‘Junkanoo Boyz’ confident ahead of Concacaf Nations League matchup vs Antigua & Barbuda

‘Junkanoo Boyz’ confident ahead of Concacaf Nations League matchup vs Antigua & Barbuda

The Bahamas Football Association has announced a 21-member senior national men’s soccer team ready for action against Antigua and Barbuda on Saturday.

The Bahamas Football Association has announced a 21-member senior national men’s soccer team ready for action against Antigua and Barbuda on Saturday.

As of Thursday, October 12, 2023

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#THE Bahamas Football Association (BFA) selected a 21-member senior men’s national soccer team to face Antigua and Barbuda in the second window of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football Nations League matches on home soil this Saturday at 6pm.

#The match between the third and fourth team of League B in Group D will kick off at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium. With the home team already in an 0-2 hole following back-to-back losses against Puerto Rico and Guyana, they are looking to rebound in Saturday’s game.

#Despite the consecutive losses suffered, the team’s head coach Kevin Davies has recognised notable improvements in the team’s style of play which he expects to translate to the field this weekend.

#“The guys have been putting in work, the team is almost ready, we are looking for better results moving forward. Even though we lost our last two matches, there was great improvement between game one and two and I am looking forward to more improvement in the game on Saturday,” Davies said.

#The head coach remained tight-lipped about the team’s actual strategy against the fourth ranked Group D team, but he said their approach will be tactical and aggressive as they have made some adjustments to correct mistakes.

#The away team has an identical 0-2 win/loss record with The Bahamas and their ranks are separated by a mere goal differential. The next match is critical for both teams as they hope to notch their first win in this window and switch positions in the Group D rankings.

#Davies acknowledged that although the match is important, his goal is to not put a lot of pressure on the team. “The main thrust is to instil the importance of this game for us here without putting pressure on the guys, these are veteran players that we have here, they understand what’s at stake, you may have pressure but once a game starts everything else on the outside goes away,” he said

#The 21-player team, dubbed the Junkanoo Boyz, features a relatively young squad with five players in their teens including Brody Wheaton who is the youngest at 14-years-old.

#Veteran player Lesly St Fleur is also returning from a groin injury which kept him out of the lineup against Guyana. The seasoned national team player is locked in ahead of Saturday’s match.

#“My readiness for the game is 100 per cent we have been putting in the work with me being around the players everyone’s confidence is up and they are ready to play and go out there and win the game,” St Fleur said.

#His teammate Christopher Rahming, who scored the opening goal in The Bahamas’ 6-1 loss to Puerto Rico, is excited to have the mix of players from abroad, high school, and local clubs join together for the goal of winning.

#He said having a mix of players always benefits the team as the different styles of play come together and could possibly lead to something great.

#The senior men’s national soccer team not only has the support of the entire BFA but also the Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture (MOYSC) Mario Bowleg.

#“You have the support of my ministry and the government of The Bahamas and we want you to know that we will be there supporting you one thousand per cent,” Bowleg said.

#He encouraged Bahamians to come out and support the Junkanoo Boyz and offered a special thanks to the BFA for their continued growth and development of soccer in The Bahamas.

#The other national team players include goalkeepers Cameron Pratt, Michael Butler, and Amard Adderley. The team’s defenders and midfielders are William Bayles, William Gardiner, Alexiou Cartwright, Phieron Wilson, Wood Julmis, Nahum Johnson, Ricardo McPhee, Nathan Wells, Miguel Thompson, Omari Bain, Marcel Joseph, Nicolas Lopez, Johnathan Miller, Jean Tilo, and Jack Massey.

#Tickets for Saturday’s event are priced at $35 for VIP, $20 for adults, and $7 for children under 13.

The Bahamas Football Association has announced a 21-member senior national men’s soccer team ready for action against Antigua and Barbuda on Saturday.

The Bahamas Football Association has announced a 21-member senior national men’s soccer team ready for action against Antigua and Barbuda on Saturday.

As of Thursday, October 12, 2023

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#THE Bahamas Football Association (BFA) selected a 21-member senior men’s national soccer team to face Antigua and Barbuda in the second window of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football Nations League matches on home soil this Saturday at 6pm.

#The match between the third and fourth team of League B in Group D will kick off at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium. With the home team already in an 0-2 hole following back-to-back losses against Puerto Rico and Guyana, they are looking to rebound in Saturday’s game.

#Despite the consecutive losses suffered, the team’s head coach Kevin Davies has recognised notable improvements in the team’s style of play which he expects to translate to the field this weekend.

#“The guys have been putting in work, the team is almost ready, we are looking for better results moving forward. Even though we lost our last two matches, there was great improvement between game one and two and I am looking forward to more improvement in the game on Saturday,” Davies said.

#The head coach remained tight-lipped about the team’s actual strategy against the fourth ranked Group D team, but he said their approach will be tactical and aggressive as they have made some adjustments to correct mistakes.

#The away team has an identical 0-2 win/loss record with The Bahamas and their ranks are separated by a mere goal differential. The next match is critical for both teams as they hope to notch their first win in this window and switch positions in the Group D rankings.

#Davies acknowledged that although the match is important, his goal is to not put a lot of pressure on the team. “The main thrust is to instil the importance of this game for us here without putting pressure on the guys, these are veteran players that we have here, they understand what’s at stake, you may have pressure but once a game starts everything else on the outside goes away,” he said

#The 21-player team, dubbed the Junkanoo Boyz, features a relatively young squad with five players in their teens including Brody Wheaton who is the youngest at 14-years-old.

#Veteran player Lesly St Fleur is also returning from a groin injury which kept him out of the lineup against Guyana. The seasoned national team player is locked in ahead of Saturday’s match.

#“My readiness for the game is 100 per cent we have been putting in the work with me being around the players everyone’s confidence is up and they are ready to play and go out there and win the game,” St Fleur said.

#His teammate Christopher Rahming, who scored the opening goal in The Bahamas’ 6-1 loss to Puerto Rico, is excited to have the mix of players from abroad, high school, and local clubs join together for the goal of winning.

#He said having a mix of players always benefits the team as the different styles of play come together and could possibly lead to something great.

#The senior men’s national soccer team not only has the support of the entire BFA but also the Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture (MOYSC) Mario Bowleg.

#“You have the support of my ministry and the government of The Bahamas and we want you to know that we will be there supporting you one thousand per cent,” Bowleg said.

#He encouraged Bahamians to come out and support the Junkanoo Boyz and offered a special thanks to the BFA for their continued growth and development of soccer in The Bahamas.

#The other national team players include goalkeepers Cameron Pratt, Michael Butler, and Amard Adderley. The team’s defenders and midfielders are William Bayles, William Gardiner, Alexiou Cartwright, Phieron Wilson, Wood Julmis, Nahum Johnson, Ricardo McPhee, Nathan Wells, Miguel Thompson, Omari Bain, Marcel Joseph, Nicolas Lopez, Johnathan Miller, Jean Tilo, and Jack Massey.

#Tickets for Saturday’s event are priced at $35 for VIP, $20 for adults, and $7 for children under 13.

Jonquel Jones and Liberty in 0-2hole

Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray (12) fouls New York Liberty forward Jonquel Jones during the first half in Game 2 of a WNBA basketball final playoff series on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, in Las Vegas. 

(AP Photo/John Locher)

Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray (12) fouls New York Liberty forward Jonquel Jones during the first half in Game 2 of a WNBA basketball final playoff series on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

As of Thursday, October 12, 2023

#By W G RAMIREZ

#Associated Press

#LAS VEGAS (AP) — A’ja Wilson scored 26 points, grabbed 15 rebounds and the Las Vegas Aces routed the New York Liberty 104-76 last night to take a 2-0 series lead in the WNBA Finals.

#Grand Bahamian Jonquel Jones scored a team-high 22 points and pulled down 10 rebounds – a double-double – for the Liberty in the loss.

#Wilson finished 10 of 16 from the field on her way to recording her 26th double-double this season – including her fourth of the playoffs. She’s the third player in WNBA Finals history to have at least 25 points and 15 rebounds in a game. “We know what’s on the line and we had to make sure we came out and took care of home court,” Wilson said.

#The defending champion Aces are now one win away from becoming the first team since the 2001-02 Los Angeles Sparks to repeat as champions.

#Game 3 is Sunday in New York. No team has ever rallied from a 0-2 deficit in the WNBA Finals.

#Chelsea Gray also had a double-double with 14 points and 11 assists, throwing some beautiful no-look passes for easy baskets.

#Jackie Young finished with 24 points and Kelsey Plum had 23. It was the second straight game that the guard trio dominated the Liberty.

#Jones (22), Breanna Stewart (14), Betnijah Laney (12), and Sabrina Ionescu (10) accounted for 76.3% of New York’s points, as the Liberty got just 18 points from six others who played.

#New York, which lost by 17 in Game 1, came into the game a perfect 9-0 after losses this year. The Aces made sure that streak ended with a dominant first and third quarter. They opened the game scoring 19 of the first 21 points, with 12 points coming from 3-point range. Las Vegas hit seven of its first nine shots – a blistering 77.8% clip – including four 3-pointers.

#New York, meanwhile, missed nine of its first 10 attempts. “It started with our defence,” Gray said. “We kept our pressure up, our physicality and we were able to play with our flow offensively.”

#The Aces’ lead grew as high as 21 points in the opening period before taking a 38-19 lead into the second quarter. Las Vegas set a new record for most points in the first quarter of a WNBA Finals. It was also the most points the Aces scored in any quarter all season.

#The Liberty came charging back from a 22-point second-quarter deficit behind a 12-0 run, and outscored the Aces 25-14 in the period to cut Las Vegas’ lead to eight, 52-44 at halftime.

#Jones scored 16 of her points in the second quarter. New York couldn’t carry its momentum into the third, however, as the Aces used a 17-3 run to extend their lead to 69-47.

#The Aces outscored the Liberty 28-13 in the third quarter, with 20 points coming from Wilson and Young.

#The Liberty couldn’t close the gap and now will try to avoid getting swept.

Jazz Chisholm Little League teams sweep five divisions at 2nd Reloaded Invitational

ALL FOR ONE: The Jazz Chisholm Foundation Little League teams secured all five division titles this past weekend at the second edition of the Reloaded Baseball Invitational.

ALL FOR ONE: The Jazz Chisholm Foundation Little League teams secured all five division titles this past weekend at the second edition of the Reloaded Baseball Invitational.

As of Thursday, October 12, 2023

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#THE Jazz Chisholm Little League (JCLL) teams took home five division championships at the second edition of the Reloaded Baseball Invitational.

#The four-day event wrapped up this past Monday at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex as teams competed across five divisions.

#The baseball invitational hosted up to 23 teams, which more than doubled the amount of participants at the inaugural event in March, including clubs from Eleuthera, Abaco and Grand Bahama.

#Peron Burnside, president of Reloaded Baseball, considered the second hosting of the invitational a success. “We from Reloaded were very impressed with the level of competition between the teams and for the kids in our programme we are highly impressed with the improvements in their batting, fielding, throwing and catching mechanics,” Burnside said.

#The president continued to say that the goal is always to help the kids improve from the level they entered the programme to international standards.

#“It was a huge success from a developmental standpoint,” he added.

#One week removed from their start in the Jazz Chisholm Foundation Little League, the teams hoisted trophies in the T-Ball, Coach Pitch, 10-and under (10U), 12-and under (12U), and 14-and under divisions.

#Jazz Yellow came up big against the Jazz Blue team in the T-Ball division with a 25-13 victory.

#Matched up against the Reloaded Baseball club, team Jazz Blue dropped their opponents 9-6 in a narrow win this past weekend in the coach pitch division.

#The winning ways of the JCLL teams continued in the 10U division.

#Jazz Black took down Reloaded ‘A’ in a 19-3 victory.

#Jazz Yellow defeated the Reloaded ‘B’ team 19-5 to claim the championship hardware in the 12U category.

#The Jazz Blue team capped off a strong showing for the JCLL teams after they shut down team Reloaded 11-4 for the 14U division trophy. Although the Reloaded Baseball teams were unable to secure any titles, Burnside was happy with the improvements the kids have made as all their teams made it to the championship rounds in each division except T-Ball.

#“It was a weekend of good competition for the kids with a JCLL team winning the championship in each division.

#“In each division except T-Ball, the Reloaded team made it to the championships despite not emerging victorious.

#“Our focus is strictly on the development of the kids and we are steering them directly into scholarships and possibly further,” he said.

#In upcoming weeks the club continues to stick to their motto ‘good is never enough as we are developing tomorrow’s leaders’.

#Following their second invitational, the programme will be hosting a pitchers’ and catchers’ camp along with international coaches before the end of the year.

#Additionally, Reloaded Baseball has now added softball to their programme and intends to raise the standards of play in high schools to a higher level as well.

#“We have been engaged by numerous international baseball entities and we intend to tap into all of these resources in pursuit of our goals to take the Reloaded kids to international standards,” according to Burnside.

#Reloaded Baseball offers a special thanks to the National Sports Authority for playing a pivotal role in their developmental journey.

UPDATE: Charlotte Hornets officially waive Kai Jones

Kai Jones in action for the Charlotte Hornets. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

Kai Jones in action for the Charlotte Hornets. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

As of Wednesday, October 11, 2023

#UPDATE: The Charlotte Hornets have officially waived Kai Jones. The announcement came Wednesday, after Jones requested a trade from the Hornets via the X social media platform on Monday night.

#FROM EARLIER:

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#National Basketball Association (NBA) professional player Kai Jones requested a trade from the Charlotte Hornets via the X social media platform on Monday night.

#The decision came following the Hornets’ announcement two weeks ago that the forward/center would not be joining them at this year’s training camp and will be away from the team due to personal reasons.

#However, Jones’ latest social media post might cost him up to $150,000 in fines or a possible suspension as it violates Section 18 of the National Basketball Players Association’s (NBPA) Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

#The former 2021 first round pick made his displeasure with the Hornets known on Monday night.

#“I have officially requested to be traded from the Charlotte Hornets. #GOATLIFE” he posted.

#The 6-foot-11 player has recently made some questionable posts on social media, including openly criticising his teammates and exhibiting erratic behaviour on Instagram Live in the NBA’s offseason.

#However, his latest post on X might be his costliest of them all.

#Section 18 of the NBPA CBA states that any player or, for clarity, any player representative or person acting with authority on behalf of a player who publicly expresses a desire to be traded to another team shall be subject to a fine and/or a suspension.

#As previously mentioned, the fine levied if in violation of this rule is $150,000.

#In response to Jones’ offseason antics on social media and absence from training camp, the Hornets released a statement which said there is not a set timetable for the Bahamian big man’s return.

#“Kai Jones will not participate in training camp due to personal reasons. There is currently not a timetable for his return to the team.

#“Out of respect for the personal nature of the situation, the Hornets will not have any additional public comment regarding the matter at this time,” the statement read.

#The team ultimately declined not to comment on this most recent matter.

#In 67 career games, the 19th overall pick of the 2021 draft averaged 2.7 points per game along with two boards for the Hornets.

Bowleg: Repair of stadium likely Chinese govt funded

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg.

As of Thursday, October 12, 2023

#By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

#Tribune Staff Reporter

#lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

#YOUTH, Sports and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg said the Chinese government would likely fund all Thomas A Robinson National Stadium repairs and employ Chinese workers to do the work.

#He could not confirm how many Bahamians will be involved, saying the government is “pushing heavily” for their involvement.

#“Well, the whole idea was to have the Chinese technical people and assigned contractor to work along with a Bahamian contractor and our technical people and subcontractor, but at the same time, of course, the Chinese had said they wanted to have some employees of their own,” he said yesterday.

#“At this time, I cannot say what number of persons that will be, but we are pushing heavily towards ensuring that Bahamians are involved in the repairs.”

#The government had pledged $10m to repair the stadium and the Betty Kelly-Kenning National Swim Complex.

#Given the Chinese involvement, Mr Bowleg said he does not know how much the repairs will now cost.

#“I don’t know what’s the true value of the repairs right now, but they have their technical team on the ground with the technical team from the Ministry of Works who are finalizing the scope of work we will be undertaking,” he said. “And so that is yet to be finalized to me, but just know that they will be contributing to the repairs of the facility.”

#China gifted the 190,000 square ft. stadium to The Bahamas in 2011, signalling the growing bilateral relations between the two countries.

# Mr Bowleg said officials are preparing the stadium to host the next World Athletics World Relays and CARIFTA events.

#“That’s what the $10m was allocated for,” he said. “However, the Chinese government is going to be covering it, so The Bahamas may not use any of its $10m, and the Chinese government may end up funding the entire repairs, which is what most likely will happen.

#“This was a gift given to us, so it’s now up to them to repair the building that we felt was not up to proper standard from day one.”

#Mr Bowleg said repairs are expected to start on November 1 and be completed by March 2024 in preparation for next year’s sporting events.

Kai Jones waived by the Hornets

 Home|Sports|Kai Jones waived by the HornetsSports

Sheldon LongleySend an emailOctober 12, 2023 34 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

 Kai Jones.

Following continued social media videos and posts, the Charlotte Hornets have taken a stance to separate themselves from Bahamian professional basketball player Kai Jones.

The Hornets waived their former first-round pick on Wednesday, essentially giving him his wish after he publicly requested a trade earlier this week.

Jones had a series of bizarre videos and postings on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram Live, including being critical of teammates and declaring himself the GOAT (Greatest Of All-Time). All of that led to a non invitation to the Hornets training camp prior to the start of the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) preseason.

It’s been a topsy-turvy few weeks for the Bahamian star.

Two Saturdays ago, the Hornets announced that Jones, a 6’ 11” forward/center, would not join the team for training camp due to “personal reasons” and is indefinitely away from the team. Inexplicably, Jones continued releasing the videos and postings on social media.

With a number of people, including Bahamians, worried and concerned about his well-being, Jones continued the strange behavior. He posted on X that he “officially requests to be traded” from the Hornets, and instead of trading him, the Hornets gave him his release, according to president of basketball operations and general manager Mitch Kupchak on Wednesday.

The public request for a trade could cost Jones up to $150,000.

According to the NBA’s and National Basketball Players Association’s (NBPA) Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), with respect to trades, any player who publicly expresses a desire to be traded to another team shall be subject to a fine and/or a suspension. Section 18 of the CBA goes on to state that the maximum fine that may be imposed by the NBA on a player pursuant to the foregoing shall be $150,000.

Jones, 22, endeared himself among Bahamians for his national team play in the second round of the FIBA (International Basketball Federation) World Cup Americas Qualifiers last summer. In two games against Venezuela and Argentina, Jones averaged 18 points and added eight rebounds, three assists and 1.5 steals per game. He shot 81.3 percent from the field, going 13-for-16, and was 2-for-9 from deep.

In 67 career games in two seasons with the Hornets, Jones averaged 2.7 points and two rebounds per game. Last season, he averaged 3.4 points and 2.7 rebounds per game in 12 minutes per contest off the bench.

Drafted in the first round (number 19 overall) out of Texas in 2021, Jones signed a four-year deal worth $13,421,215. He was in the third year of that deal up to his release on Wednesday. His money for this season is guaranteed and he will still earn a reported $3.05 million this season.

The NBA preseason is underway and opening day is set for Tuesday, October 24.

It remains unclear what is going on with Jones, but one thing is for certain – he is now done in Charlotte. Whether another team in the league gives him a chance remains to be seen.

The Bahamas to face Antigua and Barbuda

Home|Sports|The Bahamas to face Antigua and BarbudaSports

Teams will play Saturday at Thomas A. Robinson stadium

Simba FrenchSend an emailOctober 12, 2023 13 3 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

 Members from Team Bahamas practice ahead of their match against Antigua and Barbuda at Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium on Saturday. The teams meet in CONCACAF Nations League action.

The Bahamas’ senior men’s national soccer team has marked October 14 and October 17 on its calendar as those are the dates that they will take on Antigua and Barbuda in two key matchups in the CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) Nations League’s League B Group D action.

The match on October 14 will feature The Bahamas hosting Antigua and Barbuda at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, looking to feast off some home cooking. That match gets underway at 6 p.m. on Saturday. Both teams will travel to Antigua and Barbuda and The Bahamas will look to get a win on October 17 at the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association’s Technical Center in Piggotts, Antigua and Barbuda. That game gets underway at 3.30 p.m. on Tuesday October 17.

The Bahamas’ 21-member team includes Lesly St. Fleur, Christopher Rahming, Cameron Pratt, William Bayles, William Gardiner, Alexiou Cartwright, Phieron Wilson, Wood Julmis, Nahum Johnson, Ricardo McPhee, Nathan Wells, Miguel Thompson, Michael Butler, Omari Bain, Marcel Joseph, Nicolas Lopez, Jonathan Miller, Jean Tilo, Jack Massey, Brody Wheaton and Amard Adderley.

Assistant Coach for The Bahamas Kevin Davies said he is looking to see progress from the team.

“The players have been putting in the work. The team is almost ready. We’re looking for better results moving forward. Even though we lost our last two matches, there was great improvement between games one and two. I’m looking forward to more improvement in the game on Saturday,” Davies said.

He also said that the team has some players returning and that some of the players from the first window of the nations league action were unavailable.

“I don’t see any weakness from the first two teams who played to this team in the upcoming games this weekend. The players are talented, the guys coming in at the same talent level, so there should be no fall-off in the team. We won’t talk about strategy. You’ll have to come out on Saturday and see what our strategy is going to be, but I know for sure that the guys are hungry and they want to prove to themselves that they can do the job,” Davies stated.

The Bahamas has racked up three goals in two games in this edition of the nations league – a better showing offensively from last season when they scored two goals in six matches.

The top three teams will stay in League B so a lot is at stake for both sides. The Bahamas is in third place in the group despite not having won a match in the two games they played in.  Antigua and Barbuda is also looking for its first point of the tournament. The Bahamas leads them on goal difference, -6 to -9.

Puerto Rico leads the group with six points as it holds the tiebreaker over Guyana who also has six points. Puerto Rico has a goal difference of 10 goals to five for Guyana.

Davies was clear when he said the players do not have the pressure like the coaching staff has in the upcoming game on Saturday.

“These are veteran players who we have here so they understand what’s at stake. You may feel pressure, but once the game starts, everything else on the outside goes away, so you’re just focused on the task at hand. So, the pressure, is for us as the coaches. As you’re well aware, if the team wins, the players did an excellent job, if the team loses, it is the coach’s fault. It is on us, and that’s something that we need to fix,” Davies stated.

St. Fleur, who was The Bahamas’ captain in the first game, was not available for the last match which was against Guyana because of a groin injury, but he is ready.

“I’m fully back,” St. Fleur said. “My readiness for the game is 100 percent and we’ve been putting in the work. With me being around the players, everyone’s confidence is up and they’re ready to play. We just need The Bahamas’ support so come out and support the team on Saturday as we put on a great show,” St. Fleur said.

Filling in for him with the captain’s arm band was Rahming.  Rahming said the team is focused on playing their game.

“I think this game, I think we’re less focused on what the other team is doing but trying to focus on what we want to do. I think going forward, we are looking to do our best, everyone coming, they seem to be in top shape. … From game one and two, I guess we’re playing a bit more reserved. I guess we’re looking to change it a bit,” Rahming said.

Tickets for the game are $20 for adults and $7 for children.

Extensive work at Thomas A. Robinson stadium to begin in November

 Home|Sports|Extensive work at Thomas A. Robinson stadium to begin in NovemberSports

Simba FrenchSend an emailOctober 12, 2023 17 3 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

 The Thomas A Robinson National Stadium.

Over the next two months, The Bahamas is set to host a CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) Nations League game against Antigua and Barbuda, another one against Guyana in November, a CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup match, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Bahamas Bowl game December 16, all at  Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium. The hosting of those events may be in jeopardy as extensive work is set to start on the stadium on November 1.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg made that revelation yesterday during a Bahamas Football Association (BFA) press conference for the upcoming match for The Bahamas against Antigua and Barbuda. Bowleg also let it be known that they are in agreement with the Chinese government for extensive repairs.

“We have some serious work that is going to be starting on the stadium in January. I think in short order a decision is going to be made as it relates to the NCAA bowl game as whether that will be held here. I know we are in agreement with the Chinese government to commence some serious repairs, and that is supposed to start on November 1. Depending on when they come, along with the technocrats from the ministry of works, they will be able to determine that,” Bowleg said.

Bowleg alluded that to get the stadium up to par, it will cost $30 million, but to make it safe and presentable it will cost $10 million. However, with the Chinese government being involved in the repairs, Bowleg said that The Bahamas might not use the $10 million that was allocated.

“We were preparing the stadium for the world relays and CARIFTA in 2024, which will allow it to be presentable and safe enough,” Bowleg said. “That is what the $10 million was allocated for. However, the Chinese government is going to be coming, so The Bahamas might not use any of the $10 million. The Chinese government might end up funding the entire repairs, which will most likely happen. This was a gift to us. It is now up to them to do the repairs to a building that we felt was not up to proper standard from day one.”

As for the nature of the work that is set to begin on the stadium, Bowleg said they will be completely shutting down the Western Grandstand and will use the Eastern Grandstand to accommodate the CONCACAF Nations League game on Saturday.

“We know that we will not be dealing with the field, but definitely the Western Grandstand will be shut down. We will probably have to see how best we can use the Eastern Grandstand along with the field because most of the construction is going to start on the Eastern Grandstand. One of the first things they will do is take off these roofs. There is a way that we believe that we can work it out, but in some cases, other events we will have to cancel like the bowl game. It might not look too good with construction going on at the same time,” Bowleg said.

There is not a timeline for when the repairs will be completed but Bowleg knows that it needs to be ready for CARIFTA which is in Easter 2024 and the World Athletics World Relays which is May 4-5, 2024.

“I can’t say, but we can anticipate; but I know one thing, that it needs to be out the way for CARIFTA Swimming and the world relays,” Bowleg said. “The idea is that by March, they can be completed and get things out the way. There is a lot of equipment being ordered at this time for installation. It takes some time, but most things will come here already prepared and ready to be implemented. The most work that will be done is the removal of the roof, and once the roof and infrastructure comes, it is just a matter of putting it on. In my opinion, that will be the easiest part.”

The track at the stadium and the old stadium, both got restriped earlier this year.

Kai Jones requests trade

Kai Jones in action for the Charlotte Hornets. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

Kai Jones in action for the Charlotte Hornets. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

As of Wednesday, October 11, 2023

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#National Basketball Association (NBA) professional player Kai Jones requested a trade from the Charlotte Hornets via the X social media platform on Monday night.

#The decision came following the Hornets’ announcement two weeks ago that the forward/center would not be joining them at this year’s training camp and will be away from the team due to personal reasons.

#However, Jones’ latest social media post might cost him up to $150,000 in fines or a possible suspension as it violates Section 18 of the National Basketball Players Association’s (NBPA) Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

#The former 2021 first round pick made his displeasure with the Hornets known on Monday night.

#“I have officially requested to be traded from the Charlotte Hornets. #GOATLIFE” he posted.

#The 6-foot-11 player has recently made some questionable posts on social media, including openly criticising his teammates and exhibiting erratic behaviour on Instagram Live in the NBA’s offseason.

#However, his latest post on X might be his costliest of them all.

#Section 18 of the NBPA CBA states that any player or, for clarity, any player representative or person acting with authority on behalf of a player who publicly expresses a desire to be traded to another team shall be subject to a fine and/or a suspension.

#As previously mentioned, the fine levied if in violation of this rule is $150,000.

#In response to Jones’ offseason antics on social media and absence from training camp, the Hornets released a statement which said there is not a set timetable for the Bahamian big man’s return.

#“Kai Jones will not participate in training camp due to personal reasons. There is currently not a timetable for his return to the team.

#“Out of respect for the personal nature of the situation, the Hornets will not have any additional public comment regarding the matter at this time,” the statement read.

#The team ultimately declined not to comment on this most recent matter.

#In 67 career games, the 19th overall pick of the 2021 draft averaged 2.7 points per game along with two boards for the Hornets.

Dunkin’ Donuts donates $10,000 to ‘Junkanoo Jingle to Bay’ 5k Race

Dunkin’ Donates Bahamas has donated $10,000 towards the “Junkanoo Jingle to Bay” 5k Holiday Race Fundraiser in support of youth development in The Bahamas.

Dunkin’ Donates Bahamas has donated $10,000 towards the “Junkanoo Jingle to Bay” 5k Holiday Race Fundraiser in support of youth development in The Bahamas.

As of Wednesday, October 11, 2023

#DUNKIN’ Donuts Bahamas donated $10,000 towards the ‘Junkanoo Jingle to Bay’ 5k Holiday Race fundraiser to support youth development in The Bahamas.

#The event’s title sponsor is also joined by Legacy Church, who will receive a part of the event’s proceeds, along with the Bahamas Humane Society. With the holiday season right around the corner, the festive event is slated to take place at 6am on December 16 at Arawak Cay. The event is opened to adults, children, and pets wanting to experience the holiday spirit for worthy causes.

#Eldira Backford, director of marketing for Dunkin’ Donuts Bahamas, said it is a proud moment for the company to align itself with organisations that share the same goals.

#“At Dunkin’ Bahamas we are proud to stand along organisations that have a shared passion for bringing awareness and action to relevant causes where support is needed in our communities,” Backford said.

#She added that the idea behind the holiday race is not only to bring a fun and festive event to the community, but also bring local organisations, schools and communities together to support the development of the country’s youth.

#Legacy Church will also greatly benefit from this year’s festive and fitness event as the non-profit organisation regularly works with the youth inside and outside of the church walls.

#Rosemary Pena, apostle at Legacy Church, expressed gratitude to both Dunkin’ and Four Seasons Race Management for partnering with them and supporting the programme which caters to youth from 12-18 as well as young adults.

#“Your sponsorship is not going to go to waste, our youth are already planning and plotting how they are going to maximise the donation and what they are going to launch, they are planning so many things,” Pena said.

#The holiday fundraiser is set to be an exciting one, according to Marcel Major, chief executive officer and RRCA certified race director for Four Seasons Race Management.

#“The race is dear to our hearts as we are deeply rooted in Junkanoo, we are also runners, health enthusiasts and community builders.

#“JJtoBay5k blends all of our shared ideals while raising funds for youth development in The Bahamas,” Major said.

#The route for the winter event will begin at Arawak Cay through downtown Nassau, Rawson Square and participants will turn around at Rubis East Bay near Commonwealth Bank and head back to Arawak Cay.

#The cost for adults is $45, children are $35 and adults with one pet are $55.

#Civic groups, churches, companies or friends are encouraged to form teams of ten for a cost of $35 per person. Santa suits will also be provided to participants to complement the holiday theme. “This will be such an exciting, family and pet-friendly holiday event, you won’t want to miss on Saturday, December 16 at Arawak Cay,” he said.

#Registration is said to be going well as the community supports the youth and bringing awareness to non-profit organisations

#Individuals can register for December’s event at www.fourseasonsracemanagement.com. Persons that wish to become a corporate sponsor or form a team can email jjtobay242@gmail.com or call 242-804-8595.

#The event is also sponsored by Oaktree Medical Center, 100 Jamz, Walk-In Clinic, and IL Cares Foundation.