Bahamas News

Road Safety Message from the Minister of Transport and Local Government

Published

9 years ago

December 18, 2017

#Bahamas, December 18, 2017 – Nassau – As we prepare to celebrate this very special season, let’s take time to reflect on the importance of the celebration. It’s a time of joy and peace…a time of thanksgiving, but more importantly a time for family.

During 2017, we are continuing to have too many deaths on our streets and persons injured due to unnecessary traffic accidents. Between December 1^st and 3rd the country experienced 6 road facilities; one in Grand Bahama, two in Abaco and three in New Providence. We must continue to work hard in 2018 to ensure that instances of death and injury are greatly reduced, by ensuring that we as drivers and pedestrians engage in responsible, life-saving behavior.

As we all know, many unlawful and dangerous habits impede our vision and ability to respond properly while driving, resulting in fatal or very serious vehicle accidents. We all know of some friend, relative, or an acquaintance who have become a victim of an unnecessary tragedy. We at the Ministry of Transport and Local Government have too often been forced to comfort the families of the victims whose lives have been cut short, or who suffer life altering disabilities.

As we approach this festive season, many of us will be inclined to rush about buying gifts, and may not engage in proper driving or walking habits. Many of us will also participate in some form of celebration involving alcohol, and I appeal to all such persons to consume responsibly, and to always ensure that when driving, that there is a designated driver for each event, that is someone who has not consumed any alcohol. It is also important to observe the following key road safety tips in order to fully enjoy this festive season safely:

Keep your eyes on the road…When you are driving, you should be doing just that and nothing else, no eating or drinking or engaging in other distracting behavior.
Buckle up and use Child Restraint Seats as required by Law.
Obey the rules of the road, especially the speed limits and traffic lights.
Never use your cell phone while driving.
Drive defensively and ignore aggressive drivers.
Pedestrians should always use sidewalks and pedestrian crossings, be alert, and wear bright clothing at night.
Cyclists should take streets that are not busy and wear appropriate gear to be easily recognized during the night.
Motorcyclists should always wear helmets and should not engage in inappropriate behaviors such as prancing bikes and swaying in and out of traffic.
Public Service drivers, especially Jitney drivers, must use only designated bus stops, keep left at all times and should not engage in racing to gain advantage over another driver, for the sake of getting to the passenger first.

In addition, when you observe someone breaking the rules of the road, report such persons to the Police or to the Road Traffic Department. It is important that we all do our part to contribute to a safe driving environment.

On behalf of the staff of the Ministry of Transport and Local Government and particularly the Road Traffic Department, I wish you all a blessed and safe Holiday Season, and I encourage all to drive to arrive alive in 2018, and throughout the New Year.

The Hon. Frankie Campbell

Minister of Transport and Local Government

Nassau, The Bahamas

December 14, 2017

Bahamas News

Royal Bahamas Police Force – ARRAIGNMENT NOTICE

Published

3 days 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

1 week 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

1 week 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.