10172023 NEWS AND SPORT

WOMAN & HeALtH TUESDAY

Halloween Pails Happy Meal!

HIGH 81ºF LOW 71ºF

CARS! CARS!

The Tribune

CLASSIFIEDS TRADER

Established 1903

L AT E S T

N E W S

O N

T R I B U N E 2 4 2 . C O M

Biggest And Best!

Volume: 120 No.198, October 17, 2023

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: PRICE–$1

UNION CHALLENGES IMMIGRATION MOVE Pratt appointment disputed over rule on contract workers

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net THE Bahamas Customs Immigration and Allied Workers Union has filed a trade dispute with the Department of Labour contesting the Davis administration’s appointment of William Pratt as director of the Department of Immigration.

BISHOP BOYD BACKS EFFORTS TO CRIMINALISE MARITAL RAPE

BCIAWU president Deron Brooks said the union will challenge the administration in court if the decision is not reversed.

Mr Brooks said the union secured a Supreme Court victory in 2021 after arguing that immigration officers cannot be contract workers.

A former director of the

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net BISHOP Laish Boyd backed efforts to criminalise marital rape last night during the 120th Session of the Synod of The Diocese of The Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos Islands.

As some senior political figures looked on, Bishop Boyd reiterated his view that the Sexual Offences Act should be amended to outlaw rape however it occurs.

“This movement is not designed to entrap anyone or to take away anyone’s rights or privileges,” he

SEE PAGE THREE

Finance’s procurement list called ‘incomplete’

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net FREE National Movement Leader Michael Pintard said he rejects the Ministry of Finance’s “incomplete” contract procurement report released on Sunday because it fails to satisfy the transparency requirements of the Public Procurement Act.

The Organisation for Responsible Governance also highlighted the incompleteness of the report yesterday, although the organisation praised the government for disclosing some information.

ORG said the report did not list the “location of performance” or addresses of the businesses awarded SEE PAGE FOUR

Former PM’s son charged over teen’s abortion

SEE PAGE SEVEN

SHOT DEAD WHILE OUT ON BAIL FOR MURDER unlawfully” causing the 15-year-old to abort a fetus while on Harbour Island on September 4.

The girl’s relatives, whose identities are being withheld to protect her identity, were also charged with conspiracy to commit abortion.

The accused filed emergency applications and were

A MAN who was electronically monitored on bail for murder and drug crimes was shot dead yesterday on Market Street.

Press liaison Chief Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings told reporters that around 1.45pm, officers were notified of a shooting by Shotspotter technology.

She said information indicated the victim was walking west across Market Street when a small, black coloured

SEE PAGE FIVE

SEE PAGE FOUR

DR JAMIL MINNIS, a gynaecologist and the son of former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, was charged yesterday with helping a 15-year-old girl get an abortion.

Photo: Dante Carrer

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net MORE than a month after a man was charged with having unlawful sex with a 15-year-old Harbour Island girl, Dr Jamil Minnis, a gynaecologist and the son of former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, was charged yesterday with helping the girl get an

abortion.

Alonzo Pinder, 24, was remanded in custody accused of having sexual relations with the girl on September 12. Pinder is accused of having had sex with the teenager between July 1 and 31, 2023.

Dr Minnis, the 45-year-old mother and 25-year-old sister of the girl were charged yesterday with “intentionally and

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

PAGE 2, Tuesday, October 17, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

Weapons seized in Grand Bahama during raid

GRAND Bahama Police seized a number of illegal firearms and ammunition during a raid at a residence in Grand Bahama on Friday.

Three assault rifles and six Glock pistols along with 509 rounds of ammunition were recovered. Three men have been arrested and investigations are underway.

Photos: Vandyke Hepburn

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, October 17, 2023, PAGE 3

Union challenges immigration move from page one department, Mr Pratt, 66, is past retirement age. He was recently brought back to lead the institution after Keturah Ferguson, 62, retired early.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis told The Tribune last week that Ms Ferguson retired willingly.

He did not say whether she was asked to go.

He said Mr Pratt was brought back because of his experience.

Many believe Ms Ferguson’s position became threatened after Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard leaked documents showing senior immigration officers were concerned about former Immigration Minister Keith Bell’s alleged interference in their work.

Mr Brooks said the immigration union supported Ms Ferguson. He said she was a stickler for following proper protocols.

He said the union believes her promotion to the top spot was the best decision any administration made for the department in the last decade.

“She came in battle tested, prepared, educated,” he said. “Her obtaining the

office, it brought up the morale. She worked on a succession plan.”

“Although the government said it wasn’t victimisation, we cannot point to any reason she would be asked to leave.”

According to court documents, the BCIAWU challenged the Minnis administration in 2021 for appointing Clarence Russell as acting director of immigration.

The union sought a declaration from the Supreme Court that the power to make appointments to public offices belongs to the Governor-General on the advice of the Public Service Commission.

Under the Davis administration, the Office of the Attorney General did not fight the union’s position, leading then-Supreme Court Justice Indra Charles to settle the matter in the union’s favour. The government had to pay the union $10k in costs.

Mr Brooks said this experience should’ve prevented the Davis administration from appointing a contract worker head of the immigration department, a not uncommon practice since the 1990s.

“They have replaced a

RECENTLY appointed director for the Department of Immigration, William Pratt. gazetted, fully pensionable officer with a contractually appointed person,” he said, adding qualified people are missing out on the chance for upward mobility.

“What does a young officer have to look forward

to? What can they aspire to when you keep bringing in persons from the outside to occupy vacancies that persons that came up through the system could’ve occupied?”

“It is about the principle.

The union cannot stand by or allow and facilitate by silence the breaching of the law and, of course, the defiance of this court order.

If this is a country of laws and the employer is about upholding and enforcing

the law, and this is a law enforcement agency, then this court order should not be breached for any reason.”

Administration officials did not respond to requests for comments up to press time yesterday.

TWO VYING TO REPRESENT THE PLP IN UPCOMING BY-ELECTION

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Staff Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net PACO Deal and Robert Grant –– an attorney and a businessman –– said they would apply to be the Progressive Liberal Party’s candidate in the West Grand Bahama and Bimini by-election.

They join three other expected applicants: former Golden Gates MP Shane Gibson, Chief Passport Office Kingsley Smith and attorney Samuel Brown.

The application process in the PLP ends at midnight tonight.

Holmes Rock resident Mr Deal, 49, said he has invested a lot in West Grand Bahama.

“We have been suffering down here with a drought in our economy for many years, and it is time for us

to bring some new ideas and reinvent and rebuild the community, but also Bimini,” he said, adding he frequently travels to Bimini.

Mr Deal, who turns 50 soon, considers himself among the new generation of leaders in the PLP. He sought the nomination in 2021 but received little support from the constituency branches.

“The prime minister talked about giving young people a chance, and in another three years, I would be 53. In another eight years, I would be 58,” he said. “So, I think this is a prime opportunity for me to enter or be birthed in the life of politics so that I can start to get the experience.

Mr Gibson’s bid for the nomination has livened the by-election race.

Mr Deal was careful not

POLICE INVESTIGATING THREE TRAFFIC DEATHS POLICE are investigating three traffic deaths that brought the number of road fatalities this year to 44.

The first incident was a double traffic fatality that claimed the lives of a man and woman. The second incident involved the death of a 29-year-old man from Tallahassee, Florida.

Police reported that the first fatal crash occurred shortly after 2am on Monday on East Street South near Calvary Deliverance Church.

A male driver of a 2007 Mitsubishi vehicle was reportedly travelling south on East Street when he tried to overtake a vehicle, but instead collided with a black coloured 150 Yamaha XTV motorcycle occupied by three people, one man and two women, headed north on the same street.

As a result, all victims sustained injuries, with the driver of the Mitsubishi vehicle and one of the female passengers of the motorcycle taken to hospital.

Chief Superintendent David Lockhart of the Royal Bahamas Police Force Traffic Division told

the press that two people died of their injuries on the scene -the male operator of the motorcycle and one of the women.

The victims are believed to be in their thirties.

“As always, we are saying to persons, please adhere to all the traffic rules and regulations as it pertains to the road traffic laws and regulations.

“We cannot emphasize enough that when persons are travelling at night, ensure that you are adhering to all the rules.

“That is that you have on your seatbelt, you have on your headlight, that you obey all the traffic rules.”

CSP Lockhart couldn’t confirm whether speed contributed to the fatality.

The second traffic fatality happened around 6.30pm near the London Bridge off Queen’s Highway in Andros.

An American man was reportedly driving a black Nissan Juke south on the highway when he collided with a white Chevy express bus driven by a Canadian woman travelling north. When police arrived on the scene, they found the man with head injuries.

to be critical of the former Cabinet minister whom he said he respects but said the nominee should be a resident of the constituency.

“What hurts is that you telling the country, you telling the party, and then you telling us, we can’t find one in West Grand Bahama and Bimini that is capable of carrying the mantle of Mr Wilchcombe,” he said.

“And you telling those that walked with him, talked with him, and those that felt the pain, and those that are still feeling the pain and are qualified and able, that is what you telling the country, that is the issue that I have.”

Mr Grant is a resident of West End and the son of former PLP Senator Austin Grant.

He sought but lost his bid to represent the PLP in the constituency

ROBERT GRANT two decades ago to Obie Wilchcombe, the former MP who died unexpectedly last month.

“Mr Wilchcombe said to me to be a team player,

PACO DEAL which I did,” he said yesterday. “Now that he has passed, I am not interested in running in another constituency because I live in the West End constituency,

and I know the issues very well.’

Mr Grant, 63, said he wants businesses in West End to have tax-free benefits similar to Freeport.

PAGE 4, Tuesday, October 17, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

Finance’s procurement list called ‘incomplete’ from page one contracts as the law requires.

“It is essential to acknowledge that the list of contracts in this report is not exhaustive, as certain contract categories, including legal services, financial consultancies, property rental or acquisitions, audit and actuarial services, telecommunications, rental properties, and research and development-related expenses are exempt from mandatory reporting in the legislation,” ORG said.

“ORG, in its benchmarking and evaluation of this Act before its passage, recognised these exclusions and advocated for their inclusion as best practices. It is also notable that awarded contracts that would have been required under the Public Procurement Act, 2021 remain unreported.”

The Ministry of Finance disclosed that 843 contracts worth $140m were awarded from September 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023.

Mr Pintard noted the disclosure did not include information from September 2021 to August 2022.

He said the report did not include contracts awarded by state-owned enterprises such as the NIB, the Public Hospitals Authority, Water & Sewerage or the University of The Bahamas.

“Third, there are clear examples of significant contracts that were awarded during the reporting period that were simply left out in the report,” he said. “One such example is the award of a multi-million dollar and multi-year contract by the Ministry of Transport for navigational aids to a company that seems to have had no such experience in a project of that size and scale. Is there a reason why the government has hidden this particular contract?

FREE National Movement leader and Leader of the Opposition in the House of Assembly, Michael Pintard.

“The law is clear. Section 75 (2)(a) says that the government must include ALL procurement contracts in its reports. Why is the government keeping the details of select contracts from the public? What is there to hide?

“Finally, by law, the prime minister as minister of finance is to lay this report in the House of Assembly so as to be accountable in a formal way for its contents. The fact that this half-baked incomplete report has come out in the dead of

Funeral Service for Mrs. Brunhilda Tina Mosko, 85 of Lyford Cay, New Providence, The Bahamas, died at her residence on the 13th October, 2023, will be held at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, West Street, Nassau, on Wednesday 18th October, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.

Father Iraneus Cox will officiate and interment will follow in Ebenezer Methodist Cemetery, East Shirley Street, Nassau.

She is survived by her husband, Emmanuel Nick Mosko; daughter, Nicolette Ellen Mosko; son, Nicolas E.P. Mosko; grandson, Nicolas Frederik Horn; granddaughters, Ashley Martina Taylor Mosko, Ellen Karina Horn and Olympia Emmanuelle Horn and many other relatives and close friends.

Instead of flowers the family request that donations be sent to the Persis Rogers Home For The Aged, P. O. Box N. 7503, Nassau or by direct deposit to Persis Rogers Home For The Aged, First Caribbean International Bank, Shirley Street Branch, Account No. 27407912 transit 09706, in memory of Mrs. Brunhilda Tina Mosko.

Arrangements by Kemp’s Funeral Home Limited.

night via press release is nothing more in my view than a sad, but now common attempt by the flailing and failing Davisled administration to sidestep accountability for its contents.”

Yesterday, Financial Secretary Simon Wilson

said contract disclosures will become more frequent.

He said the government is growing its ability to capture information comprehensively.

“There was a slight delay as we get ministries, departments, and

agencies to be set to the importance of putting information into the portal,” he said. “I think we’ve accomplished that greatly, and so you will be seeing more and more publications of contracts over the period going forward.”

ABACO MAN MISSING AT SEA AFTER BOAT CAPSIZES A MAN is missing at sea after a boat capsized in waters near Guana Cay. Two other men were rescued on Friday in an operation by the police and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.

The men went diving on Thursday, setting off shortly after 8am in a white 26ft vessel with a green Bimini top and a 225HP Yamaha single engine. However, after they failed to return, family members grew increasingly concerned.

A search and rescue operation located the capsized vessel with two men drifting in waters about 26 nautical miles off the north-eastern end of Baker’s Bay, Guana Cay. Both were taken to Marsh Harbour for further medical care.

However, the third man, Terrance Davis, who apparently tried to swim to Baker’s Bay after the capsizing, is still missing.

Search efforts are continuing to find him.

TERRENCE DAVIS

Shot dead while out on bail for murder from page one Japanese vehicle pulled alongside him.

Two men with handguns

and wearing hooded jackets reportedly got out of the vehicle and fired multiple shots at the victim.

The deceased died of his injuries at the scene.

Chief Superintendent Skippings said police are following leads.

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, October 17, 2023, PAGE 5

Former PM’s son charged over teenager’s abortion from page one later granted bail in the Supreme Court at $15,000 each with one or two sureties. All three must sign in at a police station in their community once a week.

Dr Minnis was freed after his family posted bail, but the women remained in police custody up to press time.

Damian Gomez, KC, Ian Cargill and Cassie Bethell represent Dr Minnis while Heather Hunt represents the female defendants. They will return to court on December 1 to receive a voluntary bill of indictment to fast-track their case to the Supreme Court.

Although abortion is illegal in most circumstances in The Bahamas, many believe a robust underground culture of the practice exists. Still, reports of people being charged with the crime are rare. A police spokesperson alerted reporters in a WhatsApp group yesterday that a medical doctor was being charged with the offence.

DAD OF CHILD WHO SHOT HIMSELF FACING MULTIPLE CHARGES

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Staff Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THE father of a boy who shot himself in the abdomen last week has been charged with a crime.

Magistrate Simone Brown charged Grand Bahama resident Joshua McPhee, 44, of 504 Dundee Bay Villas, with unlawfully exposing a sixyear-old child to grievous harm.

On October 10, the child was allegedly found in possession of an

unlicenced black 9mm firearm and ammunition.

Simeon Brown represented McPhee, who pleaded not guilty to the charges.

On the charge of exposing a child to grievous harm, he was granted $6,000 bail with one or two sureties and $7,000 bail with two sureties on the firearm and ammunition possession charges.

He was ordered to sign in at the police station on Mondays and Fridays before 6pm. His case was adjourned to February 26, 2023.

45-YEAR-OLD WOMAN CHARGED WITH MAKING FALSE RAPE REPORT

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net A 45-YEAR-OLD woman was charged in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday for making a false rape report.

Police alleged that Chewuakii Symonette

caused wasteful employment of police resources on August 23 by intentionally falsely reporting an indecent assault offence.

She pleaded not guilty and was granted $2,500 bail with one or two suretors.

She was also ordered to sign in at the Nassau Street police station weekly.

PAGE 6, Tuesday, October 17, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

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 .

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991 C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B. Publisher/Editor 1972-

EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON,

Published daily Monday to Friday

Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207 TELEPHONES News & General Information Advertising Manager Circulation Department Nassau fax Freeport, Grand Bahama Freeport fax

(242) 322-2350 (242) 502-2394 (242) 502-2386 (242) 328-2398 (242)-352-6608 (242) 352-9348

WEBSITE, TWITTER & FACEBOOK www.tribune242.com

@tribune242

tribune news network

Gaza draws closer to total collapse TRUCKLOADS of aid idled at Egypt’s border with Gaza as residents and humanitarian groups pleaded Monday for water, food and fuel for dying generators, saying the tiny Palestinian territory sealed off by Israel after last week’s rampage by Hamas was near total collapse.

US President Joe Biden planned to travel to Israel on Wednesday to signal White House support for the country and to Jordan to meet with Arab leaders. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the trip early Tuesday in Tel Aviv during his second visit to Israel in less than a week amid fears that the fighting could expand into a broader regional conflict.

In Gaza, hospitals were on the verge of losing electricity, threatening the lives of thousands of patients, and hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced from their homes searched for bread. Israel maintained punishing airstrikes across Gaza as a ground invasion loomed, while Hamas militants kept up a barrage of rocket attacks, and tensions mounted near the Israel-Lebanon border.

More than a week after Israel cut off entry of any supplies, all eyes were on the Rafah crossing, Gaza’s only connection to Egypt. Mediators were trying to reach a cease-fire that would let in aid and let out trapped foreigners. Israeli airstrikes forced the crossing to shut down last week, but it remained unclear Monday which of the regional actors was keeping the crossing closed.

Blinken, who returned to Israel after a six-country tour through Arab nations, said the US and Israel had agreed to develop a plan to enable humanitarian aid to reach civilians in Gaza. There were few details, but the plan would include “the possibility of creating areas to help keep civilians out of harm’s way”.

“We share Israel’s concern that Hamas may seize or destroy aid entering Gaza or otherwise prevent it from reaching the people who need it,” Blinken said.

Israel evacuated towns near its northern border with Lebanon, where the military has exchanged fire repeatedly with the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group.

Speaking to the Israeli Knesset, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran and Hezbollah, “Don’t test us in the north.

Don’t make the mistake of the past. Today, the price you will pay will be far heavier,” referring to Israel’s 2006 war with Hezbollah, which operates out of Lebanon.

Soon after he spoke, the Knesset floor was evacuated as rockets headed toward Jerusalem. Sirens in Tel Aviv prompted US and Israeli officials to take shelter in a bunker, officials said. Iran’s foreign minister, meanwhile, warned that “preemptive action is possible” if Israel moves closer to a ground offensive. Hossein Amirabdollahian’s threat followed a pattern of escalating rhetoric from Iran, which supports Hamas and Hezbollah.

This has become the deadliest of the five Gaza wars for both sides. At least 2,778 people have been killed and 9,700 wounded in Gaza, according to the Health Ministry there. More than 1,400 Israelis have been killed, the vast majority civilians massacred in Hamas’ Oct. 7 assault.

The Israeli military said Monday that at least 199 hostages were taken into Gaza, more than previously estimated.

Hamas said it was holding 200 to 250 hostages, including foreigners whom it said it would free when it was feasible.

Also Monday, Hamas’ military wing released a hostage video showing a dazed woman having her arm wrapped with bandages. The woman, who identified herself in the video as Mia Schem, 21, rocked slightly as she spoke, the sound of explosions reverberating in the background. In her statement, Schem said she was taken from Sderot, a small Israeli city near the Gaza border where she had attended a party. Hamas said she had undergone a three-hour operation. The Israeli military said Schem’s family was told of her abduction last week, and officials dismissed the video as propaganda.

The plight of the hostages has dominated the Israeli media since the attack, with interviews of their relatives playing almost constantly. Israeli officials have vowed to maintain the siege of Gaza until the hostages are released.

The head of Israel’s Shin Bet security service, in charge of monitoring militant groups, took responsibility for failing to

avert Hamas’ surprise attack. As agency head, “the responsibility for that is on me”, Ronen Bar said.

“There will be time for investigation — now is a time for war,” he wrote in a letter to Shin Bet workers and their families.

The combination of airstrikes, dwindling supplies and Israel’s mass evacuation order for the north of the Gaza Strip has thrown the tiny territory’s 2.3 million people into upheaval and increasing desperation. More than 1 million have fled their homes, and 60% are now in the approximately 14-kilometer-long (8 mile) area south of the evacuation zone, according to the UN. The Israeli military says it is trying to clear civilians for their safety ahead of a major campaign against Hamas in Gaza’s north, where it says the militants have extensive networks of tunnels and rocket launchers. Much of Hamas’ military infrastructure is in residential areas.

Those fleeing northern Gaza still faced airstrikes in the south. Before dawn Monday, a strike in the town of Rafah collapsed a building sheltering three families who had evacuated from Gaza City.

At least 12 people were killed and nine others remained buried under rubble, survivors said. The strike reduced the house to a vast crater blanketed with wreckage.

Hospitals are expected to run out of generator fuel in the next 24 hours, meaning life-saving equipment like incubators and ventilators will stop functioning and putting thousands of lives at risk, the UN said.

People grew increasingly desperate in their search for food and water. With taps dry, many have resorted to drinking dirty or sewage-filled water, risking the spread of disease.

More than 400,000 displaced people in the south crowded into schools and other facilities of the UN agency for Palestinians, UNRWA. But the agency can’t provide them supplies. UNRWA said it has only 1 liter of water a day for each of its staff members trapped in the territory.

“Gaza is running out of water, and Gaza is running out of life,” said UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini, calling for a lifting of the siege. “We need this now.”

The few operating bakeries had long snaking lines of people. Ahmad Salah in the city of Deir al-Balah said he waited ten hours to get a kilo of bread to feed 20-30 family members.

In northern Gaza, unknown numbers remained, either unwilling or unable to leave.

UNRWA said 170,000 people were sheltering at its schools in the north when the order to leave came. But it couldn’t evacuate them and doesn’t know if they remained. More than 40,000 have crowded in and around Gaza City’s al-Shifa Hospital, hoping it will be safe from bombardment.

Hamas urged people to ignore the evacuation order. The Israeli military on Sunday released photos it said showed a Hamas roadblock preventing traffic from moving south.

Doctors and many hospital staff have refused to evacuate, saying it would mean death for critically ill patients and newborns on ventilators. The aid group Doctors Without Borders said many of its personnel decided to stay to treat wounded. They ran out of painkillers, and staff reported “wounded screaming in pain”, it said.

After increasing cross-border exchanges with Hezbollah in the north, the Israeli military ordered residents to evacuate 28 communities within 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) of the Lebanese border.

“Israel is ready to operate on two fronts, and even more,” said Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, a military spokesman.

Hezbollah released video showing snipers shooting out cameras on several Israeli army posts along the border, apparently to prevent Israel from monitoring movements on the Lebanese side.

The US government began evacuating some 2,500 American citizens by ship from the Israeli port city of Haifa to Cyprus. Commercial airlines have largely stopped flying into Israel’s BenGurion International Airport.

By NAJIB JOBAIN, SAMYA KULLAB and JOSEPH KRAUSS Associated Press

17-YEAR-OLD Carter Mui, founder of Sea Strong Bahamas, collects trash during a beach clean-up event at Goodman’s Bay on Saturday. For more, see today’s Education page on PAGE TWO of today’s Business section.

Photo: Dante Carrer

By-election a pivotal moment EDITOR, The Tribune.

IN THE poignant absence left by MP Obadiah Wilchcombe, the constituency of Grand Bahama, Bimini, and the Berry Islands finds itself enveloped in a vital democratic process - the bye-election. It is a call to arms for the electorate to decide who will fill the void representing their needs, aspirations, and struggles in the legislative chambers; a grave reminder that even in loss, the spirit of democracy persists, facilitating voices to be heard, choices to be made, and governance to be scrutinised and guided by the populace it serves.

By-elections within the Westminster system serve not merely as a procedural necessity but as a potent symbol of democratic endurance and participative governance.

Constituents are beckoned to redefine their aspirations and re-evaluate the issues central to their collective well-being. Thus, this byelection extends beyond electing a representative; it is an assertion that the voices within the constituencies of Grand Bahama, Bimini, and the Berry Islands are pivotal, their opinions consequential, and their suffrage sacred.

However, the path ahead has its challenges and perplexities.

The Parliamentary Elections (Amendment) Act, amended in 2020, ushers in a new era of continuous voter registration, a response to the logistical adversities brought forth by the pandemic, but not without casting shadows of doubt and concern. Senator Dr Michael Darville poignantly queried the efficacy and accuracy of databases meant to uphold this new system and expressed apprehensions about the potentially disenfranchising impact on those displaced

by Hurricane Dorian.

In the debate on this bill, key Opposition members raised concerns over the need for in-depth analysis and absolute transparency in this newly adopted electoral mechanism - with some even going so far as to link the need for campaign finance reform as a critical element in strengthening democracy. It begs an answer to how the Parliamentary Registration Department intends to ensure the veracity of voter information, especially considering the significant diaspora from hurricaneaffected areas to different constituencies, which might inadvertently affect voting eligibility and fairness.

The validation of concerns about displacement and the accuracy of voter

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net registers isn’t mere speculation but, rather, a pertinent query that seeks to preserve the integrity of our democratic processes. While the amendments to the Parliamentary Elections Bill in 2020 were conceived with the protection of voters and poll workers during the pandemic in mind, it is essential to recognise the complexity and potential challenges that may arise in actualising a system that is both seamless and unerring.

Thus, a thorough exploration and steadfast vigilance towards the upcoming byelection, set against the backdrop of these amendments, become crucial in ensuring that systematic inconsistencies don’t desecrate the democratic chorus.

But it’s not only the technical and systematic aspects that merit reflection. The palpable disconnection many voters feel, possibly exacerbated by the trauma and disruption of recent years, must be acknowledged and addressed. This disconnect was glaringly evident in the 2021 general election, which marked the lowest voter turnout in The Bahamas in decades. Although the exact causes of this substantial decline remain somewhat elusive, it serves as a stark indicator of the formidable hurdles that have emerged due to the ongoing challenges stemming from the pandemic and the complex interplay of socio-economic and political factors. As a nation, our collective mission must be to break down these barriers to political participation fervently.

In the forthcoming byelection, every effort must be concentrated on bridging this gap between the populace and the polls, transforming civic duty from a statutory obligation to a revered principle deeply embedded in the national ethos. It is imperative to appreciate that when citizens abstain from exercising their electoral rights, it subtly erodes the foundational democratic principle that governance should be representative of and accountable to its citizenry.

The pathway toward forging a deep-seated commitment to electoral participation traverses through the terrains of education, empowerment, and engagement.

Initiatives and campaigns focused on elucidating the pivotal role of each vote and empowering citizens to engage in civic activities are not only essential but urgently

needed. This rekindling of civic engagement will serve to both uphold the integrity of our democratic systems and nurture a culture where governance is perpetually aligned with the needs and aspirations of its constituents.

Through our endeavours at the Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG), we’ve observed that empowered citizens who are well-versed in their rights and the machinations of governance are not merely voters but active participants in the democratic process.

They perpetuate a level of accountability and transparency indispensable for a flourishing democracy.

Through our initiatives, including the Active Citizens Bahamas campaign, which has traversed ten islands and impacted over 1,000 Bahamians, we aim to plant the seeds of empowerment and foster active participation. Our vision is to cultivate a democratic system that is more robust, reflective, and remarkably resilient.

As we stride into the future, the byelection becomes a touchstone, reflecting our collective will to persevere in adversity and uphold the democratic principles that bind our nation together.

It transcends mere political contestation, serving instead as a platform to affirm our unwavering commitment to democratic participation and the ceaseless pursuit of a governance structure that is both representative and responsive.

In memory of Obadiah Wilchcombe, let this by-election stand as a testament to the Bahamian spirit’s resilience and the imperishable flame of democracy that lights our path forward. His legacy reminds us that, even in his absence, the principles and values that one advocates for can endure, forging a path that future generations will tread upon.

The onus is on us, the citizens of The Bahamas, to ensure that the democratic light remains undimmed, safeguarding our nation’s future from the ravages of apathy and disengagement. Let us honour the memory of our lost representative by engaging fervently in the democratic process, thereby ensuring that the voices from Grand Bahama, Bimini, and the Berry Islands continue to resonate through the halls of our parliamentary chambers.

ORGANISATION FOR RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT BAHAMAS October 16, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, October 17, 2023, PAGE 7

52 week programme workers not paid - delay issue to be addressed, says Glover-Rolle

Bishop Boyd backs efforts to criminalise marital rape

PUBLIC SERVICE MINISTER PIA GLOVER-ROLLE.

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net SOME 1,400 minimum wage workers in the government’s 52-week Skills Empowerment Programme were expected to be paid yesterday after experiencing delays, according to Public Service Minister Pia Glover-Rolle.

She said multi-agency meetings this week would address payment issues.

“I take exception to us having issues with late payment to our workers,” Mrs Glover-Rolle said. “It has gotten better, but it shouldn’t be happening at all.”

The 52-Week Skills Empowerment Programme is a government-funded job programme initiated

in 2018 to provide unemployed people between 19 and 30 with skills to find gainful employment.

The programme is conducted with the National Training Agency and the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute. Private-sector participation is also encouraged.

Since the programme’s implementation, there have been complaints about delayed payments.

“I think we’ve made some improvements between last pay period and this one,” Mrs GloverRolle said. “We are having meetings this week, all of our departments and agencies, to ensure that when the next payroll comes that there won’t be this issue.”

“We are working on a process of digitization so

that these historic, legacy issues of 52-week workers and workers in general having to wait on pay can be done away with.

“In terms of our payroll issues, it’s still manual, it’s still multi-agency. In the public service, we do our part. The Ministry of Finance and, of course, the treasury has to do its part, so we are trying to work through the kinks, but there is no excuse. If people put in a good day’s work, they should get a good day’s pay.

“Every time a new cohort comes, it seems to be some kinks when it comes to payroll. We have to do away with that. If we know that it is continuing to happen, then we know that we have to fix it. That’s the bottom line so that we aren’t inconveniencing our employees.”

NURSES UNION SAYS ARRIVAL OF 18 GHANIAN nurses wont solve sector’s problems

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net BAHAMAS Nurses Union president Muriel Lightbourn said the arrival of 18 specialty Ghanaian nurses later this month won’t solve the human resources challenges in the sector.

Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville recently revealed that Ghanaian nurses will help relieve the country’s nurse shortage problem.

“18 nurses from Ghana cannot fill in for the problem we are having right now in nursing,” Ms Lightbourn said yesterday.

She said the government should do more to train

nurses.

“I believe if we want to be more proactive, we have a group of nurses called trained clinical nurses, and I believe that if our government wants to be proactive, we can train these nurses further in different areas where they can fill in the gap,” she said.

“This is nothing new because I think it was either New Zealand or Australia where they would have given those trained clinical nurses or licensed practical nurses, which they are called, further training in different areas like pharmacology and other areas that can help them, you know, bring them up to the mark where you can assist management in the

treatment of the client and that kind of fill in the gap for the shortage of nurses.”

“We need to work and bring things together. Nursing is clinical, nursing is practical, and so we need to train our trained clinical nurses. We need to bring them up so they can provide a more valuable contribution to nursing, and that will help with the nurses being burned out.”

The shortage of nurses has been a long-standing issue.

Last month, Public Hospitals Authority managing director Aubynette Rolle said the government expects to bring nurses from Ghana, the Philippines, and potentially India.

EXEMPT APP HAS LED TO 90 PERCENT INCREASE IN REVENUE AT LPIA, SAYS FINANCIAL SECRETARY

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net FINANCIAL Secretary Simon Wilson said the Exempt App has led to a 90 per cent increase in customer revenue at the Lynden Pindling International Airport, calling the customs app a “success story” despite complications some travellers have experienced.

Mr Wilson spoke to reporters after the opening ceremony of an induction training programme involving customs officers.

The 20-month programme, which includes 55 new

trainees in New Providence and 29 trainees in Grand Bahama, will help in strengthening manpower. Mr Wilson said the trainees will help collect revenue efficiently.

The new customs app was introduced as a paperless way to easily traverse the declaration process.

However, some who used the app called it “confusing” and difficult to use.

Mr Wilson said more than 100,000 people have downloaded and used the app successfully.

He said complaints about the app not working on certain smartphones or being user-friendly

to the elderly have been resolved.

He said the government wants to simplify the declaration process further to make it easier for importers.

“This year we are on track with revenue in comparison to last year,” he said. “As you know, the big part of our revenue for this year is in the second half of the year when we increase the departure taxes on cruise ships.”

He said efforts are underway to get more men interested in the Customs Department to create a gender-balanced workplace.

BAHAMIAN STRANDED IN ISRAEL ON BIRTHDAY REPATRIATED YESTERDAY, SAYS GOVERNMENT

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net HOWARD Evans, the last Bahamian who contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for help in leaving Israel, has been repatriated, the ministry said yesterday.

Mr Evans, who visited Israel on a birthday trip to get closer to God, left from Tel Aviv via Athens.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Canadian government provided space for him on a repatriation flight.

Mr Evans was one of

three Bahamians who contacted the ministry for help in leaving Israel.

The Tribune reported that Dion Bowe hired private contractors to get him and his wife from a hotel in Jerusalem to the airport, where they left on a plane on October 7 as rockets flew overhead.

The other Bahamian, basketball player Zane Knowles, left Israel on Sunday for Bulgaria.

“The ministry advises against all travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian territories,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. “The ministry further

advises against all travel to other parts of the region.

“Do not under any circumstances travel to Gaza; Sheba’s Farms and Ghajjar; any location within 500m of the border with Lebanon east of Metula, including the northern edge of the town and within 500m of the border with Syria; areas north of and including Jenin city, Burqin and Arranah in the north of the West Bank; the city of Nablus, Joseph’s Tomb, and the Balata and New Askar refugee camps near Nablus and the village of Huwara, south of Nablus.”

BISHOP Laish Boyd backed efforts to criminalise marital rape last night during the 120th Session of the Synod of The Diocese of The Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos Islands. from page one said. “However, like all laws, it is designed to provide protection where needed, where persons may be abused or vulnerable.

“In a relationship that is wholesome and balanced, such a law will not be necessary. However, we know that there are relationships where there is no equality or mutual respect and where St. Paul’s injunction to husbands and wives in Ephesians chapter five is not followed.

“Therefore, I wish to assert that it is a mistake to present this matter of the

amendment to the Sexual Offences Act as an attack on men or an attempt to rob husbands and wives of their conjugal rights or an attempt to intrude into the marriage bed or an attempt to give a weapon that can be used by men or women.

“No, the current movement is none of these and discussions along these lines only cloud the real and germane issue which is that there are persons who need the protection of the law.

Your spouse or partner may not need it but there are some that do.”

Many religious leaders have come out against

criminalising marital rape.

The Davis administration has been consulting people on the matter but has not said when it would change the law.

During his sermon last night, Bishop Boyd also called on the government to remove value-added tax from breadbasket items, fruits and vegetables.

“Everyone is buying the same loaf of bread but that purchase is tougher for some than it is for others,” he said. “My view is that an income based tax is fairer since it taxes each citizen in a proportionate way and according to their means.”

PAGE 8, Tuesday, October 17, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

Nurse Gwendolyn Brice-Sealy - Called to care

DEACON Jeff Leslie of Palm Beach Lakes Church of Christ stands next to Nurse Gwendolyn Sealy at her book signing in Abaco

IT takes a special calling on one’s life to be called to care for others when they are, in some cases, at their lowest. Being ill is never easy. But the people who care for you during your infirmity can make the world of difference in your recovery. Nurse Gwendolyn Brice-Sealy knows this, and she considers the calling on her life to care for the sick a blessing that has enriched her life.

Nurse Gwen wanted to do something special to help inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals, give encouragement to those currently in the field, and give the general public a perspective from those who care for them.

“Called to Care” - Nurse Gwen’s fourth best-selling book on Amazon, is already a hit as those who have read it say that it not only shares life through the eyes of healthcare workers, but also provides an excellent historical account of healthcare in The Bahamas.

The book is an anthology that includes eight other healthcare providers: Bernadette Ellis, Registrar, Health Professions Council; Andrea Archer, pioneer of school social work; Debbie Sears-Barnard, founder and executive director, Diamond Cut Leadership Network; Donnel Rolle, training officer, Doctor’s Hospital; Dr Persephone A Munnings, officerin-charge, In-Service Education, Princess Margaret Hospital; Dr Sandra G Smith, founder of the Foundation of the Word Ministries Intl; Dr Shamel Y Rolle-Sands, CEO of SRS Management and Leadership Consultancy; and Dr Theresa AdderleySmith, professor UB School of Nursing.

Gwen, or “Bricey” as she was affectionately called during her earlier years in the nursing profession (and still by her batchmates), also recently co-authored “Yellow Elders”, which is a book written about some

Face to Face

By FELICITY DARVILLE

phenomenal Bahamian women by twelve authors.

These are all inspiring stories narrating the legacies of strength, resilience, optimism, wisdom and faith, among other things, about these ‘elders’! “Yellow Elder” because it is a perennial flower, and it is the national flower of the Bahamas.

Her love of country was shaped by her hardworking parents, both deceased, who instilled many values into her from an early age.

Gwen’s mother, Vernell Johnson-Storr, managed the household of the Roberts family on the Eastern Road for many years before she eventually became a self-employed taxi driver.

Her roots trace back to Staniard Creek, Andros.

Her father, Vernal Brice, was a school monitor at a young age in Exuma. He eventually migrated to America, where he became the building superintendent of a major condominium on Miami Beach.

Growing up, Gwen’s grandmother would take her and other grandchildren to Eleuthera for the summer to visit her only maternal aunt, Elma Johnson Thompson. Elma was a midwife, and the stories she shared with little Gwen about delivering babies on the island would inspire her to follow in her footsteps.

Today, Gwen is a retired nurse who has recently added “best-selling author” to her long list of achievements. She has spent more than forty-five years in the healthcare arena and holds professional certificates as a Registered Nurse, Registered Midwife, a Nurse Educator, a Healthcare Risk Manager, Patient Care

Advocate, and Health Care Quality Specialist. During her career, Gwen served as Chairman of the Nursing Council, Assistant Secretary, and then Secretary of the Nurses Association of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, she was an executive with the Caribbean Nurses Organization, serving as Treasurer for several terms, and she was also an item writer for the Regional Nursing Examinations.

Presently, she continues to serve as External Examiner and Cross Moderator for all final examinations that are executed by the Nursing Council of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

Gwen has also penned a seven-week gratitude devotional, “Grateful Tidbits” which is geared toward edifying women of God just at the right time. This book started out as an assignment in a course that she was doing, and it also couples as a journal, where the readers get to document their daily and weekly reflections.

She is committed to helping other women increase their faith in God. She uses her testimonies to encourage women. She delights herself in the Lord and is very keen on encouraging women that the power lies within them to speak to the ‘mountains’ and ‘mulberry trees’ in their lives, and even if their faith is as small as a mustard seed, according to Luke 17:6, the mountains would move, and the mulberry trees would be uprooted!

During her career, Gwendolyn blended her love for helping others with her love for teaching by lecturing at the University of The Bahamas (then, College of the Bahamas).

GWENDOLYN Brice-Sealy during her days teaching maternal and child health at the College of The Bahamas (now University)

GWENDOLYN SEALY, 4-time Amazon best selling author

She also incorporated another passion (ensuring that quality service was rendered to internal and external clients) into her career and facilitated this by studying Health Care Risk Management with the American Society of Healthcare Risk Managers (ASHRM) and obtaining a Master of Science in Managing Quality in Health Care from the University of Birmingham, England, where she was an awardee of Britain’s prestigious Chevening Award.

Gwendolyn went on to teach and serve others in the healthcare industry for over 45 years, however during this time, (after she had been in health care for 30 years), she expanded her love for helping others to work in the life insurance industry, where she was recognized as “Rookie of

the Year,” and also became a member of the exclusive “Million Dollar Round Table”. After nine years in the life insurance field, Gwendolyn returned home to her first love (healthcare); ultimately retiring as the Deputy Director of Quality and Patient Safety, Public Hospitals Authority.

“You can’t come into this for the money,” said Nurse Gwen.

“You are seeing people at their worst and at their lowest. They may not be smiley and kind. You need to be an advocate for that patient. Imagine how they are feeling, regardless of how they are behaving.

This person is not well. I need to be there to see to it that they get well or during the process, do everything I can to help them be on the road to perfect health... or in some cases, a peaceful

death. We know everyone is not here forever.”

Speaking of “Called to Care”, she said: “Hopefully we can reach that nursing student so that they know the challenges they will be facing; matured and even retired nurses so that they will be encouraged; and to help the general public to see what nurses face. We are human beings, and we feel too!”

Called to Care was published by Universal Impact Press, founded by Aisha Wonderfull. It supports purpose-driven entrepreneurs with writing, publishing, launching and marketing a best-selling book. To obtain a copy of Called to Care, email gwenbrice@hotmail.com.

She is married to Paul Sealy and has gained a son and granddaughter, Cardron and Cardria.

Arab-Israeli conflict: History and background THE TRIBUNE

THE media coverage of last week’s horrific atrocities in Israel committed by Hamas terrorists who penetrated the country from Gaza has been so extensive that it would be superfluous to add to it today. This outrage of unparalleled ferocity and evil that left 1,300 people dead, including children and babies, was the worst single loss of Jewish lives since the Holocaust in the Second World War, and it has shocked the rest of the world.

From what I have heard and read this past week, in order to try to understand why and how such horror could have happened, and how anything similar can be prevented in the future, many people now want to know more about the history of the long-standing dispute between the Palestinians and Israelis.

There is already a plethora of information on the internet about the history and background to such a sensitive and complex subject that ignites passions on all sides.

However, much of this is evidently biased as the authors tend to express subjective judgements about deeply held grievances, depending on their beliefs and opinions so that the overall picture can become clouded. Moreover, it is also hard to link up so many different reports into a single narrative that is easy to grasp.

I should therefore like to draw attention to a recent podcast explaining the background succinctly but comprehensively. This features a conversation between Rory Stewart, a former Conservative MP in Britain and contender for the Tory leadership who served as Secretary of State for International Development under Theresa May’s premiership, and Alastair Campbell, who was Director of Communications and Strategy at Downing Street under Prime Minister Tony Blair. Stewart has also had a varied career as a diplomat and writer. Having held such positions, these two are both well informed about a variety of government business and international affairs, and they currently co-host a successful podcast called The Rest is Politics. This is apparently well received by listeners and watchers in the UK even though, given their very different political backgrounds, some suggest that

Tuesday, October 17, 2023, PAGE 9

The Peter Young column the two make odd broadcasting bedfellows.

Rory Stewart is given the daunting task by his co-host of describing the history of the Arab-Israeli dispute in ten minutes. To my eye he does it very well in a fair, informed, balanced and realistic way that ought to be readily understandable to those who may know little about the subject.

Rather than a diatribe – as so many commentators indulge in when talking about the issue - he offers a clear, thorough and unbiased explanation. His sometimes aptly nuanced dialogue with Campbell reveals thoughtful insights without criticism of the main players; and it is this sort of straightforward exchange that is surely needed at the moment in helping people understand the background. So I recommend this podcast to anyone wishing to learn about such an emotive subject from a knowledgeable observer who explains and analyses calmly and objectively the historical events of seven decades since the foundation of the state of Israel and have led to last week’s violence.

Many people believe it is important to know about this because unrest in the Middle East invariably poses a threat to wider world peace. It has become a cliché that history has a habit of repeating itself.

Furthermore, the sad fact is that the information available from the US mainstream media tends to be superficial, with many of those who claim to be commentators far too often exposing their own obvious lack of in-depth knowledge about the subject they are discussing.

In the hope that those

interested might want to watch Rory Stewart’s presentation, I am loath to try to repeat what he had to say. But, in case this is hard to find, perhaps it might be useful to draw attention very briefly to a few points.

Stewart maintains that more than two centuries ago the Jewish people of the original region of the present-day Israel were displaced by the Romans and dispersed to places like Iraq, Yemen and countries in Europe. At the beginning of the 20th century the Zionist movement was founded in Europe. It started to push for a homeland, in what was regarded by some as their ancestral land, for the Jewish people who had been widely persecuted as an ethnic group.

The Balfour Declaration, issued in 1917 by Britain, which took over control of Palestine under a mandate, publicly pledged to establish ‘a national home there for the Jewish people’.

But the region was already populated and, apparently, the local people were not consulted. However, in the ensuing years there was a growing movement of Jews returning there to settle, and this, of course, increased following the Holocaust. Then, after Britain ended its mandate and withdrew from Palestine in 1947, the UN voted to partition it, but this was rejected by the Arabs.

The state of Israel was established in 1948 and land was taken from Arabs, large numbers of whom became displaced.

That remained the situation until the Six-Day War in 1967 when Israel was attacked by Egypt, Syria and (later) Jordan. Israel was victorious in this conflict but took over more land, including the West Bank, than was agreed as a part of its borders in 1948. It likewise prevailed in another conflict with Arab countries known as the Yom Kippur War which occurred exactly fifty years ago.

In the 1990s, following what were known as the Oslo peace talks, the territory was divided into different parts in pursuing a two-state solution and a Palestinian Authority administered part of the West Bank while Gaza was later governed by the group Hamas. But these were not contiguous territories and by 2005 Israel had withdrawn from Gaza, forcing several thousand of its settlers to move, and handed the

INJURED Palestinians arrive at al-Shifa Hospital following Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City, central Gaza Strip, yesterday.

Photo: Abed Khaled/AP territory over to Palestinian control, with Hamas taking it over from the Palestinian Authority in 2007. Subsequently, Hamas has been launching rockets into Israel and has been designated in the UK as a proscribed terrorist organization.

The above is the gist of Rory Stewart’s remarks but, of course, he enlarges on the subject in his podcast with Alastair Campbell which contains a full discussion with him and lasts for about 30 minutes.

By murdering people inside Israel and taking hostages, many of whom will have gone there to escape the horrors of the Holocaust, pogroms and ethnic cleansing elsewhere in the world, Hamas has been accused of committing acts of genocide similar to ISIS’ actions in other parts of the Middle East.

Many consider that the pre-planned butchery and other atrocities perpetrated by Hamas gunmen is a measure of evil that is beyond comprehension and should be condemned by all. Hamas’s stated aim is the annihilation of all Jews and to wipe Israel off the face of the map. But the organization’s ferocious killers, who are embedded within the civilian population of Gaza, clearly have no compunction about using their own

people as human shields and have no regard for their welfare knowing, as they must, that Israel will react with force and many civilians will be killed and wounded as a humanitarian crisis rapidly develops.

All that said, however, the US is urging restraint on Israel at the same time that it is offering all support.

On his current Middle East tour, it is noteworthy that, in confirming the US’s deep commitment to Israel, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned about the danger of the conflict spreading and against harming civilians in the Gaza Strip, particularly if Israeli forces mount a ground offensive – and has also warned that Israel should be mindful of opening itself to accusations of war crimes in taking revenge for the large numbers of Israeli citizens killed or maimed last week.

Gaza is a narrow strip of land on the Mediterranean east coast bordered by Israel to the north and east and Egypt to the southwest.

A Google search reveals it is 25 miles long and 7 miles wide, which is uncannily similar to the island of New Providence, and this may help to put the issue into perspective for Bahamians.

But Gaza has a population of over 2 million, and, even in what have been regarded

as ‘normal’ times, the territory has been blockaded

by Israel. Now, it is being bombarded by the Israelis, resulting in many casualties already and, reportedly, an invasion of ground forces is threatened as 300,000 Israeli reservists are being mobilized; and, all the while, Gaza is reported to be running out of essentials like food, water and power.

The UN says Gaza is being pushed into an abyss. Many people agree that Israel has the right to defend itself and to react with force to Hamas’s atrocities but that should not include heavy-handed attacks on civilians trapped in Gaza with nowhere to flee to.

Israel’s population of some 9 million will surely continue to fight for its continued existence even if the land it occupies continues to be disputed. So some accommodation surely has to be found – and, despite the seriousness of the differences among those concerned, observers are wondering more and more why the main players will not accept the reality of this in order to stop the endless cycle of human suffering. That said, of course, critics maintain that the complexity of this age-old dispute should never be underestimated.

Rugby World Cup reaching a climax while competition stiffens A MONTH ago in this column I wrote about the current Rugby World Cup getting off to a fine start at the beginning of September and looked forward to the prospect of a feast of this popular sport available to watch live on ESPN. As anticipated, watchers and followers have been treated in the meantime to some splendid matches during the pool stage leading up to the quarterfinals last weekend.

As I reported last time, there has been a welcome levelling-up of standards among the rugby-playing nations who were considered in the past as ‘minnows’ when playing against the stronger teams from New Zealand, South Africa, who are the current world champions, and Australia together with the more powerful countries from the Northern Hemisphere like the current top ranked team of Ireland as well as England, France, Scotland and Wales.

The gap between these and the traditionally weaker countries has narrowed discernibly, to such an extent that the result, for example, of Fiji’s encounter with England

FRANCE’S MATTHIEU JALIBERT, right, gets past South Africa’s Handre Pollard during the Rugby World Cup quarterfinal match between France and South Africa at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, near Paris on Sunday.

Photo: Thibault Camus/AP in the quarterfinals last Sunday was in doubt until well into the second half of the match.

The quarter-final

matches at the weekend involving New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, France, England, Argentina, Wales and Fiji have

been described in the international press as enthralling and scintillating contests showing the sport of rugby at its

very best. Indeed, one UK newspaper described South Africa’s thrilling victory over France on Sunday by a single point

as one of the greatest matches in World Cup history – hyperbole, perhaps, but not that far from the truth.

This is not the time or place to try to explain the attractions of rugby to players or spectators nor to dwell on the complexities of the game and how the referees perform on the pitch. But there can be little doubt -- from the vast stadia in France that have been packed with spectators (more than 78,000 at the quarterfinal between Ireland and the famous New Zealand All Blacks) and what are said to be huge TV audiences – that the sport now has an enormous international following.

The supporters of New Zealand, Argentina, England and South Africa await with eager anticipation – and, it must be admitted, some trepidation -- next weekend’s semifinals.

Fortunately, there is no space today to attempt any personal predictions. But I gather the smart money is on New Zealand and South Africa to be facing each other in the final on October 28 in Paris.

PAGE 10, Tuesday, October 17, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

In Brazil’s Amazon, rivers fall to record low levels during drought

BOATS and houseboats are stuck in a dry area of the Negro River during a drought in Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil yesterday. The Amazon’s second largest tributary yesterday reached its lowest level since official measurements began near Manaus more than 120 years ago.

Photo: Edmar Barros/AP

BRAZIL Associated Press THE Negro River, the Amazon’s second largest tributary, on Monday reached its lowest level since official measurements began near Manaus 121 years ago. The record confirms that this part of the world´s largest rainforest is suffering its worst drought, just a little over two years after its most significant flooding.

In the morning, the water level in the city´s port went as low as 13.5 meters (44.3 feet), down from 30.02 meters (98.5 feet) registered in June 2021 — its highest level on record. The Negro River

drains about 10% of the Amazon basin and is the world’s sixth largest by water volume.

Madeira River, another main tributary of the Amazon, has also recorded historically low levels, causing the halt of the Santo Antonio hydroelectric dam, Brazil´s fourth largest.

Throughout Brazil´s Amazon, low river levels have left hundreds of riverine communities isolated and struggling to get access to drinkable water. The drought also has disrupted commercial navigation that supplies Manaus, a city of 2 million with a large industrial park.

Manaus is the largest

city and capital of Amazonas, the state hit hardest by the drought. In late September, 55 of 62 municipalities there entered states of emergency due to the severe drought.

“There is no more water to go through. Navigation is over,” boatman Cledson Lopes Brasil told The Associated Press.

Brasil operates in Marina do Davi port, a getaway to dozens of riverine communities, some of them with sandy beaches that attract tourists. The once bustling area is now surrounded by parched soil, with many boathouses high and dry.

For one month now, Brasil has switched to a lower-powered boat,

better suited for shallow waters. Still, he can´t reach most communities along Taruma-Açu, a tributary of the Negro River. Some riverine dwellers must walk up to three hours to reach their houses — and tourism has stopped altogether.

Manaus and other nearby cities are also suffering from high temperatures and heavy smoke from nearby man-caused fires for deforestation and pasture clearance. The drought is also the likely cause of dozens of river dolphin deaths in Tefe Lake, near the Amazon River.

This is a startling contrast to July 2021, when Negro River waters took over part of the Manaus downtown

area. The historic flood, which also ruined crops of hundreds of riverine communities, lasted for about three months.

Philip Fearnside, an American researcher at the Brazilian National Institute of Amazonian Research, a public agency, expects the situation to deteriorate, both during the ongoing event and in the future with increasing frequency and severity of similar events with climate change.

He said surface water in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean is now warmer than during the “Godzilla” El Niño of 2015-2016 and is expanding. In the Amazon, these

Pacific warmings primarily lead to droughts in the northern part of the region.

Moreover, a warm water patch in the tropical North Atlantic Ocean is causing drought in the southern part of the Amazon, similar to what happened in 2005 and 2010, according to researchers.

“The forecast is for the start of the rains to be delayed compared to normal, and for a drierthan-normal rainy season,” Fearnside said. “This could result not only in extreme low water this year, but also low levels in 2024. Until the rainy season begins in the basin, the situation that is already underway should worsen.”

MUSLIM WOMAN STABBED IN ILLINOIS, SON KILLED after she urged landlord to ‘pray for peace’

Israel suspends military exports to Colombia after its president compares Gaza seige to Nazi actions

CHICAGO Associated Press

BOGATA Associated Press

A 71-YEAR-OLD Illinois landlord upset over the Israel-Hamas war attacked a Palestinian American woman with a knife when she proposed they “pray for peace” and killed her 6-year-old son, authorities said Monday.

The details emerged as Joseph Czuba appeared in court on murder, attempted murder and hate crime charges while the boy’s Muslim family prepared to bury him in the Chicago area.

“It is with heavy hearts that we acknowledge this senseless act of hate, which has no place in our community or any society,” said the Mosque Foundation in Bridgeview, where a funeral was held.

Czuba, a Plainfield resident, replied, “Yes, sir,” when asked if he understood the charges and was subsequently returned to jail in Joliet, 50 miles (80.4 kilometres) southwest of Chicago. A Will County judge granted a courtappointed lawyer.

Wadea Al-Fayoume, who had just turned 6, had been stabbed multiple times when sheriff’s deputies discovered him Saturday in response to a 911 call.

“Detectives were able to determine that both victims in this brutal attack were targeted by the suspect due to them being Muslim and the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict involving Hamas and the Israelis,” the sheriff’s office said.

The boy’s mother told investigators that she rents two rooms on the first floor of the Plainfield home while Czuba and his wife live on the second floor, Assistant State’s Attorney Michael Fitzgerald said in a court filing.

“He was angry at her for

ISRAEL has suspended security exports to Colombia in an escalating diplomatic spat over online messages by Colombia’s president comparing Israel’s siege of Gaza to the actions of Nazi Germany.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has doubled down on his criticism of Israel and suggested that his country may need to suspend diplomatic relations with Israel, while his foreign minister has suggested Israel’s ambassador should leave the country.

In a statement published Sunday, Israel’s foreign ministry said that Petro’s recent statements on X, previously known as Twitter, “inflame antisemitism” and “threaten the safety of the Jewish community in Colombia.” The Israeli government said it called Colombia’s ambassador to a meeting in which she was informed that defence cooperation between the countries would be suspended.

Colombia currently has diplomatic relations with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority, and over the past two decades it has been one of Israel’s closes partners in Latin America.

The South American nation uses Israeli-built war planes and machine guns to fight drug cartels and rebel groups and both countries also signed a free trade agreement in 2020.

But the two nations have been less aligned since Petro took office last year as Colombia’s first leftist president.

The war of words between Petro and Israel’s Ambassador Gali Dagan started a week ago when Petro refused to condemn the Hamas raid on Israel, in which militants killed

UNDATED photo shows Wadea Al-Fayoume, the 6-year-old boy who was being buried on Monday while his mother was hospitalized with stab wounds after the Will County Sheriff’s Office said their 71-year-old landlord attacked them in Plainfield, Illinois, because of their Muslim faith and high emotions over the IsraelHamas war.

Photo: CAIR-Chicago/AP what was going on in Jerusalem,” Fitzgerald said.

“She responded to him, ‘Let’s pray for peace.’ ...

Czuba then attacked her with a knife.”

The boy’s mother fought him off and went into a bathroom where she stayed until police arrived. Wadea, meanwhile, was in his own room, Fitzgerald said.

The mother was identified by family members as Hanaan Shahin, 32, though authorities used a different spelling for her name as well as her son’s name.

“The brutality of the attack, which involved a military-grade knife, has shocked us all,” the Mosque Foundation said.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Wadea should have been attending school Monday, yet his “parents will wake up without their son.”

Jewish and Muslim groups have reported an increase of hateful rhetoric in the wake of the war.

“We are not animals, we

are humans,” said the boy’s uncle, Yousef Hannon.

“We want people to see us as humans, to feel us as humans, to deal with us as humans.”

Police found Czuba with a cut on his forehead, sitting on the ground outside the home. The public defender’s office did not immediately return messages seeking comment about the charges against him.

Czuba’s wife, Mary, told police that her husband feared they would be attacked by people of Middle Eastern descent and had withdrawn $1,000 from a bank “in case the US grid went down,” Fitzgerald said in the court document.

The Justice Department said it opened a hate crime investigation into the attack.

“This horrific act of hate has no place in America, and stands against our fundamental values: freedom from fear for how we pray, what we believe, and who we are,” President Joe Biden said.

A MAN chants anti-Israel slogans while waving a Palestinian flag during a rally outside the Israeli embassy in Bogota, Colombia, Tuesday.

Photo: Fernando Vergara/AP hundreds of civilians in their homes.

When Dagan urged Petro to speak about the “terrorist” attack, Colombia’s president replied with a message that “terrorism is killing innocent children in Palestine” and followed up with messages in which he accused Israel of turning Gaza into a “concentration camp.”

The comments comparing Israel’s military to the Nazis sparked criticism from Colombia’s Jewish community and also triggered a response from the US State Department, which said last Thursday through its Special Envoy to Combat and Monitor Antisemitism that it was “shocked” to see Colombia’s president comparing “the Israeli government to Hitler’s genocidal regime.”

Over the weekend Petro wrote on X that Hamas had been “invented” by Israel’s intelligence services in order to divide Palestinians and “have an excuse” to “punish” them. He provided no proof to back his claims.

Dagan mocked Petro’s message with a sarcastic reply in which he wrote that his nation’s intelligence services had also “created” Colombia’s largest paramilitary group and that “Jews with big noses” still rule over the group.

On Monday, Colombian Foreign Minister Alvaro Leyva wrote on his X account that Dagan should “leave” the country and apologize for his messages.

Later however he wrote that Israel’s ambassador had not been expelled and that relations between both countries would be maintained if Israel so desired.

“Respectful relations between states are always welcome” Leyva wrote.

Petro doubled down on his critiques of Israel over the weekend, describing its military campaign in Gaza as “genocide” and threatening to break off relations with the Jewish state.

“If we must suspend diplomatic relations with Israel, then that is what we will do” he wrote on X on Sunday. “You cannot insult the president of Colombia.”

SPORTS PAGE 11

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2023

Woods, Page 13

Honouring Dawn Knowles BFA renames NPPPSSA soccer tournament in her honour

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

T

he Bahamas Football Association (BFA) presented Dawn N Knowles with the best birthday gift of them all after renaming the New Providence Public Primary Schools Sports Association’s (NPPPSSA) soccer tournament in her honour yesterday at the Beach Soccer Stadium.

The act of appreciation and gratitude came as the association wanted to recognise the countless contributions and dedication that she has given to the development of soccer in the island nation.

In a room filled with her peers and loved ones, officials and executives spoke about the impact that

Knowles has made in the lives of students and faculty since 1993.

As she celebrates her birthday today, the now retired Ministry of Education officer (MOE) for physical education reflected on how it felt to have her efforts within soccer and outside of it recognised.

“I didn’t expect this. It is just wonderful.

“I just feel good, it was a long and hard journey because they could not see a woman in sports but I did have some men in my corner who saw that I had the willpower and I knew how to get things done,” Knowles said.

She had some strong advice for women like herself who are actively in sporting roles.

SEE PAGE12

WOMEN IN SPORTS: The Bahamas Football Association has officially changed the name of the New Providence Public Primary Schools Sports Association soccer tournament to the Dawn N Knowles Primary School Soccer Tournament - the tourney is slated to get underway today.

‘Junkanoo Boyz’ face relegation

NPC WORLDWIDE CARIBBEAN GRAND PRIX ALL SET FOR NOVEMBER 11

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

GAMEFACE: The Bahamas men’s national soccer team, facing possible relegation following three consecutive losses, will look to rebound today against Antigua and Barbuda in an away game in the Concacaf (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) Nations League. Team Bahamas fell into an 0-3 hole in the rankings after coming up short against Antigua and Barbuda at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium on Saturday. The “Junkanoo Boyz” were dealt a 4-1 loss by the Benna Boys to begin their October window.

Photo: Dante Carrer SEE MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 14

MINISTER OF YOUTH, SPORTS AND CULTURE AMONG 10 MEN HONOURED FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO BUILDING YOUTH FREEPORT, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas Prior to accepting an award for the positive work he has done among the youth of the nation through basketball during his many years as a coach, Minister for Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg encouraged other men to continue to do their part in helping the nation’s boys become contributing men of society.

“It is not just about what we have achieved to date, but the legacy that we will leave for the young boys who will grow into men tomorrow.

“In the spirit of unity and progress, let us remember the principles that have shaped our nation, ‘leave no man behind’,” Minister Bowleg said Saturday night at the Diamond Eagle Youth Ambassador Awards held at Pelican Bay

Resort. “As we continue on our path of success, let us extend our hands to uplift those around us, ensuring that the opportunities and blessings that we have received, are shared by all.”

Minister Bowleg was one of 10 men honoured by the Diamond Eagle Foundation for the work they have done in helping to positively lead young people along the path of success.

The awardees comprised men of various endeavours, including sports, education and community building.

The 10 honourees were former businessman, sports enthusiast and track and field contributor Basil Neymour, Basil Christie (who worked tirelessly with Special Olympics), Hezakiah Dean (a respected and dedicated educator for many years),

THE NPC Worldwide Caribbean Grand Prix is scheduled to get underway at the Atlantis resort on November 11.

The event will serve as a pro-qualifier for athletes and features nine pro cards.

The event will begin with registration and check-ins from 5-7pm on November 10 and the preliminaries start at 10am on Saturday.

Twelve Bahamian bodybuilders will be in the hunt for their pro cards to compete at the professional level.

Serge Saric, the event’s organiser, is excited about the opportunity at stake for athletes coming from around the world.

“This opportunity will be given to the entire world to turn pro, we will change the lives of nine persons because they will turn professional and escalate their careers and earn a living doing what they love to do,” Saric said.

He is expecting 1,000 people from around the world to attend this event and athletes have already started to register which can have positive ramifications for tourism in the country.

“A lot of people are going to be coming from all over the world since it is open worldwide and we have already had people sign up from Qatar, Europe, Middle East, South America and a lot of Americans are going to be coming and athletes, especially from the islands of the Caribbean,” he said.

SEE PAGE12 MINISTER HONOURED – Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg was honoured by the Diamond Eagle Foundation for his work with young people during his time as a basketball coach and presently as Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture. Making the presentation was founder of the Diamond Eagle Foundation, Bridgette Farrington. At left is Norris Bain, deputy director of youth, sports and culture (Northern Bahamas).

Photo: Andrew Coakley/BIS Captain Fernley Palmer religious education), the Pastor Erik Danny Clarke (longest serving leader late Alpheus “Hawk” Fin- (religion); Anthony in the Boys Brigade); layson (sport/track and Canon Harry Ward (for field), Ricardo Deveaux, SEE PAGE12

TO ADVERTISE TODAY IN THE TRIBUNE CALL @ 502-2394

PAGE 12, Tuesday, October 17, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

AUSTRALIA BEATS SRI LANKA BY 5 WICKETS AT CRICKET WORLD CUP

DEAN HONOURED – Retired educator Hezekiah Dean was among the 10 men honoured for their contribution to the development of Bahamian youth during a special ceremony on Saturday, October 14 at Pelican Bay Resort. Mr. Dean’s contribution to education spans over four decades as a teacher, principal and a district superintendent for high schools on Grand Bahama.

Ten men are honoured for their ‘contributions to building youth’ FROM PAGE 11 “Huck” Williams (culture/Junkanoo) and Minister Bowleg (basketball coach and Minister of Sports).

Special honour and recognition was given to the Father of the Nation, the late Sir Lynden Pindling, and to former Prime Minister Perry Christie.

“These awards reflect the collective efforts that have paved the way for our journey, and I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for all of those who have contributed to this moment,” said Minister Bowleg.

“As we come together to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our fellow awardees, it is crucial to recognise the Diamond Eagle League Foundation’s great work and tireless efforts in fostering and recognising excellence within our country. They have shown us that good things can indeed come from the men in our country. And we stand here today as living proof of that.

“I extend my sincere congratulations to all of those,

who like me, have been honoured here today. Your dedication and contribution have made an indelible mark on our beloved Bahamas. Your recognition is well deserved.

“Together, we represent the diverse tapestry of excellence, each thread contributing to the rich fabric of our nation.”

Minister Bowleg admonished the awardees and the organisers of the Diamond Eagle Foundation that as they celebrated the past accomplishments of those who were honoured, to remember that it was still only the beginning of the journey that lies ahead in helping more young people.

He noted that adults share the responsibility to become role models and leaders of the nation and leave behind a trail of inspiration for future generations. “I encourage all of us – my fellow awardees, and others – to continue to be the man that The Bahamas needs. It is our collective responsibility to lead by example, to support one another and leave no one behind on this journey

CAPTAIN PALMER HONOURED – Captain Fernley Palmer, who is presently the longest serving president of the Boys Brigade worldwide, was honoured by the Diamond Eagle Foundation for the decades of service and guidance he provided to thousands of Bahamian boys over the years.

Ninety-three-year-old Palmer has served as president of the Boys Brigade for over 70 years. The award was presented by Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg (second from left) and founder of the foundation, Bridgette Farrington.

Photos: Andrew Coakley/BIS of progress and unity. It’s Saturday’s awards cer- which is headed by Bridgnot just about us, it’s about emony was the first in ette Farrington, has the future of our country. four years, having been honoured men for their It’s about the young boys disrupted by Hurricane dedication and commitwho will turn into the men Dorian and the COVID- ment in helping to build that The Bahamas will 19 pandemic. Since starting the youth of The Bahamas need in the future.” in 2016, the Foundation, in various fields.

BFA RENAMES SOCCER TOURNEY IN HONOUR OF DAWN N KNOWLES FROM PAGE 11 “My advice to them is to believe in yourself, never stop, keep going and do not worry about any disappointment, just continue,” she said.

Over the years, beginning with her role in creating the NPPPSSA soccer tournament in May 2001, Knowles has played a pivotal role in advancing sports in the country on and off the field.

She credited the first female governor general of The Bahamas Dame Ivy Dumont, who served in administration as an education officer and deputy director of education, for empowering her to get soccer implemented in the schools.

In 2001, she worked tirelessly to jumpstart the soccer tournament for the youth across New Providence. However, her long list of accomplishments extends way beyond soccer.

Knowles, serving as the former member of the MOE committee, advocated for the start of the “After School Activities Allowance” which greatly aided physical education teachers. The programme opened the doors for security presence at interschool competitions, allowed for athletes to be insured during commute to and from games, assisted with facility repairs and the construction

of new ones. The initiative translated to benefits for both teachers and coaches.

Despite the start of the planning process in the early 1990s, Knowles brought the programme to life when she became the education officer for PE in 1993. She was also instrumental in the planning of some events that continue today.

The University of Miami graduate had a hand in establishing the MOE and Principals Association Track and Field meet and she assisted with writing the constitution and by-laws of the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA).

Her long list of accolades does not compare to the impact she instilled in the lives of the many that have crossed paths with her in her 40-plus years of service.

Clara Storr, education officer at MOE, shared some heartfelt words about her experience with Knowles during teaching.

“We honour you Ms Dawn Knowles and we thank you for everything that you have left your mark on, not only in physical education but in the teachers you have mentored over the years.

“It has been an honour to come into this profession as a physical educator and sit under you as my leader. You were the type of person who kept it real, who told you how it was when

GRAND REVEAL: The Bahamas Football Association (BFA) has unveiled the new NPPPSSA soccer tournament logo after renaming the event to honour the dedication of Dawn N Knowles.

you needed to be told but it was all done in love, care and support,” Storr said.

She retired from the MOE as a physical education teacher in 2020 but returned to the public service as an administrative coordinator for the 2023 Bahamas Games.

Latoya Sturrup, president of the NPPPSSA, said when the news broke about the renaming of the soccer tournament, everyone was excited.

“She was dedicated to sports in our school and a hard worker.

She is a lady who deserves this recognition while she is still here with us,” the president said.

Anya James, the first female president of the BFA, was overwhelmed with joy as she praised the efforts of Knowles in helping with the progression of soccer and unveiled the new logo of the Dawn N Knowles Primary School Soccer Tournament.

The logo’s prominent colours include yellow, purple and the country’s colours.

The yellow represents a symbol of national pride as well as the longevity and resilience of the football association since being established.

Additionally, the purple, which is Knowles’ favourite colour, represents a symbol of royalty.

“This logo serves as a beacon that will guide generations of

young players with each kick, each goal, and each cheer they will be reminded of the legacy of Dawn N Knowles and the monumental contributions that she has made,” the BFA president said.

As an educator and member across different sporting organisations, Knowles’ desire to see the youth succeed and maximising their talents has led to multiple generations experiencing her positive influence.

Minister of Education Glenys Hanna-Martin spoke on the impact of Knowles not only in education but in the sporting world.

“Dawn Knowles in my life is legendary in what she has inputted in sports and education in this country and, on top of it all, this soccer tournament is being named in honour of a woman.

“The way things are it takes a lot for us but this is so earned, I just want to say to Dawn, I want to thank you for your passion, your love, for your understanding of what sports means to young people. We are proud of this daughter of this soil who has been so impactful in the lives of so many people in this country,” she ended.

The official start of the Dawn N Knowles Soccer Tournament is set for 10am this morning on the Roscow A L Davies Soccer Field.

LUCKNOW, India (AP) — Five-time champion Australia secured its first win at the Cricket World Cup with a five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka yesterday with almost 15 overs to spare and after a rain delay, high winds and dust from a sand storm.

Adam Zampa spun out Sri Lanka with 4-47 in eight overs as he helped trigger a Sri Lankan batting collapse. Cruising at 125-0 at one point, the 1996 champions crashed to 209 all out in 43.3 overs, losing all 10 wickets for just 84 runs.

Openers Pathum Nissanka (61) and Kusal Perera (78) were the only significant scorers.

In reply, Australia rode on half-centuries from Josh Inglis and Mitch Marsh, as it reached 215-5 in 35.2 overs. Inglis top-scored for Australia with 58 runs off 59 balls, including five fours and a six.

After straight losses to host India and South Africa, Australia moved off the bottom of the 10-team table to eighth. It’s level on two points with fifth-place England, Afghanistan and Bangladesh but trails those teams on net run-rate.

“After the first two losses, there was definitely a flat feeling ... We all felt we could do our roles better,” said Zampa, who was player of the match. “But if we get on a roll, then anything can happen. It’s a World Cup so we can get on a roll.”

Sri Lanka is ninth after its seventh consecutive loss to Australia in World Cups, and a third straight loss in this edition.

Skipper Kusal Mendis called correctly as Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat. Mendis took over captaincy duties from Dasun Shanaka, who has been ruled out of the tournament with a thigh injury.

Sri Lanka has lost to South Africa and to Pakistan in high-scoring games.

The match started in Lucknow within hours of the International Olympic Committee voting in Mumbai to include cricket on its sports programme for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

India is bidding to host the 2036 Olympics.

Australia next plays Pakistan in Bengaluru on Friday, while Sri Lanka remains in Lucknow to play Netherlands on Saturday.

“We have a big game coming up, and to go two in two, we would feel much better,” Zampa said.

The tournament continues today with South Africa-Netherlands in Dharamsala.

GRAND PRIX, FROM PAGE 11 Athletes will be competing in nine divisions. The categories include men and women’s physique, bikini, figure, classic physique, men and women’s bodybuilding, fitness, and wellness.

The event organiser is excited to see Bahamians in action and credited former professional bodybuilder Joel Stubbs as the president of the Bahamas Bodybuilding, Wellness and Fitness Federation (BBWFF).

“The coaching is really great in The Bahamas and we are looking to see some incredible athletes from The Bahamas going for these nine pro cards,” he said.

For individuals interested in attending the event, the cost is $55 for general admission, and $75 for VIP which includes watching the preliminaries and finals.

Athletes who have not registered for the competition as yet can sign up online at www.worldsportspromotions.com or they can sign up in person at the event and pay a $50 late fee as registration closes on November 8.

Saric said he is looking for the Bahamian public to come out and support the local athletes and made an appeal for local sponsors. “We really would love to have local sponsors come and support this,” he said.

For individuals or companies interested in supporting the event or setting up a booth, they can reach out via email at sergesaric@gmail.com.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, October 17, 2023, PAGE 13

‘Jazz’ impressed with talent level in Bahamian baseball

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net JASRADO “Jazz” Chisholm Jr, founder of the Jazz Chisholm Foundation Little League, made a special appearance this past weekend at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.

The Little League players were met with a pleasant surprise as the Bahamian Major League Baseball (MLB) star signed their equipment, took pictures and made small conversations with them before watching them play in week three action across the various divisions.

Chisholm Jr made his return home following a successful turf toe surgery on his right foot and the National League playoffs of the MLB. After being greeted by excited supporters and the players of his league, he was happy to be back at home.

“It feels good, all the kids coming up to the car asking for autographs, pictures, saying how happy they are to see you, to watch them play and go watch them hit home runs, it feels great,” he said.

The Miami Marlins star recently launched his foundation with the aims of providing resources to youth baseball and softball leagues, incorporating financial literacy into programmes and supporting other non-profit organisations.

Following the launch of the foundation came the birth of the Little League in September.

With up to 300 kids participating until December 3 in the T-Ball, Coach Pitch, 12-and-under (12U), and 14-and-under (14U) divisions, the league’s founder was happy to see the kids enjoying the competition.

“I feel like I have seen a lot of kids look like they are happy to be out here, they are ready to play ball, are enjoying it and most of all, they are having fun,” the Miami Marlins centre fielder said.

Chisholm Jr told reporters that one of the main reasons for establishing his own league is to help with the progression of baseball in The Bahamas.

“My goal with this little league is to make it like the Dominican Republic.

We’re competing with the Dominican Republic, Venezuela and those guys. I feel like the talent is here and we just have to give them the opportunity. I feel like this is the opportunity,” he said.

In this past weekend’s Little League action, teams competed across the four divisions.

Jazz Black and Jazz Yellow both were victors in the 11U division on Saturday. Jazz Black shut down team Jazz Blue 8-6.

Jazz Yellow had an identical score in their win over Jazz Blue. The 14U division saw Jazz Blue and Jazz Black earn wins in weekend action. Jazz Blue took care of Jazz Black 7-0, and defeated Jazz Yellow 11 to zip. Additionally, they emerged victorious over Jazz White 6-1 on Sunday.

Jazz Black earned a narrow 10-9 win against Jazz Yellow on Saturday.

The only remaining game from Sunday’s action showed Jazz Yellow putting on a show in a 22-12 victory against Jazz Blue in the T-Ball division.

Games were postponed on Sunday due to the inclement weather.

The Little League continues next weekend and games will be played, as previously mentioned, until the championship rounds on December 3.

CRICKET’S OLYMPIC RETURN DRAWS ENTHUSIASTIC RESPONSE FROM AROUND WORLD MUMBAI, India (AP) — Cricket’s return to the Olympic programme for the 2028 Los Angeles Games drew an enthusiastic response from around the world.

Cricket, a bat-and-ball game that is hugely popular in south Asia, was one of five sports added to the LA Games by the International Olympic Committee yesterday. Flag football, baseball-softball, lacrosse and squash were also included.

“After a wait of more than a century, our beloved sport is back on the Olympic stage,” former India captain Sachin Tendulkar wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

“This marks the dawn of a new era for cricket as it will be a golden opportunity to foster inclusivity and showcase new talent from emerging cricketing nations. A start of something truly special!”

Yesterday’s decision was made at an IOC meeting in Mumbai, the Indian city that will host five matches at the ongoing Cricket World Cup. “Our beautiful game of cricket has a rich heritage and diverse international following,” said Pakistan captain Babar Azam, the world’s top-ranked one-day international batsman.

“It has the potential to enhance the spirit of Olympics even further. Cricket in the Olympics will inspire new generation, athletes and fans around the globe.”

Cricket was last played at the Olympics in 1900, but the game is played at other multi-sport events like the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games.

HE’S BACK: Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr returned home this past weekend to interact with and watch the players of the Jazz Chisholm Foundation Little League in action on Saturday.

TIGER WOODS ANNOUNCES WORLD-CLASS FIELD FOR HIS HERO WORLD CHALLENGE NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Tiger Woods has another world-class field for his Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas. Still to be determined is whether he is part of it.

Woods yesterday announced 19 players in the 20-man field for Albany Golf Club the first weekend of December, which includes every eligible member of the United States Ryder Cup team, along with two players who were left off the team.

Missing is Brooks Koepka. The Hero World Challenge is sanctioned by the PGA Tour, and Koepka is suspended from that for being part of the rival Saudi-funded LIV Golf League. The PGA champion was a captain’s pick for the Ryder Cup. Woods has not played competitively since withdrawing from the Masters after making the cut. He had ankle surgery a short time later for injuries related to his February 2021 car accident, though he was seen hitting wedges during a foundation event at Pebble Beach last week.

Viktor Hovland, the twotime defending champion in the Bahamas, is among three players from Europe’s winning Ryder Cup team in Rome.

Sponsor exemptions were awarded to Rickie Fowler and Justin Thomas. Both are among the top 25 in the world ranking, which illustrates the strength of the field. Players must be among the top 50 to get an exemption, part of the provision for the unofficial event getting world ranking points.

The criteria allows for an exemption to be used on the tournament host — Woods — if he needs one.

Small Schools Volleyball Results VOLLEYBALL results for Monday, October 16.

Games were played on Tom “The Bird” Grant park in Yellow Elder Gardens.

Junior Girls Mt. Carmel Prep Academy 7, 13 Teleos Christian School 19, 19 Teleos won

Senior Girls Lighthouse Preparatory Academy 1, 7 Achiever’s Christian Academy 25, 25 Achiever’s won Senior Boys Greenville Preparatory Academy 13, 11 Teleos Christian School 25, 25 Teleos won

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17 (TODAY) JG – Teleos Christian School vs Akhepran International Academy SG – Mt. Carmel Preparatory Academy vs Achiever’s Christian Academy SG – Lighthouse Preparatory Academy vs Teleos Christian School

Cowboys defeat Chargers 20-17 DALLAS AND L.A.

By JOE REEDY AP Sports Writer INGLEWOOD, Calif.

(AP) — Dak Prescott threw for 272 yards and a touchdown, and the Dallas Cowboys rebounded from a rout a week ago, beating the Los Angeles Chargers 20-17 last night.

Prescott completed 21 of 30 passes and also had a rushing TD. He became the 30th quarterback in NFL history to throw at least one touchdown pass against 31-or-more opponents when he connected with Brandin Cooks for a 2-yard score with 11:19 remaining in the game to give the Cowboys a 17-10 lead.

Los Angeles tied it at 17 with 7:11 remaining when Gerald Everett caught a 1-yard touchdown pass from Justin Herbert.

Brandon Aubrey made two field goals, including a 39-yarder with 2:19 remaining, to give the Cowboys the lead.

The Chargers had one last chance to send it into overtime, but Stephon Gilmore picked off Herbert at the LA 33-yard line with 1:22 remaining to seal the victory. On the play immediately before the pick, Herbert was sacked by Micah Parsons for an 8-yard loss.

“Resilient.

Guys fought. We knew this

COWBOYS wide receiver Brandin Cooks (3) celebrates after catching a touchdown with offensive tackle Terence Steele (78) during the second half against the Chargers last night.

(AP Photo/Ashley Landis) was a really good team,” Prescott said. “Record doesn’t necessarily show it, but nothing does in this league. Offence, defence, they came up with a huge play right there. Something we can build off of.”

Dallas (4-2), coming off a 42-10 loss at San Francisco October 8, improved to 10-1 since the start of 2021 in games after a loss.

CeeDee Lamb had seven receptions for 117 yards.

Herbert threw for two touchdowns and finished 22 of 37 for 227 yards and an interception. Keenan Allen had seven catches for 85 yards and a score.

The Chargers, who were coming off a bye, dropped to 2-3.

The Chargers scored on their opening drive for the second straight game and third time this season

when Allen caught a 1-yard pass from Herbert on third-and-goal. Austin Ekeler, who missed the past three games due to an ankle injury, had the key play on the drive when he took a screen pass from Herbert 28 yards to the Cowboys 4.

Dallas answered on its ensuing drive when Prescott executed a zone read to perfection.

On fourth-and-1 from the Chargers 18, Los Angeles linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu came crashing off the edge to take down Tony Pollard behind the line of scrimmage, but Prescott kept it and went up the middle untouched to even the score.

The 18-yard score was the longest rushing touchdown of Prescott’s eight-year career. It also

marked the longest TD run by a Cowboys quarterback since Jon Kitna went 29 yards against Detroit in 2010.

The Cowboys took a 10-7 lead into halftime when Aubrey connected for a 32-yard field goal on the last play of the second quarter.

Los Angeles tied it late in the third quarter when Cameron Dicker was good from 32 yards.

KEY PLAY Cooks’ touchdown was set up by a 60-yard reception by Pollard.

On the first play of the fourth quarter, Prescott scrambled out of pressure on third-and-11 at the Dallas 24 and completed a short pass to Pollard at the 32. Pollard then spun out of a tackle by Chargers cornerback Michael Davis at the 40 and appeared as if he would score a touchdown until he was brought down by Asante Samuel at the Chargers 16.

Pollard’s reception was the second-longest catch of his career, behind his 68-yard touchdown at Minnesota in 2022.

UP NEXT Cowboys: Have their bye week before hosting the Rams on October 29.

Chargers: Travel to Kansas City. The Chiefs swept last year’s series and have won the last three meetings.

PLAYERS ENGAGE IN PREGAME SCUFFLE (AP) — Players on the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Chargers got into a scuffle near midfield as the teams were doing pregame warmups before last night’s contest.

The Cowboys came out of their tunnel and onto the field to begin warmups when some players ran through a drill that Chargers defensive backs were conducting.

Los Angeles safety Dean Marlowe and Dallas defensive tackle Mazi Smith exchanged words before things escalated.

In the middle of the fracas, Cowboys defensive lineman Dante Fowler appeared to punch Chargers running back Austin Ekeler, knocking off Ekeler’s helmet. The officiating crew and the coaching staffs from both teams came in to break up the fight.

This is the second time this weekend there has been a pregame scuffle.

The Cleveland Browns and San Francisco 49ers had an incident before their game on Sunday.

PAGE 14, Tuesday, October 17, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

Bahamas suffers 4-1 loss to Antigua and Barbuda

ON THE REPLAY: The Bahamas men’s national soccer team fell into an 0-3 hole in the Concacaf (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) Nations League rankings after coming up short against Antigua and Barbuda at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium on Saturday.

Photos by Dante Carrer

THE “Junkanoo Boyz” were dealt a 4-1 loss by the Benna Boys to begin their October window. Team Bahamas is now in a tough position, facing possible relegation, following three consecutive losses and will look to rebound against Antigua and Barbuda in an away game today.