Bahamas News
Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister Addresses IDB Fiscal Policy Frameworks Workshop
#Bahamas, December 8, 2017 – Nassau – The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Peter Turnquest addressed the regional workshop “Rules-Based Fiscal Policy Frameworks for the Caribbean Region,” presented by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The two-day event was held at the British Colonial Hilton, December 4 and 5, 2017 and brought together stakeholders including representatives of the IDB, government, Central Bank officials and regional policymakers for finance.
Topics for discussion included — International Experience with Fiscal Rules: Criteria of Good Practice and Effectiveness, The Long View: Fiscal Anchors, Medium-Term Fiscal and Budget Frameworks and Growth, Fiscal Institutions to Ensure Fiscal Sustainability and Stability, Design and Implementation of Fiscal Rules, Stabilization Funds and Transparency, Credibility and the Role of Independent Fiscal Institutions.
Mr. Turnquest on Monday said the workshop brings together an “outstanding” group of fiscal experts, policymakers and other practitioners who provide the ingredients for a “fruitful” and “rich” exchange on the topic of rules-based fiscal frameworks. He said while some regional countries are further ahead than others in undertaking fiscal consolidation, there is “broad” acknowledgment of the need for stronger and more durable measures, equal to addressing the state of the country’s fiscal affairs.
Fiscal and debt sustainability are topical issues on the agenda of regional policymakers, especially Ministers of Finance, both of which are important for promoting stable macroeconomic growth, said the Deputy Prime Minister.
“By virtue of our responsibilities, we grapple with the challenging dimensions of our budgetary choices—considerations such as: whether we are obtaining value for monies spent; their impact on future generations from the standpoint of equity; the need to build up buffers to deal with sure and certain adverse shocks; and maintaining credibility in external markets, partly because of our dependence on foreign direct investment.
“The need to accelerate our fiscal sustainability efforts has become more imperative, given the less than desirable state of our finances and the ongoing external vulnerabilities we face. To be sure, for most of us, the fiscal space we enjoyed prior to the onset of the recent global financial crisis has been depleted,” said Mr. Turnquest.
He remarked that deterioration in the overall deficit and the public debt levels are key sources of risk to the country’s maintaining economic stability, and the general view is that it cannot continue along the same path. The country’s current state of affairs has crystalized the need for “urgent” measures to restore medium-term budget and debt sustainability, and a more credible fiscal consolidation programme.
“The path to recovery which, because of the nature and extent of the reforms necessary, will not happen overnight. Nor will it in any sense be easy or painless. Instead it requires a multi-year approach and a well-designed framework, to take account of all of the considerations and the tension between pursuit of the necessary reforms and the economic growth agenda. And it takes political will, resolve and leadership.
“At this stage, what is important is that the Government has identified and is moving, with a sense of urgency, to execute on a concrete strategy that will: bring stability to the public finances by reducing the deficit and the debt to sustainable levels; grow the economy and provide jobs; and remove obstacles to growth and competitiveness.”
By: Kathryn Campbell (BIS)
Photo Captions:
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The Hon. Peter Turnquest, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, pictured at the IDB workshop on Monday, December 4, 2017. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)
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The audience at the workshop. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)
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.
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