03122024 NEWS AND SPORT

nall negligently allowed

SUMNER: FEES AND FIRINGS LIKELY OVER NIB HIKE

By KEILE CAMPBELL kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

FORMER director and CEO of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) Edison Sumner said when National Insurance Board contribution rates increase, businesses may offset costs by increasing prices, service fees and firing employees.

Last week, Alfred Sears, the minister responsible for

NIB, said the contribution rate will increase by 1.5 per cent on July 1st. Although

Today’s stars, tomorrow’s leaders

THE National Examinations Awards Ceremony was held yesterday under the theme “Rewarding Excellence in National Examinations.

The ceremony was at the William Johnson Auditorium Church of God Convention Centre.

The Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training awarded over a hundred students for their stellar academic performance in the 2023 national examinations.

• See EDUCATION page on page 15 for more.

COST MANAGER

Caribbean Bottling Company (Bahamas) Ltd. seeks a Cost Manager, who will have responsibility for analyzing and reporting on the costs of raw materials, labor, and other expenses involved in the production process

Key Responsibilities

Accurately managing, identifying, reviewing, and recording standard, variable, and fixed costs of raw materials, packaging, finished goods and all other costs for Caribbean Bottling Company and Caribbean Wines & Spirits

Performing cost analysis, forecasting, budgeting and variance analysis

Preparing periodic cost reconciliation reports tracking data such as changing labor and supply costs

Directing and participating in all aspects of inventory management, including physical inventory count and inventory reconciliations

Providing support and guidance to relevant departments to assist them in understanding and improving costs and margins

Identifying process improvement and cost saving opportunities and developing related procedures

Assisting with financial reporting and month-end close activities

Any other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Minimum of five (5) years of Accounting experience

Experience in a manufacturing environment (a plus)

Excellent communication, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills

Strong time management skills and the ability to prioritize tasks

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Solid understanding of GAAP and applicable regulations

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Interested persons should submit resumes electronically to hradmin@cbcbahamas.com by Friday, March 22, 2024.

CHERKADIN Wells accepts several awards during the National Examinations Award Ceremony held at Church of God Auditorium yesterday. Photos: Dante Carrer ZANTE Ferguson accepts several awards during the National Examinations Award Ceremony yesterday.

SOHAN Umesh accepts several awards during yesterday’s ceremony.

ERIC FOX, Quade McPhee, Darnel Ferdinand and Carnis Higgs accept awards.

PRINCESS DELEVEAUX, the mother of 17-yearold Dario Rahming who died last year, accepts an award on his behalf during the National Examinations Award Ceremony at Church of God Auditorium yesterday.

MINISTER of Economic Affairs and Leader of Government Business in the Senate Michael Halkitis accepts an award on behalf of Soraya Halkitis.

CLOCKWISE from above left, Rogan Smith, Tai Cheng, D’Mari Adderley and Tahlia Cartwright.

AMANDA Delhomme accepts an award during the National Examinations Award Ceremony.

Govt ditches bail monitor company

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according to National Security Minister Wayne Munroe, who told The Tribune: “They ought to have received 30-day notice of termination by now. Last week, the meeting was supposed to take place. The terms of the contract permit it to be terminated on either party giving a 30-day notice.”

Mr Munroe said a request for a new service provider was “put in the portal a week or so ago” and has since been closed.

“The police had indicated that they prefer somebody who has done it before for obvious reasons,” he said. “I think I saw ICS saying that they weren’t interested, and I know Migrafill responded to the offer in the portal.”

“The police have been advocating for them because police say it’s a superior device and it permits them to communicate with the citizen as well through the device itself.”

The last PLP administration awarded Migrafill the electronic monitoring service in 2016, taking the business from ICS Security Concepts.

Mr Munroe said it is counterproductive to national security interests to say too much publicly about the ankle monitoring system.

“I think I saw a press conference with Greenslade from ICS. I agree with him that there should not be extended discussion about these things publicly for the obvious reason that some deficiencies are inherent in any piece of machinery, and to highlight things like it publicly informs persons who may have bad intent of things they might not otherwise know about, things they may not have otherwise thought about, so we’d just like to be measured in what we say,” he said.

“It is unwise to have extended conversations over these things.”

As the murder rate soared in late December and January, attention centred on the frequency with which people accused of serious crimes get bail and the ease with which some broke their bail conditions.

Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander said some people removed their bracelets easily with just a paper clip.

Last year, Orin Bethel, president of Metro Security Solution, told this newspaper police sometimes failed to respond to the company’s SMS messages about people breaching their bail, citing the example of George Seymour, who was killed in August.

“I remember the names because these are people who could have been alive if somebody could care enough to go do something,” he said. “We had sent a report to the police on August 17 to say that George Seymour was breaking curfew. They did not take action. Three days later, he was killed at Charms nightclub, breaking curfew again.”

National Security Minister: ‘Very, very aggressive’ anti-gang bill to be reviewed by Cabinet first

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net

NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe said a draft anti-gang legislation is “very, very aggressive” and Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis wants Cabinet ministers to review it before it is released for consultation.

Mr Davis said weeks ago that the bill would be released imminently.

The murder rate has dropped after a bloody January. Still, government officials have said the anti-gang legislation is critical to reducing murders, many of which are suspected to be gang-related

and retaliatory. In January, Mr Munroe said the administration was grappling with how to prove someone is a gang member.

“The nature of The Bahamas is this: a bunch of us are related to each other,” he said. “So, if you see us together and acting in concert, are you saying we’re a criminal gang? And when you charge us being a criminal gang, I say, well, that’s just my cousin. The question of burden of proof, standards of proof, have to be looked at with regard to particular circumstances.”

“The starting issue is this: How do you prove someone’s in a gang? There’s issues about the burden of proof,” he

told reporters at an Office of the Prime Minister press briefing. “One of the most vexing things is your relationships are often known by the person themselves who are in a relationship.”

Asked if he believed the current antigang legislation was ineffective, Mr Munroe noted the lack of prosecutions over the years.

He said: “It’s been in place for some time, right? The police have their intelligence of who these gang members are. The fact that you’ve not had a multiplicity of prosecutions indicates that the current law in our reality has issues around proof that are challenging, and that is what we’re looking at to address.”

Munroe says he will discuss police morale with commissioner

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe said while he understands how police morale could take a hit from frequent homicideby-manslaughter rulings in the Coroner’s Court, he is unaware of the problem and would discuss the matter with the commissioner of police.

Attorney K Kelvin Munroe, who represented officers in most inquests over the last year, said recently that the adverse inquest

findings give a “black eye” to the police force and lowers morale.

The national security minister said yesterday: “Again, as I said earlier, of course, if you are an officer and you are doing your duty and you are confronted with danger and you act, it can be disconcerting for civilians who you are protecting, who when they sit in the comfort of a courtroom are able to be Monday morning quarterbacks.”

“I can see how that can affect an officer if he feels full well he was acting in a manner, meet a threat, and responded as trained.

MAN SHOT DEAD IN MONTELL HEIGHTS

The victim was found lying next to a white Japanese vehicle.

EMS reported to the scene, but the victim had no signs of life.

Insp Culmer said the victim was not being electronically monitored nor was he known to police. He added the victim was not a resident of the area.

Insp Culmer said: “Every time there’s a loss of life, we feel it as a community as The Bahamas on the whole. However, we want to appeal to members of the public to continue to just help us and give us information where we could actually make The Bahamas a better place for all of us to live in. This is our country. So I want to appeal to members of this Montell Heights community.”

This killing marked the 31st murder for the year,

according to The Tribune’s records. The last murder was a double homicide on February 26 which resulted in two teen boys being killed at a residence in Carmichael Road on Faith Avenue. Asked about the twoweek pause in the series of murders previously, Insp Culmer thanked residents in the community for working along with the police to keep crime down.

He also stressed the importance of conflict resolution.

He said: “In our urban initiatives, we stress conflict resolution. We try to get it from a child’s perspective and gradually go up because we believe everything happens at home. So if we could stop the violence and just focus on conflict resolution, we could actually take a path and change the future.”

“I can see how that can impact that officer, and that is why in appropriate circumstances, when I was in practice, I represented them for free because I recognised that when they are standing on the line for me, I have to make sure that they are

confident in doing their duty, that they don’t hesitate to do their duty or else it would have negative impacts on me.

“I will meet with the commissioner of police to make an assessment of if this is having an affect and why it is having an affect.

“So, for instance, are these officers being made to pay large legal fees out of their own pockets or somehow being otherwise disadvantaged before there is any adverse criminal or civil finding against them because the Coroner’s Court

is not a criminal finding.”

Jurors returned two manslaughter findings this year and three last year. On Friday, they returned a justified homicide finding in the case of three men police killed in Blair Estates in 2019.

MINISTER OF NATIONAL SECURITY WAYNE MUNROE

Key witness says she never bribed Gibson nor transferred vehicle to his company

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

A KEY witness in the criminal trial of Adrian Gibson and others claimed yesterday she never bribed the Long Island MP to receive maintenance contracts for Elite Maintenance and never transferred three vehicles to his company in Long Island.

Tanya Demeritte previously pleaded guilty to bribery, fraud and money laundering charges after prosecutors alleged that she bribed Mr Gibson in return for Water and Sewerage contracts, fraudulently obtained more than $600,000 from the corporation, and laundered some of the money to purchase three Kia vehicles.

Police accused her of transferring vehicles to Aaron’s Car Rental in Long Island, a company owned by Mr Gibson.

The charges stemmed from her role as director of Elite Maintenance, a company that was awarded WSC contracts when Mr Gibson was executive chairman.

Under cross-examination yesterday from Mr Gibson’s attorney, Damian Gomez, KC, Ms Demeritte denied meeting Mr Gibson and purchasing three Kia vehicles from Hertz Car Rental.

Mr Gomez, referring to the vehicles allegedly purchased by Elite, asked her: “So you never sent a single car to Long Island?”

“No, sir,” she replied.

Asked if she remembered entering a guilty plea in

MOTHER ACCUSED OF NEGLIGENCE IN DROWNING DEATH OF HER SON

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her son Kamari Aspinall to drown in a bathtub in their apartment on McKinney Drive after he was left unattended on March 5.

The defendant also allegedly assaulted her child twice, resulting in injury sometime between July 1, 2023 and March 5. During this same timeframe, Mr Cunningham allegedly failed to report the child abuse.

Police reported that the child’s body had visible injuries.

After the pair was informed that their matter would be transferred to the Supreme Court through a Voluntary Bill of Indictment (VBI), their bail was set at $10,000 and $5,000, respectively.

They must sign in at the Carmichael Road Police Station every Sunday by 7pm.

The VBIs in this matter are set for service on June 10.

respect to allegations that she bought vehicles and transferred them to Mr Gibson, the witness said yes.

Mr Gomez then asked her why she had pleaded guilty to offences which she now claims she had never committed.

She responded: “Because my name was on the stuff, and I didn’t know how did that work, so I just take the plea deal.”

Mr Gomez asked her: “So you were not telling the truth when you pleaded guilty then?”

She responded that she had no other choice.

When Mr Gomez asked if her guilty plea was true or false, she said she did not understand the question.

Pressed on the matter, she ultimately said: “No, it wasn’t true.”

She also agreed with Mr Gomez’s suggestion that she never gave Mr Gibson any money. She said she had no conversations with Mr Gibson concerning bribes. During re-examination, acting Director of Public Prosecutions Cordell Frazier asked her if Elite Maintenance –– not her ––bought three Kia vehicles and transferred them to Mr Gibson.

Ms Demeritte said she did not know.

Asked if she had access to Elite Maintenance’s bank account, she said no. Inspector Otishka Bowleg, who helped arrest Ms Demeritte and several others connected to the case, also testified yesterday.

She said she participated

in interviews as part of investigations into the WSC and recorded statements from several witnesses.

She said she was present when her superiors interviewed Ms Demeritte.

When Mr Gomez asked if it was true that Ms Demeritte gave inconsistent answers, the inspector said she couldn’t say.

“I only sat in,” she said, adding that the lead investigator would best answer the question.

Anthony Moxey, owner of Sparktakular Builders, also testified yesterday about his involvement in the case.

He confirmed that Baha Maintenance and Restoration subcontracted his company to paint works on WSC buildings. Mr Moxey said he believed he was paid over $70,000 for the job.

Mr Gibson, the MP for Long Island, is facing bribery and money laundering charges concerning his tenure as WSC executive chairman under the Minnis administration.

The charges stem from Mr Gibson’s alleged failure to declare his interest in contracts awarded by the WSC.

The FNM politician is charged with four others ––Mr Elwood Donaldson, Jr, former WSC’s general manager, Peaches Farquharson, Joan Knowles and Jerome Missick.

Prosecutors recently dropped charges against his cousin, Rashae Gibson, who has agreed to testify in the trial.

The case continues before Senior Justice Cheryl Grant-Thompson.

Mammogram Access Programme launces campaign for breast cancer screening

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Mammogram Access Programme (MAP) has launched a BeProActive Campaign to assist women in the public system to get breast cancer screening.

“The BeProActive Campaign: Bridging the Gaps to Revive Mammogram Screening in the Northern Bahamas” is in response to the recent suspension of mammography screening services at the

Davies House facility.

Ms Nikeia Watson, founder of MAP, said they will assist 40 women in Women’s Month in March.

Participants are required to register and contribute $70, which is comparable to the cost of a mammogram at Davies House.

“To alleviate the financial burden, MAP will cover the remaining balance,” she said.

The ‘BeProactive’ campaign is a collaboration effort involving the patient, generous sponsors,

and MAP. Ms Watson said their motto is to “ensure that early detection is achievable.”

“Prolonged suspension for any reason poses a threat to the progress we have made,” she said.

She stressed that screening is vital for women’s health and sponsorship allows the organization to assist women. Ms Watson thanked the Grand Bahama Power Company, Rotaract Club of Freeport, City of Freeport Council, and the Kiku Zeki Court

No 202 for their support and commitment to women’s health.

She said they intend to extend the campaign to July to assist 200 women.

“I urge the community and corporate Bahamas to join the BeProActive movement and lend your support to this campaign,” Ms. Watson said. Donations can be made to Scotiabank Business Savings –Transit 80515 Account 007009349 - or through their website at mapbahamas.com.

UB HONOURS OVER 100 FACULTY ON ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY

THE University of the Bahamas held its annual employee recognition ceremony on Friday at the Performing Arts Ceremony, one of its 50th anniversary events, celebrating 125 faculty and staff members who have served from five to 40 years. Acting president of UB Janyne Hodder said she was extremely proud of their efforts and how they have remained steadfast, even through challenging times, to deeply impact the lives of citizens, the community and the country. “As we all reflect on the 50-year journey of University of The Bahamas, I’m even more in awe of the dedication of all of you and of all who came before you to make UB the high quality Bahamian national university that it is,” she said.

“I thank you on behalf of those who came before and on

behalf of all who will follow. Those of you in this room make up the very fabric of the University of The Bahamas. You faced such challenges, found solutions, failed and tried again. You’ve been innovative and most of all, you love this university.”

At the recognition ceremony, one by one, each honouree walked across the stage to the applause of their peers and friends to receive their special pins.

Lecturer Greta Kemp was saluted as a 40-year veteran employee. She was a part of the first graduating class of COB. She eventually became a member of faculty and taught many of the institution’s employees who serve in faculty and staff roles today. She received a standing ovation and cheers of applause. Assistant Professor of Architecture Kenneth Cartwright has also served for 40 years.

TANYA DEMERITTE

Sumner: fees and firings likely over NIB hike

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about such increases.

“Naturally, it will be hitting their bottom line because they gotta be responsible for paying the NIB rate and then, of course, the employee would pay their portion as well, but even if the employee pays their portion of the NIB contributions, there’s still a percentage of that that’s gonna be borne by the employer, so employers are gonna see this as hitting their bottom line indirectly,” he said.

“Unfortunately, in many instances the first casualty as it relates to reducing cost of operation is human capital,” he said. “We start cutting people off or releasing people from their employment if it’s something that we think is necessary to maintain your cost of operations.”

Mr Sumner said not only is it necessary to raise National Insurance Board (NIB) contribution rates, but the government must also pay NIB arrears.

“The government is one of NIB’s largest debtors and we need to pursue recovering the funds from the government, not a PLP or FNM government –– the government of The Bahamas owes NIB significant sums of money from what I recall,” he told reporters after an unrelated event.

Last year, then State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Myles Laroda revealed that government agencies owed NIB $8m. He did not specify which agencies were behind on their payments.

Mr Sumner said a comprehensive review of NIB operations is needed.

“It’s my view that if we’re able to correct and improve in some of the operation efficiencies, then we might find that there might not be a need to adjust the rate as high and for the extended period that’s being suggested,” he said.

Miller warns cruise ships not to advise guests stay on board while in port

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line passengers in Grand Bahama suggesting ship staff made them afraid to venture from the vessel prompted Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Chester Cooper to contact the cruise line’s CEO for clarity last week.

During his contribution to the mid-year budget debate yesterday, Mr Miller said he was certain that cruise ships engaged in “distortion and disinformation and fearmongering”.

“It appears that some businesses think that it’s good business to distort the reality of the social conditions on shore so that the passengers end up spending all of their money on the ship,” he said. “That

might be good for the ship, but that’s bad for us, Mr Deputy, as it threatens the goodwill and the good faith that exists between us and the industry.”

Last week, Mr Cooper said the video of guests talking about what they were told on the cruise ship was sent to him 117 times.

“I’ve spoken directly with the CEO of Carnival on this matter, who indicated that it is not something he tolerated,” he said. “He’s confirmed and affirmed our partnership and he has indicated that it is not something endorsed by Carnival and it is not the standard notice of Carnival. He’s provided me with those notices.”

Central Grand Bahama

MP Iram Lewis later said in the House of Assembly that Carnival should issue a press statement distancing itself from what the tourists claimed.

Last year, Port Lucaya Marketplace vendors said Carnival passengers were told vendors are unfriendly and visitors could be robbed of cash and jewellery.

Chris Chiames, Carnival’s chief communications officer, denied the claim.

“As a standard practice, we advise guests visiting destinations to follow well-cited travel advice and stay in main tourist areas, not carry large sums of cash they don’t intend to spend, and not wear lots of jewellery,” he said. “Our guests love visiting Freeport.”

FORMER director and CEO of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) Edison Sumner . Photo: Moise Amisial

Publisher/Editor

Contributing

EDITOR, The Tribune.

328-2398

Freeport, Grand Bahama (242)-352-6608

Freeport fax (242) 352-9348

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Ramadan in Gaza begins with hunger and no end to war

PALESTINIANS began fasting for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan on Monday with cease-fire talks at a standstill, hunger worsening across the Gaza Strip and no end in sight to the five-month-old war between Israel and Hamas.

Prayers were held outside amid the rubble of demolished buildings. Fairy lights and decorations were hung in packed tent camps, and a video from a UN-school-turned-shelter showed children dancing and spraying foam in celebration as a man sang into a loudspeaker.

But there was little to celebrate after five months of war that has killed over 30,000 Palestinians and left much of Gaza in ruins. Families would ordinarily break the daily sunrise-to-sundown fast with holiday feasts, but even where food is available, there is little beyond canned goods, and the prices are too high for many.

“You don’t see anyone with joy in their eyes,” said Sabah al-Hendi, who was shopping for food Sunday in the southernmost city of Rafah. “Every family is sad. Every family has a martyr.”

The United States, Qatar and Egypt had hoped to broker a cease-fire ahead of the normally joyous holiday that would include the release of dozens of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of a large amount of humanitarian aid, but the talks have stalled.

Hamas is demanding guarantees that any such agreement will lead to an end to the war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected that demand, vowing to continue the offensive until “total victory” against the militant group and the release of all the remaining hostages held in Gaza.

Netanyahu said Monday that Israel had killed “Hamas’ number four” leader and added that more targeted killings were to come.

“Three, two, and one are on the way. They are all dead men. We will reach them all,” he said.

Netanyahu was likely referencing the assassination of Saleh Arouri, the deputy political head of Hamas and a founder of the group’s military wing, who was killed in a blast in Beirut in January. Israel was widely believed to be behind the blast, although it did not take responsibility.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Israel and Hamas to honor the spirit of Ramadan by “silencing the guns” and releasing all the hostages.

“The eyes of the world are watching. The eyes of history are watching. We cannot look away,” he said. “We must act to avoid more preventable deaths. … Desperate civilians need action — immediate action.”

The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on October 7, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 hostage. Hamas is still believed to be holding around 100 captives and the remains of 30 others following an exchange last year.

The war has driven around 80 percent of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million people from their homes and pushed hundreds of thousands to the brink of famine. Health officials say at least 25 people, mostly children, have died from malnutrition and dehydration in northern Gaza. Israeli forces have largely sealed off the north since October, and aid groups say Israeli restrictions, ongoing hostilities and the breakdown of law and order have made it nearly impossible to safely deliver desperately needed food in much of the territory.

Israel has vowed to expand its offensive to the southern city of Rafah, where half of Gaza’s population has sought refuge, without saying where civilians would go to escape the onslaught. President Joe Biden has said an attack on Rafah would be a “red line” for him, but that the United States would continue to provide military aid to Israel.

Biden acknowledged in his annual Ramadan message that the holy month comes “at a moment of intense pain.”

“As Muslims gather around the world over the coming days and weeks to break their fast, the suffering of the Palestinian people will be front of mind for many. It is front of mind for me,” he said.

The United States and other countries have begun airdropping aid, but humanitarian groups say such efforts are costly and insufficient. The US military has also begun transporting equipment to build a sea bridge to deliver aid, but it will likely be several weeks before it is operational.

A ship belonging to Spanish aid group Open Arms was expected to make a pilot voyage to Gaza from nearby Cyprus, though it was not clear when it would depart. The United States has provided crucial military support to Israel and shielded it from international calls for a cease-fire while urging it to do more to avoid harming civilians and facilitate humanitarian aid.

Gaza’s Health Ministry said Monday that at least 31,112 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, including 67 bodies brought to hospitals in the past 24 hours. The ministry doesn’t differentiate between civilians and combatants in its count, but it has said women and children make up two-thirds of the dead.

Israel blames the civilian death toll on Hamas because the militants fight in dense, residential areas and position fighters, tunnels and rocket launchers near homes, schools and mosques. The military has said it has killed 13,000 Hamas fighters, without providing evidence.

Speaking on Saturday to MSNBC, Biden said Israel had the right to respond to the Oct. 7 attack but that Netanyahu “must pay more attention to the innocent lives being lost.” He added that “you cannot have 30,000 more Palestinians dead.”

By WAFAA SHURAFA and SAMY MAGDY

Associated Press

IT IS disheartening and downright selfish for a foreign company that has been operating in the Bahamas from about 1955, and with nothing to show how it has improve the lives of Grand Bahamians, or its economy, to still want to stay hogging up all the profits, as its monopoly has become strained over decades, leaving many Bahamians to wonder about what percentages of its revenues were being exported to Europe, and now by the minute?

But what is evident is their occupation, we see exorbitant fees inland sales, housing, and electricity supplies, to the extent that coping was an uphill climb for the residents of Freeport in particular, but how does it help the local people, many who have been so that the financial effects were of such significance that many of the islanders have had to relocate to New Providence to seek employment, less impactful strain on their paychecks...and is this paint the kind of picture that the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), would have you to believe that under its management, controls the economy was better, when it is not, the proof is not hard to find, can’t be avoided as how ordinary citizens describe Freeport to be a Ghost town?

So many businesses have shuttered and left that island, creating further pressures on the

government to have to fill the void, but how come when the supposedly experts at the GBPA , seemed not to be able to get its act together, how come? This group has been here more years than Bahamians have had life, therefore, when is enough, to be considered enough? I see myself as a reasonable man and, therefore, would like to appeal to the intellect of your readers that the contract with Wallace Grove’s entity, in all reasonable terms, ought not to have been awarded a contract that exceeded the five years that a political party is allowed per term, and so it is the opinion of legally-minded Bahamians, that the awarding a 99 years right to manage a business monopoly, ought to be unlawful, legally problematic and still should be set aside, making the case that as a result of exorbitant, unfair pricing sales and services, exclusion, unfair other business practicelike the preponderance of revenues exported out of the country, is worrisome … does factor heavily into the overall ratio of all ratio of the government’s budgeting exercises … the citizenry have suffered financial loss, joblessness, leaving the central government to have to fill the gaps, et cetera? The impression I got is

that they believe that the central government has no jurisdiction over what becomes of this unreasonable 1955 induction? And where the government’s mandate is to the welfare of the Bahamian people and must act on behalf of its citizenry, whether they were on Grand Bahama Island, or elsewhere in these Isles?

FRANK GILBERT

Nassau, March 5, 2024.

NB: I call on the goodwill of PM Davis’ administration to deal with the Grand Bahama Port Authority with the legal authority that the Office of the Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance have, and to be able to bring relief to Grand Bahamians, no matter how they kick, scream, the GBPA, and we understand, their yearly take over these 1955-2024 years, I wonder what was the balance sheet showing?

One reminder to GBPA, is that the last time any of us Bahamians checked this was still the thing (local slang phrase) that you all were trying to force us not to demonstrate absolute sovereignty over, for indeed it is better in the Bahamas to hold true.

In conclusion, I have been following the temperament of certain personalities associated with the GBPA and have come across as being very haughty, boastful to wit“the Grand Bahama Port Authority is not for sale?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

RECENT weeks have seen calls by the French President for “European troops” to directly join the conflict in Ukraine, a declaration by US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin that a Russian victory will lead to a direct Russia/NATO war and revelations that German generals have been complicit in planning terrorist attacks inside Russia.

What does this all tell us about the west’s involvement in the war in Ukraine?

Firstly, it confirms what the Russian government has been saying since the start of its Special Military Operation in Ukraine: that the events that began in February, 2022 were merely the culmination of a proxy war planned in western capitals.

Secondly, it tells us that western politicians are finally waking up (in a panic) to the reality that they will lose this war.

Of course, there will be no negative consequences from this loss for the populations of western countries. This project, like all the other recent military adventures of

western politicians, has absolutely nothing to do with serving the interests of their populations in the first place.

First and foremost, it has to do with those multinational organisations (like NATO) which serve as promotional platforms for profit-seeking arms industries that churn out over-priced military hardware aimed not at national defence, but at shareholder profits.

It is no accident that warmongering politicians (like Lloyd Austin) are regularly supplied to key policy positions direct from the boardrooms of arms producers – in Austin’s case, Raytheon.

It is also no coincidence that, in an economy that long ago traded in manufacturing industry for financialised assets (with the resultant ballooning of inequality in favor of a minuscule elite) the vast majority of military “aid” to Ukraine actually ends up going to arms producers in the congressional districts of the most reliably warmongering legislators.

These arms producers, in turn, are motivated by shareholder profit rather

than national defence or the rapid production of high quality products. Hence, another unintended consequence of the proxy-war in Ukraine has been to highlight the significant edge not just in quantity (affordability), but also quality (or at least fitness for purpose) of Russia’s arms – produced for results, not for lining pockets.

The irony of it all is that the same foolish policies of de-industrialisation and neoliberalism that have rendered western countries incapable of matching Russia’s armaments production (much less China’s) have also had the effect of making them more senselessly warlike and belligerent.

In other words, expect the west to keep picking wars and keep losing them - until their populations tire of an economic system that benefits only the profit-driven arms and extraction industries and the corrupt political and media elites that loyally serve them with endless wars and propaganda.

ANDREW ALLEN Nassau, March 6, 2024.

Bahamian company launches StreetSmart - a travel guide app designed for visitors

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

A StreetSmart app will help tourists find where to go and what activities to do in The Bahamas, transforming the travel experience for them, officials said yesterday.

The app, which acts as a Bahamian travel guide highlighting local restaurants, historical sites, recreational adventure tours and cultural experiences, offers mobile data packages.

The launch ceremony for the app was held yesterday at the Nassau Cruise Port. Ehren Hanna, COO of StreetSmart, and his brothers and brother-in-law began working on the travel app in 2019. Mr Hanna said

amid the growing number of visitor arrivals to the country, it became clear that the tourist experience needed to be transformed. He said they spoke to stakeholders who lamented the lack of activities for guests. “It’s a gateway to unique experiences beyond the conventional tourist trail,” Mr Hanna said. “Our vision is to collaborate with the industry leaders to ensure the continual improvement and sustainability of The Bahamas tourism offerings benefiting both our guests and local community who craft these experiences.”

Acting Prime Minister Chester Cooper celebrated the launch of the app. “StreetSmart embodies our mission to provide visitors with unprecedented

access to local insights, to cultural experiences, and the hidden gems that define our paradise,” he said. “This initiative not only promotes collaborative partnerships with local vendors, but also fosters economic growth, ensuring the benefits of tourism are maximised for our local communities.”

When The Tribune spoke to tourists at the Nassau Cruise Port, they agreed the app would greatly help when returning to The Bahamas.

“We came here, we don’t know where to go,” one tourist from Brazil said. “We had to ask everybody here which beach is the best or more beautiful so that would be nice to know before coming to The Bahamas.”

61-YEAR-OLD MAN ACCUSED OF UNLAWFUL SEXUAL INTERCOURSE WITH A 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A 61-YEAR-OLD man was imprisoned yesterday after he was accused of molesting a 14-year-old girl in New Providence last week.

Assistant Chief Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans charged Bradley Young with unlawful sexual intercourse.

Young allegedly had unlawful sexual intercourse with an underage girl on March 7. The defendant was told

that his matter would be transferred to the Supreme Court by a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). He will be sent to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. His VBI is due for service on June 6.

MAN REMANDED ON CHARGE OF RAPING TEEN

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A 28-YEAR-OLD man was sent to prison yesterday after he allegedly raped a 17-year-old girl last

December. Assistant Chief Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans charged Devaughn Bonimy with rape. Bonimy allegedly raped the teenage girl in New Providence on December

20, 2023. Bonimy was told that his matter would be moved to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). His VBI is set for release on June 12.

MAN GETS SIX-MONTHS JAIL ON DRUG CHARGE

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was sentenced to six months in prison yesterday after admitting to a drug charge.

Magistrate Raquel Whyms charged Kalis Hilton, Jr, 21, with possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply. Hilton was reportedly found with a quantity of marijuana on March 7 in

New Providence. After pleading guilty to the charge, Hilton was ordered to pay a fine of $5,000 or risk an additional six months in prison in addition to the six-month prison term.

EHREN HANNA, COO of StreetSmart, an app which acts as a Bahamian travel guide highlighting local restaurants, historical sites, recreational adventure tours and cultural experiences, offers mobile data packages.

MINISTER of Tourism Chester Cooper speaking at the launch of a mobile app called StreetSmart.

Devynne Charltonchasing her dreams

EXTREMELY humble, highly motivated, and distinctively disciplined, Devynne Charlton has all of the right ingredients that make up a world champion. With a twinkle in her eye and a dimple in her smile, she is not only blazing a trail on the world stage in track and field, she has also warmed the hearts of everyone at home in The Bahamas.

Fresh back home in Nassau after her trip to Glasgow, Scotland, Devynne spoke to me from her family homestead, where she is resting, recuperating, and preparing to reach even higher heights in her career. She broke the 60m hurdles world record for the second time in three weeks at the World Athletics Indoor Championships 2024 in Glasgow, clocking 7.65 seconds for her first global career title.

After intense training, heated competition and a stringent diet, what was Devynne craving when she landed back home on Bahamian soil? Some good ‘ole peas soup and dumplings! It’s a dish that her grandmother, the late Isabell Pratt, used to make for her, and it’s still a comfort food today.

Even though Devynne grew up in Nassau, she had the opportunity to spend quality time in the Family Islands in her formative years, which helped to mold her into the successful woman she is today.

“Before I started doing CARIFTA, I would go to Cat Island every Easter with my grammy,” Devynne reminisced. Her grandmother, whose maiden name is Johnson, made sure that Devynne had the opportunity to be steeped in island life in the land from where her family hailed.

Her father is renowned Bahamian athlete and coach David Charlton, and her mother is noted pharmacist and businesswoman, Laura Pratt-Charlton. The Charltons hail from Mayaguana, and she has had the opportunity to visit that enchanted isle at least once so far in her life. The Pratts are from Long Island, and there, she enjoys annual family vacations with her parents and her sister, Anthaya. With this well-rounded experience of real Bahamian island life, Devynne is an excellent ambassador for her country. She proudly displays her Bahamian flag as she travels the world competing. This naturally leads to tons of conversations about her beloved homeland.

“I always encourage people to get out and try to see every island in The Bahamas,” she said.

“Taking a cruise into Nassau is one thing. If you’re looking for a high-paced destination with a nightlife, then yes, Nassau is it. But there is so much more to The Bahamas. If you want that quiet, laid back life, or if you’re into fishing or hunting, visit the Family Islands. There are so many things to do in The Bahamas, and

Face to Face

By FELICITY DARVILLE

different islands cater to different things. So, don’t limit yourself!”

The support and love she receives from her close knit family plays an important role in her success. Her parents have been her biggest fans. Viral videos circulate - not only with Devynne dominating the track, but with her parents, overwhelmed with joy and pride - cheering her on. We all felt the emotions her mom went through as we watched her rubbing her daughter’s face when she clocked 7.6 seconds for the third time. We saw her dad gripping his chair, overwhelmed as he looked at the clock and realised that he was witnessing a monumental moment and his daughter was the history-maker.

David represented The Bahamas at the very first World Championships, outdoors in Helsinki in 1983. He has been named head coach of Team Bahamas for the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24, which is slated for May 4-5 at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium. His specialty is the hurdles; so I asked him how he feels about his daughter’s massive success in the sport he holds dear: “Words cannot describe how I felt the day she broke the record in New York. Someone who was sitting about 2 or 3 chairs down from Laura and I, they were just videotaping... that video captured the essence of what Laura and I felt at that time. That was one of the greatest feelings we have had since the birth of our kids. It’s just an honor to see your child reach the pinnacle of her career with a world record, knowing what she has gone through over the years in terms of preparing her body for such a feat. She has really paid the price. She has put in the time, the work, and the effort, so it’s heartwarming to see it all come true.”

“Laura and I have been on an emotional high since that day, and then to turn around and see her do it on the world stage in Glasgow - we couldn’t ask for more. It’s almost like a story book. We are looking forward to greater things and she is willing to do the work to win the big one. The Olympic medal would be the icing on the cake! We are certainly proud of her as we are with all our daughters.”

“I want to keep improving,” Devynne told me. “What I was able to do indoors, I want to replicate outdoors in Paris.”

The Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games are slated for July 26 to August 11, 2024.

Devynne wants young

student athletes to know that even if they aren’t winning their races now, they should never give up on their dreams.

When Devynne was attending St Augustine’s College (SAC), Devynne competed in more than just track and field. She also played basketball, and she competed in swimming, even at the BAISS level, having the opportunity to travel with her team. She served as captain of Seton House during her last two years of high school, giving her an opportunity to participate in the management of all sports that SAC students are involved in.

“In track and field, I started with the 100 and 200 metres, long jump and the 4x100 metres... then I branched out into hurdles,” Devynne said.

“Even though I had won a couple BAISS events, I wasn’t an extraordinary athlete. I started hurdling when I was 14 or 15. Dad was a hurdle coach. I kept doing it and it emerged as my better event. I really didn’t start specialising in hurdles until after college (Purdue University).”

Last week, she attended the BAISS championships to tell the SAC athletes just that: “I let them know how I put in the work, so that they could know how realistic this is and where I really started from.”

“I had a good time! I was at BAISS last year as well; I came home for my niece’s birthday party. This year when I came home, I was able to speak to the team. I gave them a few words of encouragement and some tips about competing in high pressure situations. They were down by a significant amount of points. I had to encourage them and let them know I started off right where they are.”

SAC Alumni President Dr Anastasia Brown believes this motivational speech from Devynne rallied the athletes to give it their all, and they emerged victorious.

“We believe that Deynne’s rallying a SAC chant ignited a fire within the SAC athletes during the last day of BAISS,” Brown said.

“With Devynne’s words ringing in their ears, SAC athletes took to the track with a renewed sense of purpose, leaving everything they had on the field. As the final events concluded and the scores were tallied, St. Augustine’s College emerged victorious, reclaiming the BAISS championship title once again.”

“In that moment of victory, Devynne’s shoutout to her alma mater had inspired her fellow SACERS to

greatness. It reaffirmed the enduring bond between SAC and its proud alumni, a bond that would continue to fuel success for generations to come.”

For Devynne, it was a different feel - being on the other end of the track. She was in the bleachers, cheering on the SAC team, and dancing to Junkanoo.”

She credits SAC for providing great grounds for character building: “Some of the most impactful people in my life were my teachers at SAC. They were not just there doing a job; they were concerned about the people

we would become. They wanted to make sure we were well adjusted and ready to face life beyond graduation - whether it was trade school, or college, or work - they wanted to make sure we had the tools we needed to succeed.” She gave special thanks to former principal Sonja Knowles for her enduring support, encouraging her during high school and beyond.

her eyes set on the Paris Olympics, Devynne will be giving it her all. With the love of family, support of friends and old scholars, and the love of the entire nation, she’s expected to fly over hurdles, making us all proud.

DEVYNNE CHARLTON, of Bahamas, crosses the finish line to win the gold medal, ahead of second placed Cyrena Samba-Mayela, of France, left, in the women’s 60 meters hurdles final and setting a new world record during the World Athletics Indoor Championships at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland, Sunday, March 3, 2024.

Photo: Petr David Josek/AP

DEVYNNE posing with her first tuna ever caught during a family fishing trip in Long Island, The Bahamas

DEVYNNE with her beloved dog Mila

WORLD indoor 60m hurdles champion Devynne Charlton with her mother, Laura and sister, Anthaya having Christmas breakfast

DEVYNNE and her mother, Laura in Hawaii during training camp for the Tokyo Olympics

DEVYNNE and her father, David Charlton, during the Tokyo Olympics in 2020

DEVYNNE CHARLTON, (standing, far right) during the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro with fellow athletes Bianca Stuart, Pedraya Seymour, and her sister, Anthaya Charlton.

DEVYNNE Charlton and Carmeisha Cox dring their days competing in track and field at Purdue University. Devynne’s parents, David and Laura are cheering them on

Danger to Bahamas as Haiti on the brink

FOR some years, commentators have been saying that Haiti has reached rock bottom as a failed state. It has not been functioning properly because of chronic political instability and poverty in conditions of extreme violence. Its latest troubles seem to have stemmed from the assassination of its president in 2021 that fuelled further violence, after which the country was said to have reached a nadir and was on the verge of civil war, with armed groups filling a power vacuum and causing mayhem both in the cities and rural areas.

A little over a year ago, a seasoned British journalist wrote, following a visit, that the violence and killing in Haiti and the complete breakdown of law and order were some of the worst she had seen in 30 years of reporting from trouble spots around the world. At the same time, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights warned that Haiti was on the verge of an abyss as unremitting armed violence had created a humanitarian crisis as bad as anything the country had experienced for decades.

After what then appears to have been a temporary lull in news about this former French colony that is the poorest country in the Western hemisphere, it is now back at the top of the world’s media agenda as the situation there has reportedly become even worse.

According to the latest reports, heavily armed gangs that are apparently unstoppable are committing indiscriminate violence and atrocities in conditions of lawlessness. These gangs are now dominating huge swathes of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and elsewhere. Police stations have been fire bombed, prisons have been raided and the inmates released and the airport as well as the main seaport have been shut down. With gang leaders challenging the authority of the prime minister, Ariel Henry, the nation has become rudderless as governmental institutions have apparently broken down, schools and businesses have closed and its health infrastructure is said to be on the brink of collapse while a state of emergency has been extended to one month.

As thousands of people

have been displaced and been forced to leave their homes, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Volker Turk, has called the current situation “beyond untenable”. Insecurity throughout the land has spiralled and the gang leaders have taken over. The UN also says that, in the renewed violence since the beginning of the year that has included kidnapping for ransom, over a thousand people have been killed and hundreds injured.

In reaction to all this, according to international press reports it is clear to most observers that the point has been reached where urgent action is needed to bring an end to such violence and lawlessness; and that means foreign intervention since it is beyond the capacity of CARICOM to resolve the problem. Indeed, Volker Turk himself has urged the international community to “act swiftly and decisively to prevent Haiti’s further descent into chaos”.

Most recently, Prime Minister Ariel Henry has been visiting Nairobi to try to salvage the deal for Kenya to lead a multinational force to quell the violence in his country and to help restore order after the Kenyan courts had ruled against it. But, with the airport closed, he has been unable to return home where his personal security can anyway hardly be guaranteed because the main gang leader has threatened that, if he does not step down from office, there will be civil war.

In such circumstances, many find it a stretch of reality for the US to tell

Haiti’s prime minister that he “needs to expedite the transition to empowered and inclusive governance” and to start “the process of bringing normalcy back to the people of Haiti” – even though that is demonstrably desirable -- when he himself cannot even return to his own country. The same applies to the call by the UN for all parties to set aside their differences and agree on “a common path towards restoration of democratic institutions”.

During its long period since independence from French colonial rule in 1804, Haiti has suffered considerable adversity. It has a chequered history of US and UN intervention in helping to keep the peace and maintain order. Most

recently, a UN peacekeeping mission was withdrawn in 2017 and a much smaller replacement mission was itself also withdrawn in 2019. The question now is surely whether it has reached such a low point in its fortunes that the only possible solution is outside intervention once again. Since this is beyond the scope of CARICOM, it must be at a higher and more influential international level -- and that surely means the US which likewise has an interest in dealing with this problem in its own backyard.

It has been reported that The Bahamas will contribute to a substantial multi-national peacekeeping force to Haiti. As the Minister of

The Peter Young column RESURGENCE OF KIDNAPPING IN WEST AFRICAN STATE OF NIGERIA

THE mass abduction of 300 girls in a place called Chibok in the north of Nigeria in 2014 captured international headlines at the time, not least because this atrocity was condemned publicly by Michelle Obama who said that she and the then US president could see their own daughters in the girls kidnapped. The militant Islamic group, Boko Haram, described in the US press as Nigeria’s terrorist network, claimed responsibility. Many of the girls are still missing.

However, under President Buhari, Nigeria’a head of state who came to power the following year, the security situation was considered to have improved; in particular, in the struggle against Boko Haram in the north. Nonetheless, most recently security has deteriorated again and the country has been rocked once more by mass abductions. Last week, some 280 children were taken from a school in the northern state of Kaduna and dozens of women and children were kidnapped by Boko Haram in the northeast – and over the weekend there was another spate of abductions.

The new Nigerian president elected last year, Bola Tinubu, has condemned all this and promised urgent action – with boots on the ground -to find those kidnapped and punish the perpetrators. It seems that, as well as being the responsibility of Boko Haram, the most recent incidents have been partly the work of criminal gangs trying to secure ransom money; with ‘kidnap-for ransom’ now

spreading almost countrywide after having started many years ago with the kidnapping of oil workers in the Niger Delta. Reportedly, criminals see such kidnapping as a low-risk, high-reward activity when the money is invariably handed over and the perpetrators are rarely arrested. However, this may change after a controversial local law in 2022 making it a crime to pay ransom money.

It is also significant because it is seen as a reflection of the growing strength and influence of militant Islam in West Africa as groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS have taken root in the region.

Boko Haram is categorised as an Islamist jihadist organisation. Founded twenty years ago and based in northeastern Nigeria, it poses a rising threat to political stability and international peace - not only to Nigeria itself but also to security in the wider region as Islamist violence spreads and these militant groups seek to exploit economic weakness in order to extend their reach and influence. With the surge of such militant Islamist extremism, the West African country of Burkina Faso is said now to be the new epicentre of such violence in the region, though nations like Benin and Togo are also affected as well as Mali now that French troops have withdrawn from there. But the presence of traditional rather than militant Islam can be traced back to north African traders who, through using regular connecting trade routes,

contributed to introducing Islam to sub-Saharan Africa and its coastal towns.

Nigeria is, of course, the giant of Africa, with a population of more than 220 million in a diverse nation of some 250 different ethnic groups and numerous different languages. As a major oil producer, it is Africa’s second largest economy and, geographically, it is nearly twice the size of France. It is divided religiously between a predominantly Muslim north and Christian south. The vastness of its northern areas - south of the country of Niger and on the edge of the Sahara - make it difficult for the federal government in the capital of Abuja situated in the centre of the country to impose its writ through the effective deployment of security forces. The deterioration of the security situation makes all this a far cry from conditions in the early 1990s when it was possible to move freely around the whole country by road with a relatively low risk of encountering trouble. During the course of a diplomatic posting at that time based in the then capital city of Lagos on the southern coast, my wife and I were fortunate enough at one point to be able to join a small expedition by road to the Sahara. This involved driving through the north of the country in order to reach the desert. Presumably, such a trip nowadays would be off limits because of Boko Haram –and that is surely a sign of the times in an increasingly troubled and unstable world.

National Security has said, helping to stabilise that country is in The Bahamas’ own security interest. Turmoil in Haiti – a country of more than 11 million just to the south of our archipelago – will inevitably result in more illegal immigration by sea as more and more people flee poverty and violence in their homeland. It is self-evident that a sudden large influx of migrants could quickly overwhelm the southern family islands in particular and destabilize the whole country. Uncontrolled migration from Haiti has always constituted a threat to The Bahamas as desperate people seek sanctuary in what is seen as a desirable destination that can also

WITH the clocks going forward at the weekend and the return of long summer evenings in prospect, it is hard to resist writing a few words today about the joys of spring, a time of year that is particularly significant for those countries to our north who suffer from harsh winters.

As I wrote this time last year, winter in the Caribbean – with, more likely than not, fine and stable warm weather and cool nights – is the high season for tourism, and many living locally consider it is the best and most comfortable time of year. But how different it is for those living further north. Spring heralds new beginnings as it brings a resurgence of Nature with the revival of plants and wildlife emerging from its

be used as a springboard to the US and Canada. But the area of sea concerned is so extensive that it is surely unrealistic to expect the RBDF, even with the assistance of the US Coastguard, to be able to intercept every boat carrying illegal migrants if there were to be a sudden major increase.

So, returning peace, security and representative government to Haiti is indeed in the interests of The Bahamas. I gather that many people locally are now looking to the government to keep them informed about such a serious issue and what it is doing officially to help bring about the international action that is so desperately needed.

winter hibernation.

As I have recorded in previous years and would like to repeat today, for people in England spring flowers in the shape of daffodils are recognized and much appreciated as a symbol of the change of seasons. These colourful flowers were made famous by one of England’s best known poets, William Wordsworth, in his work “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud”. This poem is loved by many because of the picture it portrays of Nature’s renewal in the shape of early spring daffodils and because of the message of hope it brings for the future. What is more, some people have got to know the poem so well that they can readily recite it – and they love doing so, at the drop of a hat.

RESIDENTS flee their homes during clashes between police and gang member, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti Saturday.

Photo: Odelyn Joseph/AP

The urgency of internal unity to reclaim Haiti

IN international diplomatic circles, Haiti is on everyone’s lips but not in actions that could urgently remedy the suffering of the Haitian people.

Similarly, within Haiti and its diaspora, Haiti’s tragic situation is constantly discussed but no viable solutions are proposed, nor are sustainable actions taken.

While this delay and inaction persists, gangs, which have already taken effective control of the country, are fashioning an accord amongst themselves on the theme of “Living together”.

It is an unholy pact in which the gangs are sharing the spoils of power and collaborating to do so, ignoring the laws of the country. They are also dictating political actions through threats and intimidation.

Hence, the present unelected Prime Minister, Dr Ariel Henry, has been warned that if he returns to Haiti, he will be executed.

Henry is reportedly trapped in Puerto Rico, unable to find a way to re-enter Haiti after attending a meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government in Guyana, and then travelling to Kenya to sign a reciprocal security agreement on March 1.

While he was in New York on his way back to Haiti, the gangs attacked the main penitentiary, releasing approximately 4,500 inmates, including prominent gang members.

The extraordinarily gruesome warning to Dr. Henry has been made by a gang leader, Jimmy Chérizier, also known as “Barbecue”.

The death threat has been backed up by Guy Phillipe who was recently released from a US prison after conviction for human trafficking and is now heading a political group.

Significantly, apart from the members of the Cabinet that Henry appointed, not

World View

By SIR RONALD SANDERS

one person or group in Haiti has called for his return to the country. Of further significance, he is yet to be offered safe passage from US territory to Haiti by the US government.

In reality, Dr Henry was never accepted, except by the US, as the best person to lead Haiti. He strengthened his unacceptability within Haiti, when he reneged on the terms of agreements on governance, which he made on September 11, 2021, and December 21, 2022, with private sector groups and non-governmental organisations. He demonstrated neither the interest nor the capacity to spearhead a national effort for a “Haitian solution” to the crisis for which the international community repeatedly called. Henry made his first request for an international force to help national police fight gangs, in October 2022.

At that time, the gangs were a growing threat; they had not yet reached the powerful dimensions that exist now. However, within Haiti, Henry’s call was seen as a move to get external military help to maintain his own grip on power. Consequently, those opposed to him rejected any external intervention, using many guises to justify their position.

Externally, the government of El Salvador had offered to help, based on its own success with curbing gangs by methods, judged by some, as abusing the human rights of

persons it imprisoned. The El Salvador offer was not encouraged and, eventually it fell away.

No other government sought to get involved. Meanwhile, the US government pursued a policy of maintaining support for Dr Henry based on hope rather than confidence in his capacity to build a strong coalition to govern the country. That hope is now dashed.

Following the release of prison inmates and attacks on other important public installations, Haiti is now under gang control. Airlines have stopped flights into the country and cargo ships have taken similar action as gangs loot containers at the port.

Amid all this, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), influenced by rivalries between veto powers, failed to prioritise Haiti’s wellbeing, choosing not to deploy a UN force. Instead, they approved a voluntary Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission, not funded by the UN, leaving the US to spearhead recruitment and funding efforts, which have largely been unsuccessful. Only Kenya, requiring $200m for its participation, has agreed to contribute troops to the MSS Mission. The US has struggled to meet its $200m commitment due to a deadlock in the US Congress over allocating $100m, half of the promised contribution by the US government. Consequently, the launch of

the MSS Mission appears increasingly unlikely.

As Haiti’s turmoil deepens, the US appears to support Finance Minister Michel Patrick Boisvert as Henry’s successor. This potential US endorsement of another unelected leader will undoubtedly face opposition from various Haitian stakeholders.

The real answer to the current Haitian crisis continues to remain in the hands of Haitians. All of its aspiring leaders and all the rival organisations for political and economic supremacy must put aside their ambitions for personal power and stand behind the empowerment of Haiti. They have to resolve to postpone their rivalry until transparent, free and fair elections can be held in normalised conditions.

Meanwhile, they must act urgently to coalesce behind an agreed interim President based on the last functioning Constitution of the Republic, and to agree to the appointment of a

Prime Minister, on whom they can also agree, for the formation of a national transitional government drawn from the talents that exist in the private sector, the NGOs, the political parties and the diaspora. They also need to agree on the term-limit of such a transitional government and its mandate, which should include any requests for international assistance. The structure for such an agreement already exists in the recent Resolution of January 2024, which emerged from the National Congress of Transition, as well as in other previously agreed strategies such as the Montana Accord of 2021.

If the various Haitian parties cannot act as genuine patriots for their country by setting aside ambitions and rivalry for at least two years, and by establishing a genuine government of national unity on behalf of the Haitian people, they will condemn their nation to external intervention

of the kind that has contributed for more than 200 years to their present plight. They will have only themselves to blame.

By rallying together to form a united front and advocating for democratic renewal, including ways to stop gang lawlessness, Haitians have the power to proudly present to the world the ‘Haitian solution’ they have long sought. Such a momentous shift towards a consensus-built, authentic Haitian pathway could redefine the nation’s future and command the respect and support of the global community.

It’s time for Haiti to seize this critical opportunity; to forge a future grounded in legitimacy and unity that the international community cannot ignore. The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States. The view is entirely his own. For responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronaldsanders.com.

US pledges an additional $100m for a multinational force awaiting deployment to violence-hit Haiti

JAMAICA Associated Press

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday announced an additional $100 million to finance the deployment of a multinational force to Haiti following a meeting with Caribbean leaders in Jamaica to halt the country’s violent crisis.

Blinken also announced another $33 million in humanitarian aid and the creation of a joint proposal agreed on by Caribbean leaders and “all of the Haitian stakeholders to expedite a political transition” and create a “presidential college.”

He said the college would take “concrete steps” he did not identify to meet the needs of Haitian people and enable the pending deployment of the multinational force to be led by Kenya. Blinken also noted that the US Department of Defense doubled its support for the mission, having previously set aside $100 million.

The joint proposal has the backing of Caricom, a regional trade bloc that held Monday’s urgent meeting.

“I think we can all agree: Haiti is on the brink of disaster,” said Guyanese President Irfaan Ali. “We must take quick and decisive action.”

Ali said he is “very confident that we have found commonality” to support what he described as a Haitian-led and -owned solution.

Meanwhile, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said the meeting was a work in progress.

“It is clear that Haiti is now at a tipping point,” he said. “We are deeply distressed that it is already too late for too many who have lost far too much at the hands of criminal gangs.”

Embattled Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who faces calls to resign or agree to a transitional council, did not attend the meeting. He has been locked out of his own country while travelling

abroad, due to surging unrest and violence by criminal gangs who have overrun much of Haiti’s capital and closed down its main international airports.

Henry remained in Puerto Rico and was taking steps to return to Haiti once feasible, according to a brief statement from the US territory’s Department of State.

While leaders met behind closed doors, Jimmy Chérizier, considered Haiti’s most powerful gang leader, told reporters that if the international community continues down the current road, “it will plunge Haiti into further chaos.”

“We Haitians have to decide who is going to be the head of the country and what model of government we want,” said Chérizier, a former elite police officer known as Barbecue who leads a gang federation known as G9 Family and Allies. “We are also going to figure out how to get Haiti out of the misery it’s in now.”

The meeting in Jamaica was organized by members of a regional trade bloc known as Caricom, which for months has pressed for a transitional government in Haiti while protests in the country have demanded Henry’s resignation.

“The international community must work together with Haitians towards a peaceful political transition,” US Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian Nichols wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Nichols will attend the meeting.

Concerns remain that a longsought solution will remain elusive. Caricom said in a statement on Friday announcing the urgent meeting in Jamaica that while “we are making considerable progress, the stakeholders are not yet where they need to be.”

Mia Mottley, Barbados’ prime minister, said that up to 90% of proposals that Haitian stakeholders have put on the table are similar. These include an “urgent need” to create a presidential

council to help identify a new prime minister to establish a government. Her comments were briefly streamed by Caricom, in what appeared to have been a mistake, and then were abruptly cut off.

The meeting was held as powerful gangs continued to attack key government targets across Haiti’s capital of Port-au-Prince. Since Feb. 29, gunmen have burned police stations, closed the main international airports and raided the country’s two biggest prisons, releasing more than 4,000 inmates.

Scores of people have been killed, and more than 15,000 are homeless after fleeing neighbourhoods raided by gangs.

Food and water are dwindling as stands and stores selling to impoverished Haitians run out of

goods. The main port in Port-auPrince remains closed, stranding dozens of containers with critical supplies. Late Monday, the Haitian government announced it was extending a nighttime curfew until March 14 in an attempt to prevent further attacks. Henry could not be immediately reached for comment after Monday’s meeting. He landed in Puerto Rico last week after being denied entry into the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. When the attacks began, Henry was in Kenya pushing for the UN-backed deployment of a police force from the East African country that has been delayed by a court ruling. A growing number of people are demanding Henry’s

resignation. He has not made any public comment since the attacks began.

The UN Security Council on Monday urged Haiti’s gangs “to immediately cease their destabilising actions,” including sexual violence and the recruitment of children, and said it expects that a multinational force will deploy as soon as possible to help end the violence.

Council members expressed concern at the limited political progress and urged all political actors to allow free and fair legislative and presidential elections.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres is calling for the urgent deployment of the multinational force and that the mission be adequately funded, said his spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

A CHILD watches from an opening in a security gate as residents flee their homes due to gang violence, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on Saturday.

Photo: Odelyn Joseph/AP

JIMMY CHÉRIZIER, a former elite police officer known as Barbecue who leads the G9 and Family gang, walks away after speaking to journalists in the Delmas 6 neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, yesterday.

Photo: Odelyn Joseph/AP

PORTLAND, Oregon (AP) — Deandre Ayton returned from a right hand sprain and had a seasonhigh 30 points and 19 rebounds to help the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Toronto Raptors 128-118 in overtime on Saturday night.

Dalano Banton had 25 points and Anfernee Simons added 23 to snap a three-game Portland losing streak.

The Blazers (18-45) were playing the second of a back-to-back after a 123107 loss to the Houston Rockets on Friday night.

Immanuel Quickley scored 29 points and Gary Trent Jr added 23 for the

Raptors, who have won just once in the last five games. Toronto (23-41) was coming off a 120 -113 loss at the Phoenix Suns on Thursday. Quickley’s layup narrowed it to 111-109 with just over a minute left in regulation before Matisse Thybulle’s layup for Portland. Chris Boucher made a pair of free throws for Toronto with 23.1 seconds left. After a jump ball, Toronto sent up a flurry of shots before Boucher’s layup tied it with 0.7 seconds left. Portland inbounded the ball to Ayton under the net, but his attempt rimmed out to send the game to overtime. Ayton dunked to open the extra period. Simons’ 3

pushed the lead to 120-113 and Toronto couldn’t keep up. “I’ve been watching these dudes play. We’ve been trending, playing some good basketball and competing,” Ayton said. “I was just making sure my wheels were working and I could keep up with my team.”

Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic said his team looked tired going into overtime. “Offensively I thought Portland brought

a lot of physicality and as the game was progressing were were trying to figure out how to play against that physicality,” Rajakovic said. “In overtime, I felt we took good shots, they didn’t fall.”

Ayton and rookie Scoot Henderson both returned after extended absences.

Ayton missed five games with the hand sprain, while Henderson missed eight games with an adductor injury. Henderson was on

a minutes restriction but scored nine points in his first four minutes. He finished with 13. But Portland was still without Jerami Grant (right hamstring), Jabari Walker (right hip) and Malcolm Brogdon (right elbow).

Shaedon Sharpe was out after core surgery.

Portland jumped out to a 22-8 lead after Simons’ 3-pointer in the opening quarter. Portland pushed the lead to 38-18 in the

second quarter. Portland took a 63-46 lead into halftime. Ayton led the way with 14 points and 10 rebounds.

But the big lead began to slip away for Portland in the second half.

“We were feeling ourselves just a little bit too much in that third quarter,” Blazers coach Chauncey Billups said. “We played like the game was over. This is the NBA, it’s never over. It was a good lesson for us.”

THE SPORTS CALENDAR

FROM PAGE 16

Thomas A Robinson National Stadium March 15-17.

The BAAA will be looking at athletes who qualify in both the under-17 and under-20 divisions for boys and girls to represent the country at CARIFTA in Grenada over the Easter holiday weekend.

A number of athletes have already attained the qualifying standards set by the BAAA. However, that does not guarantee a spot on the team unless nobody betters their performances at the trials.

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

RED-LINE YOUTH

TRACK CLASSIC

FROM PAGE 16

and we figured out a way to weather the storm and we made plays when we needed to make plays.”

Less than two months after Joel Embiid scored 70 points by himself to set a 76ers franchise record, it appeared for a while that neither team might get that many Sunday. Philadelphia led 37-31 at halftime, the lowestscoring first half in an NBA game since Portland led Detroit 34-31 on March 30, 2019, in a game the Pistons won 99-90.

The scoring picked up in the second half, when the 76ers finally got enough contributions to snap a three-game losing streak.

Hield had 16 points and Paul Reed added 13.

Tobias Harris finished with 11 points and 12 rebounds for the 76ers, who had been handled by the Knicks in the two previous meetings this season but can now split the series with a victory when the teams meet again Tuesday at Madison Square Garden.

With Embiid still recovering from knee surgery and fellow All-Star Tyrese Maxey missing his fourth straight game because of a concussion, the 76ers are without more than 60 points per game from their lineup. They didn’t need the extra offence on a night the Knicks shot 32.5% from the field and 22.5% from 3-point range. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 19 points but shot just 6 for 22.

“We were sending a lot of people at him and he was having to work really hard to get into the paint, and we weren’t letting him get there that often,” 76ers coach Nick Nurse said. New York also is missing an injured All-Star in Julius Randle, along with fellow frontcourt starters OG Anunoby and Mitchell Robinson. The Knicks turned to their defense to beat Orlando on Friday night, allowing what had been an NBA season-low 74 points. That lasted just two nights, with the Knicks

committing 21 turnovers that led to 17 Philadelphia points.

“Obviously, we didn’t shoot the ball well. Turnovers were bad, I think I had six or seven myself, but you’ve just got to try to flush it,” Knicks forward Josh Hart said.

“We’ve got them again on Tuesday and try to come out and play better.”

Hield and Reed combined for Philadelphia’s first 12 points in the fourth quarter, with Reed’s 3-pointer with 3:32 left giving the 76ers the only double-digit lead of the game at 73-63. There was some shoving in the period.

Oubre fouled Donte DiVincenzo, who was trying to get up as Oubre

was still standing over him. DiVincenzo wrapped up Oubre’s legs and knocked him beyond the baseline, with Isaiah Hartenstein pushing Oubre. Both Knicks and Reed got technical fouls. Cam Payne’s 3-pointer ended Philadelphia’s 0-for-9 start began a 10-0 run — though points came so slowly that calling it a run may be inappropriate — which gave Philadelphia a 20-15 edge early in the second.

The Knicks will leave for a four-game trip to the West after tonight’s game and coach Tom Thibodeau said he expected his injured players to travel with the team, adding the hope was that Anunoby would be cleared to play.

THE Red-Line Athletics Track Club’s third annual Red-Line Youth Track Classic is set for 9am to 5pm May 25-26 at the original Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium.

The entry deadline is May 15 with a fee of $19 per athlete and $10 per relay team.

NEX-GEN CAMP

THE Nex-Gen Camp is scheduled to be held at the Teleos Basketball Gymnasium on Carmichael Road. Space is limited so persons are asked to book their reservations as soon as possible.

JRC Basketball Academy will stage the third annual elite training camp June 24 to July 13 each day from 9am to noon.

PHILADELPHIA 76ers guard Buddy Hield (17) drives to the basket against New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) during the first half of an NBA basketball game

(AP Photo/ Peter K Afriyie)

TORONTO Raptors guard Gary Trent Jr. (33) and guard Gradey Dick, right, reach in on Portland Trail Blazers centre Deandre Ayton (2) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Oregon, on Saturday.

(AP Photo/Steve Dykes)

76ERS players react during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks in New York on Sunday. (AP Photo/Peter K Afriyie)

BAHAMAS Aquatics completed its final trials for this year’s CARIFTA Swimming Championships over the weekend at King’s College School after the repairs at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex were not completed.

A number of swimmers attained the qualifying standard, competing in the top 25 metre pool in the country and the following day, the majority of them were named to the team to represent the Bahamas here at CARIFTA, scheduled for March 29 to April 3rd at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex.

Here are the results:

Women 15-17 800m freestyle - CARIFTA cut - 10:02.13 - Giade Bertoldo, Mako Aquatics Club, 9:49.81.

Men 15-17 800 freestyle - CARIOFTA cut - 9:10.82 - Michael Fox, Alpha Aquatics, 8:57.94 and Tristin Ferguson, Mako Aquatics Club, 9:05.47.

Girls 11-12 100m butterfly - CARIFTA cut - 1:15.88 - Taylen Nicolls, Mako Aquatics Club, 1:12.57; Isabella Cuccurullo, Alpha Aquatics, 1:13.11 and Skylar Smith, Alpha Aquatics, 1:13.63.

Girls 13-14 100m butterfly - CARIFTA cut - 1:11.29 - Lelah Lewis, Barracuda Swim Club, 1:08.08 and Violet Saralegui, Lyford Swim Club, 1:11.16.

Girls 15-17 100m butterfly - CARIFTA cut - 1:10.31 - Seannia NorvilleSmith, Mako Aquatics Club, 1:05.24; Zoe Williamson, Mako Aquatics Club, 1:07.16 and Mia Patton, Alpha Aquatics, 1:09.36.

Boys 11-12 100m butterfly - CARIFTA cut - 1:11.66 - Christon Joseph, Blue Waves Swim Club, 1:03.95; Harold Simmons, Mako Aquatics Club, 1:04.46; Dexter Russell, Freeport Aquatics Club, 1:11.19.

Boys 13-14 100m butterfly - CARIFTA Cut - 1:04.76 - Lenin Hamilton, Mako Aquatics Club, 1:02.57; Damari Butler, Mako Aquatics Club, 1:02.79; Alexander Murray, Black Marlins Swim Club, 1:04.21 and Maxwell Daniels, Mako Aquatics Club, 1:04.24.

Boys 15-17 100m butterfly - Donald Saunders, Lightning Aquatics, 58.47.

Girls 13-14 200m breaststroke - CARIFTA cut - 3:05.60 - Madison Gilbert, Barracuda Swim Club, 2:54.31; Alexia Zatarain, Lyford Swim Club, 2:57.94; Samirah Donaldson, Alpha Aquatics, 3:00.45; Kimaya Saunders, Mako Aquatics Club, 3:01.13; Jaylah Threadgill, Lyford Swim Club, 3:01.62 and Khori Dames, Barracuda Swim Club, 3:02.86.

Girls 15-17 200m breaststroke - CARIFTA cut - 3:01.91 - Tia-Isabella

Adderley, Mako Aquatics Club, 2:44.20; Kaie Goulandris, Lyford Swim Club, 2:48.57 and Alanna Murray, Alanna, Black Marlins Swim Club, 2:54.12.

Boys 13-14 200, breaststroke - CARIFTA cut - 2:48.59 - Jahan ChatlaniPickstock, Mako Aquatics Club, 2:45.94.

Boys 15-17 200m breaststroke - CARIFTA cut - 2:41.17 - Ayrton Moncur, Mako Aquatics Club, 2:28.06.

Girls 11-12 50m backstroke - CARIOFTA cut - 35.35 - Alissa Ferguson, Barracuda Swim Club, 31.61; Tiah Seymour, Mako Aquatics Club, 33.27 and Skylar Smith, Alpha Aquatics, 33.37. Girls 13-14 50m backstroke - CARIFTA cut - 33-69 - Saleste Gibson, Barracuda Swim Club, 33.26 and Siann Isaacs, Alpha Aquatics, 33.57.

Girls 15-17 50m backstroke - CARIFTA cut - 32.78 - Kyana Higgs, Barracuda Swim Club, 30.55; Elle Theberge, Mako Aquatics Club, 31.80; Mia Patton, Aquatics. 32.33 and Isabelle Zatarain, Lyford Swim Club, 32.49.

Boys 11-12 50m backstroke - CARIFTA cut - 33.92 - Sean NorvilleSmith, Mako Aquatics Club, 33.26 and Blake Comarcho, Mako Aquatics Club. 33.83.

Boys 13-14 50m backstroke - CARIFTA cut - 31.10 - Rafael McBroom, Alpha Aquatics, 28.73; Dijon Simmons, Blue Waves Swim Club, 28.97; Lenin Hamilton, Mako Aquatics Club, 29.36 amd David Singh, Barracuda Swim Club, 30.45.

Boys 15-17 50m backstroke - CARIFTA cut - 29.16 - Ellie Gibson, Mako Aquatics Club, 26.75; Donald Saunders, Lightning Aquatics, 28.27 and Caleb Ferguson, Alpha Aquatics, 29.08.

Girls 13-14 400m

- Lelah Lewis, Barracuda Swim Club, 5:32.66; Madison Gilbert, Barracuda Swim Club, 5:39.28; Alexia Zatarain, Lyford Swim Club, 5:47.07 and Siann Isaacs, Alpha Aquatics, 5:53.70.

Girls 15-17 400m IMCARIFTA cut - 5:38.48 - Alanna Murray, Black Marlins Swim Club, 5:32.68.

Boys 11-12 400m IMCARIFTA cut - 5:56.54 - Nitayo Knowles, Alpha Aquatics, 5:41.27.

Girls 11-12 200m freestyle - CARIFTA cut - 2:26.84Alissa Ferguson, Barracuda Swim Club - 2:16.19; Skyler Smith, Alpha Aquatics, 2:19.72.

Girls 13-14 200m freestyle

- CARIFTA cut - 2:18.50Saleste Gibson, Barracuda Swim Club - 2:14.45; DF Mckenzie, Mako Aquatics Club, 2:14.69; Lelah Lewis, Barracuda Swim Club, 2:15.09.

Girls 15-17 200m freestyle - CARIFTA cut2:17.59 - Mia Patton, Alpha Aquatics, 2:10.89; Seannia Norville-Smith, Mako Aquatics Club, 2:12.39 and Zoe Williamson, Mako Aquatics Club, 2:14.05.

Boys 11-12 200m freestyle - CARIFTA cut - 2:21.53 - Christon Joseph, Blue Waves Swim Club, 2:07.01 and Benecio Robinson, Mako Aquatics Club, 2:20.13.

Boys 13-14 200m freestyle - CARIFTA cut2:09.60 - Rafael McBroom, Alpha Aquatics, 2:05.29; Dijon Simmons, Blue Waves Swim Club, 2:06.91 and Noah Knowles, Alpha Aquatics, 2:07.07.

Boys 15-17 200m

freestyle - CARIFTA cut2:02.84 - Donald Saunders, Lightning Aquatics, 1:57.09; Tristin Ferguson, Mako Aquatics Club, 1:57.97 and Caleb Ferguson, Alpha Aquatics, 2:02.02.

Girls 11-12 50mbreaststroke - CARIFTA cut - 39.81 - Isabella Cuccurullo, Alpha Aquatics. 37.31 and Noel Pratt, Noel, Barracuda Swim Club, 38.50.

Girls 13-14 50m breaststroke - CARIFTA cut - 38.56 - Kimaya Saunders, Mako Aquatics Club, 35.20; Jaylah Threadgill, Lyford Swim Club, 36.06; Samirah Donaldson, Alpha Aquatics, 37.23; Gilbert, Madison

R 14 Barracuda Swim Club 38.11.

Girls 15-17 50, breaststroke - CARIFTA cut - 37.65 - Katie Goulandris, Lyford Swim Club, 34.95; Tia- Isabella Adderley, Mako Aquatics Club, 35.23; Erin Pritchard, Mako Aquatics Club, 36.20; Elina Fiaux, Lyford Swim Club, 36.86 and Alanna Murray, Black Marlins Swim Club, 37.26.

Boys 11-12 50m breaststroke - CARIFTA cut - 37.57 - Christon Joseph, Blue Waves Swim Club, 34.85 and Blake Comarcho, Mako Aquatics Club, 37.49.

Boys 13-14 50m breaststroke - CARIFTA cut - 33.98 - Jahan ChatlaniPickstock, Mako Aquatics Club, 32.55; Rafael McBroom, Alpha Aquatics, 32.96; Alexander Murray, Black Marlins Swim Club, 33.02 and Trace Russell, Mako Aquatics Club, 33.29.

Boys 15-17 50m breaststroke - CARIFTA cut - 32.09 - Ayrton Moncur, Mako Aquatics Club, 29.69 and Matthias Simms, Barracuda Swim Club, 31.06. Girls 11-12 100m backstroke - CARIFTA cut

- 1:19.01 - Skylar Smith, Alpha Aquatics, 1:12.10; Tiah Seymour, Mako Aquatics Club, 1:13.07 and Nai’a Belton, Mako Aquatics Club, 1:16.45.

Girls 13-14 100m backstroke - CARIFTA cut - 1:14.78 - Siann Isaacs, Alpha Aquatics, 1:12.92.

Girls 15-17 100m backstroke - CARIFTA cut - 1:13.39 - Kyana Higgs, Barracuda

Photos by Moise Amisial

CARIFTA SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Girls 11-12 200m butterfly - CARIFTA cut - 3:07.04 - Skylar Smith, Alpha Aquatics, 2:47.31; Isabella Cuccurullo, Alpha Aquatics, 2:55.22 and Taylen Nicolls, Mako Aquatics Club, 2:58.73.

Girls 15-17 200m butterfly - CARIFTA cut - 2:46.27 - Zoe Williamson, Mako Aquatics Club, 2:37.48.

Boys 11-12 200m butterfly - CARIFTA cut - 2:56.48 - Harold Simmons, Mako Aquatics Club, 2:25.24; Nitayo Knowles, Alpha Aquatics, 2:46.21 and Dexter Russell, Freeport Aquatics Club-NC, 2:51.01.

Boys 13-14 200m butterfly 0 CARIFTA cut - 2:34.93 - Isaac Wright, Mako Aquatics Club, 2:27.56; Kaylan Williams, Mako Aquatics Club, 2:31.32; Damari Butler, Mako Aquatics Club, 2:31.62.

Boys 15-17 200m butterfly - CARIFTA cut - 2:23.09 - Elle Gibson, Mako Aquatics Club, 2:12.14 and Donald Saunders, Lightning Aquatics, 2:21.72.

Girls 11-12 50m freestyle - CARIFTA cut - 30.18Alissa Ferguson, Barracuda Swim Club, 28.05 and Tiah Seymour, Mako Aquatics Club, 28.60.

Girls 13-14 50m freestyle - CAR?IFTA cut - 28.76 - DF McKenzie, Mako Aquatics Club, 28.25; Lelah Lewis, Barracuda Swim Club, 28.48 and Adaiah Smith, Alpha Aquatics, 28.54.

Girls 15-17 50m freestyle

- CARIFTA cut - 28.30 - Mia Patton, Alpha Aquatics, 27.73; Zoe Williamson, Mako Aquatics Club, 27.76.

Boys 11-12 50m freestyle - CARIFTA cut - 28.59Benecio Robinson, Mako Aquatics Club, 26.79.

Boys 13-14 50m freestyle - CARIFTA cut - 26.25

- Lenin Hamilton, Mako Aquatics Club, 25.04; Rafael McBroom, Alpha Aquatics. 25.64 and Noah Knowles, Alpha Aquatics, 25.82.

Boys 15-17 50m freestyle - CARIFTA cut - 25.06 - Ellie Gibson, Mako Aquatics Club, 23.72; Tristin Ferguson, Mako Aquatics Club, 23.97; Caleb Ferguson, Alpha Aquatics, 24.71; Ayrton Moncur, Mako Aquatics Club, 24.76 and Matthias Simms, Barracuda Swim Club, 24.97.

Boys 13-14 1500m freestyle - CARIFTA cut - 18:48.26 - Kaylan Williams, Mako Aquatics Club, 18:40.95 and Myles Saunders, Mako Aquatics Club, 18:47.58.

Men 15-17 1500m freestyle - CARIFTA cut - 17:57.50 - Malcolm Menzies, Malcolm, Black Marlins Swim Club, 17:46.13.

Girls 11-12 100m freestyle - CARIFTA cut - 1:06.84 - Alissa Ferguson, Barracuda Swim Club, 1:01.73 and Tiah Seymour, Mako Aquatics Club. 1:04.45.

Girls 13-14 100m freestyle - CARIFTA cut - 1:03.38 - DF McKenzie, Mako Aquatics Club, 1:01.76 and Lelah Lewis, Barracuda Swim Club, 1:01.98/

Girls 15-17 100m freestyle - CARIFTA cut - 1:02.37 - Seannia NorvilleSmith, Mako Aquatics Club, 1:00.47; Mia Patton, Alpha Aquatics, 1:00.90 and Zoe Williamson, Mako Aquatics Club, 1:01.39.

Boys 11-12 100m freestyle - CARIFTA cut - 03.71 - Benecio Robinson, Mako Aquatics Club, 1:00.94.

Boys 13-14 100m freestyle - CARIFTA cut

- 57.78 - Dijon Simmons, Blue Waves Swim Club, 55.65; Lenin Hamilton, Mako Aquatics Club, 55.92 sand Noah Knowles, Alpha Aquatics, 56.49.

Boys 15-17 100m freestyle - CARIFTA cut - 55.09 - Triston Ferguson, Mako Aquatics Club, 53.33; Donald Saunders, Lightning Aquatics, 53.40 and Ayrton Moncur, Mako Aquatics Club, 54.34.

Girls 13-14 200m IMCARIFTA cut - 2:41.04 - Lelah Lewis, Barracuda Swim Club, 2:35.64 and Madison Gilbert, Barracuda Swim Club, 2:39.49.

Girls 15-17 200m IM - CZRIFTA cut 2:40.10 -

Kyana Higgs, Barracuda Swim Club, 2:29.71; TiaIsabella Adderley, Mako Aquatics Club, 2:33.09; Katie Goulandris, Lyford Swim Club, 2:34.31 and Alanna Murray, Black Marlins Swim Club, 2:39.20.

Boys 11-12 200m IMCARIFTA cut - 2:44.06 - Christon Joseph, Blue Waves Swim Club, 2:25.79 and Harold Simmons, Mako Aquatics Club, 2:30.01.

Boys 13-14 200m IMCARIFTA cut - Rafael McBroom, Alpha Aquatics, 2:20.40’ Dijon Simmons, Blue Waves Swim Club and Alexander Murray, Black Marlins Swim Club, 2:28.79.

Girls 11-12 400, freestyle

- CARIFTA cut - 5:12.42 - Skylar Smith, Alpha Aquatics, 4:56.71; Alissa Ferguson, Barracuda Swim Club, 5:02.54 and Nai’a Belton, Mako Aquatics Club, 5:11.40.

Girls 15-17 400m freestyle - CARIFGTA cut - 4:53.10 - Giada Bertoldo, Mako Aquatics Club, 4:47.69.

Boys 11-12 400m freestyle - CARIFTA cut

- 5:06.39 - Nitayo Knowles, Alpha Aquatics, 5:00.69.

Boys 15-17 400m freestyle - CARIFTA cut4:27.36 - Malcolm Menzies, Black Marlins Swim Club, 4:25.96.

Girls 11-12 50m butterfly - CARIFTA cut - 32.80 - Taylen Nicolls, Mako Aquatics Club, 31.14; Noel Pratt, Barracuda Swim Club, 32.68 and Tiah Seymour, Mako Aquatics Club, 32.77.

Girls 13-14 50m butterfly 0 CARIFTA cut - 31.44 - Saleste Gibson, Barracuda Swim Club, 30.03; Lelah Lewis, Barracuda Swim Club, 30.38; Madyson Julien. Barracuda Swim Club, 30.54 sand Violet Saralegui, Lyford Swim Club, 31.08.

Girls 15-17 50m butterfly - CARIFTA cut - 30.57 - Seannia Norville-Smith, Mako Aquatics Club, 29.18 and Zoe Williamson, Mako Aquatics Club, 29.26.

Boys 13-14 50m butterfly - CARIFTA cut - 28.35 - Rafael McBroom, Alpha Aquatics, 26.63; Lenin Hamilton, Mako Aquatics Club, 26.85; Damari Butler, Mako Aquatics Club, 27.81 and Alexander Murray, Black Marlins Swim Club, 28.29.

Boys 15-17 50m butterfly - CARIFTA cut - 26.92 - Ellie Gibson, Mako Aquatics Club, 25.63; Matthias Simms, Barracuda Swim Club, 26.48 and Caleb

Ferguson, Alpha Aquatics, 26.53.

Boys 15-17 50m butterfly - CARIFTA cut - 26.92 - Ellie Gibson, Mako Aquatics Club, 25.63; Matthias Simms, Barracuda Swim Club, 26.48 and Caleb Ferguson, Alpha Aquatics, 26.53.

Girls 13-14 100m breaststroke - CARIFTA cut - 1:24.92 - Kimaya Saunders, Mako Aquatics Club, 1:20.59; Jaylah Threadgill, Lyford Swim Club, 1:21.01; Samirah Donaldson, Alpha Aquatics, 1:21.66; Alexia Zatarain, Lyford Swim Club, 1:22.35; Madison Gilbert, Barracuda Swim Club, 1:22.45 and Khori Dames, Barracuda Swim Club, 1:24.75.

Girls 15-17 100m breaststroke - CARIFTA cut - 1:24.24 - Katie Goulandris, Lyford Swim Club, 1:15.47; Tia-Isabella Adderley, Mako Aquatics Club, 1:16.12; Erin Pritchard, Mako Aquatics Club, 1:21.20; Alanna Murray, Black Marlins Swim Club, 1:22.22 and Elina Fiaux, Lyford Swim Club, 1:22.86.

Boys 11-12 100m breaststroke - CAERIFTA cut - 1:24.55 - Christon Joseph, Blue Waves Swim Club, 1:18.72.

Boys 13-14 100m

breaststroke - CAR-

IFTA cut - 1:15.88 - Will Farrington, Mako Aquatics Club, 1:12.04; Jahan

MAKING A SPLASH: Swimmers in action in the 25 metre pool at King’s College School over the weekend during the Bahamas Aquatics’ final trials for this year’s CARIFTA Swimming Championships.

Chatlani-Pickstock, Mako Aquatics Club, 1:14.08; Alexander Murray, Black Marlins Swim Club, 1:14.22 and Kraige Adderley, Blue Waves Swim Club, 1:14.60.

Boys 15-17 100m breaststroke - CARIFTA cut - 1:11.20 - Ayrton Moncur, Mako Aquatics Club, 1:05.58; Triston Ferguson, Mako Aquatics Club, 1:08.43 and Matthias Simms, Barracuda Swim Club, 1:10.57.

Girls 11-12 200m backstroke - CARIFTA cut - 2:50.05 - Skylar Smith, Alpha Aquatics, 2:36.57 and Nai’a Belton, Mako Aquatics Club, 2:48.90.

Girls 13-14 200m backstroke - CARIFTA cut - 2:41.55 - Saleste Gibson, Barracuda Swim Club, 2:39.18 and Siann Isaacs, Alpha Aquatics, 2:39.59.

Girls 15-17 200m backstroke - CARIFTA cut - 2:44.28 - Anjaleah Knowles, Alpha Aquatics, 2:34.93.

Boys 11-12 200m backstroke - CARIFTA cut - 2:47.67 - Harold Simmons, Mako Aquatics Club, 2:28.72 and Sean NorvilleSmith, Mako Aquatics Club, 2:43.89.

Boys 13-14 200m backstroke - CARIFTA cut - 2:32.15 - Maxwell Daniels, Mako Aquatics Club, 2:26.93 and Dijon Simmons, Blue Waves Swim Club, 2:27.86.

High school students ‘get a feel’ for the golf course

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

COMMITTEE chairperson Gina Gonzalez-Rolle said if yesterday’s participation in the Bahamas Junior Golf Association’s fourth annual National High School Golf Tournament was any indication, they should have an interesting week of competition at the Bahamas Golf Federation’s Driving Range.

The championships, powered by Capital Union Bank, will continue with the Lower and Upper primary boys and girls, starting at 8am today and Wednesday before the final day of competition on Thursday. And, for the first time, they have fielded all four teams in the junior and senior divisions and they already clinched both the junior boys and girls titles. “The day went really well. Everyone went out and performed. The weather was really nice, The sun was shining and thank God we didn’t have any rain,” Gonzalez-Rolle said.

“The kids were really excited and we look forward to the rest of the week to see who will be overall winners from the various schools.”

One of those schools who performed on day one was Windsor High Academy. Coach Katie Roach said their team did exactly what they were supposed to do.

“We just wanted to have a positive mindset, play our best golf and just represent our school to the best of our abilities,” Roach said.

“This is our first year entering a senior girls’ team and with the senior boys, we are looking for some great things from them.

“The competition was just amazing. I was talking to Georgette Rolle-Harris and we both agree that the competition has improved tremendously. We have seen the standard of golf raised and so it’s only upward for the future.”

The Queen’s College Comets are also back and they performed exceptionally well, according to Rico Seymour, one of the coaches.

“We had some very good showings in the championship today,” he said. “You could see where we have improved every year, so our numbers are looking good.

“Over the past three months, the kids have been coming out to the course, getting to know it and getting used to it, so it’s no joke today for our team. We just put on a good showing.”

With the primary schools now getting ready to strut their self, Seymour warned the rest of the schools that the Comets are here and just like they battled it out at the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships last week, they intend to do the same in golf.

This was the first year that St Augustine’s College broke ranks and have entered the tournament. Head coach Daria Adderley said it was a good feeling to finally get the Big Red Machine rolling in another sport.

“Today was really an eye opener for them,” she pointed out. “We competed against players who have been competing in golf for a while but, in the five weeks that we have been working with Georgette Rolle-Harris, I think we did very well.” With a 21-member team participating, Adderley said SAC can only get better as they continue in the programme. With the help of some of their alumnus who play golf, she said the Big Red Machine will eventually become a force to reckon with like they do in the other sporting disciplines.

She thanked principal Maricia Thompson

for allowing the team to participate.

Some of the players from some of the participating schools, after reviewing their individual scores, felt they did their best.

Madison Maddison Carroll, a 13-year-old seventh grader at Tambearly International School, shot a 30, which placed her second overall in a playoff against Anissa Robinson in the junior girls division.

“I felt my performance was much better than last year. “But I felt that there were a lot of emotions in the playoffs and I just didn’t read the putts as I should,” she said.

“The competition has gotten better, but there’s

more work to be done. I’m still improving bit by bit.”

Anissa Robinson, a 13-year-old eight grader at Bahamas Global Academy, was third in the junior girls’ division by one shot.

“I could have done better but I actually felt like I performed better because last year I shot a 38 and I got sixth place,” she said.

“Today, I was one shot away from the playoffs, but my friend, Madison, shot a 30, to beat me. She played very good.”

Zachary Joseph, a 13-year-old eight grader at Bahamas Global Academy, shot a 31 for third place in the junior boys’ division.

“It was not great, but I would say it was decent,” Joseph said.

“I could have shot better. My approach shot wasn’t too good today.”

Senior girls’ Nailah Morgan, a 14-year-old 10th grader at St Augustine’s College, said for a first timer participating in any sporting activities for the Bug Red Machine, it was nerve racking for her.

“It was tiring walking up and down the course. It was fun, but it was a different experience for me and the sun was hot,” she stated. “I’m new to all of this. I hope I can continue.

“The competition was good.”

DAY ONE AND DAY 2 in Wednesday Sports.

Dior-Rae Scott climbing up the ladder

FROM PAGE 16

that would get me to the top,” said Scott, who now prepares for the final CARIFTA trials this weekend. “My goal right now is to qualify for CARIFTA again at the trials and then I can get ready for CARIFTA.”

Maycock said prior to the BAISS Championships, Scott was in a rut, having hit a wall with a back injury.

But he was just as surprised the way she performed during the meet. When I saw the javelin leave her hand, I said ‘thank you Jesus,’ her back is good,” Maycock said.

“So we’re back at 100 per cent. The record was something she wanted to secure.

She wanted the under-17 record before she goes into grade 12 and she will only have one year to go for the senior girls’ record. She’s definitely on the right path to venturing from high school to college.” Having already produced a cadre of throwers, including open men and women javelin national record holders Keyshawn Strachan and Otabor, Maycock said he doesn’t want to be considered a “one-time wonder,” so he’s constantly improving his skills as a coach so he can share his expertise with his athletes as they continue to excel.

In addition to pursuing the under-17 record at CARIFTA, Scott

revealed that another one of her goals is to make it to the World Junior

Championships in the under-20 girls’ division. “I’m just going to see where God takes me,” she stated.

She said having someone like Otabor as a team-mate and the standard bearer to follow, she’s pushing hard every day. Otabor is the also the reigning NCAA outdoor champion.

With “God’s help,” coach Maycock, her parents, Hiltina and Daniel Scott, her older brother, Uymani, her aunt Aniska Adderley, other family members and friends, Scott said she will prevail.

“I’m looking forward to us having a great team to represent the Bahamas and I want to set that (CARIFTA) record,” summed up Scott as she prepares for

the games, scheduled for Grenada over the Easter holiday weekend.

Proud mother Hiltina said the sky is the limit for her daughter under coach Maycock.

“I’m really ecstatic. Maycock has been able to pull out of her a talent that she didn’t know she had and what I didn’t even know she had as her mother,” she said. “I didn’t know nothing about the javelin. But I believe after she qualified for her first CARIFTA in 2022, we knew she was on to something.

“She was only training with coach Maycock for about 10 months. He did wonders for her. He has the best throwing club. It’s quite evident that his technique is working.”

THE Bahamas Golf Federation’s Junior Division completed its Junior National Golf Championships over the weekend at the Ocean Club on Paradise Island.

The tournament, sponsored by RF Bank & Trust Platinum, served as the trials for the team that will represent the Bahamas at the Caribbean Junior Golf Championships later this year.

The winners in the various age group categories after the two days of competition were as follows:

Boys’ under-13 - Rashawn Hanna (90-83-173), William West, (90-90-180), Juan Wilson (93-89-182), Na’Kai Wilson (107-96-203), William Mahelis (106-98-204), Dearndrey Poitier (104114-218), Kai Bastian (113-117-230) and Leonardo Bisterzo (114-WD-114).

Boys’ under-15 - Kerrington Rolle (73-82-155), Zachary Joseph (82-79-161), Cardron Nixon (99-84-183), Denahj Mortimer (10087-187), Benjamin Kofoed (104-95-199), Donald Bain (103-109-212) and Edward Johnson (120-110-220).

Boys’ under-18 - Aiden Gorospe (72-76-148), Jaden Ward (76-74-150), Oliver White (74-80-154), Camdyn Forbes (77-80-157), Adrian Busuioc (88-77-165), Angelino Cooper (84-90-174), Christopher Callender (8788-175), Tomeco Knowles (95-93-138), Rhan Miller (104-88-192) and Darius Thompson (134-128-262).

Girls’ under-13 - Maddison Carroll (77-76-153), Anissa Robinson (9075-165), Kayleigh Rolle (86-89-175), Chloe Rounce (97-81-178) and Zion Poitier (98-108-206).

Girls’ under-15 - Haley Hall (88-81-169) Chemari Pratt (87-89-176), Lilly Bisterzo (86-90-176), Seannae Smith (92-100-192), Jolene Stan Busuioc (96-100-196) and Tiar Agaro-Gibson (105-111-216).

Girls’ under-18 - Lilli Downer (78-81-159), Mia Underwood (105-99-204), Taylor Sands (101-113214) and Gabrielle Pratt (118-135-253).

ROWING

FROM PAGE 16

regattas held in South Florida. We are looking at making it an annual stop for the sprint racing for the Windsor Rowing Club.

“What we realised is the biggest area we have to work is our starts. It’s a very important aspect of rowing. There is a common saying that you can’t really win the race in the first five strokes, but you can lose the race in the first five strokes.

“So I think our attention has to be placed on the approach and how we prepare to start the race.”

High winds in the afternoon caused the regatta officials to change the course direction, which meant the finish line became the start line. The course was also reduced from 1,500m to 750m.

Windsor now plans to put on a racing event at the Lake Cunningham Classic regatta site in April with athletes from the Nassau Rowing Club. More information will come shortly.

Additionally, Gibson indicated that Windsor also plans on competing again in the United States this year at one or two more regattas, possibly in North Carolina and Virgnia and maybe even in Canada to close out the season in early June.

IRAM LEWIS: ’WE SHOULD FIND FUNDING TO HOLD TRAINING CAMPS IN FRANCE’ PRIOR TO OLYMPICS

FROM PAGE 16

Charlton who shattered, for the second time in less than a month, the (indoor) world record in the 60 metre hurdles.

“She is now the fastest person ever in the history of that event in the entire globe and that’s commendable. And I’m happy

to hear the minister, the Member (of Parliament) for Garden Hills, say that they will revise the sports policy so that we can adequately compensate Devynne and others like her. “And now if we consider what she did, let us ensure that we never forget this amazing feat.”

In addition, he also congratulated the PLP government for

recently appointing Chavano “Buddy” Hield as The Bahamas’ ambassador-at-large.

“He is joining the ranks of Rick Fox and my former teammate Chris Brown so, again, it’s a good thing,” he said. He also congratulated renowned golfer Glenn Pratt. “Mr Pratt is now being inducted

into the African American Golf Hall of Fame. “Certainly the first for this entire region and we must commend Glenn for all of his achievements.”

And he added that “help is still needed for Devaughn Robinson and other struggling golfers.”

The former minister of youth, sports and culture said wrestler

Shannon Hanna II made history by becoming the first Bahamian to earn an international medal in wrestling “by winning a bronze medal” at the Pan American Wrestling Championships.

“So we are doing it in track and field, doing it in golf, and now even in wrestling,” stated the former athlete.

DIOR-Rae Scott in action in the javelin.

HIGH SCHOOL girls and boys compete yesterday on day one of Bahamas Junior Golf Association’s fourth annual National High School Golf Tournament at the Bahamas Golf Federation’s Driving Range.

Photos: Dante Carrer

Recognising the best

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Education Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

THE country’s top academic achievers were awarded yesterday at the National Examinations Awards ceremony.

The Ministry of Education awarded more than a hundred students on their outstanding performances in the 2023 national examinations.

Cherkadin Wells, of Queen’s College, received the best overall BGCSE performance award for obtaining 14 A grades and one B grade.

He received the Paul Adderley Award for the most outstanding BGCSE performance in The Bahamas, the Carol Hanna Award for the best overall

BGCSE performance in independent schools and the best BGCSE perfor mance by island for New Providence.

Zante Ferguson, HO Nash Junior High School received best overall BJC Results with twelve A grades. She was awarded for having the best BJC performance in government schools, the best overall BJC performance in the Bahamas and the best by island performance for New Providence. All students who achieved a minimum of five As in the 2023 BJC and BGCSE examinations were recognised during the ceremony.

SUSTAINABLE ME HOSTS KIDS AT WOMEN’S EXPO

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Education Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

SUSTAINABLE Me had a booth at last weekend’s International Women’s Day Expo and hosted excited activities for children including creating plantable seed paper picket signs.

The organisation recently announced two partnerships aimed at expanding its impact and furthering its mission of empowering the next generation and fostering positive change in local communities.

The organisation signed Memorandums of

Understanding (MoUs) with the Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG) and US-registered non-profit Change The Tune to enhance its capacity to offer transformative programmes for Bahamian youth. Their Summer Studio program aims to equip Bahamian youth with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to become environmental stewards and global leaders. There are two upcoming workshops as part of its Sustainable Studio pre-summer program: paper-making with Sonia Farmer at Poinciana Paper Press; and an

Earth Day workshop with Daniel Hanna, offering students opportunities to engage in environmental stewardship activities. Sustainable Me is inviting sponsors and supporters to join them in their mission to empower Bahamian youth and promote sustainable development. By investing in their programmes, sponsors can make a meaningful impact and help keep summer camps free for students in The Bahamas.

For more information about Sustainable Me and to register for the upcoming workshops or camp, please visit sustainableme.org.

RIDGELAND HONOURS OUTSTANDING STUDENTS

RIDGELAND Primary School honoured outstanding students in their annual Honour Roll Awards Ceremony. Students, parents and staff celebrated the academic success of 18 students that maintained a GPA between 3.00 and 3.49; and seven students that attained a GPA of 3.50 to 4.00.

Superintendent Leonardo Burrows encouraged students to stay focused on their journey toward success. He emphasized the importance of dedication, hard work, and resilience in achieving their goals, urging students to remain steadfast on their academic path.

Principal Samantha Anderson commended the honoured students for their outstanding achievements and reminded the entire student body of the importance of perseverance. She encouraged the students not receiving awards to view it as an opportunity to redouble their efforts, emphasising that success is attainable through consistent dedication and commitment to learning.

CALL TO JOIN PEACE RALLY

STUDENTS from around the country are invited to attend a peace rally. The Ministry of Education announced yesterday it will hold a National Peace Rally on Friday at Clifford Park under the theme:

“Peace Begins with Me.”

Over 2,000 students from public and private schools are expected to unite and share a message of living in harmony with each other. Students will march from the Southern Recreational Grounds to Clifford Park starting at 10am.

ZANTE Ferguson and Cherkadin Wells with their awards.

SUSTAINABLE Me working with kids at the International Women’s Day Expo.

Photo: Cochise Thompson/Sky Media Photography

BROOKE Dorsett accepts an award.

Photo: Dante Carrer

TAMIA Knowles with her award during the National Examinations Award Ceremony. Photo: Dante Carrer

KASSIDY Burrows accepts an award. Photo: Dante Carrer

SPORTS

TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 2024

Isaiah has ‘best showing’

Windsor Rowing Club takes eight-member team to OARS Youth Invitational

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

The improved tremendously on his overall performance.

Alessandra Callender raced in her first ever 1x single race in a field of 25 racers. But an unfortunate collision with another rower caused her finishing time to not reflect her potential and ability.

“The competition was good overall,” Gibson said. “We had a very good time. In one of the biggest

SEE PAGE 14

Dior-Rae climbing up the ladder

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

SHE’S only in the eleventh grade, but Dior-Rae Scott has been throwing the javelin to unprecedented distances for just an under18 competitor.

The St Augustine’s College student, a member of the Blue Chips Throwing Club, will celebrate her 16th birthday on Thursday.

She had her lifetime achievement on Friday when she won the under17 girls’ javelin on the final day of the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools’ Track and Field Championships at the original Thomas A Robinson National Stadium.

In the process, throwing the 500g spear, she had a toss of 49.83 metres to erase the previous meet record of 42.00m set by her teammate Kamera Strachan.

As it turned out, the distance was also a national under-18 girls’ record, shattering the previous mark of

47.68m that was thrown by collegian Rhema Otabor. It’s also listed as the farthest throw by any female in the Caribbean for the javelin 500g in this age group and has now ranked Scott at number four in the world.

For Scott, who started playing softball and basketball, it wasn’t until she was in grade seven that one of the coaches at St Augustine’s College advised her of her strength and encouraged her to try the javelin.

“I didn’t know anything about the javelin at all,” she pointed out. “I throw it and I made it to BAISS and coach (Corrington) Maycock saw me and he got me totally involved in the event.”

Since joining his club in 2021, Maycock said for a thrower with such a small stature, she has improved tremendously.

“Dior-Rae has a huge heart. She’s a hard worker. As a coach that’s the only thing you could ask for,” Maycock stated. “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work.

“But she works her butt off to overcome her limitation with her height. You can’t ask for anything more

from an individual like her.”

Having decided to take a break from basketball and

softball to concentrate on throwing the javelin, Scott said she felt she made the right choice because it’s paying off right now.

“I knew I had a big PB (personal best) in me, but I didn’t know it was going to be 49m,” said Scott of the feat that came on her third attempt in the competition.

“I started off with a good warm-up. I felt good. I knew what I went there for and I had my mind set. Before the competition, coach just told me to rip the javelin because he knows I have it in me. I did exactly what he told me.”

With her mission complete, Scott said she was still in shock.

“The only thing I could say, thank you God.” Scott lamented.

And while she’s pegged at number four in the age group, Scott said the goal is to get to number one.

“Hopefully at CARIFTA (Games in Grenada over the Easter holiday weekend), I can get another PB and throw about 55m and

SEE PAGE 14

THE SPORTS CALENDAR

By BRIAN MAHONEY AP Basketball Writer

MEMBER of Parliament for Central Grand Bahama Iram Lewis, highlighting the need to adequately fund our sporting programmes, said we need to be able to hold training camps ahead of major events so that athletes have a chance to “sharpen their skills and work together, gel.”

“So the fact that the Olympic Games are in Paris this year, I’m hoping that funds will be allocated. We should find funding for those athletes to have training camps in France prior to going to the Olympic Games where they could focus, (this is) very important.

“I live it so I can speak to it. Proper uniforms, funding, counselling, sports medicine, pre-Olympic competition, again, is very important.

In his contribution to the mid-year budget debate last week Wednesday, he said we love to take credit for our athletes’ success “but we need to invest in them on the way up.”

“When are we going to become a serious country about our sports industry? I guess we will have to wait for another new day for that to happen. It must be underscored that youth, sports and culture are three of the major fabrics of our Bahamian identity that requires investment at the highest level.”

Offering special congratulations to indoor 60 metres hurdles world record holder Devynne Charlton, he stressed the importance of finding “ways to really properly reward our athletes.”

“Today we continue to prove to the world that we are indeed a small country with the greatest athletes ever. I want to offer special congratulations to Devynne

SOFTBALL: BGDSA OPENING

THE Bahamas Government Departmental Softball Association, under the leadership of Dwayne Stevens, will open its new season at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex this weekend.

The opening ceremonies and awards presentation for the 2023 season will take place at noon on Saturday, followed by a pair of exciting games.

At 1pm, Electro

Mar. 2024

Thompson Auditorium on Jean Street. All churches interested in participating in the volleyball tournament, scheduled for April 25-27, are urged to attend as the rules and regulations will be discussed.

SPARTANS TRACK CLASSIC

THE Noble Preparatory Academy Spartans will hold their annual Track and Field Classic on Saturday, March 16 at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium.

The event will run from 9am to 2pm. The registration fee is $15 per athlete. The entry fee will be $15 for adults in the VIP stand and $8 for children. The general admission will be $10

PHILADELPHIA 76ers’ Chavano “Buddy” Hield reacts during an NBA basketball game on Friday in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

DIOR-Rae Scott with coach Corrington Maycock.

ISAIAH Ellis getting ready to compete in the OARS Youth Invitational in Orlando, Florida.