Bahamas News

Government Wants to Move from “Undue Emphasis on Foreign Investment”

Published

9 years ago

June 14, 2017

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Peter Turnquest said The Bahamas must move from undue emphasis on foreign investment to propel economic activity.

“While we do acknowledge an important role for such investments, if they are legitimately strategic in nature, we are firmly committed to unleashing the potential and creativity of home-grown entrepreneurs as catalysts of innovation, investment and stronger economic growth, particularly in non-traditional industries, the DPM said during his Contribution to the 2017/18 Budget Debate in the House of Assembly on Wednesday, June 7, 2017.

He explained that to support and promote increased Bahamian entrepreneurship and ownership in the economy, and especially small and medium-sized businesses, the Government has laid out, in its Manifesto, a detailed array of measures that it will pursue during this mandate. These include:

· the introduction of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (SMEDA) in order to consolidate the services and incentives of all relevant agencies;

· support for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Centres;

· provision of a $5 million capital infusion to the Venture Capital Fund;

· establishment of a one-stop shop, incorporating relevant Government agencies and services as a means of easing the burden and cost of doing business in this country;

· encouragement of the commercial banks to establish Small Business Units staffed with professionals attuned to the particular needs of SMEs, including mentorship and guidance;

· further strengthening of the Fresh Start and Jumpstart programmes established by the previous FNM Administration; and

· make available incentives and inducements that are in line with those offered to foreign investors in the same sectors of the economy.

Grand Bahama’s economy

He said the Government will also strive to revitalise the Grand Bahama economy through initiatives that are geared to accelerating, broadening and sustaining its economic development.

The Budget Communication announced, “we would repeal and replace the disastrous Grand Bahama (Port Area) Investment Incentives Act 2016 that I have labelled as a ‘job killer’.

“Our objective is to ensure that all licensees receive equal treatment under the law, with the greatest opportunity for success, unencumbered by red tape and unreasonable cost to operate.”

In addition, the DPM said other measures the Government intends to establish include:

· relocate The Bahamas Maritime Authority to Grand Bahama as a means of establishing it as the maritime capital of the country and leverage the container port and shipyard infrastructure to attract new investment into the sector;

· further develop BTVI and the University of The Bahamas to more effectively support the island’s industrial and hospitality requirement;

· promote Grand Bahama as an eco-tourism sanctuary;

· by capitalizing on the airport infrastructure, develop the aviation sector as well as attract overnight courier services;

· utilize Crown lands in east and west Grand Bahama to create a hydro-farm and a mariculture facility to produce crops and seafood for export; and

· eliminate all preferential treatment that hinders the growth of business on the island.

Inner city communities in New Providence

DPM Turnquest said the inner city communities in New Providence have long been economically and socially depressed areas and have been neglected by Government for far too long.

He said, “Our Government will, during this mandate, therefore move to reinvigorate and transform these so-called ‘Ova-da-Hill’ communities through incentives for entrepreneurs, investors and especially small and medium-sized businesses that will spur business growth and job creation from within these communities.

“We will support the construction of business premises and new or refurbished owner-occupied homes. We will establish community centres with activities that strengthen family and social cohesion for the youth and elderly. And we will ensure the provision of potable water, sewer and sanitation services in line with those available to our citizens elsewhere,” DPM Turnquest said.

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Bahamas News

Royal Bahamas Police Force – ARRAIGNMENT NOTICE

Published

4 days 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

2 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

2 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.