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Volume: 119 No.146, June 23, 2022

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‘TREASURE SHARE MUST FAVOUR US’ Govt seeks to secure ‘majority’ of riches found by explorers

By NEIL HARTNELL and YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporters A MULTI-MILLION underwater explorer yesterday said it will cease treasure salvaging in Bahamian waters immediately if the government’s plans to take a “majority” share of the rewards prove unworkable.

David Concannon, Allen Exploration Group’s spokesperson, said its

principal, Carl Allen, owner of Walker’s Cay in the north Abacos, was “not in the business of turning money into heat by lighting dollar bills on fire”.

He was speaking after Attorney General Ryan Pinder said planned legal reforms will “reverse” the present formula whereby proceeds are split 75/25 between the explorer and the government.

SEE PAGE FOUR

PEDESTRIAN KILLED IN PI BRIDGE COLLISION

POLICE are investigating a traffic fatality that occurred on the eastern Paradise Island bridge on Tuesday night.

According to reports, shortly after 10pm police were alerted to a traffic accident involving a vehicle and a pedestrian.

“Officers were dispatched and on their arrival, they found a Caucasian male lying in the south bound lane unresponsive,” police said in a statement yesterday.

SEE PAGE TWO

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

rising inflation, supply-chain issues and rising unemployment.

“Amidst all of it, the negative impacts of climate change remain the most fundamental, existential threat,” he said. “But that threat is not evenly spread.

Those of us, least responsible for the carbon emissions which drive climate change, are suffering from the greatest negative impact.

- SEE PAGE EIGHT

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

PM - WE CAN’T WIN THIS BATTLE ALONE PRIME Minister Philip Brave Davis addressed Commonwealth leaders yesterday and repeated the message he has been telling the world of the dangers to The Bahamas from global warning.

Addressing the Commonwealth Business Forum Mr Davis said the world was currently experiencing a number of “once-in-a-generation” challenges, including the war in Ukraine sparking

FRONT PORCH: MADAM SPEAKER, WHAT WILL BE YOUR LEGACY?

JONQUEL OPENS UP ON PRICE OF ‘COMING OUT’ CONNECTICUT Sun forward Jonquel Jones, the reigning WNBA MVP.

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net REIGNING WNBA MVP, Jonquel Jones, claims that her sexuality continues to hinder her marketability - citing a specific local case with one of the country’s leading telecommunications providers.

In a feature with ESPN’s Katie Barns, Jones said she believed her relationship with The Bahamas Telecommunications Co ended due

to her openly identifying as a lesbian and her self-described “non traditionally feminine” style of dress.

“Jones believes her decision to embrace her identity as a lesbian and dress more authentically came with material consequences.

“The Bahamas Telecommunications Co., she says, opted not to renew her contract even though her basketball performance in the United States and overseas had improved,” Barnes wrote.

“‘The only difference is that I’m openly out and dressing differently,’ Jones says.”

Jones signed as a BTC Brand Ambassador in 2017. Following the publication of the article, BTC issued a statement refuting those claims.

“BTC has a strong culture supporting equality, diversity, and inclusion.

As a company we do not discriminate against the LGBTQIA+ community in any form or manner,” the statement said.

FULL STORY - SEE SPORTS

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

$2.7M WATER TANKS WILL HELP SUPPLY IN ELEUTHERA

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

THE Water and Sewerage Corporation has announced it will execute a $2.7m contract for two one million gallon tanks and an additional $525,000 for related support work in view of water supply interruptions at Central Eleuthera.

SEE PAGE TWO

STATESIDE: CONFLICT WITH NO EASY EXIT

- SEE PAGE NINE

PAGE 2, Thursday, June 23, 2022

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

A WOMAN, who was given 14 days notice by the government to vacate Crown Land in the Bacardi

THE TRIBUNE

WOMAN LIVING IN BUS ‘NOT SQUATTING’

Road area, says she is not squatting. She said government was aware that she was living in the area.

ZESTY WHOPPER ®

W E N

In a Facebook post, the woman seemed to take issue with the publicity her situation has received and labelled a recent visit by officials as “political”.

National Security Minister Wayne Munroe last Friday issued the warning to vacate, saying no one will be allowed to own land that belongs to the government.

A few days later, a team from the Department of Social Services, including its minister Obie Wilchcombe, visited the area and spoke to the woman.

It came after she and her family were discovered living in a large yellow school bus at the National Pine Forest following a ride along in the area by officials, including Mr Munroe and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.

“Listen to me, I’ve been good doing everything on my own, never asked for any hand out from social services, nor from no people because

of this same reason: people using your struggle for a story or making it seem as if they helping or doing a good deed,” the woman said in a Facebook post.

“I’m not squatting. I’ve applied and did all the proper procedure for the land and got a response.

People just intend to go with whatever the media speak and run (with) it.

“I was never ashamed of (where) I’m living and how I’m living. It just was no one’s business. I’ve made the best out (of) my situation and go to any extent to make sure my kid is comfortable. I push very hard to make sure my struggle is never her struggle, but yet people putting me down for making my situation work or making the best out of my situation.”

The post continued: “But if I had come here begging!!!! People would of say (you’re) a healthy adult go find work. I just don’t

get it I never went to social services for any help whatsoever, these people came to me talking ‘bout no cameras cause they wanna feel my heart, but still posted pictures.

“I don’t know when the Bahamian people are going (to) see this is not about me living in a bus nor the wellbeing of me (and) my child situations.

“It is all political because the government been aware of me being in the back of here. It’s impossible (for) the big yellow school bus to go unnoticed.

I’m Bahamian just fighting and standing for what is mines.

“Don’t believe the lies that the government officials trying to feed the public. It’s a fight for the land to be (sold) to foreigners for a lot (of) money for people with money to hit little white balls.

“I just got caught and used as a charity case (to) make themselves look good.”

$2.7M WATER TANKS WILL HELP SUPPLY IN ELEUTHERA from page one

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Nassau

WSC said customers on the island experienced a major mechanical failure at their Naval Base Desalination Plant on Monday evening.

The failure necessitated the procurement

and delivery of replacement parts from the United States.

Those parts were flown into Eleuthera early yesterday morning, and a team was on site working to complete the repairs and resume water production that afternoon.

“The corporation anticipates that we will resume water supply into the Central Eleuthera distribution system around 2pm this afternoon (yesterday).

However, customers in the upper elevations and those at the extreme ends of the system will continue to experience lower than normal water pressure until the system is fully re-pressurized later this afternoon (yesterday),” WSC said.

The corporation apologised to all of its customers for any and all inconvenience caused and are working strategically to prevent a re-occurrence in the future.

“Our strategic efforts will include the corporation

executing a contract for a new 1,000,000 imperial gallon storage tank at our Naval Base Pumping Station and another 1,000,000 imperial gallon storage tank at our Bogue Pumping Station in the next few days.

The total contract value for these tanks is $2,756,000 and a further $525,000 in related support works will be executed.

“These tanks will increase the available water in storage that can be utilised to supply customers while major mechanical issues are addressed, thereby reducing the frequency of water supply interruptions. Separately, the Corporation is also working closely with our desalination contractor who has plants at Waterford, Tarpum Bay, Naval Bay and Bogue, Eleuthera to identify all major mechanical failure risk components and to ensure that critical spares are readily available on island and adequate redundancies are in place.”

PEDESTRIAN KILLED IN PI BRIDGE COLLISION from page one

“Emergency Medical Services Technicians visited the scene. Following their examination of the body, they concluded that there were no signs of life.”

Initial investigations revealed that a driver of a truck was travelling south on the old Paradise Island bridge when he felt an obstruction.

“Moments later he discovered that he had struck a male pedestrian. The coroner was apprised of the facts relating to this incident,” police said.

A video circulating on social media is thought to be connected to the incident, however, police have not confirmed that as yet.

In the video, the driver of a jeep is seen travelling south on the old Paradise Island bridge when they appear to drive over what is seen to be a lifeless body.

A vehicle that followed then came to a complete stop as the body lay in front of it.

Police said they are awaiting an identification by the next of kin to confirm the victim’s identity, as well as an autopsy report to confirm the exact cause of death.

Investigations are continuing, police said.

Police appealed to members of the public who may have information that can assist with this investigation to contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 502-9991 or the nearest police station.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, June 23, 2022, PAGE 3

‘We will end vexing issues over citizenship’

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder confirmed yesterday the Davis administration will bring an end to the “vexing” issue of inequality between men and women regarding the transfer of citizenship through the proposed Nationality Bill 2022.

During his contribution to the 2022-2023 Budget debate, Mr Pinder said it was “irrefutable” that Article 13 of the Constitution gives Parliament the ability to make provisions for the acquisition of citizenship of The Bahamas.

He maintained that advancing equality when it comes to transmission of citizenship is explicitly permitted through the legislative mechanisms of Parliament, adding the government intended on using that avenue to go forward.

“We will advance appropriate legislation to finally bring equality to Bahamian men and women in the transmission of citizenship to their children,” Mr Pinder said in the Senate.

“An initial draft has been prepared and commented on internally and we look to advance consultation after bringing to Cabinet and ultimately tabling in Parliament.”

He continued: “And for those who may raise questions as to this legislative action, let me be be clear, the Constitution in Article 13 provides that Parliament may make provision for the acquisition of citizenship of The Bahamas by persons who do not become citizens of The Bahamas by virtue of the provisions of this chapter in the Constitution.

It’s irrefutable, plain reading of the law.

“Advancing equality when it comes to transmission of citizenship is explicitly permitted through the legislative mechanisms of Parliament and we intend on using that avenue to go forward... We are brave, be brave my colleagues, be brave.”

In April, Mr Pinder

ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder speaking in the Senate yesterday.

Photo: BIS

said the Davis administration planned to scrap the draft 111-page Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Bill 2018, saying while it addressed a number of different issues, the government is of the view that it was a better approach to tackle matters individually.

However, some of the concepts of the Minnis administration’s draft will be used in a new bill, Mr Pinder said at the time. He also maintained his view that it was best to bring changes regarding Bahamian citizenship through

legislation at Parliament, noting two previously failed referendums to change the constitution in this regard.

It is the government’s intention to bring legislation to allow both Bahamian men and women to pass on citizenship in any circumstance.

“Well, we have failed twice to change the constitution and it is an important element of equality of our people that they see themselves equal among each other and if that means doing it by legislation then that’s what it

means,” Mr Pinder said when asked at the time to respond to critics who are against changing the law by way of legislation in Parliament.

Mr Pinder further shrugged off the possibility of the government facing legal action from people who may see the changes as unconstitutional.

“If they take us to court, they take us to court.

Everybody takes the government to court these days. (It) doesn’t mean they’re right. You clearly stated that the constitution

provides the avenue to provide citizenship that is not covered within the constitution, which is what this is doing.”

The Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Bill 2018, drafted under former Law Reform Commissioner Dame Anita Allen features expanded grounds for the refusal of citizenship under the constitution, and registration and naturalisation under the law to include terrorism, human and drug trafficking, as well as gangrelated activities. The draft has drawn commentary

from both the political and civic arenas.

These issues are derived primarily from articles 7 and 9 of the constitution; but aren’t addressed therein or by later amendments.

The draft bill would have granted individuals in both these categories — born outside of The Bahamas to a Bahamian mother and born inside The Bahamas to two non-Bahamian parents — the “right of abode” or the right to live in The Bahamas while a minor, up to the age of 18.

for conclusion of the legislation.

“We will advance a comprehensive suite of legislation on the regulation of cannabis, creating a new agribusiness industry in The Bahamas,” Mr Pinder said yesterday.

“This legislation is internationally benchmarked against the countries around the world that are in this industry.

“This is actually a mature industry. Canada has been doing it for more than 15 years. The framework will be for the regulation of the medical cannabis industry from the farm to the border, and will provide a separate regulatory framework for industrial hemp, which is

used for wellness products and for pure industrial uses such as clothing, rope and building materials all made from hemp.

“We will also provide a framework for the decriminalisation of possession of small amounts of cannabis products as part of this suite of legislation.”

Mr Pinder also highlighted the coming of a comprehensive Mental Health Bill 2022.

“In addition to the recently tabled Nurses and Midwives Bill, 2022, we will shortly table an amendment to the National Health Insurance Bill and introduce a modern and comprehensive Mental Health Bill 2022.

“This will be the most comprehensive health care compendium of legislation advanced in recent memory to provide a comprehensive framework for the

healthcare, both physical and mental health care of our people.

“Coming out of COVID we know that there are many, many Bahamians that have had adverse effects on their mental health care and mental state. We need to provide modern

legislation and infrastructure to address the mental health care of Bahamians.

“It is something that is not a phobia. It is a reality and we will advance legislation, cutting edge, a whole new bill to address the mental health of Bahamians.”

GOVT PLANS MEDICAL CANNABIS REGULATION

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder says the Davis administration intends to advance comprehensive legislation to regulate a medical cannabis industry and a separate framework for industrial hemp.

In the Senate yesterday, Mr Pinder said this legislation is benchmarked against countries around the world that have vibrant cannabis and hemp industries.

While he did not give a timeline for the proposed legislation, the attorney general has previously marked the end of summer as the timeframe

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PAGE 4, Thursday, June 23, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

PM - We can’t win this battle alone from page one

“For us it is not simply a threat, but a clear and present danger – a danger which affects our daily reality.”

Mr Davis pointed out that the Atlantic hurricane season started 22 days ago; and the forecast was for more storms, and storms of great intensity.

“Eighty percent of our land lies less than 1.5 metres above sea level,” he pointed out. “As such, it is vulnerable to floods caused by rises in sea level, along with storm surges due to hurricanes.

“When the storms come, we have no escape. We do what we can to shelter, but we are at the mercy of forces far beyond our control.”

Mr Davis said that despite those dangers, Bahamians did not wish to

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis in Rwanda. live as victims.

“Like people the world over, we want dignity and an agency in determining our lives and livelihoods,” he said. “With the right investment in infrastructure, and access to much-needed funds and technical support, we can take great steps to ensure our survival.

“But we cannot do it

alone,” Mr Davis said. The Bahamas needed partners to support it in its efforts.

“And we do not think it is too much to ask those who have contributed so much to climate disaster to step forward and step up in partnering with us to mitigate against its impacts,” he said.

He added that, for The Bahamas, financing for the Blue Economy went even further - and that could build both physical and economic sustainability.

However, he pointed to a new Commonwealth report that highlighted areas of major concern.

“Ocean financing is the least well-funded of all the Sustainable Development Goals,” he said. “The Secretariat calculates that up to 2019, ocean conservation received only 0.01% of all development funding.

“I’ll say that again: ocean conservation receives only 0.01 percent of all

development funding. The Secretariat also calculates that support for actions relating to the oceans receive less than two percent of funding from the Green Climate Fund, and only 0.7 percent from the Global Environmental Facility.

“Why is this? There is no obvious answer.”

Mr Davis said that, anecdotally, it appeared that everyone imagined that much more was being spent; but it was not. Perhaps, he said, the neglect had been driven by the thought that “someone else is taking care of it.”

“Whatever the reason, it is clear that if the situation is not improved, we will fail in our efforts,” he said.

“And so my charge today is to ask: ‘What can we, in this room, do to raise awareness of this? What can we do to drive urgent action for increased support?’”

Mr Davis said that a second striking detail in the report was a list of traditional and innovative financing instruments and mechanisms that could be effectively deployed in the Blue Economy.

He noted that those included the following: • Ocean impact investment and technology funds.

• Debt Finance. Given that approximately half of The Bahamas’ fiscal debt – and “no doubt” half of Small Island Developing States’ (SIDS) fiscal debt – was due to the costs linked to the damage caused by hurricanes and other manifestations of climate change. The Bahamas was wary of incurring greater climate-related debt when prevention measures would be far more efficient and effective; • Bonds and other capital market products; • Risk alleviation

measures, which included the kinds of initiative around ‘Blue Carbon’ that his Government has recently enacted through legislation; • Financial technology, which employed blockchain technology to conduct better forms of observation, inspection and transparent data access; • Blended ocean financing concepts, which included contributions from, for example, tourist fees; • The creation of an Ocean Sustainability Bank, to provide a financing mechanism to support ocean action; • And supplementary funding from Trust and Sovereign wealth funds.

“This list more than demonstrates that we know how to do what needs to be done,” Mr Davis said.

“But why has it not been done?” was his question.

DONATIONS TO ORGANISATIONS STILL DOWN AMID PANDEMIC

By JADE RUSSELL jrussell@tribunemedia.net NON-PROFIT organisations are still struggling to survive amid a slump in donations sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Bahamas Red Cross Society told The Tribune yesterday that the pandemic brought a decrease in

donations and issues raising funds.

Currently, the organisation is seeking donations and volunteers to continue its efforts in assisting the less fortunate.

Over the years, the Red Cross has carried out humanitarian efforts by providing food, clothing, and shelter for people in

need. The Red Cross also provides First Aid CPR Training for the public.

In an interview with The Tribune, Alison Garnier, preparedness for effective response project manager, said the Red Cross is in need of monetary assistance. The non-profit organisation is reliant on local and international donors to maintain

services.

Having played an integral role in efforts associated with the devastation of Hurricane Dorian, the Red Cross is trying to overcome the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We were not able to have our normal fundraising event,” she said.

Ordinarily we would have a banquet at the beginning of the year, or we would have the Red Cross fair. We would also have a raffle and then at Christmas we would sell Christmas cards”.

The Red Cross will be hosting a fundraiser called Red Hot Summer Grill on July 2, 2022, which is in need of donations. The fundraiser is aimed to raise at

least $15,000.

Youth and volunteer manager Katherine Lockhart said the organisation is eager to boost the numbers of volunteers it currently has.

“We are looking for more persons to donate their time and talent to The Bahamas Red Cross Society,” Ms Lockhart said. “We have a website where persons can sign up and become a part of it”.

The Bahamas Humane Society is another non profit organisation affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The organisation said since the pandemic, there has been a decreasing change in donations they used to receive.

Similar to the Red Cross,

the Humane Society unfortunately was not able to host major fundraising events such as their annual ball and fashion show.

Assistant shelter manager Peter Seldman said the organisation is in need of monetary donations and supplies to take care of the animals.

The Humane Society is currently overwhelmed with rescued and abandoned animals. He urged the public to give a helping hand by adopting an animal.

Persons interested in donating to The Bahamas Humane Society and The Bahamas Red Cross Society can visit their official sites for more information.

‘90 TAXI PLATES ARE INACTIVE’

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

THE Ministry of Transport and Housing has revealed some 90 taxi plates are inactive.

In an update to the public the ministry said that the publication of a public notice by the Road Traffic Department was a proactive decision to bring about order and accountability to the registration and disruption of taxi plates.

The ongoing efforts to end the renting of taxi plates is in support of the government’s decision to modernise the

transportation sector in the country, the ministry said.

“Against this backdrop, the process has begun for dormant or rented plates to be recalled,” the statement said. “It is the government’s policy that re-issued plates must be under the control of the persons who operate the business. The practice of renting taxi plates must end.”

For decades, many individuals have been unable to own taxi businesses as licences have been under the control of a small group of people; in particular those who inherited plates, it was also noted.

The ministry also advised members of the public that the lifting of the moratorium on the issuance of new taxi plates was not executed in secret.

“Consultations were held with numerous stakeholders-including the Bahamas Taxi Cab Union, with a view to achieving the government’s goal the modernisation of the transportation sector, “the ministry said.

Transport and Housing Minister Jobeth-Coleby Davis has previously stated that her ministry had recently handed out 280 new plates.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, June 23, 2022, PAGE 5

BPL hedging deal ‘is still in place’

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net BAHAMAS Power & Light Company’s hedging deal is still in place and will continue to cover a portion of the electricity provider’s fuel costs until next year, Latrae Rahming, director of communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, said yesterday.

On Tuesday, Official Opposition Leader Michael Pintard said the Free National Movement left in place the first ever fuel hedging arrangement for BPL that led to an unprecedented level of price stability and lowered the fuel surcharge rates to the benefit of Bahamian households and businesses recovering from the economic ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said the Davis administration was aware since last October that an extension was needed for the fuel hedge to lock in as low as possible a price for fuel

in an environment where fuel prices had started to increase rapidly.

He said the administration “twiddled” their thumbs and did nothing at the time.

Responding, Mr Rahming said: “It is important to note that the hedge is still in place and delivering savings to BPL. The hedge as constructed only covered a portion of BPL’s fuel cost and would continue to do so until next year. The government is not waiting for the hedge to expire prior to finding a solution and is now working on operational and financial solutions to provide long term relief to electricity consumers.

“There are a couple of mitigating factors which makes this adjustment much more difficult than it would have been in normal circumstances. These are the fuel mix between LFO (Light Fuel Oil) and HFO (Heavy Fuel Oil). While the use of HFO has increased recently, the skewing fuel

usage by BPL to LFO (diesel) has added to the fuel cost.

“More importantly, the impact of the fire has probably caused BPL an additional $50m in fuel costs at a time when HFO cost was at an historical low. This money could have been used as a cushion against the impact of the rising cost of fuel which we are now currently experiencing.”

The Tribune exclusively reported on Tuesday that BPL chief executive officer Shevonn Cambridge revealed that an internal review is underway to determine whether there will be an increase to billing by way of a fuel charge adjustment.

Mr Cambridge said the review will evaluate if the necessary “triggers or thresholds” have been reached to require the company to make the adjustment. He said as gas prices have gone up when an adjustment comes there will be an increase.

‘BRING RELIEF TO PEOPLE OVER HIGH GAS PRICES’

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement deputy leader Shanendon Cartwright has urged the government to bring relief to Bahamians who are struggling with high gas prices.

With the price of gas at $7.39 per gallon at Esso stations, $6.98 at Rubis and $6.97 at Shell, Mr Cartwright said the “new day” government must ensure something is done.

“As gas prices continue to skyrocket and economic pressures continue to mount on the Bahamian economy, particularly on the pockets of struggling Bahamians, the government continues to play bystander and has taken a hands-off approach as the fuel crisis engulfs Bahamian motorists,” Mr Cartwright said in a press statement.

He urged the Davis administration to reduce the taxes it receives on fuel imports.

“The government enjoys the benefit of stamp tax and VAT on wholesale and retail purchases of fuel,” the member of Parliament for St Barnabas said.

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

On Tuesday, acting Prime Minister Chester Cooper told reporters that gasoline prices will continue to escalate “for the foreseeable future”.

Mr Cooper urged consumers to “conserve” as a means to ease the burden of higher cost.

“We anticipate that prices are going to be escalated for the foreseeable future and we simply have to conserve the way we would otherwise,” said Mr Cooper.

Amidst the ongoing oil disruption sparked from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Mr Cartwright believes the government

is able to reduce taxes on fuel.

Simon Wilson, the Financial Secretary, told Tribune Business on Sunday that the government’s options were limited in providing the relief sought by petroleum retailers struggling with gross margins of 10 percent or less.

“We agreed to continue to have these discussions,” he disclosed. “I think we gathered more information.

We’re discussing it. It’s not an easy, easy, easy. It’s not an easy fix. We’re going to keep on talking. It’s not easy. I think our options are limited.”

Career Opportunity VP TRAINING AND ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Commonwealth Bank is the premier Bahamian Bank with branches located in New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco and Eleuthera. We are committed to delivering superior quality service, to training and developing our employees, to creating value for our shareholders and to promoting economic growth and stability in the community.

ROLE OVERVIEW The position of the Vice President, Training & Organizational Development (T&OD) is an important executive position within the bank responsible for originating and leading training and organizational development practices and objectives. The incumbent provides leadership to the corporate learning center team, and oversees the overall provision of training and organizational development services, policies, and programs for the entire bank. The holder of this position designs and develops strategies that improve organizational effectiveness, and serves on the executive management team. The incumbent must have seasoned and thorough knowledge in the areas of: organizational development, talent management, change management, training and development.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES • Contributes to the development of the business strategy as a member of the Executive Management Committee.

• Direct ongoing assessment of organizational capabilities, processes, structures, and talent within and across the Bank, aligned with the Bank’s mission, vision, core values and strategic objectives.

• Develop and deploy organizational design, training & development strategies that effectively contribute to ongoing succession planning, and thriving team members.

• Direct talent strategies and plans related to critical roles, succession and key talent segments.

• Direct talent planning and leadership development programs for all levels of leadership.

• Direct the development program and the talent planning for the Bank’s non-management staff.

QUALIFICATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE • Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management/Training and Development/Organizational Development/or related field; • A minimum of 7 years’ experience in an Executive or Senior Human Resources / Training/Organizational Development role; • A minimum of 5 years training experience; • Talent Management experience; and • Strategic planning and execution experience is a must.

• Relevant Certifications- SHRM-SCP, SHRM-CP, PHRi; OD Certification; Certified Training/Learning & Development Specialist or any other relevant certifications is a plus.

REMUNERATION PACKAGE Commonwealth Bank is a Great place to work! We offer an exciting work environment with the opportunity for growth and development. We also offer a competitive compensation package, reflecting the successful applicant’s experience and qualifications, including a performance based incentive plan, health, vision, dental and life insurance, and a pension plan.

Qualified applicants are to send their résumés to executive.search@combankltd.com on or before June 24, 2022.

“ Commonwealth Bank sincerely thanks all applicants for their interest in becoming a part of our team, however, only those applications being considered will be contacted.”

PAGE 6, Thursday, June 23, 2022

The Tribune Limited

THE TRIBUNE

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NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI “Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

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

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH,

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991

EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON,

C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B. Publisher/Editor 1972-

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Nice words, but what is actually being done?

GLASGOW last year, Rwanda this week, Egypt for the COP27 conference in November … with all this jetting around the world, our climate change problems must be on the way to being solved. No? For Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, this week in Rwanda has been an opportunity to repeat the messages that brought him acclaim in Glasgow.

He talked again of climate change being “the most fundamental, existential threat,” and warned that threat “is not evenly spread.”

He’s right, but … is that it? Is this what happens now? Leaders board a plane, fly to a conference, meet often the same leaders, the same delegation members from different places around the world, everyone frowns and tuts and says how terrible everything is, and off they go again until the next conference.

It is often the same people on a global tour, talking about the problems of climate change among other issues while ticking up the global footprint through the carbon emissions from their planes and fancy hotels.

Mr Davis sounded rightly frustrated about that, too. He said: “Whatever the reason, it is clear that if the situation is not improved, we will fail in our efforts.

“And so my charge today is to ask: ‘What can we, in this room, do to raise awareness of this What can we do to drive urgent action for increased support?”

He reeled off a list – much of it financial, talking about ocean impact investment, assistance with debt incurred from rebuilding after hurricanes and so on, funding for risk alleviation and from wealth funds, saying: “This list more than demonstrates that we know how to do what needs to be done. But why has it not been done?”

Good points – and it also highlights another thing these conferences could do with. As we write this editorial, parents across the country are waiting for their children’s report cards from school to say how well they’ve done.

Well, where are each nation’s report cards?

What have we ourselves done? Well, the government has made progress on legislation to take advantage of carbon credits so that polluters can pay us for use of our spare credits, and we can in turn use those funds accordingly. There has been talk of more solar power – but there often is talk that doesn’t amount to action. We shall see if that becomes more definite.

But if every nation at each of these gatherings had to report in to say what they had done since the last meeting, and that progress be recorded, complete with a league table of who is doing the most and least, then we could see if these are just talking shops or if there is definite action as an outcome.

We don’t need just the same old talk from the same old faces on a global tour of new places. We need more than that.

Treasure split The article on today’s front page about the bid to reverse the percentages for treasure hunting shows the dilemma the government faces.

Expeditions that dive on sunken ships to try to find treasure presently keep 75 percent of the proceeds, while 25 percent goes to the government. The current administration wants to change that. About time, you might say! It’s our treasure, we should get the benefit.

The difficulty is whether that will be enough of a ratio to encourage the expeditions to actually bother. These can be years-long searches, and the costs are borne by the treasure hunters, not the government. Already, the Allen Exploration Group searching in Bahamian waters say it will stop hunting immediately if the new plan proves unworkable.

So instead of 25 percent of something, the Bahamian people will be left with 100 percent of nothing as the treasure sits on the sea bed unsalvaged.

We absolutely should get the best return we can from treasure within our waters – but we shouldn’t snuff out the plans of expeditions entirely in the process.

Athlete ambassador Jonquel Jones is one of the best athletes our country has produced. She is the MVP for the Women’s NBA, a powerhouse on the basketball court, and a recognisable face thanks to her skill, talent and dedication.

Given all of that, and the Bahamas Telecommunication Company’s insistence that it does not discriminate against people, what reason could there possibly be for the company to end its contract with her as a brand ambassador?

If sporting achievement is the benchmark, Jonquel is continuing to shine – and long may she do so.

A road by a new name EDITOR, The Tribune.

AS AN interested party in the resurrection of this ancient road/lane (Eastern Cemetery Lane), about which a Ministry of Works notice appearing in yesterday’s Tribune proposes that it be renamed to Harbourside Way. I was approached last year by the then Minister Desmond Bannister, asking, on behalf of Dr Diggis of Doctors Hospital (DHS), if I would have any objection to renaming it, as DHS which had purchased the old Red Carpet Inn for a long term care facility, was somewhat uncomfortable having it at such an address.

I told Minister Bannister that I had no objection to changing the name as I was just delighted to have the Lane re-opened after

these many years. I write now, only to say that “Harbourside Way” seems not to do it justice, and there is already a neighbouring business named Harbourside Marine, and there is no connection between the two.

I had suggested to Minister Bannister at the time, that a name, perhaps linked to Waterloo Lake immediately to the east, or to the name of the original home that was replaced by Scotia Trust, on the East Bay Street end of the Lane, Windermere House, or the name of the original owners of Windermere House, Carl and Anna Brice, might maintain the ancient history of this Lane. Windermere Way or Brice Lane, I felt might be appropriate.

Brice Lane would certainly

be in keeping with its sister Lane, “Western Cemetery Lane”, renamed to Moseley Lane in honour of George Moseley, who had fought and died in WWII. In this day and age, where almost everything of historical interest or importance, seems to offend someone, might we not remember the pioneers who went before us.

I have hereon copied Permanent Secretary Luther Smith, by way of an objection to the proposed name and would hereby ask him to give consideration to “Brice Lane” or “Windermere Way”, neither of which names I think would upset Dr Diggis.

BRUCE G RAINE Nassau, June 21, 2022.

A TOURIST enjoying the sun on Junkanoo Beach.

Photo: Moise Amisial

Christian Council on remarriage?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I TOOK note of Bahamas Christian Council (BCC) President Bishop Delton Fernander’s statement concerning support for the tightening of laws against rape between legal separation and divorce. In the rarest of rare cases would a level-headed woman give up her body to an estranged husband who has deep pockets. In such a case, the philandering estranged hubby would use his finances to blackmail the financially distressed woman. In the case of physical coercion, it should definitely be classified as rape.

Marriage is a sacred institution which must be jealously guarded by the state. I can appreciate the apprehension of certain traditionalists within the church concerning this matter. However, what I find befuddling is the inability or sheer unwillingness to concede to the reality of marital rape. In arguing against the possibility of marital rape, these traditionalists typically resort to committing the slippery slope fallacy.

But there’s another pressing matter that many prominent clergymen won’t touch with a ten-foot pole: Divorce and remarriage. I would like to know the official position of the BCC on this sensitive subject.

I was hoping for a definitive answer in Dr Myles Munroe’s Single, Married, Separated, and Life after Divorce book, but the late renowned writer seemed to have skirted the issue. I know of several divorced and remarried pastors in The Bahamas and in the US. The state allows for remarriage once a person has legally divorced. If he isn’t, his subsequent marriage wouldn’t be recognised by the state. He would be guilty of bigamy.

In Bahamian jurisprudence, the nuance of “irreconcilable differences” is grounds for legal separation and divorce. I imagine that this legal nuance covers a wide spectrum of legitimate reasons for the annulment of the marital covenant, such as infidelity, physical and verbal abuse, abandonment, deprivation, neglect, etc. In the New Testament, however, Jesus seems to only permit remarriage in the case of fornication. “Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net the beginning. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery” (Matthew 19:8-9, NIV).

The issue of divorce and remarriage is also discussed in Matthew 5:32; Mark 10:212; Luke 16:18; Romans 7:1-3 and 1 Corinthians 7:10-11. In the Authorized Version, the word fornication is used in Matthew 19:9, rather than sexual immorality in the NASB. In the Greek, the word porneia means illicit sexual intercourse. Consequently, it is a broad term that can mean adultery, fornication, porn, incest, masturbation, homosexuality, zoophilia.

Based on my understanding of the aforementioned quoted text, Jesus was correcting the Pharisees’ misunderstanding of Deuteronomy 24:1-4. In New Testament times, the two main schools of thought on the matter of divorce and remarriage were Hillel and Shammai. The former took the more liberal position on divorce, arguing that it was permissible to annul a marriage on virtually any grounds. According to the Jewish Encyclopedia, Flavius Josephus and Philo of Alexandria agreed with Hillel. Conversely, Shammai argued that the only biblical ground for divorce was adultery.

Jesus seems to have supported this view. So according to the New Testament, if the Bahamian state grants a man a divorce from his wife based on their “irreconcilable differences,” which has absolutely nothing to do with infidelity on her part; and he marries another woman, he would be an adulterer. Moreover, if the same divorced woman were to enter another marriage, that too would be considered adultery. Granted, there are odds and ends that the Bible does not address, such as physical abuse, although Paul admonished husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25).

In my personal opinion, I believe that the Bible allows for legal separation in instances of physical and sexual abuse or marital rape. However, if the abusive spouse never engaged in an extramarital

relationship, I would caution the aggrieved spouse not to enter into another marriage, as that would be adultery. My main issue here is remarriage. Would the New Testament permit remarriage under the foregoing circumstances? The answer seems to be no. I rather you err on the side of caution, as 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 says that adulterers shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Another issue would be a devout Baptist with a spouse deciding to join the Kingdom Hall. The Watchtower elders would do everything possible to drive a theological wedge between the couple by encouraging her to divorce her Baptist husband for a faithful Jehovah’s Witness. That too would be adultery for the Jehovah’s Witness newlyweds. Based on my understanding of the Bible, the wronged ex-husband has biblical grounds for remarriage. Paul said in 2 Corinthians 6:14 that Christians must not be unevenly yoked with unbelievers. Paul, however, was not giving Corinthian Christians license to divorce their pagan spouses on the sole basis of them not being of the same faith. According to 1 Corinthians 7:10-11, if a spouse abandons the marriage for religious reasons, without entering into another marital relationship, remarriage would be sin. Again, the only biblical grounds for divorce and remarriage is adultery.

Another thorny subject would be a divorced pastor who has remarried. Was the divorce biblical? If not, does that then mean that the pastor is unqualified for his position? Bahamian jurisprudence would answer no, while I believe Jesus, based on His response to the Pharisees in Matthew 19:8-9, would say yes.

Divorce, under most circumstances, is an emotionally painful ordeal.

Small wonder Malachi 2:16 says that Yahweh hates divorce. Bahamians must understand that while we are obligated to obey the civil laws of the state, we are biblically mandated to obey a higher moral imperative. Having said a mouthful, I would greatly appreciate the BCC addressing this matter that, I believe, is far more urgent than the matter of marital rape.

KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama June 21, 2022.

THE TRIBUNE

EIGHT MONTHS IN JAIL FOR HITTING WOMAN WITH BAT

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A WOMAN was sentenced to eight months behind bars for hitting another woman in the head with a metal bat.

Monalisa Knowles, 28, appeared before Assistant Chief Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans on a charge of using a dangerous instrument and causing harm.

On March 9 at Miami Street, the accused reportedly attacked Treshell Lowe at her residence with a steel bat.

In a previous court appearance, several witnesses gave testimony that Lowe suffered injuries similar to a concussion after the attack. In addition, according to official hospital documents, she also suffered from vomiting and swelling in her head.

Magistrate Vogt-Evans found the accused guilty of the charges against her.

The magistrate said the evidence presented against Knowles painted her as a violent aggressor who

went out of her way to attack the complainant.

After the accused elected to say nothing in mitigation after the magistrate’s ruling and her official conviction, Knowles disputed what happened during the incident. She insisted that she only poked Lowe that day after an argument.

This response led the magistrate to demand to know why that poke left the complainant on the ground and then in hospital.

In addition to the court finding Knowles was not remorseful for her actions, Magistrate Vogt-Evans described her as aggressive and biggity.

For these reasons Knowles was ordered to serve eight months for the assault charge and three months for the causing harm charge to be served concurrently at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

The defendant’s mother was in tears as she was escorted from the courtroom. Knowles was told she has seven days to appeal the magistrate’s ruling.

MAN WHO HIT EX-GIRLFRIEND TOLD TO TAKE ANGER CLASSES

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was ordered to attend anger management classes by a magistrate yesterday for assaulting his former girlfriend.

Pedro Brennen, 48, represented by Attorney Kevin Farrington, appeared before Magistrate Shaka Serville on a charge of assault.

At around 7am on June 2 at Felton Bale Subdivision, Fox Hill, Brennen was arrested after he fought with his then girlfriend Careama Stubbs, who, it was claimed, he beat about the body.

In court, the accused pleaded guilty to the charge.

As part of his plea of mitigation, Mr Farrington said his client lost control in the heat of the moment due to the difficult affairs of the heart. In addition to telling the magistrate that Brennen was remorseful for his actions, Mr Farrington argued against a custodial sentence citing his client’s

clean record and positive contribution to society.

The attorney also pointed out that the accused is the father of nine children who rely on his support, none of whom are the children of Ms Stubbs.

In view of this, Magistrate Serville told the accused he needs to spend time reflecting on his actions. As such Brennen was spared a custodial sentence. However, as part of his conditional discharge he was ordered to attend anger management classes at CCAC for six months.

Should Brennen default on his counselling, the magistrate warned him that he will face appropriate consequences within the maximum penalty of a $150 fine or three months in prison.

He was further warned not to have contact with his ex-girlfriend to allow each of them to separately heal from the experience.

The accused is expected to return to court for mention of his counselling on December 7.

MAN ACCUSED OF ASSAULT ON WOMAN POLICE OFFICER

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was granted bail in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday after he was charged with assaulting a female police officer, resisting arrest and disorderly behaviour.

Devan McPhee, 36, represented by Attorney Shannon Fernander, faced the charges before Assistant Chief Magistrate Carloyn Vogt-Evans.

On June 18 in New Providence, the accused allegedly assaulted WPC Jones while

she was executing her duties. On that same day, McPhee is further accused of resisting arrest and acting in a disorderly manner.

He pleaded not guilty to all charges.

There was no objection from the prosecution to bail being granted. As a result Magistrate VogtEvans granted $2,000 bail to McPhee with one surety.

Under the conditions of his bail, McPhee is expected to sign in at Western Police Station on the last Sunday of each month.

McPhee’s trial date is set for September 19.

Thursday, June 23, 2022, PAGE 7

Four accused of stealing

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net FOUR men were arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday on two separate charges of stealing.

Twins Jarrad and Jamal Morley, 33, appeared before Assistant Chief Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans on charges of stealing and receiving.

On June 15 on Gladstone Road, the accused reportedly stole copper wiring and four inverter refrigerating compressors from a Baha Mar facility.

In court, both Morleys pleaded guilty to the charge, but with an explanation.

The accused admitted to removing the items, but claimed that they had permission to do so. They said they had been permitted to do scrapping work at the facility for months.

These claims were summarily refuted by the prosecution that indicated that no one in Baha Mar had given the pair permission to take away

those items.

The prosecution explained that not only were the accused not on any of the official logs granting them access to the property, but that copper was falling out of their pockets during their arrest and not at the back of the facility as they had claimed.

It was also noted that Jamal had a previous conviction in 2016 for housebreaking and stealing.

In view of this, the magistrate withdrew the receiving charge and convicted both men of stealing.

While Magistrate Vogt-Evans initially sentenced them to serve eight months, she was convinced to reduce the sentence to four months when the accused begged her to go easy on them so that they can provide for their young children.

The Morley twins were told that they have within seven days to appeal the court’s sentence.

The second pair of men, Dennis Ingraham, 26, and Hugh Bowe, 29, were before Magistrate Shaka Serville

charged with stealing and damage.

On June 11 at Devonshire, West Bay Street, they were accused of stealing a $700 Milwaukee Impact Drill, a $500 Kriever inverter, a $400 half inch tool set and $200 worth of assorted tools from Humphrey Simmons.

Furthermore, in the act of stealing these items from Simmons’ black 2007 Ford Ram 4x4 truck, they caused $500 damage by breaking the passenger glass on the right side of the truck.

In court, both accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

With no objections to bail from the prosecutor, the magistrate granted the accused $5,000 bail with one or two sureties.

Under the conditions of their respective bails, Ingraham was to be fitted with an ankle monitor, while Hugh Bowe is expected to sign in at Carmichael Police Station every Friday. However, whenever Bowe is in Marsh Harbour he has to sign in at the local station on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Their trial is set for September 7.

MAN KILLED AFTER TWO GUNMEN OPEN FIRE ON GROUP

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

POLICE are investigating a shooting incident that left a man dead on Tuesday night.

Preliminary reports are that sometime after 10pm police were called to a shooting at the junction of Edmonton and Carmichael Roads.

“Officers were dispatched and on their arrival they found an adult male lying on the sidewalk suffering from gunshot wounds,”

THE SCENE of Tuesday’s shooting.

Photo: Moise Amisial Technicians who concluded police said.

“The male was later that there were no signs of examined by Emer- life.

“Initial investigation gency Medical Service

revealed that patrons were at a business establishment, when a small vehicle approached. Two occupants exited armed with firearms. They discharged their weapons at the group. The patrons ran for cover, however, the suspects pursued the victim and shot him several times about his body, fatally wounding him. This matter remains under active investigation.”

The victim is understood to be Charles Saint Luc, although police have not officially released an identity.

PAGE 8, Thursday, June 23, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

MADAM SPEAKER: WHAT WILL BE YOUR LEGACY?

HOUSE Speaker Patricia Deveaux.

CAPTAIN STEPHEN RUSSELL, director of NEMA. LAST week, former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Halson Moultrie once again demonstrated why he should never have been elected to the Speakership. He suggested Long Island Member of Parliament, Adrian Gibson should resign his seat after being charged with a number of alleged offences.

The convention in a number of parliaments is that a sitting cabinet member should resign if charged in order to avoid distraction and embarrassing the government of the day. An MP need not resign while dealing with a court matter.

Mr Moultrie proved to be a poor Speaker. As noted in a previous column, he proved to be more peacock than owl. Incidentally, a group of owls is known as a parliament.

It was ill-advised of the FNM to promote his

election as Speaker, which resulted in myriad problems and headaches for former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and his government.

Because the Speaker enjoys various powers that can stymie a government’s agenda, the FNM often had to sometimes tiptoe around Mr Moultrie, who should have been removed early on after various gaffes.

But to save face the FNM unwisely kept the selfcentered gentleman in the Chair.

One would have thought that Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis and the PLP would have learned the lessons of Mr Moultrie, who seemed to think the Speaker’s Chair was his bully pulpit and that he could opine on various subjects inside and outside of the House.

Recall, his bizarre meeting in Parliament Square after he was deselected as a

candidate. His tenure often seemed like a reality show cum carnival.

Mr Moultrie expounded publicly and pontificated from the Chair on any number of issues, some of which did not come within his purview as Speaker. He also made a number of controversial rulings.

NO CONFIDENCE

In Opposition, the PLP brought forward a motion of no confidence in Mr Moultrie. The motion of no confidence was defeated, but Mr Davis accurately assessed the then-Speaker on that occasion: “You have embarrassed, debased and desecrated the office of Speaker. The majority should not protect or cloak you in your error and buffoonery. They should assist you in finding the exit. That is the right

had gravitas, an excelthing to do.”

The majority did not lent personality and good Bobby take Mr Davis’ advice but temperament. was quite decided to give the Speaker Symonette yet another chance. Unfor- knowledgeable about the tunately, Mr Moultrie once rules and conventions of again demonstrated he did the House.

The election of Halson not understand the role of the Speaker, did not have Moultrie as Speaker was the judgment required to a prime example of the be a good Speaker and did ongoing debasement of not have the temperament standards and our institutions.

From to occupy that the manner in high office.

‘Speaker Deveaux which current In a recent Speaker, Patriletter to the has three major cia Deveaux, editor, former tests before has conducted jurist Jeanne her: ethical, herself thus Thompson competency far, the decline articulated continues unathe precipi- and political. bated.

She tous decline The ethical test seems like a in standards redux of the in just about is about her Moultrie show. every area of character as The outrage national life, over her inexincluding in Speaker. The attack on Captain cusable attack government on NEMA and politics.

Russell, who Director, CapRespect for tain Stephen our institutions was unable to Russell, from is essential for defend himself, the chair, an orderly soci- was unethical was justified. ety, especially a democracy. and demonstrated Sadly, instead of a display of Our institu- more about humility and tions of state her character an acknowlmust be not edgment of only functional than his.’ error, Speaker and efficient. doubled-down They must also be respected Deveaux in a crude and obnoxious by the people they serve.

In The Bahamas, long display of arrogance and before we had a codi- defensiveness.

Like Mr Moultrie, the fied constitution we had a House of Assembly. The current Speaker has embarBahamian people assimi- rassed herself, the House, lated this institution, which the governing party and the evolved over generations country.

Ms Deveaux must now to be our premier political decide what her legacy will institution.

This is no doubt the prin- be. Is she capable of humilcipal reason why we have ity, change and growth? Or been able to maintain sta- will she be remembered bility even during intense poorly by contemporaries political struggles. It should and history as is and will be be a place of honoUr and Mr Moultrie? respect.

EMPOWERED

Our Parliament is empowered to make its own rules and generally follows the practices and conventions of the United Kingdom Parliament at Westminster.

The Speaker is elected from among MPs and, once elected, is expected to conduct meetings of the House with impartiality and to refrain from involvement in controversial matters.

In the UK, once elected, the Speaker is generally not opposed by either of the parties in subsequent elections. That is one of the conventions of Westminster which is not practised in The Bahamas because of our small size.

The Speaker should be impartial, with sound and prudential judgment and temperate. Some Speakers, like the late Sir Alvin Braynen and Sir Arlington Butler, were men of intellect.

Some Speakers deployed humour to defuse tensions, most notably, Vernon Symonette, who

TESTS

Speaker Deveaux has three major tests before her: ethical, competency and political. The ethical test is about her character as Speaker. The attack on Captain Russell, who was unable to defend himself, was unethical and demonstrated more about her character than his.

The Chair of the House of Assembly is certainly not a personal perch from which the Speaker can sound off on public issues.

It is also not a place from which to attack and abuse members of the public.

Even floor Members of Parliament are not supposed to do that.

Yet it seems that Speaker Deveaux believed she was entitled to do such a thing from the Speaker’s Chair and with such vehemence.

British constitutional authority Walter Bagehot pointed out that to maintain the respect of the people, parliament must not only be functional, it must also be stately and dignified.

Every member is responsible for maintaining the stateliness and dignity of

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the House of Assembly, but responsibility for this rests mostly on the shoulders of the person who occupies the Chair: the Speaker.

If stateliness and dignity collapse, respect will also decline.

It is the Speaker who most represents the House to the other institutions of government and to the public. It is the Speaker who is most responsible for the orderly and dignified conduct of a chamber that by its very nature can occasionally generate considerable passion.

Another test is that of competence.

Over the years, Bahamian Speakers have distinguished themselves by their knowledge of the rules and the spirit of the rules, and by their own stately and dignified conduct in the Chair and in society.

They have, therefore, contributed to the maintenance of the high regard in which the institution of Parliament is held in the minds and hearts of the Bahamian people.

Unfortunately, Speaker Deveaux seems intent on applying a sledgehammer to the foundations of stateliness and dignity – not to mention the rules – of the House of Assembly.

The rules clearly state the Speaker must not participate in debates. The reason for that should be obvious: to maintain impartiality and the appearance of impartiality.

Ms Deveaux might wish to begin an in-depth and sustained tutorial with individuals at home and abroad who can mentor, train and school her in her role and the workings, rules and history of Parliament.

The Speaker may also need to have someone assist her with tutoring in the rules of the English language in order to avoid further embarrassment when she speaks.

The attainment of high office is not an occasion for arrogance and belligerence and thinking, “I reach!”

Alternatively, it should be an opportunity for growth and personal and professional development at every level.

The third test is political. Speaker Deveaux is causing headaches for the government and her party.

Because of her manner and behaviour so far she is becoming a political problem and embarrassment. The Speaker should not be a distraction. Mr Moultrie similarly caused political problems for the FNM. But this is much bigger than Speaker Deveaux and former Speaker Moultrie. It is about a certain slackness, incivility, and the decline in public standards, ranging from how we conduct ourselves in public places from the grocery store to roadways, and – yes – the House of Assembly, which we should hold in esteem and respect.

Madam Speaker: What will be your legacy? Will you help us to maintain various standards and conventions, or will you contribute to our further decline?

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, June 23, 2022, PAGE 9

Blurred lines of a conflict where there’s no easy exit

WE’VE returned in this space several times over the past four months to the question of the inevitability of US and Western involvement in a shooting war with Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. Even as most major American media focus once again on ex-President Donald Trump, the January 6 committee hearings into his casual incitement of a shocking and fatal riot, and the chances of someone else taking control of the Republican Party before 2024, experts and scholars are quietly wondering aloud if America isn’t already at war with Russia and what it could mean for the shortterm future of the world.

It’s hardly newsworthy anymore when the US congress, usually with huge pluralities of positive votes, authorises a giant new tranche of military and other related aid for Ukraine.

Polls show American support for embattled Ukraine, the victim of a cynical invasion by Russia but hardly innocent in terms of cur- A UKRAINIAN tank in position during heavy fighting on the front line in Severodonetsk, the Luhansk region, Ukraine, earlier this month. Photo: Oleksandr Ratushniak/AP rent corruption or historical analyst dismisses Biden’s there was the matter of US treachery, remains largely pronouncements with the President Lyndon B Johnpopular. It’s easy for Americomment that “American son and Vietnam. Taking a cans to dislike, despise and Presidents have a long his- page from Wilson’s successeven fear Russian President tory of insisting they have ful 1918 playbook, Johnson Vladimir Putin. He makes no intention of going to pledged in his 1964 camlittle effort to avoid consistwar, until they do.” paign for President to “keep ent Western portrayals of President Woodrow American boys home” and him as, basically, the devil.

Wilson, for example, resist the temptation to But at the same time, campaigned in 1918 for re- involve the US in a “distant history and contemporary election on the slogan, “he overseas conflict.” We know evidence from polling and with Charlie Harper kept us out of war,” and then how that worked out. other sources point to sub- on the US in particular, solidified Western Europe war over the past century, led America into World Furthermore, Kristian stantial domestic support in to restrict Russian naval is a protagonist in the con- analyst Bonnie Kristian War I a month into his declarest “the line between Russia for this devil, who is support for the Kremlin’s flict. China is contentedly leads off with Biden’s fre- second term. Wilson even what is war and what is promising a national return ground forces. The latest sitting on the sidelines quent pronouncements spoke about the “inevitabil- not war has become perilto international relevance, $50 billion US assistance watching developments and that despite his condem- ity” of US entry into World ously blurred. Are we sure or even greatness. Russians, package will beget further calculating its chances of nations of Putin and War I just a few weeks after Americans can reliably recespecially older Russians, Ukrainian requests for subjugating Taiwan while Russian motives in invad- that successful re-election ognise when we’ve joined long for the bygone days of more arms and ammuni- the US is distracted in East- ing Ukraine, the US will campaign. World War I a war?” They certainly the Soviet duopoly in world tion. The idea of a no-fly ern Europe. not be drawn into a direct begat World War II which cannot if they’re not paying affairs with the United zone over Ukraine to A recent article in News- conflict with Russia. The begat the Korean War. Then attention.

States. Putin is singing from impede Russian air superi- week reported on Henry their hymnal. He seems to ority will reappear, and the Kissinger’s solution to this have the additional support notion will gain acceptance dilemma. Former Secretary of the Russian Orthodox that the US and the West of State, National SecuChurch, which has its own should use their massive air rity Adviser and author of scores to settle with its superiority to enforce the timelessly seminal books Ukrainian “cousins” and in no-fly zone and eliminate on European diplomatic any case has often aligned current Russian air superi- history, Kissinger has amazitself politically with whom- ority over the outmanned ingly remained relevant ever is in charge in the Ukrainian air force and air at the ripe old age of 99.

Kremlin.

Addressing the Davos defences.

In the past several weeks, According to this line World Economic Forum speculation has increased of thinking, voters in the in May, he urged Ukraine about the notion that the US and the West would, to consider a ceasefire that US, and likely the UK as simultaneously, grow more would include a return to well, are already at war impatient with Western the pre-war lines in which with Russia. Furthermore, restraint. The idea of direct Russia controlled the there are whispers that it engagement with the weak- Crimean Peninsula and is not only Russia that has ened and demoralized approximately a third of terno plausible or accept- Russian army might gain ritory in the Donbas region able end game short of greater acceptance. Public in Ukraine’s east. “Pursuing Ukrainian ceding of up to and private fears of Russian the war beyond that point one-fifth of its pre-war terdesperate deployment of would not be about the freeritory. The Western Allies, some of its nuclear arsenal dom of Ukraine, but a new so the narrative goes, don’t might recede. war against Russia itself,” have any end The stage Kissinger said. game them- ‘The idea of direct Kissinger is hardly the would thus selves, short engagement with only one advocating this be set. of complete approach. But no one Suppose the weakened expulsion among Ukraine’s President that in this of Russian and demoralised Volodymyr Zelensky, Putin, supercharged forces from Russian army Biden or Boris Johnson atmosphere pre-war seems to agree with him. there is, for In fact, Edgars Rinkevics, might gain greater Ukrainian territory acceptance. Public example, Latvia’s Foreign Minister, an incident compared Kissinger after – and, impor- and private fears of between tantly, the Davos speech with the Russian Neville Chamberlain, the crippling the Russian desperate navy and US British Prime Minister who Russian war deployment of naval forces will forever be remembered “machine” some of its nuclear ensuring sufficiently as the man who ceded the safe passage Sudetenland to Nazi Gerthat further arsenal might to and from many in 1938. extraterrito- recede. The stage Odessa for rial invasions would thus be set.’

But back to the question merchant are foreof whether the US is actumarine ves- ally already at war with closed for the sels carrying Ukrainian Russia. The New York foreseeable future.

To many observers, this grain to the Middle East Times picked up an article is a perfect scenario for and Africa, where thou- by a relatively little-known a grinding, largely stale- sands would otherwise analyst in a seldom-cited mated war of attrition that starve. One thing leads to publication from Washcould extend for several another. Shooting starts. ington think tank Defense more years or more, inflict- Neither Biden nor Putin, Policies. It is provocative ing grievous damage on not who have begun to match and likely to gain wider only both combatants but each other’s bellicosity in acceptance in the weeks also significant collateral recent weeks, backs down. ahead.

The Black Sea is an enordamage on much of the The article asks: “Are we mous inland sea, whose already at war in Ukraine? world.

No one would have voted surface area is more than 25 If we swapped places — in favour of such an out- times the size of, for exam- if Russian apparatchiks come before or even after ple, Lake Okeechobee. admitted helping to kill the Russian invasion on But the Black Sea area off- American generals or sink a February 24. So how will shore from Odessa is much US Navy vessel — I doubt this universally unpopular smaller, and establishment we’d find much ambiguand unacceptable situation of a maritime safe passage ity there. At the very least, corridor to the hungry out- what the United States is be resolved?

Here’s one forecast side world via Turkey’s doing in Ukraine is not, that’s beginning to make Bosporus and Dardanelles not war. If we have so far the rounds in Washington would be naturally circum- avoided calling it war and and New York: As Russian scribed. The chances of can continue to do so, forces advance haltingly, a serious incident in such maybe that’s only because but perhaps inexorably, close quarters would not be we’ve become so unceralong the Ukrainian Black insignificantly small. tain of the meaning of the Who will or could inter- word.”

Sea coast toward Ukraine’s principal port city of cede? Neither Biden nor Surveying the history of Odessa, the pressure will Putin respects the moral American Presidents and grow ever more insistent, authority of the UN. Newly declarations not to go to

STATESIDE

PAGE 10, Thursday, June 23, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

1,000 dead in Afghan quake GAYAN, Afghanistan Associated Press

AFGHAN children stand near a house destroyed in an earthquake in the Spera District of the southwestern part of Khost Province, Afghanistan, yesterday.

A POWERFUL earthquake struck a rugged, mountainous region of eastern Afghanistan early yesterday, flattening stone and mud-brick homes and killing at least 1,000 people. The disaster posed a new test for Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers and relief agencies already struggling with the country’s multiple humanitarian crises.

The quake was Afghanistan’s deadliest in two decades, and officials said the toll could rise. An estimated 1,500 others were reported injured, the staterun news agency said.

The disaster inflicted by the 6.1-magnitude quake heaps more misery on a country where millions face increasing hunger and poverty and the health system has been crumbling since the Taliban retook power nearly ten months ago amid the US and NATO withdrawal. The takeover led to a cutoff of vital international financing, and most of the world has shunned the Taliban government.

In a rare move, the Taliban’s supreme leader, Haibatullah Akhundzadah, who almost never appears in public, pleaded with the international community and humanitarian organizations “to help the Afghan people affected by this great tragedy and to spare no effort”.

Residents in the remote area near the Pakistani border searched for victims dead or alive by digging with their bare hands through the rubble, according to footage shown by the Bakhtar news agency. It was not immediately clear if heavy rescue equipment was being sent, or if it could

even reach the area.

At least 2,000 homes were destroyed in the region, where on average every household has seven or eight people living in it, said Ramiz Alakbarov, the UN deputy special representative to Afghanistan.

The full extent of the destruction among the villages tucked in the mountains was slow in coming to light. The roads, which are rutted and difficult to travel in the best of circumstances, may have been badly damaged, and landslides from recent rains made access even more difficult.

Rescuers rushed in by helicopter, but the relief effort could be hindered by the exodus of many international aid agencies from Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover last August.

Moreover, most governments are wary of dealing directly with the Taliban.

In a sign of the muddled workings between the Taliban and the rest of the world, Alakbarov said the Taliban had not formally requested that the UN mobilise international search-and-rescue teams or obtain equipment from neighboring countries to supplement the few dozen ambulances and several helicopters sent in by Afghan authorities. Still, officials from multiple UN agencies said the Taliban were giving them full access to the area.

The quake was centered in Paktika province, about 31 miles southwest of the city of Khost, according to neighbouring Pakistan’s Meteorological Department. Experts put its depth at just six miles. Shallow earthquakes tend to cause more damage.

The European seismological agency said the quake

was felt over 310 miles by 119 million people across Afghanistan, Pakistan and India.

Footage from Paktika showed men carrying people in blankets to a waiting helicopter. Other victims were treated on the ground. One person could be seen receiving IV fluids while sitting in a plastic chair outside the rubble of his home, and still more were sprawled on gurneys.

Some images showed residents picking through clay bricks and other rubble.

Roofs and walls had caved in.

The death toll reported by the Bakhtar news agency was equal to that of a quake in 2002 in northern Afghanistan. Those are the deadliest since 1998, when an earthquake that was also 6.1 in magnitude and subsequent tremors in the remote northeast killed at least 4,500 people.

Yesterday’s quake took place in a region prone to landslides, with many older, weaker buildings.

“The fear is that the victims will increase further, also because many people could be trapped under collapsed buildings,” said Stefano Sozza, Afghanistan country director for the Italian medical aid group Emergency, which sent seven ambulances and staff to areas near the quake zone.

More than 60 percent of Afghanistan’s population of 38 million already relies on international aid to survive.

Humanitarian agencies still operating in the country, including UNICEF, rushed supplies to the quake-stricken areas. And Pakistan said it would send food, tents, blankets and other essentials.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, June 23, 2022, PAGE 11

Federation names teams for 44th Chess Olympiad in India THE Bahamas Chess Federation has announced its teams for the 44th Chess Olympiad 2022 in Chennai, India.

The event is scheduled to be hosted July 28 to August 10 and will feature more than 100 teams from around the world.

For the open section team, GM Renier Gonzales will serve as captain of the team which includes: 1. FM Cecil Moncur 2.

CM Kendrick Knowles 3. WFM Polina Karelina 4. Dr Kenville Lockhart 5. Noah Albury For the women’s team, Dr Joseph Ferguson will serve as captain to lead the following women: 1. WCM Antoinette Seymour 2. WCM Daijah Johnson 3. Nelissa Thomas 4. Jayla Cargill 5. Chika Pride “We have picked the team, booked the flights and secured training from a high-rated international grandmaster, but we need your support,” said BCF second VP Curtis Pride Jr. “Support The Bahamas Chess Olympiad team by going to the Aliv Together Bahamas Chess Federation campaign page.”

The two youngest members of the team are Noah Albury (Open Team) and Chika Pride (Female Team).

Noah is the youngest Bahamian player to qualify for the Open Team. Chika is the youngest Bahamian

PGA TOUR FROM PAGE 16

threat of LIV Golf accelerated some of those plans.

He announced a streamlined schedule — January to August starting in 2024 — with seven tournaments worth $20 million or more and fewer spots available for its postseason. The top 125 qualify for the FedEx Cup playoffs. Next year, only the top 70 will be eligible.

The fall would be for the players who finished outside the top 70 to secure cards for the following year, and to give them a chance to move into the top 50 — or try to stay there — to secure spots in some of the elite $20 million tournaments.

Also planned are three international events in the fall for only the top 50 in FedEx Cup points from the previous season.

Monahan cited Masters champion Scottie Scheffler,

ever to qualify for the Chess Olympiad.

“I am excited that The Bahamas Chess Federation will be attending another Olympiad. As a veteran of three Olympiads, two as a player and one as a delegate, the Olympiad experience is a once in a lifetime one. It is a great honour to represent one’s country at the Chess Olympiad,” said BCF treasurer Elton Joseph.

“Only 10 people from any country regardless of the country’s population can compete in an Olympiad every two years.

The Chess Olympiad experience involves living away from home for about two weeks, having roommates with differing opinions, trying new foods, morning and nightly training, five to six hours competing and, most importantly, finding a way to stay healthy.”

Tim Munnings, the director of sports said: “Congratulations to the competitors for qualifying for The Bahamas Chess Olympiad team. I join all in calling for corporate Bahamas to support The Bahamas Chess Federation and all other sporting organisations.

“I call on corporate Bahamas to put some skin in the game.

“We all like to celebrate our athletes when they come home but there is so much more that we as Bahamians can do.”

who earlier yesterday was unusually vocal in his support of the PGA Tour.

Scheffler had not won on the PGA Tour until February, and then he won four times in two months to reach No. 1 in the world.

He already has set a PGA Tour record for season earnings at nearly $12.9 million. “If you’re good enough, you will rise to the top,” Monahan said. “And if you don’t continue to earn that top spot, someone else as hungry and as talented is right there to take your place. Again, that’s the unique beauty of what the tour has and always will offer to fans.

“It’s damn good and it’s worth fighting for.”

Koepka was among the LIV newcomers announced for the field in Oregon next week, and he was as big of a surprise as Johnson was for the inaugural London event.

Monahan was at his Koepka’s wedding on June

5 in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Koepka was part of a group at a Rolex outing a week ago in which he joined top players — Scheffler, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas among them — in discussing in strong terms support for the tour.

A week later, he was signed and headed to LIV Golf.

“That was definitely a surprise for me,” said Scheffler, who has the same manager as Koepka. “I was at a function with him last week and definitely wasn’t what he had in mind. We were focused on building the PGA Tour and getting the guys that are staying here together and kind of just having talks and figuring out what how we can help benefit the Tour. So to see Brooks leave was definitely a surprise for us.”

The tour will nearly double the prize money for the winner-only Sentry Tournament of Champions at Kapalua to $15 million.

The invitation events at Riviera, Bay Hill and Muirfield Village increase by $8 million to $20 million. The two FedEx Cup playoff events increase by $5 million to $20 million. And The Players Championship goes up $5 million to $25 million.

That’s an increase of just over $50 million in prize money, or roughly what Johnson reportedly received annually as a signing fee for the LIV Golf series, and that’s before he and others compete for $25 million prize funds at each event.

That’s the arms race Monahan and the PGA Tour is facing, though it still has the top 15 players in the world ranking on its side, a core group who are speaking out more forcefully.

Still, some may have a price.

Koepka apparently did, and McIlroy cited him as another player who went back on his word. Two years

ago, Koepka was second to McIlroy in denouncing the concept of a 48-man league.

“Am I surprised? Yes, because of what he said previously,” McIlroy said.

“I think that’s why I’m surprised at a lot of these guys

because they say one thing and then they do another. I don’t know if that’s for legal reasons or if they can’t ... I have no idea. But it’s pretty duplicitous on their part to say one thing and then do another thing.”

PAGE 12, Thursday, June 23, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

Swimming’s new transgender policy could impact other sports

By EDDIE PELLS AP National Writer BANS on transgender women in international swimming and rugby this week opened the door for track and field to consider following suit in what could turn into a wave of policy changes in Olympic sports.

The announcement Sunday by swimming’s governing body, FINA, was followed quickly by a show of support from World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, who was in Hungary for the swimming world championships. He said FINA’s decision was in the best interest of swimming and that his own federation, which oversees track and field and other running sports, would review its policies on transgender athletes and intersex athletes at the end of the year.

“If we ever get pushed into a corner to that point where we’re making a judgment about fairness or inclusion, I will always fall down on the side of fairness,” Coe said.

Experts viewed that as a signal that World Athletics officials could use the FINA precedent to block all transgender and intersex athletes — the latter referred to by clinical terminology as having differences in sex development — from competing in women’s events.

SEBASTIAN Coe (AP) FINA’s new policy bans all transgender women from elite competitions if they didn’t begin medical treatment to suppress testosterone production before either the onset of puberty or by age 12, whichever comes later.

USA Swimming put its own policy in place earlier this year, with the idea that it would eventually follow FINA’s lead, but this week said it would need time to see how FINA’s policy affects its own.

Should track and field adopt a similar rule to FINA, Caster Semenya, an athlete with differences in sex development, still would be kept out of races at her chosen distance, 800 metres.

It also could bar 200metre silver medallist Christine Mboma of Namibia, who also is an athlete with differences in sex development and expected to contend for the title at world championships in

Oregon next month. Currently, World Athletics rules governing such athletes don’t apply to the 200-metre race.

“By later this year, I think (World Athletics) will have announced a policy that is very similar to swimming,” said Ross Tucker, a science and research consultant for World Rugby. “And they will say that if ever a person has gone through male puberty and has obtained the advantages associated with testosterone, they can’t compete in women’s sports.”

The International Rugby League also barred transgender women from women’s matches until more studies allow for the sport’s regulators to come up with a cohesive inclusion policy. And the International Cycling Union last week updated its eligibility rules for transgender athletes; it increased the period during which transgender athletes on women’s teams must lower their testosterone level to two years rather than one.

FIFA, which runs soccer, said it is “currently reviewing its gender eligibility regulations in consultation with expert stakeholders.”

Individual sports are taking the lead because of the International Olympic Committee framework that was introduced last November and went into effect in

SOUTH African long distance athlete Caster Semenya is on her way to winning the 5,000 metres at the South African national championships in Pretoria, South Africa, April 15, 2021. Bans on transgender women in international swimming and rugby this week opened the door for track and field to consider following suit in what could turn into a wave of policy changes in Olympic sports.

(AP Photo/Christiaan Kotze) March placed all sports in charge of their own rules regarding testosterone. It replaced an IOC policy that had allowed transgender women who had been on hormone replacement therapy for at least 12 months to compete in the Olympics against other women.

The new guidance, which is not binding, recommends that testosterone levels should not determine whether someone is eligible to compete — a stance that World Athletics has not adopted.

Tucker said he expected maybe the “big four or five” international sports federations to follow FINA’s suit, but not all the others — in part because many are smaller operations that don’t have science and legal teams to do the research for thorough policies. FINA had assigned three groups, athletes, science and medicine and legal and human rights, to work on its policy.

FINA’s decisions and those of other organisations are likely to be challenged either in court or at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, meaning federations that adopt a rule will need scientific studies and legal funding to back up the policy.

“What swimming did was not easy, and it certainly wasn’t cheap,” Tucker said.

Coe said FINA “spent $1,000,000 (on legal fees).

We’re not FIFA but we’re not bereft. But there are other sports that are genuinely fearful that, if they go down that road, they’ll bankrupt themselves defending this.”

Athletes at the world swimming championships in Hungary mostly steered clear of commenting on the new transgender policy this week.

“I think the question is, if you’re a woman out there and you’re racing someone else, like, how would you feel doing that? It’s just about fairness in sport,” said Australia’s Moesha Johnson, who finished fourth in the 1500 metres.

The FINA decision also sent national swim federations scrambling.

Swimming Australia said it endorses fair and equitable competition for all athletes, adding in a statement: “We also firmly believe in inclusivity and the opportunity for all athletes to experience the sport of swimming in a manner that is consistent with their gender identity and expression.”

In the US, the NCAA, which governs college sports, had sought clarity from USA Swimming because of transgender swimmer Lia Thomas, who competed on Penn’s women’s team.

USA Swimming created a policy requiring evidence

that an athlete had maintained a testosterone level less than 5 nanomoles per liter for a minimum period of 36 months. But the NCAA decided against immediately adopting that rule, which would have made Thomas ineligible for the national championships in March, where she won the 500-yard individual title.

When it released its policy, USA Swimming said it would remain in place until FINA adopted its own policy.

In a statement yesterday, USA Swimming said it would “now take our time to understand the impact of this international standard on our existing policy.”

Thomas has said she would like to pursue the Olympics; if she does, her times would likely put her in the mix to at least earn a spot at Olympic trials for the 2024 Games in Paris.

The Thomas case might ultimately be viewed as the tipping point in international competition, given the relative lack of transgender athletes in elite sports, Tucker said.

“People aren’t really very good at understanding an issue until it’s right in front of them as a physical thing,” Tucker said, “They almost have to be punched in the nose before they think something is real. And Lia Thomas made this real.”

LEDECKY EXTENDS RECORD MEDAL HAUL AT SWIMMING WORLDS TO 21

By CIARÁN FAHEY AP Sports Writer BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Katie Ledecky has extended her record haul of medals from the world championships to 21, two more than any other female swimmer managed before.

All but three of them are gold.

The 25-year-old Ledecky claimed her 18th gold at a worlds yesterday as the United States won the women’s 4x200 freestyle relay final, clocking the fastest split – 1:53.67 – to help the Americans triumph in a championship record 7:41.45.

Claire Weinstein, Leah Smith, Ledecky and Bella Sims finished 2.41 seconds ahead of the Australian team and 3.31 ahead of the Canadians.

“It’s awesome,” Ledecky said. “It’s so easy to get up for these relays and just not think and go. I had so much trust in these three and I

think that we’re always counted out and we always deliver so I am so proud of this group.”

Ledecky had already won gold medals in the 1500 freestyle on Monday and 400 freestyle on Saturday to add to the 15 gold she had coming into the competition in Budapest.

Her 21 medals at a worlds are two more than compatriot Natalie Coughlin managed (seven gold, seven silver, five bronze) between 2001-13.

World swimming’s governing body FINA does not include the women’s 4x200 freestyle relay from the worlds in Fukuoka, Japan on July 24, 2001 among the golds it has attributed to Coughlin as the American team was disqualified in that race with the gold eventually going to Britain.

Ledecky’s 18 golds equal Ryan Lochte’s record in second place in the all-time list for most swimming titles at the worlds.

Only Michael Phelps, with 26, has won more.

The US has now won the women’s 4x200 freestyle relay at eight of the last 10 world championships, with the exceptions in that run coming in 2009 (second behind China) and at the last edition in 2019 (second behind Australia).

“I am so proud,” Ledecky said of representing the US at relays.

“I think I realised when we were on the medal podium it had been a while since we had all been up there singing the national anthem together, trying to hit those high-pitched notes together.

“So that was a lot of fun, and to just see it all come together and the time was really fast as well, so I think we really proved that we came to race.”

Ledecky is still scheduled to race in 800-metre freestyle heats today, with the final scheduled for tomorrow.

UNITED States’ gold medallist team pose with their medals after the women’s 4x200m freestyle relay final at the 19th FINA World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, yesterday.

(AP Photo/Anna Szilagyi)

WORLDS FROM PAGE 16

in qualifying for the 100, had to fight hard to edge France’s Maxime Grousset by 0.06 seconds in the final with a time of 47.58.

Canada’s Joshua Liendo Edwards, who was leading at the halfway stage, took the bronze.

Two-time defending champion Caeleb Dressel didn’t race after withdrawing from the rest of the competition with an unspecified medical condition earlier yesterday.

McIntosh showed no ill effects from the 200 fly earlier as she set a junior record of 1:54.79 over her 200m. Only Ledecky and Sims were faster on the night.

Alex Walsh and Flickinger will also get gold medals for their swims on the relay during prelims.

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Only the United States (11 gold, six silver, nine bronze) and Australia (two gold, five silver, one bronze) have won at least one medal on each of the five nights of the swimming competition.

Kylie Masse claimed Canada’s second gold of the night by winning the women’s 50 backstroke in 27.31 – 0.08 ahead of American Katharine Berkoff and 0.09 ahead of French swimmer Analia Pigree.

Masse became the first swimmer from Canada, male or female, to win three golds at a worlds.

The 20-year-old Léon Marchand then continued his remarkable competition by winning the men’s 200 individual medley in 1:55.22, lowering the French record he set in the semifinals.

Marchand finished 0.49 ahead of American Carson Foster, 1.00 ahead of Japan’s Daiya Seto and 1.21 ahead of Chase Kalisz.

It was Marchand’s second gold at this worlds after the men’s 400 medley Saturday when he almost took Michael Phelps’ world record, and his third medal after silver in the 200 butterfly on Tuesday.

THE TRIBUNE

MEDVEDEV, TSITSIPAS ADVANCE IN MALLORCA, KYRGIOS WITHDRAWS PALMA, Spain (AP) — Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas advanced to the quarterfinals of the Mallorca Championships yesterday, while Nick Kyrgios withdrew to avoid aggravating an injury ahead of Wimbledon.

The top-ranked Medvedev overcame a slow start in a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 win over Aslan Karatsev, while Tsitsipas triumphed 6-4, 6-4 against Ilya Ivashka.

Medvedev, the defending champion, improved to 8-2 on grass this season although he has lost two straight finals on the surface.

“Last year was amazing. I played great tennis,” Medvedev said. “I like it here in Mallorca.”

He will next face Roberto Bautista Agut, who advanced after Kyrgios withdrew ahead of their match because of an abdominal injury.

“I have been playing a lot of great matches lately and unfortunately I woke up with a pain in my abs.

I went to see the tournament doctor right away and he advised that I don’t play tonight,” Kyrgios said.

“I really value the Mallorca Championships but I will follow his advice as I don’t want to risk Wimbledon next week.”

Thursday, June 23, 2022, PAGE 13

Serena Williams looks sharper in winning 2nd match at Eastbourne EASTBOURNE, England (AP) — Serena Williams might yet win a title in her comeback event.

The American star moved into the semifinals of the women’s doubles at Eastbourne by partnering Ons Jabeur to a 6-2, 6-4 win over Shuko Aoyama and Chan Hao-ching yesterday.

And, ahead of playing in the singles at Wimbledon next week, there were signs that the 40-year-old Williams is regaining some sharpness after nearly a year out.

Like the back-to-back pick-up shots off her toes early in the first set. Like the three straight aces on break points in the second game of the second set.

Indeed, Williams’ serve — the biggest the women’s game has ever seen — was increasingly impressive when under the pump, and it was the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion who served out the match.

On the five break points she faced, she sent down four aces and one unreturnable serve. Overall, her performance was more polished compared to Tuesday, when Williams and Jabeur needed to win a tiebreaker to advance in the grass-court tournament on the south coast of England. They started

SERENA Williams and Ons Jabeur of Tunisia celebrate winning a point in their quarterfinal doubles tennis match at the Eastbourne International tennis tournament yesterday.

(AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) much quicker against Aoyama and Chan, winning the first set in 25 minutes. Williams was keen to deflect any praise toward her partner.

“I think we played together much better

today,” she said, “although I think we played really good together yesterday, too. “But Ons really helped me out today. She was playing so good. I was just looking at her, like ‘Wow, this is great’.”

Jabeur still appears starstruck alongside Williams.

“I’m getting used to this, really,” the Tunisian player said, laughing.

Then, she turned to Williams and said: “Do you want to play US Open?”

So, Williams’ competitive preparation for Wimbledon will take in at least one more match.

In the semifinals, Williams and Jabeur will face Magda Linette and Aleksandra Krunic, who dispatched the secondseeded pair of Gabriela Dabrowski and Giuliana Olmos 6-1, 6-3.

“I didn’t know we were in the semifinals — it’s super fast,” Jabeur said, “but it’s great for us.”

In the women’s singles, Beatriz Haddad Maia stayed on course for a third grass-court title in three weeks by ending the hopes of British wild card Jodie Burrage 6-1, 6-2 in the second round.

The Brazilian player is coming off winning the Nottingham Open and the Birmingham Classic.

Jelena Ostapenko continued the defence of her title by also advancing to the quarterfinals after her opponent, Madison Keys, retired having lost the first set 6-3. Other players into the last eight were two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova and Camila Giorgi.

KERBER, HALEP MOVE INTO THE QUARTERS AT BAD HOMBURG BAD HOMBURG, Germany (AP) — Angelique Kerber and Simona Halep booked their places in the quarterfinals of the Bad Homburg Open yesterday while Sabine Lisicki continued her winning comeback.

Defending champion Kerber, seeded third, beat Lucia Bronzetti 6-2, 6-3 to set up a meeting with Alizé Cornet, who won 7-6 (4), 6-4 against Tatjana Maria.

Kerber is now 7-0 in front of her home fans at Bad Homburg since the tournament made its tour debut last year.

Halep powered past Tamara Zidanšek 6-0, 6-3 to continue her solid start to the grass-court season after reaching the semifinals in Birmingham last week.

Next up for the Romanian player is Amanda Anisimova, who needed just 50 minutes to beat fellow American Ann Li 6-0, 6-2.

Former US Open champion Bianca Andreescu won 6-4, 6-4 against Katie Swan and next takes on topseeded Daria Kasatkina.

Lisicki is making a comeback to the WTA Tour after knee injuries hampered her for a long spell. The former Wimbledon finalist reached the quarterfinals of a full tour event for the first time since February 2018 when she beat Greet Minnen 6-3, 2-6, 6-2.

CAELEB DRESSEL’S WORLD SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS OVER, ‘JUST’ 2 GOLDS

By CIARÁN FAHEY AP Sports Writer BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Caeleb Dressel’s world swimming championships are over with just two gold medals from Budapest.

USA Swimming withdrew its star male swimmer from the rest of the competition for unspecified medical reasons yesterday.

“He’s just not fit to compete right now. And so we just needed to make that decision. It needed to be a quick decision,” American team manager Lindsay Mintenko told journalists.

Mintenko said she could not be more specific about the reasons for Dressel’s withdrawal, but that he may decide to speak about it himself. She declined to say whether it was a mental or physical problem. Dressel had appeared in good shape.

He had pulled out of Tuesday’s semifinals in the 100 freestyle and it wasn’t clear at the time if he’d be able to continue. He was also due to race the 50 freestyle and 100 butterfly later in the worlds.

“He obviously has a lot of events left. And so it was a quick decision that we

made in conjunction with him and our medical staff and the coaches,” Mintenko said. “It’s the right decision and especially for Caeleb’s long-term health. And that’s ultimately what we’re here for, for the health of our athletes.”

For the 25-year-old Dressel – a seven-time Olympic gold medallist – it’s a big blow.

“Caeleb has worked really hard for this,” Mintenko said. “Any time you come to a world championships or any big competition, international competition, and if you can’t compete, it’s very difficult. And so we’re just going to take it one day at a time. We have a wonderful team here with us. We’re doing exceptionally well and really looking forward to the next few days.”

Dressel’s teammates responded Tuesday by adding three more gold medals to take the team’s tally to 10.

He had claimed gold in the 50 butterfly on Sunday, a day after helping the United States win the men’s 4×100 freestyle relay.

“Feels good to get the first individual (gold) out of the way,” said Dressel, who

didn’t know it would be his last in this competition.

Also Wednesday, Australian swimmer Shayna Jack broke her hand in training and will miss the rest of the worlds.

She was warming up for the morning’s 100-metre freestyle heats at the time.

The 23-year-old Jack helped Australia to gold in the women’s 4x100 freestyle relay on Saturday and silver in the mixed 4x100 medley relay on Tuesday.

Hong Kong’s Siobhán Haughey, the Olympic silver medallist in the women’s 100, also withdrew on Monday due to an ankle injury.

Australia’s Mollie O’Callaghan was fastest in 100 qualifying in their absence, followed by Canada’s Penny Oleksiak, Torri Huske of the US, and world record holder Sarah Sjöström.

Four-time Olympic medallist Chad Le Clos withdrew from the men’s competition Monday.

The South African said on social media that he had been struggling with his breathing for the previous three weeks “since having multiple stints of bronchitis.”

Mané joins Bayern, leaves as a ‘modern-day Liverpool icon’ MUNICH (AP) — Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp described Sadio Mané as a “modern-day icon” of the English club after the Senegal forward’s move to Bayern Munich for 32 million euros ($33.5 million) was finalised yesterday.

“It’s a big moment — there is no point in anyone trying to pretend otherwise,” Klopp said. “One of Liverpool’s greatest ever players is leaving and we must acknowledge how significant this is.”

The 30-year-old Mané has signed a contract with Bayern through June 2025 in a deal that could end up being worth 41 million euros ($42.9 million) depending on future achievements at the Bavarian powerhouse. “There are very few players like him in the world,” Bayern chief executive Oliver Kahn

SADIO Mané (AP) said. “We’re sure that Sadio Mané will delight our fans in the coming years with his spectacular style of play.

He’s ambitious and eager to win more titles. This package is very strong.”

Mané just completed what was arguably the best season of his career, converting the clinching penalty in a shootout to win the African Cup of Nations for Senegal, helping his country qualify for

the World Cup, and starring for Liverpool in a campaign where the club nearly achieved an unprecedented quadruple of major trophies. He won every major honour with Liverpool — the Champions League and Club World Cup in 2019, the Premier League in 2020 and both the FA Cup and League Cup in 2022. He has also scored 31 goals in 89 appearances for Senegal and was named African Footballer of the Year in 2019.

On social media, Mané thanked Liverpool fans “from the bottom of my heart... You were always there. In good and in bad times. I will never forget this. You never walk alone.”

He then used his new club’s motto “mia san mia” in a separate Instagram post featuring him in a Bayern jersey.

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THE TRIBUNE

KORDA SET TO DEFEND TITLE AT WOMEN’S PGA CHAMP.

New York makes 13 3-pointers in win over Jones and Sun UNCASVILLE, Conn.

(AP) — Stefanie Dolson scored 16 points, including one of New York’s 13 3-pointers with 1:29 left, and Sabrina Ionescu had 11 points, 11 rebounds and six assists to help the Liberty beat the Connecticut Sun 81-77 last night.

New York set a season high for first-half points with 51 after shooting 48.7 percent from the field, including 10 of 21 behind

the arc. Six different New York players made a 3-pointer in the first half, including every starter.

The Liberty finished at 44.9 percent overall, going 13 of 32 from behind the arc. Sami Whitcomb made her fourth 3-pointer, capping a 7-0 run, to extend New York’s lead to 65-54 midway through the third quarter.

Whitcomb and Natasha Howard each scored

JONQUEL FROM PAGE 16

even though her basketball performance in the United States and overseas had improved,” Barnes wrote. “The only difference is that I’m openly out and dressing differently,’ Jones says.”

Following the publication of the article, BTC issued a statement refuting those claims.

“BTC has a strong culture supporting equality, diversity, and inclusion. As a company we do not discriminate against the LGBTQIA+ community in any form or manner,” the statement said.

“BTC currently has an endorsement contract with Olympian Steven Gardiner. All endorsement contracts are executed for a specific period of time.”

Jones signed as a BTC brand ambassador in 2017.

Since then, the 28-year-old Connecticut Sun forward has gone on to win a myriad of WNBA accolades, including Most Improved Player of the Year, Sixth Woman of the Year, two-time AllWNBA second team selection, an

JAZZ

FROM PAGE 16 Chisholm told the Miami Herald. “I just can’t stop saying how happy I am to be in the position that I’m in right now.”

Chisholm will need to finish among the top two at the position through the first phase of fan voting which concludes on June 30.

Ballots can be cast on MLB.com up to five times a day every 24 hours.

14 points and Marine Johannes added 11 for New York (7-10).

Ionescu missed a free throw with 8.7 seconds left to break her string of 36 straight makes.

Courtney Williams scored 16 points for Connecticut (12-6).

Jonquel Jones, Brionna Jones and DeWanna Bonner each scored 12, and Natisha Hiedeman added 11 points.

All-WNBA first team selection, a four time All-Star and the league MVP. Jones is currently one of the principals in a State Farm ad campaign which also includes NBA players - Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks and Boban Marjanovic of the Houston Rockets.

Jones has been vocal in the past about being overlooked as a marketable personality, despite her production on the floor.

In a series of tweets posted earlier this year, she lashed out against the system of women’s basketball and the hurdles she and others are forced to clear. “It’s all a popularity contest and politics in wbb. In mbb you just gottah be the best. In wbb you gottah be the best player, best looking, most marketable, most IG followers, just to sit at the endorsement table. Thank God for overseas because my bag would’ve been fumbled. Not to mention me being a black lesbian woman,” she added. “Lord the seats disappearing from the table as I speak.”

Jones was announced as an AllStar game selection for the fourth time last night.

The first round of voting will determine two of the All-Star starters -- the top vote-getter in each league -- and which players will advance to the final round of the fan voting for the All-Star Game, which takes place on July 19 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California..

“I haven’t known a Hall of Famer who wasn’t an All-Star, so, in my head, that’s the first process,” Chisholm added. “You’ve got to be an All-Star before you become a Hall of

By NOAH TRISTER AP Sports Writer

LIBERTY forward Michaela Onyenwere (12) scores over Sun forward Jonquel Jones (35) last night.

(Sean D Eliot/The Day via AP)

She is currently leading the Sun with 15.1 points per game and ranks third in the league with 9.4 rebounds per game.

She went on to post her third consecutive double double with 12 points and 11 rebounds in last night’s 81-77 loss to the New York Liberty at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Outside of the United States, Jones stars for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team and with the UMMC Ekaterinburg Foxes of the Russian Premier League.

Last offseason, Jones signed a two-year deal with the Sun worth $205,000 in 2021, slightly under the WNBA supermax. However, her monthly salary with the Foxes is reportedly comparable to her yearly salary in the WNBA Jones told Clutchpoints about the differences in the WNBA and international play. She stated: “I think overseas in general, the crowd, has a bigger appreciation for women’s basketball. I think it is way better than it is in the WNBA. You can go from a game where the gym is full to some games where there are a few people in

Famer. It’s just checking off the boxes right now.”

With his performance last night in a 7-4 win over the Colorado Rockies, Chisholm took sole possession atop the leaderboard for all second basemen in the MLB with 14 home runs. He finished 2-3 with a two-run shot in the seventh inning, two runs scored and three RBI. The Houston Astros’ Jose Altuve and the New York Yankees’ Gleyber Torres are tied for second with 13.

the stands. I do not think they fully appreciate women’s basketball and the level it is played at,” Jones said.

“When I come overseas I definitely always appreciate that and appreciate people loving us and watching us, and understanding that we put a lot of time in our game. I think that is the biggest difference. WNBA, talent wise, is up there, there is a lot of talent every night and every team can win. Overall, the atmosphere overseas is second to none.”

Off the court, Jones noted that she continues to search for a balance between her sexuality and her spirituality. “It’s just always been this conflict between me being myself but also being a follower of Christ…I just made this drastic change. And I basically went through college fighting that and feeling like I had to put that side of myself kind of on the back burner,” she said. “It’s still an ongoing thing.

But I ultimately know who I am. I just have to take the time to really find God for myself and not what other people tell me who God is. When I do that, then it’ll be different.”

MARLINS’ Jazz Chisholm Jr is out stealing second during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies yesterday in Miami.

(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) Chisholm also leads the group with a .518 slugging percentage, four triples and his 45 RBI trail only

Trevor Story of the Boston Red Sox with 48. He ranks second behind Altuve with an .825 OPS.

BETHESDA, Md. (AP) — It was just one year ago that Nelly Korda won the Women’s PGA Championship, securing her first major and reaching No. 1 in the world.

“It feels like forever ago, honestly,” she said.

A lot has happened — both good and bad — since then for Korda.

She also won an Olympic gold medal last year for the US, but she went through a four-month layoff this year because of health problems and only recently returned.

This week she defends her title at the Women’s PGA at Congressional Country Club — looking ready to contend after a near-victory in Michigan last week.

“I gave myself a chance last week,” she said.

“If you told me that when I was laying in the ER, I would have definitely been very happy with that.”

Korda’s season was interrupted when she felt swelling in her left arm — a blood clot in the subclavian vein. She missed the year’s first major in the California desert and and had surgery in April.

It’s unusual for her to take that much time away, but she’s been in good form since returning. She tied for eighth at the US Women’s Open, then lost in a playoff at the LPGA Meijer Classic last weekend.

“That was the longest time I think I’ve ever gone without hitting a golf ball,” Korda said.

“Ever since I started hitting, it’s just been kind of full throttle, and I have been practicing pretty much. I have not taken more than two or three days off since then. I’m just happy to be out here playing competitive golf.”

WOMEN’S PGA CHAMPIONSHIP DOUBLES PRIZE MONEY TO $9M

By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer THE KPMG Women’s PGA Championship is doubling the size of its purse to $9 million, another boost to the women’s game that brings prize money for the five majors to nearly triple the amount from a decade ago.

The purse for the LPGA Tour’s second-oldest major is now 300 percent higher than it was in 2014, the year before KPMG and the PGA of America partnered with the LPGA Tour to raise the prize money and the profile by taking it to fabled courses.

The Women’s PGA Championship starts Thursday (today) at Congressional Country Club, which has hosted the US Open three times.

The winner will get $1.35 million.

The USGA signed up a presenting sponsor (ProMedica) for the U.S. Women’s Open in nearly doubling the prize money from what already was the largest of the LPGA majors. Minjee Lee won $1.8 million from a $10 million purse earlier this month at Pine Needles.

The Amundia Evian Championship in France already announced a $2 million increase to $6.8 million, while the AIG Women’s British Open has seen steady increases with a new title sponsor and now is up to $6.8 million.

The Chevron Championship had a $5 million purse, nearly $2 million more than the previous year.

That brings prize money for the five majors to $37.3 million. In 2012, the same five tournaments had combined prize money of $13.75 million.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, June 23, 2022, PAGE 15

HORNETS ENTERING NBA DRAFT WITH 2 1ST ROUND PICKS, NO COACH

By STEVE REED AP Sports Writer CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Charlotte Hornets have two picks in the first round of tonight’s NBA draft — and no head coach in place to help facilitate those decisions.

Hornets owner Michael Jordan has resumed the search for the organisation’s next coach after Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson on

Saturday abruptly backed out of a four-year agreement to coach the team.

Charlotte has the 13th and 15th picks in round one, and general manager Mitch Kupchak is expected to make final decisions with input from Jordan. The team also has the 45th overall selection.

“It is unusual not to have a head coach in place for the draft,” ESPN draft analyst Jay Bilas said in a conference call.

“You certainly like to keep in mind what your head coach wants to do and how (the player) likes to play. But it’s certainly not the be all and end all because most coaches have input, but they don’t make those decisions.”

Bilas said head coaches don’t spend as much time analysing NBA draft prospects as GMs. “They may have one that they like, but those decisions are often made by front office people

that are spending all their time on talent acquisition,” Bilas said. “So it’s not some death knell for the 13th and 15th that they don’t have a coach in place.”

Atkinson’s about-face stunned the Hornets and sent Jordan back into hiring mode.

The former Brooklyn Nets head coach had agreed to a deal with the Hornets on June 10, but never signed the contract because the Warriors were playing

in the NBA Finals. Eight days later, after the Warriors defeated the Boston Celtics in six games to win the NBA title, Atkinson informed the Hornets he would not be coaching the team.

It is unclear if the Hornets will choose from individuals they’ve already interviewed, including 16-year veteran NBA coach Mike D’Antoni, or open the search to other candidates.

BAHAMAS’ team of Marvin Rolle, Spencer Newman, Baker Newman and Kevin Major Jr.

Bahamas suffers loss to Paraguay

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net TEAM Bahamas began its current Davis Cup tie with a loss to the top ranked team in its pool.

Paraguay scored a 2-1 win over The Bahamas’ team of Kevin Major Jr, Spencer Newman, Baker

Newman and Marvin Rolle yesterday at the Costa Rica Country Club in Escazu, Costa Rica.

In singles play, Spencer Newman lost to Juan Borba 6-3, 6-4 and in match two, Major retired after Adolfo Vallejo won the first set 7-5 through 57 minutes of play.

In doubles play, Rolle and Baker Newman emerged

with a hard-fought, threeset win over Vallejo and Martin Vergara del Puerto 2-6, 7-5, 7-6 (5).

The Bahamas will continue competition when they face Jamaica today.

Jamaica’s team of Jacob Bicknell, Blaise Bicknell, Rowland Phillips and John Chin defeated Costa Rica yesterday 2-1.

Pool B includes The Bahamas, Paraguay, Jamaica, Costa Rica and The Bahamas. Pool A includes Venezuela, Guatemala, Puerto Rico and Panama.

Venezuela, Jamaica and Paraguay were all relegated from Group II to Group III. Three teams are expected to advance to the

World Group II Playoffs and two teams will be relegated to Americas Group IV. The top team in the pool will earn an automatic promotion while the second-place finisher will play the second-place finisher in Pool A. The winner of that matchup will also earn promotion.

ROY, BUTTLER STEER ENGLAND TO WIN, SERIES SWEEP OVER DUTCH AMSTELVEEN, Netherlands (AP) — Jason Roy struck 101 and Jos Buttler smashed 64-ball 86 as England chased down a target of 245 with 119 balls to spare to win the third one-day international against the Netherlands and clinch the series 3-0 on Wednesday.

The first ODI matches between the two countries outside a Cricket World Cup have followed an expected course, with England winning by 232 runs, six wickets and now eight wickets over the past six days in Amstelveen.

Sterner white-ball examinations will come for England on home soil this summer in the shape of India and South Africa, before the Twenty20 World Cup in Australia starting October. “It’s a great start and a good benchmark for us to see where we are all at individually,” Roy said.

We have got big tests in the summer coming up and it’s time to get back and go again.”

The Netherlands’ total of 244, which included 64 off 72 balls from captain Scott Edwards, never looked enough against world-champion opposition and on what has been a run-scoring paradise outside Amsterdam given the fast outfield and short boundaries.

The only blip in England’s reply saw Phil Salt (49) and Dawid Malan get dismissed in the space of three balls, but Roy and Buttler got the innings back on track with an unbroken partnership of 163 runs off 125 balls.

Buttler got England to its target with a nonchalant flick down the ground for six as England finished on 248-2 off 30.1 overs.

It was Roy’s 10th ODI century, and he reached it in 86 balls — just before Buttler ended the match.

SPORTS PAGE 16

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2022

Team Bahamas earns 79-59 win over Turks and Caicos Islands

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

A

fter a trio of lopsided losses to open the tournament, Team Bahamas responded with a pair of wins to conclude the group stage at the FIBA Under-15 Centrobasket Championships for boys.

Team Bahamas defeated The Turks and Caicos Islands 79-59 yesterday at the Fernando ‘Rube’ Hernandez Coliseo in Gurabo, Puerto Rico.

Desmond Hall scored a team high 25 points, Joshua Williams added a double double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, Condae Smith scored 12 and Noah Bain chipped in with seven points.

Dylan Morris led two TCI players in double figures with 28 points and 10 rebounds while Roldjudson Lacossade finished with 13 points, 20 rebounds and four blocked shots.

The Bahamas took a 24-15 lead after the first quarter and the lead reached double figures for the first time when Hall made a three pointer at the 2:58 mark in the second to make the score 33-21.

The Bahamas maintained a nine-point lead at the half (36-27) and took a 61-45 lead into the fourth quarter.

With a 2-3 record in the group stage, The Bahamas will be relegated to the 5-8 seeding round.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the Semi-Finals.

In the Semi-Finals, the top two teams from each group will face the second team of each opposing group (1A vs 2B and 1B vs 2A).

The Semi-Final winners will qualify for the gold medal game, while

Davis Cup, Page 15

JAZZ LEADS ALL STAR BALLOT RETURNS FOR NL 2ND BASEMEN

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net JASRADO “Jazz” Chisholm Jr emerged as the leading vote getter for National League second baseman after the first return of 2022 MLB AllStar ballots.

In phase one of voting, The Miami Marlins star leads all second basemen with 634,762 votes, followed by Ozzie Albies of the Atlanta Braves with 589,804 and Jeff McNeil of the New York Mets with 580,257.

“It means a lot to me that people are recognising what I’m doing out there, and that I’m having fun and enjoying the game,”

SEE PAGE 14

BTC REFUTES CLAIMS BY JONQUEL JONES

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

DESMOND Hall goes up for a layup against Costa Rica. the losers will play for third place and the bronze medal. The three best teams at the end of the tournament will qualify for the FIBA U16 ​​ Americas Championship in 2023.

The Bahamas opened the tournament with a 107-42 loss to Puerto Rico.

Joshua Williams led The Bahamas with 10 points, four rebounds, two blocked shots and a steal.

Kenyon Johnson and Condae Smith both came off the bench, scoring six points.

In game two, they suffered a 50-point defeat at the hands of Mexico, 99-49.

Noah Bain also came off the bench, producing the best production for Team Bahamas with 13 points on 6-for-13 from the field with seven rebounds and three

steals. Michael Munnings followed with nine points and five rebounds and Bradleon McDonald added eight points with three rebounds.

Playing their third straight game in three days, the team lost 70-59 to the Dominican Republic on Monday.

Bain had a game high 14 points with five steals, a pair of rebounds and as many blocked shots to lead a balanced scoring attack.

Hall had 12 points, five assists, three rebounds, two steals and a block, McDonald added 10 points, nine rebounds and a block while Williams had 10 points, nine rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block.

The team is coached by Quentin Hall, Denykco Bowles and Kevin Clarke.

REIGNING WNBA MVP Jonquel Jones claims that her sexuality continues to hinder her marketability - citing a specific local case with one of the country’s leading telecommunications providers.

In a feature with ESPN’s Katie Barnes, Jones said she believed her relationship with The Bahamas Telecommunications Co ended due to her openly identifying as a lesbian and her self described “non-traditionally feminine” style of dress.

“Jones believes her decision to embrace her identity as a lesbian and dress more authentically came with material consequences. The Bahamas Telecommunications Co., she says, opted not to renew her contract COACH Quentin Hall giving some instructions.

SEE PAGE 14

Gold for teenage stars PGA Tour in ‘arms McIntosh, Popovici race’ of dollars and at swimming worlds leaning on loyalty

By CIARÁN FAHEY AP Sports Writer

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — The kids are all right.

Canadian teenager Summer McIntosh won the women’s 200 butterfly for her first title at the world swimming championships yesterday before 17-year-old Romanian David Popovici claimed his second.

They still have some way to go to match Katie Ledecky, who claimed her 18th gold at a worlds by helping the United States win the women’s 4x200 freestyle.

The 25-year-old Ledecky now has 21 medals, extending her record for the most among female swimmers in the competition.

Popovici won the men’s 100 freestyle to add to the 200 freestyle he won

SUMMER McIntosh (AP) on Monday. He is just the second man to achieve the double at a worlds, after American swimmer Jim Montgomery in 1973, and he’s the first Romanian swimmer to win two golds at a worlds.

“The airport is going to be chaotic but I am ready for it,” Popovici said of his return to Bucharest.

“For Romania it means a lot and I love the feelings, even though I cannot explain it really well, I am very happy.”

The 15-year-old McIntosh clocked 2:05.20 – a world junior record – in the 200 butterfly to pip the three Olympic medalists to the title.

“It’s one of my biggest dreams in the swimming world to become world champion, and especially to do it in 200 fly is something I have always wanted to do because this is one of my favorite events,” said McIntosh, who finished 0.88 seconds ahead of American Hali Flickinger and 1.12 ahead of China’s Zhang Yufei. American Regan Smith was 1.59 behind in fourth. Popovici, who set a world junior record of 47.13

SEE PAGE 12

By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer CROMWELL, Conn.

(AP) — Commissioner Jay Monahan says the PGA Tour can’t win an “arms race” against Saudi-funded LIV Golf when the weapon is money. His response yesterday was to boost prize money in eight elite events and rely on loyalty and legacy among his players.

Monahan delivered another round of stinging criticism against Greg Norman and his rival league. LIV Golf has snagged players who have combined to win nine majors in the last five years, including Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Bryson

JAY Monahan (AP) DeChambeau. The latest to sign was Koepka, whose deal with LIV Golf was announced just as Monahan began his first press conference in three months at the Travelers Championship.

“I am not naive,” Monahan said. “If this is

an arms race and if the only weapons here are dollar bills, the PGA Tour can’t compete. The PGA Tour, an American institution, can’t compete with a foreign monarchy that is spending billions of dollars in attempt to buy the game of golf.

“We welcome good, healthy competition. The LIV Saudi golf league is not that,” he said. “It’s an irrational threat, one not concerned with the return on investment or true growth of the game.”

The tour, however, appears to be trying to keep up. Monahan said an increase in prize money was in the works from its latest media rights deal it signed in 2020, noting the

SEE PAGE 11