Bahamas News

PM Minnis says Bahamians Cannot Afford to Live in Isolation

Published

9 years ago

October 4, 2017

#Bahamas, October 4, 2017 – Nassau – Bahamians should not, and must not, live in “isolation” from the rest of the world, as The Bahamas is part of the much wider regional and global village, Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis said Monday.

“We must always realize that we cannot live in isolation and that we must try to assist others whenever possible, just as they assist us, as we are a Member State of CARICOM (Caribbean Community) and a Member State of the United Nations,” the Prime Minister said.

“My job as Prime Minister and the Leader of the country is to always look at the big picture and to look at what is in the best interests of our country. Citizens of Dominica have assisted in building The Bahamas to where we are today in terms of their assistance with the Police Force, the education system, the corrections system and even our healthcare system.

“While individuals are entitled to speak their minds with regards to the offers of assistance I have made to Dominica, as Prime Minister, I have to look at the big picture which includes The Bahamas being a Member State of CARICOM and the United Nations,” Prime Minister Minnis added.

Bahamian officials say the humanitarian situation in Dominica is far greater than what could have been imagined. The country is now also facing a potential healthcare crisis as a result of the loss of all of its medical facilities – including hospitals and clinics.

“For all intents and purposes, the main city was under 4 feet of water,” Prime Minister Minnis said. “What is remarkable is that you can see the trauma still on the face of the people. In spite of that, they are all working together cleaning the country.

“There are still challenges with the medical fraternity and being a part of CARICOM, I have offered medical assistance. I will meet with the Minister of Health and see how we can assist in that area. Medical service is greatly needed and I think if we were in a similar situation we would have been seeking assistance not only from First World countries, but also from our neighbouring CARICOM countries.”

Prime Minister Minnis said a number of regional and global countries are in Dominica lending whatever assistance they can to help rebuild the country.

“They are being assisted by the U.S., by the Dutch, by the Canadians, by Venezuela, by CARICOM and other countries (both small and large),” Prime Minister Minnis said.

The Prime Minister announced during a press briefing upon his return to the capital Monday that a number of Bahamians have made monetary donations to assist the citizens of Dominica. He applauded them for those donations.

“A number of Bahamians, citizens from the private sector, have came forth and have given me $60,000 to give to Dominica to assist them in addition to the other supplies and different things we are about to do,” Prime Minister Minnis said.

“I am certain that after Bahamians see what has happened there and become more cognizant of what has happened, they will give further donations,” Prime Minister Minnis added.

By: Matt Maura (BIS)

Photo captions

Header photo: The Bahamas Delegation meets with Dominica Prime Minister the Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit during the delegation’s visit to Dominica on Monday, October 2, 2017 during which time they saw the recent devastation to that country from hurricanes Irma and, most ferociously, Maria. Prime Minister Skerrit is at left, speaking to Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis, centre left, and Minister of Financial Services, Trade & Industry and Immigration the Hon. Brent Symonette, centre right. Looking on at right are Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon. Darren Henfield, and President of the Bahamas Christian Council Rev. Delton Fernander (foreground).

Insert photo: Surveying the landscape in hurricane-ravaged Dominica, October 2, 2017 – Prime Minister Hubert Minnis (right); Minister Brent Symonette (centre); and Rev. Delton Fernander.

Photos/Yontalay Bowe, OPM Media Services

Bahamas News

Royal Bahamas Police Force – ARRAIGNMENT NOTICE

Published

2 weeks 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

3 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

3 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.