Bahamas News
NEMA to ship US Donated emergency supplies to Inagua Warehouse
#Bahamas, September 3, 2017 – Nassau – The Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and its National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA were pleased to accept an assortment of emergency relief equipment from the Government of the United States of America, through the United States Embassy in Nassau, and the United States Northern Command.
The Items, which were delivered to The Bahamas via eight 40ft containers, are to equip the recently constructed Emergency Relief Warehouse, in Matthew Town, Great Inagua.
The Emergency Relief Warehouse, which was officially handed over to The Bahamas Government, on June 22, 2017, is also a gift from the Government of the Unites States, constructed at a cost of $1.8 million.
The equipment valued at an estimated $600,000, include the following:-
- 5kw and 10kw generators
- Berthing Kits
- Cots
- Water containers
- Fuel Containers
- Blankets
- Tool box and kit
- Power cords
- Pallet stacker
- Water Purification tablets
- Radio and flash light
- Shower / Shelter combo
- Tents
- Ripe saws/ Circular saws, maintenance tool, blades
- Folding chairs & tables
- Water canteens
- Field toilets
- Portable floodlights
- Soap/ toilet paper
Captain Stephen Russell, director of NEMA confirmed that the equipment and supplies would be transported to Inagua warehouse within the coming days via the HMBS Lawrence Major, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force’s Roll on/Roll off vessel.
This vessel has made an invaluable contribution to the logistics and transportation efforts in support of the National Disaster Response and Recovery programme since its commissioning in 2015, immediately in the aftermath of Hurricane Joaquin.
“The equipment are earmarked for the islands of the southern Bahamas, namely Inagua, Mayaguana, Acklins, Crooked Island, and southern Long Island. And is aimed at strengthening the preparedness and response capabilities of the communities in those island prior to, during and in the aftermath of any emergencies.” Capt Russell said.
The delivery of the equipment to the Mathew Town warehouse will further strengthen the National Emergency Management Agency’s Strategic Emergency Relief Warehouse programme, with warehouses that are equipped in the northern, central and southern Bahamas.
“The aim is to ensure that emergency equipment are readily available, to provide a timely response in the aftermath of an emergency or disaster,” Capt Russell said.
The spokesperson from the U.S. Embassy said, “The cooperation between the US and The Bahamas runs deep.
“The United States proudly donates over $600K in disaster relief supplies to the Bahamas to fill the three U.S. -donated disaster relief warehouses in Nassau, Freeport, and Great Iangua. These supplies will be used to assist the National Emergency Management Agency as they prepare for storms or other natural disasters in The Bahamas and the region.”
By: Lindsay Thompson (BIS)
Captions:
Emergency relief supplies being uploaded onboard the HMBS Lawrence Major for shipping to Inagua for storage in the Great Inagua Warehouse. The supplies were donated by the Government of the United States of America, through the United States Embassy in Nassau, and the United States Northern Command.
(BIS Photo: Kristaan Ingraham)
Captain Stephen Russell, Director of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, inspects emergency relief supplies being uploaded onboard the HMBS Lawrence Major for shipping to Inagua for storage in the Great Inagua Warehouse. The supplies were donated by the Government of the United States of America, through the United States Embassy in Nassau, and the United States Northern Command.
(BIS Photo: Kristaan Ingraham)
Defence Force marines upload emergency relief supplies on board the HMBS Lawrence Major for shipping to Inagua for storage in the Great Inagua Warehouse. The supplies were donated by the Government of the United States of America, through the United States Embassy in Nassau, and the United States Northern Command.
(BIS Photo: Kristaan Ingraham)
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.
