Bahamas News

Public Asked to Seek Non-Emergency Healthcare at Community Health Clinics

Published

9 years ago

January 30, 2018

#Bahamas, January 30, 2018 – Nassau – Chief Hospital Administrator at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH), Mary Walker urges persons experiencing non-emergency medical symptoms to visit their nearest Public Health or Family Medicine Clinic, as PMH is currently experiencing a critical shortage of bed space, which is impacting the hospital’s ability to admit patients for on-going care at the Accident & Emergency Department (A&E). Ms. Walker added that there has been a surge in the number of patients presenting with respiratory and other related illnesses.

“There also remains a significant number of discharged in-patients on the Clinical Wards and A&E, ‘Boarders’ for whom relatives and emergency contacts continue to be unreachable or unwilling to collect their relatives,” she said at a press conference at PMH, Friday, January 26, 2018.

“This not only drains vital hospital resources but regrettably has further impacted the hospital’s ability to provide bed space for new admissions. The current overcrowding has also resulted in an increase in the waiting time for patients seeking care at A&E.”

Ms. Walker said the lack of nurses has compounded the issue of the overcrowding of A&E. “In order to accommodate the persons requiring admission, we have to open what we call virtual wards, which would be commissioned spaces that are waiting to be renovated; and every time we do that, it is overtime on the part of the nurses.

“We are getting to the point now where the nurses are too tired to respond to that call. In fact, we are not in a position to open up another virtual ward for that same reason. We cannot staff it.”

To help with the situation, retired nurses have been called in, and nurses have been recruited internationally. Medical Chief of Staff, Dr. Carolyn Burnett explained that the lack of beds is also affecting the ability to carry out elective surgeries. “Elective cases had to be cancelled today because we did not have the bed space to accommodate for surgery. The patients will be re-scheduled, and all emergency cases are still being done.

“As soon as the bed situation improves, then we will be able to do elective cases once more.”

Dr. Burnett said elective surgeries are not carried out on the weekends; but on Sunday evening, the medical staff will determine whether or not enough beds have freed up to allow for elective surgeries to recommence.

Chief of Service at A&E, Dr. Crystal Wells said the public should call A&E at 326-7014 if they are not sure where to present themselves.

The public is advised that clinic hours at the South Beach Health Centre, the Fleming Street Clinic, and the Flamingo Gardens Clinic have been extended from 8a.m. to 9p.m. Monday through Friday, and the Elizabeth Estates Clinic from 9a.m. to 9p.m. Monday through Friday.

By: Llonella Gilbert (BIS)

Photo caption: Health Officials held a press conference, Friday, January 26, 2018 to alert the public of overcrowding at Accident & Emergency (A&E) at the Princess Margaret Hospital. Pictured from left: Principal Nursing Officer, Valerie Miller; Chief of Service A&E, Dr. Crystal Wells; Chief Hospital Administrator, Mary Walker; PHA/Acting Managing Director, Catherine Weech; and Medical Chief of Staff, Dr. Carolyn Burnett.

(BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)

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.