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Volume: 120 No.201, October 20, 2023

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$500M PROJECT TO BRING 700 JOBS Carnival Cruise Line move hailed as ‘turning point’ by top executive

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Staf Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net CARNIVAL Cruise Line’s investment in Celebration Key, a new port destination that will welcome guests in 2025, has increased to $500m, more than double the initial

$200m investment.

Officials said there will be about 350 jobs during the construction phase and 700 permanent jobs.

Hundreds of residents attended a business community meeting Carnival hosted at the Grand Lucayan Resort yesterday to get an overview

of the project and its opportunities.

Officials also toured the destination site, viewing the progress.

Work is underway on 40 acres of land, with the port destination scheduled to open in July 2025.

MINISTER for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey is shown an artist’s rendering of the Carnival project while touring the area yesterday in Grand Bahama.

Photo: Vandyke Hepburn

SEE PAGE TWO

MOW aiMing fOr ‘far feWer’ FNM ratifies Grant for by-election gibsOn asks pOthOle cOMplaints by 2025 fOr secret ballOt frOM plp cOuncil

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

MINISTRY of Works officials said there will be far fewer pothole complaints in New Providence after workers complete a road paving programme in 2025.

The ministry reportedly conducted a road conditions survey using new technology that predicts where potholes will form.

Officials said most roads deserve a grade of one on a scale of one to

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net

SEE PAGE FOUR

working to build support in the constituency before Mr Wilchcombe died. He is the pastor of Community Holiness Church in Eight Mile Rock and Universal Household of Faith on Hawksbill Road. He is a retired police officer who ascended to reserve superintendent.

An energised crowd of FNM supporters showed up to the FNM’s

SHANE Gibson wants the Progressive Liberal Party’s National General Council to vote by secret ballot tonight to approve its candidate for the West Grand Bahama and Bimini by-election.

Mr Gibson said this in a letter to the party’s secretary general yesterday.

“In so doing, the internal democracy of the PLP will be preserved and perceived by all to be fair and transparent,” he wrote. “To do otherwise invites an ill view of

SEE PAGE THREE

SEE PAGE THREE

FNM WEST GRAND BAHAMA AND BIMINI CANDIDATE RICARDO GRANT

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net THE Free National Movement ratified Bishop Ricardo Grant last night for the upcoming West Grand Bahama and Bimini by-election to replace Obie Wilchcombe, who died unexpectedly last month.

Bishop Grant, who was born in Hanna Hill, Eight Mile Rock, was

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

PAGE 2, Friday, October 20, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

$500M project to bring 700 jobs

from page one The design plan includes constructing two largescale lagoons, 20 retail shops, food and beverage outlets, and a 1,600ft pier that will accommodate two 6,000-passenger ships at the same time.

Juan Fernandez, vice president of Destination Operations, said Carnival’s investment increase is due to inflation and an expansion in the project’s scope.

A contractor has already been hired to build the pier, the slabs and piles for

which are being manufactured in New Providence.

Mr Fernandez said the destination will be among the most iconic Carnival owns.

“We need to make sure we do it right and have all the attractions and features that our guests are

going to love,” he said.

Mr Fernandez said Carnival will employ more than 300 people at the port and is looking to fill four management positions: general manager, director of government and community engagement, site engineer, and

CARNIVAL Cruise Line’s investment in Celebration Key, a new port destination that will welcome guests in 2025, has increased to $500m, more than double the initial $200m investment.

Photos: Vandyke Hepburn human resource manager.

Over 400 people are expected to be hired through third parties in retail shops, food and beverage shops, and restaurants on the site.

Mr Fernandez said he was thrilled with yesterday’s turnout, describing the event as “a turning point.”

Chief communications officer Chris Chiames said Celebration Key will be the premier destination for Carnival’s ten homeports and 18 ships.

He said three million guests are expected to visit the port in 2026,

adding: “The destination is selling well.”

“The enthusiasm from our travel agents is very strong.”

In the next few months, the cruise line will ramp up marketing efforts and advertise the port on various sporting channels.

Grand Bahama Minister Ginger Moxey said Bahamians must play an integral role in the port.

“We are finally in a place where Grand Bahama is not just recovering and rebuilding, but we are about to revolutionize how Grand Bahama does it,” she said.

MAN DIES AFTER GETTING TRAPPED UNDER MACK TRUCK

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net A MAN is dead after getting trapped beneath a truck in a grisly traffic accident in New Providence yesterday.

Police said the accident happened just after midnight on Thursday when a Mack truck collided with a Yamaha motorcycle at the junction of Carmichael and Golden Isle roads.

Upon arrival, officers found the motorcycle trapped beneath the truck.

The motorist, said to be in his mid-20s, was retrieved but sustained significant injuries while the truck driver was left unharmed, police said. The motorist was pronounced dead.

“At present, the cause of

the collision is unknown.

Investigations into this matter is ongoing,” police said.

This is the fourth trafficrelated death for the week and 45th for the year.

Chief Superintendent David Lockhart of the Royal Bahamas Police Force traffic division recently urged drivers to be careful.

“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,” he said.

“We cannot emphasise 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.”

FNM ratifies Grant for West GB and Bimini by-election THE TRIBUNE

from page one Central Council meeting and press conference.

There was music, dancing and cheers to welcome Bishop Grant.

Bishop Grant’s nomination was all but guaranteed since the FNM’s Central Council unanimously voted to contest the general election on September 28.

He was the only person who applied for the FNM’s nomination.

Last night, the FNM showcased the work it has done behind the scenes to prepare for the first by-election since 2012.

As he addressed party supporters and the press, Bishop Grant stood in front of a large banner featuring his image and the slogan “Focused On You.” At least one billboard bearing that image and slogan were erected in West Grand Bahama yesterday evening. The FNM, according

Friday, October 20, 2023, PAGE 3

to a source, plan to have a rally in Bimini today and Grand Bahama tomorrow.

Asked his views on the church versus state, Bishop Grant said they have the same purpose: to serve.

“We serve and we serve people and when you talk about church, church has always been about service, it’s been about council, it’s about feeding the sick, feeding the hungry, visiting the sick, visiting the homeless,” he said.

“When you talk about state, state should be about ensuring that its citizens always have the best quality of life that it should serve. So, when you’re talking about church and state, they are separate but their function and their service to the people is the same.”

FNM leader Michael Pintard accused the Progressive Liberal Party of exploiting Mr

Wilchcombe.

“We remind the people of West Grand Bahama that it was this administration that did not want Mr Wilchcombe,” he said. “It is this same administration that attempts to play on the emotions of Bahamians at every turn, even when it is one of our own.”

Mr Pintard said he believes the FNM could win the by-election. The seat has traditionally been a PLP stronghold.

This century, the PLP has lost the seat only once, in 2017. There are nearly 5700 people registered to vote in the constituency.

Bishop Grant joins independent candidate Terneille Burrows and Coalition of Independents leader Lincoln Bain as people expected to vie for the seat in the by-election. The PLP could name its candidate tonight during a National General Council meeting.

THE Free National Movement ratified Bishop Ricardo Grant last night for the upcoming West Grand Bahama and Bimini by-election to replace Obie Wilchcombe, who died unexpectedly last month.

Photo: Moise Amisial

GIBSON REQUESTS SECRET BALLOT IN LETTER TO PLP NATIONAL GENERAL COUNCIL

LYFORD CAY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PRINCIPL MINDORFF DIES SUDDENLY FORMER GOL DEN GATES MP SHANE GIBSON from page one

DAVID MINDORFF, the principal of the Lyford Cay International School.

DAVID Mindorff, the principal of the Lyford Cay International School, died suddenly yesterday morning, the school announced.

His cause of death was not immediately known.

Mr Mindorff became the principal of the school in July 2019. He and his family were deeply involved with the Lyford Cay school: His wife, Dr Michèle Mindorff, is the university and upper school counsellor and their four children, who all

graduated from LCIS. Mr Mindorff was the teacher and head of the secondary school from 2009 to 2016 before moving his family to China, where he worked at Leman International School in Chengdu as head of the secondary school and later the principal.

Mr Mindroff received the Gerald Cash National Distinguished Teacher Award and was a principal examiner for the International

Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO).

The Lyford Cay school was dismissed at 2pm yesterday.

After-school activities were also cancelled after the principal’s death.

“We will miss Dr Mindorff’s cheerful smile and his deep love and commitment to Lyford Cay International School and the International Baccalaureate community,” the school said.

our internal processes.”

The PLP’s constitution says the candidates’ committee “shall afford the National General Council fair opportunity to state the grounds of any objection to a proposed candidate and shall be allowed to vote by secret ballot on the approval of candidates.”

Yesterday, Mr Gibson and nine other hopefuls were interviewed by the PLP’s candidates committee, a body that includes Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis and PLP chairman Fred Mitchell.

The committee was expected to deliberate and choose a candidate that they will present to the NGC tonight for approval.

Supporters of Mr Gibson donned PLP paraphernalia, waved posters and chanted praise for the former Golden Gates MP ahead of his interview at

the party’s headquarters on Joe Farrington Road.

Mr Gibson, a formidable tactician and one of the most well-known political figures of his era, has dwarfed other applicants in generating media attention and creating the appearance of having overwhelming support.

However, some PLP insiders believe he is a polarising figure from the past and that party supporters would galvanise behind whoever the party nominates.

The by-election to replace Obie Wilchcombe, who died last month, must be held by November 25, according to acting Parliamentary Commissioner Arthur Taylor.

Publicly, the race has been characterised by suspense and drama in the PLP and certainty in the Free National Movement, a reversal of themes since the 2021 general election, during which the PLP has

generally projected stability and the FNM has had infighting.

Headlines have highlighted tension between Mr Gibson and Mr Mitchell, former Cabinet colleagues.

Though he has not called names, Mr Mitchell has made statements in voice notes that many interpret as about Mr Gibson. Last week, he said former public officials must know when to move on.

In response, Mr Gibson told The Tribune he is younger than Mr Mitchell.

“I didn’t have a ministry where I could fly up and down all over the place and that’s my ministry,” he said on Sunday.

“I had a ministry where I had to actually work, not where I fly, interact, have coffee and tea and drinks and cigars. My ministry is helping people and getting things done.”

PAGE 4, Friday, October 20, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

MOW aiming for ‘far fewer’ pothole complaints by 2025 from page one five, indicating they are in poor condition.

Francis Clarke, a senior civil engineer responsible for maintenance and construction at the ministry, said a project to resurface 55 miles of road should have a lasting impact on solving pothole issues in New Providence.

He said officials want to reduce pothole complaints through a two-year plan between January 2024 and June 2025.

“Once we stabilise our road paving networks, we expect not to have too many pothole complaints,” he said at a press conference yesterday.

Mr Clarke could not say how much the road programme will cost. He said the ministry would use private contractors and is preparing a funding presentation for the Davis administration.

Ahead of the West Grand Bahama and Bimini by-election, residents in Eight Mile Rock and West End have complained about potholes.

“We have procured coal patch mix, and we’ve sent some of the coal patch mix to the Ministry of Works Grand Bahama team so they can commence some of the road repair works,” Mr Clarke said.

FRANCIS CLARKE, a senior civil engineer responsible for maintenance and construction at the Ministry of Works.

Photo: Moise Amisial

The ministry said it has also improved traffic signals at 69 of 80 intersections in New Providence to replace below-the-ground sensors with above-ground sensors

that cover a broader area; the sensors determine the presence of vehicles at junctions.

The ministry said it recently completed road

works on various parts of East Street. Officials said work on Zion Boulevard will be completed this weekend, while Woodland Way is expected to be

completed today.

Upcoming road works are planned for Yamacraw Drive, Lincoln Boulevard, Kennedy Subdivision Road, Sea Link Drive in the South

Beach area, a section of East Street north, a section of Cowpen Road near Faith Avenue, a section of Blue Hill Road south and a section of Carmichael Road.

HALKITIS: GOVT TO START DISCLOSING INFORMATION ON CONTRACTS WITHIN 60 DAYS

“We continue to comply, we

continue to train, continue to provide information. The public will have the benefit of it. We don’t expect certain quarters to ever be satisfied, alright? So, I don’t have much to say other than that.

“

ECONOMIC AFFAIRS MINISTER MICHAEL HALKITIS

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net ECONOMIC Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis said government will start disclosing information about contracts within 60 days after they are awarded.

This would bring the government closer to compliance with the transparency requirements of the Public Procurement Act. The law mandates the government disclose the name and address of winning bidders, the procuring entity, the procurement selection method, and the award amount within 60 days of the contract award.

The Ministry of Finance on Sunday released a list showing 843 contracts worth $140m were awarded from September 1, 2022, to June 20, 2023.

Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard rejected the list, calling it incomplete. He said information about some contracts was not provided, highlighting a Ministry of Transport contract for navigational aids. He claimed the contractor has no experience with the relevant work.

During a press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday, Mr Halkitis did not address his claim directly. But he insisted the government fully complies with the law.

“The contracts that are awarded

on the system will continue to be updated,” he said. “We are complying with the legislation, but you know, just as we have with this whole EU blacklisting it seems as if some people are, you know, these goalposts continue to be moved.

“We continue to comply, we continue to train, continue to provide information. The public will have the benefit of it. We don’t expect certain quarters to ever be satisfied, alright?

So, I don’t have much to say other than that.”

In a press statement yesterday, Mr Pintard doubled down on his criticisms.

“No amount of mistruths, halftruths, and deflections can explain why the PLP continues to break the procurement law,” he said. “The comments today by Minister Halkitis seeking to defend the indefensible continues to show Bahamians why the PLP cannot be trusted to govern.”

“This is not a difficult undertaking.

It is common practice for decades and decades for government agencies to publish information in the newspapers.

“There is no special training required. Nor do the agencies have to produce new information on these public contracts that they do not already have. This prime minister and his Cabinet colleagues simply have no desire or intention to get it done.”

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AG office reviewing director’s appointment to Immigration Dept THE TRIBUNE

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net PRESS secretary Keishla Adderley said the Office of the Attorney General is reviewing a 2021 Supreme Court ruling to determine whether it prohibits William Pratt’s recent appointment as director of the Department of Immigration.

The Bahamas Customs Immigration and Allied Workers Union (BCIAWU) filed a trade dispute last month contesting Mr Pratt’s appointment, saying immigration officers cannot be contract workers.

When the union challenged Clarence Russell’s appointment as acting director of immigration in 2021, it obtained 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. The Office of the Attorney General did not fight the BCIAWU in court and was ordered to pay the union $10k in costs.

Mr Russell worked in

Friday, October 20, 2023, PAGE 5

the Passport Office before he became a contracted immigration director.

During a press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday, Ms Adderley suggested the 2021 case differs from the current matter, an argument the union rejects.

Ms Adderley said the union’s concerns were “born out of a ruling that was made sometime back in reference to a person who was appointed as immigration director who was not within the Immigration Department, and there was a ruling that obviously said that that should not happen”.

She said: “Now, Mr William Pratt, who is acting immigration director, is or was within the Immigration Department, a career immigration officer. Now, what the attorney general’s office is doing at this point is reviewing the ruling to see if it applies under these circumstances.”

BCIWU president Deron Brooks countered yesterday that it doesn’t matter that Mr Pratt was once in the Department of Immigration.

“Mr Pratt had retired,” he said, “and now he is coming back as a contract

GOVT WOULD AMEND ABORTION laws - if there’s public outcry

PRESS secretary Keishla Adderley.

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net PRESS secretary Keishla Adderley said the government would consider amending abortion laws if there is sufficient outcry from the public.

The discussion surrounding abortion was renewed after Dr Jamil Minnis, a gynaecologist and son of former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, was charged with helping a 15-year-old Harbour Island girl get an abortion. The girl’s mother and sister were also charged.

In August, the mother of an 11-year-old girl, allegedly raped by her stepfather, was charged with causing harm to commit an abortion. Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis responded that changing the law so someone who is raped can get an abortion is a “medical matter” he “would have to consider”.

Several other government ministers said at the time that a conversation about changing abortion laws should be encouraged.

However, after a House of Assembly meeting on Wednesday, several

ministers declined to comment, including Health Minister Dr Michael Darville, Education Minister Glenys Hanna Martin and Labour and Public Service Minister Pia Glover-Rolle.

Yesterday, Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard also declined to comment.

During an Office of the Prime Minister press briefing yesterday, Ms Adderley said: “I can’t tell you that there is an active discussion on changing the laws related to abortion, specifically, the terms under which one can legally have an abortion.”

“Obviously, the issue was in the news lately because of some unfortunate circumstances, but if the outcry is, you know, reaches the level where the administration feels that it should be pushed to the forefront and a wider conversation should be had, then the government will be minded to do so and engage all of the relevant stakeholders on the issue.”

On Tuesday, Free National Movement Senator Michela Barnett-Ellis said abortion should be decriminalised in all instances.

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ACTING director of the Department of Immigration William Pratt. worker.”

Ms Adderley said Mr Pratt is the interim leader of the Department of

Immigration. She said the government is working on a succession plan “so that a permanent immigration

director will be put in place”.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis told The

Tribune recently that Ms Ferguson retired willingly.

He did not say whether she was asked to go.

PAGE 6, Friday, October 20, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

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Hope may be on the way for Grand Bahama TWO stories in today’s Tribune represent contrasting aspects of life in Grand Bahama at present.

On one hand, there is the announcement that Carnival Cruise Line is more than doubling its investment in Celebration Cay to $500m – a project that will bring with it 700 much-needed permanent jobs.

And while there will undoubtedly be talking points about how many of those jobs will be for Bahamians – and we should make clear that such an answer has not yet been given – this is a shot in the arm for the economy in the area.

More than 400 people are expected to be hired for retail, food and beverage shops, restaurants and more, and the prospects look good for bookings.

Turning those arrivals into income for the local economy, and opportunities for entrepreneurs, is the challenge to be met in the next step.

In recent weeks, The Tribune spoke to traders at the Port Lucaya Marketplace who felt that tourists were being turned away from their location – ensuring the community feels the benefit of the new investment and of new arrivals should be high on Carnival’s to-do list as it leans toward its port opening scheduled in July 2025.

But this is good news – and there’s been too little of that in Grand Bahama for it to pass without praise.

If Grand Bahama can capitalise on this opportunity, it will be to the benefit of all.

Meanwhile, we are also in countdown mode until the by-election for Obie Wilchcombe’s seat.

The FNM and COI have chosen their candidates, independent Terneille Burrows has thrown her hat in the ring – while the PLP seems to have an all-in wrestling match for its candidacy.

The most notable name of course in there is former Cabinet minister Shane Gibson – and almost every commentary on his candidacy seems to mention the word “baggage”.

He is far from certain to secure the nomination, with party chairman Fred Mitchell in obvious and apparent opposition to Mr Gibson for the role.

Soon we will know however, and we shall see how many of the candidates in this fractured race will rally round the eventual winner.

Either way, with the writ of election expected any day now, there will be an interesting race ahead – not least of all to see how well the PLP will come together behind whoever is chosen considering how splintered the field is to begin with.

Perhaps though the number of candidates offering themselves is a sign of confidence that whoever is chosen will win the vote – and secure a seat on the government side of the House of Assembly. Such a carrot dangled in front of the racers seems to have encouraged a strong field.

No matter what, though, when the line-up is known, we need to hear a strong conversation about policies for moving Grand Bahama forward.

Even with the Carnival announcement, there remains a long way to go to catch up with the island’s glory days – and it deserves a serious debate on how to rebuild its once legendary strength.

Don’t let the candidates bamboozle you with promises and personalities – ask them what they’re actually going to do if they win.

NEW FEATURE COMING SOON In today’s Tribune – as there is every Friday now – you will find our regular Clubs & Societies page.

It serves as a community noticeboard for organisations to let people know about their activities – either what they have done or what they have coming up in future. It lets those groups share with the world their existence – and perhaps attract new members in the process.

There is no charge to feature – it is just a chance to share what is going on in our communities.

Next week, we plan to announce another new section in a similar fashion – this time for church communities to share details about events, from church fairs to Sunday school, from service times to activities held by church groups.

More on that very soon.

PARADIES Island at sunrise.

Photo: Colin Lloyd

Mitchell is PLP’s weakest link EDITOR, The Tribune.

IT HAS been said that in the realm of politics, a party is only as strong as its weakest link. And in the case of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), that link, to the astonishment of many, seems to be its very own national chairman, Fred Mitchell. The deeper one dives into Mr Mitchell’s tenure, the clearer it becomes that his leadership, or rather the glaring lack of it, in my opinion, represents an impending crisis for the PLP. A comprehensive analysis of Mr Mitchell’s role raises red flags at every juncture. A national chairman’s duty extends far beyond basic administrative tasks; it’s about steering the ship, rallying the troops, and ensuring a cohesive, united front.

Instead, under Mitchell’s watch, we see a party rife with internal dissent, an evident inability to attract fresh, youthful voters, and a near-absence of invigorating energy that is so desperately needed in today’s fast-paced political arena.

One would think that a leader who serves with efficiency as the Minister of Foreign Affairs would carry forth the same

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net competence to his role as National Chairman. But there seems to be a chasm between these two roles in Mr. Mitchell’s case. The very essence of leadership involves collaboration and strategic alliances. Yet, what we witness is a chairman picking quarrels with senior members of his own party in the public eye. Such behaviour is not mere lapses in judgment; they hint at deeper-rooted ineptitude.

Furthermore, Mitchell’s era seems to be a relic from a bygone time. Today’s political atmosphere demands adaptability, innovation, and a finger on the pulse of the people’s sentiments. Mitchell, in contrast, appears trapped in a time warp, leaning on dated methods and out-of-touch strategies. His part-time commitment to the chairmanship does more than just raise eyebrows; it raises concerns about his genuine dedication to the party’s advancement.

And if we were to discuss loyalty, yes, it is of paramount importance.

But blind loyalty, to the extent of neglecting overarching responsibilities, is to me a liability. Protecting the leader’s throne might be a commendable trait in feudal times, but in a modern, democratic setup, it is the broader vision and welfare of the party that should be paramount.

It’s disheartening to think that the PLP’s strategic foothold could be jeopardized by the apparent lackluster approach of its national chairman, particularly when the stakes are as high as an upcoming general election. Mitchell’s modus operandi of relying on mere WhatsApp voice notes as a primary communication tool is a stark testament to his detachment from contemporary communication needs.

The PLP stands at a crossroads. The party can either continue with a figurehead who seems more an impediment than an asset, or it can pivot, recognising the need for a rejuvenated, dynamic, and fully engaged National Chairman.

Mr Mitchell, with all due respect, has had his time. It’s high time the PLP looks to the future.

THE GATEKEEPER October 19, 2023.

TRIBUNE READER POLL RESULTS

In The Tribune’s latest online poll, we’re asking readers how they feel about the proposed Wendy’s and Marco’s Pizza restaurant on Paradise Island.

At the time of going to press, 52 percent of readers said they were in favour of the proposed restaurant, with 48 percent voting against it.

The poll is still open, so don’t miss your chance to vote on tribune242.com.

THE TRIBUNE

‘We have hope he is alive’, says sister of man missing at sea

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net A FATHER’s disappearance at sea is compounding grief for a family that buried his older brother two weeks ago.

Abaco resident Terrance Davis, affectionately called “Ole T”, went missing last Thursday when a boat capsized.

He reportedly tried swimming to Baker’s Bay for help, but has not been seen since.

Police and Defence Force officers rescued two other men after spotting them drifting in waters off Guana Cay. Terrance’s sister, Ruth Davis, said the family has not lost hope even though authorities have ended search efforts.

She said this was not the first time her brother

encountered trouble at sea, describing him as an experienced diver.

“Back in the day, he went out with our father one time, and the weather came down, and the boat capsized,” she said. “He had to swim with our father into safety. So, this wasn’t his first time in bad weather.

“After the boat capsized, he left them to swim with a life jacket to get help. We have hope that he is alive, so we’re going by that. We’re not giving up on him unless they have some kind of evidence to prove otherwise.

We believe that he is still alive.”

Ms Davis said Terrance, 53, has three children and is a diver and fisherman selling conch salad for a living.

She said the brother they recently buried had cancer.

BAHAMAS DEVELOPMENT BANK AWARDS 28 ENTREPRENEURS WITH $2,000 BUSINESS GRANT ENTREPRENEURS spanning several sectors were recently awarded a 50th Independence Development Grant from The Bahamas Development Bank (BDB). The 28 Bahamian awardees received $2,000 to buy equipment, working capital or the training needed to scale up their businesses.

During a special reception hosted by the bank to celebrate the recipients, BDB Chairman Senator Quinton Lightbourne noted entrepreneurship as a driving force behind job creation and community development.

“By empowering entrepreneurs, we empower the nation,” he said. “The Bahamas Development Bank stands as a steadfast supporter of enterprising individuals.”

The BDB 50th Independence Development Grant recipients are Anna Moss, Atiya Brown, Carlton King, Charles Richardson, Chendi

Evans, Francis Pascal, Garth Jackson, Geoffrey Dugay, Giorgio Knowles, Jada Miller, Janice Ramsey, Jenson Rolle, Jessica Newbold, Lakeisha Rolle, Mataeo Ferguson, Nathan Taylor, Neville Seymour, Nicole Josey, Paula Meadows, Paulette Richardson, Pia Stubbs, Quinneka Smith-Hall, Quinton Johnson, Ranjan Johnson, Shayne Archer, Sherwood Rahming, Tito Bethel, and Valencia NottageOliver. Their businesses represent various fields, including agriculture, clothing, education, fashion, finance, landscaping, and healthcare.

BDB is mandated to provide financing for economically viable projects that create employment, utilise Bahamian materials and resources, reduce imports and increase exports, introduce new technology and skills, and promote prosperity for all Bahamians.

US White House Acting National Cyber Director, Kemba EneasWalden and delegation paid a courtesy call on Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation Chester Cooper, Wednesday at the Office of the Prime Minister. Also in attendance at the courtesy call were Senator Michael Halkitis, Minister of Economic Affairs; John Pinder, Parliamentary Secretary, MOTIA and Senator Randy Rolle, Global Relations Consultant, MOTIA. PICTURED from left: Evan Burke, US Foreign Affairs Officer; Caroline Chang, US Senior Advisor to the National Cyber Director; Elizabeth Irwin, US Director for Cyber Policy and Progams; Jennifer Baihaus, US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Cyberpolicy and Digital Policy; White House Acting National Cyber Director, Kemba Eneas- Walden; Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, Chester Cooper; Senator Michael Halkitis, Minister of Economic Affairs; John Pinder, Parliamentary Secretary, MOTIA; and Senator Randy Rolle, Global Relations Consultant, MOTIA. Photo: Kemuel Stubbs/BIS

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Friday, October 20, 2023, PAGE 7

ABACO resident Terrance Davis, affectionately called “Ole T”, went missing last Thursday when a boat capsized.

PAGE 8, Friday, October 20, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

Stranded US aviators rescued by Bahamian fishermen and a dream INAGUA has many aviation mysteries to parse; the East coast of this 650-squaremile-island has no roads or airstrip and is very rarely visited. Three American aviators who were without food for 17 days were rescued by fishermen in Little and taken to Great Inagua. Then there was a tragic engine fire and crash from which a US Mail pouch washed up, but not a plane or bodies. Then a mystery plane with parachute and body was found by park warden Henry Nixon.

Remains of the plane still there, and were found over a decade ago by a Bahamian sleuth in a seaplane.

U-boats and Allied military ships often transited the many channels around Great Inagua and reported on sighting it. On 10 August, 1942, U-598 under Gottfried Holtorf wrote in his U-boat log of a “Warning for SW of Inagua: American warning to all ships: Danger area established.... Ships should cross this area only under control of the USA Naval Authority.” Twelve days later he logged that “SW of Inagua 2nd time small yacht in sight. Suspect stationed as a patrol.” His colleague Hans Senkel in U-658 recorded a “Glimmer of light from the lighthouse on Inagua Island. The beacons are not dimmed.” On 29 August, 1942, U-600 under Bernard Zurmühlen wrote “Great Inagua” in sight, and U-108 was under Klaus Scholtz on 9 May 1942 when he logged “Inagua lighthouse in sight, and sailing vessel in sight.”

On 13 May, 1942, U-594 under Dietrich Hoffmann wrote that “Glow of the “Matthew Town” Lighthouse in sight.” And the

By Eric Wiberg

next day: “Caicos Passage just E of NE corner of Great Inagua: A shadow in sight.

I see a small vessel.” On 11 May 1942 Werner Winter in U-103 wrote “continued west of Inagua” to the Windward Passage. Beacons on Inagua burn as in peacetime.

[Then] avoided a dimmed vessel. Not distinguished, if fisherman or patrol vessel.

Hans-Ludwig Witt in U-129 wrote on the 14 of June, 1942 logged “Little Inagua Island in sight.” On 22 August, 1942 Klaus-Peter Carlsen in U-732 recorded that “I head for Little Inagua Island, to download [torpedoes] there under the protection of land. ...Boat is 1 nautical mile west of Little Inagua in the windshadow [lee] of the island.

Downloaded 1 from bow and 1 torpedo from stern....”

Just a mile from shore would men have been tempted to step ashore? Then on 5 March, 1944 the commander of U-154, Gerth Gemeiner logged “Iguna [Inagua] Island abeam. Nothing seen.

Surfaced to charge and ventilate. Patrol vessel, two high thin rod masts, small diesel smokestack. Small cannon on the forecastle.....”

The islands sheltered friend as well as foe; Little Inagua was used for wind shelter at the same spot men in lifeboats from SS Potlatch.

Between 27 and 30 July, 1942

the 48 survivors of the torpedoed American steamer SS Potlatch under Captain John Lapoint and Lieutenant Dorsey Lybrand landed on the northeast corner of Great Inagua. They stayed for two nights after following jackasses to water, then sailed the metal lifeboat to Little Inagua, found almost no sustenance and left for Acklins Island. Days later, they were rescued and taken to Nassau by Joe Carstairs in her yacht Vergemere IV. On March 21, 1943, USS Hambleton attempted to rescue Allied survivors in the vicinity of Inagua, however this was carried out instead by USS Moffett, which “reported picking up two survivors, but a thorough search of all floating objects in this vicinity revealed no further signs of life.” That was “northeastward toward Inagua” from Guantanamo.

Later, Inagua had the misfortune to be where a member of Miami’s 36th Street Army Air Field lost one of its own, Private DE Goldbeck, “who was overboard from Army Vessel H-121 on 16 February.” All stations were instructed to keep an extravigilant look out. Then on 17 May, 1943 a US Navy airship was mistakenly reported as sunk off Great Inagua when “the commissioner at Great Inagua reported a blimp

down in the sea 6 or 8 miles

Turks and Caicos East of

for them in the summer heat.

CHART showing Great Inagua, left, and Little Inagua, center, and Mayaguana where their plane may (may have gone down). offshore,” however it later landed in Cuba. In fact the US and British military sent out airplanes to reconnoiter Inagua, in part due to its strategic location near the Windward Passage, Hispaniola, Cuba, Guantanamo, the Turks & Caicos and open Atlantic.

On May 8, 1943 a C-46 cargo plane piloted by William B Inman lost use of its left engine due to a fire.

Other aircraft heard the Maydays in quick succession and some saw smoke trails.

The last known position was just to the west of Provo,

Great Inagua. The other men in the airplane lost with Capt Inman were Joseph W. Mitchell, Jr, a civilian aviator, FL Deitz, and Harold D Carter, 2nd Lieutenant,

There were no birds, turtles, fish; only flies. Sgt. Bunch, the pilot and navigator ate the fruit of prickly pear cactus. They used the sharp coral to scrape the spines off the leaves, so they could suck the moisture from them.

It was their only sustenance for 15 days.

Meanwhile at sea, Hanfred Cartwright, a Bahamian fisherman owned fifty per cent of his boat and used that influence to convince JOHN H. BUNCH, SURVIVOR his two partners a pilot-student. The pilot’s to divert to Little Inagua final radio message read: after several days fishing...

“We got bad engine. Wait, finally they agreed to go. it’s getting... SOS, [call sign], Cartwright told them that he bad engine. We going down had had a dream the night now... is burning, on fire.” before: Three American serAt the same time a plane vicemen needed help. As in going the opposite direction the dream, they found the observed the left wing of three on the beach, waving Inman’s aircraft was afire. No their hands and shouting. further word was receieved. Once on the boat, the grateNothing was found of the ful men were so hungry that men or the plane, until “on they made themselves sick 21 May 1943 two [locals] on eating turtle eggs, barracuda the island of Great Inagua and cornmeal stew. picked up a pouch of US Then on Great Inagua Mail, which was later iden- the people welcomed them tified to have been on the with much fanfare and celmissing aircraft.... nothing ebration. The Bahamian except the mail pouch had in authority even flew an been seen”.

American flag! Dad says they On May 2, 1943, a Doug- feasted for three days until las A-20B Havoc bomber, the US Coast Guard could also of the USAAF was lost come for them. John Bunch off 100 miles north of Haiti. and his friends were treated On July 20, 1996 an open for minor injuries and expoletter to the editor of The sure. They had been without Nassau Tribune signed by shelter for more than two Jo Watts in New York reads weeks; 17 days to be exact. in part: “I would very much Dehydration and sunburn like to contact Mr. Emma- were serious. He survived nuel Matthews or any of his to return to Homestead Air descendants.” Her father, Force Base, then to duty in John H Bunch enlisted in North Africa weeks later.

Oklahoma in the US Army He became a POW in Italy, Cavalry in 1940. His mother escaped and was re-captured said that as a child, he pre- at least twice.” tended to be a soldier, On May 20, the RAF carrying a tree branch on his noted that the “crew of Missshoulder. She described how ing A-20 Found; ...the British an officer told his mother he Security Officer has received was dead, but she refused to reports from Matthew Town believe them. Instead, here that three survivors from is the family’s account of American plane which what actually happened to crashed between Haiti and John Bunch in the Bahamas: Puerto Rico, have been After just a few hours, the found at Little Inagua. The plane did go down with only survivors, Lt RL Clark and minor injuries to the crew gunners Bunch and Murray, of three. They floated on a are in the hospital at Matlife raft for 2.5 days before thew Town, suffering from sighting a small island... shock and exposure. RAF surrounded by reefs of requested the US Navy in razor-sharp coral. The surf Guantanamo to send a plane and a strong undertow cap- to remove the survivors to a sized their raft, and they lost military hospital for proper everything: boots they had treatement.” Bunch’s daughremoved because of swollen ter says they “will all be feet, food, tools, weapons, forever grateful to Hanfred and precious water. ...their Cartwright and we pray that bare feet were cut to rib- God has blessed him and bons on the coral as they his children as we have been waded ashore. During the blessed. She located Hanfred night the men were attacked Cartwright in 1995 while he by flies and other insects was nearly 80 years old and that were attracted to their in good health. He and his bloody feet, which soon wife have raised ten children, became infested with mag- the youngest graduated from gots. They knew there had college. Mr Cartwright and to be water on the island, John Bunch, became corbecause they had spotted respondents, exchanging some wild burros. Walking letters and small gifts. After on their infected feet caused 22 years in the Air Force, unimaginable pain, but they including US, Africa, Korea desperately needed water, so and Europe, John Bunch they searched. It was torture died in 1998.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, October 20, 2023, PAGE 9

‘Build your hotel somewhere else!’

How could Town Planning even consider allowing a use so incompatible with a family neighbourhood, they ask?

BALMORAL is a quiet neighbourhood on Sanford Drive in Nassau. Situated a block south of the Cecil Wallace-Whitfield Centre that houses the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Finance, and just east of Liberty Overlook, the residence of the American Ambassador when there is one, Balmoral is a highly desirable residential community.

Most who live there are young professionals and families.

They walk their children and their dogs. They ride bikes or jog.

They work out in a large grassy area and on holidays, arrange the common area barbeque.

They wave to neighbours, hail newcomers, bring gifts for newborns, and pretty much mind their own business, going to work by day and to sleep at night knowing the gate is secure and guards roam the seven acres of residential property in golf carts.

Because of its desirability with lush landscaping, well-designed contemporary living and tight security, Balmoral is also one of the most popular long-term rental properties for executive housing for embassies or consulates. It is residential through and through with only one three-storey office complex, built initially to house the developer and a few others for rental revenue. Traffic to the complex immediately inside the gate and out of the way of homes is minimal. The style of the office complex looks like any of the structures, complementing the community.

ENRAGED All that background is to underscore what kind of near cataclysmic event it would take for this semi-serene, somewhat somnambulistic community to rise up in arms, enraged, united to fight what it cannot believe has been proposed – an eight-story, 50-room hotel with a rooftop terrace and public restrooms in the heart of their gated, family-oriented residential community.

Build your hotel somewhere else, say residents of Balmoral. This is our home, not a commercial strip.

This is our neighbourhood where our children can play safely outside, where we can stop and talk with neighbours even after the sun sets. Build your hotel on Paradise Island or Cable Beach, not on a street without a traffic light or a store,

By Diane Phillips a street of homes not of fuel stations, restaurants and souvenir shops. How could Town Planning even consider allowing a use so incompatible with a family neighbourhood, they ask?

The alarm bell jingled and sirens rang out when the full-page notice of a Town Planning meeting appeared in this paper on Thursday, October 12. The owner of the Balmoral Club, which had been sold to a private enterprise by developer of Balmoral some time before, wanted to alter part of the original building on the Register of Historic Properties to build a 50-key hotel, eight stories high, add public restrooms with hotel and penthouse units and a rooftop terrace.

The proposal was for a full-blown resort development overlooking the Office of the Prime Minister and it met with full-blown community shock and outrage from the neighbours who would be impacted by the change.

Two days after the notice appeared, more than 25 homeowners joined a virtual meeting with a resident attorney acting as a courtesy moderator. The following day, a petition was drawn up, circulated by Tuesday of this week and within hours, filled with signatures. The Homeowner Rights vs Balmoral Club owner battle was on.

BLINDSIDED Homeowners said they were blindsided by the fact that somehow the club had gained preliminary approval of a site plan in February, claiming they were never notified of the application.

For that reason alone, they said, any action should be postponed.

And there were other substantive reasons to reject the application, they argued.

Everything from height to security issues, from noise to peace of mind, from strain on already strained resources was wrong with the proposed project, they said, a project that would surely shatter the peace and security of a residential community and had no business being built there.

They pointed to height,

119 feet, towering above everything around it, dominating the grounds, obstructing the views of some who would live behind it.

They said it would invite massive traffic. Construction of a major facility such as a hotel or high-rise condominium necessitates heavy equipment, trucking, crew vehicles, all taking their toll on the roads and causing further congestion on a property that is already bulging at the seams. Additional traffic, and traffic with no ties to the community would pose hazards to children at play and others, including pedestrians.

They cited a strain on infrastructure that is already at a breaking point with hundreds of people living on a property that was once the estate of a single family, they said, noting that Water & Sewerage Corporation, which has reportedly responded to numerous reports, is at a loss as to how to build capacity for those who today call Balmoral home.

UNINHABITABLE The proposed hotel and public restrooms would cause more sanitation issues and could possibly make Balmoral uninhabitable for an unknowable length of time, they said.

What makes the Balmoral Club request for an 8-storey hotel in the heart of a residential neighbourhood so interesting is not just the gall of the request which seems to the outsider so out of line and incompatible with its surroundings, but the fact that that it is part of what appears to be a growing movement in which the public is making its voice heard. It is a slow but sure sign of increased civic participation, thanks in part to both ORG and the existence of the Department of Environmental Planning & Protection.

First, we had the community of Love Beach fighting a successful developer not because what he has built before was not worth boasting about but what he was about to build was in the wrong place, they said, and would forever alter their

lifestyle and community.

Then we had the voices of those opposed to a proposal

by Atlantis to use Montagu Bay as a landing strip for its seaplane excursions. The voices spoke out and won.

This week, a private family named Hoffer who have lived next door to where Goldwynn rose on Cable Beach won the first round of its case arguing that the developer’s land acquisition was changing its life.

Now, we have the situation with Balmoral residents vs. Balmoral Club. But this one has an additional element that makes it even more interesting.

The height restrictions, use and character compatibility are all critical, especially given the fact that owners bought in a residential community, not a resort destination and it could make for a line of lawsuits an arm and a leg long but because of one other element.

Add historic preservation to this and there is more reason than ever to refuse the application.

TREASURES As more of Nassau’s historic architecture vanishes, leaving fewer traces of

the city’s magic, it is more important than ever to pay homage to the treasures that remain. The Balmoral Club is one of those. Never will there be another twostory sculptured brass staircase railing built like the one at Balmoral. Never will there be hand-painted tiles like those that make up part of the décor of Balmoral. Even the images that hang on its walls, like those of a young Sean Connery by famed photographer Roland Rose – both actor and photographer now deceased – or the royalty photos tell a story of a time that deserves respect. Never will there be the famed nightly black tie dinners for which Balmoral estate was known, but there will be families whose children learn to swim in its pool and play on its grounds and whose parents will be proud to say they live in a fine family community.

Changing the building that served as the heart of the development, using remaining open green space for a parking lot instead of a park under discussion, building 119 feet into the sky - every aspect of the

proposed project alters the character and security of the community. Every aspect of the proposal is a hard and fast slap in the face of owners who put their trust in the developer who sold them a means to a lifestyle in a safe community, not a property in which the hotel, lights, music and the comings and goings, checking in and checking out of strangers and a transient population would be the de facto star.

The private ownership of that clubhouse, which buyers were told was a club they could join for a fee to use the pool and fitness facilities, should not be favored over the promises made to owners.

Not since the battle for Clifton have we had such an outpouring by the outraged – a public citizenry that finds its courage, is standing up for its rights, a public that suddenly is not afraid to speak out, a quiet public that finds its voice, undaunted by well-funded opposition, and staunch in its belief that right will win out. May the voices of the people continue to be heard and the courage to speak out be applauded.

PAGE 10, Friday, October 20, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

BAHAMAS DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION The Bahamas Down Syndrome Association is to hold a buddy walk-fest on Saturday, October 21, from 8am to noon.

Registration costs $20 and begins at 7am. The walk starts at 8am, travelling from Goodman’s Bay and going west to Commonwealth Bank and back to Goodman’s Bay. Advanced participants may continue to Super Value West before returning to Goodman’s Bay. For more details, contact 445-7108 or 427-1492, or email bahamasdownsyndromeassociation@ gmail.com, or visit Down Syndrome Association Bahamas on Facebook.

GIRL GUIDES Sunflowers, Brownies, Guides and Ranger Guides enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to celebrate the United Nations International Day of the Girl Child on October 11 and concentrated on activities to develop their emotional resilience.

Through discussion the girls were led to understand that emotional resilience comes from having good selfesteem. Developing good self-esteem about their physical appearance was related to several Biblical verses.

Age-appropriate activities to build good self-esteem ranged from animated discussion about society’s “ideal physical features of a girl” and overcoming stereotypes in career choice to listening to stories, creating positive messages, developing displays, identifying and illustrating emotions and singing songs while having fun.

Girls engaged in activities in Abaco, Andros, Grand Bahama, Harbour Island and throughout New Providence. The many reports received from the leaders provided evidence that the celebrations achieved their purpose. “We had a blast today. The girls were very expressive about the ways in which they have been hurt by others. They gave really good responses as to how to deal with some of these triggers,” said Brown Owl Sabrina at Temple Christian School.

“It was wonderful to have the voices (messages) of so many girls being heard and shared with their school or church community,” said Miss Louise Barry, programme chairperson.

KIWANIS CLUB OF OVER-THE-HILL On Saturday, October 14, the Kiwanis Club of Over-The-Hill held its 49th installation of officers and installed Dominique Gaitor as the 49th president of the club.

Under the theme “Serving with Passion and Strength” the new president challenged the members of the club to “touch as many lives, especially the nation’s youth, through love and service”.

The Kiwanis Club of Over-The-Hill was organised on September 24, 1975, and is celebrating its 48th year of service. The club remains the only all-men’s Kiwanis club in Sunshine Division 22, Bahamas, under the Eastern Cananda and Caribbean District of Kiwanis International.

TEMPLE CHRISTIAN GUIDES, top, pose in front of their Day of the Girl Child banner and, bottom left, brownies at Xavier’s Lower School and, bottom right, sunflowers at St Ambrose Church reading the book “I’m Gonna Like Me”.

Department of Local Government on Great Inagua donated the cash prizes for the Great Inagua essay and speech competition scheduled for Wednesday, October 25. The cash prizes are first $500.00, second $300.00 and third $150.00 totalling $950.00.

The essay and speech competition is one of the premiere events of the Great Inagua school year, which takes place during October, youth month. The student participants range in age from grade seven through to grade twelve.

Family Island administrator and RSCN member Herman Gilbert made the presentation to Mrs Farquharson, president of the Great Inagua Youth Committee on October 12 at the Administrator’s Office. This donation will provide great assistance to the youth of Great Inagua.

SAC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION The “Lighthouse Award” is the highest form of recognition given by SACA. It is a “Hall of Fame”, if you will. The award represents the physical achievement of ideals instilled in every student who receives a SAC education.

The Uncle Lou Award recognises singularly Basil “The Kid” Sands who has demonstrated outstanding loyalty, commitment, unselfish and dedicated service to SAC, the Bahamian community and received prominent public national acknowledgment for his achievements.

Basil “The Kid” Sands, born on July 1, 1955, to the late Elaine Sands Nee Turner Sands and Basil John Sands both SACers hailing from the very first beginnings of St Augustine’s College (SAC)/ Xaviers (Seton’s) in 1945. Basil John was a man’s man, a Renaissance man who started out in the original cohort of SAC. Basil senior was a championship athlete during the embryonic stage of basketball ruling the courts of the day as the St Bernards’ backcourt tandem affectionately called the Great Mitchilli & Bazilli… friends inseparable! (uncle, LeRoy Mitchell and father Basil John Sands).

The Sands hailed from Lewis St, Nassau, Bahamas. Basil’s parents hosted several national and internationally renowned figures

such as Dr Martin Luther King, Sidney Poitier and Ralph Abernathy, leaders in the struggle for justice and equality in the United States and the World.

The honoree embarked on his educational journey at St Francis Xavier’s Lower School, followed by St Thomas More Catholic Primary, before finding his way to Saint Augustine’s College following in his parent’s footsteps. Although his parents moved to Freeport Grand Bahama, Basil remained committed to attending SAC and started his tutelage as a boarder in September 1967, alongside his brother Desmond. Their pre-high school introduction came during their enrollment in SAC’s Camp Arawak, a multi-discipline sports and leadership summer camp for boys which was held at the St Augustine’s Monastery campus.

As fate would have it, Basil “The Kid’s” first encounter of renowned teacher and camp coach Leviticus “Uncle Lou” Adderley who was a Minnesota State tennis champion and championship wrestler that attended SAC before matriculating to St John’s University, in Collegeville, Minnesota. Uncle Lou’s first coaching encounter of this “Kid” (a quick study) was his teaching him the basic wrestling moves for competition where Basil took the gold, edging out his brother Desmond.

In contemplating the uninterrupted decades of SAC dominance, Sharon “The General” Storr, an accomplished SAC basketball, softball and volleyball champion in his own right, recounts a conversation that he’d had with his venerable coach, Lou Adderley who he’d asked which of the many great student athletes that he’d coached and mentored and he said in an exasperating tone “Basil Sands was “that one” who could become internationally great “if only he took his talent and craft more seriously”.

Uncle Lou himself, as a student athlete continued to hone his skills under the able tutelage of the Benedictine Monks, of the very same order of the SAC founder Fr Frederick Frey and his successor Fr Bonaventure (John) Dean the first Bahamian to lead this monastic order.

Throughout his five years at SAC, Basil showcased his incredible talent across various sports, including

softball, volleyball, basketball, swimming and diving, track, as well as debate and speech teams. His exceptional leadership skills led him to captain all the teams he participated in, culminating in numerous victories during his senior year.

Awarded a basketball scholarship, Basil embarked on his college journey in 1972, enrolling at St Gregory’s College in Shawnee, Oklahoma, to study business administration. However, his passion for economics led him to switch his focus to Mankato State University in Minnesota, USA, where he pursued a degree in economics with a minor in accounting, which he obtained in 1978.

Following college, Basil devoted considerable time to basketball, representing the Bahamas internationally as shooting guard on National Teams in various competitions abroad. Amongst many, Basil was Uncle Lou’s pride, same as his Hall of Fame, Vince “Geech” Ferguson that coached his senior boys’ championship basketball. coach (Class of 1972).

In business, in the early 80s, Basil joined Saybolt International in Grand Bahama, specialising in quantitative and qualitative bulk oil analysis. He transitioned to the Hotel Industry in 1984 as an income auditor at Walker’s Cay Hotel and Marina. A year later, he joined The Lucayan Beach Resort and Casino in Freeport, where he excelled in the accounts department and eventually became the Manager of Information Technology in the computer department.

In 1997, after the property was purchased by Hutchinson, Basil worked as a consultant before eventually joining Hutchinson Wompoa on the design team, taking charge of information technology infrastructure. Over his 12-year tenure, he rose to the position of director of information technology.

Throughout his illustrious career, Basil also served in various capacities, including a brief stint at Chances in the technology field in 2009 and later as part of the IT department at the Ministry of Tourism in Nassau.

Concurrently, he worked for two years dealing with cruise and maritime affairs while actively contributing to the Crisis Committee at Tourism.

In 2018, when the government purchased The Grand Lucayan, Basil was

ROTARY SATELLITE CLUB OF NASSAU

THE SACA Lighthouse Award is being given to Basil “The Kid” Sands, who shone in athletics under the guidance of Leviticus “Uncle Lou” Adderley.

called upon to spearhead the IT department, Security, and Communication as a consultant. In 2022, he was appointed as a consultant to the Gaming Board, showcasing his exceptional expertise in the field.

Basil’s life has been adorned with numerous awards and honors. He was inducted into the Grand Bahama Sports Hall of Fame in 2005 and the National Sports Hall of Fame in 2019.

During his senior year, he earned the most athletic male award, a testament to his sporting prowess.

Additionally, Basil received the prestigious Bahamas’ Investiture of National Honours Order of Merit Award by the hand of Cynthia A Pratt ON Governor General and Chancellor of Societies of Honour on Monday, October 9, 2023.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Basil indulges his passion for sports and is a devoted fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers in football, the Philadelphia 76ers in basketball, and the Los Angeles Dodgers in baseball. He is a doting father to five children, with nine grandchildren a few of which have followed in his footsteps. He has seven sisters and one brother. His family life is a cherished aspect, and he takes pride in being the grandfather of Labrea Sands, the #1 softball player in Florida and ranked #5 in the entire USA at just 13 years old. She has already began fielding via her parent’s college letters of interests.

In his leisure time, Basil finds solace in reading, engaging in dominoes, and enjoying social gatherings with close friends. His unwavering commitment to excellence in sports, technical expertise, and cherished family life make Basil “The Kid” Sands a remarkable and inspiring figure to all.

The SAC Alumni Association was formed over fifty years ago by former

students of St. Augustine’s College to promote school spirit and to advance the causes of the School which was founded in 1945 at “The Niche”, The Priory Grounds of St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral compound, West Street in the city of Nassau, Bahamas by the Benedictine monks.

Today under the multiterm leadership of Cherelle Cartwright (SAC Class ’81) the SAC Alumni Association has become a duly incorporated entity in The Bahamas as a registered non-profit entity with fiduciary responsibility to promote its causes as a “Friends of SAC” (and community) entity that engenders best in class institutional advancement standards and fundraising integrity.

The SACA is thankful to the many donors and friends and remains thankful to these benefactors and patrons.

Recent initiatives to raise and direct funds to assist SAC with various projects include but are not limited to the following: • Uncle Lou Walk-A-Thon • Major donation of materials for the construction of two new convertible softball fields (proceeds of the Uncle Lou Golf Tournament) • SAC Tuition Grant • COVID-19 Food Relief • Community Outreach • The SAC Alumni Association website development and donor portal(s) development • The SACA Lighthouse Awards The President of the SAC Alumni Association Cherelle Cartwright is heartened by the outpouring of genuine support garnered for and on behalf of the Association and she joins with her executive as they look forward to what promises to be a landmark Lighthouse Awards event on Saturday October 21, at 6.30pm at the Baha Mar Convention Centre, Cable Beach, Nassau, Bahamas.

The SAC Alumni Association and friends of SAC are indeed thankful for the outgoing president’s untiring exemplary service and leadership. We wish her well as she seeks higher aspiration.

The Rotary Satellite Club of Nassau on Cat Island (RSCN), along with the

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OUR Clubs and Societies page is a chance for you to share your group’s activities with our readers.

To feature on our Clubs and Societies page, submit your report to clubs@tribunemedia.net, with “Clubs Page” written in the subject line.

For more information about the page, contact Stephen Hunt on 826-2242.

SEATED in front: Kiwanis Lieutenant Governor Anastacia Johnson Sunshine Division 22. First Row: DP John Clarke, IPP Juan Gibson, President Dominique Gaitor, Secretary Kenny Carroll, PVP Leo Paul. Second Row: PP Gregory Butler, DS James McNeill, PD Albert Armbrister, DPP Frederick Rodgers, Treasurer Solomon Gibson, SLP Stanford Burrows, President Elec Jovon Woodside, PP Berry Sweeting, DS Kevin Hanna, PP Bradley Thompson. Third Row: DP Harvey Sweeting, DLG Alfred Poitier, Kiwanian Dale Swann, DP Ramon Gibson, PP Quintin Percentie, Chair Tino Cash, Prospective Tyrese Swain, PD Tony St. Remy, newly inducted members Tristen Lewis & Kaleel Solomon.

ADMINISTRATOR and Rotarian Herman Gilbert is flanked by members of the Great Inagua Youth Committee Odessa Rolle Secretary, members Beverly Williams, Shenequa Beneby & Deborah Farquharson President (L to R).

SPORTS PAGE 11

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023

Team Bahamas named for Pan American Games

MAKING A SPLASH: Lamar Taylor, shown here, is expected to lead The Bahamas’ swimming team for the Pan Am Games as he competes in the 50 metre and 100m freestyle, 100m backstroke and the relays in Santiago, Chile, following the selection made by the Bahamas Olympic Committee yesterday. The 19th edition of the Pan Am Games will begin today and continue until November 5 with more than 6,800 athletes from 41 countries vying to make it to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

SEE THE FULL STORY ON PAGE 13

JONQUEL JONES

JONES FINED $2,000 BY WNBA FOR TURNING DOWN MEDIA REQUESTS FOR INTERVIEWS

By MARK ANDERSON AP Sports Writer THE WNBA fined the New York Liberty $25,000 after some of their players declined media interview following the team’s loss to the Las Vegas Aces in the clinching game of the league finals.

Liberty players Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones and Betnijah Laney also were fined $2,000 each by the WNBA for turning down media requests for interviews.

According to WNBA rules, each team’s coach and two players must attend the postgame news conference and additional players requested by the media are required to be available in a different location.

The Aces were not fined for violating league policy.

Several players crashed the postgame news conference’ as finals MVP A’ja Wilson was answering a question.

After briefly joining in on a song, Wilson asked for silence and resumed with her answer.

Las Vegas defeated the Liberty 70-69 in Game 4 in New York to clinch its second championship in a row. The Liberty’s Courtney Vandersloot missed a shot as time expired that would have extended the series to a winner-take-all Game 5 in Las Vegas.

THE THIN LINE BETWEEN EXCELLENCE AND OVERTRAINING YOUTH athletes are a unique breed, brimming with ambition, energy and the desire to achieve excellence in their chosen sports.

However, this fervour can sometimes lead to a perilous territory known as overtraining. As coaches, we have to navigate the very thin line between bringing out the best in an athlete and destroying their bodies. In this article, we explore the signs and symptoms, common injuries, mental issues and the significance of optimising training loads for youth athletes. We will also provide recommendations for prevention and treatment.

Recognising the Signs and Symptoms Overtraining is a state in which the body is pushed

beyond its capacity to recover. For youth athletes, recognising the early signs is crucial: 1. Physical Fatigue: Persistent fatigue, a decline in performance, and an inability to reach previous personal bests are telltale signs.

2. Frequent Injuries: Overuse injuries, stress fractures, and muscle strains may become more common as the body struggles to recover.

3. Decreased Immunity: Weakened immune systems often result in frequent illness and susceptibility to infections.

4. Mental and Emotional Changes: This may be hard to identify in teenagers sometimes (wink) but irritability, mood swings, sleep

Protecting young athletes

DR KENT BAZARD

disturbances, and decreased motivation are common in overtrained athletes.

Common Injuries and Mental Issues Overtraining can lead to a host of physical and mental issues: 1.

Overuse Injuries: Stress fractures, tendinitis, and muscle strains are prevalent as the body’s tissues become more susceptible to injury.

2. Mental Stress: Anxiety, depression, and performance anxiety can become overwhelming, impacting an athlete’s psychological well-being.

3. Burnout: The relentless pursuit of excellence can lead to early burnout, potentially robbing young

Pumas and All Blacks meet in Rugby World Cup semifinal

By JEROME PUGMIRE AP Sports Writer PARIS (AP) — Argentina and New Zealand weren’t supposed to get this far after losing their opening games at the Rugby World Cup. The Pumas were seen as nohopers, the All Blacks perceived as a faded force.

Both proved their doubters wrong to set up a semifinal showdown today at Stade de France that few tipped to happen.

Reaching a final is unchartered waters for Argentina, while a fifth final in 10 tournaments is

on offer for big-stage-veteran New Zealand.

“The history is not in our favour but it is up to us to change that,” Argentina coach Michael Cheika said.

“We have a chance to on Friday (today) and we will be ready.”

After a humiliating 27-10 defeat to 14-man England, the Argentines were written off and then only scraped past Samoa 19-10.

After routing Chile 59-5 the Pumas concluded with a tense 39-27 win against Japan. Last weekend, they rallied twice to beat Wales

SEE PAGE 14

NEW Zealand’s Aaron Smith leads the team as they perform the Haka just prior to the start of the Rugby World Cup quarterfinal match between Ireland and New Zealand at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, near Paris, on October 14, 2023.

(AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

athletes of the joys of their sport.

Optimising Training Loads The key to avoiding overtraining is finding the sweet spot in training intensity, duration and volume. Recommendations include: 1. Periodisation: Implement structured training cycles that include periods of rest and reduced intensity to allow for recovery.

2. Individualised Plans: Tailor training programmes to suit an athlete’s age, physical maturity, and sport-specific demands.

3. Monitoring: Regularly assess an athlete’s progress,

track performance data, and be attentive to signs of overtraining.

Indeed, it’s always good to seek consult from your friendly neighbourhood sports medicine physician (wink wink).

Prevention Strategies Preventing overtraining syndromes in youth athletes involves a multifaceted approach: 1. Rest: Incorporate rest days into the training schedule to allow for physical and mental recovery.

2. Balanced Nutrition: Ensure athletes maintain a

SEE PAGE 14

KOHLI’S HUNDRED PROPELS INDIA TO VICTORY AT CRICKET WORLD CUP PUNE, India (AP) — Virat Kohli scored his 48th ODI hundred to help India beat Bangladesh by seven wickets yesterday for its fourth straight win at the Cricket World Cup. Kohli finished with 103 not out off 97 balls as India finished with 261-3 (41.3 overs) in reply to Bangladesh’s sub-par 256-8 (50 overs). He had some help at the other end from Lokesh Rahul, who finished 34 not out.

Kohli is now one short of compatriot Sachin

Tendulkar’s world record of 49 ODI hundreds. Across formats it was his 78th international century but just his third in World Cups since 2011.

India stays second in the points table with eight points from four games, trailing New Zealand on net run-rate.

The two teams will face each other in Dharamsala on Sunday.

“I wanted to make a big contribution today,” Kohli

SEE PAGE 12

PAGE 12, Friday, October 20, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

SPORTS NOTES

THE BAHAMAS has been selected to host a regional training camp for top junior tennis athletes in the Caribbean and Central America.

BLTA: Bahamas selected to host regional training camp for the top junior tennis athletes in Caribbean, Central America THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) is pleased to announce that The Bahamas has been selected to host a regional training camp for top junior tennis athletes in the Caribbean and Central America.

The training camp will be held at the National Tennis Centre (NTC) November 6-10.

The camp will feature the top talent in the U14 category from the regional English speaking countries (Trinidad and Tobago, St Vincent, Curacao, Barbados and The Bahamas) and will be facilitated

by John Goede, the ITF development officer for the Caribbean.

Coming off the heels of the BLTA being awarded for its tennis excellence and the re-election of its president to the Cotecc board,

CRICKET WORLD CUP

FROM PAGE 11 said. “I have a few halfcenturies in World Cups but didn’t convert them. I wanted to finish off things today and stay till the end.”

The man of the match said it’s a “special feeling” to play the tournament in India. The MCA Stadium was at full capacity with 33,610 fans.

Bangladesh stays seventh with just two points from one win in four games.

Earlier, opting to bat, Bangladesh got off to a great start on a batting friendly surface. Tanzid Hasan, who was on the verge of being left out from this game, scored a maiden ODI half-century instead.

Together with Litton Das, he put on 93 runs off 88 balls for the first wicket.

For India, there was another cause for concern as well. All-rounder Hardik Pandya hobbled off in the ninth over with a twisted left ankle. He was trying to field off his bowling as Das struck a boundary.

The Bahamas is once again setting history as being the first country to host a training camp for the juniors from the English-speaking countries in the region.

The BLTA is excited to have this opportunity to host this training event.

Seven Bahamian juniors, including two from Grand Bahama and one from Eleuthera, have been invited to participate in the camp.

Patrick Mactaggart, Synaj Watkins, Ayai Bethel, Chase Newbold, Briana Houlgrave, Caitlyn Pratt and Danielle Saunders, all top players in their respective age groups, are expected to participate in the training camp.

Newly minted Level 2 CAP (Coaching Advanced Players) coach Ricardo Demeritte will be a part of the coaching group.

Pandya was taken for scans at a local medical facility. Surprisingly, Kohli completed that ninth over, albeit bowling just those three deliveries.

Pandya did not bowl or field for the remainder of the game, and he was not padded up while India chased down Bangladesh’s total.

“He pulled up a bit sore and there is nothing major to worry (about),” Indian skipper Rohit Sharma said.

“We will see how he pulls up (tomorrow) and then plan on how to go forward.”

Bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur (1-59) stepped up, but he didn’t provide the same control that Pandya often does.

Hasan scored 50 off 41 balls, hitting five fours and three sixes.

Instead, wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav provided the breakthrough, trapping Hasan lbw in the 15th over.

India etched out three more wickets for just 44 runs and reduced Bangladesh to 137-4 in 27.4 overs.

While Yadav provided control from one end, left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja inflicted more damage. First he trapped

The camp will also allow for potential 2024 CAP candidates to participate as well.

BLTA president Perry Newton noted: “Training is the gateway to development and growth. I am very appreciative of Cotecc for allowing this tennis camp for the English-speaking countries.

“It has been a wonderful experience to be a part of the Cotecc board for the past two years and to sit on their junior development committee; this progressive board is shaping the future of tennis in the region.

“The U14 is a key development group that Cotecc puts emphasis on and this camp shows their commitment to that goal. It is great that we will have a mix of male and female juniors to represent The

Bahamas in the camp from Eleuthera, Grand Bahama and Nassau.

“The camp will impart knowledge and the juniors will have so much memorable experiences that we hope will improve their game and add value to them on their tennis journey. We encourage persons who wish to help in sponsoring these activities to come forth as these events do require some financial investment.

“Holding the camp in The Bahamas is positive for the sport and a great feat for the country. We are happy to be able to manage and organise it all.”

Immediately following the camp, the BLTA will host the U14 Junkanoo Bowl at the National Tennis Centre. The tournament is ranked on the Cotecc Junior Circuit.

INDIA’s Virat Kohli celebrates his century during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup match between Bangladesh and India in Pune, India, yesterday.

(AP Photo/Anupam Nath) stand-in skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto lbw for

eight runs. Then, he dismissed Das, who scored

Juniors born between 2009 and 2010 and are at a minimum of 11 years old by November 11 are invited to come and participate in this international event scheduled for November 11-16.

The registration deadline is October 23. You will find registration information at www.cotecc.org.sv.

U14 players can send their confirmation of interest along with a passport copy to the BLTA’s secretary at bltasecadmin@blta. net.

The BLTA looks forward to hosting the camp for this vibrant group of talented juniors and also hosting the U14 Junkanoo Bowl on the international Cotecc Junior Circuit.

November promises to be a very productive and groundbreaking month for Bahamas Tennis.

66 off 82 balls with seven fours.

In between, Mehidy Hasan Miraz was surprisingly promoted but wicketkeeper Rahul took a diving catch to his left and sent him back for three runs.

Veteran Mushfiqur Rahim stabilised the innings with 38 off 46 balls.

He put on 42 runs with Towhid Hridoy for the fifth wicket. Hridoy was caught off Thakur for 16 runs.

Rahim then put on 22 runs with Mahmudullah, before a stunning onehanded catch at point from Jadeja off Bumrah sent him back.

Mahmudullah guided the lower-order and top-scored with 46 off 36 balls. He hit three fours and three sixes.

His most vital partnership was worth 32 off 26 balls with Nasum Ahmed (14).

He helped Bangladesh cross the 250-mark, even if it fell short of a par score on a great batting wicket.

In reply, the Indian openers sped off the block. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill added 88 off 76 balls.

The skipper led the charge initially, and he scored 48 off 40 balls, with

YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL BYFFL games begin Saturday at the original Thomas A Robinson national stadium. *Game Schedule October 21, 2023* *Ages 6 - 9 (players must be on site for 10:15am)* 11:00am - Team Inne vs. Sheldeen 11:30am - Team Dawkins vs. Team Sheldeen Noon - Team Dawkins vs. Team Inne *Ages 10 - 13 (players must be on site for 11:30am)* 12:30pm - Moss vs Kevin 1:00pm - Munroe vs Dawkins 1:30pm Allen vs Kevin 2:00pm - Munroe vs Moss *Ages 14 - 17 (players must be on site for 1:30pm)* 2:30pm - Chavar vs Allen 3:00pm - Munroe vs D’Angelo 3:30pm - Allen vs.

D’Angelo NFL FLAG FAMILY FUN DAY NFL Flag Family Fun Day - Saturday, October 21.

NFL Flag Bahamas will host an exhibition game featuring the Miami Dolphins NFL Flag Adult Team. The event will run from 1pm to 5pm at the Roscow A L Davies Field NPVA Night League New Providence Volleyball Association Night League Friday, October 20 7:30pm - (Women’s Match) UB Mingoes vs Lady Techs 9pm - (Men’s Match) Technicians vs Defenders

CONNECT FOR CANCER FUN RUN WALK & MINI HEALTH EXPO ON SATURDAY THIS year, the South Beach constituency is pleased to partner with our title sponsor Cancer Center Treatment of America’s City of Hope to host the second annual Connect for Cancer Fun Run Walk & Mini Health Expo on Saturday, October 21.

This initiative was born out of a desire to assist those impacted by cancer in our community as most persons either have a family member, friend, colleague or church member impacted by cancer.

In addition to the walk and run, there will be a mini health expo immediately following the run and walk in the race village.

seven fours and two sixes.

The second of those sixes was a towering pull shot off Hasan Mahmud over the square leg fence in the 13th over, but he was caught next ball trying to replicate it.

Gill scored his maiden World Cup half-century off 52 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes.

He scored 53 runs in all and added 44 off 42 balls for the second wicket with Kohli.

He holed out at the deep midwicket fence against the run of play. Kohli though took over charge of the innings there onward and Bangladesh never got a sniff. He added 46 runs off 59 balls for the third wicket with Shreyas Iyer (19).

Iyer holed out to the deep. Kohli reached 50 off 48 balls, and then marched toward a landmark hundred.

Kohli and Rahul added an unbeaten 83 runs off 74 balls for the fourth wicket.

With a couple of extras thrown in, it seemed like Kohli could miss his chance.

But he bided his time and slammed a full toss from Nasum Ahmed into the crowd, kicking off celebrations in Pune.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, October 20, 2023, PAGE 13

20-member Team Bahamas named for Pan Am Games

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net TWENTY participants will represent The Bahamas at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile following the selection made by the Bahamas Olympic Committee (BOC).

The 19th edition of the Pan Am Games will begin today and continue until November 5 with more than 6,800 athletes from 41 countries vying to make it to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The Bahamas’ representatives are expected to compete in six sporting disciplines which include sailing, tennis, swimming, athletics, golf and wrestling.

Nine members will compete in the swimming segment of the event which is scheduled to begin on Saturday. The swimming team features Lamar Taylor (50m and 100m freestyle, 100m backstroke, and relays), Zaylie-Elizabeth Thompson (100m and 200m freestyle, 100m breaststroke and 200 IM/Relays), Emmanuel Gadson (100m butterfly, 200 IM, 200m breaststroke and relays), Jack Barr (100m and 1500m freestyle, and relays), Victoria Russell (50m freestyle and relays), Luke Thompson (200m, 400m freestyle and relays), Mark-Anthony Thompspn (100m breaststroke and relays), Katelyn Cabral (relays), and Ariel Weech (relays).

The swimming team will be coached by Sara Knowles.

The tennis sporting discipline which begins Monday, October 23 has three members that will compete in Santiago, Chile.

Justin Roberts will be in action for singles, mixed, and men’s doubles matches.

Meanwhile, Sydney Clarke will play in the singles and mixed matches.

Kevin Major is slated to compete in singles action alongside Roberts in the men’s doubles. Larikah Russell will coach the team.

Sailing commences on Saturday, October 28 and has a lone competitor, Joshua Higgins (ILCA 7).

Athletics will follow sailing two days later on October 30. Representing The Bahamas will be Rhema Otabor (javelin), Samson Colebrooke (100m), Kendrick Thompson and Ken Mullings (decathlon), and veteran

TV EQUIPMENT STOLEN FROM PAN AM GAMES’ OPENING CEREMONY SITE IN CHILE

By DEBORA REY Associated Press

A DEMONSTRATOR paints graffiti on a billboard advertising the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games, during protests marking the fourth anniversary of anti-government protests, in Santiago, Chile, on Wednesday. The opening ceremony for the XIX Pan American Games will take place in Santiago today.

(AP Photo/Esteban Felix) jumper Donald Thomas (high jump).

Antonio Saunders will coach the athletics team for the Pan Am Games.

The remaining sports will include wrestling which begins on November 1 and golf on November 2.

Rashji Mackey will compete in the 86 kg freestyle category. For golf, Nolan Johnson will represent the country and the Bahamas Golf Federation (BGF) president Lynford Miller will serve as the caddie.

Romell Knowles, president of the BOC, has great expectations for the team with competition set to begin this weekend. “We expect some great performances led by Donald Thomas who is the cagey veteran.

“We believe it is a very strong team with talented athletes who are anxious to make their mark on the international scene,” Knowles said. “We have a number of young athletes and veteran athletes as well.

“The team is smaller than usual, but it is a good mixture. We are proud of them and we wish them well,” he added.

Although the team has fewer members than the last contingent which had 33 members, Knowles is optimistic about the athletes’ ability to perform and make a push for the

THE NATIONAL Stadium of Santiago stands days before the start of the Pan-American Games in Santiago, Chile, on October 17. The Games start on October 20 (today).

(AP Photo/Matias Basualdo) Olympic Games next year summer. There is also the going to obviously inspire in Paris, France. talent of Barr, Russell, the young athletes and it is “We have Higgins on Luke-Kennedy Thompson, exciting to watch him perthe water while tennis is Mark-Anthony Thomp- form,” the BOC president loaded with talent with son and Katelyn Cabral,” said.

Justin Roberts, Sydney Knowles said.

He added the commitClarke and Kevin Major.

As it relates to one of the tee is pleased to extend “Swimming has a lot of more seasoned competi- the Olympic programme to talent with the experience tors, high jumper Thomas, golf and is expecting freeof Ariel Weech and others the president has high style wrestler Mackey to such as Zaylie-Elizabeth hopes for the field event make a breakthrough after Thompson and Taylor competitor. “We’re look- his stints in a few internawho were at the Central ing for good things from tional tournaments.

American and Caribbean Thomas who is the senior The 19th Pan Am Games (CAC) Games this past man on the team. He’s will open today.

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Television crews at the Pan American Games had equipment stolen this week from the compound of the National Stadium, the site of today’s opening ceremony, heightening concerns about crime at the tournament hosting over 6,800 athletes.

Harold Mayne-Nicholls, the executive-director of the games, said yesterday that police had retrieved stolen cameras but did not offer more details. He had reported the incident in a video the day before.

“Chile’s police have been up to this. In less than 24 hours they found cameras that were stolen from the region of the National Stadium,” Mayne-Nicholls said in a video posted on his social media channels.

Chilean police said Wednesday evening they had found some of the stolen items and arrested one of the alleged robbers.

A contractor, and not local police, was in charge of security at the National Stadium compound when the incident took place.

The Pan American Games, the largest multisport event in the Americas, are held one year before the Olympics. Chile is hosting for the first time, with the tournament running from October 10 to November 5.

Recent polls have shown Chileans are especially worried about crime under President Gabriel Boric, whose administration has faced street protests ahead of the games in a politically divided nation.

The country’s government said crime increased 44% in 2022 in comparison with the previous year.

Official figures also showed homicides doubled between 2016 and 2022, from 3.6 for every 100,000 residents to 7.

Chile’s government announced earlier this month that 3,000 police agents will work at the Pan American Games, the biggest sporting event the Andean country has hosted in years. Police presence at the National Stadium was greater yesterday than at the beginning of the week.

Organisers of the Pan American Games had previously told The Associated Press they had increased their attention in check points at the gates of every sporting venue.

Israel-Hamas war means one less overseas option for Jonquel Jones, other WNBA players

By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Alysha Clark has spent the past five WNBA offseasons playing overseas in Israel, but with the country at war with Hamas she probably won’t be going back this year — if it’s even an option.

Currently the Israel women’s basketball league has suspended play amid the war.

“It’s another home for me when I go there. I don’t know,” Clark, the Las Vegas Aces’ top reserve said of possibly returning to Israel. “Honestly my gut feeling is saying no. I’d prefer to stay home and be with my family, be in the market in Vegas and do that type of thing.”

As Clark and other players evaluate their next moves with the WNBA season coming to an end this week, the overseas job market continues to shrink, between the situation in Israel and the ongoing war Russia-Ukraine war.

Last offseason nearly half the league’s 144 players made the trek to Israel,

Australia, Turkey, Italy and about a half-dozen other countries to supplement their incomes.

While it’s easier for veterans like Clark, and former league MVPs Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart to find places to play, younger players are having a more difficult time, especially with the 10-team league in Israel now out of the picture.

Connecticut Sun rookie Leigha Brown was all set to head to Israel a day before the conflict began. She’s thankful she hadn’t gotten on a flight yet to head there, unlike a few other WNBA players.

“My flight was scheduled for 9:30am on that Saturday morning,” she said.

“I was already right at the airport hotel, getting ready when my coach from Israel called me and said don’t come. He said the league is suspended until further notice.”

About a dozen current or former WNBA players played in Israel last season but Brown said her family was happy she didn’t make the trip in the middle of the conflict. Especially since

LIBERTY’s Jonquel Jones (35) watches a free throw attempt in the second half in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals on Sunday.

(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) this was going to be her first prolonged trip overseas.

“They didn’t really voice that until after the fact,” she said. “My whole family was grateful. It put a lot of perspective that basketball is my life and it’s something I love to do, but it’s not the end all be all. There are a lot more important things.”

After not getting much playing time as a rookie with the Sun, Brown was hoping to hone her skills in Israel — a place that has helped many young WNBA

players improve their game. For now she is training in Colorado, hoping for a chance to play either somewhere else overseas or in the domestic Athletes Unlimited league.

“I just want to find somewhere else to play, get the experience,” Brown said.

“At this point I’m not picky, I just want to find something.”

Russia will not be an option for her.

While there are still lucrative overseas alternatives to

the marketing deals that the WNBA offers players to remain in the U.S. during the offseason and promote the league, following the wrongful detainment of Brittney Griner in 2022 and its war with Ukraine, Russia is off players’ lists.

“I thought I was going to be playing in Russia until I was done playing basketball,” said Jones, who is from The Bahamas.

“The money was great.

They treated us great. It was amazing, the living conditions were amazing.

I had no problem signing a five-year contract and going back there because I enjoyed my experience.

Then the Ukraine war happened.”

Though top players like Jones and Griner can now make $700,000 in the United States when factoring in all possible revenue streams offered by the WNBA, players continue to play overseas.

China has returned as a top landing spot, with Jones and Connecticut Sun MVP candidate Alyssa Thomas both planning on playing there this offseason. The country had been closed

to international players because of its COVID-19 policy for the past few years.

The season in China is shorter then some of the other international leagues, and has worked out well for Jones.

“I didn’t think twice about it. I went to China before and it was a really, really good experience,” said Jones, who has also played in Korea and Russia.

Players have always weighed several factors when deciding where they would like to play overseas, including security, health, finances, family obligations and quality of life.

Now they have one more: the WNBA prioritisation rules. For the 2024 season and beyond, players with more than two years of experience must report to teams by May 1 or the start of training camp — whichever is later — or be suspended for the whole season.

With the Paris Olympics next year, the WNBA season may begin earlier to fit in the 40-game schedule and the usual nearly monthlong break for the Games.

PAGE 14, Friday, October 20, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

Jamaica earns fourth straight CGA Four-Ball Golf Championship

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net JAMAICA hoisted the Ambrose Gouthro Cup trophy for the fourth consecutive time at the Caribbean Golf Association’s (CGA) Four-Ball Championship yesterday at the Royal Blue Golf Club, Baha Mar. The team ended the three-day event with a total of 66 points.The host country, The Bahamas, finished in second with 52 points and Trinidad and Tobago wrapped up the golf championships in third with 47 points.

Nine countries competed in the event over this week.

Gina Gonzalez-Rolle, chair of the junior division of the Bahamas Golf Federation, talked about the success of the country’s inaugural hosting of this particular championship.

“It was a fantastic event and Jamaica won again for the fourth straight time, The Bahamas came second but we were pleased to say that the weather was good, the course was beautiful and everyone had a wonderful time and felt that golf in The Bahamas is truly what so many people have been looking for, golf is truly better in The Bahamas,” she said.

The Caribbean countries competed in three rounds across the men and

women’s divisions from October 17-19.

The ladies competed in the 25-plus and 45-plus categories. Violet Roopchand and Ingrid Seeberan, of Trinidad and Tobago, won the 45- plus division with a total gross of 253.

Rosena Smith and Nathalie Tynes, of The Bahamas, followed behind with a total gross of 289 after three rounds of golf.

Jamaica narrowly snuck away with a win in the 25-plus category. The team of Lisa Gardner and Jodi Munn Barrow prevailed over the field with a total gross of 234.

The team of Christina Ferreira came second with 237 for Trinidad and Tobago.

Meanwhile, the host country’s Valron Grimes and Kyshna Radnetter finished third with a total gross of 278.

The men competed in four categories, including the mid-amateur men, senior men, super senior men and men 70 plus.

The Bahamas led the mid-amateur men with a total gross of 208. The team included Bahamas Golf Federation president Lynford Miller and Peter Mcintosh.

Jamaica’s Sean Morris and Dave Cameron were right in the fold, amassing a total gross of 210.

Overall third place finisher, Trinidad and Tobago, ended third in the

A GOLFER takes a swing at the Caribbean Golf Association’s (CGA) Four-Ball Championship yesterday at the Royal Blue Golf Club, Baha Mar. division with a 215 total gross.

Jamaica earned bragging rights for the senior men. The duo of Owen Samuda and Dr Mark Newnham notched a total gross of 205.

Wayne Baptiste and Richard Camacho, of Trinidad and Tobago, came second and the

Cayman Islands ended in third. The Bahamas concluded this category with a fifth and ninth place finish.

However, the host team claimed the super senior men’s division.

Decorated golfers Raymond Gibson and Horace Miller ended with a total gross of 215. Jamaica came second and the Cayman

Islands once again secured third.

Jamaica emerged victorious in the 70 plus division. Carlysle Hudson and Dorrel Allen put a total gross of 217 on the score sheet.

The Turks & and Caicos Islands’ Rick Sanmiya and Jack Sims placed second and Oswald Moore and Max Quant brought home third place for The Bahamas.

Georgette Rolle, owner of Fourteen Clubs Golf Academy, was pleased with the level of competition and camaraderie displayed between the Caribbean teams.

“A lot of these players have been competing against each other in various championships over the years. It is not just a coming together of the various players from different countries, but friends coming together.

The camaraderie is still there even at this high level of competition.

“We saw some really low scores this week with the four-ball teams and we can only hope that we continue to see that level of scoring which shows the growth of the competitive level of golf throughout the Caribbean,” she said.

Next up for golf in The Bahamas will be a Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture golf tournament at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex golf course on November 4.

BAZARD FROM PAGE 11 balanced diet rich in essential nutrients for growth and recovery. 3. Education: Teach young athletes the importance of listening to their bodies and understanding the signs of overtraining.

4. Support System: Create a supportive and communicative environment where athletes can openly discuss their concerns and challenges.

Treatment If an athlete shows signs of overtraining, a multidisciplinary approach is essential: 1. Rest and Recovery: Immediate cessation of intense training and ample rest is crucial.

2. Medical Evaluation: Consult with medical professionals to address physical and mental health concerns.

3. Revised Training Plans: Create an adjusted training plan that gradually reintroduces activity once the athlete is ready.

4. Psychological Support: Engage with sports psychologists to help athletes cope with mental stress.

In conclusion, the pursuit of excellence in youth athletes is commendable but should be balanced with caution and care. Preventing overtraining requires vigilance, education and a comprehensive approach to health and well-being.

Ultimately, the path to success should be one that nourishes both the body and the spirit, allowing young athletes to thrive and flourish in their chosen sports.

UÊ ÀÊ i ÌÊ >â>À`Ê ÃÊ >Ê Bahamian sports medicine physician, sports performance coach, sports nutrition specialist and founder of Empire Sports Medicine. Our mission is to empower athletes to reach new heights while safeguarding their health and well-being.

We understand the unique demands of sports activities, and we are dedicated to helping athletes prevent injuries, overcome challenges, optimise nutrition and performance.

Lakers’ LeBron James is redefining NBA longevity as he reaches his 21st season

By GREG BEACHAM AP Sports Writer EL SEGUNDO, Calif.

(AP) — LeBron James is already the defining figure of this basketball era with his strength, skills, smarts and relentless will to win.

The Los Angeles Lakers superstar now seems determined to redefine how long an elite player can stay on top.

James begins his 21st NBA season next week with his 39th birthday looming in December, yet the top scorer in league history shows shockingly few signs of decline from his peerless standard of performance. From a statistical standpoint, James’ prolific production hasn’t waned in any significant way for two full decades.

James admits he can feel the years. For everybody else, they’re almost impossible to see.

“I feel different. I’m not a 21-year-old, that’s for sure,” James said with a laugh.

“Feels a little bit different getting out of bed every day. But as far as my energy level, I feel pretty good.”

From Tom Brady to Kelly Slater, modern athletes across all sports have rewritten the traditional guidelines around age and decline in the 21st century.

Few have ever done it like James, whose ascent to the

RUGBY

FROM PAGE 11 29-17 in the quarterfinals.

Cheika urged his players to remember both what got them this far and what it means back home. “We want to inspire not just by our results but by our ambition, by our ability to get back up and overcome obstacles,” he said. “There are not a lot of opportunities in life — us playing in a semifinal is an even rarer chance and we want to have no regrets.”

throne of the NBA’s oldest player caught his Lakers teammates by surprise.

“He sure doesn’t play like it,” Austin Reaves said.

“He’s still out here making us look bad in practice.”

James makes this unprecedented NBA longevity look relatively easy, yet he also smiles and deflects when asked about his endgame. He says he doesn’t know how long he wants to play, and he admits he thought hard about walking away after last season before he decided to return to the Lakers while even keeping an eye on the Paris Olympics next summer.

“I don’t know what the end is going to look like,” he said. “I have no idea.”

James is the sixth player in league history to make it into a 21st season, but nobody has ever played this many years at James’ current level of performance — with the caveat that James got a jump on his career by entering the league directly out of high school, of course.

That difference gives him more NBA seasons at a younger age, but also more wear and tear on his body from competition against other grown men. It’s still increasingly clear that nobody has ever stayed as good as LeBron for as long as LeBron, who averaged The final will be against another team which wasn’t supposed to make it to the semis — England — or defending champion South Africa.

“Everyone is expecting a New Zealand and South Africa final,” Cheika said.

“We just have to play our part in making sure that we are clear about what is going to be required when the heat comes on.”

The heat was on New Zealand a few weeks ago.

After losing by an unheard of 35-7 to South Africa in their final

28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game last season.

The other five NBA players to reach 21 seasons — Robert Parish, Kevin Willis, Dirk Nowitzki, Vince Carter and Kevin Garnett — were all markedly diminished from their peaks. Only Carter played a 22nd season, but James currently seems capable of obliterating that barrier if he wishes.

While nearly all NBA players who lasted even to their mid-30s took precipitous declines in effectiveness before hanging up their sneakers, the former teenage phenomenon from Akron is still an elite, All-Star-calibre performer on a strong team.

The Lakers reached the

Western Conference finals under James’ leadership last season, and they look capable of contending for his fifth title.

While James’ merciless work ethic is the stuff of NBA legend, he also cites more holistic reasons for his ability keep up in a sport that demands youthlike athleticism now more than ever. “It’s just staying focused and being passionate about the purity of the game,” James said. “Understanding the ones that came before me, respecting the history of the game, and also understanding that if you want to be great at something, you’ve got to put in the work. There’s no substitution for work. I put in the work on the court, off the court.”

Only injuries significantly slowed James during the end of his second decade in professional basketball. James has missed 80 games over the past three seasons, sitting out roughly one-third of the Lakers’ regular-season contests.

He was slowed last spring by an injured tendon in his right foot, but he still extended his streak to a jaw-dropping 282 playoff games without an absence.

James and the Lakers are working harder than ever to keep him healthy this season — and for who knows how many more years to come.

Along with consulting James and Anthony Davis on minute management, the Lakers have complemented their stars with a deep roster containing more playmakers than last season, possibly freeing James from some of the heavier work in initiating the offense.

“That goes into making us more efficient in how we manage (James),” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said.

“Now that we have, top to bottom, what we feel like is a highly balanced, skilled, younger team of guys who’ve logged a ton of NBA minutes, we can surround both (James) and AD with players that are eager to contribute and impact winning. And Bron

warmup, and then succumbing 27-13 to host France in their World Cup opener, the All Blacks were not considered good enough to go the distance by many observers.

But coach Ian Foster’s side scored 240 points in routing Namibia, Italy and Uruguay and incredibly withstood a final attack of 37 phases to down top-ranked Ireland 28-24 last Saturday.

After seeing his side battling so hard, Foster certainly won’t take the Pumas lightly.

“Firstly, you’ve never heard us say we’re

favourites. We know these games are do or die,” he said. “We have learnt to greatly respect Argentina.

They have a history of overachieving at the World Cup.” Foster summoned left winger Mark Tele’a from purgatory to face an Argentina side which changed only its scrumhalf to play Gonzalo Bertranou in anticipation of a much faster game than against Wales.

Tele’a was axed from the quarterfinal against Ireland after breaking curfew

and replaced by Leicester Fainga’anuku, who scored the All Blacks’ opening try.

But repentant Tele’a was back in the team’s good graces.

“We have got faith in him,” Foster said.

In New Zealand’s second change, lock Sam Whitelock starts ahead of Brodie Retallick with a chance to become the first player in tournament history to appear in three finals.

Whitelock was a World Cup winner in 2011 and 2015.

New Zealand was wary of history repeating itself. The

LAKERS forward LeBron James reacts during the first half of a preseason game against the Kings on October 11.

(AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

does a great job of taking care of himself.”

A player who has done it all and won it all might struggle for motivation, but James always has new worlds to conquer.

A year after he surpassed Kareem AbdulJabbar’s career scoring record, James begins the new year just 549 minutes away from passing AbdulJabbar’s record for the most minutes played in NBA history. With good health, he’ll almost certainly become the first person to score 40,000 points in the NBA. James has another dimension of motivation after he dedicated the season to his oldest son, Bronny. The USC freshman is recovering from a frightening cardiac event, and James is determined to remain an example of hard work and perseverance.

When asked what still inspires him two decades into his career, James immediately mentions his three children.

The chance to coach Bryce James’ AAU team during the summer rekindled his own passion for the game after the tumultuous end of the Lakers’ season.

“I just had conversations with my family, conversations with myself,” James said. “I feel like I’ve got a lot more in the tank to give.”

All Blacks were favourites in 2019 and crushed by England in the semifinals.

Nearer in time, the All Blacks enjoyed a great win against South Africa at Ellis Park last year then suffered their first loss at home to Argentina, two years after their first loss ever to the Pumas. “We were the first (Argentina team) to beat New Zealand (in New Zealand), it confirms we can beat anyone,” Pumas captain Julian Montoya said.

“As soon as you get on the field you must believe you can win.”