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Volume: 121 No.6, November 28, 2023

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: PRICE–$1

IMF WARNING TO GOVT ON DEFICIT Spending expected to outpace income by three times forecast

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) last night blew a hole in the Government’s 2023-2024 Budget projections by warning the fiscal deficit will likely be almost three times’ higher than forecast.

The Washington

DC-based Fund, unveiling its statement on the annual Article IV consultation with The Bahamas, estimated that the current fiscal year’s deficit will be “considerably larger than that expected in the Budget” at a sum equal to 2.6 percent of gross domestic product (GDP).

NEARLY two weeks after North Eleuthera MP Sylvanus Petty resigned as chairman of the Water and Sewerage Corporation, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said an investigation was not launched into the

TRIBUNE president Robert Carron receives a Golden Jubilee award on behalf of Tribune publisher Eileen Dupuch-Carron yesterday from Deputy Governor General Ruby Ann Darling, flanked by Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis and Chief Justice Ian Winder.

Photo: Dante Carrer

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

PM: NO INVESTIGATIONS INTO PETTY ALLEGATIONS

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

Honouring the nation builders

underlying controversy, but that Mr Petty’s court testimony was enough to secure his fate.

Reporters asked Mr Davis whether investigations found that other friends or relatives of Mr Petty benefited from his leadership, allegedly through jobs or SEE PAGE FIVE

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net MORE than 100 people were recognised yesterday for their contribution to nation-building during the pre and post-independence periods.

Deputy to the Governor General Ruby Ann Darling presented the Special Golden Jubilee Independence Award to the recipients, who include retired civil servants and politicians, historians, athletes, and leading figures in the religious and cultural community.

The honorees included The

Tribune’s editor and publisher Eileen Dupuch Carron as well as former Prime Ministers Perry Christie and Hubert Ingraham, Dame Marguerite Pindling, and World and Olympic champion Steven Gardiner, among many others.

“It feels amazing to be recognised for the hard work and dedication that we all have been doing for our country and to celebrate 50 years of Independence, it’s just a good feeling to be here,” said Mr Gardiner.

Some of the awardees were honoured posthumously, including Sir SEE PAGE TWO

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said he believes Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ references to The Bahamas while defending Israel’s reaction to Hamas’ attack last week show he is misinformed.

For the second time, Mr DeSantis said last week

RON DeSantis.

Photo:John Raoux/AP that the United States would quickly “flatten”

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

The Bahamas if “someone in The Bahamas was launching missiles into Fort Lauderdale.”

His comment came while defending Israel’s reaction to the conflict Hamas started when it attacked that country last month.

Mr Davis told reporters yesterday: “I don’t want to get into the domestic

A 30-YEAR-OLD was shot dead on Kendall Avenue, South Beach, on Sunday.

The incident occurred around 10.30pm.

Police said the male victim had just arrived at a residence and was walking when an unknown male occupant of a blackcoloured Japanese vehicle opened fire in his direction.

The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the body.

The murder is the 96th for the year, according to The Tribune’s records.

SEE PAGE FIVE

SEE PAGE FOUR

Davis: Desantis rocket remarks ‘misguiDeD’

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

two murDers OVER WEEKEND brings count TO 96 FOR YEAR

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

PAGE 2, Tuesday, November 28, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

Special Golden Jubilee Independence Awards from page one Lynden Pindling, Dr Gail Saunders and Sir Sidney Poitier.

They were honoured during a ceremony held at Baha Mar resort that featured lively performances from the Royal Bahamas Police Force band.

While giving the keynote address, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis commended the awardees and thanked them for their vast

contributions to society.

“Our journey over the past five decades has been one of remarkable achievement, spanning sports, science, business, education, politics, art, music, philanthropy, and media.

In just about every field imaginable, nationally or internationally, Bahamians are excelling,” he said.

“Bahamian men and women, young and old, from all walks of life, have shaped our national identity

and propelled The Bahamas to its esteemed place on the world stage.”

“So, while the year may be coming to an end, our Golden Jubilee is not yet done, and before it is done, we are recognising and celebrating the contributions of our national heroes and heroines ––– our nation builders, our people –– who made this nation what it is today.”

SEE PAGE THREE

OLYMPIC medalist Steven Gardiner accepts an award from Deputy Governor General Ruby Ann Darling during the Golden Jubilee Independence Award of Special Honour ceremony at Baha Mar yesterday.

Photos: Dante Carrer

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, November 28, 2023, PAGE 3

Images from Special Golden Jubilee Independence Awards gala event

from page two Other honorees include Cleophas Adderley, Jr, (posthumously); Dame Anita Mildred Allen; Paul L Adderley (posthumously); Clifford Darling (posthumously);

Rodney E Bain (posthumously) Sir Baltron Bethel; Bishop Neil Ellis; Marion Bethel-Sears; Sir Michael Barnett; Edward Clement Bethel (posthumously); Eldred Edison Bethel (posthumously); Dr. Keva Bethel

(posthumously); Dr Myles Munroe (posthumously); Sir Etienne Dupuch (posthumously); Dame Janet Gwennett Bostwick; Dr Conville Brown; Loretta Butler-Turner; Sir Orville Turnquest; Shaunae Miller-Uibo and others.

FORMER Prime Minister Perry Christie, Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham and Former Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette during the Golden Jubilee Independence Award of Special Honour ceremony at Baha Mar on November 27, 2023.

Photos: Dante Carrer

PAGE 4, Tuesday, November 28, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

Block on former Tribune editor’s pension will be investigated, says NIB

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunmedia.net NATIONAL Insurance Board chairman Philip McKenzie said the board will investigate former Tribune managing editor John Marquis’ complaint that his pension payment has been blocked “for no good reason”.

Mr Marquis, 80, was The Tribune’s editorial chief for over a decade.

He said recently that the board claims his twiceyearly statements have not been submitted since 2019.

“It’s utter nonsense,” he said. “I have my statements stamped and signed by my lawyer every April and October. In fact, the NIB acknowledged receipt of my statement last April, and I am frequently in touch with one of its officials.”

Mr Marquis, who has been receiving his NIB

pension since retiring in 2009, said the payments stopped without warning.

He was alerted to a shortfall in his account when his debit card showed ‘insufficient funds’.

“It’s a bit alarming that pension payments can be suspended on a whim,” he said. “My Bahamas pension is only a modest part of my income, but there must be thousands of Bahamians and expats who rely on it much more than I do.”

Mr Marquis urged the NIB to reinstate his pension immediately.

“I have asked them for any other documentation they require, but they have stopped answering my e-mails,” he said.

“The only purpose of the twice-yearly statements is to tell them I’m still alive. Well, here I am, writing books, painting pictures, travelling the world, enjoying my grandkids.

“Short of flying over to Nassau and having my pulse checked by the NIB chairman, I’m not sure what else I can do.”

He said reliability and dependability were essential for the NIB’s integrity.

“Over the last fourteen years, the NIB has been excellent, and payments have come through without a hitch. I’m hoping this proves to be only a temporary lapse.”

When asked about Mr Marquis’ claim, Mr McKenzie said the matter would be looked into as soon as possible.

During his time in Nassau, Mr Marquis was a controversial figure and the target of four street protests outside The Tribune’s office.

He was constantly at loggerheads with politicians, but presided over a 12 per cent yearly circulation increase that was against all global trends at the time.

FORMER Tribune managing editor John Marquis

ACCESS ACCELERATOR OFFERING $40K GRANTS TO AGRICULTURE AND FISHING BUSINESSES

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@ tribunemedia.net AGRICULTURE and Marine Resources Minister Jomo Campbell applauded the launch of the Access Accelerator food security initiative, which provides $40,000 grants for agricultural and fishing businesses.

The grant offers funding to start-up and existing agricultural and fishing businesses.

Sixty per cent of the funding pool is dedicated to businesses in the fishing industry, with the

remaining 40 per cent to be channelled into the agriculture sector.

Mr Campbell noted the importance of the programme, which he said is crucial to enhancing food resilience and improving public health in The Bahamas.

“It is my aim as the minister responsible for agriculture and marine resources to assist Bahamians in any way possible to begin and sustain their farms, food production companies and fishing ventures,” he said.

“The success of these types of businesses within the local economy leads

to sustainable jobs, wealth creation and, of course, they contribute to decreasing the import of items that can be sourced domestically.

“I believe in the ingenuity of the Bahamian people and our ability to do what is necessary to survive and even thrive when given the opportunity and the needed guidance to go with it.”

He called the opportunity a “game changer” as it is expected to foster innovation, encourage collaboration, and provide ongoing support for sustainable food growth projects.

“By investing in sustainable agriculture and fisheries, the Bahamas can reduce its reliance on imported food, create new economic opportunities and protect its natural resources for future generations,” he said.

“I am excited about the opportunities that are available via the food security initiative. By supporting farmers, fishers and food businesses, this initiative will create jobs, stimulate entrepreneurship and boost and diversify the local economy.”

Applicant businesses must be 100 per cent Bahamian owned.

AGRICULTURE AND MARINE RESOURCES MINISTER JOMO CAMPBELL

TWO MURDERS OVER WEEKEND BRINGS COUNT TO 96 FOR YEAR from page one It came after a 37-year-old man was killed near a bar on West Bay Street on November 25.

That incident occurred around 12.30am.

According to reports, the male victim, while seated in

a vehicle, was approached by an unknown gunman who opened fire at him. The victim received multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body and died at the scene.

On November 16, Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander said major crimes are trending down.

POLICE INVESTIGATING TWO WEEKEND SUICIDE ATTEMPTS POLICE are investigating two attempted suicides –– one involving a 16-yearold cruise ship passenger and the other an adult woman in Grand Bahama on Sunday.

The youth on the cruise ship was airlifted to the United States for medical aid after he intentionally jumped three floors from the ship’s balcony.

Police said he sustained serious head injuries.

At the time of the victim’s departure, his condition was listed as serious.

In the latest incident, a woman around 5.50pm on Sunday experienced a mental breakdown at her home on Doubloon Road. She got a fishing knife intending to kill herself. Her estranged husband intervened, preventing any fatal harm. Both sustained minor injuries.

In January 2012, police investigated the death of a 26-year-old male cruise ship passenger from South Carolina who reportedly jumped from one of the vessel’s decks.

According to police, the victim was a passenger on board the Fantasy Cruise Ship, docked at Prince George Wharf, when he jumped from one floor of the ship to another.

The victim suffered serious injuries and was declared dead at the scene. Carnival issued a statement following the incident, saying the guest fell.

Earlier that month, a 25-year-old crew member of the Royal Caribbean Cruise’s Monarch of the Sea also allegedly committed suicide when he was seen jumping from the vessel.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, November 28, 2023, PAGE 5

PM: No investigations into Petty allegations

from page one contracts.

He replied: “I have not done any investigations. The action I took was a result of his admissions in court, and we’re still talking with him about these matters.”

Mr Petty acknowledged under crossexamination in the Adrian Gibson corruption trial earlier this month that his daughter received a contract.

The Tribune understands the contract was given to her company, Mainscape Maintenance and Management, which offers landscaping and

general maintenance services.

Officials have not said whether the contract went through a tendering process.

During cross-examination, Mr Petty did not show concern about the contract award.

He said he did not frown on nepotism and had no problem with the company entering into contracts with political allies if they were capable.

“Everyone in The Bahamas was family,” he said.

Former House of Assembly Speaker Halson Moultrie has said Mr Petty should be forced to resign as deputy speaker of the House.

Davis: Desantis rocket remarks ‘misguiDeD’

Bahamas supports nigerian un resolution passeD over international tax Disputes

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis reiterated his support for a resolution that potentially opens a path towards resolving international tax disputes through a United Nationsled process yesterday.

The resolution seeks to establish a framework convention on international tax under the UN’s oversight.

Nigeria put forward a UN resolution on international tax cooperation that was passed with 125 votes.

Forty-eight voted against the resolution, and nine abstained.

Mr Davis noted yesterday that OECD countries did not support the

resolution while many larger countries did.

He said the resolution is an example of the input of developing states being taken seriously for a change.

“I wrote to the UN Secretary-General in September making the case as to why we ought to have a more independent and inclusive body dealing with issues of taxation. They accepted, obviously the move that I made. This is something I took on from I came into office because the rules that have been imposed upon us without our even having an ability to discuss these rules before they are able to be implemented.

“A lot of times the rules they put in place and the sanctions that

JUNKANOO COUNTDOWN PARADE TIMES ANNOUNCED

THE countdown to Junkanoo continues - with the order of entry selection for the Boxing Day and New Year events to be made on Saturday.

The draw will be made at the stage area at Arawak Cay at 3pm.

The Boxing Day parade is due to start at 10pm on December 25, and the New Year’s Day parade is due to start at 2.01am on January 1.

follow impact us and it is sometimes very costly to implement some of the initiatives that they want so there’s no regard to our circumstance, the cost of living being incurred by putting in these initiative.”

The Financial Times reported last week that the UN’s involvement in the matter takes power from the Paris-based OECD. Mathias Cormann, head of the OECD, said in a statement posted on the website X, formerly known as Twitter, that the OECD was “proud of its record of achieving consensus-based solutions to address tax evasion and avoidance, stabilise the international tax system and support developing countries”.

FLORIDA GOVERNOR RON DESANTIS from page one politics of the United States just as I don’t want them to get into our domestic politics but clearly he’s misinformed. We don’t have rockets.”

“We rely on the US to assist us in the event of any sort of invasion on us, so I think he’s obviously misguided, and he needs to step back, look at what

our relationship is, and he ought to realise that in the state of Florida, you have more Bahamian diaspora that’s engaged in a political landscape there than ever and he should speak to them to understand what our true relationship is because I don’t think he’s familiar with the relationship.”

Bahamians have reacted bitterly to Mr DeSantis’

comment, noting the implausibility of The Bahamas attacking Florida.

On Sunday former Foreign Affairs Minister Darren Henfield called Governor DeSantis’ remarks distasteful.

“It bothers me in a sense that The Bahamas contributes so much to the economy of South Florida, and he’s the governor of Florida,” Mr Henfield said.

PAGE 6, Tuesday, November 28, 2023

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

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Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

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Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991

RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON,

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

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Where is the investigation into Petty?

THE departure of Sylvanus Petty from his role as chairman of the Water and Sewerage Corporation came swiftly.

Once he had testified in court and admitted that his daughter received a contract at WSC, the pressure built quickly, and Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis asked for Mr Petty’s resignation.

And then what?

After all, the chairmanship is not the only role Mr Petty held.

Former Speaker of the House of Assembly Halson Moultrie was quick to point out that Mr Petty is also Deputy Speaker.

He said: “Mr Petty sits in the seat of the deputy speaker, and the institution of the Parliament will definitely be affected by the fact that he was forced to resign as chairman under such a scandal.

“The Speaker or the Deputy Speaker, when substituting for the Speaker, is the judge of the high court of Parliament so that integrity and the credibility of the person sitting in the Speaker and Deputy Speaker’s chair should not come into question.”

Whoever is acting in the role of Speaker, in short, should be beyond reproach.

Can you imagine having a debate on awarding contracts to family members in the House when Mr Petty is presiding in the chair?

The acting press secretary, Keishla Adderley, said the acceptance of Mr Petty’s resignation showed there is “intolerance” for his conduct. Apparently only so much intolerance, however, as so far he is keeping his Deputy Speaker role just fine.

And now we discover that despite the questionable nature of the situation with a contract awarded to a family member under his tenure at WSC, there has been no attempt to see if there are any other contracts that need greater scrutiny.

Mr Davis said yesterday: “I have not done any investigations. The action I took was a result of his admissions in court, and we’re still talking with him about these matters.”

This despite Mr Petty himself saying he did not have a problem with nepotism or contracts for political allies, saying: “Everyone in The Bahamas was family.”

One would think that one of the first actions after a senior executive was compelled to resign because of concern over contract awards would be to check the rest of the contracts handed out.

There may be nothing untoward at all, but given Mr Petty’s openness on awarding contracts to family or allies, it ought to be done with some urgency.

Mr Davis feels he has no need so far to investigate whether other friends or relatives benefited from Mr Petty’s leadership. One has to wonder if this truly is intolerance for such behaviour. Why would Mr Davis not want to make sure that the contract process has been fair and appropriate? After all, that would benefit the Bahamian people.

Mr Petty himself has not publicly spoken up about the manner – despite telling reporters he would speak to them about the issue prior to his resignation.

That shows no respect to the Bahamian people either.

It would be impossible for Mr Petty to preside in the House while there are arguments about his position within it, and Mr Moultrie is right – if Mr Petty is deemed unworthy to hold the post of WSC chairman, then he ought to be unworthy to serve as moderator for debates over changing the laws of our land.

Mr Petty’s court testimony has landed him in an untenable position. Mr Davis, by not investigating to see if there are any further issues, is certainly not showing a zero tolerance approach to such matters. A thorough review of contracts on Mr Petty’s watch is the least that should be done to restore confidence over matters at the corporation. Mr Davis is not responsible for Mr Petty’s actions – but a failure to follow through and investigate properly will be on Mr Davis’ shoulders.

Let the truth come out.

COI shows no progress at the polls EDITOR, The Tribune.

DEAR editor, I was waiting with interest to see if the Coalition of Independents’ Facebook audience would actually show up in the vote tally. Now that this election is over, it is clear that those Live views are not translating into votes.

Yet a senior journalist for one of the major news outlets said that Bain had a good showing live on air.

I could not believe what I was hearing. He once again made himself the centre of attention and could not find anyone but himself to run on the ticket.

Bain barely got more votes than the last candidate he ran in that area two years ago, and he’s the leader of the party!

His performance had no impact on the final result.

He did not gain any ground.

If the COI cannot manage

to get their deposit back in a by-election with so much going against the PLP and the FNM, then their chances in the general election are none.

This was their best shot at gaining some traction and they came up short. I don’t think they are worthy of our time or attention.

CORDERO WILSON ‘The watchful millennial’ November 23, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

tribute to Helen Smith EDITOR, The Tribune.

I WAS saddened to learn of the passing of Mrs. Helen Smith who served as my personal assistant and then, senior personal assistant throughout my first two terms in office as prime minister.

I met Helen at the Cabinet Office years before my appointment as prime minister. Her name was almost synonymous with Cabinet Office given her long years of service there during which she had earned a reputation as efficient, trustworthy and dedicated.

I knew her first as Sir Lynden Pindling’s gatekeeper though that had not been her initial appointment.

Helen first worked in the Commissioner’s Office in Eleuthera. On moving to Nassau, she was engaged as a Clerk in the Audit Department. Later, in 1967, she was transferred to the Cabinet Office. Reclassified as a secretary she worked under the tutelage of Mrs. June Maura. Mrs. Maura, prior to the 1967 change in government, had been the private secretary to then Premier Sir Roland Symonette. Her professionalism meant that Sir Lynden felt comfortable working with her until her retirement.

Helen was appointed as executive secretary and

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net personal assistant to then Prime Minister Pindling in 1984. She was later transferred to the personal staff of the prime minister and was promoted to the post of Personal Assistant to the prime minister in 1988. That same year she was made a Member of the British Empire (MBE) for her efficient, dedicated and loyal service.

While Helen is most closely associated with Sir Lynden, her long years of service are testimony to her primary loyalty to the public service where she demonstrated that loyalty to her political boss did not trump her commitment to political impartiality and responsibility to serve the government of the day.

Helen continued to serve in the post of personal assistant to the prime minister throughout my first two terms as prime minister. In 1997 she was promoted to the post of Senior Personal Assistant, the position she held up to her retirement in February 2002. In her post retirement years she was re-engaged on contract and served in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture for a time.

I was pleased to recommend her for national honour and happy at her selection for the award of the Companion of the Order of Merit (C.M.) this year.

Throughout her years of service Helen demonstrated the highest degree of professionalism, loyalty and commitment to the government of The Bahamas. It is to her credit that officers who trained under her followed her lead and continue to serve in that most sensitive of government offices without regard to political affiliation. I think immediately of Mrs. Patrice Major who continues to offer the same level of service, dedication and professionalism that Helen Smith and June Maura before her, personified.

Helen has moved on to a most deserved eternal rest, free of the discomfort that poor health inflicted on her in recent times. I offer my sincere condolences and that of my wife Delores, to Helen’s children, Julian and Byron Smith and Ronda Fortune, her grandchildren and to all her friends and former colleagues in the Bahamas Public Service.

May she rest in peace.

Sincerely, HUBERT A. INGRAHAM Nassau, N.P. The Bahamas 27 November 2023.

By-election affirms Davis’ PLP EDITOR, The Tribune.

MERCIFULLY the bye-election in West End and Bimini has come to a conclusion. It was almost like torture watching and listening to the groveling manner and semantics of the ‘failed’ putative ‘leader’ of the defunct FNM and the absolute humiliation of the venerable Bishop Ricardo Grant.

The campaign mounted by the FNM and its side kick, the former Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Hubert A Ingraham, was a modern version of the enduring comedy characters Larry; Moe & Curley Joe. What is so perplexing herein is that, allegedly, Mr Ingraham told the putative ‘leader’ of the defunct FNM not to contest the bye-election based on political antecedents and experience. Despite this, Ingraham, big as Billy and his half way sister, Gussie, came out of retirement to ascend platforms for the doomed FNM and it’s equally politically doomed candidate. In my opinion this proved toxic and an abject and very personal rejection of Larry; Moe and Curly Joe. The victory of the Hon Kingsley Smith, Member of Parliament elect for West End and Bimini, was a victory for himself; the

constituency, but more importantly the clear affirmation of the Davis Administration after less than three years in office.

It was also a stark message to the current putative ‘leader’ of the now demoralized, shell shocked and rudderless FNM. Try as he might, Pintard has never, so far, been able to best the Most Hon Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, MP, KC, on the political field. He tried to do so years ago when he challenged “Brave” in Cat Island; Rum Cay and San Salvador. He lost then as he has now lost again. If the defunct FNM, despite what some claimed was a large war chest, and having four sitting members of parliament was incapable of flipping the last remaining seat in Grand Bahama - you can imagine the outcome of the next general elections under Pintard’s leadership or lack thereof?

Resurrecting political ‘ghosts’ and ‘familiar’ spirits’ have never been palatable to the average Bahamian voter. It was a mistake for the FNM to attempt to utilise a long dead political war horse.

Why was the Hon Dr Hubert A Minnis (FNMDelaporte) not enlisted and deployed? Is it possible that petty personality issues caused the FNM to

lose the first bye-election contested under the juvenile leadership of a hapless brother? I shudder to think about all of the funds and political capital which appear to have been wasted by Pintard & Company.

Mr Davis’s administration, per se, was not on the ballot, but make no mistake the recently concluded bye-election was a clear and well defined referendum on the same and his exemplary and stellar leadership. It, and he, have been given stamps of approval BIG TIME by a grateful Bahamian people in general and the good people of West End and Bimini in particular.

In the almost ‘cake walk’ campaign, Brave demolished the long bogus aura of political invincibility claimed by Ingraham et al.

Dr Minnis told all of you people, years ago, that the ‘Ingraham era was over’ but few believed him at that time. It took PM Davis to hammer the final nine pound nail into his political coffin. I daresay that we will not be subjected to the spectacle of Larry; Moe and Curley Joe anytime soon.

Jr

ORTLAND H BODIE, Nassau, November 23, 2023.

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, November 28, 2023, PAGE 7

Help arrives as 18 Ghanaian nurses report for duty to address shortage

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net EIGHTEEN nurses from the Republic of Ghana have arrived to help with the nurse shortage in the Bahamas.

They have signed a renewable two-year contract with the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

Since landing in the country a little over a week ago, three of the 18 nurses have gone to Grand Bahama, with nine stationed at Princess Margret Hospital and the remaining six at the Department of Public Health.

Yesterday, The Ministry of Health and Wellness hosted a new staff orientation for Ghanaian nurses

with three recent nursing graduates from the University of The Bahamas.

Director of Nursing Gina Dean commemorated the occasion, saying the ministry is committed to ensuring the highest quality of services for health promotion, health protection, and healthcare within the country.

“I think everyone is aware that we have a significant deficit of nurses in the Bahamas and primarily because of the attrition rate where we have our nurses leaving going to other areas like the United States, Canada, and what have you,” Ms Dean said yesterday.

“And so, while we are working on trying to

INAGUA MAN JAILED FOR ALLEGED WOUNDING OF MAN WITH CUTLASS

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN was remanded after he allegedly wounded a man at a police station in Inagua and assaulted four others with a cutlass last week.

Magistrate Raquel Whyms charged Deshoawn Smith, 28, with wounding, assault, threats of harm and four counts of assault with a deadly weapon.

Smith allegedly threatened and assaulted Angel Arnett at Heather’s Variety Store on Kortwright Street in Inagua on November 20.

Later that day, Smith allegedly wounded Stafford Arnett at the Matthew’s Town Police Station and assaulted Attavia Ferguson, Keora Kelly, Tia Ferguson and Shenai Johnson with a broad-mouth cutlass.

Following the defendant’s not-guilty plea to all charges, the prosecution objected to his bail, given the seriousness of the offences.

Smith was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his trial, which is set for the circuit court in Inagua on December 6.

MAN ACCUSED OF BREAKING INTO GAS STATION SENT TO SANDILANDS

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN was sent to Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre after he allegedly attempted to break into a gas station in Andros earlier this year.

He also allegedly stole $620 from his brother.

Magistrate Kendra Kelly charged Ringle Gaitor, 44, with shopbreaking, unlawful entry and stealing.

Gaitor is accused of breaking into the San Andros Service Station on Queen’s Highway between July 17 and 18.

The defendant is also accused of illegally entering

the residence of Kern Gaitor on Elmore Drive at Mastic Point, and stealing $620 from his wallet on October 20.

While the accused pleaded guilty to the charges, he indicated to the court that he has a history of mental illness. He also told the magistrate that Kern Gaitor is his brother and said the two “steal from each other all the time”.

In view of this information, Magistrate Kelly ordered that the defendant be sent to Sandilands for psychological evaluation before he formally entered a plea.

Gaitor is expected to return to court on January 19, 2024, for a report.

200 HOURS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE FOR DEBIT CARD FRAUD

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN was ordered to complete 200 hours of community service yesterday after he admitted to using over $1,000 off a man’s debit card earlier this month.

Magistrate Kendra Kelly charged Shaquille Moss, 29, with fraud by false pretences.

Moss reportedly spent $1,856.99 on Khayri St

Louis’s debit card between November 6 and 8 in New Providence.

After pleading guilty to the charge, the defendant claimed he only found the complainant’s card on the road.

Magistrate Kelly ordered that the defendant fully reimburse the complainant and that he serve 200 hours of community service.

Should Moss fail to meet these conditions, he would face a six-month prison term.

MAN FOUND WITH 8 OUNCES OF MARIJUANA FINED $1,000

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN was fined $1,000 after admitting to having more than eight ounces of marijuana in his Bain Town home last week.

Magistrate Samuel McKinney charged Francisco St Vil, 43, with possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

St Vil was arrested after police found him with 8

5/8 oz of marijuana in his home in the Bain Town area on November 23.

Police also confiscated $110 from the defendant, believed to be the proceeds of crime.

After St Vil pleaded guilty to the offence, he was ordered to pay a fine of $1,000 or risk six months in prison. He was further told that the money seized during his initial arrest would remain forfeited to the Crown.

provide the conditions and opportunities for our nurses to encourage them to remain we also found ourselves in a position where we needed to reach out to other countries to see if we can get some persons to come in to give us a helping hand.”

She noted that the public healthcare system aims to improve staff morale and resolve outstanding labour issues.

Some frontline workers complain of physical and mental exhaustion.

Health and Wellness Permanent Secretary Colin Higgs said yesterday’s event was a “historic milestone”, the first time nurses have been recruited from Ghana.

Elizabeth Boatemaa, a native of Ghana, expressed gratitude for being able to practice nursing in The Bahamas.

“We dreamed big and today it had come through,” she –– a nurse of 20 years –– said.

“We give glory to God for bringing us from Ghana to The Bahamas to support the health service in The Bahamas.”

Laboratory Technologist and Special Disease Nurse Specialist Victor Kbodoviah said: “We brought our experience to support the health system here and also to explore other avenues, to get acquainted with our brothers from another land, which is the Bahamians.”

Asked whether the healthcare system differs from Ghana, Mr Kbodoviah said it is similar to The Bahamas.

Earlier this year, Public Hospitals Authority Managing Director Aubynette Rolle said that in addition to the Ghanaian nurses, the government expects to bring nurses from the Philippines and potentially India.

HEALTH and Wellness Permanent Secretary Colin Higgs said yesterday’s event was a “historic milestone”, the first time nurses have been recruited from Ghana.

Photos: Moise Amisial

PAGE 8, Tuesday, November 28, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

Neeson Williams ‘I want to help others’ Neeson believes that cancer targets all ages and “can be a scary process without the support of the ones you love by your side”.

HE may only be in the sixth grade, but Neeson Williams is already becoming a leader in his community. He has proven that no matter how young you are, you can do amazing things that make a difference in the lives of others.

Since relocating to Central Andros from Nassau with his family in 2021, Neeson has made it a goal to volunteer, donate and participate in events associated with the Central Andros branch of the Cancer Society of The Bahamas - “Andros for a Cure”.

Neeson saw how cancer affected the lives of some of the women in his family, who were dear to his heart.

They include his “aunties” and godmother, who were diagnosed and are survivors of breast cancer. He was also seriously impacted by the loss of a cousin from aggressive leukemia.

Neeson’s tender heart also grieved at the recent loss of a friend’s mother, who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma but unfortunately lost her battle.

This humble young man looked at the world around him and decided to view things from the bright side. He couldn’t let all the sickness, pain and death around him affect him negatively. His mindset is one that focuses on what can be done, instead of focusing on the things that are out of his control.

This led him to begin “Neeson’s Coins for Cancer” which is a coin drive with the initiative to raise funds for cancer fighters, survivors and grieving families in Central Andros. Neeson’s Coins for Cancer is a year-round coin drive, and every month of the year is dedicated to a particular type of cancer.

This coin drive initiative will be placed in schools where students are able to contribute and make a difference in the lives of Central Androsians.

Neeson believes that cancer targets all ages and “can be a scary process without the support of the ones you love by your side”.

His main goal in life is to help others in any way that he can. It doesn’t matter who it is - from his siblings, to his family, to his

Face to Face

By FELICITY DARVILLE

classmates, to his friends - he is always seeking to extend a helping hand to others.

When asked what he wants to be when he grows up, Neeson’s response is always: “I want a career in an area where I can help others”. To date, he seems to be leaning towards law as his field of vocation.

In the meantime, Neeson is sticking to getting the best grades in school that he can. He is an “A” student who has been on the principal’s list from the first grade and a top achiever of his class from the second grade. He especially loves his mathematics, science and reading classes.

participates in the Children’s Ministry - Children’s Church and Friday “Youths” - at Salvation and Praise International Deliverance Ministry in Andros.

When he is not busy at school or church, Neeson makes time to read a book series, play video games, ride his bicycle, draw or sketch, help his family with cooking, and help siblings and friends with school work.

“Neeson is smart, wise, dedicated and determined,” said his mother, D’Andra Thompson-Smith.

“Neeson is always encouraged to use his brain to achieve all that his heart truly desires. I always tell him, ‘I can’t do it for you.

You have to want it for yourself, but I will always be standing in full support as your number one cheerleader.”

His fourth grade teacher, TeEdra Hinsey, also sung his praises. She consistently tells him: “Continue shooting for the stars; if you fail, you will still land among the clouds.”

Neeson is inspired and mentored by the following individuals that he looks up to and who play an important role in his upbringing: Lavonne Neymour, Ka’Desh Hepburn, Vernita Coakley, Prophetess Amanda Miller, and Rico Cleare. They feed positivity into his daily life with words of wisdom and encouragement.

Neeson is encouraged by his biggest supporters which includes his parents, grandparents, siblings, uncle, ‘aunties’, cousins, and godparents. Each individual he holds near and dear to his heart. They are present, involved and helpful with his success, concerns and challenges.

He strives to do his best to make them proud. The loss of his uncle in January 2021 has stayed with him and has also motivated him to keep him in the count, continuing to make him proud as well. Even in times of sadness, Neeson has found a reason to keep on smiling.

When asked what he wants to be when he grows up, Neeson’s response is always: “I want a career in an area where I can help others”.

“These subjects are my favorite because they open my mind to new things, strategies and possibilities I will see out in the world,” Neeson said.

Just recently, Neeson received the prestigious honour of being named student of the year at Fresh Creek Primary School.

He was a junior prefect in the fifth grade, and was recently pinned senior prefect for Fresh Creek Primary on November 10.

Neeson will be representing his school in the next Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Awards. He also will be representing his school at the District Spelling Bee next term after placing first in the Fresh Creek Primary Inter-House Spelling Bee. In addition to being an “A” student, Neeson’s extra-curricular activities include participating in the Spelling Bee Club, Track and Field Club, Choir Club, Discovery Club, JA Elementary, and Junkanoo Club. He also enjoys soccer, basketball, swimming, and track and field events.

Neeson attends and

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, November 28, 2023, PAGE 9

Immigration is top of agenda again in Britain A WIDELY familiar refrain is that politics is a dirty business. But that does not deter those who are attracted to it for many different reasons.

Competing views, endless arguments, deception, dissimulation and sometimes outright trickery, together with many other varied pressures, are part and parcel of a democracy. But that is preferable to the oppression and diktats of authoritarianism so that, in the words of Abraham Lincoln, the ballot is stronger than the bullet.

Some say that politics is anyway not a business at all but a noble occupation with the aim of providing service to one’s country.

Whatever view one may take of this, there is said to be a rise recently of anti-politician sentiment in Britain during a period of political disaffection to the extent that the public has lost faith in the body politic and in members of parliament across the board. This may be partly attributable to the uncertainties, even chaos, surrounding UK politics just over a year ago. But, by common consent, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has succeeded in steadying the ship in the intervening months.

Now, however, politics

The Peter Young column in Britain, which as the “mother of parliaments” purports to be an exemplar for the Westminster system in other countries like The Bahamas, is in the spotlight again. The two main reasons are the sacking of the Home Secretary following her criticism of the police for their lack of impartiality in handling the pro-Palestinian protests over the Israel-Hamas war and publication of the latest UK immigration figures which show an unacceptably high increase.

Before examining these issues, it might be interesting to take a brief look at

the people at Westminster who are actually responsible for the ‘exercise and function’ of politics – that is to say the MPs themselves.

A leader of the current debate about this in the UK, Ann Widdecombe, is known as one of the country’s most outspoken and celebrated retired politicians. She is a former Tory government minister and Brexit Party member of the European Parliament and is now a national newspaper columnist. She and others contend that today’s politicians and their parties have become less distinguishable in ideological terms while the calibre of many of the contenders vying to become MPs has deteriorated. Instead of people who are idealistic and motivated about shaping society and passionate about helping their constituents, politics is now seen as a so-called profession with people interested in attaining power and influence and the perks and trappings of high office together with a steady income. Many go straight in to politics without having a working career or a ‘real’ job and any practical experience of life. Moreover, the selection of MPs as candidates now depends partly on diversity targets and other forms of positive

discrimination. Nowadays, people ask where are the political giants and statesmen of the past - those who were instantly recognisable as making a contribution to the community and protecting and promoting Britain’s interests overseas and who became pillars of society.

Critics point to the dangers of “romanticising the past through rosecoloured glasses” and idealising political leaders who were later judged to have made serious miscalculations and errors of judgement. Just one example, in foreign affairs, that always stands out in history were those leaders who drew up the unnecessarily heavy-handed Treaty of Versailles in 1919 after the end of the First World War. The conditions imposed on the vanquished Germany were harsh, and they were bound, in time, to create a fierce reaction that led indirectly to the Second World War. But, in contrast to that, historians point to the successful handling of the aftermath of that second global conflagration by more enlightened statesmen, with reasonable peace terms and the Americans wisely creating the Marshall Plan for the reconstruction of Europe.

A NEW BEGINNING FOR DUTCH POLITICS AN important, even seismic, event took place in the Netherlands last week which is said to be spooking Europe. It seems to have been largely ignored by the US media, preoccupied, as it is bound to be, by the IsraelGaza war.

The result of Wednesday’s general election there was a substantial win for veteran hard-right politician and anti-Islam populist leader Geert Wilders and his PVV Freedom party, who won 37 seats in the 150-member Dutch parliament, putting him well ahead of his nearest rival.

Famous for his firebrand rhetoric, Wilders is now the leader of the Netherlands’ largest parliamentary party but does not have enough votes to govern alone. So, weeks of horse-trading lie ahead in order to build a coalition which, he admits, will require compromise on his part to find political bedfellows.

But, as he says, the PVV can no longer be ignored after he has been a divisive figure in Dutch politics for decades with his anti-Muslim stance, preaching the need to ‘put Dutch people first’ and limiting immigration. He has been called the Dutch Trump, not only because of his policies but also because of his appearance.

Wilders has also linked immigration from Muslim

This was an essential step after the Allies had earlier ceded control to the Soviet Union over countries in Eastern Europe which then suffered under communist rule for half a century.

Back to UK politics and fast forward to last week. On Wednesday, the National Statistics Office in London announced that net migration to the UK – the difference between the number of people leaving and arriving in the year to December, 2022 – was 745,000. This is a new record and significantly higher than the earlier estimate of 606,000 for the same period. This means that three years after Brexit, one of the reasons for which was to enable the UK to control its own borders, UK net migration has never been higher.

In the 2019 general election, the Tories promised that the numbers would come down. “We will ensure that the British people are always in control”. As one commentator put it, how terribly hollow those words sound today.

But the Labour Party have been equally dishonest.

When Tony Blair won his landslide victory in 1997, he did so with the pledge that “every country must have firm controls on immigration”. But when in office

it suited him politically to lift restrictions and open the floodgates. The result was that net migration rose from 45,000 in 1992 to 349,000 in 2004 and the trend has been accelerating ever since. Meanwhile, the problem of illegal migrants crossing the English Channel is a separate issue yet to be resolved.

There is a gradually hardening belief in Britain that not only is this huge explosion of arrivals putting intolerable strain on infrastructure like the National Health Service, housing and the welfare state system but that social cohesion is being undermined by the impact of new immigrants who are likely not to share the nation’s values of liberal democracy. These are perilous times when the UK is threatened by terror, anti-Semitism and erosion of essential liberties like freedom of speech as the principle of equality gives way to divisive identity politics and undue emphasis on the rights of minorities.

In the months leading up to the next UK general election - which must be held no later than January, 2025 but will more likely take place next autumn immigration will surely be at the top of the political agenda.

An attitude of gratitude

SIR JOHN TEMPLETON

PVV Freedom Party leader Geert Wilders.

Photo: Peter Dejong/AP countries to terrorism and called for a ban on mosques and the Koran. He has campaigned to take the Netherlands - an EU founding member - out of the bloc and may push for a “Nexit” referendum even though quitting the EU is not popular amongst Dutch voters.

In such circumstances, it is hardly surprising that this dramatic victory for a hard-right politician has shaken Dutch politics and sent shockwaves across Europe. He has already received support from the Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban, who also takes an anti-immigrant and Eurosceptic stance, and Italy’s right-wing leader may add to this.

But, of course, it remains to be seen whether Wilders will be able to form a

coalition government that will require him to temper his more extremist policies, some of which he has said he will ‘put in the fridge’.

It is also too soon to know whether Wilders’ win may spark off a similar trend elsewhere in Europe and create a pattern. He claims that his success was partly due to his harnessing widespread frustration about mass migration which last year in the Netherlands more than doubled.

This and the continued high cost of living seem now to be the major issues in Europe and have already aroused considerable concern, so that some are saying that Brussels would do well not to ignore these discernible political winds that are gradually gaining strength.

AFTER last week’s piece in this column about Thanksgiving in the US, I should like to follow up today with a few words about the need to express gratitude – and it is noteworthy that the subject is addressed editorially in yesterday’s Tribune. It is covered extremely well by the late Sir John Templeton in his book, a copy of which he was kind enough to give me, entitled “Discovering the Laws of Life”. This was described by one reviewer as a book that “belongs to the list of seminal publications of the twentieth century”.

First published in 1994, the Foreword by Norman Vincent Peale describes Sir John, who lived in The Bahamas, as an internationally prominent financier and a man of “boundless erudition and fathomless curiosity” who presents his readers, friends and admirers with the summing-up of a lifetime of wisdom and observation.

Another reviewer, Billy

Graham, commented that Sir John Templeton “understands that the true measure of a person’s success in life is not financial accomplishment but moral integrity and inner character”.

It would be impossible and even presumptuous to try to sum up in this short piece today what this important and comprehensive book is all about.

Suffice it to say that it comprises the author’s discovery that the lives of human beings are shaped by certain eternal laws.

He explains these and the meaning of good and evil, fear, morality and right and wrong and the importance of prayer, humility, love, laughter and thanksgiving. He also offers guidance and advice covering the whole gamut of the human condition and behaviour – for example, the need for kindness, faithfulness, loyalty, forgiveness and self-control – while also writing about joy, peace,

enthusiasm, perseverance and the importance of exercising calmness and patience.

As regards gratitude, Sir John Templeton’s main theme is that thanksgiving is a creative force that will produce more good in people’s lives and more to be thankful for. Most people have much to appreciate but remain blind to the blessings that they already possess – and counting those blessings can more often than not transform melancholy into cheerfulness. He concludes that thanksgiving leads to giving and forgiving and to spiritual growth. More prosaically, he writes that we can be grateful for the things we have or we can focus on things we don’t have and make ourselves and others miserable in the process.

The wisdom and sound advice contained in Sir John Templeton’s admirable work is exceptional and it is almost limitless. It is quite simply a wonderful read.

PAGE 10, Tuesday, November 28, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

How did humans get to the brink of crashing climate?

A long push for progress and the energy to fuel it Associated Press AMID record-high temperatures, deluges, droughts and wildfires, leaders are convening for another round of United Nations climate talks later this month that seek to curb a centuries-long trend of humans spewing ever more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

For hundreds of years, people have shaped the world around them for their benefit: They drained lakes, deforested lands and mined for metals and minerals to grow wealth and economies. They dug up billions of tons of coal, and then oil and gas, to fuel empires and economies. The allure of exploiting nature and burning fossil fuels as a path to prosperity hopped from nation to nation, each eager to secure their own cheap energy. Over hundreds of years, that impulse has remade the planet’s climate, too — and brought its inhabitants to the brink of catastrophe.

Anya Zilberstein, a historian of climate science at Concordia University in Montreal, highlighted Europeans colonizing the Americas in the 16th and 17th centuries as major factor of today’s climate and environmental crises.

“They bring with them this idea that conquest and then the development of the cultivation of landscapes,

like taking down trees, opening up lands to European-style agriculture, that the draining of swamps ... will also change the climate, usually for the better,” Zilberstein said.

Jan Golinski, a professor of history at the University of New Hampshire, said Europeans of the time thought that their changes — cutting down forests, draining swamps, plowing land — would change the climate as well, to something closer to their homelands. He said they saw this engineering as positive.

“They believed that their

society was making progress,” Golinski said.

That early modern period solidified notions of industry, progress, productivity and growth that make it harder to tackle the current climate crisis, Zilberstein said.

Then, in the 18th and 19th centuries, the balance tipped dramatically in coal’s favour as an energy source, through technological advances like steam power, new transportation routes like canals and later railroads, and a desire to better control how, when and where energy was used.

Steam power made it

fuels in various places in the Ottoman Empire, in the Indian subcontinent and elsewhere,” said On Barak, a historian at Tel Aviv University and cofounder of the Laboratory for the History of Climate Change.

Then came oil. Oil use grew in the late 19th century because it wasn’t as labor-intensive as coal, whose workers now had strong unions in some Western nations, historians say.

Like coal, oil was easy to store, it’s more energy-rich than coal, and it’s easier to move; as a liquid it can be shipped through pipes, as well as by trucks, tankers and railcars, said J.R. McNeill, a historian at Illustration: Peter Hamlin/AP Georgetown University.

By the 20th century, easier for factory owners to the growth in oil helped control labour and nature fuel technologies like cars than an economy based on and air travel that became water power, for example, more affordable in many because they could be set global north countries. up anywhere and weren’t Other nations such as vulnerable to floods or China, Japan and India droughts said Andreas began assembling their own Malm, an associate profes- energy regimes based on sor of human ecology at fossil fuels.

Lund University in Sweden.

As Europe, the US and The British then “for- Japan built their energy cibly exported this model systems around internal and integrated other coun- combustion engines, it tries such as India or Egypt made the global investor what became Nigeria ment in an oil-dominated into a kind of an economy fossil fuel regime “gigantic that was dependent on and harder, but not imposfossil fuel,” said Malm. sible, to reverse or replace,” Other nations then McNeill said. began “searching for fossil Meanwhile, coal kept

its place in the global economy.

In China and Japan, growing consumption was a signal and barometer of developing economies, said Victor Seow, a historian of science at Harvard University. After the Communist Revolution in 1949, the Chinese government measured growth by its production of items like cloth, electricity, wheat, iron, steel — and coal, too. Japan studied Western mining to develop their own coal fields.

China is now the world’s current largest greenhouse gas emitter, although the United States still trumps it historically. India has also become a major coal-burning nation.

Fredrik Albritton Jonsson, a historian at the University of Chicago, said humans can decide what kind of world they want to live in, and tailor their development within nature’s boundaries.

“There are two kinds of boundaries to this economy,” said Fredrik Albritton Jonsson, a historian at the University of Chicago. “One is a sort of upper boundary of planetary limits” of what our natural world can withstand, “and then there’s a lower boundary, that would guarantee minimum social needs, entitlements, the right to education, the right to clean water, the right to a steady income.”

US NAVY SEIZES ATTACKERS WHO HELD ISRAEL-LINKED TANKER. MISSILES FROM REBEL-CONTROLLED YEMEN FOLLOW DUBAI Associated Press ARMED assailants seized and later let go of a tanker linked to Israel off the coast of Yemen on Sunday before being apprehended by the United States Navy, officials said.

Two ballistic missiles fired from Houthi-controlled Yemen then landed near a US warship aiding the tanker in the Gulf of Aden, raising the stakes amid a series of ship attacks linked to the Israel-Hamas war.

Yemen’s internationally recognized government blamed the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels for the attack, though the rebels in control of the capital, Sanaa, did not acknowledge either the seizure or the missile attack.

The attackers seized the Liberian-flagged Central Park, managed by Zodiac Maritime, in the Gulf of Aden, the company, the US and British militaries and private intelligence firm Ambrey said.

The US military’s Central Command said in a statement early Monday that its forces and allies, including the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Mason, responded to the seizure and demanded the armed assailants release the tanker.

“Subsequently, five armed individuals debarked the ship and attempted to flee via their small boat,” Central Command said.

“The Mason pursued the attackers resulting in their eventual surrender.”

The Central Command did not identify the attackers, but said a missile

launch from Houthi-controlled Yemen followed early Monday morning.

“The missiles landed in the Gulf of Aden approximately 10 nautical miles (18.5 kilometres) from the ships,” the statement said.

“The USS Mason … was concluding its response to the M/V Central Park distress call at the time of the missile launches. There was no damage or reported injuries from either vessel during this incident.”

Early Monday morning, Zodiac said the vessel carrying phosphoric acid and its crew of 22 sailors from Bulgaria, Georgia, India, the Philippines, Russia, Turkey and Vietnam were unharmed.

“We would like to thank the coalition forces who responded quickly, protecting assets in the area and upholding international maritime law,” the company said.

Zodiac described the vessel as being owned by Clumvez Shipping Inc., though other records directly linked Zodiac as the owner. London-based Zodiac Maritime is part of Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer’s Zodiac Group.

British corporate records listed two men with the last name Ofer as a current and former director of Clumvez Shipping, including Daniel Guy Ofer, who is also a director at Zodiac Maritime.

Yemen’s internationally recognized government, which is based out of nearby Aden, blamed the rebels for the seizure in a statement carried by their state-run news agency.

“The Yemeni

government has renewed its denunciation of the acts of maritime piracy carried out by the terrorist Houthi militias with the support of the Iranian regime, the most recent of which was the hijacking of the Central Park,” the statement read.

The attack happened in a part of the Gulf of Aden that is in theory under the control of that government’s forces and is fairly distant from Houthicontrolled territory in the country. Somali pirates are not known to operate in that area.

Zodiac Maritime has been targeted previously amid a wider yearslong shadow war between Iran and Israel. In 2021, a drone attack assessed by the US and other Western nations to have been carried out by Iran killed two crew members aboard Zodiac’s oil tanker Mercer Street off the coast of Oman.

The British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, which provides warnings to sailors in the Middle East, had earlier issued a warning to sailors that “two black-andwhite craft carrying eight persons in military-style clothing” had been seen in the area.

The UKMTO put the Central Park’s location over 60 kilometres (35 miles) south of Yemen’s coast, some 80 kilometres (50 miles) east of Djibouti and around 110 kilometres (70 miles) northeast of Somalia in the Gulf of Aden, a key shipping route.

The Central Park seizure comes after a container ship, CMA CGM Symi, owned by another Israeli

IN an undated photo released by Zodiac Maritime, the tanker Central Park is seen. Attackers seized the tanker linked to Israel off the coast of Aden, Yemen, on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, authorities said.

While no group immediately claimed responsibility, it comes as at least two other maritime attacks in recent days have been linked to the Israel-Hamas war.

Photo: Zodiac Maritime/AP billionaire, came under attack Friday by a suspected Iranian drone in the Indian Ocean. Iran has not acknowledged carrying out the attack, nor did it respond to questions from The Associated Press about that assault.

Both the Symi and the Central Park had been behaving as if they faced a threat in recent days.

The ships had switched off their Automatic Identification System trackers, according to data from MarineTraffic.com analysed by the AP. Ships are supposed to keep their AIS active for safety reasons, but crews will turn them off if it appears they might be targeted. In the Central Park’s case, the vessel had

last transmitted four days ago after it left the Suez Canal heading south into the Red Sea. Global shipping had increasingly been targeted as the Israel-Hamas war threatens to become a wider regional conflict — even as a truce has halted fighting and Hamas exchanges hostages for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

Earlier in November, the Houthis seized a vehicle transport ship also linked to Israel in the Red Sea off Yemen. The rebels still hold the vessel off the port city of Hodeida.

However, the Houthis had not directly targeted the Americans for some time, further raising the stakes in the growing

maritime conflict. In 2016, the US launched Tomahawk cruise missiles that destroyed three coastal radar sites in Houthicontrolled territory to retaliate for missiles being fired at US Navy ships, including the USS Mason, at the time.

Meanwhile on Sunday, the American aircraft carrier USS Eisenhower travelled through the Strait of Hormuz and entered the Persian Gulf, the US military said. The Eisenhower was accompanied by the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea, the guided-missile destroyers USS Gravely and the USS Stethem and the French frigate Languedoc.

COURT DOCUMENT CLAIMS META KNOWINGLY DESIGNED ITS PLATFORMS TO HOOK KIDS, REPORTS SAY Associated Press FACEBOOK parent Meta Platforms deliberately engineered its social platforms to hook kids and knew — but never disclosed — it had received millions of complaints about underage users on Instagram but only disabled a fraction of those accounts, according to a newly unsealed legal complaint described in reports from The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.

The complaint, originally made public in redacted form, was the opening salvo in a lawsuit filed in late October by the attorneys general of 33 states.

Company documents cited in the complaint described several Meta officials acknowledging the company designed its products to exploit shortcomings in youthful psychology such as impulsive behaviour, susceptibility to peer pressure and the underestimation of risks, according to the reports.

Others acknowledged Facebook and Instagram also were popular with children under age 13 who, per company policy, were not allowed to use the service.

Meta said in a statement to The Associated Press that the complaint

misrepresents its work over the past decade to make the online experience safe for teens, noting it has “over 30 tools to support them and their parents.”

With respect to barring younger users from the service, Meta argued age verification is a “complex industry challenge.”

Instead, Meta said it favors shifting the burden of policing underage usage to app stores and parents, specifically by supporting federal legislation that would require app stores to obtain parental approval whenever youths under 16 download apps.

One Facebook safety executive alluded to the

possibility that cracking down on younger users might hurt the company’s business in a 2019 email, according to the Journal report.

But a year later, the same executive expressed frustration that while Facebook readily studied the usage of underage users for business reasons, it didn’t show the same enthusiasm for ways to identify younger kids and remove them from its platforms, the Journal reported.

The complaint noted that at times Meta has a backlog of up to 2.5 million accounts of younger children awaiting action, according to the newspaper reports.

ATTENDEES visit the Meta booth at the Game Developers Conference 2023 in San Francisco on March 22, 2023. Facebook parent Meta Platforms deliberately engineered its social platforms to hook kids and knew - but never disclosed - that it had received millions of complaints about underage users on Instagram but only disabled a fraction of those accounts, according to a newly unsealed legal complaint described in reports from the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times.

Photo: Jeff Chiu/AP

SPORTS PAGE 11

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2023

Xavion signs deal with Bahamasair

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

W

ith the rapid success he has achieved so far, judoka Xavion Johnson can now capitalise on his first local sponsorship deal, becoming the youngest partner of Bahamasair.

A two-year deal, which included a cash incentive and tickets to travel to and from The Bahamas, was completed on Monday as the 17-year-old Johnson signed the contract with Bahamasair officials, headed by managing director Tracy Cooper.

Also present were Johnson’s mother Ordain Moss, his Fox Hill Member of Parliament Fred Mitchell, Bahamas Judo Federation

SEE PAGE 14

DEANDRE AND TRAIL BLAZERS TOP ‘BUDDY’ AND PACERS 114-110

By MARK AMBROGI Associated Press

SPONSOR DEAL: Judoka Xavion Johnson shares a moment with his original sensei Mickey Munnings, his mother Ordain Moss and Bahamas Judo Federation president D’Arcy Rahming.

Photo: Wendall Demeritte

WOMEN’S NATIONAL SOCCER TEAM PREPARE TO HOST USVI

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net WITH a slightly different team that played in their first Gold Cup match, head coach Ricqea Bain is confident that the women’s national soccer team will perform much better as they christen the newly renovated field at the Roscoe Davies Developmental Center.

The women’s team, coming off a 0-0 draw to the US Virgin Islands on the road on October 29, will host the US Virgin Islands in a rematch on Wednesday, starting at 3pm in their CONCACAF Road to the World Gold Cup. The match is open free to the general public and Rolle and the rest of the team are encouraging all to come out and support them.

“Despite facing adversities, including a tough loss, a red card and subsequent challenges, our team

DEANDRE Ayton shoots over Pacers forward Jalen Smith (25) last night. (AP)

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Jerami Grant scored 34 points and Deandre Ayton had 22 points and 13 rebounds to power the Portland Trail Blazers to a 114-110 victory over the Indiana Pacers last night.

Malcolm Brogdon added 24 points for the Trail Blazers, including a gamesealing basket in the closing seconds.

Tyrese Haliburton led Indiana with 33 points.

Bruce Brown, Myles Turner and Bennedict Mathurin each had 11, but the Pacers were slowed by 20 turnovers and 8-for-33 shooting from 3-point range.

Following a Portland turnover, Brown scored to cut the deficit to 112-110 before Brogdon’s driving 7-footer put the Trail Blazers ahead 114-110 with 6 seconds left. The Pacers’ Buddy Hield missed a long 3-pointer with 2.1 seconds remaining. He ended up with nine points, three assists, a steal and block.

Rookie Scoot Henderson sank a 12-footer at the end of the third quarter to tie it at 83-all. The teams then traded the lead for the next few minutes.

Grant put the Trail Blazers in the lead for good at 96-94 with a driving floater with 6:36 to play.

The Trail Blazers trailed by four after the first quarter before moving into a 65-60 halftime lead. Portland sank 7 of 11 3-pointers in the first half, while the

SEE PAGE 13

correction GETTING READY: The women’s national soccer team, coming off a 0-0 draw to the US Virgin Islands in their CONCACAF Road to the World Gold Cup on October 29, is scheduled to host the US Virgin Islands in a rematch at 3pm on Wednesday. showcased unweaving determination,” she said.

“The journey may not be as fast as we would like, but we are moving in the right direction, establishing a foundation for future success.”

After losing their first game to Grenada, Bain said they have refined the team to help them overcome the deficiencies that they encountered as they look forward to improving on their performances this

time around as they elevate themselves and secure positive results on the field.

“At the beginning of our journey on our home turf, we celebrated our inaugural goal, symbolising our strength in familiar

settings,” she pointed out.

“With the majority of our players under the age of 21, coupled with more exposure and development, our team is poised

SEE PAGE 14

IT was incorrectly stated in Monday’s sports that Flames won the Baha Mar Hoops crown. In fact, the UNC Spartans defeated the UIC Flames 58-57.

SEE PHOTOS PAGE 12

JUNIOR TENNIS PLAYERS OFF TO COLLEGE SHOWCASE IN MAPLES

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net SEVEN of the country’s top junior players are heading off to Maples, Florida to participate in a college showcase, thanks to their involvement in Island Tennis Bahamas at the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island.

“We’re proud to see that the kids are growing and their perseverance is starting to pay off for them,” said Philip Major Jr, who along with Kevin Major Jr started the programme to get more young tennis players performing at the next level.

“Kudos to them and we wish them every success for reaching such a milestone in their lives. Hopefully we can have more stuff

FLORIDA BOUND: Russell Miller joins coaches Kevin Major Jr, Philip Major Jr and Marvin Rolle with some of the players heading off to the college tennis showcase in Florida. like this going on in tennis where the players are given a chance to perform in front of the college scouts and coaches.”

Dentry Mortimer, Saphire Ferguson, Leila O’Brien, Khai Reese,

Sharano Hanna, Savanno Hanna and Sierra Rogers are expected to showcase their talent before more than 80 schools as they participate in the event.

They are scheduled to leave town today with

Philip and Kevin Major Jr and return home on Friday.

Major Jr thanked president/managing director Audrey Oswell, Russell Miller, executive

SEE PAGE 14

PAGE 12, Tuesday, November 28, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

2023 BAHA MAR HOOPS NASSAU CHAMPIONSHIP

UNC Spartans put out the UIC Flames 58-57

Photos by Dante Carrer

NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Mikeal BrownJones scored 15 points to lead the UNC Greensboro Spartans and Donovan Atwell secured the victory with a free throw with three seconds left as the Spartans edged the UIC Flames 58-57 on Sunday night in the championship game of the Nassau bracket at

Baha Mar Hoops. BrownJones also contributed nine rebounds for the Spartans (5-1).

Atwell scored 11 points, going 3 of 8 from the floor, including 1 for 4 from 3-point range, and 4 for 4 from the line.

Kobe Langley shot 3 for 11 (1 for 5 from 3-point range) and 3 of 4 from the

free throw line to finish with 10 points, while adding four steals.

Isaiah Rivera finished with 14 points for the Flames (5-2).

Steven Clay added nine points for UIC. In addition, Filip finished with nine points. The Flames ended a five-game winning streak with the loss.

TITLE GAME REPLAY: The UNC Greensboro Spartans got the nail-biting 58-57 win over the UIC Flames in the championship game of the Nassau bracket at Baha Mar Hoops.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, November 28, 2023, PAGE 13

Point differentials could come into ANALYSIS: AFC’S RACE play as NBA In-Season Tournament FOR NO. 1 SEED QUITE group phase ends today TIGHT

By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer

MIAMI (AP) — Say this for the NBA: It will have some drama for the final night of group play in the inaugural In-Season Tournament.

There are eight games left — all potentially having implications on who will advance.

All teams play four games in the group stage; 14 teams are already done and the other 16 teams wrap up their group slates today. Every group winner will reach the quarterfinals, and the best second-place team from each conference will earn a wild-card spot.

There’s a really good chance that tiebreakers to separate teams with 3-1 (or maybe even 2-2) records will come into play. The first tiebreaker is head-to-head, and the second is point differential — which certainly raises the possibility that a team with a lead as time is running out in an alreadydecided game might look for more points in the final seconds.

“We’ll just focus on trying to get a win tomorrow,” said Miami coach Erik Spoelstra, whose team plays host to Milwaukee today.

“That’s the most important thing.

We know what the differential has to be. You can’t go into a game thinking that. That’s not how you win games against good teams.”

Indiana and the Los Angeles Lakers are the only two teams that have secured quarterfinal spots.

Both went 4-0 in group play and are assured of having a home game for the start of the knockout round

next week — either Dec. 4 or Dec. 5. From there, 16 teams remain alive for the remaining six quarterfinal spots. The easiest things to figure out are these: if Milwaukee beats Miami and if Sacramento beats Golden State, then the Bucks and Kings will be the other two quarterfinal hosts.

Other than that, good luck figuring out all the possible tiebreakers.

The Celtics are one of the teams that could see their tournament fate decided by the point differential tiebreaker. Tatum likes the tournament in general; that tiebreaker, not so much. “It’s all about respecting the game and respecting your opponents,” Tatum said. “So, that part, I’m not a fan of.”

WHO IS STILL ALIVE? This one is easy: the Pacers and Lakers are in, and the other six quarterfinal spots will go to some combination of these teams: Cleveland, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Milwaukee, New York, Miami, Charlotte, Orlando, Boston, Brooklyn, Phoenix, New Orleans, Houston, Sacramento, Minnesota and Golden State.

WHO IS OUT? Detroit, Washington, Toronto, Chicago, Utah, Portland, Memphis, Denver, Dallas, the Los Angeles Clippers, Oklahoma City and San Antonio have been eliminated.

EAST GROUP A Standings: Indiana 4-0, Cleveland 2-1, Philadelphia 2-2, Atlanta 1-2, Detroit 0-4.

Tuesday game: Atlanta at Cleveland.

Outlook: Must-win for Atlanta, and the Hawks would still need a lot of help to advance.

Cleveland eliminates Philadelphia and Atlanta with a win, but it probably needs to be by a sizable margin to give the Cavs much hope of advancing.

EAST GROUP B Standings: Milwaukee 3-0, New York 2-1, Miami 2-1, Charlotte 1-2, Washington 0-4.

Tuesday games: Charlotte at New York, Milwaukee at Miami.

Outlook: The Bucks, Knicks and Heat could all still win the group.

Charlotte can advance if the Cavs, Knicks, Heat, Boston and Brooklyn all lose, and even then the Hornets would have to beat the Knicks by a lot. Like, a whole lot.

EAST GROUP C Standings: Orlando 3-1, Boston 2-1, Brooklyn 2-1, Toronto 1-2, Chicago 0-3.

Tuesday games: Chicago at Boston, Toronto at Brooklyn.

Outlook: The Bulls and Raptors can play spoilers. If Brooklyn loses, Orlando wins the group (and the Magic could win it other ways, too). Boston must win to have a chance.

WEST GROUP A Standings: Los Angeles Lakers 4-0, Phoenix 3-1, Utah 2-2, Portland 1-3, Memphis 0-4.

Tuesday games: None.

Outlook: The Suns will sit around to find out their fate. They would advance with a Minnesota loss to Oklahoma City.

Otherwise, tiebreakers come into play.

Grant, Ayton lead Trail Blazers over the Pacers FROM PAGE 11 Pacers were 5 off 15.

Brogdon, who played three seasons with the Pacers, led Portland with 15 points in the opening half.

Pacers forward Jalen Smith had to be helped to the locker room with an apparent knee injury with 4:09 left in the third quarter. Smith had nine points.

Aaron Nesmith returned for the Pacers after missing the previous two games with a wrist sprain.

The Pacers shot 47.7% for the game while the Trail Blazers made 47.1%.

UP NEXT Trail Blazers: At Cleveland on Thursday.

Pacers: At Miami for games on Thursday and Saturday.

76ERS 134, LAKERS 94 PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Joel Embiid had 30 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists to help the Philadelphia 76ers rout LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers 138-94 last night.

The reigning NBA MVP, Embiid notched his sixth career triple-double with 2 minutes left in the third quarter. It was Embiid’s first of the season and his seventh career game with 10-plus assists.

Embiid’s anticipated showdown with James never really materialised.

James scored 18 points in 29 minutes but nothing he did could make a dent in the 76ers’ lead.

He has now played more minutes than any player in NBA history, with playoff time included.

By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer

CELTICS forward Jayson Tatum looks to take a foul shot against the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday.

(AP Photo/Steven Senne) WEST GROUP B Standings: New Orleans 3-1, Houston 2-1, Denver 2-2, Dallas 1-2, Los Angeles Clippers 1-3.

Tuesday: Houston at Dallas.

Outlook: Finally, an easy one. If Houston beats Dallas, the Rockets win Group B. If Dallas beats Houston, New Orleans wins Group B. WEST GROUP C Standings: Sacramento 3-0, Minnesota 2-1, Golden State 2-1, Oklahoma City 1-2, San Antonio 0-4.

Tuesday: Golden State at Sacramento, Oklahoma City at Minnesota.

Outlook: The Kings win the group with a win. The Warriors need a win to have a chance to advance as a wild-card or the group winner. Minnesota also needs a win to have any chance.

PORTLAND Trail Blazers centre Deandre Ayton (2) goes up for a dunk over Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) during the first half last night.

(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Tyrese Maxey scored 31 points for the 76ers.

Anthony Davis had 17 points and 11 rebounds for the Lakers.

Embiid sat out the entire fourth quarter and the 76ers still outscored the Lakers 40-14.

WIZARDS 126, PISTONS 107 DETROIT (AP) — Kyle Kuzma had 32 points and

12 rebounds as Washington ended a nine-game losing streak with a rout of Detroit in a matchup of the NBA’s worst teams.

Washington (3-14) won for the first time since a 132-116 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on November 8.

The Pistons (2-15) have lost 14 straight after beating the Chicago Bulls

118-102 on October 28.

Kuzma, playing in his home state, added eight assists while committing two turnovers.

Deni Avdija and Danilo Gallinari scored 16 for the Wizards.

Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 26 points and seven assists. Jalen Duren had 12 points and 14 rebounds.

GARNACHO’S SENSATIONAL OVERHEAD KICK STUNS PROTESTING EVERTON FANS AND HELPS MANCHESTER UNITED EARN 3-0 WIN

By STEVE DOUGLAS AP Sports Writer MANCHESTER United needed to produce something extraordinary to quieten a home crowd at Goodison Park seething with anger and resentment.

Alejandro Garnacho did just that by scoring one of the greatest goals ever seen in the Premier League.

Leaping high in the air with his back to goal, the 19-year-old Argentina winger produced a spectacular bicycle kick from 15 yards (metres) that sent the ball flying into the top corner and — if only briefly — muted tens of thousands of protesting Everton fans.

“A goal like this has to silence the crowd — even this Everton crowd,” United captain Bruno Fernandes said.

The outrageous thirdminute strike set United on course for a 3-0 win over Everton but the score will not be the thing people remember from this

fiery, volatile occasion on Merseyside.

The match was played to a backdrop of protests by Everton supporters furious at what they perceived to be an over-the-top sanction — a record 10-point points deduction — for financial mismanagement issued by a disciplinary commission last week. This was the first game since that punishment and Everton fans marched in their thousands to the stadium, holding up pink cards featuring the word “corrupt” and the logo of the Premier League, and chanting “We shall not be moved.”

On one huge banner read the message: “Where there is power, greed and money ... there is corruption.”

The protests continued inside the stadium and it was into this cauldron that United’s players walked, ahead of what would be a real test of character for Erik ten Hag’s team.

Garnacho’s goal was crucial in dampening the

atmosphere somewhat, even if those pink cards stayed aloft for much of the game and there was a huge chant in the 10th minute — marking the 10 points docked — accusing the league of corruption.

“It changed the feel of the early part of the game,” Everton manager Sean Dyche said of Garnacho’s goal.

Marcus Rashford — from the penalty spot — and Anthony Martial added more goals in the second half for United, which has won five of its last six Premier League games and is six points behind leader Arsenal after 13 games.

Everton, hit by the points deduction, is in next-to-last place and above Burnley only on goal difference.

The team is now five points from safety and potentially destined for another season fighting relegation after only preserving its 69-year top-flight status on the final day of the 2022-23

campaign. “The signs were there today showing how we’ll fight for this club,” Everton defender James Tarkowski said, “and we’ll continue to do that.”

TOTTENHAM IMPLODING Not so long ago, Tottenham was top of the league and playing such good soccer under Ange Postecoglou that there was talk of a potential challenge for the title.

Three straight losses later and injury-hit Spurs’ campaign is in danger of unravelling.

A 2-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa on Sunday saw Tottenham squander another 1-0 lead, suffer another injury to a key player and raise concerns about the squad’s depth and ability to sustain a bid for Champions League qualification this season.

Ollie Watkins’ seventh goal of the season won the game in the 61st minute for Villa, which climbed to fourth place and just two

points off leader Arsenal in a bunched-up summit of the standings after 13 games. Giovani Lo Celso lashed in a deflected shot from the edge of the area for the opening goal for Tottenham in the 22nd, only for Pau Torres to head in an equaliser from Douglas Luiz’s free kick.

Rodrigo Bentancur, making his first start for Tottenham after eight months out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, was forced off midway through the first half after a foul by Matty Cash. He returns to an injury list already containing Micky van de Ven, James Maddison and Richarlison while suspended center back Cristian Romero will still be missing when Tottenham travels to Man City next weekend.

The win lifted Villa above Tottenham, which dropped to fifth place having lost its previous matches to Wolverhampton and Chelsea.

(AP) — TREVOR Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars took control of their division. Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs shrugged off a big deficit. Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens showed their balance.

Three of the AFC’s division leaders kept pace on the road Sunday, setting up a wide-open race for the No. 1 seed down the stretch.

The Ravens (9-3) beat the Chargers 20-10 to remain a half-game ahead of the Chiefs (8-3), Jaguars (8-3) and Miami Dolphins (8-3).

Jackson threw for 177 yards, the Ravens ran for 197 and a stingy defence shut down Justin Herbert and the Chargers, forcing four turnovers.

The Ravens host the Rams after their bye week and then play Jacksonville and Miami sandwiched around a difficult game against San Francisco (8-3) in Weeks 15-16-17. Those games will help determine who will earn the AFC’s top spot.

The Chiefs rebounded from a disappointing loss at home to Philadelphia on Monday night by rallying for a 31-17 win over the Raiders. It took them a quarter to get going in Las Vegas before Mahomes tossed two touchdown passes and Isiah Pacheco ran for two scores.

Kansas City has hosted five straight AFC championship games. None of the Chiefs’ final six opponents currently has a winning record so they have a clear path to the top spot. If they win out, they’ll earn a firstround bye.

Lawrence threw for 364 yards and one TD and ran for a score to help the Jaguars hold off Houston, 24-21. Jacksonville opened up a two-game lead over the Texans (6-5) and Indianapolis Colts (6-5) in the AFC South.

The victory wasn’t secured until Matt Ammendola’s 58-yard field goal attempt hit the crossbar in the final minute. Josh Allen and Travon Walker combined to sack C.J. Stroud for a 9-yard loss a few plays before the missed kick.

Jacksonville’s hopes of earning the No. 1 seed could come down to how the team fares in back-to-back games against Cleveland (7-4) and Baltimore in Weeks 14-15.

The Dolphins had the day off after whipping the New York Jets in the NFL’s first Black Friday game.

They earned another victory Sunday when the Buffalo Bills collapsed in Philadelphia. Josh Allen and the Bills blew several leads, including one in overtime, before losing 37-34 to fall to 6-6.

The Bills, who entered the season with Super Bowl expectations, are 10th in the AFC and now trail Pittsburgh (7-4), Cleveland, Indianapolis, Houston and Denver (6-5) in the wildcard race.

Miami’s next three opponents are 12-22 combined.

But the Dolphins finish with three tough games against Dallas (8-3), Baltimore and Buffalo.

In the NFC, the Eagles (10-1) are the clear leader following their fourth straight comeback win.

They’ve been resilient and Jalen Hurts has played at an MVP level. Philadelphia faces the 49ers and Cowboys in its next two games but has margin for error.

The top teams in the AFC don’t have that luxury. They have to keep winning.

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PAGE 14, Tuesday, November 28, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

WOMEN’S SOCCER

SINNER LEADS ITALY TO ITS FIRST DAVIS CUP TITLE IN NEARLY 50 YEARS

FROM PAGE 11

for continued improvement.”

She thanked the public who came out and supported them against Grenada and she encouraged them to come out and support them in Wednesday’s game against the US Virgin Islands.

Bahamas Football Association’s deputy general secretary Carl Lynch said the game is not just a highlight for women’s soccer in the Bahamas, but a celebration of their team’s participation in the tournament.

“We are excited and we would like to share this moment with you.

We would like to see as many of you cheering on our team,” he said. “Just a reminder, the event is a free event, so please come early and get your seat to support our national team as they bring home the victory.”

While the team is playing in League C, the Bahamas would have to finish on top of the standings in order to be promoted to continue play in the Gold Cup next year. But Bain indicated that it’s out of their realm,

SHOWN, from left to right, are player Rachel Rolle, coach Ricqea Bain, BFA’s deputy secretary general Carl Lynch, director of sports Kelsie Johnson-Sills and player Diane Maillis pose above at yesterday’s press conference. so the best they can do is finish in second place if they can beat the US Virgin Island on Wednesday.

Named to the team to play against the US Virgin Islands are Rokesia Sands, defender; Dalexis Huyler, defender; Samantha Ramirez, defender; Jada Thelamour, defender; Jade Thelamour, defender; Meaghan Smith, defender; Samina Moss, defender; Karen Wert, defender/midfield; Rachel Rolle, midfield; Janeka Edey, midfield; Kenyonique Thompson, midfield; Hadassah Knowles, midfield; Giselle

Laing, forward; Ashya Butler, forward; Demitra Mcclure, forward; Diane Maillis, Forward; Valtinique Simmons, forward; Kyrah Miller, forward; Kendi Outten, goalkeeper and Raynia Russell, goalkeeper.

Rachel Rolle, a 20-yearold student of Allen University in Colombia, South Carolina, said they are going to put their best foot forward. “I think we are all excited to play with each other and we look forward to pulling off the match,” Rolle stated.

Maillis, following in the footsteps of her father

George Maillis, who played previously as a teenager for the men’s national team, said at the age of 27, she is excited to play in honour of our country.

“I go into this game, winning on my confidence on and off the ball, movement without the ball ensuring that I get this, I’m on the team for a reason and I just have to make the most of it,” she stated.

Kelsie Johnson-Sills, the director of sports in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, congratulated Team Bahamas.

“Women in sports is truly a good thing and to

have a 17-year-old (Maillis) making a national team and talking about some of the things she wants to do in the game, truly gave me some feedback to when I used to play on the national team,” said Johnson-Sills, who excelled as a high jumper and a member of the women’s national volleyball team.

She encouraged the general public to come out and support the team, which is being coached by a young lady. The team, by the way, consists of no player or member of the coaching and management staff over the age of 30.

XAVION FROM PAGE 11

president D’Arcy Rahming Sr and sensei Mickey Munnings who got Johnson started in judo.

Cooper, who was accompanied by Samatha Lookie, the sales and marketing director and board members Dr Tyneil Cargill and Melony Rahming, said they are delighted at Bahamasair to welcome Johnson on board the national airline.

“He is an up-and-coming young man, somebody in our society who wants to pop up and let others know what good young men are all about,” Cooper said.

“Xavion is the best judo competitor that we have in the Bahamas today.

“He holds titles from this year alone from the Pan American Games, titles in the US Open, as a matter of fact, he is the two-time US Open champion and he also holds the European title. If that doesn’t say just how good this man is as it relates to his trade, I don’t know what else to say.”

As Bahamasair celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, Cooper said that they are delighted to sign the contract that will allow him to promote the company’s brand whenever he travels to compete. He will also receive a stipend. He will also get a chance to travel around the Family Islands to promote the sport of judo.

Johnson, who started competing in judo at the age of eight, said he was delighted to sign the contract with Bahamasair and although he was a little “speechless,” he was pleased with everything going on.

“It’s amazing. I love representing my country because in judo, there’s basically only about five of us who are competing and I get questions about the Bahamas so much when I travel, so I am very happy about representing my country.”

So far, Johnson has travelled to Mexico, Peru, the United States, Croatia, Portugal, Bosnia, Denmark and the Dominican Republic, but his ultimate goal is to qualify for the Olympics, hopefully in 2028 in Los Angeles, California.

“My plans are for 2024 to grow my beard,” said Johnson, who came out with a new look haircut. “Since I’m moving up from Youth 21 and to the 66-kilogram class, I have to get used to it. I would say by 2025 I should be used to it. Then I can start looking at qualifying for the 2028 Olympics.”

Whatever direction his life takes, his mother said she is just super proud of what her son has accomplished so far. She noted that the deal with Bahamasair will only help to strengthen his progress in the future.

“Sometimes I have to take a step back and realise that he’s more than just my son,” Moss stated.

“I believe that Xavion is

XAVION Johnson receives his signed contract from Bahamasair managing director Tracy Cooper. walking into his purpose.

He has been this way since he started in judo.

“When I tell you he would get up and prepare himself for judo and put himself on a diet at eight years old so that he could make his weight category.

He would set his own schedule and the only time he would have free time is if I took him out of his schedule. So he has been this way for the past nine years and, as a mother, I am just privileged to help him to walk into his purpose.”

While she’s admitted that she’s immensely proud of her son, Moss acknowledged that he would not have been able to succeed without the support given by so many people, including their family and friends.

“This right here (signing of contract) is a monumental experience. I am so proud of my son and so proud to be sitting on the side of him and calling him my son,” she said.

Mitchell, the Foreign Affairs Minister, who took the time to congratulate Johnson before he took on a mission trip, thanked Bahamasair for including one of his constituents of Fox Hill in the partnership agreement.

“It’s always a privilege when you are a representative to support young people, who are the future of the country, and particularly, someone who is a male because there’s always this complaint that the males are not keeping up with women.

“So when you see someone who is a male making it, we ought to support him and to make sure that he gets as far as he could with the support of the general community. So on behalf of the Fox Hill community, through his mom for her support and the work to ensure that he has the confidence that he has, I just want to say congratulations and thank him, keep it up.

We will do all we can to support you in the future.”

Rahming, in expressing his gratitude to the Johnson family, said the BJF is also pleased with Bahamasair in their forward thinking of the development of the youth of the nation.

“You’re not going to be disappointed in his character and also in his efforts,” Rahming said. “He’s been training for this for a long

BAHAMAS Judo Federation president D’Arcy Rahming speaks as Xavion Johnson and his mother Ordain Moss and Samantha Lookie listen.

MALAGA, Spain (AP) — Jannik Sinner capped his perfect week by leading Italy to its first Davis Cup title in nearly five decades.

Sinner took his record to 5-0 this week by beating Alex de Miñaur 6-3, 6-0 in the second singles match of Sunday’s final, giving Italy a 2-0 win over Australia for its first Davis Cup title since 1976.

Matteo Arnaldi had given Italy the first point with a 7-5, 2-6, 6-4 win over Alexei Popyrin.

The No. 4 Sinner beat top-ranked Novak Djokovic in the singles and doubles matches in Saturday’s semifinal showdown against Serbia.

The 22-year-old Italian needed 1 hour, 21 minutes to seal Italy’s victory against Australia. “We are all very young. We are really hungry to try to win it one more time for our life, but having this feeling at least once, it is a really special feeling,” said Sinner, who has beaten nine top-10 players since September, though he lost to Djokovic in the ATP Tour Finals a week ago.

Arnaldi earlier saved eight break points before getting a break of his own to close out the first match in the decisive third set.

“I think I won one of the most important matches of my life,” the 44th-ranked Arnaldi said.

The Italians, who had never won the title other than in 1976, had lost the three finals it played against Australia, which was last year’s runner-up to Canada.

Australia eliminated Finland in the last four this year. The Aussies are 28-time champions but haven’t lifted the trophy at men’s tennis top team event since captain Lleyton Hewitt was on the winning squad as a player in 2003.

“There hasn’t been another nation that’s gone back-to-back in the last two years, so we are showing a pretty good effort collectively,” De Miñaur said.

TENNIS JUNIORS FROM PAGE 11

XAVION Johnson flanked by his original sensie Mickey Munnings and Bahamas Judo Federation president D’Arcy Rahming as they hold onto his medals.

FOX Hill MP Fred Mitchell speaks as Tracy Cooper of Bahamasair and Xavion Johnson and his mother Ordain Moss look on.

Photos: Wendall Demeritte time. There’s a deep desire a restart where you reach Johnson, who trains out and we really appreci- 50 and everybody thinks of Alberta, Canada with ate Bahamasair stepping they’re now a teenager Russell Gallant and Evan forward as a corporate again.

Beaton from the Lethsponsor.

“So we are happy to bridge Judo Club, will “This is one of the young have him on board to be home for the next few people we want to show the showcase a new brand and weeks. He said he will take world what a Bahamian is a new face.” the time to improve on his all about. We are so proud Sensie Mickey Mun- weight so that he can comthat it would be done on nings, who was Johnson’s pete in the new class when our national flag carrier.” first coach at Eastwood he returns to competition Lookie, who was respon- Judo Club on Prince next year. sible for securing the deal Charles Drive, said he’s “It feels amazing. It’s like between Bahamasair and proud of the accomplish- a dream come true,” said Johnson, said they are ments of his protégé.

Johnson about the contract happy to have him on “When he first came to with Bahamasair. board. me, I told his mother that “I’m now looking for“He will be one of our he will be very special,” ward to representing the first athletes under the age Munnings said. “From then company when I compete of 21, so we are excited to now, he’s achieved a bit. in my first event from Januabout that,” Lookie said. I still believe that he has ary 27-29 in Saskatoon, “He’s young and he’s up a bright future ahead of Canada. I am really proud and coming and with us him. I’m very excited about to be competing as a Bahabeing 50 years, it’s kind of what he will do.” mian with Bahamasair.”

vice president of hotel operations at the Atlantis resort, for providing the opportunity for Island Tennis Bahamas to call their tennis facility their home where they get the chance to work and groom these young tennis players for the future.

“It’s a beautiful and safe environment where the players get to hone their skills,” Major said. “Atlantis has not only accepted us, but they have developed a bond with the tennis players as they assist us in so many ways.”

Hopefully through this partnership, Major said they anticipate that there will be a lot more players getting the opportunity through Island Tennis Bahamas to follow in the footsteps of these first to go on a college tour through their organiSation.

“These players have been doing a lot of great things.

They have put in the hard work and it has shown as they prepare for this moment,” Major Jr said.

“So we’re definitely looking forward to them going to Florida and doing very well.

“They’ve come a long way in the past 4-5 years and so we as coaches can look forward to seeing them get off to college and to continue to perform at their best. We just hope that the trip is a successful one for all of them.”

During the showcase, the players will participate in a series of single and doubles matches in a field of more than 100 players. They will get to demonstrate their level of play in front of the coaches and scouts to be able to secure their athletic scholarships.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, November 28, 2023, PAGE 15

Revving up for the future EVERYONE’S journey is not a straight road. Some stories have twists and turns…bumps along the way. Edneka Farquharson knows that all too well.

The former resident of the Ranfurly Homes for Children, pictured right, is resilient. Life changed for Edneka at 13. First, she was taken from her mother and placed with her grandmother, only to eventually land in the Ranfurly Homes for Children for three years. Today, Edneka is a Trainee Immigration Officer with The Bahamas Department of Immigration and is currently stationed in the Naturalization Department.

Edneka is nearing the twoyear mark of her training and is planning to return to the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) in fall 2024 as attaining her Information Technology – Entry Level certificate is paramount.

“I always dreamed big for myself. Even at Ranfurly, I never thought I didn’t deserve better. I always wanted more for myself,” said the 26-year-old who in 2019 won the Miss Bahamas Organization (MBO) Spirit Award for her inner strength and pleasant demeanor.

Edneka explained why she will make a concerted effort to complete what she began at BTVI.

The BTVI Story “Information Technology (IT) is a whole other world with its own language. IT for me is learning computer coding, a new language. It’s fascinating. It’s just like a human body,” she stated.

“I work with computer systems at work and feel I am more knowledgeable when it comes to the system. I have found that what I have learned in IT while at BTVI has resulted in me moving quicker through computer systems. Hopefully they put me in IT soon,” she added.

BTVI’s IT Entry Level programme is designed for students to gain introductory knowledge of computers, mobile devices, operating systems, internet applications and software programming. In addition, students are required to sit the internationally-recognised CompTIA IT Fundamentals certification exam.

The young woman noted that generally, there seems to be a bias towards males in the IT field, but hastily added that she is not fazed by that.

“People look at IT as more of a male-dominated field, but there

is no gender when it comes to trades. Further, it gives me a sense of independence in the computer world and returning to BTVI is an indication of me putting some work into the education aspect of my life,” said the mother of a three-year-old.

She added that her daughter gives her further impetus to return to BTVI as she wants to give her the best life possible. In addition, she learned about the government tuition grant and is excited.

“I like the idea. The government is helping its citizens to advance themselves. Once you have a trade that trade follows you through life. You could always make a living off a trade.

You’ll never be out of work if you have a trade,” she emphasised.

“When I came out of the home, I had to put the pieces together.

I don’t have time for playing the victim. I am now creating what I want,” she stated.

“The BTVI Story” is a biweekly column which highlights the who, what and why of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), a tertiary institution where individuals ‘Discover the Possibilities’ related to various trades. The column is produced by BTVI’s Office of Public Relations.

‘YOUNG LEADERS ARE THE FUTURE’

THE BAHAMAS Development Bank (BDB) hosted a job shadow experience with RM Bailey Senior High School in recognition of International Men’s Day.

A LOOK INSIDE THE WORKPLACE FOUR promising students from The Bahamas Development Bank’s (BDB) neighbourhood school, RM Bailey Senior High School, participated in a unique job shadow experience this week.

BDB managing director Nicholas Higgs said: “At The Bahamas Development Bank, we believe in the immense potential of our youth and the critical role they play in shaping the future of our nation. Hosting students from RM Bailey Senior High School was more than recognition of International Men’s Day; it was an investment in the leaders of tomorrow.”

Mekhi Curry, Benjamin Cadet, Rochene Saintilien, and Johnson Simon, twelfth graders all between the ages of 16 and 17, rotated between various male employees from different departments within BDB. Mr Higgs said: “Witnessing their enthusiasm and insightful perspectives was truly inspiring. This initiative underscores our commitment to fostering an environment where young Bahamians can explore, learn, and be motivated to pursue their dreams. We

are dedicated to not only being a catalyst for economic development but also a beacon of hope and guidance for future generations.”

While the initiative aimed to inspire the next generation of men and emphasise diverse career opportunities, it also echoed that personal backgrounds do not determine one’s future and simply believing in young men is vital for their personal and professional development.

Johnson said the job shadow activity was important because a lot of his peers “don’t have people out there that believe in them” and it reminded him he “can do and achieve anything”.

Rochene added: “Society has many of us labelled as men who probably do drugs but as black guys, to have this opportunity is very important.

The highlight for me today was all the motivation received. The BDB men reminded us to keep going.”

The four students had the opportunity to explore different career options within the bank including management, information technology, accounting, and credit risk.

Benjamin was particularly drawn

to the accounts department. He said, “Being in the accounts department with Mr Aaron sparked more interest in my backup plan to become an accountant. It seemed very cool. A lot of male students don’t have opportunities like this which are so helpful.”

Mekhi expressed his enthusiasm about the experience, saying, “My time here has enlightened me on different career choices and how I can make them a reality and make sure I succeed in life.”

BDB’s job shadow day activity concluded with a lunch where the students had the chance to further engage with male employees of the bank.

BDB deputy managing director Dave Munroe said: “The Bahamas Development Bank will continue to support RM Bailey Senior High School. We will have more initiatives like this and most definitely see Mekhi, Benjamin, Rochene, and Johnson through to their graduation next year.”

An International Men’s Day activity will also be hosted by The Bahamas Development Bank’s Grand Bahama branch.

YOUNG leaders and scholars are the future of the nation, MP Lisa Rahming told LW Young students recently at a prefect installation ceremony.

“Your potential is boundless, and your dedication will shape our country’s future,” she said.

“Leadership is not inactive; it demands action,” she told the students.

“By demonstrating commitment, resilience, and respect, you will inspire your fellow students to follow your example.”

Prefects must be a role model for their peers. It involves guiding and supporting others in their pursuit of success and personal growth.

“As prefects, your leadership is not measured by authority alone but by the positive influence you have on your fellow students,” she advised.

“Help them navigate

their own paths, encourage them to reach for the stars, and foster a sense of unity within your school.”

Senator Barry Griffin, Senate vice president, also attended the ceremony for LW Young, and challenged students to continue to work hard to make their school a better place, to lead by example in words and in actions, to set firm educational goals, and to take full responsibility for learning in order to fulfil their dreams.

“What separates the people who merely set goals - and those who achieve them is - the focus, the hard work, the dedication, the discipline and the commitment,” Griffin said.

LW Young principal Deborah Thompson, administrators, teachers and students welcomed MP Rahming and Senator Griffin, and thanked them for inspiring the student body.