Bahamas News
RBDF Commended for Outstanding Performance at Annual Church Service
Bahamas, March 28, 2017 – Nassau – Every year, in the month of March, the Officers, Senior Rates and Junior Enlisted of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) attend a local church regaled in their brightest and best uniforms, to highlight their achievements during the past year, remember those who would have died in the line of duty, and thank God for their safekeeping, and to pray for continued blessings for the new year.
This year, their 37th anniversary service was held at the Church of God of Prophecy Tabernacle on East Street where Bishop Hulan Hanna is the Senior Pastor. The service was attended by the Governor General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, the Minister of National Security, the Honorable Dr. Bernard Nottage, Minister of State Senator the Honorable Keith Bell, President of the Court of Appeal, Dame Anita Allen, members of the diplomatic corps and representatives from various security forces.
Under the theme Forward, Upward, Onward Together in Guarding Our Heritage, officers and marines in attendance were commended by the Minister Nottage for their outstanding performance since 2012. This period saw 500 marines recruited, 400 officers and marines undergoing professional and military courses, the capture of 13 Dominican vessels and the confiscation of almost 200,000 poumds of fisheries products and a significant reduction in Dominican poachers; the introduction of South Beach coastal patrols with corresponding crime reduction in the area under Operation Southern Shores; and the signing of the Sandy Bottom Project for the acquisition of 9 patrol craft and modernization of port facilities.
The achievements of the Defence Force during the previous year (2016) were also highlighted. These included joint operations with Police in a national fight against crime resulting in a noted reduction in serious crime; firefighting, patrols and medical assistance provided by Defence Force during the city dump fire and evacuation of Jubilee Gardens; disaster relief assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew; introduction of K-9 Unit; the introduction of a pilot drone unit; the continued capture and arrest of Dominican poachers; the implementation of the Defence Force’s ‘Operation Transformation’ for the efficient management, development and welfare of its human capital inclusive of an accredited Maritime Defence Institute and a Naval Infantry School; and the continued unfolding of the Defence Force’s ‘Operation Regeneration’ for the development of the nation’s youth under the Defence Force’s Rangers Program which incorporates over 30 high schools and saw the addition of schools in the Berry Islands and North Andros in 2017; and the acquisition of 9 patrol craft, and the ongoing development of bases and port facilities at Coral Harbour, Inagua and Ragged Island.
Minister Nottage also encouraged members of the Defence Force to keep up the good work and take care of themselves in the process. And he reminded them that they had a favorable reputation in the eyes of the public which they should seek to uphold.
Bishop Hulan Hanna, who delivered the sermon at the Annual Church Service, reminded Defence Force members, as well as representatives from the Royal Bahamas Polie Force, Bahamas Immigration, Customs and the Department of Correctional Services of the vital service they provide, and he encouraged them to always perform at their best while refusing to associate with non-productive colleagues. Bishop Hanna also reminded those in attendance that real success in national security affairs requires a commitment to Christ as a changed heart produces a changed life.
Commander Defence Force (Acting), Tellis Bethel lauded the event as a success that helps to set a positive tone for the incoming year and expressed his appreciation of the leadership and members of other security forces sharing in this annual service. Captain Bethel was appointed Deputy Commander Defence Force in January 2012 under Commodore Roderick Bowe’s leadership, and later Commander Defence Force (Acting) since March 2015 upon Commodore Bowe’s official retirement.
The Defence Force anniversary activities continues this month with the 5th Commander Defence Force Regatta that is slated for the March 31 – April 2, 2017, and a fun, run, walk slated for early next month.
(For further information please contact the RBDF Public Relations Department or visit their website: www.rbdf.gov.bs, follow them on Facebook, Twitter and view their Youtube channel).
#RBDF
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.
