Bahamas News
Bahamas Minister of Environment Invited C.I. Gibson Students to Support the Forestry Unit
#Bahamas, November 8, 2017 – Nassau – Minister of the Environment, the Hon. Romauld Ferreira addressed hundreds of students during the morning assembly at C.I. Gibson Senior High School, Marathon Road, on Monday to talk to them about the importance of forestry, which supports life on the planet.
“Youth, like you, enjoying adolescence and teenage years should capitalize on every opportunity to become a part of nature. When we speak about nature here, we are essentially talking about forests and trees,” said Minister Ferreira.
“We have mangrove, coppice and pine forests. Forests and trees are the lungs of the Earth. They help us balance the amount of vital oxygen and remove harmful carbon dioxide from the air. Trees also regulate humidity in the air and cool down the planet.”
Minister Ferreira explained to the assembly that trees provide us with everyday support we take for granted, such as food, shelter, shade and jobs to help support us and our families. He also added we use the wood from trees to make products, such as furniture and more importantly homes.
“Our trees in The Bahamas, particularly our pine trees are high quality wood, resistant to termites and very durable. We cannot forget the importance of forests to climate change mitigation and how carbon is stored in the ground,” said Minister Ferreira.
“Forests are home to 80 percent of the world’s terrestrial plants, animals and insects. They provide us with water that is also vital to life on the Earth because without water we could not survive. Underneath the pine trees on islands like Abaco, Andros, Grand Bahama, and New Providence, you will find fresh water.”
Minister Ferreira also pointed out to the students that the straw they see in the Straw Market comes from the palms within our forests, which is key to generating our local economy. He urged the importance of protecting mangroves, as they are our first line of defense on our coastlines against erosion and storms, such as hurricanes, as well as serving as nurseries for baby fish.
“Mangroves even filter and clean our water. You will remember that my Ministry is on a mission to promote the protection of trees and forests. Each year in March, we celebrate ‘Forestry Awareness Week’ and the 21st of March is celebrated globally as ‘World Forestry Day/International Day of Forests.’ This day is designed to educate the public and raise awareness of the significant benefits provided by trees,” said Minister Ferreira.
“We have a new initiative called ‘School 365 Program’; we will be visiting schools on the Pine Islands and speaking to young people like you to help you better understand why trees are so special and why they deserve our protection. I also want you to encourage your family and friends to help my Forestry unit in its pledge to plant 10,000 trees before the end of 2017.”
Minister Ferreira believes in encouraging the next generation of environmentalists and land stewards to remind everyone around them, including their parents, to not cut down all the trees in the yard. He said the ones close to the house should be removed to not cause damage to the house during the storm, but some trees should left to keep the house cool to reduce the need for using air conditioning during the summer, or even freshening the air.
The Forestry unit has two special competitions they are promoting to schools each March.
The first: “You can snap a photo of yourself posing with a native or traditional tree and then tell us why you selected that tree. The final step is that you will post the photo and brief explanation to our Bahamas Forestry Facebook Page to win a prize,” said Minister Ferreira.
“Secondly, we want you to participate in our Junior Minister of the Environment Competition, which starts now. My Ministry has left a flyer with instructions with your principal to distribute to you. I am anxiously looking forward to receiving your submissions.”
Minister Ferreira concluded his address by leading the students in reciting the Forestry pledge.
By: Gena Gibbs (BIS)
Photo caption: Minister Ferreira addressed students at C.I. Gibson Senior High School, November 6, 2017 on the importance of forests and trees.
(BIS Photo/Gena Gibbs)
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.
