Bahamas News

Girl Con 2017 to Highlight National Women’s Week Activities in the Bahamas

Published

9 years ago

November 15, 2017

#Bahamas, November 15, 2017 – Grand Bahama – A one-day conference geared towards Grade 12 females, Girl Con 2017, will highlight ‘National Women’s Week,’ November 26 to December 2 under the theme “Strong Women – Strong Families – Strong Communities.”

During a press conference on Monday at the Office of the Prime Minister, Grand Bahama, Senate President, the Hon. Katherine Forbes-Smith, said the Girls Conference will be held on November 28, from 9:30 a.m. to noon, at Keen I Media Centre, on Cromwell and Sergeant Major Drive.

With 15 young ladies from the 10 high schools on the island expected to be in attendance, the attendees will hear from five panellists: Rev. Marie Roach-Hepburn; Senator Jasmine Turner-Dareus; Gia Pierre, playwright and author; Lynda Wells, photographer and Eldri Ferguson-Mackey, business.

“We’ve asked these five women to speak at this event, but speak in a very different manner. They’re going to tell their personal stories about some of the things that really has been both negative and positive, in terms of their success and their career.”

Senator Smith continued, “We feel that these young girls… 12^th grade students from the 10 high schools — will be very much uplifted by what these women have to say. It is really surprising, when you talk to these women, some of the barriers that they surpassed to be successful today.” Two of the panelists, successful artists, have been chosen so that young women can see that they can be successful in the arts, Mrs. Smith further explained.

Another event geared towards inspiring the young ladies will be an essay competition, again for 12^th graders, under the theme, “Why females make strong families – strong communities.” Prizes for the top three finalists include cash and electronics. First place winner will receive $750; second place, $500 and the third place winner will receive $250. The winner of the competition will also be expected to deliver her essay during Girl Con 2017.

Yvonne Ward of the Ministry of Education, said the Ministry is excited about the event and they want the 12^th grade students involved “because we feel they are the next generation of leaders. We expect you to pick up the mantle and ensure that our rights and privileges continue. We expect that through education.

Essays, she said, should be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on November 24. They should be placed in a sealed envelope and addressed to Patrice Johnson, Department of Social Services, Sun Plaza.

Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe, Parliamentary Secretary of Information and Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, said “I think that it’s important that, as women, we continue to come together. Oftentimes, society has a way of pitting us against each other and rather than supporting each other, we’re always joining in that. I think this conference not only shows a group of professional women and community leaders coming together, but also lets our young girls know that we can achieve much if we just support one another, and this is going to be doing that at this conference.”

Mrs. Parker-Edgecombe thanked Senator Smith, the brainchild behind the event, and said that if women would just support each other, much would be accomplished. Mrs. Ward urged the young ladies and principals to support these events. Also present during the press conference were: Senator Jasmine Turner-Dareus; Patrice Johnson, Department of Social Services; Donna Laing-Jones; and Kiarra Jones.

By: Robyn Adderley

Photo caption:

ONE-DAY CONFERENCE TARGETS 12^TH GRADERS – Girl Con 2017, a one-day conference designed especially for 12^th grade students, is the highlight of ‘National Women’s Week.’ The conference will be held on Monday, November 27 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. An essay competition will also be a part of the activities scheduled. National Women’s Week will be observed from November 26 to December 2. Shown from left during a press conference on Monday, November 13, 2017 are: Donna Laing-Jones; Senator Jasmine Turner-Dareus, one of the panelists; Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe, Parliamentary Secretary of Information and Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister; Senator the Hon. Katherine Forbes-Smith, President of the Senate; Yvonne Ward, Ministry of Education; Patrice Johnson, Department of Social Services; and Kiarra Jones.

(BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

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.