02162023 NEWS AND SPORT

The Tribune

ARRESTS AT CARICOM

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

POLICE arrested activist Lincoln Bain as he and his supporters tried to demonstrate outside Baha Mar where regional leaders were

gathered ahead of CARICOM meetings. Mr Bain documented the protest on social media, going live on Facebook before his arrest. He claimed he and about 20 others were paid guests of Baha Mar.

He said they would not be protesting on the hotel’s premises but that the “street is ours” which is where he suggested they would gather.

Mr Bain was seen speaking privately with police as the number of supporters

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis last night called on Caribbean leaders to “seize the opportunity” to collaborate to make progress in areas of concern facing the region.

grew to a small group assembled on the sidewalk on the hotel’s property.

Supporters started to become upset when they saw barricades being put outside, some saying “a bunch of coward”. Mr Bain moved the

supporters away from the hotel’s entrance so he could explain what happened.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we just had an interesting experience dealing with the police just now. I mean they were just calling everyone in the world just now

have learned that inaction has its own costs and consequences.”

The three-day CARICOM event began yesterday and ends on Friday.

to just try to get some help because they said … that’s what Wayne Munroe said,

Mr Davis, who is also the chairman of CARICOM, told government heads at the official opening ceremony of the 44th CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting: “We

Dozens of Caribbean leaders and top officials from the US and Canada, including John Kerry, the former presidential candidate who now serves as the US special presidential

LINCOLN Bain pictured yesterday during the protest at Baha Mar. The leader of the Coalition of Independents was arrested.

Photo: Moise Amisial

PRIME Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davs opening CARICOM last night.

Photo: Austin Fernander

SCENES from the protest outside Baha Mar yesterday.

Photos: Moise Amisial

CARICOM chaos as Lincoln Bain and supporters arrested outside Baha Mar

with me but they wanted me to go to walk across street with them. I said I’m not going in no bush. They wanted me to go over there in the bush to talk ... Eventually decided that they will talk to me right here... He said ‘You all aren’t allowed to be here’. He said ‘did you get a permit?’ I said ‘no law requires us to get a permit.’ I said, ‘which law requires us to get a permit?’”

Mr Bain said after some back and forth with the officer about the issue, he told the officer that it is “illegal to interfere with a lawful assembly” adding that he showed the officer he was “a paying guest and many of us are paying guests” at Baha Mar.

However, the situation escalated when Deputy Commissioner Leamond Deleveaux arrived on the scene telling the group they needed to leave “now”.

Eventually, a number of officers took Mr Bain into a car while supporters shouted at officers, asking what he was being arrested for. A few supporters were pushed into other cars. Some people were on the ground as police arrested them.

It was not known why they were arrested.

During the incident, an officer in plain clothes grabbed a Tribune female reporter’s iPhone as she filmed what was going on.

After minutes of explaining to the individual that the woman was a reporter, the phone was returnedhowever, the officer did not explain why the phone was taken.

The Tribune then went across the street as police handcuffed a Lincoln Bain supporter. A man was heard saying, “Make sure their phone and things off”.

A few officers surrounded The Tribune’s male photographer at one point, however he was let go once it was explained he was with this newspaper and

LINCOLN BAIN, leader of the Coalition of Independents is seen here being lead away by police yesterday after he and his supporters were set to protest outside baha Mar.

Recently Mr Bain and his supporters have held protests focused on immigration issues. He told the police ‘it ws illegal to interfere with a lawful assembly.’, however, he and some others were arrested. Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe claimed the area (around the hotel) was being held as a’sterile’ area due to the presence of heads of state and in particular the Haitian President. Mr Bain and eight others were later charged with unlawful assembly, to which they all pleaded not guilty.

doing his job. This is not the first time Mr Bain has been in trouble with law enforcement.

In October 2022, he with several supporters were arrested outside the House of Assembly after scores of them were at Parliament Square demanding that the government tackle what

they deemed an “immigration crisis”.

Mr Bain and eight others were later charged in Magistrate’s Court with unlawful assembly and obstruction in connection with the protest.

All nine defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges against them.

Wayne Munroe, National

Security Minister, was contacted about the protest and how The Tribune staff was treated by police. He said the property had to be secured to the high-level event.

“The area is being held as a sterile area because of the presence of the heads there inclusive of the Haitian

President pro tem [at this time]. Issues of security are exceptions to every constitutional guaranteed right other than the Article 18 right to protection against forced labour,” Mr Munroe said.

“The RBPF and its law enforcement partners are discharging their security obligations with regard to

the Caricom meeting. You can search and find that the response is standard ... empowering irresponsible behaviour is not productive.” When it was pointed out that the police took a reporter’s cell phone away, he said: “They should have returned your phone.”

‘SHOCKED AND APPALLED’ AT JOURNALIST’S TREATMENT BY POLICE

HUMAN Rights Bahamas said it “is shocked and appalled” by reports that police officers confiscated the mobile phone of a local journalist and threatened another with arrest for attempting to report on a demonstration taking place at Baha Mar where officials were gathered ahead of a CARICOM Heads of Government meeting.

This comes after a Tribune reporter’s phone was taken by a police officer yesterday as she was filming Coalition of Independents supporters and the party’s leader Lincoln Bain who were demonstrating at the site. The phone was later returned. However, police also attempted to detain a Tribune photographer at one point as he was taking photos of the incident.

Mr Bain and several supporters were arrested yesterday.

“The media is on the front line when it comes to preserving the integrity of our democratic institutions and defending the public’s right to know,”

Human Rights Bahamas [HRB] said in a statement.

“Theirs is a sacred role in any free and open society and reporters should not be impeded in the execution of their duties in any way by agents of the state, especially when operating in public areas where any member of the public has a lawful right to move around freely, film or take photographs.

“State agencies that seek to hinder and obstruct the free media and intimidate and silence reporters are to be condemned for engaging in authoritarian,

anti-democratic behaviour. All Bahamians expect better of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the force’s leadership should be ashamed.”

The group called for a full apology from Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander “to those reporters whose rights were abused and to the media in general”.

The group said the public should be aware that there is no law prohibiting anyone from photographing or filming law enforcement in the execution of their duties. This includes police, immigration and defence force officers.

“The same is true of any civil servant, provided you do not violate another person’s confidentiality rights – for example by filming in a public medical facility,” HRB said. “A landowner may also apply restrictions to filming on their private property. But in general, members of the public can take pictures or record anything in plain view from a public space, including public officials.

“Particularly if you see officers engaged in brutality, corruption or other abuse, or if you suspect that some kind of abuse is about to take place, it is not just your right to

record evidence and bear witness – it is your duty as a member of this society.”

Human Rights Bahamas said while it applauds the professionalism and bravery of all law enforcement officers, “in The Bahamas,

like anywhere else in the world, when there are opportunities for abuse of power, such abuses are bound to occur”.

“It is illegal for the police or immigration to confiscate your property

because you have filmed or photographed them. They have no lawful right to prevent you from recording their activities or force you to delete your recordings,” the advocacy group said.

Photo: Moise Amisial

Pope: there needs to be a humane

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

Supreme Court ruled that demolition of shanty town properties and evictions of residents can resume after a judge lifted a previous injunction when

US CANDIDATE for director general of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Amy Pope spoke with The Tribune yesterday concerning the issues surrounding irregular migration, especially in view of the situation in Haiti. Mrs Pope stressed the urgency for there to be an international response to Haiti’s instability, as she described migration

and respond to pressures the government is facing in areas such as migration policy, impacted communities, border management, and to provide technical expertise.

Additionally, the official expressed gratitude to be in the country during

One of the issues she said she would like to discuss is the impact of climate change in the region, suggesting there needs to be more preparation.

“The impact of climate change on human mobility, especially in this region. There’s no question that’s going to be a major factor. So, the more that we can start to prepare, adapt, mitigate, plan for the impact that it will have on people throughout the community. I think the better off we will be,” she said.

Mrs Pope mentioned the devastation hurricanes have caused to many people throughout the region by destroying homes or even

She continued: “Think about the hurricanes coming through, it destroys people’s homes, it destroys their livelihoods. For many people, they have no other

“The second you think about rising sea levels, people’s homes are going to be disappearing, their way of living is going to be eradicated.

She said: “My approach is to focus on the people and what will impact people. So, if you look at any community, you need

respecting their human dignity?”

She pointed out many migrants are mothers, children, and people who

“The goal is really to create ways for migrants, so that they’re not just a burden on the system, but to ensure that there

port IOM is able to provide The Bahamas in addressing the country’s immigration crisis Mrs Pope said the organisation is here to support

“So, when people don’t have a home to go back to and they don’t have a job to do, it creates one conflict over scarce resources, but it also creates drive for migration. So, we need to be thinking ahead of time, how can we build resilience here in the Caribbean.”

NOTICE: ROAD CLOSURES AND DIVERSIONS

A SERIES of road closures and diversions for today were announced late last night by the Office of the Prime Minister.

The changes will take place between 4pm and 11pm.

The closures are: Frederick Street between Bay and Princess Streets; Parliament Street between Bay and East Hill Street; East Hill Street between East Street and Peck Slope; Shirley Street

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between East and Frederick Streets; Market Street between Duke Street and School Lane; Baillou Hill Road between Dillet and Cumberland Streets; Dillet Street between Baillou Hill Road and Hospital Lane; Market Street between Bay Street and Duke Street; and George Street between Duke Street and King Street.

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will be diverted west on Dillet Street; traffic travelling east on Meeting Street will be diverted south on Hospital Lane; and traffic travelling west on Shirley Street will be diverted north and south on East Street. Local traffic leaving from the following streets will be diverted east out of the area: George Street, Market Street North, Frederick Street, Charlotte Street, Parliament Street and Bank Lane.

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in the Caribbean being at an “unprecedented” level and a “surge”.

PM kicks off CARICOM meetings last night

from page one

envoy for climate and Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, are in the country to attend the highlevel meeting.

Many of them were present at last night’s opening ceremony at Atlantis resort and some even brought remarks - among them was newly elected Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance Drew and CARICOM Secretary General Dr Carla Barnett.

Dr Barnett said this year’s meeting was particularly special because CARICOM was celebrating its 50th anniversary of the community this year, which happens to coincide with The Bahamas’ 50th independence anniversary. She said: “This is the year when we commemorate the vision we created, the courage had, and the legacy left by those who went before us. It is the year when we renew or commitment to the community and enrich this unique legacy for those who will follow us.”

“This meeting provides

us with an opportunity to make long lasting decisions for our peoples for the next 50 years and beyond.”

The high-level meetings will include discussions on climate change, irregular migration, assistance for Haiti and food and energy security.

Last night, Mr Davis repeated that the crisis in Haiti required urgent attention and said it was his hope that all can come to an agreement on what action needs to be taken to stabilise Haiti.

“The turmoil and suffering there continue to worsen,” he said. “As a near neighbour, The Bahamas is under great strain, and many other countries in our region are also heavily impacted.”

“We will all benefit if Haiti is again a fully-functioning state.”

“We should learn from the failures of past efforts to help, rather than use those disappointments as an excuse for inaction. I pray that we can agree a series of concrete steps to help move towards a solution for the Haitian

people, and the region as a whole.”

He also addressed the issue of climate change and reminded government heads of its threat to the region.

“Even though we in the CARICOM region are especially vulnerable to the rising sea levels and temperatures, erosion of our coastal communities, and hurricanes which are more frequent and more intense, by working together, we show that we are not powerless,” he added.

“I have no doubt that in joining our voices last year to present an agreed position at COP27, we helped to influence the shift in position relating to ‘Loss and Damage’ arising from the impact of climate change.”

“There is also genius amongst us. The Bridgetown Initiative, which proposes reforms to the Global Financial Architecture, is a shining example of how this region has much to contribute to solving critical international issues.”

The prime minister also

highlighted the issue of gun smuggling and human trafficking, while calling on the Caribbean community to join hands to crack down on these illegal activities.

“Let us seize the opportunity provided by this meeting, to make concrete progress in each of these areas,” he added.

“We must remain alive to the possibilities.”

Mr Davis also reminded leaders that they were stronger when they worked together to achieve a common goal.

He added: “Whether the issues are old or new, in order to make lasting progress, we must address and promote our narrow national self-interests firmly within the framework of the interests of us all.”

“None of us will be safe until we are all safe. None of us will develop sustainably or securely, if we leave our neighbours behind.”

“None of us will truly prosper if our resources are forever taxed by the poverty and instability of those nearby. Going it alone will not work.”

BOSTWICK RECEIVES CARICOM TRIENNIAL AWARD FOR WOMEN

By

DAME Janet Bostwick was last night awarded the CARICOM Triennial Award for Women, becoming the 13th recipient to receive such a prestigious award.

She was presented with the award by Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis, who is also the chairman of CARICOM, during the official opening ceremony of the 44th CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting. The event was held at Atlantis resort.

The award is bestowed every three years and honours contributions in a wide range of fields of endeavours, including agriculture, economics, law, politics, gender and development, religion, public service and trade unionism.

While giving remarks, Dame Janet expressed gratitude for the honour and thanked her relatives, close friends and former colleagues for their support.

She also extended a heartfelt thanks to former Cabinet minister Frankie Campbell and Dr Jacinta Higgs for recommending her to receive the award and also, to the CARICOM community for selecting her, adding “I am grateful.”

Dame Janet also called for women to remain focused when fighting for the rights of women, saying “it is a battle that is still too far from victory”.

“It is a battle which in my humble opinion is not receiving the acknowledgment, attention and action that is required to ensure that the injustice is eliminated,” she added.

“We cannot afford to give precedent to the rise of others if we do not first successfully address and eliminate the inequities that exist throughout our diaspora and indeed, throughout the world in

respect to the rights of us women. Dame Janet said that while much has been accomplished, more still needs to be done.

However, she noted that achieving gender inequality was not the only issue that deserved increased attention and also spoke to the threat of climate change.

“With the real threat of climate change, we must fight now for our very lives and continue the existence of our nations and women who are always the most vulnerable should lead this fight,” Dame Janet continued.

She then singled out Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, saying the Caribbean community was blessed to have her lead the fight against climate change.

“And we are so proud because she is a woman but all of us must do our part,” she also said.

“The lives of our children are at stake. We must take personal responsibility to ensure that our actions lead to the decrease of carbon emissions in our own countries and to guard against pollution of our waters by ourselves.”

Dame Janet was named the recipient for the CARICOM award in 2021.

She became politically active in 1976 as a member of the Free National Movement (FNM) and was the first woman elected to the House of Assembly.

She was also the first woman to act as Prime

Minister and served as deputy to the Governor General on two occasions.

In 2019, she received her appointment as Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire at an investiture at Buckingham Palace in 2019.

ABOVE: Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis opening the CARICOM meetings last night.

BELOW: The Bahamas National Youth Choir were among several cultural displays at the opening ceremony.

Photos: Austin Fernander

LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

DAME janet Bostwick receiving flowers from Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis during the opening ceremony of CARICOM at Atlantis resort last night. She was awarded the CARICOM Triennal Award for Women

Photo: Austin Fernander

The Tribune Limited

Journalists must not be impeded in their duties

THE start of CARICOM began with a very disturbing call to The Tribune yesterday.

As was expected, the beginning of the conference was marked by a protest involving members of the Coalition of Independents – whose leader, Lincoln Bain, was arrested yesterday during the protest.

Tribune staff members were there to cover the protest – as you would expect. There have been a number of these protests by now, and Mr Bain made a point to hold another just as a number of regional and world leaders were arriving for the conference in The Bahamas.

But the call that came to The Tribune reported that first one police officer had taken a phone belonging to one of our reporters away – and then another member of staff was threatened with arrest for taking photographs.

The situation began with Mr Bain and his supporters being reportedly told by officers that they did not have a permit to hold a protest – to which he countered that no permit was needed and that it was a lawful assembly.

Mr Bain was detained along with several other supporters as the situation became heated. In the middle of that, our reporter’s phone was grabbed by a police officer as she filmed what was going on.

After several minutes of explanation, the phone was returned without explanation of why it was confiscated.

A Tribune photographer on the scene was also stopped by officers but let go once he explained he worked for our newspaper.

Both members of staff were simply doing their job – reporting on the conference build-up and the protest outside.

The National Security Minister, Wayne Munroe, said when contacted that security issues “are exceptions to every constitutional guaranteed right” other than protection against forced

labour, and said the area was “being held as a sterile area”.

The limits of that area have not been defined to the public, nor did Mr Munroe address what security issues there were from reporters outside the venue recording a public demonstration. Of which, of course, there were none.

Activist group Human Rights Bahamas was quick to spell out that the role of the media “is a sacred role in any free and open society” and added that “reporters should not be impeded in the execution of their duties in any way by agents of the state”.

The group also pointed out that of course journalists have no special rights in this matter – anyone can photograph or film law enforcement in the execution of their duties, especially in a public space as was the case in this instance.

No one would deny that protecting our streets, and our nation, can be a challenge for police officers.

Seeing the catalogue of violence that officers face on a regular basis, including the nation’s murder count, is a constant and solemn reminder of the dangers at hand. Given that concerns over safety have reached all the way to the Prime Minister’s office, with death threats reportedly being issued, then safety is absolutely an important issue.

But we must always be mindful that in protecting our people, we must also protect our rights.

Mr Munroe speaks of exceptions to those rights – but that must be a last resort not a first step.

The Tribune will continue to report wherever and whenever necessary. And there should never be a need for journalists going about their duties in a normal fashion to face the threat of arrest or the confiscation of their property.

Those are the rights that elevate our nation – and they should be defended, not ignored.

FNM, tell the truth

EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE FNM needs to tell the truth. It was interesting to see the barrage of letters that flooded your column a few weeks ago in response to the Mackey Street Man’s opinion on who should lead the FNM into the next general election. The litany of letters to the editors seemed so insubstantial and offered no real substantive case in support of Mr Pintard’s leadership, other than he is not Dr Minnis.

The Free National Movement, as an organisation, has still not faced the truth and squared up with the Bahamian people as to why they lost the last election.

Because it is convenient, they are dropping the whole bus on the past leader. How jokey! And I say it’s jokey because they seem to be in denial or trying to avoid some things at all cost, hoping to squeak by and get back into the good graces of the Bahamian people. But people are not as fool as they make us out to be.

On the one hand, the party had a chairman in Carl Culmer who, in my opinion, was disastrous and, because he was no match for the PLP chairman on the simplest things, he seemed to turn the fire-power he should have used on Mr Mitchell and the PLP on

the members of his own party and singlehandedly destroyed the innards of the FNM to the point that it was totally dysfunctional and in no shape to wage war against the PLP. It was claimed that he was known to be notorious for destroying the characters of his own Free National Movement members of Parliament in the public domain and creating rifts between MPs, associations, and supporters. In my opinion he was one of the PLP’s greatest gifts. Now, after being rewarded handsomely by Dr Minnis with important contracts, he quickly and without shame did a Brutus on Dr Minnis and is now seen latched to Mr Pintard like a tapeworm.

On the next hand, FNM’s cannibalised and destroyed each other because of greed. They didn’t have time to fight the PLP because they were too busy scrapping for contracts and favours, and doing each other in, in the public and in private. This was the PLP’s second greatest gift. All the PLP and their supports had to do was join the already shrill FNM chorus and help raise the temperature. But nothing is said about this.

Right now, the most of the very same characters are Mr Pintard’s

biggest “supporters”, but not because they really like or believe in him. They live in this newly arranged marriage because they need him as much as he needs them. In actuality, you talk to most, and they will admit they are still not sure if Mr Pintard is the best that they can get and would like an alternative. But they are hoping on a prayer because they’ve already shown their hands to Minnis and, for pride, can’t or refuse to go back. What they do, they do because have no other choice right now. I guess to save face they have to press on and do their best to prop up Mr Pintard. But the Free National Movement can try to fool itself all it wants by using Dr Minnis as the scapegoat. He was only a fraction, and this is the shameful part of it. The majority of the fraction are now singing a new song for supper. There’s a saying, those who don’t learn from the past are sure to repeat it. Mr Pintard will be wise to learn and, in his apparent dislike for Dr Minnis, don’t make the mistake of thinking it was all Dr Minnis’ fault. There is nothing further from the truth. So, tell the truth, the whole truth.

ANT CLEAR Nassau, February 15, 2023.

EDITOR, The Tribune.

WE, THE Committee to Honour Elisha Obed, our first World Champion in an Independent Bahamas, formally make a request to government to name the East West Highway, The Elisha Obed Highway.

This is a very prestigious move but also one that is far overdue for this “people’s champion”, who have gone on. This man won a World Championship in 1975, only two years after we became an independent country. And although he was a humble man, we want to honour him and recognise him for what he did back in 1975.

Other countries in the Caribbean have honoured their sports heroes with even greater accolades than naming a street after them. But very few have taken on the mantle to elevate a young country to a world sporting platform by winning a world championship. Incidentally only 12 countries had a WBC Champion, and the Bahamas was one out of 12. A feat far beyond its time. We need to recognise him for our generations, by this simple act of appreciation.

Just look at other countries, Herb Mckenley and Arthur Wint who won Medals in the Olympics for Jamaica were honoured in a big way by their country. The two streets named after these gold Medal winners run into each other. Also Don Quarrie has a school

named after him in Jamaica and a statue is in front of the National Stadium. Look at Usain Bolt, they have renamed a highway after him already. Jamaica knows how to honour its own.

In Trinidad, Hasely Crawford, who was their first Olympic Champion. They named a Stadium after him and a Highway. Brian Lara, a world class cricketer from Trinidad, he too was honoured by his country. Their pole vaulter in the Olympics also had a street named after him. Also their Boxer Claude Noel, who won the World Light heavyweight championship in 1981 has a street named after him.

So why can’t The Bahamas name a Highway after Elisha Obed. The list goes on and on with countries in the Caribbean who have honoured their sporting legends with naming of streets, or schools or stadium.

Look at Kirani James, they have named a highway after him when he won in the Olympics.

All we are asking for is for our government to recognise the magnitude of what Elisha Obed did and honour his legacy with the naming of the East-West Highway. Surely this can’t be too much for such a noble and magnanimous feat.

Elisha Obed was born to a Bahamian family, Mr and Mrs Ferguson, on the 21st February, 1951, on the island of New Providence. He started boxing at the age of six and soon developed a knack for the sport. Many around him noticed that he had a passion for the sport and many volunteered to train him.

After winning numerous titles and awards in the sport, Elisha went on to winning the WBC World Boxing Championship on November 14, 1975, two years after The Bahamas became an Independent country. His motorcade from the airport after winning that championship was one of the biggest spectacles this country has ever seen.

Elisha then came home to defend his title before his home crowd. He went on to defend his title another time before finally losing the crown. But history was already made. Internationally they referred to Elisha Obed as an Icon. Locally we have failed to give him his true accolades.

Now with the naming of the East-West Highway, the Elisha Obed Highway, we will begin to right the wrong that has been done.

WELLINGTON MILLER, Chairman, The Committee to Honour Elisha Obed Former president, Bahamas Olympic Committee.

DAME Janet Bostwick at the opening ceremony of the CARICOM meeting at Atlantis last night, where she received the CARICOM Triennial Award for Women.

Photo: Austin Fernander

Gibson: NIB increase inevitable to save fund

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings @ tribunemedia.net

SHANE Gibson said the proposed National Insurance Board rate increase is inevitable, saying that rescuing the fund comes down to increasing contributions.

In recent weeks, there has been much public discourse regarding the state of the fund after the State Minister with responsibility for NIB, Myles Laroda revealed that the government will soon announce its decision on whether NIB contribution rates will increase or not.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis insisted that the government has not finalised a decision, deeming it a last resort to place an additional financial burden on society’s poor working class.

However, the Nassau Guardian reported last week that Cabinet had greenlit a rate increase which is believed to take effect on July 1. In an exclusive interview with The Tribune yesterday, the former Labour and NIB minister said the fund has been underfunded for a “long time”, calling the rate increase long overdue.

With the contribution rate not increased since 2010, Mr Gibson said various governments did not want to lose political favour, however, he noted that there must be an increase to sustain the fund.

“There is nothing else they (the government) could do,” he said yesterday.

“The only two ways you get the money is to yield on your investments and the contributions you collect, right? Even if every single employer and every single employee was compliant, you would still need to increase the rate in order to take care of your future obligations.”

He continued: “And so if you listen to those critics, they will be very vague and say, ‘Oh, the prime minister promised that he would do everything to make sure it doesn’t happen.’ He (the prime minister) needs to look at alternative ways,

but he looked at alternative ways, but there are no alternative ways.

“I’d say this is something not just that this administration was faced with. Every administration from the time National Insurance was implemented was faced with the same question as to when do you increase the rates and how to increase them.

“If you don’t increase it, then it will be even more detrimental to all who will look at collecting long-term and short-term benefits over the next couple of years,” he added.

When he was contacted yesterday, Mr Gibson called the rate increase a “painful exercise”, saying the pain will be greater if the government fails to implement the increase.

He also noted that the fund has never been adequately contributed to since inception, hence its current viability.

With many residents opposed to the increase, due to the agency’s discrepancies, Mr Gibson said the good outweighs the bad.

He said: “I have heard and seen personally of a few bad experiences that persons had with National Insurance. But I’ve seen many, many, many, many good experiences, and the good experience far outweighs the bad experience. And you cannot make a policy based on a few bad decisions. You have to make policy decisions based on what is overall best for the position.”

While acknowledging the failures of NIB, Mr Gibson said these circumstances should not deter the government or residents from supporting the rate increase.

“I do agree there are some issues at National Insurance that need to be sought out in terms of timeliness of payments and tracking information properly and contributions,” he told this newspaper yesterday.

“There are several issues that need to be dealt with but that should not stop the rate from going up because it has nothing to do with the rate going up because if the rate doesn’t go up

IMMIGRATION PROBE OVER BARBER SHOP INCIDENT ‘CONCLUDED BY NEXT WEEK’

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

IMMIGRATION

Min-

ister Keith Bell said he is hoping that an investigation into a video involving two alleged immigration officers assaulting two Haitian barbers last week will be concluded by next week.

He said once the investigation has ended, officials will be able to determine their next course of action and also speak to how the matter will be addressed.

“The matter is under investigation and hopefully, by next week or so once we hear from police, obviously there is some administrative matters that we’re looking at and I’ll be able to give you a better indication as to how it will be dealt with,”

Mr Bell told reporters on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of CARICOM last night.

Recently, a video circulated showing two men wearing immigration officer uniforms slapping and hitting the barbers several times.

At one point, one of the men is seen falling to the ground after being slapped in the head.

The victims have been identified as Gary Philius and Wilfort Senatés, two Haitian nationals who have legal work permits and have been working at Adam’s Barbershop in the Bacardi Road area.

The Tribune spoke to the men earlier this week to get their account of what happened.

the experience will be even worse.”

There have been ongoing discussions as to whether the government will decide to increase NIB contributions.

This newspaper exclusively reported in April that the 11th actuarial review of the National Insurance Board predicted the fund could be depleted by 2028.

That report had reduced the fund’s potential depletion timeline by one year, as the 10th review had made a prediction of 2029. It also recommended NIB increase the contribution rate by two percent and continue increases every two years until 2036.

According to them, sometime around 11am Saturday, two men wearing immigration officer uniforms came into the barber shop to check the status of their work permits.

However, the alleged officers became physical with the men shortly after entering the barber shop. They said the altercation left them traumatised.

The incident was captured on video and has since gone viral, sparking public outrage.

When asked about how officers ought to conduct themselves, Mr Bell — while refusing to comment specifically on the incident in question — said the right to use force must always be justified.

“I am very proud of immigration officers,” he added. “I think that coming from my background in law enforcement, I know only too well that we have to wait for the full story and there has to be an investigation and certainly, our constitution guarantees the presumption of innocence.

“Well, of course, the right to use force must always be justified and so I will wait for the investigation, and I’ve spoken with the director. I’ve spoken with my permanent secretary and we’re going to wait to see what the police does.”

He also could not say if he was surprised when he watched the video and told reporters “I’ve seen many... things in a number of videos. I don’t wish to comment on it until the investigation is completed.”

FORMER Minister of Labour Shane Gibson.

“IT IS something which is very healthy and something which is very much in keeping with the democratic spirit of the country to periodically examine the Constitution and make changes which are likely to be to the benefit of the country over the long term.” – Sean McWeeney, chair, 2013 Constitutional Commission.

IT IS curious and ironic that quite a number of those who express the view that our Constitution “requires no changes” also fetishise the US system of government and the country’s constitution, “the oldest written national constitution currently in effect”.

Entered into force in 1789, the US Constitution has been amended 27 times. The first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, were certified in 1791.

The Constitution is sometimes confused with the 1776 Declaration of Independence, which famously declared: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Six men, including Benjamin Franklin, were signatories to both the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence 11 years earlier. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were signatories of the Declaration but not the Constitution, while George Washington was a signatory of the latter but not the former.

When was the last time the US Constitution was amended? It may surprise many that it was last amended in 1992, after Michigan approved the 27th Amendment in May of that year.

“The … Amendment required any change to the rate of compensation for members of the US Congress to take effect only after the subsequent

Constitution matters and questions

election in the House of Representatives.”

Intended to curtail political corruption, this Amendment was finally realized a record-setting 202 years after it was originally proposed. The Twenty-sixth Amendment extending suffrage or voting rights to citizens 18 or older was finally ratified only in 1971. Before that one had to be at least 21 years old to vote.

The Twenty-fifth Amendment that “set forth succession rules relating to vacancies and disabilities of the office of the president and of the vice president” was proposed in 1965 by the US Congress and was ratified in 1967.

The Founders knew that the US Constitution contained compromises – including over slavery –and deficiencies requiring amending over time.

Franklin, a cunning and wily driving force behind the new republic, implored his fellow delegates to sign the document, asking those, “who may still have Objections” to “on this Occasion doubt a little of his own Infallibility”.

Thirty-nine delegates signed. But three, George Mason, Elbridge Gerry and Edmund Randolph refused, in part because the Convention, which lasted a little over 100 days, refused to draft a Bill of Rights, among other concerns.

Even among those who signed there was a recognition of the glaring hypocrisy of the document juxtaposed to the realities of human bondage in the Republic. Half of the delegates at the Convention were slave owners. The libertine Franklin, borrowing a well-known aphorism, which he often did for his speeches and almanacs, quipped: “Our new Constitution is now established, everything seems to promise it will be durable; but, in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.”

Franklin, who enjoyed a

friendship with philosopher David Hume, died in Philadelphia in 1790 at the age of 80. He did not live to see the certification of the Bill of Rights. Unlike The Bahamas Constitution, which requires a national referendum for certain amendments, “the framers of the US Constitution included a provision whereby the document may be amended, generally (though not solely) by a two-thirds majority of each house of Congress followed by ratification by legislatures in three-fourths of the states.”

However, the Twentyfirst Amendment which repealed Prohibition, was alternatively ratified through “ratifying conventions in three-fourths of the states.”

Constitutions are not sacred nor Holy Writ in the sense that they are handed down by a supreme being. They are human inventions, reflecting the interests, prejudices, and strengths and weaknesses of their drafters. They are written in the context of their times, which the brilliant autodidact Franklin fully appreciated.

No living American personally knew a signatory of their constitution. As a young independent nation, many of us were fortunate to personally know delegates to the

Independence Constitution Conference.

Five of them are still living: Sir Arthur Foulkes, Sir Orville Turnquest, George Smith, Philip Bethel and Loftus Roker.

Our constitutional reform process was poisoned by naked and self-serving partisan politics. Having voted for the various referendum questions in the House of Assembly in 2002, the PLP then opposed the questions in the lead-up to the impending general election in the name of “process”, a strategy cum ruse to help defeat Hubert Ingraham and the FNM.

This pretext played a major role in the unnecessary and over politicisation of the process of constitutional reform, which has also occurred in other jurisdictions. The 2016 gender equality referendum was doomed to failure.

Three years earlier in 2013, Prime Minister Perry Christie held a popular vote on various gaming questions, which was not a constitutional matter. He blatantly ignored the popular vote, further poisoning the process. Mr Christie also proposed a popular vote on oil exploration.

When asked if the failure of the 2002 referendum hurt Bahamian women, Mr. Christie dismissively and insensitively said no.

When such a process is debased, it makes change,

including change on less controversial matters, more difficult. The 2013 Commission Report offered:

“Faced with the choice of reform or radical departure, the Commission, for the most part, opted for the former. The Commission is of the view that while the time may come for reforms that will include re-writing and re-enacting the Constitution, we have not yet attained the level of public debate, constitutional study, nor public support that would make such an effort worthwhile.”

A recent interview with Sean McWeeney in The Nassau Guardian offered the jurist’s view on the current possibilities for reform: “I for one have always suggested we might want to start with things that are really not all that grand, changes that are important but aren’t earth shattering.

“For example, people are living generally a lot longer than they did before,’ he said, adding that increasing the retirement age of judges would be a good place to start without the other controversial questions attached.”

The Commission made numerous recommendations, some of which most Bahamians are likely to agree.

There are a number which may improve governance and place certain limits on the Executive, which many, if not most Bahamians, may approve. But the political class may be reluctant because it reduces their power and influence.

By example, “The Commission recommends that there should be a limit on the size of Cabinet, and would suggest that the upper limit should be 15. It also makes the point that it does not seem to be the intention of Article 72(2) that every minister should be a member of the Cabinet although the historical practice in The Bahamas has always been to treat ministers as automatic members of the Cabinet.”

Further, “Limits should be placed on the number of MPs and Senators who could be appointed as Parliamentary Secretaries (pursuant to article 81 of the Constitution) and Ministers of State (junior ministers).

“The potentially overlapping roles of Parliamentary Secretaries and junior ministers should also be clarified. As it stands, there is no constitutional provision which speaks to the appointment of junior ministers.”

And a recommendation at which some politicians may especially balk: “The Commission recommends the establishment of the office of Contractor General as a public office, with security of tenure, along the lines of the Auditor General. Such a person would be responsible for overseeing the award of Government contracts and ensuring that public funds are expended fairly and that value is received for money expended.”

The 2013 Commission did tremendous work that should be revisited, along with public education on the Constitution, which is an ongoing and involved process. Instead of the ad nauseam and tedious replaying of certain events on the Parliamentary Channel as well as its gross underutilization, the Channel can be transformed into a C-SPAN-like platform found in the United States.

It might be rebranded the Bahamas Civics and History Channel featuring parliamentary debates, civil society events and novel, well-produced programming on civics, history, government and the Constitution.

Such a channel may be utilised for students in the school system as well as for public education on various areas of national life, with original programming designed, written, directed and produced by Bahamian creatives, documentarians and writers.

BENJAMIN Franklin is a revered figure as one of the signatories of the US Constitution.

SEAN McWeeney has suggested increasing retirement age of judges would be a good place to start on Constitutional changes.

FISHING HOLE ROAD IN URGENT NEED OF REPAIR BY MOW; GBPA PREPARES TEMPORARY ROAD

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A GRAND Bahama Port Authority official said it is critical that the government hire a contractor to commence remedial work to resolve the issues at the Fishing Hole Road causeway in Hawksbill Creek because the temporary service road is prone to deterioration during bad weather.

Troy McIntosh, deputy director and city manager at GBPA, said they are aware of the concerns of the motoring public regarding the conditions at the service road, and have taken steps to provide additional grading at the site. He noted that the GBPA has been aware of residents’ concerns over the safety of the bridge at the FHR since last December.

Mr McIntosh said that the Port Authority had engaged with the Ministry of Works over the past few months to investigate the issue at the causeway, particularly the portion of concrete surface within the structure.

“The Ministry of Works has done an assessment of the same with the view of determining the necessary corrective actions that will be taken to remedy the situation,” he said.

He explained that while waiting for the ministry to conclude the investigation and begin remedial work, in early December 2022 the GBPA began preparations to close the bridge at a cost of $20,000. They also spent an additional $5,000 to grade the service road to be used as an alternative route to safeguard motorists, he said.

“Stakeholders were

advised that the above temporary measure can easily deteriorate due to unfavourable weather conditions,”

Mr McIntosh said. “Thus, the importance of the Ministry of Works engaging a contractor to begin remedial works is critical.

“The government is aware of our concern, and we will continue to liaise with them with respect to when such work will commence. In the interim, we are cognizant of the concerns of the motoring public and will once again expend resources for additional grading of the service road that is temporarily being used during the Fishing Hole Road causeway’s closure,” Mr McIntosh said.

Last December, the FHR bridge/causeway was closed as a result of the hazardous driving conditions experienced and

NO BAIL FOR ACCUSED OF ARMED ROBBERY OF MAN AT ATM MACHINE

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

engineering issues in the road construction.

During that time, Luther Smith, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Works, had informed The Tribune that the causeway would undergo emergency remediation work over the next two months. However, the causeway remains closed. He had confirmed that an agreement was reached with GBPA to close the road, and in the meantime, the Port would prepare the secondary road to provide access to motorists travelling to and from west Grand Bahama. He said there were a combination of issues there: an immediate oil slick and other environmental hazards, as well as an engineering issue in that the road was covered with concrete rather than an asphalt surface.

ISLAND BAY PHASE III CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION

P.O. BOX F-42040, FREEPORT, GRAND BAHAMA

CONTACT PHONE 242-646-7888 maureen.hamill01@gmail.com

Island Bay Phase III Condominium Association, the body corporate for and on behalf of Island Bay Phase III Condominiums, does hereby ofer for sale by virtue of its charge held over the hereinafer described Apartment Unit, made between the said body corporate of the one part and the owner of the other part, and now lodged for record in the Registry of Records in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas:

ALL THAT ONE BEDROOM CONDO BEING APARTMENT UNIT 113A ISLAND BAY PHASE III CONDOMINIUM SITUATED IN THE CITY OF FREEPORT IN THE ISLAND OF GRAND BAHAMA.

Such condo is sold “AS IS” and may be viewed by appointment made with the manager of the said Island Bay Phase III Association, contact details listed above.

All ofers should be sealed bids in writing and should be tendered on or before March 15, 2023 to Caferata & Co., at P.O. Box F-42614, or drop of at Caferata & Co. ofces Poinciana and West Mall Drive, Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas.

A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday after being accused of robbing a man of his phone and ATM cards at knifepoint.

Michael Johnson, 30, appeared before Senior Magistrate Derence A Rolle Davis on a charge of armed robbery.

J Johnson along with James Simeon, 21, faced a charge of receiving.

It is alleged that on February 9 in New Providence while armed with a knife, Johnson robbed Islove Lucin of $8 cash and a $500 iPhone 8 Plus. During this mugging it is said that the

thief ran off with Lucian’s Commonwealth Bank and Royal Bank of Canada bank cards.

On the same day, it is alleged that both accused were found by police with these stolen items. Due to the nature of the offence the accused were not required to enter a plea at this time. They were informed that this matter would be transferred to the Supreme Court by a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). The accused were further told that as the magistrate lacked the jurisdiction to grant them bail they had the right to apply for it through the higher court. The VBIs in this matter are set for service on April 11.

WOMAN ORDERED TO REPAY STORE $100 OF GROCERIES STOLEN

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A WOMAN was ordered to fully reimburse her former employer yesterday after she admitted to stealing more than $100 worth of groceries from Super Value.

Derenikia Forbes, 25, faced Magistrate Kendra Kelly on a charge of stealing

by reason of employment. She is accused of stealing $121.69 worth of inventory on February 9 while employed at Super Value. She pleaded guilty to the offence and the magistrate ordered that she fully reimburse Super Value for the theft. Forbes is further expected to complete 100 hours of community service.

MAN SENTENCED FOR TWO YEARS FOR THEFT OF $80

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was sentenced to two years in prison yesterday after he admitted to stealing cash in a housebreaking in Andros late last year.

Ambrose Gibson, 35, appeared before Magistrate Samuel McKinney on charges of burglary, stealing and receiving.

On September 17, 2022 in Andros, Gibson broke into the home of Brandon

Henley and stole $80 in cash.

In his latest court appearance, the accused reversed his earlier position and pleaded guilty to the burglary and stealing charges. As a result the receiving charge was withdrawn. The magistrate then sentenced Gibson to two years at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services for burglary. He also received a six-month sentence for the stealing charge, to be served concurrently.

Republican competition for presidential nominee warming up

WHAT state seems to be the centre of the American political universe these days? Some feel that it’s Florida, home now to both former president Donald Trump and his most talked-about potential heir, governor Ron DeSantis. The governor, aided by the Republicancontrolled legislature, is plowing headlong into one culture war after another, from packing with conservatives the board of trustees at quirky, progressive New College in Sarasota to casting doubt about school curricula that teach youngsters about the history of African-Americans.

Trump was the first to declare his candidacy for president in next year’s elections. He’s a full-time Floridian now, having abandoned his New York City roots while he was still living in the White House.

The nation’s third most populous state, Florida is still a prize worth fighting for in national elections, despite the conventional political wisdom that it has become a solidly red Republican state over the past decade or so.

But while Trump did launch his 2024 campaign for a return to the presidency in Florida, his most publicized early campaign event was in South Carolina. There, at the state capitol in Columbia, he was joined by the current governor and longtime ally Senator Lindsay Graham.

Now this week, South Carolina has returned to the political headlines with the announcement by former governor and UN ambassador Nikki Haley that she has joined the 2024 campaign. Having reversed an earlier pledge not to run next year if Trump were also in the race, Haley stuck to current conservative talking

STATESIDE

points in jumping into what will likely be a crowded race. She made headlines by reminding American voters that Republicans had actually lost the overall popular vote seven times in the past eight national elections, and “the time for new, younger leadership” was past due. Haley will be 52 years old on Inauguration Day next year.

Trump sounded rather gracious if narcissistic in commenting on Haley’s announcement: “Even though Nikki Haley said, ‘I would never run against my President, he was a great President, the best President in my lifetime,’ I told her she should follow her heart and do what she wants to do. I wish her luck!”

Trump may agree with

MEDIA UIET ON ‘ ABULIST’ EOR E SANTOS

A QUICK check of the national press the other day revealed something startling. There didn’t appear to be any stories about the now-infamous “fabulist”, George Santos, newly-elected member of the American House of Representatives from what is sometimes ranked as the fourth wealthiest per capita congressional district in the United States, New York’s 3rd district. It includes eastern parts of the New York City borough of Queens and some areas on the southwest shoreline of Long Island Sound.

How about “fabulist”, by the way? Talk about a euphemism! Omniscient Google defines fabulist as “a liar, especially a person who invents elaborate, dishonest stories”. Thus, the sensational Mr Santos is “a born fabulist, with an imagination unfettered by the laws of logic and probability”.

Maybe the media has turned to this term because the US just passed through a period when its president proved to be a convincing, serial liar. Maybe it’s because millions of his fans cling to the fiction that an election where they disagreed with the results was somehow “stolen”.

Anyhow, you already agree with that or not. Calling George Santos simply a liar doesn’t seem to be sufficient to describe the extent of his misrepresentation of the truth.

Consider the following, drawn from multiple news reports: According to ABC and CBS news, federal investigators are closely examining the newly elected Long Island Republican congressman, who revealed recently that he lied repeatedly during his successful campaign for the seat. Santos admitted this week that he does not hold degrees from Baruch College nor New York University, as he had stated, and that he had never worked directly for Citigroup nor Goldman Sachs, which he also had claimed. CNN reported that Santos had also lied about having ever attended the prestigious

Horace Mann prep school.

Just this week, the New York Times found $365,399.08 in unexplained 2022 campaign spending, with no record of where it went or for what purpose. “The mysterious expenditures, which list no recipient and offer no receipts, account for nearly 12 percent of the Santos campaign’s total reported expenses — many times exceeding what is typical for congressional candidates. Fellow New York House members, for example, failed to itemise between zero and 2 percent of their expenses this past cycle,” the Times reported. Santos has already been disavowed by Long Island’s Nassau County GOP, which is facing backlash following his election after two years of local party success. A handful of Republican members from the state’s House delegation have called on Santos to resign. 78% of voters – including more than 7 in 10 Republicans – in his 3rd Congressional District told pollsters he should resign, according to a recent survey. Santos refuses to do so. Other bizarre stories attached to this fabulist involve his possible performance in a drag show in Brazil; his posing as a disabled military veteran seeking funds for homeless dogs, and an unsubstantiated claim that his net

worth increased over tenfold from 2020 to 2022.

It’s no wonder his local GOP committee has disowned this man. What an embarrassment! Where was their due diligence?

Now, the party is scrambling in damage limitation mode. “He needs help,” Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said about Santos at a recent press conference. “This is not a normal person.”

In 2021, the GOP won the county’s open district attorney position. The woman who won that race said recently that “the numerous fabrications and inconsistencies associated with Congressman Santos are nothing short of stunning. The residents of Nassau County and other parts of the third district must have an honest and accountable representative in Congress. No one is above the law and if a crime was committed in this county, we will prosecute it.”

At the State of the Union address just over a week ago, Santos was rebuked by Utah senator Mitt Romney and apparently told a fib involving Arizona senator Krysten Sinema. Romney said afterward that “I don’t think he ought to be in Congress. It’s an embarrassment. If he had any shame at all, he wouldn’t be there.”

the many prognosticators who predict that he will enjoy the same good fortune running in a crowded field as he did during his successful run in 2016. While DeSantis has not yet announced, he is expected to join the race in June.

Trump’s former vicepresident, Mike Pence, will almost certainly oppose his old boss as well. Pence this week said he would fight

a subpoena from Special Counsel Jack Smith in Washington to testify in the Justice Department’s investigation into the US Capitol riots two years ago.

Pence likely sees this defiance as popular with a Republican base that still favours Trump.

Former Kansas congressman Mike Pompeo, Trump’s CIA director and Secretary of State, has lost a lot of weight and is all but certain to toss his

hat into the ring. He and Pence have stayed out of the headlines as much as they can during the past two years, writing memoirs and trolling for campaign contributions. But they’re likely to emerge in the months to come.

Another South Carolinian, black Republican senator Tim Scott, 57, may also join the race for the White House. Already a 10-year Senate veteran, Scott is a polished public speaker with a powerful personal story as he rose from poverty in Charleston. Scott is the first black senator elected from the southern US in over 130 years.

US president Joe Biden would certainly cast his vote for South Carolina as the American political bellwether. It was in that state’s 2020 primary election that his failing campaign got a huge shot in the arm from the endorsement of congressman James Clyburn and Biden won that primary election. Biden never looked back as he surged to victory in the general election.

In response, Biden has led the fight to move South Carolina to the front of the line of next year’s early primary election states. If his proposals are ratified, the Palmetto State will hold its Democratic presidential primary election on February 3, 2024, displacing New Hampshire and Iowa as the first state to do so. That’s less than a year from now.

with Charlie Harper

FORMER President Donald Trump was the first to announce his intent to run in the 2024 elections, but now others are beginning to come forward. Known as a Trump supporter, Nikki Haley is now announced as his competition, with the former vice-president Mike Pence and Florida governor Ron Desantis expected to announce their bids for the top job soon.

Photos: Charlie Neibergall(Pence)/Wilfredo Lee(DeSantis)/Mic Smith(Haley)/Alex Brandon(Trump)/AP

“Even though Nikki Haley said, ‘I would never run against my President, he was a great President, the best President in my lifetime,’ I told her she should follow her heart and do what she wants to do. I wish her luck!”

REPRESENTATIVE GEORGE SANTOS, R-New York, leaving a House GOP conference meeting on Capitol Hill in Washington, January 25.

Photo: Andrew Harnik/AP

Sears reveals disaster toolkit

By LETRE SWEETING lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

WORKS and Utilities Minister Alfred Sears announced the release of a series of six manuals to support a disaster-based planning toolkit launched for the Family Islands by his ministry and the InterAmerican Development Bank yesterday.

The announcement came at a disaster-based planning workshop yesterday at the Department of Physical Planning in partnership with the IDB and others.

The manuals each detail step by step guides on pre- and post-disaster management and the development of the toolkit for pre- and post-disaster land use planning, which was piloted in North Andros.

Mr Sears yesterday spoke about the latest efforts made to combat climate change and related disasters and the impact that this web toolkit could have on this issue.

“(Due to Hurricane Dorian), The Bahamas suffered in those three days damage of approximately $3.4 billion. That is a quarter of the GDP of The Bahamas in 2018. While we can fix the road and as we have been restoring the docks, the various public buildings, it takes a little bit more time to repair the psychic harm,” Mr Sears said.

“What is necessary is for us to very critically examine the disaster response infrastructure to meet this new existential threat of global warming. Because Dorian was not simply just an anomaly. It is now the new norm that we have to prepare for,” he said.

“This work is so incredibly significant. We are here today to continue to advance a partnership which resulted in a pilot programme in North Andros, which through research and consultation with the community has resulted in the preparation and publication of a sixpart programme, that is six manuals, which comprise the core of an initial kit,” Mr Sears said.

“This kit will enable all of the communities within our Commonwealth to better structure measures of disaster risk reduction, and to build resilience. So that when the next hurricane comes, and we are approaching another season, we will have as best we can, disaster preparedness, response and rebuilding restoration infrastructure in place,” he said.

Mr Sears also mentioned upcoming plans to address and improve building codes to better withstand climate related disasters.

“The partnership also is reflected in the work of the Ministry of Works and Public Utilities. We have another consultancy, which is reviewing the building code of The Bahamas,” he said.

“Colleagues within the ministry have been working very aggressively with the consultants and you will see within the next year, a new improved building code for the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, which will incorporate the lessons we have learned from Hurricane Dorian,” Mr Sears said.

Daniela Carrera Marquis, the country representative for the IDB group in

The Bahamas, spoke more about the toolkit launched.

“We at the IDB are very strong believers that resilience is one of the crucial issues in addressing the impact of the climate crisis on small island developing states like The Bahamas, the frequency, intensity and impact of climate related natural disaster is increasing,” she said.

“This pilot is a toolkit that is for pre- and postdisaster land use planning, specifically for the Family Islands. It is a very important guide to provide a step by step approach to prepare land use plans for the Family Islands by taking the impacts of climate change and disaster prevention into consideration when doing urban and suburban areas planning,” Ms Marquis said.

“It’s an interactive web tool for future climate resilient land use that hopefully will be replicated across the Family Islands of The Bahamas. This toolkit is part of a technical cooperation, known as capacity strengthening for a more resilient Bahamas, which was made possible by funding from the IDB’s Japan Special Fund (JSF) grant,” she said.

Ms Marquis added that the climate resilient land use planning also supports the implementation of the new Disaster Risk Management Act that was passed last December in Parliament.

This latest workshop follows a symposium led by the IDB last month on climate change and the importance of disaster and health risk management in The Bahamas.

HOLLYWOOD SEX SYMBOL RAQUEL WELCH DIES AT 82

NEW YORK Associated Press

RAQUEL WELCH, whose emergence from the sea in a skimpy, furry bikini in the film “One Million Years B.C.” would propel her to international sex symbol status throughout the 1960s and ‘70s, has died. She was 82.

Welch died early Wednesday after a brief illness, according to her agent, Stephen LaManna of the talent agency Innovative Artists.

Welch’s breakthrough came in 1966’s campy prehistoric flick “One Million Years B.C.,” despite having a grand total of three lines. Clad in a brown doeskin bikini, she successfully evaded pterodactyls but not the notice of the public.

“I just thought it was a goofy dinosaur epic we’d be able to sweep under the carpet one day,” she told The Associated Press in 1981. “Wrong. It turned out that I was the Bo Derek of the season, the lady in the loin cloth about whom everyone said, ‘My God, what a bod’ and they expected to disappear overnight.”

She did not, playing Lust for the comedy team of Peter Cook and Dudley Moore in their film “Bedazzled” in 1967 and playing a secret agent in the sexy spy spoof “Fathom” that same year.

Her curves and beauty captured pop culture attention, with Playboy crowning her the “most desired woman” of the ‘70s, despite never being completely naked in the magazine. In 2013, she graced the No. 2 spot on Men’s Health’s “Hottest Women of All Time” list. In the film “The Shawshank Redemption,” a poster of Welch covers an escape tunnel — the last of three that character Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) used after Rita Hayworth and Marilyn Monroe.

Admirers took to Twitter to mourn the star, including TV host Rosie O’Donnell, actor Chris Meloni and writer-director Paul Feig, who worked with Welch on “Sabrina the

her

international

throughout the 1960s

Teenage Witch” and called her “Kind, funny and a true superstar whom I was pretty much in love with for most of my childhood. We’ve lost a true icon.”

In addition to acting, Welch was a singer and dancer. She surprised many critics — and won positive reviews — when she starred in the 1981 musical “Woman of the Year” on Broadway, replacing a vacationing Lauren Bacall. She returned to the Great White Way in 1997 in “Victor/Victoria.”

She knew that some people didn’t take her seriously because of her glamorous image. “I’m not Penny Marshall or Barbra Streisand,” she told the AP in 1993. “They’ll say, ‘Raquel Welch wants to direct? Give me a break.”’

Welch was born JoRaquel Tejada in Chicago and raised in La Jolla, California. (The Jo in her name was from her mother, Josephine). Welch was a divorced mother when she met ex-actor turned press agent, Patrick Curtis.

“The irony of it all is that even though people thought of me as a sex

symbol, in reality I was a single mother of two small children!” she wrote in her autobiography, “Raquel: Beyond the Cleavage.” Curtis became her manager and second husband and helped shape her into a glamour-girl with hundreds of magazine covers and a string of movies, plus exercise videos and books like “The Raquel Welch Total Beauty and Fitness Program.”

Though she would appear in exploitative films, she also surprised many in the industry with fine performances, including in Richard Lester’s “The Three Musketeers,” which earned her a Golden Globe, and opposite James Coco in “Wild Party.” She was also nominated for a Globe in 1988 for the TV movie “Right to Die.” She played herself and mocked divas in an episode of “Seinfeld,” memorably attacking Elaine and rattling Kramer. Married and divorced four times, she is survived by two children, Damon Welch and Tahnee Welch, who also became an actress, including landing a featured role in 1985’s “Cocoon.”

AMERICAN actress Raquel Welch backstage at the Emmy Awards in Los Angeles on Sept. 20, 1987. Emerging from the sea in a skimpy, furry bikini in the film “One Million Years B.C.” would propel

to

sex symbol status

and ‘70s. She died early yesterday, after a brief illness at 82.

Photo: Doug Pizac/AP

MORE SPONSORS FOR THE CARIFTA GAMES

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

THERE will be plenty to drink and lot of fireworks to watch at the 50th CARIFTA Games, thanks to the sponsorship of Drifters and Fireworks Unlimited.

With less than 50 days to go until the return of the “greatest event” for junior track and field athletes in the region, the Local Organising Committee welcomed the two newest small and immediate business partners on board the train for the games, scheduled for April 7-11 at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium.

Drifters, represented by Ricardo Williams and Fireworks Unlimited, represented by Lunnon Gibson, were introduced to

SEE PAGE 18

Rattlers win opener

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

After his senior girls got stunned by one point by the CR Walker Knights, CI Gibson Rattlers coach Kevin ‘KJ’ Johnson made sure his senior boys didn’t go down in the opening games of the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association’s best-of-three championship series.

Last night at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium after the Knights nipped the Rattlers 47-46 in the senior girls’ game, CI Gibson came back in the nightcap and pulled off a big 58-49 victory over the Anatol

SENIOR BOYS EARN 58-49 WIN OVER T-WOLVES, KNIGHTS BEAT CI GIBSON SENIOR GIRLS 47-46

Rodgers Timberwolves in a match-up between the teacher (Kevin Johnson) coaching against his former student (Denycko Bowles).

“I don’t want to go down 0-2 in the championships,” Johnson said.

“The girls lost a tough battle down the stretch. We didn’t listen in terms of what we had to do. CR Walker was able to force some turnovers and their best player hit a basket, but we will live to see tomorrow and we see what happens.”

In the other two series, the DW Davis Royals held off the SC McPherson

Sharks 40-35 in the junior boys’ opener and the CH Reeves Raptors junior girls prevailed 31-23 over the HO Nash Lions in their first encounter.

Game two in all four series will be played today, starting at 4pm with the junior girls. If necessary, the third and deciding games will be played on Friday.

Senior boys Rattlers 58, Timberwolves 49: Gerrad Rolle canned 13 and both James Delia and Tashon Butler had 12 to lead CI Gibson’s attack. Stexens Joseph chipped in with seven,

‘Buddy’ in 3-point contest

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

FOR the third time in his career, Chavano “Buddy” Hield will be among the list of participants in the three-point shooting contest during the National Basketball Association (NBA) All-Star festivities this weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The shooting guard/ small forward out of Grand Bahama will be out to win his second title when he lines up against seven other participants, including his Indiana Pacers’ team-mate Tyrese Haliburton, Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons, both of the Portland Trail Blazers, Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics, Kevin Huerter of the Sacamento Kings and Tyler Herro of the Miami Heat.

The three-point shooting contest will be a part of this weekend’s festivities on Saturday night at the Vivint Arena, which also comprises of the Skills Challenge and the

Slam Dunk contest, culminating with the All-Star game on Sunday night. Hield, who captured his first title in 2020 in Chicago, is shooting 45 percent this season, including 42.5% from behind the threepoint arc. He currently leads the NBA in made

three-pointers with 197 on 463 attempts. Durable Hield, one of two players who has not missed any of the Pacers’ games so far this season, also has 19 more 3s than Golden State Warriors’ sharpshooter Steph Curry, who has played in 16 fewer games. The

29-year-old Hield won the three-point title in 2020 in Chicago, Illinois, but opted not to defend it in 2021 when Curry emerged as the champion.

Last year in Cleveland, Ohio, Minnesota Timberwolves’ Karl-Anthony

Dieunel Joseph and Brian Cezalien both had five and Jude Vil helped out with four.

The Rattlers opened a 14-9 lead as Stexens Joseph led the way with five. They pushed ahead 29-20 at the half with Rolle hitting seven and Cezalien coming through with five. They went up 44-35, highlighted by a pair of three-pointers from Delia and five points, including a three, from Butler. But the Timberwolves refused to give up. They fought and battled

SEE PAGE 17

DORSETT APPOINTED TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR OF WBSC QUALIFIER

FOUNDING president of the English-speaking Amateur Softball Confederation (ECASC) and former Bahamas Softball Federation (BSF) president Burkett Dorsett, who now sits as a commissioner on World Baseball Softball Confederation’s (WBSC) Technical Commission, has been appointed as the tournament director for the upcoming WBSC Qualifier/ECASC Championship February 28 to March 6, in the US Virgin Islands.

SEE PAGE 17

Tiger Woods had a tough time at Riviera even when healthy

By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer

LOS ANGELES (AP)

— Tiger Woods made it through 16 holes of his pro-am yester/day at the Genesis Invitational on a bitterly cold morning with occasional 25 mph gusts that made the temperature feel like the upper 30s.

What mattered, at least for now, was how he finished. He didn’t play the last two holes at Riviera, but after shaking hands with his amateur partners, he had no trouble climbing the 52 steps that lead to the clubhouse.

There will be no stopping today when Woods competes against a full field of the world’s best players for the first time since missing the cut at St Andrews in the British Open.

The plantar fasciitis that kept him from playing in the Bahamas in December is doing better. He said his ankle, badly injured from his February 2021 car crash outside Los Angeles, is his biggest concern. There’s also that matter of rust.

“But I’ve come off a rusty situation before and I’ve

TIGER WOODS, right, talks to PGA Commissioner Jay Monahan on the 15th hole during the pro-am of the Genesis Invitational golf tournament at Riviera Country Club yesterday in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles.

(AP Photo/Ryan Kang)

done well,” Woods said Tuesday during his news conference. He returned from knee surgery at the end of 2002 and won in his first start at Torrey Pines. He once took 10 weeks off after the 2007 tour season ended and won his World Challenge by seven shots.

He was younger, healthier and in his prime. His swing looks as efficient as ever, particularly with his irons.

For Woods, it’s about getting to the next shot on a pair of legs that have been battered over the years.

And then there’s the matter of the golf course.

Riviera is among his favourite designs, but the love affair ends there. Woods stopped playing this tournament after 2006, primarily because he rarely had good results. He alluded to that when he talked about his preparation for the Genesis Invitational.

“Plus, I know this golf course,” he said, pausing to smile before adding, “I know I haven’t had a lot of success on this golf course. But I knew what to practice for, shots to hit at home getting ready.”

It really is a mystery.

Woods has never played more times on a PGA Tour course without winning — 11 appearances at Riviera as a pro, with only one chance at winning. That

SEE PAGE 19

BURKETT Dorsett

INDIANA Pacers guard Buddy Hield (24) in action during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards on Saturday in Washington. Hield is expected to participate in the three-point shooting contest during NBA All-Star Weekend. (AP

Photo/Nick Wass) SEE PAGE 18

BARCELONA AND MAN UNITED ADD GLAMOR TO EUROPA

THEY are two members of European soccer’s aristocracy who, not so long ago, were meeting in Champions League finals.

Now Barcelona and Manchester United are going head-to-head in the unlikely confines of

GSSSA

FROM PAGE 16

back to cut the deficit to two, only to watch as the Rattlers surged ahead and took control down the stretch to clinch the opener of their series.

Lavardo Saunders scored 16, Xavier Thompson had 15, Kirkwood Rolle 10 and Jefferson Bethel 10, but it wasn’t enough for Anatol Rodgers, coached by Denycko Bowles. Saunders had seven and Thompson added four.

“This one, we definitely want to win. It’s far from over. That’s a resilient team over there. We went up by 24 and they came back within two, but we were tough enough to pull it out,” Johnson said. “We just need to play better defence down the stretch.”

Senior girls

Knights 47, Rattlers 46: Shenell Stewart hit the shot of her life to put CR Walker up for good in the last 12 seconds to seal the deal in game one.

“I just went to the basket and I got fouled,” Stewart said. “I was happy to be able to get the shot in and help us win.”

Stewart, who forced a turnover on CI Gibson at the other end, finished with 13 points. Brianna Hanna, however, led the attack with 16. Shamaraja Cummings

a Europa League playoff match today. Not that they are playing like also-rans of the continent. “At the end of the day, we don’t deserve to be in the Champions League and neither do they. But the level is still very high,”

had 10 and Raynia Russell added four.

Jada Francis had a game 21, Traineia Green added 16 and Philippa Ferguson chipped in with seven in a losing effort.

The Knights, playing back-to-back games, opened a 15-14 first quarter on two three-pointers from Hanna and five points from Stewart before the Rattlers came back for a 24-24 tie at the half thanks to six points from Francis.

CI Gibson surged out front 36-31 in the third as Green scored eight. But with a 16-10 spurt, highlighted by Hanna’s 10, including a big threepointer to bring CR Walker within one, Stewart came up with the big shot.

“It was a nail-biter. Really and truly, they were tired,” said CR Walker’s coach Tia Rolle.

“After playing yesterday (Tuesday), they were really tired, but they gave it all they had and they fought right down to the wire.”

Junior boys Royals 40, Sharks 35: Darius Hanna exploded for a game high 20 points, Wimdisky Paul had nine, Kamani Davis four and Melvin Simeon and Kamal Miller scored four apiece to pace DW Davis to a hard fought victory.

“SC McPherson is a very good team, very good guard in number nine (Kami

LEAGUE PLAYOFF

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez said yesterday. Indeed, the clubs with two of the biggest followings in world soccer are in a good place on the field, especially considering the plight they have found themselves in recent years.

Davis) and the lady coach Lacricia Swann) is doing an excellent job with them,” said Raptors coach Mark Hanna.

“We came with a game plan to attack number seven (Malachi Cadeam) and he took the bait and got in foul trouble early. We put a box on nine (Kami Davis) and took the ball out of his hands.

“My guys listened and they went out and executed and thank God we came out with the victory.”

Kami Davis scored nine, Malachi Cadeam had eight, Emmitt Smith had five and both LaQuare Collins and Shawn Rolle added four in a losing effort.

DW Davis opened an 11-5 first quarter lead as Hanna came through with four and Paul and Miller got three. SC McPherson came back for a 20-17 lead at the half as Cadeam and Woodside both had six in the period.

But the Royals surged back on top 28-25 as Hanna connected on six and Davis had four. In the fourth, Hanna had eight to preserve the win.

Hanna was particularly pleased with his son Darius, who 15 years ago was born when Hanna was coaching against TA Thompson. Hanna remembered when he got the call from his wife that she was in labour. He left the game and by

Eagles face an offseason of new coaches, free-agent moves

By KEVIN COONEY Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA

(AP) — The Philadelphia Eagles’ makeover is already underway. Only two days after a crushing Super Bowl loss to Kansas City, some Eagles are ready to move on — especially the coaching staff.

Offensive coordinator Shane Steichen was named head coach of the Indianapolis Colts and defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon became the man in charge of the Arizona Cardinals on the same day the team — which has 19 free agents — gathered to clean out its lockers.

Jalen Hurts isn’t going anywhere. But the franchise quarterback who threw for 304 yards and a touchdown and ran for 70 yards and three scores against the Chiefs can start talking about a new contract. Just not yet.

“I kind of dread this,” wide receiver A.J. Brown told Philadelphia reporters inside the locker room.

“It’s tough, it’s tough right now.”

The first order of business for general manager Howie Roseman and coach Nick Sirianni will be replacing Steichen and Gannon. The obvious move would be to elevate quarterback coach Brian Johnson to offensive coordinator with Sirianni perhaps taking back the play-calling duties that he handed to Steichen midway through the 2021 season. On defence, Dennard Wilson has been touted as a potential replacement-in-waiting.

The main question the Eagles had coming into the season was answered by Hurts’ emergence as an MVP finalist and bona fide star quarterback. His contract expires at the end of the 2023 season and the organisation has signalled it’s ready to talk about a long-term deal.

Hurts, however, wasn’t ready to talk about it to reporters Tuesday.

“The thing that I’m most focused on is winning and ultimately winning a

championship. There will be a day where that conversation can be had, but today isn’t that day,” he said.

The eventual contract extension could have a trickle-down effect for other free agents in Philadelphia. At the top of the list is cornerback James Bradberry, who signed a one-year contract worth $7.5 million after being released by the Giants last offseason. Bradberry’s expected value on the open market may be too much for an Eagles team already carrying Darius Slay’s $26 million cap hit for 2023.

“I don’t know what they got planning on over there and I didn’t want to ask about it because I just wanted my mind to be on football,” Bradberry told reporters Tuesday when asked if he talked to Roseman about a new deal. “But we’ll talk about it soon.”

The same could hold true for C.J. GardnerJohnson, who was acquired during training camp in a

Barcelona is emerging, very slowly, from a crippling financial crisis that cost the club Lionel Messi and plenty more. Its economic situation is still grave — Barcelona’s latest accounts show the club is more than $650 million in debt.

the time he got back, they ended up losing the game.

“I always told him (Darius) that he owes me a championship,” Hanna said of his son. “Due to the pandemic, we were unable to play in his first two years at DW Davis. But now we’re playing, he told me, ‘Daddy, I’m going to try my best.’ He’s trying hard.”

Junior girls Raptors 31, Lions 23: Riccara Beadle singlehandedly powered CH Reeves to their opening game victory with a game high 26 points. Durya Poitier was the next best scorer with four. Tajhanique Morley scored the only other point.

“I’m happy that we took the first one. Now it puts the pressure on them to come back and take game two,” said CH Reeves’ coach Varel Davis. “I’m not too pleased with the way our girls played. They could play a whole lot better. Hopefully they will come back tomorrow (today) and play much better.”

After opening an 8-6 lead at the end of the first quarter and pushing their margin to 14-11 at the half, the Raptors went on a 13-6 tear - thanks to Beadle’s 12 - to extend their lead to 27-17 and they coasted in the fourth.

Saniyah Munroe had 12, Shanavia Moxey had six and Jada Frazer had five in a losing effort.

Holyfield and Quincy Pratt, right.

‘Thrill-A-Minute’ Pratt meets former world heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield

DURING a visit to the Bahamas this week, former Bahamian professional boxer Quincy ‘Thrill-A-Minute’ Pratt met former world heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield.

Holyfield was in town and was having dinner at the Fish Fry when Pratt, a taxi driver, caught up with the American former professional boxer who competed between 1984 and 2011.

He reigned as the undisputed champion at cruiserweight in the late 1980s and at heavyweight in the early 1990s, and is the only boxer in history to win the undisputed championship in two weight classes in the three-belt era.

Nicknamed “the Real Deal”, Holyfield is the only four-time world heavyweight champion, having held the unified WBA, WBC and IBF titles from 1990 to 1992, the WBA and IBF titles again from 1993 to 1994, the WBA title a third time from 1996 to 1999, the IBF title a third time from 1997 to 1999 and the WBA title for a fourth time from 2000 to 2001.

Pratt was best known for his three pro fights with former Bahamian bantamweight champion Ray Minus Jr. Pratt was a former sparring partner of Minus Jr before he challenged him. However, he lost all three bouts against Minus Jr before they both retired.

DORSETT APPOINTED TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR OF WBSC QUALIFIER

FROM PAGE 16

Hurts (1) runs against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half of the Super Bowl 57 football game on Sunday, February 12, in Glendale, Arizona.

(AP Photo/Godofredo A Vasquez)

trade with the Saints and solidified the middle of the Eagles’ defence in the postseason.

Two franchise defensive stalwarts from Philadelphia’s Super Bowl team in 2017 are also on the list in Fletcher Cox, who had a $14 million price tag this season on a one-year deal, and Brandon Graham, who recorded his first doubledigit sacks season in 2022. The offensive side of the ball has its share of questions, as well, starting with Jason Kelce, the 35-yearold All-Pro centre who has considered retirement the last two years. Kelce said he would give an answer before March about a possible return. His colleague, right tackle Lane Johnson,

was scheduled to have surgery this week to repair an abdominal injury that he played through during the postseason. Running back Miles Sanders is scheduled to become a free agent after rushing for over 1,200 yards this year — but the Eagles do not have a history of overpaying for running backs since Jeffrey Lurie bought the franchise in 1994.

Philadelphia has other avenues to fill holes on the offensive and defensive lines, as well as the secondary.

The Eagles have the No. 10 pick in the first round of April’s draft, acquired in a deal swap last year with New Orleans, and the 30th spot.

Travelling with Dorsett from the Bahamas are former BSF President Ted Miller, a long-time director of ECASC, who will be a part of the Technical Unit for the tournament, and ECASC deputy director of umpires Thomas Sears.

Roberto Perez, from Canada, a WSBC commissioner for technical development, is the tournament technical director, and Santos Velesquez, of Puerto Rico, the WBSC director of umpires, will serve as umpire in chief of the regional tournament.

The winner of this tournament will represent ECASC in the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in El Salvador later this year and will also be crowned ECASC champion. Aruba is the defending champion and The Bahamas is the runner-up.

The Bahamian trio leaves the country on February 25 and scheduled to return March 7.

The 2023 CAC Games is set for June 23 to July 8 in Panama City, Panama.

PHILADELPHIA Eagles quarterback Jalen

EVANDER

‘Buddy’ Hield scores 27, helps Pacers rally from 24 down to beat Bulls

By PHILLIP B WILSON Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS (AP)

— Chavano “Buddy” Hield made six 3-pointers in the second half and finished with 27 points, helping the Indiana Pacers rally from a 24-point deficit after the first quarter and defeat the Chicago Bulls 117-113 last night.

Tyrese Haliburton banked in a 9-foot shot for a 113-112 lead in the final minute, Myles Turner sank two free throws and Hield closed it out with a pair of foul shots with 7.1 seconds remaining as the Pacers snapped a five-game skid.

Aaron Nesmith scored 21 points for Indiana, which had lost 16 of 18. Turner added 17, Haliburton 16 and Bennedict Mathurin 14.

Zach LaVine scored 35 points, including 12 in the opening quarter, as the Bulls led 39-15 entering the second. James White had 25 and Nikola Vucevic added 19 — but with just seven rebounds as his league-best streak of double-doubles ended at nine games as the Bulls dropped their fifth straight.

NETS 116,

HEAT 105

NEW YORK (AP)

— Mikal Bridges scored a career-high 45 points, including 15 in a row for Brooklyn to break open a game that had been close for 3 1/2 quarters, and the Nets beat the Miami Heat 116-105 last night in the final game for both teams before the All-Star break.

In his third game since coming from Phoenix in the trade for Kevin Durant, Bridges had an electrifying scoring stretch that could even match Durant.

CARIFTA

FROM PAGE 16

the public yesterday in the parking lot of Road Traffic where they will be entertaining the fans during the Cultural segment.

LOC chief executive officer Lynden Maycock, who celebrated his 55th birthday on Valentine’s Day, said they have seen a lot of love and support from the business community for the games with their sponsorship level having now exceeded $1.5 million.

“We understand that we couldn’t do this by ourselves, and our partners have shown that they share and understand our mission of supporting our young

The Nets led only 90-89 before he went to work with an array of drives, 3-pointers and jumpers over the next three minutes.

That pushed the lead to nine and when another Nets player finally scored, it was a 3-pointer by fellow newcomer Cam Johnson that pushed it to 108-96.

Bridges scored 17 points in the final quarter to blow by his previous career best of 34 points. He was 17 of 24 from the field, 4 of 6 on 3s and 7 of 7 at the line, and also had eight rebounds and five assists.

Cam Thomas added 19 points and Johnson had 18 for the Nets, who won for the first time since the two former Suns joined them in the lineup.

Bam Adebayo had 24 points, 13 rebounds and six assists for the Heat. Max Strus scored 18 points. 76ERS 118, CAVALIERS 112

PHILADELPHIA (AP)

— Joel Embiid scored 29 points — including the 10,000th of his career — and Philadelphia beat Cleveland.

James Harden added 19 points and 12 assists to help send the 76ers into the All-Star break with their fourth straight victory.

De’Anthony Melton added 18 points, and Tyrese Maxey had 16.

Donovan Mitchell had 33 points — including 25 in the second half — for the Cavaliers. They had won seven straight.

CELTICS 127, PISTONS 109 BOSTON (AP) — Jayson Tatum scored 38 points, including 24 in the third quarter, and NBAleading Boston rolled past Detroit.

Malcolm Brogdon had 25 points off the bench, and Al Horford added 11 points and seven rebounds for Boston. Derrick White finished with 11 points and six assists.

Marcus Smart contributed nine points, seven rebounds, six assists and six steals in his first game back after missing nine with a sprained right ankle.

Bojan Bogdanovic led the Pistons with 28 points and five rebounds.

KNICKS 122, HAWKS 101

ATLANTA (AP) —

Jalen Brunson scored 28 points, Julius Randle added 25 and New York cruised

into the All-Star break with its third straight victory, blowing out Atlanta. New York settled things right from the start.

The Knicks never trailed, building a 24-point lead in the first half and leading by double digits for the final 42 minutes of the game.

De’Andre Hunter had 20 points and Trae Young 19 for Atlanta.

HORNETS 120, SPURS 110 CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — LaMelo Ball had 28 points, 10 assists and a season-high 12 rebounds and Charlotte beat San Antonio to send the Spurs into the NBA All-Star

JEWEL, POST MALONE, VIN DIESEL TO PERFORM AT ALL-STAR GAME

SALT LAKE CITY

(AP) — Utah native and Grammy nominee Jewel, along with Post Malone and actors Vin Diesel and Ben Affleck, will be among the performers at this weekend’s NBA All-Star events in Salt Lake City.

Jewel will perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the All-Star Game on Sunday, Diesel will be welcoming fans and Post Malone will perform a medley after LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo draft their teams for the game.

The halftime show will feature three Nigerian artists — Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and producer Burna Boy, Grammy-winning and Oscar-nominated singer Tems and rapper Rema — doing an Afrobeats-themed performance.

Once the halftime show ends, the NBA will host a celebration commemorating James passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar earlier this month to become the league’s career scoring leader.

Jully Black will sing the Canadian national anthem before the game.

break with a 14-game losing streak.

Ball had his third tripledouble of the season and franchise-leading ninth overall.

P.J. Washington continued his hot play with 22 points and 10 rebounds, and Mark Williams had 12 points, 10 rebounds and four blocked shots as Charlotte won its second straight game.

The Hornets had 12 blocks in all, including five by backup centre Nick Richards. Malaki Branham had 23 points and Keldon Johnson added 21 points for the Spurs. McDermott added 17 points on five 3s.

Affleck, who stars in the upcoming film “Air” — the story about how Sonny Vaccaro signed Michael Jordan to a Nike deal — will introduce the teams before the All-Star Celebrity Game on Friday night.

Utah-based group The Bonner Family will perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the Rising Stars game on Friday, then again on Saturday — along with “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” sometimes referred to as the Black national anthem — at the NBA HBCU Classic college basketball game between Southern and Grambling State.

BUDDY Hield

HIELD

FROM PAGE 16

people and our young athletes,” Maycock said. Through their involvement, Maycock said they can show their appreciation for sports and helping to transform the lives of young people and the world around them in being a better nation.

“On behalf of the LOC, I thank you Drifters and Fireworks Unlimited for your generous support and time,” Maycock stated. “I also invite everyone out there to come Gold with us as we aim for the 50th games to win, win, win.” Williams said at Drifters they believe that youth and sports development is an avenue that can change the projectory of any nation.

“Obviously in the world today, we need change. We need to provide opportunities for our young persons and so at Drifters, we are proud to be a part of this because sports and character development will open many, many doors and so we look forward to a great game,” Williams said. “We look forward to the Bahamas doing extremely well. And we just want to

thank you for allowing us to come on board and we ask those persons, whether big or large businesses, small or immediate size businesses can also lend their support because we need their support in helping our young people in that upward trajectory.”

Williams said Drifters will be featured primarily at the Culture Village where they are encouraging the Bahamian public to come out and enjoy themselves.

As a privately owned small Bahamian business, Gibson said when Fireworks Unlimited was approached by Fern Hanna to sponsor the games, they were elated, and he thanked them for giving them the opportunity to be a part of the event. “We believe in sports. More importantly, we believe in the youth of our country,” Gibson said. “I know firsthand the benefits of sports and the discipline that it brings and so we jumped on board willing to support the endeavour.”

Gibson said they will be supporting the LOC with a big bang as best as they

can when they unleash an explosion of fireworks during the closing ceremonies at the games.

Pauline Davis, the Dame of the Games, thanked both Drifters and Fireworks for coming on board to assist the LOC.

As a product of the games, who went on to become an Olympic gold medallist, she said it’s very touching to see so many companies who have and continue to pledge their support for the future of the nation’s young people.

Hanna, director of marketing for the LOC, said a Culture Village will be second to none that has ever been established with so many things going on from all around the world. She noted that if persons can’t get into the stadium to view the competition, they can take part in the festivities outside.

Hanna said they are also seeking corporate Bahamas’ financial assistance, there’s a lot of work being done to get both TAR Stadiums in tip-top shape as they celebrate the 50th milestone of CARIFTA as

they entertain people from Good Friday to Resurrection morning on Sunday and throughout the evening, as well as the final day of competition on Easter Monday.

“If you think it’s too late to be a partner, it’s definitely not too late,” Hanna said. “Please give us a call. We will always answer your calls, we will always answer your email.”

Interested persons wishing to partner with the LOC are urged to call 801GOLD, or 605-4051 for ticket information or email carifita50.com.

While on the website, Maycock said persons can also view the financial statements completed for the games so far so that they can keep abreast of every dollar they received and how it is being spent.

“We thank our many partners, who have gone above and beyond our expectations,” he said.

“It’s amazing, every day we find persons coming to this LOC and wanting to be a part of these 50th CARIFTA Games. We could never say thank you enough

Towns captured the title. At 6-feet, 4-inches and 220-pounds, Hield is currently ranked at number 32 on the NBA all-time three-point field goal list with 1,614. He is playing his first full season with the Pacers after being traded from the Sacramento Kings. He was drafted as the number sixth overall in round one of the NBA draft in 2016 by the New Orleans Pelicans but was traded to the Kings in 2017.

to all of our partners for coming on board.”

He noted that their marketing team, headed by Hanna, has been doing an exceptional job in easing the burden of the Bahamas Government in making the games the best ever.

Hanna, however, said they are still seeking financial support to cover all of their bills for taking care of all of the persons coming in, feeding and housing them and providing the necessary uniforms and attires to be worn.

“I will still be calling, so when you hear CARIFTA is on the phone, come quickly,” Hanna said. “We are going to need some more help.”

SHOWN, from left to right, are Local Organising Committee CEO Lynden Maycock, Ricardo Williams of Drifters, Lunnon Gibson of Fireworks Unlimited and Dame of the Games Pauline Davis.

INDIANA Pacers guard Buddy Hield reacts after hitting a 3-point shot during the second half of the team’s NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls last night in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

TIGER Woods lines up his putt on the 16th green during the proam of the Genesis Invitational golf tournament at Riviera Country Club yesterday in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Kang)

TIGER

FROM PAGE 16

was in 1999, when he tied for second, two shots behind Ernie Els.

Most telling was his greatest stretch in golf. From the end of August 1999 through March the following year, Woods either won or finished second in 10 out of the 11 PGA Tour events he played.

The exception? He tied for 18th at Riviera.

“This may be an anomaly, and the only one in his whole career maybe,” said Adam Scott, who has two wins and two runner-up finishes at Riviera.

“It’s a little bit unexplainable. I don’t know what to say about that. Over his career, there’s been only strengths, really. This course is quite demanding from the second shot in, and he’s certainly capable of handling it.

“I don’t know if he just doesn’t feel it here or what it is,” Scott added. “But I’ll share some tips with him if he shares some tips on how to win a few majors with me.”

The issue for everyone yesterday was the cold and wind, though that might be the worst of it. It was gusting to 25 mph (40 kph) in the morning.

Woods hit driver and a fairway metal into the frigid wind on the 458-yard ninth hole and plugged in a front bunker, some 10 yards short of reaching the green.

That elicited little more than laugh, and another one followed when he blasted out right as a ball from one

of his amateurs zipped near his legs and into the bunker.

“Lot going on here,” Woods said with a chuckle.

The field is the strongest of the year to date with a $20 million purse, though Riviera is so pure it always attracted the best players. Nineteen of the top 20 in the world ranking are playing (Woods is No. 1,294), the exception being Cameron Smith, who is suspended for signing with the Saudi-funded rival league at LIV Golf.

Also missing is Joaquin Niemann, the defending champion, who joined LIV Golf in August. Woods is the tournament host of the Genesis Invitational and presented Niemann with the trophy last year.

He would like to take home the trophy himself, even against such long odds.

Max Homa received the trophy from Woods two years ago, one of the best memories he’s ever had as a guy who grew up in the LA area and who grew up idolising Woods.

How to explain Woods not winning at Riviera given his sublime iron play?

Homa found himself trying to answer that while playing the course yesterday.

“It makes absolutely no sense,” Homa said.

He thought about courses Woods has dominated, such as Bay Hill, where the second shot is so critical, like at Riviera.

“So when you come here ... I would have thought he won 10 times,” Homa said. “That one’s a mystery to me. This seems like it would be a playground to him.”