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THREE BROTHERS DIE

IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENT

Siblings killed when driver lost control, crashing into tree

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

SHOCKWAVES spread yesterday after three brothers were killed in an early morning crash on Monday, pushing this year’s tally of traffic fatalities to 53, a sharp rise from last year.

Philip McCarron Christie, 24, Philip D’Caprio

Christie, 23, and D’Angelo Christie, 20, were killed in a collision shortly after 2am on Monday. According to police, the driver of a metallic grey Honda Passport lost control while travelling north on Sir Milo Butler Highway and crashed into a tree. The 24-year-old driver and the

NASSAU CRUISE PORT AIMS TO GO 100 PERCEN T SOLAR

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

NASSAU Cruise Port is aiming “within the next 60 days” to launch a project that will generate 100 percent of its energy needs from solar as it targets six million passenger arrivals for 2025.

Michael Maura, the cruise port’s chief executive,

yesterday confirmed to Tribune Business that the initiative - which is now only awaiting a Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority permit to proceed - will result in the downtown Nassau tourism “gateway” producing 1.5 MW of energy from renewable sources once completed.

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement (FNM) incumbent parliamentarians are not guaranteed a nomination

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

in the next general election, FNM chairman Dr Duane Sands said yesterday, adding that every potential candidate will undergo a selection process.

His comment came as the party began its first training

WITH the Davis administration not having committed to launching a commission of inquiry into Hurricane Dorian-related deaths, Free National Movement (FNM) chairman Dr Duane Sands said he still supports such an inquiry, emphasising that some

session for aspirants, with about 50 people participating as the first cohort. The interactive sessions will cover topics such as history, the FNM’s values,

regarding their missing loved ones. Sunday marked the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Dorian, the devastating Category 5 storm that killed more than 70 people and displaced hundreds. When he was the opposition leader, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis called for an independent inquiry

PAGE THREE

families

closure

FNM chairman Dr Duane Sands

THE BODY of a man that was shot and killed on Windsor Place off Soldier Road being removed from the scene last night. See PAGE FOUR for story.

Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

Back to rebuilt schools after Dorian

BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

STUDENTS from Sweeting’s Cay and McLean’s Town returned to the newly rebuilt McLean’s Town Primary School in East End on Monday, the first time since Hurricane Dorian destroyed their previous school in 2019.

For the past five years, they were bused to Freeport for classes.

Michelle Bowleg, deputy director of education, highlighted the importance of reopening the school in McLean’s Town, eliminating the long commute to Freeport. Ten students attended on the first day.

Ms Bowleg noted the community’s positive reception to the new facilities and reported that Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell and East

End administrator Shanice Thompson visited the school on its reopening day. In West Grand Bahama, the first day at Eight Mile Rock High, Martin Town, Bartlett Hill, and West End Primary Schools went smoothly, with police helping with traffic.

Ms Bowleg also visited the Holmes Rock school under construction, expected to open later this year as a feeder for Eight Mile Rock High. She noted that the Ministry of Education will announce the opening date before the school year ends. Additional administrative support has been provided to EMRHS, and a full team made checks at various schools.

Ms Bowleg reported no significant issues with educator shortages in Grand Bahama, noting only a few teachers are in transition.

YOUNGSTERS enjoying themselves during a back to school giveaway hosted by Leslie’s Trades, a courier service in Freeport, the first-ever by the company. Held on August 31, the event was a spirited celebration providing school supplies to 150 families in need. The event was invitation-only, ensuring that the assistance reached those most in need, demonstrating the company’s dedication to making a real difference.

Khambrel Ferguson, CEO of Leslie’s Trades, said: “Supporting our community has always been at the heart of Leslie’s Trades. This event is a dream come true, and it’s just the beginning of our long-term commitment to giving back. I’m grateful to everyone who helped make this happen, including the Grand Bahama Port Authority, Solo Rent A Tent, Nesbitt Rentals, Five Star Variety Rentals, The Rotary Club of Freeport, and Tropical Shipping.”

Activities included snow cones, bouncing castles, and entertainment.

One mother, Stacy Rolle, said: “Leslie’s Trades is doing something truly special. My kids had a blast, and the school supplies will be a huge help.” Another parent, Ranieka Knowles, added: “This event was not only fun but extremely beneficial. We’re grateful for the support.”

RUBIS Bahamas Limited brought added excitement for the first day of high school for Grade 7 students at TA Thompson Jr High School. Rubis welcomed the new students with a new backpack, eight notebooks, hand sanitizer and a printed memorabilia. Fourteen Rubis team members from Rubis Head Office, Clifton Pier and Aviation terminals supported the initiative to distribute school supplies to 227 new students.

STUDENTS of TA Thompson Junior High School during an assembly to mark the start of the school year on Monday.

Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

RUBIS staff gave out 227 backpacks loaded with school essentials to students yesterday at TA Thompson.

PHOTO: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

A STUDENT poses for a photo booth picture during back to school event at TA Thompson.

ADAM Darville joins the Rubis team at the giveaway yesterday.

‘Still need for commission of inquiry on Dorian’, says Sands

either by outside police investigators or through a commission of inquiry to determine the fate of those missing in Abaco and Grand Bahama after the Category 5 storm.

There was considerable confusion at the time over the number of people still missing after the storm. In June 2020, then National Security Minister Marvin Dames said in a press statement that 279 people were missing. However, then Assistant Commissioner of Police Solomon Cash said only 33 people were still missing.

Last year, Mr Davis said an inquiry had not been ruled out, but he has not definitively said whether one will happen.

Dr Sands said yesterday:

“As we memorialise the suffering and loss of that

tragic event that impacted the entire country. But most particularly Abaco and Grand Bahama with the huge number of families and persons affected that we still have not yet gotten closure.”

Dr Sands also criticised the progress of a hurricane shelter being built in Abaco. Originally slated for completion in May 2021 at a cost of $1.8m, the shelter remains unfinished, and its cost has risen to $4.5m. Over the weekend, the shelter’s trusses collapsed.

“We can only ask whether the Bahamian people have indeed been getting value for money, and whether or not this administration has taken seriously it’s obligation as it relates to dealing in a sensitive and solemn way with the serious suffering that the people in Abaco have endured,” Dr Sands said.

INCUMBENTS ARE NOT GUARANTEED A NOMINAT ION FOR NEXT GENERAL ELECT ION

principles of governance, and politics.

As the election approaches, there has been speculation about who may not receive party nominations.

Dr Sands said local and international agencies will vet participants to assess their fitness to serve in the House of Assembly and represent the FNM.

“The executive committee of the Free National Movement serves as the candidate selection committee,” he said. “That executive committee is chaired by our leader, Michael Pintard. A number of persons were recently elected to serve on the executive and a number of persons are constitutionally appointed by the leader. The final step of the process, after vetting, after consideration by the executive committee, will be ratification by the central council of the Free National Movement.”

Dr Sands added that

constituency associations will have significant input in selecting candidates. He did not confirm whether former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis will participate in the training sessions.

“We have a strict nondisclosure approach, and so I am not minded to tell you who has participated to date, nor am I likely to tell you,” he said. “Understand that we are dealing with a very spiteful and vindictive administration, and there are persons who could lose their job, people who would find themselves victimised, and so I’m not going to go down a slippery slope.”

Current FNM parliamentarians include leader Marco City MP Michael Pintard, deputy leader St Barnabas MP Shanendon Cartwright, East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson, Central Grand Bahama MP Iram Lewis, Long Island MP Adrian Gibson, St Anne’s MP Adrian White and Killarney MP Dr Minnis.

FNM Chair M a N: ‘We WoN’t reveal doNor list uNless Pl P does too’

By EARYEL BOWLEG

Staff Reporter

FREE National Movement (FNM) chairman Dr Duane Sands insisted the FNM would not reveal its donor list “in isolation” and would only do so if the Progressive Liberal Party did the same. His comment came after PLP chairman Fred Mitchell downplayed the possibility of campaign finance legislation, claiming neither side can agree on the terms for disclosure.

Pressed about the FNM releasing its list independently, Dr Sands said: “Sure, but I mean, why? Is that certainly something that we would do just out of the blue? Bear in mind that if we are serious about moving this thing forward in the vacuum of a legislative formula, then there are some challenges to doing that. What the leader has made very clear is that he is prepared to do it, but not in isolation.” In its Blueprint for Change, the PLP promised to introduce rules but has failed to do so.

Dr Sands dismissed the PLP’s blueprint as “nothing more than rubbish”, saying very little of it has guided the governing party’s behaviour over the past three years.

The FNM chairman added that he believed people want to see Freedom of Information, another thing the PLP promised in its manifesto.

“Last year, I made it very clear, don’t hold your breath,” Dr Sands said. “It ain’t going to happen. They’re not interested in information being available to the public that pays taxes and that are basically the bosses of this country. They’re not interested in moving forward a number of progressive pieces of legislation.”

“They’ll talk about it, and the most recent issue where the chairman slash minister, who ought not have a personal opinion when he is speaking for the government, said they ain’t on that run when it comes to campaign reform. Why put it in your Blueprint for Change unless you intended to bamboozle or hoodwink the public?”

FNM CHAIRMAN DR DUANE SANDS

One dead and two injured in bar shooting last night

from page one

TWO gunmen opened

fire on people as they drank in the yard of a bar in Windsor Place last night – killing one man and injuring two others.

Police said the gunmen emerged from behind a wall near the bar and opened fire on people in the yard.

One man in his early 50s was killed at the scene, while two other men in their early 30s and 40s suffered gunshot wounds to the body, one to the upper arm and one to the leg.

Assistant Commissioner Zhivago Dames described the gunmen as “bold in their actions” but also said that CCTV footage of the incident had been captured and handed to investigators.

The incident happened at about 9.20pm, with the police control room receiving multiple calls from citizens reporting shots being fired.

Officers arriving at the

scene discovered that three men had been shot, one fatally.

ACP Dames said: “They were standing in the yard here to the bar and two persons in dark clothing emerged from behind a wall and shot them while they were standing inside the bar yard.”

He added: “We want to also assure the residents of this area that the police is up and about. Despite this incident happening we are up and about doing our very best to keep this area safe.”

ACP Dames also urged people to handle conflicts in a peaceful way, saying: “There’s better ways to resolve your conflicts. Find a pastor, a friend, an officer in your area… talk to our officers, talk to a pastor. Please come to us and we’ll do our very best to help you.”

Police said the investigation was at an early stage and they could not say if it was gang-related at this time.

Bowe: Economic challenges have led to reduced charity

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

FINANCIAL expert

Gowon Bowe said the economy has sharply reduced charitable donations, leaving non-profits struggling at a time when demand for aid is rising.

“Economic challenges have led to reduced financial contributions to charities,” he said. “We are seeing firsthand how these economic difficulties are affecting the level of community support and involvement.”

The Bahamas Feeding Network, which is gearing up for its 3rd annual

institution will be the fun -

draiser’s main sponsors.

Despite the increased need for food assistance, the network has experienced a significant drop in donations, according to officials at BFN.

Last year’s tournament raised $50,000, which provided 65,000 meals, but this year, organisers are striving to surpass that amount amidst declining resources.

Mr Bowe highlighted the urgency of addressing the growing gap in support.

“The need for assistance is growing, but the financial resources available to meet that need are

decreasing. This situation underscores the urgent requirement for increased support from both individuals and businesses,” he said. Considering the challenges faced, Mr Bowe called for heightened community and corporate engagement.

“We need to address this gap by enhancing our support for charitable organisations. Without a boost in donations and community engagement, it will be increasingly difficult for these organisations to sustain their operations and continue providing essential services,” Mr Bowe said.

Bahamas Feeding Network seeing a decrease in contributions as more people seek help

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter

kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Feeding Network (BFN) is preparing for its third annual golf tournament, the Fidelity Bank Tee Off for Hunger. This event stands as the network’s largest single fundraising effort to address hunger throughout The Bahamas.

BFN board chairman Felix Stubbs highlighted the growing need for food assistance.

“We’re finding that more and more people are coming to us looking for support for their hunger needs,” Mr Stubbs said. “Conversely, contributions to charities have decreased. We face a situation where the need is greater, but the resources

we receive are not sufficient. This challenge makes the tournament even more critical. We hope to raise even more this year than we did last year because the need is certainly there.”

Last year’s tournament raised $50,000, providing 65,000 meals for individuals and families in need.

Mr Stubbs emphasised the significance of this

fundraising event.

“This fundraiser is crucial to the Bahamas Feeding Network because it is our largest single fundraiser,” he said. “It supports the work we do every year, day in and day out.”

Mr Stubbs had anticipated a decrease in the need for food assistance after the pandemic. However, he said “the reality has been quite the opposite.”

During his remarks, Minister of State for the Environment Zane Lightbourne highlighted the government’s efforts to establish a national food policy. This policy aims

to guide The Bahamas toward improved food security by supporting local farmers and promoting home and community gardening.

Mr Lightbourne referenced a recent United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization study, which revealed that 17.2 percent of Bahamians experienced moderate to severe food insecurity at the height of the COVID19 pandemic. He also announced the relaunch of the Yamacraw Farmers Market, which will take place on September 7 at Nassau East Boulevard South Park from 8am to 4pm. “The

market, created by my team and me on April 1, 2023, provides a venue for local farmers to sell their Bahamian-grown produce every other Saturday,” he said. “We’re excited to support farmers and add a putting area to complement the event.”

As a novice golfer, Mr Lightbourne expressed his enthusiasm for combining his passion for golf with efforts to combat hunger.

“I’m excited about the thought of doing two things I’m passionate about at the same time — fighting hunger and playing golf,” he said.

He also praised the $1m National School Breakfast Programme, which began in October last year, expanded to five additional schools in April, and went nationwide in August. The programme provides meals to students and is vital for their focus and health.

Mr Stubbs urged the community and corporations to increase their contributions, stressing that support is more crucial than ever. He specifically appealed to golfers: “My challenge is to the golfing community. We want as many golfers as possible, not only interested in golf but also in supporting the community, to show up in full force. We promise to entertain you and ensure you have a great time.”

FELIX STUBBS, Bahamas Feeding Network chairman, speaking to reporters during a press conference yesterday. Photo: Chappell Whyms Jr

TWO gunmen opened fire at a bar off Soldier Road leaving one man dead and two in hospital last night.

Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

Three brothers

in traffic accident

from page one

23-year-old front-seat passenger were trapped inside the vehicle.

Fire Services used the jaws of life to free them, but EMS personnel confirmed their deaths at the scene. The rear-seat passenger, who was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, succumbed to his injuries a few hours later.

The tragic deaths of the Christie brothers struck a chord nationwide, with their passing flooding social media with

SENIOR

condolences and expressions of shock. Transport Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis noted that this year, over 60 percent of traffic fatalities were men, with most under the age of 46. She also highlighted that 77 percent of fatal accidents occurred between 4pm and 8am and occurring particularly on Sundays and Mondays.

In a separate incident on Sunday, a male motorcyclist was killed at the intersection of Prince Charles Drive and College Gardens Road. A white Chevrolet

Equinox, driven by a man with two passengers, collided with the motorcyclist, who was travelling west on Prince Charles Drive. The motorcyclist sustained severe injuries and died at the scene. Additionally, on Saturday, around 4.30am, an adult male passenger was killed in a traffic accident. Three others were injured but are in stable condition.

The two eldest Christie brothers were employed by Bahamas Telecommunications Company

WSC EMPLOYEE TES TIFIES THAT LANDSC APING business

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

AS the criminal trial of Adrian Gibson and others continued in court yesterday, a senior Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) employee testified that she found it “peculiar” a landscaping company earned over $500,000 from the corporation in 2020.

Dian Saunders-Adderley’s comments came as she continued her testimony on the initial findings from her audit of vendors contracted by the corporation under the Minnis administration.

The audit covered vendors the corporation engaged from 2017 to 2021.

According to the WSC assistant general manager, 63 vendors were paid over $250,000, while 26 received payments exceeding $500,000. One of these was a landscaping company later identified as Adams Landscaping.

“That was very peculiar as to how would the Water and Sewerage Corporation have a landscaping company making over $500,00 at the corporation in 2020,” she told the court yesterday.

This finding prompted her to scrutinise the file further to ensure she “had a proper understanding”.

Mrs Saunders-Adderley said she reacted similarly when reviewing vendor payments over $250,000, noting that two other landscaping companies— Elite

Maintenance and Baha Maintenance — were also on that list.

She said she found it “equally peculiar” that three landscaping companies were attached to the same project.

“The name of that project was not a landscaping project. It said tank painting, again another peculiar piece of information,” she said.

When asked how many tanks were involved in the project, she said there were five — two located at Windsor Field and three at the BPL’s Blue Hills facility.

However, she claimed that neither the Blue Hill high-level tank nor the Winton tank were painted.

In response, acting

(BTC) and Bahamas Power and Light (BPL). In a joint statement, BPL and BTC expressed their condolences: “Philip was employed at BTC as a member of its Service Delivery Team, and his brother, also named Philip, was a Craftsman Apprentice at BPL. The staff at both organisations were shocked and saddened by the news of this tragedy, which also claimed the life of the third Christie brother. These men were valuable assets to BTC and BPL, and their contributions will

director of public prosecutions Cordell Frazier questioned how the costs could be justified for the $770,000-plus project, given that two of the tanks were not painted.

“If you have a scope that expresses a certain number of tanks and you subtract some of the tanks, it’s reasonable to conclude that it would cost less,” the witness replied.

Ms Frazier asked the witness if she had ever received bids regarding the tanks project based on her investigation.

Mrs Saunders-Adderley replied, “No.”

“They were not official bids. There were quotes that were submitted,” she said, naming RL Pools and Gunite Pools as the companies that provided the quotes.

When asked if her investigations revealed how the companies awarded

always be remembered.”

The brothers, who hail from Andros, were mourned by North Andros and Berry Islands MP Leonardo Lightbourne. The MP offered condolences to the family and urged drivers to exercise extreme caution, saying: “On behalf of the entire NABI constituency, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Christie and Miller families. We pray Psalms 46:1 over you, that our God is our refuge and strength and very present help in times of trouble.”

contracts were notified of the project, she said there was no record of that.

Mr Gibson, the Long Island MP, is on trial alongside Elwood Donaldson Jr, the former WSC general manager, Joan Knowles, Peaches Farquharson, and Jerome Missick.

He faces charges related to his tenure as WSC executive chairman

involving his alleged failure to declare his

in contracts awarded by the

The

includes

Meanwhile, the

legal team comprises

BROTHERS Philip McCarron Christie, 24, Philip D’Caprio Christie, 23, and D’Angelo Christie, 20, were killed in a collision shortly after 2am on Monday.

interest

WSC.

defence team

Mr Damian Gomez KC, Mr Murrio Ducille KC, Ian Cargill, Bryan Bastian, Ryan Eve, and Raphael Moxey.

Crown’s

Ms Cordell Frazier, Karine MacVean and others.

The Tribune Limited

NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI

“Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”

LEON E. H. DUPUCH

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

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

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972

Contributing Editor 1972-1991

RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B.

Publisher/Editor 1972-

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Five years later, Dorian’s shadow remains

THE shadow of Hurricane Dorian looms large over The Bahamas. In recent days, with the fifth anniversary of the hurricane’s impact on Abaco and Grand Bahama, that shadow has seemed longer than ever.

We have heard stories of people still living in trailers and domes long past their temporary nature, we have heard of people still living in shacks that would fail to stand up to a strong gust let alone a hurricane-force wind, we have heard of people still trying to complete repairs, people still missing those they have lost, people struggling to get by, one day at a time.

We have also heard success stories, to be fair. There are schools reopening, there are repairs near complete in some communities.

But what cannot be denied is that Hurricane Dorian was a force that impacted our nation deeply, both in physical terms and in emotional terms. It was a hammer blow. Families can say the names of those they lost. Some are still left unresolved about people who went missing.

In economic terms, Dorian exceeded the combined impacts of Hurricanes Joaquin, Matthew and Irma. The official figure is $3.4 billion in damages. A number of estimates go higher, but that is the number the Inter-American Development Bank came to, which was more than a quarter of the country’s gross domestic product.

The damage was huge. The cost immense. The personal loss immeasurable.

Given all of that, it is remarkable that we have not conducted extensive investigations into how we could have done things differently – before, during and after the storm. It is astonishing that there has not been thorough public discussion of what we could learn from such an event, instead of just building back up again and hoping the next one misses.

FNM chairman Dr Duane Sands

says that he supports suggestions of a commission of inquiry into Hurricane Dorian-related deaths.

The suggestion itself? Well, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis put that forward. He was not prime minister at the time, but rather the leader of the opposition. Since his elevation to leader of the nation, talk of the inquiry has muted.

At the time, he wanted an independent inquiry either by police or through a commission to determine the fate of those missing after the storm.

A lot of different numbers circulated after the storm – Minister of National Security Marvin Dames said 279 missing, Assistant Commissioner of Police Solomon Cash said 33. How those were counted and who was included or excluded to arrive at different numbers is an open question.

Central and South Abaco MP John Pinder has previously expressed support for such an inquiry, saying the number of deaths is substantially more than the number publicly confirmed.

In September last year, he said it would be beneficial “to know the exact extent of the lives lost and the hurdles that came in terms of getting assistance and help to the northern islands in a timely fashion”. He is right. Dr Sands is right. Mr Davis was right in opposition. Hurricane Dorian had a horrific impact on our nation. We hear in the talk of climate change that storms are becoming more frequent and stronger. Why wouldn’t we want to learn from what happened so that we can prepare better for the future – and so we can lay the bill at the feet of the nations most responsible for climate change to boot?

There are more than 70 reasons in particular why we should conduct such an inquiry – the number of people whose lives were lost in the storm.

We have everything to learn from such an inquiry. Why would we not do so?

Where are programmes to help men?

EDITOR, The Tribune. AT every turn in Bahamian society, men are being sidelined. Recently, the Bahamas Development Bank announced a concessional loan scheme for “businesses that are owned or led by, or that benefit women”. This programme was, apparently, funded by the United Nations. How can the United Nations endorse and fund a programme that actively discriminates against a sector of the Bahamian society? This is, no doubt, being done under the guise of ESG initiatives, which would propose that we need more women owned and led businesses, but no one has provided quantitative evidence to support these discriminatory claims and practices. If you look at the number of law firms, dental offices, doctors offices, retail stores, and restaurants - just to name a few - it seems that these are already

majority owned or operated by women. Was there an equivalent Bahamas Development Bank programme targeted towards men?

Just weeks before the Bahamas Development Bank announcement, the Small Business Development Corporation announced that it had “handed out $604K in grants”, not loans, to businesses owned by women. Were there grants previously targeted at businesses owned by men? Celebrity Cruise Lines released a statement that they’re here to stay. In the story carried by Eyewitness News, the celebratory photograph featured eight women and one man. Again, recently, the United States Embassy hosted Women’s Equality Day” in The Bahamas, a nation where women are certainly not unequal to men in terms of societal outcomes. Yes, some people purport that

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Have a cool, fun, interesting, amazing photo? Have it featured here in The Tribune’s picture of the day! Email your high quality image to pictureoftheday@tribunemedia.net

CONSTRUCTION work ongoing at Sandals resort where a wedding chapel is being constructed. Neighbours have expressed concern over the work and questioned Sandals’ assertion that it has all the required permits and said there has been a lack of consultation.

FNM tent should be big enough

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I USUALLY take anything that Bahamas Press prints with a grain of salt. However, I felt compelled to comment on a salacious article regarding a purported meeting within the Free National Movement executive to deny Central Grand Bahama MP Iram Lewis a nomination, owing to his alleged ties to former FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis. If you recall, back in March 2023 Lewis expressed concerns about an apparent move to block Minnis from addressing FNM association meetings, calling it undemocratic and anti-FNM. The Minnis camp made it sound as if FNM chairman Dr Duane Sands and FNM Leader Michael Pintard were the masterminds behind the move to muzzle their choice for leader.

These accusations underscored the hostility between both camps within the organization. Lewis had served in the Minnis Cabinet as a minister of state for youth, sports and culture. Around the time Lewis voiced his concerns, there was a feeling that Minnis was attempting to mount a comeback. That comeback failed, however, when he was soundly defeated at the FNM’s one-day National Convention on June 1 of this year. Minnis gained only 163 votes to Pintard’s 468. The contest wasn’t even close. Lewis has been a very accessible MP for his Central Grand Bahama constituents. Central Grand Bahama is a very safe seat

for the FNM. I cannot imagine Lewis doing anything to undermine Pintard and the FNM hierarchy. He comes off as a team player who stays above the fray. Never had a scandal and is a model Parliamentarian and Bahamian citizen. Yes, the economy in Grand Bahama is in shambles. But this was an issue that dates all the way back to 2001after the 9/11 attacks in the United States. That’s 16 years before Lewis became MP and 13 years after the closure of the Royal Oasis Resort and Casino. Lewis cannot be fairly blamed for Freeport’s shoddy state. The same can be said for Pintard and Ginger Moxey. Any attempts to remove Lewis would result in another pushback from irate Minnisites within the FNM. But thankfully this unfounded rumor is just that - an unfounded rumor conjured up by someone grasping for news content. While Central Grand Bahama is a safe FNM seat, denying the FNM incumbent another nomination would send the wrong signal to loyal FNMs within that constituency that their leaders are slowly drifting towards an autocratic style of leadership. Denying Lewis a nomination would widen the rift between those within the Minnis camp and those within the Pintard camp, at a time when the leadership

should be working on the healing process within the party. Lewis has done nothing to warrant being denied another nomination. If he so desires to run again the FNM Center Council should grant him the opportunity. He is a hardworking MP. Bahamas Press framed its narrative in a way that made it seem as if Lewis and Pintard are not getting along due to the former’s allegiance to Minnis. If so, I would suggest that Pintard take a page out of FNM founding father Sir Cecil Wallace-Whitfield’s book. Prominent FNMs, such as Sir Orville Turnquest, Sir Arthur Foulkes and John Henry Bostwick, did not want Sir Cecil leading the FNM into the 1982 general election. They wanted Sir Kendal G L Isaacs instead. Based on the information I have gathered from historian Dr Michael Craton, their return to the FNM was conditioned on Sir Cecil stepping aside for Sir Kendal. It was in all likelihood a bitter pill for the FNM founder to swallow. But for the good of the party, he agreed. Had he not agreed to the compromise, there would not have been any FNM party today. Instead, we would have had the Bahamas Democratic Party. It was always my understanding that the FNM has a large tent. That tent should be big enough to include Iram Lewis who has been a very productive MP. KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama September 1, 2024.

women earn less money than men as an example of one inequality, but, again, where is the quantitative evidence to support this claim? There seem to be more female executives at banks, insurance companies, and in the government than there are men. As we continue to celebrate and uplift women, men are being marginalised. To whom do we expect young boys to turn if society continues to marginalise men? I am convinced - albeit anecdotally - that many of the social ills we experience in this country are directly related to the lack of opportunities for men and boys. L et’s stop this nonsense. We must stop glorifying women at the expense of men and turn our attention to uplifting everyone.

CARLOS KNOWLES

Nassau, August 31, 2024.

EDITOR, The Tribune. ANOTHER rainy weekend has again resulted in massive flooding in Pinewood Gardens. While the rapacious land developers who designed this unfortunate Subdivision are dining on fine food and drinking vintage wines, the poor residents of Pnewood are labouring in vain trying to get the water out of their dream homes which have become perpetual nightmares,

Again everyone is asking when is the government going to do something about the situation. My question is why should the burdened taxpayer be responsible for fixing something that is the responsibility of an uncaring land developer, Then my thoughts turn to the recent loud cries for reparations for slavery, and I ask, why not reparations against unconscionable developers who have witnessed the

suffering of the Pinewood residents for decades and have not seen fit to alleviate their misery’. Surely some mechanism can be devised to make these people pay for the years of hardship, misery and penury they must be suffering because of this disaster of a subdivision and the disillusionment of a pleasant home of your own. JEANNE THOMPSON Nassau, September 1, 2024.

Youth ambassador Ashawnte Russell invited to speak at a UN climate conference

INTI Corporation’s Environmental youth ambassador, Ashawnte D Russell, has been invited to speak at the United Nations Fifth Global Conference on Strengthening Synergies between the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The conference, which will be held on September 5-6, 2024, at the Museum of Tomorrow (Museu do Amanhã) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a significant event in the global climate and sustainability calendar.

The conference, coconvened by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat, and hosted by the government of Brazil, aims to promote global cooperation in climate action and sustainable development. It will bring together leaders, experts, and advocates from around the world to exchange ideas and best practices in advancing the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Ms Russell, a dedicated advocate for environmental stewardship in The Bahamas and internationally, is gaining recognition for her work in climate and sustainable development. Her invitation to speak at this conference reflects her growing influence in these areas and highlights Inti Corporation’s commitment

to supporting young leaders in global sustainability initiatives.

“It is an incredible honour to be invited to speak at such a critical global forum,” Ms Russell said. “This conference represents a unique opportunity to collaborate with global leaders and contribute to the discussions that will shape our planet’s future. I am proud to represent Inti Corporation and The Bahamas, as we work together towards a just and sustainable world.”

The Fifth Global Conference follows the

High-Level Political Forum held in July, where the 2024 Global Report on Climate and SDG Synergies was launched. The outcomes of the Rio conference are expected to play a significant role in shaping upcoming global events, including the Summit of the Future in September and COP29 in Azerbaijan later this year. As Brazil prepares to preside over COP30 in 2025, this conference is set to be a cornerstone event in the ongoing efforts to address climate change and promote sustainable development worldwide.

NETHERLA NDS WOMA N CHARGED WITH GROWIN G MAGIC MUSHROOMS

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A WOMAN from the Netherlands was granted bail yesterday after allegedly being caught growing and attempting to distribute magic mushrooms in Coral Harbour last week.

Senior Magistrate Shaka Serville arraigned 32-yearold Elike Hollink on charges of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply, possession of dangerous drugs, cultivation of

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter

pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was granted $3,500 bail yesterday after allegedly punching out another man’s teeth during a fight on Kemp Road over the summer.

Senior Magistrate Shaka

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter

pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was granted bail yesterday after allegedly being found with a loaded gun in his car on St Alban’s Drive last weekend.

Magistrate Lennox Coleby arraigned 28-yearold Kenan Saunders on charges of possession of an unlicenced firearm and ammunition. Saunders was reportedly found with a black Austria Glock 19 9mm pistol and 15 rounds of ammunition

dangerous drugs, and soliciting others for the purpose of selling dangerous drugs. Hollink and her husband were reportedly found with a large quantity of psilocybin mushrooms in several containers during a drug bust at their residence at 7am on August 28. She is also accused of trying to recruit others to participate in their drug operation.

Hollink appeared calm as she pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Prosecutor Inspector

Serville arraigned 42-yearold Danny Cooper on a charge of grievous harm. Cooper is accused of knocking out two of Kelsey Williams’s front teeth during a physical altercation on June 29. He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Although prosecutor

when police stopped his black Chevrolet Tahoe at 2am on August 31. He pleaded not guilty to the charges. Saunders’ attorney, Alex Dorsett, argued his client, who is employed as a fisherman, was a suitable candidate for bail. Bail was set at $7,000 with one or two sureties. Saunders must sign in at the Fox Hill Police Station every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday by 6pm. He must also adhere to a residential curfew from 8pm to 7am and will be

Cordero Farrington strongly objected to bail, citing the serious nature of the offence and the quantity of drugs seized.

However, Hollink’s attorney, Alex Morley, argued that his client was still a suitable candidate for bail and posed no flight risk.

Bail was set at $7,500 with one or two sureties. Hollink will be fitted with a monitoring device and must surrender her travel documents.

The trial is scheduled to begin on November 25.

Inspector Cordero Farrington’s objection to bail, it was granted at $3,500 with one or two sureties. Cooper is required to sign in at the Wulff Road Police Station every Monday and Thursday by 6pm. The trial is scheduled to begin on December 10.

fitted with a monitoring device.

Magistrate Coleby warned Saunders against associating with “bad company” and prohibited him from interacting with anyone already on bail or wearing a monitoring device. Saunders was also cautioned not to tamper with his monitoring device, as doing so could result in his bail being revoked. The trial is set to begin on November 4.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Lincoln McKenzie served as the prosecutor.

GUILTY PLEA FOR MA N WHO BREACHED HIS BAIL

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter

pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was found guilty yesterday of breaching his Supreme Court bail for firearm-related charges after failing to present a defence.

Senior Magistrate Raquel Whyms presided over Sean Miller Jr’s trial, where he faced eight counts of violating his bail conditions.

Miller reportedly breached his bail eight times between June 1 and 17. After prosecutor Sergeant Wilkinson closed the case, Magistrate Whyms allowed Miller to speak in his defence, but he chose to remain silent.

Magistrate Whyms admonished Miller for wasting the court’s time by proceeding with a trial without presenting

a defence. She also criticised him for not taking the opportunity to change his plea when the prosecution offered it.

Having found him guilty, Magistrate Whyms informed Miller that he would face a harsher sentence than if he had pleaded guilty earlier.

The sentence is expected to be delivered later this week.

INTI Corporation’s Environmental youth ambassador, Ashawnte D Russell

A STUDENT of TA Thompson Junior High School prays during an assembly to mark the start of the school year yesterday.

Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

Dr Celeste Adderley - shining out at UWI

CELESTE Adderley has outshone every student in the University of the West Indies School of Clinical Medicine & Research (UWI SCMR) to win the three top awards. She has proven that being born and raised on a Family Island, belonging to a family that isn’t wealthy, and having to take a gap year in the midst of her studies, are no impediments to becoming a doctor. It did, however, take pure tenacity, dogged determination, and laser focus - attributes that helped her rise to the top.

Celeste received the Cecil M Bethel Award for the Most Outstanding Student; the Dr Anthony Regis Award for the Most Outstanding Student in the MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Science) examinations; and the award for the highest clinical exam performance across UWI campuses. This accomplishment is no easy feat, as she earned these awards above 530 other students. Talented UWI students from throughout the Caribbean region go through five years of medical school, often referred to as grueling and extremely challenging, before becoming a doctor. Students make competitive grades to complete the rigors of a programme designed to ensure that the best enter the medical field. Celeste has broken every barrier in her wayones that could have easily stopped her from realising her dream.

Dr Corrine Sin QueeBrown, UWI SCMR Director. SCMR is one of four sites for medical training under UWI. Students would complete three preclinical years at one of three campuses - Jamaica, Trinidad, or Barbados. Most students come home to The Bahamas, which is the fourth campus, to complete their two-year clinical internship.

The UWI’s Faculties of Medical Sciences have been successfully accredited for an additional five-year period, from 2023 to 2028 by the region’s accreditation body, The Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and Other Health Professions (CAAM-HP). According to the university, the CAAM-HP accreditation reaffirms the high quality and standards upheld by The UWI Faculties of Medical Sciences in medical education and healthcare training. This recognition underscores the commitment of The UWI to consistently provide a world-class education to medical students as well as students studying other health professions.

For Celeste, it was a sevenyear journey. When she graduated from NGM Major in Long island, she moved to Nassau, the capital, to attend the University of The Bahamas. She attended UB for a year when she first heard about the UWI’s medical program in Barbados.There, she could take a one-year preliminary science programme to prepare her for the journey.

“I didn’t come from a well off or wealthy family… or even middle class,” Celeste shared.

“My mommy had her financial challenges for a good part of my life. Even when I applied (to pre-medical school in Barbados) I wasn’t sure how I was going to pay for it. I got in and did the preliminary year. We were able to afford that. Then I applied to medical school - and got in!

“In the first semester, we were able to find the funds. In the second semester, I had to go to the school’s Bursary and ask them to let me continue. They deferred my fees as far as my third year, first semester. Back home,

Face to Face

By FELICITY DARVILLE

we had Hurricane Dorian and then Covid came. This was in 2020 when they told me - I have to pay. I went back to Barbados to school without knowing how it would be paid. Thankfully, my godmother sent a check, and then I got scholarships from (the UWI Guild, UWI Medical Alumin Association and Foreman Foundation). I still owed them a good bit, but they allowed me to remain in classes right up to my clinicals. Then, they told me I had to stop” Celeste was forced to take a gap year. She had to work to raise money to pay for her school fees. For some, this could be devastating, and an easy deterrent from trying to reach such a lofty goal. But with faith, money is no object.

“I found a job for a couple of months to earn the money to pay off the school,” Celeste explained, “then I went back to Barbados.”

That experience of taking the year off, and meeting people to guide me on how to study what resources to use, was very helpful. At the time, I didn’t see it as a blessing; but looking back, I appreciate it. I think I needed that, to be honest. The (gap) year opened my eyes to appreciate a lot of things.”

She returned to Barbados “focused and determined”. Once she completed her pre-clinical trials there, she matriculated back to Nassau to the UWI SCMR for her final two years.

“I still had my financial struggles,” Celeste shared of her final two years. “I moved almost

seven times because I didn’t have a place to stay. I was with family at one point, and friends at one point. I couldn’t afford to stay anywhere. People were doing me a favour. I slept between a mattress and a couch. A lot of people don’t have the space to take anyone. I couldn’t afford to pay. I even slept at school sometimes… but I made it.”

Based on her incredible journey of beating the odds, how did Celeste navigate her final two years of school? She applied for financial aid and received some assistance. She also received a Government cheque for $350 per month. She used these funds to survive, she said.

During the 2024 UWI SCMR Graduation ceremony, Celeste finally received her degree, passing out in a group of 45 new doctors.

“All of the taxpayers of The Bahamas contributed to your education,” Dr Sin Quee-Brown told the graduates, “And you now have the opportunity to pay them back with empathetic, highquality service.”

She also praised the Bahamas Government for its recent University of the West Indies (UWI) Medical and Dental Subvention Scholarships, which cover 100 percent of the tuition in the last two years of the program. The Government also covers the cost of staffing as well as the infrastructural needs of the school, located on property at Princess Margaret Hospital. Since graduation, Celeste has started her one-year

internship. She is currently rotating through the Rand Memorial Hospital in Grand Bahama for three months as a part of her Obstetrics and Gynecology rotation. Once complete, she will return to Nassau for the remaining nine months of her internship.

“During this time, I plan to really hone my clinical acumen, learn as much as I can from my seniors and just try to put things in place for the residency application process,” she said.

“So far, being a physician has been great! The patients truly make it worthwhile.”

Speaking of her beloved Long Island: “In my humblest opinion it is one of the most beautiful islands in The Bahamas. I always tell people that there is no place like it. I’m from the southern part and when I say south, I mean deep south. From Clarence Town to Roses is where I originate. If I’m being honest, we moved around a bit growing up, so I’ve lived in several different settlements. But for me the periods where I lived in those two settlements would have been the most pivotal with honorary mention being Buckleys. When my mom moved back to the island a few months after I was born, we first lived in Roses in my great grandparents home. I have a lot of fond memories of outside play and my sister helping me with my homework. She taught me a lot growing up

during the times we lived together.”

“Eventually I moved to Clarence Town and stayed with my grandparents. Clarence Town has the best breeze - especially on a Sunday afternoon - because it is a settlement situated by the water, so you can feel the sea breeze against your skin. One of my favorite past times, especially on the weekend, was going for a stroll through the settlement because not a lot of people lived there. So sometimes it would only be me along the road exploring the canals and the shoreline. That used to be therapeutic for me.”

“I mean the beaches overall are breathtaking. My favourite beach would be Lowe’s Beach. It’s on the outskirts of Clarence Town. There is a portion of the beach that has a lagoon and man, it’s like God spent extra time creating it. I’m so spoiled that I find it hard to go to beaches elsewhere. Then you have island living which is more laid back and overall more relaxing. The food, oh how I miss the food! The Bahamian meals I’ve had since relocating to Nassau to further my studies have not matched the home cooked Bahamian meals I had growing up.”

“Then you have the people. Long Islanders are hilarious. We truly embody the expression “If you don’t laugh you’ll cry”. I had just

told my colleague the other day, ‘If you think I’m funny, you gotta visit Long Island. I’m not even funny in comparison.’ All my life I have known Long Islanders to be resilient and resourceful. We do a lot with so little and that’s really admirable. It’s a trait I myself picked up as well. The foundation I got from growing up and schooling there, I always say prepared me for the wider world. NGM Major High School is a school that has always bred excellence. In fact the island itself has always bred excellence.”

“I am so thankful; for my mother Rosalie Adderley, my sister Rachel Hanna, my grandparents Rosalie and Ambrose Adderley (may their souls rest in peace), Endal and Lucy Adderley, my godmother - Sandra Henry, and numerous family members and friends - too much to mention.”

In terms of guidance from mentors, Celeste said, much of it came from her peers in UWI, who were a year or two ahead of her. She also thanked the UWI SCMR administrative staff, who “were really there for her” during her final two years of medical school.

“Mrs Marsha Bain has been my rock especially, along with Mrs Forbes, Dr Sinquee, Dr

and Dr Srikanth, who have provided guidance along the way. In fact they are still guiding me to this day!”

Vrunda

DR Corrine Sin Quee-Brown, Director of the University of the West Indies School of Clinical Medicine & Research, presents recent graduate Dr Celeste Adderley with a $1,000 cheque for her historic accomplishments.

DR Celeste Adderley of Long Island, Bahamas, recipient of the Cecil M Bethel Award for the Most Outstanding Student; the Dr Anthony Regis Award for the Most Outstanding Student in the MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Science) examinations; and the award for the highest clinical exam performance across University of the West Indies campuses.

CELESTE ADDERLEY, with flowers, surrounded by family and friends as she recently became one of 45 of the newest doctors to graduate from the University of the West Indies School of Clinical Medicine & Research.

DR Celeste Adderley receiving an award with Dr Michael Darville, Minister of Health, Glenys Hanna Martin, Minister of Education, and Dr Corrine Sin Quee-Brown, Director of the University of the West Indies School of Clinical Medicine & Research supporting.

Britain resetting its ties with Europe

IN the flurry of activity by the new Labour government in Britain since the general election two months ago, its moves to reconsider and, in its words, reset the nation’s relationship with individual European countries and with the European Union itself seems to make sense to many people, including eurocrats in Brussels. But the proviso for the 52 per cent majority, who voted in the 2016 referendum to leave the EU, is that such a reset should not lead to reversal of the UK’s decision to withdraw from the bloc.

However, eurosceptics in Britain regard prime minister Keir Starmer’s recent moves to this end as a troubling sign. This is because of his and foreign secretary David Lammy’s strong opposition to Brexit at the time of the referendum. The PM was an ardent Remainer, who described the vote as “catastrophic”, while Lammy was even fiercer in his criticism, complaining about rule by plebiscite and that the views of the 48 per cent who voted to stay could not be simply ignored.

Last week’s visits to Berlin and Paris by prime minister Keir Starmer should be viewed in this context, and also against the background of the 4th meeting, hosted on July 18 by the UK government at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, of the European Political Community (separate from the EU and with different membership).

This gathering brought together some fifty leaders from across Europe to cooperate on a variety of different issues; and, although it was not an occasion to discuss EU/UK relations as such, it gave the new British premier a stage to showcase the UK’s new approach to the EU. Lammy has been discussing separately with

The Peter Young column

his main European counterparts the possibility of a foreign policy and security (including cyber) pact; and the EU has always made it clear that it favours, in particular, post-Brexit security cooperation with Britain. Starmer has said that he wants to rebuild ties strained by years of wrangling over Brexit and its terms and conditions. In his words, “we want a reset with Europe and the EU”. Improved ties with Europe would, he hoped, be at the heart of his government’s efforts to boost Britain’s economic growth. He indicated that this was a priority for the new Labour government. But he has also made it clear that establishing new such ties does not mean reversing Brexit. He has stated repeatedly that rejoining the EU is “off the table” and that means no return to free movement, the single market or the customs union, not least because that would mean the UK accepting EU regulatory rules without having any say in making them.

Germany and France are fully aware of all this, as is Brussels. Nonetheless, those

who voted for Britain to leave the EU, and the Conservative opposition more widely, are wary that any attempt to deepen relations with the EU – as opposed to bilateral relations with individual European countries – may result in gradually unravelling Brexit and serve to deepen that narrow divide between Remainers and Leavers.

Although, of course, it should come as no surprise that a newly-elected British prime minister will want to visit almost immediately his country’s two biggest neighbours, there are – post-Brexit --inevitably a range of other considerations. Initially, EU countries, including Germany, were concerned that the UK might try to use its bilateral relations with them to drive a wedge into the EU as an organization. But it appears that such a worry has died away because, following its withdrawal from the bloc, Britain has

consistently made it clear that it wants a constructive and harmonious relationship with Europe as a whole.

At the time of the UK referendum, what Remainers seemed reluctant to grasp - or at least to take proper account of - was that the Leavers were motivated primarily by a strong wish to take back, as a sovereign nation, full control of its own affairs including its borders; and that meant ending the free movement of people and no long acquiescing in the imposition of EU laws and their incorporation into UK domestic law.

According to press reports, Starmer managed last week to put bilateral relations with Germany on to a new and closer footing. Officials are saying that his visit was genuinely productive in so far as in a Joint Declaration it was announced that work would begin on a bilateral cooperation treaty to be signed in

early 2025. As well as new collaboration on foreign policy, defence – a partnership perhaps resembling the Lancaster House pact of 2010 with France - and security, including energy security, the agreement would cover other aspects of the bilateral relationship like trade, immigration and law enforcement, climate change, youth and education, as well as collaboration in science and technology, business and culture. As part of this, there would also be a joint action plan to tackle illegal immigration including agreed measures to deal with people smugglers. It remains to be seen how all this would fit it in with Germany’s EU obligations; for example, the fact that the European Commission handles trade matters and it will not be possible to encroach on EU rules and procedures.

Don’t put the blame on Churchill TORIES

IT is not hard to imagine the irritation of some historians and serious students of the Second World War in reaction to the BBC giving air time recently to fresh claims that Britain’s wartime leader, Winston Churchill, was personally responsible for the Bengal Famine of 1943. Three million people died in this disaster. After doing some research, I believe such claims cannot be justified.

It is clear that in 1943 during the height of the Second World War the north-eastern region of Bengal in India, which was still under British rule, did indeed suffer a particularly severe famine. It is said that Japan’s bombing of the capital Calcutta and patrolling of coastal areas with submarines - together with its then occupation of neighbouring Burma - were partly responsible for the food shortages at the time even though rain levels had been above average; but, as recounted in historian Niall Ferguson’s excellent book entitled “Empire”, at the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th and beyond, serious famines occurred relatively often. He mentions, in particular, notably bad ones in 1783-4, which killed more than a third of the population of the Indian plains, and in 1791, 1801 and 1805 in a region which regularly experienced severe food shortages in subsequent years that resulted in severe such famines. It has been claimed that the 1943 famine was caused by policy mistakes rather than lack of rain or crop failures. Reportedly, wartime inflation, speculative buying and excessive hoarding pushed the price of food out of the reach of poor Bengalis. But it is alleged that all this was exacerbated

by decisions reached by the war cabinet in London which had apparently been warned that overuse of Indian resources exported for the war effort elsewhere in the Empire could result in famine. Some of the evidence is contradictory. But from the available information, it seems to me that, at worst, unsound policy decisions in a particular set of circumstances could be blamed, since, even with severe food shortages in Europe, the historical records show that Churchill and his war cabinet invariably sought ways to alleviate suffering in India.

Nonetheless, writers

like Madhusree Mukerjee, author of “Churchill’s Secret War” published in 2010, have attempted to pin direct responsibility on Churchill for what appeared to be mistakes on the ground in Bengal. Moreover, it seems that, rather than blaming Churchill exclusively for causing it, she contends that the wartime leader made the situation worse by refusing to allow shipments of grain from Australia and Canada bound for Europe from being diverted to Bengal.

The war cabinet considered that extra supplies of grain to India could be arranged only at the cost of ignoring pressing

requirements elsewhere. Far from not taking this issue seriously, as has been alleged, Churchill considered that the problem had essentially to be addressed by Bengal’s elected ministry on the ground locally rather than by officials thousands of miles away in London.

Be that as it may, Churchill was criticised for his supposed racist comments about Indians and Bengalis in particular. He was known as an unashamed imperialist who was staunchly committed to maintaining India’s unity – as a country of massive diversity - within the British Empire. He thought that too rapid a move to democracy might tear the subcontinent apart on sectarian lines, a fear that, tragically, later events would justify. So this was hardly a man who would have favoured any policy that deliberately allowed Indians to die of starvation.

The evidence I have seen shows that Churchill replaced Lord Linlithgow, who was regarded as somewhat lethargic, as viceroy with the efficient and politically aware Field Marshall Wavell. He became India’s most able and conscientious viceroy who used the army to end the famine and get food supplies moving quickly and properly.

Post-colonial academics and liberals have condemned Churchill for knowingly bringing about the Bengal famine. From what I have read, the facts do not support this so it must be regarded as simply untrue. That said, during wartime there will always be conflicting demands and priorities and leaders will never get things right all the time. But, on this important issue, any mistakes were surely attributable to failures of judgement rather than ill intent.

But, interestingly, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has been quoted as saying that Germany wanted to take the UK’s outstretched hand for “Britain has always been an indispensable part of solving the big issues that affect the whole of Europe and this has not changed since it left the EU”. It seems that Starmer’s visit to France was equally successful since President Macron pledged to deepen ties with Britain over defence, security, migration and energy and, in particular, to dismantle the migrant smuggling routes and to increase intelligence sharing.

Thus, the prime minister’s trips to these countries seems, initially at least, to have fulfilled his pledge to improve the UK’s relations with its principal European allies - and it will be interesting to see how successful he will be in trying to reset relations with the EU itself.

TO SELECT NEW LEADER

FOLLOWING the Conservative Party’s overwhelming defeat at Britain’s general election in July, it is clear from the local press coverage that people in the UK are growing more and more impatient while awaiting, with considerable interest, the selection of a new Conservative Party leader since the incumbent, Rishi Sunak, announced after the election that he was standing down.

New prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, is already attracting criticism for his and his government’s controversial performance – described by some as stumbling - after barely two months in office. But rather than doing their own job of holding him to account for his actions so far, the Tories are still licking their wounds and trying to work out what went wrong for them in the election.

However, reportedly, the long process of a party leadership contest is now under way. Nominations had to be submitted by July 29. There are six candidates standing for the job. Each needed the backing of at least ten Tory MPs. This list will be narrowed down by the parliamentary party to 4 candidates who will make their case to members at the annual Conservative conference due to take place from September 29 to October 2. Two final candidates will then be subject to a vote by Conservative Party members and the winner announced on November 2. To some, this process sounds to be long drawn out. But it should be remembered that at this time of year MPs are away a good deal. At Westminster, the summer recess usually takes place from late July to early September. Parliament then normally sits again during the first two weeks of September before adjourning for the party conference recess. Thus, to the relief of many the timetable for this selection process is finally clear – and nearer the time it will surely be interesting to look more closely at the winner and the likelihood, in Britain’s long-standing successful democracy, of the current government being held to account by an active opposition with a strong and effective leader.

GERMAN Chancellor Olaf Scholz, right, and Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer shake hands after a press conference in Berlin, Germany last week.

Photo: Ebrahim Noroozi/AP

FORMER UK PRIME MINISTER WINSTON CHURCHILL

Netanyahu pushes back on pressure for cease-fire deal

TEL AVIV Associated Press

ISRAELI Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday pushed back against a new wave of pressure to reach a cease-fire deal in Gaza after hundreds of thousands of Israelis protested and went on strike and US President Joe Biden said he needed to do more after nearly 11 months of fighting.

In his first public address since Sunday’s mass protests showed many Israelis’ furious response to the discovery of six more dead hostages, Netanyahu said he will continue to insist on a demand that has emerged as a major sticking point in talks — continued Israeli control of the Philadelphi corridor, a narrow band along Gaza’s border with Egypt where Israel contends Hamas smuggles weapons into Gaza. Egypt and Hamas deny it. Netanyahu called the corridor vital to ensuring Hamas cannot rearm via tunnels. “This is the oxygen of Hamas,” he said. And he added: “No one is more committed to freeing the hostages than me. But no one will preach to me.” Israelis had poured into the streets late Sunday in grief and anger in what appeared to be the largest protest since the start of the war. The families and much of the public blamed Netanyahu, saying the hostages could have been returned alive in a deal with Hamas. A rare general strike was held across the country on Monday.

Late Monday, several thousand demonstrators gathered outside Netanyahu’s private home in central Jerusalem, chanting, “Deal. Now.” and carrying coffins draped in the Israeli flag. Scuffles broke out when police snatched away the coffins, and several protesters were arrested. Thousands more marched outside Netanyahu’s Likud party in Tel Aviv, according to Israeli media.

But others support Netanyahu’s drive to continue the campaign in Gaza, which was triggered by Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack into Israel and has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians in the territory. Netanyahu says the assault will force militants to give in to Israeli demands, potentially facilitate rescue operations and ultimately annihilate the group.

Key ally the United States is showing impatience. Biden spoke to reporters as he arrived at the White House for a Situation Room meeting with the US mediation team in the negotiations. Asked if Netanyahu was doing enough, Biden responded, “No.” He insisted that negotiators remain “very close” to a deal, adding, “Hope springs eternal.”

‘No one will preach to me’

Hamas has accused Israel of dragging out months of negotiations by issuing new demands, including for lasting Israeli control over the Philadelphi corridor and a second corridor running across Gaza. Hamas has offered to release all hostages in return for an end to the war, the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and the release of a large number of Palestinian prisoners, including high-profile militants — broadly the terms called for under an outline for a deal put forward by Biden in July.

Netanyahu has pledged “total victory” over Hamas and blames it for the failure of the negotiations. On Monday, he said he is ready to carry out the first phase of the cease-fire — a plan that would include the release of some hostages, a partial pullout of Israeli troops and the release of some prisoners held by Israel. But he rejected a full withdrawal from Gaza, saying he saw no other party that could control Gaza’s borders. Israeli media have reported deep differences between Netanyahu and top security officials, including Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who say the time is ripe for a cease-fire.

An official confirmed a shouting match between Gallant and Netanyahu at a security cabinet meeting Thursday, where Netanyahu held a vote in favour of maintaining control over the Philadelphi corridor.

Gallant cast the lone vote against the proposal, saying Netanyahu was favouring border arrangements over the lives of hostages. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the closed-door meeting. Gallant on Sunday called on the security cabinet to overturn the decision.

Khalil al-Hayya, the Hamas official leading the negotiations, told the Qatari network Al Jazeera late Sunday that Netanyahu had deemed keeping the Philadelphi corridor “more important” than winning the hostages’ release.

Al-Hayya also said Hamas had offered “great flexibility,” including reducing its demand for 500 Palestinian prisoners to be released in exchange for each captive Israeli soldier to 50, and from 250 Palestinian prisoners or each Israeli civilian hostage to 30. He accused Israel of introducing new conditions including increasing the number of prisoners who would be deported upon release and banning the release of elderly or ill prisoners serving life sentences.

Israel said the six hostages found dead in Gaza were killed by Hamas shortly before Israeli forces arrived in the tunnel where they were held.

Hamas’ armed wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, appeared to say in a statement Monday that it now had a policy of killing any hostages that Israel tries

Labor Day hotel strikes reflect the frustrations of a workforce largely made up of women of colour

Associated Press

MORE than 10,000 workers at 25 US hotels were on strike Monday after choosing Labour Day weekend to amplify their demands for higher pay, fairer workloads and the reversal of COVID-era cuts. The UNITE HERE union, which represents the striking housekeepers and other hospitality workers, said 200 workers at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor were the latest to walk off the job. Nearly half of the striking workers – or 5,000 – are in Honolulu. Thousands of workers are also on strike

in Boston, San Francisco, Seattle, San Diego and San Jose, California. The strikes targeting Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt hotels were set to last one to three days.

UNITE HERE said a total of 15,000 workers have voted to authorize strikes, which could soon spread to other cities, including New Haven, Connecticut; Oakland, California; and Providence, Rhode Island. Union President Gwen Mills says the strikes are part of long-standing battle to secure familysustaining compensation for service workers on par with more traditionally

male-dominated industries. “Hospitality work overall is undervalued, and it’s not a coincidence that it’s disproportionately women and people of colour doing the work,” Mills said.

Unionized housekeepers want to reinstate automatic daily room cleaning at major hotel chains, saying they have been saddled with unmanageable workloads, or in many cases, fewer hours and a decline in income. Many hotels cut services during the coronavirus pandemic and never restored them.

But hotels say guests are no longer asking for daily room cleaning and some other services.

to rescue. It said that after Israeli troops rescued four hostages in a deadly raid in June, it issued new orders to its fighters guarding hostages on how to deal with them if Israeli troops approach. It said that Netanyahu’s insistence on using military pressure instead of reaching a deal “will mean they (hostages) will return to their families in coffins.”

Three of the slain hostages were reportedly among those who would have been released in the first phase of the cease-fire proposal outlined by Biden in July.

Thousands attended the funeral Monday for one of the six, Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin. He was one of the best-known hostages, with his parents leading a high-profile campaign for the captives’ release, meeting with Biden and Pope Francis and addressing the Democratic National Convention last month.

The general strike, called by Israel’s largest trade union, the Histadrut, ended early after a labour court accepted a petition from the government calling it politically motivated.

It was the first such strike since the start of the war, aiming to shut down or disrupt major sectors of the economy, including banking and health care. Some flights at Israel’s main international airport, Ben-Gurion, either departed early or were slightly delayed.

Hyatt and Hilton both said Monday that they have contingency plans in place to minimize the impact of the strikes at their hotels. Marriott didn’t respond to a request for comment.

Michael D’Angelo, the head of labour relations for Hyatt in the Americas, said in a statement Monday that the chain offers competitive wages and benefits, including in the markets where workers are striking.

“We are disappointed that UNITE HERE has chosen to strike while Hyatt remains willing to negotiate,” D’Angelo said. “We look forward to continuing to negotiate fair contracts and recognize the contributions of Hyatt employees.” Hilton said through a spokesperson that it remains “committed to negotiating

“There’s no need to punish the whole state of Israel because of what is happening, overall, it is a victory for Hamas,” said one passenger, Amrani Yigal.

But in Jerusalem, resident Avi Lavi said that “I think this is fair, the time has come to stand and to wake up, to do everything for the hostages to come back alive.”

Municipalities in Israel’s populated central area, including Tel Aviv, participated. Others, including Jerusalem, did not.

Some 250 hostages were taken on Oct. 7. More than 100 were freed during a cease-fire in November in exchange for the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Eight have been rescued by Israeli forces. Israeli troops mistakenly killed three Israelis who escaped captivity in December.

Roughly 100 hostages remain in Gaza, a third of whom are believed to be dead.

Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, when they stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7.

Israel’s retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed over 40,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, who do not say how many were militants.

The war has displaced the vast majority of Gaza’s 2.3 million people, often multiple times, and plunged the besieged territory into a humanitarian

catastrophe, including new fears of a polio outbreak. Meanwhile, Israel continued its six-day raid on the Jenin refugee camp in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. AP reporters saw bulldozers tearing up roads. The Palestinian Red Crescent said Israeli forces were blocking their ambulances from reaching the wounded.

Palestinians in a town outside Jenin held a funeral for a 58-yearold man, Ayman Abed, who was arrested the day before and died in Israeli custody. The Israeli military said he died from a “cardiac event,” but did not provide details. Human rights groups have reported abuses of Palestinians detained by Israel, and the military has confirmed the deaths of at least 36 Palestinians in its detention centres since October.

Israel says it has killed 14 militants in Jenin and arrested 25 militants. Palestinian health officials say at least 29 people have been killed, including five children.

Mohannad Hajj Hussein, a Jenin resident, said electricity and water were cut off. “We are ready to live by candlelight and we will feed our children from our bodies and teach them resistance and steadfastness in this land,” he said. “We will rebuild what the occupation destroyed and we will not kneel.”

ISRAELI Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a news conference in Jerusalem, yesterday.

Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg/AP

UNIVERSITY

Mingoes cross country opens international season strong

BOCA RATON, Florida

— The University of The Bahamas Mingoes men and women’s cross country teams finished in 11th and 6th at the 10th annual Florida Atlantic Invitational at South County Regional Park in Boca Raton, Florida, over the weekend.

The men’s team finished with 325 points while the women’s scored 185 points. Both teams ran five kilometers (3.1 miles) Friday.

Lhevinne Joseph was the top competitor for The Mingoes, finishing 68th out of 94 competitors in 19 minutes 1.74 seconds.

“We ran a bit too fast the first mile,” Joseph said. “I wished that we would have paced ourselves a bit better and ran an average of about six minutes a mile and that would have gotten us to about 18 minutes.” Joseph said the competition’s pace overall was incredible.

“From the first mile everyone was gone,” he said. “Everyone was running fast from the gun. We ran about 5:30 the first mile and everyone else was going 4:50 or 4:40. Unfortunately we just could not keep up.”

Jackson Ozias was about 20 seconds behind Joseph in 19:22.81 for 73rd spot. Kenold Jean was right behind Ozias in 19:29.91 for 74th spot. Dennis Williamson placed 77nd in 20:26.37 and freshman Christopher Minors finished 79th in 20:59.48.

“I think the boys went a bit too fast to start,” head coach Ednal Rolle said. “The field went out very fast as well and this field was more competitive than last year. We didn’t perform how I expected. We performed much better last year and it’s a lot of work for us to get back on track

and as strong as we were last year.”

Twelve teams competed for the men and six on the ladies’ side. For The Mingoes women, freshman Marquell Newbold was the top finisher in 25:20.21 for 65th spot.

“This is the longest I have ever run as I’m a sprinter,” Newbold said. “I used the final hill on the last lap to give some momentum to carry me to the finish line.” Michal Bullard – another freshman – placed second for the team and 68th overall in 25:44.50.

Nancy Joseph took third spot for the team and 73rd overall in 31:31.35 and Kaiya Cambridge was right behind Joseph in 31:57.55. Katrenel Dean placed

fifth for the team and 76th overall.

“I know the girls were not as strong as the boys but it was a great performance from Marquell Newbold as she was able to lead the team,” Rolle said.

Rolle said he felt as if the freshmen were a bit nervous but were able to get over that hurdle.

“I think we just needed to get the first one out and under their belt,” he said. “We will be stronger at our next competition. We have a lot of work to do.”

Both teams are expected to next compete at The Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Cross Country Invitational in Daytona Beach on September 21.

Photos by UB Athletics

UNIVERSITY of The Bahamas Mingoes cross country athletes compete in The Florida Atlantic University Cross Country Invitational on August 31 at South County Regional Park in Boca Raton, Florida.

UNIVERSITY of The Bahamas Mingoes cross country athlete Marquell Newbold (1223) in action.

UNIVERSITY of The Bahamas Mingoes cross country athlete Marquell Newbold in action.

BFA SHARES OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS OF THEIR NATIONAL U-13 BOYS AND GIRLS TEAMS

THE Bahamas Football Association (BFA) is excited to share the outstanding achievements of their national under-13 boys and girls teams that competed at the 2024 Naples Elite Cup, held in Naples, Florida, August 24-25.

The young athletes gave it their all, with the under13 girls’ team taking home the championship and the under-13 boys’ team securing a solid third-place finish.

Girls Team Crowned Champions

The under-13 girls’ team played with discipline and heart throughout the tournament. They kicked off their campaign with a 6-1 win over San Carlos Park Scorpion SC U14G BLACK and continued with a hard-fought 3-2 victory against San Carlos Park Scorpion SC U13G BLACK.

They followed up with a 0-0 draw against Naples Elite Soccer Club Naples Elite SC 2011 Girls to qualify for the finals. They capped off the trip by winning the final match 2-0 against San Carlos Park Scorpion SC U13G BLACK, clinching the championship title without a single loss.

The girls’ commitment and teamwork truly stood out during the competition.

Boys Team Secures Third Place

The under-13 boys’ team also delivered a strong performance. Despite a tough start with a 0-4 loss to Cape Coral Soccer 2011, they bounced back with a 3-0 win over Florida West FC ECNL RL B11.

Their final match ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Naples Elite SC 2011, earning them a welldeserved third-place finish.

The boys showed great determination and never gave up, no matter the challenge.

Coaches Reflect on the Teams’ Performances

“Our U13 teams have made us all very proud,” said Bruce Swan, technical director of the BFA, as he shared his pride in the teams’ efforts.

“The girls’ victory and the boys’ strong finish highlight the talent and hard work they’ve put in over the months. This experience is an important step in their development, and I’m excited to assist with their growth in sport.”

Thank You to Our Supporters

“These successes are not just about the players on the field, they’re also about the support behind them. We want to extend a big thank you to the clubs, parents, coaches and everyone in the BFA community who played a role in this journey.

“Your support and encouragement have been integral in helping our young athletes achieve these results. We also want to thank everyone who followed the teams’ progress and cheered them on. Your support means the world to us, and we look forward to more exciting moments in the future.”

For more updates and information, please follow the BFA’s social media pages or contact the BFA Secretariat.

FROM PAGE 16

who is going into her final year of her two-year term as president, although she’s been serving in that capacity since 2015.

“So, we’re just trying to see how things are going to work out. We know that the coaches have already been preparing for this season and they are very excited.”

Davis, who serves as a physical education teacher at CH Reeves, said their Raptors’ Athletic Department is just as excited as Government High as they are the first two schools who are expected to have a swimming pool built on their campus.

The initial is being done by businessman Adrian Fox and his Fox Foundation and endorsed by the Ministry of Education and its Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin. Davis, however, said there’s no indication exactly when the pools will be

completed and so they won’t add swimming to their curriculum until they get the go-ahead from the ministry.

She added that Minister Hanna-Martin has also indicated that both CH Reeves and Government High will also have a track and field facility built, along with SC McPherson, but again, no date for completion has been made.

“These facilities will definitely help with the development of our kids, so we’re very happy about that,” Davis stated. “We are excited about it. So we are preparing our teams because everybody wants to win that championship.”

This year, Davis said if they can secure the necessary funding, they would like to provide championship rings for their winners along with the trophies as they look forward to having “another successful season.”

NATIONAL under-13 girls’ team at the 2024 Naples Elite Cup in Naples, Florida.

NATIONAL under-13 boys’ team at the Naples Elite Cup.

MEMBERS of the boys and girls national soccer teams pose together.

Red-Line Athletics’ inaugural cross country and fitness championship September 14

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

WHETHER you are a competitive athlete or a casual spectator, the RedLine Athletics’ inaugural cross country and fitness championship is the ideal event for you to compete in.

Scheduled for Saturday, September 14, starting at 6am, the event will take place at the St Augustine’s College campus where competitors will get a chance to traverse over two hills, a staircase and both road and grass surfaces.

The event is designed for both the walkers and runners with more than 60

awards presented to the first through six place finishers, according to Tito Moss, the head coach of the Red-Line Athletics Club.

Categories for male and female runners are under-9, under-11, under-13, under15, under-17, under-20, under-30, under-40, under50 and 50-and-over, while the walkers will be under20, under-30, under-40, under-50 and over-50.

“It’s going to be the quickest and most challenging cross country of the season. It’s the only one where persons from under nine to under 90 can participate,” Moss said. “We will have walkers and runners participating.

DEVYNNE CHARLTON SHUTS DOWN HER OUTDOOR SEASON

FROM PAGE 16

Former world record holder Kendra Harrison, who didn’t compete in the Olympics, was sixth in 12.70 and Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, who didn’t make the final in Paris, was seventh in 12.78 and Giada Carmassi of Italy came in eighth in 13.20. Charlton, competing in her second consecutive Olympics, duplicated her feat in Tokyo, Japan in 2021 when she finished sixth again at the Olympics in Paris. The Bahamian record holder qualified for her first Olympics in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, but didn’t get to compete because of an injury.

PAGE 16

11-14. The softball game will be played on October 11-12 between the Corner Boyz from the New Providence Oldtimers Softball Association and the local All-Star team from Exuma.

Then on October 12, a five-mile road race will be staged, starting at 7am from the Culture Centre in Forbes Hill to the Public School in Williams Town.

Competitors in the under-9, under-11 and under-13 divisions will compete in a 2 1/2 mile run, while those in the under-15, under-17, under20 and open divisions will compete in a five-mile run.

TRACK FUN RUN/WALK RACE

THE Roots

Junkanoo

Group is scheduled to hold its Fun Run/Walk Race under the theme “Let’s Do This Together,” on Saturday, October 12. The event will start promptly at 6:30am at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium and will be sponsored by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and the National Sports Authority. The registration fee is $25 per athlete.

Categories include under male and female Under-15, Under-20, 21-30,

“We want all of the traditional runners, who usually take part in those fun runs and fitness runs, to come out and participate. We want the moms and the dads, the uncles and aunts and grandparents to participate.”

Unlike the other events they host, which is primarily geared towards the athletes and clubs, this one is designed for the entire family and he said they anticipate everyone to come out, whether to run or to walk. “We have a category for you to participate in,” Moss said.

With the course set up for just over a mile, Moss said the terrain being offered

at SAC will take most runners about seven minutes to complete and walkers at least 15-20 minutes.

“It’s a challenging course. It’s one mile, but it probably will feel like two miles,” Moss pointed out. “

Moss said they decided to stage this event to allow everybody to participate.

“It’s early in the off season training for the athletes,” Moss said. “A lot of the clubs are just returning to training, so we decided to select a route that everyone in track and field, including the spectators, can participate in.

“It’s a course that is challenging, but it’s a course where clubs are just getting back to training and this is a good training route to participate in. That’s why we selected the terrain, the location and it’s a real cross country with roads, hills, stairs and grass. We’re the only cross country that will probably have all of those terrains. Nothing can replicate it.” Moss said they are anticipating at least four to 500 competitors but, if they have more than 500, they will be able to accommodate them in the usual Red-Line Athletics Club’s first-class event.

Persons wishing to participate in the event are urged to register online at: redlineathletics242@gmail.com

31-40, 41-50, 51-60 and 61-and-over.

BODYBUILDING NOVICE SHOW THE Bahamas Bodybuilding Wellness and Fitness Federation will hold its 2024 Novice and National Bodybuilding Competition on Saturday, September 7 at the University of the Bahamas. Competition will be held for men and women in fitness, classic, physique, figure, bikini, wellness and bodybuilding. Tickets are priced at $30 for general admission and $40 for VIP and can be purchased from any of the bodybuilding gymnasiums. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $35 general admission and $45 for VIP.

BASKETBALL/ CYCLING/TRACK

BBSF MEETING

THE Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation is scheduled to hold a joint meeting at 5pm on Saturday at the Baptist College, Jean Street for all churches interested in participating in the upcoming basketball, cycling and track and field events. The basketball tournament is scheduled for Friday-Saturday, September 26-27 at the CI Gibson Gymnasium; the cycling event will be held on Saturday, October 6 and the

THE Bahamas Government Departmental Softball Association’s playoffs ended on Sunday with the Bahamas Defence Force Floaters defeating the BDCS Reformers 3-2 in a bestof-5 series at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex. The BTC Lasers clinched their series last weekend as they defeated the RBPF Enforcers in the series 3-1. The championship in the men’s division will start this coming weekend. In the ladies’ division, the defending champions Electro Telecom Invaders defeated the RBDF Waves 3-0 to win between the pennant winners and fourth place. And the Royal Bahamas Police Force Lady Interceptors defeated the Bahamas Department of Correction Services Keepers 3-2 in their second vs third place series. The championship started on Sunday for the ladies with the Lady Interceptors defeating the Invaders 14-5 to win game one of the best-ofseven series.

Play resumes in the championship round for both the men and ladies on Saturday with double headers. They will continue to play on Sunday. Here’s a look at the best-of-seven championship schedule for this weekend: Saturday 11am - Electro Telecom Invaders vs RBPF Interceptors (L) 1pm - RBDF Floaters vs BTC Lasers (M) 3pm - RBPF Interceptors vs Electro Telecom Invaders (L)

track meet, being held in memory of the late Renee “Sunshine” Curry-Davis, will take place in November at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium.

During the meeting on Saturday, representatives from the churches will be provided with the full details of all three of the events being planned by the federation as they conclude their initial season since changing the name from the Baptist Sports Council.

ALL CARIBBEAN WRESTLING FIGHT FOR PARADISE THE All Caribbean Wrestling (ACW) will hold its Fight for Paradise Show on Saturday, October 19 at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium. Doors open at 1pm. Wrestlers from throughout the Caribbean and the United States of America will be participating. For ticket information, persons can contact FightForParadise.eventbrite.com

DEVYNNE CHARLTON, of The Bahamas, crosses the finish line in the women’s 100-metre hurdles heat at the 2024 Summer Olympics on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, in SaintDenis, France. (AP Photo/David J Phillip)

‘Jazz’ Chisholm Jr and Yankees beat Texas 8-4

By STEPHEN HAWKINS AP Baseball Writer

ARLINGTON, Texas

(AP) — Giancarlo Stanton reached 25 homers for the 10th time in his big league career, Gerrit Cole struck out nine over six innings before his right calf cramped and the New York Yankees beat the Texas Rangers 8-4 last night.

Gleyber Torres had three hits for the AL-leading Yankees, including a two-run double in the third inning that put them ahead to stay.

Anthony Rizzo had a two-run double in their five-run sixth inning after Aaron Judge doubled for his MLB-best 124th RBI.

Before his last warmup pitch ahead of the seventh, Cole (6-3) lifted his right leg and tried to stretch.

The Yankees ace and reigning AL Cy Young Award winner bent twice, threw the warmup, then hopped and signaled to the bench.

Manager Aaron Boone and director of sports medicine Michael Shuck went to mound.

Cole, who turns 34 on Sunday, began this season on the 60-day injured list because of nerve irritation and edema in his throwing elbow during spring training. The right-hander didn’t make his season debut until June 19. Stanton homered to straightaway centre leading off the eighth. He is the only active MLB player with 10 seasons of at least 25 homers.

The Yankees (80-58) remained a half-game ahead of Baltimore in the AL East. They had lost four of their previous five games. With two on and two outs in the ninth, second baseman Gleyber Torres made a diving backhand stop behind the base on Marcus Semien’s grounder and threw to first for the out.

Anthony Volpe and Alex Verdugo, the bottom two batters in the Yankees lineup, had one-out singles in the third inning before Torres doubled for a 2-0 lead. Rookie right-hander Jack Leiter ended that inning when he struck out MLB home run leader Judge, who swung at and missed an 84 mph curveball.

STANTON REACHES 25 HOMERS FOR 10TH TIME, COLE EXITS WITH CRAMP

YANKEES Jasrado “Jazz”

Leiter (0-2) was pulled after Judge’s RBI double in the sixth that made it 3-1, and was the third consecutive hit to start that inning. Leiter struck out two and was charged with five runs. Volpe and Leiter were high school teammates and part a state championship in 2019 at Delbarton School in Morristown, New Jersey. Both were firstround draft picks, Volpe by the Yankees that year and Leiter by Texas in 2021 after he went to Vanderbilt.

Leiter’s father, Al, played for the Yankees during his first three big league seasons (1987-89) and his last (2005). His cousin, Mark Leiter Jr., is a Yankees reliever.

The Yankees led 7-1 when Cole left the game. Luke Weaver took over, immediately allowing a single to Josh Jung and a homer to Wyatt Langford. Semien scored from first base on Josh Smith’s two-out double in the third, which came between strikeouts by sluggers Corey Seager and Adolis García.

BFA: 32 PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL

D LICENSE COACHING

a structured pathway that leads to more advanced coaching licenses, such as the C. B and A CONCACAF Licenses.

As these educators continue their professional development, they will have opportunities to further enhance their coaching credentials, opening doors to higher levels of coaching within the sport. “The completion of the D License

Course by these teachers marks a significant moment for football development in our schools,” said Bruce Swan, technical director of the BFA.

Mr Swan emphasized the impact of this course on the future of Bahamian football. “It lays the groundwork for the growth of the sport by ensuring that our children are trained by individuals who are both knowledgeable and passionate about football. This

BFA COMPLETES PHASE 1 OF CONCACAF C LICENSE COACHING COURSE

THE Bahamas Football Association (BFA) completed phase 1 of the Concacaf C License Coaching Course last week at the Beach Soccer Stadium and RALD.

Fourteen dedicated coaches from various football clubs across The Bahamas participated in the course, marking a significant advancement in their coaching journey and contributing to the continued growth of football in the nation.

The course, which began on August 26, provided these coaches with a comprehensive training experience focused on enhancing technical knowledge, refining coaching methods and deepening their understanding of football principles.

“This initiative is a key part of our strategy to elevate coaching standards in The Bahamas,” said Bruce Swan, the BFA’s technical director, highlighting the course’s importance.

“The commitment shown by these coaches is truly commendable, and I’m confident that what they’ve learned will have a positive impact on their respective teams and players in the coming months.”

With the completion of the in-person sessions, these coaches will now enter a three-month developmental phase.

During this period, they will be monitored by BFA coach educators as they implement the techniques and strategies learned.

Final assessments will be conducted in November to determine their qualification for the Concacaf C License.

“It is critical for players’ growth that the quality of coaching needs to grow,” Swan added. “The knowledge these coaches now possess will play an important role in developing the next generation of players.” The BFA thanks all participants for their dedication and the instructors for their expertise.

The Association looks forward to seeing the lasting impact of this course on the local football community as these coaches continue to shape the sport’s future in The Bahamas.

course is just the beginning for these coaches, who now have the opportunity to pursue further licensures and continue contributing to the development of football in The Bahamas.”

To Publish your

The skills and knowledge gained by these teachers will be put to the test during the upcoming Dawn

provide a platform for the newly certified coaches to showcase their abilities and demonstrate the value of structured football education in schools. The BFA is committed to elevating the

standard of football coaching and ensuring that young players in The Bahamas receive high-quality guidance as they develop their skills and passion for the game.

N. Knowles Primary School Soccer Tournament in October. This event will

BAHAMAS Football Association officials and PE teachers.

Chisholm Jr., right, watches his RBI single in the sixth inning as Texas Rangers catcher Jonah Heim, center, and home plate umpire Bruce Dreckman, left, look on during a baseball game last night in Arlington, Texas.

NEW York Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm Jr., front bottom, slides in safely at home plate on a wild pitch in the sixth inning as home plate umpire Bruce Dreckman, top left, watches during a baseball game against the Texas Rangers. (AP Photos/Albert Pena)

Overcoming hurdles on her way to success

OUT of the classroom for nearly 30 years, A Venteria Johnson reluctantly walked through the doors of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute’s (BTVI) Grand Bahama Branch Campus for a second time.

The BTVI Story

Initially, she graduated with a certificate in air conditioning and refrigeration (ACR) with honours. For 21 years, she worked as an ACR technician, specialising in insulation. However, she wanted to impart the knowledge and skills of the trade to others.

“During my years as a technician I gained a lot of knowledge and trained many people, eventually leading me to a desire to teach others the trade, so I made the switch from the construction field to the classroom. I wasn’t too sure about going back to school, but I wanted to better equip myself,” said Venteria.

The very semester Venteria returned to BTVI as a construction technology student, Hurricane Dorian hit The Bahamas, devastating Grand Bahama. This was closely followed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Back to school was not easy for this adult learner. Nevertheless, Venteria was determined and had instructors who made the transition worthwhile.

“I will also remember roof framing I and interior exterior, with Godwyn Scott and his operational sheets and Jamere McIntosh who made elementary statistics - a subject I dreaded - so easy understandable. Keith Gibson, who taught heating ventilation and air conditioning

(HVAC) and Devon Wilson, who taught blueprint reading and leveling instruments. made both theory and practical classes fun and engaging,” she recalled.

Currently, Venteria is a senior craft instructor at St George’s High School in Grand Bahama. She has taught ACR for the past six years. For most of that time, she worked while attending BTVI part-time.

Hard work paid off as Venteria was chosen to be the student speaker at the 2024 Grand Bahama Commencement ceremony. Just before her speech, she was announced as the overall top graduate and became overwhelmed. It was not expected.

“I cried because I did what I had set out to do. The hard work and sacrifice were worth it. I was able to set a standard that both my children and students can emulate and be proud of,” said the graduate.

Reminiscing about her BTVI experience, the achiever highly recommended the institute.

“I built a good rapport with my instructors. They are willing to assist. Though during the journey, you might want to give up, don’t. Push through. The reward will be worth it in the end,” she emphasised.

“The BTVI Story” is a monthly column which highlights how the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) is ‘Charting the Course for Success’ for learners in a multiplicity of trades. The column is produced by BTVI’s Office of Public Relations.

DOUBLE DONATION FROM ATLANTIS

EMPLOYEES of Atlan-

tis Resort presented a donation of 20 school uniform kits and a store credit for back-to-school supplies to the Transitional Alternative Programme for Students (TAPS).

The contribution is intended to help the school, which helps troubled teen girls foster a sense of identity and unity.

After 15 years in existence, the school recently received approval for a school uniform.

The donated uniform kits, valued at $72.66 each, include a white shirt, a purple pleated skirt, a purple cross tie, and two pairs of white socks.

The store credit to Book World and Stationers will ensure that students have the supplies they need for the upcoming school year.

Atlantis Casino’s Helping Hands team has also stepped forward to assist the Therapy Learning Center (TLC) as it prepares for the new school year.

TLC is a specialised facility dedicated to children with mild to moderate autism and related challenges.

TLC founder and director Yanique Smith said: “I was surprised when I got a call saying that they wanted to give some more donations for our back-to-school this school year.”

For the last four years, the school that

covers functional academics, life skills, and vocational training had operated in a small space but recently secured a larger building.

“The day we got the call that we could pick up the keys [for the new school location], I got a call from Atlantis saying that we were chosen for their backto-school initiative. I was over the moon. It felt like everything was coming together because it was really a tough year for all of us. This is a blessing.”

Ms Smith emphasised the significance of the donations, noting that sensory items like pod swings, which

help calm students, are challenging to source locally.

She was particularly moved by the inclusion of chairs in the donation, which the school had struggled to find.

“We knew they were going to donate items. I thought it was pencils, books, maybe a tablet or something like that, but when I came in and I saw even the area rugs, which we couldn’t find over here for the preschoolers, I was blown away — and then on top of that, a monetary donation. It blessed my heart, and I’m forever grateful.”

Student Spotlight Andrew Iferenta

ANDREW Iferenta, a recent graduate of Colby College, has been honoured with the Condon Medal, marking a significant achievement in his academic journey.

Awarded to the student who demonstrates the finest qualities of citizenship and contributes notably to college life, the Condon Medal is a testament to Andrew’s involvement and dedication during his time at Colby.

Andrew, who was the sole Bahamian in the 2024 graduating class and the only Bahamian enrolled at the institution, saw the Bahamian flag prominently featured in the graduation flag display alongside those of other countries represented by students.

The Randall Condon Award, established in 1920, is given based on the opinion of the senior class and recognises students who have made exceptional contributions to the development of college life.

Andrew majored in science, technology, and society, with dual minors in cinema studies and English.

His active participation in the Colby community was marked by his roles in the student governance association (SGA), where he served as vice president, and

as programming manager for the school radio station WMHB. Additionally, Andrew worked with the Colby Museum of Art on student engagement initiatives and participated in the “Be the Match” programme, connecting bone marrow donors with individuals facing lifethreatening diseases. Colby president David Greene praised Andrew’s achievements, stating: “This year’s recipient of the Condon Medal demonstrates a dedication to his community, a contagious desire to see and think about the world in new and creative ways, and a commitment to making positive change.” Before attending Colby College, Andrew was a student at The Fay School in Southborough, Massachusetts, Brooks School in North Andover, Massachusetts, and Lawrenceville School in New Jersey. His accomplishments reflect a deep commitment to both his studies and his community, setting a high standard for future students.

• Would you like to submit a candidate to feature in Student Spotlight or have a story for our page? Contact Education Reporter Fay Simmons at jsimmons@ tribunemedia.net

A VENTERIA JOHNSON

DONATIONS from Atlantis to TAPS, top, and TLC.

SPORTS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2024

Charlton suffers ‘fracture in foot’

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor

World indoor 60 metre hurdles champion and record holder Devynne Charlton announced yesterday that she will shut down the rest of her season after suffering a “fracture in her foot” in her last meet in Rome last week.

Charlton, 28, was competing in her first meet since the Olympic Games in Paris, France, on Friday at the Wanda Diamond League Meet when she stumbled running over the ninth of the 10 flights of hurdles in the women’s 100m hurdles.

As she approached the final hurdle, Charlton pushed her way through and eventually tumbled and rolled over just before the final line and was unable to complete the race.

On her social media account, Charlton said she was “super disappointed” to share the news that she has to “cut the rest of my outdoor season short.”

She went on to explain exactly what caused her to shut down her season.

“I had a little mishap in Rome where I landed awkwardly coming off a hurdle and sustained a fracture in my foot,” she said.

“I was hoping it was just a sprained ankle that I could power through but for my long term health, it’s best to call it a season.”

Charlton thanked the medical team at @weltklassezurich for taking good care of her.

During the meet, Charlton got off to a great start and was in contention with a quality field of competitors that was similar to the line-up in Paris.

But as she stumbled and fell, Jamaican Ackera Nugent powered through the finish line to pull off the win in a personal best of 12.24 seconds for a national record.

Nugent, in redeeming herself as she had a similar fall in Paris and wasn’t able to finish the race at the Olympics, also produced

Shuts down her outdoor season

DEVYNNE CHARLTON, of The Bahamas, right, competes in a women’s 100 metres hurdles round 1 heat at the 2024 Summer Olympics on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

the world-leading time, surpassing the previous best of 12.25 by American Olympic champion Masai Russell, the meet record of 12.37 by Puerto Rico’s Olympic bronze medallist

Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, whose time was 12.37. Russell, the training partner of Charlton in Lexington, Kentucky, who ran 12.33 for the gold in Paris, was second in 12.31, while

TRACK

RED-LINE

CROSS COUNTRY

IN preparation for the off-season training, the Red-Line Athletics Track Club is scheduled to hold its inaugural Cross Country & Fitness Run on Saturday, September 14, at the St Augustine’s College Campus. The categories for the male and female runners are under-9, under11, under-13, under-15, under-17, under-20, under-30, under-40, under50 and over-50. The male and female walkers will compete in the under20, under-30, under-40, under-50 and over-50 categories.

The course length will be one-mile over two hills, a staircase, road and grass surfaces that will feel like two miles. Trophies will be distributed to the first three all age groups and divisions for both the walkers and the

runners. The registration fee is $20 per athlete and interested persons can register online at redlineathletics242@gmail.com UB CROSS COUNTRY THE University of the Bahamas will hold its annual Cross Country 2K24 Invitational on Saturday, September 28, starting at 7 am at the Thomas A. Robinson Stadium. Interested persons can contact coach Ednal Rolle at 424-6469 or ednql.roolle@ub.edu.bs for more details. SOFTBALL EXUMA HOMECOMING THE Williams Town Exuma Homecoming Association is scheduled to hold a softball game and road race over the weekend of October

the Netherlands’ Nadine Visser, who was short of the medal stand at the Olympics in fourth in 12.43, got third in 12.52 in Rome. Cyrena Samba-Mayela of France, who was fourth in

Paris in 12.57, finished in that same spot in 12.57 and American Alaysha Johnson, seventh in Paris, came through for fifth in 12.66.

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WITH the new school year opened, the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association is eagerly looking forward to another productive season for their athletic programme.

GSSSA president Varel Davis said while there have been very few changes in the coaching personnel at the various schools, they have put together another hectic schedule for the student-athletes to participate in.

“We are basically going with the same calendar of events as last year,” Davis said. “We will start with volleyball, cross country, basketball, track and field, softball/baseball and soccer.

“Most of our events are being lined up with the Family Islands and Grand Bahama because they want to start the national championships again, so we want to be on the same page with all of our events.”

The GSSSA is expected to start their season at the beginning of October, but she noted that a lot of the schools will be participating in the various cross country events being staged this month.

Going into the season, the RM Bailey Pacers will be without Keisha PrattJohnson, who has moved on to the Ministry of Education as subject advisor for high schools.

Pratt-Johnson will be replaced by Bernice Penn, who has been transferred from the Government High School to RM Bailey.

Joining the Magic family at GHS will be Leron Taylor, who has been transferred from Central Eleuthera. It’s not known who has replaced Johnson.

“We’re always looking at making it better than the year before,” said Davis,

public school system have successfully completed the D License Coaching Course. This achievement is an important step in the BFA’s ongoing efforts to enhance football education in schools and raise the standard of youth coaching across the country. Held over two days, the course provided a blend of theory and practical training. The theory session took place on Wednesday, August 28, at the Beach Soccer Stadium, covering key aspects of coaching such as characteristics and role of the grassroots coach, the needs of a grassroot player and session planning.

practical session was conducted on Thursday, August 29, at the Roscow AL Davies Soccer Field, where the participants demonstrated their ability to apply