Bahamas News
Thompson Opens Grand Bahama’s GOOMBAY Summer Festival
Bahamas, July 7, 2017 – Grand Bahama – Grand Bahamians will play an important role in revitalizing the island of Grand Bahama, according to Minister of State for Grand Bahama in the Office of The Prime Minister, Senator Kwasi Thompson.
“Recovery is a group effort; it takes all of us as a community to see a better, brighter island,” said Senator Thompson. “Truly, one of the most impactful efforts toward revitalization is working together as one.”
The Minister’s remarks came during the short opening ceremony to kick off this year’s GOOMBAY Festival, which was held at Taino Beach on Thursday, July 6, 2017. The Summer Cultural Festival is expected to run until the end of August, and will be held every Thursday evening at the popular beach.
During the opening ceremony, scores of tourists and locals alike flocked to Taino Beach to enjoy Bahamian culture, including food, drinks, Bahamian music and a junkanoo rush out.
In his address, the Minister of State for Grand Bahama noted that such festivals as Goombay provide economic value for the country, particularly for the island of Grand Bahama. He noted that upon taking office the Minnis Administration committed itself to revitalizing the island of Grand Bahama.
“Grand Bahama has shown great resilience in times of hardship and has always had limitless potential for a successful, sustainable, booming economy,” Senator Thompson told those gathered for the Summer Festival.
“We are now moving toward unveiling that potential and making way for this island to be all that it can be.
“As such, I urge residents of this island to support local festivals like these; support cultural activities and support Bahamian businesses, because ultimately, Grand Bahamians will play an important role in revitalizing Grand Bahama.”
Minister Thompson noted that the government is actively working on the redevelopment of the Lucayan strip. He admitted that the once popular shopping district has faced a number of challenges, particularly for local businesses within the tourism industry.
“We want to assure those business owners, particularly vendors in Port Lucaya Marketplace that we stand behind you,” said Minister Thompson. “We are committed to restoring life to Port Lucaya.”
“And for our visitors, if you haven’t already done so, please visit Port Lucaya Marketplace. It is our hope and full intent, in conjunction with the Ministries of Tourism and Culture to bring festivals like this to Port Lucaya and throughout our island, thereby creating an avenue for local businesses to thrive and flourish.
“As we progress toward revitalization, I strongly encourage the public to participate in these activities.”
Minister Thompson commended the team at the Ministry of Tourism for their dedication and hard work in bringing the “awesome” summer festival to Grand Bahama once again. He also thanked the sponsors, as well as the vendors and entertainers who made the decision to be a part of this year’s GOOMBAY Festival.
Story by: Andrew Coakley
Press Release: BIS
(BIS Photos/Andrew Coakley)
Photo Captions:
SUMMER FESTIVAL 2017 – Minister of State for Grand Bahama in the Office of The Prime Minister, Senator Kwasi Thompson (centre, with hat), is joined by Member of Parliament for Bains and Grants Town and Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Travis Robinson, Betty Bethel, Director of Tourism (Northern Bahamas) and Ministry of Tourism organizers of this year’s festival, for a group shot during opening ceremonies for the 2017 GOOMBAY Summer Festival on Taino Beach, Thursday, July 6, 2017.
OPENING FESTIVAL – Minister of State for Grand Bahama in the Office of The Prime Minister, Senator Kwasi Thompson was the guest speaker at the opening of the 2017 Bahamas GOOMBAY Summer Festival, which was held on Taino Beach, Thursday, July 6, 2017.
GREAT SPEECH – Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Member of Parliament for Bains & Grant’s Town, Travis Robinson (left) is congratulated by Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator Kwasi Thompson, for a great speech during the opening of the 2017 Bahamas GOOMBAY Summer Festival.
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.
