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STRIKERS TOLD TO GET BACK TO WORK Govt says it won’t be bullied - as judge rules action illegal

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net AFTER hundreds of airport employees refused to report to work yesterday, a court ruling declared the industrial action illegal with workers ordered to go back to work.

The ruling came from Justice Denise Lewis-Johnson, and was confirmed by a Cabinet minister late last night.

Earlier, Labour Minister Keith Bell called the industrial action “illegal” and warned there could be repercussions should the workers fail to report to duty.

BAHAMIAN tourism yesterday called for “a speedy resolution” to the strike action impacting the country’s major airports as it warned of potential “long-lasting” damage to a “fragile industry rebounding from a long period of nothing”.

Robert Sands, the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) president, told Tribune Business that the industrial action mounted by 227 Airport Authority employees threatens to undermine the industry that is “really driving the economic engine of the country” in its rebound from COVID-19.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

- SEE PAGE NINE

CRUISE SHIPS RUNNING AT 105 PERCENT OCCUPANCY

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

According to labour officials, more than 200 workers from the Bahamas Airport Authority in New Providence and the Family Islands called in sick yesterday.

“There are a little over 200 employees assigned to New Providence. Approximately 90 percent of them did not report to normal duties who should have reported to work this morning,” Labour Director Robert Farquharson said during a press conference.

“In addition to that, there are approximately 107 employees in the Family SEE PAGE TWO

NASSAU Cruise Port chief executive Michael Maura yesterday said average passenger occupancies will hit pre-COVID levels of 110 percent by the year-end and beat its own recovery forecast.

Mr Maura said July’s occupancy numbers are just five percentage points off pre-pandemic numbers already with an improving month-over-month trend.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

BUS DRIVERS ASK - WHAT ABOUT US?

... HOTELS DISMAYED AT DAMAGE TO INDUSTRY

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

PETER YOUNG: THE FALL OF BORIS AND WHO REPLACES HIM

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

PASSENGERS in the crowded Lynden Pindling International Airport yesterday as industrial action by airport staff caused huge backlogs.

A NUMBER of jitney drivers withdrew their services yesterday in a bid to turn up the pressure on the government to increase fares.

Drivers are proposing an increase in adult fares from $1.25 to $2, seniors from 75 cents to $1, junior and senior students from $1 to 1.25 and primary school students to remain at 50 cents.

SEE PAGE THREE

MINIMUM WAGE PROPOSAL SENT TO CABINET

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

AFTER months of research, Robert Farquharson, deputy chairman of the National Tripartite Council, said the body has submitted its recommendations on the national minimum wage increase to the government.

However, the labour director did not want to say what the council had proposed.

DIRECTOR of Labour Robert Farquason speaking yesterday.

Photo: Austin Fernander He would only say the recommendation was a favourable one and

that it would put smiles on the faces of many Bahamians.

“The National Tripartite Council has completed its recommendations and formally submitted to the government to increase the national minimum wage,” he said yesterday.

“That recommendation has been put in a Cabinet paper and it is expected to be discussed at Cabinet in the very near future.”

SEE PAGE FIVE

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

FACE TO FACE: WHERE YOU START IS NOT WHERE YOU FINISH

- SEE PAGE EIGHT

PAGE 2, Tuesday, July 19, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

Strikers warned get back to work from page one

SCENES from Lynden Pindling International Airport yesterday.

Islands in over 17 airports that did not return to work.”

The group, which consists of firefighters and airport screeners, are protesting outstanding payments, a stalled industrial agreement and other unresolved workplace grievances.

Mr Farquarshon said while yesterday’s action led to long lines at airports - specifically the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) - airport authority officials had mobilised its contingency plan to minimise disruptions.

This resulted in members of law enforcement agencies being called in to assist with operations.

“While the lines are long, they are processing passengers both at the domestic and international terminals here at the Lynden Pindling International airport,” Mr Farquharson said.

In the meantime, labour officials said they are working to come up with an amicable solution with the Bahamas Public Services Union, which represents the Bahamas Airport Authority workers.

Mr Farquharson said to date, the government has paid out $851,000 to airport employees, most of whom are on the Family Islands.

He added the government is also addressing the remaining outstanding payments and other issues, which have since been referred to the Industrial Tribunal.

Yesterday, Minister Bell called for workers to return to work “forthwith” as he expressed disappointment in their “illegal” action.

He also claimed ministry officials had listened to a voice note purportedly from BPSU president Kimsley Ferguson, advising

members “to go to the doctor and obtain sick certificates for five days.”

“At 8.12am this morning, President Ferguson was advised by the Director of Labour that the matter regarding the trade dispute on outstanding payments owed by the authority was referred to the industrial tribunal and as such any industrial action, including a planned sick out, taken

by BPSU could be deemed illegal,” Mr Bell said.

“In that conversation, President Ferguson acknowledged the advice given by director Farquharson. Based on the aforementioned, and in my capacity as the Minister for Labour, I am formally advising the members of the BPSU that the planned sick out, resulting in members of the BPSU failure to report for normal duty is an illegal strike and subject to the provision of section 77 (2) of the Industrial Relations Act.” According to Mr Bell, anyone who is found in contravention of the act can be liable to a fine of up to $200 or a prison sentence not exceeding three months or both.

When asked if such action will be taken against union members, Mr Bell replied: “I would not necessarily want to venture down the road of there being judicial intervention and we hope and believe that the matter can be resolved.”

For his part, Tourism, Investments and Aviation Minister Chester Cooper called the workers’ action a “regrettable” one and said the government did not believe they were acting in good faith.

He also said the timing of the sick out couldn’t have been worse as it came the day the Transportation Security Administration

(TSA) was conducting its inspection of airports in the country.

“The action today we think is a strong-arm tactic and we are going to do what’s best for the Bahamian people. We will not allow the interest of a few to trump the interest of a wider Bahamian community and the Bahamian people,” Mr Cooper said ahead of the press conference at the Department of Labour. Mr Cooper had gone on a walk through at the airport.

I do not consider this act to be in good faith. We’ve asked the union to compromise and be of good patience. We’ve asked them to work along with our administration and to come to an agreement considering fiscal circumstances of the country and today is most unfortunate.

“So, we will continue to talk with the union to negotiate - but we will not be held over a barrel. We will not be strong armed. We will do what’s in the best interest of the Bahamian people.”

On Sunday, Mr Ferguson told The Tribune there was not enough movement by the government to resolve their longstanding concerns, saying workers have had enough.

“Our agreement is set to expire next year. The dates in the agreement for staff at the Airport Authority needed to be changed and the entire industrial agreement had to be sent in again due to it expiring due to the length of time taken completing negotiations,” he said.

“We have gotten no word on when the agreement would be signed. No one has reached out to the union. I would have reached out to an official of the airport authority who declined my call.”

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, July 19, 2022, PAGE 3

Bus drivers ask - what about us? from page one

VEHICLES lined up in a protest action at RM Bailey Park yesterday.

POLICE HUNT FOR GUNMAN AFTER LATE-NIGHT SHOOTING

By JADE RUSSELL jrussell@tribunemedia.net POLICE are investigating a Saturday night shooting incident involving a 22-year-old man in Dorsette Alley.

According to reports, around 11.22pm, the victim was in the area of West Hill and Meeting Streets when he was approached and subsequently shot by an unknown man armed with a handgun.

The gunman reportedly fled the area on foot while his victim was taken to hospital, treated and then discharged.

Meanwhile, police are

requesting the public’s assistance in locating the person/s responsible for causing damage to a green Nissan Tida.

According to reports, sometime around 1.30am on Saturday, July 16, some unknown persons/s discharged gunshots in the area of a residence on Eighth Terrace, Centreville, damaging the vehicle.

Police are appealing to members of the public who may have information that can assist them with their investigations into this matter, to contact them at 911, 919, or the Criminal Investigations Department at 502-9991/2.

‘HELP US FIND STAB ATTACKER’

By JADE RUSSELL jrussell@tribunemedia.net

POLICE are requesting the public’s assistance in locating a man who is believed to be responsible for stabbing another man following a traffic accident.

The incident reportedly occurred shortly after 11pm on Saturday in the area of Milton and East Streets.

According to reports, the victim was in the area of Milton Street when he was involved in a traffic accident

with a grey-coloured Vestor van driven by a man.

Following the accident, the driver of the van and the victim got into an argument, which resulted in the victim being stabbed and the suspect fleeing the scene.

The victim was taken to the hospital by EMS where his condition is listed as serious. Police are investigating and appealing to members of the public to assist in locating the driver of the grey Vestor van.

Photos: Austin Fernander

Corvell Colebrooke, general secretary of the Bahamas Unified Bus Drivers Union (BUBDU) told The Tribune their demonstration was taken aimed at the Minister of Transport Jobeth Coleby-Davis.

Mr Colebrooke said: “This action has been taken against the minister of transportation because the minister has been fooling around, telling us too much different stories. Right now, we are sick and tired of what is going on in this industry. The cost of living is up, the inflation is terrible, the fuel is over $7-it takes over $100 a day to run these public service vehicles. There is no way we can sustain this.”

According to Mr Colebrooke, the drivers have been demanding the fare increase from 2008, but nothing has been done.

“From 2008, this is 2022,” he said.

“They are giving everything to the taxi transportation, but us who take care of the local Bahamian people, are the ones that are not being fairly taken care of.

“Us drivers, we are up in the morning from 4:30 ‘til after 6/7 dealing with the public. You can’t expect for us, as small businessmen, to continue taking this loss.

We are working at a loss.

The fuel is killing us.”

Sammy Taylor, public relations officer of BUBDU said they were unaware of what a proposed temporary package from transport minister Jobeth

Colebey-Davis contained.

“She only mentioned it on TV no meeting was called to say what that package is. Up to today we still don’t know what package she is talking about,” he said.

Earlier this month, the minister announced the government will be offering relief packages to jitney drivers to offset the impact of increasing fuel cost.

Officials had hoped for bus drivers to receive the relief packages before the end of the month.

“We were discussing that for some time (and) for a few months now and because the task in that is to really have a balance in that approach - because we know generally the area of society that depends on the public bus transportation - and so where we are now is that Cabinet has agreed for a relief package to be presented by the Ministry of Finance,” Mrs ColebyDavis said.

“And so, I have just sent a last bit of documents that were requested from the financial secretary and the Minister of Finance, and they are reviewing and then they should be presenting me with the relief package which we could begin to provide now to get us through this period and we will consider discussions related to the increase in fares.”

Asked when the government plans to reconsider the fare increase, the minister said: “I am hoping to re-engage that discussion probably in another six months. The relief package, I hope would carry us

through the period until I am able to get back to a place where I could present more options that they would be able to consider.”

In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Transport and Housing said: “The Ministry of Transport and Housing is aware of the protest action taken today by 20 to 25 bus drivers in New Providence and wishes to update members of the public on efforts taken to address the concerns of bus drivers.”

The ministry said that senior officials had met with industry representatives on “numerous occasions in reference to increasing fares because of rising fuel prices” and added that the government “understands the concerns of bus drivers and wish to confirm that the request for a fare increase was deferred to allow government to design a temporary relief package”.

The statement added: “However, the temporary relief package was rejected by the protesting bus drivers, who have demanded an immediate increase in fares.

“The government of The Bahamas is committed to acting in the best interests of all stakeholders - balancing the concerns of bus drivers and protecting the interests of the thousands of Bahamians who use public transportation daily.

“The Ministry of Transport and Housing, therefore, calls on bus drivers to return to the negotiating table so that a practical resolution can be achieved and further disruption to public transportation can be avoided.”

PAGE 4, Tuesday, July 19, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

SPECIAL NEEDS SUMMER CAMP HELD AT BEACON SCHOOL

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

ABOUT 25 special children in Grand Bahama received much-needed therapeutic services during a special needs Summer Camp held at the Beacon School.

The three-week camp provided occupational and speech therapy services, thanks to a joint partnership between The City of Freeport Council, the Grand Bahama Downs Syndrome Society, and the Beacon School.

Wende Hanna, president of the Grand Bahama Down Syndrome Society, said the children had not received therapy services since 2019 due to Hurricane Dorian and the pandemic.

“The important thing about this camp is that we were able to provide therapy services for all the campers,” she said.

According to Mrs Hanna, three therapy groups were brought in, including Flamingo Lingo, a local speech therapist provider in GB; Paediatric Communication Services of Nassau; and Genius Soul, which operates both in Nassau and Grand Bahama.

She said that Colour Me Awesome and Go-To Mom

TWENTY-five special needs children attended a three-week summer camp at the Beacon School. The camp was possible through joint partnership between the Grand Bahama Down Syndrome Society, the Freeport City Council, and the Beacon School. Seated from left are Clifton Francis, councillor for Pineridge; chief councillor Frazette Gibson, Wende Hanna, president of the GB Down Syndrome Society; and Titi McKenzie-Moss, principal of the Beacon School, with campers and instructors.

Photo: Denise Maycock/Tribune Staff assisted with speech ther- another year without being about what their child is in the Virtual Buddy Walk language speech assessapy services. able to provide them with capable of.” that assisted with raising ment, screening, social “The last time we did the some level of services,” she Mrs Hanna said that the funds to hold the camp. communication sessions, camp was in 2019 before explained. therapy received was very Frazette Gibson, Chief and lots of interaction with Dorian and COVID. The “It has been an awesome beneficial.

Councillor for the City of the kids. campers did not have any experience for the campShe said that it could help Freeport District Coun“It is about engagement dedicated therapy service ers. Even though it was only them throughout the rest of cil, was pleased to partner and getting them involved due to the pandemic. And three weeks, it is a great the year and with develop- with the GBDSS, and the socially with each other. We so, we did not want to go tool in assisting parents ing an individual education Beacon School to host the did categorisations such as programme for each child Special Needs Camp this who, what, where, and why. during the school year year.

And there was problemthat their teachers can also She noted that the coun- solving for the older kids,” implement. cil contacted the Beacon she said. She said gameplay “Most of the kids do School Principal about was also a big part of the not get therapy in school having the camp there process. because it is not a part of at the school. She said Licenced speech theratheir curriculum. Of course, they compensated all the pist Hannah Gilbert, of the teachers do their best instructors and purchased Flamingo Lingo, proWE SALUTE OUR FRONTLINE COVID WORKERS. to assist with speech and the camp supplies. vided screening to identify WE ARE A VACCINATED ENCOURAGED FACILITY AND INVITE mobility. But it is a struggle Mrs Gibson believes that areas of weaknesses and ALL PROGRESSIVE BAHAMIANS TO VACCINATE when you don’t have that therapy services should be strengths. specific therapy or knowl- provided year-round.

“We were able to edge base.”

“We would like occupa- build upon their areas of Mrs Hanna said they also tional therapists to come at strengths and assist them incorporated fun activities, least two days a week after in areas where they needed such as dancing, and arts school, starting in Septem- more help,” she said. and crafts. She thanked ber. I am sure the Council Ms Gilbert said the kids Suzie Stuart and her local would approve that, she also participated in buildline dance group that came said. ing a volcano, and a nature in and taught the kids the Clifton Francis, council- trip to the farm across the Cha Cha and the Electric lor for Pineridge, said the street.

Slide. council has always been Jynda Bain, of the of Bamboo Town and formerly “It has been a great expe- committed to helping spe- Beacon School, said they of Bluff, Cat Island, will be held rience and we wished we cial needs children. were happy that students could have had more kids, “Many summer camps receive specialty therapy on Wednesday 20th July, 2022 but we did the best we are taking place on the services not provided at the at 7:30PM at United Christian could,” she said. island, and we have always school.

Cathedral, Flamingo Gardens.

Mrs Hanna extended spe- supported and hosted a “We had speech and occucial thanks to FTX Digital camp for special students. I pational therapists provide Markets for their donation am pleased that this special services at no cost to the early this year that jump- needs camp is in Pineridge,” parents. So, this was really started the process. “It he said. good because our children really went a long way to Letitia Campbell Parker, received much-needed sermaking this camp possible,” of Go-To Mom, and Colour vices that assisted them to she said.

Me Awesome, a non-profit communicate, and also with She also thanked the autistic awareness foun- mobility for students in Patriarch Bishop Albert community for participating dation, said there was wheelchairs,” she said.

Memorial Service for Patriarch Bishop Albert Horatio Hepburn, 89

State Recognized Funeral Service for Hepburn, 89

of Bamboo Town and formerly of Bluff, Cat Island, will be held on Thursday 21st July, 2022 at 11:00AM at United Christian Cathedral, Flamingo Gardens. Interment will follow at Lakeview Memorial Gardens.

Officiating will be His Grace, Bishop Neil C. Ellis, assisted by Rev. Charles Young and other Ministers of the Gospel.

He is survived by his Sons: Andrew, Gary, Ryan, Marvin and Levardo Hepburn. Daughters: Arimentha R. H. Walkins-Wichmann (Miramar, Florida), Antoinette Lorraine “Lorrie” McKenzie, LaDonna “Donna” Thurston, Bridget E. Hepburn and Ingrid C. LaRoda. Sister: Enral Robinson. Adopted children: Rose Armbrister, Sandra Armbrister, Honourable T. Desmond Bannister, Ida Burrows, Ulean Clarke, Mizpah Darling, Bishop Dr. Trent Davis, Kendia Demeritte, Patrice Edwards, Lisa Elliott, Bishop Leroy Emmanuel, Lucille Grant, Cyke Greenslade, Shavario Gustave, Cinderetta Johnson, Carol Knowles, Delano Knowles, Charlene Lockhart, Karen Lockhart, Paula McGregor, J’Myah Mullings, Bishop Birthlon Newbold, Helena Newbold, Patricia Newbold, Bishop Perry Newton, Suzette Nixon, Rev. Dr. Ranford Patterson, Tiffany Petty, Shantel Philippe, Jacqueline Rolle, Katelyn Rolle, Pamela Rolle, Prenell King-Rolle, Annier and Ingrid Romer, Katherine Russell, Jacqueline Sherman, Elsie Stubbs, Barry Sturrup, Dorcas Thurston, Adrian Whyms and Ramell Williams. Caregiver: Sophie Johnson-Adderley. Grand Children: Jasmine Walkins (Miramar, Florida); LaTora Roker (Sergeant 3014 John Roker); LaShanta McKenzie; Andranique, Kendra, D’Andreo and D’Andre Hepburn; Rhiann (Corey) Smith; Danielle Hepburn, RC 4640 Rynesha Hepburn and Raven Hepburn; Jernice Mackey; DeAntwon and Daenell Thurston; Stevantia “Lia” Munroe; Kiyshanti Higgs; Kiyerra, Symia and Demetri Hepburn; Lia, Kaylee and Ariell LaRoda; and Adrianna Hepburn-Larrinaga. Great-grand Children: PC 4461 Terran Sweeting; Paris Hepburn; Kenjenice, Brandon, Brihon and Nia-London Roker; Alexandria Canton; Amber-Madisson Sweeting; Zyon Smith; Aydin Williamson; Autumn-Belle Neely; Dorien LaRoda; Treyvien Brown; Ryan Jr. Hepburn; and Danae Thurston. Daughtersin-law: Patrice, Joycelyn, Sherese and Kiyshanna Hepburn. Sons-in-law: Dr. Rolf Wichmann (Miramar, Florida), Pastor Lester Thurston and Jim LaRoda. Brother-in-law: Rev. Wellington Johnson (Minister Donna) – Atlanta, Georgia. Sister-in-law: Pearline Bullard. Nieces: Maryann Rahming (Superintendent Christopher Rahming), Gracie Robinson, Wendy Knowles, Hazel and Joycelyn Hepburn, Elnetta Burke (Richmond, Virgina), Denise Ferguson, Patrice Solomon (Hilton), Sherry Hanna (Kim), Dellerese Bullard, Katurah Breedlove (James) – Atlanta, Georgia, Shena Mackey (Nathan), Latonya Johnson-Wade (Danny) - Atlanta, Georgia. Nephews: Charles Bain (Sonia), Albert Bain (Phoenix, Arizona), Lawrence and Roy Hepburn, Cornell Johnson (Richmond, Virgina), Dwayne, Keith, Minister Carl (Charlene) and Gregory Bullard (Vivian), Bishops Kevin (Asenath) – Nashville, Tennessee and Kendal (Anya) Johnson and Anthony Johnson (Knoxville, Tennessee). Numerous grand nieces and grand nephews. Godchildren: Margaret Elizabeth HepburnMcKay, Doreth Dean-Campbell, Daniel and Alexander Strachan.

The body will repose today from 12:00 Noon to 4:00PM at Curtis Memorial Mortuary, Robinson Rd & 5th Street.

The body will Lay-In-State on Wednesday from 12:00 Noon to 5:00PM at United Christian Cathedral, Flamingo Gardens.

POLICE SEEK HELP IN SOLVING SERIES OF ARMED ROBBERIES

By JADE RUSSELL jrussell@tribunemedia.net

NEW Providence police are requesting assistance from the public to assist them in solving several armed robberies.

The first incident involved two men who reportedly robbed a man and woman of their iPhones and jewellery.

The men then fled the area in a white Nissan Cube. The incident reportedly occurred shortly before 11pm on Saturday, July 16, outside a residence on Bellot Road.

Reports are that the couple on arrival at their residence, were approached and subsequently robbed by two masked men who were armed with handguns.

The stolen items have an estimated valued of $4,500.

Meanwhile, police are also searching for two men

who robbed a woman of her 2012 charcoal coloured Mitsubishi RVR jeep.

The incident reportedly occurred shortly before 1am on Sunday, July 17, on East Park Estates.

According to reports, the victim had just arrived at her residence when she was approached and then robbed of her vehicle by two masked men, both armed with handguns.

The suspects reportedly fled the area in the stolen Mitsubishi RVR jeep accompanied by the occupants of a Burgundy coloured Nissan Cube.

In the third incident, police have recovered a black Wrangler jeep which was taken in an armed robbery.

The officers of the Fox Hill Police Station proceeded to Romer Street where they discovered the jeep.

According to reports,

the incident reportedly occurred around 10pm on Tuesday, July 12, and involved a woman being robbed of her black Wrangler jeep by two men both of whom were armed with handguns, while leaving a business establishment in western New Providence.

And in the fourth matter, police are investigating a shop break-in.

An 18-year-old male of Minnie Street is in police custody after he was found in possession of flat-screen televisions, DJ equipment, iPads, assorted meats and an undisclosed amount of cash, all of which were reportedly stolen.

According to reports, between 1.10am and 7.30am on Sunday, July 17, a business establishment in western New Providence was broken into and the items were stolen.

Police investigations are continuing.

EIGHT FIREARMS SEIZED AND 14 PEOPLE ARRESTED IN ABACO

By JADE RUSSELL jrussell@tribunemedia.net

ABACO police have confiscated eight firearms and arrested 14 people for alleged possession of the illegal weapons during the period of July 11-17.

According to reports, officers attached to Operation Ceasefire and the

Northeastern, Central, Southeastern Abaco Divisions, confiscated the firearms along with more than 30 rounds of ammunition.

Meanwhile, in a ceasefire operation on New Providence a male and female were arrested after a handgun and ammunition was found in their vehicle

around 3am on Sunday.

According to reports, the two individuals were arrested in the area of Victoria Avenue and Dowdeswell Street.

Police are still actively investigating the matter.

They also wish to express gratitude to members of the public for their support and contributions.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, July 19, 2022, PAGE 5

THE PRESS conference held to announce the latest news on the minimum wage proposal yesterday.

Photos: Austin Fernander

Minimum wage proposal sent to Cabinet from page one Currently, the national minimum wage is $210 per week while the minimum wage in the public sector is $238 per week.

The Progressive Liberal Party committed to increasing the country’s minimum wage to $250 per week during last year’s election campaign, as well as to examine the creation of a liveable wage.

After assuming office, the Davis administration asked the NTC, the body responsible for all labour-related matters in The Bahamas, to study the issue and provide recommendations to the government.

With recommendations having already been submitted last month, Mr Farquharson said the next step for the government will be widespread consultations with various stakeholders, including academic scholars and finance experts.

“I can tell you definitively that the Minister of Labour

and this government has indicated that before an announcement has been made on the minimum wage, they intend to go out for additional consultation,” he said.

“That will include a consultation with a number of stakeholders, including the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and the general public will have to be advised of what the recommendations are.

“We want some views from academia. We also want some views from the major stakeholders – the Bahamas Financial Services Industry, the Bahamas Employer’s Association and a number of those employer organisations that represents persons within that sphere.”

According to the labour director, there are approximately 340,000 men and women in the labour workforce.

“We know that about approximately 25 per cent of those persons are impacted by the minimum wage,” he added, “and so

before the government takes a decision, the government wants to ensure that there is additional widespread discussion and consultation so we expect in the very near future a number of town meetings to be held where we will invite members of the press and public to hear what the recommendations are.

“I will not say what the figure is. I can say specifically that the recommendation will put a smile on the face of many persons who fall within that category, and it will cause them to have greater buying power.”

The minimum wage was last increased by 40 percent in 2015 by the former Christie administration, which took it from $150 per week to $210 per week in the wake of Value-Added Tax’s (VAT) introduction.

Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis recently said minimum wage is expected to increase before the end of the year.

LABOUR Minister Keith Bell speaking to members of the press yesterday.

150 CHILDREN JOIN IN FIRST DAY OF SUMMER CAMP IN GB

MINISTER for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey prepares to take a shot on the basketball court.

Photos: Andrew Miller/BIS

MORE than 150 children took part yesterday in the orientation for the 2002 Social Services Urban Development Summer Camp in Grand Bahama.

The children gathered at Pineridge Urban Renewal Centre, for the camp, which is expected to run for two weeks from today.

Deputy director of Urban Development Senator Kirkland Russell, who was one of the speakers at the orientation, said he didn’t want just another regular summer camp, but a unique camp experience for the children.

He said the camp would not be held in just one location, but would spread out to various Urban Development Centres throughout Grand Bahama.

It means the camp takes place in East Grand Bahama, West Grand Bahama, Eight Mile Rock, Pineridge and Lewis Yard.

The camp in East Grand Bahama would be focused on Bahamian culture, including Junkanoo and even sloop building.

Mr Russell said: “One centre will be focused primarily on sports and so kids who are interested in sports would attend that camp, where there will be a variety of sports taught at that camp.

Another will be teaching kids about music. We would like to see those kids become interested in learning about notes, how to read music and eventually learn to play an instrument. That

will go a long way in growing the Urban Development band.”

He said there will also be instructions in arts and crafts, sewing and cooking Bahamian food. One of the camps will be strictly outdoors, during which kids will be taught how to fish, camp and swim.

“Our task for the next two weeks is to ensure that not only do these kids have clean, healthy fun, but that each of these kids who attend this camp will leave with an increased knowledge of some skill, as well as more knowledge about the Bahamian culture,” he said.

Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey said she was excited about the number of children who had turned out.

“It is such a joy to see so many kids show up for the orientation, which includes all of the camps around the island,” she said. “I’m happy that the start of the camp is being held here in Pineridge at the Pineridge Urban Renewal Centre.

“I really would like to thank Urban Development for what they’re doing on behalf of the young people within these communities. We know that after such a long time in school, our kids need these kinds of break. So, we’re glad that this camp will help get them outdoors, so that they can experience some of the summer in a learning environment.”

DEPUTY Director for Urban Development Senator Kirkland Russell speaks to youngsters at the 2022 Urban Development Summer Camp, during orientation yesterday.

PAGE 6, Tuesday, July 19, 2022

The Tribune Limited

THE TRIBUNE

PICTURE OF THE DAY

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

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

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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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Union unrest - and more to come BEFORE the election, one of the big points being pushed by the Progressive Liberal Party was the support of unions. A rosy picture of Philip “Brave” Davis surrounded by smiling union men seemed to seal the deal.

It’s not looking so rosy now.

Whether you were trying to get a plane yesterday, or whether you were trying to get a bus, your journey may have been confounded by industrial action.

In both cases, it seems government had felt it had moved to resolve the issue – only for us to end up here.

Just last week, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper, who is also the Minister for Tourism, Investments and Aviation, heralded a resolution to the dispute with Airport Authority employees.

He said the government had approved funding to honour all agreed terms of the industrial agreement.

That was Thursday. Yesterday, hundreds of airport employees refused to report to work. What happened?

Where’s the money?

Labour Minister Keith Bell took the hard line yesterday, declaring the industrial action illegal, and warning there could be repercussions. What repercussions? Is he going to sack them all?

Dock their pay? With the union already threatening action, what does he think that is going to achieve? A long, hot summer of travel disruption?

Labour director Robert Farquharson said yesterday that the government is addressing remaining outstanding payments and other issues. But wait a minute, Mr Cooper said last week the money has been approved, so what is there to address other than paying it?

If there remain things to be addressed, then are they outside the industrial agreement? Or is it not really being honoured as was declared?

Yesterday, Mr Cooper was describing the action as a “strong-arm tactic”, but why would such a tactic be needed if the agreement is fully funded and honoured?

Meanwhile, those who were trying to catch buses will have had their own issues, with the government saying about 20-25 jitneys withdrew their services.

Instead, the drivers pulled up at RM Bailey Park and explained their problems. The drivers want to see an increase in fares, at least in part because of the sky-high costs of fuel right now, but also because there has been a call for fare increases since 2008. Inflation has risen, fares have not.

The government, for its part, said it had deferred an increase in fares and instead designed a temporary relief

package. In other words, they put an offer of relief funding on the table instead of letting the drivers raise the money themselves from higher fares.

The protesting drivers said no and demanded a fare increase instead.

So disruption on the roads and disruption in the air. The very transport network that helps to bring people into our country and the financial lifeblood that goes with them. It needs to be resolved, and it needs to be resolved soon.

The worrying thing is that these should be the easier industrial problems to solve. At the airport, there’s an agreement in place, so fulfill it. With bus drivers, it’s a fairly small number of people in total, so it shouldn’t be an economic backbreaker to resolve.

What about the bigger industrial issues – with nurses, teachers, other public servants? These current issues are speed bumps compared to the risk of falling off a financial cliff with other groups.

Worrying times ahead.

Minimum wage There has long been talk of a change to the minimum wage but the proposal has now gone to Cabinet.

The Labour director didn’t want to say yesterday what had been proposed by the National Tripartite Council, but said it would put smiles on the faces of Bahamians.

It is going to be a difficult balance to meet for Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis. There has been talk of a split in minimum wage – with a lower amount for staff who receive tips. That’s already received union pushback.

Then there is the cost it will bring to the national purse – when the Budget has already been described as optimistic in reaching its targets.

We have seen already that the government has hesitated to make major financial decisions with regards to costs at Bahamas Power and Light, and the diminishing fund at the National Insurance Board.

The next step, we are told, is widespread consultation – so you know the decision isn’t happening in a hurry.

But still, a quarter of the nation’s workers are impacted by this decision – so there are a lot of people waiting and hoping for a little extra in their pocket, even if that extra is already being eaten up by inflation.

Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis has said previously he expects the increase to come this year. Time is ticking.

They served with distinction EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE police force is an institution comprised of dedicated men and women of integrity, but like in most such institutions, there will be one or two who do not meet those criteria.

The police are, by duty, bound to uphold the law, but they need the public’s help if they are to be successful. The men and women of this profession and their families sacrifice far too much. They are the guardians of our families, homes, communities and our way of life. Simply put, they deserve a lot better than they’ve received from many in our country lately.

Two such outstanding retired police officers who have dedicated their entire lives to making The Bahamas a better place to live are Assistant Superintendent Edmund Lewis and Chief Superintendent Irvin Taylor.

Officer Taylor, 84, is at the “it was an excellent year” stage of his life and is no longer active on

the force. He has left a legacy that others can only attempt to emulate and will go down in history as one of the officers that raised the Bahamian flag on independence morning.

Officer Lewis, whose dedication extends far beyond the call of duty, is at the “I’m having the time of my life” stage. He is a reservist and at the age of 85, is the oldest serving policeman on the force.

These gentlemen served when, at the height of their career, The Bahamas was being characterised as a corrupt country and labeled “a nation for sale”.

For all of my adult life, I have had the good fortune of being friends with and mentored by both of them and can say without a shadow of doubt that throughout their tenure, they were impeccable men of distinction who have always been above reproach and served their country with dignity and pride.

Not only were they role models on the police force, they were great sportsmen who excelled in the sport of

cricket and represented the country all over the world.

They are recognised today as some of the best that have ever graced the cricket fields, both in The Bahamas and internationally.

These two heroes should have been honoured years ago, but because they are not politicians, we will have to wait for their demise to read in the obituaries of their sacrificial contributions and how valuable they were to the nation.

But until then, I appeal to the patriotic people of The Bahamas to join me in saluting these two great men of our Royal Bahamas Police Force.

Officer Edmund Lewis and officer Irvin Taylor, we are confident that history will be as kind to you as you were to us. Thank you for your unselfish contribution in building our nation. Well done my dear friends.

God bless you.

God Bless The Bahamas ANTHONY PRATT Nassau, July 16, 2022.

A POLICE officer gives water to a British soldier wearing a traditional bearskin hat, on guard duty outside Buckingham Palace, during hot weather in London, yesterday. The British government have issued their first-ever “red” warning for extreme heat. The alert covers large parts of England on Monday and Tuesday, when temperatures may reach 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) for the first time, posing a risk of serious illness and even death among healthy people, the UK Met Office, the country’s weather service, said.

Photo: Matt Dunham/AP

Prosperity gospel has failed GB EDITOR, The Tribune.

GRAND Bahamians are collectively keeping their fingers crossed that the proposed Electra America Hospitality Group and $170m Carnival Cruise Port developments materialise.

Freeport’s economy has been in complete shambles for over two decades.

In June, Tourism Minister Chester Cooper said that his government approved $2.5 billion in investments since coming to office: $250m for Long Island; $700m for Exuma; $137m for Eleuthera; $400m for Mayaguana and $135m for Abaco. Meanwhile in Nassau, Goldwyn Resort and Residences announced its soft opening for the end of year and Baha Mar President Graeme Davis told The Nassau Guardian that business has never been better. In March, a Magaritaville Beach Resort official boasted about the uptick in business. Meanwhile, Freeport remains a ghost town.

In the Free National Movement’s first decade in government between 19922002, Freeport experienced an economic boom that mirrored the financial uptick in the sixties under the direction of Freeport founder Wallace Groves. Coinciding with the economic boom of the nineties, a slew of Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) prosperity gospel televangelists frequented Freeport, spreading their message of wealth, health and happiness. One particular televangelist was rumoured to have collected $70,000-plus over a period of two-nights at the former Royal Oasis Resort and Casino, which gives the readership an idea of how financially robust Freeport used to be.

TBN was founded by the late Paul and Jan Crouch in 1973. A 2012 Daily Mail Online article alleged that TBN owned 13 mansions and a $50m jet. The LA Times alleged 30 homes.

Jan Crouch owned a $8m jet and a $100,000 dog house for her dogs, which is nearly the cost of a Bahamian government low-cost home. According to a 2004 LA Times write-up, TBN collected $120m annually. Understand, TBN is a non-profit organisation.

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net While Paul Crouch earned $403,700 annually; his wife earned $361,000.

In 2012, TBN had 18,000 TV and satellite affiliates around the world. TBN is headquartered in Orange County. This is one of the most affluent counties in the US, where the median income for a four-person household is $106,700 to $119,000. TBN’s prosperity gospel message was borrowed from Oral Roberts’ seedtime and harvest theology, which promises wealth, health and happiness to those who give a sacrificial offering to his ministry. This over-realised eschatology is based on a faulty interpretation of Genesis 8:22, and has been propagated by famed televangelists Richard Roberts, Creflo Dollar, Jesse DuPlantis, Robert Tilton, T.D. Jakes, Joel Osteen, Jerry Savelle, Charles Capps, Fred Price, John Avanzini, Benny Hinn, Rod Parsley, Joyce Meyer, Paula White and Ken and Gloria Copeland.

While Copeland is worth $760m, Jakes is worth $150m.

I intentionally omitted Kenneth Hagin, Sr due to his The Midas Touch volume that mildly rebukes his spiritual protégés for their excessiveness. This US imperialist theology views the rest of the world, including Third World jurisdictions such as The Bahamas, through the lens of the greatest economy in human history, the US. Accordingly, the roots of its materialistic theology have been traced back to New Thought founder Phineas Parkhurst Quimby, Religious Science, Christian Science and Unity School of Christianity - American cults. Its theology is inherently selfcentered. It views God as a magic genie Who wants us all to be healthy and wealthy.

It conflicts with the apostle Paul’s command in 1 Timothy 6:6-8 to be content with having “food and raiment.”

It is a humanistic system that does not square with the reality on the ground, which brings me back to my initial point.

While prosperity gospel luminaries frequented

Freeport during the prosperous nineties, they have been conspicuously absent in the 2000s for the most part. The reason for this is because Freeport’s economy has dried up. There is no money here for them to collect. That’s why churches in Freeport that support this theology are apparently unable to bring in these celebrities as they used to in the nineties. I understand that one church was unable to land a TBN personality in the early 2000s, as her speaker’s fee was pegged at about $50,000 for just two nights. Obviously, most churches in Grand Bahama do not have $50,000 in their savings. Moreover, the average Bahamian does not earn that much money annually. The entire pitch of these TBN preachers is that donating money to their empires (not ministries) will lead to financial prosperity and physical healing. They love to take out of context Luke 6:38 and 3 John 2.

Interestingly, Jesus said in Mark 10:24-25 that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Herein lies the failure of the TBN prosperity gospel message for Freeport: it has failed to prevent the decades-old economic recession that has brought thousands of its residents to their knees -- many of whom sowed their seed offerings into their coffers. Those who visited Freeport were bankrolled, and have not looked back since the financial decline for obvious reasons.

Freeport is proof that the TBN prosperity gospel message is a false gospel.

KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama July 17, 2022.

CLARIFICATION IN THE story, ‘Will Equinor Sale Pay for Clean Up?’ it was incorrectly stated that Mr Thompson comments came during debate of the Climate Change and Carbon Credit Initiative Bill when in fact it was during the debate on the Carbon Credits Trading Bill. The Tribune apologises for any inconvenience caused.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, July 19, 2022, PAGE 7

THREE ACCUSED OVER DEATH OF 78-YEAR-OLD

BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THREE young people were arraigned in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court on yesterday in the death of a 78-year-old man two years ago on Grand Bahama.

Eric Nixon, 23, of Beaconsfield Avenue, Freeport; Nickey Green, 38, of West End; and Nickita Green, 22, of Hunters, appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Debbye Ferguson.

The trio was also charged with manslaughter by negligence and robbery with violence.

On count one, it is alleged that between November 6 and 12, 2020, in Freeport, the three accused being concerned together robbed Dudley Capron of his wallet and used personal violence towards him.

On count two, it is alleged at the same date and place, the accused being concerned together intentionally caused the death of Dudley Capron by means of negligent harm.

K Brian Hanna represented Eric Nixon and Nikita Green.

Nickey Green was not represented by counsel.

They were not required to enter a plea to the charges.

A preliminary inquiry will be held to determine if there is sufficient evidence for them to stand trial in the Supreme Court.

The court prosecutor informed the court the three accused do not qualify for bail in the Magistrate’s Court.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Ferguson denied the trio bail and remanded them to the Department of Correctional Services until November 2, 2022, at 10am.

In other court news, a teen and juvenile were charged with two counts of armed robbery.

DeShawn Lewis, 19, of North Bahamia, Freeport, and a juvenile male appeared before Magistrate Charlton Smith last Thursday.

It is alleged that on July 4 in Freeport, the accused while armed robbed a food store in Pioneer’s Loop Subdivision. Both were not represented by counsel and were not required to enter a plea to the charges.

Magistrate Smith granted the pair $12,000 bail each, with six suretors. The matter was adjourned to August 11 at 10am.

BAIL DENIED FOR SUSPECT IN ATTEMPTED MURDER

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday for alleged attempted murder in addition to several other charges.

Calvin Alain appeared before Assistant Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain to face charges that included intentionally and unlawfully causing damage to a motor vehicle, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and armed robbery.

It is alleged that on April 12, 2022, Alain, by means of unlawful harm, intentionally and unlawfully attempted to cause the death of Jamaal Ferguson. Furthermore, it is claimed that on the day

in question he had in his possession a firearm, which police allege was a pistol.

It is also alleged that the accused, with a handgun, robbed Mr Ferguson of a white 2018 Honda Civic, a black iPhone valued at $1,200, and a iPhone XR. Alain is further accused of intentionally and unlawfully causing damage to the Honda Civic.

Meanwhile, it is also claimed that he caused material damage to a white 2011 Honda Insight, the property of Onike Seymour, in the amount of $755.

The case will be fast tracked by way of a Voluntary Bill of Indictment and the matter is adjourned to October 18.

MAN DENIES SMUGGLING CELL PHONE INTO PRISON

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

A MAN yesterday pleaded not guilty to trespassing and taking prohibited articles into a correctional facility.

It is alleged that Tevin Johnson at 8.10pm on June 21, 2022, while at Fox Hill Road South and being concerned with another, without lawful cause, did trespass on the premises

of the Bahamas Department of Corrections Service (BDCS).

It is further claimed he, being concerned with another, unlawfully took an Alcatel cell phone and a ZTE cell phone into BDCS, which are prohibited articles.

Yesterday, Magistrate Algernon Allen Jr granted $2,500 bail to Johnson with one or two sureties.

He is to return to court on September 2.

TOASTMASTERS STARTS NEW PROGRAMME THE Healing Communicators Toastmasters Club 7178 began its new year with members and guests gathering at the Cancer Society of The Bahamas on July 5 to celebrate the installation of newly elected club leaders. The chairman was Distinguished Toastmaster Chevez Brown.

The meprogram began with an invocation followed by the national anthem.

Former Senator Robyn Lynes delivered the keynote address and noted that this year’s executive committee (with the exception of Immediate Past President Trevor Lockhart) is a body of powerful women.

“Although men are not excluded from Toastmasters Club 7178, this is the season of the queen,” she said.

Installed as president was Rosena Duncanson who last year served as an area

director and the club’s vicepresident education. Other committee members are Allison Miller, vice-president education; Destiny McKinney, vice-president membership; Chanel Williams, vice-president public relations; Yvette Barr, secretary; Linda Clarke, treasurer; Eleasha Knowles, sergeant at arms and Mr Lockhart.

The new president invited officers and advisors to join her at the lectern, then had them link arms as a symbol of connection and collaboration.

The club meets every Tuesday at 6pm at the Cancer Society of The Bahamas building, 4th Terrace, Collins Ave and on Zoom. For details, follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube via their handle, @healingcommunicators or at www.7178. toastmastersclubs.org.

DONATIONS being made to the Bahamas Feeding Network from McKinney, Bancroft and Hughes, left, and CFAL. McKinney, Bancroft and Hughes donated $7,100 to the network, while CFAL donated $5,000.

Corporate donors help work of Feeding Network THE Bahamas Feeding Network received over $12,000 in donations from two corporate donations, funds executive director Lester Ferguson said will be instrumental in helping the organisation continue its efforts to provide meals to Bahamians.

McKinney, Bancroft and Hughes recently hosted a food drive with partners and staff donating canned and dry foods plus $7,100 in cash, all of which were presented to the Bahamas Feeding Network.

And CFAL’s donation of $5,000 was part of an effort to give back to the community on its 25th anniversary. The company split $25,000 between five Bahamian non-profit organisations.

Ferguson said while the Bahamas

Feeding Network has seen a decline from the dramatic surge in demand for meals seen in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need is still great.

He said the organisation continues to provide between 60,000 and 70,000 meals every month, at a cost of roughly $120,000.

“As a non-profit, we rely solely on public and corporate support to meet our operations,” Ferguson said.

“We provide between 60,000 and 70,000 meals every month and we do that mainly through our feeding network partners. So, there are about 97 or so feeding programmes, community pantries, soup kitchens that we provide food resources to.”

As he noted that The Bahamas

is faced with “serious food security issues”, Ferguson said the recent donations to the network are especially important as Bahamians continue to struggle with a high cost of living and the impact of high inflation.

“There are so many who, even though they are working, they are the working poor, people who struggle to make ends meet,” he said.

“Everything, the cost of living, has gone up but their salaries haven’t.

And so, if we’re able to provide food parcels or grocery vouchers to assist in hard times or help families get over a bump during a particular month, then we would feel satisfied that we would have helped with some very serious food security issues that we are faced with.”

PAGE 8, Tuesday, July 19, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

Remember, where you start is not where you finish D

R Kim Williams-Pulfer not only believes in community spirit, she lives and breathes it. She believes in its ability to unite people and help them progress far beyond the limits of what people can do as individuals.

She believes togetherness, along with respect and hard work, can help communities thrive. She has dedicated her life to studying and supporting communities so that nonprofits and others who give back to society could have the fuel they need to continue their work.

A Bahamian by birth, Kim now lives in Indianapolis, Indiana, with her husband and three children.

Yet, she remains closely tied to her beloved country, especially Eleuthera, the island of her family’s roots. She’s giving back to Eleuthera in her service as a Board Director for the One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF), which has set the bar high for sustainable, viable community building efforts across the island.

Kim is respected as a scholar and practitioner of community development.

She has spent a lot of time immersed in communities learning from local leaders and being involved in community projects, dating back to her early experiences as a youth leader with her local church and school, and as a part of the local YWCA. “I was drawn to the study of philanthropy, civil society and the third sector because I sense its force in my own life and in my understanding of my identity, especially growing up in The Bahamas and as a black woman,” said Kim. “Growing up, I observed many community members that saw social challenges and used their passion and skill to provide valuable solutions. I realized that everyone can contribute and everyone can be a philanthropist. While we often associate a term like philanthropy with people that have extraordinary wealth, I wanted to understand how philanthropy is universal and how ‘everyday people’ practice it.”

But to understand what really makes communities tick and how to create frameworks to help them succeed, Kim decided to take it to the next level.

She began by achieving a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. While a senior in college at Taylor University, she returned home for the summer for her senior practicum and worked with the Crisis Centre, Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre, and the Girls Industrial School (now the Willie Mae Pratt Centre for Girls).

This was transformative for her: “It gave me a first-hand look at some of the social challenges faced

by Bahamians across age, gender, and social status. It taught me that there was a lot of expertise in relation to community development and community psychology.

There were many diligent and competent professionals providing critical services for people with specific social needs. That training helped me understand the importance of social service delivery and local-grown efforts.”

After her undergraduate studies, Kim went on to earn a Master’s Degree in English at Butler University, and taught high school English and history for a time. She dove deeply into studying Caribbean and postcolonial literature, film, and history during her studies at Butler. All the while, she remained focused on understanding Caribbean community challenges and how art and culture can offer fresh perspectives on community vitality and activism. Kim decided to pursue her PhD in Philanthropic Studies at Indiana

RIGHT: Dr Kim Williams-Pulfer.

BELOW: Dr Kim WilliamsPulfer at the 1st Annual International Gullah Geechee and African Diaspora (IGGAD) Conference held in Conway, SC where she presented on the relationship between art and civil society in The Bahamas. She is pictured with fellow presenters, Dr Florencia Cornet from the University of South Carolina-Columbia and Rhonda Ferreira Habersham, Independent Scholar.

University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy to combine all those interests.

This led to her dissertation research on how philanthropy and civil society unfold in the Caribbean, using The Bahamas as a prime example.

Her dissertation, “Get Involved: Stories of the Black Postcolonial Middle Class and the Development of Civil Society,” now under contract as a book, reflects her research interests and extensive community work.

After her doctoral studies, Kim also worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy researching diversity in philanthropy at the school’s newly formed institute: The Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy. In that role, she also worked closely with the Indiana University’s Office of the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs.

She also provided training for a host of organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club of America, The African American Development Officers Network, and UNICEF USA. Kim has taught and developed philanthropic studies and community development undergraduate and graduate curriculums while presenting her research at various international conferences and has published on the subject of inclusive philanthropy in several academic journals.

Kim is a Leading Edge Fellow at the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS). As a fellow, she is appointed to the Hurston/Wright Foundation, as a Research and Evaluation Manager. The foundation is a thirty-year old nonprofit focused on supporting Black writers based out of Washington, DC. Additionally, she has served on the board of Charitable Allies, a nonprofit law firm.

But through it all, Kim’s work in Eleuthera remains close to her heart and heritage. Her mother, Clara Belle Williams (nee Gibson) was born and raised in Savannah Sound, Eleuthera.

“Savannah Sound looms large in my imagination,” she said.

“I grew up hearing my mother tell so many wonderful stories about her childhood, and the people who built their community and strived for a better life for their families. My family continues to think of Eleuthera as a sacred place where we have deep roots – a legacy that I share with my children.”

“My mother inspired me to pursue higher education. She is one of those exemplary teachers and community leaders who I learned and drew great

PRESENTING virtually to the One Eleuthera Foundation team on the role and function of the Third Sector in society.

inspiration from.

My mother shared numerous stories with me about her early teaching training while she served as a monitor at Savannah Sound All-Age School before coming to the ‘big city’ of Nassau.”

Kim’s work with the One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) goes far back as a part of her early research: “Once I started to work on my dissertation, I learned about the One Eleuthera Foundation. The organization was very open to working with me. It was a wonderful opportunity for me to connect these earlier stories of community work to the ongoing efforts of OEF continuing in that tradition of teaching, training and building strong communities.”

“I continue to think and write about the rich insights about the nonprofit sector and community development that I have learned through OEF. In addition to my board service I work on strategic planning, board training, and special projects. The board and staff are intellectually curious.

They call on me at various times to link broader global and regional trends related to philanthropy, nonprofits, and civil society.”

One Eleuthera Foundation aims to transform local island communities into thriving self-sufficient ecosystems. It is a community-based, people-centric, non-profit organization born out of a need to protect Eleuthera and invest in the island’s sustainable development.

Today, OEF is entering a new and accelerated phase of strategic growth with a vista of progressive, community development projects underway, including the launch of a 1.1-acre grow house designed to increase Eleuthera’s food production and local farmer training efforts. As the facilitator of OEF’s education and vocational training programmes, The Centre for Training

and Innovation (CTI) continues to expand its programmes and student impact across the island and at the Rock Sound training campus. Here, students gain from handson, experiential learning at the country’s only training hotel and restaurant; and at CTI’s expansive training farm where high and low tech farming techniques and agricultural best practices are taught. Through OEF’s Social Enterprise Accelerator programme, local businesses and budding entrepreneurs receive mentorship and assistance with developing their businesses and building capacity.

“I deeply appreciate the comprehensive approach to solving critical challenges at OEF,” Kim explains.

“If we did not know it before, the COVID19 pandemic and the recent Hurricane Dorian has taught us all how so many issues are interconnected. Health connects to the economy and the economy connects to education and other areas.

We are all seeing this play out in real time during the global pandemic and with the increasing concerns around climate change.

The wisdom of OEF is that it has known this since inception.

“For over a decade, its focus on health, education, economy, environment, and cultural heritage has produced short-term and long-term gains, bridging economic and social divides, and taking into consideration the interconnected needs of individuals and the broader community.”

“OEF’s mission abides by a powerful rule: ‘We are as strong as our most vulnerable link’. Does this holistic focus get messy?

Absolutely. When has this not been the case? However, this commitment to an ambitious, empathetic, and social justice-oriented mission is what excites me

KIM’S mother, Savanna Sound native Clara Belle Williams (nee Gibson).

the most about OEF. I am a teacher by training, and grew up around a strong cadre of Bahamian teachers who taught me that hope is always necessary and where you start does not have to be where you finish, especially if you commit yourself to learning and growth. I am also inspired by the real passion and love for the organization and the community exhibited by so many staff and board members. There are some amazing people in this organization who commit so much of their time, talent, and treasure to improving the internal functions and the external impact.”

As Kim continues to increase her expertise in non-profits and community building, as a scholar and researcher, she sees The Bahamas as a vital component of her work.

“We are living in times where the challenges are great,” she said.

“We will need every sector of society - including the family, government, the

for-profit and non-profit sector to solve these challenges by working together and providing critical support for these times. The strength of the nonprofit sector is unique in its ability to centre on a social mission and vision for an enhanced future beyond election cycles or a profit margin.”

“It is the place where everyday people can think and work together, creatively bringing their individual skills and drawing on community strengths to make our communities stronger, inclusive, and more equitable.

“For the third sector to advance, it needs more community actors to dream bigger and learn from each other.

“The third sector also has to commit itself to learning both the technical and aspirational skills needed to advance its work while addressing the root causes of inequality, as well as attracting new resources and measuring social impact.”

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, July 19, 2022, PAGE 9

FEASTING ON THE FALL OF BORIS AND WHO REPLACES HIM

SOME people consider political science is almost a misnomer. Politics is about power and influence and concerns the interaction between human beings while science is based on observation, measurement and interpretation of data in support of a theory or hypothesis.

Historians tell us, however, that no less a figure than Aristotle was the father of political science.

Famous as the ‘prince of philosophers’ in Greece over 2,000 years ago, he defined it as a scientific study of the state including public policy based on the thoughts, behaviour and actions of governments and the system and process of governance. It is said that this influential philosopher, who was known for the enormous range of subjects he covered in his writings and who was widely listened to by ancient scholars, thought that political science was a powerful and dynamic branch of science because its subject influences all aspects of human life – what people say and do and how they behave and live.

Against this background, doubts about the basis of political science fall away.

How interesting, therefore, it must be for those who study politics to follow recent developments in Britain -- from the drama surrounding the resignation of Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the reasons for his rise and fall to the current much-publicised Tory party leadership election process to replace him.

So much has already been written about Boris Johnson since his resignation statement on July 8 that there is a danger of repetition. But the political demise of this flawed figure, who achieved his personal ambition only to suffer eventually a messy downfall, ought to be a case study in itself; for it is an unusual example of the same qualities that propelled his initial success being responsible indirectly for the failure of the long-term ‘project Johnson’.

Commentators are now saying that the tragedy for him was that he misunderstood his early success and refused to build a proper structure around him rather than a dysfunctional court of sometimes warring factions. But surely a major lesson ought to be that voters – who, of course, by complaining to their MPs may have influenced their attitudes towards Johnson – hate double standards, hypocrisy and downright lies.

Conservative grassroots supporters will also have gradually realised that their leader lacked a guiding ideology other than personal ambition and self-interest.

What is more, they will have been bitterly disappointed that the 80-seat majority gained at the 2019 election was in effect thrown away. Instead of taking advantage of that to pursue a programme encompassing genuine Conservative values and policies, they were betrayed by his high-tax and high spend agenda, with more red tape, bureaucracy and

The Peter Young column authoritarianism and an overly zealous emphasis on ‘green’ issues.

The clear inference to be drawn from all this is that success in politics requires adherence to principles founded on a clear ideology.

This should be combined with thoughtfulness, organisation and proper order, reliability, consistency, focus on what is important, managerial ability and application and hard work. But the tough lesson was that charisma, verbal dexterity and an excess of self-belief -- together with an evident emphasis on soundbites, grand gestures and photo opportunities – was seen as superseding such important features with the result that things went badly wrong. Thus, far from being the cruel current of fickle fate, as some maintain, the outcome was a clear case of cause and effect.

Meanwhile, some say the Tory leadership election contest now taking place is too drawn out. That is a matter for discussion since others see it as a sound and sensible exercise in democracy that should not be rushed. So adequate time is needed for the number of original candidates to be whittled down to two finalists through a series of votes by their fellow MPs. A crucial stage has been reached as the third round of MPs’ voting was held yesterday and the last candidates still standing will be known by Wednesday. A postal ballot will then be held for Conservative Party members up and down the country to decide between the two finalists. The result will be announced on September 5, with the winner becoming leader of the Conservative Party and the new British Prime Minister.

Spreading the election out over a reasonable twomonth time frame has provided candidates with plenty of opportunity to make their case for the top job including during the course of live TV debates.

They have had a chance to set out in public what they stand for and the policies they intend to pursue. This also gives MPs and Party members a proper chance to assess each candidate and make an informed choice about whom to support -- and while the process is of interest to many, even though they have no say in its outcome, it will surely have captured, in particular, the close attention of the political scientists.

US PRESIDENT IN MIDDLE EAST TO PURSUE NATIONAL INTEREST PRESIDENT Biden’s much-anticipated trip last week to the Middle East – Israel and Saudi Arabia -attracted much media attention. But was that because of a potentially explosive meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, or was there genuine public interest in the US’s wish to reduce tensions in the region and to re-evaluate its relationships in the Middle East in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine?

In Biden’s own words, this visit was an opportunity to shore up the US’s standing in the region and to show that it remained committed to the security of its allies there in the face of a growing military threat from Iran and amid the ‘corrupting influence’ of Russia and China.

It is said to be in the US interest to reset bilateral relations with the Kingdom, the world’s largest oil producer, which has been a key strategic US ally for decades. Talks will presumably have focused on oil, human rights, Iran and Israel – and, while he was in Saudi Arabia, Biden was also expected to lobby for Israel’s full integration into what appears to be an emerging regional defence alliance against Iran’s increasing missile capability.

In both countries, Biden gave assurances that the US would not permit Iran to acquire nuclear weapons, while in Israel he noted the significance of the Abraham Accords, negotiated by the Trump administration, under which relations were established with several Arab countries including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Saudi Arabia has not yet formalised relations with Israel though it has opened its airspace to all carriers, signalling an end to the ban on Israeli flights over its territory. Meanwhile, Biden reaffirmed US support for Israel as the cornerstone of its policy in the Middle East and for the two-state solution with the Palestinians.

In planning the visit to Saudi Arabia, what everyone will have recalled was that at the time Biden was running for president he had vowed to turn Saudi Arabia in to a ‘pariah state’ over the 2018 murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Such a threat was all the more serious because US intelligence findings

IN this image released by the Saudi Royal Palace, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, right, greets President Joe Biden with a fist bump after his arrival at Al-Salam palace in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Friday.

Photo: Bandar Aljaloud/Saudi Royal Palace via AP concluded that, although Mohammed bin Salman – known colloquially as MBS -- had denied involvement, he had approved the operation targeting Khashoggi. The latter was a member of the Saudi elite who had broken ranks and started writing articles for the Washington Post critical of the Crown Prince’s domestic reforms. Khashoggi was a temporary US resident and three of his children are US citizens.

In the event, Biden, who had in the past declined to meet him, greeted the Crown Prince with a fist bump and this was criticised by the Washington Post as ‘shameful’ because it projected ‘a level of intimacy and comfort that delivered to MBS the unwarranted redemption he has been desperately seeking’.

However, Biden himself commented disingenuously that he had come to attend a session of the Gulf Co-operation Council, at which he delivered a formal address while part of his purpose was to press Saudi Arabia to pump more oil to help bring down gas prices in the US. Pressure on the US government to react forcefully to the murder of Jamal Khashoggi leads one to reflect on what used to be called gunboat diplomacy. This was defined as the pursuit of foreign policy objectives with the aid of conspicuous displays of naval power, implying or contributing to a direct threat of warfare should terms to resolve a dispute not be acceptable to the superior force.

The term was used during the 19th century during the height of imperialism when intimidation was used by colonial powers in dealing with international disputes in order to persuade less powerful countries to grant concessions in response to a demonstration of superior military capability. The practice was also associated with the then British Foreign Secretary Lord Palmerston in relation to the protection of British citizens in trouble overseas -- in particular in the case of a famous incident in 1850 when he dispatched a squadron of the Royal Navy to blockade the Greek port of Piraeus in retaliation for the assault of a British subject.

I know from personal experience the importance the British government attaches to the protection of British nationals when they are abroad. Indeed, the government has made clear that helping its nationals in difficulty overseas is a vital part of the work of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. In reality, however, action to resolve a particular consular protection case may not necessarily be as straightforward as it seems. It is often important to give due weight to other considerations affecting Britain’s interests around the world. The same presumably applies to the US. It appears that in the Khashoggi case a decision has been taken that there should be a return to business as usual again with the Saudis.

FLAMING JULY IN UK AN UNEXPECTED headline in the UK press caught my eye yesterday morning – it was hotter in London on Monday than in Nassau. Readers may be pleased to be reminded that The Bahamas is invariably extolled in Britain as the most attractive tourist destination of them all – not least, of course, because of its generally fine weather sought after by sun-starved holiday makers as well as its beautiful beaches and surrounding waters – so the comparison was intended to indicate just how excessive the heatwave was at home.

For most people in the UK, who enjoy the variety of the seasons, the summer with its blue skies and sunshine is something to be welcomed given the often damp and cold weather for some parts of the year.

But a heatwave can cause all sorts of problems and Britain is experiencing an extended period of unusually hot weather at the moment, the potential dangers of which should not be underestimated; for example, wildfires in

the very dry conditions. The all-time record for summer temperatures was 38.7C (101.7F) in July, 2019. Monday was the hottest day of the year so far in 2022 with 36.3C (97.3F) recorded at Heathrow. But heatwaves over the years have not been uncommon. As just one example, those of a certain age will recall the extended one of 1976 when temperatures exceeded 32C for fifteen consecutive days.

In those far-off days people apparently coped pretty well and -- despite some water shortages and a ban on the use of hose pipes in gardens – they even relished such a period of good weather that resembled what is taken for granted as the norm on the Cote d’Azur in France. However, in modern Britain a heatwave is the cue for the nanny state zealots to get busy and start treating people like children. According to all reports, a certain level of expected public anxiety has developed into hysteria with the declaration of a ‘national emergency’ and dire warnings of health

risks, the cancellation of trains and hospital appointments and the closure of schools. It seems that more and more people are irritated by official announcements sternly lecturing adults about what is obvious – such as ‘stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day and walk in the shade, make sure you have enough water to drink and wear lightweight and loosefitting clothing.’

Normally, Britons who are deprived of sufficient sun like to visit countries where they are guaranteed better weather. But when the sun shines in their own backyard, officialdom nowadays seems to delight in creating a sort of artificial panic. Instead of being left simply to exercise common sense, people are bombarded with advice that is suitable for children – the ever present nanny state has been at it again.

• Peter Young OBE is a retired career diplomat living in Nassau. He is a former British High Com- missioner to The Bahamas.

PAGE 10, Tuesday, July 19, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

THIS photo provided by the fire brigade of the Gironde region (SDIS 33) shows a wildfire near Landiras, southwestern France, on Sunday.

Europe broils as heat wave fuels fires in France, Spain LA TESTE-DEBUCH, France Associated Press A HEAT wave broiling Europe spilled northward Monday to Britain and fueled ferocious wildfires in Spain and France, which evacuated thousands of people and scrambled water-bombing planes and firefighters to battle flames in tinder-dry forests.

Two people were killed in the blazes in Spain that its prime minister linked to global warming, saying, “Climate change kills”.

That toll comes on top of the hundreds of heatrelated deaths reported in the Iberian peninsula, as high temperatures have gripped the continent in recent days and triggered wildfires from Portugal to the Balkans. Some areas, including northern Italy, are also experiencing extended droughts. Climate change makes such life-threatening extremes less of a rarity — and heat waves have come even to places like Britain, which braced for possible record-breaking

temperatures.

The hot weather in the UK was expected to be so severe this week that train operators warned it could warp the rails and some schools set up wading pools to help children cool off.

In France, heat records were broken and swirling hot winds complicated firefighting in the country’s southwest.

“The fire is literally exploding,” said Marc Vermeulen, the regional fire service chief who described tree trunks shattering as flames consumed them, sending burning embers into the air and further spreading the blazes.

“We’re facing extreme and exceptional circumstances,” he said.

Authorities evacuated more towns, moving another 14,900 people from areas that could find themselves in the path of the fires and choking smoke. In all, more than 31,000 people have been forced from their homes and summer vacation spots in the Gironde region since the wildfires began July 12.

HOUSE TO VOTE ON SAME-SEX MARRIAGE WASHINGTON Associated Press

The House is set to vote to protect same-sex and interracial marriages, a direct confrontation with the Supreme Court, whose conservative majority in overturning Roe v Wade abortion access has sparked concerns that other rights enjoyed by countless Americans may be in jeopardy.

Tuesday’s vote in the House is part political strategy setting up an election-year roll call that will force all lawmakers, Republicans and Democrats, to go on the record with their views on the high-profile social issue. It’s also part of the legislative branch asserting its authority, pushing back against an aggressive court that appears intent on revisiting many settled US laws.

“As this Court may take aim at other fundamental rights, we cannot sit idly by,” Rep Jerrold Nadler, D-NY, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said in a statement.

While the Respect for Marriage Act is expected to pass the House, it is almost certain to stall in the Senate, where most

Republicans would surely block it. It’s one of several bills, including those enshrining abortion access, that Democrats are pushing to confront the court’s conservative majority. Another bill, guaranteeing access to contraceptive services, is set for a vote later this week.

The Respect for Marriage Act would repeal a leftover law still on the books from the Clinton era that defines marriage as a heterogeneous relationship between man and woman. It would also provide legal protections for interracial marriages by prohibiting any state from denying out-of-state marriage licenses and benefits on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity or national origin.

The 1996 law, the Defense of Marriage Act, had basically been sidelined by Obama-era court rulings, including Obergefell v Hodges, which established the rights of same-sex couples to marry nationwide, a landmark case for gay rights.

But last month, in doing away with the Roe v Wade constitutional right to an abortion, the conservative court majority put in place during the Trump era left critics concerned there may be more to come.

Three additional planes were sent to join six others fighting the fires, scooping up seawater and making repeated runs through dense clouds of smoke, the Interior Ministry said Sunday night.

More than 200 reinforcements headed to join the 1,500 firefighters trying to contain the blazes in the Gironde, where flames neared prized vineyards and billowed smoke across the Arcachon maritime basin famed for its oysters and beaches.

Spain, meanwhile, reported a second fatality in two days in its own blazes.

The body of a 69-year-old sheep farmer was found Monday in the same hilly area where a 62-year-old firefighter died a day earlier when he was trapped by flames in the northwestern Zamora province.

More than 30 forest fires around Spain have forced the evacuation of thousands of people and blackened 85 square miles of forest and scrub.

Passengers on a train through Zamora got a

frightening, close look at a blaze, when their train halted in the countryside.

Video of the unscheduled — and unnerving — stop showed about a dozen passengers in a railcar becoming alarmed as they looked out of the windows at the flames encroaching on both sides of the track.

Climate scientists say heat waves are more intense, more frequent and longer because of climate change — and coupled with droughts have made wildfires harder to fight. They say climate change will continue to make weather more extreme and wildfires more frequent and destructive.

“Climate change kills,” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said Monday during a visit to the Extremadura region, the site of three major blazes. “It kills people, it kills our ecosystems and biodiversity.”

Teresa Ribera, Spain’s minister for ecological transition, described her country as “literally under fire” as she attended talks on climate change in Berlin.

She warned of “terrifying prospects still for the days to come” — after more than 10 days of temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), cooling only moderately at night.

At least 748 heat-related deaths have been reported in the heat wave in Spain and neighboring Portugal, where temperatures reached 47 C (117 F) earlier this month.

The heat wave in Spain was forecast to ease on Tuesday, but the respite will be brief as temperatures rise again on Wednesday, especially in the dry western Extremadura region.

In Britain, officials have issued the first-ever extreme heat warning, and the weather service forecast that the record high of 38.7 C (101.7 F), set in 2019, could be shattered.

“Forty-one isn’t off the cards,” said Met Office CEO Penelope Endersby.

“We’ve even got some 43s in the model, but we’re hoping it won’t be as high as that.”

France’s often-temperate

Brittany region sweltered with a record 39.3 C (102.7 F) degrees in the port of Brest, surpassing a high of 35.1 C that had stood since September 2003, French weather service MeteoFrance said.

Regional records in France were broken in over a dozen towns, as the weather service said Monday was “the hottest day of this heat wave”.

The Balkans region expected the worst of the heat later this week, but has already seen sporadic wildfires.

Early Monday, authorities in Slovenia said firefighters brought one fire under control. Croatia sent a water-dropping plane there to help after struggling last week with its own wildfires along the Adriatic Sea. A fire in Sibenik forced some people to evacuate their homes but was later extinguished.

In Portugal, much cooler weather Monday helped fire crews make progress.

More than 600 firefighters attended four major fires in northern Portugal.

PROSECUTOR RECALLS CRUELTY OF PARKLAND GUNMAN FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida Associated Press

THE prosecutor seeking the death penalty for the gunman who massacred 17 people at a Parkland, Florida, high school detailed for jurors Monday how Nikolas Cruz coldly mowed down his victims, returning to some as they lay wounded to finish them off with a second volley.

Some parents wept as prosecutor Mike Satz described in his opening statement how Cruz killed their children at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Feb 14, 2018.

Others sat stoically, their arms crossed over their chests. One woman who lost her daughter fled the courtroom, sobbing and holding tissue to her face.

Satz’s comments came at the start of the trial to determine whether Cruz is executed or serves life in prison without parole.

The prosecutor’s presentation went over how Cruz shot each of the 14 students and three staff members who died and some of the 17 who were wounded.

Some were shot sitting at their desks, some as they fled and some as they lay bleeding on the floor while Cruz methodically stalked through a three-story

PEOPLE comfort each other as they sit and mourn at one of 17 crosses after a candlelight vigil for the victims of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, in Parkland, Florida, in 2018. building for almost seven you see me on the news, minutes with an AR-15 you’ll know who I am. semi-automatic rifle.

You’re all going to die. Ah Cruz, 23, pleaded guilty yeah, I can’t wait,’” Satz in October to murder and said. attempted murder and is Among the first witnesses contesting only his sen- was Danielle Gilbert, a tence. The trial, which junior who was in psycholis expected to last four ogy class when the shooting months, was supposed to began. The teacher told begin in 2020, but it was students to get behind her delayed by the COVID-19 desk. pandemic and legal fights.

“We were sitting like sitSatz called the murders ting ducks. We had no way cold, calculated, cruel and to protect ourselves,” said heinous, quoting the video Gilbert, who is now a stuCruz, then 19, made three dent at the University of days before the shooting.

Central Florida.

“This is what the defendThe jury was then shown ant said: ‘Hello, my name cellphone video Gilbert is Nik. I’m going to be the took inside the classroom. next school shooter of 2018. The footage began with a My goal is at least 20 people girl curled up beneath the with an AR-15 and some teacher’s desk and others, tracer rounds. It’s going to including Gilbert, mostly be a big event, and when unseen as they crouch

behind it. About two dozen shots that seemed to be coming from just outside the door are heard in rapid succession as the fire alarm sounds. An unseen wounded boy cries out twice, “Someone help me.”

The gunshots get further away, but the students remain quiet and huddled, speaking only in whispers.

Eventually, the voices of police officers can be heard approaching. The teacher stands up, holding her head.

“They’re coming, they’re coming, we’re OK,” a boy whispers.

SWAT officers, carrying rifles, then burst in, wanting to know if anyone is hurt. The students point and Gilbert stands up with her camera. A wounded boy and girl are carried out.

A dead girl lies in a pool of blood. The officers tell the students to run out. They passed two more bodies lying in the hallway before exiting into a parking lot.

Her testimony over, Gilbert broke down in sobs.

Her father put his arm around her and led her from the courtroom.

Prosecutors also presented cellphone video from another student that showed classmates crouching behind chairs as Cruz fired through the classroom door window, the bangs reverberating over screams.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, July 19, 2022, PAGE 11

Texas Rangers prospect Zion Bannister advances to Single A

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net TEXAS Rangers prospect Zion Bannister continues to progress within the organisation and received a new assignment at the Single-A level.

Bannister was assigned to the Down East Wood Ducks, the Rangers’ Single-A affiliate, based in Kinston, Carolina and competes in the Carolina League.

He made his debut with the club on July 15 and

finished 1-2 with a run scored in the Ducks’ 6-3 series opening win over the Columbia Fireflies on July 13. He spent 10 games earlier this season with the ACL Rangers in the Arizona Complex League.

In the ACL, Bannister played alongside fellow Bahamian Keithron Moss for the second time in their pro careers.

In one of his top performances of the season thus far, he went 3-4 with a double in the Rangers’ 4-2 win over the ACL Dodgers in the season opener.

The highly touted 6’3” 190-pound outfield prospect was called up to the club’s Spring Training roster for Cactus League play in Surprise, Arizona.

Bannister was originally signed by the Rangers in July 2019 and has made his debut on the Dominican Summer League roster the following month.

As a member of the DSL Rangers 2, he hit .273 with six hits, one RBI, and a .333 OPS. He progressed to the AZL Rangers of the Arizona Rookie League on

ZION Bannister

August 15 as a late season call up and appeared in 37 games where he hit .227 with six doubles, two home runs and 15 RBI. With the AZL Rangers, he teamed with Moss to help lead their team to the league title.

In 34 AZL games, he hit .308 with a .425 OBP, .442 slugging percentage, and an .866 OPS. He totalled 37 hits, including four doubles, three triples and two home runs with 14 RBI, 27 runs scored and eight stolen bases.

Jackie Robinson’s legacy looms over MLB All-Star Game in LA

By BETH HARRIS AP Sports Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) — The legacy of Jackie Robinson showed in Major League Baseball’s draft, with four Black players among the first five selected for the first time in history.

Six of the first 18 players chosen as well as nine players taken in the first round are Black. All of them are alumni of MLB’s diversity development programmes.

That’s considered progress in a sport that has a smaller percentage of Black players now than any year since the early 1990s.

“It’s nice to see athletes sticking around after the age of about 12 or 13 continuing to play baseball because we need more of them,” former All-Star shortstop Jimmy Rollins said yesterday.

But Robinson likely would still not be satisfied.

On the 25th anniversary of Robinson breaking baseball’s colour barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers, he criticised MLB for not yet hiring a Black manager or helping Black players establish careers after their playing days ended.

Robinson’s comments at the 1972 World Series came in his last public appearance before his death days later at age 53.

“Here we are now, 50 years since, we have two Black managers,” said Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, citing Dave Roberts of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Dusty Baker of the Houston Astros.

“Naturally, he would be disappointed because he wouldn’t see the things that he and others had fought so diligently for, to create opportunities,” Kendrick

THIS March 4, 1946, file photo shows Jackie Robinson of the Montreal Royals baseball team, in Sanford, Florida. Already at the forefront on the 75th anniversary of breaking baseball’s colour barrier, Jackie Robinson’s life, legacy and impact is honoured as part of the 2022 baseball All-Star Game in Los Angeles.

(AP Photo/Bill Chaplis)

FROM left, Brooklyn Dodgers third baseman John Jorgensen, shortstop Pee Wee Reese, second baseman Ed Stanky, and first baseman Jackie Robinson pose before a baseball game against the Boston Braves at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn, N.Y., April 15, 1947. Already at the forefront on the 75th anniversary of breaking baseball’s color barrier, Jackie Robinson’s life, legacy and impact is honored as part of the 2022 baseball All-Star Game in Los Angeles.

(AP Photo/Harry Harris)

said of Robinson. “We’re still not really seeing those opportunities.”

Kendrick joined former All-Stars Andre Dawson, Tim Raines, Rollins and Edwin Jackson, along with Seattle Mariners announcer Dave Sims, to discuss Robinson’s life and impact at Playball Park inside the Los Angeles Convention Center as part of All-Star festivities.

A standing-room only crowd listened intently while surrounded by thumping music, blaring announcers and fans testing their batting and fielding skills.

“We lose a lot of athletes to the other sports because we’re not promoted,” Rollins said, singling out football and basketball.

“One thing we’ve always felt as Black athletes we say, ‘You always have to be

from sales of the Sony video game “MLB The Show.”

“The Jackie Legacy” airs Wednesday on MLB Network featuring interviews with former All-Star Bo Jackson, former President Bill Clinton, filmmaker Spike Lee and former commissioner Bud Selig discussing Robinson’s impact on baseball, civil rights and society.

Kendrick credited Rachel Robinson for her ability to survive the public harassment of the era.

“While Jackie may have never publicly broke down, you can almost rest assured that was the shoulder that he cried on,” he said.

“Just the sheer strength that she demonstrated sitting in that stadium listening to all these folks say these nasty things about her husband, and he was nothing like what they wanted

the starter. You’re not going to find us on the bench.’”

A May report by the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports said 38% of all MLB players on opening day this season were players of colour, an 0.4% increase over a year ago.

About 28.5% of players were Hispanic or Latino, 7.2% were Black and 1.9% were Asian.

Robinson’s presence will loom large over tonight’s All-Star game at Dodger Stadium, where the Hall of Famer is honoured with a statue.

His legacy will be included in the pregame ceremonies.

His widow, Rachel, turns 100 that day and her birthday will be recognised during the game.

The Jackie Robinson Foundation will receive a cheque for over $800,000

ALL-STAR GAME DECIDED BY HOME RUN DERBY IF TIED AFTER NINE INNINGS

By RONALD BLUM AP Baseball Writer

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Pete Alonso was in the visitors’ clubhouse at Truist Park last week when an attendant made a puzzling request: Would the New York Mets slugger take a call from Atlanta Braves skipper Brian Snitker?

“Why is the opposing manager calling me?”

Alonso recalled thinking.

He quickly found out.

Snitker was preparing to manage the National League All-Star squad and had an important question, based on a first-time, fanfriendly rule change.

If the score was even after nine innings in the All-Star Game tonight at Dodger Stadium, Snitker asked, would Alonso

participate in the new tiebreaking Home Run Derby that would decide the winning team?

“I’ll be your guy,” Alonso recalled telling him.

“I think it’s fun. I think it’s going to be a great event if that does happen.”

Alonso wasn’t aware of the novel format, in which three players from each league would take three swings apiece to decide the final result. He wasn’t alone in finding out what could be on deck.

“That would actually happen?” Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton said.

“This is news to me.”

Snitker also picked Atlanta’s Ronald Acuña Jr and Philadelphia’s Kyle Schwarber for NL, while Houston’s Dusty Baker selected Seattle’s Julio

Rodríguez and Ty France along with Houston’s Kyle Tucker for the AL. With the All-Star Home Run Derby always popular the night before the game, Major League Baseball decided to make a slugging showcase part of the Midsummer Classic.

And no doubt, now a lot of fans will be rooting for a tie, just to see another launch of longballs.

Players, too.

“Are they doing that?

That would be fun,” Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman said. “We got Pete Alonso and Ronald, so I like our chances.”

The provision paving the way to the innovation was buried in exhibit 13 of the memorandum of understanding that settled the MLB lockout in March 10.

him to be portrayed as, and yet she found the will to be able to sit and endure all of that as well.”

Born in Georgia and raised in Pasadena, California, Robinson became the first Black to play in the majors when he started at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers 75 years ago, ending the racial segregation in pro baseball that had kept Black players in the Negro Leagues dating to the 1880s.

During his 10-year career, Robinson was the target of rough play by opposing teams, racist obscenities, hate mail and death threats.

He ultimately silenced critics with his play and his belief in non-violence.

“Coming up from a different environment, I used to be mad at Jackie, like why didn’t he fight back? I would’ve done something,”

said Rollins, who grew up in a Black neighbourhood in Oakland, California.

“But as I got older, I understood 21 million people he was carrying on his back and he could not fail.

“They waited for one reason and he never gave it to them. Because of that, I’m thankful we’re here.”

Dawson recalled receiving hate mail during his years with the Chicago Cubs from 1987-92.

“Some of the things that were said you just shake your head,” he said.

If Robinson was alive today, Raines said he’d ask him, “How do you take that on and deal with it?”

Jackson added, “He absorbed everybody’s pain.

He was the shield for the bomb and he took that bomb for us to be able to play today.”

PAGE 12, Tuesday, July 19, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

RESULTS - BAHAMAS AQUATICS’ 50TH NATIONAL SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS THE Bahamas Aquatics Federation completed its 50th National Swimming Championships at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex on July 10.

• Here’s a look at the performances from the four-day meet, held in memory of the late longtime executive John Bradley: Boys 9-10 200 LC Meter Freestyle - 1, Joseph, Christon A, Blue Waves, 2:27.08 NATL. 2, Knowles, Nitayo G, WAVE-BA, 2:29.22 NATL. 3, Comarcho, Blake G, WAVE-BA, 2:32.26 NATL. 4, Robinson, Benecio, MAC, 2:51.15 NATL. 5, Thompson, Blair E, MAC, 2:52.27 NATL. 6, Lloyd, Keiron I, MAC, 2:54.97 NATL. 7, Cartwright, Tyler L, Blue Waves, 2:56.39 NATL. 8, Turner, Torion, MAC, 2:58.96 NATL. 9, Cooper, Da’Kari L, WAVE-BA, 2:59.89 NATL. 10, Lightbourne, Zander L, MAC, 3:00.53 NATL. 11, Dean, Adrian C, MAC, 3:01.74 NATL. 12, Murray, Kyle A, BMSC, 3:01.93 NATL. 13, Rolle, Kriston L, Blue Waves, 3:02.29 NATL. 14, Menzies, Lauchlan, AAC, 3:03.49 NATL. 15, Norville-Smith, Sean H, WAVE-BA, 3:04.01 NATL. 16, Roberts, Alexis A, Blue Waves, 3:04.30 NATL. 17, Ferguson, Kaalen A, AAC, 3:09.27 NATL. 18, Rolle, Suraj M, Blue Waves, 3:12.88 NATL. 19, Russell, Dexter L, FAC, 3:14.77 NATL. 20, Thompson, Jai E, AAC, 3:19.41 NATL. 21, Ferguson, Anthony A, AAC, 3:19.82 NATL. 22, Van Onselen, Harrison, MAC, 3:26.65 NATL. 23, Hall, Tatum, AAC, 3:31.28.

Girls 11-12 200 LC Meter Freestyle - 1, Gibson, Saleste A, BSC, 2:19.35 CAN. 2, Lewis, Lelah E, WAVE-BA, 2:19.51 CAN. 3, Clarke, Christin-Alyssa C, BSC, 2:32.84 NATL. 4, Mckenzie, Dndn F, MAC, 2:33.93 NATL. 5, Smith, Adaiah T, WAVE-BA, 2:35.45 NATL. 6, Donaldson, Samirah E, AAC, 2:35.83 NATL. 7, George, Trinity S, Blue Waves, 2:37.09 NATL. 8, Julien, Madyson C, BSC, 2:37.32 NATL. 9, Fox, Madison E, AAC, 2:38.57 NATL. 10, Isaacs, Siann E, AAC, 2:39.30 NATL. 11, Lynes, Bharti S, Blue Waves, 2:40.85 NATL. 12, Zatarain, Alexia C, LSC, 2:41.89 NATL. 13, Smith, Chrislynn T, BSC, 2:44.36 NATL. 14, Maycock, Melaja A, LIT, 2:50.16 NATL. 15, Sands, Gianna K, MAC, 2:51.97 NATL. 16, Evans, Anneka X, LIT, 2:55.51 NATL. 17, Burrows, Allyssa E, LIT, 2:55.64 NATL. 18, Cooper, Wynter H, Blue Waves, 2:57.31 NATL. 19, Knowles, Jayla L, FAC, 2:57.51 NATL. 20, Saralegui, Violet A, LSC, 3:00.18 NATL. 21, Taylor, Anaiah R, MANTA-BA, 3:00.47 NATL. 22, Davis, A’Myah M, BSC, 3:00.52 NATL. 23, Pickstock, Zahra A, LIT, 3:00.84 NATL. 24, Pickstock, Zahran K, LIT, 3:01.44 NATL. 25, Rademaker, Emily I, LSC, 3:02.37 NATL. 26, Taylor, Kylah L, BMSC, 3:07.84 NATL. 27, Rolle, Jayla Marie G, Blue Waves, 3:08.88 NATL. Boys 11-12 200 LC Meter Freestyle - 1, Knowles, Noah S, WAVE-BA, 2:17.80 CAR. 2, Hamilton, Lenin, MAC, 2:18.69 CAR. 3, Farrington, Will B, BSC, 2:18.72 CAR. 4, Murray, Alexander J, BMSC, 2:26.48 NATL. 5, Saunders, Myles A, MAC, 2:31.29 NATL. 6, Russell, Trace K, MAC, 2:33.69 NATL. 7, Smith, Cameron K, Blue Waves, 2:35.81 NATL. 8, Williams, Kaylan K, WAVE-BA, 2:36.41 NATL. 9, Bethell, Daniel N, MAC, 2:36.69 NATL. 10, Chatlani-Pickstock, Jahan R, MAC, 2:37.00 NATL. 11, Walkes, Cameron A, AAC, 2:37.09 NATL. 12, Moncur, Ayriel J, MAC, 2:38.62 NATL. 13, Pickstock, Jaishon R, WAVE-BA, 2:39.59 NATL. 14, Theberge, Mateo A, MAC, 2:40.29 NATL. 15, Rolle, Malik J, FAC, 2:45.24 NATL. 16, Deleveaux, Aindriu, Blue Waves, 2:46.66 NATL. 17, Cartwright, Makhai I, Blue Waves, 2:47.42 NATL. 18, Johnson, Amari H, LIT, 2:49.91 NATL. 19, Wilmore, Macario K, AAC, 2:50.18 NATL. 20, Davis, Evan R, MAC, 2:50.95 NATL. 21, Poitier-Bullard, Kimari T, BSC, 2:57.51 NATL. 22, Brown, Caylen X, MANTA-BA, 2:57.53 NATL. --, Fahy, Lev, CBAC, X2:26.42 NATL. --, Rigby, Zayne R, MAC, NS. Girls 13-14 200 LC Meter Freestyle - 1, Patton, Mia K, WAVE-BA, 2:17.82 CAR. 2, Williamson, Zoe A, WAVE-BA, 2:19.40 NATL. 3, Watson, Zarria J, WAVE-BA, 2:27.47 NATL. 4, Murray, Alanna T, BMSC, 2:29.88 NATL. 5, Bertoldo, Giada I, MAC, 2:30.29 NATL. 6, Fiaux, Elina A, LSC, 2:30.49 NATL. 7, Bridgewater, Lauren, BSC, 2:30.90 NATL. 8, Martin, Jai A, MAC, 2:35.42 NATL. 9, Kissau, Nadia M, LSC, 2:38.61 NATL. 10, McKinney, Summer S, WAVEBA, 2:39.93 NATL. 11, McPhee, Arielle J, BSC, 2:40.06 NATL. 12, Minus, Denaja A, Blue Waves, 2:42.86 NATL. 13, Brooks, Shianne L, Blue Waves, 2:43.28 NATL. 14, Cowan, Teeann J, LIT, 2:43.34 NATL. 15, Miller, Maya C, AAC, 2:43.93 NATL. 16, Major, Mathea, AAC, 2:44.91 NATL. 17, Mulder, Kristin E, LSC, 2:47.31 NATL. 18, Lewis,

Isabelle H, MAC, 2:48.16 NATL. 19, Baldwin, Zara S, LSC, 2:53.68 NATL. 20, Farrington, Cecilia P, LSC, 3:00.41.

Boys 13-14 200 LC Meter Freestyle - 1, Gibson, Ellie J, WAVE-BA, 2:00.58N CAN. 2, Ferguson, Caleb T, AAC, 2:02.92N CAN. 3, Wells, Caden A, BMSC, 2:07.28 CAR. 4, Saunders, Donald L, LIT, 2:09.33 CAR. 5, Fox, Michael A, AAC, 2:15.13 NATL. 6, Duncombe, Launy L, WAVE-BA, 2:15.30 NATL. 7, Storr, Kaidin A, MAC, 2:15.31 NATL. 8, Bain, Ayden T, FAC, 2:17.53 NATL. 9, Adderley, Tyler A, BSC, 2:19.60 NATL. 10, Johnson, Kevin L, Blue Waves, 2:19.90 NATL. 11, Moss, Orion A, BMSC, 2:23.21 NATL. 12, Menzies, Malcolm P, BMSC, 2:24.00 NATL. 13, Butler, Daunte C, MAC, 2:27.40 NATL. 14, Adams, Chad D, FAC, 2:27.43 NATL. 15, Peet, Caleb I, MAC, 2:28.00 NATL. 16, Gibson, Hassan, MAC, 2:28.31 NATL. 17, McKenzie, Kayden M, LIT, 2:33.68 NATL. 18, Carter, Clarence D, FAC, 2:37.63 NATL. 19, Duncombe, Tre, BSC, 2:39.68.

Girls 15-17 200 LC Meter Freestyle - 1, Thompson, ZaylieElizabeth P, AAC, 2:10.83 CAN.

Saleste A 11, Julien, Madyson C 11), 5:05.29. 2, YMCA WaveRunners-BA ‘A’ (Smith, Adaiah T 12, Saunders, Kimaya S 11, Lewis, Lelah E 12, Nelson, Cindy T 11), 5:25.81. 3, Lyford Swim Club ‘A’ (Rademaker, Emily I 11, Zatarain, Alexia C 12, Threadgill, Jaylah N 11, Saralegui, Violet A 11), 5:43.61. 4, Blue Waves Swim Club ‘A’ (Rolle, Jayla Marie G 12, Cooper, Wynter H 12, Lynes, Bharti S 12, George, Trinity S 12), 5:53.95. 5, Alpha Aquatics ‘A’ (Dean, Da’scha 12, Fox, Madison E 11, Isaacs, Siann E 11, Donaldson, Samirah E 11), 6:05.81. 6, Lightning Aquatics ‘A’ (Pickstock, Zahra A 12, Pickstock, Zahran K 12, Burrows, Allyssa E 12, Evans, Anneka X 11), 6:06.27. 7, Mako Aquatics Club ‘A’ (Roache, Ayira 11, Pinder, Nyah S 11, Sands, Gianna K 12, Mckenzie, Dndn F 11), 6:13.18. 8, Sea Waves Aquatic Team ‘A’ (Williams, De’Angel S 11, Hutcheson, Tyanne-Joy M 12, Knowles, Taylor C 11, Nabbie, Makaila A 11), 8:07.37.

Boys 11-12 400 LC Meter Medley Relay - 1, Blue Waves Swim Club ‘A’ (Simmons, Dijon M 12, Adderley, Kraig L 12, Smith, Cameron K 12, Delev-

Aquatics ‘A’ (Johnson, Aydin A 14, Armbrister, Tamar A 13, Saunders, Donald L 13, McKenzie, Kayden M 13), 4:54.41. 6, Blue Waves Swim Club ‘A’ (Johnson, Tahje D 13, Rollins, Aiden V 13, Johnson, Kevin L 13, Miller, Tyler A 14), 5:21.47. 7, Freeport Aquatic Club ‘A’ (Adams, Chad D 13, Bain, Ayden T 13, Carey, Nicholes E 13, Carter, Clarence D 14), 5:22.30. --, Mako Aquatics Club ‘B’ (Gibson, Hassan 13, Peet, Caleb I 13, Butler, Daunte C 14, Mcdonald, Devin T 13), X4:39.74.

Girls 15-17 400 LC Meter Medley Relay - 1, Mako Aquatics Club ‘A’ (Moss, Keianna B 16, Cuffy-Bethel, Devin 16, Lundy, Rachel L 17, Sands, Giann D 15), 4:45.34. 2, Barracuda Swim Club ‘A’ (Higgs, Kyana E 15, Gibbs, Rhanishka R 15, Higgs, Chyme D 16, Farrington, Grace M 16), 4:48.92. 3, Alpha Aquatics ‘A’ (Knowles, Leylah A 15, Fox, Maria R 15, Thompson, ZaylieElizabeth P 17, Johnson, Bianca N 15), 4:49.04. 4, Lyford Swim Club ‘A’ (Zatarain, Isabelle X 15, Goulandris, Katie A 15, Saidi, Layla A 15, Mizell, Delaney L 17), 4:58.47.

Boys 15-17 400 LC Meter

CAR. 5, Albury, Kyle A, BSC, 2:57.71.

Girls 15-17 200 LC Meter Butterfly - 1, Moss, Keianna B, MAC, 2:29.51 CAN. 2, Higgs, Kyana E, BSC, 2:43.17 CAR. 3, Cuffy-Bethel, Devin, MAC, 3:06.66 NATL. --, Belfonte, Allyson, CBAC, X2:42.17 CAR. --, Norville-Smith, Seannia V, WAVE-BA, DQ. Boys 15-17 200 LC Meter Butterfly - 1, Forbes, Nigel J, WAVE-BA, 2:03.27 CAN. 2, Thompson, Jake F, BMSC, 2:14.95 CAN. 3, Prince, Hodari E, BSC, 2:19.22 CAR. 4, Ferguson, Tristin K, MAC, 2:28.04 NATL. 5, Smith, Ocean S, WAVE-BA, 2:35.94 NATL. Boys 18 & Over 200 LC Meter Butterfly - 1, Ferguson, Rommel A, WAVE-BA, 2:31.93 NATL. 2, Walcott, Andre A, MAC, 2:43.22 NATL. Girls 8 & Under 50 LC Meter Breaststroke - 1, Munroe, Isabella I, MAC, 48.53. 2, Johnson, Rinia E, Blue Waves, 48.64. 3, Rolle, Kirsten C, Blue Waves, 57.87. 4, Hamilton, Leniah, MAC, 57.88.

5, Dean, Cailyn G, Blue Waves, 59.04. 6, Coleman, Samaiya A, Blue Waves, 1:01.38. 7, Wal-

SWIMMERS compete in the Bahamas Aquatics Federation’s 50th National Swimming Championships at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex.

2, Lundy, Rachel L, MAC, 2:13.39 CAR. 3, Moss, Keianna B, MAC, 2:16.23 CAR. 4, Norville-Smith, Seannia V, WAVE-BA, 2:17.72 NATL. 5, Knowles, Leylah A, AAC, 2:17.78 NATL. 6, Higgs, Kyana E, BSC, 2:19.24 NATL. 7, Johnson, Bianca N, AAC, 2:20.81 NATL. 8, Mizell, Delaney L, LSC, 2:22.04 NATL. 9, Sastre, Mia G, BMSC, 2:24.27 NATL. 10, Sands, Giann D, MAC, 2:25.00 NATL. 11, Saidi, Layla A, LSC, 2:28.99 NATL. 12, Tuinman, Chloe I, LSC, 2:32.56 NATL. 13, Styles, Philena P, AAC, 2:38.14 NATL. --, Crooks, Jillian, TSA-FG, X2:05.32 CAN. --, Starnes, Sydney, UN, X2:07.71 CAN. --, Hyson, Gabrielle, TSA-FG, X2:19.52 NATL. --, Fankina, Veronika, CBAC, X2:19.75 NATL. Girls 18 & Over 200 LC Meter Freestyle - 1, MacPhail, Anya I, MAC, 2:18.58 NATL. 2, Albury, Kaliyah G, MAC, 2:22.48 NATL. 3, Hepburn, Jamilah R, MAC, 2:36.33 NATL. Boys 15-17 200 LC Meter Freestyle - 1, Johnson, Marvin L, WAVE-BA, 1:57.00 CAN. 2, Thompson, Jake F, BMSC, 2:00.65 CAR. 3, Barr, Jack C, BSC, 2:01.26 CAR. 4, Thompson III, Erald C, MAC, 2:01.61 CAR. 5, Ferguson, Tristin K, MAC, 2:02.25 CAR. 6, Longley, Sean K, BSC, 2:05.60 NATL. 7, Bosland, Msanaa A, BSC, 2:09.16 NATL. 8, Smith, Ocean S, WAVE-BA, 2:12.38 NATL. 9, Fountain, Taye E, WAVE-BA, 2:12.61 NATL. 10, Feaste, William W, MAC, 2:13.18 NATL. 11, Ferguson III, Daniel H, AAC, 2:13.27 NATL. 12, Major, Dayyan J, LIT, 2:17.16 NATL. 13, Brooks, Latrell L, Blue Waves, 2:18.34 NATL. 14, Wells, Cherkadin C, MAC, 2:18.38 NATL. 15, Mott, Koen M, MAC, 2:19.41 NATL. 16, Williams, Rondon L, AAC, 2:20.65 NATL. 17, Stuart, Jaron W, BSC, 2:21.47 NATL. 18, Brown, Adian J, AAC, 2:24.73 NATL. 19, Cordova, Ragh E, LIT, 2:24.91 NATL. 20, Clarke, Aiden J, MAC, 2:30.43 NATL. 21, Ijeoma, Nkume J, AAC, 2:31.41 NATL. --, Jackson-Blaine, Zach, TSA-FG, X2:10.66 NATL. Boys 18 & Over 200 LC Meter Freestyle - 1, Thompson, Luke K C, AAC, 1:57.72 CAN. 2, Laing, Darren I, WAVE-BA, 2:05.94 NATL. 3, Thompson, Mark-Anthony W, AAC, 2:06.03 NATL. 4, Bartlett III, Hugh A, MAC, 2:16.07 NATL. 5, Mott, Kadin V, MAC, 2:25.03 NATL. --, Stevens, Tristan, UN, X2:04.69 NATL. Girls 11-12 400 LC Meter Medley Relay - 1, Barracuda Swim Club ‘A’ (Pratt, Trinity C 12, Gilbert, Madison R 12, Gibson,

eaux, Aindriu H 11), 4:04.81B. 2, Mako Aquatics Club ‘A’ (Daniels, Maxwell P 12, Russell, Trace K 11, Butler, Damari 12, Hamilton, Lenin 12), 4:51.96. 3, Barracuda Swim Club ‘A’ (Burrows, Keron D 12, Farrington, Will B 12, Singh, David A 11, Rolle, Gerard C 11), 5:11.21. 4, YMCA WaveRunnersBA ‘A’ (Pickstock, Jaishon R 11, McBroom, Rafael S 12, Williams, Kaylan K 11, Knowles, Noah S 12), 5:24.74. 5, Mantas Swim & Water Polo Club-BA ‘A’ (Brown, Caylen X 11, Smith, Jayden N 11, Knowles, Shanterro M 12, Bienamie, Jamar Q 12), 5:53.23. --, Mako Aquatics Club ‘B’ (Wright, Issacs S 11, Chatlani-Pickstock, Jahan R 12, Theberge, Mateo A 11, Saunders, Myles A 12), X4:24.40. --, Alpha Aquatics ‘A’ (Boucher, Logan C 12, Ferguson, Luke 12, Wilmore, Macario K 11, Walkes, Cameron A 12), DQ. Girls 13-14 400 LC Meter Medley Relay - 1, Mako Aquatics Club ‘A’ (Theberge, Elle A 14, Adderley, Tia- Isabella J 14, Ward, Rayven H 13, Rolle, Jordyn 13), 4:59.26. 2, YMCA WaveRunners-BA ‘A’ (Watson, Zarria J 14, Norville-Smith, Seannae S 13, Williamson, Zoe A 13, Patton, Mia K 14), 5:05.66. 3, Barracuda Swim Club ‘A’ (Rolle, Chloe C 14, McPhee, Arielle J 14, Bridgewater, Lauren 14, Barnes, Sanaa Z 13), 5:22.60. 4, Lyford Swim Club ‘A’ (Baldwin, Zara S 13, Fiaux, Elina A 14, Mulder, Kristin E 13, Kissau, Nadia M 13), 5:43.06.

5, Blue Waves Swim Club ‘A’ (Brooks, Shianne L 14, George, Teryl O 14, Bain, Quiana L 13, Minus, Denaja A 13), 5:53.96. 6, Alpha Aquatics ‘A’ (Bain, Nia L 14, Miller, Maya C 14, Major, Mathea 14, Carey, Nakeisha A 13), 6:03.76. 7, Lightning Aquatics ‘A’ (Andrews, Cheniscia D 13, Grant, D’Asia A 14, Cowan, Teeann J 14, Watkins, Teynarae T 14), 6:41.46. --, Mako Aquatics Club ‘B’ (Campbell, Marliyah A 14, Martin, Jai A 14, Dillet, Morgan A 14, Lewis, Isabelle H 13), X5:46.83.

Boys 13-14 400 LC Meter Medley Relay - 1, YMCA WaveRunners-BA ‘A’ (Gibson, Ellie J 14, Hepburn, Tristen 13, Johnson, Asher A 14, Duncombe, Launy L 14), 4:15.94. 2, Mako Aquatics Club ‘A’ (Gibson, Zion U 14, Storr, Kaidin A 14, Moncur, Ayrton G 14, Bartlett, Mikhail A 14), 4:29.89. 3, Alpha Aquatics ‘A’ (Darville, Caellum T 14, Kemp, Aidan J 14, Ferguson, Caleb T 14, Charles, Jarrod J 14), 4:30.54. 4, Barracuda Swim Club ‘A’ (Miller, Matthew H 14, Adderley, Tyler A 14, Moncur III, Tre L 14, Albury, Kyle A 14), 4:39.75. 5, Lightning

Medley Relay - 1, YMCA WaveRunners-BA ‘A’ (Johnson, Marvin L 15, Forbes, Nigel J 16, Smith, Ocean S 17, Fountain, Taye E 17), 4:07.18. 2, Barracuda Swim Club ‘A’ (Barr, Jack C 16, Gadson, Emmanuel L 16, Prince, Hodari E 16, Carey, Christian B 16), 4:08.73. 3, Mako Aquatics Club ‘A’ (Bonamy, Amauri E 15, Thompson III, Erald C 17, Dam, Brayden J 17, Ferguson, Tristin K 15), 4:10.37. 4, Black Marlins Swim Club ‘A’ (Cooper, Elbert W 17, Knowles, Reis K 17, Thompson, Jake F 17, Bowers, David E 16), 4:19.68. 5, Alpha Aquatics ‘A’ (Williams, Rondon L 16, Bastian, Cairo T 15, Richford, Adam D 17, Ferguson III, Daniel H 15), 4:35.35. 6, Lightning Aquatics ‘A’ (Major, Dayyan J 15, Brice, Jurien C 17, Cordova, Ragh E 15, Bannister, Elijah S 15), 5:19.72. --, Alpha Aquatics ‘B’ (Maycock, Lyle D 16, Ijeoma, Nkume J 15, Brown, Andrian A 17, Brown, Adian J 15), XNS. Boys 18 & Over 400 LC Meter Medley Relay - 1, Mako Aquatics Club ‘A’ (Taylor, Lamar C 18, Stubbs, Kierro M 18, Carey, Davante S 19, Walcott, Andre A 20), 4:37.70. 2, Barracuda Swim Club ‘A’ (Bastian, Izaak Z 20, Bastian, Drew E 24, Miller, Melvin V 18, Wood, Ralph III V 19), 4:51.05.

Girls 11-12 200 LC Meter Butterfly - 1, Lewis, Lelah E, WAVE-BA, 2:42.88N CAN. 2, Gibson, Saleste A, BSC, 2:57.13 CAR. 3, Gilbert, Madison R, BSC, 3:15.51 NATL. 4, Lynes, Bharti S, Blue Waves, 3:33.16 NATL. 5, Burrows, Allyssa E, LIT, 3:49.06 NATL. --, Smith, Adaiah T, WAVE-BA, DQ. Boys 11-12 200 LC Meter Butterfly - 1, Simmons, Dijon M, Blue Waves, 2:30.22 CAR. 2, Farrington, Will B, BSC, 2:44.69 CAR. 3, Butler, Damari, MAC, 2:52.49 CAR. 4, Williams, Kaylan K, WAVE-BA, 2:54.49 CAR. 5, Knowles, Shanterro M, MANTABA, 3:06.64 NATL. 6, Wright, Issac S, MAC, 3:15.19 NATL. 7, Pratt, Ta-naj C, FAC, 3:25.53.

Girls 13-14 200 LC Meter Butterfly - 1, Williamson, Zoe A, WAVE-BA, 2:42.75 CAR. 2, Watson, Zarria J, WAVE-BA, 2:56.10 NATL. 3, Knowles, Anjaleah B, SWAT, 2:59.90 NATL. 4, Murray, Alanna T, BMSC, 3:06.32 NATL. 5, Bertoldo, Giada I, MAC, 3:20.61 NATL. Boys 13-14 200 LC Meter Butterfly - 1, Johnson, Asher A, WAVE-BA, 2:22.12 CAR. 2, Hepburn, Tristen, WAVE-BA, 2:22.86 CAR. 3, Moncur III, Tre L, BSC, 2:26.95 CAR. 4, Saunders, Donald L, LIT, 2:31.93

(File photo) lace, Emma M, BSC, 1:02.65. 8, Knowles, Jaleah L, FAC, 1:02.98.

Boys 8 & Under 50 LC Meter Breaststroke - 1, Comarcho, Logan G, WAVE-BA, 47.99.

2, Bastian, Asher X, MANTABA, 48.31. 3, Cooper, Kymani D, WAVE-BA, 48.74. 4, Newry, Jeremiah K, FAC, 52.32. 5, Menzies, Lyall, AAC, 53.37. 6, Feaste, Isaiah T, MANTA-BA, 54.63. 7, Menzies, Fraser, AAC, 55.28. 8, Campbell, Kyrie, BSC, 56.55.

Girls 9-10 50 LC Meter Breaststroke - 1, Pratt, Noel S, BSC, 41.49 NATL. 2, Cuccurullo, Isabella K, WAVE-BA, 42.30 NATL. 3, Seymour, Tiah X, MANTA-BA, 43.47 NATL. 4, Chase, Layelle G, BSC, 45.95 NATL. 5, Curry, Angel A, MANTA-BA, 46.53 NATL. 6, Donaldson, Skarlette L, MANTA-BA, 46.92 NATL. 7, Strachan, Veranique R, BSC, 47.77 NATL. --, Griffin, Dasha A, BSC, DQ. Boys 9-10 50 LC Meter Breaststroke - 1, Joseph, Christon A, Blue Waves, 40.99 NATL. 2, Comarcho, Blake G, WAVE-BA, 43.40 NATL. 3, Simmons, Harold A, WAVE-BA, 47.29 NATL. 4, Lightbourne, Zander L, MAC, 47.40 NATL. 5, Lewis, Liam E, WAVE-BA, 47.46 NATL. 6, Alouidor, Joshua C, Blue Waves, 49.11 NATL. 7, Robinson, Benecio, MAC, 50.99 NATL. 8, Ferguson, Kaalen A, AAC, 52.34 NATL. Girls 11-12 50 LC Meter Breaststroke - 1, Saunders, Kimaya S, WAVE-BA, 37.09 CAN. 2, Threadgill, Jaylah N, LSC, 37.69 CAR. 3, Zatarain, Alexia C, LSC, 39.10 CAR. 4, George, Trinity S, Blue Waves, 40.42 NATL. 5, Donaldson, Samirah E, AAC, 40.57 NATL. 6, Davis, A’Myah M, BSC, 41.73 NATL. 7, Gilbert, Madison R, BSC, 41.91 NATL. 8, Ingraham, Dayna G, BSC, 42.53 NATL. Boys 11-12 50 LC Meter Breaststroke - 1, Simmons, Dijon M, Blue Waves, 35.46 CAN. 2, Farrington, Will B, BSC, 36.11 CAR. 3, Russell, Trace K, MAC, 36.20 CAR. 4, Singh, David A, BSC, 36.61 CAR. 5, Adderley, Kraig L, Blue Waves, 37.95 NATL. 6, Murray, Alexander J, BMSC, 38.34 NATL. 7, Chatlani-Pickstock, Jahan R, MAC, 38.77 NATL. 8, Burrows, Keron D, BSC, 40.24 NATL.

CONTINUED IN WEDNESDAY SPORTS

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, July 19, 2022, PAGE 13

NEW YORK FACES JONQUEL JONES AND SUN ON 3-GAME SKID

THE Bahamas senior women’s national basketball team at the FIBA Caribbean Women’s Basketball Championships in Havana, Cuba.

Bahamas ‘will have to be much stronger’ against Mexico

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net IF the women’s national basketball team intends to have any success at the FIBA 2022 Women’s Centrobasket Championships in November in Mexico, interim head coach Donillo ‘Donnie’ Culmer said the Bahamas squad will have to be much stronger.

Culmer, filling in for Yolett McPhee-McQuin, who opted out to assist the men’s national basketball team, led the coaching squad that included Diasti Delancy and Deven Johnson as they won the bronze medal over Jamaica on Sunday at the FIBA Caribbean Women’s Basketball Championships in Havana, Cuba.

By virtue of their feat, the Bahamas joins champions Cuba and silver medallist Dominican Republic in advancing to the Americas Women’s CentroBasket, scheduled for November 22-27 in November.

“Hopefully for Mexico in November, we would be able to field a team more talented because the competition will be more intense,” Culmer said.

Culmer, however, admitted that having travelled with the team, he got a first-hand glimpse of how intense it is in putting the team together to compete.

As for whether or not he would be back as the head coach, Culmer said he would love to do so.

“I love serving my country and I love the game,” he said. “As a country, we need to find why at games our best doesn’t want to represent their country if available.”

Culmer opted not to go into further details, but team manager Anastacia Moultrie said they heard people complaining that the team was a weak one and it was too small, but they took the players who were committed to coming out to practice every day.

“We chose young ladies who were committed,” she said.

“Those who you did not see on the team were one, either not serious about coming out to practice and or believed they had a sure spot on the team, two, some could not make it because of reasons they could not travel or three, some just did not come out.”

Having spent the past month from May 20 preparing the team, Moultrie said they felt they had assembled the best team from the players available to compete.

“I am very proud of these young ladies, and we had two of the youngest players in the whole tournament in (my daughter) Antonicia (Moultrie) and Denika (Lightbourne).

They all made us proud.”

Moultrie, a shooting guard/small forward, was the youngest member of the team at age 16. She will be entering the 12th grade at St Augustine’s College, while Lightbourne, at 17, will also be entering the 12th grade.

The other members of the team were Philicia Kelly, 32; Valerie Nesbitt, 23; Valicia Demeritte, 22; Britenique Harrison, 29; Latoya Rolle, 34; Karolyn Baptiste, 19; La’Tavia Brennen, 22; Lorraine Oliver, 30; Roberta Quant, 45 and Tiffany Wildgoose, 31.

(AP) — New York Liberty (9-15, 7-5 Eastern Conference) at Connecticut Sun (16-9, 10-5 Eastern Conference) Uncasville, Connecticut; Tuesday, 11:30am EDT BOTTOM LINE: New York looks to break its three-game slide with a victory over Connecticut.

The Sun are 10-5 in Eastern Conference games.

Connecticut has a 1-1 record in games decided by less than 4 points.

The Liberty are 7-5 in Eastern Conference play.

New York ranks sixth in the Eastern Conference with 7.0 offensive rebounds per game led by Natasha Howard averaging 1.8.

BAHAMIAN players Karoyln Baptiste and Denika Lightbourne defend against Jamaica.

TOP PERFORMER: Jonquel Jones is averaging 15.3 points and 9.4 rebounds while shooting 46.5% over the past 10 games for Connecticut.

DENIKA Lightbourne and Britenique Harrison trap a Jamaican player.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, the immediate past president of the federation, extended congratulations to the team, now on their path to qualification for the Olympic Games.

“I extend congratulations to the senior women’s national basketball team, the coaching staff and executive members of the Bahamas Basketball Federation,” Bowleg said.

“This accomplishment comes on the heels of the victory by our men’s national basketball team, who qualified for the 2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.”

Bowleg also congratulated Lightbourne, who scored 12 points with six rebounds and five steals and Moultrie, who added six points, two rebounds and two steals in the Bahamas’ 68-57 win over Jamaica on Sunday.

Lightbourne also finished with a tournament high 71 points scored in five games with an average of 14.2 points per game, while Nesbitt was fourth with an average of 11.8, scoring a total of 59 points.

Nesbitt was the tournament’s leader in assists with 28 for an average of 5.6 per game and also topped the chart in steals with 16 for an average of 3.2 stripes per game.

She also had the third highest turnovers with a total of 22 for an average of 4.4 per game.

Harrison, the tournament’s leader in double-doubles with two, ended up in second place in rebounding with 11 offensive and 29 defensive rebounds for a total of 40 or an average of 13.6 per game. She was also second in blocks with an average of 1.8 after she squatted a total of nine shots.

The Bahamas eventually occupied the top three spots in fouls with Brennen being accessed 16 for an average of 3.2, while Nesbitt trailed with 15 for her average of 3.0 and Rolle was next with 13 for her average of 2.6.

Bowleg is currently in Eugene, Oregon for the World Championships in track and field before he heads to Birmingham, England, for the Commonwealth Games next week.

He said he likes what he has seen so far from his old stomping ground as a former player, coach and executive.

“The future of basketball is bright and remains in good hands,” Bowleg said.

“The Bahamas was also represented at the junior levels, both boys and girls, in seperate tournaments last month. Congratulations once again to Team Bahamas.”

The two teams match up for the fourth time this season. The Liberty defeated the Sun 81-77 in their last meeting on June 22. Stefanie Dolson led the Liberty with 16 points, and Courtney Williams led the Sun with 16 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Alyssa Thomas is averaging 12.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.5 assists for the Sun. Jonquel Jones is averaging 15.3 points and 9.4 rebounds while shooting 46.5% over the past 10 games for Connecticut.

Sabrina Ionescu is averaging 17.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists for the Liberty. Howard is averaging 17 points and 7.8 rebounds over the last 10 games for New York.

LAST 10 GAMES: Sun: 5-5, averaging 78.7 points, 37.3 rebounds, 19.0 assists, 8.5 steals and 3.3 blocks per game while shooting 43.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 76.9 points per game.

Liberty: 4-6, averaging 84.6 points, 34.8 rebounds, 22.7 assists, 5.5 steals and 4.2 blocks per game while shooting 43.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 88.2 points.

INJURIES: Sun: Jasmine Thomas: out for season (knee).

Liberty: Betnijah Laney: out (knee), Jocelyn Willoughby: out (quad).

HEALTHY JAMES HARDEN VOWS RETURN TO ‘TOP OF MY GAME’

By BETH HARRIS AP Sports Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) — James Harden is vowing a return to his high-scoring form after battling a lingering hamstring injury that created rare doubt for the three-time NBA scoring champion over the last two seasons.

He expects similar big things from the Philadelphia 76ers after taking less salary in his contract this season to help the team improve and chase the championship he still seeks.

Harden injured the hamstring playing for the Brooklyn Nets in the 202021 season. The first serious injury of his 13-year career was “a wake-up call” that

had Harden thinking about life outside of basketball.

Finally healthy again, he’s spending the summer in his hometown of Los Angeles.

Relaxing barefoot in a fully furnished, nine-bedroom, 14-bathroom rented mansion perched on a hillside above Beverly Hills with panoramic views stretching to downtown LA, Harden is eager to put the past behind.

“I’m looking to have an unbelievable season,” he said Sunday. “I don’t want to just go out there and be running around and not being efficient and looking old out there. I still want to be really, really, really good.”

Harden declined his $47.4 million player option with

JAMES Harden at his home in Beverly Hills, California.

(AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) the 76ers for next season and instead agreed to a new two-year deal that will pay him $32 million in 2022-23.

It includes a player option for the second season. The deal isn’t yet finalised and Harden didn’t address the negotiations.

However, the 10-time All-Star confirmed to

The Associated Press that he made the decision to allow the 76ers the flexibility they needed to go after other players. If he hadn’t declined the option, the team would have been hard-pressed to bolster its roster led by NBA scoring champion Joel Embiid.

“Taking less money this year to sign as many players as we needed to help us contend and be the last team standing was very, very important to me,” Harden said.

“I wanted to show the organisation, the Sixers fans and everybody else who supports what we’re trying to accomplish, what I’m trying to accomplish individually, that this is what I’m about.”

The Sixers signed free agents P.J. Tucker and Danuel House. Harden previously played with both in Houston.

“We got some really good pieces this summer, so now it’s time for us to go do the hard work,” Harden said.

Harden averaged 22 points this season for Brooklyn and Philadelphia, lowest since he became a starter in the 2012-13 season. He turns 33 in August. “For any other players, that’s a max contract,” he said of his lower numbers, “but it’s like, for me, I was not the same James Harden.”

He relied more on 3-pointers and free throws than driving to the basket.

His usual speed was

replaced by sluggishness and his mind was preoccupied with the injury.

“I wasn’t able to get in my spots and get to where I needed to get to without thinking about it, so that right there slowed my confidence down,” he said.

“It was craziness, but I’m finally back. I’ll be a lot more aggressive scoringwise just because my body allows me to.”

The 76ers lost to topseeded Miami in the second round of the playoffs.

Harden had four turnovers, four baskets and did not score in the second half in the decisive Game 6 loss.

They haven’t advanced past the second round since 2001. Their last NBA championship came in 1983.

PAGE 14, Tuesday, July 19, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

NOAH LYLES CELEBRATES 25TH WITH CRUISE THROUGH WORLD QUALIFYING NOAH LYLES, of the United States, wins a heat in the 200 metres at the World Athletics Championships yesterday in Eugene, Oregon.

By EDDIE PELLS AP National Writer EUGENE, Oregon (AP) — Noah Lyles looked to his right and saw no one. He glanced over again, and still seeing nobody there, gave a playful wag of the finger to the six stragglers behind him.

All part of the fun — remember that word?

— and part of the show delivered by America’s most engaging sprinter Monday, which happened to be both Lyles’ 25th birthday and opening night in his signature race, the 200 metres, at the world championships.

Lyles, who ran his heat in 19.98 seconds, was part of a cavalcade of the world’s best sprinters — including 100 champions Fred Kerley and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Elaine Thompson-Herah and 18-year-old Erriyon Knighton — who cruised through the first heats of the 200 without much fuss.

“A totally different vibe,” Lyles called racing in 2022, now that fans have returned to stadiums that were largely empty for two years during the COVID19 pandemic. “If anything, it makes it more fun. I’ve been able to come out here and, I feel like, be the most ‘me’ I’ve been in years.”

Whether that rediscovery helps him win gold, silver, bronze, or nothing at all, Lyles said he likes this

DERBY

FROM PAGE 16 second behind the Mariners’ 21-year-old phenom in the final round, failing to hit his first homer until his 10th swing. He eventually caught fire to win a lively Derby that began with an on-field

sport again. The finals are Thursday. But earlier on his birthday, Lyles, who is as open about his mentalhealth struggles and social issues confronting the world as he is about sprinting, put things in perspective on social media.

“By this time in a Black man’s life, we are either put in jail for life, killed in gangrelated events, or killed just for the colour of our skin,” Lyles tweeted. “So when I say glad I made it to 25 I mean it!!!”

Lyles wasn’t the only one celebrating a milestone on yet another clear, cool night for racing in Eugene, where the stands were about three-quarters full.

Belgium’s Nafissatou Thiam ran the final event of the heptathlon, the 800 metres, in 2 minutes, 13 seconds to rally past Anouk Vetter of the Netherlands for her second world championship, which goes with two Olympic titles.

American NCAA champion Anna Hall won the 800 in 2:06.67 to hang onto third place overall.

“I was hoping to come out with a PR (personal record) and to prove to myself that I belong here and I can succeed here,” Hall said. “So to come away with a really big score and a medal is more than I could ask for.”

In triple jump, world record holder Yulimar Rojas romped to her third

world title with a leap of 15.47 metres (50 feet, 9 inches) for a margin of .58 (1 foot, 10 inches) over Jamaica’s Shanieka Ricketts. America’s Tori Franklin took bronze to bring America’s medal count up to 16 after four days of action.

In men’s steeplechase, Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali won pulling away to add a world gold to the one he took in Tokyo last year.

Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon won her second title at 1,500 metres in a time of 3 minutes, 52.96 seconds. She also has two Olympic titles.

In the high jump, a rematch of last year’s exciting Olympic tie between Mutaz Essa Barshim of Qatar and Gianmarco Tamberi of Italy resulted in less drama, but another title for Barshim.

The “Qatari Falcon,” flapped his arms to celebrate after clearing 2.35 metres (7-8 1/2) on his first attempt, but was more subdued when he cleared 2.37 (7-9). Tamberi missed all three attempts at the lower distance and ended up fourth. Barshim now has three world championships, including the one he won in front of the home crowd in Doha three years ago.

Out on the road earlier in the day, Gotytom Gebreslase made it an Ethiopian gold-medal sweep in the marathons. After running at the elbow of Judith

Jeptum Korir for miles, Gebreslase motored past her late and won by nine seconds in a championshiprecord time of 2 hours, 18 minutes, 11 seconds.

Back in the stadium, Lyles was the only man to break 20 seconds on a no-stress night in the 200.

His main competition this week could come from topranked teammate Kenny Bednarek or from Kerley.

Also, Knighton, whose 20.01 tied for the secondbest time of the night.

Last month at national championships, Lyles beat Knighton to the line and wagged his finger there, too. Knighton didn’t seem

to like it, though both he and Lyles were putting it in the past. “It’s a real chill,” Knighton said. “There’s no beef or nothing. At the end of the day, it’s just a sport.”

It’s also entertainment, and Lyles is a big believer that entertainers like him need a crowd to be at their best.

It could help explain why the last two years have been so rough. The COVID-19 pandemic hit Lyles as hard as any athlete. Competing in empty stadiums and in cities with no friends, family and coaches to support him made things tough.

The man some thought might win Olympic gold in

one, two or three events ended up with a bronze in the 200.

The results this week — who knows? But now that the fans are back, Lyles is having fun again. He was inspired earlier this year by a tweet from sprint great Michael Johnson.

“He was like ‘People don’t go to races to watch people run. They go to watch because they enjoy watching them run,’” Lyles said. “And I definitely felt like that spoke to me.

I was like, ‘You know what, I might not be the best person here, but I’m definitely the person that people want to see.’”

pyrotechnics display that spooked the competitors.

Soto’s longest homer of the night travelled 471 feet, and he hit the winning 415foot homer with 20 seconds of bonus time to spare, then whipped his bat in the air before being swarmed by other Dominican All-Stars.

Soto earns a $1 million prize and another highlight

on his résumé as his time with Washington possibly nears an end.

The Athletic reported over the weekend that Soto turned down a $440 million, 15-year contract to stay with the Nationals, and he could be traded by the end of the month.

“Right now, I’m not even thinking about it,”

Soto said while hoisting the trophy over his head.

“I’m a champion, and I will be a champion for the Nationals.”

Rodríguez signaled his arrival on baseball’s biggest stage with a dynamic three-round performance at Chavez Ravine, where he still hasn’t played yet for the Mariners.

Only four players had managed to hit 30 homers in a single Derby round before Rodríguez did it in each of his first two rounds, and he finished the night with 81 of them.

His 32 dingers against Texas’ Corey Seager in the first round were the secondmost ever in that round, and the rookie added 31 in

the semifinals to oust twotime defending champion Pete Alonso, who had 23.

Pujols beat top-seeded Kyle Schwarber in a heartwarming first-round upset before Soto finished his night in a victory that probably didn’t much bother Pujols, an idol to fellow Dominican stars such as Soto and Rodríguez.

STRACHAN

The 29-year-old Gaither will compete against Jackson who, in five, will be sandwiched between American Jenna Prandini in four and Switzerland’s world indoor 60 metre champion Mujinga Kambundji in six.

Gaither will have to feed off Jacinta Beecher.

The Australian is expected to chase her in lane seven.

The first two finishers in each of the three heats and the next two fastest finishers on time will book

their ticket to the final on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the next Bahamian in action will be two-time Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo in the semi-final of the 400m on Wednesday.

The runner-up from Doha in 2019 has drawn lane six in the first of three heats after she cruised through the first round on Sunday in the ninth fastest time in winning her heat in 51.10. The 28-year-old Miller-Uibo will have her

23-year-old American training partner Lynna Irby, who was a part of the Pure Athletics Track Club camp in the Bahamas in January, running on the side of her in lane seven.

Still waiting to compete this weekend will be the women’s 4 x 400m relay team.

Also, national record holder Devynne Charlton in the women’s 100m hurdles and Ken Mullings making his global debut in the decathlon.

Award-winning series “Schitt’s Creek,” among his favourites.

“I’ll try to channel all of them,” he said.

Don’t be surprised if Curry’s kids, teammates or other athletes make cameos in the show’s comedy bits.

Outside of basketball, Curry said he’s “a golf junkie, nerd, fanatic.”

“I’ve talked to Tiger Woods on the phone four or

five times but I’ve actually never met him in person.

The dream would be to meet him at The ESPYS,” he said.

Taking it further, Curry imagines Woods “receives the best golfer (award) and the next morning we go play golf. That’s the dream scenario.”

When he’s not making a living playing basketball or relaxing by hitting the

links, Curry is following other teams, especially the Boston Red Sox and Carolina Panthers. “If you come to my house and my kids don’t have control of the remote, then usually sports of any kind is on,” he said.

“I watched the Stanley Cup Finals and didn’t really know anything about it, but I still watched it. I don’t discriminate between any of it.

If it’s sports, I’m watching.”

FROM PAGE 16

Thompson-Herah in 10th in 22.41.

All three Jamaicans are on the verge of another showdown for an unprecedented match-up in both sprints in the same championships.

Gaither is scheduled to be back in action today when she contests the first of three heats of the semifinals in lane eight again.

CURRY

FROM PAGE 16 preparing. I’ll do that same preparation for this, but it’s going to be an emotional roller coaster.”

Curry describes his sense of humour as being “all over the place.” He mentions comedians Dave Chapelle and Kevin Hart, as well as the Emmy

NOAH Lyles wins his heat in the 200 metres at the World Athletics Championships.

(AP Photos/Ashley Landis)

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, July 19, 2022, PAGE 15

Fraser-Pryce back on top at Worlds, leads Jamaican sweep in 100 metres

By EDDIE PELLS AP National Writer EUGENE, Oregon (AP) — That mile-wide smile would come a split-second later. When Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce saw her name come up first Sunday night in the 100-metre final, she pumped her right fist in the air twice and let out a loud scream toward the stands.

Yep, she did it. Again.

And shame on anyone who thought it was over for Jamaica’s favourite 35-yearold mom — the country’s most-celebrated 100-metre runner this side of Usain Bolt.

Fraser-Pryce sped her way back to the top of the sprint game, winning her fifth world title in the 100 — that’s two more than Bolt amassed during his decade of dominance — by leading a Jamaican sweep and knocking off the favourite, two-time Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah.

“So many people believe that when women turn 35, it somehow diminishes our gift, our talent,” FraserPryce said. “But I’m still able to line up and compete, and that is very special.”

Running out of Lane 6, Fraser-Pryce led all the way on a gorgeous, 74-degree night in Oregon and crossed the line in 10.67 seconds.

She beat Shericka Jackson by 0.06 seconds while Thompson-Herah finished a surprising third in 10.81.

The smile came later.

Lots of them, in fact.

With her blonde hair cinched into a braid up top, and with green-tinted locks flowing in the breeze, Fraser-Pryce offered smiles and took selfies with the fans as she jogged through her victory lap.

It was a different scene than last year in Tokyo, when she seemed puzzled and frustrated at how she could’ve finished second to Thompson-Herah at the Olympics by such a sizable margin — 0.13.

“I went back home and I worked and I worked and I came out here, and I had the success,” the beaming sprinter said in her on-track interview.

The night began with thought that ThompsonHerah might knock off Florence Griffith-Joyner’s 34-year-old world record of 10.49. Less than a year ago, Thompson-Herah ran 10.54 on this very same track in the Prefontaine Classic to join Flo Jo as the only other woman to go lower than 10.6.

Fraser-Pryce has run exactly 10.6 before, though, and instead of Flo Jo’s record going down, it was one held by Marion Jones — her 23-year-old world championship mark of 10.70 — that went by the wayside.

Fraser-Pryce adds this to world titles she won in the 100 in 2009, ‘13, ‘15 and ‘19.

She also won the Olympics in 2008 and 2012.

It was no huge surprise that the aftermath in the corridors of the stadium felt like a party.

Dozens of ticketholders wearing “Shelly-Ann” T-shirts — complete with a picture of her, back in the day, when she still wore braces — were making their way to the exits, a few of them high-fiving.

One of them, a former elite sprinter in Jamaica, Errol Byles, told of meeting Fraser-Pryce on an airplane.

They exchanged numbers, and stayed in touch. Before worlds, he asked her to send some shirts, and they wore them with pride walking out.

Byles reminisced about the vibe in Jamaica when the 21-year-old then known as Shelly-Ann Fraser qualified for her first Olympics, back in 2008. She was too young, the sceptics said, and had no business taking the spot that could’ve gone to the reigning world champion at the time, Veronica Campbell-Brown.

Fraser did take that spot, then led a Jamaican sweep in the 100. It felt like a bit of an undercard to Bolt’s hot-dogging,

GOLD medallist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, of Jamaica, centre, silver medallist Shericka Jackson, of Jamaica, right, and bronze medallist Elaine Thompson-Herah, of Jamaica, wave after a medal ceremony for the final in the women’s 100-metre run at the World Athletics Championships on Sunday, July 17, 2022, in Eugene, Oregon.

(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

world-record-setting victory the night before. Still, a star was born.

“She has the heart of a champion and she’s determined to prove everybody wrong,” Byles said.

“Now that she’s older and she’s a mom, there are some that think she’s not as good as the others. But she’s determined to prove otherwise, and she’s doing that.”

And so, a night after the US swept the podium in the men’s 100, Fraser-Pryce and Co., showed there remains plenty of speed down on the island.

Thompson-Herah, who paced slowly, several steps behind Fraser-Pryce and Jackson, during the start of the victory lap, expressed mixed emotions.

“It means a lot to us. We have been working hard,” she said. “One-two-three at the Olympics, and one-twothree at championships.

Even though I wanted to win, it didn’t work out. But I’m still keeping the journey going.”

So too, it turns out, is Fraser-Pryce.

Her latest victory marks the defence of the title she won in 2019, a win that came two years after she missed the worlds in London while having her baby, her now 4-year-old son, Zyon.

She called that “a victory for motherhood.”

On that night, she also told the story of sitting on her bed and crying the day she learned she was pregnant. People suggested her career was over.

Not by a long shot.

“It’s very special to be able to still be here,” Fraser-Pryce said.

“Just to show other women that you can start from anywhere and you can still experience success, not only in your 20s, but in your 30s, and it’s still going to be meaningful.”

The Jamaican sweep offered a brief change of plot from what’s turning into The America Show in the first worlds to be contested in the United States.

The US won nine medals Sunday, marking what meet organisers said was the best single day for any country in the history of worlds. The old record was eight medals

won by the Soviet Union in 1991.

Minutes before the women’s 100, Grant Holloway and Trey Cunningham finished 1-2 in the 110 hurdles.

The race might have been a sweep were it not for a false start by Oregon receiver-hurdler Devon Allen, who came into the meet ranked second in the world. The red card was met with lusty boos from the crowd. Allen took his time leaving the track,

clearly not happy with the call. Around that time, Ryan Crouser was putting the final touches on America’s 1-2-3 finish in the shot put. It was Crouser’s second straight world title to go with the win at last year’s Olympics. His rival, Joe Kovacs, finished second and teammate Josh Awotunde was third. “We’re proud of it. We always say we’re the best shot put country in the world, and today we proved it,” Kovacs said.

Also wrapping up at that time was the 1-2 finish by American pole vaulters Katie Nageotte, who adds this to her title in Tokyo last year, and Sandi Morris, who now has three silver medals from worlds.

Earlier in the day, Americans Brooke Andersen and Janee’ Kassanavoid won gold and bronze in the hammer throw. By the end of Day 3, the US had 14 medals — 11 more than Jamaica and three other

countries tied for second; and six golds, which was triple the total for secondplace Ethiopia.

One of Ethiopia’s golds came from Tamirat Tola in Sunday morning’s marathon.

In the men’s 10,000, world-record holder Joshua Cheptegei of Kenya defended his world title in 27:27.43. The day’s other champion was Mykolas Alekena of Lithuania in the discus throw.

SPORTS PAGE 16

TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2022

PAGE 15

Gaither advances to 200m semis, Strachan injured

By BRENT STUBBS Senor Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

O

ne day after they both bowed out in the semi-finals of the women’s 100 metres on Sunday, Anthonique Strachan and Tynia Gaither returned yesterday to begin their campaign for a shot in the 200 in the World Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.

But once again, there was some disappointment for the Bahamian

crowd as Strachan, Nigeria’s 19-yearstorming off the old Favour Ofili top of the curve with the victory in in lane eight, hobthe second fastest bled to a halt with qualifying time of a left leg injury that 22.24. didn’t allow her to Gaither, coming complete the race. off her disqualificaStrachan, who tion for a false start was having a senin the century, came sational season out in the fourth that was compared of seven heats in to her 2012 reign lane eight to surge ANTHONIQUE Strachan as the world junior off the curve in the champion, watched in pain as half-lap race to rally from fourth the rest of the field was led by to surge and lean into third in

22.61 seconds to advance to the semi-final tomorrow with the 13th best time.

Her heat was won by American Tamara Clark in 22.27 with defending champion Dina AsherSmith - the Briton came off that unforgettable spot in fourth place behind the first sweep of the 100m by the Jamaicans the night before - second in 22.56.

Leading the field of competitors through to the semi-finals was the 25-year-old Aminatou Seyni with a national record of 21.98 for Niger. American Abby

Steiner, the collegian champion and record holder, opened her international campaign as the top American contender in third spot in 22.26.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, still in a celebratory mood after winning her fifth World Championship title in securing the gold in the Jamaican sweep of the 100m, had the fourth fastest qualifying time of 22.28. Silver medallist Shericka Jackson sat in seventh in 22.33 with bronze medallist Elaine

SEE PAGE 14

NOAH LYLES, of the United States, wins his heat in the men’s 200-metre run at the World Athletics Championships yesterday in Eugene, Oregon.

SEE THE FULL STORY ON PAGE 14 (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Curry steps out of Juan Soto overcomes comfort zone as JRod, contract talk host of The ESPYS to win HR Derby

By BETH HARRIS AP Sports Writer

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Stephen Curry lets his play do the talking during the NBA season. Give him a mic as host of The ESPYS and some famous folks might finally be hearing trash talk from one of the league’s best-liked players.

Just how worried should the audience be Wednesday night for his opening monologue at the show honouring the past year’s top athletes and moments in sports?

“Maybe not as nervous as if Draymond was hosting, but still nervous,” Curry said, referring to his always chattering Golden State Warriors teammate Draymond Green. “Now I have the mic.”

Fresh off the Warriors’ victory over Boston in the NBA Finals, Curry is

STEPHEN Curry (AP) presiding over the show airing live on ABC from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

The 30th annual ESPYS are back to full capacity for the first time in three years, moving from downtown Los Angeles to the home of the Academy Awards. The show went virtual in 2020

and held a scaled-down version last year in New York because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to hosting, Curry is nominated for three individual trophies: best men’s athlete, best record-breaking performance and best NBA player.

The Warriors are competing for best team.

Curry is used to working in front of live audiences at games, but entertaining a well-dressed crowd of peers is daunting to the four-time NBA champion and recently crowned finals MVP. “I’m more nervous already just thinking about that vibe,” he said by phone recently. “Basketball is reactionary and I spend every waking hour thinking about it, practicing and

SEE PAGE 14

By GREG BEACHAM AP Sports Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) — Washington Nationals star Juan Soto won his first Home Run Derby last night, holding off Seattle Mariners rookie Julio Rodríguez 19-18 in the final.

The 23-year-old Soto hit 53 total homers, beating each of his three opponents by one homer in the midseason power showcase.

Soto was locked in at the plate even after spending an hour earlier at Dodger Stadium answering repeated questions about his possible departure from the Nats after turning down a huge contract extension.

“It feels amazing. It feels tiring,” Soto said.

NATIONAL League’s Juan Soto, of the Washington Nationals, bats during the MLB All-Star baseball Home Run Derby, yesterday in Los Angeles.

(AP Photo/Mark J Terrill) “I just tried to concen- past 42-year-old Albert trate to square off the Pujols 16-15 to reach the balls, because I know I final. have the power.”

Soto then started Soto beat Cleveland’s slowly while batting José Ramírez 18-17 in the first round before getting SEE PAGE 14