04022024 NEWS AND SPORT

Mas shooting sees six injured

opened fire on the group. The victims, aged 16, 20, 23, 37, 41 and 44 were all taken to hospital by private vehicle and by Emergency Medical Services Personnel where they were being treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Police added that one of the victims is presently being electronically

monitored for manslaughter and possession of firearm charges, and a second victim has court matters pending for attempted murder and possession of dangerous drugs. The incident follows a fatal shooting in Andros on Saturday.

Kenton Farquharson was at his aunt’s bar and restaurant on Saturday night preparing for a

bike ride on Andros for a motorcycle show over the weekend when he was shot dead.

Kendal Farquharson, his father, said the 30-year-old was with his older brother at the time. He said that someone came around the building and shot Kenton.

Mr Farquharson said: “I was on the phone when I said what happened, Kenton, what happened? He just started saying

Kenton and start saying he dead. I said no man... and he’s actually dead.” Police were notified around 9.40pm of gunshots being heard at a business on Fire Road in Lowe Sound.

Initial reports indicate the deceased was outside the establishment when he got into a verbal argument with several individuals and was subsequently shot. The father of three went to Andros for a motorcycle show over the weekend. Mr Farquharson comes from a family of several motorcycle enthusiasts. His father said Kenton and his other son fix motorcycles while his nephew would ride along with the siblings “They love motorbikes. When I was growing my kids, I just used to buy

them the things with these what they wanted and what they wish for. When they get into the motorbike, I didn’t like it because you know it hurt you and break your leg, your hand, or something, but I saw that they like it.

So I encourage them.”

He added: “The motorbike thing keeps them out of problems. Riding a motorbike is just relaxing. They’re having fun. They pop their bikes a lot, but that’s a part of them having fun.” The father was emotional when remembering his murdered son with whom he had a close bond.

“I loved Kenton,” he cried. “He was a part of me. Every day, I spend time with him. Every evening I come home and I’d be with him.”

He reminisced on his son being “loveable”

BIMINI police are investigating a homicide that occurred early Thursday morning in North Bimini.

Although the victim’s identity has not been released, a resident of Bimini told The Tribune that the deceased was reportedly from New Providence and had been staying in Bimini for the past several months.

“The shooting happened in Porgy Bay, but the man is not from Bimini,” the resident said. “I have seen him around here for about eight months.” According to police reports, the shooting incident occurred sometime around 12.20am on Thursday. Officers received information that gunshots were heard near a business establishment on Kings Highway in North Bimini. On arrival at the scene, they discovered a man who was unresponsive and had sustained apparent gunshot injuries to the body. The victim was examined by a medical doctor on the scene and pronounced dead.

Police are appealing to anyone with information regarding this latest murder to contact 911, 919, or the nearest police station in Bimini at 3473144 or anonymously at CRIME STOPPERS at 328-TIPS (8477).

Disclosures filed by some MPs as others decline response

Earlier that month, Mr Davis said his public disclosures would be filed on March 2 if the documents had not been turned over on the deadline.

Office of the Prime Minister director of communications Latrae Rahming said Mr Davis did file on time this year. Cabinet Ministers who said they met the deadline were:

• Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper.

• Grand Bahama Minister Ginger Moxey.

• Education Minister Glenys Hanna Martin.

• National Security Minister Wayne Munroe.

• Works and Family Island Affairs Clay Sweeting.

• Labour and Public Service Minister Pia Glover-Rolle.

• Energy and Transport Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis.

• Housing and Urban Renewal Minister Keith Bell.

• Office of the Prime Minister and Social Services State Minister Myles Laroda.

• Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg.

• and Environment and Natural Resources State Minister Zane Lightbourne. Several weeks ago, Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville told The Tribune he had not filed at that time. This newspaper attempted to contact him for follow up, but was unsuccessful up to press time.

When asked about disclosure, his Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell declined to say and said to speak to Public Disclosure Commission chairman Bishop Victor Cooper.

But Bishop Cooper told The Tribune he was out of town and to call the disclosure office, although it was the Easter weekend.

All Opposition MPs said they had filed on time.

Other MPs who confirmed included Sea Breeze MP Leslia Miller-Brice, North Andros and The Berry Islands MP Leonardo Lightbourne, MICAL MP Basil McIntosh, Central and South Abaco MP John Pinder and West Grand Bahama and Bimini MP

• Environment and Natural Resources Minister Vaughn Miller.

Kingsley Smith.

The Tribune was unable to reach a number of Parliamentarians, including Immigration and National Insurance Minister Alfred Sears, Agriculture and Marine Resources Minister Jomo Campbell, and Housing and Urban Renewal Minister Lisa Rahming. Bishop Cooper indicated that 90 percent of parliamentarians had filed by the March 1 deadline. He said last year many senators and senior civil servants failed to disclose their assets, income and liabilities.

The Public Disclosure Act empowers only two people to act on delinquent filings: the prime minister and the leader of the opposition. Either of them can publish the information through a communication in the House of Assembly or cause for it to be laid in the Senate. Either can authorise that the information be presented to the attorney general or commissioner of police so those who failed to disclose could face a penalty. The penalty for not disclosing is a $10,000 fine and/or up to two years in prison.

Grenada swimmer wins bronze day after dad dies

on to compete on Sunday in the 15-17 400m, and said despite everything she felt accomplished having won a bronze medal. She felt she made her family and country proud. “Yeah, my father passed away, so I swam the race with him and I did my best,” said the 17-year-old.

“It felt good, I felt accomplished, I felt like the hard work actually paid off, you know, finally.”

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis expressed condolences to Sara and her family in a post on social media, saying her resilience and strength stand as a symbol of inspiration.

He said: “We are enveloped in sorrow for your loss yet so immensely proud of what you have achieved. You have made your father, family and country proud. In these moments

of triumph and grief, know you are surrounded by love and support.”

Algernon Cargill, president of the Bahamas Aquatics Federation, also extended his sympathy to the family and the Caribbean swim community. Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg also expressed his condolences to the young athlete, his wife, extended family, and the people of Grenada. The Grenada Amateur Swimming Association has also issued a statement, describing Mr Dowden as a dedicated father, husband and swim parent. The GASA said: “Sean was a loving and dedicated father, husband and swim parent. His sudden passing has come as a devastating shock to his family, and the entire team. The GASA executive in The Bahamas, and Grenada are working along with CARIFTA

RENWARD WELLS AIRLIFTED TO FLORIDA FOR MEDICAL TESTING

FORMER Cabinet Minister Renward Wells has been airlifted to Florida after being taken ill last week.

Mr Wells had been admitted to the Princess Margaret Hospital on Wednesday after not feeling well. He has now been airlifted to Florida to undergo additional testing. A statement from his publicist said that the testing had been requested by his doctors in The Bahamas.

Mr Wells was accompanied by his wife, Sarah. The statement said: “Mr Wells is expected back in New Providence at the

conclusion of these tests. He remains alert, in high spirits and grateful for the outpouring of prayers, support and well wishes from the Bahamian people.”

A previous statement denied that Mr Wells had suffered a heart attack after these claims were made online, and former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said he had visited the former Bamboo Town MP last week when he was “doing well.”

Mr Wells served as minister of health and minister of transport and local government under the Minnis administration.

officials on the ground in The Bahamas to provide support for the family and entire team to ensure their well-being during this difficult period.”

SARA DOWDEN, daughter of Sean Dowden who died at CARIFTA Swim Meet this weekend. Photo: Dante Carrer

Screwball Comedy set to benefit four local charities

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

COMEDY for a Cause returns next month with nine night specials for the benefit of four local charities.

On the bill is “Screwball Comedy”, scheduled for April 11-14 and April 16-20 at the Atlantis Theatre and featuring Heather Hodgson-Kospy and D. Sean Nottage.

Bahamas Feeding Network, Bahamas National Trust, lend a Hand Bahamas and Ranfurly Homes for Children will be the beneficiaries of all net proceeds of the event. With last year’s event raising $90,000, event organising is hoping to double donations this year. The live comedy play was written by worldrenowned playwright Norm Foster.

“Screwball Comedy takes the humour one

hilarious step further with belly laughs in almost every line of the comedic journey and gutsy narrative of an ambitious, tough young woman in the 1930s planning to catapult her life from perfume salesperson to renowned reporter,” the press release read. “Pitted against the man considered the gold standard of journalism to get to the bottom of a news story, the unlikely competitor’s uproarious banter is seasoned with salvos while he swallows gulps of wine and pride.”

Ranfurly Homes for Children, a first beneficiary, said the funds will be used to assist in the completion of the transitional homes used for the development of children who lived in the Ranfurly Home.

Tickets are available for sale, ranging from $42.90 to $82.50 inclusive of VAT.

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Ministry of Tourism is teaming up with environmental organisations in Grand Bahama to highlight the importance of Coastal Awareness Month, observed globally during April.

Jermaine Johnson, the ministry coordinator with responsibilities for sustainable tourism development, announced they are collaborating with several agencies, including the Bahamas National Trust, Earthcare, Keep Grand Bahama Clean Committee, Waterkeepers, and Litter Free Bahamas.

Mr Johnson stressed clean coastlines are vital to The

Bahamas. He noted that educational outreach for students, beach clean-ups, and mangrove plantings, among other things, are some of the activities planned this month. Presentations will be held at Tabernacle Baptist Academy, Beacon School, and a mangrove planting presentation will be held at the Lucaya International School.

Mr Johnson said there would also be discussions on the radio to inform the community about the importance of keeping the coastline clean and what they can do to keep the island clean.

Sandra Russell-Flowers, of Litter Free Bahamas, announced they would be clearing bulk items from Lewis Yard Beach due to

indiscriminate dumping.

They will partner with a youth group - Bahamian, Birds, and Botany, from New Providence.

Joanna Parker, Grand Bahama Parks Manager at the BNT Rand Nature Centre, will host National Parks Day on April 20 in observance of Earth Day.

She said BNT, along with partners, will highlight coastal conservation efforts on the island.

Gail Woon, the founder of Earthcare, has been educating children about the consequences of ground, air, and water pollution on the country’s coastline.

On April 27, she said Earthcare, in conjunction with the Forestry Unit, will initiate the Water Cay Mangrove Restoration Project.

The organisation is recycling cups used for coffee and cold drinks to grow mangrove seedlings. She said an out-planting exercise will take place at Water Cay, with Iram Lewis, MP for Central Grand Bahama, who is a native of Water Cay.

In 2019, Hurricane Dorian wiped out the mangroves at Water Cay.

Slain MP’s brother calls on killers to turn themselves in

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

THE brother of murdered former FNM MP Don Saunders has called on his killers to turn themselves in “if they have a heart”. Ronald Newbold spoke to reporters at police headquarters a day after his younger brother was fatality shot on Wednesday night. It was reported that Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander with senior officers had spoken to the deceased’s family on Thursday morning.

Newbold had a message for the perpetrators, saying that they need to “man up”. He said: “Whoever did it, you know, if they have any heart, they will just turn themselves in because they took away a person who loves people, loves life, loves everything that God created. He would not harm a hair on anybody’s head. That’s how I know my brother. You know, it’s so tragic to me, man.” He added: “He don’t have to know you. He don’t care what side of the political arena you on, he will welcome you, he will get whatever you need. If you need something, he will just give it to you. You know, that’s him. A very loving person.” He said his brother will be remembered as a hard worker, among many things.

He called Mr Saunders “a man who believes in something and what he really believes in, he goes after it. Ain’t nothing to stop him. Trust me. He worked hard for all he had and what he got right now and he continued to do that and he tried to do it in the best way.”

Saunders was among a group of about five or six people in a yard when two masked gunmen showed up and tried to rob them of cash. People scattered in different directions, but only Saunders was shot.

Asked if he was satisfied with the status of the investigation, the brother replied: “So far, yes, we had a good meeting, good police is on the track. Police are doing a good investigation. So far, it sounds like they’re going to be able to solve this case.”

Hours after Saunders’ murder, a homicide occurred in the early morning hours on Bimini. The number of killings angered Newbold.

“This is just like almost five people in less than six months in a family that died. This is very senseless, you know. So you big guys who are out there who doing all this bunch of crap in this country y’all need to put on your big man pants and stop doing stupid things. This ain’t making no sense. Hurting people’s family, killing people in all that stuff, tearing people’s families apart. Y’all need to do better, man. Find yourself a job.”

Dr Sands gives condolences to Saunders’

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement Chairman Duane Sands sent heartfelt condolences to the family of Don Saunders, who was shot and killed in an armed robbery in Gambier Village on Wednesday night.

The former Tall Pines MP served as the party’s deputy chairman. Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander had said Mr Saunders was among a group of about five or six people hanging out in a yard when two masked gunmen showed up and tried to rob them of cash. People panicked and scattered in different directions, but only Saunders was shot.

“It is indeed a shocking and sad day,” Dr Sands said in a statement yesterday.

“Last evening, we lost a colleague and friend to gun violence. As Chairman, I have worked closely with many, but I must say that I have worked most closely with the deputy chairs of the

FNM, Heather Hunt and Don Saunders. “We have travelled together across the length and breadth of this country. Don was a committed, hardworking, patriotic Bahamian. He loved our country. He loved the FNM and the principles for which we stand.”

Mr Saunders leaves behind his wife, two children, mother and twin brother.

“I benefitted from his counsel politically and professionally. I treasured his friendship. Don was a true FNM warrior - committed to the cause. He was an instrumental part of our chairman’s core. He will be sorely missed,” Dr Sands said.

Many Free National Movement members gathered at the murder scene on Wednesday night, including former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, FNM leader Michael Pintard, deputy leader Shanendon Cartwright, Adrian Gibson, and such former MPs as Elsworth Johnson, Marvin Dames, Darren Henfield, and Travis Robinson.

family - ‘He will be sorely missed’

Alabama court ruling on embryos bring legal issues

THE Alabama Supreme Court ruled on Feb. 21, 2024, that the word “child” also means frozen embryos, which are typically implanted via in vitro fertilization.

Within a week of the decision, three of the state’s seven IVF clinics temporarily stopped all IVF services. Three others announced they would no longer discard any embryos in storage. Spokespeople for the clinics said they were worried that the Supreme Court decision meant that they would be liable for wrongful death if any embryos were destroyed, even as part of normal clinic operations.

Patients planning to undergo IVF treatment at the clinics that stopped services were devastated.

One woman, Gabrielle Goidel, was planning IVF after three previous pregnancies ended in miscarriage. The fertility clinic told her that it could move forward with her scheduled egg retrieval, but it was not sure if doctors could then create or store embryos made with her eggs. Goidel said it was “absolutely my worst fear,” and she found a Texas clinic that could continue her treatment.

In response to confusion about whether IVF services in Alabama could legally continue, the Alabama Legislature passed a law exempting people who receive or provide IVF services from legal liability. After Gov. Kay Ivey signed the bill into law on March 6, two of the clinics that had paused IVF procedures said that they would resume providing IVF.

But the court decision still creates a confusing, murky zone for people in Alabama who are considering IVF or already have embryos stored. I am a law professor who has written about legal disputes over frozen embryos. The Alabama Supreme Court’s decision contradicts all of the previous lawsuits across the country that are fights over stored embryos.

What led to the Alabama case

The Alabama Supreme Court case arose out of unusual circumstances. In 2020, a hospital patient walked through an unlocked door into a fertility clinic housed within the hospital, worked to find a container of frozen embryos and intentionally dropped it on the floor.

It is easy to sympathize with the potential parents whose embryos were destroyed in this case. But not all destruction of embryos is a tragedy.

Fertility clinics routinely destroy frozen embryos, with the permission of the intended parents. Couples who undergo IVF often create more frozen embryos than they implant, leaving extra embryos in storage. As many as 1 million embryos are currently in storage across the country. For various reasons, a couple or person may choose to have the fertility clinic destroy their embryos.

A thorny question arises, however, if the couple breaks up and disagrees about what to do with frozen embryos in storage.

How courts manage embryo conflict

In the disagreements about embryos that have ended up in court, typically one person wants to have the embryos implanted in the hopes of a successful pregnancy. The other person usually wants the stored embryos destroyed.

Courts faced with this question have, in the past, considered whatever the contract with the fertility clinic says. This might give one person control over the embryos, or say that the clinic should destroy the embryosif the spouses divorce.

Another rule of thumb only allows embryos to be implanted if both intended parents agree.

Finally, some courts consider what each potential parent’s interests are

and favor the stronger case. Courts have been particularly likely to use this approach when one person is particularly sympathetic – for example, a woman who went through IVF after she was diagnosed with cancer that left her infertile. The frozen embryos were her last chance at becoming a biological mother.

No matter what method a court uses to weigh cases, every court in every state has, until the Alabama ruling, treated frozen embryos as property, not as children.

A new legal territory

The Alabama court’s decision throws all of this precedent into question.

The court was examining a specific law and answering whether the word “child” in the statute also applied to frozen embryos. According to the court, the “natural, ordinary, commonly understood meaning” of the word “child” includes embryos.

Additionally, the court pointed to the Alabama state constitution, which includes a section on the “sanctity of unborn life.” The court explained that the constitution directed it to treat unborn and born children equally. This means that, according to the court, anywhere the world “child” appears in Alabama law, frozen embryos could be included. If “child” means frozen embryos across Alabama law, then it would be illegal to treat embryos as property. Instead, if former spouses disagree about what to do with frozen embryos, courts should use the same laws that apply if divorcing parents are fighting over custody of a child. This would mean that courts would ask what would be in the best interest of the embryos when determining their fate.

This confusion is understandably alarming to people in Alabama with frozen embryos in storage.

One doctor with Alabama Fertility Specialists reported that over 30 patients contacted her clinic shortly after the Alabama court decision came out, asking what to do. Caroline Veazey, who had six embryos in storage in Alabama, started an online fundraiser to help her pay to move her embryos into storage in a different state. This ambiguity could stretch even further into other state agencies, like child protective services. Alabama law says that failure to provide medical treatment is neglect. It is easy to imagine an argument that indefinitely storing or destroying a frozen embryo is failing to provide the medical treatment of implantation into the uterus of someone hoping to become pregnant. If child protective services were to adopt such a position, the state could argue that the people who created stored embryos had neglected their “children.” The state could then treat frozen embryos like neglected children: take them away from their “parents” and use embryo adoption programs to find them new homes.

Democrats in the Alabama House of Representatives have introduced a bill that says the word “child” should not include embryos for any purpose under state law. This bill has yet to move forward.

Alabama’s decision, though, has prompted concern that other state courts could follow its lead. Birmingham resident Kristia Rumbley, for example, said that she is trying to move her two stored embryos out of the United States entirely. “I don’t want to risk anybody else making decisions for our embryos,” Rumbley said.

Dara E. Purvis, Penn State

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I RECENTLY came across a YouTube clip of a talk show hosted by Jesse Lee Peterson, and it became quite apparent that our views of certain realities are diametrically opposed. All the same, as the saying goes, “even a broken clock is correct, at least twice each day.”

Still, not all that he espouses is absolute nonsense, even if there is but a grain of truth in that bucket full of sand.

When considered from a Bahamian perspective, here are some rather troubling facts. Facts are facts, even when they may be taken out of context, or become premises for false conclusions. So, consider the following facts.

Although some of us refer to situations happening exclusively in New Providence as happening in The Bahamas, I will cite New Providence here, even when situations may not be exclusively so. It’s a very common fact that many of us use New Providence and The Bahamas interchangeably. Cool!

Back in the days of The Bay Street Boys (then, the UBP), black Bahamians generally supported each other and lived in a special harmony. Of course, some of us felt that “the white man’s ice was a little cooler”, but partly out of necessity we supported our own. Butler’s (about to permanently close their doors), Ingram’s, Johnson’s, Leo’s, Bowe’s, Rodriguez’s, Lewis’, Russell’s, and Malcolm’s readily come to mind. These and other merchants operated quite well in our neck of the woods. Additionally, little petty shops; Gaitor’s, Hall’s

and Ms. Maggie’s also held sway --- an even shorter distance walk away.

Compared to what followed Majority Rule, those were the days when neighbours knew neighbours, and a certain trust, respect, along with that sense of a village raising each child existed.

Law and order was law and order. Whenever there was a murder, for instance, the community would brace for the consequential hanging (capital punishment). Few and far in between as they were, such sad occasions would put New Providence in mourning, twice.

Of course, more changes came with population growth, modernity, and political progress. Whether or not the litany of woes which accompanied that march from yesteryear to the present can be directly connected to the complexion switch in power will be left for others to analyze. However, the facts are the facts.

When white people were in charge, things were one way. Now that black people are in charge, things are quite another way.

Some of us with gray hairs, or no hair at all, may recall “the good ol’ days” with a bitter-sweet taste. Those poorly-paved streets where we would play “rounders”, and become annoyed by the disturbance of a bicycle rider or the occasional car passing are barely recognizable to us these days. Those

yards of former homesteads which were kept immaculately clean by weeding and sweeping with ‘coconut tree brooms’ are now most often filthy with derelict vehicles or other unsightly junk.

When once it was safe to walk those dimly-lit streets at 10 o’clock at night, it could be a deadly gamble to drive through them at 10 o’clock in the day now.

To go on and on with a list of comparisons like those mentioned might tire you, and be yet another one of those examples of me ‘beating a dead horse to death’.

However, the point of laying out facts about the situation in New Providence under white governance all those years ago, and black governance nowadays begs the question: “Which would be better for the average, hard-working, honest black Bahamian today?”

You will come to your own conclusions, but based upon the facts presented, what conclusions are most apt to be reached? Or, are there other facts to counter the ones indicated here?

Are there valid excuses and explanations for the wanton bloodshed, mayhem and deterioration in the moral and civil fiber of these new Bahamians? Alternative facts and extenuating circumstances notwithstanding, can a case be made that we, black Bahamians, are not to blame for our own degradation and imminent self-destruction here in New Providence?

TRISTEN Hepburn swims in a heat during the CARIFTA Swim Meet. Photo: Dante Carrer

ENERGY MINISTER SIGNALS REVIEW OF BPL TARIFFS

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

MINISTER of Energy and Transport JoBeth Coleby-Davis said she “believes” the government is looking at a full-tariff review after it was reported earlier this week that the power company bills Bahamians at double the global average.

“I can’t speak too much towards that because I’d have to get further details on where BPL exactly is in doing that review, but once we have more information I’ll be able to provide clarity or we’ll be able to get clarity from the sector itself,” the energy minister said. Earlier this week, The Inter-American Bank’s (IDB) 2024-2028 country strategy for The Bahamas revealed that Bahamians are one of the highest paying in the Caribbean for electricity.

That report by the IDB outlining the details of just how much Bahamians are paying for utilities comes after Energy Minister Coleby-Davis revealed during her mid-year budget debate earlier this month that Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) needs more than $1 billion to pay debts

25 years in jail for FTX fraud

and upgrade its aging infrastructure.

She also revealed that Bahamians should see a gradual reduction in their electricity bills by July 2024 as the government has a plan that will see an improvement to the sector, though she, nor Prime Minister Philip Davis, have provided details of the plan.

Both have denied it involves the privatisation of BPL, despite the company’s unionised workers speaking out about hearing of such a plan.

Earlier this month, the government revealed that “fundamentals” of a BPL deal have been agreed to, which will outsource the power utility company’s generation and transmission and distribution systems.

This has come under criticism from multiple Bahamians who are, or once were stakeholders in the country’s energy sector, including Bahamas Electrical Workers Union (BEWU) President Kyle Wilson, former Minister of Works responsible for BPL Desmond Bannister and former Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation (BCCEC) director Debbie Deal.

ALL ABOARD THE BUS FOR COLEBY-DAVIS

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

MINISTER of Energy and Transport JoBeth Coleby-Davis has been getting firsthand experience of the public bus system as her ministry continues its review of the sector ahead of a bus fare hike.

She told reporters on Thursday that she travelled on several bus routes through Over-the-Hill areas and spoke with passengers about how the current system can be improved.

Mrs Coleby-Davis said her ministry is committed to modernizing and transforming the bus transportation system, and has embarked on a review of the public bus transportation sector.

“It’s a priority of mine to hear from the users what some of their concerns are, some suggestions and recommendations, and how they feel about the fare increase,” Mrs ColebyDavis said.

She said they received “really good” feedback, with bus riders voicing concerns about disability accommodations, the attitude of some bus drivers, and the physical conditions of the buses.

“They wanted better bus stops, better placement of bus stops, and they asked for maybe a proper schedule so they can know exactly when some of the buses are arriving, particular drivers they prefer... Also they spoke about the need for an evening route and maybe going to bus passes. Some of them raised

really good points, things that we’re already talking about, so it’s good to hear it raised by the public,” the transport minister said.

When asked how receptive Bahamians have been to the pending increase in bus fares, Minister ColebyDavis said there is an understanding of the need for an increase considering the rise in inflation and cost of living.

She said: “They were considerate of the need of the drivers to get an increase, they thought they deserved it, but they wanted to make sure the sector transformation came along with the increase.”

The Ministry of Energy and Transport has scheduled a townhall meeting on April 4th for the public, bus owners, and bus operators to exchange their thoughts and opinions to “balance the sector and make it userfriendly for everyone,” Mrs Coleby-Davis said. Bahamas Unified Bus Drivers Union General Secretary Corvell Colebrooke said he was pleased to take the transport minister with him on his bus route No 16. “It’s a critical aspect of it because we have a sitting Member of Parliament and a Cabinet minister riding the daily bus, this is not just someone coming to say ‘oh well you need this and that’, no,” Mr Colebrooke said. “She’s physically on the bus riding this to see what is going on on a daily basis and interacting with the customers.”

Mr Colebrooke added that he hopes to see the prime minister take a ride on a jitney bus one day.

King Charles hopes to visit The Bahamas next year

from page one

the 50th Anniversary Independence Celebrations. He asked that his regrets and good wishes be extended to the Government of The Bahamas and the Bahamian people.”

Mr Davis wished good health to King Charles, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment that has limited his participation in public engagements. On Thursday, he skipped the traditional Royal Maundy Service at Worcester

CRYPTO entrepreneur

Sam Bankman-Fried was sentenced on Thursday to 25 years in prison for a massive fraud on hundreds of thousands of customers that unraveled with the collapse of FTX, once one of the world’s most popular platforms for exchanging digital currency.

Though he described Bankman-Fried as “extremely smart’, US District Judge Lewis A Kaplan delivered a blistering analysis of Bankman-Fried and his crimes before announcing a sentence that was half of what prosecutors sought and less than a quarter of the 105 years recommended by the court’s probation officers.

“There is absolutely no doubt that Mr BankmanFried’s name right now is pretty much mud around the world,” Kaplan said of the 32-year-old California man who seemed atop the cryptocurrency universe before his businesses collapsed in November 2022, leaving customers, investors and lenders short over $11 billion, which the judge ordered him to forfeit.

He was convicted in November of fraud and conspiracy — a dramatic fall from a crest of success that included a Super Bowl advertisement, testimony before Congress and celebrity endorsements from stars like quarterback Tom Brady, basketball point guard Stephen Curry and comedian Larry David.

Kaplan imposed the sentence in the same Manhattan courtroom where, four months previously, Bankman-Fried testified that he had intended to revolutionise the emerging cryptocurrency market with his innovative

and altruistic ideas, not steal.

The judge said BankmanFried repeatedly committed perjury on the witness stand in testimony that was “often evasive, hair-splitting, dodging questions”.

Kaplan said the sentence reflected the risk that Bankman-Fried “will be in position to do something very bad in the future. And it’s not a trivial risk at all”. He added that the sentence was fashioned “for the purpose of disabling him to the extent that can appropriately be done for a significant period of time”.

Kaplan said he would advise the Federal Bureau of Prisons to send BankmanFried to a medium-security prison near San Francisco because his notoriety, his association with vast wealth, his autism and his social awkwardness are likely to make him especially vulnerable at a high-security facility.

Assistant US Attorney Nicolas Roos had recommended a prison sentence of 40 to 50 years, saying it was the only way to ensure “the defendant doesn’t do it again”.

Prosecutors said tens of thousands of people and companies worldwide lost billions of dollars since 2017 after Bankman-Fried looted FTX customer accounts that he promised were safe to make millions of dollars of illegal political donations, bribe Chinese officials, make risky investments, buy luxury real estate in the Caribbean and live lavishly.

Kaplan agreed with prosecutors on Thursday that Bankman-Fried should not be credited because some investors and customers might recover some money. He noted that customers lost about $8 billion, investors lost $1.7 billion and lenders were shorted by $1.3 billion.

When he spoke, Bankman-Fried stood and apologised in a rambling statement: “A lot of people feel really let down. And they were very let down. And I’m sorry about that. I’m sorry about what happened at every stage.”

He added, “My useful life is probably over. It’s been over for a while now, from before my arrest.”

Wearing his khaki-colored prison uniform and chained at the ankles, BankmanFried seemed to briefly get emotional as he spoke for about 20 minutes, expressing regret about “a lot of mistakes” but casting some blame onto others. His trademark messy and bushy hair had returned from the trimmer look he displayed at trial.

He praised some of his former executives and workmates, saying: “They threw themselves into it and then I threw all of that away. It haunts me every day.”

Kaplan later criticised Bankman-Fried’s remarks, saying he expressed “never a word of remorse for the commission of terrible crimes”.

As his misty-eyed client looked on, defence attorney Marc Mukasey said the portrayal of the Massachusetts

Institute of Technology grad-

uate as an “arrogant greedy swindler who thought he would get away with fleecing the hard-earned money of hard-working people” was wrong. “Sam was not a ruthless financial serial killer who set out every morning to hurt people,” Mukasey said in court.

The judge later criticised Bankman-Fried’s calculations, saying he was indeed “a math nerd, who looked at decisions in terms of math, expected value”.

He cited trial testimony in which Bankman-Fried’s former girlfriend and fellow executive Caroline Ellison said Bankman-Fried once told her that his willingness to embrace risk was such that he’d be happy to flip a coin if it came up tails and the world was destroyed — as long as if it came up heads, the world would be twice as good.

Three people from Bankman-Fried’s inner circle pleaded guilty to related crimes and testified at his trial. Besides Ellison, two onetime friends of Bankman-Fried — Gary Wang and Nishad Singh — testified they felt they were directed by Bankman-Fried to commit fraud.

Cathedral, though he provided a recorded message and was represented by his wife, Queen Camilla. Mr Davis also sent his wishes for good health to Kate, the Princess of Wales, who is also undergoing treatment for cancer. The statement from OPM said that the two also discussed briefly areas of mutual concern such as education, climate finance and broader issues affecting the Caribbean and small island developing states.

FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried leaves Manhattan federal court, June 15, 2023, in New York.

Photo: Bebeto Matthews/AP

Gardner’s song ‘Find Me Here’ hits historic 1.7 billion mark

MINUTES before midnight, when fireworks would light the sky to herald a new year, my family and I were outdoors, waiting to watch the show and celebrate together. I was scrolling on TikTok and came across a particular song that encapsulated exactly how I was feeling at that moment. I couldn’t scroll away. I felt the singer’s message to the core. It instantly became my anthem for 2024. I let that song play on repeat as we stood together and watched the fireworks. I lifted my arms, danced and smiled as I repeated the powerful words. Since then, I still play the song almost daily. It never gets old. It resonates with me, renews my faith, and inspires me to keep working towards my goals.

The song starts: “Something good’s gonna happen, in this year! And I am grateful that I made it here!”

Sherwin Gardner hit all the right chords as he sang in his chorus: “Blessings gonna find me here, oh yeah, yeah, yeah. Favours gonna find me here... money’s gonna find me here!”

I wasn’t the only one immediately impacted by this powerful track. To date, Sherwin’s TikTok views have reached 1.7 billion and counting! He is noted as the first black gospel artist to achieve the landmark of one billion views of a single recording - “Find Me Here” (Blessings Find Me).

Celebrities are also raving about the song. American Grammy Awardwinning producer Teddy Riley, Alicia Keys, Eve, Michelle Williams, Kel Mitchell and Yolanda Adams all posted powerful testimonies of success and happiness with Sherwin’s song playing.

Find Me Here (Blessings

Find Me) hit the top 20 on the Billboard US Afrobeats Songs chart, and #1 on the Instagram Reels chart. He has millions of views on Youtube, and the new music video for “Blessings

Find Me”, posted just a month ago, has more than half a million views.

Face to Face

By FELICITY DARVILLE

dream... the dream was to go on the Billboard, spread the Gospel... do everything from the islands,” Sherwin told me.

“A lot of people didn’t know about Junkanoo like I do,” Sherwin said about the times he raved to others about Junkanoo and The Bahamas in his travels.

“I wanted the world to see Junkanoo - to show the colours... the drums. I love the drumming, and we were able to show that in the music video.”

A proud native of Trinidad and Tobago, Sherwin moved to The Bahamas in 2019 where he found the job he wanted... and the woman of his dreams. Ever since he was a little boy, he knew that he was destined for stardom. As opportunities unfolded in his life and this path to success became inevitable, Sherwin made a distinctive decision. He wanted to make the Billboard charts and become successful in the music industry from right in the islands. Many people in the Caribbean and the region make their way to North America in search of success in music and performance arts. But Sherwin wanted to prove to young people that they have what it takes to be a worldwide phenomenon from right where they are.

“That was the whole

For The Bahamas, Sherwin’s blessings found him here - literally. Bahamian tourist attractions and the timeless art of Junkanoo were all on display in his music video. Produced by Bahamian media house Jiggy Productions, this high quality, energetic and entertaining music video gives a nod to The Bahamas, its beauty and culture.

“It will help motivate other young people from the Caribbean and show them that you don’t have to run away from home to do everything. It can happen to you here if you really put your mind to it!” Sherwin was born in Arima in East Trinidadan area that has produced a host of internationally acclaimed talent, including the likes of Bunji Garlin and Lord Kitchener. Sherwin’s family legacy is one steeped with pastors and preachers who dedicated their life to spreading the Gospel of Christ. His mother, Rev Merle Gardner, is a pastor. His uncle, Kennedy Patterson, is a recording gospel artist. His grandfather, Ivan Patterson, was a revered Bishop in the New Testament Church in Trinidad.

One Saturday evening when Sherwin was just five-years-old, he and his cousins had a singing competition at home. The prize was Rough Tops biscuits, a treat that young Trinidadians loved. Well, the little five-year-old bellowed out and outsung his competitors for his Rough Tops. His uncle, who was spectating,

recognised his talent and acted immediately.

The next morning, little Sherwin was singing in front of the whole church. The response was so encouraging that he gained confidence to keep singing. He began performing at churches and big stages throughout Trinidad, and his songs of worship were well-received.

At the age of 12, Sherwin started travelling and seeing the world. His debut album, “Power in the Name”, was released when he was only 17, marking the evolution of an extraordinary musical career. At the age of 19, Sherwin received an offer that would have led to him crossing over to the secular world of music with an international reach. But at that crucial and impressionable age in a young man’s life, he chose God.

In turn, his faith is proving its just reward, and his song “Blessings Find Me”, that reminds us how to manifest the best things in life, is contagious. The blessings he seeks for his own life are universal - just like his message.

In 1998, when Sherwin travelled to The Bahamas to perform at Youth Alive, he connected with entertainment mogul Vince “VMac” McDonald Jr, founder of the Elevation Awards. Youth Alive gained massive success in the 1990s and early 2000s, and many young people gave their lives to Christ through this dynamic crusade.

Sherwin continued performing throughout the region, including the United States, with a litany of songs gaining popular traction.

“I moved to the USA in 2004 and joined Empowerment Temple, working with Pastors Jamal Bryant and Johnathan Nelson,” Sherwin said.

“I came back to the

Caribbean in 2009. I wanted to showcase the excellence I learned and really bring it to the people in the islands. I moved to Antigua and Barbuda and served at St John’s Pentecostal Church. I got signed to Tyscot Records when I was in Antigua.” He loved Antigua, but he found it difficult to travel to and from the United States of America. It would take him four or five hours to get to the USA, and if he missed a connecting flight, it could throw off his entire itinerary. A performing artist with bookings couldn’t afford that.

In 2018, Sherwin had a big single, “Because of You” with Ce Ce Winans, that made the Gospel Billboard Top 20. At this point, he knew that he would be spending even more time performing and travelling. A job offer in The Bahamas changed his life. Pastor Mario Moxey invited Sherwin to lead praise and Worship at Bahamas Harvest Church. The Bahamas is just a half-hour flight, on average, to Miami. This made it a perfect location to remain true to the islands, his music and his God.

Sherwin’s influence extends far beyond the Caribbean. He has produced numerous albums, collaborated with renowned artists such as CeCe Winans, Israel Houghton, Jonathan Nelson, Papa San, Todd Delaney, Deitrick Haddon, and DJ Nicholas. His work has taken him to the United States, where he has shared stages with gospel luminaries and served in various churches.

“Find Me Here” (Blessings Find ME) hit all digital music platforms worldwide on January 19th through his own record label, FlowMasters Records and a joint venture deal with Tyscot Records which is distributed by GoDigiPath/ ADA Worldwide (ADA Worldwide, a Warner Music Group company). This hit song’s ASCAP publishers are administered by Tyscot Publishing c/o Warner Chappell Music. Sherwin has earned many accolades in his 40-year career, including nine Marlin Awards (the Caribbean’s premier gospel accolades). He also won Gospel Songwriter of the Year, receiving the COTT Award (Copyright Organisation of Trinidad & Tobago) for two consecutive years.

In 2023, his single “Over Me” was a resounding success, touching hearts and blessing people all over the world. Now, his latest single, “Blessings Find Me” has unexpectedly gone viral across the globe.

“What began as a simple New Year’s Day post has become a powerful testament to the impact of music in spreading God’s love and message,” he said.

What he did not know was that love was waiting for him here. Sherwin got married to Bahamian beauty, Dr Kristen Darville, owner of My First Dentist, a clinic designed for kids oral care on Village Road in Nassau. Today, you can still find Sherwin singing his praises to the Lord for all his blessings on Sundays at Bahamas Harvest, whenever he is not travelling. Bamboo Shack, one of the largest and most popular food franchises in New Providence, has made Sherwin its very first ambassador. As he travels, he will be talking about the beauty of The Bahamas, the sweet sounds of Junkanoo... and cracked conch from Bamboo Shack! He is also working with St Jude’s Chidlren’s Research Hospital to create a special project.

SHERWIN Gardner (centre) with his wife Dr Kristen Darville (to his right) Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg on his left); Senator Randy Rolle, head of Global Tourism, Ministry of Tourism, representatives of Urban Renewal, Jiggy Productions, Bamboo Shack and other officials.

MINISTRY of Foreign Affairs chief protocol officer Terry Archer and protocol officer Lakishna Mackey pose with Sherwin Gardner at the music video release of ‘Find Me Here’ at Sapodilla Restaurant.

SHERWIN GARDNER

Power-sharing in Northern Ireland needs to be saved

The Peter Young column

For an observer of politics in Northern Ireland (NI), what a pleasure it was to write barely a month ago about the recent restoration of devolved government and power-sharing in Belfast. The parliament buildings known as Stormont were back in business again. There had been a twoyear gap following the withdrawal of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) from the NI Assembly in protest against the post-Brexit trading rules that placed the province, which is part of the United Kingdom, on a different basis from the rest of the Union. Now, suddenly, the restoration of Stormont

has been put at risk in what is being called a political bombshell in the shape of the arrest of the DUP leader, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson. The overall effect of this is still too early to judge. But he has stepped down immediately as leader and, in accordance with its established rules, has been suspended from the party. It must have come as a seismic shock to people in NI last week to learn that he had just been charged with historical sex offences dating back many years. The British public tend to have a salacious interest in cases of this sort and are often critical of those in prominent official positions who are subject to such

accusations. But Sir Jeffrey Donaldson denies them and will appear in court next month. Sadly, even if he is exonerated, some fear his political career could already be over.

Some in the UK press are stating the obvious that individuals and personalities are always the key in politics. Given its troubled and violent history since the partition of Ireland in 1921, that is especially true in NI where, to quote one commentator, things are rarely stronger than delicate and rarely more solid than fragile.

Donaldson was regarded until now as currently the most influential and dominant figure in NI politics. His departure comes weeks after one of the most critical decisions of his career when he chose to take the DUP back to power-sharing. This was following a turbulent time for the party which was divided over whether to accept the post-Brexit trading arrangements and return to power-sharing or continue to refuse to participate in Stormont despite certain ‘compromise measures’ subsequently adopted by the British government.

While some judged that it was important to return to Stormont, others gave more weight to the trading measures and their significance in the separate treatment of NI. Reportedly, it was Donaldson who successfully cajoled his colleagues to accept the former – and this was seen by many as a

brave act of statesmanship.

What a turnaround this has been for such a stalwart of NI politics who also sat, as DUP leader, in the House of Commons at Westminster. It seems that the fact that he and his party triggered the collapse of power-sharing two years ago was conveniently overlooked when he was in Washington recently for celebration of St Patrick’s Day. But, of course, it remains to be seen whether the charges against him will stand up in court and whether he will still be credited with bringing back political stability to NI. The key question now is whether the earlier return to Stormont will be affected

by what is happening to the DUP leader. Meanwhile, the newly-appointed interim leader of the party, Gavin Robinson, has said publicly that the powersharing government must continue in order to maintain political stability. Most will surely hope at this stage that these arrangements, drawn up under the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, will be allowed to stand for the sake of a peaceful future - not least now that the mainly Catholic party, Sinn Fein, has taken on a leadership role after having emerged at the assembly election in 2022 as the largest party in NI for the first time.

ARE THE MILITARY REALLY LOSING IN MYANMAR?

WITH so much international news available on the internet about a massive variety of subjects, it is tempting to think that the lack of coverage in the international media of developments in Myanmar is due to a shortage of space. But it is more likely that there is a lack of interest because fighting has been going on there since the nation’s independence from Britain in 1948. What attracted world attention in February, 2021 was the military coup which ended Myanmar’s experiment with democracy under a government led by the legendary Aung San Suu Kyi and provoked a catastrophic civil war. This military takeover precipitated greater conflict than had been seen in earlier years, with different ethnic-based groups soon fighting Myanmar’s armed forces. The latter exacerbated the situation by their brutality in cracking down on anti-coup protests and the conflict soon escalated, with the groups known as armed insurgents enjoying increasing success as they progressively gained ground.

In the three years since

the military power grab, commentators are saying that these insurgent groups are getting stronger by the day as a result of increased cooperation amongst themselves within a resistance movement that historically had been fractured but is now working together as “people’s defence forces”.

The same commentators, as well as others, are suggesting that 2024 could prove a pivotal year in the country’s civil war. Some analysts are now predicting a so-called rebel victory and post-war stability as long as the armed insurgents continue to cooperate and coordinate their activities. Nevertheless, despite losses on the battlefield, the military has just held its annual parade as a show of strength to celebrate its toppling of the democratically elected government.

Without more information, it is said to be hard to judge whether such a victory might be realistic in the coming months, since there are other factors of concern like China’s involvement and the issue of the Rohingja refugees who have been targeted by the military because of

their ethnic and religious identity.

Be that as it may, the evidence shows that the 2021 coup enraged the public and prompted large street protests calling for a return to democracy. Reportedly, the military junta is struggling to assert control as it has lost key territory in the north along the border with China, and in the west near the Indian border, so that local observers judge that overall it is unable to overcome a determined resistance movement.

The conclusion of all this seems to be that the junta has been shaken by rebel advances and its forces are losing this war as they are unable to turn the tide against opponents going from strength to strength and cannot afford more defeats on the scale of those experienced during the last few months. With the massive displacement of people, there is also a danger of the humanitarian situation getting out of control.

If it turns out to be the case that the junta is forced out of power, at least one thing is for sure in the near future - Myanmar will be back in the news again.

PRIVATISATION OF WATER SUPPLY TO LONDON

DUP LEADER, SIR JEFFREY DONALDSON

Denisha Cartwright holds her own at the Texas Relays

By BRENT STUBBS

VERSATILE Denisha Cartwright was holding her own at the Texas Relays over the weekend, while the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations was getting its relay teams together at the Florida Relays.

Relay teams at Florida Relays

The Bahamas men and women teams, coached by Pauline Davis (women) and Tyrone Burrows (men), competed in the Olympic Development races at the Percy Beard Track Stadium in Gainesville against countries who are getting ready to come to the World Relays from May 4-5 at the refurbished Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium.

While the women’s team of Charisma Taylor, Printassia Johnson, Brianne Bethel and Camille Rutherford got seventh in 45.62, the men’s team of Samson Colebrooke, Joel Johnson, Yurick Dean and Ian Kerr was sixth in 40.43.

The USA took the top two spots in the women’s relay in times of 42.85 and 43.04 respectively and was followed by Canada in 43.20.

Gainesville Elite took the men’s title in 37.67 with the USSA Blue second in 38.23. China got third in 38.73. Brazil was fourth in 39.65 and St Kitts & Nevis for fifth in 40.13. Bahamas assistant team manager Bernard Newbold said the team performed exceptionally well this weekend despite the last moment travelling because of work commitments and their location across the USA.

“Our training camp will be in full motion this week once the CARIFTA Games conclude,” said Newbold, who revealed that the camp will begin on Thursday and head into the World Relays’ Test event on April 13-14.

“More work must be done with the baton exchanges and the coaches will ensure this happens. We need all athletes on board and need coaches to release those selected athletes for training camp.” Also competing at the meet, but not available for relay duties, was Anthaya Charlton, a sophomore transfer at the University of Florida. She placed fifth in the women’s 100m in 11.35. The winning time

was 11.19 by Jassani Carter, a sophomore at Southern California.

And Indea Cartwright, a junior at Liberty, improved on her personal best of 13.53 with her time of 13.38 for eighth place in the college women’s 100m hurdles. Rayniah Jones, a senior at the University of Central Florida, took the tape in 12.78.

On the field, Calea Jackson, competing for the University of Miami, was

eighth in the women’s discus with her toss of 159feet, 5-inches or 48.59m.

The winning toss was 177-07 (54.13m) by Milina Wepiwe, a freshman at Harvard.

Cartwright leading role at Texas Relays At the 96th Texas Relays at the Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin, Texas, Denisha Cartwright, a senior at Minnesota State, ran away with the women’s 100m hurdles in a

Magic escape with 104-103 win over Deandre Ayton and struggling Trail Blazers

By DICK SCANLON Associated Press

ORLANDO, Florida (AP) — Franz Wagner scored 20 points and the Orlando Magic escaped with a 104-103 win over the struggling Portland Trail Blazers last night. Deandre Ayton missed an open baseline jumper at the final horn for the Blazers, who have lost 10 in a row.

Three nights after losing by 60 points in Miami, the Blazers came back twice in the second half and put themselves into position to win the game with the final shot.

Wendell Carter Jr. had 17 points and 13 rebounds and Jalen Suggs and Paolo Banchero each scored 15 points for the Magic. Ayton had 20 points and 12 rebounds. Dalano Banton came off the bench with 26 points for Portland. Scoot Henderson, who set up Ayton with the final shot, had 13 points, nine assists and eight rebounds.

The Magic’s lead was only two when Carter hit a 3-pointer early in the third quarter, opening a 17-point run that gave Orlando the first double-digit lead of the game.

But the Blazers charged back and took the lead on a Banton 3-pointer with 5:42 remaining.

Suggs answered with a 3-pointer and a three-point play for the Magic, and Wagner’s three-point play with 3:04 left stretched Orlando’s lead to 102-93. Walker and Banton hit 3-pointers and the Blazers came back again before Ayton’s shot missed at the buzzer.

wind-aided time of 12.81s (2.7s wind) to move into first in the national poll by 1.9s. The time also beat her own personal best time and increases her top mark by .19 seconds for MSU’s all-time top outdoor performances.

In the 100m dash, after posting the seventh fastest qualifying time, Cartwright placed fourth with a time of 11.28 seconds, which ranks her first nationally and breaks her own school record by two seconds. This time also ranks Cartwright 8th in all-time NCAA D2 History.

Antoine Andrews, competing for Texas Tech, won his 110m hurdles final race with 13.37 (2.4w) for the number six all-time windaided time for Tech. And Shakeem HallSmith was disqualified in the men’s invitational 400m hurdles. The race was won by Aldrich Bailey Jr of the US Army in 50.47.

—

Kelly Oubre Jr. scored a season-high 32 points, Kyle Lowry had 11 points and 10 assists against his former team and the Philadelphia 76ers snapped a three-game losing streak, beating the Toronto Raptors 135-120 on Sunday.

Cam Payne scored 14 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter, Tobias Harris had 21 and Nicolas Batum 19 to help Philadelphia send Toronto to its 13th straight loss and seventh in a row against the 76ers. Chavano “Buddy” Hield contributed 13 points. Oubre shot 10 for 22, matching a season-best by making 6 of 11

his left

“Kelly was amazing, Cam was amazing,” Lowry said. “We all stepped up for Tyrese, because he’s an irreplaceable guy.” Before the game, Nurse said injured centre Joel Embiid participated Saturday in a light practice in Toronto. The reigning NBA MVP has been out since February 6 following left knee surgery. “When you’re playing without two main guys on offence you have to find ways,” Batum said. “We just tried to move the ball, find different ways on offense, and we did.”

DENISHA CARTWRIGHT, at right, leading the way in the women’s 100 metre hurdles. Photo: David Price

• Here’s

ambulance where he died. His daughter, Sara, who was a part of the team from Grenada, with the support of her team-mates and competitors from the other 23 participating countries, all rallied around the 17-year-old.

When she stepped out on deck to compete in the final of the girls’ 400m IM, she was warmly greeted by the spectators.

“I felt good. I felt accomplished. I felt like all of the hard work paid off finally,” said Dowden, who noted that she only had to “stay focused and not overthink,” and just continue the race even when she got tired.

During the race, Dowden trailed Cayman Islands’ Sierrah Broadbelt during

History repeated itself in the girls 15-17 200m IM as Bahamian Kyana Higgs secured the bronze in 2:32.04, edging out grieving Sara Dowden of Grenada, who had to settle for fourth in 2:32.49.

The night before, Higgs came back for the silver in the 400m IM as Dowden, who is still mourning the loss of her father, Sean, here on Saturday night, got the bronze. “It was really a race. A lot of competition, so it was really good to go out there and swim so well against the competition,” Higgs said. “It was really good.”

surged to a gold and silver in the boys 11-12 200m IM, a combination strokes of butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle. Christon Joseph clinched the gold in 2:26.92 and Harold Simmons trailed with the silver in 2:32.51. The bronze went to Mihael Sobers of Barbados in 2:33.65. “This was my best swim so far for the meet. It feels good,’ said Johnson, who got his third gold to match three bronze he got over the previous two days. “I want to continue to drop my times and that is what keeps me going.” Not to be left out, Simmons said he was just as pleased. “I felt good. Chiriston is my best friend and so he pushes me,” said Simmons. “He left me in the breaststroke, but that’s something I have to work on because I feel I have a lot of potential in it.”

In last night’s 200m IM, fellow Bahamian Katie Goulandris was eighth in the 200m IM 2:41.70. The gold went to Sierrah Broadbelt of the Cayman Islands in 2:27.44 and the silver to Lyla Browne of Trinidad & Tobago in 2:30.09.

50m breaststroke

In the girls 13-14 50m breaststroke, Team Bahamas got a gold from Kimaya Saunders in 35.05, while Jaylah Theadgill got the bronze in 35.86 as they both earned their first medals.

The silver was won by Azania Osbourne of the Cayman Islands in 35.41.

“I felt really good because I PRed and took off a lot of my time,” said Saunders in winning her first medal of the championships. “I feel very good about my performance.”

the combination of a 100m butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle. But as she was coming through the freestyle, she was caught and passed by Bahamian Kyana Higgs. While Broadbelt touched the wall in five minutes and 15.73 seconds for the gold, Higgs secured the silver in 5:26.21 and Dowden had to settle for the bronze in 5:27.08.

“I felt tired, but accomplished. I felt like I made my family proud and my country proud and that was my goal,” said Dowden, who received an even greater response from the crowd after the race.

As she left the pool, Dowden was consoled by the delegation from Grenada.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg

and Local Organising Committee chairman Harrison Thompson also went over to congratulate her.

Higgs, in claiming her first individual medal for Team Bahamas, had nothing but praise for Dowden.

“Before my race, I had absolutely no idea what had happened,” Higgs said.

“Then while I was on the WiFi, I found out what happened to her.

“She’s really strong to be able to come back and swim so well.”

Despite the ordeal she experienced, Dowden said it was still nice to be in The Bahamas.

“It was one of my best CARIFTAs,” she stated.

“The people are very nice and friendly. The hotel had nice accommodations. Again, they are very supportive.”

Rhanishka Gibbs took the gold in the girls 15-17 in a championship record time of 32.18, while Katie Goulandris was sixth in 35.66. The silver went to Ellie Shaw of Antigua in 33.19 and Tyla HO A-Shu of Trinidad & Tobago in 33.26. “I thought it was a good race. I executed very well. I wanted to go a lot faster and so I thought it was good to go out with a bang in my last CARIFTA,” said Gibbs, who over the first two days got another gold in the 50m butterfly and a silver in the 200m breaststroke.

100m freestyle

The 11-12 boys 100m freestyle produced gold from Christon Johnson in 57.95 and the bronze from Harold Simmons in 59.78. The silver went to Jaythan

Winterdal from Aruba in 59.53.

In the boys 15-15 100m freestyle, Marvin Johnson claimed the gold as well in 50.29. Jaes Alllison from the Cayman Islands in 50.67 for the silver and the bronze went to Liam Carrington from Trinidad & Tobago 51.90.

And in the boys 18-andover, another pair of medals came from Lamar Taylor with the gold in 49.33, while Thomas Bowers got the bronze in 54.01. The silver went to Stefano Mitchell of Antigua in 51.65. 200m butterfly

The highlight came as Harold Simmons claimed another gold in the boys 11-12 200m butterfly in 2:33.36 with Blake Conmarcho coming fifth in 3:06.66. The silver was won by Alexandro Bazzoni of Antigua in 2:45.96 and bronze went to Sean Vinck of Curacao in 2:46.79.

Lelah Lewis captured the last individual medal for the night in the girls 13-14 200m butterfly in 2:36.10 for the silver. She already won a silver in the 400m IM and a bronze in the 100m butterfly over the previous two days.

“It was good. I was seeded third and now I’m second, so it was good,” Lewis said.

In the 11-12 girls 200 butterfly, Skyler Smith captured the bronze in 2:54.92 and Isabella Cuccurullo was fourth in 2:55.02. Gold was won by Anya DeGannes of Antigua in 2:41.09 and silver went to Marina Martinez of Trinidad & Tobago in 2:48.06.

“I’m really proud of myself. I wanted the gold medal, but I am satisfied.” The gold went to Jaiya Simmons of Barbados in 2:32.62 and the bronze went to Genisis Lacle from Aruba in 2:38.78.

There was some excitement in the boys 15-17 200m butterfly as Haiti’s Christian Jerome and Elijah Daley of Bermuda finished in a two-way tie for the gold in 2:06.88. Ethan StubbsGreen of Antigua got the bronze in 2:08.84. 4 x 800m freestyle relays

The night closed out with Team Bahamas winning the mixed 11-12 and the boys 13-14 4 x 800m relays, while picking up a silver in the boys 15-15 and a pair of bronze in the girls 13-14 and girls 15-17 relays.

The final day of the swimming competition will take place today, starting at 9am with the preliminaries.

The finals will conclude at 6pm. That will be followed by the open water swim on Wednesday in Goodman’s Bay, starting at 8.30am.

SWIMMERS compete during the CARIFTA Swimming Championships at Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex. Photos by Dante Carrer

Team Bahamas wins 33 medals, second overall

a little bit windy which does affect pole vault a lot so for me being able to jump a new CARIFTA record, national record and being able to get gold I am just extremely excited about it and happy,” he said.

It was a “feel good” moment for the Bahamian crowd at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium as it was The Bahamas’ first gold medal at the 2024 CARIFTA Track and Field Championships.

His teammate Tyler Cash, who was also competing at his last CARIFTA Games, battled with Vanderpool to the very end in the boys’ pole vault event but the CARIFTA record holder went home with bragging rights.

Cash turned in a 4.45m performance for a silver medal in his last hurrah. Martinique’s Lucas Ledoux got the bronze medal after soaring to 4.10m

The CARIFTA pole vault record holder thoroughly enjoyed the challenge from his friend and teammate Cash.

“I am excited and exuberant. It is amazing for me and my close friend to be able to both represent and jump high to defend our honour and show how good we can be,” he said.

Vanderpool is hoping for his CARIFTA record to remain in the history books for a long time.

“To be able to defend it for the third time is definitely exciting. I put it at 5.30m and hope that it will stay there for a while. I set it up pretty high and I want that to be there as long as possible,” he said.

“I feel excited and proud of myself because last year when I went to Pan-Am [U20 Championships] I jumped 2.85m but I came back this season jumping 2.70m. It was frustrating but to think that I could come here and do that I know that more is in me and that I can do more. I just have to build my confidence,” she stated.

GOLD Grand Bahama native Joshua Williams had a spectacular showing at the junior regional meet. Williams was the only Bahamian athlete to close out the CARIFTA Games as a double gold medallist. He took his talents from the basketball court to the long and high jump events in the under-17 boys division. He notched a personal best of 7.03m in the long jump to nab his first gold medal of the meet, Additionally, in the high jump he soared to 2.00m in the field event for his second gold medal of the competition.

The Grand Bahamian saw great improvement in the jumps, progressing from a last place finish at the 50th CARIFTA Games to a first place podium spot this time around. Claudius Burrows, who is also from the second city, placed second in the event jumping to 1.95m.

Tyrique Vincent brought home the bronze medal for Trinidad and Tobago after posting 1.90m.

a row,

The under-17 girls 4x400m relay team of Dean, Jasmine Thompson, Alexis Roberts and Rizpah Thompson came out with silver in 3:47.13.

BRONZE

Jaylen Stuart and McCoy were awarded as bronze medallists in the under17 boys and girls shot put events. Stuart and McCoy posted marks 15.28m and 14.11m respectively in theiR events.

McCoy’s bronze medal performance was special as it was the first medal for The Bahamas.

In just her first year competing in the under20 division, Taysha Stubbs recorded a personal best toss of 50.94m in the javelin throw event for the gold medal. Stubbs was joined by teammate Vanessa Sawyer who picked up the silver medal with her throw of 43.03m in the same event. Alliah Gittens, who represented the host country, posted 42.33m for the bronze medal. “It feels awesome. I know I have prepared for this moment and it feels good to execute. God is good. For a while I have been trying to put some stuff together and coming out here being able to throw a personal best just shows myself that I can do it. I cannot wait to improve on that,” she said.

medal in the boys octathlon (open).

He competed in the 100m, long jump, shot put, 400m, 110m hurdles, high jump, javelin throw and 1500m and wrapped up with 5,455 points.

The CARIFTA veteran was overjoyed to cap off the eight events with a gold medal.

second place and her first CARIFTA medal. She collected her second medal of the meet in the relay event with teammates Darvinique Dean, Khylee Wallace and Kianna Henchell. The quartet collectively ran a time of 46.28 seconds.

Dean picked up another silver medal in the under17 girls 400m hurdles event. She stopped the clock at 1:00.66 which was also a personal best for her.

Eagan Neely went home with two CARIFTA bronze medals in his second appearance at the meet. He teamed up with Everette Fraser, Kion Burrows and Shavano Nixon in the under-17 boys 4x100m event. The quartet ran 42.30 seconds for the third spot. He also clocked 48.16 seconds in the under-17 boys 400m finals.

Unfortunately, Neely limped off with an apparent hip injury after the relays which sidelined him for the rest of the meet.

Shayann Demeritte, Shatalya Dorsett, Nia Richards and Nya Wright turned in a time of 45.40 seconds for bronze in the under-20 girls relay event.

“Honestly, it feels amazing. I know what I came here for, I worked hard and achieved my goal. For the first day my mindset was to just go out as hard as I can because I know a lot of them are returning athletes and this is my first year,” he said.

He was also thankful for the support of his parents.

Lanaisha Lubin got the third podium position in the under-20 girls long jump event. She powered her way to a jump of 5.90m which was also a personal best. Rollie Hanna will return home as a CARIFTA bronze medallist after ending the under-20 boys triple jump in third. He soared to 14.85m. The under-20 girls 4x400m relay team moved up to the bronze medal position after Barbados was disqualified from the event. The 52nd CARIFTA Games will be hosted in Trinidad and Tobago. FROM PAGE 16

Anaiah Rolle broke the CARIFTA record of 2.80m in the girls’ pole vault (open). She came away with a personal best performance of 2.90m which was tied with former CARIFTA record holder Naya Jules in the event. Jules took home the silver medal for St Lucia. Her St Lucian teammate Alexandra Johnson completed the event third with a jump of 2.85m.

“I feel excited and I am very proud of myself. Last night I was a little bit shaken up and I was nervous but I came out here, put my trust in God and put my trust in coaches and did what I had to do,” she said. Rolle was impressed with the progress she made at the CARIFTA Games.

“I felt good going into the competition. My running was a bit off during the first round and I was in last place going into the second round. On my last attempt I achieved the 7.03m mark and that got me the gold inside the competition,” he said. Kaden Cartwright successfully defended his crown in the under-20 boys javelin throw event. He came away with yet another gold medal finish after throwing a personal best 67.43m. Grenada’s Rayvohn Telesford received the silver medal for his toss of 65.57m. Dominica’s Addison Alickson James finished the event in third.

“It feels pretty good. I was kind of nervous because I was coming in as the defending champion and knowing that those same people I threw against were coming back this year and I knew they were coming back for the gold medal. I had to stay strong and try to get on top,” the CARIFTA gold medallist said.

J’Kaiyah Rolle had a strong showing in the under-17 girls long jump event. She managed to come away with a gold medal after posting a mark of 5.77m in the field event.

Jamaica’s Sashana Johnson came close but her jump of 5.74m was only enough for the silver medal. Brooklyn Lyttle, who represented Belize, capped off the event with a leap of 5.73m for the bronze medal.

“I feel really good as this is my first year under-17.

I am very proud to represent my country. It was my season best and I was very happy as I listened to coach James teaching me how to jump up,” Rolle said.

Kenny Moxey Jr was met with a warm embrace from his father Kenny Moxey Sr after winning the gold

“Honestly, all that they have sacrificed for me I am just so grateful that my mother and father were able to watch me PR and win the competition,” he said.

SILVER

Alexandria Komolafe rejoiced after winning the silver medal in the under-17 girls high jump. She soared to a distance of 1.71m in day one’s morning session.

Keyezra Thomas was electric in her first CARIFTA Games appearance as she rounded up a pair of silver medals in the under17 girls 400m finals and 4x100m relay event. The Grand Bahama native came into the 400m finals with the fastest time out of the prelims so it was no surprise when she medalled in the event. The 14-year-old posted a personal best 54.59 seconds for

Bernard Kemp left the 51st CARIFTA Games with two medals around his neck. He won the silver medal on day two in the under-20 boys long jump, soaring to a personal best of 7.40m in the event.

Kemp took his second medal in the under-20 boys high jump event. He tied for the bronze medal with fellow teammate Shamar Davis. Both jumpers ended the event at 2.00m apiece.

Annae Mackey saw her hard work pay off in the under-20 girls shot put where she won a silver medal. She mailed in a personal best throw of 13.58m in the field event.

Jahcario Wilson ran at will in the under-17 boys 110m hurdles for the silver medal in the final session of the CARIFTA Games. He crossed the finish line in 13.94 seconds. On the final day, Terrell McCoy recorded a personal best throw of 36.09m in the under-17 girls discus throw event for the silver medal. It was her first time picking up two medals at the CARIFTA Games.

CARIFTA first-timer Davon Davis was sure not to leave the under-17 boys triple jump event emptyhanded. He wrapped up the bronze medal finish on his fifth attempt in which posted 14.16m.

TEAM Bahamas’ 4x100 metre relay team, shown from left to right, Kianna Henchell, Khylee Wallace, Darvinique Dean and Keyezra Thomas.

KENNY Moxey Jr with his father Kenny Moxey Sr. The Bahamas dominated the field events at the 51st CARIFTA Games hosted in St George’s, Grenada, for their fifth straight second place finish over the Easter weekend. Last year’s host country had a total of 33 medals including nine gold, 13 silver and 11 bronze. Jamaica won the CARIFTA Track and Field Championships for the 38th year in

collecting 83 medals which included 44 gold, 23 silver and 16 bronze. Trinidad and Tobago was third on the medal standings with 27 medals.

Angels rally to beat Chisholm Jr and winless Marlins 7-4

MIAMI Marlins’

Jazz Chisholm

Jr. congratulates

Luis Arraez (3) after Arraez scores during the first inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Monday, April 1, 2024, in Miami.

Marta Lavandier)

MIAMI (AP) — Mike Trout hit two solo homers and the Los Angeles Angels rallied from an early four-run deficit and beat the Miami Marlins 7-4 yesterday. Trout’s second shot — a 473-foot blast in the sixth — landed in the walkway high above the wall in left-centrefield. It was the 26th multihomer game of Trout’s and the two blasts put him at 371 in his career, surpassing

Adam Cimber (1-0) induced a double play grounder against Jake Burger to end the sixth and pitched a scoreless seventh.

Matt Moore followed with a perfect ninth and Carlos Estevez pitched the ninth for his second save.

Luis Arraez had two singles and three walks for the Marlins, who lost their season-starting fifth straight.

Gil Hodges for 81st on the all-time list. Trout’s bid for a third homer ended when Miami reliever Tanner Scott (0-2) walked him to load the bases in the seventh. Brandon Drury then reached on a fielder’s choice that scored Anthony Rendon from third and snapped a 4-4 tie. The Angels padded their lead in the ninth on Jo Adell’s RBI single and a balk by reliever Anthony Bender that scored Adell from third. Trout grounded out to third to end the inning.

George Soriano relieved Miami starter Max Meyer to start the sixth and allowed consecutive solo shots against Nolan Schanuel and Trout that tied it at 4-all.

In his first appearance since July 23, 2022, Meyer gave up two runs, two hits, walked two and struck out four. Meyer, the third overall selection in the 2020 major league draft, missed last season after undergoing right elbow surgery.

Nick Gordon’s twoRBI double capped a four-run first for Miami against starter Chase Silseth. Burger and Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr. also hit RBI singles.

The Angels narrowed the deficit on Aaron Hicks’ RBI groundout in the second before Trout’s first solo shot in the fourth.

Silseth was lifted after three innings and 76 pitches. The right-hander allowed four runs and five

FREEDOM FARM/JUNIOR BASEBALL LEAGUE OF NASSAU ALL-STAR CLASSIC

Jensynn and Ladinian in divisional split as home run derby champions

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

JENSYNN Albury and Ladinian McKenzie got a divisional split as the home run derby champions of the Freedom Farm/ Junior Baseball League of Nassau All-Star Classic on Saturday.

While Albury and McKenzie represented the JBLN and Freedom Farm respectively in the under14 and under-20 divisions, which featured 26 power hitters from both leagues, Freedom Farm carted off both of the All-Star games that followed the derby at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium. Albury, a ninth grader at the International Elite School, is a pitcher/outfielder. The 14-year-old, who competes for the Dodgers, used his six-foot frame to capture the under14 boys’ home run title over J Smith by one homer.

“The first round was rough, but the second round, I had to pick up the pace and I got it done in the final,” Albury said. “A lot of hard work and effort went into it every morning, so I’m very proud to win it.”

McKenbzie, a 16-yearold pitcher/infielder, also felt that his victory in the boys’ under-18 division was equally tough. But the Charles W Saunders Cougars senior boys’ basketball player got the job done. “I tied a few rounds with some of the other players but, in the last round, I just had to take the crown,” McKenzie said. “This was

my first time. At first I was nervous, but I finally came through and I won. I didn’t expect to win, but at the last round, I knew I had it.”

McKenzie, representing the Tainos, out duelled Amere Burrows of the Arawaks in the final by one homer as well in the swing off between the two in the fifth round.

In the under-14 All-Star game, pitcher Cavian Roberts was named the most valuable player as Freedom Farm knocked off JBLN 7-1. And in the under-20 game, pitcher Skye Hanna was the MVP in Freedom Farm’s 8-0 whitewashing of JBLN. “I think it was a great gesture, something that was long overdue between the two powerhouses in the nation, so we got together and performed an All-Star Classic,” Francis said. “It was a pretty good test to see how our kids matched up. A lot of our guys went off for the holidays, but I still put together a pretty good roster and the guys just came through.” Francis credited his pitcher for throwing a lot of strikes to preserve the win. He noted that their defence was solid with just one error and they got some timely hits when it was needed.

As for the under-20 division, Francis said it was a good showdown, despite the score. He noted that Freedom Farm managed to avenge their previous loss in the Bahamas Baseball Association’s Junior Nationals in Grand Bahama and if it’s any indication, they are looking forward to meeting again in June. The whole idea behind the league, according to Francis, is to springboard the senior league programme, so he feels they are on the right track in bringing the league back.

According to organiser Clarence ‘GJ’ McKenzie, the under-20 league, which got started on January 6, will have one more week this Saturday to complete the regular season before the playoffs get underway on Monday, April 8.

hits, walked two and struck out five.

Two-time Masters golf champion Bubba Watson threw the ceremonial first pitch before the game.

The Marlins selected the contract of LHP Kent Emmanuel from Triple-A Jacksonville and designated RHP Vladimir Gutierrez for assignment.

Gutierrez pitched four innings of relief in Miami’s 9-7 loss against Pittsburgh on Sunday.

The league was designed to provide an opportunity for the older players in both leagues to get an opportunity to display their skills in an organised league created and organised jointly by Freedom Farm and JBLN.

WASHINGTON (AP)

— The Pittsburgh Pirates improved to 5-0 for the first time since 1983, beating the Washington Nationals 8-4 yesterday with two runscoring hits from Connor Joe, including a tiebreaking RBI double in the eighth inning. Michael A. Taylor, a former member of the Nationals, had three hits, and Bryan Reynolds, Andrew McCutchen, Alika Williams and Henry Davis delivered two apiece. Reynolds stretched his on-base streak to 33 consecutive games dating to last season with a first-inning single and tacked on a two-run double in the ninth. Pittsburgh remained unbeaten in 2024, all on the road, following a four-game sweep of the Miami Marlins to begin the season. Pittsburgh led 3-1 entering the seventh, but backup catcher Riley Adams — playing for the first time this season — tied the game for Washington by depositing a four-seam fastball 427 feet off reliever Roansy Contreras for a two-run homer. Contreras (1-0), though, got the win.

That’s because his teammates produced a three-run eighth off relievers Robert Garcia (0-1) and Matt Barnes. The big hit was Joe’s double to left that scored Taylor, who reached on a bunt. Ke’Bryan Hayes and McCutchen also drove in runs.

Aroldis Chapman got Lane Thomas to pop up for the final out with two men on, earning his first save of the season.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez had used his top two relievers, Kyle Finnegan and Hunter Harvey, in each of the past two games, so he stayed away from them in front of an announced sellout crowd of 40,405 for the club’s home opener on a gray, dreary afternoon with the temperature in the low 50s.

Neither starting pitcher factored in the decision. Marco Gonzales, acquired from Atlanta via trade in December, allowed one run in five-plus innings in his Pirates debut. Washington’s MacKenzie Gore gave up three runs and five hits in 5 1/3 innings, striking out six batters and hitting two — Joe and McCutchen.

Three of the loudest ovations during pregame introductions were showered on players no longer playing for Washington, which has finished last every year since its 2019 World Series title: Sean Doolittle and Geraldo Parra (of “Baby Shark” fame) — who are both now Nationals coaches — and Taylor, who drove in Pittsburgh’s first run with a sacrifice fly.

MANAGER Jeff ‘Sangy’ Francis sits in front of his victorious Freedom Farm under-14 All-Star baseball championship team.

LADINIAN McKenzie (far left) and Jensynn Albury receive their Home Run Derby awards from Clarence ‘CJ’ McKenzie (centre).

(AP Photo/

Marathon Mall hosts Easter egg hunt

From soil to supper

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Education Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

PRIMARY school students in North and Central Andros participated in the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Sciences Institute’s (BAMSI) ‘Soil to Supper’ programme where they learned about the science of growing food and how produce goes from the soil to our plates. The programme is focused on

cultivating an appreciation for the produce grown in the Bahamas through providing an opportunity for students to plant, cultivate and harvest many of the fruits and vegetables that we incorporate into everyday meals.

Leslie Brace, programme coordinator said the initiative intentionally focuses on primary school students so that the next generation will have an appreciation for the agriculture sector.

She said: “The programme

helps students make the connection between the science of growing food and how the plants we grow end up in stores and on our plates”

“Students learn to appreciate that agriculture is a science and farming is a business. Food crops are grown at school farm plots, then harvested, sold or cooked. At the end of the school’s growing season students visit BAMSI’s campus and farm in North Andros to share their experiences and enjoy a meal that includes fresh vegetables from the farm.”

The programme was first launched in 2018 at the Mastic Point and Stafford Creek Primary Schools and to date has expanded to include six primary schools in both North and Central Andros.

The Soil to Supper programme is facilitated by students in BAMSI’s associate degree programmes in collaboration with primary school students and teachers.

Edward Martin, primary school guidance counsellor for the Andros and Berry Islands District, said the programme is helping students to be more environmentally conscious, promotes healthy eating habits and builds other important leadership skills.

He said: “The programme is connecting students to their environment; planting, growing and harvesting crops; promoting healthy eating habits; teamwork; problem solving & responsibility; while developing leadership skills and building their self-confidence”

The programme is currently working with teachers and students of the Mastic Point and Stafford Creek Primary Schools, Roselda Woodside Primary, Clara Evans Primary School and Bertram A Newton Primary in Red Bays.

THE Mall at Marathon held its annual Easter egg hunt on Saturday, cohosted by the Kiwanis Club of Fort Montagu will cohost

the event as it celebrates 60 years of service. The event was free and hundreds of prize eggs were given to hunters aged three to seven. The Easter Bunny was also in attendance, and there was face painting, donkey rides and more.

PICTURED: Mall marketing director Carla Moss-Fitzgerald (centre) with Kiwanis organisers Michelle Minnis (left) and Denise Ffawkes (right).

STUDENTS at Bertram A Newton Primary, above, and Clara Evans Primary taking part in the Soil to Supper programme.

Team Bahamas wins 33 medals, second overall

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada — Team Bahamas dominated the field events at the 51st CARIFTA Games hosted in St George’s, Grenada, for their fifth straight second place finish over the Easter weekend.

Last year’s host country had a total of 33 medals including nine gold, 13 silver and 11 bronze.

Jamaica won the CARIFTA Track and Field Championships for the 38th year in a row, collecting 83 medals which included 44 gold, 23 silver and 16 bronze.

Trinidad and Tobago was third on the medal standings with 27 medals.

CARIFTA Records

Three Bahamians are now CARIFTA record holders in the girls and boys pole vault (open) as well as the under-17 girls javelin throw event.

Scott came into the CARIFTA Games with a lot of momentum on her side but it would no doubt be a fight to the finish between her and previous CARIFTA record holder Kamera Strachan. The top javelin throwers did not disappoint and truly pushed each other to the brink in the field event.

Strachan, who broke the CARIFTA javelin record last year, pulled off a heave of 46.97m on her third attempt which had already eclipsed her former record of 46.07m. Scott made the record her own on the third attempt where she posted a mark of 52.53m which also earned her the CARIFTA gold medal.

“I felt really good waking up this morning. I had my mind set and I knew what I wanted to come and do.

“I went out there and pushed myself and I did what I had to do. It feels fantastic and I want to thank God for allowing me to accomplish this big achievement,” the newest CARIFTA record holder said. Strachan dropped to the second position after notching 47.61m on her fifth attempt.

Jamaica’s Zoelle Jamel settled for the bronze medal with her throwing distance of 45.00m.

Bahamas close to capturing its sixth straight CARIFTA Swimming Championship

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

Scott talked about how it felt to compete with her teammate down the stretch for the latest milestone.

“We push each other all the time and we told each other ‘lets go you got this’ through all of our throws and I came out with the win,” Scott said.

She offered a special congratulations to Strachan.

Brenden Vanderpool was chasing his father’s 36-yearold national record last year at the 50th CARIFTA Games.

One year later, he managed to surpass his own CARIFTA and national record of 5.06m and replace it with 5.30m in the boys pole vault (open) event. The Samford University freshman successfully defended his pole vault crown for the third straight year to close out his final CARIFTA experience on a high note. “I think I did quite well given the conditions. It was

of

I’m very proud to be a part of this coaching staff. I think we have an outstanding team,” said Team Bahamas head coach Travano McPhee, who has coached all five previous team victories. “Tomorrow (today), we are coming out to try and finish this one off. We have the 100m breaststroke, the 50m frees, where we are also very strong and then some relays. So we’re going to come out and put the nail in the coffin and seal this one - sixth straight.” Rocked by the pulsating sound of the junkanoo music, the large crowd, including Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, Glenys Hanna-Martin, Minister of Education, Science and Technology and Mario Bowleg, the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, were cheering from start to finish.

“You can see that the federation and the coaching staff have put all of their effort into winning this sixth straight,” Bowleg

said. “The facilities are looking great and the athletes are all pleased with what they have seen.

“So as the ministry responsible for sports, I am very pleased with the athletes and their

performances. It showed that we are still the best in the pool. I don’t see why we won’t win the six straight.”

On a more somber note, Bowleg said he was able to speak with Sara Dowden from Grenada, whose

father died on Saturday cheering for her and their team at the games.

“I told her that she was very strong and courageous to still want to go out there and swim because she knows that is what he would want her to do,” Bowleg said.

“The same thing with Donald Saunders (Jr), who will compete on Tuesday. We want him to know that life goes on. They are still out there performing. The spirits of their fathers still live on.”

His father, Donald Saunders, was tragically killed on March 27.

1,500m freestyle

Mia Patton started the evening session of finals in the girls 15-17 1,500m freestyle, but fell short with her bronze in 18:25.21. Elle Theberge was seventh in 19:52.27.

200m IM

That opened the floodgate as The Bahamas

DAVID SINGH, of The Bahamas, in action during the CARIFTA Swimming Championship at Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex.

Photo: Dante Carrer

RECORD BREAKER: Dior-Rae Scott broke the record in the under-17 girls’ javelin during the 51st CARIFTA Games hosted in St George’s, Grenada.