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Volume: 121 No.10, December 4, 2023

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FNM LEADERS DENY ROLE OVER ASSAULT ‘Regrettable’ that Johnson accused top party members following attack outside HQ

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net THE leadership of the Free National Movement said Richard Johnson’s claim that party leaders were involved in the physical attack against him outside an FNM meeting last week is false and regrettable.

Scottie the Hero

A man assaulted Mr Johnson outside the party’s headquarters last week Thursday, disrupting the meeting inside.

Mr Johnson filed a complaint with the police. A police source told The Tribune yesterday that no one has been arrested regarding the matter.

SEE PAGE THREE

SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER, of the United States, right, poses with the trophy as Tiger Woods smiles in the background, after winning the Hero World Challenge PGA Tour at the Albany Golf Club in New Providence, Bahamas, Sunday. See SPORTS for story.

Photo: Fernando Llano/AP

CASES OF SEX INFECTIONS REDUCED OVER TEN YEARS

By LETRE SWEETING AND LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporters THE public healthcare system recorded 2,169 sexually transmitted infections in 2022, 61 per cent –– or 1,320 –– of which were syphilis cases.

However, the number of STI cases declined from 2011 to 2022, according to Dr Nikkiah Forbes, Director of the National HIV/

AIDS and Infectious Disease Programme at the Ministry of Health.

Dr Forbes said chlamydia made up 26 per cent of the positive test results or 559 cases.

Herpes simplex virus one and two accounted for five per cent of cases. Gonorrhea made up four per cent.

“The number of chlamydia tests performed in SEE PAGE SEVEN

Azario family frustrated with court as officers granted leave to appeal

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net THE family of Azario Major is frustrated by what they see as an effort to delay justice after police killed their loved one outside Woody’s Bar on Fire

Trail Road on December 26, 2021.

In May, a Coroner’s Court jury ruled that Major’s police-involved killing was a homicide by manslaughter.

Last week, Justice Franklyn Williams granted the officers in the case leave to

appeal the Coroner Court’s ruling.

The judge’s decision came months after the officers filed a constitutional motion to overturn the Coroner’s Court ruling, arguing that pretrial publicity prevented a fair inquest.

SEE PAGE FIVE

YOUTH, Sports and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg defended the aesthetics of the Christmas tree in Parliament Square yesterday, saying the tree was incomplete during last week’s national tree lighting ceremony.

Some people criticised

MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg the tree decorations, but Mr Bowleg noted the

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

ornamentation was incomplete last week during the national tree lighting ceremony because Junkanoo bleachers were being set up.

“People are entitled to their own opinions,” he told The Tribune yesterday.

“You can see a tree and like it, and I can see and don’t like it, but that’s the difference. We ain’t gon’ ever

ANTICIPATION for the upcoming Junkanoo parades is growing after the order of entry for groups was announced on Saturday.

Hundreds of representatives from the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence, the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture, Junkanoo groups and other spectators gathered at Arawak Cay for the parade order of entry drawing ceremony.

Some spectators were left excited, while others were anxious. There were cheers

SEE PAGE FIVE

SEE PAGETHREE

Bowleg: $25k Christmas tree wasn’t Completed

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

JUNKANOO parades ENTRY ORDER ANNOUNCED

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

‘Time is a luxury we do not have’, Davis warns at COP28 THE TRIBUNE

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis warned world leaders that “time is a luxury we do not have” as he once again called for urgent action to fight climate change at the Conference of the Parties (COP 28) in Dubai on Saturday.

He welcomed delegates’ pledges to introduce a loss and damage fund for small island developing states, but questioned how long it would take before the fund materialises.

“How long must we now wait to have this new fund capitalised, and how long must we wait before we can access the funds?” he asked at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) meeting.

“Time is a luxury we do not have, and so we are left wondering how we should interpret the pledges of this COP. So little pledged, given what is needed. So late in the day, given what is forecast.”

“Is the effort here more to reduce the ‘noise pollution’ generated by our advocacy, rather than to address the carbon reduction and climate financing so urgently needed?”

“Are we expected to remain quietly grateful?

Frankly, we do not understand why everyone does not share our sense of urgency.”

Mr Davis said although the country didn’t experience hurricanes this year amid

Monday, December 4, 2023, PAGE 3

high temperatures, tropical storms and depressions in the area brought heavy flooding, interrupted power supply and led to loss of revenue.

“Over the coming six months, before the next hurricane season begins, we can use the time to strengthen our National Youth Guard,” he said.

“We can build more homes out of the groundbreaking, carbon-negative, ocean-resistant concrete pioneered by a Bahamian company, Partanna, headed by entrepreneur Rick Fox.” “We can also raise more finance using our blue carbon credits, backed by our extensive underwater fields of seagrasses, which absorb more carbon than the Amazon rainforest.”

He urged leaders to prioritise environmental action over “narrow economic interests,” adding that vulnerable states “simply want to live.”

“We still live in a world where financing always seems immediately available for the bullets and the bombs. This is a choice,” he said.

“We still live in a world where narrow economic interests continue to drive an increase in the burning of fossil fuels. This is also a choice.”

“But we have no choice.

Our plight is not seen in the images of women and children bleeding in the streets.

Our plight is mostly invisible: the slowly warming seawater, slowly rising up through our porous limestone islands.”

PRIME Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis speaks during his National Statement at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP 28), on December 2, 2023, held in Dubai, UAE. Photo: OPM

FNM leaders deny role over assault Johnson’s criticism of the party or pending internal party disciplinary proceedings are dishonest and misguided.

“Neither the FNM nor any member of its leadership team had any involvement in the alleged attack upon Mr Johnson,” the party said. “The FNM remains open to persons of different views and diverse opinions. We expect that the expression of such difference be done with respect, in decency and free of violence.”

The FNM said it is investigating the incident and will take steps to secure its headquarters and precincts.

“Our goal is to ensure that every member of the FNM feels safe and empowered, and we will

from page one

“It is regrettable that Mr Richard Johnson, in the wake of this traumatic event, has chosen to falsely accuse the leadership of the FNM of involvement in such a vile and cowardly attack,” the FNM said in a statement yesterday. “Not only is any such involvement denied, but we are concerned that such a baseless and spurious statement could be so casually and recklessly uttered and repeatedly broadcast.”

Mr Johnson, a supporter of former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, has frequently criticised the FNM’s leadership.

The party said attempts to link the incident to Mr

FNM CHAIRMAN DUANE SANDS

continue to take the necessary measures to ensure that all party members and supporters are able to participate fully and freely in the valuable work of the FNM,” the party said.

Mr Johnson sued the FNM last year after executives unanimously barred him from council meetings.

Earlier this year, Supreme Court Justice Deborah Fraser instituted an injunction preventing the party’s leaders from barring him from council meetings until she has addressed the substantive matter.

She also ordered Mr Johnson and party leaders not to personally attack each other or other FNM members in public until she has ruled on the lawsuit.

FLOODING MITIGATION PROMISED Junkanoo parades entry order announced

BY MOW HAS NOT ARRIVED A YEAR for Boxing Day and New Year’s events LATER, SAY CABLE BEACH RESIDENTS from page one

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net ONE year later, residents near Cable Beach say Ministry of Works officials have not delivered on promises to mitigate flooding and its effects in their area.

Last December, residents of Westward Villas on Devonshire Street sought to have the ministry address their concerns about flooding, caused by unapproved filling in of wetlands and mangroves.

Residents have since formed a nonprofit organisation (NPO) and sent a letter to the Ministry of Environment and the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection.

Long time resident and representative of the NPO, Tyrone Neely, said “many residents are upset”.

“The Ministry of Works has not done any identifiable action as per their assertion, and there is a new development in main Skyline, blatant and unashamedly filling in of our wetlands,” he said.

Following a town meeting in November 2022, the ministry and the residents agreed on steps for remediation, with ministry officials saying at the time that remediation would not be immediate.

Mr Neely said his organisation’s next step involves hosting a press conference at the site to bring awareness and speak on the environmental issues.

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and jeers.

In the A division, the Boxing Day order is Genesis, Prodigal Sons, One Family, Music Makers, the Valley Boys, the Saxon Superstars and Roots.

Music Makers will be first in the New Year’s parade lineup, followed

by Genesis, One Family, Roots, the Valley Boys, Prodigal Sons, and the

Saxons Superstars.

The Boxing Day and New Year’s Junkanoo Parades are sponsored by Aliv, with tickets going on sale at noon today. Ticket prices range from $25 to $55 plus VAT. They will be available for sale on the Aliv Events App or in the Aliv stores at Cable Beach or Harbour Bay. Aliv has also promised free wifi boxes for the Junkanoo shacks of

BOXING DAY JUNKANOO GROUP ENTRY ORDER

A groups. The boxes will stay fully loaded into the New Year and throughout the Junkanoo parades.

The parades will feature 23 D division individual acts, 15 B division groups and seven A division groups.

Saturday’s ceremony also featured free health screening for Junkanoo group members.

Christina “Muffin” Fernander, chairman of the

One Family Junkanoo group, toasted to the late former Cabinet minister Obie Wilchcombe.

She said the Shirley Street Cup prize will be renamed the Obediah Hercules Wilchcombe Shirley Street Cup, sponsored by Zamar Group of Companies. A prize money of $12,500 will be divided over the Boxing Day and New Year’s parades.

NEW YEAR’S JUNKANOO GROUP ENTRY ORDER

PAGE 4, Monday, December 4, 2023

Good times and good health THE Zest Festival was held on Saturday, with a focus on family wellness.

The event, hosted by Bodine, included a range of health and wellness activities, along with vendors,

artisans, family games and a car show. It was held at the Atlantic House grounds in Collins Avenue and was sponsored by CG Atlantic Medical and Life.

Photos: Moise Amisial

THE TRIBUNE

Bowleg: $25k Christmas tree wasn’t completed THE TRIBUNE

Monday, December 4, 2023, PAGE 5

from page one

please everybody.”

He said the ornaments reflect the Bahamian colours, marking the country’s 50th independence anniversary.

He said the tree cost $25,000.

“I don’t know why people does just look for something negative out of everything to put out there, but the $500,000 definitely ain’t got nothing to do with our tree,” he said.

It is not uncommon for Christmas decorations to be criticised.

Some people on social media said this year’s tree looked cluttered, while some praised the decorations.

Last month, Luther Smith, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Works and Utilities, said Christmas decorations in New Providence and the Family Islands will cost $500,000 this year.

He said this would be the first time the ministry would pay for decorations on Abaco, Exuma, Cat Island, and Eleuthera.

He said Island Pearls International was awarded the contract to provide Christmas lights for Pompey Square, Downtown, and Fish Fry. Another contract was awarded to Kaismu Ellis, who will be assisting the ministry with light displays in the southern area of New Providence, including Edmund Moxey Park.

YOUTH, Sports and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg defended the aesthetics of the Christmas tree in Parliament Square yesterday, saying the tree was incomplete during last week’s national tree lighting ceremony.

Photo: Moise Amisial

Azario family frustrated with court as officers granted leave to appeal

AZARIO MAJOR

from page one Justice Williams told the officers’ lawyer in August that he was doing his clients a “disservice” by insisting the inquest finding be quashed because the coroner did not consider his constitutional motion.

The judge said he would

deliver his ruling in October, but has not as yet done so.

“This extraordinary delay is extremely burdensome and has brought a lot of stress on the family because this matter should have been dismissed in May,” said Frederick Major, Azario’s father, on Friday.

Mr Major and his

lawyer noted the law gives people 30 days to appeal a Coroner’s Court ruling, claiming that the officers were out of time with their application.

Although a Supreme Court judge can grant an appeal when a person is out of time, Azario’s family questioned why the marshall

of the Coroner’s Court was not invited to object to the out-of-time appeal.

“Time given for leave to appeal from a verdict in a Coroner’s inquest is one month,” said David Cash, the family’s lawyer, in a statement. “The intended appellants have had more than enough time to appeal

if they wished to from the Coroner’s verdict. This is once again a case of justice delayed for the family

of Azario Major as other families await justice for the death of their loved ones at the hands of police.”

PAGE 6, Monday, December 4, 2023

The Tribune Limited

THE TRIBUNE

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Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

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Praiseworthy statistics in fight against HIV FOR those who remember the challenges this country has gone through in dealing with sexually transmitted diseases, today’s news of continuing declines in cases is the kind of news that seemed impossible to dream of at times.

The total number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) dropped between 2011 and 2022, with chlamydia cases dropping by 43 percent and – remarkably – new HIV cases dropping by 63 percent over the past ten years.

In October, the nation marked the passing of Dr Perry Gomez, a former Minister of Health but perhaps more importantly for the nation a pioneer in reducing the number of HIV cases in The Bahamas.

At the time of his death, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis talked of Dr Gomez’s “groundbreaking work in reducing mother-to-child transmission of HIV using AZT treatments”, but it was the other stories told at the time of how Dr Gomez went above and beyond using his own clinic in the fight against HIV/AIDS that touched the heart.

He founded and directed the national HIV programme, and created the AIDS Clinical Services programme at Princess Margaret Hospital.

He was not alone in the fight, by any means, but he was out in front at a time when people were still suspicious of dealing with people who had HIV, and when even talking about it could be a taboo subject.

So to hear now how cases have dropped dramatically is a validation of every person who took part in that battle to defeat HIV/AIDS. Education has proven to be a big part in the battle when dealing with STIs, with Dr Nikkiah Forbes, the current director of the National HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Programme, yesterday reiterating the preventable nature of such infections. She pointed out the effectiveness of condoms in preventing STIs, but as readers of The Tribune will know there are also regular clinics taking place where people can get tested for free as well. Treatment of HIV/ AIDS is also free, and a new oral selftest has just been launched as well, to try to ensure as many people as possible who need a test can take one.

Simply put, STIs can be tackled by knowing how to stay safe, using safe

methods, and testing to be sure you are clear.

That sounds simple – but it is a huge advance to be able to have that discussion in those terms from where we are all those years ago.

Plaudits then to all who have played their part in bringing about such a change.

The outcome is vital – it means saved lives. It means people not experiencing infertility or pregnancy loss. It means a future for those who might not have had one.

For that, all involved deserve every bit of praise.

Paying tribute THIS week is a moment to pay tribute to two men who played a prominent part in the media landscape of The Bahamas.

Today is the first anniversary of the passing of Eugene Duffy, the former managing editor of The Tribune.

Eugene will be well known to many readers and contributors to The Tribune, a former editor of The Mirror newspaper in the UK and a determined newspaper man who relentlessly pursued stories.

He was also the editor through the lockdowns of COVID, a challenging time when staff worked from home and still managed to get the newspaper out every day, filled with stories to let people know how the battle against the pandemic was continuing – and many more stories besides.

This week also sees tribute being paid to The Tribune’s former chief operating officer and ex-controller at 100 Jamz, Steve Haughey. Steve, who died in August, went on to become chief operating officer at Colina Holdings (Bahamas), and was well thought of by those who dealt with him, or who encountered him through his passion for running and fitness, or through Rotary.

On Thursday, there will be a celebration of his life from 4pm-6pm at the Bahamas National Trust Retreat Gardens.

We commend them both for all their achievements, and hope that they rest in peace.

LAVA erupts from snow-covered Mt Etna volcano, Sicily, Italy, early Friday.

Photo: Etnawalk, Giuseppe Di Stefano/AP

Pintard, an exemplary leader EDITOR, The Tribune.

I WRITE to commend the exemplary leadership of Michael Pintard, the party leader of the Free National Movement, during the recent byelection for West Grand Bahama and Bimini. While our party may not have secured victory in this battle, I am confident that, with Pintard at the helm, we are well on our way to winning the war and regaining the government in 2026.

What struck me most about Pintard’s leadership was his relatability with the people on the ground.

He didn’t just direct from behind the scenes; he was hands-on in the campaign, never asking his team to do something he himself wasn’t willing to do. It’s this kind of leadership that inspired the younger generation of FNMs, making them feel empowered and engaged.

Pintard’s dedication was evident when he faced off with the PLP by cleaning

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net up the park in Pine Forest and repairing many homes in the community. He was the first to show up on the ground and often the last to leave. This level of commitment speaks volumes about his genuine concern for the well-being of the people he serves.

Moreover, Pintard’s open-door policy has allowed many FNMs who felt hurt or abandoned by the former leader to return to the party. He understands that unity is our strength, and his ability to bridge gaps within our party is commendable.

Reflecting on the past, when the FNM lost the byelection in Abaco in 2012, it didn’t deter the party.

We bounced back and won the general election in 2017. Pintard’s resilience and determination assures us that history will repeat

itself in 2026.

As a millennial voter, I find Pintard’s approach refreshing and appealing.

He resonates with Millennials, Generation X and Z, speaking their language and understanding their concerns. In a world that constantly evolves, having a leader who can connect with diverse demographics is crucial.

Now is the time to press on with a leader who is not past the pension age. Pintard possesses the vision, talent, and drive to lead us not just to victory but to a better Bahamas. The FNM is ready to regain the government, and we believe that Pintard is the best choice to guide us towards a brighter future.

In the words of John C Maxwell, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” Michael Pintard is that leader.

HEATHER McDONALD December 1, 2023

W

FNM not learning their lesson EDITOR, The Tribune.

LORETTA ButlerTurner once said: “I never lose, I learn.” Now that the finger-pointing has already started in the aftermath of the FNM’s defeat in the by-election, it’s clear that some FNMs are not learning the right lessons.

I watched my former party’s campaign closely: the FNM made an admirable effort with a strong message. Even their concession speech showed party members in high spirits. If this internal enthusiasm did not translate into votes, it most likely speaks to two deficiencies: 1. A hole in the “get out the vote”

operation and/or 2. An over-reliance on the base at the expense of swing and independent voters.

In 2021, the party was not only defeated, but it was also discouraged and demoralised. The party’s brand had taken a serious hit after nearly a decade of the Hubert Minnis era (2012-2021). In my opinion, the new leader is still taking licks for the team just two years into his leadership. It’s just the way it is.

Michael Pintard still has a lot to prove, but one thing he has already proven is that he is not a coward.

I credit him for showing up to the battlefield even

though the winds were against his ship.

If I have any advice for the FNM, it would be to run a full diagnostic of the organization from top to bottom, skipping no corner where there can be any improvement. Change can be a good thing. If the FNM firmly commits to change, I would consider giving them my vote in 2026. If going backward on the leadership is the best they can do, I and many others will stay in the comfort of my home.

It’s as simple as that.

FORMER FNM VOTER December 1, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

Cases of sex infections reduced over ten years from page one

the public health system decreased by 43 per cent between the years 2011 and 2022,” Dr Forbes said yesterday. “The number of positive chlamydia test results decreased by 52 per cent in the 10 years between 2011 and 2022. For gonorrhoea, the tests performed decreased by 47 per cent in the same time period 2011 to 2022, and the number of positive gonorrhoea results declined by 60 per cent.

This resulted in a slight reduction in the positivity from three per cent. For syphilis, there was also a decrease in the results that were reported as positive.”

She added that 1.6 per cent of pregnant women tested positive for syphilis in 2022.

Health professionals note that some STDs can be diagnosed without a test to confirm the disease. It is acceptable for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, for example, to be identified and treated without a test, so the stats many not capture every person who presents to a public healthcare facility with symptoms of the diseases.

The National HIV/AIDS programme, the STI unit and the tuberculosis unit were merged to form the Ministry of Health and Wellness HIV/STI/TB unit in 2023. It usually takes months for officials to analyse data from each year.

2019 was the last time STI stats were publicised in any detail.

In 2018, there were 265 reported cases of gonorrhoea and 1,004 cases of chlamydia. Data from 2014 to 2018 found that 2,616 people tested positive for syphilis, 53 per cent of whom were men.

Dr Forbes noted yesterday that STIs can lead to other complications, including increased chances of transmitting HIV. “STIs are preventable,” she said. “With a number of STIs, there can be complications. For example, syphilis can lead to complications. There can be other challenges that arise, including infertility, pregnancy losses, and it also increases the chance that HIV can be transmitted.

“So, appropriate use of condoms is very, very effective. There is chance that someone who is diagnosed with an STI, they also could have acquired HIV. “So the HIV prevention modality, oral HIV PreP, is something that persons who are diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection would be eligible for, and I encourage everyone to protect themselves to know the facts and speak to your health care provider.”

Meanwhile, new HIV cases have declined by 63 per cent over the past ten years.

At the end of 2022, about 3,943 people in the country were living with HIV/ AIDS, making the prevalence rate one per cent of the general population.

During a press conference on Friday, Dr Forbes said the latest epidemiological data show 112 people were newly diagnosed with HIV in 2021, 16 of whom died of AIDS-related illnesses. She said 68 per cent of them were men.

“Persons in the age group 40 to 49 years of age accounted for 25 per cent of the cases, which was the largest percentage group, and then persons in the age group 25 to 29 years comprise 24 per cent of cases, and then the distribution was among the other age.”

Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville noted that 93 per cent of people living with HIV in 2022 knew their status.

He said eighty-two per cent of people who knew their status were being treated, and 81 per cent of those on treatment had their disease virally suppressed.

With HIV/AIDS medication free of charge to all patients within the private and public sector, Dr Darville said the total number of people on treatment increased threefold from 1047 in 2012 to 3017 in 2022.

AIDS-related deaths reported to the Ministry of Health and Wellness decreased by 41 per cent from 2012 to 2021.

Additionally, there was no mother-to-child transmission of HIV among HIV-positive women who were treated in 2022.

However, two babies were

GOLDEN GATES PROGRESSIVE YOUNG LIBERALS HOST INTIATIVE FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION

PIA Glover-Rolle along with officers of the RBPF attend a peace on the streets event hosted by the Progressive Young Liberals of Golden Gates on Friday.

AN initiative to promote peace on the streets was launched on Friday at a prayer event in the Golden Gates constituency.

A conflict resolution zone was created during the event at the Golden Gates Strait Park, hosted by the Golden Gates Progressive Young Liberals and sponsored by Minister of Labour and Public Service Pia Glover-Rolle.

She said at the event: “As we pray for peace among our people, the conflict resolution zone initiative will promote peace on our streets. I applaud the young people of this community for bringing us all together in the spirit of positivity and progress.

“Faith without works is dead. So, we followed our prayers of faith with action in the form of the conflict resolution zone, an initiative which will soon be seen throughout the constituency.”

As a part of the initiative, a number of billboards bearing “statements of excellence” in relation to conflict resolution will be erected throughout the constituency featuring quotes by local residents.

In attendance at the event were several representatives of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, including Chief Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings.

Mrs Glover-Rolle added: “We believe that it’s not just the police force’s job to fight against crime.

It takes a community to truly make a difference. I am happy that the police force and our community were able to come together today as a show of support.

I agree with what Chief Superintendent Skippings said in her remarks when she spoke of the great potential in this initiative and expressed hope that it would grow to other communities.”

born to mothers who were not treated.

On Friday, the ministry also launched its newest HIV testing modality –– oral HIV self testing, also known as Ora-Quick.

Ora-Quick is an additional testing approach with greater accessibility given that seven per cent of people are unaware of their HIV status.

“It is a quick, convenient, and confidential HIV testing option that allows clients to take control of their own health in their own hands,” Dr Forbes said.

“The tests can be done at home or other private and confidential locations.

The instructions are easy to follow and the test results will be available in less than 20 minutes.”

Ora-Quick is the only HIV self-test approved by the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Ports International is the official distributer.

Dr Forbes said OraQuick is free through national health programmes and public health services. However, it is also expected to retail for less than $20.

Monday, December 4, 2023, PAGE 7

DR NIKKIAH FORBES, director of the National HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Programme at the Ministry of Health.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2023

When actions don’t support the rhetoric THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS

By MALCOLM STRACHAN

RIGHT now, people are sitting down to try to save the world. In theory, at least.

The COP28 international climate conference is presently being held in Dubai, but the difference between the levels of rhetoric and the levels of investment belong in two starkly contrasting worlds.

“Time has run out,” declared Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis at the conference – but if the grains of sand have stopped flowing, then where is the urgent action to remedy matters?

Mr Davis has been a consistent voice speaking about the urgent need to tackle climate change – the same as his predecessors, a rare bipartisan note that has rung out from The Bahamas regardless of which colour shirts a particular Prime Minister’s supporters are wearing.

Mr Davis’ speech was not quite as stirring as that of COP26 in Glasgow – not least because he contrasted his declaration that time has run out with a string of messages that pumped up what is happening in The Bahamas.

He noted the absence of a major hurricane hitting The Bahamas – “We were lucky” – though talked about tropical storms and depressions that did hit us. Our storm season was honestly mild, so we don’t need to overblow matters, particularly when talking about how it “interrupted our power supply” as if BPL doesn’t manage to interrupt our power supply regularly all on its own.

He talked about using the next six months to “strengthen our National Youth Guard”. What?

That’s the first action he comes out talking about for how to build ourselves up for the next storm season? If a bunch of kids in uniform playing soldier is our solution, then heaven help us.

He talked about building more carbon-negative homes as pioneered by Rick Fox – so clearly, again, time has not run out if building homes is a priority.

And probably more usefully, he talked about raising finance using blue carbon credits, although the mechanism for doing so has not properly been established, let alone started generating funds.

The most noteworthy thing is that a loss and damage fund has been agreed for small island developing states and other territories affected by storms, with Mr Davis noting this means that “the principle has now been settled – the polluter pays”.

That’s true – but it is also where the disparity between what is being said about the urgent need to deal with climate change runs headlong into a lack of commitment from major nations.

As Mr Davis says, “it has taken 30 years to agree that there should be a fund for loss and damage”.

That said, is there a determination to rush to assistance of others now that it has been agreed? Hardly.

An initial goal of $400m has been pledged to set up the fund – contrast that with the billions in damage that The Bahamas alone suffered from Hurricane Dorian.

That is one storm in one nation in one season. That $400m is not going to go far.

Among those pledges, some are substantial – others not so much. The United Arab Emirates has pledged $100m, so has Germany. The member states of the EU will collectively provide about $245m, including Germany, while the UK is offering up about $50m.

The US, however, has offered a paltry $17.5m – a sum described as “embarrassing” by Mohamed Adow, director of Power Shift Africa.

An explanation for the sum was given by Avinash Persaud, special envoy to Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley. He said: “Because the fund was only approved today, we can’t expect to open up new budgets… so this initial money will be coming from existing budgets.”

That may be true – but nations will have known this was coming, and other nations managed to contribute a lot more and will have been in the same situation with regard to budgets. If the US truly is committed to such a compensation fund, its financial contribution will have to be much more than the rounding error in its budget that it has offered so far.

Then there is the very top of COP28 to consider – the president of the meeting, Sultan Al Jaber. Ahead of the conference, there was concern over his other role, as chief executive of the United Arab Emirates’ state oil company, Adnoc. An oil executive in charge of a climate conference? There was understandable concern as to whether there would be a conflict of interest.

And in an online discussion in November, he provided more fuel, pardon the pun, for that fire. As reported by the Guardian newspaper in the UK, in a discussion with the former Irish president Mary Robinson, also a former UN special envoy for climate change, she challenged him over a commitment on phasing out fossil fuels – rather than phasing down. Cut out completely rather than cut back.

However, Al Jaber replied: “I’m not in any way signing up to any discussion that is alarmist. There is no science out there, or no science out there, that says that the phase-out of fossil fuel is what’s going to achieve 1.5C.” That 1.5C is the goal established in the Paris Agreement in 2015 for limiting the increase in the world’s average surface temperature to no more than 1.5C (2.7F) by the year 2100.

Al Jaber added: “Please help me, show me the roadmap for a phase-out of fossil fuel that will allow for sustainable socioeconomic development, unless you want to take the world back into caves.”

That puts him in stark disagreement with not only many of the delegates and a number of scientists, but also the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Gutteres, who told COP28 on Friday: “The science is clear: The 1.5C limit is only possible if we ultimately stop burning all fossil fuels. Not reduce, not abate. Phase out, with a clear timeframe.”

We should perhaps not be surprised – the head of a company that sells fossil fuels being in favour of the continued use of fossil fuels – but then why is he also the head of the conference being held to tackle the issue?

That same oil industry continues to net billions in profits – so the millions thrown to the loss and damage fund are really nothing more than scraps from the table.

So what happens next? We will see the outcome of the meeting – but a hard agreement on limiting the effects of climate change is needed, including working out what to do about those fossil fuels.

Without such a determined outcome, it is legitimate to feel cynical about a process that merely pats nations on the head that are experiencing the damage while failing to offer enough financial support to deal with even the effects of one major storm.

Mr Davis is right in that we have been lucky this year.

Nations cannot count on being lucky every year.

COP28 President Sultan al-Jaber speaks during a session at the COP28 UN Climate Summit, Saturday, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Photo: Kamran Jebreili/AP

PAGE 10, Monday, December 4, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

Climate Change Realities at COP28: A Critical Assessment

A TRACTOR sprayer applying herbicide to cover crops in Ohio.

THE upcoming Climate Change meeting in Dubai – COP28 – is enveloped in hype, yet expectations of transformational change are misplaced.

Industrialized countries, major greenhouse gas emitters, along with developing oil and gas producers like India and Saudi Arabia, often offer misleading statements.

Countries like Canada and the European Union, despite their vocal commitment to climate change, frequently fall short in fulfilling their pledges.

That, regrettably, is the way of the world. This status quo, particularly among rich nations, will continue as they get richer, protecting fossil fuel producers and disadvantaging developing countries, especially small island states, even as the latter countries suffer the worst climate change effects.

The economic divide between developed and developing countries has been further exacerbated since the 2020 global COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.

In the US and the EU, for instance, we’ve seen a significant rise in workers’ real wages. Reports indicate that in the US, average weekly earnings have notably increased since 2019, and in the EU, federal-government employees in Germany are expecting wage hikes of up to 16.9% next year.

This economic growth in developed regions, however, often comes at a cost to developing countries. It’s driven not only by internal policy but also by exerting control over international markets and financial institutions.

The US and the EU, by protecting their agroindustrial sectors and imposing unequal trade agreements, gain access to markets in developing countries. Moreover, their dominance in institutions like the IMF and World Bank results in conditional financing for developing nations, impeding their ability to enhance production capacities and competitiveness. This economic strategy not only widens the wealth gap but also contributes significantly to climate change, as the agro-industrial systems of the US and the EU are among its largest contributors.

Additionally, the oil and gas companies exert considerable political power in the US, the EU, and Canada, influencing policies through various means. These companies resist measures like carbon taxes to minimize their tax burdens, thereby expanding fossil fuel production, multiplying their profits, and worsening climate change.

COP28’s propaganda will portray promises as progress, despite little action to mitigate the impacts on developing countries. Tellingly, the U.N. Intergovernmental

Photo: John Felsher/AP

World View

By SIR RONALD SANDERS

Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) found that the world is likely to surpass the 1.5 degrees Celsius warming limit by the early 2030s, leading to extreme, unadaptable climate disasters and fundamentally altering the Earth system.

Heatwaves, famines, and diseases could claim millions more lives by the end of the century.

Thus, the real task at COP28, beyond mere “stocktaking,” is to establish legally binding rules for significant carbon emission reductions. Unfortunately, this is unlikely. Industrialized nations and fossil fuel-dependent countries, including coal producers, won’t agree to binding commitments. Talk, promises, and pledges are easy and cheap.

The ‘loss and damage fund’, a critical topic at COP28, is shrouded in misinformation.

Advocates from small island states have tirelessly championed this fund, facing significant challenges. Their struggle is evident when considering the power dynamics of past COP meetings. For instance, wealthier countries like China can send a large delegation, such as the 233 delegates at COP15, vastly outnumbering representatives from smaller nations like Haiti and Chad, who could only send seven and three delegates, respectively.

Moreover, the influence of fossil fuel companies cannot be overlooked.

These companies unite to exert considerable sway over the negotiations, deploying numerous lobbyists and even distributing briefing papers to support their positions.

Alliances, like the Association of Small Island States, lack the numbers or expertise to negotiate effectively across multiple simultaneous committees.

African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries might have better chances if they coordinate mechanisms and share negotiation responsibilities, but they don’t.

At COP27, after years of advocacy, the concept of establishing a loss and damage fund was agreed, but its activation was delayed awaiting “recommendations” from a “transition” committee dominated by industrialized nations.

Five meetings, including a hurried one in November 2023, were held to reach a grudging consensus on the Committee’s recommendations for COP28, where nations are said to have agreed its terms on

the first day of the meeting, but delivery is yet to be judged.

One reluctant recommendation is that the World Bank, distrusted by developing countries due to its policies largely set by the US and the EU, should run the fund.

An African NGO, Power Shift Africa, declared the initial funding pledges “clearly inadequate” and the US pledge “embarrassing.” Of the $429 million pledged, the EU promised $245 million, the UK $75 million, and the US $10 million.

Therefore, while hoping for an adequate and effective loss and damage fund, especially for small island states, I remain cautious.

The world is likely to surpass the 1.5 degrees target by the early 2030s, leading to extreme climate disasters beyond adaptation. The Washington Post found that countries are underreporting their greenhouse gas emissions, likely 16 to 23 percent higher than reported. Clearly, relying on inadequate funds in a loss and damage fund is unrealistic. The funds simply will not match the pace of damage and losses that continues to be inflicted.

Without radical change, matters will worsen. The UN Secretary General has called for the phasing out of coal, oil, and gas, responsible for over three-quarters of global emissions, but there’s little sign of this happening.

Developing countries’ best hope lies in applying collective pressure to push for action.

The world has the scientific knowledge and resources to curb climate change; the damage can’t be fully reversed but it can be halted, if the industrialized countries apply the necessary political will. However, developing countries should not expect industrialized countries to act without pressure. It is up to the developing counties to build such pressure. They should pool resources to develop and deploy joint strategies to cause industrialised nations to act.

The Alliance for Small Island States should begin the work to create such a platform for cooperation.

(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US and the OAS. He is also the current President of the OAS Permanent Council. The views expressed are entirely his own. For comments and previous commentaries, see: www.sirronaldsanders. com)

A thousand percent THE TRIBUNE

Monday, December 4, 2023, PAGE 11

“As adults, are we ever a thousand percent sure of anything anymore?

Or are we just going through the motions and doing the best we can for as long as we can?”

THERE is a rhythm to island life that foreigners may appreciate but only natives can fully understand. Day by day, the oft dull percussions of the land and sea beat slowly with no regard for time.

Islanders move at their own pace and work if they feel like it or if they must.

But after Thanksgiving, as the air gets cooler and the nights become longer, those vibrations begin to pulsate more steadfastly, building momentum until they reach a crescendo of unrelenting fervor. The anticipation of Junkanoo fills the air and every beating drum and cowbell echoes with child-like excitement that Christmas is coming.

Streets and homes are decorated with festive lights, carolers tune their pipes, shoppers crowd the mall and cartons of Eggnog line grocery shelves. Without question, this is my favorite time of the year.

Friends and families, separated by location and work commitments over the prior eleven months, finally come together and it feels as if there’s an open invitation to give thanks and show appreciation to those we love. Christians throughout the world unite to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, Jews celebrate Channukah, Muslims mark Eid Al-Fitr and it’s a time for all of us to pause and reflect. Life goals and past regrets, may or may not be, because of this ritual, addressed in the upcoming year.

The holidays also allow us to take a break and this year, I intend to indulge in the opportunity. The limitation of my column is that if I don’t have a patient, I don’t have a story. Beyond that, the patient has to be willing to share their story anonymously, take the time to be interviewed and then read and approve it before it is submitted for print. So, today’s report will be my last until February 2024 - a brief hiatus that will allow me to restock and refuel.

But, before I go, I wanted

By DR KENNETH D KEMP

to leave you with some parting sentiments.

This past week I asked one of my younger patients, still a student in preparatory school, if he was ready for Christmas and he responded ‘yes - a thousand percent’. According to him, he’d already mailed his list of wants and must-haves to Santa and he had an especially great feeling about this year. His confidence, I’m told, is inspired by good grades coupled with a healthy amount of wellperformed house chores. In a show of solidarity, I gave him a high-five and wished him well.

As adults, are we ever a thousand percent sure of anything anymore? Or are we just going through the motions and doing the best we can for as long as we can? I suspect that somewhere along the way, for various reasons, we’ve lost at least a little of that confidence or exuberance.

After their lives were so abruptly upended, many of the patients that I’ve interviewed for this column will likely agree. So, perhaps a better question for adults is ‘would you describe yourself as happy?’ since the answer therein can be much more revealing.

Beyond just being a peek behind the curtains in the lives of our neighbours, I believe that the most endearing aspect of my reports is seeing how individuals deal with lifealtering turmoil and come out on the other side with a positive message. They may not be a thousand percent sure of anything but they still find a way to be happy and that’s about as exemplary a life as one can possibly imagine.

This holiday season, my prayer is that each and every one of us stop

comparing our lives to others, embrace our blessings with a thousand percent confidence and be happy by simply recognizing how lucky we are and how much worse things could be. Then, if you still question how great your life is, I’d suggest volunteering at your church or a local charity to feed the homeless. The sheer number of people who go hungry on a daily basis should be enough to remind you of your comfortable existence.

Bahamas Feeding Network has been tackling the hunger crisis in our nation for the past ten years and this phenomenal organisation could really benefit from your monetary donations this Christmas.

Similarly, I sit on the executive board for the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, and we are in desperate need of funds to purchase equipment and supplies for our public hospital. Many Bahamians will spend their Christmas in the hospital away from their families and they could use your help. Both of these non-profit organizations are serviced by (un-paid) volunteers who seek to improve our country and the lives of those who inhabit it.

A few weeks ago, I was on my way to work and saw the most emaciated and hunger-stricken dog that I’ve ever seen. His ribs were protruding through his scabbed fur and his eyes were piercingly sad. It was obvious to me that he only had days to live. In that moment, I did what every human being should do. I drove to the nearest roundabout, swung back around and parked beside him. His head hung low and initially he walked away slowly but

turned back to look at me.

I gave him my lunch. He paused in disbelief and then he ate. With the help of a friend, we contacted BAARK and they were able to rescue him. Today, he’s as happy as can be and his tail never stops wagging. BAARK saved

that dog’s life. So, I highly encourage everyone to also donate to them this Christmas if possible.

I can never do enough to live up to the name, but if I at least try to be a humanitarian, I’ll know that my life was well spent.

May we all aspire to do the same and may the joyous sentiments of the holiday season fill your hearts with gladness. Rest assured, in the new year The KDK Report will return with many more inspiring stories and more than a few of them are

guaranteed to take your breath away.

Happy Holidays, Bahamas.

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PAGE 12, Monday, December 4, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

MAN ON BAIL FOR MURDER ALLEGEDLY FOUND WITH LOADED GUN AFTER POLICE CHASED HIM

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN awaiting retrial for murder was sent to prison after he was allegedly found with a loaded gun after being chased by police in the Big Pond area last week.

Magistrate Lennox Coleby charged Jahmaro Edgecombe, 28, with possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition.

Officers reportedly arrested Edgecombe on Water Street after he tried to flee from them on foot on the night of November 27. Following this chase

authorities recovered a black Glock 27 pistol along with nine rounds of .40 ammunition which the defendant allegedly threw on a nearby roof.

Edgecombe was on release awaiting retrial for his alleged involvement in the murder of Kenyari Lightbourne near Market Street on June 21, 2016.

Edgecombe was previously sentenced to 65 years in prison for the charge before it was overturned by the Court of Appeals in 2022. Justice Sir Michael Barnett found that “inadmissible evidence” had been entered during the trial and that

the verdict could not be supported by the evidence.

After pleading not guilty to the gun charges, the prosecution objected to the defendant’s bail citing the severity of pending charges against him.

Although the defendant’s bail was denied, he was informed of his right to reapply for it before the Supreme Court.

Until such time that he is granted bail he will be sent to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

Edgecombe’s trial will begin on February 15, 2024.

MAN IN PRISON FOR THREE YEARS WAITING FOR TRIAL ON MURDER ACCUSATION GRANTED BAIL

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN charged with murder was granted bail after spending three years on remand awaiting trial.

Justice Gregory Hilton heard the bail application of Lecardo Felix, charged with murder and attempted

murder.

The accused appeared while on remand at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

The Crown prosecutor raised no objection to the defendant being granted bail, but asked that stringent conditions be attached.

Felix was granted $15,000

bail with two sureties.

Under the conditions of his bail he is to surrender his passport and be fitted with a monitoring device.

He is also expected to sign in at the East Street Police Station every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Felix was warned not to interfere with the witnesses in this matter.

MAN GRANTED BAIL AFTER BEING CHARGED WITH STEALING A $25,000 BOAT IN ELUTHERA

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN was granted bail yesterday after he was accused of stealing a $25,000 boat in Eleuthera last month.

Magistrate Shaka Serville charged Giuliano Thompson, 34, and Wayne

Kelly, 41, with stealing and receiving.

The defendants are accused of stealing a 30” Grady-White boat with two 300HP Mercury Sea Pro Engines from Davis Harbour in Wemmys Bight, South Eleuthera, on November 28. The vessel, valued at $25,000, belongs to Donald Givogue.

Both accused pleaded not guilty to the charges. While Thompson was granted $5,000 bail, Kelly was denied bail after the prosecution noted he had prior charges of a similar nature.

Kelly will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his bail hearing on December 4.

WOMAN ORDERED TO PAY $1K AFTER PLEADING GUILTY TO BEATING AND TRYING STAB GIRLFRIEND

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A WOMAN was ordered to pay $1,000 as compensation to her former girlfriend after admitting to beating her and attempting to stab her with a knife at her home last week.

She was also ordered to compensate two police officers $700 each after assaulting them while resisting arrest.

Magistrate Raquel Whyms charged Brittany Thompson, 22, with assault with a dangerous instrument, causing harm, disorderly behaviour, resisting arrest, two counts of threats of death and two counts of assaulting a

police officer.

Thompson reportedly got into a physical argument with Ashley Johnson at her residence on Croton Street in Pinewood Gardens on November 30.

During this incident she threatened to kill Ms Johnson. She was also accused of beating her about her body and attempting to stab her with a knife.

When PC Farrington and PC Lacroix arrived at the scene the accused reportedly threatened and assaulted them as she resisted arrest.

Thompson pleaded guilty to all charges against her and apologised for her actions stating that she let her anger get the better of her.

Magistrate Whyms

ordered her to pay $1,000 to Ms Johnson as compensation or risk three months in prison. She is expected to pay half of this fine before her release.

She was further placed on one year’s probation during which time she is to attend six months of anger management classes.

Should Thompson default on these conditions she will face one month in prison.

Thompson was ordered to pay each officer $700 as compensation or risk three months in prison.

The accused is to return to court on December 5 to report on payment to her former girlfriend. She is expected to return again on January 29, 2024 for a compensation report for the two officers.

THE TRIBUNE

Houthi-claimed attack ships in Red Sea as US warship also fires in self-defence DUBAI Associated Press COMMERCIAL ships including a Bahamas-flagged vessel came under attack Sunday by drones and missiles in the Red Sea and a US warship there opened fire in self-defence as part of an hours-long assault claimed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, officials said.

The attack potentially marked a major escalation in a series of maritime attacks in the Mideast linked to the Israel-Hamas war as multiple vessels found themselves in the crosshairs of a single Houthi assault for the first time in the conflict.

“We’re aware of reports regarding attacks on the USS Carney and commercial vessels in the Red Sea and will provide information as it becomes available,” the Defense Department told The Associated Press.

The Carney is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer that’s already shot down multiple rockets the Houthis have fired toward Israel so far in the war. It wasn’t damaged in the attack and no injuries were reported on board, said a US official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss early details of a military operation.

The Carney responded after hearing from the Bahamas-flagged bulk carrier Unity Explorer that it was under attack by missile fire, the official said. The Carney shot down two drones during the attack, one in self-defence and another after checking on the Unity Explorer, the official said.

Assessments were still being made on the Unity Explorer.

The British military earlier said there had been a suspected drone attack and explosions in the Red Sea, without elaborating.

The Defense Department did not identify where it believed the fire came from.

However, Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed the attacks, saying the first vessel was hit by a missile and the second by a drone while in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait that links the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.

Saree did not mention any US warship being involved in the attack.

“The Yemeni armed forces continue to prevent Israeli ships from navigating the Red Sea (and Gulf of Aden) until the Israeli aggression against our steadfast brothers in the Gaza Strip stops,” Saree said. “The Yemeni armed forces renew their warning to all Israeli ships or those associated with Israelis that they will become a legitimate target if they violate what is stated in this statement.”

THE USS Carney in the Mediterranean Sea and multiple commercial ships came under attack yesterday in the Red Sea, the Pentagon said.

Photo: Ryan U. Kledzik/US Navy/AP Saree also identified the first vessel as the Unity Explorer, which is owned by a British firm that includes Dan David Ungar, who lives in Israel, as one of its officers.

The second was a Panamanian-flagged container ship called Number 9, which is linked to Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement. Managers for the two vessels could not be immediately reached for comment.

Israeli media identified Ungar as being the son of Israeli shipping billionaire Abraham “Rami” Ungar.

The Houthis have been launching a series of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, as well as launching drones and missiles targeting Israel amid the war.

Another US official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters, said the attack began about 10 am in Sanaa, Yemen, and had gone on for as much as five hours.

Global shipping had increasingly been targeted as the Israel-Hamas war threatens to become a wider regional conflict — even as a truce briefly halted fighting and Hamas exchanged hostages for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

However, the collapse of the truce and the resumption of punishing Israeli airstrikes and its ground offensive there had raised the risk of the seaborne attacks resuming.

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 near the port city of Hodeida. Missiles also landed near another US warship last week after it assisted a vessel linked to Israel that had briefly been seized by gunmen.

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 Houthi-controlled territory to retaliate for missiles being fired at US Navy ships at the time.

RISING FLU CASES WHILE RSV INFECTIONS MAY BE PEAKING, US HEALTH OFFICIALS SAY NEW YORK Associated Press FLU is picking up steam while RSV lung infections that can hit kids and older people hard may be peaking, U.S. health officials said Friday.

COVID-19, though, continues to cause the most hospitalizations and deaths among respiratory illnesses — about 15,000 hospitalizations and about 1,000 deaths every week, said Dr. Mandy Cohen, head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The agency is also looking into reports of pneumonia outbreaks in children in two states, but Cohen said “there is no evidence” that they are due to anything unusual.

As for the flu season, seven states were reporting high levels of flu-like illnesses in early November. In a new CDC report on Friday, the agency said the tally was up to 11 states — mostly in the South and Southwest.

In the last month, RSV infections rose sharply in some parts of the country, nearly filling hospital

emergency departments in Georgia, Texas and some other states. But “we think we’re near the peak of RSV season or will be in the next week or so,” Cohen said.

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus is a common cause of mild coldlike symptoms but it can be dangerous for infants and older people.

Cohen was asked about pneumonia cases in children reported in Massachusetts and in Warren County, Ohio, near Cincinnati. There are a number of possible causes of the lung infection, and it can be a complication of COVID-19, flu, or RSV. In Ohio, health officials have reported 145 cases since August and most of the children recovered at home. The illnesses were caused by a variety of common viruses and bacteria, officials said.

Massachusetts health officials said there’s been a modest increase in pneumonia in kids but that it is appropriate for the season.

China recently had a surge in respiratory illnesses which health officials there attributed to the flu and other customary causes.

Monday, December 4, 2023, PAGE 13

SPORTS PAGE 14

MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2023

Flag Football, Page 17

The Best-of-the-Best

‘GENO’ NAIRN HONOURED Long Island skipper Stefan Knowles takes home Class B, C titles AT BIG RED MADNESS

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

A

fter four days of exciting action on the seas and on land at Montagu Bay, the best of the best in sloop sailing around The Bahamas were awarded at the sixth Best-of-the-Best Regatta last night.

Stefan Knowles, one of Long Island’s top skippers, took home two titles this time around in Class B and C. Class A went to Leslie “Buzzy” Rolle, hailing from Exuma. Meanwhile, Joss Knowles and Kiano

Hutchinson earned bragging rights in the Class E event.

Rolle stopped Knowles from repeating as a triple crown champion this time around when he edged out a win in Class A. Over the course of four days, Knowles earned back-to-back wins with the Running Tide on Thursday and Friday. However, on Saturday and Sunday, Rolle and the Silent Partner took charge to notch a victory in Class A. On the final day, Silent Partner led the entire way on the waters ahead of Running Tide and Ruff Justice. The former ended in second and Ruff Justice

had some difficulties and dropped to third.

“Everybody could see that it was a great competition. When you beat a guy like Stefan, who is pretty tough in racing, that is a great accomplishment for us. I just want to thank the Black Point boys for giving me a chance to really do what I wanted to do to that boat. We won yesterday [Saturday] and I told them that is only the start and we did it today. I feel proud,” he said.

In Class C, Knowles repeated as champion with the Sassie Sue. Rolle sailed in second with the Bull Reg and third place went to Jeff Gale who skippered

the It Aint Right boat. The double crowned champion collected three first place victories in Class C. However, Rolle had one strong message for Knowles.

“We are gonna do the National Family Island Regatta in April and I expect the same thing to happen. The only difference is we are going to win the Class C,” the Exuma native said.

In addition to Knowles’ Class C trophy, he skippered the New Susan Chase to yet another top finish in Class B. He only dropped one race in four days and on the final day ended in first. Jeff Gale and the

Lonesome Dove trailed for second and Rolle placed third with Lady Sonia.

Joss Knowles reeled off four consecutive wins to claim the top honours in Class E. Over the weekend, the Lady Kayla sailed to a first place finish ahead of Captain Peg and Papa on Friday. The following day Knowles led the way leaving One Bahamas and Mako to fend for second and third.

On the final day, the Lady Kayla came out on top, Papa, skippered by Patrick Tomlinson, ended in second and Captain Peg settled for third.

UÊ-iiÊ« Ì ÃÊ Ê«>}iÊ£nÊ

Tiger finishes 18th in Hero World Challenge

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net ALTHOUGH he walked off St Augustine’s College as a graduate in 1968, Eugene ‘Geno’ Nairn continued to come back, giving of his time, energy and resources to assist with the further development of the Big Red Machine athletic programme.

On Saturday as SAC hosted is second Big Red Madness on its campus, the Big Red Machine Athletic Department honoured Nairn for his invaluable contribution.

In receiving his accolades, Nairn said he was really “taken aback” because he didn’t envision it coming.

“It all turned out well.

The kids really had a good time with the competition.

I was looking for more alumni to come out and support the event,” Nairn said.

“I was looking for more graduates from the school.

SEE PAGE 15

TENNIS JUNIORS SHINE IN COLLEGE SHOWCASE

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

TIGER WOODS, of the United States, tees off on the third hole during the second round of the Hero World Challenge PGA Tour at Albany Golf Club, in New Providence, Bahamas, on Friday, December 1, 2023. INSET - An exhausted Tiger Woods wipes the sweat off his brow after his final round yesterday.

(AP Photos/Fernando Llano) SEE THE FULL STORY ON PAGE 19

SPORTS CALENDAR VOLLEYBALL NPVA ACTION THE New Providence Volleyball Association will continue its regular season action this week with the following games on tap: Wednesday - 8pm - Lady Techs vs.

Panthers (L).

Friday - 7:30pm - Spikers vs.

Poppers (L). 9pm - Lady Techs vs.

UB Mingoes (L).

Sunday - 3:30pm - UB Mingoes vs.

Lady Warhawks (L) 5pm - Panthers vs. Spikers (L).

BASKETBALL BSAA ACTION THE Bahamas Scholastic Athletic Association will resume its basketball regular season action today at 4pm at the Hope Center located on University Commons and Bahama Games Boulevard. Games will be played in the

Dec 2023

primary, junior and senior girls’ divisions as well as the affiliated division for schools not a member of the association.

BASKETBALL BAISS ACTION THE Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools will continue its regular season action this week at various school grounds, starting at 4pm each day. Games will be played in the junior and senior boys and girls divisions.

BASKETBALL GSSSA ACTION THE Government Secondary Schools Sports Assocation will continue its regular season basketball competition this week at 4pm with games being played at both the CI Gibson and DW Davis Gymnasiums. Competition will take place in the junior and senior boys and girls divisions.

COACH Philip Major Jr said he was more than impressed with the performance level of the seven Bahamian junior tennis players who participated in the college showcase held last week in Maples, Florida.

Twin brothers Sharano and Savanno Hanna earned full athletic scholarships to attend the United International College. They are members of the Flamingo Gardens Tennis Club, but travelled as members of the Island Tennis Bahamas.

Island Tennis Bahamas, which is based at

SEE PAGE 15

CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS ALL SET FOR TUESDAY

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net THE 2023-24 Catholic Board of Education Primary Schools basketball championships will feature the Xavier’s Lower School Giants boys and girls versus the Sts Francis & Joseph School Shockers on Tuesday at the Loyola Hall.

The Shockers remained undefeated and advanced to the finals after their boys closed out the St Thomas More Sparks 20-5.

Meanwhile, the Shockers girls’ team dropped the Sparks 8-3 to book their spot in Tuesday’s championship game.

For the Giants, they won against the St Cecilia’s Strikers 9-2 in the girls playoffs and 14-10 in the boys division.

The Shockers’ boys team had a perfect season

in the standings after they never lost a game.

On Friday, Emery Sturrup led the way in scoring for the Shockers with 10 points in the playoff win.

The primary school team got out to a 5-0 advantage to start the game which turned into an 8-0 lead and they never looked back.

In the girls’ matchup, Grace Smith scored a team-high five points in the victory.

Nkomo Ferguson, head coach of the Shockers, talked about how it felt to have two teams secure a spot in the respective championship games.

“It feels great. The kids put in the work, tonight they looked pretty sloppy but they know how to recover from mistakes and our defence pulled through,” Ferguson said.

Coach Ferguson did not mince words when it came to his expectations of the

Shockers in the best-ofthree championship round.

“We are about to complete the sweep, that is my expectation,” he said.

The Giants ousted the Strikers behind the efforts of Khaki Armbrister, who poured in 10 points in the win. The former maintained control of the game from the opening quarter and despite some last minute efforts by the Strikers, the game was never close.

In the girls’ matchup, Lenise Leadon led the Giants with six in the game. Demarco Smith, head coach of the Giants, was pleased with the efforts of both teams.

“I am happy for the kids, they put in the work and deserved to be here. They earned it so I am more than happy for them. We were able to come out

SEE PAGE 15

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, December 4, 2023, PAGE 15

CHIEFS LOOK VULNERABLE AS THEY LOSE GROUND IN AFC WITH LOSS TO PACKERS

By STEVE MEGARGEE AP Sports Writer

GENO NAIRN HONOURED FROM PAGE 14

“Maybe next year, they can have some activities for the graduates to participate in. I think if they can offer them for the various classes, we can get more participation and attendance from the former students. But it all went very well and I’m really appreciative for the recognition they gave me.”

Organiser Jason Edwards, the head of the Athletic Department at SAC, said it was an honour to recognise Nairn for his unwavering support over the years. He served as the Alumni president for about a decade, he has helped to raised funds for the construction of the softball field of dreams and he is serving as an assistant coach for the senior boys’ softball team.

“We appreciate all of the support that he’s given in the trenches over the years and how he still continues to give back,” Edwards

HONOUREE Eugene ‘Geno’ Nairn shares a moment with principal Marici Thompson (left). Honouree Eugene ‘Geno’ Nairn is flanked by head of athletic department Jason Edwards and vice principal Bemnedict Dorsett (right). said. “It’s good to pause and recognise persons like Geno, who never stop giving back to the school.”

Principal Marici Thompson commended the Athletic Department for the vision in putting on such a fun-filled activity for the school. “I would like to congratulate our athletic director coach Jason Edwards and his team on a job well done,” Thompson said. “Big Red Madness was a huge success again this year. It has grown and it will continue

TENNIS JUNIORS FROM PAGE 14

the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island, took seven members to the showcase. The others were Dentry Mortimer, Saphire Ferguson, Leila O’Brien, Khai Rees and Sierra Rodgers.

“The trip went great. The kids did their thing. Everybody showed up and showed out,” said Major r, who travelled with coach Kevin ‘KJ’ Major Jr. “Some of them went undefeated during the whole showcase. All of them went there for a goal in mind and they all executed their goals, which was to get offers and meeting with the college scouts and coaches to discuss the possibilities or enrolling in school with the possibilities of doing it through athletic scholarships.”

While the Hanna brothers, who are trained by Michael Butler, were successful in getting scholarships to UIC, based in Miami, Florida, Major Jr said the others got a lot of interest from various schools.

O’Brien also received offers from UIC, Emerson College, Appalachian State University, West Virginia Wesleyan, Belhaven College, Piedmont University and LeTourneau University, while

to be an annual one. It can only continue to grow to be bigger and better from here on.”

At the same time, Thompson commended Nairn for the active role he continues to play in the development of the Big Red Machine’s athletic programme.

“He has contributed so much to the college over the ways and he continues to serve the college in various capacities,” Thompson added. He was a member of the Board of Directors

Mortimer, on the other hand, got offers from Warner University, Howard, DePaul, Chicago State, McPherson, Bethel, Boston College, Frostburg State, Prairie View and Xavier.

All of the others received a number of offers from schools and will be engaging in some more formal discussions with the schools over the next few weeks with the view of making a final selection.

This was Island Tennis Bahamas’ first venture into attending a showcase and because of the feedback that they received from the organisers and the coaches, Major said they will continue to attend more showcases in the future with the view of getting more exposure for the Bahamian tennis players.

“We do intend to carry more Bahamians to this type of showcase that can benefit them for their future,” Major Jr said. “So it turned out to be a great trip overall and we’re pleased with what the players were able to accomplish.

“It’s a big deal to go to a showcase like that and show out. Just to see the kids come out of their comfort zone and to communicate with the caches and scouts and demand what they want and what they want to study and holding that whole conversation was something great to see.”

Major Jr thanked Audrey Oswell, president/managing

and one of the coaches of our senior boys’ softball team. He continues to give back anyway he can.”

Thompson said in the future, they hope that they can continue to recognise those persons who have made significant contributions to the development of the Big Red Machine athletic prowess.

Proceeds from Saturday’s event was earmarked for the further development of the weight room at SAC. Edwards revealed that they have been able to

extend the room and they want to be able to purchase more equipment for the students to use their athletic development.

After hosting the first event in 2019, the past two years were called off due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

But in its return this year, organisers staged competition in a home run derby, three-point shoot out, 4 x 4 mixed relay and the DJ sound clash.

The major sponsor for the event was Oaktree Medical Center.

BAHAMAS team members in Maples, Florida, where seven Bahamian junior tennis players participated in a college showcase last week. director and the Atlantis resort team for their commitment to the growth and the development of the players at their facilities, as well as their parents who made the investment in the coaches to help facilitate the process for their children. A number of players from Island Tennis Bahamas are now

in Florida where they are participating in the 17th Lil Mo Tennis Tournament in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Major Jr wished all of them every success as they gain some international exposure playing against some top-notch players from around the world.

SPORTS CALENDAR

CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND: The Xavier’s Lower School Giants and Sts Francis & Joseph Shockers girls and boys will meet in the Catholic Board of Education Primary Schools Championships on Tuesday at the Loyola Hall.

The head coach is lookThe Catholic Board of CATHOLIC ing for the team to get the Education Primary Schools job done in the basketball basketball championships PRIMARY championships. game one takes place on expectations is that Tuesday, December 5.

BASKETBALL we“My put our best foot forGame two will be on

FROM PAGE 14

here and show everybody the hard work we put in all season,” Smith said.

ward and hopefully that is enough to win the championship. Our goal is always to win the chip,” he said.

Wednesday and game three will be played on Thursday if necessary at the Loyola Hall at 3:45pm.

BASEBALL A BASEBALL CHRISTMAS THE National Sports Authority will host a Baseball Christmas at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium from December 22-23. The public is invited to come out and get signed autographs from the Bahamian professional baseball players, who will also complete in a series of games. There will also be an over-40 exhibition game between some of the former players. Tickets are priced at $5.

WALK MBC FAMILY FUN WALK THE Men’s Department of Macedonia Baptist Church will hold a Family Fun Walk Race to kick off the new year and the beginning of its Men’s Anniversary on Saturday, January 6 at 6am with a Family Fun Walk Race.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs still can’t seem to put together a strong performance on both sides of the ball.

The defending Super Bowl champions suddenly look vulnerable as they’ve fallen behind three other teams in the race for the AFC’s top playoff seed.

The Chiefs started slowly for a second straight week and lost 27-19 to the Green Bay Packers last night for their third defeat in five games.

Kansas City fell a game behind Baltimore and Miami and a half-game behind Jacksonville, which hosts Cincinnati tonight, in the race for the AFC’s best record and lone first-round bye.

Catching up to the other AFC heavyweights could prove challenging.

A defence that has ranked among the league’s best all season kept taking hits Sunday rather than dishing them out. Linebacker Drue Tranquill left with a concussion in the first quarter and safety Bryan Cook was carted off the field with an ankle injury in the second half.

If either player misses substantial time and the defence takes a step back, it will put even more pressure on Mahomes.

The two-time MVP has shown plenty of times he’s capable of carrying that burden. That was evident last week, when the Chiefs rallied from an early 14-0 deficit to win 31-17 at Las Vegas.

But after Kansas City gave up touchdowns on three of Green Bay’s first four possessions, Mahomes couldn’t bring the Chiefs all the way back.

He threw an interception in the fourth quarter with Kansas City trailing by five that set up a field goal for the Packers.

Still, the Chiefs had one more shot.

The Chiefs got the ball back at their own 30 with 1:09 left and no timeouts.

Mahomes quickly got his team into Packers territory, but the Chiefs stalled out at the Green Bay 33.

Pass interference wasn’t called on a long incompletion to Marquez Valdes-Scantling. A pass into the end zone on the game’s final play was knocked away.

Mahomes and star tight end Travis Kelce, who had four catches for 81 yards, could use more help. Wide receiver Rashee Rice must build on his breakthrough performance against the Raiders. Isiah Pacheco ran for 110 yards Sunday night but got ejected on the game’s final series.

Dec 2023

The event will honour the late Minister Charles Albury, who passed away this year.

It starts at the church on Bernard Road, Fox Hill and heads west on Bernard Road to the Village Road round-a-bout and returns on Bernard Road to the church.

Awards will be presented to the first three finishers in each category for men and women.

There will be an award for the church with the most finishers. T-shirts will be provided, as well as a bowl of souse.

The registration fee is $20 per person.

For those not participating in the walk, souse will be sold at $10.

Interested persons are urged to contact Brent Stubbs at 426-7265 or stubbobs@gmail.com for further information.

PAGE 16, Monday, December 4, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

Purdy, Samuel lead unstoppable offence for 49ers in 42-19 victory over Eagles PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Brock Purdy threw for 314 yards and four touchdowns, Deebo Samuel scored three TDs and Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was checked for a concussion in the San Francisco 49ers’ 42-19 win over Philadelphia yesterday.

The Niners (9-3) scored touchdowns on six straight possessions in this fiery NFC championship game rematch, which showed this year’s title game might not run again through Philly, after all.

The Eagles (10-2) suffered a scare when Hurts jogged off the field in the fourth and went straight to the locker room. He was cleared to play and returned to action with about 10 minutes left.

By the time last season’s MVP runner-up returned, the Eagles trailed 35-13 and were on their way toward their first home loss of the season. Hurts hit DeVonta Smith for a 2-yard TD on his return drive. He finished 26-of-45 passing for 298 yards.

Purdy put the finishing touches on the win with a 46-yard TD pass to Samuel.

Hard feelings spilled into the game, highlighted by a scrap in the third quarter that got 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw and the the Eagles’ chief security officer, Dom DiSandro, tossed.

LIONS 33, SAINTS 28 NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Sam LaPorta had career highs of nine catches for 140 yards, including an early touchdown and a crucial first-down snag in the final minutes, and Detroit beat New Orleans to post its best record through 12 games since 1962.

The Saints lost quarterback Derek Carr in the fourth quarter to back, shoulder and head injuries.

Carr was hurt on a penalised hit by Bruce Irvin, who drove the weight of his body into the quarterback.

Jared Goff passed for 213 yards and two TDs for the Lions (9-3), who raced to a three-touchdown lead and then held off a valiant comeback bid by the Saints.

New Orleans (5-7) fell one game behind first-place Atlanta in the league’s weakest division, the NFC South.

After falling behind 21-0 in the first quarter, the Saints pulled as close as 24-21 late in the third.

The Saints also had the ball at midfield with a chance to take the lead in the final three minutes, but turned the ball over on downs when Jameis Winston threw behind Chris Olave.

Detroit was able to run out the clock from there, thanks to first-down catches

by LaPorta and Josh Reynolds.

SAN Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) runs with the ball before scoring on a touchdown catch against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half of an NFL football game yesterday in Philadelphia.

(AP Photo/Chris Szagola) TEXANS 22, BRONCOS 17 HOUSTON (AP) — Nico Collins had a career-high 191 yards receiving and a fourth-quarter touchdown, and Jimmie Ward intercepted Russell Wilson in the end zone with 9 seconds left to preserve Houston’s win over Denver.

Ward leapt in front of intended receiver Lucas Krull to secure the fourth victory in five games for the Texans (7-5) and snap a five-game winning streak for the Broncos (6-6).

Wilson was intercepted a season-high three times, all of them after halftime.

Derek Stingley Jr. had the first two picks for the Texans. The Broncos, who had forced 15 turnovers during their winning streak, did not have a takeaway.

Houston rookie C.J. Stroud threw for 274 yards to end a streak of four straight games with at least 300 yards passing. Star rookie receiver Tank Dell injured his ankle in the first half and was carted off the field.

Texans rookie defensive end Will Anderson Jr. had two sacks, four quarterback hits, deflected one of the balls that Stingley intercepted and deflected a punt.

Wilson threw for 186 yards with a touchdown in Denver’s first loss since October 12.

RAMS 36, BROWNS 19 INGLEWOOD, Calif.

(AP) — Matthew Stafford threw three touchdown passes, Puka Nacua became

the first Rams rookie wide receiver to reach 1,000 yards in a season, and Los Angeles beat Cleveland.

The Rams (6-6) have won three straight for the first time since winning the Super Bowl after the 2021 season. They are back in the playoff race after dropping three straight before their bye week.

Stafford — who was 22 of 37 for 279 yards — connected with Nacua, Demarcus Robinson and Cooper Kupp for scores.

Nacua, who left the game briefly with a rib injury, finished with four receptions for 105 yards, including a 70-yard TD in the first quarter. He also had two rushes for 34 yards.

Joe Flacco became Cleveland’s fourth starting quarterback this season and finished 23 of 44 for 254 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. The Browns (7-5) have dropped two straight but remain in the thick of the AFC playoff race.

Kyren Williams had 21 carries for 88 yards for the Rams, including a 1-yard TD late in the fourth quarter to put it out of reach.

COLTS 31, TITANS 28, OT NASHVILLE, Tenn.

(AP) — Gardner Minshew threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Michael Pittman with 2:31 left in overtime, and Indianapolis beat Tennessee for its fourth straight victory.

The Colts (7-5) had to score a touchdown after the Titans’ Nick Folk made a

46-yard field goal with 4:19 left in overtime. Minshew threw for 312 yards and two touchdowns as he won his fourth straight game for the first time in his five NFL seasons.

Tennessee (4-8) lost at Nissan Stadium for the first time this season and has yet to win consecutive games overall.

The Titans blew a 17-7 lead, and Folk missed his first extra point this season with 5:26 left in regulation that could have put Tennessee up 26-25. Backup quarterback Ryan Tannehill was the holder on the missed kick after punter Ryan Stonehouse, the regular holder, was injured.

The Colts sacked rookie QB Will Levis six times.

Derrick Henry ran for 102 yards and two touchdowns for the Titans before leaving in the fourth quarter to be evaluated for a concussion.

FALCONS 13, JETS 8 EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Desmond Ridder threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to MyCole Pruitt and Atlanta took sole possession of first place in the NFC South with an ugly win over New York.

The Falcons (6-6) have back-to-back wins for the first time since starting the season 2-0.

The Jets (4-8) got an early safety but couldn’t get anything going — again — on offence in losing their fifth straight game.

New York pulled quarterback Tim Boyle and

replaced him with Trevor Siemian in the fourth quarter, but it was more of the same misery in a rainsoaked MetLife Stadium that appeared about half full.

Siemian and the Jets had a chance to win with 1:53 left but again were ineffective. New York had three turnovers, and the loss makes the Jets’ playoff chances — and the prospect of Aaron Rodgers returning this season — more remote.

Ridder finished 12 of 27 for 121 yards and the touchdown to Pruitt. Bijan Robinson ran for 53 yards on 18 carries and had three catches for 26 yards.

CARDINALS 24, STEELERS 10 PITTSBURGH (AP) — James Conner ran for 105 yards and a pair of touchdowns against his old team as Arizona won at Pittsburgh for the first time since 1969.

The Cardinals (3-10) took control late in the first half with a 99-yard touchdown drive that ended with a 5-yard strike from Kyler Murray to Trey McBride.

They led the rest of the way, enduring a pair of lengthy delays due to severe weather.

The Steelers (7-5) lost starting quarterback Kenny Pickett to an ankle injury late in the first half and scored their only touchdown in garbage time on a pass from backup Mitch Trubisky to Diontae Johnson.

The Cardinals improved to 2-2 since Murray’s return

from a torn ACL in his right knee.

Murray completed 13 of 23 passes for 145 yards and had 19 yards rushing.

Arizona’s defence bounced back from a nightmarish showing against the Rams a week ago.

CHARGERS 6, PATRIOTS 0 FOXBOROUGH, Mass.

(AP) — Justin Herbert threw for 212 yards and set up a pair of Cameron Dicker field goals that were all Los Angeles needed to blank New England and its latest hapless quarterback, Bailey Zappe.

The Chargers (5-7) had their first shutout in six years. Keenan Allen came back from a thigh bruise to catch five passes for 58 yards, but the only scoring Los Angeles could manage on a cold and rainy day was a pair of 38-yards field goals in the second quarter.

The Patriots (2-10) benched Mac Jones in favour of Zappe but still lost their fifth straight game.

They’ve been shut out at home twice this season, a first in franchise history.

It was the third time in a row that New England gave up 10 or fewer points — and lost. They are the first team to do that since the 1938 Chicago Cardinals.

Zappe was sacked five times — two by Khalil Mack, giving him a careerhigh 15 for the season and 99 in his career. Zappe finished 13 for 25 for 141 yards.

BUCCANEERS 21, PANTHERS 18 TAMPA, Florida (AP) — Mike Evans scored on a 75-yard reception and joined Jerry Rice as the only players in NFL history to string together 10 consecutive seasons with 1,000-plus yards receiving while helping Tampa Bay beat Carolina.

The Bucs (5-7) won for only the second time in their past eight games, climbing into a tie for second place in the weak NFC South.

Carolina (1-11) scored late to pull within a field goal, but No. 1 overall draft pick Bryce Young threw an interception with just over two minutes remaining, ending any chance of coming from behind to win the Panthers’ debut under interim coach Chris Tabor.

Evans finished with seven receptions for 162 yards, increasing his season totals to 61 catches for 1,012 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Rice set the league record of 11 straight seasons with more than 1,000 yards receiving from 1986 through 1996.

Rachaad White scored an early touchdown and receiver Chris Godwin scored on a 19-yard run early in the fourth quarter for Tampa Bay. Chuba Hubbard rushed 104 yards and two TDs for Carolina.

Hill has 2 TDs as Dolphins beat Commanders 45-15

By STEPHEN WHYNO AP Sports Writer

Miami 9-3 for the 1st time since 2001

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Tyreek Hill wasn’t surprised to see just one defender covering him.

After catching a 78-yard touchdown pass, he was plenty thankful.

“I just appreciate it,” he said. “Thanks for not respecting me, I guess.”

Hill had two touchdowns among his five catches for 157 yards, and he and the Miami Dolphins routed the Washington Commanders 45-15 yesterday to pad their lead atop the AFC East and get to 9-3 for the first time since 2001.

A year after losing five in a row once the calendar flipped to December, Tua Tagovailoa and Co. are determined to avoid another late-season swoon.

This was a good start.

“Everyone is locked in,” said Tagovailoa, who was 18 of 24 for 280 yards and the TD passes of 78 and 60 yards to Hill.

“Everyone knows that we can do something special

this year, and no one on our team is trying to waste that opportunity.”

De’Von Achane ran for two touchdowns in his return after missing five of the past six games with a knee injury. Raheem Mostert also had a rushing TD for Miami’s league-leading offence that put up 406 yards.

Tagovailoa was also turnover-free after giving the ball away four times over the past two games.

“To be that aggressive while having that burden of frustration was exactly what you hope for from your starting quarterback,” coach Mike McDaniel said.

In extending their winning streak to three, the Dolphins even got scoring from their defence, thanks to linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel’s 33-yard pick-6 of Sam Howell late in the first quarter. They also sacked Howell three times in the first game without Jaelan

MIAMI Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) celebrates after scoring against the Washington Commanders during the first half of an NFL football game yesterday in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) Phillips, who’s out for the McDaniel said. “I think season after tearing his they did enough to make right Achilles tendon in Jaelan smile”.”

Miami’s last game at the Washington (4-9) had New York Jets. no answer for Hill in the “I don’t think they first game with coach Ron wanted anything to do Rivera calling the defensive with letting Jaelan down,” plays following his decision

to fire coordinator Jack Del Rio. Hill, the NFL’s leading receiver who also has the most TD catches with 12, remains on track to break Calvin Johnson’s record for the most yards receiving in a season and become the first to reach 2,000.

“I believe I am having my best season,” Hill said.

“Even if I didn’t have the numbers, I feel like I’m doing a good job being in the right spot for the quarterback, I’m doing a great job blocking and just understanding this whole offence.”

Howell, who ran for two touchdowns while going 12 of 23 for 127 yards, is on pace for a more dubious record: the most sacks taken in a season.

He’s up to 58 — David Carr set the record with 76 in 2002 — leads the league in interceptions with 14 and has had one returned for a TD in three consecutive games.

The Commanders lost a fourth game in a row and have been outscored 90-25 over the past two. They’ve lost nine of 11 since opening the season with back-toback victories.

“We can’t do the things we did and expect to win,” Rivera said. “We didn’t really give ourselves a chance.”

Miami was so convincingly ahead that McDaniel pulled Tagovailoa, Hill and many of the offensive skill players early in the fourth quarter.

Backup Mike White led a touchdown drive in garbage time.

“It’s a beautiful thing,” Hill said of being 9-3.

“And the way that this league is, if you somehow get complacent, if you somehow start feeling yourself, it’ll catch up with you fast.”

UP NEXT Dolphins: Host the Tennessee Titans on Monday, December 11.

Commanders: After their bye week, visit the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, December 17.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, December 4, 2023, PAGE 17

THE NBA’S IN-SEASON TOURNAMENT QUARTERS ARE HERE. NEXT STOP: LAS VEGAS

By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer

Bahamas Youth Flag Football League champions crowned

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Sweeting tsweeting@tribunemedia.net THE 2023 Bahamas Youth Flag Football League (BYFFL) season is now in the books after three champions were crowned over the weekend on the playing fields opposite the original Thomas A Robinson stadium.

Team Dawkins reeled in a win in the 10-13 age group when they downed Team Kevin. Team Munroe collectively hoisted the championship trophies after defeating Team Allen in the 14-17 division.

Additionally, Team Inne handled business against Team Dawkins in the featured game of the day in the 6-9 age group.

Inne Marshall, head coach of Team Inne, was overjoyed to see the regular season success of the team translate to a championship victory.

“We finished off the season in first place so I went into the championship game very optimistic about the win. I did not foresee a 35-13 victory. I thought it was going to be a lot tougher but we came out and pulled it out in the clutch. I am very proud of my kids. They did an excellent job this season,” Marshall said.

Team Inne led their opponents 23-13 which blossomed into a 35-13 victory. Cha’Naldo King, who earned the league’s MVP honours in the 6-9 age group, was a dominant performer for Team Inne.

In the game, he scored four touchdowns and evaded defenders at every opportunity he got to help his team coast to the championship win.

Coach Marshall talked about the top performance turned in by King.

A TIME TO WIN: The 2023 Bahamas Youth Flag Football League (BYFFL) Championships saw Team Inne, Team Munroe and Team Dawkins take home the titles on Saturday.

“Cha’Naldo is very special. This is his second season working with me and he had an amazing season and has been partnered with an excellent quarterback in Shaquille Thurston who was actually a rookie. They make an amazing team,” she said.

Next season the head coach is looking forward to being unstoppable once again but for now her sights are set on the USA Flag Youth Championships which most of her team members will play in.

It was a low scoring affair in the Team Allen vs Munroe matchup with the latter finishing the game ahead by two points (8-6) in the 14-17 age division.

Amari Hutchinson was named the league’s MVP in this respective division on Saturday.

Reginald Cartwright, of Team Munroe, said the team’s perseverance helped them to emerge as BYFFL champions in the 14-17 category.

“The win was mostly about perseverance. I think we had started the game off hot and made a few mistakes but we decided to pull together and we got it done.

“It is an overwhelming feeling but it is all about the kids. It is good to see them take on the sport, enjoy it and actually learn and grow from year to year,” he said.

In Saturday’s first game of the BYFFL championships, Team Dawkins handed a 23-14 loss to Team Kevin to earn the bragging rights.

Wyatt Cartwright was awarded the MVP honours in the 10-13 age division.

Ulan Dawkins, head coach of Team Dawkins, was grateful not only for the championship but to see the development of the youth in flag football.

“If I talk about the game I would be doing the season injustice.

“The season itself was definitely one of those seasons where I saw we had incremental growth and at the tail end we saw exponential growth.

“It was a tight and emotional game. We played a great team but our team was able to rally, get through that emotional wall and get the win.

“I am proud of them for that. It is a humbling experience but one of the biggest wins that we had was seeing the team develop chemistry throughout the season so the championship was just kind of the cherry on top of the development,” Dawkins said.

With the 2023 BYFFL season now in the rearview, the focus will shift to the USA Flag Youth World Championships scheduled for December 29-30 in San Antonio, Texas.

THE ORANGE BOWL IS FOR THE SNUBBED, FLORIDA STATE AND GEORGIA WILL SQUARE OFF DEC. 30 AHEAD OF CFP

By TIM REYNOLDS AP Sports Writer MIAMI LAKES, Fla. (AP) — Florida State won every game this season.

Georgia won 29 in a row, including back-to-back national championships, then lost by a field goal.

And neither was deemed good enough by the College Football Playoff committee.

A trip to the Orange Bowl is what two very angry teams will get instead.

No. 4 Florida State (13-0 ACC, No. 5 CFP) will play No. 6 Georgia (12-1 SEC, No. 6 CFP) on Dec. 30 in the Orange Bowl after

both programmes felt like they deserved a chance to play for the national title. The CFP committee decided that the Seminoles were doomed by quarterback Jordan Travis’ broken leg, and dropped Georgia five spots after its loss to Alabama in the SEC title game.

“I’m hurting for our players who have displayed a tremendous amount of resilience and response this season,” Florida State coach Mike Norvell said Sunday. “What happened today goes against everything that is true and right in college football. A team that overcame tremendous adversity and found a way

to win doing whatever it took on the field was cheated today. It’s a sad day for college football.”

There were six teams that had realistic arguments to make the four-team CFP field: Michigan, Washington, Texas, Alabama, Florida State and Georgia. The first four of those teams made the playoff, and the Seminoles’ fate — undefeated, ACC champions, and snubbed anyway — even had other schools who made the playoff shaking their head.

“You go undefeated and miss it by one spot, makes me feel sympathy for those guys,” Texas linebacker Jaylan Ford said.

“Just like us, they put in the same amount of work in the offseason.

They fought just as hard throughout the season.

“They’re still players.

They’ve still got a programme. It’s just a tough situation to be in.”

Washington coach Kalen DeBoer — the CFP’s No. 2 seed — was asked if he could imagine going 13-0 and not making the field.

“In all honesty, no,” DeBoer said.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart lobbied unsuccessfully for his team following the SEC title game loss to Alabama.

The Bulldogs had been No. 1 in the AP Top 25 all

season until Sunday and were either No. 2 or No. 1 in every CFP ranking released before Sunday.

Georgia and Ohio State were the only two teams ranked No. 1 during the regular season by the CFP committee. Neither wound up in the playoff.

Since this format was introduced in 2014, there had never been a season where every team ranked No. 1 in the regular season failed to get picked for the playoff field; the only others to go from No. 1 at any point to completely out at the end were Tennessee (one week in 2022) and Mississippi State (three weeks in 2014).

IT’s four regular-season games in early December.

Ordinarily, they’d be forgotten shortly after the final buzzer.

That likely won’t happen this time.

The NBA’s inaugural In-Season Tournament has reached the knockout stage — with quarterfinal games today and Tuesday to decide which four teams go to Las Vegas later this week to play for the NBA Cup and the bulk of a prize pool that will total about $18 million.

Today’s games have Boston visiting Indiana and New Orleans going to Sacramento. On Tuesday, it’ll be New York at Milwaukee and Phoenix at the Los Angeles Lakers. Winners go to the semifinals while losers are out and will play a regular-season game later this week against another team that lost in the quarterfinals.

“I just want to make every appeal I can to our fans that we need the loudest building possible,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “To show you that no good deed goes unpunished, we draw the team with the best record in basketball. But we do get to play them at home. So, that’s something important.

We need our building to be as loud and raucous as it possibly can and we need to throw a game out there that’s exceptional.”

The Lakers, Kings, Pelicans, Bucks, Pacers and Celtics got to the quarterfinals by winning their groups in the tournament’s opening round. The Knicks and Suns got in as wild cards, one from each conference.

“A lot on the line.

Winner goes to Vegas, so I think everyone’s looking forward to it,” Suns guard Devin Booker said, looking ahead to Tuesday. “It’ll be fun.”

NADAL TO RETURN TO PLAYING AT BRISBANE AFTER BEING OUT FOR YEAR MADRID (AP) — Rafael Nadal will return to playing at the Brisbane International in Australia in January, the 22-time Grand Slam champion said Friday.

“After a year of not competing, it is time to come back,” Nadal said in a video posted on social media. “It will be in Brisbane in the first week of January. See you there.”

The 37-year-old Spaniard has not played on tour since last January, when he hurt his hip flexor during a loss in the second round of the Australian Open.

In May, a little more than a week before the start of the French Open, Nadal announced that he would miss the tournament he’s won a record 14 times and wasn’t exactly sure when he might return to play.

Nadal had said then that he hoped to compete in 2024, which he expected to be his final season.

“You never know how things will turn out,” Nadal said at a news conference at the time, “but my intention is that next year will be my last year.”

He wound up having arthroscopic surgery in June in Barcelona.

Dating to the end of 2022, the Spanish left-hander has lost seven of his past nine matches, including going 1-3 this season.

Nadal’s 22 Grand Slam singles titles rank second to Novak Djokovic’s 24 for the most among men.

PAGE 18, Monday, December 4, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

BEST-OF-THE-BEST REGATTA CHAMPIONSHIP IN MONTAGU BAY

A Class of Champions emerge

THE RESULTS Black Point Silent Partner - Class A champion Long Island Running Tide finished 2nd Class A Long Island Ruff Justice was 3rd Class A Long Island Susan Chase - Class B champion Abaco Lonesome Dove was 2nd in Class B Exuma Lady Sonia finished 3rd in Class B Long Island Sassie Sue - Class C champion Exuma Bul Reg was 2nd in Class C Abaco It Ain’t Right finished in 3rd place Class C Lady Kayla - Class E champion Papa finished in 2nd place Class E Captain Peg came in 3rd place Class E

Photos by Patrick Hanna/BIS

SAILORS, their sloops and crew compete in the Best-of-the-Best Regatta Championship in Montagu Bay over the weekend.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, December 4, 2023, PAGE 19

SCHEFFLER MAKES IT LOOK EASY FOR 3-SHOT VICTORY IN HERO WORLD CHALLENGE, TIGER WOODS FINISHES 18TH NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Scottie Scheffler has made great gains in his putting. Add that to the rest of top-ranked game, and he made it look easy yesterday.

He closed with a 4-under 68 for a three-shot victory in the Hero World Challenge.

Scheffler, a runner-up in the Bahamas the last two years, played bogey-free at Albany and didn’t let anyone get closer than two shots on the back nine as he ended the year with his fifth victory worldwide.

The Hero World Challenge is an unofficial event, though its 20-man field receives world ranking points and Scheffler only solidified his spot at No. 1.

The week wasn’t a total loss for Tiger Woods, the tournament host playing for the first time since surgery to fuse his right ankle a few weeks after the Masters in April. Woods finished 72 holes for only the third time in the last two years. He has played six tournaments following the recovery from his February 2021 car crash in Los Angeles that badly injured his right leg. “Just like I said to you guys on Tuesday, I’m curious ... what this is going to look like,” Woods said. “I haven’t done it in a while — I haven’t done it with my ankle the way it is now and I was excited each and every day to kind of get through it and kind of start piecing rounds together again. I haven’t done this in a long time so it was fun to feel that again.”

Woods closed with a 72 and ended up 18th at even par. Scheffler finished at 20-under 268. Sepp Straka had three late birdies for a 64 to finish second. Justin Thomas had a 67 to finish alone in third. It was his third straight finish in the top 5 dating to September.

Scheffler led the PGA Tour in just about every important statistical category — off the tee, shots to the green — until he got onto the putting surface.

He sought help from highly regarded putting coach Phil Kenyon and is starting to see immediate results.

“I played solid and kept my distance,” Scheffler said.

“I was just trying to hit good shots and get as many looks as I could for birdies.”

Scheffler had not played since the Ryder Cup — this was his first 72-hole tournament since the Tour Championship in late August. He said he was optimistic about the work he put in with Kenyon before the Ryder Cup. “It’s nice to see some fast results,” Scheffler said. “It’s paid off pretty good this week.”

Scheffler didn’t make his first birdie until he chipped

SCOTTIE Scheffler with the winner’s trophy at Albany Golf Club yesterday.

(AP Photo/Fernando Llano) close on the par-5 sixth and then pitched up the slope on the drivable par-4 seventh to 2 feet.

Straka, Thomas and Jordan Spieth at times were poised to make a run. Scheffler answered with birdies at the right time to hold them off. He missed a birdie putt on the 17th from just inside 3 feet. It was his only miss inside 5 feet all week.

Rarely is this holiday event without some measure of drama, and such was the case on Sunday. Collin Morikawa was given a twoshot penalty before he teed off for using material in a greens-reading book on the fourth hole Saturday.

Turns out his caddie had used a level on the practice green and put some notations in the book. According to new rules, such notes can only come from traditional methods, without outside devices. Morikawa was informed 15 minutes before his round, frustrated because he says he has been told by other officials and caddies that it was OK. “Apparently if they tell you something wrong one day in a different tournament (it) does not carry on, and I understand that.

We made the mistake,” Morikawa said. “From our understanding, it was fine to use a level on the practice green and see how putts break and write that down.

Obviously, it’s not.”

Morikawa (68) finished seventh. Woods was never in the mix after each round, which was not the primary objective. He knew there would be rust, and he felt he knocked a little off each day. But not all of it. He had a pitch roll back toward his feet on the par-3 second hole for a double bogey, and he hit another poor chip that led to bogey on the par-5 11th.

Woods remained optimistic he could play one tournament a month in 2024. “If you ask me right now, I’m a little bit sore,” he said. “Once a month seems reasonable. It gives me a couple of weeks to recover.

Maybe I can get into a rhythm. That’s what the plan was going into next year. I don’t see why that would change.”

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