Bahamas News
The Government has Vested Interest in the Sustainability of the Nursing Workforce
#Bahamas, November 13, 2017 – Nassau – Minister of Health the Hon. Dr. Duane Sands said being fully cognizant of the value of Nurses, and the essentials of having a strong, viable complement of nurses and nursing professionals, The Bahamas Government has a vested interest in the sustainability of the Nursing workforce and the advancement of the Nursing profession.
“Therefore, The Bahamas Government is presently placing as a major priority, focus on areas of career paths, salaries and improved working conditions as a means to retain and increase the employ of trained nurses,” Dr. Sands said during the Nurses’ Association of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas (NACB) 40th Annual Educational Conference held at the School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions, Grosvenor Close Campus, November 9, 2017.
He also noted that focus is being given to the training and education of nurses, for increased scholarship opportunities and stipends for nursing students, support for specialised post-basic nursing programmes and advanced training of nurses.
“With the mobilisation of these initiatives brought forward by my Ministry, I can say with confidence, this Government is committed to offering its support [of] these initiatives which will optimistically retain our Nurses and buoyantly enhance the recruitment process.
“Doing so will also provide the necessary support to nurses bringing about a greater awareness and recognition of the value of Nurses in our society.”
Dr. Sands said during his term in office, he will seek to further the Government’s commitment to advancing the Repeal of the Nurses and Midwives Act, which will allow for nurses to practice to the fullest extent of their education, training and expertise, thus strengthening the country’s ability to provide improved access to high quality, easily affordable, modernised health care services for the people of The Bahamas.
The Health Minister said that he wished to publicly applaud the innovativeness of the NACB for having a sustained annual educational forum, which is geared towards achieving its mission – “to promote the highest standard of nursing practice, encourage professional and educational advancement for nurses, and to ensure that all people irrespective of their nationality, race, colour or social origin may have optimal nursing care.”
He said, “Many will agree that Nurses are indeed ‘Champions for Health’ as they play a vital role in the delivery of quality health care service to the citizens and residents of The Bahamas.
“As a physician, I can personally attest to the quality of Nurses here in The Bahamas and rank them as ‘Champions’ as they are some of the best in the region.”
He said this proven fact is evident as the nation’s neighbours in the North are aggressively recruiting Bahamian Nurses as a result of their qualifications, high level of expertise and world-recognised competence, which stems directly from the vigorous, but excellent training programme at the School of Nursing and Allied Professions.
The Health Minister also noted that The Bahamas can boast of being on a steady trek to health care excellence having achieved many gains in the delivery of quality health care over the past 40 years most of which came as a result of the work and leadership of Nurses.
“Most recently, Nurses to their credit, played an intricate role with the implementations of the Direct Observation Treatment Shot Course (DOTS) Programme, the mother-to-child transmission of Human immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and the Expanded Immunisation Programme.”
He added, “Nurses also provided much-needed guidance in the development of other maternal and child health programs that are ongoing in a number of our public health institutions. The success of each of these programmes is definitely attributed to the contributions of Nurses.”
By: Llonella Gilbert (BIS)
Photo Captions:
Header: The Minister of Health Dr. the Hon. Duane Sands brings remarks at the Nurses’ Association of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas (NACB) 40th Annual Educational Conference held at the School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions, Grosvenor Close Campus, November 9, 2017. (BIS Photo/Kristaan Ingraham)
Insert: The Nurses’ Association of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas (NACB) held its 40th Annual Educational Conference at the School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions, Grosvenor Close Campus, November 9, 2017. (BIS Photo/Kristaan Ingraham)
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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.
