Bahamas News
Grand Bahama Should Get Heavy Rain, But Not Direct Hit from TS Emily
Bahamas, July 31, 2017 – Grand Bahama – The development of Tropical Storm Emily is expected to bring lots of rain to Grand Bahama, but the island should not expect to get a direct hit, said Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator the Hon. Kwasi Thompson, during a press briefing on Monday.
The disturbance off the coast of Florida, developed into a tropical storm on Monday morning, and the briefing was held to assure residents that not only is the Office of the Prime Minister in Grand Bahama monitoring the situation, but so are the Met Office in Grand Bahama and NEMA.
“We also want to encourage residents to also to continue to monitor the storm, we want them to stay in touch with local media, we also want them to take all necessary precautions to ensure that they are safe, their houses and businesses are safe as well.”
Minister Thompson noted that there are people whose homes are still in disrepair as a result of Hurricane Matthew in October last year, and added, “as we go through the continued process of repairing those persons’ houses, we want them to be assured that should the need arise, we’ve already put officials on alert that there is at least a shelter which will be made available for those persons who may not be able to stay at their houses.”
Residents are asked to listen to their local radio station which will inform them if the shelter is opened.
Kirk James from the Met Office said that as of the location of Tropical Storm Emily issued at noon, it was located about 35 miles WSW of Tampa, Florida moving E at 9 mph. Maximum sustained winds were near 45 mph with higher gusts. Little change in strength was expected before landfall the afternoon.
Emily, he said, was expected to be downgraded to a depression tonight and traverse Central Florida, end up on the East Florida Coast and head out into the Atlantic on Tuesday. The storm was just under 300 miles NW of Grand Bahama early Monday morning, and the latest position brought the storm to about 268 miles away.
“There is no real concern for us, other than what the Minister already mentioned with rainfall potential. ” He continued, “We are simply concerned for the public to be aware of the heavy rainfall and we do have a hazardous or adverse warning for the public alert.”
He explained that the warnings are issued from New Providence and there are special warnings in the forecast, but in the special warnings of the forecast, residents will see adverse weather threats will include: strong to severe thunder storms, locally heavy rainfall, and flooding. The National Hurricane Centre predicts 3/4 inch of rain in Grand Bahama, a low-lying flat island that has the potential to flood.
Tammi Mitchell of NEMA said, “With reference to Tropical Storm Emily, as everybody has been stating, we want to remind the public to be very vigilant in your hurricane preparations. Although we’re expecting a lot of rain, we want to remind you that by now, you should have already completed all of your preparations for the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season.
“We are also mindful of the fact that there are a number of homes, particularly throughout the island of Grand Bahama, that are still undergoing repairs. While we do sympathize with you, we want to make sure that you try your best to protect what it is that you have at this time. Meaning, try to find ways to secure your home a little better, and if you have to leave your home, try to seek shelter with a family member or friend where you are out of harm’s way, and you can possibly return after the storm has passed.”
Ms. Mitchell added that they will also be monitoring a number of vulnerable areas, namely the Fishing Hole Road, for flooding. The Public Hospitals Authority will also be notified to see that their medical team is going to be stationed in the west, and will mobilize them to the western side of the island if necessary.
Parliamentary Secretary of Information and Communication in the Office of the Prime Minister and MP for West Grand Bahama and Bimini, Mrs. Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe made a special appeal to those in West Grand Bahama. Those residents were severely impacted by Hurricane Matthew and “as we approach the month of October, we realize that there are many homes that still remain in disrepair. With that being said, we want to recommit our efforts to ensuring that each and every home owner is back in their homes. There is a process that we are currently undergoing, and we want to remind all of our residents that we hear your concerns, we know what those realities are and we are working feverishly to ensure that you remain and get back into your homes.
“We are calling on neighbours and family members of those who may be experiencing any difficulties with their home, who is really threatened by the severe weather. If you are aware of anyone who is next to you, who may need assistance, to please reach out as a neighbour, and ensure that they receive that assistance.”
TROPICAL STORM EMILY -Met office official, Kirk James, is seen on Monday during a press briefing, explaining the effects of Tropical Storm Emily. (BIS Photo/Simon Lewis)
PRESS BRIEFING – With severe weather affecting Grand Bahama imminent, Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator the Hon. Kwasi Thompson, hosted a press briefing to inform residents of what systems are and will be in place to ensure their safety. Shown from left are: Tammi Mitchell, NEMA; Pakesia Parker Edgecombe, Parliamentary Secretary of Information and Communication in the Office of the Prime Minister and MP for West Grand Bahama and Bimini; Minister Thompson; Harcourt Brown, Senior Under Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister for Grand Bahama; and Kirk James, Met Office. (BIS Photo/Simon Lewis)
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.
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