Bahamas News

DPM and Works Parliamentary Secretary Tour Seawall Project at Smith’s Point

Published

9 years ago

August 21, 2017

#Bahamas, August 20, 2017 – Grand Bahama – With a low pressure area categorized tracking towards The Bahamas and soon expected to become a Tropical Storm, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Hon. Peter Turnquest, along with Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Public Works, Hon. Iram Lewis, on Friday wanted to get an update on work being carried out on the seawall at Smith’s Point.

The Deputy Prime Minister and the Parliamentary Secretary, August 18, 2017, invited members of the press along to meet with the Contractor for the latest news concerning the much-anticipated project in the Smith’s Point Community.

“As you know we’re in the middle of hurricane season and so this project is of paramount concern for us at this stage,” said Deputy Prime Minister Turnquest. “Residents of this community are aware of a potential storm traveling at this moment. So, it is all the more important that we make the kind of progress as quickly as possible to secure this site to protect the people in this community.

“I’m pleased to say that we’re now making positive progress in respect to this project.”

The project, which will cost the Government some $4.2 million, and was expected to be completed within 28 weeks, had some delays and a change of Contractors on the site, with Waugh Construction taking over the project.

“It is unfortunate that we have had the delays that we’ve had as a result of issues that have already been outlined,” added Minister Turnquest. “But again, we are making positive steps to get this project completed as quickly as possible.”

Minister Turnquest pointed out that the Government has a vision for the project that goes beyond just the construction of a seawall. He explained that the vision includes making a part of the project a promenade, which will help to increase economic activity to the community.

“So we are expecting and envisioning a real transformation of this waterfront so that it becomes not only a means of providing a safety factor, but also gives an opportunity to spur economic activity in this area,” said Minister Turnquest.

Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Public Works, Iram Lewis said that while the Government would like to see the seawall project completed expeditiously, the focus is also on quality work.

“The whole idea of this project is to protect this settlement and the people of this community,” added Mr. Lewis. “We are working as best as we can to ensure that this project is completed not only at a fast pace, but with top quality, where we won’t have any concerns about washout in the future.

“We are ensured that we have selected the right team to complete this job and we are confident that once this project is completed that the residents of Smith’s Point will be pleased with the final result.”

Asked if the project will still be on budget, Mr. Lewis said that staying on budget is always the objective and added that the Representative for the area also happens to be the Minister of Finance and so he is sure that the project will remain on budget.

“But we are dealing with nature and with a project like this there are always unforeseen occurrences that come up, but the goal is to stay within budget,” added Mr. Lewis.

Mr. Turnquest said that there have been some community meetings about the project within the Smith’s Point community to apprise residents of the on-going project.

“As we get updates, we update the residents as to where we are with the project and the reason why we take tours of this site on a regular basis is to be able to pass on the information to the residents in the community as to where we are with the project,” added Minister Turnquest.

The Deputy Prime Minister said that he is happy to see that the Contractor has agreed to partner with the community of Smith’s Point, by offering employment among the locals. Contractor Godfrey Waugh, President of Waugh Construction, confirmed that they are seeking to employ ten additional people to work on the completion of the project and their first preference include residents of Smith’s Point.

“We believe that at the end of the day, this project will be brought to a successful conclusion, which will be satisfactory to all involved.”

Story by: Andrew Coakley (BIS)

PHOTO CAPTIONS

BIS Photos/Vandyke Hepburn

Header Photo – President of Waugh Construction, Godfrey Waugh (left) explains some of the work being carried out by his company on the Seawall at Smith’s Point. The DPM and the Parliamentary Secretary took a tour of the site on Friday, August 18, 2017 to get an update on the project.

1st Insert – Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Peter Turnquest and Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Public Works, Hon. Iram Lewis addressed members of the press, following their tour of the seawall project in Smith’s Point.

2nd Insert – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Hon. Peter Turnquest, (center), along with Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Public Works, Hon. Iram Lewis (second from right) look at plans of the seawall at Smith’s Point outlined by Godfrey Waugh, President of Waugh Construction.

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.