Bahamas News

Utility scale possible with BESS battery back-up technology

Published

9 years ago

October 1, 2017

#Bahamas, October 1, 2017 – Nassau – The country’s leading experts on renewable energy yesterday weighed in on the now-public report by PowerSecure, the BPL management company given the government boot, declaring that while parts of PowerSecure’s assessment were accurate but the conclusion that the Bahamas could not generate enough solar energy during peak demand is inaccurate as they failed to take into account Battery Energy Storage Solutions.

“There is no “silver bullet” for solving the energy crisis of the Bahamas. It must be approached as a mixed generation of reliable, viable and economical solutions working in conjunction with each other, instead of in opposition,” said Philip Holdom, President, Alternative Power Supply and co-founder of Sustainable Energy Ltd Bahamas. “The Bahamas will be best served by decentralizing the power grid, mandating the highest energy efficiency standards in homes and businesses and modernizing the highest energy users, public buildings,”

Sustainable Energy co-founder Zev Crystal agreed, adding that the report may have led to confusion.

“You say the word solar and everyone thinks, simple, The Bahamas is bathed in sunshine year-round so why not?” said Crystal. “But, like anything, the devil is in the detail. In solar, there is a significant difference between tying into the grid and creating true energy independence, which we can now do at a utility scale generation capacity thanks to the progress that has been made in the last few years with powerful battery back-up systems. Those systems are built for storage so you make and store power when the sun shines and you use it when it is not. Unfortunately, the way the report was interpreted may have confused the issue because it did not clarify that a grid tie-in is a different animal from a utility scale install, which is quite feasible in New Providence.”

According to Mr. Holdom, who installed one of the first solar systems in The Bahamas 27 years ago, “The Bahamas as a nation is just getting into renewable energy and is three decades behind countries with one quarter of the solar potential of this country. Therefore we need to approach solar integration immediately on large utility scales as well as commercial and residential rooftops”. Mr. Holdom is also developing the national curriculum for multiple levels of solar certification through BTVI and his consortium is donating the solar power system for the course.

The first move in a step-by-step process, he explained, is to install a large Megawatt PV plant with Battery Energy Storage that connects directly to the grid and provides continuity of clean power to the utility, doing so under a Power Purchase Agreement with the government. This Solar PPA would be funded by a Bahamian Renewable Energy Consortium that provides solar energy to the government with no up front costs at a competitive fixed rate for 20 years.

“In addition the existing Renewable Energy Self Generation Program allows businesses and homes to connect residential, commercial and public solar systems that can feed into the utility grid. Battery-based systems that do not interact with the grid can also be installed,” he added.

“The statement that utility scale renewable energy is not economically feasible in the Bahamas underestimates our strength to be a leader in the move toward sustainable, renewable, eco-friendly power generation and I would go so far as to state that it is simply false and does not take into consideration the technology that exists today. Utility scale renewable energy is the fastest growing energy sector in the world and that would not be so if were not economical.”

APS and Sustainable Energy, the first company to have a 1 MW power plant approved for commercial use in Nassau, say they would welcome an opportunity to demonstrate to the government that a utility scale plant is economically viable and will produce energy at a substantial savings to the nation.

“The BPL management were partially correct when they concluded that utility scale PV could not ‘produce energy when it was most needed’ because they were only viewing it as a grid tie system with no battery backup. Any utility scale solar plant in The Bahamas must, by necessity, have a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and this is no more critical anywhere than in The Bahamas due to the fact that the utility is underpowered and has been so for the past 40 years,” said Holdom.

“The Bahamas is plagued by constant brownouts that damage all manner of sensitive electronics including fridges, TV’s, cable boxes, computers, networks and more. This affects homes and businesses throughout the archipelago. A brownout occurs when the utility cannot provide constant voltage and frequency in peak load periods or even as a matter of course. Without sufficient capacity, supplemental capacity is required that is available 24 hours a day.”

But there are, he said, only so many viable energy solutions and the first, installing 27 new power plants is simply out of the question because of capital costs.

“The second option is a viable economic solution that helps the short term problem and supplements any long term solution, and incorporates multiple utility scale Solar plants with Battery Energy Storage Solutions. This can be done in 10 to 50 MW increments fairly quickly on the main islands and in smaller increments on the primary Family Islands. There is more than sufficient low use land in Nassau to accommodate these plants. The solution is within reach and it is possible with a public-private partnership. We are hopeful that this government, which we believe is committed to sustainable development, moves to make solar with BESS back-up a reality and does not heed the outdated or confusing interpretation of the BPL ex-management report that was released recently and clouded the issue.”

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.