By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#USA, January 24, 2023 – US Sprinter, Sha’carri Richardson was reportedly kicked off of an American Airlines flight last week after an altercation with a flight attendant.

Richardson made the allegations on Saturday via an Instagram video claiming a male flight attendant had threatened her and another bystander. In another video there is a clear shot of the Caucasian flight attendant backing away from Richardson when he realizes she is recording.  

The track star accuses the man of harassing her to which several passengers can be heard agreeing before she is repeatedly asked to stop recording and the video ends.

The incident apparently stemmed from a phone call which she was asked to disconnect before the plane took off and Richardson said she was offended by the flight attendants tone. The arguing escalated and she was removed from the aircraft.

She hinted that the incident may have been racially motivated claiming there was applause when she was escorted off of the plane and said disrespect she received would not have happened if she was “one of them.”

American Airlines told US Media that the sprinter was ‘re-accommodated on a later flight’ and they were investigating the matter.

Richardson, who is only 22 is known for her signature long nails has been criticized for her ‘attitude’ before.  In her infamous repertoire disparaging tweets directed at Jamaicans athletes, drawing accusations of Sha’Carri suffering xenophobia.

Richardson, who attended Louisiana State University and rose to fame as a freshman, is one of the ten fastest women of all time over 100m.

By Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer 

#TurksandCaicos, January 23, 2023 – Two of the Turks and Caicos’ longtime public servants were recently honoured by King Charles III for their commitment to the Overseas Territory.  The information was shared by Governor Nigel Dakin in an Instagram Post at the start of 2023.

Desiree Lewis PS

Desiree Lewis, Permanent Secretary Health and Athenee Harvey-Basden, Permanent Secretary Finance were conferred with the Order of the British Empire, OBE.

A 105 year old honour, the title is conferred on those who served in a non-combatant role.  It rewards contributions to the Arts, Sciences, Charitable work and Public Service and comprises five classes across both military and civilian divisions.

Lewis and Harvey Basen who will now have the title OBE were conferred with the fourth highest Order; Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).  This is presented to persons holding a distinguished regional or county-wide role in any field, through achievement or service to the community including notable practitioners known nationally.

Dakin praised both women for their commitment to their duties during the Covid-19 pandemic which had put significant pressure on both their portfolios.

Athanee Harvey Basden

“The fact TCI came out of the pandemic stronger than it went into it, is due to an extraordinary number of people but any who worked closely with either, for the last three years, will attest to their contribution and the personal, professional and organisational pressures they managed for these Islands.” he said.

Lewis is credited for work in the development of Legislation for the TCI Sports Commission, the National Health Insurance Board, the National Epidemiology and Research Unit, and others.

Harvey-Basden is credited for her work maintaining the country’s BBB+ sovereign rating, the establishment of a Trade Department, National Wealth Fund and other achievements.

Dakin said the two would head to Buckingham Palace to receive their honours later this year.

By Shanieka Smith

Staff Writer

#TheBahamas, January 15, 2023 – Bahamian NBA players, Buddy Hield, Deandre Ayton, and Kaii Jones have been performing extremely well and have even made history in the international realm.

Just before 2022 ended, Hield scored a three-pointer within only three seconds. That was an NBA history. He also made Indiana Pacers’ history with a record 60 3s in a single month. In 2021, Hield was named the fastest player to make over 1000 3-pointers in history, having done this in only 350 games.

There is news that Ayton is a prospect for the Chicago Bulls, who is in need of a victory. Ayton now plays for Phoenix Suns after being selected first overall in the 2018 NBA Draft. Phoenix Sun’s rise can be attributed to Ayton, who has averaged a double-double for his career.

As for Jones, he has been recalled by his team Charlotte Hornets from the G League’s Greensboro Swarm to the NBA club on Tuesday. He was close to a double-double victory recently after tallying 27 points, nine rebounds, four steals, four blocks and two assists in 28 minutes during a 118-113 win over Delaware.

You can look forward to Ayton competing in the games Saturday at 8 pm, and Hield on Saturday and Sunday. You can catch Jones playing next Monday.