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Volume: 121 No.61, February 19, 2024

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GOVT RULES SET ON CITIZENSHIP DNA Darville: Details Pilot spared ‘soon’ after ruling as plane

by Privy Council crashes and burns

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE Davis administration has finalised its genetic testing protocols for people affected by last year’s landmark Privy Council ruling and will soon release more details about the procedures, Health and Wellness

Minister Dr Michael Darville said on Friday.

Some people affected by the ruling have been anxiously waiting for the government to say what they must do to get their Bahamian passport.

Dr Darville had previously told reporters the protocols would be SEE PAGE FOUR

YOUNG MOTHER IN GB CAR CRASH DIES IN HOSPITAL

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net A YOUNG mother who suffered severe injuries after a car crash in Grand Bahama earlier this month died in hospital on Friday.

The woman, 27-year-old Tyanna Robinson, leaves behind two children, a

young daughter and a son.

According to police reports, Robinson was travelling west on East Sunrise Highway near the Lucayan roundabout when she lost control of her car and hit a tree. The incident happened around midnight on February 2.

She was taken to the SEE PAGE THREE

THE SCENE on Coral Harbour Rd where a pilot walked away from a plane that crashed while attempting to take off. See PAGE FIVE for story.

Photo: Dante Carrer

Police warning after video circulated of naked woman

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net AFTER videos circulated of a naked woman behaving lewdly outside a home last week, police warned yesterday

that exploiting those exhibiting such unstable behaviour could result in prosecution.

The incident involving a 46-year-old woman happened shortly after 8pm on Saturday outside a residence in Garden Hills.

Residents of the home, who recorded the video, said they did not know the woman, who acted erratically by touching herself and, at one point, spitting on their house’s window.

SEE PAGE TWO

Laroda: attack on homeLess man ‘disturbing’

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net SOCIAL Services Minister Myles Laroda said he was appalled by the violent attack on a homeless man captured on video last week and that the state is now housing the victim.

A video went viral on social media showing a group of teenage boys attacking a homeless man

SOCIAL Services Myles Laroda

Minister

on Market Street. The adult, believed to be in

his 40s, was quietly sitting outside when a boy approached and threw something at him.

As the homeless man tried to run away, the group of teenagers punched him, hit him, and stomped his face to the ground. Someone recording the incident, which reportedly happened on Friday, laughed in the

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

SEE PAGE THREE

FTX PROPERTY BARGAINS DRAW REALTORS AND DEAL-HUNTERS

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net DEAL-HUNTERS seeking discounts of up to 30 percent are circling FTX’s $256m Bahamian real estate holdings as local liquidators move to secure realtors who will market 34 properties for sale.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

BUDDY HIELD APPOINTED AMBASSADOR AT LARGE SEE SPORTS

PAGE 2, Monday, February 19, 2024

THE TRIBUNE

Police warning after video circulated of naked woman from page one In the video, one resident screamed: “What is wrong with her.”

Another resident said the woman’s behaviour was that of a “demon.”

A second video showed the woman naked on the top of a car, spreading her

legs.

“There is a naked lady that’s bamming on our windows, and now she’s on top of our cars,” someone in the video said.

Police said they are aware of the video’s circulation and reminded the public that mental illnesses exist. Police said when

people exhibit unstable behaviour involving exposing private body parts, it should not be exploited.

Police said the woman is known to have a mental disorder and that she was taken to the hospital by emergency medical personnel accompanied by relatives.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, February 19, 2024, PAGE 3

Laroda: video of attack on homeless man ‘disturbing’

SCREENSHOTS of a group of young men attacking a homeless man that circulated on social media. from page one background.

Mr Laroda told The Tribune he found the video disturbing, noting the man was not bothering anyone and did nothing to warrant the attack.

“That unprovoked attack

on an individual, our whole society should be outraged by the actions of those individuals,” he said. “It’s really sad that we live in a society where young people in particular can be so cruel to another.”

Police said two juveniles are in custody over the

matter and they want the public’s help finding the remaining suspects.

Mr Laroda said the homeless man would be assessed today but noted that taking care of homeless people is difficult if relatives don’t help.

“It’s a revolving door

situation where individuals may be helped by social services,” he said, “whether it be in one of the facilities or under Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre with their social health workers up there.

Eventually, those individuals are released back into

society. And the situation starts all over again if family members don’t step up to take them.”

In an interview with ZNS, the mother of the homeless man, who lives in the United States, reacted bitterly to the situation.

“Watching somebody

attack your son like that and more than one like that, walk up on him like that –– if any mother out there, even if you’re not a mother, you know what that does to you, especially if you know your son is not a child that messes with anybody,” she said.

Young mother in GB car crash dies in hospital from page one Rand Memorial Hospital and later airlifted to New Providence for further medical attention.

A flyer asking for urgent blood donations for Robinson circulated on social media after the crash.

However, she died in hospital two weeks later, prompting several tributes online.

“We are so saddened by the loss of our dear Tyanna. Our condolences go out to her children, mother, Jared and other family and friends,” said her employer, Cocktails on the Bay, on Facebook.

A close friend also shared her memories of the young mother, describing her as a dependable person.

“I can’t count how many times you’ve been there for me. Lifting me up and making me laugh when all I felt like doing was crying,” Nicole McKinney said.

“We didn’t speak every day, but whenever we got together, we’d always rekindle and go over our life changes.

You knew I loved you and I always knew the love you had for me.”

This incident is Grand Bahama’s first traffic fatality for the year.

TYANNA Robinson leaves behind two children - a young daughter and a son.

MAN CHARGED WITH MURDER IN RAGGED ISLAND STREET SHOOTING DEATH OF WOMAN

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A 34-YEAR-OLD man was imprisoned on Friday accused of killing a 39-yearold woman in a drive-by shooting on Ragged Island Street last month.

The same defendant was on bail for attempted murder at the time of the shooting.

Senior Magistrate Shaka Serville charged Deangelo Culmer, 34, with murder and two counts of attempted murder.

Culmer, with accomplices, allegedly shot and killed Rudiska Bethel as she was standing outside a bar on Ragged Island

Street at around 7pm on January 31. Culmer also allegedly injured 40-year-old Carla Bain and 36-year-old Lorenzo Sands as they were talking with the victim about this matter.

While both Ms Bain and Mr Sands were successfully treated in hospital for gunshot injuries to their right leg and right forearm, Ms Bethel died at the scene.

The suspects reportedly fled the shooting in a blue coloured Japanese vehicle.

Although Culmer appeared confused as the charges against him were read, he was told that his matter would be moved to the Supreme Court by a voluntary bill of indictment

(VBI). He will be sent to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until the higher court grants him bail.

Culmer thanked the Magistrate after he was informed that his VBI is set for service on August 30.

Before being taken into remand the defendant indicated that he wished to change his position for a grievous harm charge.

Culmer claimed that he had punched Mark Forbes in his mouth while they were in the cellblock in court the day after the alleged murder.

Culmer will appear in court for the grievous harm charge on February 20.

Govt rules set on citizenship DNA PAGE 4, Monday, February 19, 2024

from page one

released before the end of 2023, but that never happened.

He said on Friday that finalising the protocols took longer than expected because officials had been grappling with how to prevent DNA fraud.

“There’s no system in the world that’s soundproof, but we believe we have something that is very academic,” he said. “It’s very safe, and we believe that it can substantiate the court order.”

Last May, the Privy Council affirmed that people born out of wedlock to Bahamian men are Bahamians at birth regardless of their mother’s nationality.

However, while many of these people have since obtained passports, those whose father is not identified on their birth certificates remain in limbo.

Dr Darville said people who fall in the latter category will first have to present samples to a lab registered under the Ministry of Health.

He said their samples would be forwarded “to one of the reputable labs in the United States, and the results would come back which will confirm within 99.5 per cent the paternity testing for that particular case.”

THE TRIBUNE

“It’s a very structured programme,” he added. “From my understanding, there will be a notary public. The lab would have to be registered, full documentation and the information will be passed on to the Passport Office for determination of paternity.”

Regarding those with dead fathers, Dr Darville said DNA samples can be taken from a close paternal relative.

“It can be a sibling, an uncle or a relative who can substantiate genetic connectivity,” he said. “It can be done many ways, not just with the father who’s passed on. It can be done with his brother, his sister. It can be done with an uncle, and the list goes on and on, but there’s ways DNA can be confirmed outside of the father giving the sample.”

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis has said that addressing citizenship inequalities is a priority for his administration this year.

However, he gave no timeline on when legislation concerning this will be brought to Parliament.

People born outside The Bahamas to a Bahamian mother and foreign father are not automatically citizens, and Bahamian women do not have the same rights as men to get citizenship for their foreign spouse.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS MINISTER DR MICHAEL DARVILLE

Educators honoured for work in youth programme to reduce STIs and teen pegnancies

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net MORE than 90 educators across the country were honoured on Friday for their efforts to reduce HIV infections among adolescents and prevent teen pregnancy.

The group of teachers were presented with awards during a ceremony at the Ministry of Education’s Learning Resources Unit in recognition of their involvement with the Focus on Youth Research Programme.

Focus on Youth (FOY) is an evidence-based training programme that promotes effective decision-making geared towards HIV and STI prevention.

In her address to those being honoured Friday, Dr Nikkiah Forbes, director

of the National HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Programme at the Ministry of Health, spoke about the programme’s importance.

She called it an essential tool in ensuring “that adolescents have the skills to prevent HIV/AIDS, STI and unwanted pregnancies” and commended the teachers for their hard work.

“The Bahamas has shown steady progress towards reaching the global targets on HIV/AIDS so I’m happy to share that new HIV infections have been reduced by 63 per cent in the years 2012 to 2021,” she said, “and AIDS-related deaths have also decreased by 41 per cent in that same time period so the work you’re all doing is very impactful. It’s making a huge difference.”

“The challenge, however,

is to keep HIV prevention at the top of our agenda.”

She said teenagers and young adults are still at risk, noting that youngsters comprised about 24 per cent of new HIV infections in 2021.

“It is vital that programmes like Focus of Youth remain an integral component of the school system, strategically introduced to maximize the greatest degree of protections for both children and parents,” Dr Forbes added.

“In the words of Michael Sidibe, the UNAIDS’ executive director, several years ago he called for a prevention revolution where we all commit to combating public hypocrisy on sexual matters.”

“We must talk about the sensitive issues, build AIDS competencies and systematically promote sexual and

HEALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville presents certificates to educators that participated in the Focus on Youth Research Programme. reproductive health and rights for all, including our sexually active teenagers.”

“Let us prevent HIV, prevent STIs, prevent unplanned pregnancies in teen mothers by ensuring that a focus on youth curriculum is sustained within

the schools and wider communities.”

Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville, who was also present at Friday’s ceremony, thanked the teachers for assisting in the country’s fight against HIV/AIDS.

“I salute the steadfast dedication of our teachers, 100 strong who are a part of this programme and educating our youth on lifestyle changes and to be responsible citizens in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas,” he said.

Pilot walks away from charter plane crash THE TRIBUNE

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

A BAHAMIAN pilot escaped serious injury on Saturday after his plane crashed, bursting into flames off Coral Harbour Road when attempting to take off from Lynden Pindling International Airport.

Police said the twinengine Cessna 402 aircraft was heading to Fresh Creek, Andros, from New Providence after 4.30pm.

It failed to achieve enough lift after experiencing left engine issues.

Investigators said preliminary information revealed the plane hit a fence after failing to take off properly and then crashed into bushes across the road before bursting into flames.

According to police, the pilot, the sole passenger on board, got out of the aircraft before the fire

Monday, February 19, 2024, PAGE 5

destroyed the plane.

“He was able to walk away from the crash. He experienced some chest issues, and he was taken to Doctor’s Hospital,” said Chief Superintendent Elvis Curtis, the officer in charge of the airport division.

He said the pilot was coherent but could not speak much about the incident because officers wanted him to see a doctor quickly.

In a statement issued after Saturday’s crash, Blessing Aviation Charter, the company under which the aircraft is registered, said it was grateful there was no loss of life.

“We are grateful to God that due to the quick thinking of our pilot, he was able to re-route the aircraft to an abandoned area prior to the crash, ultimately avoiding any loss of life.

It is truly a blessing to see the fruit of our ongoing, inhouse training action,” the company said.

Six Senses Hotel and Residences project could be under way by summer pending EIA review

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net CONSTRUCTION could start on the proposed Six Senses Hotel and Residences project in Grand Bahama by this summer if approvals are granted by the end of the month when the 21-day environmental public consultative period expires.

Mark Weller, president of Weller Development, said the 36-acre development will be built to withstand a category five storm such as Hurricane Dorian.

“We are creating construction resiliency throughout the entire project and make sure it can withstand anything Mother Nature can give it,” he said.

“We are making sure we build at certain heights and certain codes so that even if a large-scale hurricane comes by, it would be unscathed.”

On January 30, Weller Development hosted an environmental public consultative meeting at the Pelican Bay Resort. The process is a requirement by the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP).

It allows the developer to discuss the environmental impact, get feedback from the public, hear concerns, and answer questions about the project.

Beach erosion and hiring opportunities for Bahamians were some of the concerns raised at the meeting.

He stated that there will be many employment and vendor opportunities for Bahamians.

Designed by architects 3XN, the resort village will comprise 45 waterfront and canal villas, with 2,400 feet (732 meters) of beach frontage and water on three sides. Amenities include a signature restaurant, beach venue, boathouse, and pool bar. Future development plans will include a marina.

Mr Weller said the Six Senses residences will be a high-end, full-service product for clientele that cares about health, wellness, sustainability, and the environment.

Aranha Pyfrom, assistant director of the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, said that in addition to an EIA, developers must hold a public consultative meeting to share their vision and to receive feedback about the project from residents.

He said the developer is required to post the meeting recording on its website within 48 hours of the meeting.

Mr Pyfrom noted that the principal concern for most coastal projects is the movement and loss of the beach sand.

“From the meeting, there were no red flags, but there were a few orange caution flags raised in the questions.

We still have 21 business days for people to send their questions and concerns. So, the process is not finished yet,” he said.

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THE SCENE on Coral Harbour Rd where a pilot walked away from a plane that crashed while attempting to take off.

Photo: Dante Carrer “Aircraft maintenance and safety is a top priority within our company; therefore, we will be working

closely with the proper authorities to understand the cause of this crash.”

Meanwhile, Kendal

Dorsett, Jr, chief investigator at the Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority, said the incident did not

seriously affect operations at LPIA. Investigations are continuing.

PAGE 6, Monday, February 19, 2024

The Tribune Limited

THE TRIBUNE

PICTURE OF THE DAY

NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI “Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH,

Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991

RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON,

C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B. Publisher/Editor 1972-

Published daily Monday to Friday

Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207 TELEPHONES News & General Information Advertising Manager Circulation Department Nassau fax Freeport, Grand Bahama Freeport fax

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Ballet brings more than just a show to The Bahmamas A REMARKABLE event took place last week – two nights of ballet to add to the Bahamian social calendar.

On Wednesday and Friday, as the sun went down at the Old Fort Bay Club, the stars came out – not just in the sky, but on the stage.

The Covent Garden Dance Company brought incredibly talented dancers from around the world to perform.

Now some readers may think such events may have little to do with most Bahamians – but the organisers are committed to ensuring that is not the case.

Already, children who are part of the Shirley Hall Bass Legacy Project came to see the dress rehearsal this time around.

And it is Shirley Hall Bass herself who can serve as an indicator of why such events as these are important.

She was a Chicago-born dancer, known internationally, who fell in love with The Bahamas. She became the director of the Sammy Dyer School of the Theatre in 1960, and set up cultural exchanges that meant students in both Chicago and The Bahamas could get to sample each other’s worlds. Each world was able to elevate the other, and connect in ways that had not been possible before.

The visit of Covent Garden Dance could be the first step in doing so today.

Already, one contribution that will help dancers here is that the hardwood dance floor created for the events last week will remain in The Bahamas, and be able to be used by dancers here.

The company has also pledged itself to a return next year, with more community involvement planned so that the connection goes beyond the dinner and ballet for those who buy tickets, but also enriches the cultural community here in The Bahamas.

It took hard work to get the event off the ground. Organiser Matt Brady sat in The Tribune’s offices a little under four months ago to ask if we would be a media partner to help get the word out about the event. We said yes. We were not the only ones to say yes. He also got incredible support from the British High Commissioner, Tom Hartley, who was eager to tell everyone about the event.

And praise to the government too, with the Office of the Prime Minister stepping up to help ensure the event went smoothly.

The outcome is what all concerned hope will be a regular fixture in the Bahamian cultural landscape, matched by opportunities for Bahamians to be involved, to enjoy, or to be inspired. That sounds like a win-win all round.

Friday night’s event was attended by Ann Marie Davis, the wife of the Prime Minister, and numerous other dignitaries.

Perhaps more importantly – our apologies to the dignitaries – it was attended by many eager fans who paid to attend and are looking forward to attending next year too.

It is often easy to be critical about things that are going on in The Bahamas – and we certainly do not shy away from calling out those things that do need to be criticised as and when the need arises.

But we also need to praise those things that improve us.

In that, we wish to praise the Covent Garden Dance Company. We wish to praise all those who supported its efforts in putting on a superb show. We wish to applaud the commitment to community connections in the build-up to next year’s event. And we wish to look forward to welcoming the company back next year.

Well done, all round.

PM’s failure being felt EDITOR, The Tribune.

PRIME Minister Philip Davis’ failure as a leader with no vision, idea and plan to reduce the high crime, robberies, murders and rapes is now impacting the livelihoods of the Bahamian people.

Tour operators and excursion providers had experienced a 50 percent decline in business, the taxi drivers had now experienced a 50 percent reduction in earnings.

A Bahamas Realtor lost an $18m real estate house sale on Paradise Island.

All because Prime Minister Philip Davis and Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe failed on protecting tourists traveling to The Bahamas, Bahamian people’s lives and properties, as a result the US State Department a warning that The Bahamas is unsafe for America tourist citizens to travel because of the high crime rate, murders, robberies and rapes. But instead Prime Minister Philip Davis fire Wayne Munroe Minister of National Security, he decided to blame the newspapers, Tribune and Nassau Guardian, for exposing the murders, robberies and rapes happening in The Bahamas, because he is embarrassed and has no ideas, visions, clue and solutions to reduce the

high crime rate, murders and rapes in The Bahamas.

As I warned, predicted and prophecy that sooner or later the failure of Prime Minister Philip Davis and Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe to reduce crimes will result in the US State Department issuing a warning that the Bahamas is unsafe for America tourist citizens and it had happened, so it is now affecting taxis drivers, tour and excursion operators, real estate agencies and it will eventually impact hotel occupancy in the very near future.

Expect that the next few months The Bahamas will experience a dramatic impact and reduction in tourists traveling to The Bahamas because of the high crime rate, murders, robberies and rapes that having a major devastating impact on The Bahamas’ image and reputation as unsafe place for Ttourist in America, Europe and around the world to travel. This again could been avoided but Prime Minister Philip Davis who had traveled more times than three Prime Ministers, former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, former Prime Minister Perry Christie and former Prime Minister Dr Minnis was having fun traveling the world than paying attention to the crime problem

in The Bahamas, it is time to stop having meeting with people, making promises, blaming the Tribune newspaper and Nassau Guardian for the crime and fire the person who had failed on reducing crimes that is the Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe.

Until you Prime Minister Philip Davis take the blame for the high crime rate as your own fault and then fire the Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe, the Bahamian people had already lost faith, belief and confidence and they are now paying the price in losing their earning to pay their bills, water bill, electricity bill, rent mortgages, purchasing groceries, car and homes and private schools fees for their kids.

I am now asking the religious church leaders, business owners and the Bahamian people to join and support Pedro Smith and BFP Party to become the next Prime Minister of The Bahamas and Government. One Nation, One people, One Bahamas and One God onward forward and upward, to a better and greater Bahamas, for the Bahamian people, children and grandchildren, help is on the way. Pedro Smith.

PEDRO SMITH Nassau, February 14, 2024.

THE SCENE on Coral Harbour Rd where a pilot walked away from a plane that crashed while attempting to take off.

Photo: Dante Carrer

Free press and freedom of speech EDITOR, The Tribune.

PLEASE allow me a little space in your esteemed publication to express a few thoughts on the recent remarks made

by Prime Minister Philip Davis on how the media reports on murder cases in the Bahamas.

Permit me to say at once that the press, inclusive of the print and electronic media, are absolutely free to gather and present the news, good and bad, as they determine best, having regard to space limitations and the commercial realities in a very competitive environment.

In my humble view, Davis, too, is absolutely free to offer his suggestions, and indeed, criticism of the way the media reports and presents stories on crime.

That is his right and the right of any ordinary citizen who wishes to put forward an opinion on the matter.

As I understand it, the prime minister was merely indicating his views on how the media reported and presented stories on murders in particular and the impact it might have internationally on the country’s reputation as a safe tourist destination. All of this against the backdrop of the recent travel advisory issued by the American Embassy in the Bahamas.

His comments touched off a heated national debate. That is a good thing. It is healthy for our democracy. It is refreshing to see and hear different view points expressed with so much passion. The Bahamas Press Club also weighed in on the debate.

What I found curious was the stance taken by some of my friends in the media that the prime minister, in publicly expressing his criticisms, was attempting to

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net dictate to the media how it should present reports of murders occurring in the country. There were cries of the prime minister attempting to interfere in media business.

I must confess, with all due respect to my media colleagues, that I am unable to follow their reasoning and conclusions. How does offering criticism of the way murder stories are presented amount to an attempt to dictate to the media? Is the media above criticism?

If I as a private citizen offer my views on the potential ramifications that prominently featured stories of murders are having on the country’s reputation internationally, how does that equate to me attempting to dictate to the media, or interfere in media business?

I recall Sir Etienne Dupuch, who took me under his wings as a very young journalist in 1987. Sir Etienne would rip a man to shreds in his editorials. But he would always defend the man’s right to express an opinion. Agree or disagree, he, like his daughter, Eileen Dupuch-Carron after him, thought it was an undeniable right of a man to disagree passionately with his views.

I can’t count the number of times The Tribune was attacked publicly, and bitterly, for the way it reported and presented the news. So what Davis is suggesting now is nothing new. Under heavy fire from friend and foe alike, Sir Etienne simply shrugged it off as a part of the journalistic landscape and carried on valiantly.

The press is an essential watchdog. Any genuine attempt to interfere with its freedom of operation should be roundly and universally condemned.

But what Davis suggested is a far, far, cry from any attempt at interference or intimidation. And, truth be told, there is substance and merit to what Davis is simply suggesting.

The press should expect criticism. Even sever criticism. That is a part and parcel of the territory. Just as the media is obliged to go to and fro in the Earth, and up and down in it, seeking to uncover the wrongs and the misdeeds of the good, the bad and the ugly, so too, it must expect and, indeed, welcome criticisms of its activities from an increasingly discerning public.

We have a free press and vibrant media. I am very happy to see the level of talent and intelligence displayed by our younger journalists especially. When I think of Tyler Symonette from Eyewitness News, Travis Carroll- Cartwright and Rachel Scott from the Nassau Guardian, Rashad Rolle and Lynaire Munnings at The Tribune; Berthony McDermott and the crew at Our News and Cleopatra Murphy and Romeko Knowles at ZNS, I am confidently hopeful for the future of journalism in this country.

This is not feigned praise. These young journalist have, in my opinion, displayed a level or analysis, intelligence and, above all, an independent journalistic spirit that is truly refreshing.

MARK ROLLE-SYMONETTE Nassau February 18, 2024

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THE TRIBUNE

Monday, February 19, 2024, PAGE 7

Eugene Dupuch Law School celebrates the silver jubilee of Legal Education Week LEGAL education and its impact on society has continued to evolve over the years. Driven by a variety of factors, including globalisation, technology, and regulatory overhauls, this evolution has required legal institutions across the region to adapt and engage their specific legal communities and the wider public. Against the backdrop of this reality, with student-driven initiatives, the Eugene Dupuch Law School (EDLS) and its Legal Aid Clinic proudly celebrated Legal Education Week (LEW) under the theme ‘The Silver Jubilee: Building Bridges - Law, Society, and the Next 25 Years.’

“Legal Education Week is a cornerstone of our academic calendar,” said Nicole Sutherland King, director of EDLS’ Legal Aid Clinic. “This is also a priority for our Legal Aid Clinic as well which does the year-round work of making legal services, as well as legal knowledge,

publicly accessible, and so we view LEW as not only an opportunity for our school community to embrace the spirit of collaboration and continuous learning, but also an opportunity for deeper engagement with our students, alumni, and partners on matters impacting the legal sphere.”

Led by the Eugene Dupuch Law School’s Students’ Association (EDLSSA), LEW is a reflection of the EDLS’s commitment to holistic legal education, providing occasion for learning, fellowship, and fun through a week of workshops, seminars, and lectures designed to spark conversation and offer invaluable insights and perspectives on the evolving landscape of law and society, including on issues like marital rape, the jury system, bail, and more.

“This year, LEW began with a courtesy call on the honourable Chief Justice, Sir Ian Winder, which set the stage for a week filled

with enriching events and activities, including guest appearances from distinguished members of the legal fraternity, including Senate President Julie Lashell Adderley, who facilitated discussion on matters related to the issuance of bail in The Bahamas and Justice Camille DarvilleGomez who oversaw this year’s Speed Moot Competition,” explained Sanjay Kelly, president of the EDLSSA. As one of the flagship events of EDLS’s academic year, LEW has developed a reputation as a platform to foster camaraderie and collaboration within the EDLS community. This year’s annual observance, however, holds special significance as the regional institution celebrates its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century of excellence in legal education and service to the community.

“This year’s Legal Education Week has been a celebration of the rich

EUGENE Dupuch Law School marked the beginning of Legal Education Week with a courtesy call on the honourable Chief Justice, Sir Ian Winder. legacy and forward-looking vision of EDLS,” noted principal Tonya Bastian Galanis. “We’re very excited about the partnerships we have established with local and regional

institutions like UB and the Caribbean Agency for Justice Solutions, and even more proud of the expansion of our programme offerings through our professional development

programme as well. Our ultimate goal is to expand our role as a resource for the wider community seeking practical information and legal advice in 2024 and beyond.”

WOMAN ADMITS TO HAVING HEMP ORDERED TO Man to get counselling after admitting to having hemp DRUG COUNSELLING AS CONDITION OF RELEASE

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net A WOMAN was ordered on Friday to attend drug counselling for six months as a part of a conditional discharge.

Mariah Hart, 26, appeared before Magistrate Shaka Serville on a charge

of possession of dangerous drugs.

On February 12 in New Providence, Ms Hart was arrested after being found with two grammes of Indian Hemp.

Ms Hart pleaded guilty to her charge.

Given that Ms Hart did not have a previous criminal history, and the small

quantity of drugs, Magistrate Serville granted her a conditional discharge.

As such, Ms Hart is expected to attend drug counselling. Should the accused default on the conditions of her discharge she will face a $250 fine or one month in prison.

Ms Hart is expected to return to court on February 26.

WOMAN ACCUSED OF DEATH THREATS AND ASSAULT

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net A WOMAN was granted $2,500 bail on Friday after being accused of threatening to kill two people and attacking one of them.

Kenya Ferguson, 30, appeared before Magistrate

Algernon Allen, Jr on charges of death threats and unlawful assault.

Ferguson is accused of threatening to kill Brandon Knowles and threatening to kill Hendira McPhee. Both of these matters occurred in New Providence on January 25.

She is also accused of

unlawfully assaulting Mr Knowles.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the two counts of death threats and one count of unlawful assault.

Ms Ferguson’s bail was set at $2,500 with one or two sureties. Her trial is expected to begin March 25.

GB MAN WANTED FOR MURDER CAUGHT BY POLICE

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net A FREEPORT man who was wanted in connection with a murder has been captured, police have reported.

Charles Tony Fritzgerald, 38, of Limewood Lane, was taken into custody in the

Freeport area on Friday evening.

The arrest is in connection with the shooting of a 64-year-old man on January 23 in the Freeport area.

According to reports, police received a call of a shooting around 7:20pm at Oleander Street. When officers arrived at the scene,

they discovered an adult male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the left shoulder.

The victim was taken to hospital by ambulance, where he was listed in serious, but stable condition. However, he died of his injuries sometime last week.

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was ordered to attend counseling on Friday after he admitted to having three grams of marijuana last week.

Senior Magistrate Shaka Serville charged Barron Johnson, 39, with possession of dangerous drugs.

Johnson was found with $15 worth of marijuana on February 14 in New Providence.

After pleading guilty to the charge and accepting the facts, the accused explained that he was taking the drug to relieve pain from an eye injury. He then asked the court for mercy.

Magistrate Serville

granted the defendant a conditional discharge during which he is to be of good behaviour for six months. He must also attend drug counseling during this time. Defaulting on these conditions would incur a $150 fine or a one month prison term.

Johnson must return to court for a report on February 26.

Six-months prison for breaching his bail seven times

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN was sentenced to six months in prison after he admitted to breaching his bail on firearm charges.

Magistrate Raquel Whyms charged Malik

McKenzie, 22, with seven counts of violation of bail conditions.

McKenzie was out on Supreme Court bail for possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

While on release for these pending charges

McKenzie breached his court ordered nightly residential curfew seventeen times between January 11 and February 11.

After pleading guilty to the charges, McKenzie was sentenced to six months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2024

THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS

Causes of crime not new, but deepening - what now?

WITH the start of the year having brought a spike in murders, Tribune Night Editor TIM ROBERTS spoke to a number of people on the issue of violence in our society.

Today, in the first of a series over coming weeks, he speaks to Marlon Johnson, the former acting Financial Secretary, who has carried out research in the area for solutions in both the short - and the long-term .

BY TIMOTHY ROBERTS “HATE multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction.”

- Martin Luther King, Jr. Today, as a nation, we are looking at 25 murders in this young year.

Many may be wondering how we have arrived at this place and more importantly, how can we stop this epidemic of violence affecting primarily our inner-city youth - if indeed there is a way to halt it?

Our first order of business is to get a right understanding of the reasons why we are where we are, then develop a competent plan of action based on empirically sound evidence-based solutions.

These solutions then need to be carried out by competent people who are invested not solely in the solution, but on the subjects we are hoping to positively impact – our youth and young men, especially.

Fortunately, this already exists.

In 2004, a Citizen Safety Diagnostic study (funded by the IDB) was presented focused on the scope of crime statistics over the period of 1982 to 2002.

This study, produced by Marlon Johnson, looked at root causes of crimes, and provided evidence-based solutions, both long-term and short-term.

Twenty years later, he feels there has been basically no change to the causes of crime nor the solutions, we are merely further down the same road.

Mr Johnson says that his report was focused on the drivers of crime and recommendations on how to deal with it.

“So, as far as the root causes then, I think one of

the things I consistently tell people is that we’ve had a crime problem, a homicide problem, a violent crime

was putting the report together, the most prevalent element was domestic disputes. “At the time then, close to half of the homicides were related to domestic issues.

That proportion has probably changed, but we cannot forget that a significant amount of violence, whether it’s sexual assaults, interpersonal sort of physical assaults, happen at the domestic level,” he said.

“So, these are relationship issues, and we can lose sight of that because of the increase in the number of what is commonly referred to as gang-related violence,” he said.

Mr Johnson said that the domestic component is still substantial, the other phenomenon that was true and is still largely true as it relates to, at least violent crime, is still an urban problem in The Bahamas.

In his report, the statistics, as would be expected, were higher in New Providence and Grand Bahama, but on a per capita basis, Nassau was significantly higher than other islands rates, particularly due to larger urban population compared to other islands.

He said: “If you were to do a chart, probably 90 percent of the homicide perpetrators and victims are young men from an urban area within this age demographic, and who come from, more often than not, challenging home environments and challenging academic environments.

“Why that’s important is because our crime strategies must start with that premise of being focused on who are the primary perpetrators, and victims of violent

“THE HOMICIDE SITUATION GOT WORSE, BUT THE KEY DRIVERS WERE THE SAME, AT LEAST FROM WHAT I CAN TELL.” problem, for many decades,” he said.

“We like to think about it accelerating in the 80s and 90s, and in a lot of instances, it has gotten worse; but in the late 60s, and early 70s, our homicide rate then was higher than it is in the United States today.

“So you think about it - over 50 years ago, the homicide rate in The Bahamas was higher then than it is in the United States, and now, and that’s just a fact.” he said.

So, according to Mr Johnson, we’re dealing with a 50-year-old problem, and certainly, it has got progressively worse.

Mr Johnson said that the year he did the report, around 2002, the murder count was around 76 which we have since doubled on occasion.

Mr Johnson said: “The homicide situation got worse, but the key drivers were the same, at least from what I can tell.”

In his report, Mr Johnson outlines some of the key elements that are prevalent in violent crimes, which included domestic disputes, offenders were from urban areas, typically young men 18-35 (though now more likely 16-35), challenging academic environments and poor financial status.

In 2002, when Johnson

incidents,” he said.

Mr Johnson said his report outlined short, medium and long-term solutions to reduce instances of crime/ violent crime, he added that each phase should tie into the next.

“Because as we have now, when you have a spike in homicides, or you have a spike in any violent crime statistics, telling us what could happen three and five years or ten years down the road doesn’t address the issue today,” Mr Johnson said.

“Whatever we do, and I think this is part of the ongoing challenge we have, it must be an integrated crime strategy; and that

sense of what it is we’re trying to get at, and so that the short-term can dovetail into the medium-term, which can then dovetail into the long-term.”

On the short-term side, as the report pointed out, hotspot patrolling is critical, he said and you have to saturate the areas where you suspect crime is prevalent.

He said that even though resources are an issue here, “the good news now, as compared to [twenty years ago], is technology is so much more advanced.”

“We have invested a lot in CCTV, but I do believe that we need to have more of that, because now you can do facial recognition and licence plate recognition,” he said.

“But more than that, you must have people who can do the data mining and the intelligence analysis so that you can interpret these vast swaths of information you get. If we deploy licence plate tracking and we start to use it properly, what trends are you picking up?

“And I think that remains an area of challenge for us.

We may in the near term need to bring in some talent just to help train and bring our people up on that intelligence side because that’s important in developing trends,” he said.

But it’s also important in disrupting gun imports.

Mr Johnson said: “We will never be able to police the 700 islands and keys of the Bahamas because there are just too many ways for guns to get in. But what we must do is you have to make it more costly and more dangerous to be involved in the

“WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND OUR LONG-TERM GOAL IS TO IMPACT LIVES, NOT BUILD EMPIRES - I THINK THIS IS THE WAY WE OPTIMISE OUR SUCCESS.” means that it’s multi-sectoral, it’s multi-institutional, and that it’s documented and sustained.

“It cannot be that the police are doing a set of things, and urban renewal is doing a set of things, social services, ministry of education all doing their own thing. And they could all be actually good programmes, but they have to be integrated. There has to be a common database.” he said.

He said that we need “a programme or project-based approach to the murder issue, where there are agreed markers, agreed key performance indicators (KPIs), agreed interventions, and so we’re not duplicating resources, and so we all have a clear-cut

transfer.”

He said that by disrupting the actual established networks, including importers and traders of guns cannot, making it more difficult and making the cost of a gun more expensive, can reduce the prevalence of guns on the streets.

“Because the risk profile goes up, and so a gun that you get for $300 now becomes $1,000, and now that by itself limits who can afford it,” he said.

He added that whether it is hotspot patrolling or making use of drone technology, that “it’s not just a matter of getting the technology, but making sure we have the wherewithal to utilise it effectively.”

He said: “The other good news, bad news story for us, is that we literally have hundreds of very wellmeaning civic and sporting organisations, but the question is, are they all going in the same direction? Have they sat down and figured out how they can marshall their resources, limited as they are, for common programmes that they all can work together as opposed to everybody trying to discreetly run their own programme?”

Mr Johnson added: “We have to then, both as a government and civil society, say, listen, we have to now decide we’re going to put aside our egos and our silos and say, if we are trying to get to the young men and young boys who are at risk, then we need some common things that we can work together, because there’s only a limited number of hands.

“We need to understand our long-term goal is to impact lives, not build empires - I think this is the way we optimise our success.”

UÊ * ,/Ê /7"Ê vÊ Ì ÃÊ ÌiÀÛ iÜÊÜ Ê>««i>ÀÊ Ê iÝÌÊ `>Þ½ÃÊTribune.

Should the govt be hiding the truth’, Mr INSIGHT

PAGE February 19, 2024 PAGE10, 10 Monday, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2023

By TYLER MCKENZIE

THE missteps by the administration of Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis in response to the international travel advisories have been staggering – so much so that we have now had a new round of reporting internationally, this time highlighting how Mr Davis wants to hide murders from the front page of our country’s newspapers.

Let us skip back to when the US travel advisory was first announced. That there has been criticism of the newspapers reporting this at all – which is absurd, it is news about our country and should be recorded – but the way in which the two main newspapers reported it was restrained. The Trib une featured the alert, but not on its front page at the time, while the Guardian’s first mention was the lead story – but in terms of comments from the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Chester Cooper, saying there was no elevated risk to tourists.

Day after day following the warning, there seemed to be some press conference or another by either government or police or people in the tourism industry shouting loudly “WE ARE SAFE” in one form or another. The newspapers, and television, and other media in the country duly reported on those pronouncements.

If the response was loud, it was because the

authorities made it so, not through any sensationalism on the part of the newspapers.

And just when that seems to be subsiding, up comes the Prime Minister with his call for murders not to be on the front page.

Now, after the backlash, he has tried to suggest his comments needed to be taken in context, so let us include his comments here for clarity.

“Right now, the hotels are seeing some fall off, but more importantly, those who are in the hotels today, they’re not coming out into the community,” he said yesterday during a meeting with religious leaders.

“They’re not going to the restaurants, for example.

They’re not going sightseeing as they used to.”

He went on: “I want to call upon the press to be sensitive. I think they should see their role as trying to help the country.

I’m not saying not to report, but where you report, it may make a difference.

“And all I ask them to do is check, check to see where their crime report is. Check Trinidad, check the United States, just check and see where it is. It’s never on the front page.

“But every bullet that is fired appears to be front page news on all of our daily news. And what happens, AP picks it up, Reuters pick it up and what happens, and it’s continuing.”

When a reporter asked about his own history with regard to billboard signings

And just when [the violence] seems to be subsiding, up comes the Prime Minister with his call for murders not to be on the front page. announcing the number of murders under the FNM,

Mr Davis said: “That’s the past. I am looking forward.

What I am saying now is, I now have evidence that this is impacting how it’s accepted in the international community. I didn’t have evidence then on how it was accepted, and

THE TRIBUNE EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

PRIME MINISTER PHILIP ‘BRAVE’ DAVIS now that I know how it is accepted, I will say to the press, just be responsible in how you report to ensure that you don’t harm your country.”

So, that’s what he said.

He has not presented the evidence he talks about in

regard to the impact of such matters in the international community.

Mr Cooper, meanwhile, popped up while launching two advertising campaigns to restore faith in The SEE PAGE ELEVEN

‘about Davis?

INSIGHT

THE TRIBUNE EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

from page ten

Bahamas for tourists and talked about analytic showing the amount of coverage of the international travel advisories, and said that only eight percent of online coverage about the country is “negative” and was losing momentum.

Mr Cooper also talked about how coverage “intertwined” coverage of the advisory about The Bahamas with a travel warning about Jamaica. That is not the case with local coverage here in The Bahamas, and he seems to be referring to such things as a CBS report talking about crime in the region, which mentioned both in a report, but clearly spelled out the difference.

In any case, none of his analytics have been released for public consumption either, so we have to take his word for it, and Brave’s word for his evidence too.

Mr Davis talked of how other papers internationally did not have murders on the front page – but again did not cite which newspapers. The media here already knew that was not really true, but did its due diligence anyway and went off to look for examples only to find, surprise surprise, many newspapers with murders on the front page.

So on top of the international coverage of the murder rate that started this year off at such a pace, we now have had international coverage of the

Prime Minister trying to sweep such matters under the carpet. All of which is in response to very routine coverage of a travel advisory by the US. As I mentioned in a previous column, that advisory was itself perfectly straightforward, just telling people to practice “increased vigilance in ‘Over the Hill’ area (south of Shirley Street) where gang-ongang violence has resulted in a high homicide rate primarily affecting the local population”.

Local population, you’ll note. I highlighted that before, I’ll highlight it again.

I would love if the Prime Minister’s reaction had been focused on some of that local population, I must say, but no, it seems to be all about the tourists.

The call to move the stories off the front page was not for the impact here at home, but abroad, as if the murders would somehow magically not be noticed the second they were not on the front page. Stories are still posted online and shared, details of murders still circulate on social media, the US Embassy is not going to suddenly not notice if the murder is on page three rather than page one.

This was not a simple case of the Prime Minister misspeaking either. He talks of evidence. The government has done analytics. That means someone was tasked with going and finding this out or put that evidence

Monday, February 19, PAGE 11 11 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2024, 2023 PAGE

Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper meanwhile said that only eight percent of online coverage about the country is “negative” and was losing momentum.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER CHESTER COOPER into Mr Davis’ hand and he decided to run with it. This is a premeditated effort to put pressure on the media who are doing nothing other than their job.

Worse, it fits into a pattern of not being

forthcoming with the facts. That Freedom of Information implementation is deep in the long grass. We still do not know which Parliamentarians failed to follow the law on public disclosures last

year. Questions tabled by the FNM in Parliament go unanswered or get pushed around in a circle of someone else needs to answer.

There are many contracts awarded that have not been revealed to the public.

Back when he was defending the billboards put up by the PLP in 2012, Mr Davis said: “We cannot hide the truth. Are we about hiding the truth?”

Well, Mr Prime Minister, are we?

2

3 LOW

4

N HOW S E TID

y ’s Ba n a dm Goo

Not all developers are good neighbors!

1

1.

Goldwynn - 7 Storeys: Lot 6 & 7.

2.

Penthouses at Goldwynn II: 14 Storeys - Lot 8.

5

3.

Edward Hoffer Homestead: 1 Storey – Lot 9. Note: High tide sits at the property’s sea wall.

4.

Last House – Lot 12. Low tide is sitting at their sea wall.

5.

Low tide mark (black wavy line).

Eroded beach frontage. Note: Wynn’s beach chairs and umbrellas impede on the right of others to use the beach.

Mr. Edward Hoffer is contesting the proposed "Penthouses at Goldwynn" development project (Wynn II). He has appealed the Dept. of Physical Planning's decision on their passing of the design plans for this Goldwynn project. The Goldwynn Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) - www.wynnphase2enviro.com states they are building Wynn II on lots 8 and 9. Mr. Hoffer owns lot 9. The footprints of the project are yet to be disclosed and are not legible. Why is the Developer claiming lot 9 as theirs? There is no "For Sale" sign on the Hoffer property. When we placed the Wynn II architecture rendition over a drone photo shown here, that rendering included fauna that covered most of the Hoffer property. We had to erase some of the drawing's landscape to show the Hoffer homestead above. Is the 14storey building too large and too high for lot 8? YES! We think so. Are the plans accurate? NO! Developers and the Government are responsible for transparency throughout the process, especially regarding the human element of urban planning. Citizens have a right to clean air, privacy, and a safe environment. With the threat of climate change, king tides and ocean surges, we don't need gigantic glass buildings on beaches. High tide already slams against many of the sea walls on this coastline. This proposed project would bring another 2-3 years of noise, pollution, traffic congestion, blockage of airflow, damage to Mr. Hoffer's home and further harm to people and pets.

Please send your concerns regarding Goldwynn II Site Plan Approval (SPA/12/2023) to the Department of Physical Planning – Attention Director: deptphysicalplanning@bahamas.gov.bs and to fightwynn@gmail.com by March 1, 2024.

19-02-24

LEGEND: Golf Course Estates Strip – lots 6-12 on Goodman’s Bay, Cable Beach, Nassau, Bahamas.

GOLDWYNN PROPOSAL

Sources: Wynn architectural drawing and drone photo from the internet. Photo and illustration may not be to scale.

We’ve Appealed. The Fight Continues…

WYNN’S PENTHOUSE BUILDING IS TOO LARGE AND TOO HIGH FOR ITS LOCATION

Fortifying international law: safeguarding global stability PAGE February 19, 2024 2023 PAGE12, 12 Monday, MONDAY, FERBRUARY,

IN today’s complex global landscape, peace and prosperity face significant threats due to a blatant disregard for international law and the meticulously constructed human rights framework established since the aftermath of World War II. This disregard poses a grave threat to the stability of nations worldwide.

Hence, all nations, particularly the small and powerless ones, must be deeply concerned about the actions of Israel in Gaza and the Russian Federation in Ukraine. In both cases, international law and the global humanitarian system

INSIGHT

World View

By SIR RONALD SANDERS have been ignored, not only

by Israel and Russia but also by other nations with a vested interest in supporting them, despite the illegalities that have been perpetrated.

Consequently, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) finds itself paralyzed, with its five

ISRAELI helicopter flies over Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024.

Photo: Mohammed Dahman/AP

veto-wielding nations failing to act collectively, either due to direct involvement (as in the case of Russia) or because of alliances with Israel (as with France and the US).

The consequences of this inaction are stark and evident to all. It is a grim

tableau of death, destruction, and displacement, with innocent individuals, including women and children, bearing the brunt of the conflicts. In Ukraine, nearly six million people have been forcibly displaced, with almost eight million fleeing to neighbouring countries and beyond. Alarmingly, UN officials report that more than 20,000 Ukrainian children have been forcibly deported to Russia, given Russian nationality in violation of established rules of war.

In Gaza, Palestinians have been forcibly displaced, enduring indiscriminate,

THE TRIBUNE EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

disproportionate, and direct attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals. More than 28,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 69,000 wounded, with the majority being women and children. In contrast, since Hamas launched an assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, the Israeli death toll stands at 233 soldiers and 1,200 civilians.

The atrocities and gross violations of human rights and international law persist. Yet, in the Israeli-Gaza conflict, the countries that have been the strongest advocates of human, civil, and political rights have failed to condemn Israel’s disproportionate and excessive actions, which are indiscriminately killing Palestinians. Instead, powerful Western nations continue to provide billions of dollars in support to Israel, while refraining from supporting calls for a ceasefire in the UN Security Council.

To address any misconceptions, it’s important to note that I have unequivocally condemned the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas, describing it as “stupid.” This condemnation stems not only from the inherent wrongness of attacks on civilians but also from Hamas’s reckless miscalculation, providing Israeli leaders with the pretext to pursue what they term as “total victory.”

Similarly, President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation has indicated that a ceasefire with Ukraine can only be achieved if there is agreement that Russia will not relinquish any Ukrainian territory gained during the conflict.

The fundamental point that should never escape acknowledgement is that Russia blatantly and knowingly violated international law and the Charter of the UN by its attack on Ukraine and annexation of its territory. This is a particularly egregious act because the Russian Federation is a veto power in the UNSC with the responsibility to safeguard peace.

Many smaller countries of the world, for example those in the Caribbean, have not developed any military muscle. None of them have military air forces or naval battleships, and such armies as they have, are rudimentary with no capability for war.

This is so because, when they became independent from European powers, they regarded the Charter of the United Nations and international law as their protection from aggression, including invasion, by external forces. Small

countries are now left to question the value of the international system to them.

It would be easy for developing countries to take the position that since powerful nations have betrayed the international system, it is no longer effective or beneficial.

However, such a position, while understandable, would be a mistake. For, it would play into the hands of authoritarian regimes everywhere.

The International legal and humanitarian systems, which have been painstakingly assembled over seven decades, should continue to be strongly upheld and vociferously advocated.

They remain vital protections for democratic countries which should insist that they be upheld and vigorously applied to all.

This is why in all the organizations of the UN and other regional organizations such as the Organization of American States, smaller nations should not surrender their voice nor cede their votes to those who use the international system selectively and as a convenience for their own interest.

Similarly, the one-sided approach, taken by powerful nations in relation to Russia and Israel in their conflicts with Ukraine and Hamas respectively, and their flouting of the international legal and humanitarian systems, has weakened their authority and influence. They should learn lessons from the ways in which they have damaged themselves by double standards.

In the face of all this adversity, it is imperative that democratic countries do not succumb to despair or cynicism. Rather, all nations must redouble their efforts to uphold and strengthen the international legal and humanitarian frameworks that serve as their collective shield against chaos and tyranny.

Small countries need global peace and stability in which to achieve economic prosperity and social progress, or their peoples will face persistent poverty and global inequity. The key to such prosperity and progress is the international legal and humanitarian systems which must always be upheld, strengthened, and broadened.

(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US and the OAS. He is also the current President of the OAS Permanent Council. The views expressed are entirely his own. For comments and previous commentaries, see: www.sirronaldsanders.com)

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, February 19, 2024, PAGE 13

An ‘Iconique’ ballet performance

ELEGANCE, precision and majestic movements highlighted two nights of priceless ballet set along the backdrop of the Great Lawn at Old Fort Bay Club on February 14 and 16 as some of the world’s greatest ballet dancers put on showstopping performances for the ‘Iconique’ Dinner Banquet Gala.

The intimate evening of Classical, Neo-Classical and Contemporary performance ballet featured dancers from one of the world’s most revered ballet companies - Covent Garden Dance, along with an all-inclusive dinner and top wines at Old Fort Bay Club for a first-of-its-kind performance in The Bahamas.

Photos: Moise Amisial

PAGE 14, Monday, February 19, 2024

THE TRIBUNE

IOC WON’T Hunter Armstrong gets two CHANGE BOXING AGE more medals on final day of swim LIMIT TO LET PACQUAIO IN worlds. Israeli swimmer is jeered COMPETE OLYMPICS DOHA, Qatar (AP) — American swimmer Hunter Armstrong helped himself to two more medals on the closing day of the World Aquatics Championships in Qatar yesterday, winning the men’s 4x100 medley relay with the United States team after taking the silver in the men’s 50 backstroke.

Armstrong, who swam the first leg, praised his teammates Nic Fink, Zach Harting and Matt King after the United States won in 3 minutes 29.80 seconds.

The Netherlands took silver in 3:31.23 with Italy in bronze (3:31.59).

“We start strong and we finish stronger,” Armstrong said. “We take pride in our medley relay.”

The Ohio native won golds earlier in the championships in the mixed 4x100 medley relay and men’s 100 backstroke.

Lewis Clareburt of New Zealand had a special victory celebration lined up for the men’s 400 medley.

After winning in a time of 4:09.72, the 24-year-old Clareburt did a brief imitation of the New Zealand rugby team’s Haka in the pool, opening his eyes wide and sticking out his tongue as he pushed an imaginary spear-like weapon above the water at the Aspire Dome in Doha.

British swimmer Freya Colbert won the women’s 400 medley in 4:37.14, ahead of Israeli swimmer Anastasia Gorbenko, who clocked 4:37.36 and was jeered by the crowd when she spoke. Italy’s Sara Franceschi was third in 4:37.86.

Lithuania’s Ruta Meilutyte won the women’s 50 breastroke title for the third straight time. She was pushed hard by China’s Tang Qianting — the women’s 100 breaststroke winner — who made a great start before Meilutyte caught her at the end.

Benedetta Pilato of Italy took the bronze medal.

Sweden’s Sarah Sjoestroem also defended her title, and just missed out on beating her own world record of 23.61, when she won the women’s 50 free in 23.69. American Kate Douglass finished second in 23.91 and Poland’s Katarzyna Wasick was third in 23.95.

Daniel Wiffen of Ireland dominated the men’s 1,500 freestyle, setting a personal best time of 14:34.07 and winning by a massive 10.54 seconds.

“Thank you everyone for the support,” he told the crowd. “I was really dying in the middle.”

Germany’s Florian Wellbrock edged out Frenchman David Aubry for the silver medal.

Isaac Cooper of Australia won the men’s 50 backstroke in 24.13. He started strongly and held off the defending champion and world record holder Armstrong by .20 seconds.

Poland’s Ksawery Masiuk was third.

“I’ve been waiting a very long time to stand on a longcourse podium,” the 20-year-old Cooper said. “I was thinking back to when I was a kid and I used to do one backstroke a year and rip out a PB (personal best).”

AT AGE 45

HUNTER ARMSTRONG, of Team United States, swims in the Men’s 4x100m Medley Relay final at the World Aquatics Championships in Doha, Qatar, yesterday.

(AP Photos/Hassan Ammar)

SILVER medallist Hunter Armstrong, gold medallist Isaac Cooper of Australia and bronze medallist Ksawery Masiuk of Poland, from left to right, pose after the Men’s 50m Backstroke final at the World Aquatics Championships in Doha, Qatar.

GOLD medallist Freya Constance Colbert of Great Britain, right, comforts silver medallist Anastasia Gorbenko of Israel after she was booed by the spectators at the end of the Women’s 400m Individual Medley final yesterday.

Australia won the women’s 4x100 medley relay in 3:55.98, ahead of Sweden (3:56.35) and Canada (3:56.43).

China topped the table on the gold-medal count.

It had 33 medals overall

— including 23 golds — while the United States was second with nine golds among an overhaul haul of 23.

Australia was third overall with 24 medals but fewer golds (seven).

It is the first time in history a longcourse world championships has been held in the same year as an Olympics.

The Paris Olympic Games take place July 26 to August 11.

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — The International Olympic Committee will not change its rules to let boxing great Manny Pacquaio compete at the Paris Games aged five years beyond the entry limit.

Pacquaio, who retired in 2021, wanted to box at age 45 in the Olympic tournament in Paris where medal bouts will be held in the Roland Garros tennis complex.

The IOC said yesterday it wrote to Olympic officials in Philippines explaining the age limit for boxers of 40 will be upheld. The IOC now oversees Olympic boxing after de-recognising the International Boxing Association governing body.

The age limit for Olympic boxing was raised to 40 from 34 in 2013 — a move that would have let Pacquaio try to compete at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. He chose not to at the time when he was also elected to be a senator in his home country.

It is unclear if Pacquaio would have tried to earn a place at the Paris Olympics in one of two qualification tournaments that open later this month in Italy and in May in Thailand.

The Philippines Olympic body had talked of trying to get a so-called “universality” entry to the Paris Summer Games. These are effectively free passes to events given to countries that have few athletes at the Olympics and typically struggle to qualify on merit.

However, the IOC explained yesterday that the Philippines had been too successful to benefit from the scheme.

“Universality places are not allocated to (teams) with an average of more than eight athletes in individual sports/disciplines at the last two editions of the Olympic Games,” the IOC said. “This is the case for the Philippine Olympic Committee.”

Pacquaio ended his storied career in September 2021 at age 42 after 72 fights, winning 12 world titles at a record eight different weight divisions.

NASCAR TEAMS TELL AP THEY’VE HIRED TOP ANTITRUST LAWYER ON EVE OF DAYTONA 500

By JENNA FRYER AP Auto Racing Writer DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — NASCAR teams have hired one of the country’s top antitrust and sports lawyers to advise them in their ongoing dispute with the family-owned stock car series over a new revenue-sharing model.

The decision to hire Jeffrey Kessler, partner and co-executive chair of Winston & Straw LLP, followed a Saturday meeting at Daytona International Speedway that included the majority owner from each of the 15 chartered teams in NASCAR. Although the teams invited NASCAR representatives to attend, none did.

Kessler’s hiring was revealed to The Associated Press yesterday, the eve of the rain-postponed Daytona 500, by the five members of the team ownership negotiating committee. It comes amid a breakdown in negotiations between teams and NASCAR that led the 36 chartered teams to decline last month to extend their exclusive negotiating window with the sanctioning body on the existing deal.

The current charter agreement expires at the end of this season, and two years of talks were stalled

by NASCAR’s ongoing negotiations on a new $7.7 billion television rights deal announced in early

December. NASCAR’s economic offer to the teams came shortly after but with zero room for the teams to counter.

“We want to make a deal, we are just looking for a fair deal,” Curtis Polk, a part owner of 23XI Racing and member of the teams’ negotiating committee, told The Associated Press. “There is no give and take. We’ve been told ‘This is all there is; there is no flexibility.’

That’s not a negotiation.”

Kessler has only been retained so far to help advise the teams in their negotiations. Kessler most recently successfully represented Division I college football and basketball players in a landmark antitrust case that led to financial stipends for athletes.

He also led the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team in its successful fight for equal pay as well as litigations for current free agency rules in the NBA and the NFL. The issues between NASCAR and the race teams are far beyond revenue and charters, which are essentially a version of the franchise model used in nearly all professional sports. The teams have asked for the charters to become permanent, which NASCAR has not even considered.

But after a Saturday meeting that included Rick Hendrick, NASCAR’s winningest owner who is

JOEY Logano (22) and Austin Cindric, top left, lead the field to start the first of two Daytona 500 qualifying auto races at Daytona International Speedway, on February 15.

(AP Photo/Terry Renna) launching his 40th anniver- 500 winner Denny Hamlin, get accomplished during sary season, Roger Penske, owner of 23XI Racing with the session.

Joe Gibbs and Michael Jordan and Polk.

But also, beyond the Jordan, among others, it Each of the 15 teams economics and charter situbecame clear that having a made the decision on ation, the race teams want a franchise to leave as part of their own to not extend new paradigm for the way their legacy remains one of the exclusive negotiating NASCAR is run. the more pressing topics. window with NASCAR; The teams are adamant The negotiating team the committee told AP that they are given a voice said it couldn’t even come that although NASCAR when it comes to governto a resolution in which chairman Jim France occa- ance, and they want to charters would last seven sionally meets individually create a collaborative enviyears but could be revok- with the teams, he’s not ronment when it comes able by NASCAR based on been part of any wider to creating new revenue failing to meet competitive meetings as representing opportunities. standards. NASCAR has the sanctioning body.

“There’s only a seat if apparently stopped negoIt has left the five- you’re allowed a seat and tiating with the committee member executive board they’re only going to allow and is instead trying to representing the race teams a seat in a few certain situaspeak to teams individually. entering negotiating meet- tions, but I do think there’s “I think that this whole ings with the ability to reach avenues to the drivers being thing is such a monopoly an agreement on behalf of more equitable in the sport that you kind of get shut the chartered race teams; in the future,” Hamlin said. down in different areas, the negotiating committee As NASCAR continyou’re allowed in some believes France’s absence ues to move into legal places, but not in others,” from the meetings under- gambling, the teams don’t said three-time Daytona mines what could actually want to be cut out of any

potential profits. A more recent example is a collaboration announced at the start of the month between NASCAR and Crocs in which five-pack charms are sold separately.

But the charms are all licensed specifically for NASCAR — there are no individual team or driver charms, and thus no kickback to the teams.

Polk was adamant that the teams are not asking NASCAR to retroactively compensate for 75 years of how the France family has done business. Instead, Polk said teams are asking “only for incremental revenue.”

“All we’ve asked for is to help make us healthier by giving us a disproportionate share of incremental revenue,” Polk said.

“You don’t have to go back into your pockets for what you are used to getting every year. Just the incremental revenue. So yeah, if you’re used to getting $7, we don’t want you to go down to $5. We still want you to maybe get $7.50, but we want a bigger share of this increment to go to us to help us — because we need help.”

The negotiating team said there has been no discussion of creating a breakaway league not sanctioned by NASCAR, and there is no current consideration of staging races at non-NASCAR facilities without NASCAR governance.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, February 19, 2024, PAGE 15

GOOD EFFORT: The Bahamas Mantas water polo team members enjoy some down time in the pool at the South Florida tournament over the weekend.

BAHAMAS MANTAS WATER POLO TEAM 6TH OVERALL IN SOUTH FLORIDA TOURNAMENT

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net DESPITE not carrying his best team, coach Laszlo Borbely said he was still pleased with the efforts of his Bahamas Mantas water polo team at the South Florida Tournament over the weekend.

The Mantas, after playing in a series of games, will return from Pompano Beach, Florida with a sixth place finish after they lost their game 10-7 yesterday to Loyola. The Mantas came from a 7-3 deficit to trim it down to one (8-7) with 18 seconds left in the fourth.

But Loyola was just too aggressive down the stretch as they pulled away for the win.

“We had a very young team with some players who have never played before,” Borbely said.

“Some of the players who we normally take, we were not available, so we had to go with a smaller and less experienced team.”

Jayden Smith scored four goals, Caylen Brown had a pair and Paityn Burrows added another.

On Saturday, Mantas played a pair of games, splitting the outcomes.

In the early match, the Mantas lost 14-6 to the Brooklyn Hustle.

Although they lost, Borbely said the team played very well. And in the late game played, the Bahamas rebounded for an 8-5 triumph over Trinidad Royhil.

Jayden Smith once again led the attack.

They also played two games on the opening day of competition on Sunday.

TEAM EFFORT: The Bahamas Mantas water polo team members (above) with their coaches at the South Florida tournament.

Kaitlyn first Bahamian female to participate in collegiate water polo KAITLYN Williams, the first Bahamian female to participate in collegiate water polo, scored a goal as the Iona Gaels women’s water polo picked up a 15-13 overtime win over Salem over the weekend.

Later in the day, the Gaels fell to Indiana 19-5 to start the 2024 Indiana Invitational in Bloomington, Indiana. Lola Trujillo led the Gaels’ offence with five goals, four coming in the win over Salem.

Iona outscored the Tigers 3-2 in the first quarter with goals coming from Kaya Hart, Amelia Gonzalez and Beila Morquecho.

Iona outscored the opposition by one goal once again in the second quarter, with Trujillo notching two and Maleah Penman and Kaitlyn Williams adding one each.

With a two goal lead entering the 2nd half, the Gaels kept the two-goal lead going into the final eight minutes. Third quarter goals came from Gonzalez, Handali, & Trujillo notching her hat trick. Salem outscored the Maroon & Gold 3-1 in the final quarter, extending the game to overtime.

Iona used a strong first overtime period to take a three goal lead that they would surrender. Addison Collins would join the Gaels who found the back of the net.

In net for the Gaels, Lilly Morris and Soler, Zasha split time in goal each playing 32 minutes. They combined for 12 saves on 33 shots faced. As a team, Iona recorded eight steals and drew 12 exclusions. Lola KAITLYN Williams is the first Bahamian continued her perfect swim- female to participate in collegiate water off record, going 6-for-6. polo.

Bahamas Mantas won the opener 16-13 over the South Florida water polo team.

Paityn Burrows and Jayden Smith scored four goals apiece, Jacob Johnson had three, Jahmahl Wilson had two and Caylen Brown, Dumani Stubbs scored a goal.

And in the late game, Team Mantas lost 20-3 to Encsntada.

Jayden Smith scored twice and Paityn Burrows once in the loss.

Members of Team Mantas were Indiya Jones, Jayden Smith, Isiah Colon, Caylen Brown, Psityn Burrows, Jacob Johnson, Jahmahl Wilson, Asher Bastian, Dumani Stubbs, Meghan Smith, Krishna Rolle, Dalane Phillips and Jayden Rahming.

“I think this team did well,” said Borbely, who was assisted by Wandalee Burrows. “We had about four girls on this team and we had some players who are new to playing on the team.

“We are going through a rebuilding stage because most of the top players on the team are no longer under-14, so we will continue to work with the players that we have.”

Borbely said they are looking forward to playing in their next tournament over the weekend of April 4-7 where they will return to Florida to participate in the Rise Up all-girls tournament.

“Finally, we will have a tournament just for girls.

We have a lot of girls who are playing now and this will be a good opportunity for them to prove themselves against their own.”

GHS ALUMNI INAUGURAL GOLF TOURNEY SET FOR BAHA MAR THE Government High School Alumni is slated to host its inaugural GHS Alumni Royal Blue Golf Tournament April 13-14 at the majestic Royal Blue Golf course at Baha Mar. The tournament will bring together the best golfers in The Bahamas to benefit the Alumni’s charitable initiatives and awareness efforts for the present students at Government High School. It is hoped that the top 50 golfers in the country sign up to participate to vie to be the first team to have the right to wear the GHS Alumni Royal Blue Jacket.

The inaugural GHS Alumni Royal Blue Golf Tournament will be following a Two Person Modified 18-hole Scramble Format and the play will be governed by the Bahamas Golf Federation and USGA Rules with a maximum Handicap of 24.

Teams can compete and win trophies in four categories: Open, Co-ed, women and juniors.

The winning team in the open division will be presented with the inaugural GHS Alumni Royal Blue Golf Tournament floating trophy which will reside at Government High School.

The winners will also receive individual trophies and the inaugural GHS Alumni Royal Blue Golf Tournament jackets. The jackets will be designed by internationally acclaimed designer Kedar Clark of the Kis Bespoke brand here in The Bahamas.

The exciting two person modified 18-hole scramble format will allow co-ed, women and juniors to compete for open trophies as well as trophies in their division.

The tournament begins on April 13 at the Baillou Hills nine-hole golf complex at 10:30am where the golf teams will pick their starting holes.

On Sunday, April 14, the tournament kicks off with a 9am shotgun start with the presentation of awards later on Sunday.

Due to time constraints and afternoon commitments on the Royal Blue Course, there will be limited players allowed therefore the tournament will be a first come first serve event to see who will be the best team on April 14 at the tournament.

Persons can register at tghsalumni.com and just click on events or https://tghsalumni.com/ golf-tournament.

PAGE 16, Monday, February 19, 2024

THE TRIBUNE

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA WINS AT RIVIERA WITH 62.

HE BECOMES ASIA’S MOST PROLIFIC PGA TOUR WINNER

By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) — Hideki Matsuyama set the Riviera record for the lowest closing round by a winner yesterday in the Genesis Invitational, giving the Japanese star another record that means far more to him.

Matsuyama rallied from a six-shot deficit with a 9-under 62, punctuated by consecutive shots inside a foot of the hole, to win for the ninth time in his career on the PGA Tour.

That breaks the record for Asian-born players he shared with K.J. Choi of South Korea.

Matsuyama finished at 17-under 267 for a threeshot victory over Will Zalatoris (69) and Luke List (68). Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele, best friends playing in the final group, faded in the middle of the back nine and tied for fourth.

It was Matsuyama’s first victory since his playoff win at the Sony Open two years ago, after which Shigeki Maruyama sent him a text to remind him of a conversation they once had about becoming the most prolific PGA Tour winner of Asian players.

This one looked unlikely at the start of a final round in which Cantlay had a twoshot lead and looked to be in total control of his game.

But it was a struggle from the start for Cantlay, who couldn’t find fairways or greens or make many putts that mattered.

Cantlay missed a 12-foot birdie attempt on the easy par-5 opening hole, and then didn’t have another birdie putt until the sixth hole. He closed with a 72.

Cantlay played with Schauffele, who struggled just as much.

Schauffele got back in the mix with a tough birdie on the par-4 10th and holing a bunker shot for eagle on

the par-5 11th. He bogeyed the next three holes and and rallied at the end for a 70.

List set the early pace.

Zalatoris took the lead in the middle of the back nine.

At one point there was a five-way tie for the lead heading to the tough stretch on the back nine at Riviera.

And then Matsuyama seized control with sheer brilliance. His approach to the tough 15th carried the bunker and rolled out to 8 inches. “The second shot on 15 was probably the best shot I had,” he said through his interpreter.

On the par-3 16th, he let the club dangle as he followed the flight, unsure where it would go until he heard the crowd cheer for a shot that rolled to within 6 inches. He got up-and-down for a third straight birdie on the par-5 17th to stretch his lead to three shots, and by then, no one could catch him. Matsuyama’s final act was a sharp-breaking

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA, of Japan, celebrates his win on the 18th green during the final round of the Genesis Invitational golf tournament at Riviera Country Club, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024, in the Pacific Palisades area of, Los Angeles.

(AP Photo/Ryan Sun) 4-footer for par on the final hole, and he clinched his fist — a rare show of emotion by the Japanese star — when it dropped. His 62 broke, by one, the Riviera record for best closing round by a winner set by Doug Tewell in 1986. Matsuyama had struggled the last two years, starting with a neck and back injury at

Bay Hill in March 2022. He had only six top 10s worldwide during that stretch and fell out of the top 50 in the world.

“Ever since that injury, I was worried every week something bad might happen,” Matsuyama said.

“This week I had no issue. I played without any worries.

That really helped.”

The win was worth $4 million from the $20 million purse and moves him to No. 20 in the world with the entire major season ahead of him.

Matsuyama now has 18 wins worldwide, eight on the Japan Golf Tour and the unofficial Hero World Challenge, also hosted by Tiger Woods.

A LOS Angeles Fire Department ambulance leaves Riviera Country Club during the second round of the Genesis Invitational golf tournament on Februry 16 in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles.

The fire department was reportedly on hand to deliver intravenous fluids to golfer Tiger Woods who is said to have had flu symptoms and dehydration.

Tiger Woods withdraws from Riviera with flu symptoms. His 2024 debut lasts only 24 holes

By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) — Tiger Woods returned to the PGA Tour and lasted only 24 holes, withdrawing Friday from the Genesis Invitational with flu-like symptoms and dehydration after hitting his tee shot on the seventh hole at Riviera.

Rob McNamara, his longtime associate and vice president of TGR Ventures, said Woods felt flu symptoms Thursday night that worsened when he woke up.

“He had a little bit of a fever and was better during the warm-up, but then when he got out there and was walking and playing, he started feeling dizzy,” McNamara told a PGA Tour official.

“Ultimately, the doctors are saying he’s got

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potentially some type of flu and that he was dehydrated.

He’s been treated with an IV bag and he’s doing much, much better, and he’ll be released on his own here soon.”

Woods left Riviera about two hours after he withdrew, sitting in the front seat of a red SUV as it departed.

He was 1-over par for the round — 2 over for the tournament — and projected just outside the cut when he asked for a cart and was driven off the course by a rules official. He has been walking slowly and looked drained of energy playing the front nine.

“He obviously wasn’t himself, just didn’t look right. Saw that before the round started,” said Gary Woodland, who played in the same group with Woods along with Justin Thomas.

“Obviously, everything’s better with him there and for him for his first tournament back and he couldn’t come out and finish the way he wanted to, that sucks for all of us.”

Woodland said he noticed Woods being quieter than normal, though they all were trying to make sure they were among the top 50 to make the cut.

TIGER Woods is driven off the course after withdrawing during the second round of the Genesis Invitational golf tournament at Riviera Country Club on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles.

(AP Photos/Ryan Sun) “I feel bad for him. He clubhouse, presumably was movement, except the wasn’t right,” Woodland waiting for Woods. PGA trucks were leaving without said. “He definitely was Tour officials said IV fluid Woods. trying to fight through it bags were needed and there On the golf course, there and I hope he’s all right.” were none at Riviera, so the was a steady stream of specThe 48-year-old Woods paramedics had to deliver tators headed for the exit. still managed to create them.

Woodland and Thomas quite a spectacle at Riviera.

Photographers and media approached the ninth green An ambulance and a crowded near the ambu- surrounded by only a few ladder truck from the Los lance next to a 6-foot high hundred fans.

Angeles Fire Department hedge raised cameras and Woods had not played were parked outside the mobile phones when there an official event since the

Masters last April, withdrawing in the middle of the rain-delayed third round.

He played the unofficial Hero World Challenge in December against a 20-man field with no cut, and the 36-hole PNC Championship with his son, Charlie.

Woods now has played six official tournaments since returning from a February 2021 car crash in Los Angeles that shattered bones in his right leg. He has pulled out of three of them — the 2022 PGA Championship after 54 holes, the 2023 Masters when he didn’t return Sunday morning to complete the third round.

Woods had said he hoped to play one tournament a month through the major season.

He had said Thursday he was experiencing back spasms, which led to his shank on the final hole when he started the tournament with a 72.

Along with playing, Woods is the tournament host of the Genesis Invitational that is run by his TGR foundation.

His week in Los Angeles began with plenty of hype — the launch of his new apparel line with TaylorMade Golf and his first PGA Tour start of the year.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, February 19, 2024, PAGE 17

Lucius Fox signs with White Sox AFTER being released by the Washington Nationals, Lucius Fox has signed a minor-league contract with the Chicago White Sox. Fox, 26, spent the 2023 season in the minors in the Nationals organisation, posting a .619 OPS over 44 contests.

The infielder was once viewed as a borderline top-100 prospect, but his production in the minors (career .668 OPS) never matched the hype.

Fox was released by the Nationals where he was batting just .229/.306/.313 in 44 games (150 plate appearances) this year between four different levels of Washington’s minor-league system.

In December, Fox and Todd Isaacs Jr continued the fast growing Don’t Blink Home Run Derby in Paradise where they got to showcase the majority of the Bahamian pro baseball players and some of the international players.

BAHAMIAN Lucius Fox has signed a minor-league contract with the Chicago White Sox.

Mario Ford hosts free baseball camp at Windsor Park

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: Mario Ford hosted a free baseball camp over the weekend at the Windsor Park. Children between the ages of 9-15 years old joined the camp to acquire the various fundamental baseball skills.

WINNERS CROWNED AT VALENTINE’S DOUBLES TOURNEY THE Insurance Management Valentine’s Doubles Tournament came to a successful close today as winners in four categories were crowned at the Gym Tennis Club.

The first championship team was from the Women’s Open division.

Elanqua Griffin and Esther Newton won in the round robin division, not dropping a game in their last matchup 6-0, 6-0. The battle for runners up was a highly contested match where Azaria Brown and Paula Whitfield won over Alia Knowles and Alicia Thompson 7-5, 6-3.

In the Mixed Doubles, Johnnie Fong and Gabrielle Clarke won over Franklyn Williams and Caila Bowe in a three set thriller.

After winning the first set 7-6(0), the duo of Clarke and Fong would drop the second set 1-6.

In the third set match tiebreak, Clarke and Fong pulled it out 10-6. The Men’s 55 featured the top two seeded teams, Johnnie Fong and Alejandro

Mesples, who won in straight sets over Jon Isaacs and Austin Burrows 6-1, 6-1.

Mesples and Fong both played in two finals, both coming up with one win and one runner up placement.

The last match of the tournament was the men’s open final. The father and son team of Alejandro and Bernardo Mesples fell to the number two seeded team of Jyles Turnquest and Bjorn Ferguson 2-6, 0-6.

The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association congratulates the Gym Tennis Club on its inaugural Valentines Doubles Tournament.

The tournament was well organised and was proudly sponsored by Insurance Management (Bahamas) Limited.

“We congratulate all the winners, runners up and tournament participants,” the BLTA wrote. “We look forward to this tournament addition to the senior tennis circuit and encourage more persons to participate in the next one.”

BJORN Ferguson and Jyles Turnquest receive their men’s doubles awards from Eddie Carter, left, and Mickey Williams, right.

PAGE 18, Monday, February 19, 2024

THE TRIBUNE

TOPS POINTS RECORDS FALL AT THE ALL-STAR GAME, CURRY IONESCU WITH THE EAST BEATING THE WEST 211-186 IN 3-POINT

By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The NBA wanted more competition. It got more points instead — more than ever before.

And once again, the AllStar Game was all offence.

All-Star MVP Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks scored 39 points and the Eastern Conference beat the Western Conference 211-186 last night, with the winners putting up the most points in the game’s 73-year history. The previous mark: 196 by the West in 2016.

“We had fun,” East captain Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Bucks said.

It was a flurry of records: The total points of 397 smashed the record of 374 set in 2017, while the East made 42 3-pointers to break the mark of 35 set

by Team LeBron in 2019.

The sides combined for 193 points in the first half to break the any-half record of 191 set last year, and the East tied an any-half record by scoring 104 by intermission.

Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics had 36 and Tyrese Haliburton from the hometown Indiana Pacers finished with 32 for the East, while Antetokounmpo had 23 and Jayson Tatum finished with 20.

“To be able to have this kind of accomplishment, it’s special,” Lillard said.

Perhaps unnoticed: KarlAnthony Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves

scored 50 points for the West in just 28 minutes.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder scored 31 points for the West.

“The shot-making from the East was incredible,” West forward Kevin Durant said. “Hard to play defence when somebody’s shooting 30-,40-footers over you.”

The West scored a ton of points, too: At 186, it had the fourth-most by any team in All-Star history.

And obviously, the most ever in a loss.

Lillard made some history, too. He defended his 3-point shootout title on Saturday night — then won MVP on Sunday night.

The only other player to win a Saturday event and All-Star MVP in the same weekend was Michael Jordan in 1988, when he won the dunk contest as well as the MVP trophy.

“Dame put on a show,” Tatum said, “and I was happy for him.”

The highlights were from everywhere. Lillard pulled up from halfcourt in the third quarter — swish.

Luka Doncic tried a shot from about 70 feet late in the first half; it hit near the top of the backboard.

Towns even threw an alleyoop to Stephen Curry; the Warriors star is much more of a shooter than a dunker, so he simply laid it in instead.

The only drama in the fourth was about the record — and really, that wasn’t in doubt. The East

SHOOTOUT

By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer

THE EAST team, lead by captain Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, right, hoists the trophy after defeating the West 211-186 in the NBA All-Star basketball game last night.

(AP Photo/Darron Cummings) had 160 points through three quarters, only needing 37 more to set the team All-Star record.

Brown’s 3-pointer with 1:54 left broke the mark, giving the East 197.

Haliburton made the shot that sent a scoreboard to the 200-point mark for the first time in any sort of official NBA history, connecting from deep with 1:27 left.

Lillard said the East wanted the record.

“Everybody was asking what the record was,” Lillard said. “We found out and went after it.”

And Lillard ended it in style — a 44-footer to close the scoring. He made 11

3-pointers on the night, with the official distance of those recorded at 347 feet.

A typical NBA 3-pointer is 24 or 25 feet; Lillard averaged 31 1/2 feet on his 3s Sunday night.

Durant said he was watching Lillard on the West bench while sitting with the Los Angeles Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard. “We were in awe,” Durant said.

Defence was optional, sometimes accidental.

There were 14 steals, most of those coming off wayward passes. And there were even three blocked shots.

Otherwise, it was shooting practice. And the tone was set quickly

— Haliburton had five 3-pointers in a wild span of just 1:32 in the first quarter, helping the East take a 53-47 lead after the opening 12 minutes.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and other league executives were seeking a more competitive All-Star Game after last season’s 184-175 matchup was widely panned — and television ratings plummeted.

Even Hall of Famer Larry Bird, honoured yesterday at the NBA Legends Brunch, said was hoping the message from the league resonated and players took the All-Star Game a little more seriously.

MCCLUNG EARNS PERFECT SCORE TO TAKE 2ND STRAIGHT NBA SLAM DUNK TITLE

By MICHAEL MAROT AP Sports Writer INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Mac McClung went back to school to win his second consecutive NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

He asked Shaquille O’Neal to squeeze into McClung’s old high school jersey, then grabbed the ball out of the big man’s hands and leapt clear over him to draw five perfect scores on his final attempt Saturday night.

McClung compiled 98.8 points on his last two dunks, while Boston Celtics All-Star Jaylen Brown finished with 97.8. “Shaq was so cool to put that high school jersey on, man, it almost made me emotional that he would do that,” McClung said. “When he put it on, he said, ‘You better not miss it.’ I said, ‘OK, I won’t miss it.’”

Unlike some of his previous attempts, McClung made this dunk on his first try and was rewarded handsomely by the five judges.

As a result, the highflying, 6-foot-2 guard who plays for Orlando’s G League affiliate, the Osceola Magic, became the sixth player with two or more Slam Dunk titles and the first to win in backto-back seasons since Zach LaVine in 2015 and 2016.

Hey Mac, gonna go for an unprecedented third straight title next year?

“I don’t know. We’ll think about it,” said McClung, who led his team to the G League championship last year. “I’m not sure yet.”

The only player with three NBA Slam Dunk crowns is Nate Robinson, but those didn’t come in a row.

McClung jumped over two people on his first dunk in the final round.

Brown paid tribute to the late Terrence Clark, a Massachusetts prep star who died in a car crash at age 19 in April 2021.

McClung needed an even higher score after four judges gave Brown a 49 and the other one awarded a 50 on his final dunk.

It was a left-handed slam over one person with a Michael Jackson-style sequin glove covering his left hand.

McClung then picked O’Neal out of the crowd, asked him to stand in as the prop and delivered the dunk of the night.

“It was like, ‘OK, you’ve really got to bring something, and I think they want us to make our dunks on the first try, which I completely understand,” McClung said.

OSCEOLA Magic’s Mac McClung dunks over Shaquille O’Neal during the slam dunk competition at the NBA basketball All-Star weekend on Saturday.

(AP Photo/D Cummings)

“So I knew it was time to lock in for the finals,” said McClung.

SKILLS CHALLENGE Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, a twotime All-Star, made the tiebreaking half-court shot with 20.5 seconds left in a timed contest Saturday night.

He helped give Team Pacers the NBA’s Skills Challenge crown over the Team All-Stars.

Haliburton, Myles Turner and Bennedict Mathurin teamed up to win the night’s first two competitions — the team relay and the passing competition — at Lucas Oil Stadium, just a short walk from their home arena.

It took Team All-Stars 58.8 seconds to make its first half-court shot. Haliburton needed just 38.3 seconds to win it.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Stephen Curry was on a roll — and it was barely enough to beat Sabrina Ionescu.

And fittingly, he won by three.

The Golden State star and NBA’s all-time 3-point king beat Ionescu 29-26 in the Steph vs. Sabrina competition at All-Star Saturday night, the first such him-vs.-her event of its kind at the league’s weekend showcase.

“For us to deliver a show like that, it was perfect,” Curry said. “As much excitement as you can build in that short amount of time with two great shooters going at it. This is something we’ll remember for a long time.”

Ionescu won the WNBA’s 3-point shootout at its AllStar weekend last year with a record 37 points, smashing Curry’s NBA shootout mark of 31 points. From there, a challenge was thrown down and the plan was concocted for them to meet at All-Star weekend.

So they did, and it felt like the main event of the night.

“Hopefully, this isn’t the last time we do this,” Ionescu said.

Given how the fans — and really, everybody from both the NBA and WNBA — seemed to love it, it likely won’t be the last time, especially since Curry and Ionescu talked afterward about adding partners to the mix next year when AllStar weekend just happens to be in San Francisco, the area where he plays and she calls home.

Curry’s prize was a championship belt, with images of goats — as in, GOATs — on either side.

And he’s the shooting GOAT, without question.

But Ionescu, the New York Liberty star, almost gave him more than he could handle.

Ionescu went first and made 18 of 27 shots — starting 7 for 7. Some of them were worth one point, some worth two, giving her a total of 26 points.

She shot from the NBA 3-point line, which is roughly 12 to 18 inches farther from the basket than the WNBA line, depending on the area of the floor.

Ionescu used a WNBA ball, which is slightly smaller than the NBA ball Curry used.

Curry had to rally a bit at the end, making nine of his last 10 to finish off the win.

Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic ‘off to sizzling start’ FROM PAGE 20 Gerrad Rolle followed with 14 points, five assists, four rebounds and four steals.

Newly acquired Kevin Edgecombe Jr had 13 points, 10 rebounds and three block shots and Condae Smith added 12 points with four rebounds.

For the losers, Lewvende Flueridor was the

only player in double figures with 10 points. Hinrich Monuma contributed six points, three rebounds and two steals.

Mikenkinson Estimond chipped in with five points.

Jordan Prince Williams 55, St John’s College 27: Jakayo Kemp scored a game high 15 points with three rebounds and two steals to lead the Falcons as they soared high in

their opener. Devon Ferguson had 14 points with six rebounds and four steals, Broc Glinton had 11 points and Malachi Cadeau added nine points and 13 rebounds.

In the loss for the Giants, Deren Moultrie had a double-double with 10 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks.

Their next best scorer was Ron Demeritte with six points and seven rebounds.

Charles W Saunders 60, Teleos Christian Academy 45: Nakero Brown and Raymone Woods both finished with 15 points to pace the Cougars to their second win in the tournament.

Brown also had six rebounds and blocks, three assists and two steals and Woods had five assists, four rebounds and three steals.

Romiel Strachan chipped in with 12 points, four rebounds and two steals and Seth Rolle had seven points and a pair of rebounds and assists.

Malachi Davis had eight points and Patrell Colebrooke had seven points and nine rebounds.

Martino Butler scored 14 points with six rebounds to lead the Cherubims.

Kenny Blanfort had 12 points, six assists, four rebounds and three steals.

Agape Christian School 59, RM Bailey 54: Joshua Cornish paced the Eagles with 15 points, seven steals, five rebounds and two assists as they flew high in their opener.

Anthony Mertil had 13 points, five rebounds and four steals, Daelyn Delancy had 10 points with two rebounds and as many steals, Valdez Johnson had eight points and two rebounds, Canaan Davis had seven points with four rebounds and as many steals and Tayshaun Clarke had six points, five rebounds and four steals.

Keith Bonaby led the Pacers’ attack 13 points. eight rebounds, three blocks and two steals. Stanley Pratt Jr had 11 points, three rebounds, three assists and as many steals.

Louwemsky Pierre had nine points with three rebounds and Davonte Charles (with eight rebounds, four assists, two steals and as many blocks) and Kaysheo Sturrup (with two rebounds) added eight points apiece.

CC Sweeting 56, Akhepran 26: Drexel Burnside’s 11 points and Andre Bethel’s 10 with thee rebounds and as many steals were good enough to pace the Cobras.

Mataeo Minnis had eight points and 11 rebounds, Emmanuel Adams also produced eight points with a pair of rebounds and steals and Tavari Roker finished with wix points, 10 rebounds, seven steals and three assists.

In a losing effort, Evan Hanna had a game high 12 points with five rebounds and two assists. Delroy Mackey added six points and six rebounds and Judah Seymour had four points.

Charles W. Saunders 54, CV Bethel 39: Raymone Woods scored 12 points with four rebounds and a pair of assists and steals as the Cougars got their first game since winning the BAISS title.

Nakero Brown had nine points and five rebounds and both Leroy Gray (with six rebounds) and Romniel Strachan (with five rebounds and two blocks) helped out with eight points. Charles Major III had nine points, six rebounds and a pair of assists and steals.

The Stingrays got a game high 20 points, five steals and three rebounds from Dereck Edgecombe.

CR Walker 47, Doris Johnson 32: McKell Feaste produced a game high 25 points with five rebounds,

four assists and three steals and blocked shots for the shining Knights.

Their next best scorer was Dakulve Cummings with seven points, but a tournament high so far of 20 rebounds with three blocks. Demario Ferguson added six points and eight rebounds. Devon Aranha contributed eight points with 11 rebounds.

The Mystic Marlins was led by Stephan Robinson with 11 points and eight rebounds.

Greenville Gators 82, Government High 65: Zyon Ferguson poured in a game high 28 points with eight rebounds, four assists and three steals in the Gators’ successful debut.

Semaj Thurston added 21 points with five steals, four rebounds and assists and a block shot and Marvin Pratt added 13 points with three steals.

For the Magicmen, Rasheen Brennen led a balanced scoring attack with 17 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and five steals and both Jeremiah Cadet and Amarie Forbes had 16 points. While Cadet also had 10 rebounds and five steals, Forbes had eight rebounds.

The tournament will continue today at 9am.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, February 19, 2024, PAGE 19

CHAVANO “Buddy” Hield, second from left, has been appointed as the ambassador-atlarge by Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis at the Office of the Prime Minister.

CHAVANO ‘BUDDY’ HIELD APPOINTED AMBASSADORAT-LARGE FROM PAGE 20 out his duties successfully as the newly-appointed Ambassador-at-Large.

“Buddy Hield, today we celebrate you not only as an athlete but as a symbol of hope and a testament to the power of giving back.

You have been an ambassador for The Bahamas long before today draped in the Bahamian colours both on and off the court.

“Embodying our values, our resilience and our hope.

As you officially take on this role, know that you carry with you the pride, the love and support of your Bahamian family. We are confident that you will continue to represent our beautiful archipelago with the same grace, dedication and excellence that you have always shown,” Mr Davis said.

He encouraged the youth of The Bahamas to utilise Hield’s journey as an example of how far dedication and commitment can take them in the long run.

“To the young people of The Bahamas, let Buddy’s journey inspire you to dream big, work tirelessly and remember your gifts combined with dedication and commitment to your community can indeed make room for you in the world,” he said.

Hield was awarded the tourism brand ambassador at the 2023 National Sports Awards.

JONQUEL JONES FROM PAGE 20

The Grand Bahama native powered her newest team to a 82-63 victory behind a dominant 16 points, 15 rebounds doubledouble performance. This showing earned her the third Commissioner’s Cup MVP honours.

In the regular season, she averaged 11.3 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game.

However, she elevated her play to another level during the postseason.

The former WNBA MVP raised her output to 16.8 points, 11.6 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game.

Additionally, she opened her postseason run with eight consecutive doubledoubles to set a playoff record.

Her play in the 2023 postseason was remarkable, particularly game three of the WNBA Finals, where she carried the Liberty to a big win to keep their season alive.

She scored 27 points, her highest point total of the postseason, complemented by eight rebounds. The Grand Bahama native was also lethal from behind the arc, canning 4-of-7 shots from deep.

After closing out the 2023-24 WNBA season with a disappointing finals loss, Jones and the Liberty will be motivated to pull out another championship run that hopefully ends with a title celebration.

The team intends to bring back the 2023 MVP Breanna Stewart this offseason, keeping the core intact for 2024.

The Liberty will open their season against the Washington Mystics on May 14.

SPORTS PAGE 20

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2024

Lucius, Page 17

Hugh Campbell Classic ‘off to sizzling start’ SPRINTER ZION ON A

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net THE prestigious Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic got off to a sizzling start as some of the top senior boys’ teams made their early statements over the weekend at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.

The tournament started on Friday and will continue daily until the new

champion is crowned on Thursday.

Anatol Rodgers 48, CC Sweeting Cobras 47: Cavelle Ferguson, with just six points, converted a pair of free throws to seal the deal for the Timberwolves in the winding seconds. He also had five rebounds.

Kirkwood Rolle led Anatol Rodgers with a game high 15 points with four rebounds. Xavier Thompdon had 12 points,

four rebounds and two assists and Jefferson Bethel added seven points.

For the Cobras, Mataeo Minnis scored 12 points with four rebounds.

Emmnauel Adams had 11 points with four rebounds and two assists, Sylvano Gibson had eight points and four rebounds and Drexel Burnside had six points and four assists.

Teleos Academy 35, St John’s College 28: Martino

Butler scored 11 points with six steals and two assists as the Cherubims pulled off a big win.

Javan Sweetin had eight points, 10 rebounds, two blocks and two assists, Malachi Davis had six points and Kenny Blanfort had five points, three rebounds and two steals.

Deren Moultrie had a game high 12 points, 16 rebounds and three block shots to lead the Giants.

Ron Demeritte helped out with eight points, six rebounds and two blocks.

CI Gibson 90, Blazer Elite 31: Tashon Butler and Stevachko Jacques both scored 25 points to lead the Rattlers in their rout.

Butler also had seven assists with four rebounds and four steals, while Jacques had three rebounds and three assists.

SEE PAGE 18

‘Buddy’ Hield appointed ambassador-at-large

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

C

havano “Buddy” Hield continues to make great strides in Bahamian sports on and off the basketball court.

Hield has been appointed as the Ambassador-atLarge by Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis at the Office of the Prime Minister.

With this latest distinction on Friday, the Grand Bahama native will join former National Basketball Association (NBA) player Rick Fox along with Olympian Chris Brown, the other Bahamian athletes who have previously held this position.

The 31-year-old shooting guard waa grateful to be granted the opportunity and said the youth of The Bahamas will be at the forefront of his plans in this position. “I want to Thank God for this opportunity and for blessing me, the honourable Philip Davis, Minister of Foreign Affairs, my family and Bahamian people.

“I am grateful for the opportunity not just as a Bahamian but also for my journey in the NBA. I want to take advantage of all the opportunities into being a businessman and take care of the youth of The Bahamas because they are the future,” he said.

Over the years, the Bahamian sharpshooter

CHAVANO “Buddy” Hield, second from left, has been appointed as the ambassador-at-large by Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis, second from right, at the Office of the Prime Minister. has hosted multiple basketball camps and jumpstarted the Buddy Hield Foundation, a non-profit organisation aimed at fostering youth development through sports.

The newest Philadelphia 76ers guard is ready for this new chapter and wants

SPORTS CALENDAR BASKETBALL NEX-GEN CAMP THE JRC Basketball Academy will stage its third annual Nex-Gen Camp Elite Training which will take place June 24 to July 13 at the Hope Center Basketball Courts each day from 9am to noon. The camp is open to boys and girls who will be placed in groups from ages 6-9, 10-13 and 14-18.

The camp will be conducted by coach JR Cadet, owner of JRC Basketball Academy and an experienced 10-year FIBA pro basketball player, who played on the Bahamas men’s team that played in the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament.

The special guest at this year’s camp will be coach Dalton Reitmeier, the head coach at Rabun Gap School USA; a four-year NCAA athlete and owner of Get Reit Stay Reit and a former player at IMG Academy.

to fully embrace his newest role. “I am taking on a different role now being a leader, leading by example.

It is tough taking on these challenges but I am just glad to have this opportunity to be able to inspire people, not just on the basketball court but being

Feb. 2024

FINAL WALK WITH ‘HAWK’ THE general public is being asked to take a final walk with ‘Hawk’ as family and friends pay a special tribute to the late Alpheus ‘Hawk’ Finlayson.

The public is invited to join a special celebration of the life and legacy of Finlayson on Thursday, February 29 from 7-10pm at the Crypto Isle (formerly Luciano’s) on East Bay Street.

For more information, persons are asked to contact Stanley Mitchell at 8166619 or Quinton Curry at 565-1178.

FAST TRACK INVITATIONAL FAST Track Athletics announced that its third annual Spring Invitational will take place over the weekend of May 10 and May 11 at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex. The entry fee will be $10 for adults and $5 for children. For more information, persons are asked to contact 242-727-6826 or fasttrackmanagamentoo@gmail.com

the ambassador of The Bahamas. I am ready to accept the journey and as I transition to being a businessman, I am just ready for the challenge,” he said.

The professional NBA player added that the newest honour will help him in a global aspect and

he wants to plan initiatives not only for the youth in Grand Bahama and Nassau, but also the other Family Islands.

Prime Minister Davis expressed great confidence in Hield’s ability to carry

SEE PAGE 19

ROLL, NAIRN AND RUSSELL READY FOR THE WORLD

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net WHILE sprinter Zion Campbell left his mark on the National Junior College Athletic Association, long jumper LaQuan Nairn and quarter-miler Alonzo Russell are preparing for next month’s World Indoor Championships.

At the Randal Tyson Center and Fowler Family Training Centre at the University of Arkansas, Nairn soared 25-feet, 3/4-inches in the men’s long jump to trail South Plains’ freshman Andrew Stone, who won with 25-3 1/4 (7.70m), while Russell clocked 47.63 seconds in the men’s 400m.

The duo got to compete before they head to Glasgow. Scotland, with the other five athletes selected by the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations to represent the Bahamas at the World Indoors, scheduled for March 1-3 in Glasgow, Scotland.

The others are co-world 60m hurdles record holder Devynne Charlton, national record holders Charisma Taylor and Ken Mullings and sprinter Anthonique Strachan.

Meanwhile, Campbell, representing Iowa Central Community College, won the men’s 60m and was runner-up in the 200m at the NJCAA Region II Indoor Championships at Buena Vista U-Lamberti Rec Center in Storm Lake, Iowa.

Campbell, out of Grand Bahama, took the title in 6.60. His nearest rival was Traunard Folson of Indian Hills Community College in 6.64. Campbell had the second fastest qualifying time of 6.73 behind Folson’s top time of 6.70. In the 200m, Campbell finished in 21.80 to follow Bongumusa Nkosi of Iowa Central Community College, who captured the title in 21.70.

Campbell also ran the opening leg of Iowa’s 4 x 400m relay team that finished second in 3:21.91. The other members of the team are Bongumusa Nkosi, Seon Booker and Trevon Prince. Indian Hills won in 3:15.83.

JONQUEL JONES RE-SIGNS WITH NEW YORK LIBERTY

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net JONQUEL “JJ” Jones, former Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) MVP, has decided to run it back with the New York Liberty for the upcoming season. She officially re-signed with the team on a two-year deal on Friday.

Jones expressed interest in rejoining the team during the WNBA offseason as an unrestricted free agent.

Now with the terms of the new deal all settled, the Liberty organisation and Jones will embark on another quest for the franchise’s first title.

Johnathan Kolb, general manager of the Liberty, was excited to bring back one of the team’s core pieces in the WNBA offseason.

“We are overjoyed to welcome back JJ. In just one season, she became an

JONQUEL Jones in action. indelible part of the Liberty’s core identity on and off the court, and keeping her was our first priority in open free agency as we continue our championship pursuit in 2024,” Kolb

said in a statement to ESPN. Although the Liberty came up short in the 2023 WNBA Finals, the team was a mere two games away from being able to hang their first championship banner at the Barclays Center.

Jones definitely played a pivotal role for the team during the regular season and was dominant for them in the postseason.

For the 2023 season, Jones had a bumpy start with the Liberty due to a nagging foot injury while also transitioning to a new team.

However, when her name was called, she answered.

The Eastern Conference champions got an early WNBA Finals preview against the defending champions the Las Vegas Aces in the Commissioner’s Cup Championship Game.

SEE PAGE 19