Bahamas News
Newly-Installed RBDF Rangers Encouraged to Stay Focused, Make a Difference
Bahamas, June 14, 2017 – Grand Bahama – Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Carl Smith said the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Rangers program has for many years been successful in producing well-rounded and disciplined citizens of The Bahamas, and that it has become a model of excellence for youth organizations.
In his address, speaking on behalf the Minister of National Security, the Hon. Marvin Dames, at Saturday’s Royal Bahamas Defence Force Rangers Installation Ceremony at C.A. Smith Complex, Mr. Smith noted that youth development must be a priority for the growth and sustainability of a nation.
“The Royal Bahamas Defence Force has been involved in such development since 1995. With the recent implementation of its strategic vision for youth development called ‘Operation Regeneration’,” said Mr. Smith, “It is intended to transform the Rangers Program into the Rangers National Youth Service Program, with the hope of establishing the Rangers Leadership Academy.”
PS Smith noted as a brief history of the program, it was first introduced at the Donald Davis Secondary School with the initial goal of redirecting the path of challenged male students towards the path of becoming more productive within their schools and communities.
He pointed out that the Rangers Program has since grown to become a voluntary program that involves a cross-section of youths among five islands of The Bahamas. Its main goals are in the areas of youth development, youth leadership, technical skills, vocational skills and life skills, coupled with both military and maritime training.
“The Rangers Program has consistently been able to produce well-rounded cadets who have been imbued with positive attitude towards self, their peers as well as law and order,” added Mr. Smith.
“The Rangers Organization is extraordinary; its structure and value system is comparable to no other youth program in this country. The program has included over a thousand participating students from twenty-two schools in New Providence and thirteen schools in the Family Islands.”
He told them they will find themselves in various professions, and “make up our communities, churches and eventually our military and law enforcement personnel. I therefore encourage you to remain focused. You have an enviable opportunity to make a difference in your schools, communities and your country.”
Also attending Saturday’s Installation ceremony, and giving out awards for top recruits, was Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Commodore Tellis Bethel.
Press Release: BIS
Photo Captions: Photos/Vandyke Hepburn
NEW CADETS – Close to fifty new Cadets joined the ranks of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Rangers during Installation ceremonies on Saturday morning on the grounds of the C.A. Smith Building. The Rangers Program assists young people in a variety of areas including youth development, youth leadership, technical, vocational and life skills.
INSPECTING RECRUITS – Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Carl Smith, along with Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Commodore Tellis Bethel inspect the guards during Installation ceremonies on Saturday morning.
MINISTER’S AWARD – Tyrontel Bosfield was the recipient of the Minister’s Award during Installation ceremonies of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Rangers. At left is Commodore Tellis Bethel and at right is Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of National Security, Carl Smith.
COMMODORE’S AWARD – Cherity Brown received the Commodore’s Academic Achievement Award. Making the presentation were Commodore Tellis Bethel (left) and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Carl Smith (right).
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.
