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Volume: 120 No.197, October 16, 2023

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GIBSON: MITCHELL IS OUT OF ORDER Shane: I had to work not just fly, have tea and coffee and cigars By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net SHANE Gibson said Fred Mitchell was “out of order” for saying the pool of candidates eligible for the upcoming West Grand Bahama and Bimini byelection is limited to those the PLP considered in 2021, a restriction the party publicly reversed yesterday when the secretary general

announced that qualified candidates include all members in good standing. “I don’t want to get into a public fight with the chairman,” Mr Gibson said, referring to a comment Mr Mitchell made in a voice note last week that public officials must know when to move on. Mr Mitchell did not name anyone in particular. SEE PAGE THREE

SHANTY HOME DEMOLITION A ‘very hard pill’ for resident By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net WHEN two excavators demolished Aviole Francois-Burrows’ home on October 2, the government’s long-standing pledge to eradicate shanty towns became vivid to residents in the unregulated community of All Saints Way. Many hadn’t seen

Flowers to say farewell

authorities follow through on a threat to destroy a structure until Mrs Francois-Burrows’ green and white-trimmed wooden house was knocked down and its debris removed by garbage trucks. Residents were not explicitly told that the home’s destruction demonstrated the government’s SEE PAGE FOUR

MINISTER of Education Glenys Hanna Martin lays a rose on the casket of Obie Wilchcombe as colleagues, family and firends bid a last farewell at the graveyard in West End, Grand Bahama on Saturday. For story and more photos SEE PAGE 12 Photo: Vandyke Hepburn

BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Staff Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net The late Obadiah Wilchcombe, the MP for West Grand Bahama and Bimini, was laid to rest in his native West End on Saturday, following his state funeral at the Pro-Cathedral of Christ

the King, in Freeport. Hundreds of mourners gathered to pay their final respects, including former Prime Ministers Hubert Ingraham and Perry Christie. Also attending were Education Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin, Minister of Economic Affairs Michael

Halkitis, Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg, and Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey. The church was filled to capacity, and attendees were accommodated in the church hall where they SEE PAGE 12

Birthday trip to israel strands Bahamian By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net A BIRTHDAY trip to Israel to get closer to God tested Howard Evans’ faith when Palestinian militants attacked that country ten days ago, leaving him stranded thousands of miles from home. He is the second Bahamian known to be stuck

HOWARD EVANS there for days after Hamas launched its attack over a

procurement list reveals 843 contracts worth $140m By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

week ago. The other Bahamian, basketball professional Zane Knowles, left the country yesterday and was in Cyprus up to press time, according to his mother, Peggy Knowles, who said Bulgaria is his final destination. Mr Evans, 38, told The Tribune he went to Israel on

THE Government last night finally released its long-awaited public procurement disclosure which revealed the awarding of 843 contracts worth a total $140m via its online portal over the ten months to endJune 2023. The Ministry of Finance, which issued the information at around 10pm last night, described compliance with the new Public Procurement Act - and

SEE PAGE FIVE

SEE PAGE THREE

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

PAGE 2, Monday, October 16, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

Specialty nurses from Ghana soon to provide relief By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net HEALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville said 18 specialty Ghanaian nurses will arrive in the Bahamas to help relieve the shortage of nurses. On Friday, Dr Darville said the nurses will be in the country by the end of the month. “I would like to see them in the country before the end of the month,” said Dr Darville on the sidelines of The Ministry of Health and Wellness Leadership Forum’s opening ceremony. “I believe we will be able to accomplish that so that we can fill a lot of gaps of specialty nurses that exist at the Princess Margaret Hospital and some at the Rand Memorial Hospital.

HE ALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville. Photo: Moise Amisial “And to be able to health are constantly preimprove the delivery of qual- senting this issue of excessive ity services that we want to recruitment in the Caribprovide at our hospitals and bean and the Bahamas is no take a lot of burdens from exception. a lot of our specialty nurses “But for us at the Ministry who are working a lot of of Health and Wellness, it is overtime and we don’t want our responsibility to do all them to burn out. So we look that we need to ensure that forward to these nurses to these services are provided in come to the country.” the country and that requires There has been continu- going outside and recruiting ing nurses shortages in the from abroad. country with many frontline “So, we look forward workers continuously com- to the nurses coming from plaining of exhaustion – both Ghana into the country to physically and mentally. help us to deliver quality Dr Darville noted the health care services, not only significance of the Ghana- in Grand Bahama and New ian nurses, saying they will Providence, but throughout help in the fight to provide the country.” quality service in the country. Last month, Public Hos“I want the Bahamian pital Authority Managing people to know that while Director Aubynette Rolle we are recruiting, developed said that officials were countries are recruiting in making various attempts to our country and it’s a burden address the nursing shortage that we currently face on a in the country. daily basis. She noted that the govern“We’re not alone in the ment was expecting nurses Caribbean, other Caribbean from Ghana, the Philippines colleagues and ministers of and potentially India.

Davis visits the Pope

ON SATURDAY, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, Prime Minister Philip ‘Bave’ Davis was received by Pope Francis. Mr Davis said that the Pope is a beacon of moral clarity in support of uniting the world to take action on climate change. “He understands the extreme urgency of this issue for countries like ours. He combines church teachings and science to make a powerful case for climate justice.” Mr Davis said he is grateful for the Pope’s moral leadership, which is important not only to the more than one billion Catholics around the world, but to many, many others as well. Photo: OPM

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, October 16, 2023, PAGE 3

Gibson: Mitchell is out of order from page one

“The chairman is 70, I’m 62,” said Mr Gibson. “The results of my ministry is clear. I built 1,500 houses in my first term in office. “I didn’t have a ministry where I could fly up and down all over the place and that’s my ministry. I had a ministry where I had to actually work, not where I fly, interact, have coffee and tea and drinks and cigars. My ministry is helping people and getting things done.” The rare public display of tension between two former PLP Cabinet colleagues comes as the governing party expects to stop accepting applications from potential nominees at midnight tomorrow. Although no date has been announced for the by-election, The Tribune understands PLP officials want to choose someone in less than two weeks. Chief Passport Officer Kingsley Smith, Jr, confirmed yesterday that he will seek the nomination. Mr Smith applied in 2021 but received little support from constituency branches, which rallied around Obie Wilchcombe, who died unexpectedly last month. Another applicant getting buzz is Samuel Brown, 32, a lawyer born and raised in West End whose uncle, Simeon Brown, represented the constituency in the House of Assembly in the 1990s. Mr Gibson travelled to Grand Bahama last

Thursday to rally support after Mr Wilchcombe’s state funeral. Several dozen people in PLP paraphernalia attended a welcoming event for him when he returned to that island yesterday. Insiders say Mr Gibson is not the favourite of the PLP’s establishment. Some see him as a polarising figure from the past and fear the general electorate would respond negatively to his return to frontline politics even if he can win the West Grand Bahama and Bimini seat. Despite the visible support for him, some insiders also believe PLP supporters would coalesce behind any candidate the party chooses. “We have determined that whoever the candidate is, we will support them 100 per cent,” said Kitty Saunders, the PLP’s Bimini constituency association chair. She said she favours Mr Gibson, but her branch has mixed views. Mr Gibson sees himself as the people’s choice. “You could have it two ways,” he told a crowd in Grand Bahama yesterday. “You could either have the party’s choice or the people’s choice, and I am what you call the people’s choice.” Mr Gibson told The Tribune residents of the constituency approached him to be their representative. Last year, he told the press he planned to return to frontline politics and hoped to run in the MICAL constituency in the next

SHANE Gibson said Fred Mitchell was “out of order” for saying the pool of candidates eligible for the upcoming West Grand Bahama and Bimini by-election is limited to those the PLP considered in 2021, a restriction the party publicly reversed yesterday when the secretary general announced that qualified candidates include all members in good standing. general election because residents there wanted him. Yesterday, he said he has familial and political connections to the West Grand Bahama and Bimini constituency. He said his wife was born and raised in Eight Mile Rock, a community he visited often as a trade union leader. He said when he toured West Grand Bahama with

Mr Wilchcombe after Hurricane Jeanne and Frances devastated the island in 2004, he helped lead efforts to repair people’s homes. “Through a by-election, you have an entire machinery who is going to come out there,” he said. “Once that by-election has ended, the only person you have to rely on is that member of parliament to be your voice, so the member of

parliament must be somebody who needs minimum supervision, who can get out there and not only get things done but have the respect of people sitting around the table.” Mr Gibson said he had not talked to the PLP’s leader, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, about his nomination bid. “The only person I’ve heard talk about this is

Fred Mitchell,” he said. “And Fred Mitchell is the same person who told Obie you’re not running and who told the people of West End and Bimini that Obie is not running. “It is not surprising that he will now further entrench himself in a position that he tried to entrench himself in two years ago when it was Obie’s time.”

Bain to run for West Grand Bahama and Bimini seat for COI By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net THE Coalition of Independents announced yesterday that party leader, Lincoln Bain, would vie for the West Grand Bahama and Bimini seat in the upcoming by-election. Mr Bain challenged the Free National Movement and Progressive Liberal Party to a debate. Party officials said many people were considered for the candidacy, but he was unanimously chosen. Mr Bain said initially he wanted the party to choose someone else because he has committed to representing Pinewood residents. “I will still be the one to go and fix the flooding problem

in Pinewood Gardens when we take over this country 2026 or sooner, but for now, for the by-election, I’m going into West Grand Bahama and Bimini to transform that community and to be a voice in the House of Assembly,” he said. Mr Bain said issues affecting West Grand Bahama and Bimini residents include poor roads and inadequate fire trucks and ambulances. “I officially call for a debate with the FNM and Progressive Liberal Party candidates,” he said. “I know they’re not chosen yet officially, but I call for a debate with them on their plans for West Grand Bahama and Bimini, on what is going in this community, how we got here, and how we gonna change it.”

THE Coalition of Independents announced yesterday that party leader, Lincoln Bain, would vie for the West Grand Bahama and Bimini seat in the upcoming by-election

PUBLIC PROCUREMENT LIST REVEALS 843 CONTRACTS WORTH $140M from page one the awarding of contracts via the Go Bonfire online portal - as “a continual process” that requires constant training of staff across the Government’s various procuring ministries and agencies. “We are aware that awarding opportunities in the portal is a continual process and, at times, requires assistance from technical officers in the Procurement Department. Further, it is also noteworthy that training in the application of the portal is ongoing, and considering nine months of adjusting to the Procurement Act and applying it to the portal, efforts from staff attached to procurement from various procurement entities must be lauded,” it said. Most of the contract awards detailed were for sums in the tens and hundreds of thousands. The largest, some $34.245m, went to Bahamas Hot Mix (BHM) for airside construction works at Exuma International Airport - a

sum that represented 24.5 percent, or almost onequarter or one dollar out of every four of the collective $139.591m that was awarded. Other significant awards included $19.615m to Ranmar Precision Development for Ragged Island’s school and multi-purpose centre; $13.77m to Marlin Enterprises for road repairs in Red Bays, Andros; $9.559m to Knowles Construction for runway repairs at the Arthur’s Town airport in Cat Island; and $4.332m to Noontide Management Group to replace the roof at the Ministry of Finance’s Sir Cecil Wallace-Whitfield building. A further $4.053m was awarded to Trade Wind Builders to renovate the Supreme Court building; $3.355m to DigieSoft to create an online portal for the payment of charter and boating-related fees; $1.937m to Skye’s Construction for repairs to Eight Mile Rock high school’s gymnasium; $1.317m to Electro Telecom for an electrical assessment and lighting at

the Thomas A. Robinson stadium; and $1.323m to SunRise Communications to digitise and create a website for the Post Office. G&L Construction was awarded $2.502m for the redevelopment of Clifford Park and its surroundings; Scorpio Construction was handed $2.327m for a proposed assembly/ lunch pavilion at Uriah McPhee Primary School; and $1.657m was awarded to Patrick McDonald Construction for the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute’s (BTVI) Freeport campus. The contract awards cover the nine months from September 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023. They do not, though, include all the contracts issued by either the Davis administration during most of its first year in office or those awarded during the final days of the Minnis administration. The original Public Procurement Act, which came into effect on September 1, 2021, but has now been repealed and replaced, required from that moment

on that all government contracts be disclosed within 60 days of their issuance. The Government was supposed to disclose the name and address of winning bidders, the procuring entity, the procurement selection method and the value of the contract. The revised Public Procurement Act took effect on July 1 this year. Last night’s release provides the value of the contract awards, identifies the procuring entity and procurement vendor, plus the winning bidder, but provides no address for the latter or any further details. The Government has frequently come under attack from Michael Pintard, leader of the Opposition, and other members of the Free National Movement (FNM) who have accused it of deliberately failing to comply with the Public Procurement Act and especially its provisions demanding greater disclosures, openness and transparency around the awarding of government contracts. But Michael Halkitis, minister of economic affairs,

recently asserted there was “never any sort of desire or intention to circumvent” the Public Procurement Act’s requirements as he blamed any non-compliance on the need to put in place supporting infrastructure. He added that the Davis administration has had to ensure public officials are fully trained and equipped to implement the Act’s legally-mandated requirements. It has also had to appoint a chief procurement officer, and implement the necessary software. “In order to really effect it, there was a large infrastructure that had to be put in place at the back end of it,” Mr Halkitis said of the Act. “For example, the appointment of a chief procurement officer, the training of procurement committees in not only the Ministry of Finance, but in every single ministry and government agency. We’re talking about IT, acquiring the IT and getting people trained up on it, and so that is what we have been doing for the last, you know, 18 months.

“We are at a position right now where we have just about completed the training. And there are some of the contracts that have to be uploaded. We think we are almost at a position where those are completed. So, you know, we will begin to do that. We can look for that in the coming weeks.” Mr Halkitis added: “But I would just like to say this now. [There] never was any sort of desire or intention to circumvent but, you know, it’s very, very easy to go into Parliament and pass a law and say we’re doing this and doing that. You know, we see a number of pieces of legislation where we have to go back now. “At the back end of it, there are a lot of requirements that we had to do. So the public will see that very shortly. We’re committed to doing it, those few agencies that have not fully uploaded. We have people working on that now to get that done as soon as possible. So you’ll see that shortly…definitely before the end of the year.”

Shanty home demolition a ‘very hard pill’ for resident PAGE 4, Monday, October 16, 2023

from page one larger intent for their community, but the message was implicit. Soon after the demolition –– which The Tribune reports here for the first time –– more than 20 law enforcement officers reportedly disseminated eviction notices. They apprehended numerous residents. Chief Justice Ian Winder gave the government permission to destroy Mrs Francois-Burrows’ home five months ago, one of just two structures he approved for demolition after the government sought a court order to demolish more than 260 structures. Mrs Francois-Burrows’ son, Jay Jean, 21, spoke to this newspaper yesterday because his mother can’t speak fluent English. He said his 50-year-old mother, a self-employed permanent resident who operates a food store for which she has also received an eviction notice, moved into the now-destroyed home in 2006. He described it as the best house in the village, replete with running water and electricity. He said they received a notice on September 10 warning them to remove their personal belongings and equipment from the structure within seven days and no later than

September 18. He said they left within two weeks. “It was very difficult for her,” Mr Jean, 21, said, referring to his mother. “She spent all this money, built everything and years later, it break down like that.” Mr Jean said his mother was too overcome with emotion to watch the house get ripped apart. He said their new accommodation is ten minutes from the shanty town. The Ministry of Works has vowed to work with its partners in the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Department of Social Services to determine the needs of households and identify potential rental units for people in unregulated communities. Mr Jean doesn’t think residents can find new living arrangements in 28 days as required under the eviction notice. “Right now, finding houses very difficult and when you find one people be asking $2,500 for threebedroom, two-bedroom,” he said. “That’s really crazy, like come on.” He said his family is unsure where to store the items from the food store that faces demolition, adding they can’t be stored in a rental unit. “This one really gon‘ take a lot of time,” he said. The Tribune spoke to

THE TRIBUNE

AVIOLE Francois-Burrows home was demolished as part of the government’s long-standing pledge to eradicate shanty towns in the unregulated community of All Saints Way. Photo: Earyel Bowleg

several residents who witnessed the demolition. Michelle Simeon, 46, said it left her feeling scared. “If you do it illegally, I’m

scared for them,” she said. “I have papers, but those who have none, you supposed to be so scared for them and sorry for them.”

She said when immigration officers came to the area, they took children. She said residents fear the children have been

deported with their guardians to Haiti, a country overrun by gang violence. “I ain feel good,” she said.

43 nurses with mental health training to join system this month By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net AS attempted suicides increased, Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville said 43 mental health nurses will join the system this month. A series of attempted suicides have been reported in the last month, the most recent involving a 14-year-old girl found with abrasions to her wrists and legs. Dr Darville said legislators passed the Mental Health Act out of concern for mental health issues. He said through that law, healthcare professionals will be trained to ensure mental health

services are provided. He added that up to 43 mental health nurses will be sent to the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre and other places this month to enhance support mechanisms. “We are concerned about these incidences of suicide, attempted suicide,” he said. “This is not only in The Bahamas. I just came back from the Pan American Health Organisation symposium in Washington, DC, and mental health is a big thing on the agenda. And every country is now trying to do their best to address the mental health concerns that exist.” Earlier this month, Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander said

he is alarmed by the number of attempted suicides and wants more officers to become certified in mental health management. “Mental health is very serious, and we have to pay attention to that,” he said. “Here talking about mental health, I’m trying to get a training course for our officers to deal with that situation, not only for themselves, but I’m talking about dealing with members of the public out there.” He urged relatives to support family members suffering from mental health challenges. The country recently recorded five attempted suicides in three weeks.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS MINISTER DR MICHAEL DARVILLE

TWO OFFICERS PLACED ON LEAVE AFTER VIRAL VIDEO

DEPUTY Commissioner Leamond Deleveaux, centre, announced two officer placed on administrative leave after a video of a heated argument was shared. Photo: Dante Carrer By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net TWO police officers have been placed on administrative leave after a video captured a heated argument between them in a police station. In the video, which spread across social media, a male officer ordered the woman officer to leave the station, prompting a tense argument. “Get out of the seat,” the male officer said. “Do not touch me,” the female officer replied. It is not clear what prompted the argument. Several officers stood nearby while the argument happened. Eventually, the male officer dragged the woman out of the station while she sat in a chair. Deputy Commissioner

Leamond Deleveaux, the officer in charge of discipline, said yesterday that the incident occurred early Saturday morning. He said he immediately told the Complaints and Corruption branch officers to investigate the matter. He promised a short investigation. “At the end of the day, we will let the chips fall where they may,” he said. Mr Deleveaux said the video showed misconduct by the officers and several violations based on the police code of conduct. He said the two officers had worked directly with him before. “We do not, and we will not under any circumstances condone bad behaviour of our police officers,” he said. “Again, I cannot comment on this particular matter, only to say that it will be investigated.”

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, October 16, 2023, PAGE 5

Birthday trip strands Bahamian in Israel from page one a “spiritual tour”, arriving on October 1 while staying at a Tel Aviv hotel. On October 7, the day before his birthday, he found out about the hostilities after several hours without internet access. He had left Israel to see Petra, a historic city in Jordan. He said Americans he met on the tour informed him about the attacks. “Some of them even warned me to be careful when I go back to Israel,” he said. “It was only until I turned on the news in my hotel room that I got a full understanding of what really happened.” Mr Evans said his relatives, friends and work colleagues were worried about him but relieved when he eventually contacted them. The Colina Insurance software developer said his hotel is full of people fleeing the fighting. The hotel is giving people free breakfasts and dinners. “The hotel is becoming more of a shelter because a lot of people are moving away from the southern

border of Israel to move into Tel Aviv because it’s safer,” he said. Hamas had fired over 6,000 missiles since the first day of the attack, many of which were intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome technology. More than 1,300 Israelis and 2,200 Palestinians have reportedly died since the start of the war. “I’ve seen flashes where it’s possible that the rockets that are being shot out from Hamas into Tel Aviv are being destroyed by the Iron Dome,” Mr Evans said. He added that an alarm goes off three times daily, prompting him and other guests to go into a bunker for safety. “Normally, the protocol is to stay in that room for ten minutes,” he said. “And after ten minutes, the operator will tell you to go back to your hotel rooms.” “When I go into my bunker on the 15th floor, I’m usually by myself.” Mr Evans said his potential flights out of the country had been cancelled four times. He couldn’t say when he would leave the country.

HOWARD Evans enjoying his birthday trip just before Hamas’ attack on Israel began.

Darville: Govt to finalise Genetic testinG protocols for citizenship by year’s enD before the end of the year, saying he has been bombarded with calls and visits from people affected by the verdict who still cannot get a passport. Mr Georges added some people visited him, saddened by their inability to get a passport. “I’ve met countless

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net HEALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville said the government hopes to finalise protocols for genetic testing among those entitled to citizenship following a landmark Privy Council ruling by the end of the year. Dr Darville spoke to reporters on Friday at a Ministry of Health leadership forum. The Privy Council affirmed in May that children born to Bahamian fathers are Bahamians at birth, regardless of their mother’s nationality. However, while many of these persons have since obtained passports, those without their father identified on their birth certificate remain in limbo. Dr Darville said completing the protocols has not been challenging despite the lengthy time it is taking. “It’s just a matter of how we’re going to come together across ministries to be able to make this work effectively,” he said, “and to ensure that the Bahamian people will

HEALTH AND WELLNESS MINISTER DR MICHAEL DARVILLE agree that the process is transparent and complete so that when citizenships are issued, there will be no question of the integrity of the process.” Dr Darville added that more meetings will happen

next week. In September, Immigration rights activist Louby Georges hoped the Davis administration would finalise the genetic testing protocol for people affected by a landmark court ruling

Death Notice Funeral ServiceFor For

Brunhilda Tina Mosko, 85

of Lyford Cay, New Providence, The Bahamas, who died at her residence of Lyford Cay, New on the 13th October, 2023, will Providence, The Bahamas, be held at the Annunciation died at her Church, residence Greek Orthodox Weston the Street, Nassau, on Wednesday, Friday, 13th October, 2023. 18th October, 2023 at 10:00a.m.

She is Cox survived by her Father Iraneus will officiate Emmanuel and husband, interment will follow in Nick Ebenezer Methodist Cemetery, Mosko; daughter, Nicolette EastEllen Shirley Mosko; Street, Nassau. son, Nicolas

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

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

Arrangements by Kemp’s Funeral Home Limited.

Arrangements by Kemp’s Funeral Home Limited.

individuals who have come over to my consultancy firm, who reached out to me via social media, sending messages and phone calls,” he said. “It was only when persons would go down there, or I made phone calls, that I actually found out that the DNA testing part of the

legislation is not in effect as yet. And that was kind of shocking to me. “It was kind of sad to see persons, their faces, their attitudes being so sad, and to hear that there’s one portion of individuals that can move forward with regularising their status and others that can’t at this time.”

PAGE 6, Monday, October 16, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

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Fred v Shane in PLP dogfight IF there was a pretense at dignity in the political dogfight over the West End and Bimini constituency before the funeral of representative Obie Wilchcombe, then all semblance of such is long gone now. The fight it seems is pretty much all in the PLP. The FNM’s candidate seems likely to be Ricardo Grant, with former MP for the seat Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe coming out to say she does not feel dismissed by the party and will support whoever is chosen. The Coalition of Independents – which looks less like a group of independents and more of a regular party each day – is putting forward its leader, Lincoln Bain, for the seat, despite his commitment to Pinewood in the past. An actual independent candidate, Terneille Burrows, also plans to run. Which leaves the PLP – and an unseemly tussle that appears to be going on between former MP and Cabinet minister Shane Gibson, and party chairman and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell. Mr Mitchell, as is his wont, has been vocal about the by-election, if somewhat obliquely on occasion. In what was widely considered a shot across Mr Gibson’s bows, Mr Mitchell talked of how former public figures must know when to move on. He said “as a public figure or former public figure, you have to have a sense of when it is time to sail into the sunset and be done”. Mr Mitchell, it should be noted, is 70, while Mr Gibson is 62. Mr Mitchell has also suggested that no former MPs should be considered to run for the seat – despite a number of former MPs, himself included, having run in the last election. He needs only look around him in Cabinet to see the likes of his leader, Philip Davis, or Glenys Hanna Martin, or Michael Darville, as those with a track record in Parliament prior to the last election. Mr Wilchcombe himself was another. Then Mr Mitchell suggested that only those from the previous pool of candidates ought to be considered – which makes no sense, as we are now two years on, and why should there not be new people in a position to put themselves forward now who perhaps were unable to then?

of BTVI faculty

Even if that remains the case, that would mean that the winning candidate would be the one deemed not good enough two years ago and who Mr Wilchcombe was chosen ahead of. Quite tellingly, there seems to be a contrast between what the party chairman wants, and what the local party wants, with local members expressing the wish that they should have a say on who will represent them – not an outlandish wish, by any means. Mr Mitchell was also apparently against Mr Wilchcombe taking the nomination two years ago – with Mr Gibson saying “Fred Mitchell is the same person who told Obie you’re not running and who told the people of West End and Bimini that Obie is not running”. Mr Gibson has taking to sniping in return, snarkily talking about how when he was in office he “had to actually work” and “not where I fly, interact, have coffee and tea and drinks and cigars”. Quite what is fuelling Mr Mitchell’s evident rejection of Mr Gibson is hard to say – although it is interesting to note that the Minister of Foreign Affairs has been outspoken in recent times during the government’s back and forth with the Grand Bahama Port Authority, in which the government has suggested there should be a change in how Grand Bahama is run. Quite which part of the Foreign Affairs remit Mr Mitchell is operating under when he makes such comments is a mystery. Mr Gibson, of course, comes with some baggage from his previous tenures in office, and the suggestion is that he is considered a polarising figure by the PLP establishment. You will note that not one word of this has mentioned anything about policy. Not one word has said anything about what any of these candidates will do to improve the lives of their potential constituents. That, of course, is where the focus should be – and yet that horse is still back in the stable while the race has begun. One wonders if Mr Mitchell loses this battle whether he will have a sense of it being time to sail into the sunset – or whether that only applies to others.

PICTURE OF THE DAY

THE NATIONAL flag being treated respectfully as part of the final farewell to the late MP for West End and Bimini, Obie Wilchcombe, at his funeral in Grand Bahama on Friday. Photo: Vandyke Hepburn

I AM writing to bring to your immediate attention the pressing concerns and frustrations faced by the faculty at the Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute (BTVI). Despite signing our Industrial Agreement (IA) on July 7th, 2023, we are in an ongoing battle with BTVI’s management, severely impacting our working conditions and morale. In the months leading up to the IA signing, BTVI’s leadership expressed a lack of willingness to provide a decent financial package for the faculty. However, through our union’s efforts and the government’s support, we secured a favorable response, which we believed would mark a new era of fairness and respect for faculty members. Regrettably, since the signing of the IA, we have faced continuous challenges. Management has displayed an unwarranted resistance to honouring the agreements made, causing frustration and disillusionment among faculty members. Despite attempts to establish good industrial relations, our efforts have been met with resistance, and attempts to undermine the terms of the IA. Several issues persist: Seniority Discrepancy: On August 31, 2023, management agreed to place faculty in their respective career paths and salary scales according to the grandfathering process outlined by the Financial Secretary. However, BTVI

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net Management failed to communicate that they had already received a resolution from the Financial Secretary on August 24, 2023, which could have resolved the seniority issue immediately. Salary Calculation Discrepancy: Management is attempting to introduce so-called “alternatives” to the agreement, including calculating all years before 2014 as part-time, regardless of full-time contracts, and establishing new salaries based on our old salary points, disregarding the existing disparities in pay among employees. For instance, employees with similar qualifications and varying years of service are being offered significantly different salaries, a clear injustice that the government recognized when granting our initial financial package. This approach is not only unfair but also unacceptable. We were advised that the threats made by the CFO only added to the hostile environment, indicating an unwillingness to respect the rights of the faculty. It perpetuates existing inequalities, leaving dedicated faculty members in a state of financial uncertainty and undermining the trust that should exist between the institution and its employees. Class Size Increases: Attempts to increase class sizes directly impact our working conditions and the

quality of education we provide to our students, compromising the standards we strive to maintain. Lack of Transparency: There has been a lack of transparency and timely communication from management, hindering our ability to make informed decisions and causing a distrust breakdown between faculty and the institution. Sir/Madam, the faculty of BTVI requests immediate action to address these issues and ensure that the terms of our IA are respected and implemented in good faith. We cannot continue working under conditions that disrespect our contributions, diminish our morale, and jeopardize the quality of education we provide to our students. I implore you to raise awareness about our situation, standing in solidarity against this threat to industrial goodwill and the government’s investment in its greatest asset: human capital. Your intervention is crucial. I humbly beg and cry out to our government and BTVI Board to engage in constructive dialogue with our union representatives and take necessary measures to resolve these issues promptly. Thank you for allowing me an opportunity to vent. I know our union representatives and members look forward to a timely, positive resolution that benefits all parties involved. FRUSTRATED BTVI FACULTY Nassau, October 15, 2023.

Customs overreach EDITOR, The Tribune.

PLEASE permit me to express my views on the recently introduced “customs exempt app” which I was required to upload and populate on my return to my country of citizenship. Despite its promotion as a tool of convenience for the traveling public, the introduction of this “Exempt App” speaks volumes of the extent to which the government will resort to make sure not one dollar escapes its wasteful hands. The fact that the country is still so heavily reliant on customs duties from returning citizens and residents on items purchased abroad for their personal consumption and enjoyment, is an indictment on how we have mismanaged our financial affairs. I expected with the introduction of VAT this would have been one of those revenue sources that would have been eliminated or at least further relaxed. The introduction of this app, however, seems to run counter-wise to such an intention, and further suggests that the government is strengthening its ability to enforce such a levy and will be doing so for quite some time. Why else, make such an investment in this app? I also find it personally embarrassing and insulting that after fifty years of self-governance, Bahamians upon returning to their home country, are still being asked by the government to disclose their purchases abroad right down to the purchase of personal items such as a pair of underwear, socks and female sanitary products.

And to add insult to injury, the government is now requiring Bahamians to find time on their travel schedule to take a photo of all purchase receipts and upload them to some “app” so that the government could be satisfied that they did not also purchase a pair of shoes or dog snacks. This is a classic case of enforcement overreach. To me it makes no difference whether these items are tax exempt or not. When the government reaches the point that it requires citizens to disclose and provide receipts on purchases, the likes of female sanitary products and deodorants, incontinence diapers, underwear, biscuits and crackers, dentures, etc., to name a few of the many items listed on the custom exempt app, the government in my view has crossed a line which I find demeaning to its citizens and insultingly embarrassing and unacceptable. If such disclosures and searches were being done for the primary purposes of intercepting contrabands and illegal weapons or activity, I could understand and may find such measures reasonable, but such is not the case. This is a measure introduced for no other purpose than to pick up a couple extra dollars at the airport to satisfy the government’s insatiable appetite for revenue. Revenue, I might add, which the government is yet to demonstrate it can manage productively or wisely. Would the country really suffer irreparable financial harm or collapse, if a

returning citizen or resident happens to purchase a pair of socks or underwear or a tube of toothpaste and the government misses out on collecting a dollar or two in custom duties? I am of the view that Bahamians ought to be allowed entry into this country with minimal interference or disclosures on where or what they have spent their money on while travelling abroad. Exception being in the case of investigating a criminal intent or occurrence. I can for the time being, fully support the collection of customs duty on the importation of goods which are being imported in such quantities that it can be reasonably assumed, is for commercial trade rather than one’s personal use. But what is now required by this exempt app for Bahamians to travel back to their country of citizenship is simply overreaching and an insult. It brings back the unpleasant memory of the travel visa requirement for Bahamians introduced under the last administration. In my view, Bahamians with no more than one checked luggage and or a carry-on, should have the privilege of passing through the airport un-disturbed by the tax collectors, unless there is a reasonable suspicion of something unsavory or criminal going on. The government ought to have what it takes to find a replacement source for the revenue that will be lost which should be relatively insignificant. CLAUDE B HANNA New Providence, October 15, 2023.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, October 16, 2023, PAGE 7

Request denied as details from Major’s doctor were not received, says Family Guardian VP

ALANA Major and her husband arriving at court on Monday.

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A SENIOR Family Guardian vice president testified that they denied Alana Major’s request to work from home during her pregnancy because she didn’t get back to them with relevant information from her doctor. Mrs Major, a former senior executive at the company, is suing her former employer, alleging the

office work stress contributed to her miscarriage in 2019. Her doctor had recommended she work from home because of the highrisk pregnancy. She miscarried her son, Che Karson Major, on July 31, 2019. Dr Kerry Higgs, Family Guardian’s vice president, said that she received a letter from Mrs Major’s OB-GYN recommending she take bed rest if it were agreeable to both parties. After receiving this

email, Dr Higgs responded to Mrs Major on June 27, 2019, requesting further information from the plaintiff’s doctor. She told the court the company wanted to clarify what degree of bed rest the doctor recommended and how both parties should move forward. Mrs Major previously testified that the company disregarded her remote work request and asked for additional information from her doctor to approve

MAN CHARGED WITH MURDER FOR ROSEBUD STREET STABBING DEATH By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN was sent to prison on Friday accused of stabbing a man to death on Rosebud Street last Saturday. Magistrate Algernon

Allen, Jr, charged Tavaris Moss, 31, with murder. Moss allegedly stabbed 52-year-old Solomon Williams in his neighbourhood near Rosebud Street on October 7. The accused was informed that his case would be moved

to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). He will be sent to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until the higher court grants him bail. Moss’s VBI is set for service on January 23, 2024.

sick leave instead. Dr Higgs said the words “bed rest” in the doctor’s letter confused executives. She said she did not anticipate that the plaintiff would not be forthcoming with the requested information. When questioned by Sharon Wilson, KC, who represents Mrs Major, Dr Higgs agreed that working a 9 to 5 shift is not bed rest. However, she disagreed that Family Guardian failed to comply with the

recommendation of Mrs Major’s doctor. Dr Higgs said she found out the next day that Mrs Major miscarried and had to be airlifted to the US for treatment. She said she reached out to Mrs Major’s husband, and he sounded distraught. However, she was unable to reach Mrs Major. She said though she texted her, she never got a response. Dr Higgs strongly disagreed with Mrs Wilson’s suggestion that the

company was insensitive to the demands Mrs Major faced as the senior manager of their Bahama Health division. She also disputed that their actions were detrimental to the plaintiff’s pregnancy and that insensitivity led to the demise of the plaintiff’s child. Responding to a question from Robert Adams, the company’s lawyer, Dr Higgs said that before the COVID-19 pandemic, Family Guardian had no remote work policy.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2023

THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS

Prayers for victims of conflict as we hope for a peaceful solution By MALCOLM STRACHAN IT is not often I do this, but this week’s column looks a little farther from home. And yet, the effects of this faraway look are felt right here too. In the Middle East right now, the long-simmering tensions between Israel and particularly the Hamas organisation have broken out into open conflict. Who started it? Well, it probably depends on when you can put your finger on an exact point in history to say where the start was – but this particular outbreak followed a series of surprise attacks by Hamas on Israel. Israel has responded in force, bombing the Gaza strip. The details of the surprise attack were horrific. There was a barrage of rockets – terrible enough, of course – but it was the ground attack by Hamas militants that was more remarkable. There was video footage of a gunman at a festival, casually walking around and opening fire on people. Hostages were taken, and various atrocities were alleged against those hostages. A hospital was hit by rockets. A hospital. Imagine that. A place where the injured might have been taken to save their lives and even that was not safe. One father whose eight-year-old daughter was killed said her death was “a blessing” because at least her being dead meant that she hadn’t been taken hostage and “if you know anything about what they do to people in Gaza; that is worse than death”. Some compared the surprise attack to such occasions as the 9/11 attacks in America, or Japan’s assault on Pearl Harbour. Then came the response, Israel attacking in force. CNN host Jake Tapper pressed a White House official yesterday, saying that “Israelis are bombing the

crap out of Gaza,” a statement that didn’t bring any disagreement. After Israel dropped leaflets telling people to get out of northern Gaza, video emerged of a convoy of people fleeing the scene that were bombed. There were many bodies, often women and children. Thousands are dead. Thousands more will likely be killed. Bahamians have been caught in the middle of the conflict too – The Tribune reporting on one

to the crisis for many. Anything less than complete and unequivocating support for Israel alone

Israel this time. Yet can we not be sad for all innocent victims? Hamas is the con-

‘The innocent should never pay the price for the actions of others’

people not to travel to Israel. He said: “The complexities and the hostilities in that part of the world are not something that we enter upon. We’ve called for the cessation of hostilities as soon as possible. We support the context of the CARICOM statement [which] essentially says that this is a complex matter. There is a two-state solution which was drawn up in 1967 and that remains the position.” The long, tortured history of theregion,

a statement of a support for one side or the other. This is not “both sides” mentality, it is simply understanding that the situation in the Middle East is not simple – if it were then perhaps we would not be where we are now. This is not to cricitise Israel either – any nation attacked in such a manner would feel compelled to respond. How would Bahamians feel if rockets were raining down on our islands? After this short-term response, what comes next? There has been little sign of any long-term solution in the region, and political parties in Israel have often ensured popularity by stoking up the fires of anger against organisations such as Hamas. Those organisations in return thrive upon the rhetoric and actions against them. It may be a forlorn hope, but if there is peace, it can be good for everyone. There can be a “peace dividend” as has been referred to in other conflict zones, where security and safety brings with it companies who want to invest, visitors who want to come to stay. THE INNOCENT on both sides are the true casualties of the centuries old conflict. Left Photo: Fatima Shbair/AP Right Photo:Francisco Seco/AP Centre Photo: Ariel Schalit/AP

escape which had Bahamian Dion Bowe and his wife saying that they feared they would die on the plane as they took off, with rockets being fired upon the airport. Another Bahamian talked of being trapped in the country and not being sure of how they would get out. Mr Bowe said that last week’s trip to Israel was their first and last trip to that country. Internationally, it has been difficult to respond

has been met with criticism. Over in England, a football match between England and Australia drew criticism because the arch at Wembley, lit up in national colours for the Ukraine attack, was not lit up in the colours of Israel. Statements offering sadness and condolences to all innocents were condemned for not singling out Israel for support. Public figures who have made statements of support for different nations in the past were badgered on social media as to why they were not speaking out in support of

trolling power in Gaza, but it does not speak for all. Yet cutting off food supplies and water is more likely to drive people towards Hamas rather than away. Killing innocents is more likely to radicalise relatives rather than bring peace. That counts the same across the border in Israel. Hamas wins no allies in Israel by aggression and provides an excuse to justify the resultant retribution. Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell has kept hands largely off the whole matter, though warning

and of the Israeli people is well documented, and no nearer a solution that ensures a continued peace. Even my pastor took to the pulpit yesterday to talk about the crisis in the Middle East, and fears of what it could turn into if left unresolved. Mr Mitchell is correct when he uses the word complex. For many far afield, they do not understand the situation well enough to be forthright in

Instead, we have the likes of Mr Bowe, who has fled to safety and vowed not to come back. There are, of course, no easy solutions. But right now we don’t even have the will to find solutions, it seems, easy or not. Until then, we can offer our prayers. We can offer our support for a peaceful outcome. And, yes, we can mourn all the innocents who have died. The initial attacks should never have happened and should be condemned. But every innocent death that has happened since is also to be condemned. The innocent should never pay the price for the actions of others.

The hour has come Part 2 PAGE October 16, 2023 PAGE10, 10 Monday, MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2023

IN my last report, I told the story of my patient Whitney who, in September 2019, fought against unimaginable odds to survive as the winds and swiftly rising waters of Hurricane Dorian pummeled her home on Grand Bahama. The surge of water was so strong, so fast, so deadly that she and her neighbours were forced to escape without warning, walking against the winds and sharp stinging waters attacking them as they made their way to the nearest shelter, a church less than three blocks from where they lived. Halfway there, the water was up to their chest. The rain blurred their vision and continued to beat upon them like clenched fists. Horrific as that may have been, it was the wind that inflicted the most havoc. It was so loud they couldn’t hear anything else and so strong it took every ounce of strength they had to move forward against it, one step at a time. At one point, it became so overwhelming that even as neighbours held on to each other with clasped elbows in a strand of human solidarity, the wall they formed was no match for what Dorian was dishing out. Whitney was pushed back. Her neighbours quickly saved her from drowning, but not before she injured her right leg. Unsure if she would make it through the night, this is the conclusion of Whitney’s breathtaking story. A mere two hours had passed since she and her neighbours arrived at the shelter and Whitney’s health was already deteriorating. She felt weak and cold and her right leg throbbed incessantly. Beneath the soiled, wet, bandage encasing her wound, the entire area was red, tight and swollen. Fortunately, the bleeding had finally stopped, which was perilously delayed because at 52 years old, Whitney had battled with anemia since childhood. To keep her warm, her neighbour secured her a blanket and she used a portion of it to lay her head upon. As the water continued to rise, the crowds of people within the shelter huddled together and those who couldn’t fit on the balcony assembled at the back of the church in search of higher ground. Whitney and her neighbours made their way to the church pulpit where they eventually slept. In the darkness, Whitney could feel the water rising and slowly swallowing the pulpit staircase. The stairs that led to the church pulpit placed significant pressure on her hip and lower back. No position was comfortable so after a while Whitney sat up. Her legs and feet were already cramped and numb and the skin of her fingers were strikingly wrinkled. As the night progressed, the hymn recitals died down. The most deafening sound now was rain so heavy it mimicked bombs being dropped on the roof and was eclipsed

INSIGHT

THE TRIBUNE EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

By DR KENNETH D KEMP

The land, once covered with coconut, sea grape and palm trees, was now bare but for the widespread litter of mountainous heaps of rubble.

only by the accompanying thunder. With no electricity, and all the windows blocked by plywood, the room was a near pitch black except for a few lanterns that struggled to cast their shadows. It was impossible to know what time it was but seconds felt like hours. Whitney’s eyes still burned from the salt water but she thought nothing of that, the ache in her head or the pain in her hip and back. Her mind instead oscillated between worry for her family, her beloved dog who she couldn’t find and the intense throbbing in her leg. She prayed for everyone’s safety and that they would have a home to go back to when daylight broke in the morning. Fortunately, every storm runs out of rain and after 24 hours in the shelter, the rain stopped and the sun began to shine. When the doors to the church were opened, and the cool fresh breeze blew in, Whitney wept out of relief that the nightmare of the storm was over. She was injured but alive and there was daylight after the darkness. She stepped down into the murky water and made her way outside with her neighbour gently guiding her steps towards the light of a new day. And while the intensity of the sun made her squint, the warmth of it hugged her softly. But as hope and reality collided, Whitney’s joy and all those around her became notably

short-lived. The island was utterly destroyed and it looked as though everything as far as her eyes could see had been bombed to oblivion. The land, once covered with coconut, sea grape and palm trees, was now bare but for the widespread litter of mountainous heaps of rubble. The site was so altered and unrecognisable that the crowds of people exiting the church shelter initially stood at a standstill, shocked at what they were seeing. The silence of that moment was short-lived. Within seconds, crowds of people were screaming and crying and the memories of that instant re-echoed in Whitney’s nightmares for almost a year. Although her home was still standing, she had no roof. Water had destroyed every possession she owned from floor to ceiling. The storm was over but the damage was unconscionable. As she entered what had been her home, Whitney became overwhelmed with gratitude as her dog began barking repeatedly, twirling around in circles before jumping off the kitchen counter. Whitney pushed through water up to her knees, making her way to him as he paddled towards her, licking her face constantly and grabbing onto her neck for a tight unyielding embrace, letting go only to climb onto her shoulders. Not long after, Whitney’s daughter sent a message

through a neighbour to check on her and let her know that she was okay. Like the hospital, the airport was completely flooded and no flights could come in or out of Grand Bahama so Whitney had to come to Nassau by boat to seek treatment for her deeply infected ankle and leg wound. Had she waited any longer, she would have likely gone into septic shock and died. Fortunately, with a protracted course of oral antibiotics and six months of daily wound care, she recovered uneventfully. While treating her wounds, Whitney often told me stories about the man who sat on top of a roof with his baby to escape the water that was entombing the inside of their home only to have his baby washed away to sea from a rampaging wave. Another young man, she tells me, used one hand to hold onto his elderly mother and another to grip a tree only to have that hand traumatically amputated by a flying piece of metal. Then there was her neighbour’s sister who was trapped in her attic with her newborn baby for two days and she had to perform CPR on him several times throughout the night as he went into shock from heat and dehydration. These stories are plentiful and each one more heartbreaking than the next. That’s because Hurricane Dorian was the most catastrophic, category 5,

hurricane that ever hit The Bahamas creating the worst natural disaster the country has ever faced. It first struck the island of Abaco on September 1, 2019 with maximum sustained winds peaking at a speed of 185 miles per hour. A day later, it struck Grand Bahama ultimately stalling over the island and unleashing massive winds, rainfall and a storm surge that flooded the community and decimated homes, leaving more than seventy thousand people homeless and over 3.4 billion dollars in damage. Close to 100 people died and nearly 250 others are still missing to this day; 250 people with names and dreams and loved ones who never got a chance to say goodbye. Now four years later, homes have been rebuilt and despite the residual backdrop of tragedy, a sense of normalcy has returned to the island. Whitney’s take-home message to readers is that life is short and tomorrow is not promised to any man. So, in all things and at all times, you have to be thankful and remain humble. She also encourages everyone to stay prepared for every hurricane, no matter how subtle the threat and to get to know their neighbours because in times of need, they are your closest source of refuge. When Whitney finally moved back into her

home, she walked to her bedroom with an unclouded gaze, jumped into bed and stretched her body, rolling from one side to the next. It had been more than half a year since she was last able to do that. Now, every morning with an immeasurable amount of gratitude, she stretches and says a prayer of thanks. Thanks that when the hour had come and the ocean was literally at her doorstep she survived, stronger and more resilient. Her home, though livable, requires much more work before it’s back to where it was before the storm and over the next year, she plans to repair her damages in incremental stages. But today, Whitney intends to rest. She’ll take her dog for a long walk, call to check in with her family and then spend the rest of her afternoon eating and laughing with her neighbours. This is The KDK Report. UÊ V > i`ʼ/ iÊ *À ViÊ vÊ* ` >ÌÀÞ½]Ê ÀÊ i iÌ Ê Ê i «Ê ÃÊÌ iÊ v Õ `iÀÊ> `Ê i` V> Ê` ÀiVÌ ÀÊ vÊ > > >ÃÊ ÌÊ> `Ê iÊ V>Ìi`Ê Ê >ÛiÃÊ 6 >}i]Ê7iÃÌiÀ Ê iÜÊ *À Û `i Vi°Ê iÊÃiÀÛi`Ê>ÃÊ Ì iÊ`i«ÕÌÞÊV > À > Êv ÀÊ Ì iÊ i> Ì Ê Õ V Êv ÀÊwÛiÊ Þi>ÀÃÊ> `Ê iÊVÕÀÀi Ì ÞÊà ÌÃÊ ÊÌ iÊL >À`Ê vÊ` ÀiVÌ ÀÃÊ v ÀÊÌ iÊ*À ViÃÃÊ >À}>ÀiÌÊ Ã« Ì> Ê Õ `>Ì Ê Ê ÃÊ À iÊ>ÃÊV Û Vi V > À > °

UN action needed urgently to end Israel-Hamas violence INSIGHT

THE TRIBUNE EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

THE attack by Hamas on civilians in Southern Israel on 7 October 2023 was as stupid as it was cruel, brutal and inhuman. Whatever the purposes – and there were many – behind a slaughter of 1,200 persons, including children – Hamas gave the perfect cover to the Benjamin Netanyahu government in Israel to try to carry out a long-desired objective by many Israelis. And that is to annex Gaza and cleanse it of Palestinians who are either refugees or descendants of refugees who were forced to flee from Palestine in 1948 when Israel announced its independence and a bitter war ensued between the nascent Israeli State and surrounding Arab countries. THE BACKGROUND TO THE ISSUE There were two attempts, driven by external powers to partition Palestine into two states, one Arab, one Jewish. The first was offered by Britain, the occupying power in 1937, and the second was proposed by the United Nations in 1947. The Arab countries rejected both plans, and Israel declared itself independent creating its own state. This led to the first Arab-Israeli war and produced more than half a million Arab refugees, and deep hostility that has never waned. What built even greater resentment was that after the war, Israel destroyed hundreds of Palestinian villages and adopted an “Absentees’ Property Law” by which the government confiscated land and houses that Palestinians were forced to abandon. Over the years, there have been several attempts to negotiate a two-state solution to the problem, but with no success. Meanwhile, with each war, Israel has secured more territory, both occupying and settling it with Jewish people. ENCAGING PALESTINIANS IN GAZA Until 7 October, there were approximately 2.3 million Palestinians, hemmed into Gaza, living in crowded and impoverished conditions. Gaza is a narrow piece of land located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, bordered by Israel to the east and north, and Egypt to the southwest. It is 41 km (25 mi) long, and from 6 to 12 km (3.7 to 7.5 mi) wide. Its total area is 365 km (141 sq. mi). Since October 7, more than 2,700 people in Gaza, one third of them children, have been killed and 9,000 wounded by retaliatory Israeli military assaults. Further, 1.1 million people in North Gaza (the area closest to Israel) have been warned to move to South Gaza or risk being killed by military action. Many are trying to seek refuge in Egypt. However, Egypt, which already hosts millions of migrants, is uneasy about the prospect of hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees crossing into its territory. Therefore, it has not opened the border. Consequently, if Israel continues its bombardment of Gaza in an attempt to kill Hamas’ leaders, many more thousands of its inhabitants, including those trying to flee, will be killed. THE RISE AND SUPPORT FOR HAMAS That carnage, laid at the feet of Israel, would suit Hamas, which has controlled Gaza since 2007 and whose main goal as set out in its revised charter of 2017 is “the destruction of the state of Israel”. The resentment and demand for revenge, resulting from the killing of thousands of Palestinians would bring greater support for Hamas. Hamas was formed in

Monday, October 16, PAGE 11 11 MONDAY, OCTOBER 16 , 2023, 2023 PAGE

World View By SIR RONALD SANDERS 1987 and, for decades, it has pursued a violent strategy aimed at rolling back Israeli rule — and it has made its presence felt at the cost of human suffering to both Israelis and Palestinians. Hamas is known to have a close relationship with Iran. Iran and Israel regard each other as mortal enemies, and Iran is said to be providing weapons and money to Hamas. Additionally, Hamas is now producing its own weapons. This explains how it was able to employ sophisticated means of carrying out its October 7 attack. But it should be noted that Iran is reported to have been surprised at the event, and the US Secretary of State has publicly said that there is no evidence of Iranian involvement. Nonetheless, Iran does have an interest in the incident, since it helps to pause, if not to derail, attempts by the US government to promote a deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil producer, to normalize relations. Further, Israel’s decision to carry out intense military action in Gaza and the likely shedding of Palestinian blood, has caused several Arab states to retreat from closer relations with Tel Aviv. This retreat by Arab states from fashioning closer contact with Israel also suits Iran whose leadership wants to keep Israel isolated. THE IRONY OF ISRAELI SUPPORT FOR HAMAS In its radical ardour, and access to financing and weaponry, Hamas has usurped the Palestinian Authority in the fight for Palestinian rights. The irony is that it is the Israeli authorities, which for several years gave favourable treatment to Hamas, that has helped it to rise. In their fear that the Palestinian Authority might succeed in negotiating internationally for a sovereign state that would include the territories occupied by Israel, the Israel authorities sabotaged the Palestinian Authority at the 2006 election which Hamas won in Gaza. BITTERNESS RESENTMENT DEEP

AND RUN

Bitterness and resentment between the Palestinians and Israel run

deep. Israeli successes at annexation and expansion, while Palestine withered and Palestinians suffered dislocation and marginalization, have intensified Palestinian anger. One of the external factors that heightened this acrimony was the recognition of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital by former US President Donald Trump. Palestinians regard Eastern Jerusalem as “occupied territory” where, one day, they wish to establish their own capital. NOTHING JUSTIFIES BARBARISM No well thinking person or government can excuse terrorism and barbarism for whatever cause. These events rightly create revulsion and rejection of its perpetrators. Equally, however, no well thinking person or government should

PALESTINIANS inspect the rubble of the Yassin Mosque destroyed after it was hit by an Israeli airstrike at Shati refugee camp in Gaza City, last Monday. Israel’s military battled to drive Hamas fighters out of southern towns and seal its borders Monday as it pounded the Gaza Strip. Photo: Adel Hana/AP support any effort that uses these circumstances as an opportunity to punish all Palestinians for the actions of a radical group and seize more territory. This is not the time to take sides. All governments – powerful ones particularly – need to look backward and forward at this issue and act to stop the escalating violence and

carnage from which nothing good will result. The fact that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has met, in an emergency session, and failed to issue even a joint statement on this matter is simply appalling. There is urgency for diplomatic action at the highest level. The innocent people on both sides of this conflict require responsible action

by those entrusted with peace and security in the world. So, too does the global community if this conflict escalates adding to the existing disruption of peace in the world. (The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States. The views expressed are entirely his own).

PAGE 12, Monday, October 16, 2023

THE TRIBUNE OFFICERS continuing their duties in laying Obie Wilchcombe to rest despite the pouring rain in Grand Bahama on Saturday. Photos: Vandyke Hepburn

Wilchcombe laid to rest from page one

watched the service on a monitor. During the service, Reverend Canon Norman Lightbourne said Mr Wilchcombe has left an indelible mark on thousands of people, both in The Bahamas and abroad. “Obie can easily be called a nation builder, one who was in pursuit of building a brighter and better Bahamas, he said. He was multi-talented and used those talents for the good of humanity; he was a gifted orator and eloquent speaker.” Canon Lightbourne said the MP had a passion for politics, people, and the broadcasting profession where he was initially employed for many years at the Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas before entering frontline politics. “We salute Obie for his courage, commitment, charisma, he said. “As we close this chapter on Obie’s life, we are grateful for his loyal service to our Bahamaland.” Obie was born on November 14, 1958, in West End. He was the third of eight children to the late Jackson and Maryann Wilchcombe. He entered frontline politics in 1997. He died on September 25, 2023. Bahamian singer Jay Mitchell, of Grand Bahama, sang a moving tribute, ‘May the Work I Done Speak for Me.’ A duet was also performed by Wilchcombe’s relatives, Baja and Jasmine Rodgers. Following the service, officers of the Royal Bahamas Police Force led a massive procession to West End for the MP’s burial. In Eight Mile Rock, people lined the roadside to view the procession. Bahamian flags and photos of Mr Wilchcombe were displayed along the route. The procession arrived shortly after 2pm in West End. Residents along Bayshore Road chanted “One Love” as the hearse passed. During the cemetery service, heavy rain forced many attendees to seek shelter under tents. Despite the bad weather, law enforcement branches including Customs, Immigration, and the Royal Bahamas Police and Defence Forces continued their traditional full honors at the graveside. His family, close relatives, as well as current and former parliamentarians, honored him by placing a yellow rose on top of his casket. The casket was then laid to rest in a newly

built mausoleum, which is located next to his father’s grave. Mr Ingraham said Obie made a significant contribution in broadcasting, and later in public policy. “I admired him quite a bit,” he said. Mr Ingraham had spoken with Wilchcombe when he was made Minister of Social Services, and again after his appointment as Minister of Broadcasting. “I knew he was disappointed and I called him and explained to him that 40 years ago that was a portfolio I held, and it was one of the more enjoyable parts of my public service.” According to Mr Ingraham, before becoming Prime Minister, Social Services had exposed him to various social ills. “I encouraged him to take it on, and of course, I knew his ambition was to be Prime Minister one day. I told him it would be a good part of the preparation for him if he ever became Prime Minister and he said he was at the time 62 or 63, and I told him that was not very old because all the persons who succeeded me as Prime Minister were older than me when I left. I left at 65, and Perry was over 65, and so was Minnis, and so was Brave Davis, so the age was not a barrier to his expectation or hope in succeeding,” he said. “I next spoke to him just after he was made Minister for Broadcasting and he was elated and thought he could do lots of things with it.” Mr Ingraham said he was unable to attend the state funeral in New Providence as he had already made travel arrangements after being told that the funeral would be on the 13th. “I arrived yesterday and I came down to the funeral today,” he said. Perry Christie said Obie led in so many different ways, including expanding the tourism product. Wilchcombe, he said, also strongly advocated in the Cabinet and House of Assembly for the government to be more committed to Family Island development. “It was because he represented West End and Bimini, in particular. And he had this extraordinary commitment to getting things done in the constituency - a new administration centre with the Cabinet, a new school that is about to be completed, a five-star hotel, and a new port in Bimini. These are matters that Obie played a leading role in making happen,” he said.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, October 16, 2023, PAGE 13

In Hamas’ horrific killings, Israeli trauma of the Holocaust resurfaces TEL AVIV Associated Press WOMEN, children and older adults hiding in safe rooms gunned down mercilessly. Homes set ablaze with terrified residents still inside them. Children, some bound, forced into a room and slaughtered. Jews, helpless. For many Israelis and Jews around the world, the horrors committed by Hamas militants during their stunning onslaught on southern Israeli communities is triggering painful memories of a calamity of a far greater scale: the Holocaust. Long seen as a catastrophe so horrific nothing else should be compared to it, Israelis are now drawing direct parallels between the murder of 6 million Jews in Europe eight decades ago and their most recent tragedy, underscoring how traumatic the attack has been for a country that rose from the ashes of World War II and was created as a safe haven for Jews. “I have been strict about not using the word ‘Shoah’ in any context other than the Holocaust,” political commentator Ben Caspit wrote in the daily Maariv, referring to the Holocaust by its Hebrew name. “When Jewish children hide in a protected room and their anguished parents pray that they won’t cry, so that the marauders won’t come in and set the house on fire, it’s a Shoah.” Israel’s retaliation against Hamas in Gaza has also drawn comparisons to the Palestinians’ greatest national tragedy, the Nakba, when hundreds of thousands fled or were forced to flee following the 1948 war that led to Israel’s creation. Many Palestinians fear a repeat of that mass exodus after Israel ordered the evacuation of northern Gaza. Just a few years ago, comparisons to the Holocaust would have been promptly denounced as

cheapening its memory and diminishing the horror of the Nazi crimes. That has begun to erode in recent years — with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu alluding to the Nazis when talking about Iran and its nuclear program and protesters on rival sides of the political aisle calling each other “Nazis.” Still, such incidents remain rare and often draw criticism. But the horrors of the Oct. 7 Hamas assault, which killed at least 1,300 Israelis, have tapped into Israel’s deepest fears and revived memories of the Jews’ greatest trauma. Hundreds of militants stormed across the border, catching the country and its vaunted military off guard on a major Jewish holiday. They attacked sleepy farming villages, slaughtering terrified residents. The militants killed at least 260 revelers at a music festival, with survivors telling harrowing stories of methodical massacres. Dozens were dragged away as hostages on motorcycles and golf carts. Some of the dead and captured were Holocaust survivors. “This is a massacre. This is a pogrom,” said Maj. Gen. Itai Veruv, leader of forces that cleared one of the besieged villages, referring to historic massacres of European Jews. In the Holocaust, Nazis led a campaign of genocide, rounding up and murdering many of Europe’s Jews, while sending others on trains to death or labour camps. Israel made protecting Jews from similar atrocities part of its raison d’etre. Many Israelis see their country as a refuge, a nation with a strong army that could protect Jews despite regional threats. Many Jews in the diaspora share that feeling, seeing Israel as a safe haven should Jews be persecuted again. While the Hamas attack

PALESTINIAN MOTHER FEARS FOR HER CHILDREN AS SHE AFTER EVACUATING GAZA CITY LONDON Associated Press NAJLA Shawa and her family are safe for now after fleeing their home in Gaza City, but she’s worried she may never be able to return. Shawa, a Gaza native who works for the international aid group Oxfam, is sheltering with her husband, two daughters and about 50 others at a compound in Zawaida, a community just south of the area Israeli forces ordered residents to evacuate before an anticipated ground offensive. The adults are sleeping in shifts and the group is rationing food and water amid an Israeli siege that has blocked supplies from entering the Gaza Strip. But the compound has solar panels, so they have a few lights, internet service and are able to charge their phones. Aid work has stopped as Shawa and her colleagues focus on their families. “The worry is now sinking in, in a way that we need to be prepared for all scenarios,” Shawa, Oxfam’s Gaza-based country director, told The Associated Press in a video call. “There are no answers, really, because the destruction, the scale of destruction, that we have been seeing is terrifying.” “I was talking to someone (and they asked) why didn’t you decide to stay? ... I’m in Gaza because I want to be in Gaza. I mean, in general, with my family. But at the same time, I’m going to see

myself and my daughters hurt. So if there’s any chance I can prevent that, I would.’’ About 500,000 people, almost a quarter of Gaza’s population, are sheltering in UN schools and other facilities across the territory, according to the UN refugee agency. The Gaza Health Ministry said that 2,450 Palestinians have been killed and 9,200 others wounded during a week of Israeli airstrikes that have razed apartment buildings, offices and mosques. Now that her family is safe, at least for the time being, Shawa is thinking of what comes next. The events of the past week have reminded Palestinians of the hundreds of thousands of people who were forced from their homes and became refugees after the creation of Israel in 1948. Now some people are talking about Gaza residents being evacuated to the Sinai Desert in Egypt, she said. “We don’t want to be refugees again,’’ Shawa said. “But to what extent can you bear the suffering, can you bear that possibility of even losing your life?’’ But as a parent, Shawa is more worried about her children than her own safety. “Losing our lives, it’s OK, it’s God’s will,” she said. “But the suffering, seeing our kids torn or severely injured, etc., not being able to treat them, to hospitalize them. It’s really just beyond thinking.”

ISRAELIS take cover from the incoming rocket fire from the Gaza Strip in Ashkelon, southern Israel, Wednesday. Photo: Leo Correa/AP did not nearly approach the Holocaust’s scale, it marked the deadliest day for Jews since then and its well-planned slaughter reopened a wound that remains fresh for many in Israel. Netanyahu compared the festival killings to the Babi Yar massacre, one of the most infamous mass slaughters of World War II in which more than 33,000 Jews were killed. He has declared that Israel will “never forget,” a clear reflection of Israel’s vow to never let the Holocaust disappear from the world’s collective memory. Dany Cushmaro, an Israeli newscaster, began referring to the Hamas militants as “those Nazis.” Israel’s allies abroad also have made the connection. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken referred to his late father-in-law,

a Holocaust survivor, during a visit to Israel and said the attacks had “harrowing echoes” of Nazi massacres. A reel posted to Instagram by the proIsrael group Stand With Us shows a candle and the number 6 million slowly ticking up to include the 1,300 slain Israelis. The memory of the mass murder of Jews looms large over Israel. It holds a memorial day, where Israelis stand still during a one-minute siren to remember the dead. The Holocaust is taught in depth in schools. Youth groups and soldiers visit the death camps in Europe. And visiting dignitaries are taken to the country’s Holocaust memorial. Israeli historian Tom Segev said it was natural for Israelis to make the connection between the Hamas attack and the nation’s

deeply embedded trauma. “This is the ultimate evil that the person in Israel recognizes,” he said. But he said Israeli leaders across the political spectrum have for decades tried to exploit the memory of the Holocaust for political gain. Israelis have, in some cases, become furious when comparisons are made. In a 2016 speech marking Israel’s Holocaust memorial day, Yair Golan, then deputy military chief, said he was witnessing “nauseating processes” in Israeli society that reminded him of the fascism of Nazi-era Germany. The speech drew angry reactions from Israeli leaders and is widely believed to be the reason Golan was passed over for the army’s top job. Prominent activists on rival sides of Israel’s recent

judicial overhaul controversy sparked uproars over Holocaust-related comments. Some critics of Israel, meanwhile, compare Israeli actions against the Palestinians to the Nazis, which Israel condemns as antisemitism. Mairav Zonszein, a senior analyst with the International Crisis Group, said the Holocaust is being used by Israel and its allies to build legitimacy for its strikes against Hamas, which have killed at least 2,200 Palestinians, and to appeal to Jews in the diaspora. She said the comparisons could also have dangerous consequences for the way the war plays out. “When you invoke the Holocaust, it’s the worst of the worst,” Zonszein said, adding that Israel’s response could be severe.

SPORTS PAGE 14

Jazz, Page 17

MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2023

Jonquel Jones, Liberty beat Aces 87-73 ON THE REPLAY: New York Liberty’s Jonquel Jones, of The Bahamas, and Sabrina Ionescu (20) defend a shot by Las Vegas Aces’ Kelsey Plum (10) during the first half in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals playoff series yesterday in New York. SEE THE FULL STORY AND MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 18 (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

‘Junkanoo Boyz’ fall into 0-3 hole on home turf

BILLS HANG ON IN 14-9 WIN OVER GIANTS By JOHN WAWROW AP Sports Writer

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

T

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

Before the start of their match on Saturday night, The Bahamas and the away team shared an identical 0-0 win/loss record separated by a mere goal differential which seated the home team one spot ahead of their visiting opponents. After Saturday night’s loss, The Bahamas is the only remaining team in Group D of League B without a win or points earned in the competition. Nesly Jean, head coach of Team Bahamas, talked about what went wrong for the home team to begin this window of the Concacaf Nations League matches. “I think we had a game plan similar to their game plan, obviously they executed better than we did. Again, we continue to

YELLOW CARD: Midfielder Quinton Griffith, of Antigua and Barbuda, receives a yellow card with less than 45 minutes on the clock in the first half of the Concacaf Nations League soccer match at Thomas A Robinson National Stadium on Saturday. Photo: Dante Carrer beat ourselves by making away game are body window, Antigua and Barmistakes. I think once we positioning on the field, buda were the first to strike could limit those mistakes players being at different on Bahamian soil. we could move forward angles and not standing Midfielder Javorn Steand be better as a team in a straight line, pressing vens scored two quick [but] until then the guys the opponents earlier, and goals for the visiting team have got to keep on work- moving quicker with the in under 15 minutes of ing,” Jean said. ball. game time to give his team He added that some With both teams hungry the early advantage on the adjustments that need to be for their first win of the made ahead of Tuesday’s Concacaf Nations League SEE PAGE 18

ENGLAND ENDS FIJI’S CROWD-PLEASING RUN AT THE RUGBY WORLD CUP WITH TENSE 30-24 WIN TO REACH SEMIFINALS MARSEILLE, France (AP) — The lead was 14 points, the Rugby World Cup semifinals were in sight and there was a celebratory feel to England fans’ booming rendition of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” that swirled around Stade Velodrome with a little over 20 minutes left. Then Fiji finally turned up. The World Cup quarterfinals delivered another heart-stopper yesterday as England held on in the face

of a valiant fightback from the Flying Fijians to end the crowd-pleasing run of the tournament darlings by a tense 30-24. English hopes of a second world title were written off six weeks ago after a lacklustre first ever loss to Fiji at Twickenham. Now, a victory over the same opponent has carried them into the semifinals for the sixth time in 10 editions of rugby’s biggest event. Defending champion South Africa awaits in Paris on

Saturday after beating France later Sunday. “The players were written off,” England coach Steve Borthwick said. “A lot of people said we wouldn’t get out of the pool. We got out of the pool, now we got out of the quarterfinals.” It was a welcome result for the northern hemisphere a day after quarterfinal losses for Ireland and Wales. Those were tension-filled matches but it seemed like England

would be bucking that trend after taking a 24-10 lead after 55 minutes against a Fijian team yet to deliver the attacking flair the rugby world was hoping for. Eventually it came. Replacement prop Peni Ravai rumbled through for one try, flyhalf Vilimoni Botitu finished off a flowing team move for another in the 68th, England was suddenly falling off tackles and the score was 24-24. The Pacific Island nation

couldn’t, though, complete the comeback. A drop goal — England knows plenty about them in big Rugby World Cup matches — by captain Owen Farrell nudged his team back in the lead in the 72nd minute and he booted a penalty to build a sixpoint cushion Fiji couldn’t close, despite a frenetic finale featuring Fijian possession into the sixth minute off added-on time.

SEE PAGE 18

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Josh Allen patiently oversaw two lengthy second-half scoring drives, capped by a 15-yard touchdown pass to Quinton Morris with 3:58 remaining, and the Buffalo Bills defeated the undermanned but gritty New York Giants 14-9 last night. What was anticipated to be a Bills blowout turned into a ground-it-out, yard-by-yard, chippy and occasionally sloppy thriller that wasn’t decided until the final play, and on an untimed down. Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor’s pass into the end zone glanced off Darren Waller’s finger tips facing first-and-goal from the 1. New York got an extra chance after linebacker Terrel Bernard was flagged for defensive interference on a pass intended for Waller as time expired on third-and-5 from Buffalo’s 10 The Bills (4-2) hung on, but barely, in outing they overcame being shut out in the first half of a game for the first time since a meannothing 2019 season finale — a 13-6 loss to the New York Jets, in which Buffalo rested Allen and its starters after having already clinched a playoff berth. And Buffalo overcame two first-half turnovers — receiver Gabe Davis’ lost fumble and an Allen interception — which led to the Giants pulling ahead on Graham Gano hitting 29and 43-yard field goals. The Giants (1-5) lost their fourth straight in a game they ended each half with a drive stalling at Buffalo’s 1. UP NEXT Giants: Host the Washington Commanders on Sunday. Bills: At the New England Patriots on Sunday.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, October 16, 2023, PAGE 15

Catholic Primary Schools basketball season begins By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net THE 2023-24 Catholic Board of Education Primary Schools basketball season got underway on Friday at the Loyola Hall. Four games were played across the girls and boys division which saw the Sts Francis & Joseph School Shockers win both of their season openers. The Xavier’s Lower School Giants collected a win for the girls and St Cecilia’s Strikers boys team earned their first victory of the young season. Games will continue every Friday at Loyola Hall until the championships in December. The Shockers boys and girls meant business on opening day of the 2023-24 basketball season. The girls set the standard for the teams after they took down the Strikers 14-5. Grace Smith for the Shockers was too much for their opponents as she scored the team’s first three buckets. The team ran out to an 8-0 lead to start the contest and remained relatively uncontested the rest of the ball game. Nkomo Ferguson, the Shockers’ newest head coach, talked about the dominant win by the girls team to start the regular season. “This is a new school for me, so it is a beginner starting from fresh. We still have another five games to go so hopefully it gets better as the season goes along,” he said. Smith complimented the collective effort of the primary school team on the defensive end of the court. “Defence was key, we pressed the ball and after we pressed, we stole the ball and found the most open person and it happened to be Smith most times,” the coach added. After a big win by the girls, the Shockers boys team followed suit and wrapped up the Giants

SEASON OPENER: The St Cecilia’s Strikers boys toppled the St Thomas More Sparks 16-6 to start the 2023-24 Catholic Board of Education Primary Schools basketball season. Photos: Tenajh Sweeting/Tribune Staff 20-14 in one of the most competitive games of the day. Both primary schools were locked in to start the game, with the score separated by just one point (7-6) in the opening half. In the third quarter, the Shockers switched their defensive scheme to a full court press which sapped any late-game momentum exhibited by the Giants. The head coach said although they got the win, he felt that the boys played a sloppy game and would have to clean up those mistakes as the season progresses. “The boys played sloppy, we could have played a whole lot better, nobody kept their defensive assignments but thankfully we came out with the win,” Ferguson said. The Strikers secured a comfortable 16-6 win against the St Thomas More Sparks. The team ran out to a 10-2 advantage following the opening tip as the

Sparks struggled to get a score on the board. The latter’s first score came in the third period and, at that point, the Strikers were already in the driver’s seat. Donillo “Donnie” Culmer, head coach of the Strikers, noted that there were some first game jitters for the boys, but they have a lot to work on going forward. “A win is always good but we have plenty

to work on, with this being the first game, the guys had plenty of jitters. They are young so it is a learning process and we hope to get better each week,” Culmer said. The Giants girls showed up for the primary school after they closed out the Sparks 19-2 to get their season underway. Raygail Smith, head coach of the Giants, said

the first win felt awesome. “These girls were practicing for a long time, of course they are gonna be scared because for a lot of them it is their first time, they had to get these jitters out and to win this first game proves that they can do it,” she said. The season continues at the Loyola Hall on Gladstone Road at 3:45pm this Friday.

ENGLAND’S TITLE DEFENCE IN TROUBLE AT CRICKET WORLD CUP AFTER STUNNING LOSS TO AFGHANISTAN By CHETAN NARULA Associated Press NEW DELHI (AP) — England’s title defence at the Cricket World Cup is in real trouble after losing to Afghanistan by 69 runs yesterday in one of the biggest shocks in the tournament’s history. Afghanistan was dismissed for 284 with one ball of its innings remaining in Delhi, but bowled out England for 215 with 9.3 overs left. Only Harry Brook offered serious resistance with a 61-ball 66 at Arun Jaitley Stadium. The ninth-ranked Afghans celebrated only their second-ever win at the World Cup, the other coming against Scotland in 2015 in their first appearance. England has lost two of its opening three group games, having been routed by New Zealand in the tournament opener. It was Afghanistan’s first-ever ODI win against England. “It will take a while to sink in … but we hope it sinks in quickly because we have a game in three days in Chennai,” said Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott, a former England international. “It is important that the guys enjoy this moment, and take stock to realise that, when we do certain things right in 100 overs, we can achieve a lot and win as a team.” Off-spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman spun his side to victory with a stunning return of 3-51 in 10 overs. He had also scored a quickfire 28 off 16 balls in an

impressive all-round display which earned him the player-of-the-match award. “I have worked hard to bowl consistently with the new ball in the power play,” Mujeeb said. “The whole team has worked hard to achieve this result. It is a very proud moment to be here in the World Cup and beating the champions.” Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz had smacked the English bowling for 80 off 57 balls with eight fours and four sixes before being run out, after England chose to bowl first. Wrist spinner Adil Rashid took 3-42 as Afghanistan’s 284 runs seemed like an under-par total on the tournament’s best batting track. England’s campaign is now on the brink with tough games ahead including South Africa, India and Pakistan. England started badly in its chase against Afghanistan with Jonny Bairstow (2) out leg before wicket to Fazalhaq Farooqi following a review where the marginal umpire’s call went against the opener. Dawid Malan (32) and Joe Root (11) added 30 runs for the second wicket and looked to solidify the innings. Mujeeb got into the attack and bowled Root through the gate at the other end. Mohammad Nabi (2-16 in six overs) had Malan caught in the seventh over. Nabi was playing his 150th ODI. Afghanistan spinners didn’t allow England to settle down at all, and the batters couldn’t even take advantage of dewy

AFGHANISTAN’s Rashid Khan celebrates the wicket of England’s Adil Rashid during their ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup match in New Delhi, India, yesterday. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup) conditions under lights on what appeared a runfriendly surface. Rashid Khan (3-37 in 9.3 overs) trapped Liam Livingstone for 10, while Nabi picked up his second as Sam Curran was out caught. In between, Naveen ul Haq bowled skipper Jos Buttler (9) with a brilliant in-swinger to rock English hopes. Brook was the lone man standing, scoring his 50 off 45 balls, and he held one end together while hitting seven fours and a six overall. It was never going to be enough because of a lack of partnerships, especially as Mujeeb and Rashid ran through the lineup.

Earlier, Afghanistan made its intentions clear as Gurbaz went into slogging mode. Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran (28) added 114 runs off only 100 balls for the first wicket. They crossed 50 off 39 deliveries, with the run-rate rising sharply every over. Zadran hit three fours but Gurbaz did the greater damage, and scored 50 off only 33 balls. Rashid got the breakthrough for England in the 17th over, dismissing Zadran and triggering a mini-collapse. Two overs later, Rahmat Shah was stumped off Rashid for three. A ball later, Gurbaz was run out off a mix-up with skipper Hashmatullah

Shahidi. Gurbaz walked off and appeared furious. England deployed its part-timers Root and Livingstone to support Rashid. Root bowled Shahidi for 14, while Livingstone got Azmatullah Omarzai (19). Afghanistan had collapsed to 174-5 in 32.1 overs, losing five wickets for 60 runs as its batting frailties came to the fore again. Ikram Alikhil, making his World Cup debut, rescued Afghanistan with 58 off 66, hitting three fours and two sixes. He got some late support from Rashid (23) and Mujeeb as the Afghans pushed past 250 and set up a score that helped them end a ninematch losing streak in World Cups. “We are really disappointed. We came here wanting to put in a good performance,” Buttler said. “We got outplayed today. Afghanistan fully deserved their victory.” Former shock defeats for England at the World Cup include losing to Zimbabwe in 1992 after being dismissed for 125. England famously lost to Ireland in 2011 when Kevin O’Brien hit what was then the fastest-ever World Cup century to lead the Irish to a three-wicket win. Ireland recovered from 111-5 to chase down 328. Afghanistan next plays New Zealand in Chennai on Wednesday, while England faces South Africa in Mumbai on Saturday. The tournament continues today with Australia versus Sri Lanka in Lucknow.

HURKACZ WINS THE SHANGHAI MASTERS TITLE SHANGHAI (AP) — Hubert Hurkacz claimed his second Masters title in a dramatic final at the Shanghai Masters yesterday, saving a match point before prevailing 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (8) against Andrey Rublev. Like he did in his impressive semifinal win over Sebastian Korda, the Polish player’s serve was again his strike weapon as he sent down 21 aces and won more than 80% of his first serve points. Hurkacz struck the first blow of the final with a forehand winner to break Rublev in the sixth game, which proved decisive in taking the opening set. It was the first set that the 25-year-old Russian player had dropped in the tournament but it seemed to spur him on, as the No. 7-ranked player found his range in the second, hitting 16 winners to force a decider. As the match tightened, Rublev saved one match point on serve at 4-5 before taking a 5-2 advantage in the third set tiebreaker. Hurkacz responded by firing back-to-back aces before forcing a Rublev error to level at 5-5. Rublev then earned a match point at 6-5, which Hurkacz saved, before he converted on his fourth chance to take the title after two hours and nine minutes. “It was such a battle,” Hurkacz said. “Especially emotionally. I had a match point and Andrey hit an amazing serve and then he had a match point and then I had some match points. It was back and forth and such a tricky match. Andrey was playing some great shots. I was trying to respond. It was one of those matches and I kept believing and I am super happy with how I managed at the end. “It is such a big tournament and so much tradition. It is a huge event and I am really happy now.”

PEGULA BEATS YUAN TO CLAIM KOREA OPEN TITLE SEOUL (AP) — Jessica Pegula beat Yuan Yue 6-2, 6-3 in the final of the Korea Open yesterday for the fourth title of her career. The top-seeded Pegula dropped only one set through the tournament and becomes the first American since Venus Williams in 2007 to win the title in Seoul. Playing in her first career final, 128th-ranked Yuan showed no signs of nerves and earned a break point in Pegula’s opening service game, which the American saved with a forehand winner. The world No. 4-ranked player then won eight consecutive games to take the first set and build a 3-0 lead in the second as a quick victory looked likely. Yuan then rallied to get back to 4-3 but Pegula’s power from the baseline propelled her to her first title since Montreal earlier this year and her first outside of North America. Hong Kong Open Leylah Fernandez rallied from a set down to defeat Katerina Siniakova 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 and win the Hong Kong Open for her first title in 19 months. It is the third title of the 21-year-old Canadian’s career and first since winning at Monterrey in March 2022. After the win, she will also move back inside the top 50 in the rankings next week. “We had a very, very hard past couple of years,” Fernandez said. “My family, my parents, my coach, and my performance coach stayed by my side.” “They motivated me to keep going and the hard work is paying off. Hopefully, we can keep going this way.”

PAGE 16, Monday, October 16, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

Eagles no longer unbeaten, DOLPHINS DEFEAT Jets top Philadelphia 20-14 PANTHERS EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Breece Hall ran for an 8-yard touchdown with 1:46 remaining, one play after Tony Adams intercepted Jalen Hurts, and New York held on to shock previously undefeated Philadelphia 20-14 yesterday for the Jets first win against the Eagles. The Jets (3-3) appeared on their way to falling to 0-13 in their history against the Eagles, but Hurts’ third interception of the game — and the fourth turnover by Philadelphia — was returned by Adams 45 yards to put New York into immediate scoring position. Hall’s run shook MetLife Stadium as the Jets fans went wild, then Zach Wilson connected with Randall Cobb on a 2-point conversion. The Eagles (5-1) got one more chance to win when they got the ball back, but the defence stiffened — as it had all game. Hurts’ deep throw to DeVonta Smith on fourth down was knocked away, and Wilson and the offence were able to kneel down twice to seal an unlikely victory. Hurts finished 28 of 45 for 280 yards and one touchdown but had three picks against a Jets defence that was missing starting cornerbacks Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed. Wilson was 19 of 33 for 186 yards and no touchdowns, but also had no turnovers — and the defence kept the Jets in it. Greg Zuerlein kicked four field goals, a week after booting five. Adams, Bryce Hall and Quinnen Williams each had interceptions, and Quincy Williams recovered a fumble by D’Andre Swift. JAGUARS 37, COLTS 20 JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Trevor Lawrence threw two touchdown passes, Travis Etienne ran for a pair of scores as Jacksonville won its third straight and sent Indianapolis to its ninth straight road loss in the series. The Jaguars (4-2) had their most lopsided victory of the season and this one was essentially over in the third quarter when Lawrence connected threw a 10-yard strike to rookie tight end Brenton Strange and put Jacksonville ahead 31-6. Lawrence also found Christian Kirk for a 29-yard TD in the second. Etienne scored on runs of 2 and 22 yards, also in the second. The Colts (3-3) started Gardner Minshew in place of injured rookie Anthony Richardson. A sixth-round draft pick by the Jags in 2019, Minshew fumbled

42-21

By ALANIS THAMES AP Sports Writer

JETS’ TONY ADAMS, right, runs with the ball after an interception during the second half against the Eagles yesterday. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) 68 yards and Chris Olave times in a win over Atlanta once and threw three Seattle (3-2) scored its had seven receptions for 96 that ended a three-game only touchdown on the first interceptions. skid. Etienne gained 55 yards yards. drive of the game on KenStroud was 13 for 27 and Coming off a 40-20 home neth Walker’s 1-yard TD on 18 carries. Lawrence completed 20 of 30 passes threw his first interception loss to the lowly Chicago run. Smith was picked off for 181 yards, with the two of the season after set- Bears, the Commanders twice in the second half. TDs and an interception ting an NFL record of 191 (3-3) redeemed themselves He finished 27 for 41 for before hobbling off late attempts without a pick to a bit against the Falcons 323 and was scrambling (3-3). Howell shook off from the Cincinnati pass after getting sacked. He start a career. VIKINGS 19, five more sacks — he’s rush throughout. had his left knee checked BEARS 13 been dumped 34 times this on the sideline. RAVENS 24, CHICAGO (AP) — season — to complete 14 Minshew completed 33 TITANS 16 of 55 passes for 329 yards, Kirk Cousins threw for a of 23 passes for 151 yards. LONDON (AP) — with a touchdown to Josh touchdown, Jordan Hicks The Commanders (3-3), Lamar Jackson threw a Downs and the three picks. returned a fumble 42 yards who showed more balance touchdown pass and Justin for a score and Minnesota and ran for 72 yards, was Tucker kicked six field TEXANS 20, knocked Justin Fields out led by their defence. SAINTS 13 goals in Baltimore’s win Kendall Fuller, Benjamin over Tennessee at TottenHOUSTON (AP) — of the game in beating ChiSt-Juste and Jamin Davis ham Hotspur Stadium. Rookie C.J. Stroud threw cago (1-5). The Vikings (2-4) made had picks for Washington. for 199 yards and two Jackson mostly shined Ridder threw for 307 in his international debut, touchdowns and Houston just enough plays without got two defensive stops injured star receiver Justin yards and a pair of scores. but Tucker stole the spotlate seal the win over New Jefferson and won for the But it was the second time light by going 6 for 6, with Orleans and match the second time in three games. in three weeks that he’s had the longest just 41 yards. team’s win total of last Cousins completed 21 of three turnovers in a game. Jackson was 21 of 30 for 31 passes for 181 yards. BENGALS 17, season. 223 yards and he led the SEAHAWKS 13 The Saints (3-3) trailed T.J. Hockenson caught six team with 62 yards on the CINCINNATI (AP) ground. by 7 when Derek Carr passes for 50 yards. Fields was sacked four — Joe Burrow threw two threw a 51-yard pass to The Ravens (4-2) got Rashid Shaheed to get times and exited with a early touchdown passes plenty of chunk plays on Cincinnati inter- offence and a 70-yard punt them to the Houston 35. right hand injury early in and Five consecutive runs by the third quarter. He fin- cepted Geno Smith twice return by Devin Duvernay, Alvin Kamara got them to ished 6 of 10 for 58 yards in the second half, holding but several of their drives off Seattle for its second stalled deep in Tennessee the 14. But Carr’s pass to and an interception. Rookie Tyson Bagent straight victory. Kamara on fourth-and-4 territory. Rookie receiver Burrow was 24 for 35 Zay Flowers scored his first was short, giving Houston replaced field and got stripthe ball with 4½ minutes sacked on Chicago’s next for 185 yards and an inter- NFL TD. Tennessee (2-4) drive. Hicks returned it 42 ception as the Bengals quarterback Ryan Tanleft. Houston (3-3) couldn’t yards for a TD, making it improved to 3-3 ahead of nehill limped off after the their bye week. move the ball after that 19-6. third quarter, replaced by Bagent, undrafted out of Cincinnati scored touch- Malik Willis. and punted it back. New Orleans got to the Hou- Division II Shepherd Uni- downs on its first two Tannehill, who was ston 24 on the next drive, versity, finished a 77-yard possessions, but punted six moving gingerly after a hit but Carr’s throw on fourth- drive by scoring from the times, giving Seattle the from Justin Madubuike in and-10 was intercepted by 1. He was 10 of 14 with 83 late chances. third quarter, finished 8 of The Bengals defence 16 for 76 yards. Willis was 4 Steven Nelson with 21 sec- yards in his debut. COMMANDERS 24, stopped Seattle in the red for 5 for 74 yards. Derrick onds left to secure the win. FALCONS 16 zone twice late to seal the Henry scored on a 15-yard Carr threw for a seaATLANTA (AP) — Sam win, the last time when run in the third quarter and son-high 353 yards and a touchdown as the Saints Howell threw three short Smith was hit by B.J. Hill finished with 97 yards on 12 lost for the third time in passes for touchdowns and and threw incomplete on carries. intercepted fourth-and-8 on the Benfour games after a 2-0 start. Washington Kamara had 19 carries for Desmond Ridder three gals 9 in the final minute. SEE PAGE 19

MIAMI GARDENS, Florida (AP) — Tyreek Hill knows he has a fine coming for his touchdown celebration in yesterday’s 42-21 win over the Carolina Panthers. The NFL’s leading receiver — who caught one of Tua Tagovailoa’s three TD passes — said it was worth it. After Miami (5-1) fell into an early 14-point hole, Hill flipped the lead back in the Dolphins’ favour with a 41-yard touchdown catch late in the second quarter. He celebrated by grabbing someone’s phone near the end zone and recorded himself doing a backflip. He was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct for the second straight game. “Being able to create memories that I can look back on when I’m done playing is always something I think of each and every time I play this game,” Hill said. “Every time I step on the field, I’m going to try to make it memorable.” The All-Pro receiver caught six passes for 163 yards to bring his NFLleading season total to 814 yards receiving. “You just know where he’s going to be,” Tagovailoa said. “Speed kills.” Miami came from behind and scored 35 straight points before Mike White replaced Tagovailoa with about four minutes left and threw an interception that was returned by cornerback Troy Hill for a touchdown. The play brought Carolina within 14, but Salvon Ahmed scored on a 9-yard run to give Miami, the NFL’s leading rushing team, 162 yards rushing for the day. Tagovailoa finished 21 of 31 for 262 yards and has an NFL-leading 1,876 yards passing this season. The Panthers (0-6) took advantage of an uncharacteristicly slow Dolphins start with a 6-yard rushing touchdown by Chuba Hubbard in the opening quarter. Then, Adam Thielen caught an 8-yard touchdown pass from Bryce Young. Young finished 23 of 38 with 217 yards and was sacked four times. The No. 1 overall pick remains winless, although his 85.1 QB rating was his highest in a game. UP NEXT After a bye week, the Panthers host the Houston Texans on October 29. The Dolphins visit Philadelphia next Sunday night.

BROWNS STUN 49ERS 19-17, HAND SAN FRANCISCO ITS FIRST LOSS By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Browns pulled off the NFL’s biggest stunner this season. Rookie Jake Moody missed a 41-yard field goal with six seconds left as San Francisco fell 19-17 to the Browns, who ended the 49ers’ regular-season winning streak at 15 yesterday and handed quarterback Brock Purdy his first loss as an NFL starter. Dustin Hopkins kicked four field goals for the Browns (3-2) — the last with 1:40 left, capping a drive helped by a disputed unnecessary roughness call against San Francisco (5-1). Cleveland pulled off the upset without quarterback Deshaun Watson, who missed his second straight game with a bruised right shoulder. The 49ers came in looking nearly unbeatable after destroying Dallas 42-10 at home last week. But Cleveland’s defence was up to the task, and the 49ers were short-handed without playmakers Christian McCaffrey and Deebo

Samuel, who both went out with injuries. P.J. Walker came off Cleveland’s practice squad and outplayed Purdy, who threw his first interception this season and finished with just 125 yards. The 23-year-old Purdy had won his first 10 starts and nearly pulled out a stirring comeback. He drove the 49ers into field-goal range in the final seconds before Moody pushed his attempt to the right. When the ball sailed into the net, Cleveland’s sideline erupted in celebration and Browns fans danced in the aisles. Purdy was just 12 of 27 for 125 yards. The 49ers were heavy favourites at the start of the week, and their odds only grew when the Browns ruled out Watson on Friday. They turned to Walker, who was only signed in August, and the 28-year-old showed poise on Cleveland’s final drive — and got away with a questionable throw into the end zone — to set up Hopkins for the winner. The Browns were also helped with the roughness call on 49ers safety

49ERS place kicker Jake Moody, top right, and Mitch Wishnowsky (18) react as Browns’ Rodney McLeod Jr. (26) and Denzel Ward (21) celebrate after Moody missed a field goal yesterday. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) Tashaun Gipson Sr., who spent four seasons with Cleveland. On 3rd-and-10, Walker’s throw for Elijah Moore was high but Gipson was called for the personal foul for leading with his helmet. Walker completed 18 of 34 passes for 192 yard with two interceptions.

Purdy was out of sync most of the afternoon against Cleveland’s toprated defence, and things got even tougher for the second-year QB when Samuel went out with a shoulder injury and McCaffrey couldn’t push through an oblique issue. Still, Purdy got an interference call on

San Francisco’s final possession and made a couple nice throws to Jauan Jennings before the 49ers brought out Moody. He came in 9 of 9 on field-goal tries before missing a 54-yarder in the first half. On the road for the first time in four weeks, the 49ers began mixing it up with the Browns about 30

minutes before the opening kick. Tempers flared during warmups with a brief skirmish on the 49ers sideline. There was a lot of trash talk and San Francisco left tackle Trent Williams shoved Moore from the side and knocked his helmet off. Helped by two personal fouls against the Browns, the 49ers scored on their first possession with Purdy shovelling a short pass to McCaffrey, who made two quick cuts got to the outside and went in untouched. PREGAME FIREWORKS Dozens of players were involved in the pregame skirmish, which began with Browns safety Juan Thornhill exchanging words with 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. After order was restored by the officials, several of the Browns stared down the 49ers as they left the field. There were no penalties or ejections, but fines seem likely. UP NEXT 49ers: At Minnesota on October 23. Browns: At Indianapolis on October 22.

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Monday, October 16, 2023, PAGE 17

‘Jazz’ gets a warm welcome home JAZZ Chisholm Jr signs autographs for his fans on Saturday. By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net JASRADO “Jazz” Chisholm Jr made his return to home soil this past weekend at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex. The Miami Marlins centre fielder not only greeted scores of excited kids from the Jazz Chisholm Little League, but also gave insight on next season’s expectations, provided an injury update and shared his outlook on the previous season. The Bahamian Major League Baseball (MLB) professional player was all smiles as he signed autographs and prepared to watch the Little League games on Saturday. The Marlins wrapped up their MLB season with an 84-78 win/loss record as they earned one of the two remaining final wild card spots to make the National League (NL) playoffs of the MLB. After making it to their fourth playoff appearance in 31 years, the Marlins were ousted in a 2-0 sweep courtesy of the Philadelphia Phillies in the best-of-three wild card series. Following the team’s untimely playoff exit, the 25-year-old got surgery on a nagging turf toe injury that sidelined him during the regular season. He is expected to rehab for the next three months and currently has a walking boot on his right foot. “I should be back to running January 1 so in three months, the surgery went well, it was successful, the

foot just throbs a little bit now but, other than that, I am just ready to go chill with the kids, be out here with them and help them get to where they wanna be,” Chisholm Jr said. In regards to this year’s playoffs, the centre fielder described the atmosphere at the Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia as one of the loudest he has ever experienced and said the team is now ready to do it again. “We just plan to do it again now we know what it takes to get there, so we are gonna just get there again but now we know what it takes to win, saw how we got to play, and who we gotta play against to win. I feel for us we just took it into experience,” the MLB star said. It is no secret that the 25-year-old struggled with his fair share of injuries in the previous season after only playing 97 games in total. He had three separate stints where he was unable to join the team on the field. The first came against the Cincinnati Reds in May when he collided with the left centre field wall at the LoanDepot Park. The injury kept him out of action for nearly six weeks and he returned in June. Shortly after, the Miami Marlins player went out with a left oblique strain against the Atlanta Braves which kept him out of the lineup for a good chunk of July. His final injury was some knee discomfort in September as the Marlins were on the hunt for their fourth

playoff appearance in more than three decades. He expressed his displeasure with not being able to play up to 150 games due to injuries throughout the season. “Personally if I don’t play 140 or 150 games, nobody would ever see my potential, they only see half of it so, for me, it is just like every time I don’t get to 150 games I had a bad season,” he told reporters. In the 97 games played this season, Chisholm Jr was able to average 19 home runs, a team-high 22 stolen bases, batted .250, notched 51 RBIs (runs batted in) and 50 runs scored. The Bahamian was one home run shy of turning in a 20-20 season which would have made him the first Marlins player since Hanley Ramirez in 2010 to accomplish this accolade. During the season, he also made history after collecting back-to-back grand slams which made him the first player in franchise history to ever attain this accomplishment. “That’s me at half of a season, that is not what I can do. That is what I expect other guys to do… for me that is not a great season. “I have been doing that from I was 19 in the minor league, that is not how I play, for me until I can play 150 games and show you what I really got, that is only bottom of the list,” he said. The MLB season also saw the Bahamian make the switch from shortstop to the centre field position. He talked about the

WARM WELCOME: Miami Marlins star Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr returned home to greet supporters at the Jazz Chisholm Foundation Little League games on Saturday at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex where he mingled with fans and signed autographs.

adjustment period during the transition. “I feel like it got easier from the first month in spring training, it was bad to when you got into the season and then it just all

clicked together and it just started coming together in games, just being a person that loves to compete and be out there, I take it to heart when I am not the best person out there, so I

had to flip the switch and feel it out,” he said. Overall, Chisholm Jr was excited to be home with the Little League players and is looking forward to improving next season.

TEXAS RANGERS TAKE 1-O SERIES LEAD OVER ASTROS IN ALCS By KRISTIE RIEKEN AP Sports Writer HOUSTON (AP) — Jordan Montgomery shut down the Houston Astros and Leody Taveras homered as the Texas Rangers did just enough against Justin Verlander to get a 2-0 win in the opener of the AL Championship Series last night. Montgomery pitched five-hit ball over 6 1/3 scoreless innings and Taveras provided a two-run lead with his solo homer in the fifth. Evan Carter, a 21-year-old rookie, doubled and scored in the second and made two nifty defensive plays in left field. The Rangers, in the ALCS for the first time since back-to-back appearances in 2010-11, improved to 6-0 this postseason after sweeping the Rays in the Wild Card Series and the Orioles in the Division Series. The winning streak followed loses in their previous six playoff games

against Toronto in the ALDS in 2015 and 2016. Game 2 of the best-ofseven series is today in Houston. The playoff-tested Astros, in the ALCS for a seventh straight year, had a tough time getting anything going against Montgomery. The top four batters in Houston’s lineup were 2 for 12 with five strikeouts against the left-hander. Slugger Yordan Alvarez struck out against him three times. Houston’s offensive woes came after it hit 16 homers and outscored the Rangers 39-10 in a three-game sweep in September. Things were much different in the first postseason meeting between these in-state rivals as they managed just five singles. Montgomery has been great in the last month, allowing just two earned runs over 27 innings in his last four starts of regular season, and posting a 2.08 ERA in three postseason starts.

RANGERS starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery throws during the first inning of Game 1 of the baseball AL Championship Series against the Houston Astros last night in Houston. (AP Photo/Godofredo A Vasquez) Verlander allowed two he’s started a playoff series runs and six hits in 6 2/3 opener. innings to mark the first The three-time Cy Young time this postseason where Award winner threw 27 both starters pitched into fastballs without getting a the seventh. single swing and miss. It was the 36th postseaJosh Sborz walked son start for Verlander and Jose Altuve starting the the MLB-record 14th time eighth and was replaced

by Aroldis Chapman. The Rangers turned a double play when Carter made a great grab on the track on a ball hit by Alex Bregman and Altuve was called out for not retouching second base when he retreated to first after Carter’s catch. Altuve initially called safe, but the Rangers challenged the play, and it was overturned in a video review. Alvarez following with an inning-ending groundout. Jose Leclerc struck out one in a perfect ninth for the save and the Rangers’ second shutout of the playoff. Carter got things going for Texas with a hustle double on a grounder with one out in the second before scoring on a single by Jonah Heim. John Jung singled with two outs, Taveras walked to load the bases and Verlander limited the damage by retiring Marcus Semien on a fly ball. Verlander had retired eight in a row when Taveras drove a hanging slider 398

feet into the seats in right field with one out in the fifth. The Astros had chances to score in the third and fourth innings. Martín Maldonado walked with one out in the third before a two-out single by Bregman. But they were both stranded when Alvarez struck out. Three straight singles by Chas McCormick, Mauricio Dubónand Jeremy Peña loaded the bases with two outs in the fourth. Montgomery wriggled out of the jam again when he struck out Maldonado to end the inning. Heim walked to open the seventh and a two-out single by Taveras chased Verlander. Hector Neris took over and retired the next two batters. Carter robbed Bregman of a hit with one out in the first. He sprinted before leaping to make the catch and crashing into the scoreboard wall in left field and knocking out one of squares.

PAGE 18, Monday, October 16, 2023

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KOEPKA DEFENDS HIS LIV GOLF TITLE IN SAUDI ARABIA

JONQUEL JONES HELPS LIBERTY TAKE GAME 3 OF WNBA FINALS, AVOID SWEEP

LAS Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson (22) shoots over New York Liberty’s Jonquel Jones (35) during the first half in Game 3 of a WNBA basketball final playoff series yesterday in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Jonquel Jones scored 27 points and Breanna Stewart added 20 to help the New York Liberty beat the Las Vegas Aces 87-73 yesterday in the WNBA Finals and force a Game 4. New York struggled in the first two games against the Aces in Las Vegas, but the Liberty found their shooting touch in Game 3 behind Jones, who hit four of the team’s 13 3-pointers. “She was huge for us,” Liberty coach Sandy Brondello said of Jones, who came to the Liberty in a trade in the offseason. “Those 3’s changed the moment of the game a bit. The ball went in. Other games the ball weren’t going in for us. We got back to our identity. Proud of the effort and commitment and connection we had. Now we’ve got to do it again.” This was the Liberty’s first win in the WNBA

Finals since Teresa Weatherspoon’s half-court shot in Game 2 against Houston in 1999. The Aces are up 2-1 in the best-of-five series and Game 4 is Wednesday night in New York. The Liberty led by three at halftime before scoring the first eight points of the third quarter to take a double-digit lead, bringing the crowd of 17,143 to its feet. They led 61-50 after three quarters. Behind A’ja Wilson, the Aces got to within six before Stewart hit a turnaround jumper and Betnijah Laney stole the ball from Jackie Young at half court and made a layup to extend the lead back to 10. Las Vegas didn’t challenge the rest of the way and star guard Chelsea Gray went back to the locker room midway through the fourth quarter after inuring her foot. “I can’t give you an update, I’ll let you know when we know,” Las Vegas coach Becky Hammon said.

Kelsey Plum scored 29 points and Wilson added 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Aces, who are looking to become the first team to win consecutive titles since the 2001-02 Los Angeles Sparks. That came on the heels of the Houston Comets winning the WNBA’s first four championships. “This is a good team we’re talking about, obviously a different feeling in their place,” Wilson said of the Liberty. “We still have a chance to take care of business.” The Aces had won their first seven games in this postseason by an average of 17.3 points. They were looking to become the first team to go 8-0 in a WNBA postseason and the first to not lose a game since Seattle in 2020. The first two games of the series, as well as the four regular-season meetings, were all blowouts, with the closest game being a nine-point win by New York on August 28. That

was the last loss the Aces had until yesterday. New York had stretches of playing well in the first half, buoyed by the sellout crowd that included NBA Commissioner Adam Silver as well as basketball greats Dawn Staley, Sue Bird and Tony Parker. The Liberty extended their lead to 41-34 on Jones’ layup with 2:27 left in the half before the Aces got within 43-40 at the break. Jones had 16 points in the first half while Plum scored 15. BIG APPLE BASKETBALL IS BACK This was the first WNBA Finals game in New York since 2002, when the Liberty were swept by the Sparks. Hammon was playing on that New York squad and remembers how excited the city was amid the team’s success. No New York basketball team in either the NBA or WNBA has made it that far since. “This is New York City, this

is a basketball mecca. It’s good when all the sports teams do good. The Nets, the Knicks, the Liberty,” Hammon said. “It’s a basketball town. Fans here, they want and expect good basketball. When you don’t put it on the floor, they’ll let you know about it, too.” Liberty greats Vickie Johnson, Crystal Robinson, Sue Wicks and Weatherspoon, who played with Hammon on New York’s previous Finals teams, were all in attendance and received a loud ovation from the crowd when they were introduced in the third quarter. New York’s coach at that time, Richie Adubato, was also in the crowd. STAR-STUDDED CROWD The Finals brought out celebrities from all walks of life, including musician Joan Jett, actors Jason Sudeikis and Michael Shannon and journalist Robin Roberts. Lil’ Kim performed at halftime.

THE Bahamas men’s national soccer team can be seen in this group photo. Also known as the “Junkanoo Boyz,” the team lost 4-1 to Antigua and Barbuda at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium. Photos: Dante Carrer

Antigua and Barbuda earns 4-1 win over The Bahamas FROM PAGE 14 scoreboard. Stevens launched the first goal just outside of the six-yard box with only three minutes played. Six minutes later, he sank the ball to the back of the net again to push his team to a 2-0 lead. The halftime break was just two minutes away when the Benna Boys scored yet another goal, this time by midfielder Thomas James Bramble outside of the penalty arc area to make the score 3-0 at the 43rd minute. Following this stretch of play by the away team, Wood Julmis scored his third goal of the competition and first goal for the

Junkanoo Boyz at the 62:00 minute mark of the game. The team’s forward described the game as crazy and expressed some frustration with his play on the field despite the three total goals scored. “I want to be able to be in a position where I could score a goal and it matters. All my goals come when we are down. I want to be able to score a goal and we go up or score a goal to equalise where I could celebrate the way I want to celebrate,” he said. He continued to say that the goal gave them momentum, but as the team’s striker he wants to be able to score goals which help the team. The Benna Boys’ final score was on a penalty goal

BALL IN PLAY: Christopher Rahming, midfielder of the Junkanoo Boyz, tries to make a play in game one of the October window in the Concacaf Nations League soccer match on Saturday. by Quinton Griffith with 77:00 on the clock at the national stadium. Mikele Leigertwood, head coach of Antigua and Barbuda, said their first win provided the team with a confidence boost. “For us we know it was gonna be tough but the players have really done themselves proud in the performance and the way they approached this game. “We have trained and had a certain way that we wanted to try and play and execute the game plan. We are just pleased that we

managed to come together in such a short space of time,” the head coach said. He added that despite some challenges in the previous two games against Puerto Rico and Guyana, it was a process and the things they have been trying to execute are what the team saw in their latest win. With pressure now mounting for Team Bahamas as they try to climb out of the relegation zone, the head coach plans to encourage and motivate the team despite the odds

facing them. “We just gotta keep on talking to the players, encouraging them, obviously you are gonna make mistakes, this one is over we only could focus on the next game coming up. We are gonna continue to give the guys the tools they need and try to encourage them the best we can and go forward from there,” he said. The Junkanoo Boyz will get a chance at redemption at the ABFA Technical Center in Piggotts, Antigua and Barbuda at 3:30pm on Tuesday.

KING ABDULLAH ECONOMIC CITY, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Brooks Koepka held it together at the end for a 2-under 68 and defended his title at LIV Golf-Jeddah with a birdie on the second playoff hole to beat Talor Gooch on a day when both had reason to celebrate. Koepka had to birdie two of his last three holes to finish at 14-under 196 and tie with Gooch, who closed with a 62. With his playoff loss, Gooch moved past Cameron Smith and won the season points title and the $18 million bonus. Koepka not only won $4 million from the tournament, his victory bumped Bryson DeChambeau out of the top three in the season standings. Koepka picked up an additional $4 million for finishing third in the points race. DeChambeau fell back yesterday with a 70. Smith had a 66 and tied for 24th. The LIV Golf League wraps up its second season next week at Doral in South Florida with the team championship. Koepka ends his year with two LIV Golf titles, along with his fifth major at the PGA Championship. He was the only LIV player to get picked for the Ryder Cup team.

RUGBY WORLD CUP

FROM PAGE 14 “Bit of mixed emotion,” Fiji captain Waisea Nayacalevu said. “Where we’ve come from, where we are.” A campaign containing an unfortunate loss to Wales, a storied win over Australia and a third appearance in the quarterfinals — after 1987 and 2007 — will still be celebrated back home in the Fijian republic by its rugbymad fans, who had to get up in the small hours of the morning to watch the game. In the end, Fiji got to within a converted try of becoming the first tier two team to get to the semifinals since the game went professional after the 1995 Rugby World Cup. As for England’s players, they have taken advantage of a kind draw to reach the last four without having played any team in the top five of the world ranking. They will be the underdogs in their semifinal in Paris on Saturday but that might yet work in their favour, with expectations set to be low — outside the squad at least. “These players have an opportunity in Paris in the semifinal,” said Borthwick, who continued with the world-is-against-us narrative. “I am sure we will be written off again but these players rise to the occasion.” The Fijians paid the price for a slow start that saw England centres Manu Tuilagi and Joe Marchant score tries in the opening 23 minutes and Fiji winger Vinaya Habosi get a sin-binning for head-on-head contact with England fullback Marcus Smith, who finished the game with a fat top lip and a blood-splattered No. 15 jersey. England surprisingly dominated the breakdown and had the game’s star performer in No. 8 Ben Earl, whose coming-of-age display featured a rampaging 50-metre run through the middle in the final minutes when many players were out on their feet. Fiji’s famed open-play threat came only in the final half-hour, with the crowd in Marseille particular enjoying a storming break by winger Semi Radradra from the kickoff at 24-17 where he barged through one England lock in Ollie Chessum, left another — Maro Itoje — flailing and then sent the unfortunate Smith backward and onto the ground.

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NFL

FROM PAGE 16 RAIDERS 21, PATRIOTS 17 LAS VEGAS (AP) — Brian Hoyer relieved an injured Jimmy Garoppolo and threw for 102 yards in the second half, and Daniel Carlson made four field goals, helping Las Vegas send struggling New England to its third straight loss. Garoppolo played the entire first half before being ruled out with a back injury. He completed 14 of 22 passes for 162 yards with a touchdown and interception. Carlson made field goals of 25, 37, 30 and 24 yards as Las Vegas won back-toback games to move to .500 at 3-3. This was their Raiders’ 500th regular-season victory as a franchise, 10thbest all time. Patriots coach Bill Belichick remains at 299 career regular-season wins, losing to his former longtime offensive coordinator, Josh McDaniels. Josh Jacobs rushed for 77 yards for the Raiders, rookie tight end Michael Mayer caught five passes for 75 yards and former Patriot Jakobi Meyers had five receptions for 61 yards. Patriots quarterback Mac Jones was 24 of 33 for 200 yards with an interception.

Monday, October 16, 2023, PAGE 19 New England (1-5) had just 259 total yards. RAMS 26, CARDINALS 9 INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Cooper Kupp made seven receptions for 148 yards and his first touchdown of the season, and Kyren Williams rushed for a career-high 158 yards and a TD as Los Angeles beat Arizona for its first home victory of the season. Matthew Stafford passed for 226 yards for the Rams (3-3), who scored 23 unanswered points and shut out their NFC West rivals in the second half. Record-setting rookie Puka Nacua had only four catches for 26 yards, but Los Angeles’ offence got rolling after halftime behind a vintage effort from Kupp and a breakout game for Williams, who produced the Rams’ best rushing performance in nearly three years. Joshua Dobbs passed for 235 yards for the Cardinals (1-5), who lost their third straight while attempting to remain competitive without Kyler Murray. Arizona led 9-6 at halftime, but Dobbs threw a red-zone interception and fumbled on a sack during the second half as Los Angeles rolled away. LIONS 20, BUCCANEERS 6 TAMPA, Florida (AP) — Jared Goff threw for 353 yards and two touchdowns and NFC North-leading

Detroit Lions beat sputtering Tampa Bay. The streaking Lions won their fourth straight game following an overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks and are off to a 5-1 start for the first time since 2011. Goff tossed TD passes of 27 yards to Amon-Ra St. Brown and 45 yards to Jameson William as Detroit won for the seventh time in eight road games dating to last season. The Lions’ defence did its part by intercepting Baker Mayfield once, limiting the Bucs (3-2) to 251 yards of total offence and forcing Tampa Bay to settle for field goals of 33 and 36 yards on its only possessions that ended in Detroit’s red zone. Goff completed 30 of 44 passes without an interception and was sacked three times. St. Brown finished with 12 receptions for 124 yards. Mayfield was 19 of 37 for 206 yards and one interception. The Bucs were limited to 46 yards rushing on 16 attempts.

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