Bahamas News
Grand ideas announced by Bahamas PM at Opening of Parliamentarians Orientation
#Bahamas, August 9, 2017 – Nassau – A privilege and a public trust, not an entitlement and it is stewardship given by the Bahamian people; it was the over arching theme of the message coming today from Bahamas Prime Minister, Dr. Hon Hubert Minnis. PM Minnis was speaking at the Opening of the Orientation for Parliamentarians, at the Grand Hyatt, held at Baha Mar.
In a message promoting service to the people as top of mind and mainly the focus, the country’s leader gave insight into how he is governing his administration which has now been in office a full quarter.
“I remind my Ministers, that our job is to set policies, and not to try to be the chief administrator of their respective Ministries. We must remember as ministers, not to overly politicize our ministries. A civil servant, whether they are PLP, FNM, DNA or non affiliated who intends to be loyal to the government of the day, should be allowed to do their work and receive their promotions. I do not want competent public officers sidelined or transferred just because they may not be a member of the governing party. I intend to be a different Prime Minister where meritocracy and performance will be the ORDER OF THE DAY.”
The new Prime Minister hastened to add that obstruction from public sector workers due to party politics will also not be accepted. PM Minnis warned against what he called, bureaucratic inertia as his administration aims to move the country forward with a new flair and use some business strategies for improvements in governing. He talked about simplifying systems.
“I’ve seen even more clearly how various processes can be simplified. This includes timely responses to the public, the simplification of various basic forums, and better communications by public officers to the general public. A good deal of information held by government should be regularly be made public, especially in the internet age.”
Dr. Minnis touted a public-private sector exchange, where higher ranking government employees would work for up to six months in private companies to learn private sector best practices while sharing how government systems work.
“Those individuals will be required to rotate throughout the private sector be it banking sector or otherwise, for about three to six months, so as to expose them to the private sector and the private sector will learn more about government.”
“During this rotation you would be paid by the government. This would be a win win for both the private sector and the government, and it is our view that government should be a training ground for the private sector, because with your exposure, we would hope that the word permanent, in front of secretary, would be removed so that you would then leave eventually and become CEOs and Managers within the private sector.”
“To help assist the dis-advancement, all individuals FAS and upward, would be engaged in continuous education again, at the expense of the government.”
There was applause for the announcement and the PM said it is his belief that Permanent Secretaries could and should leave the public sector to become the private sector’s CEOs, Presidents and Senior Managers. There was focus on a long term dream of his Administration.
“It is our view, that in about ten to twenty years, all CEOs, Senior Managers and Presidents within any company in this Bahamas, should and will be managed by Bahamians.”
The country’s leader discouraged the hoarding of information, encouraged a spirit of trust and thanked the public sector staff at the orientation for their dedicated service to The Bahamas.
#MagneticMediaNews
#OpeningofParliamentariansOrientation
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The Bahamas, August 27, 2026 – The Royal Bahamas Police Force wishes to inform members of the public that several individuals are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at 12:00 noon.
The individuals and charges are as follows:
An 18-year-old female is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
Three (3) counts of Murder
Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
Three (3) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm
Two (2) counts of Possession of Ammunition
Armed Robbery
Abetment to Armed Robbery
Stealing
Receiving
The charges stem from three separate shooting incidents and an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, 21st August 2026, and Saturday, 22nd August 2026.
The first shooting occurred in the area of Soldier Road and Baillou Hill Road, resulting in the death of a 51-year-old male.
The second shooting occurred in the area of Joe Farrington Road, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old male.
The third shooting occurred in the area of Gladstone Road, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old male.
The armed robbery occurred at a business establishment in the area of Carmichael Road and Baillou Hill Road.
A 21-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on one charge of:
- Murder
The charge stems from a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, in the area of Samson Street, Nassau Village, which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old male.
A 32-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
- Murder
- Attempted Murder
These charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, 24th December 2025, in the area of Graham Drive, Yellow Elder, which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old male.
RBPF, PACD
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.
Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries
and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.
According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.
The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.
Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.
However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.
The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Dasani products, proudly sponsored the fifth annual, Caribbean Hoopfest.
The tournament brings together Bahamian high school basketball teams and visiting teams from the United States for a competitive
showcase at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium. Following its inaugural year at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym and last year’s event at Loyola Hall, the tournament returned to the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym this year.
During the weekend tournament, CBC kept athletes well hydrated with in-kind donations of Dasani Water, Powerade and Minute Maid Juices.
During the tournament’s final day, CBC provided additional support by offering Sprite No Sugar samples and inviting attendees to participate in its Spin the Wheel for a chance to win exciting prizes.
CBC was proud to support this incredible event, which provides young Bahamian athletes with valuable exposure to U.S. basketball scouts and coaches. This opportunity gives them the chance to earn scholarships, continue their education, and pursue their basketball careers in the United States.
Event organizer, Donald Francois shared his appreciation for CBC’s support.
“I want to express our sincere appreciation for Caribbean Bottling Company, who has been a tremendous supporter and an important part of the success of our program. Without CBC’s support, Caribbean Hoop Fest would not be able to function at the level it does today. And without Caribbean Hoop Fest, we would not have been able to provide the opportunities that have helped young Bahamian athletes gain exposure and pursue educational opportunities in the United States,” he expressed.
Since the program’s inception, several Bahamian student-athletes have been selected for scholarship opportunities, highlighting the
tournament’s growing impact on the development and advancement of young basketball talent in The Bahamas.
They are: Kelvin McDowells – Guard, Wodson Antoine – Power Forward, Justin Lafleur – Guard and Sean John – Guard.
After another successful edition of the tournament, Francois shared what he hopes he and Caribbean Bottling Company can achieve in the future.
“Our vision is bigger than basketball. We want to use the platform of Caribbean Hoop Fest to educate, develop, and create opportunities for young people and their families throughout the Bahamas. With individuals and organizations committed to our mission, we believe we can continue to grow the program and make an even greater impact,” Francois said.
For more details on community support, events and new products visit Caribbean Bottling Company at www.cbcbahamas.com today.
