05242024 NEWS AND SPORT

The Tribune

FTX’S $675K LINK TO GOVT OFFICIALS

Payouts included $500k ‘purported donation’, says US-appointed examiner

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

FTX and its jailed founder, Sam BankmanFried, paid $675,000 to “entities affiliated with high-ranking Bahamian government officials and their families”, it was revealed yesterday. Robert Cleary, the examiner appointed by the US Justice Department trustee to investigate the crypto exchange’s collapse, revealed that one “purported donation” totalled $500,000 as the probe into the multi-billion dollar fraud inched a step closer to the Bahamian political and official elite.

CHANGES TO UB GRADUATION LOCATION UPSETS GRADUATES

By KEILE CAMPBELL kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

SUDDEN changes to the University of The Bahamas’ upcoming graduation ceremony prompted frustration and anger from graduates yesterday. The graduation ceremony was initially scheduled for May 30 at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium. However, students reportedly learned on Wednesday night that because the stadium is being renovated, it will be held at the Atlantis Ball Room at 2pm. Graduates were told they could only invite two to four people. The students were reportedly told that when the room, which can sit 5,000 people, reaches capacity,

More FNM members throw support behind incumbent leader Pintard

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

MORE members of the Free National Movement who former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis

appointed to Cabinet threw their support behind Michael Pintard yesterday ahead of the upcoming oneday convention. Former Minister of Tourism and Aviation Dionisio D’Aguilar said it is time for

Dr Minnis and his successor, Philip “Brave” Davis, “to go home” and let a new generation lead.

Meanwhile, former Minister of National Security

‘NO MORE THAN FIVE’ RBDF OFFICERS GOING TO HAITI

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

ROYAL Bahamas Defence Force Commodore Raymond King said he expects “no more than five members” of the force to be sent to Haiti to help with peacekeeping efforts as part of an international team. His comments are the latest example of how the Davis administration’s

plans to help Haiti have evolved since officials committed last year to sending 150 troops to the country as part of a multinational security force. The plans have quietly changed from expecting to send troops to Haiti to hardly sending anyone at all.

Some Kenyan

MOM ACCUSED OF FAILURE TO REPORT ABUSE OF HER CHILD

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MOTHER was remanded in custody yesterday after she was accused of failing to report the molestation of her daughter earlier this month.

Assistant Chief Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans charged the 39-year-old woman, whose name is being withheld to protect the identity of the child, with mandatory reporting of child abuse and deceit of a public officer.

RBDF Commodore Raymond King

FNM leader Michael Pintard greeting supporters as he enters the room at the British Colonial Hotel last night.

Photo: Tameka Petit-Homme

More FNM members throw support behind incumbent leader Pintard

from

Marvin Dames said he is confident Mr Pintard could give the FNM a shot to win the next general election. He said he told Dr Minnis leaders in democracies rarely get a chance to lead twice.

The men spoke to reporters during an event at the British Colonial Hotel for those who endorsed Mr Pintard’s bid to remain leader.

The event attracted dozens of former cabinet ministers, former parliamentarians, supporters and delegates, suggesting Dr Minnis faces an uphill battle wrestling the leadership from Mr Pintard.

“I am of the view that the country needs to make a generational shift,” Mr D’Aguilar said. “You’ve got Dr Minnis, and you’ve got Brave Davis, who in the next election will be 73 and 75 respectively. So they are coming to the country to serve from 75 to 80 and 73 to 78. We need a generational shift.

“It’s time for a young, energetic, full of ideas, youthful person to assume the leadership in all the parties and come up with a plan to seismically change our country. We’ve got a lot of problems and this current crop of leaders have really run out of ideas and are tired. And, as my mother used to say, it’s time for them to go home now.”

Since the last general election, Mr Pintard has struggled to unify the party, but the endorsement from

members who served under Dr Minnis reflects the view that Mr Pintard has most of the support of delegates and is favoured to win at the convention.

Mr Dames, who was seen as a close ally of Dr Minnis, said he called the former prime minister before attending last night’s event to inform him that he was supporting Mr Pintard. He declined to discuss Dr Minnis’ response.

“I think that in Michael, we have an opportunity to shift the tide,” Mr Dames said. “Leadership in any democracy, it’s a very serious thing and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I indicated that to Minnis, that very seldom do you have an opportunity to do it twice and so, you have to make the first time count because these are very serious and very precious positions. When you serve, you serve to win, and oftentimes those who do get a second term are those who put out a platform at the end of the day and they have a success.”

“We had a very difficult election last time and still, there are a lot of persons who still reflect on it and are still hurt by it for whatever reasons.”

Former Speaker of the House Alvin Smith, former Centerville MP Reece Chipman, and former managing director of the Disaster Reconstruction Unit Katherine ForbesSmith were among those who attended yesterday’s endorsement event.

FNM’S THRASH MCCARTNEY’S PLAN TO REJOIN PARTY IF MINNIS WINS

FREE National Move-

ment supporters thrashed former Branville McCartney for saying he would rejoin the FNM if former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis wins next month’s leadership race against Michael Pintard.

Former Bain and Grants Town MP Travis Robinson said Mr McCartney, the former leader of the Democratic National Alliance, is “no FNM” and has damaged the party’s reputation in the past.

“He ran against the FNM in the third party, the DNA, against the FNM in 2012,” Mr Robison noted during an event at the British

Colonial Hotel. “They basically hindered the FNM’s prospects of becoming government in 2012, so an individual who damaged the party’s reputation to become government does not have the right and the luxury to dictate who should lead the same party that he attempted to take down. So when he reapplies to the FNM and once again becomes a member of the Free National Movement, then he can give advice.”

FNM chairman Dr Duane Sands condemned Mr McCartney’s comments, saying his successor in the DNA, Arinthia Komolafe, was a better catch.

Pintard: Membership and morale improved after Minnis stepped down

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard said his party’s membership and morale have significantly increased since Dr Hubert Minnis stepped down as leader.

“Without question, we had a number of persons who have returned home to the party,” he said yesterday during a guest appearance on Guardian Radio, Z Live: Off the Record with host Zhivargo Laing. His comments came ahead of the FNM’s June 1 convention.

“The truth is our longest serving prime minister returned on multiple occasions to functions that we have had,” he said.

“He had not been in the headquarters for, I think he said, about nine years, and when he came, he brought in a portion of his ecosystem because when individuals are not engaged

in the work of the party, it’s not confined to them but to those persons around them as well. So, he brought with him his sphere of influence.”

Mr Pintard expressed confidence that he will maintain the party’s leadership, saying the Bahamian people have responded to the “difference in style of leadership”.

“I’ve spoken to all 24 of the constituencies here in New Providence. Unless people are absolutely duplicitous, I firmly believe that we have the majority of the support of the Nassau associations in terms of 50 per cent plus one, and I am being very conservative.”

Mr Pintard noted that several former cabinet ministers have endorsed him. Brensil Rolle, Pakeisa Parker-Edgecombe, Darren Henfield, Dion Foulkes, and Elsworth Johnson all told The Tribune on Wednesday that they support Mr Pintard. Peter Turnquest, Dr Duane Sands and Brent

Symonette had previously endorsed Mr Pintard.

Asked by a caller what he would have done differently in the Minnis administration, he said:

“One of the things that I would have done more of, I believe, is to collaborate with agencies and individuals that make the government load lighter and who themselves have resources that whatever the government’s spend is to be expanded and to reach far more people.

“Secondly, collaborative leadership was badly needed in the aftermath of Dorian. So to the extent that I would have been able to collaborate with members of the private sector, non-governmental organisations, former prime ministers who have sat in the chair and who themselves have a network of persons locally and internationally, resources that they could call on, guidance that they could provide, I would have been open to fittings on that.”

FNM leader Michael Pintard speaking to supporters as he prepares for elections at the party’s one-day convention in June.

Photos: Tameka Petit-Homme

‘No more than five’ RBDF officers going to Haiti

commanders who are leading the mission arrived in Haiti this week to begin their assessments.

Commodore King reiterated yesterday that the RBDF would help with maritime training but said this would happen at the force’s base in New Providence, not Haiti.

“There’s no training to occur in Haiti,” he said. “Such training, once approved, will be conducted in New Providence on board HMBS Coral Harbour.”

“We intend to execute maritime security operations between the borders of Haiti and Southeastern Bahamas.”

He said a small team that goes to Haiti would only assist with administrative matters.

“Our footprint will be no more probably than five members as a part of the administration or the joint taskforce organisation, and that’s primarily because the government would’ve declared formally to the UN Secretary-General that The Bahamas will support the mission and therefore, it puts an obligation on us to have some person as part of the administrative structure, but we wouldn’t be involved in any security operations in Haiti,” he said.

Last month, former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis criticised the Davis administration over its “inconsistent” comments and changing details about the mission.

“The initial statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on August 1, 2023, just said we would send 150 people to support the multinational force,” he said in the House of Assembly.

“Days later, the minister of national security said in a statement released to the media that if deployed the Bahamian troops would offer technical assistance and training to the Haitian National Police. Fast forward a year, the minister of national security told The Nassau Guardian on March 6, 2024, that the Bahamian troops would be involved with maritime security.”

CHANGES TO UB GRADUATION LOCATION UPSETS GRADUATES

guests would stay in an overflow room and watch the graduation virtually.

Students said information about the changed arrangements did not come from UB officials but was leaked to them. UB officials, they said, planned to inform them of the changes during a rehearsal yesterday evening.

The university did not respond to questions from The Tribune before press time.

Office of the Prime Minister director of communications Latrae Rahming said on X, the website formerly known as Twitter, that the Ministry of Works previously said construction work at the Thomas A Robinson Stadium would happen immediately after the

completion of the World Relays to ensure the project meets its deadline.

He said the university was told the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium could be used for the ceremony “subject to some slight measures to protect the infield diamond”.

He said ultimately, deciding where to host the event was up to UB. Graduates complained about being informed of the changes late. An education major said relatives from the Family Islands made arrangements based on the original 6pm time, not the new 2pm time. She said her relatives would miss the ceremony because of the change.

A person getting a degree in business administration and computer information

services said she invited more than 30 relatives to her graduation, with plane tickets already purchased and Airbnb rentals booked ahead of time.

“It affects me so much to the point where I feel like I’m going to be at a terrible loss of funds at this point,” she said.

Chair of the UB Alumni Association Jazmine Romer-Rolle called the situation “very unfortunate”.

“From what I understand the notice was only given to the university recently,” she said. “I cannot exactly say which date it was that it was given, but I know that it was just a few days ago.

“It wasn’t as if they knew this a long time now because as far as I knew, I had always understood it to be held at the stadium.”

Bastian retiring after 24 years as auditor general

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

TERRANCE Bastian is retiring as auditor general after 24 years in the position.

During his time in the key watchdog position, his office often released reports that were critical of fiscal management under both PLP and FNM administrations.

He recently drew criticism after his office released reports into last year’s CARIFTA and Jubilee Games.

Mr Bastian said he is satisfied with his tenure and reached the retirement age.

During his time, he advocated for more funding from the government and achieved limited success in this regard.

“The basic need really is resources, and those resources are personnel, bodies, persons and increased technology so that we could be more efficient and effective in producing our reports,” he told reporters during a rare interview last year.

He said his office had 40 auditors responsible for auditing more than 70 government departments.

RBDF COMMODORE RAYMOND KING

Police say they are investigating claim officers took $9,000 from couple’s home

By KEILE CAMPBELL kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

DEPUTY Commis-

sioner of Police Leamond

Delevaux said police are investigating a claim that

$9,000 went missing from a couple’s home after police searched the house as part of a drug and weapons investigation.

The couple, Marvin Deveaux, 58, and his wife, Aynalel Deveaux, have hired a lawyer.

They said their home was searched last Thursday.

When they realised their money was missing, the went to police headquarters and filed a complaint.

“This crime unit or whatever it is a corrupt unit,”

Mr Deveaux said yesterday.

“They gonna have to talk to me, man, cause they ain’t making any sense.”

“That put me back, man, my wife and I, and that money they took were all in American currencies.”

He said he and his wife planned to travel to Turkey where his wife would donate one of her kidneys in exchange for one that matches her husband.

He said he and his wife had been saving the money for a long time after he had been on dialysis for 19

years. He said his wife told officers when they showed up that the money was for an important thing.

“They knew that, and that’s the most hurtful part in this,” said Mr Deveaux, who said he gets dialysis treatment every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

“I don’t wanna be rude with them, cause I’m gonna be impatient with that type of wybe, so rather than me being impatient, like I say, I’m gonna take a lawyer with me,” he said.

“If I was to let this slide and say man don’t watch nothing, they gonna make it a habit.”

Mr Deveaux revealed that when he tried to provide names and details of which unit performed the search on his home, an officer questioned how he received the information.

“All them gonna work together regardless of what team or unit they work with,” he said. “And I ain’t mad at them, that’s whatever they dealing with, but me as a bredrin, I have to represent this wybe cause they feel as if I ain’t been to them in a week now, I being easy. But now. Easy? No man.”

POLICE ARREST A MAN AFTER SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOUR NEAR A BANK AT OLD FORT BAY

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

POLICE arrested a man after an incident at an RBC bank near Old Fort Bay yesterday. Amid claims of an attempted armed robbery, RBC’s senior manager of corporate communications Andrew Knowles clarified that there was no such incident at the company’s Old Fort Bay location but a situation developed in the parking lot that prompted police involvement.

The two men, aged 59 and 29, are in stable condition in the hospital after the shooting.

The men from a private firm were preparing to deposit two bags of money in a bank when a gunman came out of a car and demanded cash. One of the officers was robbed of a bag containing an undisclosed amount of cash.

The Tribune understands the suspects did not enter the bank but after behaving suspiciously, people called the police, who intercepted them as they left the area. The scare comes after two security officers were shot during an armed robbery in the Palmdale area on Tuesday.

MAN SHOT IN AREA OF GREYS TERRACE

A MAN has been shot in an incident off Bernard Road. As The Tribune went to press, there were few details about the Greys Terrace shooting. An ambulance was seen rushing from the scene. The victim’s condition was unknown. For more, see www.tribune242. com.

THE MINISTRY of Health & Wellness in conjunction with the Disaster Reconstruction Authority held its second annual Disaster Management Unit Expo on the grounds of the Ministry of Health last Friday. In attendance at the opening were: Minister of Health and Wellness Michael Darville; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Disaster Risk Management Marcellus Taylor; and acting director of Public Health Dr Phillip Swann. The Social Services department was also represented. Minister Darville officially opened the expo, expressing gratitude and appreciation for the various groups that showcased their services and endeavoured to be in constant readiness for any emergency or disaster.

MARVIN Deveaux

AYNALEL Deveaux

SCREEN capture of security camera showing police arriving at the Deveaux’s home.

Photos: Mark Ford/BIS

Halkitis: Bahamas can monetise blue carbon credits from its seagrass

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

ECONOMIC Affairs

Minister Michael Halkitis said The Bahamas could monetise blue carbon credits from its seagrass by the end of 2025.

The country has the largest share of seagrass meadows globally, and the process is underway to verify its value.

A group of investors is in Grand Bahama attending the Forum for Impact Americas. This year’s forum theme is “Building for the Future in the Blue Economy”, and it is being hosted by co-founder Michael Meehan, Antoinette Russell, the regional leader for The Bahamas, and Simon Jacot de Boinod, the forum’s founder.

Mr Halkitis told attendees that Blue Carbon Credits is a potentially big deal for The Bahamas, adding that the projections for revenue generation are encouraging.

“As our knowledge base and research capacity has improved, we realised we are far richer in marine resources than we previously thought,” he said.

“And that is why this administration highlighted the blue economy as a major pillar for national development.”

He said The Bahamas has led the discussion in recognising seagrass meadows’ role in absorbing carbon and has commissioned research on ten seagrass meadows in Bahamian waters.

“We are talking about up to 93,000 square kilometers

of seagrass, the largest seagrass meadows in the world,” he said. “Based on our current pace, we could be in a position to monetise by the end of next year.”

“The mapping and verification are a very long and involved process. But we want to be patient because we want to have verified credits because with the size of numbers being tossed around in terms of potential revenue, there are a lot of sketchy players out there, and you ought to be sure you are getting maximum benefit for your country.”

He noted that the market is still being developed, and the government is cautiously conservative in its projections.

He explained that the process was brought about through a public-private partnership, with the government of The Bahamas owning 45 per cent of the executing entity. He added that proceeds would belong to the National Investment Fund for Family Island development, climateresilient infrastructure, renewable energy, and food security initiatives.

In terms of the $50bn carbon credit estimated by some experts, he said: “When people start talking about numbers, some people might think that the government has already started collecting money. We are in the process of verifying mapping and carbon absorption capacity, and at a later stage then get to the point where we talk about marketing it and getting some revenue.

“There are a lot of estimates and guesstimates

being bandied about. We tend to take a very conservative approach. I think there is tremendous potential for it, but we are being very cautious in terms of going through the verification which is very detailed. And it also gives us some time to take a look at what some other countries have done in terms of their carbon credits so we can avoid any mistakes that they have made,” he explained.

He assured that the government is seeking the

BETTY K WARNING OVER FAKE WEBSITE

A BAHAMIAN ship-

ping company has been targeted by fraudsterswith a fake website set up to try to fool customers.

Betty K Agencies Limited and Betty K USA LLC issued a fraud alert yesterday after a website was set up to look like the company’s own. Betty K’s real website is www.bettyk. com, but the fake site, bettykexpress.com is seeking

to trick visitors.

The company said yesterday that Betty K Agencies Ltd and Betty K USA LLC “are in no way affiliated with this site or its operators” and that police had been informed of the matter.

The statement added that any customers who had communications or transactions with the fake site should contact Betty K

- the real one - immediately. The company said: “Please note that we only bank with CIBC (Bahamas) and Citibank (USA). Any requests or transactions through other banks should be considered fraudulent.”

Anyone with concerns or who wish to report interactions with the fake site is urged to contact 322-2142 or email info@bettyk.com.

best arrangement for the Bahamas.

“As it stands now, there are a lot of numbers being bandied about, and we take the approach that you don’t count your chickens before they hatch. Let’s go through the process of verification. We have a world-renowned company doing the verification. The good thing is we have put legislation in place to govern this thing and that gives a very transparent foundation to this whole development.”

Mr Halkitis said that the

sovereign wealth fund had not been changed to the national investment fund as some have suggested. He explained that the sovereign wealth fund was established around the time when there was some discussion of oil exploration and noted that the national investment fund was created for the government’s assets, including carbon credits, real estate, buildings, etc., and shares in companies that the government owns.

Minister Halkitis also

denied suggestions that monies have been collected for carbon credits.

“There is always some mischief. I even heard allegations that the government has already collected; I think the figure was $11bn, and there was even a date of December 2023 for carbon credits, which is totally false,” he said.

“I can say unequivocally that the government has not gotten any money, much less $11bn from carbon credits.”

MINISTER of Economic Affairs, Michael Halkitis was the keynote speaker on day two of the Forum for Impact Americas on Thursday, at the Garden of the Groves in Grand Bahama.

The Tribune Limited

NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI

“Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”

LEON E. H. DUPUCH

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

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

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972

Contributing Editor 1972-1991

RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B.

Publisher/Editor 1972-

Published daily Monday to Friday Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207

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Govt needs to analyse case count

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Oh, how good and faithful it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.

I stopped by to say a little something on why it is important for the powers that be to commit to analysing the criminal case numbers, versus how many court buildings you have? Just as important is the question of how many justices, magistrates in the system?

merely going about their daily chores?

www.tribune242.com @tribune242 tribune news network

FNM members appear to not want to ‘do it again’

IT has not been a good few days for the leadership campaign of former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis. Dr Minnis seems convinced not just that he is the man to lead the FNM but that there is a public appetite to see him returned as the next prime minister. The evidence does not seem to be there to suggest either one. At his campaign launch on Friday, Dr Minnis was unable to bring out the heavy hitters of the party. Present were PLP defector Renward Wells, who served in Dr Minnis’ cabinet in office, and former Fort Charlotte MP Mark Humes – who was dumped from the FNM ticket for the 2021 election. Desmond Bannister has also given his support to Dr Minnis.

The big name at Dr Minnis’ event was not even a member of the FNM – former DNA leader Branville McCartney, whose prominence in Dr Minnis’ campaign build-up has brought more than a few questions given he campaigned against the party in his own effort to win votes in previous elections.

Then, The Tribune reported yesterday that a succession of former ministers from Dr Minnis’ own Cabinet were backing Michael Pintard and not their former chief.

Brensil Rolle, Pakesia ParkerEdgecombe, Darren Henfield, Dion Foulkes, Elsworth Johnson all backed Mr Pintard, joining previous endorsements by Dr Duane Sands, Peter Turnquest, Brent Symonette.

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Then last night Mr Pintard had his own event – and more names gave their support. A crowded British Colonial hotel saw the likes of Marvin Dames and Dionisio D’Aguilar show up, while Richard Lightbourn, one of the Rebel Seven who ousted Minnis as leader of the Opposition and replaced him with Loretta Butler-Turner only to see Dr Minnis win the election and become prime minister, was also present. He was not the only rebel there – despite the seven having faced disciplinary measures from the FNM in the past for their parliamentary insurrection. It is hard to see quite where Dr Minnis gets the idea that the people want him back. It certainly does not appear to be the people in the room last night.

Even his campaign slogan raised an eyebrow or two. “Let’s do it again” said the slogan on his podium. Given his tenure included the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of Hurricane Dorian, no, let’s not do that again.

It is fair to say that there are plenty who are unconvinced by Mr Pintard as leader. But it would seem there are more who are convinced that Dr Minnis should not be leader.

Convention day will tell the tale, when the votes are tallied and the decision announced.

As it stands right now, Dr Minnis seems to have ground to make up if he is to carry the day.

Having undertaken this exercise, the next query is how many cases are on the agenda, daily, weekly or yearly? What were the offences that bore the preponderance of those cases?

Whether these were matters that fall within the domain of the Supreme courts? How many Supreme courts were there? How many first please were there daily, weekly or yearly?

What is advisable, suggestive is for there to be supreme courts assigned to a particular category of crime? Whether a supreme court whose expertise remained with robbery and armed robberies? No matter that, rather, except in cases where murder was the overarching result?

Also of significance is the need to shorten the process of criminal cases, the time it takes to get to the sentencing stage? There may be a need to decide which matters deserve a financial requirement, rather than jail time? We are here, but we weren’t supposed to ever be at this fork in the road?

Something is driving the lawlessness, what is it? A small country putting out these kinds of numbers is frightening, unacceptable, but why? There is a common thread that I have noticed living in the southern district of New Providence, which is that the young person acquiring a vehicle for perhaps the first time does the following:

1. The vehicle of choice becomes a small Japanese car (affordability being the motivator).

2... the vehicle’s windows then tinted (not of transparent glass), becomes the police traffic offence.

3... then the music those heavy speakers installed.

4... many of the vehicles with no front or back licence plates (another infraction under the police traffic act - Road Traffic Act?) Then the volume of the music in communities way beyond the decibels allowable to the human ears (another offence). Then the speeds in and out of the various streets in congested neighbourhoods (another offence).

5... Then the dope smoking (marijuana cigarettes so constantly smoked one wonders whether or not it is still a crime?) Now, tell me, haven’t thrown the skillet, the kitchen pan and all of the utensils, cutlery and dishes in the tub of the laws being constantly broken by these criminals. What is there to say that they would not up the game, seeking to possess prohibited weapons, surely any reasonable human should believe so?

And about murder for hire?

This too is a real possibility? And the gang banging, is also on the table? Also on the table, many of these people were out on bail for murder, several counts of murder, and multiple armed robberies (what law would permit such a person out?), and to be allowed to commingled among ordinary citizens as if they were not legally challenged?

One day last week I got off a public service jitney bus on Frederick Street north...when a young man, wearing an ankle bracelet (electronically monitored), was it right to subject members of the public to this level of danger? I don’t think so, but is it an everyday occurrence where criminals are being mixed with the local citizens

We - for there is no shortage of proof - that revenge killings have been the norm for several years now, and all the powers that be seem to be leaning against is the presumption of innocence (yes, brutal, it means that until the finalisation of the court case, they were assume innocent)? But, conversely, they could be very guilty, too?

In conclusion, it is of none affect if there were not a coherent, dedicated well thought out and calculated approach to how the system is to stay ahead of the numbers passing through the penal system, if not by considering the numbers of courts we now have, dividing that number into the number of criminal cases to date, that way it will give the basis-for-an ambitious undertaking necessary to be able to control, that it does not now have... you will have an appreciation, a proof perfect indication where you stand, how to process the numbers derived at, etc. The administration of justice and all of its tentacles does need to have its own budget, able to adjust its needs along the way?

The question remains why isn’t the government enforcing capital punishment laws on the books? There is a need also to divest the Bahamas from the British Privy Council and have established: the Bahamas’ Final Court Of Appeal (BFCA), after all we are responsible to Father God to superintend all that He has entrusted to our care, and to be able to manage our affairs accordingly, without the interference of external forces, influences. He also lamented that a life, is for a life is the only way out, said God Most High has spoken it. Lord, for behold your words are forever settled in the heavens, hallelujah, amen.

FRANK GILBERT Nassau, May 23, 2024.

EDITOR, The Tribune.

IF ONE goes back to the aspirations of the late Sir Cecil Wallace-Whitfield when he broke with Sir Lynden/PLP to form the Free PLP then Norman Solomon then Leader of the UBP made the biggest mistake he was convinced that joining the Free PLP would create an acceptable alternative to the PLP … how many years was it till disenchanted Hubert Ingraham, PLP-Independent, canvassed and got the financial support of the UBP and the rest is history - finally

in 1993-94 under Ingraham the PLP was defeated.

So soap opera FNM won solid trying to repeat Perry Christie. Along came Hubert Minnis, lasted till September’21 having decided - relying on horrible advice - went to the Polls, eight-months early and the PLP slipped in with a landslide majority, expected.

FNM now having a convention to decide leadership if Rt Hon Hubert Minnis decides to nominate... launches a glitchy evening at Baha Mar, asks

an ex-MP - ex-Leader of the now defunct DNA Bran McCartney to introduce him, imagine! Seems no FNM MP supporting himis Mr McCartney an FNM member?

Opposition Leader, you don’t have to be a leader of a party... no FNM MP seems to be supporting Mr Minnis, possibly only Adrian Gibson. Surely the writing is on the wall and the rest of the story?

B FERGUSON Nassau, May 21, 2024.

‘Big Daddy’ prostate cancer screening initiative launched in Cat Island

A PROSTATE screening initiative was launched in Cat Island on May 18.

The initiative pays tribute to Ulysees “Big Daddy” Davis, who died from the disease in 1991. The launch was held in his honour, and was conducted by his grandsons, event organiser Warren Davis and urologist

Dr Greggory Pinto, who warned that prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer in The Bahamas, with the country moving from 14th

to the 10th highest incidence in the world.

Dr Pinto told Cat Islanders one in every six Bahamian men has the potential to develop prostate cancer in their lives.

The Sir Ulysses “Big Daddy” Davis Cancer Screening Non-Profit launch saw more than 100 men in Cat Island take part. The screening sees a tiny amount of blood extracted and analysed.

Prime Minister Philip

“Brave” Davis encouraged Bahamian men throughout the country to take advantage of the test, which does not involve the “dreaded finger” exam that has kept men from getting tested in the past.

“Bahamian men have always had concern about the prostate exam,” Mr Davis said. “But with this new innovation, the finger is no more and the embarrassment is no more - and that in itself is an attraction

Mom accused of failure to report abuse of her child

A 37-year-old man was also charged with indecent assault in connection with this incident.

and an incentive for us to get tested.”

He added: “Men, it won’t stop you from doing the things you love to do. With early detection, it will help you to do even more. Here on the island, we grew

up calling it ‘stoppage of water’ - well that was the prostate swelling up. With early detection, you can live with it; you won’t have to die from prostate cancer anymore.”

The Big Daddy Prostate

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.

He allegedly assaulted a 15-year-old in New Providence sometime between May 1 and 15. During that time, the mother is accused of failing to report the abuse of her child to authorities. The woman also allegedly tried to deceive W/SGT 3719 Bain while she was executing her duties on May 20.

Prosecutor Inspector S Coakley objected to the mother’s bail, citing the need for an immigration check on her status. Consequently, the woman was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

The male defendant was granted bail at $7,000 with one or two sureties. He must sign in at the Carmichael Road Police Station on the last Sunday of every month.

The trial in this matter begins on August 8. from page one

MAN ADMITTING TO HAVING A GUN WITH SILENCER GETS TWO YEARS JAIL DEPP confirms Adelaide wetlands fuel spill

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A 22-YEAR-OLD man was sentenced to two years in prison yesterday after admitting to having a gun with a silencer and 65 rounds of ammunition earlier this month.

Magistrate Lennox Coleby charged Elverton Bain with possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of ammunition with intent to supply and two counts of possession of a part of a firearm.

The defendant was reportedly found with a black Taurus G2C 9mm pistol and 65 rounds of ammunition on May 1 in New Providence. Police also seized a silencer and a black 9mm magazine. In his latest court appearance, Bain reversed his earlier position and pleaded guilty. Dion Smith, the defendant’s attorney, told the magistrate that his young client is remorseful for his actions and is capable of reform.

Magistrate Coleby

TEEN PLEADS GUILTY TO CHARGE OF WOUNDING A MAN IN ANDROS

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter

pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A 17-YEAR-OLD man was imprisoned yesterday after admitting to wounding someone in Andros earlier this week.

Magistrate Algernon Allen Jr charged the teenage defendant, whose name is being withheld due to him being a minor, with wounding.

The defendant’s mother was present during his

sentenced Bain to two years in prison for the firearm charge, during which time he will be enrolled in plumbing and electrical classes.

Bain further faced two $2,000 fines for the silencer and magazine. Failure to pay these fines would result in an additional 18 months in prison. Bain’s three co-accused all had the charges against them withdrawn.

Inspector Lincoln McKenzie served as prosecutor.

THE Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP) worked to contain fuel in the wetland area at Adelaide on Tuesday.

Officials visited the site and confirmed the presence of fuel after they were alerted to a potential leak. In a statement, the department said it has initiated

steps to contain the fuel. We are working with stakeholders to address the leak and remediate the impacted area,” the statement added.

arraignment. The defendant reportedly wounded Dyson Neymour on the road in Bowen Sound Central Andros at 10.15pm on May 20. After pleading guilty to the charge, the defendant was informed he would be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services’ adolescent unit.

He must return to court for a report on September 11.

MAN FINED $2,000 AFTER GUILTY PLEA FOR POSSESSION OF DRUGS

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was fined yesterday after admitting to having a quantity of dangerous drugs on Monday.

Senior Magistrate Shaka Serville initially charged Donovan Moss, 52, with possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply. The charge was reduced to simple possession of dangerous drugs. Moss was reportedly found with 1.5lb of marijuana in New Providence on May 20.

After pleading guilty, the defendant was fined $2,000 and risks a six-month prison term if he fails to pay. Ian Cargill represented the accused.

HEALTH PRECAUTIONS TAKEN AFTER ILLNESS ON VESSEL

HEALTH precautions have been put in place after passengers on board a vessel suffered illness.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness said that a the vessel had asked for permission to dock and disembark passengers as scheduled on a cay - though did not say which one. The passengers on board reportedly suffered from nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhoea, although the situation was said to be improving. The vessel was allowed to dock as a precaution on condition that visitors had no interaction with the local population. The vessel set off again with passengers on board last night. The ministry said contractual employees living on the cay, due for leave within the next two weeks, would be fully screened and cleared before departing. No further details were released by the ministry.

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

Screening Saves Lives event was sponsored in part by: AID; Biospy; Pinnacle Biolabs; Urology Care Bahamas; Bay Street Medical; Star Apple; Oaktree Medical; Cat Island Medical; BTC and Aliv.

BIG DADDY LAUNCH (left to right) Warren Davis, event organizer; Leslie Miller, former MP and prostate cancer survivor; Dr. Greggory Pinto, Urologist; Prime Minister Philip Davis; Minister of Health and Wellness Dr. Michael Darville; Dr. Alfred Dawes; Vincent McDonald, event host; and Charlie Balentine, Managing Partner, Biospy.

SS Matakana - New Zealand reefer goes down near Plana Cay (Part 2)

By Eric Wiberg

“Here are some of the 78 crew members of the British freighter Matakana which was wrecked off the Flat Cays in the Bahamas May 1, as they climbed from lifeboats to the rescue ship, Panama, which arrived with them in New York three days later.”

Panama crew member/Lancaster Daily Intelligence Journal, 6 May, 1940.

Photo:

CAPTAIN Erik J. Eriksen of the SS Panama which rescued 78 men from SS Matakana.

“Arrival of rescued crew of British ship rescued by SS Panama. The crew of the SS Matakana which was carrying frozen beef from Australia to England by way of the Panama Canal, which went aground on the island of Mayiguana [sic]. Some of the seamen had never seen America before. This morning they came up the bay,” in New York. Acme, 4 May, 1940.

“ONE of the salvage workers in a diving suit gasps for breath. The men can work only for 10 to 15 minutes at a time for the decomposing meat in the cargo knocks them out.” It appears that there are mariners from Bahamas assisting in the photos, though unverified.

“LIFEBOATS head for

The Graceland saga, the king of rock and the value of memories

WHILE news junkies

salivated over heavy breaking stories this past week, including whether Michael Cohen could withstand Trump defence attorneys’ bombs, a much smaller story stole some hearts, including this one.

It was the tale of Graceland Mansion, the former home of the forever King of Rock Elvis Presley. On Monday, Graceland – the second most visited home in the United States, second only to the White House – looked doomed. It was up for a foreclosure sale on Thursday morning for what appeared to be an unpaid debt arising from a loan by the late Lisa Marie Presley for $3.8m. Lisa Marie, you may recall, who died in 2023, was the only daughter of Elvis and Priscilla Presley.

By late Wednesday, with only hours to go before the 13-acre property was headed for a foreclosure grab, a judge in Tennessee issued an injunction, saving the sprawling estate, complete with mansion, cars and planes. The case to stop the sale had been brought by Presley’s granddaughter, actress Riley Keough, who filed an action charging fraud saying her mother, who passed away last year, never put the property or the estate up for collateral and the entire episode was nothing short of fraud.

The alleged loan from a company named Naussany Investment and Private Lending was apparently never recorded nor did there appear to be any other legal evidence of its existence. A notary public whose signature was allegedly affixed to a document said the signature was not hers.

Nassauny quickly backed out and said it would not pursue a foreclosure action.

But aside from issuing the injunction based on legal ramifications, Tennessee Chancellor Joe Dae Jenkins declared that Graceland’s “loss would result in irreparable harm”.

Six hundred thousand

By Diane Phillips

people visited Graceland last year. For $82 a ticket, they could roam the property, gawk at the cars and planes, gardens and excesses and maybe feel a little of the spirit that the King himself felt when he was there. Six hundred thousand. That’s more than the entire population of The Bahamas and half again. There were weddings at Graceland and a place to stay overnight. Families planned trips around a visit. Until it was threatened, I had never had an inkling to go to Graceland though I loved the movie on Elvis’ life and who did not fall for that voice so full of ache and pain and promise?

Though I’d be more at home in a national park or by the sea if visiting other

parts of the US, what the focus on Graceland did was drive me to our shamefully and horrendously longignored record collection. They were covered with the dust of neglect, some covers torn, but what a tour of 50 years of music it was to pour through them.

Early Neil Diamond, BB King, Lou Rawls, Diana Ross and the Supremes. A Ronnie Butler album wellpreserved. Ray Charles. Barbra Streisand. Ella Fitzgerald, Harry Belafonte, Caribbean, as a young man, and with Miriam Makeba on another album. Three LPs with Irish flautist James Galway. Johnny Mathis. Nat King Cole. There

was classical, too, Rachmaninoff concertos, the New York Philharmonic, Leonard Bernstein and Rhapsody in Blue.

And in the totally unorganised stack standing on end running along an entire wall under a set of book shelves I found two Elvis Presley albums, one when he was called into the armed forces and the other when he returned. Both occasions, I remembered, seemed significant in a far less sophisticated world. I could only imagine if social media had been around to spread the same fervent plea that the King of Rock and Roll would return safely, his body, hips and voice unharmed.

There were so many albums in that stack. Van Morrison, the Beach Boys, the original soundtrack

from Saturday Night Fever, Joan Baez, the Jackson Five, Michael Jackson on his own, the Bee Gees. And I realised how much of the music was created by people who hurt, black people, people in the South. A far greater proportion than the percentage of the population would suggest and, in my collection, well over three quarters of more than 150 albums that I have no idea what to do with.

Yet, I cannot give them up. There is one, in particular, that I shall never let go. An original of then President John F Kennedy speeches, including his famous Profiles in Courage.

I’ve read that vinyl is now going for record prices. A collector or a museum or someone somewhere paid $790,000 for the Beatles White Album. Most go for

about $15.

Maybe they can put a price on what an old record album is worth. I’ve never found a way to monetise memories, nor do I want to. Thank you, Graceland and granddaughter Riley, for inspiring a look at what I had been walking past and ignoring for all these years. I pulled out one record cover after another, trying to remember where I had been, listening, singing along, dancing or swaying to the music that is now buried in the vinyl inside that cover, wishing that someone would invent a good way to make it come back to life.

But then maybe memories are meant to be just that, held in a safe place, rarely visited, treasured for what they were and replayed as if each had a song of its own.

GRACELAND FORECLOSURE SALE HALTED AS PRESLEY ESTATE’S LAWSUIT MOVES FORWARD

MEMPHIS Associated Press

A JUDGE on Wednesday said Elvis Presley’s estate could be successful in arguing that a company’s attempt to auction Graceland is fraudulent as he halted a foreclosure sale of the beloved Memphis tourist attraction.

Later Wednesday, a statement from someone who appeared to be a representative of the company said it would drop its claim, which the Presley estate has argued is based on fake documents. Online court records did not immediately show any legal filings suggesting the claim had been dropped.

Shelby County Chancellor JoeDae Jenkins issued a temporary injunction against the proposed auction that had been scheduled for Thursday in Memphis, where the king of rock ‘n’ roll’s former home is located. Jenkins’ injunction essentially keeps in place a previous restraining order issued at the request of Presley’s granddaughter Riley Keough.

“Graceland is a part of this community, well-loved by this community and indeed around the world,” the judge said.

A public notice for a foreclosure sale of the 13-acre estate posted earlier in May said Promenade Trust, which controls the Graceland museum, owes $3.8 million after failing to repay a 2018 loan. Keough, an actor, inherited the trust and ownership of the home after the death of her mother, Lisa Marie Presley, last year.

Naussany Investments and Private Lending said Lisa Marie Presley had used Graceland as collateral for the loan, according to the foreclosure sale notice. A lawsuit filed last week by Keough alleged that Naussany presented fraudulent documents regarding the loan in September 2023.

“Lisa Maria Presley never borrowed money from Naussany Investments and never gave a deed of trust to Naussany Investments,” Keough’s lawyer wrote in a lawsuit.

Neither Keough nor lawyers for Naussany Investments were in court Wednesday. Keough’s attorney, Jeff Germany, said outside of court that he has not had direct contact with representatives from Naussany.

Naussany did file an unsuccessful motion denying the lawsuit’s allegations and opposing the estate’s request for an injunction.

A statement emailed to The Associated Press after Wednesday’s ruling said Naussany would not proceed because a key document in the case and the loan were recorded and obtained in a different state, meaning that “legal action would have to be filed in multiple states.” The statement, which was sent from an email address listed in court documents, did not specify the other state.

“The company will be withdrawing all claims with prejudice,” the statement said. The court documents included addresses for the company in Jacksonville,

Florida, and Hollister, Missouri. Both were for post offices, and a Kimberling City, Missouri, reference was for a post office box. The business also is not listed in state databases of registered corporations in Missouri or Florida.

Kimberly Philbrick, the notary whose name is listed on Naussany’s documents, indicated that she never met Lisa Marie Presley nor notarised any documents for her, according to the estate’s lawsuit.

The judge said the notary’s affidavit included in the lawsuit brings into question “the authenticity of the signature.”

Paul Golden, a lawyer for New York-based Coffey Modica who handles real estate litigation but is not directly involved in the case, said that affidavit and other inconsistencies in the company’s paperwork appeared to be “extremely strong evidence” to support the Presley estate’s position.

Graceland opened as a museum and tourist attraction in 1982 as a tribute to Elvis Presley, the singer and actor who died in August 1977 at age 42. It draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. A large Presley-themed entertainment complex across the street from the museum is owned by Elvis Presley Enterprises.

“Graceland will continue to operate as it has for the past 42 years, ensuring that Elvis fans from around the world can continue to have the best in class experience when visiting his iconic home,” Elvis Presley Enterprises said in a statement.

REDISCOVERING memories on vinyl - Elvis Presley albums just before he left to serve in the US Army and another after he returned from service.

AN ORIGINAL record containing speeches of former US President John F Kennedy

SPORTS

11

FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2024 NBA, Page 15

‘Tum Tum’ promoted

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

While he’s preparing to play for the Bahamas men’s national team in the Olympic Qualifier in July, Lourawls ‘Tum Tum’ Nairn Jr is getting used to his new role as the associate head coach for the Bowling Green State Falcons men’s basketball team.

Nairn, who has been a part of the back-to-back 20-win seasons in the MidAmerican Conference under coach Todd Simon, said he’s excited to be in the position that he is in right now.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for me to allow myself to grow as a

coach,” Nairn said. “We have a great young team and and a great coaching staff, so I can use this as an opportunity to get better as a coach.”

Simon said Nairn has proven to be an exceptional leader and teacher to the young men in their Falcons’ basketball programme and that was one of the main reasons for his promotion.

“In addition to his impact on our player development and Xs and Os, he brings the best out of our players,” Simon said.

“As associated head coach, we look forward to him taking on additional responsibilities that will impact our programme’s success. His future is very bright as a leader in college basketball.”

Nairn joined Simon’s staff two seasons ago after they began at Southern Utah in 2022-23 and making the transition to

Bowling Green ahead of the 2023-24 season. Simon noted that in both of Nairn’s seasons on staff, their teams accomplished

CAY,

20-win seasons. Nairn was also a key piece in Bowling Green’s turnaround this past season, aiding the Falcons to become one of 10 teams in the nation to go from 20 losses in 2022-23 to 20 wins in 2023-24.

The quick turnaround resulted in MAC Semifinals and CIT appearances for the Orange and Brown while mentoring Rashaun Agee to an All-MAC Second Team selection.

Nairn admitted that this is just the beginning of what is to come as he continues his journey as a collegiate coach after he enjoyed an impressive four-year sting as a point guard at Michigan State.

“I am very humbled and grateful for this promotion

‘Golden Girl’ brings out the smiles

THE SPORTS CALENDAR

TRACK RED-LINE YOUTH CLASSIC REGISTRATION is currently underway for the Red-Line Athletics’ third annual Youth Classic. The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 25 from 11am to 5pm and on Sunday, May 26 from 1-5pm.

Crystal trophies will be presented to the winners in the under-7 to under-15 divisions, trophies to the divisional winners and medals for the top three finishers in each event.

Trophies will also be presented to the winners for the Elimination mile, open 4 x 400m and distance medley relays.

The event will cater to all of the track and field events for the age group athletes ranging from 8-and

THE Lyford Cay International School Dragons’ girls and boys teams along with Windsor School are headed to the 2024 Samuel P Haven Jr High School Soccer Nationals semifinals. The Dragons ousted the CR Walker Knights 5-4 in the penalty shootout of the boys’ division yesterday at the Roscow AL Davies Soccer Field.

Lyford Cay was also successful against the CV Bethel Stingrays in the girls’ division, pummeling their opponents 14-0 to secure a spot in the semifinals round. Meanwhile, Windsor knocked off last year’s title runners-up the Government High School (GHS) Magic 2-1.

COACH Ricardo Demeritte made it clear that his selection by the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association as the captain of the men’s Davis Cup team was based on his merit and accusations about him in a previous article are untrue.

Demeritte was referring to claims made by former player Kevin ‘KJ’ Major Jr about Demeritte replacing long-time Davis Cup player/captain Marvin Rolle. In the article, Major Jr withdrew his spot on the team, based on Demeritte’s appointment and the fact that Baker Newman was removed from the team heading to Paraguay June 17-22 to play in the Americas Group II competition. The BLTA, in response to the claims, clarified the comments by Major Jr, stating that both Baker and SEE PAGE 13

May, 2024

under-20. There will also be one or two events for the open category. Interested persons can contact Red-Line Athletics’ coach Tito Moss at 425-4262 for further details.

TRIATHLON THIRD BEAUTIFUL

BAHAMAS EVENT THE Sea Waves Triathlon Club will hold its third annual Beautiful Bahamas Aquathon and Triathlon, sponsored by the Bahamas Triathlon Association, on Saturday, May 25 at 7am. The event will serve as a qualifier for the 2024 CARIFTA Aquathon and Triathlon. Categories for boys and girls are 16-19, 13-15, 11-12, 9-10

SEE PAGE 15

IN the beautiful islands of the Bahamas, where turquoise waters meet vibrant culture, youth sports are a cherished part of our community. From track and field to swimming and basketball, young athletes are celebrated for their dedication and prowess.

However, amid the glory and excitement of competition, a silent struggle often goes unnoticed: eating disorders. These disorders can deeply affect our young athletes’ physical and mental health, masking themselves under the guise of discipline and rigorous training.

This article explores the complexities of eating disorders in Bahamian youth sports, shedding light on their origins, manifestations, and the critical role of early

intervention and comprehensive management. Origins of Eating Disorders in Bahamian Youth Athletes

In the Bahamas, as elsewhere, eating disorders among youth athletes can arise from a mix of psychological, social, and environmental factors. The pressure to excel in sports, combined with an emphasis on body image and weight control in certain disciplines, can create a breeding ground for disordered eating behaviors. Sports such as gymnastics, track and field, and swimming are particularly susceptible due to their focus on aesthetics and performance metrics. Psychologically, young athletes may develop a distorted self-image and an unhealthy relationship with food. The relentless drive for perfection, fear of failure, SEE PAGE 12

LOURAWLS “Tum Tum” Nairn, left, giving some instructions.

Photo by Tameka Petit-Homme By BRENT STUBBS

THE Bahamas has had representation in just about every sport you could imagine. The latest to make their breakthrough is David Watson, who competed in the Hyrox.

Hyrox is an elite endurance race, which combines both running and gym workouts, where competitors run 1km, followed by one gym workout and this sequence is repeated seven times. Each race is hosted indoors in expansive exhibition halls, creating an immersive and electrifying race, where spectators support competitors from the beginning to the very end.

World class

This race format remains consistent across the globe, enabling global leaderboards and cumulative World Championships at the end of each season. It is hosted in 11 countries and more are added each year.

Accommodating professional athletes and everyday fitness enthusiasts looking to take their training to the next level, Hyrox is the sport for everybody. Some events have over 8,000 participants and 10,000 spectators, making this sport the world’s largest, mass-participation, fitness race.

Bahamas represented The latest Hyrox was held May 4-6 2024 at Olympia, London with 6,705 competitors. David Watson represented The Bahamas and finished 117 out of 238 in the pro race in one hour and 19 minutes. The average time is some 1.5 hours in the non-pro race and ranges from one to three hours.

He said: “It was the toughest routine I have ever done.” He is a personal trainer in London and extremely fit. He has long been an all-round sportsman and competed in rugby in The Commonwealth Youth Games in Nassau.

David Watson went on the podium to have his picture taken with his time displayed.

He was interviewed after the race. Congratulations David. How did you feel about your race and time?

“Thanks. I was pleased with my race and time of 1 hour 19 minutes and finishing 117th out of 238. I did better than I expected, especially since I was in the pro race. The timings were closely grouped so that only 3 minutes and 25 seconds separated the 20 competitors ahead of me. The winner’s time was just 59 minutes, which is astonishing. The slowest athlete’s time was 2hours 19 minutes so I was an hour faster.”

How did you feel after the race?

“Shattered, like never before but elated. My endorphins were very high

and the desire to meet expectations from coaches or parents can exacerbate these tendencies.

Socially, the competitive atmosphere and peer comparisons contribute significantly to the development of eating disorders.

Manifestations and Presentations

Eating disorders in Bahamian youth athletes typically manifest as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge-eating disorder. Each has distinct characteristics and can significantly impair an athlete’s health and performance.

1. Anorexia Nervosa: Characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight,

David Watson makes his breakthrough in ‘Hyrox’

ELITE ENDURANCE RACE COMBINES RUNNING, GYM WORKOUTS

(endorphins are produced to help relieve pain, reduce stress and improve mood).

My whole body was running on empty.’

How did you hear about it?

“I heard about it on social media. I met 10 athletes who competed before and they gave me a heads-up. There are pro and non-pro, or regular, races and nine competed in the former but only one in the latter. They all said the same thing, in effect: It was the three T’s: Tough, Tough and more Tough. It was the hardest race they had ever done. Some of them were PTs (personal trainers), whereas others had non-fitness jobs, like banking. Pro has about 50% heavier weights in the gym workouts and you really notice that big time, especially when you are exhausted nearing the end of the race.”

How many were in your particular race and why did you compete?

“About 100, which is the maximum number that can compete at once, given the size of the hall. These races are held in waves over three days. My race was on day 2. I was not put off by the arduousness of the race. I wanted to challenge myself, see if I can do it and beat them. The competitive nature of the race was a key attraction. It cost £110 to compete and spectators paid £10.”

Why did you race pro instead of regular for your first attempt?

He laughed: “I fully intended to start with the regular race but I made a mistake when signing up! I could not get a refund so I was stuck with pro and going in at the deep end. Only 8% opt for the pro race, the wiser 92% do just

restrictive eating, and excessive exercise, anorexia nervosa leads to severe weight loss and malnutrition. Athletes with anorexia may present with fatigue, dizziness, and amenorrhea (absence of menstrual periods in females). They often exhibit an obsession with calorie counting and food avoidance.

2. Bulimia Nervosa: Marked by cycles of binge eating followed by purging behaviors such as vomiting, laxative use, or excessive exercise, bulimia nervosa can cause electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal problems, and dental erosion.

Athletes with bulimia may maintain a normal weight, making it harder to detect without close observation of their eating and exercise habits.

regular. This was disconcerting but thought it might be a good challenge to do pro first rather than regular. I just worried if I had bitten off more than I could chew. Now there was only one way to find out.

“The 1km races take place around the perimeter of the hall and the gym workouts are performed in the middle. We have apps that record our times so it does not matter where you start. I chose the middle and there are about 100 in each race. I overtook some and some overtook me. I was suffering afterwards. You quickly have to catch your breath and then get stuck straight into the gym workout. There is no time to fully recover, sadly.’

Are all gym workouts the same intensity?

“No, they are progressively harder, just when you would want them to be easier. However, I never thought I would throw in the towel. You race 8km in total but the early ones are a bit longer and thankfully the later ones are a bit shorter. I felt relieved.’

What was the atmosphere like and the noise from the athletes and spectators?

“Electric. Loud spectators. I could briefly spot my friend but her encouragement was drowned by a thousand other voices. It was a bit like being in a Roman amphitheatre, which made you feel a bit special as you were part of it. I was running at seven mph so I waved but the moment soon vanished. There was no talking or camaraderie amongst the athletes but there was grunting during the gym workouts.”

How was the venue?

“Good and very spacious. Hyrox Olympia was venue

3. Binge-Eating Disorder: Involving recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food without subsequent purging, bingeeating disorder leads to weight gain and associated health risks such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Athletes with this disorder may feel a loss of control during eating episodes and experience guilt or shame afterward.

The Role of Coaches, Parents, and Healthcare Professionals Early detection and intervention are crucial in addressing eating disorders in Bahamian youth athletes. Coaches, parents, and healthcare professionals must work collaboratively to create a supportive environment that prioritizes health over performance.

specific, which means just that one event was held and it was not shared with others.”

What moments were most memorable in the race?

“Finishing and now knowing, rather than anticipating, I would make it. I had tunnel vision. All I could see was my world of pain and effort and I blocked everything else out.”

Why were you competing at 8pm?

“There are about 70 races over three days from first thing in the morning to late at night and that was my slot. I would have preferred mid-morning so I would be that much fresher.”

What was the ceremony with you on the podium?

“Each athlete goes on the podium and their time is displayed behind them. Being on it is a great feeling. You need to focus on that to get through the pain barrier and not suffer the dismay of not being on the podium. One friend on another day saw someone quit and I can hardly imagine their disappointment, given their investment in time, effort, training and cost. The fear of failing is one of the greatest motivators.”

What were the observations of your spectator friend?

“She said it was an enticing and exciting event and she was proud of my time.”

Any other comments and observations?

“Hyrox is a very good sport to help people keep fit. Maybe start with doubles or with a team of

Here are key strategies for prevention and management:

1. Education and Awareness: Educating athletes, coaches, and parents about the signs and risks of eating disorders is essential. Understanding the importance of balanced nutrition and healthy eating behaviors can help prevent the onset of disordered eating.

2. Encouraging Open Communication: Establishing an open line of communication where athletes feel comfortable discussing their concerns without fear of judgment is crucial. Regular check-ins and supportive conversations can help identify issues early.

3. Promoting a Healthy Body Image: Emphasizing the value of athletic performance and skills

four to minimise the gym workouts.’

Will you do it again and, if so, choose pro? He paused, thoughtfully, “Yes, pro again, since I know I can do it, and I want to improve my time. It is in November in London. I would like to do it with a buddy and maybe a PT from work might enter. I also have a relative who is a PT and then we could have two Bahamians competing!”

No coming last 98% of athletes complete their race. With no finishing time restriction and no qualification required to enter, Hyrox welcomes participants with open arms. It is a race at your own pace and the structure eliminates the fear of coming last. Every race has start waves of all ages every 10 minutes. Put simply, this means that a three hour athlete can cross the finish line the same time as a 60 minute athlete.

The non-pro race is a 1km run before each of the eight gym workouts: 1,000m SkiErg, 4x12.5m Sledg Push (165lbs), 4x 12.5m Sledg Pull (110lbs), 80m Burpee Broad Jump, 1,000m Row, 200m Kettle Bells Farmers Carry (35lbs each side), 100m Sandbag Lunges (22lbs) and 75x Wall Balls (9lbs).

The entrants were: Men: pro 238, non-pro 1,859, pro doubles 117, non-pro doubles 1,032, team relay 33. Women: pro race 118, nonpro 1,305, proXyrox is a new race and was founded in 2017. It has grown rapidly and is now being held in 11 countries. 24,000 people competed in Hyrox events in London in 2023.

over body weight and appearance can reduce the pressure on athletes to conform to unrealistic body standards. Positive reinforcement and a focus on personal strengths can foster a healthy self-image.

4. Comprehensive Healthcare Support: Healthcare professionals, including sports dietitians, psychologists, and physicians, should be involved in the care of athletes. A multidisciplinary approach ensures that physical, psychological, and nutritional needs are addressed holistically.

5. Implementing Balanced Training Regimens: Training programs should include adequate rest and recovery periods to prevent overtraining and burnout. Encouraging varied physical activities can promote overall well-being and reduce the risk of injury and fatigue.

Real-Life Implications and Community Involvement In the Bahamas, where community and family play a pivotal role in a young

The nearest Hyrox location to The Bahamas is New York and the next race is on June 1. Is it for you?

For those that want a less-demanding race, you can enter with a teammate in the doubles categories, or split it four ways in the team relay category. All have to do the full 8km run but you can split the workouts up however you like. There are age group categories that let you choose your own level of competitiveness.

Next stop Bahamas?

Since 2021, the Netherlands, UK, Spain, Ireland, Greece, Sweden, Denmark and the UAE hosted their first Hyrox. This growth trend has been experienced in other races too. Just consider the marathon: there are now up to 4,000 each year with 11 million runners.

Maybe The Bahamas should consider hosting Hyrox?

The Bahamas has strong sporting credentials –Olympic Gold, hosting CARIFTA, World Relay and Commonwealth Youth Games, just to mention a few. Team Bahamas could give the competitors a run for their money.

After all, competitors spend almost half the time running and Bahamians know a thing or two about that. All it needs is an exhibition hall, while Hyrox would rent that, supply the gym equipment and organise the event. Thus, the event could be selffunding. Plus, it would put The Bahamas firmly on the world sporting map, attract untold numbers of visitors and be good publicity.

athlete’s life, addressing eating disorders requires a collective effort. Our tightknit communities can be both a source of support and pressure. Therefore, community involvement in education and prevention strategies is crucial. Schools, sports clubs, and local healthcare providers must collaborate to ensure young athletes receive the guidance and support they need.

Conclusion Eating disorders in Bahamian youth athletes present a complex and multifaceted challenge that requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders involved in youth sports. By fostering a supportive and informed environment, prioritizing health and well-being, and implementing early intervention strategies, we can help young athletes navigate the pressures of competitive sports without compromising their health. Addressing eating disorders with the seriousness and compassion they deserve will ensure that our young athletes can achieve their full potential in both sports and life.

DAVID Watson receives his race certificate.

Chisholm Jr, left, is

GOOD TIMES: Miami

ered with seeds after his solo home

of

the

‘Jazz’ Chisholm Jr homers, Marlins shut out Brewers 1-0

MIAMI (AP) — Jesús Luzardo threw eight scoreless innings of three-hit ball in his longest career start and the Miami Marlins beat the Milwaukee Brewers 1-0 on Wednesday night.

Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr homered for the only run of the game as the Marlins won their third consecutive series.

The game was completed in 1 hour and 54 minutes.

Luzardo (2-3) struck out four and retired 17 straight until Gary Sanchez’s one out single in the eighth.

Jackson Chourio reached on a fielder’s choice then stole second before Luzardo finished his outing by retiring Owen Miller on a fly-out to short right.

“The strikeouts for me — blowing people away — it’s not that important,” Luzardo said. “It’s more of getting deeper in the game, giving our team a chance to compete and saving the bullpen.”

In three starts since returning from the injured list May 11, Luzardo has allowed two runs over 19 2/3 innings. Luzardo also is not making fastball speed the top priority.

“I have spoken to veteran pitchers and they suggest that it’s not about throwing hard but locating pitches,” Luzardo said. “That is what helps you get the outs quicker.”

Tanner Scott got the first two outs in the ninth before William Contreras reached on an infield single. Scott retired Christian Yelich on a force out for his sixth save.

Rolle were asked to confirm their participation on the team and after there was no positive response, they moved on in replacing them.

As for Demeritte, he took objection to the comments made by Major Jr and attacked the reporter for providing false and misleading information about his selection to the team.

“I must express my strong objection to the unnecessary and misleading inclusion of my name in the article,” Demeritte said. “The portrayal of events is filled with untruths and does not accurately reflect the reality of the situation.

“I want to make it unequivocally clear that I have followed all due processes to be considered and selected as captain of the Davis Cup team.

“My selection was based on merit and a fair evaluation of my qualifications and contributions to the sport.

It is unfortunate that the article has chosen to cast aspersions on my character and role without basis.”

to associate head coach,” Nairn said. “Being a part of this programme has been an honour for me. I appreciate coach Simon for his belief in me to continue to help our student-athletes achieve success in this new capacity. This is such a blessing and privilege that I won’t take for granted.”

Before he joined Simon in Cedar City, Nairn spent the 2021-22 season as the head coach at the well-renowned Sunrise Christian Academy. In his lone season at the helm of the programme, Nairn led the team to a 21-win season and an Elite Eight appearance in the National Prep Tournament. Additionally, he coached and mentored eight players who went on to play at the Division-I level during the campaign.

Before taking over at Sunrise Christian Academy, Nairn spent two seasons at his alma mater, Michigan State, as a graduate assistant under Tom Izzo, helping the Spartans to a Big Ten regular season title and two NCAA Tournament appearances.

Nairn’s coaching career began with the Phoenix Suns as a player development coach in 2018-19. He admitted that while he didn’t get to display his skills in the NBA, he was able to take advantage of his coaching chores. “It’s been an incredible ride so far and it will only get better,” he said.

“I don’t know where it will take me, but I’m looking forward to what God has in store for me.”

“Just a well played game but Jesús is the story,” Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said. “He was pitching tonight, not just rip it and rip it.”

The Marlins (17-34) improved to 10-10 in May. “We’re not surprised right now that we’re winning,” Chisholm Jr said. “We’re a good team and we have to go out and play good baseball and winning baseball. That’s what we’ve been doing the last couple of weeks.”

The NL Central-leading Brewers (28-21) had one threat against Luzardo in the second, when Willy Adames and Sánchez singled.

But Luzardo retired Joey Ortiz on a pop out, struck out Jackson Chourio then caught Adames on an unsuccessful steal attempt at third to end the inning.

Brewers starter Freddy Peralta also had a dominant outing as he limited Miami to one run and four hits over seven innings. Peralta (3-3) walked one and struck out seven.

In accepting the nomination as the captain, Demeritte said he has a great respect for Rolle and his tenure with the Davis Cup team.

“His contributions and leadership have been invaluable, and under normal circumstances,” he said. “I would never have presented my name for consideration out of respect for his position.

“However, as the BLTA’s response mentioned, Marvin did not respond to the email soliciting interest from coaches. It was only under these specific circumstances that I allowed my name to be considered.”

Demeritte, however, further claimed that it is very careless and dangerous to mention an individual’s name in such a context, especially when the information is false and misleading.

“Such actions leave my reputation wide open to public assumption and unfounded speculation,” he said. “As an entrepreneur, this kind of reckless reporting can have severe adverse effects on my business and relationships with clients.

“Freddy was magnificent,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said. “Their kid deserves a lot of credit. He was great. He was all over us all night — ahead in the count. We couldn’t get anything going.”

Chisholm Jr gave the Marlins a quick lead with his leadoff shot in the first.

He drove Peralta’s fastball over the wall in right-field for his seventh homer of the season. “I thought we

“The potential damage to my professional life and the trust I have built with my clients is considerable. I am deeply disappointed in the carelessness exhibited by including my name without verifying the facts.

“This level of irresponsibility in journalism is unacceptable and must be addressed to prevent future harm to individuals and their livelihoods.”

For a point of clarification, Demeritte should note that the comments were made by Major Jr, and not the reporter and therefore, should not be misconstrued that it was a deliberate act by the reporter.

In response to what Major Jr claimed, Demeritte said it is essential for the integrity of our sport and the morale of our players that media representations are accurate and fair.

“The inclusion of false information and unwarranted personal attacks serves only to create unnecessary divisions and tensions,” he said.

“I stand by the process that led to my selection and believe in the importance of maintaining transparency

were going to have a good game but the pitchers went out there and did their thing,” Chisholm Jr said.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Brewers: RHP DL Hall (left knee sprain) will have his innings workload increased with each additional minor league rehab outing.

Marlins: RHP Bryan Hoeing (left hamstring strain) allowed one run over two innings in a rehab

and fairness in all administrative decisions. It is my hope that future discussions and articles will reflect a more accurate and balanced perspective.”

What should also be noted is that the writer of the article did not personally attack Demeritte or his character.

The reporter merely reported the comments that were made by an individual and as such, he should direct his comments to the individual and not the reporter, who was just merely doing his job.

Demeritte will captain the team going to Paraguay that includes top internationally ranked player Justin Roberts, Rodney Carey Jr, Michael Major Jr, Donte Armbrister and Denali Nottage.

The Bahamas will be playing out of one or two pools that will comprise of teams from Bermuda, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Jamaica and Paraguay.

Three teams are expected to be promoted to Group II for 2025, two will be relegated and the others will remain in Group III.

appearance with Triple-A Jacksonville on Tuesday.

UP NEXT

Brewers: RHP Bryse Wilson (2-1, 2.79 ERA) will start the opener of a three-game series at Boston today. RHP Kutter Crawford (2-2, 2.17) will start for the Red Sox.

Marlins: LHP Braxton Garrett (0-0, 10.24) will start today, when Miami opens a three-game series at Arizona.

Nairn and the Falcons are already putting in the work. They begin their summer training programme yesterday.

Nairn said the coaching job in the college is not an easy one because they are constantly working.

However, he said he’s appreciative that coach Simon is giving him the opportunity to take a break and travel with the men’s national team to Valencia, Spain in July for the qualifying tournament for the Olympic Games July 27 to August 11 in Paris, France.

“Coach Simon has already approved the time off because he knows how important it is for us to try and qualify for the Olympics,” Nairn said. “I’m really looking forward to playing with the guys again.

“Coach (Chris) Demarco, manager and assistant coach Moses Johnson have been doing a fantastic job getting everything in place. I think we have a great team with guys like Buddy Hield, Deandre Ayton, Eric Gordon and Kai Jones.

“I think they are working hard on putting together a very solid team and so I think our chances of qualifying for the Olympics are very good. We should do very well in the tournament. I’m really looking forward to playing with these guys again.”

When the final team is selected for the qualifier, scheduled for July 2-7, the Bahamas national team will play out of Group B against Poland and Finland. Group A will feature Lebanon, Angelo and Spain. The top team out of the two groups combined will qualify for the Olympics.

JAZZ Chisholm Jr. runs the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning. (AP Photos/Lynne Sladky)

MIAMI Marlins’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. hits solo home run against the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning of a baseball game on Wednesday in Miami.

JAZZ Chisholm Jr. runs the bases after hitting a solo home run.

CELEBRATE

Marlins’ Jasrado “Jazz”

show-

run against

Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning

a baseball game on Wednesday night in Miami. The Marlins won 1-0.

NATIONAL PRIMARY SCHOOLS TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Outstanding performances turned in across the board

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor

SOME outstanding performances were turned in across the board as the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture concluded its Frank “Pancho” Rahming National Primary Schools Track and Field Championships.

The three-day meet came to a close yesterday at the original Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium as awards were presented to the most outstanding athletes in the various age groups as well as the divisional winners.

Among the individual high point winners on the girls’ side were Caitlyn Pratt of Freeport Gospel Chapel in the 1A 13-andunder; Abigail Maycock of West Grand Bahama won the 2B 11-and-under; Harmony Rolle of Clara E Evans Primary won the 3C 9-and-under and and Erynn Strachan took the 4D 7-and-under title.

On the boys’ side, Nispy Jones of Temple Christian Academy took the top honors in the 1A 13-andunder division; Xavier Thompson of Freeport Gospel Chapel won the 2B 11-and-under; Kaydin Thompson won the 3C 9-and-under and Lavago Bootle of Cleveland Eneas was the 4D 7-and-under winner. There were no overall champions crowned but the top three finishers in the various age groups are as follows:

Girls 1A 13-and-under - Freeport Gospel Chapel, 48 points; Temple Christian School, 21 and Cleveland Eneas, 20.

Girls 2B 11-and-iunderLewis Yard Primary - 376; Temple Christian Schools, 34 and West Grand Bahama, 30.

Girls 3C 9andp0underClara E Evans Primary, 40; Cleveland Eneas, 26 and Garvin Tynes, 22.

Girls 4D 7-and-underTemple Christian School, 36; Kingsway Academy, 28 and Cleveland Eneas, 13.

Boys 1A 13-and0-under - St Andrew’s International School, 39, Temple Christian School, 38 and Centerville primary School, 28.

Boys 2B 11-and-underTemple Christian School, 32; Freeport Grand Bahama, 30, Sunland Baptist Academy, 29.

Boys 2C 9-and-under - Sunland Baptist Academy, 38; Cleveland Eneas, 28 and Temple Christian Academy, 26.

Boys 4D 7-andp-under - Cleveland Eneas, 25; Kingsway Academy, 24 and Temple Christian Academy, 18.

Kelsie Johnson, the director of the Ministry

ASPIRING student athletes compete in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture’s Frank “Pancho” Rahming National Primary Schools Track and Field Championships. The three-day meet came to a close yesterday at the original Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium as awards were presented to the most outstanding athletes in the various age groups as well as the divisional winners.

Photos by Tameka Petit-Homme

of Youth, Sports and Culture, said with just over 50 schools participating from throughout the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, the meet was s success.

“Our main focus now is to make it a true national championships where we use these results from the top five finishers, including those in the Family Islands, to have a standard to achieve,” she said.

“So we will use some of the funding for this meet to make sure that the Family Island schools will ensure that they get ready or the nationals.”

Johnson said the Family Islands will continue to host their district meets, which will then serve as the qualifier for the nationals.

She noted that the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture will be working closely with the Ministry of Education to properly plan out the calendar of events to ensure that the nationals is held in just about every sport, not just track and field.

In the meantime, she said they are delighted to bring back the Frank Rahming National Primary School Track and Field Championships after taking a break for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rahming, a long-time national coach and former coach of Johnson when she competed as a high jumper, serves as former member of staff at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture.

He too noted that he was extremely pleased with what he saw from the meet, not just from athletes here in New Providence, but throughout the Family Islands.

Sherry Francis, one of the coaches of Temple

Christian, said they performed very well.

“We’re back on the drawing board, trying to rebuild,” said Francis, who was assisted by Keno Demeritte. “We were not as strong as we were in previous years. But we still performed extremely well and we were very pleased with the children’s performances.”

Francis commended Nipsy Jones, Erynn Strachan and Rylie Munroe, who were all outstanding in their respective age groups, as well as Elexia Strachan and Kailia Symonette, who carted off the top two spots in the girls B 11-and-under 1,200m.

Christine Jenoure, now in her second year as coach at Burnt Rock Primary in Mangrove Cay, Andros, said their 18 athletes, including eight boys and 10 girls, was quite a learning experience.

“The meet for us was very good, considering Burnt Rock don’t have a track,” said Jenoure, a former outstanding softball and volleyball player. “We don’t have an area that is bigger than 80 metres to practice on.

“But the kids came out here and did their best and so I was very proud of them. I can look for more from them next year. For a lot of them, this was their first time on the track, so it was real scary and I think some of them could have done better, but they have to work through their jitters.”

“Golden Girl” Pauline Davis, now a consultant with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, was on hand to help give out awards to the various winners, along with former

men’s 200m national record holder Andrew Tynes. Davis, a double gold medallist at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, also took the time out to sign autographs and encourage some of the young athletes competing in the meet.

“I was happy to present medals to our future track and field stars. I love kids. I believe that the nation needs to continue to celebrate our young people and show them the way,” she said. “I see so much gifted and talented young people here. I wish the Bahamas would have national lottery, which would allow us to have people from all over the world to contribute to the development of sports in our country.”

As a product of humble beginnings, as she refers to it, Davis said there are a number of families who can’t pay the coaches’ fees and they should be allowed to put all of their resources behind them so that they can become all that they can be.”

While she claimed that she’s not knocking the coaches because she’s of the opinion that they should be compensated for

their efforts, but she said there are just too many young boys who could be competing in sports rather than picking up a gun or young girls competing as well instead of getting pregnant.

She said that they need to find a way to enhance the level of sports so that the Bahamas can continue to showcase its talent and not allow these athletes who don’t have the ways and means to excel like those who have the resources.

One of the athletes, Uriel Deshommes, an 11-year-old sixth grader at Martin Town in Grand Bahama, said she always admired Davis and looks up to her as one of her role models. “She represented the Bahamas very well and so I wanted to make sure that I got her autograph. I may not get another chance,” said Deshommes, who is also a sprinter. When asked if she would like to one day be like Davis or even better, Deshommes stressed: “I hope to be like her and even better.”

The meet certainly showed a lot of athletes to watch out for in the future.

JONQUEL JONES SCORES EIGHT IN LOSS TO REESE AND SKY

By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — Marina Mabrey had 21 points, seven assists and six rebounds to help the Chicago Sky beat the New York Liberty 90-81 last night.

Angel Reese added 13 points and nine rebounds for the Sky (2-1), who got a win for first-year head coach Teresa Weatherspoon in her return to New York. Weatherspoon starred as a player for the Liberty in the WNBA’s early days. She helped New York reach the finals in three of the league’s first four years. She was greeted with a loud ovation when she was introduced pregame. The Liberty played a tribute to her at the end of the first quarter.

New York (4-1) led 68-67 early in the fourth quarter before Mabrey and Reese spurred a 19-7 run to give Chicago an 86-75 lead. Reese then had a threepoint play with 2:18 left that put the game away.

Sabrina Ionescu scored 19 points while Breanna Stewart added 18 points and 10 rebounds for New York, which was off to its best start since the 2007 season. Jonquel Jones scored eight points. Stewart missed all four of her shot attempts in the first half while Jonquel Jones was saddled with foul trouble. The Sky were able to build a 40-32 halftime lead behind strong play from Mabrey, who had 12 points. New York trailed by double digits in the third quarter before Stewart rallied them to take the lead.

TRAINING ROOM Chicago was missing Isabelle Harrison (knee), Diamond DeShields (foot) and Kamilla Cardoso (shoulder). Weatherspoon said she expected to have DeShields and Cardoso back soon.

UP NEXT

Sky: Play their first home game of the season on Saturday when they host Connecticut.

Liberty: Travel to Minnesota to play the Lynx on Saturday.

Dragons vs Stingrays

The Dragons poured in eight goals in the first half against the Stingrays, making the game a foregone conclusion halfway through the matchup in the 14-0 victory.

Issa Bournas was electric for the Dragons. She scored six goals and fired on five of them in just the first half. Yasmin Kennedy was equally as impressive as she ended the game with four goals scored.

Coaches Annisa Albury and Sara Ilgenfritz were both pleased with the efforts of the team to advance in the national tournament.

“It feels good. We were national champions before the COVID-19 pandemic and we narrowly missed out last year. We are here to win, here to play and we wanted to make a statement and now we are moving on to the semifinals. We are super excited,” coach Albury said.

Coach Ilgenfritz spoke about the balanced scoring attack displayed by the Dragons.

“We know that we had a really strong attack all year. We have put on scoring clinics throughout the season and we have a lot of players who can score in a lot of different ways. The goal was to show that

we are here to play and we expect to do more of that throughout the tournament,” Ilgenfritz said. Dragons vs Knights

The Dragons, who are the defending champions in the boys’ division, were in a hard-fought match against the Knights. Both teams had numerous opportunities in regulation play to score but the stifling defence did not make it easy for either club. In the final minutes of the game, the Dragons missed on two free kick opportunities. Additionally, the Knights were close to scoring a goal late in the game but, as the ball was headed to the back of the net, the Lyford Cay defenders quickly saved it to force a penalty shootout.

Head coach Phillip Carroll said the defending champions showed great

character in the difficult win. “It was a really tight and tense game. There were chances on both ends but credit goes to them for the performance they put in being a third seed against a number one seed. To be honest, we didn’t play our best and we had a couple of injuries during the game that didn’t help but the boys showed great character and overcame adversity,” Carroll said.

It would be midfielder Joshua O’Brien to seal the deal for the Dragons in the penalty shootout.

After Wilson Jasmin missed one of the Knights’ five attempts, O’Brien iced the game for Lyford Cay on their final penalty kick.

The midfielder said practice paid dividends for his team in the end.

“It was a tough game. I think we could have played

a little bit better but next week we are looking to play even better football.

“In the penalty shootout, I had full faith in my teammates because everyday after practice we take penalties and we pick our sides and put it in. I practiced that and picked that side everyday in practice and I just kept it low,” he said. The reigning champions will now be looking to take it all the way in hopes of hoisting the championship hardware once again.

Windsor vs Magic Windsor took charge of the GHS Magic in the first half to lead 1-0 thanks to a goal scored by Manuel Ruiz. The team then advanced 2-0 on the scoreboard as Dylan Archer caught the Magic’s goalkeeper by surprise and fired the ball to the back of the net.

Alexidieu Sufoir scored a goal after kicking the ball past Windsor’s goalkeeper from inside the 18-yard box late in the second half, but the team was unable to recover to avoid elimination.

Head coach Ronaldo Green was elated to see his team perform well in game one of the high school soccer nationals.

“It was a hard-fought game and I think we had to do our best to get the win. It is an honour in my first year as a senior head coach and it feels good to make it this far in the competition. It really means a lot,” he said. A draw for the semifinals pairings will be conducted on May 27 at 10am. The semifinals are scheduled to commence 4:30pm May 30 at RALD Soccer Field.

JONQUEL Jones in action during the first half last night. (AP Photo/F Franklin II)

Brown matches career playoff high with 40 as

Celtics top Pacers, take 2-0 lead

By JIMMY GOLEN AP Sports Writer

BOSTON (AP) — Jaylen

Brown matched his career playoff high with 40 points, 10 of them to help Boston run off 20 points in a row in the first half to take the lead for good, and the Celtics beat the Indiana Pacers 126-110 last night to open a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Following up on Game 1s, when his 3-pointer with 5.7 seconds left in regulation forced overtime, Brown helped Boston turn a five-point first-quarter deficit into a 15-point second-quarter lead.

Jayson Tatum and Derrick White scored 23 points apiece.

And Jrue Holiday had 15 points and 10 assists for the top-seeded Celtics, who lost Game 2 in both

of their previous series this postseason. Pascal Siakam scored 28 for Indiana, which returns home for Games 3 and 4 on Saturday and Monday night.

Tyrese Haliburton, who had 25 points and 10 assists in the series opener, had 10 points and eight assists Thursday before leaving the game in the third quarter because of a sore left leg.

One game after the Celtics jumped to a 12-0 lead and Indiana spent the rest of the first half clawing its way back, the lead changed hands 10 times in the opening quarter, with the Pacers holding a 27-22 edge with 1:14 left.

Then Boston scored the next 20 points.

Indiana missed nine straight shots and committed four turnovers during

Indiana never got within Brown scored 26 points Tuesday night, when the Celtics won thanks to some unforced errors by the Pacers — especially Haliburton — down the stretch.

On Wednesday, Brown was left off the All-NBA teams; last year’s selection to the second team qualified him for a five-year supermax extension that made him the highest-paid player in the NBA. Asked if he needed to talk to Brown

about focusing on the team, instead of an individual snub, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said before the game, “He’s a very mature guy, so I don’t have to.”

“He has a great outlook on life. He knows what’s

Mavs have early control over Wolves in Western finals with mature, savvy effort by Irving

By DAVE CAMPBELL AP Sports Writer

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Kyrie Irving injected a burst of energy into the Dallas Mavericks to begin the Western Conference finals with a furious flurry of drives to the basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

In the second half, as his shots stopped falling, this matured and refreshed version of Irving that’s been fuelling Luka Doncic and the Mavericks kicked in with an allaround effort to lead the Game 1 victory.

With an NBA championship and 87 career playoff games on his résumé, Irving has the experience in this part of the postseason that nobody on either side in this series can match.

“I’ve been to the mountaintop. I’ve succeeded and I’ve also failed, so I look at this moment as an opportunity to help other guys really settle in and be aware of what comes with this,” Irving said.

The first overall pick in the 2011 draft played in three consecutive NBA finals for Cleveland from 2015-17, but those teams ran through LeBron James. Irving was just 24 when the Cavaliers won it all in 2016. The controversies, injuries and trades that have painted the story of his career since then have begun to peel away this spring with each postseason win by the Mavericks.

“It’s just a new chapter of my life. I was a young man, and I think that people were holding on to my words and actions that I did then, but now being 32 years old, I’ve crossed over that mountain a little bit and been able to figure out that basketball’s a sport I was meant to play,” Irving said. “In order to do that I’ve got to make other guys better, too. I can’t just be out there scoring and worrying about me.”

Irving scored 24 of his 30 points in the first half of the 108-105 victory on Wednesday night. He made

11 of 14 shots, including five layups and four floaters from between 5 and 10 feet as the Mavericks successfully drew NBA Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert out of his rim protection zone and consistently lost their defenders on pick-and-rolls.

important and what’s not,” Mazzulla said before the game.

“He works really hard, and he knows who he is as a person and a player. That’s the most important thing,” the coach added.

and 8-and-under. However, to compete in their respective age groups, athletes must not change birthdays by December 31, 2024.

JOHNSON’S BASKETBALL CAMP

GET ready for the annual

Coach Kevin Johnson’s Basketball Camp 2024.

“I’ve been here before, so just a little bit more poise on my end and just being able to start the game with the confidence and that aggression,” said Irving, who was also a significant contributor to the team-effort defence on Anthony Edwards that limited the secondteam All-NBA pick to 19 points and only four shot attempts from

The 22-year-old Edwards, whose youthful confidence and exceptional athleticism have helped propel him into the mix of the league’s biggest stars, created a bit of a stir in his live postgame interview on TNT after Minnesota beat Denver to advance by declaring, “I’ve got Kyrie.” Considering their disparate performances in Game 1, the natural narrative was that Edwards foolishly poked the bear with such bold talk. But Irving wasn’t having it.

“That no-fear mentality that he has is why I respect him as a competitor and why I respect him as a person,” Irving said. “When we’re on that court, I know he’s going to give it his all. I’m going to give it my all, and at the end of the game, you know it’s all love, but when we’re inside those lines, he knows what it is and I know what it is.”

Edwards said after the game he was exhausted, an unsurprising admission considering how many

DALLAS Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) drives to the basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves during Game 1 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals on Wednesday in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn)

defenders Dallas — like Denver in the round before — sent at him whenever he made a move toward the basket. Chasing Irving around on defence is a challenge, too.

“We’re not going to stop him,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said. “Just make it tough on him.”

Edwards and fellow Wolves guards Mike Conley and Nickeil Alexander-Walker shot a combined 9 for 29 from the floor, including 6 for 26 from 3-point range. A whopping 49 of Minnesota’s 89 attempts were from deep, the team’s 2023-24 high over both the regular season or playoffs.

The Wolves weren’t as worried about the greater reliance on the outside shot so much as they were with their first-half effort on defence and their late-game execution on offence. Coach Chris Finch and his staff pulled no punches in

JAMES EXTENDS HIS ALL-NBA APPEARANCE RECORD

NEW YORK (AP) — LeBron James is now the youngest — and the oldest — player to make an AllNBA team. And Dallas’ Luka Doncic and Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are in position to make around $1 million per game a few years from now.

Denver’s Nikola Jokic and Gilgeous-Alexander were the only unanimous first-team selections on this season’s All-NBA team, which was revealed by the league on Wednesday night. They were joined on the first team by Doncic, Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo and Boston’s Jayson Tatum.

On the second team: New York’s Jalen Brunson, Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards, Phoenix’s Kevin Durant, the Los Angeles Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard and James’ Los Angeles Lakers teammate, Anthony Davis. The third team had James, Golden State’s Stephen Curry, Sacramento’s Domantas Sabonis, Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton and Phoenix’s Devin Booker. The NBA changed the rules starting with this season and All-NBA voting is now positionless — as opposed to having two guards, two forwards and one center on each of the teams, a formula that had

been in place since the 1950s. Players also had to appear in a minimum number of games, in most cases, to be eligible for award consideration from the panel of 99 broadcasters and writers who served as the voting panel. And for Doncic and Gilgeous-Alexander, the All-NBA nods mean they are poised for supermax extensions that can be signed in 2025, both of which would set records.

Doncic can sign a fiveyear deal worth about $347 million and Gilgeous-Alexander will be eligible to sign a four-year extension worth about $294 million.

an intense video session yesterday in the completion of the wakeup call for Game 2 at Target Center tonight.

“I told the guys, ‘It’s been a long time since I’ve been this disappointed in your effort. Your performance, your attitude, your application and attention to detail just wasn’t there,’” Finch said.

“The Western Conference finals started. Not sure if they got the memo. But they got it this afternoon.”

The 62-38 scoring advantage the Mavericks enjoyed in the paint was still stinging.

“We’re the No. 1 defensive team in the league so the amount of points we allowed, 108, is too much for that team,” Wolves backup centre Naz Reid said.

“I just think we didn’t bring it defensively.”

Coach Kevin ‘KJ’ Johnson has announced that his camp will run from June 24 to July 12 at the CI Gibson Secondary High School and will run daily from 9am to 1pm.

For $120 for three weeks, campers will get a chance to play and learn the fundamentals of the game of basketball from professional instructors.

Interested persons can sign up by contacting coach Johnson at 636-9350 or email: coachkjjohnson@ gmail.com

BASKETBALL

NEX-GEN

THE third annual Nex-Gen Elite Training Basketball Camp, hosted by JR Basketball Academy, is all set for June 24 to July 13 from 9am to noon at the Telios Indoor Gymnasium on Carmichael Road. The camp, powered by Frazier’s Roofing, will provide training for game situations, shooting, passibng, ball handling, defense and footwork for boys and girls between the ages of 8-19 years.

Registration is now open. Interested persons can contact Cadot at 535-9354, email jrcbasketballacademy. com or go online to www. jrcbasketballacademy.com

SOCCER HAVEN HIGH SCHOOL CLASSIC

THE Bahamas Football Association, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Technical & Vocational Training, is hosting the Samuel P Haven Jr High School Soccer Nationals 2024 at the Roscow AL Davies Fields.

BOSTON Celtics guard Jaylen Brown, left, shoots over Indiana Pacers guard Ben Sheppard (26) during the second half of Game 2 of the NBA Eastern Conference basketball finals yesterday. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)