Bahamas News
Minister Wells Envisions ACP Countries Becoming Major Fisheries Exporters
#Bahamas, September 23, 2017 – Nassau – As the 5th Meeting of ACP (Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific) Ministers of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Nassau closed on Thursday, delegates resolved to create a strategic plan to secure the aquaculture and fisheries sectors of the 79 member countries (of almost one billion people) to bring about foreign exchange, improve job security and food security.
Bahamas Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources the Hon. Renward Wells chaired the week-long meeting and, delighted that the group arrived at a resolution, gave brief remarks to the media at the session’s closing. He remarked with respect to the potential of the blue economy: “Over the next few years, you’re going to see nations in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific engaging in fisheries at the level of Asia, so we become major exporters in the industry, able to supply food and maintain food security in our own economies, as well as assist in creating jobs, and able to export our products to other countries.”
He observed that promotion of the growth of fisheries along the current level of Asian countries is not a lack of will, but rather a matter of implementation of new technology, or of creating the funding.
ACP Assistant Secretary General Viwanou Gnassounou noted, “Since 2012, we still have to improve upon the monitoring of the process and also the mobilization of resources for implementation. We are catalysts in this situation and we look at how we can accelerate the movement.
“The Blue Economy Initiative is based on investment. We need to focus on value addition, processing and export. That is the only way we can reach the level of what you are assessing.”
The conclave took place at Melia Nassau Beach resort, Cable Beach, September 18-21, 2017 — almost two years since the last meeting attended by The Bahamas, in 2015 during the 29th session of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly that took place June 15-17, 2015 in Suva, Fiji.
The countries of Sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific Islands have up to US$5.3 billion worth of fish exports entering the international market each year. The meeting seeks to reinforce shared commitments to improve governance and boost development of fisheries and aquaculture resources.
Of the 79 ACP Group of States, more than 60 export fisheries products, both from maritime and inland fisheries and from aquaculture. Of these, more than 50 countries are coastal states, most of them with important coastal fishing communities.
The meeting allowed the countries to take stock of the ACP strategic plan of action for fisheries and aquaculture and share regional good practices, deepen partnerships, and discuss priority issues for multilateral engagement.
By: Gena Gibbs
Photo Caption:
At the Press Conference at Closure of the 5th Meeting of ACP (Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific) Ministers of Fisheries and Aquaculture, September 21, 2017 – Chairman of the meeting, Bahamas Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources the Hon. Renward Wells addresses the media. At the table, the group pictured from left: Dr. Kaire Mbuende, Chairman of ACP Working Group on Fisheries; Phaedra Rahming, Permanent Secretary, Bahamas Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources; Minister Renward Wells; Mr. Viwanou Gnassounou, ACP Assistant Secretary General; and the Hon. Lopaoo Natanielu Mua, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries of Samoa.
(BIS Photos/Raymond A. Bethel Sr.)
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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