04082024 NEWS AND SPORT

Wildfire in Andros last week mostly contained

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

FIREFIGHTERS in North Andros are keeping a close watch on a large forest fire that erupted on the island last week, producing large plumes of thick, black smoke over surrounding communities.

Drifting smoke from the bushfire was seen by pilots and passengers flying over the area, sparking concerns.

However, North Andros administrator Beverley Laramore said no one was injured from the blaze, which is said to be mostly contained, and that no properties were affected thanks to the hard work of police and volunteer firefighters.

“The fire would’ve started in the middle of the forest, far away from the houses and it would spread outward,” she told The Tribune yesterday.

“The outward fire would be on the perimeter where the houses are and so the firefighters would have to wait until the fire gets close to those homes and then maintain that are so there is no damage to property.”

“There was no (damage) because our firefighters were patrolling the areas, making sure to contain the fires,” Ms Laramore added.

The fire has been burning in Nicholls Town since Thursday, but officials said it doesn’t pose an immediate threat to nearby homes at this time.

Nonetheless, Ms Laramore said, officials must remain on guard because there’s a possibility the fire can flare up again.

“We have been vigilant every night making sure that the areas that are close to the buildings have been contained,” the island administrator added. “You can maintain the outer edges, but it can flare up again depending on the winds … even if we have 10 firetrucks, they cannot maintain that fire because it is hard to reach. It’s in the middle of the forest.”

Meanwhile, it’s still unclear what caused the fire, with investigations said to be continuing.

Ms Laramore said bushfires on the island are not new, noting it happens every year.

“(This is) because we have such large forestry. We have forest fires all the time and it is actually a natural evolution of the forest life. We can’t prevent them because it’s needed for the process of the evolution of the forest, so we just need to maintain it that we don’t lose property and life in the process of this,” she said.

PM: It is ‘intolerable’ that GBPA has not lived up to deal

nearly two weeks after the government sent a demand letter to the GBPA, giving it 30 days to reimburse $357m owed over the last five fiscal years. The letter, which includes a detailed account – prepared by Price Waterhouse Coopers - of reimbursements owed, represents an unprecedented escalation in the government’s pressure campaign against the GBPA.

“I hear some folks asking why are we now asking for money after all these years?” Mr Davis added. “Now, PLPs, I can’t tell you why (former Prime Minister Hubert) Ingraham didn’t do it, and I can’t tell you why (former Prime Minister Perry) Christie didn’t either, but you can ask them.”

“My name is Brave Davis and it’s a New Day.”

Last week, Tribune Business reported that the GBPA does not believe it owes $1 to the government and “vehemently” disputes its claim.

However, Mr Davis said if the authority fails to reimburse the government within 30 days, his administration “has the right to immediately begin arbitration proceedings.”

“When profits are threatened, when bills are due – things tend to get noisy, but this is the right thing to do because it is intolerable to ask the Bahamian people to continue subsidizing private profits,” the from page

prime minister said. Mr Davis said the government’s actions against the authority are nothing personal, adding there were many meetings between both parties, but still too many “delays” and “dead ends.”

“When only one side appears interested in advancement – and when the people of Freeport urgently need change and progress – then decisive action is only the choice.” He conceded that the government has a very

strong case, but warned the road ahead will likely be bumpy. He told Grand Bahamians they deserve thriving communities with an inclusive economy that “generates opportunity, dignity and security,” noting it’s been far too long since Freeport was moving in the right direction. “In many cases, the government has had to step in where the port has failed,” he told PLP supporters. “It is

intolerable that the port is not meeting critical infrastructure and development obligations. It is intolerable to let the status quo continue.”

Tension has been brewing publicly between the GBPA and the government since Mr Davis said last year that the authority is failing to maintain Freeport’s infrastructure and facilitate the growth of the city. The government has previously demanded that the GBPA reimburse

it for costs incurred in providing public services in Freeport over and above what it has earned in tax revenues from the city. They are seeking reimbursement under section one, subclause five, of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, which stipulates that it can seek payment from the GBPA for providing “certain activities and services” if the costs involved exceeds certain tax revenue streams generated in the city.

A PARTIAL eclipse of the sun will take place today - and will be able to be seen from across The Bahamas. Across stretches of the US, the eclipse will be a total eclipse, with the moon completely obscuring the sun in locations from southwest Texas through to New England.

Here in The Bahamas, how much of the eclipse you will be able to see depends on where you are.

People in the north-west Bahamas will be able to see the greatest amount of the eclipse - but all those watching are urged to be safe and protect their vision as looking directly into the sun is unsafe.

People in New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco, Bimini, Eleuthera and Andros will be able to see an eclipse of about 35-45 percent. Central Bahamas islands such as the Exumas, Cat Island, Rum Cay, San Salvador and Long Island will see about 28-35 percent.

Those in the south-east, such as Ragged Island, Crooked Island, Acklins, Mayaguana and Inagua will see about 20-28 percent.

The eclipse will start at 1.55pm and end at 4.15pm, with maximum coverage at 3.06pm.

The Department of Meteorology and the Ministry of Energy and Transport urged people to put safety first, saying: “Looking directly into the sun is unsafe, as it poses the risk of permanent damage to the eyes resulting in diminished vision, and can bring about other optical health complications, such as cataracts and certain eye cancers.

“The only safe way to look directly at the sun during an eclipse is through special purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or hand held solar viewers. Homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses, even polarised dark shades, are not safe for looking at the sun.

Govt ‘in process’ of acquiring facility for delayed GB domestic violence shelter

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Staff Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

AMID concerns over delays in the creation of a domestic violence shelter, Minister of Social Services Myles Laroda said it is on the government’s agenda and will be completed shortly.

While in Grand Bahama on Thursday, the minister was asked about the status of the government-promised shelter for victims and survivors of domestic violence.

“Stay tuned, it is coming; it is on the agenda,” he told The Tribune. “The government, as we speak, is in the process of acquiring a facility which has already been identified.

“It is just going through the paperwork and the acquisition. We won’t say the place because we want to protect those individuals who would be staying there. But stay tuned. Words say anything; we will lead by example; we show better than we can tell.”

Even though some $500,000 has been allocated by the government for the establishment of a facility, FNM Senator Maxine Seymour, Shadow Minister for Social Services, said women are still awaiting a promised shelter.

Women groups have been advocating for a safe haven that will provide

relief for abused women and girls from their abusers. There have also been criticisms that the Department of Gender and Family Affairs has been ineffective.

A women’s rights advocate complained there is no director and that the Department has done nothing of substance, even during the Global 16 Days Campaign and Women’s History Month, and said the Gender-Based Violence Bill had been

“completely abandoned”. Alicia Wallace, of Equality Bahamas, also said that requests for a meeting with the minister had not received a response. She said: “Equality Bahamas has been, through the Department of Gender and Family Affairs, been requesting a meeting with the Minister since 2023 and has yet to receive a substantive response. There should be no fear of meeting with an NGO, and there

Search for man who jumped off cruise ship on Friday suspended

the incident: “Both of us would have searched vigorously.

we

looked at the weather conditions and the reality of finding anyone alive at that point was completely remote so both of us would’ve called off our search after it was done extensively.”

The man’s family in Port Everglades, Florida has been notified.

certainly should not be a non-response. We call on the minister to schedule a meeting with us or communicate that he is unwilling to meet stakeholders.

“There is limited information available on the plan for the shelters. There is a difference, for example, between an emergency shelter which tends to be very shortterm, as limited as one

night, and more long-term accommodations for survivors of domestic violence who, obviously, have to leave their places of residences. How long will women be housed at the shelter? Will women with children, and boy children over the age of 12 in particular, be accommodated? What additional support will be provided to those accommodated by the shelter? The basic needs of survivors range from food and hygiene products to physical and mental health services.”

However, Mr Laroda said a director had been appointed. He said Melvelyn Symonette had been there for a while, and prior to that, Dr Jacinta Higgs had been appointed by the former administration to serve as the director.

MOE to help parents prepare kids for exams

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

A “PARENT” unit is being set up by the Ministry of Education to help parents support their children as they prepare for examinations.

Education Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin said she knows students are capable of excelling in their examinations. However, she said numerous studies are being done to determine the factors behind a child not performing well. Her comments came on Friday after reporters asked if the ministry was optimistic about how students will score in the upcoming BGCSE and BJC exams. “We have really not seen spectacular results for a long time,” Mrs Hanna-Martin said at a Ministry of Education’s National Breakfast Pilot programme conference. She noted there was a decrease in examination results last year, factoring in the learning loss students suffered due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Children were left to attend online classes as schools were closed, however, some students were not attending virtual classes at all for various reasons.

In April 2023, the Ministry of Education reported the number of students who achieved A, B, and C grades in BGCSE exams in 2023 dropped compared to 2022, with more students receiving D, E, F, and G grades. The ministry this year is paying extra attention to mathematics and science exams.

“We are doing a study in mathematics,” Mrs HannaMartin said. “Because our students tend not to do well in goodly numbers in mathematics. So we’re going to be looking at the factors that influence performance in mathematics. In science, that’s another challenging area. We’re bringing in an education officer, with a singular focus for science in primary school students to start them early.”

The overall results of national examinations won’t change “overnight” but in time there will be a positive shift in student performance, the minister said. She highlighted the ministry for the first time and started a “parent unit” to support parents. Acting Director of Education Dominique McCartney-Russell said officials want parents to know they are here to support them. The parent unit

will aid in resolving any problems or questions parents may have that affect them in being involved in their child’s studies. Students and parents are expected to meet tomorrow for a Zoom meeting.

“On Tuesday (tomorrow), we are focusing on examination, the preparation for examination. How can the parents support their children at home, for example, by having that study space and ensuring that the student has all of the tools needed to prepare for those exams. And so, this unit is something that we’re really proud about,” Mrs McCartneyRussell said.

The ministry intends the parents unit to be expanded throughout New Providence and the Family Islands.

Last month, an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) report highlighted that Bahamian students have extremely low levels of learning in science and math.

The IDB’s 2024-2028 country strategy for The Bahamas said the country’s education findings were not up to standard compared to other countries. However, the report noted the COVID-19 pandemic likely exacerbated the problem.

2,000 MORE STUDENTS WILL RECEIVE FREE MEALS WITH NATIONAL BREAKFAST PROGRAMME EXPANSION

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

MORE than 2,000 students will receive free meals with the expansion of the National School Breakfast Pilot Programme in five more schools, according to Education Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin.

The programme has been expanded to five schools in New Providence: CW Sawyer Primary School, Stephen Dillet Primary School, Woodcock Primary School, Yellow Elder Primary School, and E P Roberts Primary School.

On Monday, 2,300 students within these schools will receive free breakfast three days a week until the end of the academic year.

In October 2023, the $1m National Breakfast School programme was launched in New Providence with four primary schools and expanded to four Family Island primary schools in November 2023. Mrs Hanna Martin said<zf”-webkit-standard”> participating schools in New Providence student attendance increased by 3.9 per cent during the initial months of the programme.<zf”-webkit-standard”> Family Island schools recorded an

increase of 7.2 per cent in attendance, she said. At a press conference at the Ministry of Education on Friday, the education minister underscored the breakfast programme as one of the strategies used to promote student attendance and punctuality. Truancy or low attendance has been identified as a major problem impacting the education system. Mrs Hanna–Martin said too often students are seen wandering around on the streets in the morning when they should be in school. While the attendance rate has increased through the use of officers and the national school attendance hotline, she said more improvement is still needed.

“They’re about 3,000 students in the system in the public-school system that had punctuality challenges,” she said. “What we found is that this breakfast programme has assisted in getting children to the schools earlier.” The impact of the breakfast programme is more than just a meal, the minister emphasised. She said students having breakfast together helps them to bond with each other and build social skills.

She added she’s an advocate for the programme to be universal and expand to junior and senior high schools. However, she said there needs to be funding for it to be expanded.

“We have to see what kind of modalities can be struck whether its public, private, however, so that we’re able to deliver breakfast in the morning.”

More Family Island schools are expected to be added to the programme.

In November 2023, criticisms were leveled at government’s national breakfast programme on social media after images of some of the meals were circulated - with some comparing it to “jail food.” The programme’s coordinator Benita Adderley at the Office of the Prime Minister in October 2023 said the meals were nutritious and healthy.

Asked about the type of meals being served, Senior Education Officer Daisry Higgs said the meals are high in nutritional value with each ingredient being chosen to provide vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and other benefits. The team who created the meals also has a background in food nutrition science, she added.

The breakfast meals are available to all students in the selected schools. Mrs Hanna-Martin said the breakfast being open to every child means there’s no discrimination or stigma about students eating the meals.

Additionally, officials have also pushed for students to be engaged in extracurricular activities as a strategy to prevent school violence. Studies have shown students involved in positive activities are less likely to have behaviour management issues.

As of February 2024, the National School Breakfast Pilot programme served over 55,000 breakfasts to students.

from page one

The minister had mentioned the tragic incident in October 2023 in the House of Assembly, noting the child was rescued into the state’s custody. “I’m told that he’s doing well. I don’t want to give the specifics of it. But I think the child is doing well. He’s attending school, and he’s in a stable environment,” she said.

Mrs Hanna–Martin emphasised the important role school can play in the structure of a child’s life.

“It’s our obligation and duty to ensure that we put in place the mechanisms within the context of the school reality, to promote the child’s well-being and healthy development. We’ve also learned, and the research shows, that there are other factors which include parents.

“Parents are critical,” she added, “and not just parents at home. We’d like to see parents more involved in the school reality itself.”

“I think it’s important to understand that not every child comes to the table in the same way, some come with escalating challenges and trauma. Others come very balanced and settled in a good environment or healthy environment.”

MINISTER OF EDUCATION GLENYS HANN MARTIN

Taxis now to be governed by an official code of conduct

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter

kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

TAXI operators and public service drivers will now be governed by an official code of conduct following a signing between the Minister of Energy and Transport JoBeth ColebyDavis and Bahamas Taxi Cab Union (BTCU) President Wesley Ferguson on Friday.

The signing took place during a press conference at the Baha Mar Convention Centre which also officially announced the 10 percent rise in taxi cab fares. Bahamas Hotel Association President Robert “Sandy” Sands was also present at the press conference.

Mrs Coleby-Davis explained that while a standard of the taxi cab industry “exists in everyone’s mind”, the code of conduct aims to document and codify those standards, and provide a guide that can be referred to.

“The code of conduct will assist in providing a concrete and defined framework for the service standards,” she said. “The standards outlined in the code of conduct are not unreasonable, onerous or difficult conditions. We aim for the sector to be the best, and being the best means that we have clear values and expectations.

Mrs Coleby-Davis underscored the important role taxi cab drivers hold as among the first Bahamians with whom tourists interact as “official number one ambassadors” and “driving equality and leading to fight for equality” in the country’s history.

“I’ve met many of them –some who are still driving, who shared stories of how they were able to take care of their families, educate their kids, and make a good living off of the taxi industry,” she said. The introduction of a code of conduct is the

first of its kind for the taxi cab industry, according to BTCU President Ferguson, who expressed his gratitude to Mrs Coleby-Davis for “having done more for taxi drivers than any minister on record”. He went on to state that previously, there was a lack of support from the Road Traffic Department in disciplining “rogue taxi drivers”. “The majority of taxi drivers are still ambassadors, good people,” Mr Ferguson said.

“They are upstanding citizens and they work hard to make sure that tourists are well taken care of and get value for their money, but, of course, like any other industry, you have those people who just decide that they’re gonna wreak havoc, they’re gonna be rude, disgusting, and disingenuous in some cases, so we seek to turn this industry around,” Mr Ferguson said.

For his part, Mr Sands praised the tripartite efforts of his organization, the Ministry of Transport and the BTCU, in bringing the code of conduct into

Bahamian in New York City among millions to feel earthquake Friday

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

CHET KINCAID, a Bahamian living in New York City, said he thought he was going to be buried alive in his apartment when an earthquake rocked the Big Apple.

Mr Kincaid, 34, said he was in his Uptown Manhattan apartment using the bathroom when a 4.8 magnitude earthquake rattled the city of New York around 10.23 am on Friday. The earthquake rumbled several buildings through the region, leaving many residents fearful and confused.

The entertainment reporter and multi-hyphenate media expert said he’s been living in New York since 2014. He had never experienced an earthquake before Friday’s bizarre temblor.

“If I can describe what it felt like, it’s similar to a washer machine being imbalanced during the spin cycle. A quickly progressing and intensifying tremble. Living in an apartment building, I instantly imagined and feared being buried alive,” he said. “It felt more intense and longer than it actually was. I did not realise it was an earthquake because it is an unusual occurrence in NYC, but I knew something was off.”

Fortunately, Mr Kincaid didn’t receive any injuries or damage to his home.

Although the earthquake was shocking, he said he still feels comfortable living

in New York City. He said New Yorkers have moved on like nothing ever happened. The schools, train stations, stores, and other businesses are open as usual. While busy New Yorkers are buzzing on the streets to get to their desired destination.

However, Mr Kincaid said the earthquake is definitely a moment to remember.

According to ABC News, New York Governor Kathy Hochul called the earthquake “one of the largest earthquakes on the East Coast in the last century”. There were several weaker aftershocks reported.

ABC News reported the earthquake was followed by 32 aftershocks, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), including one measured at 3.8 almost seven and a half hours later. The aftershocks were centred in New Jersey, however, were felt across the East Coast.

Asked if he experienced any aftershocks, Kincaid said: “In the same way how some people did not feel the earthquake, I did not feel any aftershock. I am grateful for that.” Seismologists expect more aftershocks over the next week.

New York officials reported minimal damage. The New York Police Department also said there was no damage or injuries of anyone reported.

42 million people are believed to have felt the rumbling of the earthquake.

practice, and noted the “heightened awareness and appreciation” of taxi cab driver’s impact to the tourism industry. In response to

questions related to the monitoring and enforcement of the code, Mr Sands said Road Traffic officers are assigned to “key locations” so that they

can police the discipline of drivers.

Road Traffic Controller Linda Moxey explained that a tribunal is conducted every Wednesday, adding that once a complaint is made, witnesses are gathered and the case is tried before the tribunal. Public drivers who are prosecuted can potentially be reprimanded, or suspended, according to Mrs Moxey, who referred to the matter of ‘Cousin Clarence’. In that matter, the taxi cab driver was put before the tribunal after a video surfaced online of a tourist accusing him of defrauding her and her family of 18 persons, and detailing the family’s discontent with the services provided.

“He was brought before me and I gave him, I think it was 14 days,” Ms Moxey said. “In addition to that, what we’ll do, we’ll take the plates to ensure that although we say that you’re off for 14 days, two weeks or four days, as the case may be, you cannot go there as a taxi because you’ll have

no plates.” The Road Traffic Controller encouraged members of the public to bring their grievances and complaints of any public service driver to the Road Traffic Department, ensuring that their matter will be heard.

The code of conduct, a copy of which was provided digitally, listed several provisions for public service drivers to adhere to, including vehicle appearance, disorderly conduct, a ban on smoking and alcohol consumption, littering and solicitation.

The code of conduct also outlines the disciplinary procedure, which categorizes breaches of the code between “major” and “minor”.

Some “minor breaches” are: unlicensed sale of items, barbering, littering and non-compliance with dress codes, while “major breaches” can be: drunken or disorderly conduct, lewd behaviour, public urination, verbal abuse, threats, and sale of illegal substances, among other breaches.

CODE of conduct following a signing between the Minister of Energy and Transport JoBeth ColebyDavis and Bahamas Taxi Cab Union (BTCU) President Wesley Ferguson on Friday.

Shelter for abused women needs action PICTURE

As we all know, Mr Wilchcombe sadly passed away in the September of that year, and his torch has been picked up by Myles Laroda.

Mr Laroda, when asked about the creation of a domestic violence shelter on Friday tells us to “stay tuned”.

He said: “It is coming; it is on the agenda.”

Clearly, more than a few weeks have passed since that promise in July last year, so how close are we?

Mr Laroda says: “The government, as we speak, is in the process of acquiring a facility which has already been identified.”

So the property has not been bought as yet.

As it happens, a Tribune staff member was at a presentation on International Women’s Day last month when a senior law enforcement figure said a shelter was just a couple of weeks away from opening.

Clearly, if the property had not been bought at the time – and still has not – that hope of a couple of weeks was a forlorn one.

On Friday, Mr Laroda went on to say: “It is just going through the paperwork and the acquisition. We won’t say the place because we want to protect those individuals who would be staying there. But stay tuned.”

He added: “Words say anything; we will lead by example; we show better than we can tell.”

It is true, words can say anything. Words, for example, said it would have been opened a long time ago. Actions have shown otherwise.

Words say that the government is committed to supporting women – and yet, there is still no sign of proposals to give women the same rights as men when it comes to citizenship.

Words said that the government was going to consult further after the Gender-Based Violence Bill was

abandoned in favour of legislation that removed the gender element, and also left the government some way short of meeting international commitments with regard to such legislation.

Words say that the government is open to consulting on all manner of such proposals – and yet one activist, Tribune columnist Alicia Wallace, reports that her Equality Bahamas group has been asking for a meeting with the minister since last year and has had no luck in getting a response.

So yes, words can say many things, but the government is showing that issues that affect women in particular are seemingly not given as high a priority as others.

In the past in this column, we have praised Mr Laroda, particularly for his willingness to speak directly about the state of the NIB fund and the need for action to rescue it.

We would encourage him to show similar directness when it comes to engaging with women’s groups on the need for action on a range of issues –and we shall applaud him if he does. Until then, words are just words.

Rare Solar eclipse today

A RARE event takes place today –a solar eclipse.

Here in The Bahamas, we shall see a partial eclipse, although we shall doubtless see much excited coverage in the US where a total eclipse will be visible across large swathes of the country.

An eclipse often comes with all manner of superstition, although it is, of course, simply a quirk of planetary movements. Still, it is a moment to pause and note the wonders of the world around us.

A reminder, though, do not look directly at the sun. You can hurt your eyes, so listen to the experts – and ensure your children do too.

In the meantime, enjoy a rare occasion.

EDITOR, The Tribune.

AROUND 8pm on a rainy night in April some 60 years ago, sitting in the dining room of one Charlie Major, whom I regarded as the finest athlete in the history of The Bahamas. We were playing canasta, and, probably the first time that I was actually winning. Charlie got up, and looked outside. Expected him to be frowning; but instead he was smiling, then, he proclaimed, this rain should bring them up. And the moon is just right. We should go and get them girls tomorrow night. For those not familiar with the terminology girls referred to the yellow tails and boys referred to the mutton snappers, who schooled at the same time. That fateful night Charlie

and I, had a wonderful time, pulling in a cooler full of “boys” and “girls“. That was the time that I, fell in love with the mutton fish season. It became a passion to go after the mutton fish between May and July every tear. Everybody bragged about how many they caught.

Over the years I have had some great anglers who shared this passion, Skinney Moxey, in my opinion was the greatest Charlie was second. This mutton fish ritual is shared by thousands of Bahamians, who go to the Goulding Cay area just before sundown, anchor on the edge of the ocean, and wait for nightfall to bait up and wait.

Another great Bahamian tradition is coming to an end because of

governments unrealistic

decision

EDITOR, The Tribune.

AS a highly educated qualified legal professional to be discriminated against due to my paralysis by my chosen profession is not only perplexing but very disappointing and extremely hurtful. What amplifies the situation is that as a father of six I’m unable to make a proper living and adequately take care of my responsibilities.

From early childhood

I’ve always been different. Fat and bowlegged I always bore the brunt of fat jokes, but coming from an extremely large family that was par for the course.

Don’t think for one minute that I was unbothered, nothing could be further from the truth it hurt immensely, but I learnt to bottle it up inside and carry on smartly.

I say that is to say that I was used to being singled out, overlooked, ridiculed and a non-participant in many activities. These experiences made me determined to be just one of the crew and I did all I could to fit in.

When I attended St Andrew’s, oh so many years ago, all boys in the senior school were required to do “the run” which was approximately a mile and a half, but due to my obesity I was exempt. I couldn’t take that I was singled out and I chose to participate probably to the annoyance of many as what should have taken 15 minutes max took me twice that.

But my life experience surrounding my obesity was

nothing compared to the discrimination I now face as a paralysed person.

The experience itself is hard enough to come to grips with, I suffer from anxiety and bouts of severe depression.

Life goes on all around me whilst I’m bedridden and have to watch for the most part as life goes by and, or, live vicariously through the eyes of others.

So being able to practice my given profession is one of the few things that makes me feel whole, and makes me want to carry on every day.

I’ve been suffering under this medical condition now for almost five years and for the most part I’ve learnt to cope. One can only imagine the ignominy of a very proud man to have to endure the assistance of a caregiver to assist me with the most basic and personal of daily functions. And still that pales in comparison to the rejection I feel now. Article 26 of the Constitution guarantees me a right to make a living and the Persons With Disabilities Act 2014 codified the protection of disabled persons.

Despite that I am unable to in this advanced technological age practice in the criminal courts. My paralysis prohibits me from attending court in person and that’s viewed as an impediment to an accused

person as it’s said I’ll not be able to properly communicate with my client during the trial.

To that assertion I say: “bovine defecation”.

In order to secure my rights, and bear in mind I am not seeking special treatment but rather only the respect of being treated fairly and equally, I have had to launch a constitutional motion to access the same.

In 2024, this isn’t right. My body is suffering from an infirmity, not my mind as my mental acuity has as a result sharpened. I’m distressed and I feel broken, but life is a challenge and we must find the intestinal fortitude to push on through.

So why do I have to utilise the legal process to get that to which I’m entitled and to which I’ve earned?

Discrimination is real, people, and I’m realising that the disabled are a second or third thought.

Just recently, the Eugene Dupuch Law School has a distinguished lecture with the present and three former Chief Justices. This could have been so easily streamed online, but here again despite me making this suggestion prior to the event no provisions were made. This is the life of the disabled. Cast aside. My good Bahamian people you must do better. A very sad and dejected attorney speaking my mind. CRAIG F BUTLER Nassau April 6, 2024

A NURSE shark swims quietly in the water in Exuma.

Photo: Ryan Geller

SBDC and US Embassy hosted women entrepreneurs brunch

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

IN celebration of Women’s Month, the Small Business Development Centre and the US Embassy’s Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) hosted a brunch for women entrepreneurs at the Pelican Bay Resort. Samantha Rolle, SBDC director, said this year marks the fourth cohort of the AWE programme in Grand Bahama.

She said: “There are 53 women in the cohort for this programme, and this is the first time we have hosted a brunch to celebrate their progress because it is a rigorous 17-week programme. We have reached the midway point, and we want to encourage and motivate them by holding a celebratory event for the participants.”

Ms Rolle said SBDC has partnered with the US

Embassy by facilitating the programme in Grand Bahama. Grand Bahama businesswoman Lisa Turnquest was the guest speaker. She encouraged women to never give up on their dreams and not let challenges and obstacles discourage them.

Lisa Moxey, public engagement specialist at the US Embassy and AWE coordinator, said the embassy is proud to partner with the SBDC.

She said the AWE programme was put together by the US Department of State four years ago, and more than 300 Bahamian women from throughout the country have participated in it. The programme ends in May, and the participants will have the opportunity for grant funding, become state exchange alumni, and have additional opportunities to participate in other programmes.

MOTHER REMANDED AFTER ADMITTING TO CHILD NEGLECT

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MOTHER was charged with child cruelty and sent to prison on Friday after she admitted to neglecting her four-year-old son.

The defendant reportedly neglected her young son last week Wednesday, on April 4, in New Providence causing him unnecessary

suffering. Assistant Chief Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans charged the 30-year-old woman, whose name is being withheld to protect the identity of the child, with cruelty to children.

After pleading guilty to the offence, the accused was told that she would be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until she is sentenced on April 18.

TWO MEN ACCUSED OF ROBBING AND ASSAULT OF MAN WITH KNIFE

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

TWO MEN were imprisoned on Friday after they were accused of attacking a man at knife point last month and stealing more than $1,000 in cash from him.

Senior Magistrate Shaka Serville charged Cecil Campbell, 18, and Perry McKenzie, 20, with armed robbery and aggravated assault. The pair, while armed with a knife, allegedly attacked John Basden and robbed him of a Versace bag valued at $1,000, a black Ray Ban shades, valued at $250 and $1,300 in cash around midnight on March 30. The two were told that their matter would move to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). The men will be sent to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until the higher court grants them bail. The defendants’ VBIs are due for service on September 6. Maria Daxon represented the accused.

By

A MAN was sentenced to seven months in prison on Friday after he admitted to having 3oz of marijuana in his possession last Tuesday. Magistrate Raquel Whyms charged Derek Stuart, 33, with two counts of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

BIMINI MAN ON BAIL FINED FOR DAMAGING MONITORING DEVICE

“Women’s empowerment is so important, and with Grand Bahama’s economy rebounding, we look forward to the women completing this programme, taking a forceful step in entrepreneurship, and helping the economy grow on the island,” Ms Moxey said.

Ava Williams, CEO of Mind, Body, and Soul Medi spa and Diagnostic Centre, said the brunch was truly

inspiring. “Lisa Turnquest, I was so inspired by her message. She referred to us as superwomen. Even though we go through so much in life, we can still be successful and overcome roadblocks by pressing forward and never losing hope in our dream,” she said.

Dana Nesbitt, founder and owner of Exotic Tresses, said the programme has been beneficial.

“It has been great, and it is almost like a refresher. The programme gives you an opportunity to analyse your business and to network with other Bahamian women entrepreneurs that can lead to possible collaborations in the future,” she said. “It’s always been my goal to make women feel beautiful and confident. I started nine years ago selling hair from the trunk of

my car and now I have two physical store locations in Freeport and Nassau, and an online store. I am excited about what we have done and what we will do in the future,” she said. She encouraged women entrepreneurs to be resilient. “The journey of life and entrepreneurship is not linear. You have to be prepared for all the battles you will face and be committed to your goal,” she said.

to court for report on May 13.

A good man, a good father

By TIMOTHY ROBERTS

“Listen, there is no way any true man is going to let children live around him in his home and not discipline and teach, fight and mold them until they know all he knows. His goal is to make them better than he is. Being their friend is a distant second to this.”

- Victor Devlin

THE presence of a father in a child’s life is no small thing. There is no need to dig up stats and research and data to know that this is true. We know instinctively this is true. The presence of a mother in a child’s life is equally important, though the impact of each relationship fosters different things for children’s emotional and mental well-being. The impact of family structure on children’s well-being is substantial and multifaceted. Research in America consistently underscores the positive influence of intact families on children’s outcomes across various domains. Children raised in homes with continuously married

parents tend to experience fewer problems, including academic, social, emotional, and cognitive difficulties, both during childhood and later in adulthood. Intact families typically provide access to more economic and community resources, as parents can combine their time, money, and energy to prioritise the needs of their children.

Additionally, family intactness correlates with higher earnings for primeage males and plays a crucial role in reducing dependence on welfare programmes targeting poverty.

Children in intact families exhibit higher high school and college graduation rates, increased employment opportunities, and better overall health outcomes. They are more likely to engage in community activities, excel academically, and demonstrate fewer behavioural problems in school compared to their peers from non-intact households.

In contrast, there are challenges faced by single-parent households, particularly those headed

by single mothers. Single mothers often grapple with lower incomes, higher poverty rates, and limited access to resources compared to married couples.

Despite the increase in single-father households, single mothers remain more prevalent and tend to face greater financial hardships.

While the benefits of two-parent households are evident, staying together solely for the sake of children may not always be beneficial, especially in high-conflict relationships. Irretrievably broken marriages can negatively impact children’s wellbeing, underscoring the importance of prioritising healthy familial dynamics. Ultimately, while marriage provides access to resources and opportunities for children, effective parenting transcends marital status, emphasising the significance of nurturing environments and supportive relationships for children’s development. It is important to note again that this is based on research and statistics gathered in the United States so while the information sheds

light on the fact of healthy homes with a mother and father involved in a healthy relationship, some data may not correlate the same way as it relates to Bahamian society.

Here I want to focus on more of what we see happening here in The Bahamas and especially considering what is going on with our young men and the role father – and more specifically fatherlessness has played on where we find ourselves today.

So, as many of us know, really anyone can father a child, but being a dad takes a lifetime. Fathers play a role in every child’s life that cannot be filled by others. This role can have a large impact on a child and help shape him or her into the person they become.

Fathers, like mothers, are pillars in the development of a child’s emotional well-being. Children look to their fathers to lay down the rules and enforce them. They also look to their fathers to provide a feeling of security, both physical and emotional. Children want to make their fathers proud, and an involved father promotes inner growth and strength. Studies have shown that when fathers are affectionate and supportive, it greatly affects a child’s cognitive and social development. It also instills an overall sense of wellbeing and self confidence. Fathers not only influence who we are inside, but how we have relationships with people as we grow. The way a father treats his child will influence what he or she looks for in other people. Friends, lovers, and spouses will all be chosen based on how the child perceived the meaning of the relationship with his or her father. The patterns a father sets in the relationships with his children will dictate how his children relate with other people. Young girls depend on their fathers for security and emotional support. A father shows his daughter what a good relationship with a man is like. If a father is loving and gentle, his daughter will look for those qualities in men when she’s old enough to begin dating. If a father is strong and valiant, she will relate closely to men of the same character. Unlike girls, who model their relationships with others based on their father’s character, boys model themselves after their father’s character.

Boys will seek approval from their fathers from a very young age. As human beings, we grow up by imitating the behaviour of those around us; that’s how we learn to function in the world. If a father is caring and treats people with respect, the young boy will grow up much the same. When a father is absent, young boys look to other male figures to set the “rules” for how to behave and survive in the world.

So, when we now see young men engaging in criminal behaviour often – as research shows – their father was not in the home, as a study published in the Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency found that adolescents from single-parent families, particularly those without a father figure, were more likely to be involved in delinquent behaviour and criminal activities.

Also, according to a report by the US Department of Justice, children raised in fatherless homes are significantly more likely to be incarcerated than those raised in two-parent households. The absence of a father figure has been linked to a higher likelihood of involvement in juvenile delinquency, including drug abuse, violence, and gangrelated activities.

Again, the absence of a father has been associated with increased levels of violent behaviour among adolescents. A study published in the Journal of Adolescence found that boys from single-mother families were more likely to exhibit aggressive and violent behaviours compared to boys from intact families.

Again, the lack of a positive male role model in the household may contribute to the development of aggressive tendencies in children. Research suggests that fathers play a crucial role in teaching their children self-control, empathy, and appropriate conflict resolution skills, which are important factors in preventing violent behaviour. Fatherless homes have been identified as a risk factor for gang involvement among adolescents. Studies have shown that young people who grow up without a father figure are more susceptible to joining gangs as a means of seeking belonging and identity.

So, the absence of paternal guidance and supervision may leave children vulnerable to peer influence and recruitment

Nothing replaces a good biological father in a child’s life, so our first objective needs to be figuring out how to encourage men to embrace that role and take it seriously.

into gangs, which often provide a substitute sense of family and support.

The absence of a father figure during crucial developmental stages can result in a lack of guidance, discipline, and structure, leading to ongoing involvement in criminal behaviour.

It’s important to note also the correlation between fatherlessness and criminal behaviour can be influenced by various socio-economic factors. Poverty, lack of access to quality education, and limited opportunities for employment can exacerbate the negative effects of father absence on children’s behaviour.

However, research suggests that even when controlling for socioeconomic variables, the absence of a father figure remains a significant predictor of criminal and violent behaviour among youth.

Understanding that it is important for the healthy development of our children not only to have a father present in their lives, but that the father is a positive force, a role model, is a distinction that needs to be addressed.

To point out the obvious, single-parent homes are in a challenging position to provide the full range of paternal guidance to sufficiently develop all a young life needs to become a respected functional adult in society.

This is not to say it is impossible for a singleparent home to accomplish this, but it is fraught with difficulties and no two situations are exactly alike – more on the nuances of single-parent homes in a future article.

But it is one of the more crucial aspects of our current issues - crime, violence and gang activity – that is vital for us to consider how to address.

Nothing replaces a good biological father in a child’s life, so our first objective needs to be figuring out how to encourage men to embrace that role and take it seriously.

But in some cases that may not be the best option; what do we do then?

We need good men to stand in the gap, to be role models, and positive influences in young lives wherever possible.

This is our country; these are our problems which if we did not cause we also did not prevent. We need to care about each other and find ways and means to make a difference for the better.

Mishandled messaging and a lack of listening

By MALCOLM STRACHAN

WHEN it comes to politics, I keep my own counsel over who I vote for. But when I discuss the political landscape with others, I listen. And listening to what people have to say, things are not looking good right now for the party in power.

We are roughly halfway through the Davis administration’s term in office – and if it is not to be one and done, it seems there will be a lot of convincing to be done.

To start with, the spike in BPL prices hurt the government more than it perhaps realises, or admits to.

The back and forth that surrounded that over whether the minister then responsible, Alfred Sears, had received advice on the fuel hedging certainly suggests the government is aware of the hit it took, and lord knows all our bank accounts are aware of that hit.

But while that was an early knock to the government – and let’s face it, a hedge is really just a bet and it could have gone either way – it is not that which I hear people talking about in terms of a lack of confidence in this administration.

No, instead it is a familiar combination of complaints I hear – that the government isn’t getting anything much done, and that it is too aloof from the people.

There are lots of factors that are preying on people’s minds right now. And that ought to give the government pause.

Too arrogant. They ain’ listening, is what I hear. Take a look at some examples from the past week.

The Transport and Energy Minister, JoBeth Coleby-Davis, who does not seem to like to be questioned closely at the best of times (did she ever give an answer on licence plates being issued for taxis?) was at a town hall meeting for bus drivers on Thursday as

the government rolls out a 25 cent rise in bus fares. Now, there’s two sides to any bus fare rise, of course. The drivers want more to cover their costs and boost their income. The passengers don’t want more coming out of their pockets. A rise of 25 cents might not sound much, but many of those using the jitneys will be going to work as maids and gardeners, to work in hotels and restaurants, and

will not be the highest of earners generally. The extra adds up.

That said, the minister did not leave the bus drivers feeling she was showing much sympathy for their side of the scale, telling them “you can’t be ungrateful” over a rise of just 25 cents. In fact, when she announced that the increase could be in place by May 1, the response prompted her to ask: “Ain’t no one clap

Minnis is right that too many elected representatives treat disclosures as a joke. This latest chairman seems the worst yet in terms of serving the public and keeping them informed, but things were not much better under the Minnis administration. The Davis administration might well say ok then, things are the same as they were, but they might do well to remember that the public threw the Minnis administration out. People do not want the same, they want better.

These things add up to a feeling that the government is remote, or unfeeling. And that will count in votes in the long run.

Even such things as the record tourism numbers have not made much of an impact in political opinion with many, as the trickle down from visitors doesn’t trickle far enough. Getting visitors to spend more sure isn’t helped by stories of tourists being told to leave their wallets on the ship for safety.

for that?”

When the audience complained about the size of the increase, she answered: “We know you asked for more. Yeah, I know the grumbling and the mumbling but that’s okay.”

It’s fair to say that more than a few of the assembled drivers could most certainly feel ungrateful – and the minister’s attitude does not seem likely to have won any of them over, particularly as several spoke about feeling insulted by the move.

Now, whichever side of the argument on fares you fall on, politically it’s a loser all round. Passengers won’t be happy with any rise, and the bus drivers will be aggrieved not just by the modest size of the increase but the attitude with which it is delivered. The government has won no friends on this one.

Then take a glance over at the annual fiasco over public disclosures, where Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell said he thinks “none of your business” when asked by reporters as to whether he met the legal deadline for his declaration. It’s nothing personal for reporters – they ask everyone, but Mr Mitchell bridles at the question. He referred reporters instead to the chairman of the Public Disclosure Commission, Bishop Victor Cooper, not that the bishop was around to provide answers as the deadline arrived, it seemed, being away and referring reporters to his office instead, where no answers were forthcoming.

Again, make of disclosures what you will. Former Prime Minister Dr Hubert

One man I spoke to told it straight – he said in the election campaign, he was promised this and that, but when the party came to office, no one takes his calls. A familiar story heard before in previous administrations, sure, but they were all one and done too.

Now perhaps all of this is just the midterm doldrums – and this administration can count on a strong run-in.

But lying ahead are such things as the corporate income tax, which despite assurances that it will only hit big companies, will also likely hit the employees and contractors serving those big employees. Factors that affect the bottom line tend to get passed on.

Then there are creeping factors such as the cost of shipping seemingly likely to move up because of a new handling company imposing fees.

And then there is the rise – or is it multiple rises – coming for NIB? The story for that one still isn’t straight either.

There are lots of factors that are preying on people’s minds right now. And that ought to give the government pause. Its best bet at the moment is that the FNM cannot seem to pull itself together to offer strong opposition, be it that Michael Pintard doesn’t seem to be able to land a punch politically or the in-fighting that really needs to be resolved at conference.

But this administration should not count on that if it expects to stay in office. And right now, plenty of people are not convinced.

It’s time the UN Security Council acts to stop the killing in Gaza

THE escalation of violence in Gaza by Israel has prompted a global outcry, marking a rising disgust, particularly among the young, of what is widely regarded as a hugely disproportionate response to the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Now, the outrage has grown beyond young people to include solid representatives of the traditional establishment, at least in Britain. With over 600 British legal experts, including retired judges from the Supreme Court, demanding a halt to the British government’s arms sales to Israel, the urgency of a re-evaluation by the UN Security Council of its stance on the conflict should be obvious.

The concerns of the British legal fraternity are linked to their fear of the possibility of complicity by the British government in grave breaches of international law by Israel, using arms that are supplied, in part, by Britain. If the Israeli government, particularly its globally unpopular Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, continues to dismiss all urgings to deescalate attacks on Gaza, the current crisis will enter the realm of global ethical responsibility.

Genocide or defence?

The courage of the South African government to take the allegation of genocide by the Israeli government to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and the Court’s decision in January 2024 to order provisional

World View

By SIR RONALD SANDERS

measures against Israel, has strengthened the growing view that the government of Israel is committing genocide.

The detailed accounts by the United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, of civilian targeting, destruction of vital infrastructure, and the systematic denial of essential supplies, give credence to the fears about genocide.

In her report to the UN Security Council, she said that there are “reasonable grounds” to believe that Israel is “committing the crime of genocide against the Palestinians as a group in Gaza.” Israel has adamantly rejected these accusations. However, the killing of aid workers from the World Central Kitchen, illustrates to many that Israeli forces may not be as careful, as they claim, to ensure that non-combatants are not targeted in their attack.

Excessive actions test traditional alliances

These incidents not only fuel the debate but also test the historical alliances that have, until now, shaped the geopolitical landscape, including in the

US administration, which has begun to realize that it could be tainted by Prime Minister Netanyahu’s firm resolve to pursue military actions in Rafah that could result in the deaths of thousands of civilians.

Rafah is a city of 25 square miles in the Southern part of Gaza. Prior to the present conflict, Rafah had a population of less than 200,000 people. On the orders of Israel, an estimated 1.4 million people have been pushed into Rafah. They are all vulnerable to an Israeli military attack. This is why the US government has been insisting on proper arrangements for civilian safety and humanitarian consequences of any attack.

Global Impact of Regional Wars

In today’s interconnected world, there is no longer any such thing as an isolated conflict. The repercussions of warfare ripple across the globe, affecting food prices, shipping costs, and economic stability. The conflict in Ukraine and the Houthis’ attacks on shipping lanes have already demonstrated how wars can impact global economies and individual lives far removed from the battleground.

Calls for a Humanitarian Approach

The call from British jurists to suspend arms sales to Israel is not an isolated sentiment but part of a growing international chorus demanding accountability and a re-evaluation of the policies that enable the continuation of the conflict.

This movement, gaining momentum amid the rising deaths of civilians not only from military action but also due to lack of medicine and hunger, challenges the UN Security Council, especially its five veto-nations, to fulfil their responsibilities. This means that each of them must move to

align their international policy with the principles of human rights and justice.

The five veto-nations cannot wait for an unredeemable plight in Gaza simply to make pious statements or to point fingers of blame at each other. Human lives are at stake.

A Call to Action

This critical juncture calls for a collective reimagining of the approach by all nations to international conflicts and the mechanisms of support that sustain them.

The resolution passed by the UN Security Council, demanding an immediate ceasefire and the expansion of humanitarian assistance,

though a step in the right direction, was not enough. Sadly, it highlighted the limitations of international governance in enforcing peace and ensuring the protection of civilian lives, when big power countries play the game of seeking advantage over each other.

Conclusion

As the crisis in Gaza unfolds, the international community, led by the UN Security Council, must seize this moment to advocate for peace and justice. This is not merely a call for a ceasefire, but a demand for a profound policy shift towards upholding human dignity and preventing further loss of life.

The time for decisive action is now. The global community stands at a crossroad, and the response to the crisis in Gaza will be remembered either as a testament to international commitment to these ideals or to the abandonment of them. The consequences of the latter — abandoning the principles of peace and justice — would be too grave for the world to bear.

That is why even the smallest and least powerful nations of the world must not be silent; they must speak up loudly and together, in all regional and international fora, without exception.

The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US and the OAS. The views expressed are entirely his own.

• Responses and previous commentaries: www. sirronaldsanders.com

PALESTINIANS inspect a vehicle with the logo of the World Central Kitchen wrecked by an Israeli airstrike in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip, Tuesday, April 2, 2024. The Israeli military’s killing of seven aid workers in Gaza has triggered unprecedented criticism from European leaders, who are stepping up calls for a cease-fire and in some cases halting arms sales to Israel as the war’s toll mounts.

Photo: Ismael Abu Dayyah/AP

Michael Bowleg: Focused on a sustainable future

INTERNATIONALLY,

April is recognised as Earth Month with environmental celebrations and education culminating on April 22, Earth Day. Here in The Bahamas, we recognise that caring for the ocean is critical to our existence and to national progress.

Lyford Cay Foundations

scholar Michael Bowleg, who was awarded the Fiona Albek Graduate Scholarship for the Environment, knows that the ocean is a key gateway to a sustainable economy for thousands of hardworking Bahamians. This knowledge has motivated him to seek a PhD in Biological Sciences at University of Exeter in England. Through his studies, he is discovering new ways to support The Bahamas through sustainable aquaculture.

Michael Bowleg believes that the oceans are key to a plentiful Bahamas – a food-secure Bahamas with the capacity to feed everyone from food grown in the country. He has learned that the ability to farm from the water is powerful. He notes, “Aquaculture has the potential to help the country diversify food sources, create employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth and make The Bahamas more climate resilient.” Research is a part of making these solutions possible. Michael started his postsecondary education by obtaining a Bachelor of

Science from University of The Bahamas in small island sustainability before going on to obtain a Master of Science in sustainable aquaculture systems at the University of Plymouth. Throughout his undergraduate and post-graduate years, Michael has been a stellar student, being recognised on the Dean’s List at each institution. His strong academic background and notable field of study helped

him qualify for Lyford Cay Foundations’ Fiona Albek Graduate Scholarship for the Environment.

At University of Exeter, Michael focuses on PhD level research. As a part of his research, Michael has worked with the Cape Eleuthera Institute in South Eleuthera to assess spiny lobster settlements and conduct laboratory-based experiments to optimise water chemistry for the welfare and health of the animals. The research has important impacts for the future.

Michael has been commended for his outstanding ability to design and undertake impactful research. In fact, these skills have helped cement long-term collaborations with the university, the National Lobster Hatchery in the United Kingdom and Cape Eleuthera Institute.

Michael is grateful for the doors that a Lyford Cay Foundations Scholarship has opened and credits the scholarship donors for

bringing his dream for The Bahamas a step closer. He shared: “Donors like you create life altering impact through providing unique opportunities for students like myself, for which I cannot express my gratitude enough.”

• Gain An Edge is a collaboration of Lyford Cay Foundations, the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute and the University of The Bahamas aimed at promoting a national dialogue on issues surrounding education. To share your thoughts, email gainanedge@tribunemedia.net.

Civil society: The cornerstone of democracy and progress

By TERRY K MILLER

IN its broadest sense civil society is all the people, places, and things functioning in a civilised society. As a sector, civil society comprises all the groupings, associations, charities, community and non-governmental civil society organisations working for the advancement of their individual constituents, and for the betterment of society as a whole.

The United Nations aptly recognises civil society as

the “third pillar of governance”, standing alongside the government and the private sector. However, I propose that it is, in fact, the footing upon which all other pillars stand—the bedrock upon which all other structures rest. From this foundation, we emerge, and to it, we ultimately return.

A strong and healthy democracy hinges on the strength and empowerment of civil society. Imagine a vibrant marketplace of ideas, where citizens actively participate, provide feedback, and shape

the course of their nation.

In this collaborative ecosystem, the government plays a crucial role by supporting and encouraging citizen engagement. It is a delicate dance—a symphony of checks and balances—where each note contributes to the harmonious functioning of society. Consider the interplay between the government, the private sector, and civil society. As the government and the private sector collaborate to chart the physical and economic development of our country, they create a dynamic

landscape. Governmentdesigned RFPs (requests for proposals) invite private sector bids, fostering innovation and progress. Public private partnerships (PPPs) are also ways that government and the private sector collaborate. But beyond infrastructure and economic growth, civil society’s role is equally Important.

In fact, fostering a similar relationship with civil society can profoundly influence society as a whole. I firmly believe that addressing some of the challenges we encounter, especially the alarming rates of youth

violence, hinges on the civil society sector. Government should recognise and respect this sector just as they do the private sector. Physical development contracts should be equally paired with social (and other types of) contracts with the CS sector.

Together, these three pillars collaborate to address the gaps in our social, educational, and cultural safety nets. They conceive, fund, and implement projects that target specific weaknesses, ensuring that no one falls through the cracks. Whether it’s improving education, promoting healthcare, or preserving cultural heritage, civil society should be empowered to, and relied on, to address and solve these issues.

Yet, in The Bahamas, we have not fully harnessed this potential. Successive political administrations have missed opportunities to empower and involve civil society beyond token advisory board appointments. The civil service hierarchy remains largely unaware of the vast resource available through active engagement with civil society. It is time to recognize this largely untapped wellspring and channel it toward collective progress.

In the business world one of the buzz terms is stakeholder capitalism; “a form of capitalism in which companies do not only optimise short-term profits for shareholders, but seek long term value creation, by taking into account the needs of all their stakeholders, and society at large”.

Imagine a Bahamas where civil society leaders are not treated as mere figureheads but equal partners of change. Picture a society where citizens’ voices resonate in policy decisions, where NGOs/ CSOs collaborate seamlessly with government agencies, and where the private sector invests not only for shareholder profits, but intentionally invests in the civil society sector, in the stakeholders.

In this vision, civil society is not an afterthought but a driving force—a catalyst for positive transformation. It is the heartbeat of a nation, pulsing with compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment. Let us nurture this vital pillar, for from it springs the promise of a brighter, more equitable future for all.

• Terry Miller founded the male residential substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation programme, Bahamas Association for Social Health (BASH) in January 1991. He served one term as vice president, and three terms as president of Civil Society Bahamas, (the umbrella organisation for NGOs and CSOs in the country) where he addressed many pressing issues including illegal immigration and electoral reform. He has traveled extensively through the US, the Caribbean, Asia, and in Africa researching best practices for drug abuse prevention, outreach, treatment, and rehabilitation, and why the empowerment of civil society is paramount to a healthy democracy.

MICHAEL BOWLEG

CIVIL SOCIETY TODAY

Over 600 Haitian migrants interdicted since last month

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

MORE than 600 Haitian migrants have been apprehended in the southern Bahamas since last month, with the latest interdiction happening at the weekend.

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) said it thwarted a large-scale migrant smuggling operation on Saturday when it intercepted 257 Haitian migrants in waters east of Northeast Point, Inagua.

The vessel intercepted had 218 males and 39 females, bringing the total number of migrant apprehensions in the southern Baha mas to 676 since March 11.

In a press statement, the RBDF said acting on information, it deployed surface asset HMBS Bahamas to the location of the migrants where it later intercepted them.

“Following standard procedures, the vessel was rendered inoperable. The migrants were safely transported to Matthew Town, Inagua for processing by immigration authorities,” the agency added.

RBDF Commodore Raymond King said this latest apprehension follows the repatria tion of 150 Haitian nationals days earlier.

“HMBS Lawrence Major just recently con ducted a repatriation exercise a couple of days earlier at Cap Haitian. She was en route to New Providence, but she was rerouted, and she’s headed back to HMBS Matthew Town to assist with the eventual repatriation of this latest group.”

Last month, the RBDF established a block ade in the southeastern Bahamas to guard the country’s borders against possible mass migration from Haiti amid worsening condi tions there.

Commodore King said yesterday the oper ation has been successful.

“The most critical component is we’re working in a coordinated effort with the Turks and Caicos and the United States Coast Guard (and) the use of aerial assets, primar ily the OBPAT Hilo as well as our aircraft, in order to determine early on the detection and the eventual interception because migrants do shift their strategy to try to be evasive so the aerial assets are key in determining any shift in movement on their part,” he said.

“We have subsequent layers of assets to ensure that none reaches the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.”

JEFF LLOYD LAUNCHES NEW BOOK AT UB WITH HOPES TO INSPIRE FUTURE GENERATIONS

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Education

Minister Jeff Lloyd hopes to inspire the future generation of Bahamians eager to share their life stories about their journeys to success with the launch of his new book.

Mr Lloyd, who held a book signing at the University of The Bahamas on Friday for his first autobiography, “A Journey of Hope: Transcending Boundaries,” said he wants readers to feel hopeful when they read the book, which details his struggles and triumphs.

“The main thing is it matters not where you come from, it’s what you come to,” he said of the message he wants readers to take away from the book. “And also, keep hope alive – no matter how dark it may seem at a particular point and time, no matter what the circumstances are of your life.”

“I didn’t grow up in a particularly enlightened or elegant family situation. I was born to a single mother, and I was raised by a grandmother. I lived essentially what some would describe in a dysfunctional family, but still, I was able to go to the premier high school of this country, I was able to enjoy a certain standard of living over the course of my life that I’m sure probably became the envy of some, not so much only on my own efforts, but because of the intervention of many persons in my life.”

Mr Lloyd said it took about 10 years for him to write the book, describing the process as “quite arduous, time-consuming and taxing.”

He also shared what inspired him to become an author, pointing to a

“It wasn’t until the former prime minister, the right honourable Perry Christie suggested to me that I should record my life story in print and to share it with the wider public, not only the Bahamian people, but the wider community of the world,” the former FNM MP told The Tribune. “And I didn’t think it was anything inspiring, interesting worthwhile to obviously record and share with, but he indicated to me that unless we share our life story, then the younger generations, the succeeding generations would not understand what it took for us to be who we are and when we are and accomplish the things that we did accomplish, especially those who have ascended to the highest levels of society and, no, I’m talking about politics.”

Among those present at the book signing were former health ministers Dr Duane Sands, Renward Wells and South Beach MP Bacchus Rolle – all of whom congratulated Mr Lloyd on the book’s launch. The book can be purchased at Logos and Chapter One bookstores.

conversation he had with former Prime Minister Perry Christie.

FORMER Education Minister Jeff Lloyd

THE ROYAL Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) said it thwarted a large-scale migrant smuggling operation on Saturday when it intercepted 257 Haitian migrants in waters east of Northeast Point, Inagua.

Photo: RBDF

‘Showdown in Paradise’

By TENAJH SWEETING

The 2024 World Relays to be hosted on home soil at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium is already shaping up to be exciting but officials added another layer of excitement with the launch of the pregame show “Showdown in Paradise”.

The pregame show will feature champions from the 2024 CARIFTA Games, high schools and top competitors from the United States of America and Canada. There will also be special

appearances by Kids Athletics and Special Olympics on May 4-5.

Athletes from the Kids Athletics portion of the event will range from under-7 up to under-15 and will compete in shuttle hurdle relays. The top three finishers from the CARIFTA Games will also be in action as well as the top participants from the High School Nationals scheduled for this upcoming weekend. Pharez Cooper, former GBAAA president, talked about the exciting aspects of the pregame show. “What makes this year’s ‘Showdown in Paradise’ is we have invited champions from CARIFTA. The top three

finishers in each relay will come down to The Bahamas along with Central America, North America and countries like the USA and Canada. It’s a real ‘Showdown in Paradise’ for the penultimate

event to Paris. Our pregame show is built to be just as exciting or more exciting in my opinion than the actual World Relays events because we have countries that have already qualified at the CARIFTA Games,” Cooper said.

The pregame show will begin at 4pm and wrap up at 5:15pm on Saturday and Sunday.

The athletes in the under-11 to under-15 category will compete in the 4x100m relays. Meanwhile, in the invitational (co-ed) event, athletes are set to compete in the 4x100m and 4x400m mixed relays.

Laura Pratt-Charlton, who is the assistant CEO of the

Javonya Valcourt and Alonzo Russell take spotlight in US

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

QUARTER-milers

Javonya Valcourt and Alonzo Russell took the spotlight in various meets over the weekend in the United States as the outdoor season began to intensify for our collegiate and elite athletes.

Valcourt shines at Tennessee Invite

As the University of Tennessee closed out its home meet at the Tennessee Invite on Saturday, sophomore Valcourt clocked a lifetime best of 51.69 seconds to surpass her previous time of 52.12 as a freshman to win the women’s 400 metres over her senior team-mate Brianna White in 51.86, also a lifetime performance.

In the process, it turned out to be the number seven and eight best times respectively posted so far on the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s chart this year and it also puts Valcourt at No.4 and White at No.7 in the history of the Lady Vol’s women outdoor 400m.

World Relays, spoke about the excitement building ahead of “Showdown in Paradise”.

“It is expected to be very exciting. At the CARIFTA Games in Grenada recently, we would have seen exciting relays happen there. We have teams that have expressed interest and some were saying they want to bring teams for all three invitational events.

“We have teams like Grenada, Jamaica, Guadeloupe, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana. There was a buzz and countries who didn’t make the top three also asked that should we have a lane

Valcourt and Tennessee will be back in action this weekend at the Tom Jones Memorial in Gainesville, Florida from April 12-13 as they march towards the Southeast Conference (SEC) Championships from May 9-11 in Gainesville and the NCAA East Preliminary Rounds May 22-25 in Lexington, Kentucky, before it all culminates at the NCAA Championships June 5-8 in Eugene, Oregon.

Russell and Miller at Miramar Invitational As the elite athletes prepare to come home for the return of the World Athletics’ sixth World Relays at

the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium from May 4-5, Alonzo Russell and Wendell Miller packed a 1-2 punch at the 2024 Miramar Invitational at the Ansin Sports Complex in Miramar, Florida.

Russell, the Grand Bahamian native, won the men’s 400 metres in 35.35 seconds, while Miller, who is training in Jamaica,

BAHAMAS MANTAS WATER POLO TEAM MAKING A SPLASH

THE Bahamas Mantas water polo team returned to Florida for another tournament over the weekend and coach Lotty Borbely said he was quite pleased with the performances turned in.

For the first time since 2004, the Bahamas Mantas fielded a girls’ 15-andunder team, which placed fourth overall, while the 14-and-under co-ed was fifth and the 12-and-under co-ed was sixth. The team participated in the Rise Up Tournament in Clermont, Florida, from Friday to Sunday. “The girls’ team played very well,” Borbely said. “They played well against their opponents and gave us a fair chance of getting into the medal round, but we fell short at the end.”

got third in 46.00, both in their season’s best times. Splitting the pair of Bahamians for second was Alex Ogando of the Dominican Republic in 45.36.

Charisma Taylor posted a fourth-place finish in the women’s 100m hurdles as she completed the 10 flights of hurdles in a season’s best of 12.98. American Alaysha Johnson took the tape in 12.80. Great Britain’s Cindy Sember was second in 12.83 and American Amber Hughes was third in 12.94. Taylor also ran the seventh fastest qualifying time of 13.17 in the preliminaries of the women’s 100m, but she opted not to compete in the final. In the

THE SPORTS CALENDAR

ROAD RACE:

MOTHER ME MINISTRY

THE Mother Me Ministries presents a fun run/walk race on Saturday, April 13, starting at 5:30am at Goodman’s Bay. The race will travel to Sandyport and return to Goodman’s Bay where free glucose and blood pressure testing will take place. The entry fee is $25 per person and $20 each for groups of 10 or more. Interested persons can call 324-0034.

VOLLEYBALL: BBSF TOURNEY

April, 2024

team for a total of 12 players. Awards will be presented to the winners at the completion of the tournament.

FAST TRACK INVITATIONAL

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

The girls 15-and-under team played their third place game yesterday, but lost 11-5 to the Brooklyn Hustle. “I was satisfied by the performances of the 14-and-under co-ed team. It was just unfortunate that we couldn’t finish higher,” Borbely said.

THE Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation is set to hold its final registration meeting for for all churches wishing to participate in its volleyball tournament at 7pm on Thursday, April 18.

“We finished third in our division, but the top two teams in the two divisions

The tournament is scheduled for April 24-27 at the DW Davis Gymnasium. The registration fee is $200 per

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

THIRD ANNUAL

BASEBALL TOURNAMENT A HUGE SUCCESS

THE third annual Reloaded Invitational Baseball Tournament at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex turned out to be a huge success, according to tournament director Peron Burnside.

A total of 21 teams participated in the tournament in the various divisions last weekend. Among the teams were the following:

T-ball Division: Reloaded, coached by Kenue McPhee; I-Elite Sports, coached by Jarvis Miller and Showboys, coached by Jerard Darville. Coach Pitch Division: Reloaded, coached by Kenneilis Gibson and Ultimate Champions Sports, coached by Clarence McKenzie.

10-under division: Reloaded Red team, coached by James Clarke; Reloaded blue team, cvosache by Almond Davis; Grand Bahama Little League, coached by Carl Nottage and Ultimate Champions, coached by Clarence McKenzie.

14-under division: Reloaded team, coached by Javado Baqibn; AYBL Warriors, coached by Troy Feaste; Grand Bahama All-Stars, coached by Donovan Clarke and Team Black, coached by Garvin Williams. Softball Division

15-and-under: Reloaded, coached by Coach Bowe; I-Bap, coached by Dachye Stubbs and AYBSL Pink Panthers, coached by George Murray. 18-and-under: Reloaded, coached by Coach Bowe and Yvana McDonald and I-Bap, coached by Dayche Stubbs. “There were four teams who travelled from Abaco and Grand Bahama to participate in our tournament,” Burside said. “It was a great weekend of competitive games for the kids, of which they thoroughly enjoyed.” The champions of the various divisions were as follows” T-ball division - I-Elite Sports, coached by Jasrvin Miller.

12-under division: Reloaded Red, coached by Stephen Curtus Jr; Reloaded blue team, coached by Tameko Smith and Mario Ford Baseball Camp, coached by Mario Ford.

Coach Pitch Division - Ultimate Champions Sports, coached by Clarence McKenzie. 10-and-under division - Ultimate Champions, coached by Clarence McKenziue. 12-and-under divisionReloaded Red, coached by Stephen Curtis. 14-and-under divisionGrand Bahama All-Stars, coached by Donovan.

Softball 13-and-under - Reloaded, coached by Coach Bowe and Yvana McDonald.

Softball 15-and-underI-Bap, coached by Dayche Stubbs.

“Reloaded’s sole focus is on developing all of our kids in the programme in softball and baseball to reach their international standards and a key component in doing this is increasing the amount of games/competitive play that we can achieve for them” Burnside said.

“We live streamed our games this year and we will continue to raise the bar for the sole benefit of the kids. We have now been engaged by Academies out of

Rockets eliminated from the playoffs as Mavericks win in overtime 147-136

DALLAS (AP) — Kyrie Irving scored a season-high 48 points, Dante Exum forced overtime with a buzzer-beating 3-pointer and the Dallas Mavericks rallied from 22 points down for a 147-136 victory over the Houston Rockets yesterday.

Luka Doncic had 37 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds as the Mavericks took another step toward the fifth seed in the Western Conference playoffs.

Dillon Brooks scored a season-high 29 points, and Fred VanVleet had 24 points and 12 assists for the Rockets, who were eliminated from postseason contention after not trailing until the final three minutes of regulation. It was a fifth consecutive loss for Houston following an 11-game winning streak that is tied for the longest in the NBA this season.

With Houston leading by three with 8.3 seconds to go in regulation, Jabari Smith Jr. missed two free throws. Dallas was out of timeouts, and Exum scrambled up the court and passed to Doncic. The Dallas superstar dribbled toward midcourt and faked a shot before passing to Exum, whose 3 over Smith beat the buzzer. Irving, who scored 25 points in fourth quarter and overtime, put Dallas ahead for good in the extra period at 133-131 with two free throws.

CLIPPERS 120, CAVALIERS 118

LOS ANGELES (AP)

— Paul George scored 23 of his 39 points in the fourth quarter, James Harden added 22 and Los Angeles rallied to beat Cleveland for their 50th victory.

Los Angeles overcame a 26-point deficit for the third-largest comeback victory in franchise history.

Terance Mann hit a tying 3-pointer and Amir Coffey followed with a 3 to give the Clippers their first lead since late in the first quarter, 118-115. Jarrett Allen completed a three-point play to tie it at 118. After a timeout, George hit a jumper for a 120-118 lead with seven seconds left.

Darius Garland drove the lane and got blocked by Paul, but the Cavs got the offensive rebound. Max Strus put up a desperation shot from the right corner, falling down by the Clippers bench as it missed with time expired.

The Clippers reached the 50-win mark for the first time since 2016-17 when they had 51.

PACERS 117, HEAT 115

INDIANAPOLIS (AP)

— Myles Turner finished with 22 points and 13 rebounds, T.J. McConnell added 22 points and Indiana hung on to strengthen their playoff prospects with a victory over Miami.

The Pacers have won four of five to take a 1 1/2-game lead over the Heat for the Eastern Conference’s sixth and final guaranteed playoff spot.

Jimmy Butler had 27 points, seven rebounds and seven assists for the Heat.

Tyler Herro scored 21 points but had a made free throw erased because of a lane violation on Kevin Love with 3.6 seconds to go and the Heat down two.

Bam Adebayo and Caleb Martin each scored 20 and Adebayo had 12 rebounds for Miami, which lost for just the second time in six games as it tries to avoid staying in the league’s PlayIn tournament.

Indiana never trailed over the final 45 1/2 minutes, but Miami certainly made it difficult late. The Heat cut the deficit to one twice in the final 3 1/2 minutes, but the Pacers answered both times on a festive day for Pacers fans.

THUNDER 121, HORNETS 118

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Josh Giddey had 20 points, 13 assists and 13 rebounds for his 11th career triple-double, Isaiah Joe had two key 3-pointers in the final 1:30 and Oklahoma City beat Charlotte to snap a three-game losing streak.

The Thunder had lost their previous three games — their longest skid of the season — with stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams out with injuries. But Aaron Wiggins stepped up with 26 points and Chet Holmgren had 20 points and 10 rebounds as the Thunder escaped with a win when the cold-shooting Brandon Miller missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer that would have sent it to overtime.

Grant Williams led the Hornets with 19 points, and Vasa Micic had 17 points and 10 assists.

MAGIC 113, BULLS 98 ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Paolo Banchero scored 24 points, Jalen Suggs

added 19 and Orlando kept up a playoff push that could land them as high as second in the Eastern Conference with a win over Chicago.

The Magic (46-32) moved into at least a tie for third place in the East by completing a four-game sweep of the Bulls. DeMar DeRozan had 30 points for the Bulls and Javonte Green, starting for the first time this season in place of injured forward Alex Caruso, added 15 points and eight rebounds. The Bulls, locked into the bottom half of the Eastern Conference playin bracket with four games left to play, shot 50.7% from the field but had 21 turnovers.

Green, coming off a career-high 25 points in a win over New York on Friday night after spending most of the season in the G League, shot 6 for 7 in 22 minutes.

PELICANS 113, SUNS 105

PHOENIX (AP) — C.J. McCollum scored 31 points, Zion Williamson had 29 and New Orleans beat Phoenix, leaving the teams tied for the sixth and final guaranteed Western Conference playoff spot. Both teams are 46-32 with four games remaining, two games behind fifthplace Dallas. The Suns own the tiebreaker, having won the season series 2-1.

Williamson, who sat out Friday night in a loss at San Antonio because of a finger injury, also had 10 rebounds and seven assists as the Pelicans snapped a four-game losing streak and moved to 25-14 on the road. Their next three games are also away from home before finishing at home next Sunday against the Los Angeles Lakers. Devin Booker scored 25 points for Phoenix, but was 0 for 6 from 3-point range. In his previous three games against the Pelicans, he scored 50 or more points, including a 52-point game

Monday night in New Orleans. Bradley Beal led Phoenix with 33 points, making 7 of 8 3-pointers — the rest of the Suns combined for seven. Kevin Durant scored 23 points and Grayson Allen finished with 11. Jusuf Nurkic had 10 rebounds.

KNICKS 122, BUCKS 109

MILWAUKEE (AP)

— Jalen Brunson scored 43 points and New York surged in the second half to win and Milwaukee their fourth consecutive loss.

The Bucks are facing their longest losing streak of the season and also have dropped six of their last seven.

Milwaukee is a game ahead of the Knicks and Orlando Magic in the race for the Eastern Conference’s No. 2 playoff seed behind the Boston Celtics. At least this loss came to a team with a winning record. The Bucks’ current slide started with losses to the Washington Wizards, Memphis Grizzlies and Toronto Raptors, who are all well below .500.

Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo had 28 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists in his return to action after missing the Bucks’ 117-111 loss to the Raptors on Friday due to an issue with his left hamstring. This marked just the fourth time in the last 29 games that the Bucks’ top three players – Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton –were all available.

KINGS 107, NETS 77

NEW YORK (AP) — Domantas Sabonis had 18 points and 20 rebounds to extend his streak of double-doubles to 61 games, and Sacramento routed Brooklyn. De’Aaron Fox scored 20 points for the Kings, who improved to 45-33 and stopped a two-game slide that had dropped them into ninth in the Western Conference.

Sabonis owns the seventh-longest streak of double-doubles in NBA history, having moved past Elvin Hayes’ stretch of 60 straight from October 30, 1968, to Feb. 22, 1969.

Keegan Murray added 19 points for the Kings, while Trey Lyles had 14 and Davion Mitchell chipped in 12 off the bench.

Cam Thomas scored 21 points for the Nets, who had won two straight. Trendon Watford had 16 and Jalen Wilson finished with 11. 76ERS 133, SPURS 126, 2OT SAN ANTONIO (AP)

— Tyrese Maxey had a career-high 52 points and injury-depleted Philadelphia overcame Victor Wembanyama and San Antonio in double overtime for their fifth straight victory.

Wembanyama had 33 points, 18 rebounds and seven blocks. Philadelphia star Joel Embiid sat out the second night of a back-to-back. He had played three straight after missing 29 games because of a torn meniscus in his left knee.

Maxey reached 50 or more for the third time this season, joining Embiid, Allen Iverson and Wilt Chamberlain as the only players in franchise history to accomplish the feat.

Maxey had 50 points against Indiana on Nov. 12, and 51 at Utah on Feb. 1. On Sunday, he was 19 for 41 from the field, 2 of 10 on 3-pointers and made 10 free throws without a mess. After San Antonio took a 126-123 lead, the 76ers finished the game on a 10-0 run.

RAPTORS 130, WIZARDS 122

TORONTO (AP) — Immanuel Quickley had a season-high 31 points and 13 assists, RJ Barrett scored 22 points, and Toronto beat Washington, handing the slumping Wizards their franchise-worst 64th loss of the season.

Kelly Olynyk scored 21 points and Gary Trent Jr. had 20 as the Raptors snapped an eight-game home losing streak and got consecutive wins for the first time since a threegame streak Feb. 22-26. Quickley went 10 for 10 at the free-throw line for the Raptors, who stopped a 15-game losing streak on Thursday by winning 117111 at Milwaukee.

Deni Avdija had 32 points and 10 rebounds, and Jordan Poole added 20 points and 12 assists for Washington. Corey Kispert scored 21 points and Patrick Baldwin had a season-best 16 points and a career-high 11 rebounds, but the Wizards lost for the sixth time in seven.

Washington lost 63 games in 2000-01 and again in 2008-09. The Wizards have three games remaining.

NPBA: CB/YES GIANTS RETURN TO THE FINALS

FROM PAGE 14

start early and our goal is to win. This just gets us one step closer to it but it is always good to be back in the championships because it lets you know that you are doing something the right way,” he said. The division one defending champions dominated their fellow team in a wireto-wire victory to advance which Thompson described as a “bittersweet” feeling.

“It was bittersweet. We practiced against this team all year and kind of watched them grow and it is unfortunate we were matched up against them. However, we came here and we are on a mission and we had to close them out and do our jobs,” Thompson said. On the hardwood, the CB Giants closed out the

TMT Giants in emphatic fashion and Dylan Musgrove led the charge. The Giants’ veteran scored a game-high 22 points complemented by 7 rebounds and 4 dimes. Musgrove shot 10-for-14 from the field and splashed two three-pointers from deep.

In just under 15 minutes of playing time, Jackson Jacob dropped 17 points in the blowout win.

The defending champions opened the game with a strong 33-2 run making the victory a foregone conclusion from the first quarter. The TMT Giants then trailed by 38 points going into the halftime break but the game was already out of reach.

The 2023 NPBA division one champions were a tier above the TMT Giants in nearly all statistical categories. They outrebounded

the TMT Giants 58 to 40. They scored 21 points off turnovers compared to just 8 earned by the competitors.

Additionally, the CB Giants capitalised on second chance points 23 to 8.

Next up for the CB Giants will be the winner of the Sand Dollar High Flyers versus the Discount Distributors Liquors Rockets series.

Division Two

The YES Giants brought out the brooms to send the Rockets packing in a 3-0 series sweep.

Head coach Mark Hanna, who also played for the TMT Giants, said the team is looking to complete the three-peat. “We should be victorious once the guys stay together. We do not know who is gonna win on the other

side yet but we are gonna come out to play and try to three-peat and celebrate,” Hanna said.

The 2023 NPBA division two champions willed their way to the finals once again and Hanna gave insight on what was the difference maker in the series. “I think the difference was more exposure. The Giants’ guys play a high level of high school basketball and some of the guys play in college. They have played at a high level before so at this stage it is very easy right now,” he said. Brandon Strachan gave the Rockets’ defence problems all night long. He mailed in a game-high 29 points, pulled down 8 boards and picked up 3 steals in the win. The Rockets kept the game close going into

halftime trailing by just 7 (39-32).

However, the Giants kicked it into high gear in the second half and outscored their opponent 47-42.

The YES Giants had the biggest lead of the game in the third quarter where they led by 19 (64-45).

Defensively, the Giants picked off the ball 19 times which translated to the 22 points from turnovers. They also scored 16 second chance points compared to 12 earned by the Rockets.

Davito McIntosh went down swinging for the Rockets. He dropped 28 points and 8 rebounds in the losing effort.

The YES Giants will now await the winner of the Cyber Tech Blue Marlins versus the Produce Express Rockets semifinals round.

BOSTON (AP) — Jaylen

Brown scored 26 points and reached 10,000 in his NBA career, leading the Boston Celtics past the Portland Trail Blazers 124-107 last night for their 13th straight home victory.

Kristaps Porzingis had his third straight doubledouble with 12 points and 10 boards in just 27 minutes for NBA-leading Boston.

Payton Pritchard scored 20 points, Derrick White had 15 and Jrue Holiday 12 for the Celtics, who have won 14 of their last 16 overall.

Dalano Banton led Portland with 28 points and Deandre Ayton had 22 points and 14 rebounds.

Jabari Walker added 14 points and 18 rebounds for the Trail Blazers, who finished 2-5 on their sevengame road trip.

Celtics star Jayson Tatum sat out because of a right knee contusion. It was the sixth game missed for the team’s leading scorer (27.0 points per game).

Boston locked up the league’s best record and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs last week.

Playing in his eighth season, the 27-year-old Brown reached 10,000 points with a driving lefthanded scoop shot in the opening minute of the second half.

During the game’s next timeout, the PA announcer informed the crowd that he reached the milestone and the TD Garden crowd gave him a standing ovation. He walked onto the court, waved and smiled before play resumed.

Boston was up by eight in the final quarter before putting it away with consecutive 3-pointers from Sam Hauser and Xavier Tillman that closed a 12-0 spree, making it 112-94 with just over four minutes left.

The Celtics took the lead on Brown’s basket late in the first quarter and never trailed again.

During pregame lineup introductions, the Celtics congratulated Portland coach Chauncey Billups on being elected into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Billups and Vince Carter headed a 13-member class that was announced Saturday.

Early in the first quarter, Boston welcomed back former centre Robert Williams III along with guard Malcolm Brogdon. Both were traded to Portland in an offseason deal that landed them Holiday. There was a picture of Williams with his nickname “Time Lord” on the video board.

TRAIL Blazers centre Deandre Ayton. (AP Photo/J Kupferman)

THIS handout photo provided by the Dallas Mavericks shows Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) shooting against Houston Rockets defenders Jalen Green (4) and Cam Whitmore (7) during the first half of an NBA basketball game yesterday in Dallas. (Dallas Mavericks via AP)

MANTAS

played for first place and the two second place teams played for third and fourth. We had the best record in third place in the two divisions, so we got fifth place. It was unfortunate that we didn’t play for first, second or third.”

As for the 12-and-under team, Borbely said he couldn’t ask for anything more.

“This is a very young team. The players are just starting to play together, so I am very happy with their performances as well. They played very well.” Borbely summed up.

“We had a goalie who played extremely well for the first time. We had a couple of players who also played for the first time and a couple of players who played on the team before. All I wanted from them was to be disciplined and just play. They did that. So I am okay with their sixth place.”

It’s expected that Bahamas Mantas will prepare to take all three teams to another tournament in Curacao in July. “We like when we can separate the team by age,” Borbely said. “That’s a good opportunity for us to go there and compete.”

• Here’s a look at the games the Bahamas Mantas played in the tournament: Friday

Girls 15-and-underBahamas Mantas def. Orlando Thunder 10-6. 12-and-under - Jax Gaitor def. Bahamas Mantas 15-10; CT Premier def. Bahamas Mantas 17-8. Saturday 14-and-under under co-ed - Riptide def. Bahamas Mantas 15-12 and Bahamas Mantas def. Raiders 26-12.

12-and-under co-edJax Gator def. Bahamas Mantas 15-10; Girls 15-and-under - Brooklyn Hustle def. Bahamas Mantas 10-5 and Bahamas Mantas def. Orlando Thunder 19-11. Sunday Girls 15-and-under - Brooklyn Hustle def. Bahamas Mantas 11-5 for third place.. 14-and-under - Bahamas Mantas routed Ja Gator 21-10 12-and-under fifth place - Encantada def. the Bahamas Mantas 10-7.

Paityn Burrows was the top scorer for the girls 15-and-under, Shanterro Knowles led the 14-andunder co-ed and Jacob Johnson, Dalane Philipps and Asher Brown combined for the 12-and-under co-ed team. The other members travelling in the contingent were Kayjah Sylvain, Alkayna Darling, Chelsea Smith, Joyelle Brown, India Jones, Durmani Stubbs, Meghan Smith, Gabrielle McKenzie, La’Mya Bodie, Jamar Bienamie, Jayden Smith, Isiah Colon, Jaylen Rahming, Caylen Brown, Landon Sumner, Kaedan Hackett, Jahmahl Wilson, Krishna Rolle and Owen McKenzie. Borbely was assisted by Wandalee Burrows and Logan Carey, a former national team member. The team is scheduled to return home tonight.

WORLD RELAYS

or two open, that they be included. We are excited that we will have those persons coming,” Charlton said.

“We will have our high school athletes. We will have another GSSSA, another BAISS challenge coming up in those relays with our high school students. It is expected to be a very exciting event, maybe even more than the actual relays. We are encouraging persons to come out and support our athletes in the pregame show,” she added.

The high school relay teams will include the top three finishers from New Providence, two teams from Grand Bahama and one team from Abaco. Drumeco Archer, president of the BAAA and CEO of the World Relays, described the upcoming pregame show as exciting. “The pregame show is set to be one of the most exciting events. In fact, in our local environment this is probably gonna be the most sought after event since many of our Bahamians who follow track and field locally will see some of the best athletes that we would’ve produced in this edition of these games. “I like this event as the DNA of track and field where the priority of the federation is to ensure that this becomes a legacy of our sport. Long after the relays have come and gone we can look forward to having an event that showcases not only our junior athletes but also to consider the future of our sport which would be our Kids Athletics programme. It is in direct alignment with what we hope to achieve as a federation that continues to grow and to develop young and ambitious dreams of becoming one of the best countries in track and field,” he said. The Bahamas will be hosting the World Relays for a fourth time.

ATHLETES OVERSEAS

FROM PAGE 14

men’s 200m, Ian Kerr placed 11.58. The race was won by American Kenny Bednarek in 20.23 with fellow American Christian Coleman as the runnerup in 20.43 and Jamaican Rusheen McDonald third in 21.09.

The athletes are preparing to represent the Bahamas against the world at the World Relays as spots for the men and women 4 x 100 and 4 x 400m relays as well as the mixed relay will be booked for the big showdown at the Olympic Games in Paris, France, July 26 to August 11.

Jackson leads the way at Hurricane Invite

At the Hurricane Alumni Invitational at the Cobb Stadium in Coral Gables, Florida, Calea Jackson, a freshman at the University of Miami, tossed the discus 161-feet, 10-inches or 49.32 metres on her second attempt for sixth place.

The winning throw came from Maura Huwalt, who competed unattached, with

188-1 (57.32m) on her third attempt.

Sasha Wells, competing unattached, was 12th in the women’s 100m hurdles in 14.20 after placing sixth in her heat, won by the overall champion Yanique Thompson from Jamaica in 13.02.

Kunal Bain, competing in the men’s 100m, placed 23rd overall in a time of 10.94 after he was third in his heat, won by Amiri Prescod, a sophomore at Villanova, in 10.68. American Fred Kerley won the overall title in 10.11.

Bain was also 21st in the 200m in 22.08 for another third in his heat, won by Montreal Bennett, a sophomore at Bethune-Cookman, in 21.52.

The winning time overall was 20.77 by Jackson Clarke, a freshman at Princeton, in 20.77.

And Xavier Coakley, running unattached, was eighth in the men’s 110m hurdles in 14.45 after he placed seventh in his heat that was won by the overall winner Rasheem Brown of the Cayman Islands in 13.77.

Miller third at Gamecock Also competing over the weekend at the Gamecock

Invitational in Columbia, South Carolina, Shaun

Miller Jr, now in his senior year at Ohio State, cleared 6-07 (2.01m) on his first attempt for third place in the men’s high jump.

The winning leap was 6-11 (2.11m) by Channing Ferguson, followed by Nathanil Figgers, with 6-09 (2.06m) in a 1-2 sweep for South Carolina. Miller Jr and the Buckeyes will compete again this weekend between the Tom Jones Memorial in Gainesville, Florida and the Bryan Clay Invite in Azusa, California. Stubbs and company at Arkansas Invite Keithwood Stubbs, a junior, led the way for a few Bahamians from Oral Roberts with 11th place in the men’s long jump with 20-1 3/4 (6.14m) at the Arkansas Spring Invitational at the John McDonnell Field at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Also competing was Ethan Hanna, a senior at Oral Roberts, who finished 20th in the men’s 400m in 51.59. Evan Sanni-Thomas, a junior at Tulsa, won the

BAHAMAS Mantas 15-and-under girls team.

BAHAMAS Mantas co 12-and-under team.

BAHAMAS Mantas co under-14 and-under team.

BAHAMAS Mantas girls 15-and-under team.

BAHAMAS Mantas 14-and-under co-ed team.

BAHAMAS Mantas 12-and-under under-12 co-ed team.