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Volume: 119 No.134, June 7, 2022

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FLIGHT HOME THAT ENDED IN TRAGEDY Young mum caught early plane only to perish as it crashed

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net ALEITHEIA Newbold, the woman who died in a plane crash in Long Island on Sunday, was yesterday remembered by loved ones as a “bubbly, over joyous” person who was deeply loved by all who knew her.

“My sister was beautiful inside and out,” said Mitchanti Simms. “She was just charismatic and humble and she loved hard - she was everything to us and she will be missed deeply.”

Aleitheia, 22, was among seven people onboard the

twin engine aircraft that crashed in bushes some two miles from Deadman’s Cay Airport in Long Island Sunday morning.

The aircraft, a PA -31-310 plane, was enroute to New Providence, but crashed shortly after takeoff.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority said they were notified of the incident after 9am that day.

As a result, an emergency response was initiated by the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Defence Force, Airport Authority and the

MORE than $2bn in real estate sales were brought forward for stamping and the payment of taxes during the first 11 months of the 2021-2022 fiscal year, it has been revealed.

Shunda Strachan, the Department of Inland Revenue’s (DIR) acting

‘NIB’S RATE MUST RISE TO MAKE PAYOUTS’ A CABINET minister said reserves at the National Insurance Board (NIB) are forecasted to “decline sharply” in the next few years and called for a contribution rate increase of two percent.

Myles Laroda, State Minister with responsibility for NIB, said during the budget debate on Thursday that the board had increased its revenues by $25m as the economy began to grow and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic economic shutdown.

SEE PAGE FOUR

SEE PAGE THREE

controller, gave an insight into the Bahamian real estate market’s strength and how it helped fill the void in the government’s income created by tourism’s COVID shutdown - by disclosing that almost 31 percent of VAT revenues collected by her agency between July 1 last year and end-May 2022 originate from property deals.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

- SEE PAGE NINE

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

VAT REVENUES SOAR BY $2BN HOME SALES

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

PETER YOUNG: A NATION UNITED FOR THE QUEEN

QATAR LOOKS TO BAHAMAS AS POSSIBLE AIRLINE HUB

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

ALEITHEIA Newbold with her daughter, Alaia. Aleitheia Newbold was killed in a plane crash in Long Island on Sunday. She was described as a “bubbly, over joys person” and “beautiful inside and out”.

FAMILY’S ANGUISH FOR SLAIN TEEN

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

THE mother of teenager Quinton McKenzie spoke yesterday of her horror at the death of her 13-year-old son.

Quinton died on Friday morning after he was hit in his head by two bullets.

Reports indicate that shortly before 8am, police were alerted by Shot Spotter to multiple gunshots in

QUINTON MCKENZIE the area of Williams Lane off Kemp Road.

When officers arrived at the scene, they were told that a young boy had been

shot multiple times. He was taken to hospital by Emergency Medical Services where he later died of his injuries.

The victim’s mother, Kissie Brown-Pratt, told reporters it was the violent way her son died that hurts her the most.

She said she lies awake at night thinking about how her son was shot in the back and jaw.

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

SEE PAGE THREE

THE government will “continue to pursue” Qatar Airways to establish an aviation hub in The Bahamas that can service Latin America and the wider Western Hemisphere, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper has pledged.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

FACE TO FACE: ON TRACK WITH HOME-GROWN HIT

- SEE PAGE EIGHT

PAGE 2, Tuesday, June 7, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

NEMA reacts as storm hits The Bahamas

BAD weather also hit New Providence over the weekend, with a waterspout spotted near the bridge to Paradise Island, in this image from video circulating on social media.

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net THE National Emergency Management Agency gave a status report on the northern Bahamas after Tropical Cyclone Alex made landfall there this past weekend.

At a press conference on Sunday at NEMA headquarters on Gladstone Road, several high ranking members of the organisation with the Minister of State Miles Lorettab said the storm made landfall in several islands in the northern Bahamas including Abaco Grand Bahama and the Berry Islands.

The Minister of State said he had spoken with administrators in Grand Bahama over the damage caused by the storm Alex over 48 hours.

“Yesterday I would have spoken to all of the Members of Parliament out of Grand Bahama to get their assessment and their concerns as it relates to the depression. I also spoke with a few other local counsellors in the area, pledged government assistance and complete cooperation in the aftermath,” Loretta said.

“And, as I confirmed with the Prime Minister, as soon as it is possible to go and view the damage on the ground we will prepared to do so. So, this conference is just to give the country an

update as to what the situation is.”

Jeffrey Simmons, acting director of the Department of Meteorology, said Grand Bahama experienced an “exorbitant” amount of rainfall, with 10.69 inches falling within a 48 period.

In regards to the remaining Family Islands affected by the storm, Tourissa Bootle, acting deputy director of NEMA said her agency had been in contact with officials in the affected areas.

“From the warnings issued Family Island administrators were managing the system and they were engaged very early with their consultative committee. So far we’ve seen some of the their initial assessments in the form of photographs and we believe that family island administrators will continue to do that which we are mandated to do, which is to go on the ground with their consultative committee and conduct a thorough assessment of what is happening,” she said.

“We have seen some of the impact in particular the Grand Bahama area and also north Abaco.

We saw pictures coming in this morning with the administrator there in North Abaco. And so we are waiting to see some of the impact, severe in some areas, we believe, based on the photographs. So I want to encourage those Family administrators to be safe.”

Bootle concluded by saying that flooding was not as severe as the photos

indicate and that she wishes the people in the affected areas well in restarting their normal lives.

Captain Steven Russell, director of NEMA, commended the recovery effort in the effected islands and clarified that a list of storm shelters had been given out two weeks prior to the storm.

Responding to a press question on if there are plans to create more hurricane shelters throughout the nation for what is forecasted to be a very busy hurricane season Captain Russell said: “I’ll speak to the plans that are underway to construct a purpose built shelter or community centre in Abaco. And the managing director here and I, we met with a team from the UN and other partners just last week in Abaco to finalize a plan of action to get that structure off the ground.

“That’s in the immediate to long term, to have that completed but we’re looking at that particular shelter as a prototype for shelters we’d like to build at strategic locations throughout The Bahamas in the not too distant future.

“There are some talks with Links group for one and the Red Cross, they proposed or they put forward a proposal to construct a shelter in Grand Bahama. The same plan that we are using for the Abaco shelter I’ve shared that with them so they can look at it to see how they can modify it or if it suits their purpose.”

FLOODING in Grand Bahama over the weekend.

Photos: Vandyke Hepburn

WANTED MAN SURRENDERS

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A GRAND Bahama suspect wanted for assault with a deadly weapon surrendered to police on Sunday.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Stephen Rolle reported that Stevie Deon Cooper/Marshall, 37, of

Imperial Gardens, Freeport, turned himself in at 11.50am at the Criminal Investigation Department.

Police had issued an allpoints bulletin for Cooper around 9.30am on Sunday.

ASP Rolle thanked the Grand Bahama community their assistance in the matter.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, June 7, 2022, PAGE 3

Flight home that ended in tragedy from page one United States Coast Guard and the plane was located with extensive damage in a forested area approximately two miles from the airport.

The captain confirmed there were seven people on board with several of them injured. They were later taken to New Providence for medical assistance.

However, a woman died of her injuries on the scene.

She was later identified as Aleitheia Newbold, a mother of a six-month-old girl.

Close relatives told The Tribune yesterday the young mother was staying in Long Island to work at the holiday weekend regatta and was initially scheduled to return home today.

Aleitheia’s sister said she was not certain why she decided to return home early. She said her death was a shock for many.

“Three days ago, she was just saying that she was headed to the island to work and would be back Tuesday.

All is not clear as to why she was coming back earlier than scheduled,” Ms Simms added. “But when I got the news I was sleeping and I got a message from an associate who was extending condolences because they were unaware of our relationship, but I was confused (and) when she forwarded the article, I literally lost my pattern of breathing and just screamed. Automatically, I asked myself why,

just why?”

Ms Simms said her sister, an aspiring nail technician, was excited about life, especially motherhood.

She also said the family is struggling to cope with her sister’s death.

“They’re not taking it well at all. At all,” she said.

“I don’t know how I feel… just so much images and things flipping through my mind. This isn’t easy at all.

No more hype woman to hype me on my status when I post or to come and bring me the tea or even just girl talk.”

Since the incident, many have expressed condolences to family members of the deceased.

In a tweet posted over the weekend, Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis said his heart was “heavy” after receiving news of the crash.

“My heart is heavy today (Sunday) following the news of an air accident on Long Island,” he said.

“On behalf of myself and my wife, Ann, we offer our sincere condolences to the deceased’s family.

We pray for God’s comfort and speedy recovery of the remaining passengers.”

Works and Utilities Minister Alfred Sears, whose daughter was a passenger on the downed flight, also sent condolences.

Meanwhile, Long Island MP, Adrian Gibson said on Sunday: “This morning, I was made aware of a plane crash just after takeoff... I am advised that the chartered flight, which was returning regatta-goers to

THE SCENE of the crash and, inset, Aleitheia Newbold, who died in the incident.

New Providence, experienced technical difficulties shortly after takeoff.”

“I was saddened to hear of the death of a young female passenger- Aleitheia Newbold. I offer heartfelt condolences to her husband, daughter, family and friends on behalf of myself, my family and the people of Long Island.”

AAIA said investigations are continuing to determine what caused the accident.

FAMILY’S ANGUISH FOR SLAIN TEEN from page one

SURVIVORS ‘TRAUMATISED’ BY LONG ISLAND CRASH FAMILY members of the surviving victims of the Long Island plane crash said the accident has left them shaken and traumatised.

Local authorities reported that the twin engine aircraft crashed in bushes near Deadman’s Cay Airport in Long Island after 9am Sunday.

Works and Utilities Minister Alfred Sears confirmed his daughter, Nia Sears, was a passenger on the downed aircraft.

He said they were alerted to the accident after 9am from their daughter’s friend, who was also on the flight.

“Surely, you can imagine that the frenzy and trauma have truly left us all shaken,” he said. “However, we are immensely grateful to God for sparing the lives of our loved ones, as we are taught as believers in God, that ‘in all things give thanks’.”

Motivational speaker Spence Finlayson, whose 26-year-old daughter was

also on the flight, expressed gratitude to God for protecting the survivors.

“I was on my way to church when I got the call,” he told The Tribune yesterday. “My daughter spoke so matter of factly that I thought it was just a little crash and they just ran off the runway or something.”

“And it didn’t hit me until I kept seeing these things on Facebook, the death and all that and I was concerned about that and then it was Bahamas news or one of (the other sites) posted a photograph along with a story on Facebook and to my amazement and surprise there was my daughter standing up at the crash site. So, I said thank God she’s okay. She should be released from Doctor’s (hospital) today.”

The victims were rescued after an emergency response was initiated by the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Airport Authority and the United States Coast Guard.

BOYS ACCUSED OF STABBING

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

TWO teenage boys were charged in Magistrate’s Court in connection with the stabbing of two students at AF Adderley Junior High last week.

The 14-year-old and 13-year-old - with their guardians in attendance stood before Magistrate Kara Turnquest-Deveaux on two counts of causing harm and fighting.

At 1pm on May 30, the accused are alleged to have been in a fight at their school which ended with two other male students, ages 14 and 15, being stabbed.

Earlier reports indicated that the two stab victims

were treated for their injuries and discharged.

The 13-year-old pleaded guilty to the fighting charge, but both pleaded not guilty to the remaining charges.

As there was no objection, each was granted $1,500 bail.

Under the conditions, the 14-year-old was given a curfew sentence. He is to stay inside from Monday to Friday, being allowed out for work from 6am to 4pm on Saturdays and 6am to 1pm on Sundays.

The 13-year-old has been ordered to stay indoors from Monday to Saturday, only allowed out from 8am-noon on Sundays for church.

Both were warned not to interfere with any witnesses in their case. The juveniles’ trial date is set for July 13.

ACCUSED OF MANSLAUGHTER

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was charged in the Magistrate’s Court for manslaughter and possession of an unlicenced firearm.

Camaro Mackey, 39, appeared before Assistant Chief Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans accused of causing the death of Theodore Mackey on May 28. On the same day police also found him with an unlicensed .40 pistol.

Mackey was not required to enter a plea at this time.

He was informed his case would proceed by way of Voluntary Bill of Indictment (VBI).

The magistrate also told the accused his case would be heard in the Supreme Court, where he can apply for bail. Until then, Mackey will be sent back to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

The accused is expected to return to court on August 3 for service of his VBI.

Many were greeted by concerned family members at Odessy Aviation before being taken to hospital on Sunday.

Yesterday, Mr Sears praised the heroic efforts of all those who assisted in a mission that he said was quite “difficult”.

“The rescue of the survivors was difficult and courageous,” he added.

“The rescuers had to cut through miles of inaccessible marshland and rocky terrain to reach the crash site and assist the survivors.

“Police Superintendent McGregor led the police search and rescue team. I telephoned Mr. Stefan Knowles, at 9:39 am, who was about to take a plane from Long Island to Exuma. Stefan immediately volunteered to lead a search and rescue team and directed the pilot coming for him to divert to make an aerial location of the crash site. When I heard from Stefan again, he had reached the crash site and was assisting the survivors.

Unfortunately, Stefan injured his foot in assisting the survivors. I wish Stefan a speedy and full recovery.”

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) said they are still investigating to determine exactly what led to the incident.

However, weather officials have said it’s not likely that bad weather was to blame for the crash.

“Today, we went back to Long Island,” Delvin Major, AAIA’s chief investigator, said yesterday.

“A full team went down and we did our mapping with the drones, we did our measurements, we did all of the full documentation of the aircraft and of the scene and we were able to learn a lot from what we saw at the scene so now that we’re back in Nassau, the next phase is to put all the information that we gathered in the field as well as to review the documents that we received from other entities that will be a part of the investigations and we

will use that information to determine what may have happened.”

“We have reached out to the Met office to get a copy of the weather report.

We have reached out to our counterparts in the US to get information on the pilot’s licence, medical training and the maintenance record of the aircraft - all those are just to determine that all of the actions were done in the parameters allowed by law.”

In the meantime, anyone with information, including those who were on the aircraft, are asked to reach out to the authorities to assist with their investigations.

“We would like to appeal to them to give us a call (at 376-1617 or 376-8334) and to reach out to us because we would like to know what took place,” Captain Major added. “First of all, the purpose of our investigation is not to blame anybody but to find out what happened and to prevent it from happening again in the future.”

“It’s how he die that’s really hurting me. A small 13-year-old boy, no weight, tiny baby. You could see he’s a baby to take two shots. One behind his neck and one in his jaw that’s real hurtful for a mother to stand here,” Mrs BrownPratt said.

“A lot of people say I’m strong, but only God, only God got me. Only who feels it knows it, and other people can go to their bed and sleep at night whiles I crying all night, can’t sleep through the night ‘cause my baby sleeping in the cold ice in a box with his name tag on his toes. You know how bad I feel? It’s hurting me deep inside.”

Quinton’s father, Quincy McKenzie, said his son was an avid sports fan and was just a month away from his 14th birthday. Alongside Mr McKenzie’s touching video tributes to his son the victim’s school LW Young Junior High also sent condolences to the slain youth on Facebook.

While investigations into the fatal shooting are continuing Superintendent Audley Peters confirmed that police have a juvenile male in custody. This suspect is currently assisting with their investigation into the incident.

PAGE 4, Tuesday, June 7, 2022

‘READY’ FOR HURRICANE SEASON AS $500,000 FUNDING SET ASIDE

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

A CABINET minister says the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is ready for hurricane season with $500,000 set aside.

Myles Laroda, Minister of State with responsibility for the Disaster Reconstruction Authority (DRA), said during the budget debate on Thursday that the agency has appropriate “preparedness and response plans” in place.

He also said: “There’s an allocation of $1m in the 2022/2023 capital budget for hurricane precautions.

And the sum of $500,000 is allocated in the recurrent budget for NEMA.” He added: “There is an ongoing collaboration with other key stakeholders in government and private sector, regional and international organisations to ensure that all critical systems are in place and functioning. The impact of collective preparation efforts increase our capacity to quickly recover in the aftermath of a storm.”

After Hurricane Dorian in 2019, NEMA has been building capacity and, in collaboration with its partners, has done an assessment

of each island in The Bahamas and their readiness for a natural disaster.

“NEMA is in the process of sharing the findings of the National Disaster Preparedness baseline assessment with disaster management practitioners and the wider community for use and has taken action to mitigate hazard impacts and for updating Disaster Preparedness and Response Plans,” Mr Laroda said.

NEMA has also acquired state of the art telecommunications equipment to get the message out before and after a hurricane and to allow it to conduct meetings virtually when necessary. In addition, the Disaster Management Committee was able to conduct training sessions with Family Island administrators and has been engaged with regional and international partners.

Mr Laroda added: “With grant support from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) the Organization of American States and Cable Bahamas, NEMA was able to procure equipment and conducted a series of community emergency response team (CERT) training sessions for persons in the tourism sector.”

‘NIB’S RATE MUST RISE TO MAKE PAYOUTS’ from page one

He also said: “The road to recovery continues. And if we are able to keep our economy open, we expect 2022 revenue to be just short of prepandemic levels. The realisation of this is highly dependent on the COVID 19.”

COVID-19 put a $150m dent in the board’s funds in 2020 due to unemployment assistance, but it still has assets of $1.5bn. Mr Laroda warned, however, that reserves are expected to “decline sharply” in the next few years.

Urging reforms at NIB, Mr Laroda said that one of the key reforms that must take place at the board is an “increase to the contribution rate”.

This increase would allow for the board to increase revenue to head off any severe weakening of its reserves. However, the government has decided that it “will not visit” an increase in the contribution rate until more workers are put on the payroll and the private sector is able

to absorb the increase.

The number of people paying into the contribution scheme is decreasing with the number of people being paid out of the fund increasing, thus an increase in the rate of 1.5 percent to 2 percent of the current rate is necessary.

“With subsequent increases every two years for a period is being considered. NIB is 8.8 percent contribution rate has remained unchanged since the inception of the NIB programme in 1974. With the first and only increase of 1 percent being made in 2010 with the inclusion of the unemployment benefit,” Mr Laroda added.

Mr Laroda also said: “Demographic trends in the 11th actuarial report indicate low fertility and mortality rates with steady migration. In a Social Security system, where contributors and employees pay to the fund’s pension benefits women having fewer children coupled with an ageing population means that there are less individuals to meet the benefit demands of the scheme.”

THE TRIBUNE

‘WE MUST PROCESS PROMOTIONS’

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell admits the government must resolve “the capacity problem” to process promotions of public service workers.

Mr Mitchell spoke on behalf of the government during the Sir Randol Fawkes Labour Day Parade held on Friday in Eight Mile Rock, Grand Bahama.

Grand Bahama Minister Ginger Moxey, Obie Wilchcombe, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development; PLP Senators Kirkland Russell and James Turner, FNM Member of Parliament for East Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson and Member of Parliament for Central Grand Bahama Iram Lewis also marched with the workers.

Several pressing labour issues were raised, including the promotions and confirmations of public servants, the liveable wage, the provision for a legal advocate for the small man, and casual labour, particularly in the industrial sector.

Mr Mitchell explained the processing of promotions in the public service is not political, but rather a capacity problem.

“The whole country ought to understand the capacity problems that government has. It has little

to do with politics because promotions and transfers are dealt with by an independent body called the Public Service Commission. The Commission has to have the capacity to process the tens of thousands of transfers and promotions the country has, and I must say they simply do not have the capacity to do so. And so, part of what you are seeing is a capacity issue.

“We decided that one issue we have to tackle is increase capacity for the agencies to deal with the processing because we cannot keep coming back and saying the Commission. Since we are the government, it must be our job to try to solve that capacity problem.”

Mr Mitchell noted the department makes the recommendation, which then goes to the Commission. “It is for us to resolve the problem,” he stressed.

On the matter of liveable wage, Minister Mitchell said the government is going to raise the minimum wage. He reminded Bahamians of the significance of how Labour Day came about when Randol Fawkes paid tribute to the men and women who had sacrificed their energy, blood, sweat and tears in the Burma Road riots on June 1 and 2, 1942, over the construction of what is now the Lynden Pindling International Airport concerning a dispute over wages and the differential treatment between

Bahamians and non-Bahamians.

He said: “So, we owe a debt of gratitude to Sir Randol Fawkes who chose this day to pay tribute to those persons who sacrificed their lives, time and effort on that day.

Five people were killed on that day – Harold McIntosh, David Smith, Roy Johnson, James Alexander Rolle and Donald Johnson.”

In a statement on Friday, Kwasi Thompson, MP for East Grand Bahama, congratulated workers in Grand Bahama on a successful Labour Day march.

“It was good to march in support of workers,” he said. “It should be a non-political event, but it is about the workers. We support their advocating on behalf of employees everywhere, particularly in Grand Bahama. We stand with them as they continue to fight for better pay, better conditions, and fair treatment,” he said.

Mr Thompson encouraged the government to do all it can to support Bahamian workers.

“We were disappointed we didn’t see more in the budget for private-sector job creation, particularly in Grand Bahama. We know that projects may come on stream by next year, but we need a significant amount of employment now.”

He indicated that they are also distressed that there has been a reduction in Social Services when the need in Grand Bahama is so great.

‘$100M OVER TARGET’ FOR GOVT REVENUE

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

THE acting director of the Department of Inland Revenue (DIR) said the agency is $100m over its revenue target for the current fiscal year.

Shunda Strachan, speaking at the weekly press conference at the Office of The Prime Minister, said that the department has collected $930m over the current fiscal year compared to the $830m it had been projected to collect.

The government collected $136m from real property tax, $712m from Value Added Tax (VAT) and an additional $81m from business license taxes.

The DIR is “actively” following up with people who may be in arrears with their real

property taxes or other taxes to encourage them to come in and pay their taxes if they do not know that they owe the government.

She also said: “So our goal is to get the never payers to pay, to get the sometimes payers to become consistent payers and that is working.”

From the “never payers” brackets the government has received $47m alone.

Ms Strachan also said: “The fact that we’re over projections, tells us that persons are hearing the cry of the government that they need to pay their taxes, and persons are paying.”

She continued, “So even when you look at real property tax.

When we look at the categories and we have four categories: We have owner occupied taxpayers; residential taxpayers;

the foreign owned vacant land owners VAT category, and, of course, the commercial bucket.

She added: “The owner occupied property owners have really surpassed our budget figures and they are the ones that are really coming forward and meeting their obligations.”

Out of the $136m in real property taxes about $95m was from “current taxpayers” that have been consistent over the years.

One of the important changes to the real property tax regime is the cap has been lifted and now anyone with an owner occupied property over $8m will now have to pay $120,000 per year rather than the cap at $60,000 at $6m and up. From this the DIR is looking to rake in a considerable amount of revenue in the next fiscal year.

THE TRIBUNE

Labour Day returns after COVID break

Tuesday, June 7, 2022, PAGE 5

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

Bahamas Public Services Union told The Tribune of the disunity he says has taken root in the modern THE spirit of Randol labour movement. He said Fawkes lives on as the that recent controversies annual Bahamas Labour among the trade unions Day March returned after a are doing nothing to help two year COVID hiatus. the plight of the common Even in the pouring rain worker. crowds of people represent“Today is a bittersweet ing several labour unions day for the trade union gathered along the parade movement because what route early Friday morning we have seen happening to participate in the Randol in recent times is disFawkes Labour Day unification of the labour March. This year’s parade movement. What is disorganised by the Trade heartening is trying to Union Congress under the promulgate and profess to theme “Forward, Upward, be one body when we still Onward, Together with have splitting at the seams Labour” started at Windsor and what seems to be a canPark and ended in a Family nibalistic character trait in Fun Day at Arawak Cay. the trade union movement During the event several today.” Mr Burrows said. prominent labour leaders “What needs to happen gave their views on why sol- is we need to continue to idarity is important among focus on what unites us as their unions a body outand how side of what the fight for divides us. labour rights But in the in The Bahamidst of it all mas continues we continue today. to press on.

Bahamas It’s to the next Union of generation to Teachers pressee if they can ident Belinda salvage what Wilson told is left of the The Tribune trade union her organi- BELINDA Wilson marching in movement sation had the parade. and continue come out to to press on. not only celebrate their This too shall pass and we labour rights, but those of must remain encouraged all Bahamians. and resolute to mandate “We are here today in to protect the worker in a show of solidarity,” she tenure and make sure that said. every single worker in “This is Labour Day, the this country has the basic 61st Sir Randol Fawkes tenants of survival and ecoLabour Day and we are so nomic empowerment.” pleased to be out here to Despite the challenges represent workers, not only faced by the Labour teachers from throughout Unions, Prime Ministhe Commonwealth of The ter Phillip “Brave” Davis Bahamas, but all workers. during a press interview at So, today is our day and we the March said his party are going to celebrate and stands with the workers. observe the great work of The Prime Minister further trade unions.” said the labour movement Amancha Williams, will always have a seat at Bahamas Nurses Union their table. president, described how “Workers are an essential her members were proud that contributes mightily to to be out celebrating the our overall wellbeing and labour movement. How- it is very important that we ever, she said nurses are still recognize the work and the fighting for recognition for workers in our country,” Mr all their hard work.

Davis said.

“Well we are happy to “The Progressive Libbe here today whether it’s eral Party has had a long, raining or it’s sunny it’s all long history with the labour a blessing from the lord and movement, in fact our party we say happy Labour Day is the only party who has on behalf of the Bahamas enshrined in its constitution, Nurses Union,” Ms Wil- their respect, and included liams said. the labour movement as “We are proud to be part of our political organiblack Bahamians here cel- zation. In fact they have a ebrating the workers of this seat at our table if they wish country and we thank God to have it. And It is a new for Sir Randol Fawkes. And day for labour because they we thank God that we will have a government that is be here and we are moving sensitive to their needs and with the rain and our mem- who believe in the dignity of bers will enjoy this Labour the workers.

Day. And we thank God for Opposition leader the government that allows Michael Pintard said in a us to do this providing that written statement: “While we provide protocol, mask there have been significant on and covered properly.” changes over the years “This is crucial for us since independence, Bahabecause we want to take mian workers continue a stand. We want to show to be the main factor that that we want our profession drives the success of our to be recognized around, country. Labour and poliit is recognized around the tics have long been closely world, but we want The aligned in The Bahamas.

Bahamas and the Baha- In fact, Sir Randol Fawkes, mian people to appreciate in whose honour we celthe nurses and say ‘thank ebrate our national Labour you for the service you Day parade, was a politihave given us during this cal lynchpin in securing COVID”. Also it’s a hur- majority rule for black ricane month so a nurse is Bahamians.” always needed.”

We encourage labour Preston Burrows, Jr, leaders to continue to fight prominent member of diligently to represent their

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis laying a wreath in honour of the four people who died during the 2018 Labour Day march.

MEMBERS of the Airport Airline and Allied Workers Union during the Sir Randol Fawkes Labour Day march.

Photo: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune Staff members as The Bahamas continues to grow and evolve. Modern tools like the tripartite arrangement between the workers, employers and government are crucial to ensuring industrial harmony, while social dialogue is critical to enabling the most useful collaboration on labour legislation.

“We take special note, of the formation of the Bahamas National Alliance Trade Union Congress, and we are optimistic that the new umbrella union will live up to its motto of “Protecting Workers’ Rights”.

“We in the FNM pledge our continued support to all trade union organisations in The Bahamas to ensure that there is decent work and pay for all Bahamians, to ensure fairness, equity and the protection of rights of all workers in The Bahamas.

“As leader of the Free National Movement, I pledge to be accessible to hear your concerns and you can count on our team to be responsive. We are committed to the empowerment of the Bahamian workers. We will work in tandem with workers, the government, the private sector and other stakeholders to increase Bahamian ownership of the economy. Wherever Bahamians are engaged in meaningful work, we will ensure that they are treated with dignity and the conditions under which they work meet the highest standards.”

PAGE 6, Tuesday, June 7, 2022

The Tribune Limited

THE TRIBUNE

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Not a popular thing to say - but the right thing HE won’t win many friends in politics by saying it – but Myles Laroda is right to draw attention to the state of the National Insurance Board reserves.

Back in April, when he raised the prospect of “numerous” increases to the NIB rate, the talk was swiftly squashed

by Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis.

On Thursday, Mr Laroda called again for a contribution rate increase – this time of two percent.

He said that NIB reserves are expected to “decline sharply” in the next few years, and that one of the reforms that must take place – not could, not possibly, hit must – is an “increase to the contribution rate”.

There should really be no surprise over the idea that reforms need to take place to safeguard the NIB fund. When an actuarial report was filed in 2002, it forecast that the fund would be bankrupt by 2030 – and time has been no kinder to the fund given the outlays after hurricanes and the pandemic.

The minister with responsibility who received that report 20 years ago was Mr Davis, so this should all come as no shock to anyone concerned.

Credit then to Mr Laroda for being bold enough to say what needs to be said, and to lay out a plan for how to deal with it – unpopular as it may be.

It could even lead to questions over his position – after all, it was only in April that Mr Davis categorically said there would be no increase until his administration has been able to arrest the hardships facing Bahamians.

The recent Budget may be hailed by the PLP for many things, but it won’t have shifted that dial enough yet to show a significant enough difference to change Mr Davis’ answer. Mr Laroda then could be seen to be going against the government’s message.

Mr Davis said at the time that it would be a “last resort for me to put any more

burden” on the backs of the Bahamian people.

In the absence of an alternative proposal, however, we are left to ask whether Mr Laroda’s suggestion has the weight of government behind it.

Well done, Mr Laroda, for saying what needs to be said. It is refreshing to see the nation’s needs being confronted in such a manner.

The trouble with kicking the can down the road is that the longer you do that, the greater the remedial action you need to take when the time comes.

That time has come for Mr Davis.

He himself has called it a watershed moment. So what’s the plan?

Middle East Another Middle East trip, another round of talks about the benefits for The Bahamas.

This time, it is the prospect of Qatar Airways to establish an aviation hub in The Bahamas to serve Latin America and the Western Hemisphere.

As talk goes, it sounds enticing – tapping into the funds of one of the wealthiest nations on the planet, and introducing new routes to bring more people to our nation.

As it is, however, it’s just talk – and it’s about time that some of these trips showed more tangible results if the government is to justify the extra funding it is pouring into overseas trips.

Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper’s statements is full of wanting to “continue to pursue” or being “interested in establishing links” and “causing there to be some promotion through Qatar Holidays to bring tourists to The Bahamas”. Ifs, buts and maybes.

The proof, as they say, is in the pudding.

Barefoot boy EDITOR, The Tribune.

AS I walked to the corner to catch the 21 bus, something inside kept telling me that this would be one of the best days I had ever had.

Not knowing what to expect I eagerly awaited the events that would unfold.

Once I arrived at my bus stop, I observed several groups of children standing around making merry as they waited for their bus to take them to school. When the first bus arrived, one group got on, the second and third, and another until everyone was gone.

That is when I noticed a boy of about fourteen standing alone. Curiosity got the best of me, and I just had to find out his reason for not joining any of the other groups.

He appeared to be rather timid and was somewhat reluctant to engage in conversation with a stranger.

But after a little prodding he opened up and went on to tell me that the groups that got on the buses were gang members.

By now the cat had taken

over completely and I just had to find out more. So as we waited for the next bus I asked questions like why he was not a gang member and how come he was not intimidated by them. His explanations were simple and direct.

Number one his mother would kill him if she ever dreamed he was in a gang and number two he would rather face up to the gangs than the wrath of his mom.

His mother, a single parent of four children two boys and two girls, him being the eldest, works two jobs seven days a week to take care of them.

While she could not afford to buy them Jordan’s and polos she provided them with the essentials of life. They were always clean and well fed. She was a God-fearing woman who taught them the principles of Godliness.

She was a fantastic woman, both mother and father to them. He had no intentions of letting her down, and as the eldest of his siblings, it was his duty to be an excellent example for them.

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Before I had any more time to be blown away by this extraordinary young man, his bus arrived, and we had to part ways. Wow. This was indeed one of the best days I have ever experienced in my entire life.

His name is Jamaine, and I’m sure there are many more Like him. To all of the Jamaines in the world, I salute you and your mom.

This poem written by John Greenleaf Whittier called “The Bare Feet, Boy” is dedicated to you wherever you are.

Blessings on thee, little man, Barefoot boy, with cheek of tan!

Happy if their track be found Never on forbidden ground; Happy if they sink not in Quick and treacherous sands of sin.

Ah! that thou couldst know thy joy, Ere it passes, barefoot boy!

Cheerily, then, my little man, Live and laugh, as boyhood can!

Outward sunshine, inward joy: Blessings on thee, barefoot boy!

From my heart I give thee joy, I was once a barefoot boy!

Be encouraged little man.

God bless you. Keep on making your mom proud.

God bless the Bahamas.

ANTHONY PRATT Nassau, May 31, 2022.

DESPITE the wind, despite the rain, participants in the Sir Randol Fawkes Labour Day march still turned out in force and in style.

Photo: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune Staff

Scientists losing jobs EDITOR, The Tribune.

BECAUSE of a knee jerk, silly law passed by the former FNM government, our brightest young scientists are finding themselves out of work and at risk of permanent serious damage to their careers.

The unnecessarily strict rules of the Biological Resources and Traditional Knowledge Act have ground all scientific research in the country to a halt. This includes vital projects to protect coral reefs from rampant disease, save sea turtles from numerous threats and replant endangered mangrove forests which are the birthplace and nursing ground for so many of our important fish species.

Dozens of intelligent, well trained young

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net Bahamian researchers, the cream of our generational crop, have been serioiusly negatively affected by this.

Without the right to do their work, they are losing work positions, salaries and the international grant money that funds their projects.

The global scientific community is turning away from The Bahamas, seeking more hospitable jurisdictions to do research and abandoning our bright professionals to frustration and shame. Soon, these young scientists will leave the country as well, in search of the work, appreciation and support they deserve elsewhere.

We always complain about the brain drain in this country, but then we constantly take actions to drive enterprising young experts away.

The PLP government must give these young Bahamian scientists temporary permits to conduct their work NOW, while untangling the mess left by the former administration.

Time is of the essence. The money to fund science in The Bahamas is drying up as I write this. Meanwhile, our name is becoming mud in scientific circles.

Once our reputation as a welcoming centre for environmental research is gone, it will not be coming back any time soon.

RICKY JOHNSON Nassau, June 6, 2022.

FNM should pray for Davis EDITOR, The Tribune.

STAUNCH Free National Movement (FNM) supporters might still be in the process of licking their open wounds of the recent electoral loss. The thought of Philip Brave Davis being Prime Minister has yet to fully set in. Opposition supporters, at least several of them, have dismissed this Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) government as serving on an interim basis. It is this group that is hoping for some catastrophic scandal that would force Davis’ hand in calling for an early election. They can perish the thought.

FNM Christians must avoid repeating the grave error of American Pastor Greg Locke of Global Vision Bible Church near Nashville, Tennessee. A staunch Donald Trump supporter, Locke reviled President Joe Biden by referring to him as the “real virus” in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a preemptive move to avoid legal issues with the Internal Revenue Service and Americans United For Separation of Church and State, Locke had voluntarily dissolved his tax-exempt status. While I too support Trump and the evangelical camp in the US, the Bible is patently clear that Christians must honour the Civil authorities, even those from the left-leaning camp.

FNM Christians might be tempted to harbour bitterness and resentment towards our duly elected PLP government. Davis’ elevation to the highest political office in The Bahamas didn’t catch God by surprise. In fact, God sovereignty chose Davis to lead The Bahamas for reasons known to Him alone.

Whatever one’s views are regarding the Augustinian view of Predestination, absolutely nothing happens in this universe outside of God’s knowledge -- and permission. To argue otherwise would inevitably lead one to

posit the heretical concept of cosmological dualism.

This is not to suggest that man lacks free will. Bahamians exercised their free will in electing the PLP over the FNM on September 16, which was in accordance to God’s sovereign will.

If God didn’t want Davis as prime minister, the PLP would’ve lost the election.

Christians know this. Consequently, I am appealing to Christians who support the FNM to cover our Prime Minister in prayer, as we are biblically mandated to do so in 1 Timothy 2:1-2.

This biblical text probably influenced the 1646 Westminster Assembly in admonishing people to pray for the Civil magistrates in the Westminister Confession of Faith volume. To disobey the Bible in this regard would only expose our spiritual immaturity and stubbornness.

KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama.

June 1, 2022.

Abandoning a foolish policy EDITOR, The Tribune.

PRIME Minister Davis and Foreign Minister Mitchell are to be commended for ending our encouragement of the US government’s fantasies regarding the presidency of Venezuela.

As every observer of world events knows, when the United States goes through these episodes, it is motivated by domestic politics, rather than genuine stupidity (unlike the Minnis administration).

And it doesn’t last. As Sir Winston Churchill once observed, the United States can always be relied upon to ultimately do the right thing – after it has exhausted every other available option.

The idiocy of our having joined them on this occasion is now broadly evident,

as the UK and a host of European countries themselves scramble for the exit, seeking to minimize the consequences of their foolish decision to start a proxy war with Russia, the world’s largest oil and gas producer.

Indeed, the extent to which the western world, in trying to isolate Russia, has actually just isolated itself, has been noted by figures as disparate as Silvio Berlusconi and Henry Kissinger.

In fact, Russia’s economy is booming and its currency increasing in value as a direct result of western sanctions and their effect on commodity prices.

Meanwhile, India, China, Brazil and everyone else with sense is politely opting out of the west’s latest demonization campaign and ramping up imports of its resources – while western consumers face inflation

and stagnation.

Meanwhile, amateurish news outlets like The New York Times continue to pretend that Russia is responsible for the global food scarcity crisis, rather than western governments, for sanctioning the world’s largest grain producer, and their Ukrainian heroes for having mined (and hence blockaded) their own Black Sea ports.

Maybe western politicians will one day grow up and learn the art of discourse and balance in international affairs, rather than economic bully tactics.

The world will be a better place if they do. If they don’t, they will simply continue their steady decline, as the rest of the world finds ways around them.

ANDREW ALLEN Nassau, June 6, 2022.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, June 7, 2022, PAGE 7

Two charges of endangering life

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN faced two counts of endangering life and a charge of causing grievous harm to a woman in Magistrate’s Court last week.

Michael Defrand, 27, appeared before Senior Magistrate Samuel McKinney on charges of grievous harm and two counts for

possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

On May 27 in New Providence, the defendant is accused of endangering the lives of Margaret and John Belizer with a handgun and on that same day causing grievous harm to Mrs Belizer.

Defrand was not required to enter a plea at this time and was informed his case would proceed by way of Voluntary Bill of

Indictment (VBI).

The magistrate also told the accused his case would proceed before the Supreme Court, where he can officially make his plea and apply for bail.

Until bail it is granted, Defrand will be remanded back to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. He will return to court on September 12 for service of his VBI.

THREE FACE COURT ON DRUGS CHARGES THREE WOMEN and a man were arraigned in Magistrate’s Court on Thursday on separate drug charges .

Nickeisha Russell, 30, Synovia Bethel, 37, and Sophia Hepburn, 36, all appeared before Senior Magistrate Samuel McKinney on charges of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

On June 1 in New Providence, the police stopped a suspicious, heavily tinted white Nissan Cube that had a strong scent of weed that emanated from the opened door.

A search of the car uncovered drugs under the passenger seat in a pink bag containing eight foil wraps of Indian Hemp that had

a street value of $40 and weighing a total of eight grams.

After their arrest Russell admitted owning the drugs and said they were for her personal use.

As such Russell pleaded guilty to the charge while the remaining defendants pleaded not guilty.

When asked of her residential status Russell told the magistrate she is married to a Bahamian.

Magistrate McKinney then placed Russell on an 18 month probation, failing which would result in a $400 fine or two months in prison.

Both Bethel and Hepburn were discharged in the matter.

The man, Nelson Etienne,

51, also stood before Magistrate McKinney on charges of possession of dangerous drugs and damage On May 30, Etienne is charged with being in possession of one gram of Indian hemp.

And on May 28 at the Out East Restaurant on Prince Charles Drive, the defendant was further alleged to have caused $85 worth of damages to a water pipe.

In court he pleaded guilty to the charges and took responsibility for his actions.

As such the magistrate ordered him to compensate restaurant and bound overto keep the peace for one year or risk a $500 fine or 3 months in jail.

ACCUSED OF FRAUD MARRIAGE TO GAIN PERMIT

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was granted bail in Magistrate’s Court last week after being accused of attempting a fraud marriage to gain a spousal permit.

Kenold Dorsainvil, 43, stood before Assistant Chief Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans on multiple fraud charges.

These include fraud by false pretences, attempted fraud by false pretences and

entering into a fraudulent marriage.

On June 14, 2016, Dorsainvil - with the alleged aid of Registrar Department employee Edisa Adderley, who has already been granted bail in this matter, fraudulently obtained a marriage certificate.

This falsified marriage certificate was then unsuccessfully used to try and obtain a residential spousal permit at the Bahamas Department of Immigration on Hawkins Hill on

November 23, 2016.

After receiving confirmation from the Department of Immigration that the defendant had a valid work permit the magistrate had no objections to his bail.

It was granted to him at the sum of $5,000 with one surety. The accused is expected to sign in at the Marsh Harbour Police Station in Abaco every Monday by 5pm.

Dorsainvil’s trial is expected to commence on July 14.

CHINESE Ambassador Dai Qingli with representatives from The Bahamas including Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg and members of the Bahamas Chinese Dragon Boat Association.

Photos: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune Staff

GET READY TO RACE DRAGONS

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

THE Chinese Ambassador has donated eight dragon boats to a new sports association in preparation for the inaugural Bahamian Dragon Boat Festival in the next few months.

At a ceremony attended

by Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg at the Margaritaville Beach Resort, Chinese Ambassador Dai Qingli handed over the boats to the newly established Bahamas Chinese Dragon Boat Association (BCDBA).

This is part of a larger initiative to bring the sport to The Bahamas in hopes of immersing more people in Chinese culture and boosting the Bahamian tourism product with a new sporting event.

Ambassador Qingli, during the event, spoke on the role sports has played in Chinese history and folklore and voiced her hopes for Dragon boat racing in The Bahamas.

“This will create a new and wonderful tourism product that will further enrich cultural tourism in The Bahamas. Building on the strong recovery this year,” she said.

“The new festival will hopefully evolve into an annual international event that will attract even more visitors and paddlers to these shores. And secondly, it will introduce a brand new sport to The Bahamas.

ONE of the eight donated dragon boats.

“Sports are such an important part of life no matter if you are Bahamian or Chinese. I have seen for myself the Bahamian people’s passion for sailing and regattas and I have felt their enthusiasm for dragon boat racing. There are both commonalities and interesting differences between dragon boat racing and sailing. Dragon boat racing prioritises synchronisation and discipline as well as strength and stamina.”

In view of the upcoming 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Bahamas, Ambassador Qingli said she hopes dragon boat racing will help deepen the relationship between the two nations.

“I do hope this new sport will go some way to furthering The Bahamas government’s goal of relaunching the ‘sports in paradise’ initiative. Last, but not least, the dragon boat festival will build a new bridge of friendship between our countries and peoples. This evolving common sport and festival will highlight our shared

values and commonalities as nations and peoples.”

Mr Bowleg thanked the Chinese embassy for their donation and encouraged Bahamians to participate in the training sessions held at Margaritaville that weekend. The Minister said that this new sport would prove to be a major economic benefit to The Bahamas.

“One significant benefit of the introduction of dragon boat racing in the Bahamas is sports tourism. Sporting events like this helps to boost the economy and have great cultural and social benefits all of which are extremely significant,” Mr Bowleg said.

“I also lend my support and encourage the BCDBA to put the bid to host the Breast cancer survival festival which attracts more than 8,000 participants. This is just one of many ventures that will open and create more opportunities for the Bahamas which is ideally situated next to the United States and Canada (part of the Pan American Dragon Boat Association).”

“We can also host training camps for those teams in North America during the winter months. The sport of dragon boat racing has found a home here right here in the Bahamas. I thank you all for providing this country with the opportunity to showcase and highlight this rapidly growing sport. I thank you all and we welcome dragon boat racing.”

The ceremony closed with the ceremonial painting of eyes of one of the new boats.

PAGE 8, Tuesday, June 7, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

KENISE ON TRACK WITH A HOME-GROWN HIT AND SKILLS SHE WANTS TO PASS ON Face to Face

WHAT do you get when you combine a hard-working mom with a passion for arts and crafts, a knack for doing business and a commitment to helping the next generation? You get “Something Beautiful” - that’s the name of By FELICITY DARVILLE Kenise Darville’s company, which is gaining popular- my kids. Then, I started ity in the tumbler world going on YouTube and with outstanding seeing all it drinking pieces ‘Random could do.

I that are durable ended up purpeople come and memorable. chasing vinyl Kenise didn’t up to me and and cups. Inistart out with say, “You are tially, I made a plan; she was them for family the lady from just doing what and friends, but she loved: “I Something when I posted always had a Beautiful!” I them online, knack for crafts. people really don’t like to When my chilliked them. dren had school toot my own “So, I bought projects, we horn but I think supplies, and I would be there ended up selling cutting out stuff I am pretty a case of cups for hours. I dope. I love in a week. I had ended up going what I do. It to reorder two online and I cases, and in doesn’t feel like found this cutthat week, the ting machine. I work to me.’ other two cases used to use it to were gone … do projects with and that’s how Something

JERAD and Kenise Darville with their sons Anthony, Colman and Chozen.

Beautiful haphazardly started out of nowhere and it grew and grew.”

I came to find out firsthand why her tumbler cups are all the rave when my husband, Victor, bought one for my mother, Agatha and me for Mother’s Day. Each one was thoughtfully created with our names, powerful symbols and words of inspiration. While her small business continues to gain traction, Kenise has decided to start giving back by passing on valuable skills to the next generation - skills which can help them become financially independent.

This year will mark the second annual Something Beautiful Summer Workshop for young people ages eight to 18. Kenise says that when these young people come through her doors, she wants them to leave positively impacted as well as equipped to start their own small business, selling t-shirts, cups and other keepsakes to friends and family. If they stick with it and “go hard in one area they are really passionate about,” Kenise says they have the potential to go global.

That’s her dream - going global with Bahamian made souvenirs that are authentic. Kenise sees Something Beautiful in a location that puts her front and centre with tourists, who can take

KENISE DARVILLE, proprietor of “Something Beautiful” keepsake designs and, below, one of her designs, and youngsters learning arts and crafts at one of her workshops. away souvenirs instantly, or take the time to personalize their item. Her tumblers are already being ordered by people who take them for gifts when they travel the world. Her Instagram handle @somethingbeautiful highlights the places her tumblers have roamed around the world.

“Once I saw the demand, I started buying more and more supplies,” Kenise explained.

“I make customised items like tumblers, t-shirts, keychains, bookmarks… and anything that can be made out of epoxy resin. Cups are my specialty. I love making beautiful cups. I love to see the reaction on people’s faces when they get a tumbler from me. I love to do it - even though my husband calls this an expensive hobby. I tell him that it’s the small things that matter to me. I am happy when my customers are happy.”

In fact, Kenise has been

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Assist senior accounting personnel with any tasks conducted within the accounting department, or any tasks that require accounting personnel to take part Key in or type any documents or items that the accounting department is responsible for, including checks and invoices, as well as vouchers, accounting statements, and other report and records Ensure the daily and accurate posting of data inputs for all book of business or business units into the company’s general ledger system Run accounting software programs to process business transactions, like accounts pay able and receivable, disbursements, expense vouchers and receipts Prepare general ledger postings and statements Maintain a record of any client issues that require a refund and make sure that the refunds are issued in a timely manner Research, track and restore accounting or documentation problems and discrepancies Inform management and compile reports/summaries on activity area Assist with timely reconciliations (internal bank, pension and external) Assist with accurate and timely internal and external client monthly and quarterly reporting Function in accordance with established standards, procedures and applicable laws Constantly update job knowledge

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Associate Degree in accounting, relevant certification Proven databases and accounting software Experience in data entry and accounting admin of 1-2 years Hands-on experience with spreadsheets and financial reports Competency in Quickbooks, MS Office

able to build her own workshop in her backyard off her tumbler sales. Her shop has enough space to host workshops, like the one she is about to launch July 4-29, Monday Friday, 9am - 2pm.

During week one, attendees will learn paper crafts such as shadow boxes, cake toppers, paper flowers and making personalized sticker books.

In week two, they will work with vinyl decals, which can be applied to any smooth surface, and rhinestones.

Week three will cover apparel, including vinyl decor and tie dye. In the final week, youngsters will have a chance to set goals and create a vision board, hear a guest speaker on starting their own business, and display their handiwork at an open house for family and friends to purchase.

Kenise plans to pass on her own principles of success: “This November makes six years since Something Beautiful started. I think I am a staple in the tumbler world.

Random people come up to me and say, ‘You are the lady from Something Beautiful!’ I don’t like to toot my own horn but I think I am pretty dope. I love what I do. It doesn’t feel like work to me. I have also grown a passion for sharing or teaching this craft. I want to impact the next generation of girls so they know that not everyone is going to be a teacher or doctor or lawyer. You can find something you love that can be of financial gain to you.

Our market here is very strong.”

“Yes, there are still times I feel like I need something more, sure… maybe I should go out and find a job. But many times, I am happy to make a living and still be able to deal with my family fulltime. These are the things I love about working for myself. I don’t see myself giving this up in the near future or at all.”

Because her business is home-based, Kenise has the whole family involved.

She enjoys the support of

her husband, Director of the Bahamas, Technical & Vocational Institute and Director of the Bahamas Natural Resources Foundation, Jerad Darville. Her sons - Anthony, Colman and Chozen have the added advantage of having an understanding of business and interest in saving and investing because they watch their mom grow her business.

Kenise was born to Kenneth and Zella Symonette, and grew up with her parents and her elder brother, Kenneth Jr, a police officer. She attended St. Bede’s Catholic Primary in Kemp Road, near her mother’s family. She then attended Jordan Prince William High School on Zion Boulevard, as she grew up in the Pinewood area and still lives there today. She went to the College of The Bahamas for a year, then entered the workforce. But her entrepreneurial spirit shone through. She has stuck with her cottage industry and has plans to grow the business. In the meantime, she is also engaged in personal growth, as she is enrolled at the Bahamas Agriculture & Marine Science Institute, studying Agribusiness.

“I can definitely tell you that I can see the growth,” she said.

“I remember when I was in my bedroom and the printing machine was on the dresser. I started buying supplies, which took over the hallway, the front room… then every vacant space in the house was taken up by boxes of stuff. That’s when I realised I needed space. I decided to build a workshop. Then it expanded my mind and I said that I want to teach this, especially to young girls. After 10 years of working in the system, I walked away - and I am still able to live.”

Kenise hopes the Something Beautiful Summer Workshop will transform her attendees into smart entrepreneurs, ensuring another generation on the path of financial independence. To register for the workshop, send a WhatsApp message to: (242) 431-0220.

Skills • • • • • • • • •

Proven accounting experience, preferably as an Accounts Receivable or Payable Clerk Must be willing to work in a fast pace and high stress environment Familiarity with bookkeeping and basic accounting procedures Aptitude for numbers Data entry and word processing skills Ability to perform filling and record keeping tasks Well organized, accuracy and attention to detail Must have excellent written and communication skills Great teamwork and collaboration skills

Please send your resume and three (3) job references to strivewisegroup@gmail.com by Monday, June 20, 2022.

KENISE with participants from her first Something Beautiful Summer Workshop.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, June 7, 2022, PAGE 9

A nation united for a Queen revered THE Platinum Jubilee in Britain was nothing less than a glorious success and a triumph for The Queen, for the monarchy as an institution and for the whole country.

The four-day series of celebratory events marking Her Majesty’s reign of 70 years after acceding to the throne in 1952 - making her the longestserving English monarch in history - came to a close on Sunday with the People’s Pageant on the Mall leading up to Buckingham Palace. This was a carnival procession depicting the nation’s history in the seven decades of her reign, and it included the gold coach used for the Coronation in 1953. At its end, as a

The Peter Young column finale to the whole Jubilee, The Queen appeared on

LESSONS FOR THE FUTURE PERHAPS the most striking feature of the four days of the Jubilee was the involvement of such huge numbers of people in the celebrations up and down the country and their expression of patriotism together with much affection, warmth and respect for The Queen herself as a reflection of her ability to reach out to and connect with other people. This outpouring of unbridled joy and affection seems to have surprised even the most ardent of royalists, but people have been saying they wanted to attend events because “it’s once in a lifetime and we won’t see this again”.

Opponents of the monarchy focus on the troubles arising from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex opting out of royal life and moving to California some two years ago and the scandal surrounding Prince Andrew.

But, despite the bad publicity about the monarchy being divided by family discord and tainted by scandal, it is clear the institution is not in crisis and, after the Jubilee, is looking stronger than ever. Critics say, however, The Queen herself is the determining factor and after she steps down things will seem very different; though some believe with The Queen not attending most of the events a form of succession is already taking place. Be that as it may, what counts for most people is the knowledge of her continuing presence even if that is now partially in the background.

What is clear now is the system of a constitutional monarchy has been a blessing for Britain. I wrote about this a few weeks ago but it is worth repeating.

It is an important national asset as a sort of constitutional guardian against extremist politicians. Without holding political power, The Queen provides stability and continuity. As politicians come and go, she has had to deal with 14 different Prime Ministers over the years. While standing above the fray, she has provided a constraint on the possible excesses of politicians as would-be autocrats

and she has always enjoyed strong public support.

There is no doubt the events to celebrate the Jubilee, both official and informal, have helped to create a spirit of public pride, community cohesion, national unity and patriotism. They have served to portray Britain as a modern and diverse nation with an emphasis on the environment – a country which is proud of its heritage and is creative and dynamic in playing a significant role on the global stage. Even a glance at the celebrations shows how people of all races and backgrounds have been brought together waving Union Jacks and showing themselves proud to be British. This defies the claims of “wokists” obsessed about racial discrimination and suggests the country is nowhere near as racist or divided as the Black Lives Matter activists would have us believe.

From what I have seen and read, these events show a united country more at ease with itself - despite the current political divisions and economic troubles - than the image presented through the relentless propaganda of minorities like BLM. Meanwhile, the significance of the Commonwealth - the world’s greatest multi-racial collection of nations comprising a third of the global population - during The Queen’s reign should not be underestimated. It is generally agreed she was a vital figure in turning the former British Empire into a voluntary association of independent nations because it has been her influence and enthusiasm as head of the Commonwealth that has helped to bridge the gap between the past and the future.

The legacy of last week’s Jubilee is secure. In a heartfelt message of thanks at its conclusion on Sunday, The Queen said that she had been “humbled and deeply touched”. A large and enthusiastic majority of Britons have applauded her achievement of a record 70 years of service to the nation. The celebrations were a triumph for her.

IS WEST’S RESOLVE WEAKENING? AS THE war in Ukraine passed the grim milestone of 100 days since Russia’s invasion, a study of opinion and comment in the international media revealed a growing division among Western nations about future policy. So, questions are now being raised about whether Western unity has passed its peak.

Even though the European Union agreed only last week to impose oil sanctions - and new longrange missiles, which Putin has spoken out about strongly, are being provided by different countries - it is being suggested some Western leaders want Ukraine’s war effort to be wound down in order to force its own leaders to the negotiating table. So, it is alleged, they are planning to slow the momentum of sanctions and support. Macron has warned against the danger of pushing Putin into a corner and humiliating him and the new German chancellor Olaf Scholz appears to have been reluctant to speak out strongly in support of the beleaguered country.

The so-called peaceniks

claim to be humanitarians and realists who maintain that, by promising more weapons and other military equipment, they are extending the misery and suffering of a war that could go on for months if not years. Ukraine’s commitment to nationhood is as strong as ever and, equipped with Western firepower, it is putting up a formidable defence. But, the conflict in the east of the country has been continuing since 2014 and the Russians are now concentrating their efforts there, as well as starting to bomb Kyiv again. Thus, without peace talks, there seems to be no prospect of an early end to the fighting.

Whether or not there is any real weakening at present of the West’s resolve in relation to Ukraine remains to be seen. There is no space in today’s column for further analysis of the issue, but it might be interesting to examine next week how this terrible, unprovoked and needless conflict, which ebbs and flows by the day with major battles now raging in the eastern part of the country, might play out.

FROM left, Camilla Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince George, Prince William, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant on Sunday.

Photo: Frank Augstein/AP the balcony with her heirs, Prince Charles and Prince William as well as his son Prince George – the current monarch and three future ones.

This was the climax to a well-planned main programme of events carried out throughout with impeccable precision. It started with Trooping the Colour on Horse Guards Parade at which Charles, Anne and William took the leading roles; a flypast including Second World War vintage aircraft watched by The Queen and other working members of the Royal Family from the balcony of the Palace; and it went on with a service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral as well as a star-studied spectacular open-air concert on Saturday evening in front of Buckingham Palace attended by more than 20,000 people, which - to everyone’s delight -included a show-stopping cameo performance by The Queen herself in a hilarious sketch with the famous toy Paddington Bear. This was a magical evening projecting celebration, happiness and joy.

Added to all that was the Derby on Saturday in which The Queen, as a noted horse owner and breeder, has always been particularly interested as a participant.

There were also thousands of special celebratory lunch and tea parties in communities up and down the land - with streets bedecked with bunting and beacons lit and other less formal events around the country some of which were attended by various members of the Royal Family.

The whole four days were lessons of these festivities a wonderful display of the and a few conclusions that pomp and pageantry for can be drawn. which Britain is famous, But, first, The Queen heremanating unity and a sense self. Even though she looks of nationhood. Huge cheer- wonderful at the age of 96 ing crowds - almost ten deep and is probably the most on the Mall and waving photographed woman in the Union Jacks and draping world, her current mobilbunting and banners over ity problems prevented railings - expressed their her from participating in appreciation and gratitude Trooping the Colour. Nor for The Queen’s dignity and did she attend the service selfless devotion to duty at St Paul’s which was all and service over such a long the more poignant because period. of the absence Those inter- ‘Having declared of the cenested in all tral figure this will surely at the start of her to whom, of have watched reign that her course, it was the compre- “whole life will be dedicated. hensive TV She was on coverage and dedicated to your the balcony, seen the mas- service”, she has however, on sive media for triumphantly lived Thursday coverage in the fly-past, the UK and up to those words. flanked by international People can see she three generapress. So it tions of her would be radiates peace, family, and love, togetherness this superfluous scene to comment and grace during must have today on the demonstrated formal events; difficult times to many the apart, per- while remaining security of the haps, from cool, steady, line of succesmentioning sion as well as the mag- measured and the enduring nificent sight thoughtful.’ popularity of in brilliant the monarch sunshine of the flypast, herself, with the latest polls in waves, of 70 planes showing that more than 80 approaching Buckingham per cent view her positively.

Palace from the Mall, flying Throughout the Jubiin perfect formation includ- lee celebrations there has ing the demonstration team been an extraordinary outof the Red Arrows making pouring of affection for the sign of “70” in the skies her by thousands of people over London – surely, a in Britain. Respected and heart stopping moment of revered, as she is around pride and joy for the many the world, she has been thousands of onlookers. held in the highest esteem What might be interest- for her unstinting diligence ing today, however, is to and service that have look in a separate article ensured stability, solidaron this page at some of the ity and continuity together

with her stoicism in the face of adversity and her determination and charm.

Despite many regarding the hereditary principle as an anachronism in the democratic age, with The Queen at the helm it is safe to say that republicanism in Britain is muted and in retreat as being out of step with the public mood - and politicians know an attack on her is a vote loser.

Having declared at the start of her reign that her “whole life will be dedicated to your service”, she has triumphantly lived up to those words.

People can see she radiates peace, love, togetherness and grace during difficult times while remaining cool, steady, measured and thoughtful. Noted for her forbearance, constancy and kindness, her deep religious faith is also said to be a key to her life and, as a humble and holy person, she is committed to fostering unity and community and recognising the faith of others.

Despite the wonderful atmosphere of the Jubilee and the massive crowds paying tribute to “our brilliant Queen”, there are inevitably some curmudgeons who sourly regard the celebrations as “ridiculous fawning over the pampered undeserving rich in their ostentatious display of wealth”. But, fortunately for the rest of the country, these are very few. In the view of the vast majority the Jubilee was indeed a success and a triumph - not just for The Queen and monarchy but for the whole country.

PAGE 10, Tuesday, June 7, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

MITCHELL: GOVT REVERSES POSITION ON MADURO REGIME

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

IN view of three countries being excluded from the upcoming Summit of the Americas, Foreign Affairs and Public Service Minister Fred Mitchell has announced that the government is reversing the previous administration’s position on Venezuela and is now supporting Nicholas Maduro’s regime.

The summit is being held in Los Angeles and plays host to leaders from throughout the Caribbean and Latin American region.

However, the host country, the United States, has decided to exclude Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba from attending this year’s summit, which prompted calls from some Caribbean leaders for a boycott.

Mr Mitchell, who was giving his contribution

during the budget debate on Thursday, said: “There has been a concern that three countries have not been invited to the summit; they are Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua, and we have spoken up to the Americans. There are some countries that have decided, because those countries are not being invited, that they will not attend…”

Other leaders from Latin America have also decided

not to attend and are sending their foreign affairs ministers to the summit instead.

The Biden administration said it is seeking ways to represent the people of those three countries without having their leadership present.

Mr Mitchell said Prime Minister Philip Davis “wants to make the point to the Americans directly that you must

have a summit of all countries of the hemisphere and not some countries of the hemisphere.”

One country disagreeing with the internal governance of another country is “not sufficient reason” to deny someone a seat at the table, he added.

The Maduro regime has been under various US imposed sanctions, which started in 2015 under former US President Barack Obama and intensified under his successor, Donald Trump.

The US government has labelled the Maduro government a “threat” to its national security and his presidency illegitimate following Venezuela’s

2018 election that American observers have called deeply flawed and which led to the country’s 2019 presidential crisis.

The previous Free National Movement government led by Dr Hubert Minnis in 2019 decided to recognise Venezuelan opposition leader and interim president Juan Guaido, a move that was “appreciated” by the former Trump administration.

In other news concerning the Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Mitchell said along with new hires, they are looking at opening consulates in Toronto, Los Angeles, Dubai, Jamaica, Trinidad and Panama.

TWO YEARS ON, AND STILL REMOVING CARS AFTER STORM

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE removal of the 30,000 plus storm-damaged vehicles in the City of Freeport and other parts of the island is continuing two years after Dorian, a Grand Bahama Port Authority official said.

An estimated 5,000 to 7,000 derelict vehicles to date have been removed off the island.

Troy McIntosh, city manager and Deputy Director of the Building Development Services Department at GBPA, admits that it has been a “daunting task”.

Although there has been some progress, he said that a lot more work is still needed to rid the city and island of these environmental hazards.

The 2022 North Atlantic Hurricane season began on June 1, and roughly 77 percent of the derelict vehicles remain on the island. “As you know, more than 30,000 plus vehicles were damaged, said Mr McIntosh.

“Successfully one vendor has moved more than 40 trailers with over 4,000 vehicles to date,” he said.

Another vendor has also removed vehicles off the island. “We just issued a few contracts to licensees, and 702 vehicles in total were removed over the last month. So, from January to date, we probably had somewhere between 5,000 to 7,000 cars moved off the island.”

Mr McIntosh indicated they have cleaned up the illegal dumping site to the north of the baseball field known as the Haul Road.

More than 2,500 vehicles, he said, were dumped there illegally.

“That area has been cleaned up through the partnership between the container port and the Port Authority. And, that has cost over $36,000 to clean up,” he said, Mr McIntosh said that they were able to complete the clean-up a week ago.

However, he noted that people are still trying to

TROY MCINTOSH, city manager and deputy director of Building Development Services Department at GBPA Ltd. dump things in the area.

“The area is now cordoned off. It is alarming that persons had attempted to dump in that site. We were not able to catch them, but are asking the public to be responsible.

He explained the illegal dumping affects everyone.

“There is a cost to all of us that is (included) in the service charges that we pay for it,” he said.

“We still have a lot of work to do in some sites where illegal derelict vehicles are being dumped.

“It is a daunting task, to be honest, but vendors are trying to assist in getting those vehicles off the island as much as possible,” Mr McIntosh said.

He said they are also working with a local vendor on Queens Highway to make certain they clean up and move vehicles at their premises. “We have seen some progress, but not as much as we would like because there is still a tremendous amount of cars north of the premises that need to be removed.

“There is a timeline we have provided them because it is not only an eyesore, but an environmental concern for the city.”

At Mahogany Street, there are 500 vehicles, and at the site at Queens Highway, about 5,000 to 7,000 vehicles are there.

Mr McIntosh said residents who have derelict vehicles on their property could call Best Class which charges a small fee to remove them. He said residents could also call the GBPA 24-hour hotline at 352-2000.

UK PM SURVIVES NO CONFIDENCE VOTE LONDON Associated Press

BRITISH Prime Minister Boris Johnson survived a no-confidence vote yesterday, securing enough support from his Conservative Party to remain in office despite a substantial rebellion that leaves him a

weakened leader with an uncertain future.

Johnson won the backing of 211 out of 359 Conservative lawmakers in a secret ballot, more than the simple majority needed to remain in power, but still a significant rebellion of 148 MPs. Johnson called it a “convincing” win.

Managing Editor A daily newspaper is seeking a first-class Managing Editor.

The successful applicant will have; • At least ten years of senior management experience in newspapers, preferably with a regional daily or national paper, • Hands-on experience across all multi-media platforms and strong social media background, • First-class professional credentials including the ability to write well, oversee and design attractive broadsheet and tabloid pages, • Full working knowledge of Apple Mac, InDesign and Photoshop software Apply in writing, with full CV, examples of work, and salary expectations, to D131105, P.O. Box N-3207, Nassau, Bahamas

PAGE 12, Tuesday, June 7, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

ST FLEUR PENALTY GETS JUNKANOO BOYS WIN OVER ST VINCENT & GRENADINES

FROM PAGE 16

corner of the goal to add to his legend status. The crowd erupted and the tension was increased as the home team held on to the end to walk away with the win that pegged the Bahamas record at 4-1-0 in Nations League play.

The team featured a cadre of young players such as Omari Bain, William Bayles, Nicholas Lopez, Elijah Mitchell, Michael Massey, Derick Ferguson, Alexiou Cartwright, Jordin Wilson, Vance Wheaton, Kenaz Swain, Miguel Thompson and Cameron Evans, who all earned their first men’s international cap.

They played hard and gritty and were as tough as nails with their never say die style of play.

The team, managed by Larry Minns, left town on Saturday for Trinidad & Tobago.

Following that match, the team will host Nicaragua on Friday, June 10 and head back on the road to play Nicaragua at home on Monday, June 13.

ON a penalty kick from veteran captain Lesly St Fleur, the Bahamas Junkanoo Boys national men’s soccer team prevailed with an impressive 1-0 victory over St Vincent & the Grenadines on Friday at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium in game one of their World Cup Qatar Qualification.

53RD ANNUAL LONG ISLAND REGATTA IN SALT POND

New Legend, New Susan Chase and Xena victorious

REGATTA TIME AGAIN: The 53rd annual Long Island Regatta was held over the weekend in Salt Pond, Long Island and was dubbed a tremendous success. In Class A, the New Legend won, followed by Ed Sky in second and the Good News in third. Winning Class B was the New Susan Chase with the Tari Anne second and Old Boy third. And in Class C, Xena won, Slaughter was second and Bul Reg came in third.

(Photos courtesy of Patrick Hanna)

JAZZ

FROM PAGE 16 series with the Washington Nationals tomorrow night. First pitch is at 6:40pm. Fox was called up to the Nationals from the Triple-A level with the Rochester Red Wings on June 3 and returned to the roster of the big league club for the first time since May 1. He made his historic MLB debut on April 10 and spent 10 games with the Nationals before he was assigned to the Red Wings.

In April 2021, when the Marlins hosted the Giants for a three game series it marked the first time a Bahamian player and a Bahamian coach shared the same field in an MLB game.

“We’re closing the gap,” Richardson told Evan Webeck of Mercury News following the most recent series, “The Jazz Chisholms of the world inspired me as a player. It was really important to keep going because I wanted them to have a visual of someone playing professional baseball. I wanted them to see that hey, this is real for people like me. That’s really where I found inspiration.”

Chisholm also added that seeing Richardson break through to the Major League level served as an inspiration to what was then a group of teenagers as they prepared for a professional baseball career. “(Richardson) definitely did do that. I have to give him that for

sure. He definitely gave us the hope to believe that we can make it. He’s the one who inspired all of us that’s coming up right now,” Chisholm said of Richardson’s impact, “He was basically a big brother.I didn’t have all the money in the world. I couldn’t afford to keep getting wood bats that were gonna break. … The easiest resource was to ask him.”

On April 27 this season, Chisholm and Fox became the first pair of Bahamas-born players to appear in the same Major League Baseball game since 1961 when the Nationals Park in Washington DC. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the only other pair of Bahamians to play in the same game were Andre Rodgers and

Tony Curry, who faced each other six times during the 1960 and 1961 seasons.

“Just to do it with Jazz means a lot. We spoke about this moment from when we were kids when we started playing baseball,” Fox told the Washington Post following the historic game, “I don’t take it as pressure, I take it as pride, I get a lot of support from the people back home. And just making it at this level is a big deal for us. So I’m proud of what we’ve done so far and looking forward to doing many more great things in the future with this game.”

Both players were members of the 2015 International Signing Class.

“He’s just like a big brother to me. The love I have for Lucius

is just like anyone else who’s my blood,” Chisholm said about Fox before he reflected on the moment, “I feel like, for us, it’s super important. Just to show the kids that anybody could do it. We always go back, we always go home and talk to the kids and be like, ‘Bro, we’re from the same place you are.’”

There are currently 24 Bahamians in the minor league baseball system.

“We’re just a small country that really loves people and loves each other and that’s why we play the game,” Richardson said.

“I’m really excited I get to watch these young people go after their dreams and be bold about it, because that just wasn’t the case 10 or 15 years ago.”

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, June 7, 2022, PAGE 13

Tatum gets no help, Celtics routed in Game 2

By JOSH DUBOW AP Sports Writer SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Jayson Tatum found his scoring touch after a rare poor shooting night in Game 1 of the NBA Finals but it was the rest of his Boston Celtics teammates who went missing.

Now instead of going home in control of the Finals, the Celtics will need to regroup following a 107-88 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night that evened the series at one game apiece. “I don’t think we got as much penetration to the paint,” coach Ime Udoka said. “They switched a few more things.

Then we turned the ball over and didn’t give ourselves a chance with a lot of those turnovers.”

Tatum bounced back from a 3-for-17 shooting performance in the opener to lead the way offensively for Boston with 28 points.

But outside of a fast start

by Jaylen Brown, he had no help and the Celtics had no answers.

Boston shot 37.5% overall and struggled all night to make anything inside the 3-point line. When the

Celtics outside shooting went cold in the third quarter, the Warriors turned a close game into a rout with a 35-14 blitz.

Boston had five turnovers and four baskets in the crucial third quarter, leading to a 23-point deficit that was too much to try to overcome after the Celtics rallied from 12 points down after a bad third quarter to win the series opener.

“It’s definitely frustrating,” guard Derrick White said. “I mean, we’ve talk about it pretty much the whole postseason. It’s easy to talk about, but we’ve got to go out there and change something. That was a big quarter for them, and really a quarter that put us away.”

Udoka cleared the bench for much of the fourth quarter, giving his starters some needed rest after grinding their way through gruelling, back-to-back seven-game series in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

If the Celtics are to rebound when the series shifts to Boston for Game 3 on Wednesday night, they will need some of Tatum’s supporting cast to play much more like they did in Game 1 than on Sunday.

Al Horford didn’t even take a shot in the first half after leading the Celtics with 26 points in the opener and finished with two points. He didn’t even attempt a 3-pointer after making six in Game 1.

“I feel like we didn’t move it enough on offence at times,” Horford said.

“I think that for whatever reason, we got caught going downhill, attacking the basket a little more.

They did a good job of staying with me, for example.

Obviously I didn’t get an attempt, not even a look.

“So they did a good job making sure they took me away. I just have to find other ways to impact the game, and that’s something that I’ll do Game 3.”

After making five 3-pointers and scoring 21 points in Game 1, White missed 9 of 13 shots and was held to 12 points.

Brown made his first three shots and scored 13 points in the first quarter but went 1 for 11 the rest of the way. He struggled to find a rhythm after going to the bench following his second foul of the first quarter that Brown said was a “phantom” call.

BOSTON Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) loses the ball while being defended by Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) and guard Stephen Curry during the second half of Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals in San Francisco on Sunday.

(AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn) Brown’s frustration led to a dust-up with Draymond Green after Brown got fouled on a 3-pointer in the second quarter.

“He tried to pull my pants down,” Brown said. “I don’t know what that’s about. But that’s what Draymond does.

He’ll do anything it takes to win.”

Marcus Smart followed up a 7-for-11 shooting night in Game 1 by making just 1 of 6 on Sunday night.

Throw in 19 turnovers that turned into 33 points for the Warriors, and Tatum getting no help on the offensive end after if he was able to get going by making 6 of 9 3-point attempts.

“It’s just kind of as simple as we’ve just got to take care of the ball,” Tatum said. “We’ve done it, and we’re a really good team when we take care of the ball. But we have those lapses where we, snowball effect, we pile on turnovers and dig ourselves into a hole.”

WALES BEATS UKRAINE TO END 64-YEAR WAIT FOR WORLD CUP RETURN

By ROB HARRIS AP Global Soccer Writer CARDIFF, Wales (AP) — Weeks of back spasms were not going to stop Gareth Bale’s mission to lead Wales back to the World Cup. Try stopping the captain taking to the field when there is a 64-year drought to end.

Try stopping a free kick from a forward who was once the world’s costliest footballer. Ukraine winger Andriy Yarmolenko could only divert it into his own net with a header.

The 1-0 win over war-disrupted Ukraine on Sunday, secured in the 34th minute in the Cardiff downpour, was enough to send Wales back to the World Cup as the country with the longest gap between qualifications for the FIFA showpiece.

“It’s the greatest result in the history of Welsh football,” Bale said. “I’m just delighted we are going to a World Cup. It means everything, it’s what dreams are made of. I’m speechless.

I’m so glad we’ve done it for these amazing fans.”

Bale was one of those spectators for the remaining 10 minutes or so after being substituted when his body could offer no more.

“It was difficult,” Bale said. “I haven’t played too much football these last three or four weeks because of my back spasm, but the most important thing was to get through. I give my all. I was running on empty.”

The trip to Qatar gives Bale — British soccer’s most decorated foreign export at Real Madrid — a chance to finally play on the sport’s biggest stage. But the five-time Champions League winner is without a club for next season after being released by Madrid.

While saying he has “loads” of offers, the 32-year-old free agent had been coy about his playing future.

Now there is a new club to find to stay match fit for the November 21 World Cup opener against the United States. Then there is Iran and England to play in Group B. The Welsh also

WALES GARETH BALE, right, celebrates after scoring his side’s opening goal during the World Cup 2022 qualifying play-off soccer match between Wales and Ukraine at Cardiff City Stadium, in Cardiff, Wales, on Sunday.

(AP Photo/Rui Vieira) played their neighbours at the 2016 European Championship when they lost to England in the group stage.

But Wales did go further than England at Euro 2016 in France, reaching the semifinals where Cristiano Ronaldo led Portugal to victory and then the title.

Another soccer great

knocked out Wales at the 1958 World Cup, with Pele netting the only goal in eventual champion Brazil’s quarterfinal win.

Wales did contest a third tournament last year, returning to the European Championship and losing to Denmark in the round of 16.

Now Doha is the destination for Wales, which is more accustomed to featuring at Rugby World Cups, having qualified for all nine editions.

“It’s unbelievable — little old Wales at the World Cup,” midfielder Aaron Ramsey said. “It’s amazing.”

Thanks most of all to goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey who thwarted nine shots on target to prevent Ukraine scoring.

“It’s absolutely incredible — not just for me, everybody who’s been on this pitch tonight,” Hennessey said.

“Gareth, unbelievable free kick again, so I’m absolutely buzzing. It’s unexplainable.

He’s so dangerous at free kicks. When he’s on the field stuff happens and for me he’s an amazing talent and a joy to watch.”

This qualification has been achieved with coaching uncertainty. Robert Page stepped up to lead the team on a temporary basis in early 2021 with Ryan Giggs still out of the management job while awaiting trial on charges of domestic violence.

Now Page is set to lead the team in Qatar.

“I’m so proud of these boys,” Page said. “They thoroughly deserved that.

The one thing they needed was a World Cup and they’ve got it.”

AUSTRALIA, UAE TO PLAY OFF FOR SPOT IN WORLD CUP PLAYOFF Phelps, Vonn among

By JOHN DUERDEN Associated Press FOR Australia, it’s a last-ditch double-shot for a place at a fifth straight World Cup. For the United Arab Emirates, it’s a chance to get one match closer to a first World Cup appearance since its debut in 1990.

There’ll be no second chances when the Socceroos and United Arab Emirates meet today in a playoff in Qatar for the right to take on Peru six days later in another playoff with a place alongside France, Denmark and Tunisia in Group D at the World Cup at stake.

Both teams finished third in their groups in Asian qualifying, leaving them vying to meet the fifthplace team from South America.

After taking maximum points from the first three games in the third round of Asian qualifiers

— extending its winning streak to 11 games — Australia won just one of its next seven to finish behind Saudi Arabia and Japan in the group.

That meant another playoff route to the World Cup. But unlike last time, when Australia beat Syria and then Honduras on a home-and away basis in the continental and intercontinental playoffs, both matches will be winnertakes-all and both played in Qatar.

“It would mean everything,” said Australia’s head coach Graham Arnold, an assistant to Guus Hiddink when the Socceroos played at the 2006 tournament.

“I don’t want anything more in life at this moment than to qualify for the World Cup — for the players and for the nation.”

Australia warmed up with a 2-1 win over Jordan in a friendly last week, just its second win

in eight games. With star player Tom Rogic of Scottish champion Celtic withdrawing for personal reasons and former Premier League regulars Aaron Mooy and Mat Ryan short of game time, preparation has not been ideal.

Arnold said playing 14 of 18 qualifying matches away from home because of the Australia’s strict travel regulations at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic had help the squad bond for what has become a familiar route to soccer’s marquee tournament.

For the UAE team, being close to home is motivation.

The national football federation bought more than 5,000 tickets for fans making the short trip to Qatar for the playoff, all of which were quickly snapped up.

They’re hoping to be back there in November when Qatar hosts the first

World Cup in the Middle East.

Rodolfo Arraubarrena, who replaced Bert van Marwijk as UAE head coach in February, started well when he led the team to a victory over the already qualified South Korea to seal a third-place finish in its group.

“Our confidence in ourselves is great,” UAE captain Walid Abbas said.

“We have players who have enough international experience to deal with any pressure.

“But it is 90 minutes, in which the team most able in dealing with these pressures, and the most successful in exploiting opportunities, will win.”

UAE has recalled 2016 Asian Player of the Year Omar Abdulrahman to the team.

The veteran playmaker, who has struggled with injuries in recent years, will once again link up with Ali Mabkhout.

those heading to US Olympic & Para Hall

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — Lindsey Vonn, Michelle Kwan, Mia Hamm, Billie Jean King and the late Pat Summitt are among the nine individual women who will be inducted into the US Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Fame this summer, along with Michael Phelps and hurdling great Roger Kingdom.

Others voted onto the 2022 class on a crowded ballot were Natalie Coughlin (swimming), Muffy Davis (Para Alpine skiing and cycling), David Kiley (Para Alpine skiing, track and field and wheelchair basketball), Trischa ZornHudson (Para swimming) and Gretchen Fraser (skiing).

The 1976 women’s 4x100 freestyle relay swimming team, anchored by Shirley Babashoff in its stunning

upset over the East Germans, and the 2002 men’s Paralympic sled hockey team also were voted into the hall by a mix of Olympic and Paralympic athletes, media and administrators and fans.

The induction ceremony is set for June 24 at the US Olympic and Paralympic Museum.

This is the first hall class since 2019; before that, there hadn’t been a class since 2012. The gaps have led to a large list of worthy candidates. Among those who did not make the cut this year are Bode Miller, Julia Mancuso, Dawn Staley and two-time Olympic gold-medal wrestler John Smith.

Led by a record-setting 28 medals and 23 golds won

by Phelps, this year’s class has captured a total of 129 medals, including 86 gold.

PAGE 14, Tuesday, June 7, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

COCO GAUFF’S RANKING TO CAREER-HIGH 13TH, NADAL UP TO 4TH

Foot pain leaves French Open champ Nadal’s future uncertain

By HOWARD FENDRICH AP Tennis Writer PARIS (AP) — Rafael Nadal’s painful left foot was numbed by multiple injections to two nerves throughout the French Open, the only way he has found to deal with a chronic condition he acknowledges puts his tennis future in doubt.

At any other tournament, Nadal said, he would not have persisted through what he called such “extreme conditions.”

Ah, but five simple words uttered after he strung together the last 11 games of a 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 victory over an overwhelmed Casper Ruud in Sunday’s intriguing-for-ahandful-of-minutes final at Court Philippe Chatrier explained Nadal’s mindset: “Roland Garros is Roland Garros.”

And so even if Nadal, a French Open champion for the 14th time now at age 36, is in obvious ways different from Nadal, a French Open champion for the first time all the way back in 2005 at age 19, that desire to give his all, no matter what, to “find solutions” — one of his oftused phrases — remains the same.

He is the oldest champion in the history of a tournament that began in 1925, and his hair is thinning on top. The chartreuse T-shirt he wore Sunday had

sleeves, unlike his bicepsbaring look of nearly two decades ago. The white capri pants that ran below his knees back in the day were long since traded in for more standard shorts; Sunday’s were turquoise.

Here’s what hasn’t changed along the way to his 22 Grand Slam titles in all, another record, in addition to his between-point mannerisms and meticulous attention paid to the must-be-just-so placement of water bottles and towels: That lefty uppercut of a topspin-slathered, high-bouncing forehand still finds the mark much more frequently than it misses, confounding foes.

That ability to read serves and return them with a purpose still stings. That never-concede-a-thing attitude propelling Nadal from side to side, forward and backward, speeding to, and redirecting, balls off an opponent’s racket seemingly destined to be unreachable.

Nadal is nothing if not indefatigable, just as he was in consecutive four-hourplus victories earlier in the tournament — including against Novak Djokovic, the defending champion and No. 1 seed — and again on this afternoon, even while competing on a foot devoid of any feeling.

“When you are playing defensive against Rafa on clay,” said Ruud, a 23-yearold Norwegian who was

By HOWARD FENDRICH AP Tennis Writer

SPAIN’s Rafael Nadal holds the trophy after winning the final match against Norway’s Casper Ruud at the French Open tennis tournament in Roland Garros stadium on Sunday.

(AP Photo/Michel Euler) participating in his first major final, “he will eat you alive.”

Nadal said afterward he will try other methods of helping his foot — including, even, a way “to burn, a little bit, the nerve” — over the next week to see whether that might allow him to enter Wimbledon, where he has won two of his men’s-record 22 Grand Slam titles. Play begins at the All England Club on June 27. If these new treatments do not work, Nadal said, then he will need to consider having what he termed major surgery — and, eventually, a “decision about what’s the next step in my future.”

“It’s obvious that with the circumstances that I am playing (in),” Nadal said, “I can’t and I don’t want to keep going.”

During the trophy ceremony, Nadal thanked his family and support team, including a doctor who accompanied him to Paris, for helping him, because otherwise he would have needed to “retire much before.”

“I don’t know what can happen in the future,” Nadal told the crowd, “but I’m going to keep fighting to try to keep going.”

He played so crisply and cleanly Sunday, accumulating more than twice as many winners as Ruud, 37 to 16. Nadal also committed fewer unforced errors, making just 16 to Ruud’s 26. After trailing 3-1 in the second set, Nadal would not cede another game.

“After that moment,” Nadal said, “everything went very smooth.”

Sure did.

The view from the other side of the net?

“I’m just another one of the victims,” Ruud said, “that he has destroyed on this court.”

One of the most indelible memories Ruud will take away from this day was hearing the announcer recite the long list of years Nadal had previously won the French Open: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.

“Never stops, it seems like,” Ruud said.

“That takes like half a minute.”

When the players met at the net for the prematch coin toss, the first chants of “Ra-fa! Ra-fa!” rang out in the 15,000seat stadium.

Ruud would later hear folks in the stands do drawn-out

pronouncements of his last name, so it sounded as if they might be booing.

Nadal is 14-0 in finals at Roland Garros, 112-3 overall. When this one ended with a down-the-line backhand from Nadal, he chucked his racket to the red clay he loves so much and covered his face with the taped-up fingers on both of his hands.

No man or woman ever has won the singles trophy at any major event more than his 14 in Paris. And no man has won more Grand Slam titles than Nadal.

He is two ahead of Roger Federer, who hasn’t played in almost a year after a series of knee operations, and Djokovic, who missed the Australian Open in January because he is not vaccinated against COVID-19.

For all that he has accomplished already, Nadal now has done something he never managed previously: He is halfway to a calendar-year Grand Slam thanks to titles at the Australian Open and French Open in the same season.

But if he can’t play at Wimbledon, which he has won twice, that doesn’t really matter much.

PARIS (AP) — American teenager Coco Gauff rose to a career-best No. 13 in the WTA rankings yesterday after her runner-up finish to No. 1 Iga Swiatek at the French Open.

Gauff, an 18-year-old from Florida, jumped 10 spots by getting to her first Grand Slam final before losing to Swiatek 6-1, 6-3 on Saturday.

Gauff had never been past the quarterfinals at a major tournament. She made it to the finals of singles and doubles at Roland Garros.

Her doubles partner, Jessica Pegula, moved into the singles top 10 for the first time, going from No. 11 to No. 8, thanks to her run to the quarterfinals.

Like Gauff, the 28-yearold from New York lost to Swiatek, who has now won her past 35 matches in a row.

Last year’s French Open champion in singles and doubles, Barbora Krejcikova, lost in the first round of singles this time — only the third woman in the professional era to exit in the first round at Roland Garros a year after earning the trophy — and dropped from No. 2 in the rankings to No. 14. She pulled out of the doubles event two days later, saying she tested positive for COVID-19.

The French Open’s effect on the rankings for both the WTA and ATP will hold sway longer than usual, because the two professional tours have announced they will not award points this year for Wimbledon, which starts on June 27.

ELAINE Thompson-Herah of Jamaica celebrates her win in the 100-metre women’s race during the Diamond League athletics meeting in Rabat, Morocco, on Sunday.

(AP Photo/Mosa’ab Elshamy)

STRACHAN FROM PAGE 16

Vanderbilt Track Facility in Nashville, Tennessee on Sunday, Samson Colebrooke, who also has qualified for the World Championships, had to

JONQUEL FROM PAGE 16

back-to-back nine point (May 28) and eight point (May 31) games, Jones has scored at least 20 points in the last three games.

During the week of May 30-June 5, Jones averaged 19.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks in 29.4 minutes per game.

Prior to Sunday’s contest, she finished with 20 points on 7-9 shooting and seven rebounds in a win over the Las Vegas Aces on June 2, followed by 24 points on 6-8 shooting and seven rebounds in a 92-88 win over the Phoenix Mercury on June 3.

The Storm led by as many as 13 points in the first half, had a 63-53 lead late in the third quarter and 67-61 going into the

settle for 15th place in the men’s 100m.

Colebrooke, who has ran a season’s best of 10.02 on April 9, clocked 10.61 for eighth place in the last of two heats.

Cejhae Greene of Antigua had the fastest qualifying time of 10.06,

followed by Jamaica’s Ackeem Blake in 10.08.

In the final, Blake got to the finish line first in a personal best of 9.92 with Greene coming in second in a season’s best of 10.02.

American Kendal Williams also posted a season’s best of 10.05 for third place.

fourth quarter. Jones added a layup to cap and 8-0 run and give the Sun their first lead since the game’s opening basket.

After a Storm basket, the Sun went on a 17-2 run to put the game away late in the fourth.

“I think the first half was the hardest part,” Jones said in her post game availabilit. “Just getting our bodies to really be locked in and just getting to that game level.”

After they won three of four on the road trip and five or their last six, the Sun now lead the WNBA’s Eastern Conference at 9-3, one game behind the Las Vegas Aces (10-2) for the best record in the league.

“I feel like in the past, we knew that we were a pretty good team. We knew that when things were going well for us, we were going to win a game. And I feel

like we didn’t really know how we were in terms of adversity, because in the past we would separate a little bit or things just wouldn’t feel the same, like that chemistry would kind of just go away,” Jones said.

“And so I feel like this stretch that we just played, it showed us that we can win ugly games, that we can come back from deficits and still be able to stay in the game and win.

“And so, it’s a good character builder for our team for sure.”

Jones leads Connecticut in scoring at 15.6 points and one block per game, and is second on the team in rebounds per game at 8.3.

The Sun return home to the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut Wednesday night in the first of a four-game homestand when they host the Indiana Fever.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, June 7, 2022, PAGE 15

INAUGURAL BAHAMAS ALL-PRO CELEBRITY WEEKEND: BAHAMIAN NFL PLAYERS TO HEADLINE LIST OF STARS BAHAMIAN National Football League players Michael Strachan and Rashad Fenton will headline a list of stars in town for the inaugural Bahamas All-Pro Celebrity Weekend at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium.

The event, powered

by REV, will be staged from Thursday, June 9 to Monday, June 13 and will provide a number of opportunities to develop the game of American football in the country.

“I’m so excited for the Bahamas, my home, to be able to experience this type of event,” said the 24-yearold Strachan, who was selected out of the University of Charleston as a wide receiver by the Indianapolis Colts as the first of two seventh-round picks in the 2021 NFL Draft.

He will be accompanied

by Fenton, a 25-year-old cornerback out of South Carolina, who has played since 2019 for the Kansas City Chiefs, a 31-9 loser to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2020 Super Bowl.

Also in attendance will be Michael Vick, former quarterback and 2010 Comeback Player of the Year; Melvin Ingram, a three-time Pro Bowler of the Miami Dolphins; Keenan Allen, a five-time Pro Bowler and 2017 Comeback Player of the Year of the Los Angeles Chargers and DJ Swearinger, a former second round pick and top rated safety in 2017.

According to Jonathan Lord, lead consultant and co-organiser of JML Strategies, this promises to be a weekend that many will never forget.

“The intention is to have this camp become a staple in the community, to not only strengthen and grow the game of American football on the field, but to also drive the Bahamian community off the field,” Lord said.

There will also be a charity dinner to help raise funds for the Bahamas Federation of American Football at Sapodilla on Friday, June 10. The dinner will feature

MICHAEL Strachan And Alex Guerrero, instructional camp director of The Society LLC, said they are eager to entertain the public.

“This is really an historic event coming to the Bahamas,” Guerrero stressed.

“I’ve honestly never seen this much anticipation for a camp like this in all my years of doing these types of events.”

The camp staff will include the incredible talented coaches with NFL experience and will also feature the Bahamas Federation of American Football assembled of some of the best American Football minds on the islands.

This FREE kid’s camp will be divided in two sessions, ages 6-12 and 13-18.

The camp will be position based. There is a cap of 300 kids.

“I can’t wait, I’m about to have these kids running routes in no time,” Allen said.

There is also an opportunity for a “Once in a lifetime VIP experience”.

Before the camp, interested persons will have a chance to sit with the athletes on a more intimate level. There will be a Q&A Session, Photo Op, and Photograph Signing.

Space for the VIP Experience is limited to 150 registered camp participants and parents and 50 noncamp participants.

The VIP experience will cost $75 per camper, $100 per parent and $150 for outside participants.

a three-course meal with an open bar.

Ticket purchasers of the dinner will also gain access to the official afterparty at Sapodilla. There will also be

an afterparty at Sapodilla featuring local DJs as well as Miami’s popular DJ Vybz 305. “These types of events being at a local Bahamian venue now allows

for the local community to more easily engage with these NFL players,” Lord explained.

Stay tuned for the big weekend.

SPORTS PAGE 16

TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022

Nadal, page 14

Strachan left in the blocks

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

A

s Jamaica’s twotime double sprint champion Elaine Thompson-Herah went on to post a meet record in the women’s 100 metres at the Wanda Diamond League Meeting in Rabat on Sunday, a technical error left Bahamian Anthonique Strachan watching in disbelief in the starting blocks.

Competing in the fourth leg of the 12-event series around the world in the Wanda Diamond League determined by points, Strachan was lined up in lane eight of the race. However,

at the start of the gun, she remained in her position as the rest of the field took off.

“I’m okay. It’s just that the speaker in my lane wasn’t working and I didn’t hear any of the commands,” said a somewhat disappointed Strachan after the race in the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in the capital city of Morocco. “It was just a technical error.”

There were no glitches for Thompson-Herah, who pulled away from the field midway through the race to breeze through the finish line in 10.83 seconds to lower her previous meet record of 10.87 that she established back in 2017.

STRACHAN Ivory Coast’s veteran sprinter Marie-Josee Ta Lou took second place in a season’s best of 11.04, while Jamaican Natasha Morrison was third in 11.22, also a season’s best.

For Strachan, who came into the race having ran a lifetime and season’s best

of 10.99 earlier this year, it was not the outcome she anticipated.

“I’m very upset about it because I had planned to go out there and run relatively good, but stuff happens.

That’s all I could say,” Strachan said.

“This was supposed to be my last meet before the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations Nationals (in June), so I don’t know. I will have to speak to my team and see.”

The 28-year-old Strachan is currently training in Jamaica as part of the Maximising Velocity and Power Track and Field Club (MVP Club), which now includes Morrison and Shericka

Jackson, two of her training partners.

In addition to running her lifetime best of 10.99 in Kingston, Jamaica on March 26, Strachan has also produced a season’s best of 22.55 in her specialty in the 200m on April 23, which was shy of her personal best of 22.32 that she recorded on June 22, 2013 in Nassau.

In securing some of her fastest times across the board this year, Strachan has even moved up to the 400m where she clocked a season’s best of 52.84 on April 2. She has a lifetime best of 52.24 that she ran on June 11, 2016 in Montverde, Florida. The double sprint 100-200m champion

at the International Amateur Athletic Federation’s World Junior Championships in Barcelona, Spain in 2012, the same year that she got Rising Star Athlete of the Year honours.

Strachan, who has gone through her share of adversities with injuries, is still looking forward to making her first global final as an elite or senior athlete. She has qualified for the World Athletics, formerly the IAAF, World Championships in Eugene, Oregon in July.

Colebrooke missed final At the Music City Track Carnival at the

SEE PAGE 14

WNBA: JONQUEL JONES EARNS PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONOURS

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net JONQUEL Jones concluded May with a season low scoring effort but opened June with season highs in three consecutive games to earn WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week honours.

It marked the 12th time in Jones’ five-year career that she won the award and the first since September of the 2021 season.

Jones finished with 25 points, eight rebounds, a season high six assists and three steals in the Connecticut Sun’s 93-86 win over the Seattle Storm Sunday night

JONES at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington.

After failing to reach the 20-point barrier through the first nine games of the season, including

SEE PAGE 14

ST FLEUR PENALTY GETS JUNKANOO BOYS WIN OVER ST VINCENT & GRENADINES

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net ON a penalty kick from veteran captain Lesly St Fleur, the Bahamas Junkanoo Boys national men’s soccer team prevailed with an impressive 1-0 victory over St Vincent & the Grenadines on Friday at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium in game one of their World Cup Qatar Qualification.

The team, coached by Nesly Jean, left the following day for Trinidad & Tobago where they were scheduled to play the second leg of their home and away series of matches

on Monday, but no scores were available up to press time last night.

Trinidad & Tobago, known as the Soca Warriors, are coming off a 2-1 defeat at the expense of Nicaragua, but at home, they are expected to provide an even stiffer challenge for the Bahamas.

It was in the 68th minute when centre forward Wood (Peter) Julmis was brought down harshly in the 18-yard box and the referee did not hesitate in awarding a penalty for the foul.

St Fleur, the Bahamas’ top goal scorer, calmly tucked the ball in the

SEE PAGE 12

‘JAZZ’ FACES RICHARDSON, FOX IN THE SAME WEEK

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net THE Bahamian connection in Major League Baseball continues to take centre stage in Miami, Florida.

After Jazz Chisholm and the Miami Marlins split a four game series against Antoan RIchardson and the San Francisco Giants last week, the Marlins will now host Lucius Fox and the Washington Nationals in a three-game series this week at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida.

The Marlins opened with a 3-0 win Thursday night, following by the Giants’ 15-6 win on Friday.

CHISHOLM Miami rallied for a 5-4 win on Saturday before San Francisco concluded the series with a 5-1 win Sunday.

The Marlins and Nationals begin the three-game

SEE PAGE 12