Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Energy Conference opens at Baha Mar
#Bahamas, January 30, 2018 – Nassau – Diversification of fuels, a comprehensive regulatory framework, the introduction of renewable energy sources, a new generating plant and green island project are among the strides the Bahamas Government has made in the energy sector. The Hon. Desmond, Minister of Works, underscored that notwithstanding the country’s challenges it has and continues to make “incremental” advances in this area.
Minister Bannister addressed the opening of the 18th Annual Platts Caribbean Energy Conference, Thursday, January 25th, 2018 at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. The two-day event focuses on key issues facing the Caribbean energy sector.
Topics include: Market Structure and Stakeholder Alignment, Financing for Small Countries, Regional Demand, Fuel Conversion Viability, Renewable Energy, Managing Distributed Generation and Integrated Resource Plans. A panel discussion and case studies also comprise the conference agenda. There is a diverse range of speakers on the agenda including Darnell Osborne, Chairman, Board of Directors, Bahamas Power and Light.
In his welcome, Minister Bannister noted the following as the “fundamental” importance of the conference: the renewal of contacts industry-wide, the discussion and analysis of critical issues of mutual interest, and the sharing of innovative ideas with colleagues from diverse backgrounds from around the world.
Minister Bannister said The Bahamas is currently ensuring the security of its energy supply through the diversification of fuels even as it continues to modernize the energy infrastructure. In this regard, he said a proposal is in place to remove the price volatility with a generation mix that is 100% based on fossil fuel.
“With the introduction of tri-fuel generation (liquid natural gas, diesel and heavy fuel oil), The Bahamas will have the flexibility of selecting its fuel based on any number of reasons including price.
“We also continue to focus on the development of a comprehensive governance/regulatory framework to effectively support the advancement of the energy sector to be effectively able to facilitate energy conservation and efficiency through the introduction of renewable energy sources such as solar, ocean energy, biofuels, waste to energy and where possible, wind.”
He said it is anticipated that a new state-of -the-art generating plant will soon be constructed with the best in class efficiencies for single cycle power generation. He told the audience that the new facility will improve the generation capacity, modernize the plant, and provide newer technologies together with higher levels of energy conservation and improved efficiencies when compared to existing assets.
Minister Bannister remarked that cost effective, progressive ideas for creating and installing renewable energy resources are “critical” to The Bahamas.
“Every year we face the threat of hurricanes that may impact the vibrancy of life in our many islands. Finding a niche in the spectrum of opportunity will be of great value to our country.
“We have the perfect environment to foster small scale renewable generation in our many Family Islands, and we embrace this emerging technology to assist in the further development and modernization of our energy infrastructure as we seek to improve our conservation and efficiency capabilities.”
He told the delegates that the nation’s challenges provide great opportunity for those who are able to propose innovative, enterprising and dynamic ideas for solutions and he is certain officials will be pleased to engage in meaningful discussion with them. As an archipelago, practical energy solutions must be provided to numerous islands, all diverse, and each in differing stages of development.
“There is no magic formula that that provides an answer to every need. We will, therefore, listen with interest to the various presenters, and consider many of the ideas that you propose as we seek to make decisions that will impact the lifestyles of our residents for decades to come.”
S&P Global Platts is the leading independent provider of information, benchmark prices and analytics for the energy and commodities markets.
By: Kathryn Campbell
Photo caption: The Hon. Desmond Bannister, Minister of Works, addresses the opening session of the 18th Annual Platts Caribbean Energy Conference. (Photo/Courtesy BPL)
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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