06192024 NEWS AND SPORT

PUZZLER

INGRAHAM ‘WELL’ AFTER BRAIN OP

Former PM said to be in ‘good spirits’ after two-hour surgery

LYNAIRE

By

MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham is in “good spirits” and recovering in Doctor’s Hospital after a two-hour emergency brain surgery on Monday. His medical team, including Dr Magnus Ekedede, Dr Duane Sands, Dr Adrian Cargill, Jr, and Dr Neo Gaborone, told the press he suffered from Subacute Chronic Subdural Hematoma but was at minimal risk. They said the condition,

Teen that drowned was avid fan of

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter

ALTON Marshall, Jr, the 13-year-old boy who drowned in a pool on Monday night, was an avid Junkanoo fan who rushed with the Saxons during the recent Labour Day parade. His father, Alton Marshall, Sr, 35, said Junkanoo

DR Duane Sands (centre) along with Dr Magnus Ekedede (right) and Dr Adrian Cargill speak to the press at a press conference after Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham had brain surgery yesterday.

Photo: Nikia Charlton

Giving new opportunities to those forced out of work by disability

By KEILE CAMPBELL kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

WESLEY Paul was forced to resign from his job when he suddenly went deaf in 2013.

He couldn’t communicate with his friends and family. He felt hopeless and lacked the resolve to live.

In 2015, he became the first person in The Bahamas to undergo a cochlear implant surgery to improve his hearing.

Last week, during a job skills and entrepreneurship seminar hosted by the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, he recalled how difficult it was to find a job before his surgery.

He said the National Insurance Board (NIB) initially denied his invalidity claim because it believed he could work.

He said even after his surgery, businesses he previously worked for rejected him. He is now an inspector at the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities, where his mission is to help people with disabilities get equal opportunities.

The two-day seminar aims to make people with disabilities more viable employment candidates.

As they discussed ways to get employed, they grappled with discrimination’s impact on them. Although the Persons with Disabilities Act mandates that businesses with more than 100 employees employ at least one per cent of qualified people with disabilities, few are aware of this and the provision has not been robustly enforced.

“You have persons with disabilities who have the skills that an abled body person can do, can still perform the work, but they’re being denied the

opportunity to work,” Mr Paul said.

Jermaine Brown, president of the Bahamas Alliance for the Blind and Hearing-impaired, said a member of his organisation works in the hotel managerial sector, but was treated as less capable despite his organisational skills.

“We just want you to realise that we are still able,” he said, adding that the member complained to the commission. “We may do it a little bit differently. We may need a little more technological savviness or accessibility to some things, but we can get the job done just as well.”

Recognising the challenges disabled people face in getting employed, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities deputy executive secretary Townsley Roberts said one of the seminar’s goals was to encourage them to become entrepreneurs and teach them how to do this.

The first day of the seminar focused on human resources and retraining opportunities. Day two featured presentations from the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) and other professionals explaining the advantages of a co-operative union.

Thorne Clarke, 30, was left paralysed from the chest down after police shot him in 2016.

He said life as a person with paraplegia has been challenging since day one.

“We want to see people with disabilities come out because we want to go from invisible to visible,” he said. “We want to integrate with society. We want to give these opportunities to persons so they don’t have an excuse to stay inside, they don’t have excuses to be away from society.”

MORE ACCESSIBILITY INSPECTIONS NEEDED, SAYS DISABILITIES COMMISSION PRESIDENT

By KEILE CAMPBELL kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

THE National Commission for Persons with Disabilities wants increased inspections of places to ensure they are accessible to people with disabilities.

“Persons have these buzzers on the doors, and they expect the deaf to hear,” said Townsley Roberts, deputy executive secretary of the commission. “How do they deal with persons with a disability when there isn’t an accessible area or accessible feature? How do they interact with those persons?”

The commission wants the Persons with Disabilities Act, passed ten years ago, revised to plug loopholes and enhance enforcement.

Jermaine Brown, president of the Bahamas Alliance for the Blind and Hearing-impaired, said yesterday that the law has been beneficial in some ways but needs “a little more teeth”.

Mr Roberts added that the government understands the law may need to be updated.

“We are working on getting the data to prove what we need to show what is necessary,” he said. “That’s why we are mandated to register persons with disability, so data can direct us in the right direction.”

Members of the commission recently attended the 17th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities

(COSP17), where they discussed the rights of people with disabilities with international counterparts. Concerns about the enforcement of the disabilities law have persisted over the years. The law imposed a December 31, 2017, deadline for private and public buildings to provide full access for disabled persons. In 2019, Peter Goudie, then a commission member, told The Tribune the organisation had no inspectors or regulations to ensure the private sector and public buildings complied with the law. It is unclear how many inspectors the commission has or whether any person or business has been held liable for failing to follow the law.

NATIONAL Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) Deputy Executive Secretary, Townsley Roberts, during the Job Skills and Entrepreneurship Seminar for Persons with Disabilities at Stapledon School yesterday.

Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

EXECUTIVE Director at Access Accelerator, Small Business Development Centre (SBDC), Samantha Rolle, speaks during the Job Skills and Entrepreneurship Seminar for Persons with Disabilities at Stapledon School yesterday. Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

Ingraham ‘well’ after brain op

a type of bleeding between the brain’s surface and its outer covering, is not connected to any previous health condition.

He could not say what caused the blood clotting or quantify its size, but said Mr Ingraham lost none of his faculties after the procedure.

“It didn’t pop up yesterday, but you could have the clot leaking gradually,” the neurosurgeon said. “It could stay there

Dr Ekedede said Mr Ingraham began experiencing headaches a week before the Free National Movement’s convention on June 1. He underwent a CT scan after the event, which revealed a blood clot that affected his dexterity and movement.

for months and you never know it until it becomes considerable that it gives you headaches and other issues.”

He said Mr Ingraham is expected to make a full recovery within two to three weeks. Dr Sands said: “This type of problem can happen to anybody. As a matter of fact, there have been a number of

Teen that drowned was avid fan of Junkanoo

from page one

was among the things he and his firstborn bonded over, and the two were preparing to once again participate in independence festivities with the Saxons.

The family also had vacation plans –– and Alton was going to choose their next destination.

Police said that around 8.30pm on Monday, the SC McPherson Junior School student was swimming at a pool in Delaporte Point when he became unresponsive.

His family retrieved him from the water and administered CPR until EMS personnel arrived to give medical assistance that failed to revive him.

“It happened so quick,” Mr Marshall said yesterday.

Kendika CampbellMoss, the Saxons media representative, said the Junkanoo community is in mourning.

persons who have had chronic subdural or what we call hydromas even that no one recognised existed until they became symptomatic.”

Dr Sands, Mr Ingraham’s attending physician and care coordinator, said visits will not be permitted. The press conference was called because Mr Ingraham wanted to assure the public that he

CORRECTION

is in good health after rumours that he was near death.

“Sometimes there is just a scarcity of information so people make up stories,” Dr Sands said. “Sometimes we have a morbid sense of curiosity but I think an overarching issue is that people are genuinely concerned and they want to know.

“Very early this morning, the former prime minister would have insisted that we let the public know.

IN Monday’s edition of The Tribune, we reported that an employee of Odyssey Aviation was shot and killed. This was

“When the former prime minister gives a directive of his clinician, I think we accede to those directives and so we are here at his request to ensure that the public who have had an outpour of expressions of support and concern know the truth.”

incorrect. The victim was an employee of Jet Nassau, and was shot as they arrived at their workplace. We apologise for the error.

“It’s a treasure that has been lost,” she said. “I can’t even explain the mood. When people pass on, it’s one thing, but when you have someone that is as young, as brilliant and as enthusiastic as he was about the craft, as he was about being in the brass, I mean it is heartfelt. Nobody can understand it.”

She said a rush-out is being planned in the boy’s memory.

“That isn’t something that we thought that we would have had to deal with today.”

“We will have a point of recognition for him. He will rush in eternal peace. I’m telling you there will be nothing that would be spared for him.”

FNM chairman Dr Duane Sands gives an update to the press after the completion of former Prime

Minister Hubert Ingraham’s brain surgery.

Photo: Nikia Charlton

FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham gives a thumbs up during the 2024 FNM Convention held at Baha Mar on June 1.

A FAMILY photo with Alton Marshall Jr (right).

Govt seeking solutions for growth of roadside garages off East Street

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reorter jrussell@tribunedmedia.net

THE proliferation of roadside garages in some New Providence communities continues to vex residents, whose complaints often go unheeded.

Bamboo Town MP Patricia Deveaux has said that she has been desperately working with Urban Renewal and the Department of Environmental Health to solve the problem of roadside garages crowding an area off the main thoroughfare on East Street.

Her comment came after a resident, Peter Taylor, said he has been advocating for the cars to be removed for ten years.

He shared videos with The Tribune showing scores of cars on different properties along the road, where they are stripped for parts or fixed for money. Many are left in a state of disrepair.

Mr Taylor said the cars on one property sometimes block his entrance to his home.

He said he has visited the Department of Environmental Health Services, the Royal Bahamas Police Force, and other agencies to resolve

the issue, but his efforts have failed.

A landlord, Mr Taylor said the cars have become a health hazard for his tenants because garbage trucks have difficulty accessing their area.

“People that live in my place, their garbage is being hiked up,” he said. Ms Deveaux, who noted that the garages are illegal because the areas are not zoned for mechanic shops, said Urban Renewal gave people a timeframe to remove the vehicles or return them to their owner.

She said people from the garages repeatedly remove stickers placed on the cars to signal that they should be moved.

Environment and Natural Resources Minister

Vaughn Miller said that officials would visit the area to deal with derelict vehicles, noting such cars have caused mosquito infestation.

This is not the first time residents in New Providence have complained about roadside garages.

In May, a scrap metal yard fire that threatened businesses in the Joe Farrington Road area prompted the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to say it would

tackle roadside garages.

“Successive governments and communities have been very concerned about roadside garages that continue to reside and expand in residential communities,” the ministry said. “Successive governments have sought to identify suitable land to accommodate these roadside garages. Previously,

20 acres had been set aside on Fire Trail Road West for a new industrial park and to accommodate roadside garages.

“It is the intention of the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works to follow through on the request for Crown land to house these facilities. We are concerned about Roberts on Joe Farrington Road, Strachan’s on Soldier Road, the massive facility on Augusta and Dean Streets and a number of unsightly garages in other areas. It is the government’s intention to discourage roadside garages in general that have become an eyesore and environmental hazard in our communities.

“The Ministry of Public Works has carriage for garages, scrap facilities, vehicle storage areas, etc. Our concern is the environment and keeping it clean and green. We are passionate and committed to having these facilities removed and banned from residential communities.”

GOVT

‘COMFORTABLE’ WITH THE LEVEL OF

ASSISTANCE PROVIDED TO PEOPLE IN NEED

SOCIAL Services Min-

ister Myles Laroda said a reassessment exercise earlier this year found that the country’s level of need declined after the COVID19 pandemic. He said the exercise, the first held in four years, showed people had recovered from the pandemic, during which businesses shut down to slow the spread of the virus. He said the government is comfortable with the level of assistance now being provided to people in need. Last month, after denying that the government was reducing food assistance rates from $90 to $45, he said his ministry was reviewing its food assistance programme to recommend “cost of living increases”.

pandemic, things have turned around for some,” he said yesterday. The Ministry of Social Services and the Department of Social Services will receive $19m and $48m budgets, respectively, in the upcoming budget year.

“While there still remain a segment that is in need, compared to the fallout from COVID and the

Mr Laroda said part of the reassessment that happened earlier this year involved efforts to prevent fraud and determine which elderly recipients are still alive.

SOCIAL SERVICES MINISTER MYLES LARODA

BAMBOO Town MP Patricia Deveaux says she is working on addressing the proliferation of roadside garages off East Street as seen in these pictures taken from a video shot by a resident of the area.

Close call brings about a life change

Now, the 29-year-old is a certified boat captain and owner of Reality and Dreams Excursions, a boat charter company.

Mr Roker’s grandparents raised him in Pinewood Gardens for most of his childhood.

He told The Tribune he and his young friends were heading down the wrong path after he graduated from CI Gibson in 2012.

“We were making a name for ourselves, you know, a bunch of young kids with other rivals,” he recalled.

At 17, a shooting at a friend’s house one summer night had a lasting impact on him.

He said a man in a silver Honda Torino drove by his friend’s house once, then circled back, firing gunshots. A friend sitting on a wall was shot twice.

The men started running. Some went into bushes, others hopped over fences. One of the men died; another lost a finger.

Mr Roker said he hid behind his friend’s yard near a banana tree. He said a gunman came into that yard while he was crouching down. He expected to be shot, but somehow, the gunman did not see him.

He walked away from the ordeal scratch-free and determined to change.

ventures.

Soon, he reconnected with his father, a boat captain who worked at a marina. In 2019, he received his B-class captain license from Ship Mate Ltd. In 2021, he received his A-class captain license, permitting him to operate bigger vessels. The journey to those certifications was not always smooth. At one point, Mr Roker said, he dropped out of his maritime classes. His Reality and Dreams Excursions business facilitates private charters, jet skis, and snorkelling

He said the business has been profitable since launching seven years ago, though some seasons are slower than others.

Recently, he started offering sailing lessons, his latest business venture.

“It came to mind in terms of just wanting to help other people and not just myself but other people to enhance their skills if they do want to become a captain,” he said, adding that through the programme, he hopes to help keep young men off the streets. from page one

JUNIOR LOCAL GOVT AND STUDENTS CELEBRATED AT SISTER MARY PATRICA RUSSELL JUNIOR HIGH

BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE graduates of Sister Mary Patricia Russell Junior High celebrated their transition to high school on Monday.

During a graduation ceremony, a Ministry of Education official commended ninth-grade students for their “resilience and perseverance” in enduring two major crises back-to-back.

Michelle Bowleg, acting deputy director at MOE, said: “I am amazed at your accomplishment; you endured COVID-19, and that was not easy; you also endure Hurricane Dorian.”

She noted students had to adapt to online learning while locked away in their homes away from school not able to socialise with friends.

“That was a struggle and

the mere fact that you are here transitioning in high school is an accomplishment,” Ms Bowleg said. Although academic performance is important, the MOE official stressed that manners and respect would take them places and open doors that they thought were impossible.

Ms Bowleg also acknowledged the contributions of teachers and parents.

Leonard Lightbourne, the Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs, recognised graduates for placing third overall in the Local Government Junior Council last year. Some 39 schools around the country participated and 37 councils were sworn in. Councils implemented various projects around their schools and communities. “Junior Council

members, I applaud your passion for public service and willingness to work toward the betterment of your school and community which are the first steps in becoming future leaders in our nation,” he said.

In his keynote address, Dr Kenneth Miller, youth officer at the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture shared three simple things that will benefit students throughout their high school journey - humility, adherence to strong principles, and knowing when to practice stillness. “Ninth graders, you are about to enter a whole new whole of world of education. BGCSE is at your door, the SAT is at your door, and filling out college education applications is at your door,” he stated.

Mr Miller urged students to seek guidance or assistance whenever they need help.

TROY ROKER

AFTER a shooting at a friend’s house left a lasting impct on him, Troy Roker turned his life to business pursuits and developed a business providing private charters, jet skis and snorkelling.

SISTER Mary Patricia Junior High placed third in the Local Government Junior Council and were presented with a cheque to assist with their food pantry at the school. Leonardo Lightbourne, parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs brought remarks and made the presentation.

Photo: BIS

The Tribune Limited

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Publisher/Editor 1919-1972

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Publisher/Editor 1972-

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Why is so much of the US boiling hot?

WITH much of the Midwest and the Northeast broiling - or about to broil - in extreme summer heat this week, meteorologists are talking about heat waves and heat domes.

Both mean it’s really hot - and people will hear those terms a lot more as the world heats up. What’s the difference? What’s a heat dome?

It’s helpful to think of a heat dome as what’s happening in the atmosphere. A heat wave is how that affects people on the ground, said Ken Kunkel, a research professor of atmospheric sciences at North Carolina State University. When a high-pressure system develops in the upper atmosphere, it causes the air below it to sink and compress. That raises temperatures in the lower atmosphere.

Because hot air expands, it creates a bulging dome.

The boundaries of this week’s heat dome are not well-defined, Kunkel said, but the National Weather Service has said that the most extreme heat is expected in the Ohio Valley and the Northeast.

The eastern heat dome follows an earlier-than-usual one this month in the Southwest. Last year, there were 645 heat-related deaths in Phoenix.

What is a heat wave?

A heat wave is defined by how intense the heat is, how long it lasts and where it occurs, said Jeff Masters, a meteorologist with Yale Climate Connections.

In general, several days of 90-plus degree temperatures in Texas are “no big deal,” Masters said. But farther north, it is forecasted to be in the mid- to high-90s over the Midwest and Northeast this week, with heat indexes of 100 F (38 C) or greater.

“The population’s just not conditioned to that sort of heat,” he said.

The National Weather Service said that some areas likely will reach daily records, with the heat wave lasting all week and into the weekend in some places.

The combination of clear skies and the higher summertime angle of the sun can result in high heat index readings, a measure of temperature combined with humidity. Humidity makes the weather feel hotter because the body cools itself by sweating and has to work harder when the air’s already moist.

The Detroit area will be in the mid90s, with a heat index around 100 Fahrenheit (38 C) in some urban areas for the next few days. The normal high

temperature for this time of year in Detroit is in the low 80s. Specifically, June 18th’s normal high is 81 F, meteorologist Brian Cromwell said.

Chicago broke a 1957 temperature record on Monday with a high of 97 degrees F (36.1 degrees C). Hot and muggy conditions will continue this week, with peak heat indexes near 100 F (38 C), said the National Weather Service in Chicago. In Cincinnati, Ohio, Tuesday’s high will be around 96 F (36 C), but will feel like 104 F (40 C), according to the weather service. The high heat will continue through the weekend.

Albany, New York, will see temperatures of 95 F (35 C) or hotter from Tuesday through Thursday, when it will peak at 97 F (36 C), with heat indexes at 100 F (38 C) or more, the weather service forecasted. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said Tuesday that she has activated the National Guard to assist in any heat emergencies.

The US last year experienced the most heat waves since 1936, experts said.

An Associated Press analysis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data found that the excessive heat contributed to more than 2,300 US deaths, the highest number in 45 years of records.

Who’s under the heat dome?

The heat dome will affect a broad swath of the eastern half of the country, from roughly the Great Plains states up through Maine.

Some locations could see their hottest temperatures on record for any month, Masters said. A new study found that climate change is making giant heat waves move more slowly and affect more people for a longer time, with higher temperatures over larger areas.

Almost 77 million people in the United States were under extreme heat alerts Tuesday.

Another excessive heat warning, caused by a heat dome, is expected in the Phoenix area on Thursday and Friday, when the highs could reach 114 F (45.5 C) and 116 F (47 C), respectively, said National Weather Service meteorologist Ted Whittock. Tuesday’s forecasted high of 105 F (40.5 C), meanwhile, is normal for this time of year.

He said his office has issued two excessive heat warnings in the past few weeks because of higher-than-normal high pressure that created heat domes.

By Tammy Webber Associated Press

EDITOR, The Tribune. CROWN Lands rights of way... yes, most have disappeared along West Bay and if Director Lands and OPM, responsible for Lands stay asleep a further right of the almost right opposite OPM. The land immediately east of the Wynn Hotel condo project... last owners some Greeks there was a right of way about 4ft wide from West Bay along their west boundary to the new hotel… gone.. but you can’t kill a Crown declared Right of Way. Director of Lands, act now before it’s too late. How Town Planning did not pick up on this? Asleep! MARCUS SMITH Nassau, June 14, 2024.

EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE PLP has had control of the House of Assembly for almost three years and as a female Parliamentarian I have observed the conduct of the Speaker of the House of Assembly.

I have been routinely disappointed by the Speaker’s treatment of opposition members. The role of the Speaker is akin that of a judge presiding over a court, a neutral umpire charged with overseeing proceedings and resolving matters properly in dispute. The Speaker, like a judge, sets the tone for the proceedings before them.

The Speaker’s question to the Leader of the Opposition in response to his efforts to challenge statements from the Prime Minister “Is it because I am a woman or a newbie?”, deserves an answer.

Madam Speaker, it is because you are the Speaker of the House of Assembly and have failed to act fairly and to follow the procedures of the

House of Assembly without fear or favour.

I have had the privilege of experiencing countless women in authority preside over honorable chambers dealing with disputes without yelling, being condescending, or losing their composure.

It does not matter whether you are a man or a woman, an entrepreneur, a lawyer, a teacher, a dentist, or a candlestick maker. The person who is elected to be the Speaker of the House of Assembly must ensure that all Members of Parliament are treated fairly. They must balance the right of the government to move its legislative agenda with the right of the opposition and backbenchers to be heard.

Unfortunately, Madam Speaker has struggled to not only balance these competing interests, but she has also struggled to preside over the chamber

with a controlled sense of authority. She has, to date, demonstrably failed to require, or ensure, that the government discharge its obligation to answer questions put to them in the House of Assembly. The Executive is accountable to the Legislature, and it is the job of the Speaker to facilitate and support members in performing their constitutional function. Fortunately for us all, these are skills that can be taught and learnt. Regardless of experience, the Speaker has available to her the benefit of an experienced Clerk of Parliament and should no doubt seek his advice in these matters which could be of great benefit to her. With life there is hope, and, for now, we can only hope for a positive change in the Speaker. Thank you for affording me the space to publicly express my humble views.

MICHELA BARNETT ELLIS FNM Senator Nassau, June 18, 2024.

EDITOR, The Tribune. BPL solution or disaster? Yes it’s all in the detail but successive Ministers have spoken about the so-called pluses and nothing about the real solution. Half a cent on commercial use - tariffs, Editor, will be passed on… hotels will be impacted as there is a max you can pass on... our rates are already high as is our airport use very high PSC/passenger charges… examine your ticket to Miami...shock! The sole solution is solar - a massive use, acres of panels, but there is a land shortage... flying into Nassau a week ago sat next to an American who explained his solution… I hope proposal of the use of the waters around Nassau will be heeded. Wonder if the person got the time of day? Doubt it. Why LNG at Blue Hill? Will there have to be a pipeline like the already in place diesel pipe which gets hit by thieves? Solar there is no fuel cost so you start off positive. Remember half a cent on hotels, restaurants, retail of any description will be inflationary and will raise the cost of living. All taxes... all government fees are passed onto the empty coffers of the consumer. M THOMPSON Nassau, June 13,

A SEA turtle named Vesuvio sleeps underwater in a tank at CESTHA, the Experimental Center for the Protection of Habitats, inside a former market in Marina di Ravenna, on the Adriatic Sea, Italy, Saturday, June 8, 2024. The small plastic cone protects the turtles from light as they sleep or nap.

Photo: Luca Bruno/AP

Jury hears man shot by police had tattoo saying ‘salute me or shoot me’

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

JURORS in the Coro-

ner’s Court were told that the gun reportedly held by a man police killed in 2022 was capable of firing bullets.

Police responded to calls of an armed robbery at the Beauty Shack on Soldier Road on July 1, 2022. They reportedly engaged and shot Rashando Gibson on Shahs Drive and Goggle Eye Road after he drew a weapon. During the inquest into the killing, Corporal

Antoinette Cox, a firearm examiner, said she tested a black and silver Smith and Wesson pistol, which reportedly belonged to the deceased.

Corporal Cox said the weapon had a 16-round capacity magazine with five remaining rounds brought to her during testing on May 15. She said the weapon was in satisfactory mechanical condition and capable of firing.

Corporal Cox also said police-issued Glock 19 and Sig Sauer pistols belonging to Sergeant Jamal Johnson and Corporal Giovanni Davis, the subjects of this

inquest, were capable of firing.

Detective Inspector Leonardo Dean said he photographed the shooting scene as part of a crime scene investigation.

Inspector Dean said he observed ten 9mm bullet casings scattered across the road along with a bullet fragment. He said the black and silver pistol reportedly used by the deceased was found lying outside a white home.

Inspector Dean further testified that a marked police car was parked in the street. He said he photographed a bloody black

American woman fined for illegally trying to export hermit crabs

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter

AN American woman was caught trying to export

27 hermit crabs without a licence from New

Providence on Monday. Magistrate Algernon Allen, Jr, charged Mimi Thi Ngo, 59, of California, with attempting to export a wild animal from The Bahamas yesterday. Ngo reportedly

shirt found at the scene. When Inspector Dean went to photograph the deceased at the morgue, he said he observed a gunshot wound to the centre of his throat.

During questioning from Angelo Whitfield, who marshalled the evidence,

Inspector Dean said he could not say whether a police weapon would be lying on the street like that.

K Melvin Munroe, Sgt Johnson and Corporal Davis’ attorney, asked Inspector Dean to read the message on the deceased’s

attempted to export the crabs without a licence from the relevant minister.

After pleading guilty to the offence, the defendant was fined $300, which must be paid before her release.

MAN WITH PRIOR FIREARM CONVICTION CHARGED WITH GUN POSSESSION AGAIN

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN with a prior firearm conviction was denied bail yesterday after he was accused of a new gun offence.

Magistrate Lennox Coleby charged Jamal Maycock, 23, and Dudley Smith, 32, with possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition. Maycock appeared before the magistrate with his right arm in a sling.

The pair were allegedly found with a black Austria

Glock .40 pistol and 13 rounds of ammunition in New Providence on June 14.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Prosecutor Assistant Superintendent of Police Lincoln McKenzie objected to Maycock’s bail, citing his prior firearm conviction in 2019.

Geoffrey Farquharson, who represented Maycock virtually, submitted that there was no proof his client would re-offend or abscond if he was granted bail.

Magistrate Coleby denied Maycock’s bail

and remanded him to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. Maycock was also informed of his right to appeal the court’s decision.

Smith was granted bail at $7,500 with one or two sureties under the condition he obeyed a 9pm to 7am residential curfew. His curfew is extended when he has to work until 11pm. He was warned not to be out past 9pm if he is not going or leaving work.

The trial in this matter begins on July 19.Calvin Seymour represented Smith.

SECURITY ACCUSED OF STEALING OVER $28K FROM TILE KING ENTERPRISES

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A FORMER securtiy

worker was granted bail yesterday after he was accused of stealing over $28,000 from Tile King Enterprises in 2023.

Russell allegedly stole $28,881.70 from Tile King Enterprises Ltd. on Wulff Road on October 11, 2023, which he had access to as an armoured car security messenger for ICS Security Concepts.

That day, the defendant allegedly falsified ICS accounts to show no

Magistrate Kendra Kelly charged Shawn Russell, 35, with two counts of stealing by reason for employment, falsification of accounts and money laundering (acquisition).

deposits were collected from Tile King.

After pleading not guilty to the charge, the defendant’s bail was set at $9,900 with one or two sureties.

Russell must sign in at the East Street South Police Station every Thursday by 6pm. His trial begins on August 26.

K Melvin Munroe represented the accused.

chest tattoos from morgue photos. Inspector Dean said the messages on the body’s chest read: “Crime pays”, “salute me or shoot me,” and “self-made”.

Acting Coroner Kara Turnquest Deveaux presided over the inquest.

We need greater access to conflict resolution skills

WE have learned violence. It is always in display. While some are quick to point to cable television and song lyrics, we never needed media to show us how to inflict pain onto one another. Parents perpetrate violence against their children regularly, and with pride, convinced that this is a sign that they have power and control over the smaller, younger human beings in their care. They are convinced that corporal punishment “worked” for them and they turned out “fine”, even as their first response to any inconvenience brought on by their children being real people learning, often through trial and error, to navigate the world is physical violence. Every parent of a baby has been hit by their baby when the baby did not get what they wanted. They learn this behaviour, this swinging of the arms, and practice it until they learn that it is not acceptable. Unfortunately, many of them grow up experiencing more damaging swings at various parts of their bodies when their parents, in anger, do not have the patience or the skills to correct them in other ways. How could this not be confusing? We consume news stories of murders and attempted murders with great frequency. We wonder where the country went wrong. People moan and groan that it was not always like this. There was a time, they say, that The Bahamas was a peaceful place. Some of us wonder when that was. Recently, there were reports of violence between family members and friends. Arguments escalate, quickly becoming physical violence. When people are caught in violent situations and want to survive, they can do things they never imagined. When people are driven by their ego to win or to end a particular encounter, murder is a distinct possibility. When people do not have the skills to resolve conflict or to intervene in nonviolent ways, murder is a distinct possibility. We need conflict resolution skills. We need it included in the school curriculum at all levels. It needs to be a professional development course. It needs to be included in job

By Alicia Wallace

training. It should be available in person and online. We need free resources on conflict resolution, printed in newspapers, shared in public service announcements, built into radio and television programming, and made into highly shareable social media content. Everyone needs to be able to assess their emotions, identify the issue, and take the steps to safely address the issue. There are several conflict resolution models and the basics are readily available online.

Here is a seven-step process to try the next time you are upset about something, whether it is something your partner says or an unpleasant interaction with a coworker. You may have your usual way of dealing (or not dealing) with these occurrences, but give this a try and take note of the difference it makes. The more we practice with the little things, the better equipped we are for the bigger issues. Step one: Acknowledge your emotions. Conflict makes us feel something. If there is name calling, it could lead to someone being offended. If the name calling takes place in the presence of others, it could lead to embarrassment. If the name calling takes place in the presence of a particular person, or is shared with that person, it could lead to fear of that person’s response, whether it may be the end of a relationship, a rescinded job offer, or some other consequence that comes without any further engagement. One incident can lead to a wide range of emotions and emotiondriven reactions, and this can be influenced by other factors including previous experiences, the relationship between people, the location, and the reactions of other people.

Many of us have been taught to ignore our emotions. People often think that emotions are bad, especially those that are typically considered “soft”

emotions. Anger, for example, is generally more acceptable than sadness, especially in men. Children are taught to ignore their own discomfort and to, at the very least, avoid letting anyone else know that they are sad by not crying where anyone else can see them. Shame is used as a weapon by parents and guardians who choose to publicly discipline children. Anger is not only communicated as a reasonable emotion when there is dissatisfaction, but as an acceptable state in which a person can respond to dissatisfaction. Anger is regularly acknowledged as a “reason” for behaviour that should be widely acknowledged as unacceptable, and other emotions are pushed down and ignored unless they are transformed into anger. In fact, many emotions turn into anger when they are ignored for a long time, especially when situations do not change for the better or circumstances worsen.

One of the most important skills that we need to teach ourselves as adults, and help children to learn, is allowing ourselves to feel emotions, enabling us to recognize them. Knowing how we feel is requisite for understanding why we feel the way we do. When we understand our feelings, we can see beyond them and identify the issues that cause them.

Step two: Name the issue. What is the real problem here? What did the other party do? What did they fail to do? How did it lead to the difficult emotions you are experiencing? If they called you a name, aside from name-calling being wrong, what bothers you about it? Is it that the name is incorrect? Is it that the name is offensive? Is it that you think they said it to get a particular reaction from you or someone else? Is it that you have told them not to call you this before? Is it because other people laughed?

...we never needed media to show us how to inflict pain onto one another.

How much of the issue is what someone else did or did not do, and how much of it is what you guessed was their motive? Challenge yourself to remove all assumptions. Focus only on what took place. Why does it make you feel the way you do?

It is important to name the issue before moving to the next step which is likely what we take as the first step. There is a difference between being upset about being called a name and being upset about a pattern of behaviour in someone who is actively trying to upset you.

Step three: Identify the source of the issue. It is tempting to skip to this step, but you need to know how you feel and what the issue is. If someone called you a name and you are upset that your best friend laughed, is the source of the issue the name calling or the reaction of your best friend from whom you expected something else? Knowing the issue will help you to find the source.

In some cases, what you may first guess is the issue is a reminder or an attention grabber that can point you to the issue. The issue may not be the name calling that took place today, but the pattern of disrespect you experience from a particular person or group of people. It could also be a betrayal of confidence, knowing that a person could only call you a particular name if they were given information that they should not have. In this case, is the source of the issue the name-caller, or the person who shared private information with the name-caller?

Step four: Assess your ability to safely, responsibly address the issue with the other party. While anger is a normal emotion, it is not generally helpful as a driver for communication. If you are angry, you may need to take some time before addressing the issue. If someone else is angry, it is likely not the time to approach them to resolve the issue. Timing really does matter as much as intention.

Are you able to have a conversation with the other party? Are you prepared to listen to them? Do you feel safe engaging with

them? Would it be helpful to have someone else facilitate the conversation? Who would you both be comfortable with and trust to be unbiased? If there is no one in your circle you would like to engage, what other resources are available to you? You may think of teachers, community leaders, therapists, or other people who you and the other party respect and who have the skills to facilitate the conversation.

Step five: Determine what you want from this process. What is the ideal outcome? Know that this may not be what you get. What would be an acceptable outcome? Knowing the minimum that you are prepared to accept is helpful. If the other party is not prepared to meet you there, have a plan. Prepare for those emotions. Seek support from others so that, if less than your minimum is put on the table, there are people to talk to about it. You may need people to commiserate with you. Remember that you cannot force resolution. You are in control of the way you show up for the process. You need to be clear about what has upset you and why, what you want to happen, and how it will change things going forward. If there is no resolution, you need to be prepared to take different

steps which may be cutting contact, filing a complaint, or taking some other nonviolent action.

Step six: Address the issue with the other party. Be sure that you want resolution. We sometimes address an issue with the desire to “get it off our chests” or to “win” rather than to resolve it. Be clear about your intentions. If you want to resolve the issue, you must be prepared to listen. You have to be ready to experience different emotions, and to witness the other party’s experience of a range of emotions. You may not always agree with their emotions or appreciate their right to have them, and they may not agree with yours. Your goal is not to make them feel any particular way. The goal of conflict resolution is to find a solution to which all parties agree.

Step seven: Follow through. The agreed solution is likely not exactly what you wanted, nor is it exactly what the other party wanted. You both likely had to compromise. Coming to an agreement is a win for both you, and it is an opportunity for you to honor yourselves and each other, and for you to close this process. It is a gift to be able to drop an issue rather than carrying it around with you forever.

1. They Called Us Exceptional: And Others Lies That Raised Us by Parch Gupta. This is the July selection for Feminist Book Club with Equality Bahamas and Poinciana Paper Press. In this book, Gupta “articulates the dissonance, shame, and isolation of being upheld as an American success story while privately navigating traumas invisible to the outside world.”

2. East New York. This police procedural has Regina Haywood, a black woman, as the Deputy Inspector at the 74th precinct in East New York. The show opens with her taking up this new position, and she happens to witness an act of violence before she even gets to the office. There are, of course, workplace politics including people who have their own ideas about the way the precinct should run and people who are determined to dislike and Haywood and challenge her at every turn. Haywood is capable and determined, adept at dealing with people who are not her biggest fans, and manages to navigate situations in which she is not the highest rank, regardless of her certainty that she is right. This show has diversity in the identities of the characters as well as their backgrounds and what they take with them to the job.

‘AI could spawn surge in Holocaust denial’

By DAVID KLEPPER Associated Press

A UNITED Nations agency is warning that developments in artificial intelligence could spawn a new surge in Holocaust denial.

A report published on Tuesday by UNESCO concludes that AI could result in false and misleading claims about the Holocaust spreading online, either because of flaws in the programs or because hate groups and Holocaust deniers will intentionally use AI programmes to generate content that falsely calls into question the murder of Jews and other groups by the Nazis.

One of the biggest concerns is that AI could be used to create so-called

deepfakes of the Holocaust — realistic images or videos that could be used to suggest the Holocaust didn’t happen or was exaggerated. That could lead to greater antisemitism and a lack of understanding of a key moment in 20th-century history. The report noted that some AI-assisted programmes allow users to interact with simulated historical figures, including prominent Nazis like Adolf Hitler.

“If we allow the horrific facts of the Holocaust to be diluted, distorted or falsified through the irresponsible use of AI, we risk the explosive spread of antisemitism and the gradual diminution of our understanding about the causes and consequences of these atrocities,” Audrey Azoulay said in a statement accompanying the report.

Widespread use of AI for assistance in

education, research and writing are increasing the likelihood that unreliable data and artificial intelligence “hallucinations” could increase public misunderstandings about the Holocaust, even inadvertent ones. AI programs whose understanding of the world is based on relatively narrow sources can also return incomplete or misleading responses when asked about the Holocaust.

UNESCO’s report called on tech companies to establish ethical rules for the development and use of AI, to reduce the chances of unreliable information and to prevent bad actors from harnessing their programs in order to encourage violence and to spread lies about the Holocaust.

The report was published in partnership with the World Jewish Congress.

MCDONALD’S ENDS AI DRIVETHRU TEST RUN

NEW YORK Associated Press

EVER get your McDonald’s order mixed up at an AI-powered drive-thru? The experiment behind the fast food giant’s current automated order taker will soon be coming to a close.

McDonald’s confirmed Monday that it decided to end a global partnership with IBM, which has been testing this artificial intelligence technology at select McDonald’s drive-thrus since 2021.

That doesn’t mean you’ll never encounter some sort of chatbot while picking up fries on your car ride home again. While the IBM partnership for McDonald’s current automated order taker test is winding down, the Chicago-based company suggested that it wasn’t ruling other any other potential AI drive-thru plans down the

road — pointing to “an opportunity to explore voice ordering solutions more broadly”.

“Our work with IBM has given us the confidence that a voice ordering solution for drive-thru will be part of our restaurants’ future,” McDonald’s said in a prepared statement this week — adding that it would continue evaluations to “make an informed decision on a future voice ordering solution by the end of the year”.

Numerous fast food chains have begun exploring the implementation of AI across operations over recent years, with many pointing to possibilities of maximising speed and cutting costs.

In the US, Wendy’s partnered with Google Cloud to develop “Wendy’s FreshAI” chatbot. White Castle teamed up with SoundHound AI with a goal of bringing voice-powered AI technology to more than

100 restaurants by the end of 2024. And a handful of Panera, Arby’s and Popeyes locations have brought OpenCity’s “Tori” voice assistant to their order lanes.

Beyond America, Popeyes UK also launched its first AIpowered drive-thru (dubbed “Al”) last month, after the company said a pilot programme reported 97 percent accuracy.

Success for AI-powered drive-thrus has been mixed.

McDonald’s automated order taker with IBM received scores of complaints in recent years, for example — with many taking to social media to document the chatbot misunderstanding their orders.

One 2023 TikTok, for example, appears to show the drive-thru assistant place order after order of McDonald’s chicken nuggets on one car’s tab, despite the customers

asking it to stop while laughing. Additional posts show an array of other mishaps — such as it adding strange extras, like ice cream with ketchup and butter, or picking up orders from other nearby cars.

Unnamed sources familiar with the technology told CNBC that the technology has had difficulty interpreting different accents and dialects, among other challenges affecting order accuracy. McDonald’s declined to comment about the automated order taker’s accuracy. In an initial statement, IBM said that “this technology is proven to have some of the most comprehensive capabilities in the industry, fast and accurate in some of the most demanding conditions”, but did not immediately respond to a request for further comment about specifics of potential challenges.

FTC REFERS TIKTOK TO DOJ OVER CHILD PRIVACY LAW COMPLAINTS

THE Federal Trade Commission has referred a complaint against TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, to the Department of Justice.

The FTC said in a statement on Tuesday that it investigated the two companies and “uncovered reason to believe” they are “violating or are about to violate” the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, a federal law which requires kid-oriented apps and websites to get parental consent before collecting personal information of children under 13.

The agency also cited potential violations of the FTC Act, the law that outlines its enforcement responsibilities.

A person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press in March that the agency was looking into whether TikTok violated a prohibition against “unfair and deceptive” business practices by denying that individuals in China had access to US user data.

TikTok spokesperson Alex Haurek said the company has been working with the FTC for more than a year to address its concerns and was “disappointed the agency is pursuing litigation instead of continuing to work with us on a reasonable solution”.

“We strongly disagree with the FTC’s allegations, many of which relate to past events and practices that are factually inaccurate or have been addressed,” Haurek said in a statement.

The FTC said its investigation began in connection with a compliance review of a 2019 settlement between the agency and Musical.y, the TikTok predecessor that was acquired by ByteDance in 2017. Under the settlement, Musical.y agreed to pay $5.7m to resolve allegations that the company violated the children’s privacy law.

CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR WANTS TO RESTRICT SMARTPHONE USAGE IN SCHOOLS

CALIFORNIA Governor Gavin Newsom announced yesterday that he wants to restrict students’ usage of smartphones during the school day, citing the mental health risks of social media.

The announcement, which was first reported by Politico, comes a day after US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called on Congress to require warning labels on social media platforms and their effects on young people. Newsom said he plans to build on a law he signed in 2019 that authorised school districts to limit or ban the use of smartphones by students while at school or under the supervision of a school employee.

“As the Surgeon General affirmed, social media is harming the mental health of our youth,” the Democratic governor said in a statement.

“I look forward to working with the legislature to restrict the use of smartphones during the school day. When children and teens are in school, they should be focused on their studies — not their screens.”

Newsom’s office did not provide further details on the proposal. But the California School Boards Association said any regulations over student smartphone use should be left up to school districts, not the state. “We support legislation which empowers school leaders to make policy decisions at a local level that reflect their community’s concerns and what’s necessary to support their students,” spokesperson Troy Flint said.

PEOPLE are reflected in a window of a hotel at the Davos Promenade in Davos, Switzerland, in January. Artificial intelligence could be misused to spread misleading or false claims about the Holocaust, a new UNESCO report warns.

Photo: Markus Schreiber/AP

SPORTS

Swimming nationals ‘probably the largest we will ever have’

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor

About 90 international swimmers, including the former women’s 50 metres breaststroke world record holder, Russian Yulia Efimova, are expected to join a large field of local swimmers participating in the Bahamas Aquatics’ 2024 National Swimming Championships.

The four-day swim meet that will run from Thursday to Sunday at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex will serve as the final qualifier for swimmers aiming to make the cut for the 2024 Olympic Games, scheduled for July 27 to August 11 in Paris, France.

Bahamas Aquatics president Algernon Cargill said with swimmers having until Sunday to make the final cut, the Bahamas has opened its door to entertain

the swimmers coming from all over the world to compete.

“This will probably be the biggest and largest Nationals that we will ever have,” Cargill said.

“This is the last Olympic qualifier in the world, so we are excited to welcome the world swimmers to our nationals.”

The 32-year-old Efimova will be attempting to make her fifth Olympics as she competes in the 50, 100 and

200m breaststroke events. All of the other competitors, according to Cargill, will be spread out across all of the other events contested.

“Apart from competing, they won’t be able to score points or win medals at our national championships,” Cargill said. “So we allow them to participate because this is the last qualifier for Paris and the deadline to qualify is the last day of competition on Sunday.”

Without the sponsorship they intended to secure this year from corporate Bahamas, Cargill said the nationals will not be seen live on television, which means that they expect that the stadium will be filled to capacity with spectators.

The public can watch Lamar Taylor, Marvin Johnson, Nigel Forbes, Rhanishka Gibbs and Zaylie-Elizabeth Thompson as the top contenders who are seeking to qualify for Paris.

MEN’S NATIONAL BASKETBALL TEAM TRAINING CAMP UNDERWAY IN HOUSTON

By TENAJH SWEETING

Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas senior men’s national basketball team landed in Houston, Texas, on Monday evening and have since started their training camp in preparation for this month’s Acropolis Tournament in Greece and the 2024 FiBA Olympic Qualifying

Tournament set for July 2-7 in Valencia, Spain. The full team roster has not been officially released as yet, but veteran national basketball team members, including NBA sharpshooters Chavano “Buddy” Hield and Eric ‘EJ’ Gordon, as well as Portland Trail Blazers centre Deandre Ayton, are currently practicing with the team in Houston.

THE SPORTS CALENDAR

In addition to this, NBA free agent Klay Thompson, son of Mychal “Sweet Bells” Thompson, joined the national team’s training camp but he will not compete during the Olympic qualifying tournament.

Other notable faces at the training camp include Baylor bound Valdez “VJ” Edgecombe and Syracuse commit Donovan “Donnie” Freeman.

BASEBALL FORD CAMP THE annual Mario Ford Summer Baseball Camp is all set for July 1-12 from 9am to 1pm at Windsor Park on East Street and Wulff Road. It’s open to campers between the ages of 7-15 years. Interested persons are urged to contact Mario Ford at 556-0993 for more information and to register their child or children.

June, 2024

SOFTBALL ATLANTIS LEAGUE THE Atlantis Softball League will get started this weekend at the Archdeacon William Thompson Softball Park at the Southern Recreation Grounds. Here’s a look at the schedule: Saturday 10am - MWPO vs Marina Village Sunday Noon Fm/HR vs Nobu TRACK

PRAYERS FOR SMITH

THE track and field fraternity is asking for the public to continue to pray for Keanna Smith, a member of the Road Runners Track Club, who was involved in a car accident last week. Smith, the daughter of Xavier Todd and the sister of Reanno Todd, is currently recuperating in Doctor’s Hospital after undergoing surgery. The family is asking for the public to continue to pray for her recovery.

SEE PAGE 15

National team manager Lynden ‘LJ’ Rose talked about how special it is to see such a talented group of Bahamians playing together. “It feels great. It was a long time coming. We have been planning this for almost a year so to get everybody under one roof in one building is a big blessing for us and we are excited about the group that we have,” he said.

Although the official team roster is not yet confirmed, Rose said it was special to see high school basketball phenoms, collegiate standouts and NBA players all come together for a common goal.

“This is what we kind of dreamed of, getting all of our young guys here. We have VJ Edgecombe,

“They will be swimming against faster competition and hopefully they can feed off them and do much better,” Cargill said. “This is the last qualifier in the world, so we anticipate that it will be a very competitive event for the local and international swimmers.”

The Bahamas has a few swimmers who are also on the bubble of attaining their qualifying standards for the

BAHAMAS LOSES DAVIS CUP OPENER

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

TEAM Bahamas dropped a 2-1 decision to Costa Rica as they started their competition in the Americas Group III Divis Cup tie yesterday in Asuncion, Paraguay. Playing out of pool A on the clay courts at the Club International de Tenis in Asuncion, collegian Michael Major Jr made a successful debut, while Justin Roberts’ return was a little short of a triumph.

Tied at 1-1, it came down to the doubles and the duo of Denali Nottage and Roberts suffered a 6-0, 6-2 defeat against Rodrigo and Paulo Pocasangra of Costa Rica.

After getting blanked in the first set, Nottage and Roberts held serve for a 2-1 deficit. They came back and held again to trim the lead to 5-2, but their opponents held for the win and the tie.

“Costa Rica played well,” said Bahamas team captain Ricardo Demeritte.

“Our boys haven’t played together before but are great individually at getting into the net but the lack of synergy was a factor to develop rhythm. We will continue to practice and build as the week goes on.”

KEYSHAWN STRACHAN ENTERS TRANSFER PORTAL

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

KEYSHAWN Strachan, the Bahamas’ national record holder in the men’s javelin event, intends to continue his collegiate career at another institution next season.

Over the weekend, he announced his decision to enter the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) transfer portal via Instagram.

Strachan, who recently wrapped up his sophomore year with the Auburn University Tigers, expressed his gratitude for the journey experienced down in Auburn, Alabama in his latest post.

“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible journey I have

had here at Auburn University. As I prepare to enter the transfer portal to explore new opportunities for growth, both academically and athletically, I am filled with both excitement and nostalgia for the memories we have created together. “I am so grateful for the

unwavering support and guidance I have received from the coaches, staff and teammates here at Auburn. Your mentorship and camaraderie have been invaluable to me and I will carry the lessons learned and friendships made with me wherever I go,” he wrote on Instagram. It was quite a journey for the men’s javelin national champion leading up to this point. Last season, Strachan was on a tear, picking up all first place finishes which included a national recordbreaking performance at the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays in March. In his freshman year, the 20-year-old had a massive throw of 84.27m at the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays which took place on March 31, 2023 in Austin, Texas.

SEE PAGE 13

KEYSHAWN Strachan

LOCKED IN: The Bahamas senior men’s national basketball team training camp is currently underway in Houston, Texas, ahead of June’s Acropolis Tournament in Greece and the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament set for July 2-7 in Valencia, Spain.

Photo: John-Marc Nutt/10th Year Seniors

Men’s national basketball team training camp jumps off in Houston

PAGE 12

Donnie Freeman and AJ Storr. Then you have your college guys Deyton Albury, Sammy Hunter and NBA guys Buddy Hield, Deandre Ayton, Eric Gordan and Klay Thompson just to get that good mix. Guys are able to lean on each other for guidance and it’s a fun group and guys are ready to compete,” he said.

One of the biggest indicators of a successful basketball team is chemistry and with this latest trip to Houston, Texas, Team Bahamas is hoping to forge some good chemistry ahead of the upcoming tournaments.

Before the team embarks on their journey to Valencia, Spain for the FIBA Olympic qualifying tournament, they will play in two exhibition games during the Greek Basketball Federation’s Acropolis Tournament June 25-27.

The Bahamas faces off against Montenegro first on June 26 and then the national team will take on the host country on June 27. After this tournament, the team will prepare to make history in Spain.

During this Olympic qualifier, The Bahamas will battle in the group stage against Poland and Finland in hopes of making it the first time the country has qualified for the Olympics in a team sport.

National team head coach Chris DeMarco spoke with reporters last week Friday at the Jr NBA Clinic about the role continuity and chemistry will play in helping The Bahamas to advance next month.

“It is very similar to last summer in that we don’t have this advantage of a lot of our team having played together before.

“We don’t have an offence that we’ve been playing for a decade or defence we’ve been playing for a decade. The biggest thing is always

LOCKED IN: The Bahamas senior men’s national basketball team training camp is currently underway in Houston, Texas, ahead of June’s Acropolis Tournament in Greece and the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament set for July 2-7 in Valencia, Spain. Photos: John-Marc Nutt/10th Year Seniors

gonna be about chemistry and can our individuals come together as a team, sacrifice and all head in the right direction in a short amount of time. “We did

that last summer, that’s gonna be the same goal this time around. We understand what’s really at stake. We understand how much it would matter to The

BAHAMIAN JAVELIN THROWER KEYSHAWN STRACHAN ENTERS THE TRANSFER PORTAL

PAGE 12

The toss cemented Strachan as not only the event’s champion but also the Bahamas’ national record holder in the men’s javelin. He also clinched victories at the Tom Jones Memorial, 2023 BAAA Track and Field Nationals and at the NACAC under-23 Championships. One season later, Strachan experienced a slight dip in production after bouncing back from an elbow injury. He posted his second best throw of the season of 74.95m at the NCAA DI Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon, for fifth place earlier this month.

DAVIS CUP

FROM PAGE 12

Major Jr, playing the number two spot in singles, needed about one hour and 54 minutes to dispose of Costa Rica’s Rodrigo Crespo Piedra in straight set scores of 6-4 and 7-5.

“I think my match was good,” Major Jr said.

“Obviously, I had nerves going into the match, but I just played as though it was a normal college match, and I was able to push through.

“The guy played out of experience, and I just tried to play with him myself, and I ended up pulling out the match.”

In making his debut at Davis Cup, the 18-year-old Major Jr, who just completed his freshman year at Howard University, got by the 23-year-old Crespo Piedra with ease. Demeritte said he was very pleased with Major Jr’s performance.

“I’ve been working with him for a number of years and seeing his game grow and to see it come to full form is breathtaking,” Demeritte said.

“He pulled out a lot of big points, he had a lot of nerves going into the match, but he showed he’s up for the pressure and always ready to represent his country.”

Roberts, 27, played through a rain-delayed match that went to three sets. He eventually lost 5-7, 6-4, 7-6 (5) to Christian Felipe Winstead, Costa Rica’s 21-year-old top seed.

“First and foremost, I’m happy to be able to play matches again. I’ve been injured for the last 3-4 months, so it’s been a blessing to play,” Roberts said.

“I’m happy for MJ to get his debut and get his win today. My match, I fought hard. I don’t think I played my best tennis, but my opponent played well and he deserved to win at the end of the day.

“It hurts, but we have two more matches in the group and then hopefully a playoff. So, just got to stay positive and move on to the next one.”

The team, which also includes Donte Armbrister, will be back in action today against host Paraguay.

Bahamas. We understand the importance of what we’re about to participate in and everybody’s truly excited for it. We’ll give it our best,” he said.

This year’s Paris Olympic Games is all scheduled to run from July 26 to August 11 following the FIBA Olympic qualifying tournaments.

After a day off on Thursday, they will play their final round robin match on Friday against Venezuela. The playoffs will be contested on Saturday.

Additionally, he earned his lone first place victory of the season at the Pepsi Florida Relays and had a season’s best toss of 76.25m in April at the Tom Jones Memorial.

He thanked the Auburn Tigers for pushing him to be a better student-athlete.

“As I embark on this new chapter, I want to thank each and every one of you for being a part of my journey at Auburn University. Your passion, dedication and belief in me have fuelled my success and pushed me to be the best athlete and student I can be.

“I will always hold fond memories of my time here at Auburn University, and I am now excited for the future that lies ahead. Thank you for everything,” he concluded. Strachan, who was awarded the first team AllAmerican honours, has all intentions of trying to qualify for the Olympics.

The qualifying standard for the men’s javelin event is 85.50m which is in the same ballpark of his personal best 84.27m. He will have a final opportunity to attain the standards at the 2024 BAAA Kids Athletics, Junior and Senior Track and Field Nationals slated for June 26-28 at the original Thomas A Robinson Stadium.

ON THE REPLAY: Philadelphia 76ers’ Chavano “Buddy” Hield, far left, in action during the senior men’s national basketball team training camp in Houston, Texas.

JUSTIN Roberts in action in Paraguay.

SWIMMING NATIONALS, AN OLYMPIC QUALIFIER,

‘PROBABLY THE LARGEST WE WILL EVER HAVE’

FROM PAGE 12

games, including Gibbs, who just completed her freshman year at Texas Christian University, said it was a good experience.

“I thought it could have been better, but stepping into college and competing against the seasoned competitors in the big league was a challenge, but it was good and it will only go up from here,” said the 2023 graduate of Queen’s College.

As she returns home for the nationals, Gibbs said her goal is to book her ticket to Paris.

“I want to swim some personal best times and set some national records, if I’m successful,” she said. “We will see what happens.”

The 100m breaststroke and the 50m free is her target. Her lifetime best in both events are one minute and 12.27 seconds in the 100m breast and in the 50m free, it is 26.22. But in order for her to qualify,

she will have to go at least 1:06.79 in the 100m breaststroke and 24.7 in the 50m free.

With the international competitors expected to be competing, Gibbs said she’s confident that she can attain her goals.

“I know my best friend, Jillian Forde from the Cayman Islands, will be coming and it’s always a good time when I race against her because she pushes me a lot,” Gibbs said. “So I’m looking forward to a good time this weekend.”

To the Bahamian people, she encouraged them to come out and watch her break “some records.”

Also, at TCU in Fort Worth, Texas, is Nigel Forbes. The 18-year-old, who also just completed his freshman year, said he had a good time, competing in the sprints of the backstroke and butterfly. But he said he’s just delighted to be back home swimming in familiar territory.

BAHAMAS Aquatics president Algernon Cargill.

“I was away from home for about six months, but just the island vibe and seeing everybody who I grew up with is so good,” he pointed out. “I’m just glad to be here.”

Like Gibbs, Forbes said his aim is to put on a show for the Bahamian public.

“All through God, I’m expecting all of the hard work that I put in to show,” he stated, especially in the 100m fly. “I think it will be a good all-around meet because everybody has been working hard.”

With the international competitors in town, Forbes said it makes the nationals much more special to compete in this year.

“It’s always good to have the international swimmers come here and try to qualify for the Olympics for their country,” Forbes said.

“I’m going to try my best to see if I can qualify too. If I don’t, it’s no big deal. I still have the future to look forward to.”

One of the future swimmers to watch is 13-year-old Morgan

Albury, from the Barracuda’s Swim Club, who has qualified to compete in the nationals.

“I want to see if I can make the podium at least twice,” Albury said. “I want to beat everybody. My main rival is Noelle, so I am looking forward to competing against her and the other girls.”

With the stadium having a new pool installed in April just in time for the Bahamas to successfully secure its sixth straight championship feat at CARIFTA, Cargill said there are still some cosmetic works being done to enhance the surroundings at the nationals.

The nationals will start on Thursday at 9am and continue at 6pm. The opening ceremonies will take place at 5:30pm on Friday during the evening session of day two.

Competition will continue on Saturday and Sunday with two sessions as well, at 9am and 6pm.

Rising tennis stars competing at JITIC regionals in the Dominican Republic

FOUR Bahamians are competing in the U14 JITIC regional event in the Dominican Republic.

On the boys’ side are Patrick Mactaggart and Ayai Bethel and, on the girls’ side, Briana Houlgrave and Caitlyn Pratt are competing.

The U14 JITIC is an individual tennis championship event for top junior athletes in the U14 category in the Central American and Caribbean region. Approximately 90 boys and girls are competing in this event.

The quartet have all recorded wins in their round robin pools. At this point Houlgrave and Mactaggart have advanced to the main draw. All four players will continue to compete in singles. There will also be a doubles component at the event.

The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) congratulates the talented group of juniors and wish them well as they compete in their respective matches in the next round of play.

the Members of Parliament.

The game is scheduled for 8pm Sunday, July 21 at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.

MEMORIAL FOR SUNSHINE

A MEMORIAL service for the late softball player and sports executive Renee “Sunshine” Davis will take place at 7pm on Thursday in the foyer of the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium. Davis, who passed away on June 12 at the age of 56, will be funeralised at 10am on Saturday, June 29 at the Bible Truth Ministries on Martin’s Close, off Cowpen Road.

BASKETBALL

PEACE ON DA STREETS THE annual Peace On Da Streets Basketball Classic, dubbed “Shooting Hoops instead of Guns,” is scheduled for July 15-21 at the Michael ‘Scooter Reid” Basketball Center at the Hope Center. All games will start at 6pm each day.

Categories include 12-and-under, 16-andunder, 20-and-under, government ministry, church and open divisions. The event is being promoted by Guardian Radio and Radio House Outreach.

CLERGY VS POLITICIANS

AS a part of the annual Peace ON Da Streets Basketball Classic, organisers will once again stage the showdown between members of the Clergy against

‘JAZZ’ AND MARLINS GET 9-8 WIN OVER CARDINALS

MIAMI (AP) — Vidal Bruján hit a winning RBI single in the bottom of the 10th inning and the Miami Marlins beat the St. Louis Cardinals 9-8 on Tuesday night to snap a six-game skid.

Nick Gordon reached on a one-out infield single against Chris Roycroft (1-1) that advanced automatic runner Jesús Sánchez to third. Tim Anderson followed with an RBI infield single, tying it at 8-all. Otto Lopez’s groundout advanced Gordon and Anderson before Bruján soft liner to center field gave Miami its sixth walkoff win of the season.

Dylan Carlson’s sacrifice fly against reliever Calvin Faucher (2-1) in the top of the 10th put St. Louis ahead.

Sánchez homered, doubled and singled, while Christian Bethancourt also went deep for the Marlins. Paul Goldschmidt, Brendan Donovan and Alec Burleson homered for the Cardinals.

St. Louis snapped a 4-all tie on Brandon Crawford’s RBI groundout and Michael Siani’s run-scoring single against Miami starter Roddery Muñoz in the third. Burleson’s solo shot off Muñoz in the fourth made it 7-4.

Bethancourt narrowed the gap with an RBI groundout in the fourth and a solo shot that ended Cardinals starter Lance Lynn’s outing in the sixth.

Lynn gave up six runs and 10 hits in 5 1/3 innings. The veteran right-hander has allowed 12 earned runs over 13 2/3 innings in his last three outings.

Matthew Liberatore gave up Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s oneout single and Bryan De La Cruz’s single that advanced Chisholm Jr. to third. Chisholm raced home on Josh Bell’s sacrifice fly.

Muñoz was lifted after four innings. The rookie right-hander gave up seven runs and eight hits in his sixth career start.

Sánchez’s three-run homer in the bottom of the first erased a 2-0 deficit after Goldschmidt’s two-run blast in the top half gave St. Louis the quick lead.

Donovan put the Cardinals ahead again in the second with a two-run homer. But Miami tied it in the bottom half on Chisholm’s sacrifice fly.

JOHNSON’S BASKETBALL CAMP GET ready for the annual Coach Kevin Johnson’s Basketball Camp 2024. Coach Kevin ‘KJ’ Johnson has announced that his camp will run from June 24 to July 12 at the CI Gibson Secondary High School and will run daily from 9am to 1pm.

Campers will get a chance to play and learn the fundamentals of the game of basketball from professional instructors. Interested persons can sign up by contacting coach Johnson at 636-9350 or email: coachkjjohnson@ gmail.com

BASKETBALL

NEX-GEN THE third annual Nex-Gen Elite Training Basketball Camp, hosted by JR Basketball Academy, is all set for June 24 to July 13 from 9am to noon at the Telios Indoor Gymnasium on Carmichael Road. The camp, powered by Frazier’s Roofing, will provide training for game situations, shooting, passibng, ball handling, defense and footwork for boys and girls between the ages of 8-19 years. Registration is now open. Interested persons can contact Cadot at 535-9354, email jrcbasketballacademy.com or go online to www.jrcbasketballacademy.com