Bahamas News

BAHAMAS: ‘Strong Women, Strong Families, Strong Communities’

Published

9 years ago

December 8, 2017

#Bahamas, December 8, 2017 – Nassau – The Department of Gender and Family Affairs, Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development hosted several activities to commemorate ‘National Women’s Week 2017’ being observed in The Bahamas November 26 through December 9. The activities reflect the progress of Bahamian women, celebrate their accomplishments and address social issues impacting them.

The week incorporates the annual observance of National Women’s Day, November 26, with recognition of the 25th anniversary of that day. This year in The Bahamas, the observance has been extended an additional week. The theme for the week is “Strong Women. Strong Families. Strong Communities.”

Among the activities were an awareness raising/report sharing session on The Bahamas’ Sixth Periodic Report to Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), November 28, and a special school assembly at Doris Johnson High School, November 29.

Panelists in the CEDAW discussion were Ambassador Rhoda Jackson, Acting Permanent Secretary, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Marion Bethel, The Bahamas’ candidate for (CEDAW); Donna Nicolls, Bahamas Crisis Centre; and Deandra Cartwright, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The event was attended by the Director of Gender and Family Affairs, Gaynel Curry; government officials, representatives of non-governmental organizations including Zonta Club of The Bahamas.

CEDAW is an international treaty adopted in 1979 by the United Nations General Assembly. Described as an international bill of rights for women, it was instituted on September 3, 1981 and has been ratified by 189 states.

In her remarks, Ms. Jackson said CEDAW is much more than a legal document to be discussed by policy makers and lawyers. S he said it represents a commitment by a Government to its people, which seeks full respect for the rights and dignity of women in the country, and is therefore an instrument that belongs to the people it is intended to protect.

As The Bahamas celebrates the advances to protect women’s rights in the past two decades, Ms. Jackson urged those present to remember the shortcomings that still exist and give those areas priority.

“One of the most notable inadequacies is the need for additional changes to The Bahamas’ Constitution relative to gender equality. This is paramount to fulfilling the Convention’s mandate to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women. As long as gender disparities exist, The Bahamas would not have lived up to the mandate the country pledged to uphold, when we signed onto CEDAW.

“I am, therefore, pleased by the presence of representatives from civil society and public sector organizations here today. Public fora of this nature should be at the helm of the engagement process. The government should strive to continue ongoing dialogue and collaboration with national and international women’s organizations, schools, churches and religious groups, also, devising a plan for expansion of the role of the two latter groups. Educational campaigns that generate awareness of women’s issues and also the Convention will form an integral part of combating the ills that affect women, particularly since educational campaigns in schools will target both girls and boys, who are armed with useful instructions which become extremely meaningful as they become women and men,” she said.

In her overview, Ms. Marion Bethel urged civil society groups to hold the government accountable for the advancement of the optional protocol tool of the CEDAW Convention, which allows improvements in human rights.

Shonel Ferguson, MP for Fox Hill, addressed the special assembly at Doris Johnson Senior High. S he told the students that they can determine the path that they want their lives to take. She reminded them that they are created to succeed, designed to win and equipped to overcome. The assembly was attended by IDB representatives, Mrs. Patricia Minnis, wife of Prime Minister Hubert Minnis; senators and education officials.

Photo Caption: Shonel Ferguson speaks at Doris Johnson Senior High School, celebrating National Women’s Week 2017.

Release: 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.