Bahamas News

PM welcomes PNBC to The Bahamas with Dr. King admonition

Published

9 years ago

January 30, 2018

#Bahamas, January 30, 2018 – Nassau – There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politically expedient, nor popular, but must do it because conscience says it is the right thing to do,” Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis told members of the Progressive National Baptist Convention Inc., (PNBC) Thursday.

“Those of us in political and religious life have a shared mission: an abiding commitment to a genuine common good and to the least among us, especially the poor. Let us continue to be men and women of conscience in our defence of human dignity and the promotion of social justice.

“As you complete your Mid-Winter Meeting, thinking about and planning for your work in the year ahead, may you be guided by the inspiration of Dr. King (legendary Civil Rights Activist Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a former member of the PNBC), who famously advised: ‘‘On some positions, cowardice asks the question is it safe? Expediency asks the question, is it popular? But conscience asks the question, is it right?

“There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must do it because conscience tells him it is right,” Prime Minister Minnis added.

Addressing the Opening Session of the Progressive National Baptist Convention Inc., Mid-Winter Board Meeting, the Prime Minister used the Convention’s core values (including the defence of human dignity and the promotion of social justice) as a theme of his address and to outline some of the similarities still shared between persons of the African Diaspora in North America, and The Bahamas in particular.

“I note and celebrate with you your core values of fellowship, progress, service and peace which have issued forth your struggle for economic empowerment and development, and the realization of universal human rights and total human liberation for all people,” Prime Minister Minnis said.

“You will discover in The Bahamas also, a people committed to social justice, equality and freedom. You will discover a people fiercely committed to democratic values and a high level of participatory democracy.

“And as important, you will discover a people of faith, committed to defending the dignity of all people made in the image and likeness of a marvelous, wonderful God, whose natural creation we are also commanded to care for and preserve,” Prime Minister Minnis added.

Founded in 1961, the PNBC is a “vital” Baptist denomination with an estimated membership of 2.5 million people. PNBC was formed to give “full voice, sterling leadership and active support to the American and world fight for human freedom” and was interwoven with the Civil Rights Movement in the United States of America.

The Convention was the denominational home and platform for the late Dr. King, who addressed every annual session until his death in 1968. Reverend Dr. James C. Perkins is the current president of the Convention.

By: Matt Mauar (BIS)

Photo Captions: At the Progressive National Baptist Convention Mid-Winter Meeting at Melia Nassau Beach resort, January 25, 2018 – Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis is pictured in front row, centre; and also holding visiting toddler in the audience, during the proceedings.

(Photos/Yontalay Bowe, OPM Media Services)

Bahamas News

Royal Bahamas Police Force – ARRAIGNMENT NOTICE

Published

1 week 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

2 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

2 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.