Bahamas News

PM Minnis Touts Virtues of ‘Servant Leader’ at BCC Installation

Published

9 years ago

June 29, 2017

Bahamas, June 29, 2017 – Nassau – Great leadership calls for great service and those who are privileged enough to lead must be humble enough to serve their country, Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis said Tuesday night. “Leadership is all about the people,” Prime Minister Minnis said.

Prime Minister Minnis said he and newly-elected Bahamas Christian Council (BCC) President, Bishop Fernander, share a common destiny. Bishop Delton Fernander, the Senior Pastor at New Destiny Baptist Cathedral, and his team were installed during the service.

“God, in His wisdom, has called both of us for such a time,” the Prime Minister said. “This is indeed a new season, not only for the Christian Council, but for The Bahamas. We are both here because of the Grace and Mercy of Almighty God. We must both approach our office and duties with humility, focus and an attitude of service. We must both pray for God’s continued wisdom and understanding.

“I congratulate you and your team. I commit not only my support, but you have my pledge to always be open to your spiritual counsel.”

Addressing the Bahamas Christian Council’s Service of Installation held at the William Thompson Auditorium, Jean Street, Prime Minister Minnis said the BCC is important to the wellbeing and development of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

“The Bahamas should be thankful we have an organization called the Bahamas Christian Council, filled with spiritually strong leaders who love their God and their country. The Bahamas should not take these gifts for granted,” Prime Minister Minnis said.

“I firmly believe that a great part of the national change we all desire will only come when we truly follow Christian values and principles.”

Prime Minister Minnis said Bahamians and The Bahamas have a great deal to be thankful for and should not lose sight of the many gifts God has bestowed on citizens and country alike.

“The bible tells us to give thanks in every circumstance,” Dr. Minnis said. “The people of The Bahamas have a great deal to be thankful for. We should thank God that we live in one of the best countries in the world. We should thank God that even though we face challenges, we are a strong, talented and courageous people. We should thank God for our religious freedoms that allow us to pray and worship without fear of persecution.”

Prime Minister Minnis congratulated Bishop Delton Fernander on his ascension to the presidency of the Christian Council and for Bishop Fernander’s “faithful and exemplary service to your own church” (New Destiny Baptist Cathedral) and his country.

“I give God thanks for your election to the office of President of the Bahamas Christian Council. I wish you and your team God’s favour and grace as you lead this important organization.”

The Prime Minister also commended outgoing BCC President, Dr. Ranford Patterson for his tenure as BCC President.

“Dr. Patterson has been a passionate, outspoken, thoughtful and fearless spiritual leader,” the Prime Minister said. “(He) and his team have provided sound, biblical guidance for our people on important national issues.”

The Christian Council has established several Commissions to investigate “such matters as the Council may refer to it or such other matters that fall within its term of reference” for 2017.

These include areas such as theological and bible studies, education and culture, economic development, health and wellness, crime and justice, moral and social matters, family life (the role of men), children, youth and young adults, pastoral education and ethics and women (church women) among others.

The Council was constituted to promote understanding and trust between various parts of “Christ’s Church” in The Bahamas at all levels, to further Christ’s mission of service by the joint action of Christians in The Bahamas, and to witness for the Christian community in The Bahamas on matters of social and common concern.

Bishop Fernander’s team will include Archdeacon James Palacious (First Vice-President); Reverend. Dr. Beverley Strachan (Secretary); Pastor Ronald Campbell (Treasurer); Bishop Moses Johnson (Second Vice-President); Bishop Gregory K. Minnis (Third Vice-President); Bishop Gloria D. Ferguson (Fourth Vice-President); Reverend Irene Russell (Radio and Television Coordinator); Pastor Roslyn Astwood (Administrative Assistant to the President) and Bishop Albert Hepburn (Historian).

Apostle Leon Wallace, Reverend Dr. Vaughn Cash, Pastor Mario Moxey, Reverend Ednol Minnis and Dr. Anthony Farrington are the Executive Officers.

Story by: Matt Maura

Press Release: BIS

PHOTO CAPTION: Newly-installed Bahamas Christian Council (BCC) President Bishop Delton Fernander (at right) and Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert Alexander Minnis, share a few words upon the Prime Minister’s arrival at the William Thompson Auditorium for the start of Tuesday’s BCC Service of Installation. (BIS Photo/Peter Ramsay)

Bahamas News

Royal Bahamas Police Force – ARRAIGNMENT NOTICE

Published

1 week 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.