Bahamas News
Karting Summer Camp Gears Up, Ready, Set, Drive August 7
Bahamas, July 31, 2017 – Nassau – Registration opens this week for the 5th annual EduKarting Summer Camp, two, one-week sessions beginning August 8 that allow young Bahamians to experience the speed and adrenaline-pumping excitement associated with the traditional sport that mixes thrills with important life lessons.
“Thanks to the continuing support from the FIA, our sponsors and the Ministry of Education which allows us to use the grounds of Doris Johnson High, we are able to keep our fees at $25 per camper per week, including lunch,” said Bahamas EduKarting founder and coordinator David McLaughlin. “We wanted to keep fees reasonable so every young person who wants to participate, regardless of financial status, can take part in the camp designed to teach the values of self-discipline and teamwork. And the best part is students are learning useful skills while having a great time zipping around the course in a kart they have taken apart and rebuilt.” Most importantly, said McLaughlin, beyond the basics of mechanics, campers learn what it takes to make a team of people who never knew each other before perform. “There is art, design, public relations and marketing,” he says. “Each team has to create a business plan, present and ‘sell’ it to a sponsor who provides virtual funding for uniforms, helmets, tires and parts.”
“Nearly every famous Formula One or NASCAR racer got his or her start in karting, said McLaughlin, Bahamas and Caribbean Motor Sport Development Director of FIA, the motor sports association under the auspices of the International Olympics Committee. “Who knows? The Bahamas, which has produced great athletes in track and field, basketball, tennis and swimming, may one day produce a great race car driver. Look at Lewis Hamilton of Grenada and the U.K. who got his first go-kart at the age of six and showed so much promise by the time he was a teen that his father gave up his career and sometimes worked as many as three jobs to support his son’s ambition in motor sport. Today, he is the most famous Formula One driver alive.”
Each EduKarting summer camp is open to a maximum of 30 participants ages 11-17. Sessions run August 8 – 11 and August 14-18 from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm at Doris Johnson High on Prince Charles Drive. Sponsors include Caribbean Bottling and Aquapure, both of whom provide beverages daily. Other partners and sponsors include the Ministry of Education, Science & Technology, Julius Bar, Rotary Club of East Nassau, Rotaract, Bahamas Waste, Diane Phillips & Associates, Oasis Furniture, Valvoline, Battery & Tyre and the FIA.
“We have seen high school students come out of school and immediately into a job because of the skills they learned in EduKarting,” said McLaughlin. “Two of them are working for a large auto dealer now in the service division and another has gone on to become a pilot.”
To register, call 432-1845, 815-8907, email edukartingbahamas@gmail.com or go to the EduKarting Facebook page.
Release: DPA
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.
