Bahamas News
Author Former Governor General Orville Turnquest Toiled 15 Years on the Historic, Revealing
Nassau, Bahamas, December 2, 2016 – With a foreword by Sir Sidney Poitier and praise from leading Bahamians, Sir Orville Turnquest’s new book What Manner of Man is This? The Duke of Windsor’s Years in The Bahamas, unsparingly examines the character of the man who abdicated the throne of England and was appointed Royal Governor of The Bahamas from 1940-1945, a post that he considered banishment rather than the honour it was.
Author Sir Orville Turnquest served as the fifth Governor General of an independent Bahamas from 1995-2001, uniquely qualifying him to address this historical subject. He began writing the history of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor’s years in The Bahamas when he left the governor’s mansion, Mount Fitzwilliam. Fifteen years later, the book What Matter of Man is This? The Duke of Windsor’s Years in The Bahamas, will hit book stores December 5. The book sheds new light on the reign of the Royal Governor and on the lives of Bahamians during the tumultuous backdrop of World War II.
Fifteen years after former Governor General Sir Orville Turnquest pledged to dedicate his literacy prowess and fascination with history to writing the story of the Duke of Windsor’s reign in The Bahamas, his much-anticipated work, What Manner of Man is This, The Duke of Windsor’s Years in The Bahamas, will hit local bookstores on December 5. The book, now available in hardcover and paperback, will also be sold through online retailers shortly after publication in paperback and e-Book editions.
An official launch will be held at Government House with a small group of family, friends from The Bahamas Historical Society, Historic Bahamas Foundation and media. Sir Orville, who served as Governor General from 1995-2001, will present the first copy of the book to the current Governor General Lady Marguerite Pindling with a brief ceremony celebrating the book’s worldwide publica
tion.
Although many books have been written about the royal couple, Sir Orville’s incisive book is the only one that focus exclusively on the Duke’s administration while Royal Governor of The Bahamas from 1940-1945 after he abdicated the throne as King of England in order to marry the twice-divorced Mrs. Wallis Simpson.
While the world reveled in what was portrayed as both one of the greatest love stories of all time and the scandal of the century, the reality for The Bahamas was that the Duke and Duchess of Windsor viewed his assignment as Royal Governor as severe punishment, banishment to a far-flung island country without any of the trappings of a royal life. Though they gave of themselves personally in times of crisis, they never truly warmed to the people of the island nation, nor did they reciprocate the warmth with which Bahamians showered them.
As World War II raged, disrupting lives globally including in The Bahamas, the Duke of Windsor was both symbolic of the superiority of royalty and symptomatic of the times. Turmoil surrounded his tenure in this island nation – the Burma Road Riots, the Bay Street Fire, The Project, The Contract and the still-unsolved murder of Sir Harry Oakes, the richest man in the world at the time.
The Duke’s friendship with a German industrialist who had taken refuge in The Bahamas during the war further aroused suspicion and, moreover, he never denied his affiliation and friendship with those who British allies would have considered their most bitter enemies. He also never entertained a black Bahamian at Mount Fitzwilliam (Government House), though black Bahamians were so excited to see the ‘romantic couple’ that they insisted on a ceremony at Clifford Park to welcome them to The Bahamas when only a private ceremony had been planned.
Diane Gedymin, publisher of Grant’s Town Press, states that, “This incisive book reveals the Duke and Duchess as racially biased, unwilling to disturb the status quo, and who fell far short of making a positive impact during his tenure.”
In the foreword, Sir Sidney Poitier calls the book “an unvarnished fresh look” at a crucial period in Bahamian history. He points out that the Duke and Duchess of Windsor’s time in The Bahamas was not unlike apartheid, and notes that although the term was never used, the foundation was there – economic and political rule by a white oligarchy.
Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham called the work “insightful, informative.” Turnquest, he said, “has produced an easy, readable history of the period, well-informed by his own personal experience as a young black, who overcame the absence of the opportunities gifted to the Duke of Windsor to become the Duke’s successor in the office of governor general of an independent Bahamas.” Other praise came from Tribune publisher Eileen Carron, two former Governors General Sir Arthur Foulkes and Dame Ivy Dumont and from Lyford Cay resident Harry Oakes.
The book will be available at all major book stores in New Providence, Grand Bahama, Harbour Island and Abaco as well as the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas and The Linen Shop on Bay Street, Nassau. The hardcover edition will be available at $35 and paperback for $25.20 and the eBook on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, iBooks and other eBook retailers worldwide. Publisher is Grant’s Town Press (www.grantstownpress.com).
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.
