Bahamas News

UB Partners With Cape Eleuthera Island School

Published

9 years ago

October 20, 2017

#Bahamas, October 20, 2017 – Nassau – As University of The Bahamas (UB) continues to embrace a sustainability paradigm and increase capacity for research undertakings and vibrant academic experiences, it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Cape Eleuthera Island School to strengthen cooperation in educational and research pursuits.

Under the agreement, students and faculty will have increased opportunities to actively contribute to the fields of education, science and engineering through their courses of study.

UB is collaborating with The Island School on curriculum development initiatives, providing faculty and students with diverse learning experiences in New Providence, Eleuthera, San Salvador and other locations where UB has satellite campuses. This agreement also paves the way for cultural enrichment, internship and teaching opportunities.

“It is an honour for University of The Bahamas to sign an MOU with The Island School, not only for our UB students to study and do research on Cape Eleuthera, but also for distinguished faculty at The Island School to serve as adjunct faculty for University of The Bahamas,” said UB President Dr. Rodney D. Smith.

“We are looking forward to doing joint degree programmes at the undergraduate, master’s and doctorate degree levels. We look forward to creating hybrid sustainable development programmes between our respective institutions that will be the kind of education that you cannot get anywhere else in the world.”

CEO of The Island School Dr. Edd Brooks shared Dr. Smith’s enthusiasm over the formalization of the relationship and the opportunities that lie ahead for transformative education and research experiences.

“The Island School was founded on the principle that students should be creators of knowledge and not just consumers of knowledge; the idea that students can and should work not just to pass a course or degree but do work that matters, something that has real impact on the world and an effect on the communities that we serve,” explained Dr. Brooks.

“When the work matters, a student doesn’t come to school to get that grade, they come to see the next page in the books they read, the next step in the adventure and that is what we try to instill through our work.”

The Island School is a living-learning environment that is a model for reducing man’s carbon footprint on the environment. The concept of conservation comes to life and deep-rooted respect for the environment is cultivated.

The school has solar panels and heaters and cisterns for rain water collection. An aquaponics operation and the processing and recycling of human waste to fertilize plants at the centre of the campus are also key features.

The Island School complements the Cape Eleuthera Institute for research and the Deep Creek Middle School.

“The thing I am most excited about now in this partnership is that finally we have an academic model where students can do work in The Bahamas on issues that are important for The Bahamas…. Our model works and we want to share this with more people in The Bahamas,” Dr. Brooks noted.

Small island sustainability is one of the priorities for UB which is planning to develop a centre of excellence for environmental sustainability in Exuma and will soon officially open its Small Island Sustainability Research Centre at the Oakes Field Campus in New Providence.

Press Release: UB

PHOTO CAPTION

From left Dr. Edd Brooks, CEO of Cape Eleuthera Island School; UB President Dr. Rodney D. Smith; and Chenara Carey, Chief Administrative Officer, Cape Eleuthera Island School.

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.