Bahamas News

RBDF Marines make significant improvements to Historical Building

Published

10 years ago

September 22, 2016

Coral Harbour Base, Bahamas, September 20, 2016 (RBDF) – After years of not being able to gain easy access to the Bahamas Historical Society and Museum (BHSM), Marines from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force made life a little easier for the physically challenged with the construction of a ramp and the renovation of the restroom for wheelchair bound members and visitors.

Led by Chief Petty Officer Gary Pratt, a senior supervisor of the Defence Force’s Base Maintenance Team, the Marines built a ramp on the western entrance of the historical site, located on Shirley Street. Before now, persons who were physically challenged had to be lifted from their wheelchairs to enter the building. The Defence Force’s Base Maintenance Team also made improvements to BHSM’s restroom facility to accommodate persons in wheel-chairs.

The museum, which opened in 1959, displays a number of Bahamian artifacts including a replica of a Lucayan canoe, as well as historical documents dating as far as the British colonial era. President of the BHSM, Mrs. Andrea Major, was thankful for the effort of the Marines.

“Before now, the physically disabled could not access the building,” said Mrs. Major. “People had to lift them up, and it was difficult for them if they had to use the restroom. The main problem was that we didn’t have the funds or technical support to make the necessary changes. We are eternally grateful to Captain (Tellis) Bethel and his men for their expertise, professionalism, physical support and willingness for all they have done in the past.”

In July 2014, the Persons with Disabilities-Equal Opportunities Bill, was passed in parliament. This Bill gave building owners two years to modify their facilities, which included utilizing restrooms. Ms. Iris Adderley, who serves as Consultant for the Secretariat of the National Commission for Persons with Disability views this achievement as a stepping stone to greater things. She has been dependent on a wheelchair for 34 years, and expresses her thanks for the job done by the Defence Force.

“I am so honored on behalf of the community of persons with disabilities that Mrs. Major has fulfilled her promise to ensure that we, too, have access to a place that is rich in Bahamian ancestral history,” said Mrs. Adderley. “I am able to say that persons with disabilities can now go and experience a part of our history at the Historical Society and Museum, thanks to the work of the Defence Force.”

Commander Defence Force (Acting), Captain Tellis Bethel, said that Mrs. Major expressed the need for the construction of a ramp and the renovation of a restroom for persons with disabilities.

“I shared those concerns with Chief Petty Officer Gary Pratt and his enthusiastic team, and they made it happen,” said Mrs. Major. “So I’m very proud of what they accomplished having made it possible for all Bahamians and visitors alike to experience our rich heritage at the Bahamas Historical Society; this is just another way for the Defence Force to live up to its motto, as we “Guard Our Heritage”.

Bahamas News

Royal Bahamas Police Force – ARRAIGNMENT NOTICE

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

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

Published

3 weeks ago

August 20, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

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

Bahamas News

CBC Supports Opportunities for Young Bahamian Basketball Players

Published

3 weeks ago

August 20, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

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.