The Tribune INDEPENDENCE SUPPLEMENT
STANIA AND DIAMOND
SIDE BY SIDE FOREVER
Volunteers help dad build mausoleums for tragic crash victims
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net
BEST friends Stania Webb and Diamond Stubbs will be interred side by side in a Cat Island cemetery, where Stania’s father Stanley is building mausoleums for each girl with the aid of his two elder sons and a small army of locals who have volunteered their help.
Mr Webb said he wanted a place where he could sit with the girls – Diamond
was his goddaughter – leave a rose and ‘come say hello.’
He said he could not bear the thought of the young women, who grew up as best friends and died together in last month’s deadly Shirley Street crash, being buried underground in graves that might become difficult to locate over time.
“I wanted just to put something there in the cemetery where I could come back,” he said. “You
BURY - SEE PAGE FIVE
DAD DID NOT GIVE SON PERMISSION TO USE BOAT
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
A 12-YEAR-OLD Abaco boy accused of causing the negligent death of 15-yearold student Kyron Curry took his father’s boat without permission, Director of Public Prosecutions Cordell Frazer said, explaining why
prosecutors did not charge the child’s parents.
Ms Frazer said the father was initially detained after the fatal fishing trip, but prosecutors could only act on the evidence contained in the police file.
“My understanding of what the file revealed, the young man moved the boat without his father's
permission,” she said. Residents had said the boy’s parents had been repeatedly warned about letting the child operate the vessel.
“We don't shy away from parents who need to be held responsible, but according to the file, it did not reveal
PERMIT - SEE PAGE THREE
WOMAN WINS $140,000 FOR UNLAWFUL 199 DAY DETENTION
LYNAIRE
By
MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
A JAMAICAN woman who was held in immigration detention for 199 days despite being fined by a court for overstaying has been awarded nearly $140,000 after the Supreme Court found she was unlawfully imprisoned and subjected to degrading treatment.
Acting Assistant Registrar Adrienne Bellot awarded Carolla Ashman Demeritte $89,400 in compensatory damages for false imprisonment and $50,000 in exemplary damages, bringing the total award to $139,400.
COURT - SEE PAGE FOUR
Staniel Webb at the site of the mausoleums he is building for daughter
Stania and goddaughter Diamond Stubbs on Cat Island.
Photo: Yontalay Bowe-Kirkendall
DIAMOND STUBBS
STANIA WEBB
KYRON CURRY
Rescuers save trapped dog heard crying during blackout
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
A NATIONWIDE power
outage helped save an eightmonth-old puppy trapped inside an abandoned washing machine on Sunday, exposing what animal advocates called a “despicable crime” and renewing calls for tougher action against animal cruelty.
The frightened black-andbrown Bahamian potcake was found in bushes off Charles Saunders Highway after Sea Breeze resident Sharon Ferguson heard faint whimpering while sitting outside her home during the blackout.
Ms Ferguson said she first thought the sound was coming from a neighbour’s dog, but became increasingly convinced that an animal was in distress.
“We were on a patio, just trying to keep cool off and having a discussion, and then I heard what sounded like a dog,” she said.
“I kept on hearing it, and I said to my daughter, ‘You know, I think we should go and investigate that, because it sounds like it’s coming from deep in that bush.”
Ms Ferguson and her daughter drove to the area and found an abandoned washing machine along a dirt road. Although the crying had stopped, they switched off their vehicle and soon heard a faint whimper.
Unsure what might be inside, they returned home to collect gloves, dog food, water and Ms Ferguson’s son before going back.
“When we opened it, she poked her head out,” Ms Ferguson said. “We were very emotional because we’re pet lovers.”
The puppy, visibly frightened and shaking, struggled to climb out of the washing machine before being given food and water. A large rock had been placed on top of the lid to keep it closed.
After initially running into nearby bushes, the dog was later found and taken to Ms Ferguson’s home.
“My daughter told me, ‘Mommy, we should really keep her, because whoever did that could do something worse,’” she said.
Ms Ferguson described the puppy as playful and friendly despite her ordeal. She said the dog did not appear to have been mistreated for a long period and showed no signs of malnutrition, though she had what appeared to be minor skin irritation on her stomach.
The dog remained in Ms Ferguson’s care until
yesterday morning, when she was collected by the Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness (BAARK). The Bahamas Humane Society also visited on Monday to check on the animal.
Ms Ferguson said the blackout was critical to the rescue because the silence allowed her to hear the puppy.
“I just did not know what to say, because who could do this?” she said. “Animals are gifts. They are innocent. If you’re capable of doing something like this to an animal, you’re capable of anything.”
Veterinarian Dr Daniel Kats said he visited the scene after seeing video of the rescue circulating on social media. The location was only minutes from his home, prompting him to investigate and determine whether the dog needed medical attention.
“What saved this dog was a power outage,” Dr Kats said. “The power went out, everything went quiet, and they could hear the dog whimpering.”
Dr Kats said he was shocked after finding the washing machine.
“There was not even enough room for this dog to stand with the big agitator in the middle of the washing machine,” he said. “She
would have to stand in a circle shape.”
He believes the puppy may have been trapped for several days.
“They said they heard whimpering a day prior, and it wasn’t until the power went out that they could hear this dog,” he said.
Dr Kats said residents nearby recognised the puppy and told him she had been roaming the area for about two weeks, with several people feeding her. However, no one knew who owned her or how she ended up trapped inside the appliance.
He said the puppy was fortunate to survive.
“It’s hard to tell because it was a piping hot day,” he said. “Maybe even having a little bit of shade from within the washing machine is what saved her. If she was in the bright light of the day, there’s no way she would have survived more than the day.”
Dr Kats said the puppy, estimated to be about eight months old, is now in BAARK’s care and has no major medical concerns.
“She’s happy, she’s healthy, no concerns with her at this time,” he said. “Everyone’s just kind of troubled emotionally that she ended up in that situation.”
He said bite marks were visible on the plastic agitator inside the washing machine,
Parents avoid charges after fatal Abaco boating tragedy
the father, who was in fact in custody, gave that young man permission to do so,” Ms Frazer said.
The 12-year-old boy was charged last week Friday with causing the negligent death of 15-year-old Kyron Curry, a tenth-grade student at Patrick J Bethel High School.
Kyron died last month after he fell into the water during a fishing trip near Nunjack Cay, less than ten miles from Green Turtle Cay. Police said the group had been travelling on a 17-foot Cobia vessel with three other teenagers. The boat belonged to the 12-year-old operator’s father.
Police said the other passengers were 12, 15 and 16. The teens told police Kyron was standing on the bow, holding a rope, when he fell. They
said they heard a loud sound and saw blood in the water.
After failing to find him, the boys raced back to Green Turtle Cay for help. Boaters later mobilised and recovered Kyron, unconscious with a fractured skull. He was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The tragedy shocked Green Turtle Cay and triggered calls for stronger enforcement of boating laws and greater parental accountability in cases involving children.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Wayne Munroe said yesterday that parents should face criminal liability only when they are personally culpable.
“If a parent is personally culpable, then yes,”
Mr Munroe said. “If you, for instance, have a firearm and you leave it out, if your child gets it and uses it, that’s negligent. If
suggesting the puppy had tried desperately to free herself.
“I was very glad to see that people in the community that I talked to were all equally disturbed and horrified that this cute little innocent puppy would be put in that situation in their own backyard,” he said.
somebody else gets it and uses it, it’s negligence.”
Mr Munroe said people are judged according to their own culpability. He said while a child can be criminally liable after the age of ten, parents should only be charged where their own failure contributed to the offence.
The debate over parental liability follows another recent case involving a child.
In May, a Bimini father was charged with child cruelty and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life after an eight-year-old boy was shot in the head by his 12-year-old brother and had to be airlifted to Fort Lauderdale for emergency brain surgery. At the father’s initial court appearance, the 12-year-old was ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation before the court determined whether charges should proceed.
BAARK Vice-President Lissa McCombe condemned the incident as a “despicable crime” and warned that whoever was responsible could face legal penalties. She said the puppy is at BAARK’s veterinary clinic, where she will be spayed and microchipped today before being placed in foster care and eventually adopted into a permanent home.
1,000
KYRON CURRY taking part in a Junkanoo rush.
Video of the rescue, posted by Ms Ferguson on Facebook, has drawn more than 400 shares and more than
reactions, with hundreds of commenters expressing outrage over the cruelty and praising those who rescued the puppy.
Sonny gets much needed attention.
SCREENCAPTURES show the washing machine where Sharon Ferguson found Sonny trapped inside with a rock on top of the lid.
SONNY, a dog rescued after being trapped inside a washing machine, is pictured with Dr Daniel Kats of BAARK following the animal’s rescue and veterinary assessment
Photos: Shawn Hanna
Police probe viral video of officer slapping man
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
DEPUTY Assistant Commissioner of Police
Anthony Rolle said the Royal Bahamas Police Force does not condone the conduct shown in a viral video that captures an officer slapping a man during the Bahamas National Basketball Team game on Monday night.
ACP Rolle confirmed that the incident is under investigation by the Complaints and Corruption Unit after the video triggered criticism online and raised questions about police use of force, especially during the international sporting event.
“It’s not something that we condone,” he said. “Like I said, it’s under investigation. In fairness to both parties, there’s nothing much I could say or elaborate on at this time, but we are aware and it’s being investigated by our Complaints and Corruption Unit.”
The video shows two officers standing with a man near the bleachers in a crowded section of the gymnasium. One officer is seen holding both of the man’s hands while another officer dressed in khaki pats the man down, ruffling his pants. Moments later, the officer dressed in khaki slaps the man, drawing an audible gasp from spectators.
Police had responded to an altercation in the stands. Videos of the altercation show the same man being attacked by several other men.
Police said that once the investigation is complete, the findings will be sent to the commissioner of police, who will review the matter and determine the appropriate course of action.
The footage quickly spread across social media, where many users questioned why the officer slapped a man who seemed to have already been restrained by another officer.
Govt ordered to pay $140k over degrading imprisonment
The court also ordered the government to pay $18,000 in legal costs.
Mrs Demeritte, a Jamaican national married to a Bahamian, sued the Attorney General, the Minister of Immigration, the Director of Immigration, the officer in charge of the Carmichael Road Detention Centre and the Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force over her arrest and detention between April and November 2021.
She testified that a senior officer called her a “whore” and told her that her husband did not want her. She also said officers joked about her detention and that another officer repeatedly threatened to send her to prison.
retained by her husband.
The court heard that Mrs Demeritte witnessed officers beating detainees, underwent strip searches and was denied access to lawyers
She further alleged that another female detainee regularly entered her sleeping area and tried to touch her sexually, while rumours that male detainees would enter the female dormitory left her fearing sexual assault.
Mrs Demeritte also complained of inadequate food, denial of sanitary products, insect and snake infestations and a prolonged period without running water, during which toilets could not be flushed.
The defendants failed to file a defence, prompting the court to enter a default judgment against them in March 2023. The latest ruling dealt only with the assessment of damages.
The court rejected the government’s attempt to argue that Mrs Demeritte’s detention was lawful because she lacked travel documents after her passport was misplaced. Assistant Registrar Bellot ruled that liability had already been settled by the default judgment and could not be challenged during the damages hearing.
According to the judgment, Mrs Demeritte entered The Bahamas as a visitor in July 2018 and married a Bahamian later that month. She later applied for a Residential Spousal Permit, but the application was refused in February 2020.
In October 2020, she was seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident in Abaco and airlifted to New Providence for treatment. During her hospitalisation, her passport and other travel documents were misplaced.
On April 19, 2021, she
was arrested in Abaco and charged with overstaying. Three days later, she pleaded guilty and was fined $1,500, paying $1,300 towards the penalty.
Although she did not receive a custodial sentence, she remained in custody at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre.
Mrs Demeritte was held for 199 days before then-Supreme Court Justice Bernard Turner ordered her immediate release through a writ of habeas corpus on November 4, 2021. The court found she was held for another seven hours after that order before being released.
During the damages hearing, Mrs Demeritte testified that she endured degrading and inhumane conditions throughout her detention.
She said she was first held in an Abaco jail cell with men and women, without hygiene products or proper restroom facilities, forcing her to urinate on herself. She said she was transferred to New Providence on a commercial flight after four days wearing the same soiled clothes in which she had been arrested.
At the Carmichael Road Detention Centre, she said she lived in constant fear as officers verbally abused detainees, mocked them and threatened to send her to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.
After her release, Mrs Demeritte said she suffered another devastating loss when she was denied entry into The Bahamas after her husband died in a traffic accident in November 2022, preventing her from attending his funeral.
The defendants called only one witness, former Chief Immigration Officer Vonetta Flowers-Darling, who denied insulting Mrs Demeritte and testified generally about detention centre procedures.
However, Assistant Registrar Bellot found Mrs Demeritte to be the more credible witness and accepted her evidence about her treatment and the conditions of her detention.
In assessing damages, the court considered the length of Mrs Demeritte’s detention, the loss of her liberty and the degrading conditions she endured. The ruling said damages for false imprisonment should not be calculated by a strict mathematical formula, but should reflect the overall impact of the unlawful detention.
The court declined to award separate damages for aggravated damages, assault, battery, vindicatory damages or breaches of constitutional rights, finding those claims would either duplicate the compensation already awarded or were unsupported by the evidence. Instead, the court awarded $50,000 in exemplary damages to punish what it described as oppressive, arbitrary and unconstitutional conduct by state officials and to deter similar conduct in the future.
In addition to damages, the government was ordered to pay Mrs Demeritte $15,000 in legal costs for obtaining the default judgment and the assessment hearing, along with another $3,000 for costs arising from an adjournment requested by the defendants.
“On the international stage? Oh wow,” one social media user wrote.
Another wrote: “They so use to physically abusing people, they can’t help themselves. Too emotional to be police, alot a them like this.”
A third wrote: “Unacceptable. A senior officer at that. He is already seemingly not a
OFFICER seen slapping man in the stands at a FIBA match after police respond to an altercation at the event yesterday.
Photo: Chappell Whyms Jr
COURT
Father builds tombs for Shirley Street crash victims
know, sit down or drop a rose and be able to know exactly where she is on her birthday or some days I just might want to come and say hello.”
Stania, 19, and Diamond, 17, were among five teenagers killed on June 28th in the deadliest traffic accident in The Bahamas in at least 20 years
The crash also killed Keno Gordon Jr, 19; Bertrica Brown, 18; and Evalena Johnson, 19; Bianca Mathurin and Shawn Thurston, 21, remain in hospital recovering from their injuries.
Marcus Thacker Jr, the 19-year-old driver, has been charged with five counts of vehicular manslaughter.
Mr Webb said his daughter and Diamond grew up as best friends on Cat Island. Although Stania graduated from high school a year or two before Diamond, their friendship endured.
“Every time she comes back from college, she would come and go by Diamond and spend a week or two with her. They would just chill and enjoy each other company,” he said.
“I guess the same token, they died together, so you want to bury them side by side. So, I’m building two mausoleums next to each other.”
Mr Webb said he woke up yesterday with a new design for the mausoleums after initially envisioning something different. The layout will place one mausoleum on the left and the other on the right, with a flower garden between them.
Although he is grieving his daughter’s death, Mr Webb said his four surviving sons have helped him press ahead with the work. His older sons, Teran, 25, and Ashstan, 21, have been
helping him build the burial site.
He said the wider community has also rallied around the family.
“The community at large is actually reaching out, bringing drinks, bringing food, coming along and mixing cement,” he said.
“Everybody is just jumping on board.”
Stania and Diamond are expected to be buried on July 25. Their bodies will be flown to Cat Island the day before the funeral.
A memorial service will be held in New Providence on July 16 for those unable to attend the Cat Island burial.
Mr Webb said he understands that Bertrica’s family will also hold a funeral service for her in New Providence that day before her body is transported to Abaco.
Mr Webb said there were reports circulating in Nassau that people were asking for money on the streets to help support the family. He stressed this was nothing to do with him and he had asked for nothing.
“We want the public at large to know that we didn’t authorise anybody to go on our behalf and ask for anything.”
He said the volunteers who had come to help in Cat Island had done so out of the kindness of their hearts and he wanted to thank each and every one of them.
Attorney General Wayne Munroe told reporters yesterday that prison sentences are typically imposed when multiple people die as a result of dangerous driving. He cited a Grand Bahama case in which a young man who was speeding drove off the road and killed three people in the vehicle. The man was sentenced to 18 months in prison, a decision upheld by the Court of Appeal.
PMH Accident and Emergency now fully operational, says Darville
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter
HEALTH and Well-
ness Minister Dr Michael Darville said the newly renovated Accident and Emergency Department at Princess Margaret Hospital is now fully operational, marking the latest development in a long-delayed project that began in 2019 and repeatedly missed completion targets.
Dr Darville said the transfer and phased approach for full occupancy of the renovated department have been completed.
“Our emergency medical doctors have finalised the pediatric component, all of the lifesaving components, and we're moving those patients that are currently in that space that needs immediate renovation so that we can continue collaboration exercises there, but the project is complete,” he said.
The A&E renovation project began in 2019 under the Minnis administration, when Dr Duane Sands served as health minister before stepping down in 2020.
Since taking office in 2021, Dr Darville has given several completion dates, with the timeline revised multiple times.
In January, he told reporters that after renovations were completed in December 2025, the department would be fully occupied within six weeks through a phased approach after bedding and equipment for the renovated A&E arrived in the country.
In March, he revealed that the project had exceeded its budget by millions of dollars.
The renovation followed years of public criticism over conditions at PMH across several departments.
Dr Darville also said renovations are underway
at 52 clinics across The Bahamas as the government continues upgrading healthcare facilities.
He singled out the Baillou Hill Road Clinic, saying the contractor is doing an “excellent job” and the project should “come in before schedule”. He said work on the roof has progressed and the public should expect more progress on the windows and interior.
Dr Darville said the clinic will help ease pressure on PMH because of its proximity to the hospital.
“It's going to be a very important asset for the Department of Public Health,” he said. “It's close proximity to the Princess Margaret Hospital will divert a lot of the urgent care traffic that's presently at the accident emergency towards that facility, and it will help us manage the overflow that currently exists at Princess Margaret Hospital.”
STANIEL WEBB, father of Stania and godfather of Diamond Stubbs, receives help from Cat Island community to build mausoleums for the two girls who died in tragic car crash on June 28th, along with three others. Photo (below): Yontalay Bowe-Kirkendall
MINISTER OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS DR MICHAEL DARVILLE
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Our treatment of animals tests our moral character
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
The quote above is famously credited to Gandhi – although there is no certain evidence that he ever actually said those words. Whoever truly did say them, the merit of the words remains the same. It is simple. A nation might lead the world in power, in money, in economics, in military might, in a thousand different measures – but if it does not protect its most vulnerable, its most defenceless, then it has no heart. It has no moral ground to stand upon.
In a horrific story, an eight-monthold dog was found inside an abandoned washing machine on Sunday – its life saved only by a twist of circumstance.
The power outage that hit the majority of New Providence led to a Seabreeze resident sitting outside her home during the blackout. She heard a whimpering sound, the sound of an animal in distress, and said to her daughter they should go and investigate.
Following the sounds, they drove to the bush area and found the abandoned washing machine. The crying had stopped, but when they turned off the car engine, they could hear a weak whimper.
For this dog, it seems there might be a happy ending. It was saved. A team from the Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness (BAARK) collected the dog and took her to safety. The Bahamas Humane Society also visited to check the animal. She has been lucky to survive. A foster home will be found. It could have ended very differently.
How the dog came to be there is another matter. It had been roaming the area in recent weeks and being fed by nearby residents, but no one knew who owned her. Had someone trapped her there deliberately? That is certainly a fear. The vice president of BAARK, Lissa McCombe, called the incident a “despicable crime”.
It would be wonderful if we could pretend that this is the only example of animal cruelty in our society. It is not. Far from it.
Every day, we see dogs roaming our streets. Every day, we see animals that have been injured, limping along. Over and over again, we see some of those dogs heavily pregnant or being followed by puppies through traffic or desperately scavenging for food.
The extreme nature of this latest incident is heartbreaking. It is infuriating. But let us not begin to think that this is anything more than just another
example of the routine mistreatment of animals that takes place in our society.
We have heard many stories of drivers deliberately trying to hit animals on the road. The caring workers at both BAARK and the Humane Society can tell you plenty of horror stories about dogs being left chained in the heat or with inadequate water, or routinely being beaten by owners who are supposed to be the ones who care for them.
Time and again, we have heard from visitors to The Bahamas who adore our beautiful seas, admire our remarkable beaches but then question how it can be that so many dogs are left to roam, are left to suffer, are left to die.
We talk of being a Christian nation, but how often do we respect the words in the Bible, such as when Proverbs tells us that “a righteous man cares about his animal’s health”, or the Catholic catechism’s call to show kindness to the world’s creatures?
Both BAARK and the Humane Society – and respective organisations on other islands too – have led efforts to neuter animals to prevent stray pets breeding with more stray pets to keep adding to the number of animals on our streets. They have received support from certain sectors of our society, but not across the board. This should be a problem that can be solved. We only have so many streets. We have laws over animal ownership that never seem to get enforced, to ensure owners secure their pets properly and pay for licences where they are required.
This horrific story is one that makes us all gasp in shock, but it is only the likely end outcome for too many animals on our streets, left to starve or die in fear and pain and suffering.
Well done to those who cared. Well done for going to look and help. Well done to those who came when called to support and give that dog a chance even when it had been abandoned and left with none.
But each of us in our own neighbourhoods should be asking our own questions about those other stray animals who could be in just as much suffering tomorrow.
If we truly want to show the strength of our moral character as a nation, the measuring bar has been set. How do we treat our animals? How do we treat our most vulnerable?
If we answer that honestly, then our response is an uncomfortable one. We can, and should, do better.
BTC failing Family Islands
EDITOR, The Tribune.
HERE on one of our Family Islands, it appears that BTC is closing up shop. For months now, our cell phone service, landline service, data and internet service have been nonexistent. If one needs to call the police, you have to know someone with WhatsApp who is near a Starlink connection. The police station no longer has a phone.
I have received two months of “0” balance on my BTC bill. Perhaps, BTC has no intention of continuing to provide service to its Bahamian customers. Yesterday I received the following from customerservice@BTCbahamas. com “We are currently experiencing service interruptions affecting our mobile, landline,
internet, and TV services. Our Technical Team is actively investigating the issue and working diligently to restore services as quickly as possible.” This is a joke, as these complete failures in providing essential services to The Bahamas have gone on for months now. My concerns about poor BTC service have been documented for years. Yesterday, I received a notice from Road Traffic that they are going “cashless”. While the world moves ahead, we here in The Bahamas are watching our infrastructure crumble. Those who fostered and facilitated the sale of BTC, for their own and family members benefit should be held to account for the serious sellout of their country and fellow citizens. The lawyers and
The nation we ought to be begins with us
EDITOR, The Tribune.
An Open Letter to the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas
DEAR Prime Minister Davis,
AS our nation prepares to celebrate 53 years of Independence, I join countless Bahamians in giving thanks for the blessings bestowed upon our country. We have much to celebrate: a resilient people, breathtaking natural beauty, a rich cultural heritage, and a democracy that has endured through generations.
I also wish to acknowledge that your administration has led the country through a period of economic recovery following one of the most difficult chapters in our history. Tourism has rebounded, fiscal indicators have improved, and there have been efforts to attract investment and create opportunities for Bahamians. These are meaningful accomplishments, and they deserve recognition.
Yet Independence is a time for reflection that calls us to ask how far we have come, and also consider how much farther we must go.
Patriotism is an honest love for one’s country, a love that is willing to confront uncomfortable truths because it believes the nation can be better.
Prime Minister, I believe we can be better.
A simple drive through many parts of New Providence reveals a troubling reality. Litter lines our streets. Public spaces are neglected. Graffiti stains buildings. Overgrown lots remain untouched. Walk through downtown Nassau, the historic heart of our capital, and you will encounter derelict buildings, dirty sidewalks, unpleasant odors, and an environment that does not reflect the dignity of an independent nation that welcomes visitors from around the world.
The condition of our surroundings reflects the standards we accept for ourselves. National pride is demonstrated by waving our flag and enjoying Independence celebrations yes, but also by ensuring that our communities reflect the respect we have for our country every day of the year. Our transportation system also deserves urgent attention.
There is an increasing number of vehicles on our roads. Many Bahamians feel they have little practical alternatives because public transportation remains unreliable. The current jitney system has served our country for decades, but it is evident that meaningful reform is overdue.
Too often, commuters experience inconsistent schedules, overcrowding, unsafe driving practices, and uncertainty about when transportation will arrive. A modern nation should provide a public transportation system that is dependable, safe, professionally managed, and predictable. Citizens should be able to plan their day with confidence, knowing that public transportation operates on established routes and published timetables.
Such improvements would reduce traffic congestion, improve road safety, lessen transportation costs for families, and contribute to a higher quality of life for everyone. Equally pressing is the issue of energy.
Recent weeks have brought repeated power outages, not only in New Providence but throughout several Family Islands. At a time when health officials warn of increasingly dangerous heat conditions, reliable electricity is no longer merely a convenience. It is essential for public health, education, business continuity, healthcare, and national development.
Families cannot comfortably remain in their homes. Students cannot consistently study. Businesses cannot confidently operate. Investors cannot fully embrace a country where reliable energy remains uncertain.
The Bahamas cannot build a twenty-first-century economy while relying on twentieth-century infrastructure.
Prime Minister, these concerns are not presented to assign blame. They are raised because they affect every Bahamian, regardless of political affiliation, economic status, or island of residence.
As your Government considers additional taxes, increased fees, and other revenue measures, I respectfully ask that equal urgency be placed on improving the services those revenues are intended to support.
Citizens are generally willing to contribute when they can clearly see that their contributions are producing cleaner communities, stronger infrastructure, safer transportation, dependable utilities, and more efficient public services.
Confidence is built through visible results.
Yet this letter is not solely for you.
Nation-building cannot rest upon the shoulders of
one Prime Minister or one administration alone. It belongs to every Cabinet Minister entrusted with public office, every Member of Parliament, regardless of political party, every public servant who serves the Bahamian people, every business owner who maintains his or her property with pride, every church, civic organization, community leader, teacher, parent, and citizen.
Each of us has a role to play.
If we throw litter onto our streets, we diminish our country. If we vandalize public property, we diminish our country. If we ignore disorder because “someone else will fix it,” we diminish our country.
When we take responsibility for our neighborhoods, obey our laws, respect public spaces, support local businesses, and demand excellence from ourselves as much as we demand it from our leaders, we strengthen our nation.
As we celebrate 53 years as an independent nation, let us move beyond speeches and ceremonies. Let us recommit ourselves to building a Bahamas that reflects the greatness we so often proclaim.
A Bahamas where our streets are clean.
Where our downtown inspires pride instead of disappointment.
Where reliable public transportation provides opportunity.
Where dependable electricity supports growth and innovation.
Where laws are respected and fairly enforced.
Where government serves efficiently and citizens participate responsibly.
Prime Minister, I believe every Bahamian, regardless of political persuasion, wants the same thing and that is a country that works, a country that is respected, and a country that our children will be proud to inherit.
That is the Bahamas we ought to be.
As we celebrate another Independence, may we find the courage to move forward, upward and onward together to improve our country.
This Independence, I challenge every Bahamian to adopt one street, one park, one neighborhood, one school, or one community project and commit to leaving it better than we found it or to make one change in our actions that would benefit our beloved Bahamaland.
Nation-building begins with us.
A Concerned Bahamian.
DUQUESA D DEAN Nassau, July 5, 2026.
Country must change its view of women
EDITOR, The Tribune. HEINOUS and despicable crimes against women will continue until more men and women reject the misogynistic belief that women are somehow less than fully human.
politicians who were so greedy that they gave away the only cash cow this country had left can only be considered treasonous.
This latest election, whereby the sorry PLP, was put back into power after their wholesale wanton administration-wide greed and total dishonesty could very well be the nail in the coffin for the future of this country. BTC is only one glaring example of the rot that has permeated Parliament. No wonder educated, honest and bright kids are fleeing this country. We have given them no choice. Never quit complaining. Jesus was not hung on the cross for remaining silent.
PORCUPINE Nassau, July 2, 2026.
When we elevate women, we elevate families, communities, and ultimately the nation itself. History repeatedly demonstrates that societies with a diminished view of women experience social and economic decline, while those that value, protect, and empower women flourish.
Even in the time of Jesus, prevailing cultural and religious customs often restricted women’s participation and relegated them to the margins of religious life. Many men even gave thanks that they had been born male. Yet Jesus
consistently challenged these attitudes by affirming the dignity, worth, and value of women in ways that were revolutionary for His day.
Jesus’ ministry was remarkable because He treated women with a dignity that often stood in sharp contrast to the customs of His time. He spoke openly with women, welcomed them as His disciples, healed them publicly, received their devotion, and entrusted women with proclaiming the news of His resurrection. In doing so, He demonstrated that women bear the image of God equally with men and are deserving of honor, respect, protection, and opportunity.
Sadly, on a subconscious level, too many people still view women as somehow less deserving of
dignity, respect, and protection. Such thinking creates an environment in which abuse, violence, and exploitation are tolerated or minimised.
This mindset is both morally wrong and contrary to the heart of God. Every woman bears the image of the Creator and possesses inherent worth and dignity. Until we fundamentally change how we view women—not merely in our words but in our attitudes, our homes, our institutions, and our laws—we will continue to witness these tragic acts of violence.
This ungodly way of thinking must change.
In His Service, Simeon B Hall
SIMEON B HALL Nassau, July 6, 2026.
Coleby-Davis says old grid no excuse for BPL blackout
By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter
jrussell@tribunemedia.net
ENERGY, Utilities and Aviation Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis said New Providence’s ageing electricity infrastructure does not excuse the hardship residents, businesses and medical facilities suffered during Sunday’s massive power outages, as Bahamas Power and Light’s board ordered a sweeping review of the failure triggered by a lightning strike at the Blue Hills Power Station.
The strike caused an explosion at the station and damaged a critical point between electricity generation and the transmission network, knocking out power across much of New Providence.
Although generation remained available, BPL’s
board said the damage prevented electricity from being safely transferred from the power station to the grid, causing the outages.
Mrs Coleby-Davis said BPL’s technical teams worked through Sunday and into the early hours of Monday to restore service and stabilise the system. She said she remained in close contact with BPL’s leadership and technical personnel as restoration efforts continued.
“My immediate priority was to ensure that every available resource was directed toward restoring power safely and as quickly as possible,” she said in a statement yesterday. She said restoration efforts during a major outage must be matched by stronger public communication.
“I also recognise that, during an event of this scale, restoration must be matched by clear and consistent communication. When residents are without electricity, public information becomes part of the response. I have made clear to BPL that updates during major service disruptions must be faster, clearer, and more regular,” she said.
Mrs Coleby-Davis said Bahamians are entitled to question why the outage had such a wide impact, why the system remains vulnerable and what is being done to strengthen the grid. She said residents and businesses want to know when electricity service will become more reliable.
“These questions deserve answers,” she said.
The minister said the Davis administration has
been working to strengthen the energy sector through improvements to generation, transmission, grid stability, renewable energy integration and long-term system resilience. She said the goal is to deliver a more reliable, stable and affordable electricity system for The Bahamas.
She said the electricity system remains under pressure from high demand, extreme heat, severe weather and ageing infrastructure.
“These pressures do not excuse the hardship experienced by the public. They confirm the urgency of the reforms now underway,” she said.
Mrs Coleby-Davis also addressed complaints from customers about damage to appliances and equipment after the outages and the restoration of power. She
said she has directed BPL to provide public guidance on how people can report such matters and have them reviewed. “I thank the engineers, line workers, control room operators, technical staff, and leadership of Bahamas Power and Light, Bahamas Grid Company, and Grand Bahama Power for their work during this difficult period. Many worked long hours under demanding conditions to restore and stabilize the system,” she said.
In a separate statement,
BPL’s Board of Directors acknowledged the hardship customers faced and said it directed management to conduct a comprehensive post-incident review.
The board said the review will identify lessons learned and recommend improvements to physical
protection systems, operational procedures, restoration strategies, network sectionalising, grid resilience and restoration efforts after major disturbances.
The board described the lightning strike as extraordinary, saying its force caused extensive damage at a critical point in the Blue Hills Power Station.
“Events like this are extremely rare,” the board said. “BPL’s power stations include grounding systems and lightning protection to safeguard critical infrastructure. However, no system can guarantee protection from every extreme natural event, especially one of this magnitude at a critical network point. Although this incident was extraordinary, it presents an opportunity to improve.”
Mother denies son sexually assaulted 14-year-old girl
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
THE mother of a man accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in 2024 denied her son committed the acts yesterday.
Shantell Dean testified in the trial of her son, Tremiko Dean, 27, who is charged with two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse
before Justice Jeannine Weech-Gomez. Dean, a bus driver, is accused of having unlawful sexual intercourse with the 14-year-old twice between January 2, 2024, and March 10, 2024, in New Providence. One of the alleged assaults reportedly took place at one of the defendant’s residences, while another allegedly occurred in a bus parked at a gas station.
A medical report said the complainant was admitted to hospital on March 11, 2024, and treated with antiretrovirals.
The complainant’s mother previously testified that her daughter remained in hospital for three months. She also claimed the child had a vaginal infection, to her knowledge.
Ms Dean said the complainant regularly visited her
Two remanded after armed carjacking on Grace Avenue
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
TWO males accused of an armed carjacking on Grace Avenue last week were remanded earlier this week.
Prosecutors allege Nathan Bien-Aime, 21, and a 16-year-old boy, whose name is being withheld because he is a minor, robbed Gensel Nicholas at gunpoint of his silver 2011 Honda Fit while he was sitting outside a friend’s residence around 9pm on June 29. The suspects were
reportedly on a motorcycle before the robbery. They allegedly demanded cash from the complainant, who told them he had none. Later that same day, police allegedly found Kaden Farrington, 21, with the stolen vehicle.
Farrington pleaded not guilty to receiving, while Bien-Aime and the juvenile were not required to enter pleas to armed robbery before acting Chief Magistrate Ancella Evans. Bien-Aime and the juvenile were told their matter would proceed to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of
indictment. They were also informed of their right to apply for bail in the Supreme Court.
Bien-Aime was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services, while the juvenile was remanded to the Simpson Penn Centre for Boys. Farrington was granted $5,000 bail with one or two sureties.
Bien-Aime and the juvenile return for service of their VBIs on October 22. Farrington’s receiving trial begins on the same date.
Inspector Deon Barr was the prosecutor.
16-year-old boy remanded over 38 rounds of ammunition
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A 16- YEAR-OLD boy accused of having 38 rounds of ammunition was remanded yesterday.
home in January 2024 and had started sleeping there occasionally by February. She said the girl was in her care during those visits and that she sometimes picked her up.
Ms Dean claimed the complainant stayed in her room during her visits and did not bother with the other children in the house.
She said the complainant was always in her sight during the visits.
Ms Dean denied the prosecution’s allegation that the complainant and her son were alone in a bedroom.
The prosecutor asked Ms Dean whether she got into an altercation with someone outside court on a previous day of testimony. Justice Weech-Gomez objected to the question and told the witness she did not have to answer it.
Ms Dean said that on the night of March 10, 2024, she
was sick and was woken by the complainant sometime after 11pm. She said she did not know how the girl got there, but claimed the complainant told her she wanted to speak to her about another girl. Ms Dean said she only found out another girl was also in the house after she went into the living room. She recalled calling the complainant’s mother to pick up both girls.
Ms Dean claimed the two girls slept in the bus that night. She said that if she had known that at the time, she would have allowed them to sleep in her living room until she could give them a ride in the morning. The prosecution questioned whether Ms Dean truly cared for the girl, given her actions that night.
The prosecution suggested that the same way Ms Dean did not pay attention to the
girl that night was the same way her son allegedly had sex with the minor in her home that January, an allegation Ms Dean strongly denied.
Ms Dean said she knew the girls got home that morning because Tremiko dropped them off. The prosecution told Ms Dean that earlier that night, Tremiko and the complainant stopped at Esso Gas Station. Ms Dean said she could not say what happened on the bus because she was not there.
When asked by the jury why the teenage complainant visited her house every weekend, Ms Dean claimed the girl was having problems at home and that she tried to comfort and care for her.
Shaneka Carey and Betty Wilson are prosecuting the case. Moses Bain represented Dean.
The defendant was denied bail and remanded to the Simpson Penn Centre for Boys. He was allowed a moment with a relative in court before his remand.
He returns for trial on September 30.
Prosecutors allege the teenager, whose name is being withheld because he is a minor, was found with 29 .45 rounds and nine 9mm rounds in New Providence on June 30. He denied charges of possession of ammunition with intent to supply and possession of ammunition before Senior Magistrate Algernon Allen Jr. The accused was arraigned in the presence of his guardian. Sergeant 3004 Forbes objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the offence and the prevalence of firearm-related crimes.
Suspect accused in firearm assault granted $7,000 bail
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A MAN accused of a firearm assault in New Providence last week was granted bail yesterday.
Prosecutors allege Ivan Strachan, 34, endangered the life of Travis Weise with a handgun on July 1. After electing to have his matter proceed before the Magistrate’s Court, Strachan pleaded not guilty to possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life before acting Chief Magistrate Ancella Evans. Inspector Deon Barr, the prosecutor, did not object to bail.
Strachan was granted $7,000 bail with one or two sureties. He must obey a 10pm to 5am curfew and sign in at the East Street South Police Station every Thursday by 9pm.
Strachan returns for trial on October 26.
Ian Cargill represented him.
Man transferred to Sandilands following suicide attempt
A 40-YEAR-OLD man allegedly attempted suicide on Dean Street on Monday night.
Police said shortly after 10pm, officers were alerted by the man’s sister, who reported that he had sustained a minor laceration to his neck with a sharp object.
The investigation revealed that the man has a history of similar self-inflicted injuries and had previously received treatment at the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre. The man was transported to hospital, where he received medical treatment.
Police said attending physicians determined that the injury was superficial and not life-threatening.
Following his medical assessment, arrangements were made to transfer him to the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre for further evaluation and treatment.
Fifty-three years of independence Alicia Wallace . .
IN TWO days, The Bahamas will recognize 53 years of independence. While July 10th is regarded as the birthday of the country, there is usually empty fanfare with little indication of the achievements made since 1973 that are worth celebrating.
A theoretically independent country, The Bahamas continues to hold tight to markers of British colonialism and US imperialism, with successive government administrations that have made a habit of writhing away when there are calls for change. They have continued to cling to systems and practices that do not serve the people, but that privilege the few who hoard wealth and hold seats of decision-making power.
The list of what ails our “modern” country is long:
· The roads are riddled with potholes that become even more treacherous when it rains and undressing flooding conceals them, causing considerable damage to vehicles and cost to drivers.
· Traffic lights stop working and are without repair for extended periods of time.
· Accidents block traffic, sometimes for hours, when law-abiding drivers wait for traffic police to show up.
· There is nowhere to go when emergency vehicles blare their horns, trying to make their way through the lanes of traffic that are constrained by ill-advised medians.
· Driving at night is a game of chance on dark roads with little to no lighting, forcing people to turn on their bright lights, often failing to dim them as a courtesy to oncoming traffic, decreasing visibility.
Is this the road to 60?
In The Bahamas, in the year 2026, we cannot plan with confidence. We cannot fully, enthusiastically embrace technology. We cannot confidently invest in household appliances or commercial equipment. We cannot count on the air conditioning units we splurge on to keep us cool on the hottest of days. We cannot look forward to a family movie night in. We cannot promise the children in our lives an evening of gaming together. We cannot keep the lights on.
Every aspect of our lives is affected by the infuriating fact that we do not know--from one day to the next, or even one minute to the next--if the electricity will be on. We are told over and over again of the “temporary disruption in power supply,” “emergency overhead repairs,” and the various fires, lightning strikes, and other events that stop washing machines, end Zoom meetings, ruin expensive electronics, and prevent dialysis treatment, among other inconveniences and dangers.
It’s absurd, irresponsible, and unconscionable to expect every household and business to invest in its own generator, purchase the fuel required to run it, and be consistent in maintenance, all to ensure there is adequate lighting, running
. and where are we now?
water, communication, temperature control, and
literally and figuratively, in the dark.
agriculture, work together as a team, and resource the
medical care.
Pregnant people are already struggling to manage the changes in their bodies as the temperature rises during the summer months. People taking care of babies try to keep them healthy and comfortable, preventing skin conditions, colds, and other ailments. People going through menopause are trying to regulate their body temperatures as symptoms appear and change in intensity without warning. Elderly people are experiencing a heat they never imagined was possible, many of them dependent on family members or caregivers for support. People who are ill may have heat intolerance that is overlooked and they may not even be able to communicate their discomfort. No one is enjoying the heat that is intensified and unmitigated when the electricity is off. And some suffer much more than others.
Less than one month ago, Minister of Energy and Transport JoBeth Coleby-Davis confidently stated that BPL had the capacity to meet the summer demand for electricity. Members of the public were, of course, skeptical. We have heard this before, and we have suffered the consequences of long-term reliance on subpar equipment and the complete failure to bring energy reform. Blackouts come our way even without heavy rain, lightning, and wind. The sun can shine its brightest and there could be no clouds in the sky. Still, there is no guarantee that the refrigerator and its contents are safe.
There is general confusion about the roles of the different entities involved in the provision of electricity. Why does BPL tell the public that BGC is working on restoration? What is the deal with Pike? No one seems to know. The truth of the matter may be that the public does not actually care, as long as we receive the service for which we pay, often exorbitant amounts. Despite the high bills, the questions, and the blazing sun, we remain,
As the energy crisis continues, we look to Members of Parliament to speak up as our representatives. At this time, as with many others, we wonder aloud, “What are they there for?”
In particular, there is concern about the number of wealthy people in Parliament. What’s in it for them? Surely, if they wanted to contribute to the development of the nation, they could do so with their money. Do they not know what is needed? Given their finances, probably not! Are they incapable of asking us?
Given their social status, they’re probably not interested. That does not mean, however, that we cannot make it known.
What could millionaires and billionaires do to support national development without taking up space in parliament? Here are a few good places for the wealthy to put their money:
1. Provide land for the development of community gardens. Increase food security, teach new skills, create green spaces, and build community by making land available to grow food, flowers, and trees. People of all ages can participate in the planning, development, and maintenance of the garden, deciding what to grow and how to organize the work among themselves. It is an opportunity to learn about
By EILEEN NG Associated Press
dancers, and artists of other media to share their talent, inspire young people, entertain Bahamians, and bring life to the downtown area. Live music has proven to draw crowds. Open mic events have dedicated followings. Artists are always looking for opportunities to perform and, importantly, be paid. Center and prioritize Bahamians in all efforts to revitalize downtown Nassau and the energy it brings will attract tourists—and their money too. The key, however, is to do it for Bahamians and pay the artists for their work.
4. Fund Caribbean exchange programs. Expose Bahamians to other parts of the region and welcome Caribbean people to The Bahamas. We are in the same region and have shared history, yet there are differences in our infrastructure, cultural practices, political participation, social behavior, and ways of daily living that can only be experienced. We are at a disadvantage when we are deprived of opportunities to learn about one another and, by extension, deepening our understanding of ourselves.
5. Invest in public schools. Libraries, gymnasiums, science labs, technology integration, and swimming pools that are fit for purpose and properly maintained should be the
of the pressure to find safe housing. Perpetrators living in the dedicated facility can be monitored and kept away from the survivor until further legal action is taken.
7. Provide swimming lessons for all school-age children. Every student should learn to swim before leaving the school system. Further, every student should have the opportunity to earn lifeguard certification.
8. Offer research grants. There is always a need for data, and there is almost always a lack of data. There are people with the skills to fill the gap. Research, across the board, is underfunded. We could benefit from studies on gender-based violence, noncommunicable diseases, learning differences, small business survival, climate-related changes in landscape,
9. Fund study abroad programs for students at University of The Bahamas. Give young people the opportunity to experience life in another country. Expand their networks. Encourage exposure to different cultures. Increase the possibilities in the minds of the people who are creating the future. July 6 was Frida Kahlo’s birthday. Consider her words.
“I am convinced that I stand against counterrevolution, against imperialism, fascism, religion, stupidity, capitalism, and the full range of bourgeois tricks. I want to take part in the revolution to transform the world into a classless one, and to help bring about a better rhythm of life for the
community with a beautiful space and source of food.
2. Build solar farms to provide electricity in inner city communities. Expanding beyond rooftop solar panels for individual buildings, solar farms generate energy for wider distribution. The sun is shining every single day, and instead of just having our energy drained by it, we ought to make the best use of it as a source of energy, generating electricity in a sustainable way.
3. Develop a nightlife scene in downtown Nassau featuring local talent. Lights, music, seating, and vendors go a long way in bringing a place to life. Engage musicians, writers, storytellers, visual artists,
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — When Vietnamese athlete Nguyen Thanh Hien Linh stepped into her first virtual taekwondo competition in Singapore in 2024, she had little idea what she was doing.
"I was just kicking into the air," recalled the 21-yearold. Despite her background as an elite national taekwondo champion, she struggled in the virtual arena with no clue on strategy, skills or how the technology worked.
Two years later, she won a gold medal at a recent virtual taekwondo competition in Malaysia and was part of a growing community of the gamified combat sport across Southeast Asia.
Once unfamiliar and experimental, virtual taekwondo is now emerging as a structured competitive discipline. Co-developed by World Taekwondo and Singapore-based technology company Refract Technologies, it combines virtual reality technology with traditional taekwondo techniques to woo tech-savvy young athletes.
norm for all students. Every student should have access to mental health professionals, career counseling, and tools and methods to support their learning styles.
6. Build a secure facility to house perpetrators of domestic violence. There have been calls for more shelters for survivors of domestic violence for many years. Still, there are far too few shelters to meet the needs of women and children fleeing violent situations. While we have become accustomed to the displacement of survivors, it’s not the only way, nor is it the best way. We need to shift to the removal of perpetrators, enabling survivors to remain in their homes and relieving them
oppressed classes.”
To properly pave the road to 60, to live in the light, to direct resources to where they are most needed, we would have to dismantle systems that have become familiar (and confused with comfortable) for many, and sources of power for others. Kahlo named some of them, and there are others we know well. For what reason is the development that ought to accompany independence being delayed, and for whose benefit? To move beyond this sad state of affairs, we have to commit and follow through.
“Progress," they said. Let’s make progress what they do.
Competitors wear VR headsets that transport them into a digital 3D arena, and strap motion-tracking sensors on their spine, thighs and shins. They use their bodies to control digital avatars in noncontact virtual matches, where every fast and well-timed strike depletes the opponent's virtual health bar. Unlike conventional taekwondo where competitors are separated by age, weight and gender, virtual taekwondo places everyone in the same digital arena.
It was showcased at Singapore's Olympic Esports Week in 2023 and held its first World Championships in Singapore in 2024. This year, the sport will make its debut at the Asian Games in Japan, and it is expected to be included in the 2027 Southeast Asian Games in Malaysia.
Photo: Tribune file
Photo: Mikhail Nilov/pexels
Photo: Humanistagram/pexels
This high-tech ball was involved in one of the most dramatic moments in World Cup history
By JAMES ROBSON
ATLANTA (AP) — It is called connected ball technology. And it was responsible for one of the most dramatic climaxes to a World Cup match ever.
It canceled Croatia's late equalizer deep in added time against Portugal by detecting a touch that was undetectable to the naked eye and even video replays late Thursday. Portugal won 2-1 in Toronto and advanced to the round of 16, leaving Croatia players and fans devastated in the belief Josko Gvardiol's goal was wrongly called offside by the VAR and referee Espen Eskås.
FIFA is relying on a hightech soccer ball fitted with "advanced sensors" and insisted it got it right when determining Croatia's Igor Mantanovic got the slightest of glances with his head, meaning Mario Palasic was in an offside position during the buildup to the goal.
The in-ball sensors were so finely tuned, FIFA said, they were "capable of determining any slight contact ... allowing officials an unprecedented level of data to make fast, accurate decisions."
Here's the science bit
The official "Trionda" World Cup ball, manufactured by Adidas, is fitted with a "small inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor," which FIFA says operates at around 500Hz and captures data 500 times per second.
FIFA says it can track ball acceleration and granular movements in three dimensions and can detect the exact
moment a player makes contact.
The ball technology is combined with in-stadium cameras for tracking data that is transmitted in real time to video assistants.
As well as helping to determine offsides, the touch data can also be used for incidents such as handballs and penalties.
How reliable is it?
The reason the call was so contentious was because even slow motion replays from numerous angles were visually inconclusive that Mantanovic made contact with Ivan Perisic's in-swinging cross.
That is where reliance on the technology came in. Referee Eskås was instructed by the VAR to review the sideline monitor. Replays showed what FIFA calls a "heartbeat graphic" to indicate the moment the ball was touched and there was a clear spike as it apparently grazed Mantanovic's head.
"No matter how fast the ball is moving or the spin
of the ball, you can track it really effectively," The AP was told by professor Manos Tentzeris from Georgia Tech's school of electrical and computer engineering. "The position of the ball is 99.99% accurate ... you know exactly where the players are, even the tip of a shoe, which sometimes determines if someone is offside or onside."
FIFA also used connected ball technology at the 2022 World Cup, and it was deployed at the most recent men's European Championship in 2024.
Tests were carried out from 2020-22 and the technology trialed at tournaments such as the Arab Cup and the Club World Cup.
This is not the first time
The ball sensors also had a decisive impact at Euro 2024 by detecting Denmark's Joachim Andersen handled in the box against host Germany. After a VAR review a penalty was awarded and Kai Havertz scored and Germany won 2-0.
"In my opinion this is not how football is supposed to be," Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand said after his team also had a goal ruled out by VAR.
Those sentiments were echoed by Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić after his team's painful exit.
"All these decisions take the joy out of football," he said.
Microsoft cuts 4,800 jobs, including many at Xbox in a 'reset' of its gaming division
REDMOND, Wash. (AP) — Microsoft is cutting 4,800 jobs, about 2.1% of its global workforce, including a large number of workers at its Xbox video game business.
The layoffs included 1,600 Xbox workers, with more to come this year in a broader reorganization designed to “reset” Xbox as it faces heightened competition, the company said Monday.
“Our business today is not healthy,” said a memo from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, who took over the gaming division earlier this year. “We are operating at margins that are 3-10x lower than comparable platform and publishing businesses.”
Sharma said the industry, in which Xbox competes with Sony's PlayStation and Nintendo's Switch, is facing a severe “hardware crisis” as costs soar for console components.
Beyond the layoffs announced Monday, Sharma said Xbox expects another 1,600 job cuts over the course of the fiscal year that began last week. The company is also spinning off four video game development studios previously acquired by Microsoft.
Supreme Court won't block Texas from enforcing age verification for app downloads
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to block Texas from enforcing a state law that requires apps stores to verify users' ages and obtain parental consent for minors seeking to download apps or make in-app purchases on mobile phones.
Justice Samuel Alito, in a pair of one-sentence orders, denied petitions by plaintiffs who claim that the Texas App Store Accountability Act violates users' constitutional rights to free speech.
Last month, a three-judge panel from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the law can take effect. The panel suspended a district court's ruling last December that the law is unconstitutional. The plaintiffs suing to block the law include the Computer & Communications Industry Association and Students Engaged in Advancing Texas. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is a defendant in both cases. Plaintiffs' lawyers argued that the law impermissibly seeks to limit access to content protected by the First Amendment, including news and educational material.
AOL's owner, Bending Spoons, hits Wall Street with $1.7 billion IPO
By DAMIAN J. TROISE AP Business Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — The owner of AOL and other tech businesses hit Wall Street with a $1.7 billion initial public offering Wednesday. Bending Spoons priced 58 million shares at $29 apiece. The company is getting $1 billion in proceeds, while the rest is going to shareholders. The stock surged 39.7% in its first day of trading under the symbol “BSP” on the Nasdaq, giving it a market value of $25.2 billion. Among the company's well-known holdings are the event creation and ticketing company Eventbrite, and the video hosting service Vimeo. AOL, formerly America Online, is a more recent acquisition for the company. The email and search engine service dates back to the dawn of the internet age.
AOL itself went public in 1992 and was a vanguard of technology and communication. It reached a market value of $164 billion in 2000 shortly before merging with Time Warner. It then crashed along with the rest of the industry following the bursting of the dot-com bubble. It has been bought and sold several times over the last two decades.
Trump administration lifts restrictions on Anthropic's Claude models after security alarm
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Trump administration has lifted restrictions on artificial intelligence company Anthropic's latest versions of its Claude chatbot, ending a weekslong ban tied to cybersecurity concerns. Anthropic said Tuesday night that its AI model called Claude Fable 5 is now widely available. It's also restoring access to its most powerful model, Mythos 5, but only to a select group of U.S.-based organizations approved by the federal government.
AP Soccer Writer
PORTUGAL’s Cristiano Ronaldo (7) watches as Croatia’s Nikola Vlasic (13) heads the ball during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Portugal and Croatia in Toronto, Thursday, July 2, 2026.
Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP
Croatia’s Luka Modric (10) reacts after losing to Portugal in a World Cup round of 32 soccer match, in Toronto on Thursday, July 2, 2026.
Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP
Who Governs China?
SINCE I came to The Bahamas almost two years ago, I have often been asked by local friends: How does China, a country with over 1.4 billion people, a land area of more than 9.6 million square kilometers, and 56 ethnic groups, stay stable and keep growing so quickly? I take the question in short: who governs China?
This question is especially important as July 1 marks the 105th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the ruling party. To understand China’s progress over recent decades, we must understand the CPC. It has been the key force shaping the country’s path and governance. Political parties influence policy everywhere, in China and in The Bahamas. When the CPC was founded in 1921, China had many political parties and tried different systems, including constitutional monarchy, parliamentary democracy, multi-party politics, and presidential rule. None of
these stopped the country from being divided, invaded, or poor. It was CPC that brought the Chinese people together, ended the old semi-colonial and semi-feudal society, and founded the People’s Republic of China in 1949. This allowed the Chinese people to become masters of their own country.
Since then, the CPC has been China’s ruling party. This is the choice of history and the Chinese people. Research by Harvard University has long found that 90% of Chinese people are satisfied with their government—one of the highest rates in the world. So, to understand China today, we need to know the CPC: its role, its beliefs, and its principles.
Putting People First
One key feature of China’s governance is that it puts the people first. An old Chinese saying goes, “Water can carry a boat, but it can also overturn it.” This means that any government’s future depends on people’s support. Throughout its history, the CPC has sought to place people’s interests at the center of national development. At its core, China’s development is about making daily life better. It means children get better education, the elderly have better healthcare, families live in nicer homes, travel becomes easier, and young
people have more chances to achieve their dreams.
The results are clear. Since reform and opening up began, over 800 million Chinese people have been lifted out of poverty. According to the World Bank, China accounts for more than 70% of global poverty reduction in that time. Today, over 60% of young people enter higher education, average life expectancy is about 79 years, and basic medical insurance covers over 1.3 billion people.
These improvements show in everyday life. People enjoy healthier and more varied diets, live in better homes, and enjoy one of the world’s best transport systems. All this has made people feel more fulfilled, happy, and secure.
Long-Term Planning
Another key feature is China’s ability to pursue long-term goals steadily. In many countries, big projects or policies often change when governments change. In China, long-term political stability allows national plans to be carried out consistently, while also being updated to meet new needs.
China has completed 14 Five-Year Plans and is now starting the 15th. Each plan builds on the last, ensuring continuity while adapting to new challenges. This longterm approach has turned national goals into real results.
Today, China is the world’s second-largest economy. Its manufacturing has been number one globally for 15 years. China has over 48,000 kilometers of high-speed rail and over 190,000 kilometers
Why losing weight isn't just about counting calories — and what to do about it
By J.M. HIRSCH Associated Press
BOSTON (AP) — When it comes to losing weight, it turns out the simple math of counting calories doesn't always add up.
Fad diets come and go, but the underlying message almost always follows a simple equation. If you consume fewer calories than you burn, the weight will melt away. In principle, it's true. And counting calories can be a useful tool for managing weight. But it only works if you know what numbers you're counting. And what's been billed as basic math can sometimes look more like Einstein's theory of relativity. That's because a complex web of factors influences how or even if our bodies process calories. And it turns out diet quality is just as important as quantity, and possibly more.
"Different foods have very different effects on the brain, liver, fat cells, muscle function, pancreas and all organs related to metabolism and body weight," said Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, a cardiologist and director of the Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University.
Counting calories could burn you
A calorie is the unit of energy used to count what the body can get from carbohydrates, proteins and fats. That sounds simple, but the complexity of counting calories went mainstream recently, when a lawsuit accused the maker of David protein bars of affixing labels that misrepresent how many calories and how much fat the products contain. The lawsuit has since been dropped.
The allegations were based on an analysis of the bars using bomb calorimetry, which measures calories by burning food and calculating the amount of heat released,
a method that counts every potential calorie. But our bodies aren't combustion chambers and don't treat all calories the same. The company's numbers, like many food labels, are based only on the calories our bodies can actually use. Technically, both are correct, but only the latter matters for diet.
"You could put sawdust into a bomb calorimeter and you would get basically 4 calories per gram," said Dr. David Ludwig, an endocrinologist and researcher at Boston Children's Hospital. "If you're a termite, yes, you'll get calories from it. But humans won't."
The calorie counts on most nutrition labels reflect the total our bodies are likely to metabolize, not their burn rate. But they still can be misleading. Because of permitted rounding, the tallies can be off by as much as 20%. Additionally, the digestibility of an ingredient, whether and how it is cooked, to what extent it was processed, variations in processing, even quirks in our own DNA — all of these things influence whether and how our bodies use the calories we eat. Even that is just the start of the complications.
Calories are simple. How your body uses them is not Our bodies determine how to process calories — either burning them or storing them — depending in part on our energy needs. But the quality of the calories matters, too. High-glycemic foods, such as white breads, pastas and sugars, are easily converted to usable energy and trigger our bodies to store calories, Ludwig said.
Foods containing resistant starches, including some beans, whole grains and seeds, resist easy conversion into usable energy and don't trigger that same storage response. They also are more difficult to process, so we
of expressways—both among the largest networks in the world. These achievements were not made by one government or in one fiveyear period. They are the result of decades of planning, steady work, and sustained effort.
Reform and Innovation
Long-term planning does not mean standing still. China has kept growing rapidly because the CPC is determined to reform and innovate. At every stage, new challenges have emerged, and China has responded with reform, not with complacency, and with innovation, not with stagnation.
This has allowed China to go from following others in many industries to competing globally, and increasingly leading in areas of technology. Reform has brought new energy, and innovation has become a major driver of high-quality development.
In 2025, China’s spending on research and development reached over 3.9 trillion yuan. The country ranked tenth in the Global Innovation Index. China has been the world’s largest producer and market for electric vehicles for several years. More than 4.9 million 5G base stations are now operating across the country. China’s domestically made C919 passenger aircraft is now in commercial service, and sectors like spaceflight, artificial intelligence, and quantum technology are advancing quickly.
Contributing to the World
As China has developed, it has also tried to contribute to the development of the wider
world. The CPC believes that China’s future is tied to the international community’s future and China’s development should create opportunities not just for its own people, but for others as well.
In a time of growing global uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and economic difficulties, China has promoted building a community with a shared future for mankind. It has put forward the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative, reflecting its commitment to working with other countries to tackle common challenges through dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect.
While protectionism and unilateralism have grown in some places, China has continued to open up. It has decided to grant zero-tariff treatment to all products from the 53 African countries it has diplomatic relations with. China continues to host major events like the China International Import Expo and the China International Fair for Trade in Services. China remains committed to creating new opportunities for global trade and investment.
China is also an active contributor to peace and security. It has sent over 50,000 peacekeepers to UN missions, making it the largest contributor among the permanent members of the UN Security Council. China will continue to be a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of the international order.
China and The Bahamas China and The Bahamas are both members of the Global South. Both countries are committed to safeguarding their sovereignty and independence, while pursuing economic development and improving the well-being of their people. Guided by the principles of mutual respect and mutually beneficial cooperation, our two countries have achieved great results in trade, infrastructure, climate action, healthcare, culture, and education. Most recently, the new specialty hospital project in Nassau has become a flagship project of our practical cooperation. A defining feature of such cooperation is mutual respect, friendly consultation, and win-win outcomes. China’s investment and assistance always respect the wishes and priorities of The Bahamas. There has not been a issue between us that could not be solved through friendly consultation and negotiation.
As fellow members of the Global South, China stands ready to work with The Bahamas to deepen exchanges, share governance experience, expand cooperation, and achieve more mutual benefits. Together, we can move forward with our modernization efforts and bring more tangible benefits to our peoples. So, the answer to “Who governs China?” is, of course, the Communist Party of China. But perhaps just as important is how China is governed.
absorb fewer of the total calories contained in them.
"Having a snack of 8 ounces of sugary beverage, 100 calories, should be better for your weight than 1 ounce of nuts at 200 calories, right?" Ludwig said. "That's the opposite of what actually happens because those 100 calories, even if they're fewer at that moment, they shift your body toward storing fat and leave you hungrier sooner."
Which of course triggers you to eat more, well, calories.
Even cooking and ripeness influence the equation. The calories in cooked foods are more easily absorbed than from raw ingredients, while the calories in unripe produce, such as bananas, are less easily absorbed. This means the number of calories you get from eating a medium banana, which is listed at 105 calories, can depend on how ripe it is.
As for processing, including something as simple as grinding a food, can change caloric impact.
"One classic example is that the calories in whole almonds are absorbed substantially less well than the calories in almond butter," Ludwig said. "Just processing the almonds into almond butter causes a change in how much they will be absorbed."
Ultra-processed foods introduce another challenge. Diets high in such foods have been found to decrease the number of calories we burn at rest, Mozaffarian said. That means a higher proportion of those calories will stick to your ribs.
Then there's just plain old variation between people. Genetics lead our bodies to treat calories differently, said Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, a Harvard Medical School obesity specialist. Even something as simple as a bad night's sleep can change how the body processes calories.
So you might absorb more or fewer calories from the same food on different days.
Should you even bother to count calories?
So what's a weight watcher to do? Calorie counts can be a rough guideline; many people otherwise struggle to make healthy choices or determine appropriate portions, Ludwig said.
But the evidence indicates people should focus on diet quality, not just calorie quantity. Avoid ultra-processed foods, particularly
refined starches, and build your diet around whole, minimally processed foods with an emphasis on plant-based ingredients rich in fiber.
"We need to think about calories in a much more sophisticated fashion than the number on the package," Ludwig said. "The number on the package can do more harm than good by misleading people into thinking that it's simply an accounting problem."
CHINESE Ambassador to The Bahamas Yan Jiarong
A customer looks at items at a Grocery Outlet store in Pleasanton, Calif.,. on Sept. 15, 2022.
AP Photo/Terry Chea, File
A customer shops at a Grocery Outlet store in Pleasanton, Calif., on Sept. 15, 2022.
AP Photo/Terry Chea, File