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Volume: 120 No.203, October 24, 2023
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‘PLP WILL UNITE FOR BY-ELECTION’ Bimini chair confident supporters will come together to back Smith By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net THE chair of the Progressive Liberal Party’s Bimini constituency association is confident party members will unite ahead of the byelection despite the council meeting the PLP had in New Providence on Friday. When chief passport officer Kingsley Smith was ratified for the West Grand Bahama and Bimini
by-selection, some Shane Gibson supporters insisted they would not vote in the by-election, predicting the governing party would lose the seat. Kitty Saunders, chair of the PLP’s Bimini Branch, believes PLP members will put their differences aside. “I know a lot of supporters was split with who they wanted to support, whether it was Mr Gibson’s side and SEE PAGE THREE
MITCHELL SAYS CONVENTION FIRST - THEN IT WILL BE TIME TO VOTE By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party chairman Fred Mitchell said the West Grand Bahama and Bimini byelection will happen after the PLP’s convention next month. He confirmed the election must happen by
Here’s to good friends
November 25. The Free National Movement’s Bishop Ricardo Grant, the PLP’s Kingsley Smith and the Coalition of Independents’ Lincoln Bain are expected to vie for the seat to replace Obie Wilchcombe, who died unexpectedly last month. Independent candidate SEE PAGE THREE
GOVERNOR General Cynthia “Mother” Pratt raises a glass to toast ambassadors designate during a ceremony as part of Diplomatic Week at Baha Mar Convention Centre yesterday. Photo: Dante Carrer
Panic at the drivethrough as KFC staff on work to rule By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net KENTUCKY Fried Chicken’s (KFC) operator yesterday urged the hotel union not to take “further industrial action” as staff
initiated a “go slow and work to rule” protest over contract talks. Restaurants (Bahamas), in a statement that apologised to customers “for any inconvenience”, said it was “surprised” that Bahamas Hotel,
Catering and Allied Workers Union (BHCAWU) members would resort to industrial action now given that just one issue remains outstanding in the two sides’ negotiations. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell said until legislators amend the Bahamas Nationality Act, people affected by discriminatory citizenship laws should apply to the minister of immigration for relief. His comment to reporters came after Prime Minister
FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell Philip “Brave” Davis said his administration is
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
committed to equalising citizenship access for men and women, though he gave no timeline. During the opening ceremony for Diplomatic Week at Baha Mar yesterday, Mr Davis said: “Legislative and police reforms have been initiated to eliminate inequality in the transmission of citizenship while
A 50-YEAR-OLD man was sent to prison yesterday after he allegedly attempted to solicit a 14-year-old girl for sex and had nude videos of her on his phone. Assistant Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain charged Joseph Rolle with indecent assault, procuration, and three counts of child pornography. Rolle allegedly inappropriately touched the underage girl and attempted to solicit unlawful sexual
SEE PAGE FIVE
SEE PAGE SEVEN
‘ask ImmIgratIon mInIster for cItIzenshIp help’ By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
MAN ACCUSED OF ASSAULT AND havIng porn vIdeos of gIrl
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
PAGE 2, Tuesday, October 24, 2023
THE TRIBUNE
Diplomatic Week opening ceremony at Baha Mar
CARICOM Secretary General Dr Carla Barnett, Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell during the opening ceremony of Diplomatic Week at Baha Mar Convention Centre yesterday. Photo: Dante Carrer
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, October 24, 2023, PAGE 3
‘PLP will unite for by-election’ from page one some was on Mr Kingsley’s side, and some persons were not happy with the decision,” she said. “Going forward, because the decision was made, we have to now accept it and try our best to win back the seat for the PLP.” “I believe the supporters will come together and give Mr Smith their support because, like I said, we as PLPs have our differences, we fight it out, and then when the fight is over, like a family, we come back together.” Ms Saunders declined to give her personal opinion on the party’s choice. She had previously said that she supports Mr Gibson. She said she believes Mr Smith will be a good representative. Bishop Ricardo Grant was ratified as the Free National Movement candidate for the by-election. Traditionally, West End has been critical of the PLP’s success in the constituency. FNM leaders hope to keep the margins small there and outdo other candidates in the remaining communities. “Persons know that there is no other candidate or no other party right now that will do anything in Bimini or even in Grand Bahama, but the PLP,” Ms Saunders said. “Because right now the PLP is the governing party, and any other person come along is basically like a waste of vote because they cannot do nothing for our constituency.” A date for the by-election has not been announced. However, it must be held by November 25, according to acting Parliamentary Commissioner Arthur Taylor.
SHANE Gibson and his supporters outside PLP headquarters as the candidate for West Grand Bahama and Bimini by-election was announced on Friday. Photo: Dante Carrer
MITCHELL SAYS CONVENTION FIRST - THEN IT WILL BE TIME TO VOTE from page one Terneille Burrows has also said she will run. Mr Mitchell said he does not expect anyone to challenge Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis and Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper for leadership positions at the PLP’s convention. He acknowledged speculation that Shane Gibson may run for chairman. Mr Mitchell did not confirm whether he will seek that position again. “Let’s see what happens. When the deadline
passes, I will make a formal announcement, but I will not venture beyond that right now,” he said. Former Golden Gates MP Shane Gibson said during a recent JCN interview that it is “very possible” that he will pursue a position at the convention. According to the party’s rules, prospective candidates must apply by Thursday, 14 days before the convention. Mr Mitchell said the PLP is united despite Friday’s turbulent National General Council meeting.
MITCHELL DIALOGUES WITH A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE EU
THE SIXTH Political Dialogue between The Bahamas and the European Union on Sunday during the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ‘Diplomatic Week,’ which takes place at Baha Mar. Photos: Anthon Thompson/BIS
KINGSLEY Smith after the PLP announced him as as the candidate for West Grand Bahama and Bimini by-election on Friday.
PAGE 4, Tuesday, October 24, 2023
THE TRIBUNE
Road Traffic to be relocated later this year MINISTER of Energy and Transport JoBeth ColebyDavis speaks with reporters during the opening ceremony of Diplomatic Week at Baha Mar Convention Centre yesterday. Photo: Dante Carrer
By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net THE government will start relocating the Road Traffic Department
later this year, according to Transport Minister Jobeth Coleby-Davis. She said the department’s headquarters will be housed in a building next to the now-closed
Mario’s Bowling and Entertainment Centre off Tonique Williams-Darling Highway. She said the current location of the department is unfit.
“We’ve found a location, and we’re working on the renovations for that location,” she said, noting the Ministry of Works is monitoring the project. She could not say when the new
location would be ready, but anticipates it could be by the start of the new year. The department was previously located in the Clarence A Bain Building, which was demolished
in 2020. The headquarters then moved to the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium. However, workers have repeatedly complained about poor working conditions at the facility.
‘Youth Month’ National Youth Rally and March RTD WORKING WITH POLICE TO TACKLE FRAUDULENT LICENCE DISCS
TRA NSPORT A ND HOUSING MINISTER JOBETH COLEBY-DA VIS. By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net TRANSPORT and Energy Minister JoBeth ColebyDavis said her ministry is “building a strong team of collaboration” with the police department to tackle fraudulent licence discs. She said authorities are closing “gaps and loopholes” that allowed fraud. “Internally, we’ve also changed some of our process and management of assets,” she told reporters. “We don’t want to give too much detail because
we don’t want people to change up their approach, but we are working closely with the police to address these matters.” She indicated officials are working on system changes and updating their security internally in the system. Last month, police arrested two people, a man and a woman, who were found with fraudulent licence disc equipment at their residence. That happened after police arrested two men, ages 40 and 48, believed to be involved in a fraudulent licence disc network.
YOUNG people of school, civic, and service organization groups participated in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture’s (MOYSC) ‘Youth Month’ National Youth Rally and March - from Clifford Park and West Bay Street to Baillou Hill Road, Poinciana Drive, Nassau Street, West Bay Street, and back to Clifford Park on Sunday. The Youth Rally and March is held each year October. Photos: Patrick Hanna/BIS
Mitchell: Ask Immigration Minister for citizenship help THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, October 24, 2023, PAGE 5
from page one addressing other citizenship issues, including granting citizenship to children born abroad to married Bahamian women and their foreign husbands.” Mr Mitchell noted that Attorney General Ryan Pinder has talked about amending citizenship laws. He then offered what he said was a practical solution to the problem. “When we were in office last time, I was the immigration minister and we announced,“ as a policy of immigration matters, “that women whose children were born in those circumstances could utilise section six of the Bahamas Nationality Act, which says that the minister may grant citizenship to any minor. Without qualification, the minister can grant citizenship to any minor.” “If you apply under that provision, and you are a Bahamian woman married to a foreign man (and) the child is born outside The Bahamas, and therefore the child is not Bahamian at birth, the thing to do as soon as the child is born, have the child registered as a Bahamian citizen under section six, and you’ll get it, no problem. “Do it straight away. And why did they do it straight away and as a minor is because many times, when you turn 18, you’re required to renounce the
MINISTER of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell speaks outside the opening ceremony of Diplomatic Week at Baha Mar Convention Centre yesterday. Photo: Dante Carrer
citizenship of origin, and this presents a problem for people born in the United
PM REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO SENDING TROOPS TO HAITI
PRIME Minister Philip Brave Davis speaks during the opening ceremony of Diplomatic Week at Baha Mar Convention Centre yesterday. Photo: Dante Carrer By LEANDRA ROLLE “The humanitarian and Tribune Staff Reporter security support required lrolle@tribunemedia.net to counter gang activities is urgent. The illicit PRIME Minister Philip flow of firearms allows “Brave” Davis said gangs to stockpile danthe country is “gravely gerous weapons that are concerned” about the no match for the Haitian worsening crisis in Haiti national police. More while reaffirming his and more armed violence administration’s com- and gang enrichment into mitment to sending 150 neighbourhoods and terriofficers to Haiti to help tories in and around Port stabilise that country. au Prince are worsening, Mr Davis said without resulting in harrowing strict security, the Hai- experiences for Haitian tian people will continue citizens, especially women to suffer, emphasising the and girls who are victims need for a Haitian-led of sexual violence.” solution. Earlier this month, the His comments come as United Nations Secuhis administration contin- rity Council approved a ues to resist calls to stop year-long multi-national repatriating people to security mission to Haiti Haiti. that Kenya would lead. “By all accounts, the However, a Kenya court reports from our Car- has temporarily blocked ibbean Community’s the government from Eminent Persons Group, deploying troops there which includes former after petitioners argued Prime Minister the that sending officers outRt Honourable Perry side the country is illegal. Christie, are a sober- The court’s temporary ing reminder of how we injunction is valid until have failed the Haitian today, October 24. people,” Mr Davis said in Foreign Affairs Minister an address to diplomats at Fred Mitchell previously the opening of Diplomatic said he does not believe Week at the Baha Mar the court’s decision will resort yesterday. be a long-term issue.
States, Canada, or the UK or one of these European countries that, you know,
you’d like to hold on to their citizenship. “And so in order to
avoid having to renounce, the better thing to do is to have the child registered as
a minor under section six, no issue, so you keep both the citizenships.”
PAGE 6, Tuesday, October 24, 2023
THE TRIBUNE
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Climate consequences as warnings not heeded WE have failed. Despite all the warnings, despite all the advice, despite all the pleas for action, the battle to avoid massive amounts of melting of ice due to global warning has failed. Climate experts are now talking about us moving beyond the era of global warming, into the era of global boiling. A new study in the journal Nature Climate Change yesterday revealed that no matter how much we cut back on carbon emissions now, a significant chunk of Antarctic ice is facing an “unavoidable” melt. The melt will not be fast – the full melt could take hundreds of years – but it will add about six feet to sea levels. Over the years, successive Bahamian Prime Ministers have warned of the danger we face. In 2009, Hubert Ingraham warned the UN Convention on Climate Change that climate change “is a serious threat to our economic viability, our social development and our territorial integrity”. In 2015, Perry Christie warned the 21st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Climate Change in Paris of an “existential threat to the survival of a number of small island developing states”. Dr Hubert Minnis asked the United Nations General Assembly in 2019: “When one storm can obliterate an island-state or a number of states in one hurricane season: how will we survive, how can we develop, how will we continue to exist?” And incumbent Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis has repeatedly called for action on climate change, warning that climate change is “the greatest existential threat that The Bahamas has ever faced”. The question we are asking may have to change. Repeatedly, it has been asked “what can we do?”, but now that may become something more pointed. Where will we go? The Tribune has previously published maps showing the potential effect of global warming on The
Bahamas – with vast swathes of islands at risk of flooding that would not just be a case of damage to buildings but would fundamentally reshape the appearance of our islands. If that is the case, there will be parts of our archipelago that will become uninhabitable. Waters will rise. Land will be covered. Flooding will increase. Homes will become swamped. How high, how far, those are the measurements now, no longer a matter of if but when. The scale of the melt can be seen in the language used by researchers – one of the sections of ice, the Thwaites ice shelf, is melting so fast it has the nickname “the Doomsday Glacier”. Oceanographer Kaitlin Naughten, of the British Antarctic Survey, said that it’s “unavoidable that some of this area is lost”, while University of California Irvine ice scientist Eric Rignot said that part of Antarctica “is doomed”. Another ice scientist from the University of Colorado, Ted Scambos, said the ice sheet “eventually is going to collapse. It’s not a happy conclusion and it is one that I’m only saying reluctantly”. Naughten speaks of both some hope and regret, suggesting that in the future there may be ways to not just stop but reverse carbon levels, but also noting that if the Victorians of the 1800s had done something to affect the world as we have for future generations, we would not look kindly on them. She quoted NASA scientist Kate Marvel, saying: “When it comes to climate change we need courage and not hope. Courage is the resolve to do well without the assurance of a happy ending.” For The Bahamas, we need to summon our own courage. We need to determine our own path. We need to face the future. Or else we will be refugees of the future, fleeing from lands that are no longer inhabitable. This is not a future we want to face, but it is a future we have to face. There is a quote, of unknown origin, that we might bear in mind in our situation: The best time to start is yesterday. The next best time is now.
A FIRE-eater performs at the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture launch of the first Creative Cultural Career Expo. Photo: Moise Amisial
New day, but same old politics EDITOR, The Tribune. IF THE UBP got together back in the ol’ days on Saturday mornings to have boil fish, stew fish, johnny cake and grits, with bush tea, and dem udder fellas do da same tings deez days, that doesn’t mean that dey is UBP. Or, does it? If that is not a good analogy of our political system and governance for several generations, then someone should help me to see the difference between the old days and the new days. We doing the same things, using different skin colours, different party colours, and different rhetoric, but having the same effects, then calling it progressive movement. Has the establishment of party politics, Majority Rule, and Independence brought real positive changes to either the political system or Bahamians
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net in general? Could we not at least have advanced to the point where constituencies selected their candidates, instead of a party hierarchy? Could we not insist that chosen candidates/representatives be residents in “their constituencies”? Could not constituencies’ plans and national plans be clearly outlined, so that Bahamians have an opportunity to mark the “report cards” of governance and representation - perhaps, with their “X”? Otherwise, ‘whatever buck up goes’ will be the order of the day, the years, election cycles, on and on... We can hold our heads, beat up our gums, and chase our tails ad infinitum, even up to the time we get ready
to celebrate 100 years as an Independent Bahamas - with the same ol’, same ol’! Criticising, throwing rock, fantasising, suggesting ideals are not my aims or objectives as I quietly observe our Bahamas today. Believe me, I try to hold back my opinions to myself, especially as these tribal political wars continue to rage around us. But, as I inhale some of the growing toxic stench in the air, it’s necessary to exhale and vent just a little. Therefore, I beg your indulgence in receiving this little abbreviated scribble, which I consider a therapy of sorts. I may not have the right answers or even the right questions. Still, the same ol’, same ol’ is definitely not the way to go! MB Nassau, October 23, 2023
American restauarants on PI is a no EDITOR, The Tribune. AS A vendor at Potter’s Cay, I would like to voice my strong opposition to the placement of Americanstyle fast-food restaurants on Paradise Island. There is no doubt that it would cause serious harm to our already suffering business. In recent years we have suffered with less and less tourists visiting ‘under the bridge’ to experience authentic Bahamian food and culture. The establishment of cheap fast-food outlets right at the other end of the bridge would be
in direct competition with us, and would kill off the tourist trade completely for Potter’s Cay vendors. Americans love their fast food. Most of our business nowadays comes from Bahamians, who we know also love American-style fast-food. There is no doubt that we will lose business from Bahamian hotel workers as well, as it would be easy, convenient and cheap to just step into Wendy’s and Marcos or any other fast-food place at the end of their shift.
For years, the area of Nassau across from Potter’s Cay has been dying. Our business has been dying with it. The plan to put Wendy’s and Marcos on the other side of the bridge would be a killer blow. When are we going to stand up for small Bahamian businesses in this country? When are we going to protect our own heritage and stop selling out to foreign things? POTTER’S VENDOR Nassau, October 23, 2023.
CAY
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, October 24, 2023, PAGE 7
Man awarded $8k judgement for unfair dismissal from Compass Point By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net THE defunct Compass Point Restaurant and Bar has been ordered to pay a man $8,000 for unfairly dismissing him for theft in 2019. According to an Industrial Tribunal judgement, Perry Gould was employed at the restaurant for almost three and a half years until he was fired on November 3, 2019. He was the restaurant and bar manager responsible
for managing, controlling and protecting inventory. Initially, he was paid a weekly salary of $800. This was reduced to $480 starting January 2019 when he began working three days weekly. The restaurant reportedly experienced inventory shortages. The company addressed this by demanding that bartenders process drinks through its Alpoa Point of Sale charging system and include drink slips. The failure to present a slip with a beverage would result in their
TWO MEN CHARGED FOR TWO SEPARATE MURDERS By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net TWO men were remanded in custody yesterday after they were accused of being involved in two recent fatal shootings in New Providence. One of these incidents resulted in the death of a 26-year-old who was shot at a car wash in Chippingham. The other involved the death of a murder suspect gunned down near his car on Boyd Road. Assistant Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain charged Solomon Williams, 27, with murder. Williams allegedly shot and killed Leslie Knowles as he stood at his job at Sands Carwash and Auto Detailing near Baldwin Avenue on October 12. Acting Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley charged Shaquille Smith, 27, with a separate murder. Smith and accomplices
are accused of gunning down 44-year-old Dennis Basden as he tried to get to his Nissan Cube on Tyler Street off Boyd Road on October 13. The culprits reportedly fled the scene in a Nissan Note. At the time of his death, Basden was on bail, accused of killing Taraz Hanna in Wilson Tract on June 30, 2015. One of Smith’s coaccused, Dennis Mather, was charged with the same offence last Friday. Both accused were told that their cases would be moved to the Supreme Court by a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). They will be sent to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until the higher court grants them bail. Williams’ VBI is set for service on January 29, 2024, while Smith’s VBI is slated for service on January 25, 2024.
FLORIDA WOMAN ACCUSED OF THEFT OF DIAMOND RING ON CRUISE SHIP By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net AN American woman allegedly stole a 14-carat diamond ring on a cruise ship last week. Magistrate Shaka Serville charged Neeta Moore, 58, from Florida, with stealing. While onboard Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the
Seas, Moore is accused of stealing a 14-carat white gold diamond ring from Effy Boutique on October 17. The ring is valued at $2,975. After pleading not guilty to the offence, Moore was fined $4,000 cash bail on condition she return to court for trial on March 18, 2024. Philip Lundy represented her.
gratuities being taken, “ranging from one day to one week, to possible termination for a third-time offence,” according to the ruling of Vice President Ingrid Cooper-Brooks. On October 29, 2019, Mr Gould reportedly sought permission from the night auditor to have the bartender pour him a drink. He allegedly assured them he would put the drink on the general manager’s tab the next day and have it included in the night auditor’s report. However, he
did not do so. The restaurant later fired him for theft and told him they were investigating “some missing Remy XO”. Mr Gould sought $14,666 compensation for his dismissal. He argued that he was not allowed to call witnesses or records. He said having a drink after hours was not unusual. He said before he was fired, the property owner found out he was a chief shop steward at Melia for the Bahamas Hotel
Catering and Allied Workers Union and told him he would have never hired him if he had known this. Two witnesses Mr Gould called, the night auditor and a bartender, corroborated his account of what happened. Witnesses called by the restaurant disputed his account of what happened. Ultimately, the tribunal concluded the restaurant fired Mr Gould “with no clear disciplinary rules and procedure”, which was “unreasonable and unfair”.
MAN ACCUSED OF ASSAULT AND HAVING PORN VIDEOS OF GIRL from page one intercourse with her in New Providence on October 15. On the same day, Rolle is further accused of having nude videos of the same minor on his phone, which he allegedly disseminated over the internet. Rolle was not required to enter a plea and his matter was transferred to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). He will be sent to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services unless the higher court grants him bail. His VBI is scheduled for service on January 22, 2024.
Raymond ‘RH’ Culmer: Mentor and trailblazer PAGE 8, Tuesday, October 24, 2023
WHEN faced with the valleys in life, Raymond “RH” Culmer has trod through with dignity and the kind of perseverance that has pushed him to the mountaintop. He has never been afraid of the lowlands that every human being will face on life’s journey, because he grew up in the Valley. This area in Nassau, Bahamas is well known for being the stomping ground of great Bahamian trailblazers. RH Culmer is one of them, having made contributions to commerce, industry and community that have empowered many. His upbringing, undergirded by island-style manners and respect, discipline and a strong sense of community has shaped him into the man he is today - a friend and mentor to many. If communities in New Providence could revive the spirit of dignity and respect that existed in the Valley during his childhood, RH Culmer believes that The Bahamas, and specifically New Providence, would be a better place. The Culmer family lived on Mount Royal Avenue. His father, Raymond H Culmer, Sr, was an Out Island Commissioner for many years before the family settled in the Valley. The family moved wherever his father’s work called on him to be. For this reason, the young RH was born in 1954 at Mangrove Cay, Andros, where his father was serving as Commissioner. He brought joy to their lives as a bundle of joy born on Christmas Day. His mother, Ruth N Culmer (nee Franks), hailed from Rum Cay and his father came from Eleuthera. Together, they would have 13 children. Long before Raymond would feel the love of the community that awaited him in Nassau, he enjoyed the togetherness of the big family he was born into. By knowing their roles and disciplining themselves to their parents’ teachings, the Culmer children grew strong together. After spending the first year of his life in Mangrove Cay, the Culmer family moved to Cat Island, where his father assumed a new post as Commissioner. Raymond spent his childhood days running the beaches and enjoying the type of island life that is idyllic and full of adventure. Finding
THE TRIBUNE
Face to Face
By FELICITY DARVILLE
soldier crabs, picking berries and fishing were the kinds of activities that defined the life of island boys. Eventually, his father would be needed back in Andros to continue the development of the island, this time in Fresh Creek, Central Andros. By the time Raymond was five, his family moved to the capital city. Needless to say, such a big clan made a statement when they arrived in the Valley, which comprises areas in Centerville and Palmdale. He was enrolled in St Thomas Moore School, in walking distance from his home. Growing up in the Valley was a wonderful experience, Raymond told me. The friends he grew up with became significant figures in the country - all with that special Valley flair - a people that lived and strove for success together. They also rushed together; Junkanoo was a mainstay in the
Valley and a source of cultural pride. Former Prime Minister of The Bahamas Perry Gladstone Christie grew up just a few doors down from the Culmers. The late Conrad Knowles, an outstanding member of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, also grew up in the Valley, along with other great Bahamians like Dr. Ronnie Knowles, Joan Albury, founder of the Counsellors media, Vernon Burrows, former Director of Immigration, and Dayle Burrows, successful hotelier, to name a few. “We were all one big family,” Raymond recalls of his childhood days in the Valley. “Community living was very important to us. The camaraderie, the fellowship, the importance of family - I appreciate all of that for moulding me. Of course we had our Junkanoo group, the Valley Boys, and we all participated. “I grew up in a traditional
RAYMOND RH Cumer - businessman and philanthropist, received the Humanitarian Award during the SAC Alumni Association Lighthouse Awards & Gala Banquet on Saturday, October 21, 2023.
RAYMOND RH Culmer receives the Humanitarian Award from SAC Alumni Association Secretary Stacy Brown. Photo: Michael Swann family. My mom was very hands on. But my father allowed us a great deal of freedom to roam the Valley that kids nowadays wouldn’t get. The neighbourhood was my home.” With a solid upbringing and a strong sense of self, Raymond graduated from St Thomas Moore and entered St Augustine’s College. Like many of the boys who attended the Fox Hill school back in the day, he would ride his bicycle home. It was 1966 when his parents enrolled him and at the time, it was still an all boys school. The following year, the school would see the integration of girls into the campus. The young Raymond was considered a runt and therefore, he got picked on quite often in high school. Most of the boys in his form were older and bigger than he was. This could have been a defining moment and not in a good way - as bullying can have a devastating impact on children. However, he came from a solid home filled with support, and an entire neighbourhood of friends to identify with. So instead, Raymond pushed harder and longer to rise from the valley to the mountain. Raymond focused on proving himself through his grades and through athletics - and he excelled. He earned high scores in mathematics and English language, and he was a well rounded student. In sports, he participated in basketball and track and field. He became an outstanding athlete and the same boys who picked on him would turn out to be the ones who would cheer from the stands as he helped to bring in victories for SAC. He became such a good athlete that he earned the “victor ludorum” title - the best athlete - for the intermediate athletes in track and field during his senior year. He graduated in 1971. His good grades earned him entry into St John’s University in Minnesota, where he studied Psychology. He has his mother to thank for his college education. She was a hard worker, he said, spending many
years at BaTelCo. She saved and put him through college, ensuring that all his hard work in academics and athletics would pay off. Back then, as a college kid, Raymond learned how to survive on a $10 per week allowance. He may not have had much, but he remained committed to his goals and pushed through every adversity and trudged through every valley he faced. Nothing was going to stop him from earning his degree. Once he received his Bachelor’s Degree, Raymond returned to the Bahamas where he worked for several companies including JS Johnson, JackAl Sounds, The Wreck Bar, Bahamas Princess, BORCO and Taino Air - he was industrious with great aspirations. He was a far cry from his days of being teased for his size. In fact, the athletics, good food and good genes resulted in a growth spurt and eventually, he would become a strapping 6ft 7in tall man. In 1986, Raymond opened New Image Beauty Salon Ltd. The success of this business led him to open another in 1992 - New Image Beauty Supplies. His knack for mathematics from childhood paid off as he made one good business decision after another. He went on to purchase and operate Logwood Road Liquor Store, and all of his businesses were very successful. In 2014, Raymond applied and was eventually granted a Gaming Licence for Jarol Investment Ltd, trading as Chances. He opened many online gaming stores throughout the Bahamas, rising to become one of the most successful operators. He never forgot the strong values he grew up with, and he used them to help form his principles as a businessman. He took everything that could have broken him, and every valley that he faced, and transmuted them by having a positive mental attitude and an unshakeable will to succeed. “This is what the young people of today have to do
in order to see the kind of success they want in their lives,” he said. “Understand just how critical it is for you to make the right decisions at this time in your life. During my young adult years, there were some who turned to marijuana and cocaine. Some joined gangs in areas like Kemp Road and Chippingham. They beat around the block. They missed out on college. A few of them were able to turn their lives around. But if you, as young people, choose that kind of life, it is likely to be a hard road ahead.” Raymond found his way to success with perseverance. SAC Alumni Association graciously awarded him on Saturday, October 21 with the Lighthouse Award for humanitarianism. With every step of his success, he has been known for giving back, helping individuals and groups with worthy causes that he saw as beneficial for The Bahamas. A man with many friends, Raymond prides himself on giving back to his community. Over the years he and his companies have donated to hundreds of charitable causes throughout the Bahamas. Raymond is also extremely dedicated to his family. He is a very hands on dad who loves spending time with his wife and children. He loves to travel with them, fish, and teach them about things like history, cuisine and music. He is extremely family oriented and focuses on core family values. He is the support system, providing structure and stability for his family. He has worked hard for his family and continues to do so, even now in his senior years. Raymond is married to Dhalene T Culmer and they have 7 children and 11 grandchildren, namely: Janure (Ure and Charles III), Raymond/Shanae (Brody), Candace/Garvin (Gianno and Graycin), Rhumer/ Shawn, Tyran/Bracquel (Tyranique, Essence and Kyranae), Ashleigh and Treigh (Cyri, DiReigh and Rhaya).
FROM left to right Charles Saunders Jr., Ure Saunders (grandchildren) Janure Culmer(daughter) Rhumer Culmer-Malcolm (daughter) RH Culmer, Dhalene Culmer (wife) Candace Newball (daughter), Garvin Newball (son-in-law), Shanae Culmer (daughter-in-law) and Raymond Culmer Jr. (son). Missing from picture Shawn Malcolm (son-in-law).
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, October 24, 2023, PAGE 9
Israel and Hamas conflict worsening THE horror of the killings carried out inside Israel by Hamas and the intensity of what is now happening in the IsraeliGaza war have been so great that they have dominated the world’s news. It is almost as if nothing of significance is happening elsewhere and that nobody is really interested in a development like Putin’s recent visit to Beijing which would otherwise be top of the media’s agenda. The Arab-Israeli conflict is such a serious and fundamental issue – both for the parties directly concerned and for the immediate region because it could spread to involve other countries – that it is hard to avoid writing about it again this week. The subject has always been newsworthy because the dispute involves such deeply-held emotions and beliefs and has been going on for so long that it has been taking centre stage in international diplomacy for many years. The strife has deep roots in history and has become the longest-running conflict ever. As everyone who follows international affairs now knows, after an extended period of relative quiet the situation has flared up again following the atrocities by Hamas on October 7. The group administers the Gaza Strip and is still holding Israeli hostages, the number of which at the time of writing is 222. Most recently, further information has become available about the orgy of killing in Israel – in the most dreadful of circumstances - of more than 1,400 people including children and babies, and this has induced Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to call it the nation’s
The Peter Young column “darkest hour” – echoing, as it does, Winston Churchill’s famous words during the Second World War. It is hard to realise now that only a few weeks ago, the US National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan, was reported to have said that the Middle East had never been so peaceful, largely because Israel had developed an effective special missile protection shield against bomb attacks from Hamas in Gaza and from Hezbollah in Lebanon to the north. Moreover, the Abraham Accords negotiated during the Trump presidency were signed in 2020. These were bilateral agreements about normalization between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain – together with Morocco and Sudan -which, it was hoped, would provide the impetus for a measure of broader extra security for Israel. Additionally, Saudi Arabia was in separate talks about normalizing relations with Israel – and, during that period of relative calm,
Israel was concentrating on internal matters such as the battle between liberals and conservatives as its government was moving to the right politically and making moves to overhaul the nation’s judicial system. But, of course, the latest developments have changed the stakes dramatically. Moves towards the improvement of relations with Israel have been overtaken. Arab countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan have been lining up to condemn Israel’s bombardment of Gaza; and, notwithstanding the Abraham Accords, the UAE has quickly joined them. The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia told British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during the latter’s recent visit to the Middle East that, in particular, he strongly condemned attacks on civilians in Gaza and that there could be ‘dangerous consequences’ in the event of escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Many people agree that Israel has the right to defend itself and to take measures to prevent further attacks. Clearly, in the face of Hamas’ cruelty and pure evil, those responsible should be held to account. Thus, Israel has to react to their atrocities by seeking them out as terrorists and destroying their infrastructure. It has pledged to do that once and for all. The group had already been declared a terrorist organisation by the UK, US and other countries. Since Hamas militants are embedded in the overall population of Gaza, it is said that it will be difficult to identify them amongst ordinary
ROCKETS are fired toward Israel from the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel yesterday. Photo: Ariel Schalit/AP people. So ground troops may be required to complete such an operation, and it now looks as though an invasion is imminent. But the important question for Israel is whether it can finally destroy the group or whether it may have to become an army of occupation. According to the latest official figures I have seen, following the air strikes and bombardment rapidly mounted by Israel, more than 4,700 Palestinians have been killed. By carrying out indiscriminate bombing of a territory which is said to be one of the most densely populated in the world and from which its inhabitants cannot realistically escape, the Israelis have put themselves seriously in the wrong in the eyes of many critics around the world who are anyway hostile to them in their dispute with the Palestinians. Hence, the large numbers of demonstrations against Israel last weekend
in various European capitals, including a huge gathering in London, while widespread antiSemitism has reared its head again. Above all, it will be disastrous for the Israelis if there is evidence that, rather than pursuing Hamas specifically, they are intent on collective punishment of the people of Gaza for harbouring the group. Meanwhile, aid has begun flowing through the southern border point with Egypt called Rafah, though evidently much more is needed. Reportedly, this first delivery of aid was held up while checks were made for the possible supply of arms and other items to Hamas. Meanwhile, the flurry of diplomatic activity seems impressive at first sight. The summit meeting of Arab and European leaders in Cairo on Saturday called for an immediate ceasefire and measures to prevent the spread of the conflict while calling also for all parties to respect
international law. But there are doubts about its effectiveness given that Israel, the US and Iran did not attend. What is more, some people wonder about the wisdom of deploying separately the top guns like the US president and British prime minister at such an early stage when the foreign ministers of both countries have been fully engaged in the region on the ground - as well as having the UN Secretary General standing at the Rafah border stressing the importance of aid getting through to Gaza which is obvious to all. Perhaps the man in the street is looking for world statesmen to stand back from the details on the ground and come up with ideas for a long-term and permanent solution to this basic intractable problem at a strategic level; namely, how to arrange for Arabs and Jews to coexist peacefully in a region that has been disputed for so long.
Ruling Conservatives in Britain under fire THE ebb and flow of politics in Britain ought to be interesting to study since the nation is still a big player on the world stage, not least as a fully independent nation that is no longer a member of the European Union. The nation experienced a period of relative political uncertainty last year with three different prime ministers in as many months – and now, last week, it has had to hold two by-elections on the same day, triggered by the resignations of the sitting MPs in the respective constituencies. In both contests the opposition Labour Party inflicted heavy defeats on the ruling Conservatives by overturning huge majorities. That means the Conservatives have lost four by-elections in just three months. During the normal fiveyear period of a government under the Westminster system, by-elections usually take place from time to time as occasion demands. They can often serve as a type of protest vote when the electorate has an opportunity to express dissatisfaction with a government midterm by voting out the current representative in their own constituency in the safe knowledge that this will not affect the party at the national level – unless,
BRITISH Prime Minister Rishi Sunak speaks to a TV reporter during his visit to Clacton-on-Sea, England on Wednesday. Photo: Frank Augstein/AP of course, it only has a tiny majority. By-elections can even be helpful in sending signals to a sitting government that it ought to change tack generally, or on any particular issue, before the next general election. Last week, however, both by-elections – Tamworth and Mid Bedfordshire – were much more than that. The results in both constituencies were nothing less than disastrous for the ruling Conservative government -- so much so that in the words of the country’s leading election expert, Sir John Curtice, it was ‘one of the worst by-election nights any government has had to endure‘ since they were two of the most overwhelming by-election
defeats in the country’s history. In both seats there was a staggering swing from the Tories of more than 20 per cent. Mid Bedfordshire, in particular, had been a Tory stronghold since 1931. These results, which reflected the substantial lead in the polls currently enjoyed by Labour, are a huge boost for them ahead of an expected general election next year. It is still too early to tell with any sort of certainty, but, short of a major turnaround in their political fortunes during the coming year, the overall view of commentators is that the Tories are heading for a landslide defeat at that election. So, what are the reasons for the electorate’s
IMPORTANT TO CALL HAMAS TERRORISTS AMIDST all the current suffering in the Middle East, it may seem almost banal that a row has broken out in the UK about what may appear to some as a simple matter of nomenclature. This is about the BBC’s refusal to label the Hamas gunmen, who carried out the appalling atrocities in southern Israel, as terrorists. It calls them militants instead. The BBC says this is in accordance with its
editorial guidelines. The organization maintains that to call them terrorists would amount to taking sides when the BBC should always remain objective. This issue has already attracted considerable comment in London, mostly berating the BBC for what can only be termed their absurd stance on the matter. But there is no space to argue the case here today beyond pointing
out that the UK Parliament has defined Hamas as a terrorist organization and proscribed it. The US and other countries have done likewise. My take on this is that it is clear that the atrocities committed by the Hamas gunmen were acts of terror. That is beyond any doubt or argument. So, by refusing to call them terrorists, the BBC is breaching its own rules about impartiality.
dissatisfaction with the government and what action can Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who has been in office for less than a year, take to reverse his party’s fortunes in the short term? The answer seems to be that, after 13 years of Tory rule, voters have had enough of what is now seen as a failing government that has simply run out of steam. They believe it is now time for a change. The fundamental issue seems to be the economy, in particular low growth, stubbornly strong inflation, the cost of living squeeze with increasing
interest rates and a recordhigh tax burden together with a rising national debt. Then, add to this issues like failing public services and the perception that too many things are simply not working; for example, the National Health Service and the difficulty of getting appointments with GPs, the closure of post offices and banks and increasing rail strikes, and things like potholes in roads not being fixed. The Prime Minister has been credited with ‘stabilizing the ship’ after the short-lived premiership of his predecessor, Liz Truss,
but many believe he needs to deliver on his famous five priorities – halving inflation, growing the economy, cutting the national debt, reducing NHS waiting lists and stopping the small boats that are bringing in illegal migrants. He has less than a year to turn things around. But Conservative supporters are now hoping there may be some optimistic and positive announcements in the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Autumn Statement next month which provides an update on the government’s plans for the economy.
PAGE 10, Tuesday, October 24, 2023
THE TRIBUNE
Even with carbon emissions cuts, a key part of Antarctica is doomed to slow collapse, study says
THIS 2020 photo provided by the British Antarctic Survey shows the Thwaites glacier in Antarctica. No matter how much the world cuts back on carbon emissions, a key and sizable chunk of Antarctica is essentially doomed to an “unavoidable” melt, a new study found. Photo: David Vaughan/British Antarctic Survey/AP
Associated Press NO MATTER how much the world cuts back on carbon emissions, a key and sizable chunk of Antarctica is essentially doomed to an “unavoidable” melt, a new study found. Though the full melt
will take hundreds of years, slowly adding nearly 6 feet (1.8 meters) to sea levels, it will be enough to reshape where and how people live in the future, the study’s lead author said. Researchers used computer simulations to calculate future melting
of protective ice shelves jutting over Antarctica’s Amundsen Sea in western Antarctica. The study in Monday’s journal Nature Climate Change found even if future warming was limited to just a few tenths of a degree more – an international goal that many scientists say
is unlikely to be met – it would have “limited power to prevent ocean warming that could lead to the collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet.” “Our main question here was: How much control do we still have over ice shelf melting? How much melting can still
be prevented by reducing emissions?” said study lead author Kaitlin Naughten, an oceanographer at the British Antarctic Survey. “Unfortunately, it’s not great news. Our simulations suggest that we are now committed to the rapid increase in the rate of ocean warming and ice shelf melting over the rest of the century.” While past studies have talked about how dire the situation is, Naughten was the first to use computer simulations to study the key melting component of warm water melting ice from below, and the work looked at four different scenarios for how much carbon dioxide the world pumps into the atmosphere. In each case, ocean warming was just too much for this section of the ice sheet to survive, the study found. Naughten looked at melting gatekeeper ice shelves, which float over the ocean in this area of Antarctica that is already below sea level. Once these ice shelves melt, there’s nothing to stop the glaciers behind them from flowing into the sea. Naughten specifically looked at what would happen if somehow future warming was limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) over mid-19th century levels — the international goal — and found the runaway melting process anyway. The world has already warmed about 1.2 degrees Celsius (nearly 2.2 degrees Fahrenheit) since pre-industrial times and much of this summer temporarily shot past the 1.5 mark. Naughten’s study concentrated on the part of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet that is most at risk from melting from below, near the Amundsen Sea. It includes the massive Thwaites ice shelf that is melting so fast it got the nickname “the Doomsday Glacier.” West Antarctica is only one-tenth of the southern continent but is more unstable than the larger eastern side. That part of Antarctica “is doomed,” said University of California Irvine ice scientist Eric Rignot, who wasn’t part of the study. “The damage has already been done.” University of Colorado ice scientist Ted Scambos, who also wasn’t part of the study, said this ice sheet “eventually is going to collapse. It’s not a happy conclusion and it is one that I’m only saying reluctantly.” Naughten doesn’t like to use the word “doomed,” because she said 100 years from now the world might not just stop but reverse carbon levels in the air and global warming. But she said what’s happening
now on the ground is a slow collapse that can’t be stopped, at least not in this century. “I think it’s unavoidable that some of this area is lost. It’s unavoidable that the problem gets worse,” Naughten told The Associated Press. “It isn’t unavoidable that we lose all of it because sea level rise happens over the very long term. I only looked in this study up to 2100. So after 2100, we probably have some control still.’’ No matter what words are used, Naughten said she and other scientists studying the area in previous research conclude that this part of Antarctica “couldn’t be saved or a lot of it couldn’t be saved.” Naughten’s study did not calculate how much ice would be lost, how much sea level would rise and at what speed. But she estimated that the amount of ice in the area most at risk if it all melted would raise sea levels by about 1.8 meters (5.9 feet). However, she said, that is a slow process that would play out through the next few hundred years through the 2300s, 2400s and 2500s. Naughten said that may seem like a long way away, but noted that if the Victorians of the 1800s had done something to drastically change the shape of our world, we would not look well on them. This type of sea level rise would be “absolutely devastating” if it happened over 200 years, but if it could be stretched out over 2,000 years, humanity could adapt, Naughten said. “Coastal communities will either have to build around or be abandoned,” Naughten said. While this part of Antarctica’s ice sheet is destined to be lost, other vulnerable sections of Earth’s environment can still be saved by reducing heat-trapping emissions so there is reason to still cut back on carbon pollution, Naughten said. Twila Moon, deputy chief scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center who wasn’t part of the research, said she worries that most people will see nothing but doom and gloom in the research. “I don’t see a lot of hope,” Naughten said. “But it’s what the science tells me. So that’s what I have to communicate to the world.” Naughten quoted former NASA scientist Kate Marvel, saying “when it comes to climate change we need courage and not hope. Courage is the resolve to do well without the assurance of a happy ending.”
SPORTS PAGE 11
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2023
Judo, Page 14
2024 World Relays ‘a grand showing’
By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer
By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net
The pool of athletes to be picked from will include sprinters, hurdlers, quarter milers and others. The criteria will allow for officials to select from the top eight athletes per event based on their performances from last season. As the season progresses, the list is expected to be narrowed down to the top six athletes in hopes of picking the best team for the World Relays. “We are good but as coaches and coordinators we have to go after the big
NEW YORK (AP) — Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones and the New York Liberty fell just short of winning the franchise’s first WNBA championship, losing to the Las Vegas Aces in the Finals. It was the first time that Stewart experienced losing in a championship round since her freshman year of college. The league’s MVP won the two Finals series she played with Seattle and won four NCAA championships at UConn. Her lone loss in a title game came in the Big East Tournament her freshman season. “Making sure that I don’t feel that again, I think that’s really my mindset and mentality going forward,” Stewart said. New York hopes to bring back most of the same team next season. Stewart could be an unrestricted free agent but Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb said that he would give her the franchise tag so that she can’t sign a contract directly with another team. “It’s my first time being cored. Not surprising,” Stewart said. “I’m excited for what we’re doing here in New York and with the Liberty. … I’m looking forward to it for many years to come.”
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SEE PAGE 13
T
he 200-day countdown for the 2024 World Athletics Relays, formerly known as the IAAF World Relays, began last week and now preparations have begun to field the strongest relay teams at next year’s event on May 4-5. Officials announced the partnership of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA), Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture (MOYSC) and World Relays Local Organising Committee (LOC) set to ensure The Bahamas has a grand showing at next year’s fourth hosting of the two-day Olympic qualifier at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium. The announcement came during a press conference at the Andre Rodgers Baseball stadium yesterday. The host country will compete in four events including the mixed relays, 4x100m men’s relays, 4x100m women’s relays and 4x400m men’s relays. The various teams will be coached by familiar names in track and field. Shaun Miller will be in charge of coordinating the mixed relays team. Coach Tyrone Burrows will be responsible for the 4x100m men’s relay team.
LIBERTY HOPE TO BRING BACK FREE AGENT JONQUEL JONES
WORLD RELAYS UPDATE: Officials from the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture (MOYSC) gathered at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium to discuss preparations being made for next year’s World Athletics Relays. Golden girl Pauline Davis will head the women’s 4x100m relay team and Golden Knight Ramon Miller will prepare the 4x400m men’s relay team. Dave Charlton will serve as relay director. Damarius Cash will handle the logistics of the teams and he will be assisted by Deputy Bernard Newbold. Rolando Greene will help with coordinating athletes away at university to ensure their availability at the event. The 2024 World Relays director said the coaches
have been given a great responsibility but the vast talent pool of Bahamian athletes makes the job easier. “It is an awesome responsibility that has been placed on some of the top coaches here in The Bahamas putting together teams so that we can best represent the country come next year’s 2024 World Relays… our job will not be that difficult given the fact that we have such a great pool of athletes to draw from,” Charlton said. The committee is committed to taking a proactive
approach to selecting athletes ahead of the World Relays next year. Although they have gotten verbal commitments from some of the top athletes to compete at next year’s World Relays, the coordinators will issue official letters to athletes by the end of this week. The letters will include details regarding information about the World Relays committee, who the members are and their responsibilities, and ask athletes if they intend to partake in next year’s World Relays.
TENNIS PLAYERS GET IN SWING AT THE PAN AM GAMES By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net THE 19th Pan American Games continued yesterday in Santiago, Chile, which saw more Bahamians begin competition in tennis and swimming. The latter began this weekend at the Centro Acuàtico en Nuñoa, Santiago, and more swimmers got in the water yesterday. Meanwhile, in tennis, The Bahamas’ three representatives saw action at Centro Deportivo de Tenis in Ñuñoa yesterday. Emmanuel Gadson finished eighth in heat four of the men’s 200m breaststroke with a time of 2:21.56. He then moved on
to the same event in Final B where he placed eighth again with a faster time of 2:21.35. He ended ranked number 16 in the event. Jack Barr competed in the men’s 800m freestyle and came fifth with a time of 9:03.54. He wrapped up
ranked number 22 in the event. National swimming champion Lamar Taylor hit the pool in the men’s heats for the 100m backstroke and 100m freestyle events. He finished fourth in the backstroke event with a
time of 56.39. In the 100m freestyle, Taylor finished one position behind in fifth place, stopping the clock at 50.95. He ended the day ranked 13th and 16th in the aquatic events. Zaylie Thompson came fifth in heat two of the women’s 100m freestyle. She ended the race with a time of 59.34 and was ranked number 29. In relay action yesterday, the team of Ariel Weech, Katelyn Cabral, Victoria Russell, Gadson, Z Thompson, M Thompspon and Taylor competed together in the mixed 4x100m medley. They culminated heat two in fifth place with a collective time of 4:12.80. They concluded ranked eleventh.
WILLIAM ‘KNUCKLEHEAD’ JOHNSON CROSS COUNTRY INVITATIONAL WAS A SUCCESS By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net THE sixth edition of the William “Knucklehead” Johnson Cross Country Invitational saw athletes come out in droves to compete at the Bahamas Golf Federations’s (BGF) Baillou Hills Sporting Complex Golf Course on Saturday morning. The competitors ranged from under 7 up to under 20. The long distance event also included an open category for men and women. William “Knucklehead” Johnson was present at the cross country invitational and was excited about the
direction long distance running is headed here in The Bahamas. “We have a lot of talent here and, as you can see, even the little ones seven and up were out competing and it bodes well for the future of distance running in the country. We are getting there and we can see the improvement in the programmes. We are trending in the right direction. I endorse events like this 100 per cent,” Johnson said. Melvinique Gibson, of the T-Bird Flyers track club, led the pack in the under 20 girls’ event. She ended the race first with a time of 15:59.92. Michal Bullard, of Power Athletics, earned the
second position in 16:59.59. Third place went to Tellica Seymour of Kingsway Academy. Seymour stopped the clock at 17:56.62. Raywind Winder, of the Hurry Murray athletics track club, crossed the finish line first for the under 20 boys. He ended the race in 10:23.51. Fabian Sautil, of the Phoenix track club, came in a few seconds behind with a time of 10:23.74 for second place. Cartlon Johnson, representing CR Walker Senior High School, collected a third place finish in 11:09.81. Hurry Murray was atop the overall team results for the under 20 boys’ category.
The athletics club finished with a total score of 33 points. CR Walker Senior High School followed behind for second with 41 points and CV Bethel Senior High School had 52 points in third. Rupert Gardiner, the event’s organiser, was impressed with the turnout at this year’s cross country invitational. “I feel good about the event. The turnout by the clubs and schools that came out to the William Johnson Cross Country Invitational was simply excellent,” Gardiner said.
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Tennis Singles matchups began for competitors Sydney Clarke, Kevin Major Jr and Justin Roberts. Clarke battled against the United States of America’s Jamie Loeb. Her competitor won two sets to zero. In set one, Loeb won 6-3 and she followed it up with a 6-0 victory in the final set. Clarke went 41-for-46 on first serves for an average of 91 per cent. Her opponent averaged 97 per cent in the same category. Additionally, in points won on first
serves, Clarke managed 20-for-41 for 49 per cent and Loeb notched 83 per cent going 29-for-35. The lone female competitor for The Bahamas in the sporting discipline finished ranked number 17 in the women’s singles. Playing on court two, Major Jr matched up with Mexico’s Alan Rubio. He fell 2-0 to his opponent in a match that lasted one hour and 11 minutes. Rubio took set one with a 6-3 score. In
SEE PAGE 12
PAGE 12, Tuesday, October 24, 2023
THE TRIBUNE
VIKINGS OUTLAST 49ERS 22-17 By DAVE CAMPBELL AP Pro Football Writer
ONE OF MANY: The National Football League Flag Bahamas football team narrowly won their first exhibition game, 21-20, against the NFL Flag Miami Dolphins at the Roscow A L Davies soccer field on Saturday. Photos: Warren Grant
Bahamas wins its first exhibition game against NFL Flag Miami Dolphins By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net THE Bahamas won its first exhibition game 21-20 against the National Football League (NFL) Flag Miami Dolphins adult tournament team at the Roscow A L Davies soccer field on Saturday. The scrimmage took place at the NFL Flag Bahamas Family Fun Day and talent showcase. The one-day event also saw the coaches and women compete at the family-friendly affair. Tito Bethel, head coach of the home team, said the win felt pretty good against the Dolphins. “It was a pretty good win. Most important for us was holding our composure and trying to show the world that we can compete at a high level,” Bethel said. He added that the win was major in proving to NFL Flag that they can go on the world stage and compete with the best on another level. Mckell Bethel, who plays wide receiver, scored the first touchdown for the home team to help The Bahamas get on the scoreboard. The team was unable to follow it up with an extra two points. The Dolphins quickly tied the score six apiece following a touchdown. The visiting team was then successful on the one-point conversion and led the game by one (7-6). They maintained the one-point advantage going into the halftime break. The Miami team looked poised to take over the game after they executed a
WORLD RELAYS
FROM PAGE 11 one, whatever the big one is, that is our job as coordinators to make sure that The Bahamas walks away with a minimum of one medal at the World Relays and a minimum of one gold medal at the Olympics,” Charlton said. The Bahamas hosted the first edition of the World Relays in 2014 and successfully held two more editions in 2015 and 2017. With the event now returning to the sporting paradise, chairman of the LOC Dr Daniel
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touchdown and secured the extra point to add seven points to their total to start the second half. The score favoured the visiting squad 14-6. Following the play, the Dolphins were beginning to run away with the game. However, the Bahamas’ NFL Flag team showed their resilience and prowess, scoring a timely touchdown to pair with two points to even the score (14-14). Both the Dolphins and The Bahamas scored on consecutive plays as time winded down in the nail-biter flag football exhibition game. However, the difference maker was the home team was successful on their one-point conversion making the score 21-20. With 10 seconds remaining on the game clock, the Dolphins tried to make a last minute attempt at scoring but were unable to. Brandon Peña, wide receiver for the Dolphins, was happy about the competition between the teams despite the one-point loss. “It was a good experience. “We came out here and saw some of the talent, we did not come out with the outcome that we wanted, which was to win but overall it was a great experience and we got to meet some great people in The Bahamas,” Peña said. The wide receiver spoke highly of his competitors and said the future is bright for the sport in The Bahamas. “They are pretty competitive. They have a lot of size and athleticism… the team has a lot of potential. You guys are in good hands. The future is bright
Johnson is excited to host it here once again. “We have done 2014, 2015, 2017, and now 2024 we are really happy to have the World Relays back with us… the president of NACAC is a Bahamian, NACAC, which is the largest and most winningest federation in athletics …but we a little country within the NACAC region get to bring it home and the value of this for The Bahamas is a major marketing expo for our brand sports in paradise,” Johnson said. Drumeco Archer, the president of the BAAA, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg and Mike Sands, president of NACAC, are all optimistic about the country’s chances at next year’s World Relays. The top 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays will qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France. More than 1,600 athletes are expected to compete at The Bahamas’ fourth hosting of the World Relays.
THE Bahamas won its first exhibition game 21-20 against the National Football League (NFL) Flag Miami Dolphins adult tournament team on Saturday at the Roscow A L Davies soccer field. over here in The Bahamas,” he said. For The Bahamas, the home team was composed of players from New Providence, Abaco
and Freeport. Bethel, the team’s wide receiver and Freeport native, said it was a good experience playing against their opponents and they just went into the
game with the mindset of believing in themselves. NFL Flag Bahamas continues to bring and raise more awareness for flag football in The Bahamas.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Kirk Cousins connected with rookie Jordan Addison for two firsthalf touchdowns, Camryn Bynum intercepted San Francisco’s Brock Purdy twice in the fourth quarter, and the Minnesota Vikings held on to beat the 49ers 22-17 last night. Christian McCaffrey scored twice for the 49ers (5-2), who lost their second straight game for the first time in a 34-game stretch with another uncharacteristically sloppy performance. “One play here, one play there. We’ve had some tough losses,” said Cousins, who went 35 for 45 for 378 yards. “Last year we were fortunate enough to pull them out. We found a way tonight.” Addison had the play of the game when he wrestled a contested pass from 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward in the closing seconds of the second quarter, spun away from his defender and jogged into the end zone for a 60-yard score to put the Vikings ahead 16-7 going into the break. Addison, stepping up in a big way with superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson sidelined by a hamstring injury, had seven catches for 123 yards in his breakout game on a prime-time stage. The first-round draft pick from Southern California, who left the game briefly with leg cramps, also had a 14-yard reception on thirdand-4 on a drive that could have sealed the game for Minnesota (3-4). But Greg Joseph, who also missed an earlier extra point, pulled a 50-yard field goal wide right. With no timeouts and 1:11 left, the 49ers took possession at their 40. Purdy, who was picked off with 5:30 remaining at the Minnesota 30 after a poorly thrown ball intended for Jajuan Jennings, completed two short throws to reach the Minnesota 40. But Bynum zeroed in on a pass over the middle for Ray-Ray McCloud III and leaped over him for the interception. “The guy climbed the ladder and made a hell of a play,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. The 49ers, who were still the favourite to win the Super Bowl after a 19-17 defeat last week at Cleveland, played without wide receiver Deebo Samuel and left tackle Trent Williams, both of whom were hurt in that ugly game. Purdy bounced back from the worst game of his young NFL career and his first regular season loss as a starter, but those late interceptions will sting. The Vikings had their fourth opening-drive turnover in seven games this season when a pass over the middle to Addison was intercepted by Ward with a quick game of tug-of-war.
READY FOR BUSINESS: Tennis players in action yesterday at the 19th Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile.
TENNIS PLAYERS GET IN SWING AT PAN AM GAMES FROM PAGE 11
the following set, he won comfortably 6-0. Major and Rubio were neck and neck in the first serves stats. The Bahamian went 41-for-50 for 82 per cent and his competitor was one per cent better with 83.
Mexico’s representative had the advantage in points won on first serves with 76 per cent and The Bahamas averaged 41 per cent. The 28-year-old ended ranked number 33 in the men’s singles. Roberts stepped on the court against Paraguay’s
Daniel Vallejo. He fell 2-0 in two sets which went on for 1 hour and 34 minutes. Paraguay’s competitor snatched set one 6-1, and continued the pattern in set two winning 6-3. Vallejo won 61 per cent of his first serves, 78 per cent of points won on first
serves, and 81 per cent on points won on second serves. The three-member trio coached by Larikah Russell will take Tuesday off and compete again in the doubles matchups on Wednesday. The swimming discipline continues today.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, October 24, 2023, PAGE 13
LIBERTY Deandre Ayton and Trail HOPE TO BRING BACK Blazers embark on a fresh FREE AGENT start without Damian Lillard JONQUEL PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS Last season: 33-49, missed playoffs for second consecutive year. Coach: Chauncey Billups (3rd season with the Blazers, 60-104). What to expect: The Trail Blazers are in rebuilding mode without seven-time All-Star Damian Lillard, who was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks just before the start of training camp. Lillard averaged 32.2 points last season and has averaged at least 24 in each of the last eight seasons. Also gone is starting centre Jusuf Nurkic, who went to the Phoenix Suns. The Blazers acquired Deandre Ayton from the Suns and Robert Williams from the Celtics, giving Portland a pair of big men to work with. Portland also acquired guard Scoot Henderson with the No. 3 pick in the NBA draft. As a result of the flurry of offseason moves, Portland’s roster has no players over the age of 30. While Portland did not win a single game in the preseason, it appeared that coach Chauncey Billups has a potential starting lineup this season in Henderson, Anfernee Simons, Jerami Grant, Shaedon Sharp and Ayton. Simons thrived two seasons ago when Lillard played just 29 games because of injury, averaging 23.4 points and 5.8 assists as a starter. He had 18 games with five-plus 3s. Ayton is looking for a fresh start with Portland. The No. 1 pick in the 2018 draft, he averaged 18 points and 10.0 rebounds in 67 games with the Suns last season. Departures: Damian Lillard, Jusuf Nurkic, Nassir Little, Keon Johnson, Drew Eubanks, Grayson Allen, Cam Reddish. Additions: Deandre Ayton, Robert Williams, Scoot Henderson, Malcolm Brogdon, Kris Murray.
JONES
FROM PAGE 11
PORTLAND Trail Blazers centre Deandre Ayton shoots over Phoenix Suns forward Chimezie Metu during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game in Portland, Oregon, on October 12. (AP Photo/Craig Mitchelldyer) Player to watch: Sharpe embarks on his second season with the Blazers. The No. 7 pick in the 2022 draft averaged 9.8
points in 79 games last season, wowing fans with a number of highlight-reel dunks. He started in Portland’s final nine games,
scoring 20-plus points in all but one of them. He was the only rookie in the league with 27-plus points, six-plus rebounds
and six-plus assists in multiple games last season. Season opener: October 25 at the Los Angeles Clippers.
Stewart is focused on trying to bring the city a championship. “This isn’t the goal that we had at the start of the season. We didn’t want to just get to the Finals. We weren’t content with being one game away from winning the whole thing,” she said. “But we wanted to win, and really just building off of that and not forgetting what it feels like to be here.” While Stewart definitely isn’t going anywhere in the near future, the Liberty will need to figure out a way to re-sign free agent Jonquel Jones, who flourished in the playoffs. She averaged 17.0 points, 11.6 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in the postseason. Jones, who came to New York in a trade in the offseason, is also an unrestricted free agent. “She’s a player that we definitely want to retain, and we’ll continue those talks into the offseason,” Kolb said. Jones enjoyed her first season in New York and said she’s “definitely trending towards coming back here.” The Liberty already have Betnijah Laney, Courtney Vandersloot and Sabrina Ionescu signed for next season. Ionescu has revealed that she was dealing with a hip injury in the WNBA Finals that she sustained against Connecticut in the previous round. Ionescu refused to use the ailment “as an excuse” but said she was not 100% in the Finals. She averaged just 9.7 points and shot 31.5% from the field in the four games. “I had to get an injection before (Game 1) just to be able to play those first two Vegas games,” she said. “So obviously, not ideal. It’s just kind of what happens. There’s no excuse obviously but, I mean, I wasn’t really able to walk, so timing wasn’t great.”
NBA season set to begin with ring night in Denver, and a slew of challengers for title By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer DAMIAN Lillard went to Milwaukee, Bradley Beal went to Phoenix, Jrue Holiday ended up in Boston and Chris Paul ended up with Golden State. Victor Wembanyama arrived in San Antonio, Nick Nurse took over in Philadelphia and LeBron James is now the oldest player in the league. As always, the NBA is opening a new season with new looks. The Denver Nuggets are hoping this season doesn’t end with another new champion. The NBA’s 78th season starts today, with a ring ceremony in Denver — the traditional celebration of the reigning champions — highlighting the openingnight celebration. The Nuggets beat Miami last June to become the league’s fifth different champion in the last five years, a run of parity the likes of which the league hasn’t seen in more than 40 years. “We’ve gone from being a team that’s hunting the teams in front of us to now we’re going to be the hunted,” Denver coach Michael Malone said. “And hopefully our guys understand the responsibility that comes with being a defending champion. There can be no off nights, because we’re getting everybody’s best 82 times this year.”
The last five winners: Toronto, the Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee, Golden State and Denver. The last time there was a five-season stretch with no duplicate champion was 1977 through 1981, and it was a very different NBA back then. For context on what the league was like in those five years: Seattle had a team, Washington was the Bullets, the 3-point line didn’t exist when that run started, the league had 22 or 23 teams instead of its current 30, the Nets played in New Jersey, the Jazz were wrapping up their New Orleans run, the Kings played in Kansas City, the Clippers played in San Diego and four players were the top earners at exactly $1 million a year each. During this regular season, the NBA has at least 56 players who’ll make $1 million a week. “There’s still the elite teams: Denver, Milwaukee, Boston,” Charlotte coach Steve Clifford said. “But there’s a lot of really, really good teams that if they evolve the right way, they can get there too.” The offseason included several major transactions. Lillard’s quest to get traded to Miami wound up with him getting traded to Milwaukee and instantly forming a championshipcalibre duo with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Beal got traded to the Suns, forming the newest Big 3 alongside
NUGGETS’ Nikola Jokic applauds on the bench during a preseason game against the Clippers on October 17. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis) Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. The Lillard and Beal moves led to others — Holiday eventually joining Boston, Paul eventually joining Golden State. Everybody is chasing the ring. Which means, for now, everybody is chasing the Nuggets. “I just know when you have a team that can be one of those teams that’s going to compete for a title,” Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said. “And we have one of those teams.” For the first time, there are two titles for teams to go after this season. The In-Season Tournament — something Commissioner Adam Silver wanted for years — is now a reality. It starts on November 3 with group play, and ends with a Final Four in Las Vegas on December 7 and 9. The winner gets the NBA Cup and around $18
BUCKS forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, right, high fives Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) before the start of a preseason game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 17. (AP Photo/Sarah Phipps) million in prize money will be awarded, with $500,000 going to each player on the winning team. “Anything that’s going to create higher quality basketball, better competition, more intensity and more fan engagement is a great growth opportunity for us,” said Evan Wasch, the NBA’s executive vice president of basketball strategy. CJ McCollum, the president of the National Basketball Players Association, knows there are sceptics. He points out that there also were sceptics when the NBA added the play-in tournament – which has turned out to be a massive success and ratings bonanza. “It makes November and December not so gloomy,” McCollum said of the
in-season event. “And it gives people a chance to go to Vegas and compete at a high level on television for a chance to make more money. So, you have all these incentives in place, along with the fact that the season is so long, you have to figure out ways to continue to make it entertaining. This is a way to accomplish that.” So, there are more things to win. There’s also, the NBA hopes, more reasons for players to play. The league has been stressing to teams in recent weeks that, unless a player is injured or absolutely cannot play, they want them on the floor for games. Players now have to appear in a certain number of games — typically 65
— to be eligible for postseason awards, and the league even wants a more competitive All-Star Game after some relatively lacklustre ones in recent years. “I think Adam Silver is trying to change the mentality and get players to play,” Heat President Pat Riley said. “Our guys, last year, we led the league in games missed. We had some longterm injuries. But it’s hard when guys can’t play. And so, I’m glad that that that Adam Silver and the NBA, along with the Players Association, are trying to address this thing.” Boston and Milwaukee enter the season as cofavourites for the NBA title, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, which lists Denver’s Nikola Jokic — who won MVP in 2021 and 2022 — as the favourite for that award this year. Reigning MVP Joel Embiid has a new coach in Nurse with the 76ers, and an unhappy teammate in James Harden, whose future in Philadelphia is most unclear. And James, who turns 39 in December, is convinced the Lakers can make another title run. There are many questions heading into the season and endless possibilities with so many talented teams. But Nuggets guard Jamal Murray is clear about this: “If we can get another championship, I think we’ll be on the right track.”
PAGE 14, Tuesday, October 24, 2023
THE TRIBUNE
ASTROS LOSE TO RANGERS IN ALCS GAME 7 By KRISTIE RIEKEN AP Sports Writer
JUDOKA CYNTHIA RAHMING, on the podium far right, gets her bronze medal at the Pan American Open 2019 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Cynthia Rahming retires By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net CYNTHIA Rahming, former judo national champion, had a choice between ballet and judo in 2007. She chose the latter and now 14 years removed from her career debut in 2009, the former judoka has officially retired. Her tenure in the gruelling sport had many highs and lows on and off the mat over the years but overall she is thankful for having a fruitful journey to become one of the most successful Bahamian women to ever compete in the sport. Rahming will now trade in her judogi for paint supplies to fulfil her newest passion - art. The room was filled with her peers and loved ones last week Thursday at the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture (MOYSC) while she delivered a heartfelt speech showing her appreciation for those that supported her during the time spent in judo. “I have had 14 fruitful years of professional judo which really tested the tenacity of my character as a person, my relationships with my family and friends and involved institutions like the MOYSC, the International Judo Federation, the Bahamas Olympic Committee and Bahamas Judo Federation,” Rahming said. Last week marked the end of Rahming’s journey which started officially in 2009 at the Senior World Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands. At the Olympic qualifying competition, she faced her first uphill battle in the sport. The 29-year-old had already competed at the US Open and regional competitions abroad but a venue like the Rotterdam Ahoy indoor arena was new for her at the time. The nerves and fear got the best of her and her match lasted less than
FORMER judo national champion Cynthia Rahming has officially retired from judo 14 years later. 20 seconds which she described as a low point. One her biggest personal goals in the sport was to qualify for the Olympic Games which she struggled with for two consecutive years. She was sidelined after tearing her ACL in 2016. While rehabbing the injury, she served as one of the coaches training cadet athletes which translated to their success at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games held at home. Between 2015 to 2017, she considered retiring but in 2018 she started to experience success at the regional Olympic Qualifiers in Peru and the Dominican Republic. The former national champion experienced a glorious moment in 2019 at the PanAmerican Open in Santo Domingo. Despite the anxiety she was facing 10 years after her lowest point, Rahming was more than ready which led to her earning a bronze medal in the competition after
defeating Clara Barinas Benitez. Four years later, the bronze medallist said that is really what makes being an athlete worth it. “I think that is really the addicting part about being an athlete, or somebody who has a clear goal you’ve prepared so hard for…all along your journey you’re dedicated to the early morning workouts, the late night practices, breaking up your body trying to make it better, and the trade off is maybe that five-minute feeling of achieving your goal, and it really becomes worth it,” she said. Over the years, Rahming has competed in 36 matches and her final match was in August 2022 at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. She has represented the country at 16 Continental Open competitions, six World Championships, five Grand Prix, four Continental Championships and Grand Slams and one Commonwealth Games.
After an extensive time in sport, she is now ready to fully embark on her journey as an artist. “I really am going for being an artist. I have already started one of my first series that I am doing. I have had pieces in the National Art Gallery, Central Bank of The Bahamas but I want to take it international and highlight my experiences as a Bahamian and put that in the world,” she said. Not only has her prowess in judo been an inspiration for girls but she has also provided significant help to US Open champion Xavion ‘Warrior’ Johnson. Ordain Moss, Johnson’s mother, was present among the many that supported Rahming, not only as a fighter but as a coach to cadet athletes. “She not only paved the way for females but she paved the way for my son. Both Xavion and I look up to you tremendously. You have stepped in and provided coaching for him…he
would not be able to make it as far as he has made it and is going to make it if not for you. “I am just so grateful for you and I hope that you do not underestimate how great you are in judo,” Moss said. Minister Bowleg was glad to offer congratulations to the 29-year-old as she transitions to a new endeavour. “Congratulations on your journey, for me you have paved the way, hopefully for more females to come, to compete and hopefully surpass you but at this very moment, you have opened the door in a small, mighty and powerful nation,” the minister said. The retired judoka is grateful for the impact judo had on her life mentally, physically and spiritually. She was thankful for the support of the many local and international federations on her journey. She will now open the door to her new chapter of success as an artist/painter.
HOUSTON (AP) — Cristian Javier got one out, and J.P. France got two. That marked the end of Houston’s title defence. Playing a Game 7 in Space City, the Astros never even took off. Javier flopped in an abbreviated postseason start and France had a rocky relief outing, sending Houston to an 11-4 loss to the Texas Rangers in the finale of the AL Championship Series last night. The lineup wasn’t much help either, going 2 for 14 with runners in scoring position. So much for Houston’s seventh straight appearance in the ALCS, and its bid for baseball’s first repeat champion since the New York Yankees won three in a row from 1998-2000. The Astros’ trouble at home finally caught up to them. Houston went 39-42 at Minute Maid Park during the regular season, but it secured the AL West title with a win at Arizona and a Texas loss on the final day. It went 1-5 at home in the playoffs. No team with a losing record at home has ever reached the World Series. The Astros are the only big league team to lose four home games in a sevengame postseason series, falling against Washington in the 2019 World Series and then experiencing the same issue this year versus Texas. Javier was 2-0 with a 1.69 ERA in the playoffs this year and 4-0 with a 0.82 ERA in four career postseason starts for Houston. But he fell apart after retiring leadoff batter Marcus Semien on a grounder to shortstop. Corey Seager launched a fastball 440 feet into the second deck in right field for a home run. Evan Carter walked and stole second base before scoring on a single by Adolis García that caromed off the wall in left field. García stole second and Mitch Garver followed with a pop-fly single to left-centre field. The ball bounced off the shoulder of diving left fielder Michael Brantley, allowing García to score to make it 3-0. A sharp single to left by Jonah Heim put runners at the corners, and Javier was removed by manager Dusty Baker. Big league teams are 3-9 in postseason history when their starting pitcher lasts less than an inning in a winner-take-all game. But Houston closed to 4-2 on Alex Bregman’s solo homer in the bottom of the third. France then replaced Hunter Brown for the start of the fourth, and Texas took over.
WILLIAM ‘KNUCKLEHEAD’ JOHNSON CROSS COUNTRY INVITATIONAL WAS A SUCCESS FROM PAGE 11 With this past weekend’s cross country event being the second one hosted this month, Gardiner is hoping to see someone break Johnson’s 1,500m national record of 3:45.72 in the long distance event in the future. Yulianis Akompi, of Quick Step Athletics, got the job done in the under 17 girls’ category. She won the race after notching 9:07:04. Power Athletics’ Jihah Mortimer trailed behind for second place with 9:13.53. Akaree Roberts, of the Road Runners track club, settled for third with a time of 9:15.88. CV Bethel took the under 17 girls’ division with a total score of 22 points. Hurry Murray once again won a category, this time it was the under 17 boys. The top three spots in the event were claimed by the club as
well. Ross Martin distanced himself from competitors and wrapped up the event first in 7:23.52. Breck Kemp earned second behind his fellow club mate with 7:37.03. Meanwhile, Gabriel Johnson nabbed third in 7:43.64 to claim the final podium position. The team won the under 17 boys overall results with 15 points. CR Walker had 50 points for second and CV Bethel totalled 77 points for third. The Hurry Murray success train continued into the under 15 girls’ division. Additionally, the team won the overall results with 25 points. Jade Knowles, of DTSP Wolf Pack, bested her competitors in 9:11.35. Ramonique Mclennon and Breynice Kemp, of the category’s overall winning team, earned second and third
place respectively. Nathan Walker, of Fast Forward Athletics, collected the first place finish for the under 15 boys. He ran through the line clocking 7:38.69 in the win. Dario Butterfield, of Noble Preparatory Academy, and Deontay Rolle of LW Young Junior High School, came second and third. LW Young emerged as victors in the overall results for the previously mentioned category. Second place went to Patrick J Bethel High School, from Abaco, and third belonged to DW Davis Junior High School. Patrick J Bethel High School competed in their second cross country invitational this month and coach Kenteeshe Williams said the exposure and competition really helps
the athletes. “They were excited, they came enthused and for some it was their first time off the island in a while. It is about exposure and competing at the same level as their counterparts on other islands and from other schools in The Bahamas,” Williams said. Unique Athletics earned the top spot in both the under 13 boys and girls event. Ayden Russell took home bragging rights for the boys and Victoria Aguilar won for the girls. The team finished second behind Hurry Murray in the overall results. TA Thompson Junior High School placed third. In the under 11 boys’ division, the Road Runners track club won with a total of 19 points. Meanwhile, TG Glover amassed 36 points.
SETTING THE PACE: Young athletes compete in the sixth edition of the William “Knucklehead” Johnson Cross Country Invitational at the Bahamas Golf Federations’s (BGF) Baillou Hills Sporting Complex Golf Course on Saturday. The next cross country events will be the second Patrick J Bethel Cross Country Invitational on October 28 in Abaco and
the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA) Cross Country Championships on November 4.