Bahamas News
DPM Tells Champion Athletes to Stay Focused
Bahamas, June 21, 2017 – Grand Bahama – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest, encouraged athletes to continue to remain focused during the GBSSAA/GBPSAA Awards Presentation 2017 on Friday, June 16.
The ceremony was held at the Tabernacle Baptist Christian Academy.
“It’s always good to see young people doing good, positive things and what we see here today is certainly a manifestation of what our country has to offer and what our future looks like.” Minister Turnquest congratulated the students on their participation in athletics, academics and performing arts, which together, he said, makes a well rounded community.
Adding that while the athletes could not perform to at the best of their ability without coaches and leaders who mentor, train and discipline young people, the Deputy Prime Minister also gave them high praise. He said, “without good coaches, certainly our athletes will perform, because some of them are very gifted, but they will not be able to reach their full potential.”
He continued, “We need to encourage our children to focus on their goals, and that’s what it is about today. It’s about celebrating that achievement, that dedication, that sacrifice that these athletes have made.”
Reminding them that they did not get there by “happenstance”, Minister Turnquest said he knows they recognize the importance of a lot of work, practise and repetition, “doing the same drill over and over again until it becomes muscle memory and you can do it in your sleep.”
“That’s what it’s about and that’s how you make successful citizens”, he continued. “Discipline, courage, conviction. Focus on your dreams.”
He then mentioned two major events, The BAAAs Senior National Championships on the GB Sports Complex on June 23 and 24, and the Commonwealth Youth Games being held in Nassau from July 18-23.
The Commonwealth Youth Games will include athletes from around the Commonwealth in various disciplines and this is the first time being held in The Bahamas. It is expected that hundreds of athletes, coaches and fans will attend.
“We know that our Bahamian athletes will represent and represent well.”
He closed by saying that all that is asked that they do their best and remain focused.
Following his address, Minister Turnquest presented awards to Track and Field Primary School Champions: Tabernacle Baptist Academy, Little School; Freeport Gospel Chapel, Small School; and Freeport Primary School, Big School. In the Track and Field Division, awards went to Tabernacle Baptist in both the Junior and Senior School Divisions.
In Basketball, the Senior Girls Tip Off Classic Champions were Tabernacle Baptist with the MVP being Deandra Nixon. The team was coached by Ms. Shandera Gardiner.
Coached by Darren Rolle, the Under 17 GBSSAA Champions were Tabernacle Baptist with the MVP being Joshua Dames.
Senior Boys Tip Off Classic Champions also went to Tabernacle Baptist, with coach Kevin Clarke at the helm. He was assisted by Quincy Gray and RJ Woodside. The MVP was Shyrone Kemp.
Press Release: BIS
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.
