattlers nipped the Pacers in the senior girls 43-40 and the Rattlers boys blew out the Knights 92-62 to complete the first day of the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association’s sudden death playoffs at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.

Earlier in the day, the DW Davis Royals emerged with a 39-33 decision over the AF Adderley Fighting Tigers in the junior boys division and the CH Reeves Raptors prevailed with a 43-10 tramping of the SC McPherson Sharks as all four pennant winners advanced in their matchups against the fourth place teams.

Today, the second and third place teams in all four divisions will clash to determine who their opponents will be in the best-ofthree championships that start on Wednesday and continue on Thursday. If necessary, the third and deciding games will be played on Friday.

Senior boys Rattlers 92, Knights 62: CI Gibson made this one look so easy as they had three players in double figures led by Brian Cezalien with 19 points, James Delia had 18 and Tashan Butler added 14. They also got eight from Jude Vil and Stevens Joseph, Dieunel Joseph had seven, Gerrad Rolle five and both Prince Wheatley and Charles Maynard added four.

“We could have played a little better than we did. We just needed to take better care of the ball in the first half,” said coach Johnson.

“The second half we made the adjustment and we were able to play like we are capable of playing and we got the win.”

BAAA HAS $1M GOAL

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

WITH an ambitious plan that includes eight international meets to participate in, the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations is calling on the public to assist in their campaign to raise over one million dollars to get the job done.

During a press conference on Super Bowl Sunday at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium, the BAAA revealed how interested persons can get involved, while they will reintroduce the exciting BAAA Relays as well as the clarification of the closure of the two track stadiums in preparation for the 50th CARIFTA Games.

“Be My Running Partner”

The Rattlers led from start to finish as they opened a 24-17 first quarter lead that they extended to 54-36 at the half. They took a 78-51 advantage at the end of the third and they never looked back as Johnson was about to substitute as much as five players at various intervals.

Jumeo Miller had 20, Carlton Johnson 17 and Omar Pierre had 11.

Senior girls Rattlers 43, Pacers 40: Jada Francis scored 21 and Phillipa Ferguson and Traineia Greene both had eight as the pennant winning CI Gibson survived a scare from RM Bailey.

When it counted the most down the stretch in the fourth, Francis came through with five straight baskets and Tamisha Reckley converted one of two free throws for her only points to preserve tbe win.

“It was a dog fight. In the regular season, we beat RM Bailey handily, but they came ready with a game plan,” coach Johnson said.

“My girls just didn’t battle the way I expected. But it’s a win and I will take a win any day whether it’s one point or three

points. “We have to give RM Bailey credit. Their star player stepped up to the plate. My star players left their game in CI Gibson yard. But we were able to fight down at the end and we got the win so I’m happy with that.”

Vincinique Dames had a game high 30 points, including 10 in the fourth to keep the Pacers in the game. Jamea Ariste added six, but it wasn’t enough as they got eliminated.

RM Bailey led 10-6 after the first quarter and they held onto a 21-19 margin at the half. The game was tied at 30-30 after the third quarter.

Junior boys Raptors 39, Fighting Tigers 3-5: Darius Hanna scored the first five points and Kamal Miller got the final four as DW Davis outscored AF Adderley 9-2 in the fourth quarter.

Hanna finished with a game high 21 points and both Miller and Windishy Paul ended up with eight apiece as the pennant winning Royals surged to victory.

In a closely contested game, tied at 9-9 at the end of the first quarter, DW Davis went up 19-18 at

the half and took a 30-26 advantage at the end of the third. D’Alfer Gibson came up with 14 to lead AF Adderley. Deanza Nichalas had eight and both Dylan Deveaux and Jameko Hart helped with four. Jaythyn Jones had three as they got eliminated.

Junior girls Raptors 48, Sharks 10: Behind the triple scoring threat from Riccara Beadle, Tajhanique Morley and Durya Poitier, CH Reeves blew away SC McPherson to remain undefeated as they earned a return trip to the finals.

Beadle had a game high 19, including six in the first quarter as the Raptors opened a 10-2 advantage. Morley had 13 and Poitier finished with 11. “It was a rough season. The pandemic flattened my programme because some of my guys were with us from grade seven and now they are in grade nine, but they are just getting a chance to play as a team,” said DW Davis’ coach Mark Hanna. “We didn’t have a court to work on because they are repairing the gym and they took down the court

Champions League back with Messi, Mbappé doubt, legal drama

By GRAHAM DUNBAR AP Sports Writer

THE Champions League returns today to a very different European soccer scene than it was before a three-month midseason break.

In the interim, Lionel Messi won his first World Cup title. Kylian Mbappé almost won his second, then got injured. Early-season favourites for the European title fell into slumps at home.

Meanwhile, one standout team before the World Cup, Napoli, has marched on and aims for its first quarterfinal place in the competition’s 68-year history.

Off the field, the Super League project that tried to effectively kill the Champions League met a serious legal setback, and

English title holder Manchester City faces Premier League charges of financial wrongdoing that could one day stop the club entering future Champions Leagues. It adds up to plenty of drama even before soccer’s most prized club competition resumes with a stellar game between Paris SaintGermain and Bayern Munich.

A rematch of the 2020 final won by Bayern pairs two powers that helped stop the Super League in 2021 by refusing to join it. What it was not expected to have at Parc des Princes were the goalscorer and goalkeeper with the best records from the group stage.

Mbappé, who scored seven goals across five different Champions League games in the fall, was set to miss most of February with

a thigh injury. He made a surprise return to training on Sunday. Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer’s season is over because he broke a leg

skiing on a vacation taken after Germany’s quick exit from the World Cup. The

outside, so I will take the win any day. A win is a win.”

The Raptors extended their lead to 21-5 at the half as Beadle got another seven in the quarter

Tyler Miller scored six to lead SC McPherson.

“My girls still have a lot to improve on, but we are now into the championship, so we have to prepared now for whoever we face,” said CH Reeves’ coach Varel Davis. “We will be ready come Wednesday.”

With Poitier coming up with five in the third quarter, CH Reeves extended their margin to 33-8. Morley had nine in the fourth as they cruised the rest of the way.

Tyler Miller scored six, Cynsera Mason added three and Jasmine Key got the other point before they got eliminated.

Today’s Schedule 4pm - Junior girls – HO Nash (2) vs DW Davis (3)

Junior boys – SC McPherson (2) vs CH Reeves (3)

Senior girls – CR Walker (2) vs CV Bethel (3)

Senior boys – Doris Johnson (2) vs Anatol Rodgers (3)

While the BAAA dispelled any notion that the funding secured by the Local Organising Committee for the CARIFTA Games, scheduled for April 7-11, BAAA president Drumeco Archer said they are in pursuit of their own funding to take care of their aggressive programme.

They intend to introduce their plans to their potential sponsors 6:30pm on Wednesday at the Humidor Graycliff Restaurant where they will get the opportunity to dialogue with the BAAA executives.

“There are about eight major international events that the federation has to underwrite the cost for this year,” Archer said, “It is a Herculean and very aggressive budget that we have in place in trying to get our teams abroad.

“We want to make clear distinction between the CARIFTA movement, which we’re a part of, and the federation’s work. We are always grateful to our public partner, which is the Government of the Bahamas, but that is never enough.”

To that end, Archer said they decided to engage corporate Bahamas in a

SEE PAGE 12

Chase’s 70 puts

West Indies in command against Zimbabwe

BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe (AP) — Roston Chase top-scored with 70 and Joshua Da Silva chipped in with 44 as West Indies reached 290-8 in its first innings to lead Zimbabwe by 175 runs after the second day of the second and final test was twice cut short by rain yesterday.

West Indies began the day on 133-4 and Chase was largely untroubled on a dry pitch before becoming one of three wickets for Zimbabwe seamer Victor Nyauchi at the Queens Sports Club. Chase had put on 60 for the fifth wicket with

Kyle Mayers, who was then caught for 30 by Wellington Masakadza off leg-spinner Brandon Mavuta (3-73).

Nyauchi ended Chase’s innings when he bowled him with a full length, inswinging delivery after he and Da Silva had shared a partnership of 85 for the sixth wicket.

“Obviously I was looking for that century…it’s disappointing,” Chase told reporters.

“But that was a very good ball by the bowler. So credit goes to him.”

other game today pairs AC

PSG’s Lionel Messi stands next to injured PSG’s Kylian Mbappe during the French League One soccer match between Montpellier and Paris Saint-Germain at the State La Mosson stadium in Montpellier, France, on February 1.

(AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

GRANT

ARCHER

WINNING WAYS: The CI Gibson Rattlers senior boys’ basketball team show off their awards won in the Providence Storm Basketball Club’s 2022 Holiday Classic at the CI Gibson Gymnasium. At far right is coach Kevin ‘KJ’ Johnson.