Bahamas News
Cynthia Wilson Recognized for 45 Years in Public Service
Bahamas, August 3, 2017 – Nassau – She began her career path as a Clerk in the Ministry of Works, climbed through the ranks and is now retiring as Financial Controller at Bahamas Information Services (BIS) after 45 years in the Bahamas Public Service.
Cynthia Bowe-Wilson was lauded as a “model officer” at a retirement luncheon, July 27, when family, colleagues, special friends and senior government officials gathered at Golden Gates World Outreach Ministries Community Centre to recognize her.
“You have worked hard and now you will get your well-deserved reward,” said Eugenia Cartwright, Government Treasurer.
Mrs. Cartwright congratulated Mrs. Wilson and thanked her for many years of service to the Treasury and the Government and people of The Bahamas.
On behalf of the management and staff of BIS, Matt Maura, Senior Information Officer, described Mrs. Wilson as an absolute “giver”. He said she would give her heart, her soul, her effort, her wisdom, her knowledge and her understanding. Furthermore, he said she is grace and beauty. She personifies class. She is faithful, beautiful, kind spirited and passionate.
Mrs. Wilson, a descendant of Williams Town, Exuma, joined the Public Service in 1972 and has served at various Ministries and Departments including the Ministry of Housing and National Insurance, the Office of the Attorney General, the Department of Immigration, the Parliamentary Registration Department, and the Office of the Prime Minister.
In her remarks, Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe, Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, said the Public Service of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas would not be able to carry out service delivery in so many forms, in so many diverse ways if it were not for persons such as Mrs. Cynthia Wilson.
“They are unsung heroes who make those at the top look good and in fact make governments look good. Such persons do not seek out the limelight but day after day, month after month, year in and year out they attend to their duties as diligently as possible.”
On behalf of the Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis, the Minister of Finance, the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest and the Minister of the Public Service, the Hon. Brensil Rolle, she thanked Mrs. Wilson for 45 years of “unstinting” service to the nation. She wished her the best for a healthy and contented retirement.
Congratulatory remarks were also given by Bishop Ross Davis, Pastor Trent Davis and Terrance Bastian, Auditor General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Terez Nixon gave a tribute in song.
Mrs. Wilson was presented with a plaque from BIS and other gifts of appreciation.
Story by: Kathryn Campbell
Release: BIS
BIS Photos/Derek Smith
Photo Captions:
Header: Cynthia Wilson and her son N’Kem Wilson at the entrance of her retirement luncheon, pausing before entering the luncheon gathering.
1st insert: Cynthia Wilson arrives at her Retirement Luncheon, July 27, at Golden Gates World Outreach Ministries Community Centre.
2nd insert: Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe, Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, chats with Cynthia Wilson, who retires from the Public Service after 45 years.
3rd insert: Cynthia Wilson (4th from left) Financial Controller at Bahamas Information Services, is shown with dignitaries at head table of a retirement luncheon given in her honor. Also shown from left, Mrs. Davis, Bishop Ross Davis, Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe, Parliamentary Secretary; Mrs. Wilson, Luther Smith, Director General, BIS; Chief Magistrate Joyanne Ferguson Pratt; and Eugenia Cartwright, Treasurer.
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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