The 36th CARIFTA Swimming Championships is in the books and The Bahamas cruised to a fifth consecutive title. Saleste Gibson contributed 75 points to The Bahamas' record total of 1,113 points. She was under the watchful eyes of her family in the spectator bleachers, cheering her on as she won seven gold medals at the Sentro Deportivo Kòrsou – Pisina Enith Brigitha in Willemstad, Curaçao, from April 6-9.

Individually, the 11-12 swimmer was dominant in her swims, coming away with seven individual gold medals in nine races, then winning four gold medals in the relays. She swam the 50 meters (m) backstroke, 100m butterfly, 50, 100 and 200m freestyle, 50m fly, 200m individual medley (IM), 200m fly and 400m free events. She finished fourth in the 50m back and swam away with the silver in the 200m fly. In the other individual events, she won gold. She won the high-point award for her age category and also won the FINA (International Swimming Federation) high-point award – given out to the age group swimmer who comes closest to global standards.

Saleste had her father Dion Gibson, mother Aynda Gibson, brother Samuel Gibson and sister Salene Gibson in the stands supporting her. The Gibsons got their CARIFTA journey underway in 2013 when Saleste's brother Samuel was the first in the family to be named to the CARIFTA team. That year, CARIFTA swimming was held in Kingston, Jamaica. Mother Aynda said she was impressed with Saleste's performance.

"It was truly awesome seeing Saleste swim the way she did," she said. "She had nine individual events – prelims and finals, as well as four relays. Almost all of her events were back to back, and the physical and emotional stamina she displayed was mind-blowing. I could not stop giving God thanks."

For Saleste, it was the second time being named to the CARIFTA team. Her mother and father were in Barbados for the 2022 edition of the meet but not her brother and sister.

"The support that I got from my family was amazing," Saleste said. "It made me work a lot harder, and my brother and sister were watching me swim at CARIFTA, so it was a new experience for them. They traveled to other countries for CARIFTA but never went to Curaçao."

Father Dion was in the stands with his phone recording her races and watched keenly at her

swimming individual prelims and finals. According to him, it was the same lineup that her older brother had in 2014.

"I was so proud of Saleste's performance this CARIFTA," he said. "I have seen the exact event lineup she had before. Her brother Sam swam the same lineup in Aruba CARIFTA 2014 – the year we won. He had excellent swims also, but I personally witnessed how taxing it was on him. Saleste handled herself exceptionally well, and displayed serious mental and physical fortitude."

Dion said he was happy to see the older siblings fly into Curaçao to watch their younger sibling swim.

Samuel Gibson last competed in CARIFTA in 2019, then he aged out. He graduates from Pace University in New York next month with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Accounting with honors. He said that it has been great to see his sister perform at this level.

"As her older brother, it was great to see her develop over the years and see her grow into the swimmer who she is now," Samuel said. "I am happy to see her being successful and I know about the hard work she put in which makes it more rewarding for my family to see."

Salene Gibson was also on the same team as her brother that won in 2019 in Barbados. She enjoyed watching her younger sister perform at a high level.

"As her sister, I am so proud of her, and seeing her progression makes it even more special," Salene said. "We hope to see her do well in more CARIFTA meets to come."

For the youngest of the Gibsons, she feels no pressure to follow up on the performances of her brother and sister.

"It's a little bit hard to follow in their footsteps, since they were such great swimmers," Saleste said. "I think that with the support that I get from my family members, it takes away from the pressure that I feel."

The pool is like a second home for Saleste, having been around it since she was born and watching her older siblings swim.

Mother Aynda stated, "She watched her siblings compete in seven consecutive CARIFTA Games – the influence Sam and Salene have on her is immeasurable. They are both very involved in offering support and advice to their younger sister."

Father Dion Gibson said that overall it was a great experience for the family and that while Saleste is often the smallest one on the starting blocks, she does not let that stop her from touching the wall first.

Now that CARIFTA is over, Saleste has her eyes set on competing at the Bahamas Aquatics Federation's National Championships set for June 22-25.

Thousands flocked to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium where the 50th CARIFTA Games not only showcased the spirit of competition among regional athletes but also the friendly shouting matches between countries, and, of course, a taste of Caribbean culinary delights.

Colours played an important role in these settings – not only in the flags of the participating states flown at and around the vicinity of the stadium, but in the colours of T-shirts: Spectators were encouraged to “Let’s Get Dressed” and “Wear Your Colours” of black on Friday, white on Saturday, blue (aquamarine) on Sunday, and gold on Monday.

A CARIFTA Caribbean Cultural Village formed a 360-degree wrap around the stadium, where more than 50 vendors offered for sale all manner of cuisine, arts and craft, and soft drinks. The National Independence Secretariat also had a booth where Bahamas 50th Independence paraphernalia, were given away.

Project Manager of the CARIFTA Games, Janeen McCartney put the transformation of the stadium into perspective.

“The ambiance of the stadium was graced with pots of greenery for patrons to feel a sense of calm as they entered the premises,” she said.

The Legends Walk at the road entrance was restored reigniting the history of sports in The Bahamas, the pond was beautified, and the historic bunker -- the CARIFTA Museum Bunker near the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gym was refurbished and reopened for tours.

Further explaining the concept of the cultural village, Mrs. McCartney said the goal was to provide patrons with as many options as possible.

She thanked the hundreds of individuals who made up the entire team involved in staging the games.
 The Bahamas first hosted the CARIFTA Games in 1976; and 2023 is the ninth time held in the country, attracting an estimated 600 athletes.

The CARIFTA Games is an annual athletics competition founded by the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA). The games were first held in 1972 and consisted of track and field events including sprint, races, hurdles, middle distance track events, jumping and throwing events, and relays. It comprises two age categories: under-17and under-10.  Only countries associated with CARIFTA may compete in the competition.

In 1972, Austin Sealy, then president of the Amateur Athletic Association of Barbados, inaugurated the CARIFTA Games to mark the transition from the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The meet normally runs over three days during the Easter period and includes over 150 separate events.

 

Thousands flocked to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium where the 50th CARIFTA Games not only showcased the spirit of competition among regional athletes but also the friendly shouting matches between countries, and, of course, a taste of Caribbean culinary delights. Colours played an important role in these settings – not only in the flags of the participating states flown at and around the vicinity of the stadium, but in the colours of T-shirts: Spectators were encouraged to “Let’s Get Dressed” and “Wear Your Colours” of black on Friday, white on Saturday, blue (aquamarine) on Sunday, and gold on Monday. A CARIFTA Caribbean Cultural Village formed a 360-degree wrap around the stadium, where more than 50 vendors offered for sale all manner of cuisine, arts and craft, and soft drinks. The National Independence Secretariat also had a booth where Bahamas 50th Independence paraphernalia, were given away. Project Manager of the CARIFTA Games, Janeen McCartney put the transformation of the stadium into perspective. “The ambiance of the stadium was graced with pots of greenery for patrons to feel a sense of calm as they entered the premises,” she said. The Legends Walk at the road entrance was restored reigniting the history of sports in The Bahamas, the pond was beautified, and the historic bunker -- the CARIFTA Museum Bunker near the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gym was refurbished and reopened for tours. Further explaining the concept of the cultural village, Mrs. McCartney said the goal was to provide patrons with as many options as possible. She thanked the hundreds of individuals who made up the entire team involved in staging the games.   The Bahamas first hosted the CARIFTA Games in 1976; and 2023 is the ninth time held in the country, attracting an estimated 600 athletes. The CARIFTA Games is an annual athletics competition founded by the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA). The games were first held in 1972 and consisted of track and field events including sprint, races, hurdles, middle distance track events, jumping and throwing events, and relays. It comprises two age categories: under-17and under-10.  Only countries associated with CARIFTA may compete in the competition. In 1972, Austin Sealy, then president of the Amateur Athletic Association of Barbados, inaugurated the CARIFTA Games to mark the transition from the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The meet normally runs over three days during the Easter period and includes over 150 separate events.

After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the much-anticipated CARIFTA Games officially kicked off in The Bahamas for the ninth time, attracting an estimated 800 athletes from 32 countries.

And, it was a win-win time for The Bahamas, which is celebrating its Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Independence to host the CARIFTA Games, which is also in its 50th year.

In his Keynote Address, Prime Minister the Hon. Philip Davis said he was happy the CARIFTA Games were back on track.

“We are now settling back into the joy of a sporting tradition which we have come to look forward to at Easter time,” he said.

An excited prime minister told the athletes how proud he was of them; that their tenacity is unmatched, and their hard work has certainly paid dividends. 

The Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium came alive with thrilling and exciting topnotch Bahamian cultural performances on Friday, April 7, 2023; the eve of competition in track and field among the young people of the region.

All roads and side corridors leading to the stadium were bedecked with the National Flag, the 50th Independence Anniversary flag, the flags of participating states, and sponsors signaling the jubilee sporting event.

Before dignitaries led by Governor General, His Excellency Sir Cornelius A. Smith, and excited spectators, the parade of nations – teams with their flags -- brought thunderous applause of allegiance to respective countries. 

The National Anthem, March On Bahamaland, was sung by a trio ensemble who took it to another level from its traditional format, and this was followed with a performance by the National Youth Choir taking the country down memory lane with the song “Do You Remember”.

The segment featuring Swann Talent was a mixture of Bahamian expressions in song, dance and a cultural village; a performance by the Church of God of Prophecy’s Brass Band; Wendi 242 performing the CARICOM Song in a floral dress; Sammi Star with his hit the CARIFTA Song “Come Gold With Us,” engaging spectators in singing it; and a Rush out by Genesis Junkanoo Organization, which capped off the cultural and entertainment segment.

Some memorable moments of the Opening Ceremony were: recognizing MaryAnn Higgs-Clarke as the “Mother of the Games”: she is the first Bahamian to win the prestigious Austin Sealy Award as the Most Outstanding Athlete at the 1978 CARIFTA Games; recognition of Pauline Davis as the Grand Dame of 50th CARIFTA Games, who is an Austin Sealy Award Winner, Gold Olympian and Honorary Life Council Member World Athletics; and the Induction of Mike Sands, President, North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC), into the Legend Walk. He was the first ever-gold medalist for The Bahamas at the 1975 Central American and Caribbean Championships in Athletics; and participated in the Summer Olympics 1972 and 1976.

The CARIFTA Games is an annual athletics competition founded by the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA). It was first held in 1972 and consisted of track and field events including sprint, races, hurdles, middle distance track events, jumping and throwing events, and relays. The Games comprise two age categories: under-17 and under-10. Only countries associated with CARIFTA may compete in the competition. 

 In 1972, Austin Sealy, then president of the Amateur Athletic Association of Barbados, inaugurated the CARIFTA Games to mark the transition from the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The meet normally runs over three days during the Easter period and includes over 150 separate events. 

The countries represented at CARIFTA 2023 are: The Bahamas, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe,  Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, Montserrat, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, Saint Maarten, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands.

 

After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the much-anticipated CARIFTA Games officially kicked off in The Bahamas for the ninth time, attracting an estimated 800 athletes from 32 countries. And, it was a win-win time for The Bahamas, which is celebrating its Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Independence to host the CARIFTA Games, which is also in its 50th year. In his Keynote Address, Prime Minister the Hon. Philip Davis said he was happy the CARIFTA Games were back on track. “We are now settling back into the joy of a sporting tradition which we have come to look forward to at Easter time,” he said. An excited prime minister told the athletes how proud he was of them; that their tenacity is unmatched, and their hard work has certainly paid dividends.  The Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium came alive with thrilling and exciting topnotch Bahamian cultural performances on Friday, April 7, 2023; the eve of competition in track and field among the young people of the region. All roads and side corridors leading to the stadium were bedecked with the National Flag, the 50th Independence Anniversary flag, the flags of participating states, and sponsors signaling the jubilee sporting event. Before dignitaries led by Governor General, His Excellency Sir Cornelius A. Smith, and excited spectators, the parade of nations – teams with their flags -- brought thunderous applause of allegiance to respective countries.  The National Anthem, March On Bahamaland, was sung by a trio ensemble who took it to another level from its traditional format, and this was followed with a performance by the National Youth Choir taking the country down memory lane with the song “Do You Remember”. The segment featuring Swann Talent was a mixture of Bahamian expressions in song, dance and a cultural village; a performance by the Church of God of Prophecy’s Brass Band; Wendi 242 performing the CARICOM Song in a floral dress; Sammi Star with his hit the CARIFTA Song “Come Gold With Us,” engaging spectators in singing it; and a Rush out by Genesis Junkanoo Organization, which capped off the cultural and entertainment segment. Some memorable moments of the Opening Ceremony were: recognizing MaryAnn Higgs-Clarke as the “Mother of the Games”: she is the first Bahamian to win the prestigious Austin Sealy Award as the Most Outstanding Athlete at the 1978 CARIFTA Games; recognition of Pauline Davis as the Grand Dame of 50th CARIFTA Games, who is an Austin Sealy Award Winner, Gold Olympian and Honorary Life Council Member World Athletics; and the Induction of Mike Sands, President, North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC), into the Legend Walk. He was the first ever-gold medalist for The Bahamas at the 1975 Central American and Caribbean Championships in Athletics; and participated in the Summer Olympics 1972 and 1976. The CARIFTA Games is an annual athletics competition founded by the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA). It was first held in 1972 and consisted of track and field events including sprint, races, hurdles, middle distance track events, jumping and throwing events, and relays. The Games comprise two age categories: under-17 and under-10. Only countries associated with CARIFTA may compete in the competition.    In 1972, Austin Sealy, then president of the Amateur Athletic Association of Barbados, inaugurated the CARIFTA Games to mark the transition from the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The meet normally runs over three days during the Easter period and includes over 150 separate events.  The countries represented at CARIFTA 2023 are: The Bahamas, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe,  Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, Montserrat, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, Saint Maarten, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands.

Women’s History Month will end in grand style as First Class Promotions hosts the region’s first World Boxing Association (WBA) all-female world title fight this Friday night, March 31st. Sanctioned by the Bahamas Boxing Commission and hosted by First Class Promotions in conjunction with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, the event will honour and bring awareness for Bahamian boxing champion, Ray Minus Jr., who is suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). 

In preparation for the fight, boxers recently gathered at SuperClub Breezes Resort for a mandatory routine weigh-in. Bahamas Boxing Commission Chairman, Fred Sturrup, was in attendance and commended First Class Promotions for bringing boxing back on the local scene, calling the Friday fight a “testimony of resilience”.

“The resurgence of First Class Promotions is the resurgence of a critical part of local boxing programmes. Over the last 20 years, there was a significant void when Michelle Minus was no longer promoting,” Mr. Sturrup said.

The WBA world title fight, “100JAMZ / Y98” main event will feature Lindsay Garbatt vs Jaimie “The Miracle” Mitchell in the 10-round main event. And in The Ministry of Youth Sports & Culture 8-round co-main event,  Silva will take on O’Shea Jones. The boxing event will feature four female matchups on the night.

Oshae Jones, a 25-year-old boxer hailing from Philadelphia, who holds an Olympic bronze medal and a 2-0 professional record, is excited for the event as she enjoys The Bahamas’ hospitality.

“I’m ready to work. I love it here. Everyone is so nice, very welcoming and homey. I will always fight here,” she said.    -more-

Sponsor 100 JAMZ Sales Manager, Vanessa Mott said, “As we’re wrapping up Women’s History Month, for us at Tribune Radio, 100 JAMZ, it has always been very important to help encourage women through media.”
She added, “With this event, you see women not only being displayed in a professional fashion, but dynamically through boxing. Women are often looked at as softer but we’re strong as well. We fight through a lot in life and it’s really great to see women act that out in the ring. 

“We commend Michelle and First Class Promotions for what she’s doing with women in boxing in The Bahamas and of course for her former husband, who has ALS, a crippling disease which needs more awareness here. It’s such a wonderful thing to have a great event come together for a great cause and for women to be at the forefront.”

The all-female WBA World Title boxing event begins at 8pm on Friday, March 31 at the Kendal G.L. Isaacs Gymnasium. The prices for general admission are $35 and the VIP section $125 and can be bought at www.bahamasetickets.com  or in person at the gymnasium. 

Bahamas Boxing Commission Chairman, Fred Sturrup, at left with Olympic bronze medalist Oshae Jones weigh-in prior to The Bahamas and region’s first WBA World Boxing Association (WBA) all-female world title fight.     -more-

Words & Photo: Ashley Albury, Serena Williams Media and PR

The WBA world title fight slated for this Friday night will feature Lindsay Garbatt vs Jaimie “The Miracle” Mitchell in the 10-round main event. In the 8-round co-main event, Simone Silva will take on O’Shea Jones. The boxing event will feature four female matchups on the night.

Words & Photo: Ashley Albury, Serena Williams Media and PR

About Ray Minus Jr
6-time British Commonwealth Champion, 
Commonwealth Boxer 1989, 2-time WBC Continental of America’s Champion, 
4-time Bahamas Bantamweight Champion, 
3-time Featherweight Champion, 4-time Light Weight Champion.  
Ray was the first Bahamian boxer to fight for 3-top World Titles WBC, WBA and WBO.
His Champion Amateur Boxing Club 

In 1993 Ray Minus Jr. decided to give back to his country by opening up a club for troubled boys to keep them off the street, out of gangs, away from drugs and alcohol. Along with his now former wife Michelle Munnings Minus they had the leading Amateur Boys Club called Champion Amateur Boxing Club; it grew to 280+ boys, mainly from the Kemp Road, East Street, Grove and Montel Heights area.

From this same programme came Pro boxers, some who were former gang members such as Jermaine “Choo Choo” Mackey, Meacher, Major “Pain”, Elkeana “Punsher” Saunders, Alphano “Banger” Allen, Teriano Johnson,Valentino Knowles, Carl Heild, Jerry “Big Daddy” Butler, Ryon “Big Youth” Mckenzie, Damien “Blade’ Tinker, Richard “Hammer” Pitt, Hensley “Bruiser” Strachan, Shimon “Too Sweet” Bain, Wilson “Kid wonder” Theophil, Drexcel Mcintouch  and many others. 

To date Ray’s program  has produced ambassadors of this great country from former gang members (7) raining boxing champions (1) British Commonwealth (1) (WBC) World Boxing Council CARBOFA (2) (WBA) World Boxing Association FEDI – Carib,(1) Bahamas Lightweight and (1) Bahamas Super Middleweight champion.

Sponsors:
The Ministry of Youth Sports & Culture
The Ministry of Tourism
Bahamian Brewery/Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits
Easy Car Sales,
Breezes
ZNS
Tribune 100 JAMZ/Y98 
Nassau Guardian
JCN/LOVE 97 
Cable Bahamas Sports 
Nirvana Beach
Nassau Agencies
Sun Time
Doc’s Pharmacy
Ron’s Radiator
Original Patties Bakery
Daina’s Guest House
Eddie Electric Co Ltd
Heasties Services Station
Battery & Tire Specialist       

 

Women’s History Month will end in grand style as First Class Promotions hosts the region’s first World Boxing Association (WBA) all-female world title fight this Friday night, March 31st. Sanctioned by the Bahamas Boxing Commission and hosted by First Class Promotions in conjunction with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, the event will honour and bring awareness for Bahamian boxing champion, Ray Minus Jr., who is suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).  In preparation for the fight, boxers recently gathered at SuperClub Breezes Resort for a mandatory routine weigh-in. Bahamas Boxing Commission Chairman, Fred Sturrup, was in attendance and commended First Class Promotions for bringing boxing back on the local scene, calling the Friday fight a “testimony of resilience”. “The resurgence of First Class Promotions is the resurgence of a critical part of local boxing programmes. Over the last 20 years, there was a significant void when Michelle Minus was no longer promoting,” Mr. Sturrup said. The WBA world title fight, “100JAMZ / Y98” main event will feature Lindsay Garbatt vs Jaimie “The Miracle” Mitchell in the 10-round main event. And in The Ministry of Youth Sports & Culture 8-round co-main event,  Silva will take on O’Shea Jones. The boxing event will feature four female matchups on the night. Oshae Jones, a 25-year-old boxer hailing from Philadelphia, who holds an Olympic bronze medal and a 2-0 professional record, is excited for the event as she enjoys The Bahamas’ hospitality. “I’m ready to work. I love it here. Everyone is so nice, very welcoming and homey. I will always fight here,” she said.    -more- Sponsor 100 JAMZ Sales Manager, Vanessa Mott said, “As we’re wrapping up Women’s History Month, for us at Tribune Radio, 100 JAMZ, it has always been very important to help encourage women through media.” She added, “With this event, you see women not only being displayed in a professional fashion, but dynamically through boxing. Women are often looked at as softer but we’re strong as well. We fight through a lot in life and it’s really great to see women act that out in the ring.  “We commend Michelle and First Class Promotions for what she’s doing with women in boxing in The Bahamas and of course for her former husband, who has ALS, a crippling disease which needs more awareness here. It’s such a wonderful thing to have a great event come together for a great cause and for women to be at the forefront.” The all-female WBA World Title boxing event begins at 8pm on Friday, March 31 at the Kendal G.L. Isaacs Gymnasium. The prices for general admission are $35 and the VIP section $125 and can be bought at www.bahamasetickets.com  or in person at the gymnasium.  Bahamas Boxing Commission Chairman, Fred Sturrup, at left with Olympic bronze medalist Oshae Jones weigh-in prior to The Bahamas and region’s first WBA World Boxing Association (WBA) all-female world title fight.     -more- Words & Photo: Ashley Albury, Serena Williams Media and PR The WBA world title fight slated for this Friday night will feature Lindsay Garbatt vs Jaimie “The Miracle” Mitchell in the 10-round main event. In the 8-round co-main event, Simone Silva will take on O’Shea Jones. The boxing event will feature four female matchups on the night. Words & Photo: Ashley Albury, Serena Williams Media and PR About Ray Minus Jr 6-time British Commonwealth Champion,  Commonwealth Boxer 1989, 2-time WBC Continental of America’s Champion,  4-time Bahamas Bantamweight Champion,  3-time Featherweight Champion, 4-time Light Weight Champion.   Ray was the first Bahamian boxer to fight for 3-top World Titles WBC, WBA and WBO. His Champion Amateur Boxing Club  In 1993 Ray Minus Jr. decided to give back to his country by opening up a club for troubled boys to keep them off the street, out of gangs, away from drugs and alcohol. Along with his now former wife Michelle Munnings Minus they had the leading Amateur Boys Club called Champion Amateur Boxing Club; it grew to 280+ boys, mainly from the Kemp Road, East Street, Grove and Montel Heights area. From this same programme came Pro boxers, some who were former gang members such as Jermaine “Choo Choo” Mackey, Meacher, Major “Pain”, Elkeana “Punsher” Saunders, Alphano “Banger” Allen, Teriano Johnson,Valentino Knowles, Carl Heild, Jerry “Big Daddy” Butler, Ryon “Big Youth” Mckenzie, Damien “Blade’ Tinker, Richard “Hammer” Pitt, Hensley “Bruiser” Strachan, Shimon “Too Sweet” Bain, Wilson “Kid wonder” Theophil, Drexcel Mcintouch  and many others.  To date Ray’s program  has produced ambassadors of this great country from former gang members (7) raining boxing champions (1) British Commonwealth (1) (WBC) World Boxing Council CARBOFA (2) (WBA) World Boxing Association FEDI – Carib,(1) Bahamas Lightweight and (1) Bahamas Super Middleweight champion. Sponsors: The Ministry of Youth Sports & Culture The Ministry of Tourism Bahamian Brewery/Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits Easy Car Sales, Breezes ZNS Tribune 100 JAMZ/Y98  Nassau Guardian JCN/LOVE 97  Cable Bahamas Sports  Nirvana Beach Nassau Agencies Sun Time Doc’s Pharmacy Ron’s Radiator Original Patties Bakery Daina’s Guest House Eddie Electric Co Ltd Heasties Services Station Battery & Tire Specialist