02152023 NEWS AND SPORT

HAITI NEEDS STABILITY FOR VOTE

By LETRE SWEETING lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said he is looking forward to speaking with international world leaders today about support and resources to assist with stabilising the situation in Haiti to allow for “free and fair” elections within that country.

He spoke at a press conference at the Office of The Prime Minister yesterday, in his role as chairperson of

NIB FUND ON COURSE TO LOSE $95M THIS YEAR

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

MYLES LaRoda, minister of state with responsibility for the National Insurance Board (NIB), warned that if there is no raise in the contribution rate this year the National Insurance fund will lose $95m.

The sobering words were delivered before the weekly Cabinet meeting yesterday morning.

CARICOM heading this year’s 44th Heads of Government Meeting which will be held at the Baha Mar resort from today to Friday.

Mr Davis said he expects to see agreements made to address several long-standing issues throughout the Caribbean and The Bahamas, including healthcare, crime, food and energy security, irregular migration and assistance for Haiti.

It was reported by The Nassau Guardian that Cabinet had greenlit a rate increase which is believed to take effect July 1. However, Mr Laroda said he won’t “confirm nor deny” when asked about the newspaper’s article on NIB.

SCHOOL HIT AMID CLUSTER OF COVID CASES

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

HEALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville has revealed that there is a small cluster of COVID-19 cases in Exuma, noting that up to 12 people have tested positive. He said that at the LN Coakley High School there are five positive cases. The minister gave details before the weekly Cabinet meeting when he was asked about cases at the school.

“Yes, there was a small cluster of COVID-19 in Exuma. Up to 12 cases that are positive; five were from LN Coakley High School. Twenty-two have now

JOHN KERRY: US ‘DELEGATION HERE TO LISTEN’

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

UNITED States special presidential climate envoy John Kerry last night told government officials at a welcome reception hosted by the US embassy that every country must join in the fight against climate change and do its part to respond to the crisis for the future generations to come.

Mr Kerry, who previously served as the 68th US

Secretary of State, is a part of a 20-plus member delegation from the US that is in The Bahamas for the

CARICOM Heads of Government meeting.

The high-level talks will begin on Thursday and end on Friday, but a ceremony to mark the event’s opening will be held later this evening.

Last night, US Chargé d’Affaires Usha Pitts hosted a welcome reception in honour of CARICOM, which saw a number of senior government ministers, among them Prime Minister Phillip Davis, in

As leaders gather in Nassau for CARICOM meeting, Prime Minister Davis says...

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis speaking at yesterday’s press conference previewing the CARICOM meeting. Right, flags flying outside Baha Mar ahead of the event yesterday.

Flags photo: Moise Amisial

US special presidential climate envoy John Kerry.

John Kerry says the US ‘delegation here to listen’

attendance.

Mr Kerry, former US Senator Chris Dodd and Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian Nichols and other CARICOM officials were also present.

Speaking at the event, Mr Kerry told those gathered that their reason for coming to The Bahamas for CARICOM was simply to listen to the concerns of all regional leaders and hear the challenges they face in dealing with the effects of climate change, among other things.

He said the issue of climate change was one that he and President Joe Biden were passionate about and agreed that the time for action was now.

“You can’t say this is an existential issue in one breath and then walk around and slow walk our approach to the technologies, to the challenges we face particularly in island states. The island states of the world and the subSaharan African states. I mean 48 sub–Saharan African countries equal 0.555

percent of all the emissions in the world,” Mr Kerry said.

“The 20 major economies of the world equal 80 percent of all those emissions—80—and so we need to move.”

He continued: “I just want to say to all of you, it takes everybody. Every country has got to be a part of this journey and you know The Bahamas and other countries in the region don’t contribute a lot to it, but we all have a vested interest in making certain that we’re on a track to do what our citizens want us to do and citizens around the world want us to do, which is to respond to this crisis.

“So, we’ll talk tomorrow, and I came here along with Chris and Brian and the rest of our delegation, we came here to listen.

“We want to listen to you — how do you deal with the resilience issue? What are the choices in terms of adaptation? What are options in terms of our ability to deal with food production and quick response to increasingly intense storms which take

their wrath on the islands again and again and again, most recently, with Dorian.

“So, my friends, we’re all in this together. Different layers of contribution, different levels of responsibility, but every one of us has to take measure of our responsibility to live up to the hopes and aspirations of our kids and grandkids.”

For his part, Mr Nichols thanked the government for its hospitality and said the US delegation was looking forward to having great conversations at CARICOM.

“This is a great opportunity for the United States and CARICOM to strengthen our ties, to work together across a whole host of issues. You have with us, as the charge has laid out, a very wide range of people from US government to cover an incredible relationship that we have and to address the shared challenges that we face,” he said.

Prime Minister Davis also gave remarks and expressed gratitude to the US for its ongoing commitment to supporting the nations of CARICOM.

He also welcomed future collaboration with the US, specifically in the areas of climate resilience, economic diversification and clean energy transition.

“The fabric of our societies is already woven together,” he said, “Our Caribbean sons and daughters are going on to do great things in the United States. Having just witnessed the immense talent of Rihanna at the Super Bowl halftime show, I think it’s safe to say that the Caribbean American connection is an impressive one, capable of astounding not merely at the level of the hemisphere. but the entire globe.

“Moving forward, I would be delighted to see new opportunities emerge for deepening cultural and educational exchange between the Caribbean and the United States.

“The future is certainly ripe for fresh enterprises in the sectors of tourism, education, and the orange economy, so let us innovate and endeavour to strengthen the existing ties between our regions.”

US Embassy Caricom Reception which took place laast night. Pictured: Prime Minister Philip Davis (third from right), US Chargè Usha Pitts (far left), John K Kerry (third from left), US Secretary Brian Nichols (centre).

Photos: Austin Fernander

US special presidential climate envoy John Kerry speaking at the welcome reception hosted by the US embassy last night.

Photos: Austin Fernander

PM: Haiti needs stability for vote

Concerning the issues in Haiti, Mr Davis said he is hoping to discuss joint assistance with countries outside of the Caribbean for a “Haitian solution” to the crisis in Haiti.

“The Prime Minister from Canada (Justin Trudeau) is coming here to talk about the role that they may be able to play in assisting us,” Mr Davis said.

“What we at CARICOM have come to appreciate is that we do not have the resources to be able to deal with the Haiti problem ourselves and we do need outside help. And we’re looking to the north, Canada, and the United States to come to the fold to help. And it has to be a Haitian solution, not an American, Canadian or CARICOM solution. We’re here to help them find a solution,” he said.

“We do not have the capacity, nor do we have the resources to effectively bring stability, none of our Caribbean countries, either individually or collectively, could achieve that without the assistance. Once we have identified assistance from abroad, we are prepared to do our part to ensure that stability is obtained,” Mr Davis said.

“I think the international community is reluctant to intervene in the sense that we make it an international solution or it’s an occupation by the international powers. Rather, what we seek to have done is to stabilise the country sufficiently enough to allow for free and fair elections,” he said.

He added: “The path and journey to that is where the challenge for us is what we need to be able to ensure that persons who wish to offer themselves for elected positions in the country to form a parliament, to form government, persons are able to reach and speak to citizenry, to sell their programmes, their initiatives, share the philosophy and vision for their country, free from intimidation, and fear of

violence, etcetera.”

When asked about CARICOM officials feeling safe to travel to Haiti, Mr Davis said: “I don’t know that we are afraid to travel to Haiti. But the question is, the instability that continues to persist does not make anyone feel safe in Haiti.

...it has to be a Haitian

not

Canadian or CARICOM solution. We’re here to help them find a solution.

“Now, things are settling and are now considering whether we’ll send them (Bahamian diplomats for Haiti) back,” Mr Davis said.

Asked about a timeline for support for Haiti, Mr Davis said: “We had anticipated having a meeting in January. But that seemed to have been sidestepped by the fact that there was an accord that was supposedly signed on the 21st of December. The authenticity of which is being questioned, not so much by if it was created and signed, but by the signatures on that document.”

Regarding talks at the CARICOM meeting, Mr Davis said: “We’ll also be talking about migration issues that impact all of our countries in respect to irregular and sometimes more likely dangerous migration of persons who are impacted by the challenges within their own jurisdictions.”

Mr Davis also said that help for Ukraine with the ongoing war will also be discussed with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as The Bahamas will be prepared to help in any way possible.

Concerning issues with increased crime and weapons trafficking, Mr Davis said he is continuing to seek assistance from America as most of the trafficked weapons have been traced to have come from that country.

“We continue to remind them that their right to bear arms must not be

equated to allowing you the right to trafficking arms. Because we find that most of the guns that’s been used in our criminal activities in The Bahamas and throughout the region, we can trace them right back to where they’re being purchased in the United States,” Mr Davis said.

“They have embedded some assistance here in the country, for us to identify and be able to trace weapons, and to assist in the tracking and interception of weapons coming into The Bahamas and has proven very effective over the last six to eight months,” he said.

Another issue on the agenda for today’s meeting, climate change, is one that

Mr Davis said is a “central focus”.

“Climate change and financing will be a central focus. The Bridgetown Initiative and its role in generating funding to assist developing nations as they adapt to climate change will serve as the launch pad for our discussions,” Mr Davis said.

CARICOM SecretaryGeneral Dr Carla Barnett, who was also at the press conference, said officials will be speaking about support for local food production as a possible solution to the issue of food security, which all countries face.

“If we are able to increase our production, our local production, and if

all of the numbers add up correctly, the food should be cheaper, because we’re not factoring in the transport costs that would add to the cost of food on our shelves,” Dr Barnett said.

“Now, the strategy that the CARICOM agreed to some years ago is this strategy to reduce food imports, even before the impact of COVID,” she said.

Dr Barnett also spoke more on CARICOM’s plans for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and other emerging health issues and the strain being placed on regional health systems.

“All of our systems are indeed under stress because of the diversion of resources from other

kinds of provision of health services to dealing with the COVID crisis since 2019. So, we’re going to be having that conversation led by CARPHA (The Caribbean Public Health Agency),” she said. Other officials set to be present for the CARICOM meeting include the president of Africa Export – Import Bank, the president of the Development Bank of Latin America, the director general of the World Trade Organization, Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau, and the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who will deliver a video message.

POSSIBILITY OF AIR TRAVEL WITHIN THE CARIBBEAN TO BE DISCUSSED AT CARICOM

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

TOURISM and Aviation

Minister Chester Cooper looks forward to progressive discussions in relation to tourism and multi-destination travel at this week’s CARICOM meetings.

With many regional counterparts and diplomats set to attend the 50th CARICOM beginning today, Mr Cooper said he expects some conversations on the sidelines in relation to tourism and travel.

He noted there have been previous discussions about air connectivity between Caribbean counterparts, saying those conversations will “no doubt” continue.

“Many of our Caribbean counterparts have asked for Bahamasair to provide service to their countries,” he told reporters yesterday.

“We are assessing the feasibility of these requests and generally speaking Prime Minister Davis and

the other leaders of Caribbean counterparts have been very keen to discuss how we can create that connectivity, not just for travel, but that will allow, I think, more cohesion between CARICOM countries by

making it easier to move about.”

He noted that his ministry is working “diligently” to “nurture” multi-destination travel. Through communication with Caribbean dignitaries, it is Mr

Cooper’s hope that through collaboration The Bahamas might become a travel hub, due to the country’s proximity to the US, present air connectivity and existing US pre-clearance and precheck facilities.

He said: “Many of my Caribbean counterparts were there in Jamaica, Grenada, Barbados, and a few others, are discussing how we might collaborate, discussing how we might make The Bahamas a

DPM: ‘ALWAYS AVAILABLE’ AFTER UNION CLAIMS BREACH

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

DEPUTY Prime Minister Chester Cooper insisted yesterday that he will not engage with the labour movement through the press, saying he has a “very open” door policy.

These comments follow reports of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) saying that the government is in breach of a memorandum of understanding (MoU).

The MoU referred to by the union was signed between the then Opposition Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and the two main umbrella union bodies, the TUC and National Congress

of Trade Unions of The Bahamas (NCTUB), in August 2021 before that year’s general election.

The Tribune had previously reported that Obie Ferguson, TUC president, had said: “We have a hurdle, and that is the deputy prime minister, (Chester Cooper).

“He is in fundamental breach of the memorandum of understanding. He has refused to meet with air traffic controllers. If air traffic stopped tomorrow, this country is closed down. Simple.”

The air traffic controllers’ concerns are understood to relate to security protocols at LPIA, particularly the search procedures they undergo before being

admitted to the control tower. It is thought the controllers, and their union representatives, believe the searches are too intrusive and invasive, especially for female controllers.

Mr Cooper refuted the union’s claims saying that he is “always available at mutually convenient times”. However, he acknowledged that negotiations are underway for air traffic controllers, adding that it’s being handled by technical people. He said: “We will continue to work with the air traffic controllers in particular, that’s an ongoing matter and negotiation is underway, and it’s being handled by technical

people.”

He continued: “So I’m not actively engaged in negotiations as the minister (of tourism, investments and aviation), there are people who negotiate on behalf of the government, with the unions. And I am confident that it’s progressing with all of the respective unions.”

He noted that the Davis administration has executed more agreements for labour movements within the last year than the previous government did in its term.

“Let me say this, I’m not going to engage the labour movement through the press, because I do have a very open door,” he told reporters before

yesterday’s Cabinet meeting.

“Our government is labour friendly. We have executed more agreements for the labour movement over the course of the last 12 months than the previous government executed over (nearly) five years, so that’s progress,” he added.

As the tourism, investments and aviation minister he acknowledged that three industrial agreements have been signed within his ministry, saying that there is “harmony” with most agencies under his remit.

He also noted that his ministry has a “pending” meeting with TUC’s president, per his request.

hub, leveraging our preclearance facilities and connectivity with the US (United States).

“Or we might be able to bring in large numbers of tourists to The Bahamas and have them dispersed through the Caribbean countries after spending some time in The Bahamas.”

He continued: “So these are the discussions that we’re having. There is an opportunity for us to compete, but we are leveraging the opportunities to collaborate. I expect those types of discussions to be heard, although it’s not front and centre on CARICOM’S agenda this week.”

Earlier this year, Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell confirmed that negotiations with Middle Eastern countries to support tourism to The Bahamas have been going well, with recent agreement signings with Dubai and Saudi Arabia concluded.

solution,

an American,

SPEAKING at a press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday, Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis that Haiti will be a key issue discussed. Aside from Haitin and issues of migration, the panel will discuss the Ukrainian war, crime and weapons trafficking, climate change and food security among other topics.

MINISTER of Tourism and Aviation, Chester Cooper said he expects to have an opportunity during the 50th CARICOM meetings to speak with counterparts from the region concerning Bahamasair providing air travel with countries in the region.

Photo: Moise Amisial

Laroda:NIB fund on course to lose $95m this year

from page one

While being mum on the issue, Mr Laroda simply repeated that details will be coming.

“I said last week there has been a decision and that has been made with regard to the increase in contributions and that information will be the details that will be given in due time,” he said.

He explained the board and executives of the NIB have sent a series of recommendations.

“I will give you an example. There’s a lot that has been made about the management structure and I went into details last week. We are an archipelago and so we are replicating things over and over again,” he said.

“I don’t want to shock Bahamians, but the reality is if there is no raise in the contribution rate this year the National Insurance fund will lose $95m. That is just not sustainable and we have everybody doing their own chair quarterbacking.

“The facts are this: the National Insurance Board will pay out $27m each month in pensions. We’re collecting $23m. That leaves a shortfall of $4m a month times 12 - that’s 48 million. We’re not even

considering the industrial benefits and other benefits that are being paid out.

“There are statements that have been made if you go in compliance, if you go and collect the outstanding that is pegged around $30m if I heard that correctly that’s still only one month of contributions.”

He pointed out that some of the issues as it relates to National Insurance are not things that “we can blame anybody for”.

“Can we blame our citizens for living longer? No. And so if they are collecting their pension benefits that could be as much as 20 years when it was about 10 years to 12 years in the beginning. This is where we are.

“We have a situation where in next year we’ll make 50 years since National Insurance has been there. We’ve had one increase that was in 2010. People are living longer. They’re collecting more benefits. The ceiling has raised from $400 to $700 plus dollars. These are the things that we’re dealing with.

“And if we have been losing monies from 2016, for the past seven years, even those cash assets, the CDs that you had, you have to crack those, why? Because the government cannot subsidise the National Insurance fund. It’s paid for by contribution or investments on

rent that’s been collected. So it sounds sexy that everybody has an opinion that one area is causing, whether it be management or whether it be administration costs.

“That is but a small part of it. I just gave you simple mathematics this month, some 44,000 people are collecting some form of pension benefits. Twentyseven million is going to be paid out — 23 is going to be collected. You do the math. That’s just on the pension and we have a lot of people who are collecting disability benefits and others and so that’s where we are.”

Last week, Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis refused to reveal whether the government intends to increase National Insurance Board contribution rates.

Mr Davis repeated that he does not intend to further burden society’s poor working class. He said a rate increase is an option for the government, however, they are aiming to identify the next course of action.

The Tribune exclusively reported in April 2022 an actuarial review of the National Insurance Board predicted that the fund could be depleted by 2028 should officials neglect to take urgent action.

EXUMA SCHOOL HIT AMID CLUSTER OF COVID CASES

from page one

gone into quarantine in the community as part of the surveillance mechanism,” Dr Darville told reporters yesterday.

“This morning, I have a team of about 11 individuals who will go into Exuma to finalise the data, but I want to assure the community that it is an isolated cluster that is now presently under control. From time to time throughout the country, we do find ourselves in situations with mild clusters of COVID-19 positive cases.

“I want to thank the team at the zonal health services for a job well done, they have been in close contact with our surveillance team. My team will be on the ground at probably about 11 o’clock, to do the final assessments and to do some additional testing. While we are there, we will also be reviewing some aspects of the Exuma main health

services with another group, but as we speak, the cluster is presently under control.

“So now it’s just basically to go into the community for those who are part of the surveillance

team to do some additional assessments. And hopefully, if there’s one or two individuals who

have been exposed to be brought into the quarantine mechanism, we will resolve this issue.”

He said the five cases from the school are students.

Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) president Belinda Wilson said the union will be keeping a close eye on this situation.

“The Bahamas Union of Teachers is aware of the students who have tested positive for COVID-19 LN Coakley High School in Exuma. The students are from grades 9,10, and 11,” she said.

“All the students from the various classes were taken to the clinic in Georgetown for COVID testing. The school and the bus have been cleaned and sanitised.

“Meetings are being held with stakeholders and our area vice president for the southern Bahamas who is a teacher at the school is on the ground and keeping me updated.”

Chester Cooper, MP for the area, expressed confidence the matter is being handled but believes the message is the virus is not completely gone.

“I think the message really is that whilst COVID is contained, it’s not eliminated. And the message to my constituents is the same message that the minister and the Ministry of Health is giving across the country. Continue to exercise sensible precautions. Continue to sanitise. “Continue to be very diligent about your surroundings. If you can avoid large crowds you do so,” Mr Cooper said.

“I’m confident that the Ministry of Health is actively engaged with the processing and monitoring of the incidents that have been reported in one of the schools. No doubt they will have a full report.”

Dr Darville said public health facilities are still offering free testing.

“We have free testing at all of our clinics, that has never closed. We had some free testing sites, they’re still open as part of our free testing mechanism. During the Christmas holidays, there were some mild spikes. It has to do with a lot of people travelling; a lot of interaction.”

MARATHON MP SERVES LUNCH AT RM BAILEY FOR VALENTINES DAY

MYLES LARODA, minister of state with responsibility for the National Insurance Board (NIB), yesterday warned that if there is no raise in the contribution rate this year the National Insurance fund will lose $95m. Meanwhile, while a decision has been made on a rate increase Mr Laroda said, ‘details will be given in due time.’

MINISTER of Health and Wellness Dr Michael Darville yesterday said that 12 COVID-19 cases were reported in Exuma; five of the cases were students of a local high school. Those persons have been quarentined, he reported and he re-assured it was an isolated cluster.

Photo: Moise Amisial

THE MP for Marathon, Lisa Rahming, returned to her old school yesterday to serve lunch for RM Bailey students. The Minister of State for Social Services and Urban Renewal made the

Valentine’s Day visit which also saw a number of students presented with tablet devices to help the work. She said she wanted to encourage the children and to express her love to students at the school.

MARATHON MP, Lisa Rahmng, along with a student from RM Bailey High School. The MP returned to her old school to serve lunch on Valentines Day.

Photo: Moise Amisial

Abaco shanty town residents say there is nowhere for them to go

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

GERALD Francois, a resident of an Abaco shanty town, says if the demolition process starts soon in the community he and many other residents will be left with no place to go.

The demolition of shanty town properties and evictions of residents can now resume after a Supreme Court justice lifted a previous injunction when residents failed to prove such actions would be unlawful.

“The first thing I said is I hope they (the government) have somewhere for us to rent. I 100 percent agree that the shanty town needs to be broken down because it’s nowhere for humans to live to be honest with you. But at the same time the government did not provide no apartments or homes to buy or to rent in North Abaco,” Mr Francois said yesterday.

Mr Francois explained that he is originally from New Providence, but moved to Abaco in search of work.

He said he eventually moved into the shanty town community after Hurricane Dorian, adding that there has been discrimination when trying to find rental properties in the past.

“They (landlords) telling you up front from you are a Haitian, they aren’t renting you an apartment. They are prejudiced whether you born in a country or not. Once your parents are Haitian, they consider you a Haitian. So, they don’t rent their apartment to any people.”

Abaco has been facing a housing shortage since September 2019 when Hurricane Dorian laid waste to hundreds of homes and major infrastructure there.

However, Mr Francois stressed many shanty town residents, especially children, are now on the brink of being left homeless if the government does demolish the illegal communities.

He added that the shanty towns also have some Bahamians living there.

Nixon Joseph, a resident of Abaco and former shanty town resident, also

said there needs to be more rental properties and homes on the island.

Mr Joseph said: “Even if they locate properties that the people pay for. And if you don’t want to pay for it, you just have to leave. But if you can afford it and you have means of doing it, please do it.”

Mr Joseph said many shanty town residents are not there by choice, but are rather just trying to survive.

“So much frustrates me about the government in Haiti. Because I’m quite sure if Haiti was a safe place many of them would not have immigration running behind them. Many of them are here not by choice, but have no other choice because imagine living in a country with no security,” he said.

Another resident, Crystal Williams, expressed her frustrations about the irregular migrants on the island.

She said: “Abaco has too many migrants here, it’s affecting the lives of the average Bahamian. We are challenged with overcrowded schools which result in children failing or not graduating school with honours. Our healthcare system is overburdened and cannot meet the demands for the taxpayers who need it. The demolishing of the shanty towns is just the start.”

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said the recent shanty town court outcome allows officials to employ the process to correct those issues within those communities.

Last week, Justice Cheryl GrantThompson ruled on the “matter of national importance” at the conclusion of a legal battle filed in 2018, with 177 shanty town residents represented by Fred Smith, KC, in a bid to stop government intervention and demolition.

Asked what the implications mean moving forward for the government, Mr Davis explained: “What it means is it now allows us to employ the process to correct those issues within the shanty town. There’s a process for removal of any erection of buildings we intend to engage in those and then deal with those issues that impact us in respect to that issue.”

“IF MUSIC BE THE FOOD OF LOVE...”

Viewing Notice For

Retired Superintendent of Immigration, Andrew Winslow Pedican, 75

a resident of Leeward East, Winton will be held Thursday February 16, 2023 at Butlers’ Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Ernest and York Streets, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

There will be NO VIEWING at the church Funeral Service is scheduled for Friday February 17, 2023, 10:30 a.m. at Epiphany Methodist Church, Pride Estates, # 3. Current Emergency COVID-19 regulations are in effect. Social Distancing and Face Masks will be enforced.

THE BAND of the Bahamas Department of Corrections serenaded Downtown onlookers in the square, sharing the gift of love and music on Valentine’s Day.

The Tribune Limited

Climate and Haiti issues in spotlight

THE CARICOM meeting is upon us – and with weighty issues to discuss.

There are many matters on the table –including healthcare, crime, food and energy security, and even a video message from the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscoring the global picture beyond our regional concerns.

But two items loom largest on the agenda – climate change and perhaps more immediately the situation in Haiti.

As leaders from the region and beyond headed to New Providence, including Canadian Prime Minster Justin Trudeau and US luminaries including former presidential candidate and now presidential envoy for climate change John Kerry, another development served as a reminder of the perilous state that Haiti finds itself in.

Four more people were arrested in the US over the assassination of Haitian president Jovenel Moïse, including the owner of a Miami-area security company that hired ex-Colombian soldiers for the mission, according to prosecutors.

Authorities say that the goal was not just an assassination – though that is horrendous enough – but a coup. It was the contracts they were after, it is said. Get the president out of the way then make money on the deals that would flow from a new leader.

Assistant US attorney Matthew G Olsen yesterday described it as “both a human tragedy and an assault on core democratic principles”.

The language detailed in the allegations is remarkable. The security company owner is said to have been known among plotters as “The General”, while a representative of that company is referred to as “Colonel Gabriel”.

A Florida financier is accused of funding the operation, while another man is accused of smuggling bulletproof vests disguised as medical X-ray vests and school supplies.

The president was indeed murdered –and democracy itself seems all but dead too. There is a Prime Minister, Ariel Henry, appointed just two days before the assassination but whose power base and mandate has been open to question.

The expiration of the last remaining terms for senators in the country has left Haiti without any democratically elected representation.

The situation has angered and frustrated the president’s widow, Martine Moïse, who lashed out in a 13-minute video she posted earlier this month, noting that things have worsened in Haiti since the assassination.

“It’s a huge crime that happened against the nation,” she said. “Where is the mother law of the country, where are the people, where is the democracy?”

Our own diplomats had to withdraw, airlifted out of the nation as the security situation deteriorated. To their credit, they want to go back – and the government wants to send them when it is safe to do so. When that will be is harder to say.

It is faced with this scenario that CARICOM must cut the Gordian knot that Haiti has become.

All sides talk of hoping for a “Haitian solution” or a “Haitan-led” response, but the country is in dire need of elections to actually provide a leadership with a mandate. Simply getting those elections organised in the face of massive gang influence and disruption is a challenge in itself.

To enable the leadership to spearhead the solution, there must be an election, but we need a solution in order to get new leadership in the first place.

The most notable request on the table is for a multi-national force to support the work of the police in Haiti. That request was made in October. It is notable that many nations, including our own, have spoken of being ready to help, but none has stepped forward to lead such a force.

Of course, we are at the beginning of the meeting, and not at the end, and we shall see what discussions both in the public eye and in private rooms will bring.

There is more to this meeting – and it will be interesting to see what can be delivered in other areas beyond those most in the spotlight.

But Haiti’s stability has become a pressing issue – not just for Haiti but for nations around the region.

Our neighbour needs help – we shall see what CARICOM can offer.

Such a noise

EDITOR, The Tribune.

WHY do the RBPF need to make such a noise when escorting a dignitary?

Sirens, note plural more than one blasting.... Surely two outriders should be sufficient out front maybe one in advance and one behind and no sirens. Just came back from London... did the usual Buckingham Palace, saw royals come and go. Commissioner, not a siren blasting... so organised that every motorist knew to see an outrider in their smart deglo uniform better get out of the way.

Can’t we do the same?

Speed of entourage driving? Has the Road Traffic Act been amended so these convoys may break the usual speed limit? Haven’t seen the Gazette advising, so please stay within the speed limits. That’s why the dignitaries are assigned RBPF Traffic outriders.

Oh well, speeding up and down blasting sirens will all be over Friday of next week, but really all so unnecessary… see sometimes now they add vehicle after vehicle and even an ambulance... copying the US President... let’s get real,

The reason for so little property tax

EDITOR, The

IN A well-written letter in Tuesday’s Tribune, a Mr Jerome Smith questions why the Ministry of Finance cannot seem to collect property taxes.

While I agree with some of the ideas outlined in his letter, Mr Smith seems (like successive governments) to be ignoring the over-fed 800 pound gorilla in the middle of the room and concentrating instead on the cowering little mouse in the corner.

The majority of delinquent property taxes in The Bahamas are owed by foreign owners of real estate in the Family Islands – where Bahamians (rightly) are exempted from property taxes.

please. So for the majority, about 95 percent, these CARICOM meetings mean absolutely nothing... we will see and hear a lot of political spin — the Drs are going to be working over time...historic...etc, etc... see PM Canada coming that’s something to look for.

Hope our flags are trim and clean and bright colours. Friday past OPM the same dingy faded Bahamas national flag was still flying. Shame!

J HALL Nassau, February 12, 2023.

A name fit for a road

EDITOR, The Tribune.

TODAY I mount my hobby horse, again – about street names.

I agree that the four-lane, well-lit JFK highway should be extended – all the way to Clifton. Right now, that portion of West Bay Street that runs from Old Fort all the way to Lyford Cay is narrow and totally lacking streetlights. At night, it is dangerous. Windsor Road (it is not Windsor FIELD Road) is also in need of four lanes. When one talks about

new roads, it is important to know exactly where they would start and exactly where they would finish.

Long before Windsor Field was reactivated, Joseph Garfunkel built Coral Harbour Road, to connect his Coral Harbour development to Nassau, via what is now JFK, thereby creating a crossroad with Adelaide Road. Mario Carey’s suggestion for “a highway to prosperity” makes a lot of sense, but he confuses me about its heading southwest, to

connect with Carmichael Road. In that direction a road would join Adelaide Road or Southwest Bay Road. Changing names of roads should not be arbitrary, it should be done officially, as government did when renaming Harrold Road to Tonique Williams Darling Highway.

A highway to prosperity should be appropriately named.

PAUL ARANHA Nassau

February 14, 2023

The logical, rational and sane model of property taxes in a relatively vast country of 400,000 people with one of the world’s most high-end foreignowned property markets would be the extension of this exemption for Bahamians to the entire Bahamas, including New Providence, and the introduction of a real regime of enforcement.

This would both balance the negative effects of Bahamians being priced

out of their own real estate and cause a massive boost to the treasury, especially if government enforced compliance with the only method used in the home countries of most of our delinquent “guests” – selling to new buyers and depositing the proceeds in the Treasury.

As a land lawyer, I am aware of hundreds of millions of dollars in unpaid property taxes owned by foreigners in the Exumas alone, and probably hundreds more in the Abacos. One single owner owes more than Ten Million Dollars on a group of cays, for which the Treasury has not received a payment since the date of purchase decades ago.

Clients of mine regularly express shock at the almost laughably low level of property taxes they pay here compared to the high price of land and exorbitant fees to lawyers and realtors.

It says something sad and embarrassing about our country’s political values and the cliques that are allowed to set them.

Foreigners must at present apply to our government for the privilege of owning Bahamian Real Estate – where they abuse this privilege by not complying with tax laws, this could and should be readily addressed by the power of sale. It isn’t - and by choice.

In addition to the forfeited tax receipts, the lax policy on foreign owners makes no sense to the industry or the general economy, either. A policy of selling tax delinquent properties would invigorate a market where high-end properties are presently often alienated from potential sales by hefty tax accumulation that the next buyer must absorb.

So the answer to why Bahamian governments do not collect property taxes like their counterparts in Palm Beach County or Beverly Hills is simple: because they don’t want to.

Unlike the latter, their world-view is informed by a foreign-supremacist ideology that seldom succumbs to the influence of logic or common sense – or even desperate need.

ANDREW ALLEN

Nassau

February 15, 2023

Borrowing from NIB

EDITOR, The Tribune.

ONCE again I find it necessary to put pen to paper and express a growing concern for the citizenry of The Bahamas.

It was interesting to learn that, according to the minister with responsibility for National Insurance, $27m are paid monthly in pensions while only $23m are collected. This is a shortfall of $4m monthly. He goes on to say that we cannot blame our citizens for living longer. What a hogwash statement.

Everyone and their dog knows the truth about NIB and while increasing the rate and extending the retirement age may be an immediate fix, we must push for some legislation that will protect these funds from being “borrowed” by all and sundry for things not related to the welfare of the Bahamian people.

The only ministries that should be able to “borrow”, and only in an extreme emergency, should be the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Social Services.

If the administrators of the government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas deems it necessary to invest some of the money in the NIB account, that investment should be laid in the House of Parliament and passed so that the people are fully aware of how the monies are used.

For too long these funds have served as a “cash cow” for political cronies to dip into with no hindsight for the future. Yes, we had a catastrophic hurricane followed by a worldwide pandemic and had to rely on this account. What we should have been using was the interest accumulated and dividends gained from investments set aside and earmarked for emergencies

had this account been managed properly. The time is now to take a proper look at the structure of the funds and set in place measures to prevent the unnecessary depletion of the National Insurance funds.

As our nation strives to become healthier, we will, as a people, live longer. We cannot and should not have to adjust one’s retirement age to correct the bad decisions and ill judgement of our Administrators.

Many that sit in Parliament now have at least twenty-five to thirty years to go before they can claim a pension. Please put party colours aside and ensure the sustainability of these funds so that when your time comes you are able to benefit.

Let us make this make sense.

IN this picture posted to Twitter by US special presidential envoy for climate John Kerry, Mr Kerry is seen in discussion with Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis after arriving in The Bahamas. A number of dignitaries are in the country as it hosts a CARICOM meeting.

COLUMBIAN MAN FINED $1,000 ON FRAUD CHARGES AND OVERSTAYING

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A COLOMBIAN man was remanded to prison after he was accused of fraudulently having guest cards for the Atlantis and Margaritaville resorts.

This same man was fined $1,000 after he admitted to overstaying.

Freddy Carvajal, 29, with the assistance of an interpreter stood before Magistrate Kendra Kelly on charges of attempted fraud by false pretences, overstaying and two counts of unlawful possession.

It is alleged that on February 7, Carvajal gained access to Aquaventure

water park at Atlantis by false pretences, with entry being valued at $190.

On that same day the defendant is further alleged to have been in possession of 12 guest cards for the Atlantis and Margaritaville resorts, reasonably believed to be stolen.

Then on February 13

Carvajal was charged with overstaying in the country after only being granted a two-week stay upon his arrival on December 29, 2022. In court the defendant pleaded guilty to overstaying while pleading not guilty to the remaining charges. Carvajal also claimed he found the guest keys on the floor of the Atlantis casino.

Although the defendant initially argued that he had attempted to apply for an extension of his stay by email, he accepted that he had failed to apply for it properly.

As such he was fined $1,000 for the overstaying charge with the recommendation that he be handed over to immigration officials for deportation following the end of his trial.

Regarding his remaining charges, as prosecutor Sergeant Vernon Pyfrom objected to bail on the basis that Carvajal is a flight risk, it was denied and the defendant was remanded back into custody. Carvajal’s trial will begin on February 21.

TEEN ACCUSED OF ARMED THEFT SENT TO JUVENILE CENTRE

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A 17-YEAR-OLD boy was sent to a juvenile centre yesterday after being accused of the armed mugging of a pizza delivery driver earlier this month.

The accused, who cannot be named because he is a minor, stood before Magistrate Kara TurnquestDeveaux in the presence of his guardian.

He faced charges of armed robbery and receiving.

It is alleged that on February 2 in New Providence the accused, armed with a handgun, robbed Barbara Swain while she was doing deliveries for Domino’s Pizza. It was during this incident that the accused is said to have stolen four pizza boxes, three orders of BBQ wings, a sandwich, two sodas and $182 in cash.

Due to the nature of the offence, the teenager

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 did not have the jurisdiction to grant bail for this offence, he had the right to apply for bail through the higher court. He was remanded to the Simpson Penn Centre for Boys. Service of the VBI in this matter is slated for May 23.

MAN GRANTED BAIL ON SHOP BREAKING CHARGE

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was granted bail in court on Monday after allegedly stealing over $2,000 worth of property from a car rental company over the weekend.

Perez Pitstock, 33, appeared before Senior

Magistrate Derence A Rolle Davis on charges of shop breaking and stealing.

Between February 10 and February 11, it is alleged that Pitstock, while being concerned with another, broke into McCartney’s Car Rentals on East Avenue. While there it is said that the suspects absconded with $2,484.73 worth of property in various auto, mechanic

and cleaning equipment and parts.

After electing to continue his matter before the magistrate, Pitstock pleaded not guilty to the charges. As there was no objection to bail from police prosecutor Sergeant Mark Penn, Pitstock was granted $6,500 bail with one surety. His case will be heard on April 11.

MAN DENIED BAIL FOR MULTIPLE CURFEW VIOLATIONS

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN on bail for murder was sent to prison yesterday after being accused of breaching his curfew five times.

Julio Deveaux, 24, represented by attorney Ian Cargill, stood before Magistrate Kendra Kelly on five counts of violation of bail conditions.

This offence stems from pending murder charges before the Supreme Court after it was alleged that Deveaux caused the deaths

of Makenzie Telusnord and Mark Davis on September 13, 2016. It is further alleged that he attempted to murder eight-year-old Avanti Morley on the same date.

Between December 30, 2022, and February 7, it is alleged that the accused was found in breach of his residential curfew on five occasions.

Deveaux faced an additional charge of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply. On February 8 he was arrested after he was allegedly found with 1¾ oz of Indian hemp. In court, the accused pleaded not guilty

to all charges against him. Deveaux’s counsel then explained that he had been on release since 2020 and that he had only recently been evicted from his listed residence.

However, the magistrate pointed out that his curfew breaches spanned a period of more than a month.

With prosecutor Sergeant Vernon Pyfrom objecting to bail, Magistrate Kelly deferred Deveaux’s bail decision to February 21. During this time, the accused will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

TWO men are in critical condition in hospital after they were shot yesterday afternoon.

Police said they received an alert by ShotSpotter around 2.30pm about gunshots being

TWO police officers from Andros are under investigation regarding a suspicious plane that was allegedly carrying drugs.

Last night, police press liaison officer Chief Supt Chrislyn Skippings

discharged in the area of Key West Street. Police were told that the victims were sitting in a yard when two men, one with a high-powered rifle, got out of a dark car and shot at them.

DRIVE-BY SHOOTING LEAVES TWO MEN IN CRITICAL CONDITION TWO OFFICERS INVESTIGATED AFTER SUSPICIOUS PLANE LANDING

confirmed the investigation but said police “haven’t found any drugs”. She said preliminary information suggests a plane came to the island reportedly with drugs on board, prompting the

The victims were taken to hospital by ambulance and are in critical condition.

Police are now searching for four men in connection with the incident.

investigation.

CSP Skippings added that one officer is on administrative leave and the other officer has been interdicted as police continue investigations into the matter.

Building the capacity to care is key to healthy love

VALENTINE’S Day can be one of the most illuminating special occasions that is not a holiday. There are people who like this kind of day, people who despise them, and people who are completely indifferent. Most people seem to like it when they are able to reap its rewards. Similarly, for those who are not recipients of gifts and gestures grands and small, it can be a day of disappointment, and even lead to feelings of low self-worth.

There is something about days like Valentine’s Day and the ways they are promoted and acknowledged that sets people up to be at one extreme end of their emotions.

We learn, at an early age, that Valentine’s Day is associated with romantic love. Somehow, even in the midst of students giving valentines to everyone else in the class and parents giving gifts to their children, it is clear that these are just stand-ins until we get to the stage at which romantic love is not only acceptable, but a primary goal in life.

Valentine’s Day has, of course, been focused on

sweet treats and gift to be presented to women by the men who love (or want them to believe they love) them.

There is no shame for men who do not receive flowers, chocolate, or other expressions of love. Everyone seems to pay attention, however, to the deliveries coming through the office door and the women who do and do not receive them. There is judgment, there is competition, there is bragging, and there is gossip.

Which floral arrangement looks cheap? Whose husband sends the same thing every year? Who sent themselves flowers pretending they were from someone else? Who took an extra-long lunch? Who got multiple deliveries, and what’s going on there? Who is not taking their treats home, and what sinister stories are concocted to explain that decision?

Who is showing up today, the day after Valentine’s Day, with a story about the night before, and are they making it up because they were embarrassed to be the only person without a gift yesterday?

What about your friends?

It has been particularly interesting to see the increased participation, over the past few years, in another

By Alicia Wallace

day, Galentine’s Day - a day for women to celebrate their friendships with women - which is not necessarily limited to February 13, but extends to February 14. It is delightful to have a day to celebrate the friendships that make life more enjoyable and help to get us through difficult times.

Galentine’s Day is a great opportunity to acknowledge dear friends, thank them for all that they do, and share the photos and videos that have been taking up space on devices, just waiting to be relevant and shareable again.

Some people participate in Singles Awareness Daywhich has an acronym that is either hilarious or unfortunate - on February 14, call attention to their status.

For some friend groups, it is another day to get together

and have fun, and for others it is a day to complain about all of the people who are coupled up and, at least for this one day, fully absorbed in their romantic relationships.

Singles Awareness Day events can be a fun way to spend time with people who definitely will not bring up partners no one knows or likes, and that is why it is appealing to so many people, especially when they feel like outsiders in other spaces where the red and white decor, love songs, and chocolate are plentiful.

Friendships are perfect for practising and learning about love. They are safe places because we choose our friends and we set the parameters for engagement.

For too many of us, love was presented within families as violence, control, and fear. It is difficult to unlearn what was imposed in formative years, but friendships have room for it.

Traditions are created. It is okay to ask questions. We are encouraged to say what we want. Friends can tell us when we are being unreceptive.

With therapy, we can start identifying the ways our past trauma impacts the way we engage today.

Do you accept care

from you friends? When does it become uncomfortable?

Is it an amount of money, an amount of time, or a level of intimacy that causes discomfort? How do you offer care? How do you respond when it is accepted, and when it is rejected?

Self-study and open conversations with friends can be helpful in figuring out where you need to put more attention. It is highly likely that the attention needs to be on you.

Self-love, self-care, and community-care

In recent years, self-love became a buzzword, closely followed by self-care, in the attempt to get people to recognize their own value and to take care of themselves, prioritising their needs rather than sacrificing their own to meet those of others.

It has become popular enough to be an area of significant focus in self-help books, women’s groups, and mental health social media channels. Self-love is an important concept that must be actioned in self-care which is helpful in finding, restoring, and maintaining balance in our lives.

More recently, there have been calls for the practice of community-care. It comes from recognition that selfcare is important and has changed people’s lives, and the reality that many of the people who need care the most do not have the capacity or the resources to do it for themselves, and they should not have to. We are in community for a reason. We are supposed to support, encourage, and care for one another.

Community care is about contributing what we can to ensure that everyone has what they need. This could mean an office closes for one week after the busiest period of the year because the staff need time to rest and recover. It could mean a religious institution has a group of people that visits people who are ill and/or unable to leave their homes. Further than that, there is support for that group of people so the same small group is not doing it every single week of the year and each person has access to mental health services, recognising that this work can affect people deeply.

It is critical that we

recognize that community care requires the participation of people who understand and are committed to caring for themselves.

Every participant has to know their own needs, their own limits, and their own non-negotiable. This means there is self-love, self-awareness, and a practice of self-care. For many of the people around us, community care does not seem possible because they have not yet learned to love and care for themselves.

We can think about this in relation to issues of national concern and, in particular, human rights. How are specific communities impacted by both conditions and events, how do we respond to their specific needs, and how would the responses be different if we had a practice of selflove and community-care?

Our positions on and reactions to national issues and events are indicative of our relationships with ourselves as much as they are related to our relationships - and lack of relationshipswith one another.

Giving love to yourself

Last month, I attended a session hosted by The Institute for Radical Permission with Sonya Renee Taylor and Adrienne Marie Brown who were in conversation with ALOK Vaid-Menon. One of the most thoughtprovoking comments from ALOK was about the way romantic love and romantic relationships are often

prioritised.

In talking about love and self-acceptance, they noted that love is discussed and treated as though it is a limited resource that can only be accessed by certain people.

We can think about what we see as determinants of love and whether or not people are worthy of love, from their appearance in relation to Eurocentric beauty standards to their socioeconomic status.

ALOK said, “My first politicisation was not about being queer — it’s about

being a single person. And like wait, what? You mean I have to find someone else for me to get access to this unshakeable security? Actually, I can give that to [myself].”

Capacity to care

Many among us have yet to start the journey toward truly loving and caring for ourselves and creating a sense of security. In some cases, the same people attempt to be in community with others, comment on those in need, and rail against people whose aim is to offer assistance. Building the capacity to care is a step that is often skipped, particularly when people accept positions and seek to assert their new found power.

Building that capacity is not even considered by people who are operating under the assumption that love and care, along with many other resources, including rights and justice, are limited and/or must be earned.

One of the most difficult tasks we have in front of us today is rejecting the scarcity mentality, and that will help us to understand that human rights are inherent, inalienable, universal, and indivisible, that equality will benefit all of us, and that love and care are not just fluffy concepts, but practices that are necessary for our survival.

This is self-work, and it is collective work. The pledge to the flag of The Bahamas ends with “united in love and service”. As we approach the celebration of 50 years of independence, we ought to take time to think about those words, and whether or not we are prepared to make them true.

A Pho Love Story by Loan Le

Linh Mai and Bao Nguyen almost became friends as small children, but quickly learned to avoid each other at all costs. They never even crossed paths at school, until they did. The feud between their families is burdensome, but they do not think they have any choice but to at least appear to respect it. The families’ competing restaurants, on the same street, may or may not be the reason the families do not like each other, but Linh and Bao cannot be sure. What they do know is that they do not want to be enemies. They have similar backgrounds and experiences as Vietnamese-American teens, but they actually like each other. Maybe they can get to the root of the feud and bring it to an end.

This is Dating This podcast allows listeners to “eavesdrop” on first dates. People apply to the podcast and the behind-thescenes team works to match them with people. The dates are recorded, and episodes of about 30 minutes are delivered to listeners. In the first episode, human rights lawyer Virginia says the tough part about dating for her is that she does not do well with small talk. When they delve into her past, it seems like she may be attracted to unavailable people and finds stable, available people boring. Listen to more on the episode to find out how it goes for Virginia.

love and care are not just fluffy concepts, but practices that are necessary for our survival.

Akhephran students become climate ambassadors

SCHOLARS of Akhepran International Academy (AIA), in Fox Hill, have become the first members of the Bahamas Chapter of the Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYEN) - a platform to train young people as climate change ambassadors.

CYEN is a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the quality of life of Caribbean youths through personal development and promoting their involvement in the environment and sustainable development. The organisation promotes education and training, Caribbean integration, and community empowerment.

AIA’s president, Dr Jacinta Higgs ushered in the scholars to CYEN during a special school assembly on the International Day of Education, January 24. The assembly also commemorated World Environmental Education Day.

Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources Vaughn Miller attended, and Civil Society Bahamas and Akhepran Ambassadors, a non-profit organisation, also took part.

Each scholar made a pledge and a declaration to do their best to lead fellow scholars to become environmental stewards

and protectors of the environment for future generations.

Dr Higgs said staff and scholars gathered in a “beautiful spirit of celebration”.

She said: “Around the world, young people are driving change and claiming fundamental freedoms and rights. Young people are also improving conditions for themselves, for their families and their communities. Young people are also finding new opportunities to learn, work and participate in decisions that affect them. Young people are using their voices to talk about and speak out about issues that are urgent and important to them.”

Dr Higgs attended the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Egypt in November last year, along with the President of the Fox Hill Charitable Organisation, Dr Ricardo Taylor. They also chaperoned three AIA scholars who represented The Bahamas at the 17th UN Climate Change Conference of Youth (COY17) in Sharm el-Sheikh. Jeremiah Young, Arvadranique Rolle and Evan Hanna became the first three climate change international ambassadors under the AIA banner.

AKHEPRAN scholars recite the Environmentalist Student Pledge.

STAFF and scholars of Akhepran International Academy and executive advisors of CYEN showcase symbols such as a globe, a map of the Bahamas Ocean taken from Space by Astronaut Scott Kelly, an eagle, a kente cloth, a mirror, water, a scarab beetle, a plant and a Bible. They are pictured with Environment Minister Vaughn Miller.

ENVIRONMENT Minister Vaughn Miller at the event in Fox Hill.

Senator Maxine Seymour encourages children to read

A SENATOR was a guest speaker as Albury Sayle Primary School celebrated Literacy Month at an event recently.

Senator Maxine Seymour attended the launch assembly, with the event themed “Oh, the Places We’ll Go” inspired by author Dr Seuss - and she urged students to travel the world through books and their imaginations.

She said: “There is a book about everything you can think of; countless books are waiting to be read and written,” as she encouraged children to become authors.

She said: “The alphabet has 26 letters; we reorder them to create words; words come together to make sentences; sentences string together to form paragraphs; paragraphs combine to create amazing stories.”

In an impromptu collaboration with three student volunteers, Seymour and the children told the story of riding on a flying flamingo throughout the archipelago to a water park to

play for the day, before returning to school.

At the end of the presentation, Seymour had the school body repeat a Reader’s Oath – pledging to feed their brains daily through reading.

The senator hosts a virtual storytime twice monthly, on the first and third Wednesday, during which she reads to participants and quizzes them to build their comprehension skills.

She also reads to children in classroom settings, at various schools, and is open to expanding her reach.

The Literacy Month Assembly was held on February 7 under the pavilion at the school on Nassau Street.

Third graders Kamani Rolle and Zariyah Russell moderated. All grade levels participated - reading poems, singing, acting in a skit and dancing.

Shirlean Wallace heads the school as principal while teacher, Alexis Mortimer, serves as the literacy coordinator.

PHILANTHROPIST: FOOD PROGRAMMES IN URGENT NEED OF PRIVATE SUPPORT

FINANCIER Jordan Spring

A PHILANTHROPIST has called on the private sector to do more to help, saying food assistance efforts across the country are in urgent need of support.

Financier Jordan Spring, a dedicated donor to food assistance initiatives, said difficult economic times affect everyone, but it is the least fortunate who always suffer the most.

“These have been a rough few years for families in The Bahamas,” said Spring. “The COVID-19 pandemic practically shut down the economy and ended hundreds if not thousands of jobs. Now, the knock-on effect of inflation in the US has meant that even the most basic food supplies are going up in price.”

The Bahamas Feeding Network has already acknowledged it needs to

increase funding by 20 per cent to meet current needs, and Mr Spring encouraged those who have the means to either support the national initiative or give directly to grassroots NGOs that they trust.

He said: “Donate according to your means. Donate in any way you can, even if it means helping out a single family, even just one time. Sustenance is among the most basic of human needs and communities should support those who are forced to struggle with something so fundamental.”

Mr Spring recently made a significant donation to the Emergency Food Assistance food coupon programme. “I know that I am among the lucky ones; I want to do what I can to pay it forward and encourage others to do so within their means as well.”

SENATOR Maxine Seymour attended a Literacy Month assembly on February 7 at Albury Sayle Primary School on Nassau Street where she read a book, and told a story with the help of volunteer students. She encouraged the children to ‘travel the world through books and their imaginations.’

Photos: Teval Stubbs

Police seek motive of gunman who killed 3 at Michigan State

MICHIGAN

Associated Press

THE 43-year-old gunman who killed three students and wounded five others at Michigan State University had no apparent connection to the campus, police said Tuesday as they searched for a motive for shootings that terrified the community for hours.

Investigators were sorting out why Anthony McRae fired inside an academic building and the student union just before 8:30 p.m. Monday. An hours long lockdown at the campus in East Lansing ended when he killed himself miles away while being confronted by police.

The shooting happened the day before the fifth anniversary of the Parkland, Florida, school shooting that killed 17 and is the latest in what has become a deadly new year in the US “We have to do something to stop the gun violence that’s ripping apart our communities,” President Joe Biden said in a speech Tuesday, mentioning Michigan State.

Meanwhile, a school district in Ewing Township, New Jersey, closed for the day after investigators said that McRae, who lived in the area years ago, had a note in his pocket indicating a threat to schools there. But it was determined there was no

credible threat, local police said later in a statement shared by the superintendent.

The dead and injured in the gunfire at Berkey Hall and the MSU Union, a popular place to eat and study, were all Michigan State students.

Five remained in critical condition at Sparrow Hospital, said Dr. Denny Martin, who fought back tears during a news conference Tuesday.

“We have absolutely no idea what the motive was,” said Chris Rozman, deputy chief of campus police, adding that McRae, 43, of Lansing, was not a student or Michigan State employee.

“This is still fluid,”

Rozman said. “There are still crime scenes that are being processed, and we still are in the process of putting together the pieces to try to understand what happened.”

The dead were all from the Detroit area. Two graduated from separate high schools in the Grosse Pointe district: Brian Fraser, president of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, and Arielle Anderson. Alexandria Verner, a graduate of Clawson High School in another Detroit suburb, also died. “If you knew her, you loved her and we will forever remember the lasting impact she has had on all of

us,” Clawson Superintendent Billy Shellenbarger said in an email to families.

The shootings took place in an area of older, stately buildings on the northern edge of the Michigan State campus, one of the nation’s largest at 5,200 acres. Just across busy Grand River Avenue lies East Lansing’s downtown, teeming with restaurants, bars and shops.

“Our Spartan community is reeling today,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Michigan State graduate, said at the morning briefing.

Biden pledged his support during a phone call, she said.

“We mourn the loss of

beautiful souls today and pray for those who are continuing to fight for their lives.

... Another place that is supposed to be about community and togetherness is shattered by bullets and bloodshed,” Whitmer said.

Michigan State has about 50,000 students, including 19,000 who live on campus. As hundreds of officers scoured the campus, about 90 miles northwest of Detroit, students hid where they could Monday night.

At 11 p.m., police were still searching for McRae when he turned up on school security cameras, and his image was quickly released to news media. An “alert citizen” saw the picture, recognized him in the Lansing area and contacted police within minutes, Rozman said.

“That was exactly what we were trying to achieve by releasing that picture. We had no idea where he was at that point,” the deputy chief said.

Officers confronted McRae about 5 miles from campus in an industrial area, where he killed himself, Rozman said.

In 2019, McRae was accused of illegally possessing a concealed weapon, according to the state Corrections Department, but pleaded guilty to having a loaded gun in a vehicle, a misdemeanour. He completed 18 months of

probation.

A large police presence was in his Lansing neighbourhood overnight. Suzanne Shook said she has lived a block away from McRae for about a year.

“We never spoke to him,” Shook said. “When he would be walking or riding his bike, he was always straightforward and wouldn’t look at anybody.”

Students, meanwhile, recalled the previous night’s terror. Dominik Molotky said he was learning about Cuban history around 8:15 p.m. when he and the other students heard a gunshot outside the classroom. He told ABC’s “Good Morning America” that a few seconds later, the gunman entered and fired three to four more rounds.

“I was ducking and covering, and the same with the rest of the students,” Molotky said.

Claire Papoulias, a sophomore, described on “Today” how she and other students scrambled to escape a history class through a window after the gunman entered from a back door and began firing.

“As soon as I fell out of the window I kind of hit the ground a little. I just grabbed my backpack and my phone, and I remember I just ran for my life,” she said.

US ARRESTS 4 TIED TO ASSASSINATION OF HAITIAN PRESIDENT MOÏSE

MIAMI Associated Press US AUTHORITIES

have arrested four more people in the slaying of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, including the owner of a Miami-area security company that hired exColombian soldiers for the mission, prosecutors announced Tuesday.

The squad of former Colombian soldiers are among dozens of suspects who carried out the July 2021 attack that authorities say originally was envisioned to be a coup rather than an assassination. The plotters had hoped to reap lucrative contracts under a new administration once Moïse was out of the way, investigators allege.

“This was both a human tragedy and an assault on core democratic principles,” said Assistant US Attorney Matthew G. Olsen.

Antonio “Tony” Intriago, 59, a Venezuelan-American who owned CTU Security that hired the Colombians, is charged with conspiracy to kill or kidnap a person outside the US among other charges. CTU company representative Arcangel Pretel Ortiz, 50, a Colombian-born resident of the US, faces the same charges.

Florida-based US financier Walter Veintemilla, 54, of Weston, Fla., is accused of funding the operation.

A fourth suspect, Frederick Joseph Bergmann Jr., 64, of Tampa, is accused of smuggling goods including 20 CTU-branded ballistic vests disguised as medical X-ray vests and school supplies.

Intriago was known among plotters as “The General” and Pretel as “Colonel Gabriel,” according to authorities.

Tama Kudman, Veintemilla’s attorney, told The Associated Press that he would plead not guilty to both charges.

Claude Joseph, who was serving as prime minister when Moïse was killed, cheered the announcement.

“Justice must prevail,” he tweeted.

A total of 11 suspects are now in US custody, including key players like James Solages and Joseph Vincent, two HaitianAmericans who were among the first arrested after Moïse was shot 12 times at his private home in July 2021. Other suspects include Christian Emmanuel Sanon, a pastor and failed businessman whose associates have suggested was duped by the plotters.

A power vacuum

following the assassination has allowed gangs in Haiti to gain more power and control more territory, with experts estimating that they control 60% of Port-au-Prince. Federal authorities said that in April 2021, Veintemilla’s company, Worldwide Capital Lending Group, provided CTU with a $175,000 line of credit.

“By that time, the men planned to foment a public uprising aimed at ousting President Moise and installing Sanon as president,” charging documents say.

Authorities said that Intriago, Ortiz and Veintemilla expected to “reap significant financial benefits” if Sanon became president via anticipated contracts for infrastructure, military equipment and the provision of security forces.

Also in April, Ortiz and others met with the FBI and unsuccessfully tried to draw them into “a discussion about regime change in Haiti.”

Around that time, Ortiz told Solages that “the current president is the thief... delete the messages that could compromise you in case of being captured.”

Ortiz also sent a text message to another suspect, Colombian citizen Germán Rivera García, with a photo of a white board sketch of an assault plan including “snipers” and “10 warriorneutralizers,” according to court documents.

Veintemilla provided $15,000 to Solages to buy ammunition and $250,000 for armoured vests, authorities said.

Authorities have said that the original plan was to detain Moïse, force him onto a plane and whisk him to an unidentified location, but that plot crumbled when suspects couldn’t find a plane or sufficient weapons, according to court documents.

Sanon, who envisioned himself as Haiti’s new leader, was supposed to seize power, but Ortiz, Intriago, Veintemilla and others realized that “Sanon had neither the constitutional qualifications nor the popular support of the Haitian people to become president,” according to court documents.

Police say the judge remains a fugitive.

A day before the killing, Solages falsely told other suspects that it was a CIA operation and that the real mission was to kill the president. Shortly before Moïse was killed, Solages yelled that it was a DEA operation so that the president’s security detail would comply.

Also detained are former Haitian Senator John Joël Joseph, who had fled to Jamaica, and former US government informant and Haitian businessman Rodolphe Jaar, who was extradited from the Dominican Republic.

Three judges have stepped down from the case amid fears of reprisals and a fourth one was dismissed. Meanwhile, no court hearings have been held yet for the more than 40 suspects arrested in Haiti, with many of them including 18 Colombian soldiers languishing in a severely overcrowded jail in Portau-Prince that often lacks food and water.

The situation has angered and frustrated the president’s widow, Martine Moïse, who lashed out in a 13-minute video she posted earlier this month, noting that things have worsened in Haiti since the assassination.

“It’s a huge crime that happened against the nation,” she said. “Where is the mother law of the country, where are the people, where is the democracy?”

A STUDENT kneels where flowers are being left at the Spartan Statue at Michigan State University, in East Lansing, Michigan, yesterday.

Photo: Paul Sancya/AP

AN IMAGE of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, right, is displayed as Markenzy Lapointe, US Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, speaks speaks during a news conference, yesterday, in Miami, FL.

Photo: Lynne Sladky/AP

SPORTS

Championship time

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

The Anatol Rodgers Timberwolves, CR Walker Knights, SC McPherson Sharks and the HO Lions got the job done in their sudden death playoff games yesterday at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium to book their tickets to the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association’s bestof-three championships. There wasn’t much love flowing on Valentine’s Day as the Timberwolves knocked off the Doris Johnson Mystic Marlins 62-45 and will now face the CI Gibson Rattlers in the senior boys’ division,

while the Knights polished off the Doris Johnson Mystic Marlins 48-43 and will now face the Rattlers’ senior girls.

In the junior division, the SC McPherson Sharks got by the CH Reeves Raptors 48-29 and will face the DW Davis Royals in the boys’ final and the HO Nash Lions held off the Royals 26-23 and will take on CH Reeves in the girls’ match-up.

Game one of the championship will start at 4pm today. Game two is scheduled for Thursday. If necessary, the third and deciding games will be played on Friday.

Senior boys

Timberwolves 62, Mystic Marlins 45: Jefferson Bethel scored 19, Kirkwood Rolle had 11 and both

Lavardo Saunders and Stephano Farrington had 10 to aid in Anatol Rodgers’ win that came with a big loss for Doris Johnson. With one minute and 33 seconds left on the clock in the first quarter, Mystic Marlins’ leading scorer Laterro Young went down with an injury. The game was held up as he laid on the court grimacing in pain until the ambulance came and took him away for medical treatment.

Doris Johnson trailed 9-7 at that point, but after they finished the period tied at 9-9, Anatol Rodgers opened the game up as they posted a 28-20 lead at the half. By the end of the third, they surged ahead 45-37.

“It was a hard-fought one. We came out with a good game plan.

We started out good, but we all got concerned when Laterro went down,” said Anatol Rodgers’ coach Denycko Bowles as he faced his former team he coached up to the break two years ago due to COVID-19.

“He’s a good friend of our team and a member of our programme, so we had a hard time regaining our composure. But we thank God for the victory.”

As they prepare for the finals against his alma mater CI Gibson and his former coach Kevin ‘KJ’ Johnson, Bowles said it’s going to be important for his Timberwolves to take it “one possession at a time, one play at a time, one quarter at a

SEE PAGE 16

Ayton has double double in victory

SWIM, page 14

FINALLY! HUGH CAMPBELL CLASSIC RETURNS

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

AFTER a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the AF Adderley Junior High School will be bringing back the prestigious Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic with all games being played at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.

The Classic for senior high school boys basketball teams will be held from Monday, February 20 to Monday, February 27 with 24 teams competing from across the length and breadth of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas in four different pools of six teams apiece.

Tournament director Cara Curtis said they are anticipating a grand time as they return the popular event to the local calendar.

“We have the last champions Sunland Baptist coming back to defend their title, along with Tabernacle Baptist, CI Gibson, Doris Johnson, Queen’s College, Jordan Prince Williams and CW Saunders,” Curtis said. “All of the major schools will be participating. We will also have schools from Abaco and Bimini.”

While Sunland Baptist is considered to be the top ranked team in the country, Charles W Saunders is coming off their historic championship victory over Baptist archrivals Jordan Prince Williams Falcons in the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools’ championships that was completed last week.

The Government Secondary Schools Sports Association is currently in their postseason with the CI Gibson Rattlers already clinching their berth in the final that starts today. Their opponents came out of last night’s sudden death playoff between the Anatol Rodgers Timberwolves and

SEE PAGE 15

Chiefs revel in Super Bowl win, then get into offseason work

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports

KANSAS CITY, Mo.

(AP) — Andy Reid isn’t done yet. Patrick Mahomes isn’t going anywhere, either.

Chad Henne is heading off in retirement but otherwise the Kansas City Chiefs have very few holes to address heading into the offseason, which is why they already have been tabbed the favourites to defend their Super Bowl title next year.

It’s also bringing up the subject of dynasty.

The Chiefs are the first franchise to host five consecutive championship games, winning the AFC three times and now twice hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.

Their latest performance may have been their best: They played a near-perfect second half Sunday night to rally from a 10-point deficit for a 38-35 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. “I’m not going to say dynasty yet,” Mahomes said, but only because, “we’re not done.”

As the Chiefs enjoy a parade through downtown Kansas City today, then head into the offseason, here are some of the biggest decisions that general manager Brett Veach and Reid are facing:

FRANCHISE TACKLE

The Chiefs tried last offseason to reach an agreement with left tackle

Orlando Brown Jr on a long-term deal, and he wound up playing this season on the franchise tag for about $16.6 million. Brown was excellent most of the season, too, posting a pass-block win rate of nearly 92% while helping Mahomes set a career high for yards passing.

The Chiefs will try to get that long-term deal done this offseason, but the pressure is squarely on their side of the ledger, because while the option of tagging Brown a second time exists, it would be prohibitively expensive.

“I was brought here to win championships and year after year that’s the plan,” Brown said. “I’m so blessed and so fortunate to have the opportunity to do these things with this group of men. It’s what I was brought here for, to win championships.”

OTHER FREE

AGENTS

The Chiefs gave wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster what amounted to a

SEE PAGE 16

DAYS TO GO 50

Writer

CHIEFS defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the NFL Super Bowl 57 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. The Chiefs defeated the Eagles 38-35.

(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

PHOENIX Suns centre Deandre Ayton fouls Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) during the first half last night in Phoenix.

SEE THE FULL STORY ON PAGE 15

(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Black Marlins Swim Club hosts Winter Invitational

THE Black Marlins Swim Club hosted its Winter Invitational at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex on Saturday.

• Here’s a look at the top three finishers in the various events contested:

Girls 11-12 800m freestyle – 1.Tiah Seymour, Mantas Swim & Water Polo Club, 12:08.66. 2.Chrislynn Smith, Barracuda Swim Club, 12:37.43

Girls 13-14 800m freestyle– 1. Madison Gilbert, Barracuda Swim Club, 11:09.23..

Girls 15 & Over 800m –

1. Giada Bertoldo, Mako Aquatics Club, 10:29.13. 2. Grace Farrington, Barracuda Swim Club, 10:38.71.

3. Kyana Higgs, Barracuda Swim Club, 10:52.25.

Boys 11-12 800m freestyle – 1. Liam Cartwright, Lightning Aquatics, 12:42.80.

Boys 13-14 800m freestyle – 1. Will Farrington, Barracuda Swim Club, 9:51.54. 2. Noah Knowles, Alpha Aquatics, 10:40.49.

3. Myles Saunders, Mako Aquatics Club, 10:44.92.

Boys 15 & Over 800m freestyle – 1. Ellie Gibson, Unattached, 9:17.64. 2. Jaron Stuart, Barracuda Swim Club, 11:33.80.

3.Aydin Johnson, Lightning Aquatics, 12:49.50.

Girls 11-12 400m IM

– 1. Skyler Smith, Alpha Aquatics, 6:07.21. 2. Alissa Ferguson, Barracuda Swim Club, 6:23.90. 3. Noel Pratt, Barracuda Swim Club, 6:58.65.

Girls 13-14 400m IM – 1. Alanna Murray, Black Marlins Swim Club, 5:57.91. 2. Zahra Pickstock, Lightning Aquatics, 7:35.85.

Boys 11-12 400m IM

– 1. David Singh, Barracuda Swim Club, 5:39.92.

2. Kaylah Williams, Mako Aquatics Club, 6:03.92.

Boys 13-14 400m IM –

1. Simmons, Dijon, Blue Waves Swim Club, 5:26.66.

2. Mendez, Francisco, Lyford Swim Club, 6:31.06.

Boys 15 & Over 400m

IM – 1. Prince, Hodari, Barracuda Swim Club, 5:23.12.

2. Darville, Caellum, Alpha Aquatics, 5:44.16.

Girls 8 & Under 50m freestyle – 1. Rolle, Kirsten, Blue Waves Swim Club, 38.46. 2. Dean, Cailyn, Blue Waves Swim Club, 39.24. 3. Astwood, Hannah, Mako Aquatics Club, 39.48.

Girls 9-10 50m freestyle – 1. Taylor, Catrell, Mako Aquatics Club, 35.16. 2. Donaldson, Skarlette, Mantas Swim & Water Polo Club, 35.52. 3. Fergurson, Makayla, Blue Waves Swim Club, 37.72. Girls 11-12 50 m freestyle – 1. Gibson, Saleste, Barracuda Swim Club, 29.61.

2. Julien, Madyson, Barracuda Swim Club, 30.23. 3. Threadgill, Jaylah, Lyford Swim Club, 30.97.

Girls 13-14 50m freestyle – 1. Ward, Rayven, Mako Aquatics Club, 30.59.

2. Murray, Alanna, Black Marlins Swim Club, 30.64.

3. George, Trinity, Blue Waves Swim Club, 30.87.

Girls 15 & Over 50m freestyle – 1. Gibbs, Rhanishka, Barracuda Swim Club, 27.51. 2. Mizell, Delaney, Lyford Swim Club, 27.79. 3. Fiaux, Elina, Lyford Swim Club, 30.14.

Boys 8 & Under 50m

freestyle – 1. Albury, Cole, Barracuda Swim Club, 40.79. 2. Smith, Mako Aquatics Club, 41.59. 3. Musgrove, Dylan, Blue Waves Swim Club, 42.21.

Boys 9-10 50m freestyle.

1. Thompson, Blair, Mako Aquatics Club, 34.02.

2. Dean, Adrian, Mako Aquatics Club 34.94. 3. Menzies, Fraser, Unattached, 35.36.

Boys 13-14 50m freestyle – 1. Saunders, Donald, Lightning Aquatics, 25.73.

2. Fox, Michael, Alpha Aquatics, 26.74. 3. Moss, Orion, Black Marlins Swim Club, 27.18.

Boys 15 & Over 50m

freestyle – 1. Gibson, Ellie, Unattached, 24.90.

2. Bowers, Thomas, Black Marlins Swim Club, 24.97. 3. Murray, Joshua, Black Marlins Swim Club, 25.05.

Girls 8 & Under 50m

breaststroke – 1. Rolle, Kirsten, Blue Waves Swim Club, 51.08. 2. Coleman, Samaiya, Blue Waves Swim Club, 58.17. 3. Dean, Cailyn, Blue Waves Swim Club, 1:00.55.

Girls 9-10 50m breast-

stroke – 1. Donaldson, Skarlette, Mantas Swim & Water Polo Club, 46.77.

2. Wallace, Emma, Barracuda Swim Club, 56.79. 3. Fergurson, Makayla, Blue Waves Swim Club, 1:00.23.

Girls 11-12 50m breaststroke – 1. Threadgill, Jaylah, Lyford Swim Club, 37.82. 2. Donaldson, Samirah, Alpha Aquatics, 39.58.

3. Dames, Khori, Barracuda Swim Club, 40.39.

Girls 13-14 50m breaststroke – 1. Zatarain, Alexia, Lyford Swim Club, 40.80.

2. Gilbert, Madison, Barracuda Swim Club, 40.99.

3. George, Trinity, Blue Waves Swim Club, 42.84.

Girls 15 & Over 50m

breaststroke – 1. Goulandris, Katie, Lyford Swim Club, 38.39. 2. Martin, Jai, Mako Aquatics Club, 40.50.

3. Tuinman, Chloe, Lyford Swim Club, 40.62.

Boys 8 & Under 50m

breaststroke – 1. Albury, Cole, Barracuda Swim Club, 56.13. 2. Bastian, Dakota, Blue Waves Swim Club, 1:01.63. 3. Estephane, Lewis, Black Marlins Swim Club, 1:02.42.

Boys 9-10 50m breaststroke – 1. Bastian, Asher, Mantas Swim & Water Polo Club, 46.92. 2. Rolle, Kriston, Blue Waves Swim Club, 49.92. 3. Neilly,

Garen, Barracuda Swim Club, 51.62.

Boys 11-12 50m breaststroke – 1. Murray, Alexander, Black Marlins Swim Club, 37.82. 2. Moncur, Ayriel, Mako Aquatics Club, 43.67. 3. Cartwright, Makhai - Blue Waves Swim Club, 43.80.

Boys 13-14 50m breaststroke – 1. Johnson, Kevin Blue Waves Swim Club 36.96 37.25. 2. Walkes, Cameron, Alphia Aquatics, 3. Adderley, Kraig, Blue Waves Swim Club, 39.02.

Boys 15 & Over 50m breaststroke – 1. Russell, Tyler, Mako Aquatics Club, 28.76 2 Murray, Joshua, Black Marlins Swim Club, 31.44. 3. – Brooks, Latrell, Blue Waves Swim Club, 33.17.

Girls 9-10 100m backstroke – 1. Simms, Morgan, Barracuda Swim Club,

1:48.14. 2. Emmanuel, De’Neigha, Lightning Aquatics, 2:01.. 3. Rolle, Reniyah, Barracuda Swim Club, 2:06.62.

Girls 11-12 100m backstroke – 1. Smith, Skyler, Alpha Aquatics, 1:19.21.

2. Clarke, Christin-Alyssa, Barracuda Swim Club,

1:22.63. 3. Ellis, Kamelia, Barracuda Swim Club,

1:31.29.

Girls 13-14 100m backstroke – 1. Barnes, Sanaa , Barracuda Swim Club,

1:03.34. 2. Prince, Nia-Ishia, Barracuda Swim Club,

1:26.18. 3. Carter, Imani, Barracuda Swim Club,

1:28.97.

Girls 15 & Over 100m backstroke – 1. Theberge, Elle, Mako Aquatics Club,

1:09.93. 2. Higgs, Kyana, Barracuda Swim Club,

1:13.59. 3. Zatarain, Isabela, Lyford Swim Club, 1:17.36.

Boys 9-10 100m backstroke – 1. Rolle, Kriston, Blue Waves Swim Club,

1:36.83. 2. Thompson, Blair, Mako Aquatics Club,

1:36.97. 3. Dean, Adrian, Mako Aquatics Club,

1:37.94.

Boys 11-12 100m backstroke – 1. Williams, Kaylan, Mako Aquatics Club, 1:24.10. 2. Rolle, Daniel, Barracuda Swim Club, 1:37.71. 3. Moore, Andreus, Lightning Aquatics, 1:56.74.

Boys 13-14 100m backstroke – 1. Fox, Michael, Alpha Aquatics, 1:10.42. 2. Moss, Orion, Black Marlins Swim Club, 1:12.47. 3,

WEST INDIES BEATS ZIMBABWE INSIDE 3 DAYS TO CLINCH SERIES

By ENOCK MUCHINJO Associated Press

BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe (AP) — Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie’s six wickets helped West Indies defeat Zimbabwe by an innings and four runs inside three days to clinch the two-match test series 1-0 yesterday.

Motie, who took seven wickets in Zimbabwe’s first innings, was again the chief tormentor with 6-62 as the hosts collapsed to 173 all out in a wobbly effort to make West Indies bat again. The first test ended in a draw last week.

West Indies put up a lead of 177 runs at the Queens Sports Club after Zimbabwe had been skittled for 115 before the Caribbean side finished 292 all out on day three.

The touring side added just two runs to its overnight score, allowing Zimbabwe seamer Victor Nyauchi (5-56) to remove Jason Holder (3) and Gudakesh Motie for 12 to complete his maiden test cricket five-for. Roston Chase (70) held together West Indies’ innings with a well measured knock to put the tourists in command on the second day.

Right-hander Chase had put on 60 for the fifth wicket with Kyle Mayers (30), and then shared a partnership of 85 for the sixth wicket alongside wicketkeeper Joshua Silva (44). Raymon Reifer (53) was the other West Indies batsman in the runs with a workmanlike half-century of his own. Zimbabwe was then unable to make

West Indies bat again, falling four runs short of the target to bring the West Indies back to the crease.

West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite said the success in Zimbabwe is crucial for momentum when his team crosses into South Africa for a multiple format tour, beginning with two tests starting on February 28 at SuperSport Park.

“It’s a good feeling, I think winning any game is always a habit, winning is a habit,” Brathwaite told reporters. “So this is very important. It will be a tougher South Africa team, and we will see when we get there. ... The more test cricket you play, the better. It’s good to have these two back-toback series, we don’t take it lightly.”

Daniels, Maxwell, Mako Aquatics Club, 1:13.12. Boys 15 & Over 100m backstroke – 1. Gibson, Ellie, Unattached, 1:03.36. 2. Prince, Hodari, Barracuda Swim Club, 1:08.89. 3. Duncombe, Launy, Alpha Aquatics, 1:10.46. Girls 8 & Under 50m butterfly – 1. Rolle, Kirsten, Blue Waves Swim Club, 43.62. 2. Dean, Cailyn, Blue Waves Swim Club, 45.82.

3. Coleman, Samaiya, Blue Waves Swim Club, 49.40.

Girls 9-10 50m butterfly – 1. Donaldson, Skarlette, Mantas Swim & Water Polo Club, 40.21. 2. Taylor, Catrell, Mako Aquatics Club, 44.40. 3. Fergurson, Makayla, Blue Waves Swim Club, 45.49.

Girls 11-12 50m butterfly – 1. Saralegui, Violet, Lyford Swim Club, 32.74.

2. Julien, Madyson, Barracuda Swim Club, 32.98.

3. Seymour, Tiah, Mantas Swim & Water Polo Club, 36.61.

Girls 13-14 50 butterfly – 1. Ward, Rayven, Mako Aquatics Club, 31.59. 2. Murray, Alanna, Black Marlins Swim Club, 34.22

3 Lynes, Bharti S 13 Blue Waves Swim Club 35.97 35.71.

Girls 15 & Over 50m butterfly – 1. Gibbs, Rhanishka, Barracuda Swim Club, 29.45. 2. Farrington, Grace, Barracuda Swim Club, 34.43. 3. Major, Mathea, Alpha Aquatics, 35.44.

Boys 8 & Under 50m butterfly – 1. Cartwright, Benjamin, Black Marlins Swim Club, 51.67. 2. Bastian, Dakota, Blue Waves Swim Club, 51.19. 3. Musgrove, Dylan, Blue Waves Swim Club, 55.47.

Boys 9-10 50m butterfly – 1. Thompson, Blair, Mako Aquatics Club, 40.03.

2. Dean, Adrian, Mako Aquatics Club - 40.26. 3. Murray - Black Marlins Swim Club, 43.93.

Boys 11-12 50m butterfly – 1. Singh, David, Barracuda Swim Club, 30.13. 2. Murray, Alexander, Black Marlins Swim Club, 32.02.

3. Joseph, Christon, Blue Waves Swim Club, 32.36. Boys 13-14 50m butterfly – 1. Daniels, Maxwell, Mako Aquatics Club, 29.18.

2. Moss, Orion, Black Marlins Swim Club, 30.37.

3. Johnson, Kevin, Blue Waves Swim Club, 30.46. Boys 15 & Over 50m butterfly – 1, Murray, Joshua, Black Marlins Swim Club, 26.58. 2. Bowers, Thomas, Black Marlins Swim Club, 27.17. 3. Brooks, Latrell, Blue Waves Swim Club, 28.26.

Girls 11-12 200m breaststroke – 1. Donaldson, Samirah, Alpha Aquatics, 3:13.48. 2. Ferguson, Alissa, Barracuda Swim Club, 3:14.68. 3. Threadgill, Jaylah, Lyford Swim Club, 3:15.27.

Girls 13-14 200m breaststroke – 1. Murray, Alanna, Black Marlins Swim Club, 3:10.61. 2. Zatarain, Alexia, Lyford Swim Club, 3:13.36. 3. Burrows, Allyssa, Lightning Aquatics, 3:46.47.

Girls 15 & Over 200m breaststroke – 1. Goulandris, Katie, Lyford Swim Club, 3:02.67. 2. Mizell, Delaney, Lyford Swim Club, 3:04.16. 3. Tuinman, Chloe, Lyford Swim Club, 3:21.73.

Boys 11-12 200m breaststroke – 1. Cartwright, Makhai, Blue Waves Swim Club, 3:34.76. 2. Armbrister, T’Von, Lightning Aquatics, 3:38.19. 3. Alouidor,

Joshua, Blue Waves Swim Club, 4:03.86.

Boys 13-14 200m breaststroke – 1. Farrington, Will, Barracuda Swim Club, 2:58.12. 2. Adderley, Kraig, Blue Waves Swim Club, 3:15.8. 3. ChatlaniPickstock, Jahan, Mako Aquatics Club, 3:18.55.

Boys 15 & Over 200m

breaststroke – 1. Dorsett, Christopher, Lyford Swim Club, 3:32.93. 2. Brice, Jurien, Lightning Aquatics, 3:33.77.

Girls 8 & Under 100m

freestyle – 1. Dean, Cailyn, Blue Waves Swim Club,

1:26.57. 2. Rolle, Kirsten, Blue Waves Swim Club,

1:29.89. 3. Coleman, Samaiya, Blue Waves Swim Club, 1:32.44.

Girls 9-10 100m freestyle – 1. Donaldson, Skarlette, Mantas Swim & Water Polo Club, 1:17.99. 2. Taylor, Catrell, Mako Aquatics Club, 1:23.61. 3. Grey, Blue, Mako Aquatics Club,

1:26.11.

Girls 11-12 100m

freestyle – 1. Clarke, Christin-Alyssa,Barracuda Swim Club, 1:10.19. 2. Seymour, Tiah, Mantas Swim & Water Polo Club, 1:11.90.

3. Fox, Madison Alpha Aquatics, 1:13.36.

Girls 13-14 100m freestyle – 1. Carter, Imani, Barracuda Swim Club,

1:11.89. 2. George, Trinity, Blue Waves Swim Club,

1:11.99. 3. Lynes, Bharti, Blue Waves Swim Club,

1:15.03.

Girls 15 & Over 100m

freestyle – 1. Johnson, Bianca, Alpha Aquatics, 1:06.24. 2. Theberge, Elle, Mako Aquatics Club,

1:06.43. 3. Adderley, TiaIsabella, Mako Aquatics Club. 1:08.28.

Boys 8 & Under 100m

freestyle – 1. Bastian, Dakota, Blue Waves Swim Club, 1:33.92. 2. Musgrove, Dylan, Blue Waves Swim Club, 1:34.51. 3. Albury, Cole, Barracuda Swim Club, 1:35.72.

Boys 9-10 100m freestyle – 1. Murray, Kyle, Black Marlins Swim Club, 1:23.03.

2. Bastian, Asher, Mantas Swim & Water Polo Club, 1:24.02. 3. Menzies, Fraser, Unattached, 1:24.35.

Boys 11-12 100m freestyle - 1 Joseph, Christon, Blue Waves Swim Club,

1:03.06. 2. Singh, David, Barracuda Swim Club,

1:03.35. 3. Murray, Alexander, Black Marlins Swim Club, 1:05.22.

Boys 13-14 100m freestyle – 1. Fox, Michael, Alpha Aquatics, 58.95.

2. Johnson, Kevin, Blue Waves Swim Club, 1:02.35.

3. Moss, Orion, Black Marlins Swim Club, 1:02.91.

Boys 15 & Over 100m freestyle – 1. Bowers, Thomas, Black Marlins Swim Club, 55.50. 2. Murray, Joshua, Black Marlins Swim Club, 56.13.

3. Charles, Jarrod, Alpha Aquatics, 58.19.

Girls 11-12 200m butterfly – 1. Gibson, Saleste, Barracuda Swim Club,

2:55.18. 2. Saralegui, Violet,Lyford Swim Club,

3:04.63. 3. Smith, Skyler, Alpha Aquatics, 3:08.54.

Girls 15 & Over 200m butterfly - 1 Zatarain, Isabelle, Lyford Swim Club,

2:53.98. 2. Saidi, Layla, Lyford Swim Club, 3:07.66.

Boys 11-12 200m butterfly – 1. Pratt, Ta-naj, Freeport Aquatic Club,

3:04.68. 2. Wright, Issacs, Mako Aquatics Club,.50

3:07.44. 3. Moncur, Ayriel, Mako Aquatics Club, 3:15.35.

Boys 13-14 200m butterfly – 1. Simmons, Dijon, Blue Waves Swim Club,

2:29.22.

Boys 15 & Over 200m butterfly – 1. Stuart, Jaron, Barracuda Swim Club,

3:12.63.

Girls 11-12 400m freestyle – 1. Smith, Skyler, Alpha Aquatics, 5:20.71.

2. Seymour, Tiah, Mantas Swim & Water Polo Club, 5:40.42. 3. Ingraham, Dayna, Barracuda Swim Club, 6:00.32.

Girls 13-14 400m freestyle – 1. Gilbert, Madison, Barracuda Swim Club,

5:14.28. 2. Murray, Alanna, Black Marlins Swim Club, 5:20.16. 3. Burrows, Allyssa, Lightning Aquatics, 6:08.08.

Girls 15 & Over 400m freestyle – 1. Johnson, Bianca, Alpha Aquatics, 5:11.74. 2. Cowan, Teeann, Lightning Aquatics, 5:41.81.

Boys 11-12 400m freestyle – 1. Wright, Issacs, Mako Aquatics Club, 5:23.51. 2. Cartwright, Liam, Lightning Aquatics, 6:07.34. 3. Ferguson, Kaalen, Alpha Aquatics, 6:35.25.

Boys 13-14 400m freestyle – 1. Saunders, Donald, Lightning Aquatics, 4:34.68.

2. Butler, Damari, Mako Aquatics Club, 5:09.12. 3. Moss, Orion, Black Marlins Swim Club, 5:14.32.

Boys 15 & Over 400m freestyle – 1. Prince, Hodari, Barracuda Swim Club, 4:42.87. 2. Ferguson III, Daniel, Alpha Aquatics, 4:49.88. 3. Brooks, Latrell, Blue Waves Swim Club, 4:50.59.

Girls 9-10 100m breaststroke – 1. Donaldson, Skarlette, Mantas Swim & Water Polo Club, 1:44.76.

2. Grey, Blue, Mako Aquatics Club, 2:15.96.

3. Seymour, Summer, Sea Waves Aquatic Team, 2:18.23.

Girls 11-12 100m breaststroke – 1. Donaldson, Samirah, Alpha Aquatics, 1:27.04. 2. Threadgill, Jaylah, Lyford Swim Club, 1:28.07. 3. Dames, Khori, Barracuda Swim Club, 1:30.03.

Girls 13-14 100m breaststroke - 1 Zatarain, Alexia, Lyford Swim Club, 1:28.42.

2. Murray, Alanna, Black Marlins Swim Club, 1:31.29.

3. Bain, Quiana, Blue Waves Swim Club, 1:36.42. Girls 15 & Over 100m breaststroke – 1. Gibbs, Rhanishka, Barracuda Swim Club, 1:15.51. 2. Miller, Maya, Alpha Aquatics, 1:35.56. 3 Bridgewater, Lauren, Barracuda Swim Club, 1:37.03.

Boys 9-10 100m breaststroke - 1 Thompson, Blair, Mako Aquatics Club,

1:48.20. 2. Rolle, Kriston, Blue Waves Swim Club,

1:51.39. 3. Menzies, Lyall, Unattached, 1:53.88.

Boys 11-12 100m breaststroke - 1 Singh, David, Barracuda Swim Club,

1:17.32. 2. Murray, Alexander, Black Marlins Swim Club, 1:24.75. 3. Deleveaux, Aindriu, Blue Waves Swim Club, 1:35.79.

Boys 13-14 100m breaststroke – 1. Farrington, Will B, Barracuda Swim Club, 1:17.87. 2. Simmons, Dijon, Blue Waves Swim Club, 1:20.49. 3. Johnson, Kevin, Blue Waves Swim Club. 1:24.22.

Boys 15 & Over 100m breaststroke – 1. Russell, Tyler, Mako Aquatics Club, 1:03.95. 2. Ferguson, Tristin, Mako Aquatics Club, 1:15.04. 3 Kemp, Aidan, Alpha Aquatics, 1:15.27.

A SWIMMER competes in the Black Marlins Swim Club’s Winter Invitational at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex on Saturday.

Ayton and Suns top Kings with Durant watching from bench

By JACK THOMPSON Associated Press

PHOENIX

(AP)

— Devin

Booker scored 32 points, Deandre Ayton had 29 points and 11 rebounds, and the Phoenix Suns beat the Sacramento Kings 120109 last night with superstar acquisition Kevin Durant watching from the bench.

It was the first home game for the Suns since they completed a trade with Brooklyn for Durant, who is recovering from a right knee injury and hasn’t played since January 12.

He was introduced during a timeout in the third quarter and received a standing ovation. Durant is expected back sometime after this weekend’s All-Star break.

Booker was 13 of 20 from the field and did not attempt a 3-pointer in 29 minutes. Chris Paul had a season-high 19 assists and scored 17 points for Phoenix, which has won 11 of its last 14. Josh Okogie scored 19 points and made a team-high three 3-pointers.

De’Aaron Fox led the Kings with 35 points, following up his 36-point performance in a win over Dallas on Saturday.

Domantas Sabonis had 24 points and 15 rebounds, and Kevin Huerter scored 18 for Sacramento, which saw its lead over Phoenix in the Pacific Division shrink to one game.

The Suns led by as many as 13 points in the third quarter, but the Kings closed within four at the end of the period. Sacramento kept it close in the fourth, but Okogie’s 3 with 1:42 remaining turned out to be the Kings’ final basket. Paul responded with

a step-back jumper to put the Suns ahead by nine.

DURANT UPDATE

Suns coach Monty Williams said Durant is participating in some drills as he prepares to return. “He’s in great shape and going game speed like he always does,” Williams said, adding that Durant needs to play in more 3-on-3 and similar competition levels before he can return.

DIVISION DOMINANCE

The Suns are 9-0 against Pacific Division opponents, the only NBA team without a loss in its division this season.

HUERTER ADDED

the Doris Johnson Mystic Marlins.

Due to the conditions of the floor in the marquee AF Adderley Gymnasium, they have been forced to stage all of the games at the KGLI Gymnasium, but Curtis said it won’t diminish the level of competition that is known to come out in the tournament.

“There’s nothing that we can do in terms of the venue, so we’re going to make the best of it,” she said.

“I’m certain that even though it would not be the same feeling as the tradition in AF Adderley, persons attending the games will be quite safe in the environment at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.

By STEPHEN HAWKINS AP Sports Writer

DALLAS (AP) —

Kyrie Irving was trying to get Luka Doncic a shot. The All-Star guard for the Dallas Mavericks was trying to do the same for his new teammate making his home debut.

Neither one of them got a shot off in the closing seconds, and the Mavs’ big comeback attempt came up short against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

“Man. I’m still trying to emotionally recover ... still so raw,” Irving said. “Oh, man. I would have liked to at least get a shot up.”

Irving had the highestscoring fourth quarter of his career, scoring 26 of his 36 points in the final 12 minutes Monday night. But he

Kings

G Kevin Huerter has been selected to participate in the 3-point contest this weekend in Salt Lake City. Coach Mike Brown said Huerter is valuable to the Kings for more than just his shooting. “He tries to find other ways to help us win,” Brown said. “The way he facilitates, plays the two-man game, he’s shown that he can shoot at a high level for many years.”

MISSING BRIDGES

The Suns gave up a lot to get Durant and Williams said replacing Mikal Bridges, a defensive stalwart at forward, is a challenge. “Josh (Okogie) and Torrey (Craig) have been taking up some of that role. It’s something we have to figure out, be open-minded about what these guys can do and not compare to what Mikal did, it’s not fair to anybody,” Williams said

BUCKS 131, CELTICS 125 (Overtime)

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Jrue

Holiday matched his career high 40 points and made a go-ahead 3-pointer with 25.2 seconds left

in overtime as the Milwaukee Bucks edged the short-handed Boston Celtics 131-125 on Tuesday for their 11th consecutive victory.

Giannis Antetokounmpo added 36 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists as the Bucks (4017) moved within a half-game of the Celtics (41-17) in the Eastern Conference standings.

Boston was playing without both its All-Stars – Jayson Tatum (non-COVID illness) and Jaylen Brown (facial fracture) – as well as Marcus Smart (sprained right ankle) and Al Horford (swelling in right knee).

Wisconsin native Sam Hauser made a game-tying 3-pointer from 29 feet away with three seconds left in regulation to force overtime. Boston’s Derrick White then scored the first five points of overtime, but the Bucks scored the final seven points of the game. White, the reigning Eastern Conference player of

(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

the week, led the Celtics with 27 points. Malcolm Brogdon added 26 and Mike Muscala had 18.

RAPTORS 123, MAGIC 113

TORONTO (AP) — Jakob

Poeltl scored 30 points, Pascal Siakam had 26 and Toronto beat Orlando for its fifth win in six games.

Scottie Barnes scored 17 points, Fred VanVleet had 10 points and a season-high 15 assists, and Precious Achiuwa had 11 points and 13 rebounds for the Raptors.

Wendell Carter Jr scored 26 points, Jalen Suggs had 24 off the bench and Markelle Fultz scored 19 points for the Magic.

A former Raptor who was reacquired from San Antonio last week, Poeltl shot 15 for 17 and added nine rebounds. The 30 points were the most he’s scored as a Raptors player. His career high is 31, set with San Antonio last Nov. 15 at Portland.

Kyrie Irving’s 26-point 4th not enough as Mavs fall to T-wolves

made a bad pass after stepping inside the 3-point line on the final possession after Minnesota had thrown off the timing between him and Doncic by knocking the inbound pass into the backcourt. The Timberwolves nearly blew a 26-point lead but held on to win 124-121.

After Doncic tracked down the tipped inbound pass, he passed to Irving before crossing midcourt. Irving pump-faked a 3 and passed back to Doncic, who almost immediately gave it back to him on a bounce pass before the final turnover.

“Great stop. Guys wanted to play it out. Trust the defense in that moment,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said. “Did a really good job of kind of disrupting their

play, pressuring and denying the catch. Forced it out. It became a broken play.”

Doncic, who finished with 33 points, said it was a great defensive play at the end for the visitors.

“We didn’t get a clear shot, we just passed (to) each other, but I think it was a great defense,” Doncic said. “I was trying to get him a shot, he was trying to give me a shot, At the end, nobody got a shot, but he was going off.”

It was the second game Irving and Doncic played together. The Mavs have lost both, falling in overtime at Sacramento on Saturday night. Irving, acquired a week ago from the Brooklyn Nets, had played two road games for Dallas before that — both victories.

“I really wanted this win,” Irving said.

First-time All-Star guard Anthony Edwards scored 32 points and Rudy Gobert had 21 points and 14 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who had their biggest lead at 89-63 on a long step-back jumper by Edwards midway through the third quarter.

Dallas had that deficit down to 107-97 with about nine minutes left after a 25-foot shot by Irving, who on their previous possession tipped in Josh Green’s miss of a reverse layup.

Irving, who made 11 of 12 shots in the fourth quarter, had a 3 in the final half-minute, soon after a turnover by Doncic. There was a stretch a couple of minutes before that when Irving made

As for the competition, she expects that it will be just as keenly contested as it’s been in the past prior to taking the break because of the pandemic, which forced organisers to put the event on the shelf until this year.

“Competition is going to be very keen, due to the level of talent that we are seeing being exposed right now,” Curtis said.

“It’s been a two-year hiatus and the coaches, players and fans are looking forward to a high level basketball tournament.

“In addition to the tournament being played, we are asking for the corporate Bahamas to reach out to us at AF Adderley and to come on board and give us their financial support so that we can run another impressive tournament.”

The tournament is designed for players aged 19-and-under, which according to Curtis, means that they can not turn 20 this year.

The players are also prohibited from transferring from one school to another as a 12th grader.

Players who have already graduated will not be allowed to come back and play for a different school.

a bounce pass to Theo Pinson, who missed the layup — but the newly acquired eight-time AllStar was there for the rebound and putback. Doncic added a 3-pointer right after that. “I’ve got to get a shot up, if anything, or allow Luca to have some space to get a shot and not turn the ball over in that situation,” Irving said of the closing seconds. “So it’s on

me, just be smart in those situations. But if you look at the overall game, you know, I’m just grateful we were even in that position.” Christian Wood added 24 points for the Mavericks. He had 18 of those in the second quarter, including 13 in a row at one point Gobert was 9 of 9 from the field, and Jaden McDaniels was 7 of 8 while scoring 19 points.

ANALYSIS: RUSSELL WESTBROOK COULD HELP NBA PLAYOFF CONTENDER

By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer

NIKOLA Jokic and Luka

Doncic are doing it. So are LeBron James, James Harden and LaMelo Ball.

They are among the six players in the NBA averaging at least 15 points, six rebounds and seven assists per game this season.

That’s two MVP frontrunners, three current All-Stars and two other players who should have been, at minimum, under All-Star consideration this season. There’s one other member of the 15-6-7 club: Russell Westbrook.

As the league gears up for it’s All-Star festivities this weekend, Westbrook is deciding whether he wants to play out this season in Utah — a place where he said a fan made a racist taunt toward him four years ago, sparking an uproar — or accept a buyout after getting traded there by the Los Angeles Lakers and try to latch on with a playoff contender to finish the season.

As long as he’s on another roster by March 1, he’d be playoff-eligible. There is a market for Westbrook. And there should be.

“If there’s, you know, somebody out there,” Clippers forward Paul George said a few days ago when asked about his team having an open roster spot.

He paused for a couple of seconds and then said “Russell.”

Hey, it’s not tampering if players talk about other players.

“It would definitely improve our team if we had that traditional point guard, to kind of get us in things and make the game easy,” George said. “So, hopefully, Russell sees this and we figure something out.”

The Clippers could use Westbrook. So could Chicago, where even Goran Dragic — the team’s backup point guard — knows the Bulls need help at that spot. So could Miami, where Kyle Lowry has been sidelined of late by knee soreness.

RUSSELL Westbrook brings the ball up during the second half of the Lakers’ NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks on January 31 in New York. The Lakers traded Westbrook to the Utah Jazz and reacquired guard D’Angelo Russell from Minnesota in a three-team, eight-player deal on February 8, ahead of the NBA’s trade deadline.

(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

George has a valid, reasonable argument when it comes to why he wants Westbrook on the Clippers. They have shooting.

Shooting means spacing. Spacing means lanes to the basket. That’s where Westbrook thrives, getting to the rim, playing fast, driving-and-attacking or driving-and-kicking.

The whole world, especially his many detractors, are very aware that Westbrook is not Stephen Curry from long range. Or Seth Curry. Or probably even Dell Curry at this point. He is not a knockdown shooter and never has been, so it’s puzzling why this is some sort of argument against Westbrook.

At his best, Westbrook was a 34% 3-point shooter. On average, he’s a 30% shooter from beyond the arc. This season, he’s just under 30%.

The $47 million salary for this season is another source of disdain, that someone averaging what Westbrook is averaging — and wasn’t even starting for a Lakers team that has spent the entire season outside of the play-in picture — isn’t playing up to the level of his paycheck. But

he’s far from the only veteran in the NBA to have a bloated contract toward the end of the line, part of the final payoff for the deal that he earned when he was an All-NBA player, an MVP, a perennial star. He was paid what the market said he should be paid. And he is far from the only reason why the Lakers struggled in his year-plus with the team.

“It’s really unfair to put the last year and a half (on) one player,” Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said.

The Clippers see an opportunity. The players in that locker room — and surely some in other locker rooms, too — are convinced that Westbrook would make them better.

“He’s one of the greatest players that ever played the game,” Clippers forward Marcus Morris Sr said.

Look at the résumé: nine All-Star appearances, part of the NBA’s 75th anniversary team, an MVP, two scoring titles, three assist titles, 198 triple-doubles. He has an edge, no question. He’s sometimes abrupt

with reporters, particularly when he doesn’t like a question.

He’s also the man who, quietly, left a massive tip for hotel staff inside the NBA’s restart bubble at Walt Disney World three years ago and urged other players to find ways to thank those people for making the bubble possible.

It’s hard to find a team out there that couldn’t use another 15 points, six rebounds and seven assists per game right now. If the fit is right and a buyout happens, some team could get quite a late-season boost.

“Give him an opportunity to come back,” Morris said, “and he could be dangerous.”

DALLAS Mavericks’ Luka Doncic (77) and Kyrie Irving (2) talk at mid court during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday in Dallas.

(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

SUNS centre Deandre Ayton (22) dunks over Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5), forward Domantas Sabonis, guard Terence Davis (3), and forward Harrison Barnes during the second half last night in Phoenix. The Suns won 120-109.

Analysis: NFL skids into offseason after slippery Super Bowl

By ARNIE STAPLETON AP Pro Football Writer

GRATITUDE and brotherhood were on display at the Super Bowl, where Travis and Jason Kelce tussled for the Lombardi Trophy in a classic back-and-forth clash and Damar Hamlin received a rousing ovation during a pregame ceremony honouring the men and women who saved his life.

The feel-good vibes didn’t last as long as the NFL would have liked, however.

After the NBA encroached on the NFL’s biggest week by moving its trade deadline from late March to smack dab in the middle of Super Bowl week, the Kansas City Chiefs rallied past the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35 after the game took on the flavours of both MLB and the NHL.

The NFL’s biggest stage looked too much like a hockey rink when State Farm Stadium lived up to its reputation of slippery fields with players from both teams having a hard time keeping their footing.

The waxy grass neutralised the vaunted pass rush for both teams, helping Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts rack up points like pinball wizards at a vintage arcade.

CHIEFS

FROM PAGE 13

one-year prove-it deal worth a paltry $3.76 million for this season, and he massively outplayed it. Smith-Schuster would like to remain in Kansas City, and the Chiefs would prefer not to completely rebuild their wide receiver corps, but his play this season likely warrants a significant deal. “I’m not the type of guy who cares about stats, catches, who gets the ball or whatnot,” Smith-Schuster said. “All I care about is winning and when you win everyone is so happy.”

Defensive tackles Derrick Nnadi and Khalen Saunders, running back

Yet, just days after NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell declared the league’s officiating better than ever, a debatable holding call just after the two-minute warning ensured there would be no chance for a fantastic finish to an otherwise scintillating Super Bowl 57.

The flag — just the ninth penalty of the game — was akin to an umpire suddenly expanding his strike zone in the ninth inning, and it drew condemnation far and wide.

The Chiefs faced thirdand-8 at the Eagles 15-yard line with 1:54 remaining when Mahomes threw incomplete to JuJu Smith-Schuster.

But officials flagged James Bradberry for defensive holding, which negated the incompletion and, more importantly, gave the Chiefs a first down.

Replays showed that Bradberry made light contact with Smith-Schuster, though it didn’t appear to affect the play that much.

Referee Carl Cheffers said it was a “clear case of a jersey grab” and added that nobody on his crew disagreed with the penalty.

There was plenty of bickering from fans and commentators. Former NFL tight end Greg Olsen wasn’t happy with the

Jerick McKinnon, wide receiver Mecole Hardman, right tackle Andrew Wylie and safety Juan Thornhill also are free agents. The Chiefs have some tough decisions to make when it comes to pursing any of them, but don’t be surprised to see a couple take club-friendly deals to keep winning.

KEEPING OTHERS

HAPPY

Chris Jones, a finalist for defensive MVP, has one year left on his four-year, $80 million contract, and the Chiefs would be wise to begin negotiating a deal now. Jones piled up 15 1/2 sacks this season to match the best year of his career, and he had two more sacks in the AFC title game, before helping put just

decision on the Fox broadcast and ESPN and Amazon analyst Kirk Herbstreit also was critical on social media, as were several current and former NFL players.

ESPN commentator and former NFL QB Tim Hasselbeck said it’s too much to ask officials to suddenly swallow their whistles in crucial moments because fans want to see a more climactic ending to the Super Bowl.

“That to me, in a regularseason game on third-and-7, that’s a flag. I don’t want the officials calling it any differently because it’s a tie game in the Super Bowl,” Hasselbeck said.

“The job is hard enough. Let’s not have them all of a sudden call it differently based on, ‘Hey it’s a tie game, everyone at home would like a close one.”’

Kansas City was able to essentially run out the clock after the flag, giving coach Andy Reid his second Super Bowl title, this one against the team that once fired him after he couldn’t win the big one in Philadelphia.

After Harrison Butker kicked a 27-yard field goal with 8 seconds remaining, the Eagles got the ball back with only the chance for a desperation heave from Hurts that didn’t get anywhere near the end zone.

enough pressure on Jalen Hurts in the Super Bowl.

Versatile cornerback L’Jarius Sneed and linebacker Willie Gay Jr also have one year left on their rookie deals, and the Chiefs would like to keep both of them around if the price is right. Both have become staples in the defence.

COME ON DOWN

The Chiefs are hosting the NFL draft for the first time in April and they’ll be hard-pressed to fare better than they did last year. They added long-term starters in cornerback Trent McDuffie and defensive end George Karlaftis, and role players in wide receiver Skyy Moore, linebacker Leo Chenal and defensive backs Jaylen Watson, Josh Williams and Bryan Cook.

BRONNY JAMES AMONG USA BASKETBALL PICKS FOR NIKE HOOP SUMMIT

COLORADO

SPRINGS, Colo. (AP)

— Bronny James, the son of NBA career scoring leader LeBron James, was one of 26 players announced yesterday as members of the USA Basketball rosters for this year’s Nike Hoop Summit.

The U.S. teams will play April 8 against international players at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. The international teams will be selected in the coming weeks, from pools of players representing FIBA Africa, FIBA Americas, FIBA Asia, FIBA Europe and FIBA Oceania.

It’ll be the first USA Basketball experience for Bronny James, a senior at California’s Sierra Canyon High. He has not yet announced his post-highschool plans.

All 12 of the other players for the U.S. men’s team have committed to schools, with Justin Edwards (Philadelphia) and DaJuan Wagner Jr. (Camden, New Jersey) choosing Kentucky and Jared McCain (Corona, California) and Sean Stewart (Windermere, Florida) going to Duke.

Eight other schools have one commit on the USA men’s team: Omaha Biliew (Omaha, Nebraska) is going to Iowa State; Blake Buchanan (Coeur d’Alene, Idaho) is going to Virginia; Isaiah

Collier (Marietta, Georgia) is going to Southern California; Eric Dailey Jr. (Tampa, Florida) is going to Oklahoma State; Ron Holland (Duncanville, Texas) is going to Texas; Jackson Shelstad (West Linn, Oregon) is going to Oregon; Ja’Kobe Walter (McKinney, Texas) is going to Baylor; and Cody Williams (Gilbert, Arizona) is going to Colorado.

WOMEN’S TEAM A trio of schools each had two commits chosen for the USA women’s team, which will be participating in the Hoop Summit for the first time.

Arizona has Breya Cunningham (Chula Vista, California) and Jada Williams (Kansas City, Missouri).

Connecticut has Kamorea “KK” Arnold (Germantown, Wisconsin) and Ashlynn Shade (Noblesville, Indiana). LSU has Aalyah Del Rosario (Danbury, Connecticut) and Mikaylah Williams (Bossler City, Louisiana).

Despite all the consternation surrounding what many considered a ticky-tack flag, Bradberry acknowledged he committed a penalty on the pivotal play.

“It was a holding,” Bradberry said.

“I tugged his jersey. I was hoping they would let it slide.”

Sliding was the theme of the afternoon, after all.

The Eagles’ pass rushers didn’t record a single sack in the Super Bowl after piling up an incredible 78 sacks on the season, including 10 in the playoffs.

Hurts and Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert were among the players who changed their cleats at halftime to get better traction.

“It’s not like we were playing on the on ice and they were playing on grass,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said.

“We all had to play on it, we all have to figure out our shoes.”

Indeed, the Chiefs were just as bothered by the slippery field.

Mahomes slipped while trying to make a cut, receiver Skyy Moore lost his footing on a jet sweep and both running back Isiah Pacheco and tight end

Travis Kelce slipped during touchdown celebrations.

The grass at State Farm Stadium is on a giant tray that is rolled in and out of the retractable-roof stadium. The field sits out in the Arizona sun on warm days and is brought back inside when it gets cold.

The Chiefs also had problems with the field in their season opener against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium when firstround pick Trent McDuffie tore a hamstring and went on IR and Butker got hurt.

This time, they kept their footing enough to pull out another 10-point secondhalf Super Bowl comeback. While Mahomes and Travis Kelce and Pacheco and Chris Jones were still celebrating in the confetti, running back Melvin Gordon, who never suited up for the Chiefs after signing with Kansas City’s practice squad following his midseason departure from Denver, tweeted: “talk about a long year ... y’all gave me something to smile about. Forever grateful. I’m a champion.” True, but it was like a kid signing his name to a group project just before it got turned in and getting full credit like his classmates who did all the work.

Somehow that seemed like a fitting end to a Super Bowl Sunday equally filled with cringe-worthy points and memorable moments.

Tyreek Hill along with one in the fifth, one in the sixth and two in the seventh.

The Chiefs could use more help at wide receiver, regardless of whether Smith-Schuster signs elsewhere. They also could use another offensive tackle given Brown’s contract status and with Wylie becoming a free agent.

AS FOR COACH

KANSAS City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the

Their first pick is No. 31 with additional selections in the second and third rounds. They have two fourth-round picks thanks to their trade last year of

GSSSA

FROM PAGE 13

Also selected were Duke commit Jadyn Donovan (Upper Marlboro, Maryland); North Carolina State commit Zoe Brooks (Plainfield, New Jersey); Notre Dame commit Hannah Hidalgo (Merchantville, New Jersey); Oklahoma commit Sahara Williams (Waterloo, Iowa); USC commit Judea “Juju” Watkins (Sylmar, California); Stanford commit Sunaja “Nunu” Agara (Minneapolis); and Texas commit Madison Booker (Ridgeland, Mississippi).

HISTORY

The summit dates back to 1995 and has seen 253 past participants drafted into the NBA, with 90 top-10 selections and 14 No. 1 picks — including Cade Cunningham (2021), Zion Williamson (2019), Deandre Ayton (2018), Markelle Fultz (2017), Ben Simmons (2016), Karl-Anthony Towns (2015), Andrew Wiggins (2014), Anthony Bennett (2013), Anthony Davis (2012), Kyrie Irving (2011), John Wall (2010), Derrick Rose (2008), Andrea Bargnani (2006) and Elton Brand (1999).

Other alumni of the summit include: Kevin Garnett, Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker, Shane Battier, Kevin Durant, Kevin Love, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Bradley Beal and Tyler Herro.

time and just execute Anatol basketball,” and they will be okay. Although the Mystic Marlins managed to keep the deficit to at least 10 points a few times, the Timberwolves just stayed aggressive enough to hold onto the win in the fourth quarter.

In the absence of Young, Torrien Marshall carried the load with a game high 21 points. Ryan Lynes had eight and Jay-Onn Joseph had seven. Sammy Joseph contributed five and Bredon Williams had three.

Doris Johnson’s coach Kevon Spence said it was a difficult road for them after Young went down.

“We put a good game plan together, but early in the game, we lost our best scorer, who is the heart and pull of our team, especially on the offensive end,” Spence said. “That threw the game plan completely off.

“The guys were not used to carrying the load. But in the end, it was a good game. We tried our hardest, but it was difficult for us to pull it off.”

Spence said they are just praying for the best for Young, who appeared to have suffered a left ankle injury.

Senior girls Knights 48, Stingrays 34: Shamaraja Cummings had 16 and Shenell Stewart had 12 to help power CR Walker to an upset win and a berth into the finals.

Raynia Russell had eight, Brianna Hanna added seven and Valtinique Simmons chipped in with six as the Knights got a balanced

attack to preserve the win as they avenged their previous loss to the Stingrays by two points in their first meeting this year.

“It just feels good to beat CV Bethel. It was a good win for us,” said CR Walker’s coach Tia Rolle. “We know CI has a good defensive team and we have a good running team, so we expect it to be a good game.”

Geraniqua Bethel scored 16, Danielle McCoy had 12 and Trinity Bodie added seven, but it wasn’t enough for CV Bethel to avoid elimination.

CR Walker led 12-10 at the end of the first quarter. They opened a 29-17 margin at the half, but held a slim 34-26 at the end of the third and they used a 14-8 spurt in the fourth to seal the deal.

Junior boys Sharks 48, Raptors 29: LaQuare Collins and Malachi Cadeam provided a 1-2 punch with 15 and 11 points respectively to lift a spirited SC McPherson and coach Lacricia Swann to victory.

“It’s a good victory. We are very excited right now. To God be the glory. Great things he has done,” she said. “If we can come out with the same intensity and the same fire, we should be able to bring it home for SC.”

Kami Davis, who got six points to start the quarter, finished with eight. Emmit Smith added five, Aijah Pierre had four, Chrjstano Bodie had three and Malik Thompson contributed two.

The Sharks went up 17-7 after the first quarter, thanks to six each from Collins and Davis. They held onto a 28-20 margin at the half before extending it to 37-23 and they cruised in the fourth.

There were reports surfacing before the Super Bowl that the 64-year-old Reid, now a two-time champion, would contemplate retiring after the game. But he wasted no time brushing them off.

“I look in the mirror and I’m old. My heart, though, is young,” he said. “I’m good with what I’m doing right now.”

Chaddie Rolle scored seven, Marvin Bastian had six and both Jaime Pierre and Stanley Pratt had five each in a losing effort.

Junior girls Lions 26, Royals 23: In a hard-fought encounter, HO Nash prevailed to advance, despite not playing up to par, according to coach Patricia ‘Pattie’ Johnson.

“We came here with a game plan and the girls came out and played something else,” Johnson said. “I thought we were going to win rather easily, but we had one or two mishaps and some attitude problems that I am going to sort out right now,” she said. “Donald Davis did some good outside shooting. I was proud of those girls. But we got away. So I will take the win.”

Jada Frazer had eight, both Shaniyah Munroe and Shanovia Moxey had six apiece and Anthonique Pedican had five as they controlled the tempo of the game.

HO Nash opened a 6-2 lead at the end of the first quarter. They went up 18-6 at the half and stayed ahead 21-11 at the end of the third.

Kenisha Capron had 13 points, including nine as they made a gallant comeback in the fourth.

Latesha Wallace added six and Shandia Johnson chipped in with four, but it wasn’t enough as DW Davis got eliminated.

Today’s Championships 4pm - CH Reeves vs HO Nash (game one junior girls). DW Davis vs (game one junior boys).

CI Gibson vs CR Walker (game one senior girls).

CI Gibson vs Anatol Rodgers (game one senior boys).

KANSAS City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) leaves the field with his wife, Brittany Mahomes, after the NFL Super Bowl 57 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, February 12 in Glendale, Arizona.

(AP Photo/David J Phillip)

NFL Super Bowl 57 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday in Glendale, Arizona. The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35.

(AP Photo/David J Phillip)

BRONNY JAMES