Bahamas News

BAHAMAS: Parker-Edgecombe Extols Virtues of ICTs

Published

9 years ago

November 29, 2017

#Bahamas, November 29, 2017 – Nassau – Information Communications Technology (ICT) is the engine that is driving global developments in the 21st Century, changing the way countries, businesses and individual citizens communicate, execute business and interact socially, Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Mrs. Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe said.

Addressing the Opening Session of the URCA/Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s (CTU) ‘ICT Week’ on Tuesday evening (November 28, 2017) at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Mrs. Parker-Edgecombe, who has responsibility for Information and Communications, told delegates that the region “must embrace these changing technological dynamics which are influencing the evolution of every sector of global society,” in order to keep pace.

“We must always keep in mind that our global competitiveness depends on our ability to understand and effectively respond to the changing dynamics of the 21st Century world; technology is an integral part of that response,” Mrs. Parker-Edgecombe told participants.

“Doing business in the world today requires Small Island Developing States (SIDS) — like most of CTU’s membership in the Caribbean – to work collaboratively through opportunities like ICT Week to explore how we can more affectively address the challenges we face in the changing global environment.

“During this session, we have an opportunity to evaluate our progress as individual nations and as a region, discuss global standards and best practices, and to help determine our level of compliance with such. We must also be open to exploring new options to empower our individual nations and the region. The single ICT space initiative, the Caribbean Spectrum Planning and Management Project, and the ICT Collaboration Forum, are examples of the kind of collaborative ICT development drive that will position our small nations to compete on the global stage,” Mrs. Parker-Edgecombe added.

Mrs. Parker-Edgecombe said the Government of The Bahamas understands the “intrinsic value of technology” and the need for regional and global collaboration.

“These changing dynamics are indeed fundamental in ensuring transparency and accountability within government, and [are] fully embraced by this new Administration, led by Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis.

“We also realize the importance of consultation and need to merge with Bahamian, regional and international expertise to build on existing foundations, while charting a course of the nation’s future. Our active and participatory membership in organizations such as the CTU demonstrates our commitment to this regional and global technological revolution that has changed, and continues to change, the way we communicate, execute business and interact socially,” Mrs. Parker-Edgecombe added.

Mrs. Parker-Edgecombe said less than three weeks ago, The Bahamas welcomed leading technology experts from around the world, including Silicon Valley, for a major Technology Expo in Freeport, Grand Bahama.

“We are optimistic that this initial attempt to expose the international ICT community to possible investment opportunities in The Bahamas, together with the introduction of the appropriate laws and policies, will facilitate the establishment of an industry that will create new opportunities for Bahamians.

“We were encouraged by the number of companies and experts that demonstrated an interest in our country through their presence at the Expo.”

Mrs. Parker-Edgecombe urged ICT policymakers and experts to commit to finding ways to more effectively utilize technology to bridge the geographical gap “that is often used as a divisive force.”

“Let us ensure that we embark on meaningful, realistic and mutually beneficial discussions on this proposed single ICT space,” Mrs. Parker-Edgecombe added.

By: Matt Maura (BIS)

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.