Bahamas News

Small Businesses Will Lead Grand Bahama’s Economic Revival Says Pintard

Published

9 years ago

January 9, 2018

#Bahamas, January 9, 2018 – Grand Bahama – Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Michael Pintard affirmed that in spite of small scope of the economy, it is still possible to start successful businesses in Grand Bahama. He commented Thursday at a press conference to award business development assistance grants to GB Micro & Small Business Economic Empowerment Program winners.

Minister Pintard was present to witness 20 entrepreneurs receive assistance from the government to launch or continue their business enterprises. He said the best way to reboot the economy was with small businesses and, as such, the government reached out to those individuals who were motivated to succeed in the arena.

Noting that not everyone has the capacity or ability to run a business, Minister Pintard observed business people are self-motivated: “We thought it was critical to look at the creative industries, to look at technology, to look at industry, which is the driving force in Grand Bahama, and of course, Agriculture and Fisheries, in order to find the gems. Many of these people have been doing it without government’s help, in some cases, but needed additional support; and then there were others who had the vision, but lacked the required capital.”

He said the collaboration resulted in Grand Bahama’s Micro & Small Business Economic Empowerment Program, which will be launched nationally. The Minister added that in order for these small businesses to become successful, it was necessary for the owners of these businesses to have the proper training. A business plan, he pointed out, was absolutely critical.

“The simple commitment we make is this – this is the beginning of a lifelong relationship and it is our desire to work with you overtime,” said Minister Pintard. “While a number of persons would be receiving grants from the government, this is but one of many ways in which you will access resources – financial as well as technical assistance.

“There are a variety of programs that exist in the country that we would love to link you with. And there are a number of private funding agencies that we are interested in introducing you to. You will, of course, have to present the plan and make the pitch.

“But having met you and spoken with you, we know that you will do just fine. And in addition, there are number of international Funding Agencies we would love to introduce you to as well. Some are in the Caribbean and others through the United Nations system.”

Minister Pintard said that it was an honor to have an opportunity to pour just a little bit into the lives of those persons who will be in the forefront of reviving the Grand Bahamian economy.

By: Andrew Coakley (BIS)

Photo Captions:

ADDRESSING BUSINESS OWNERS – Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Michael Pintard addressing grant winners of the Grand Bahama Micro & Small Business Economic Empowerment Program during a press conference, Thursday, January 4, 2018 at the Office of the Prime Minister. (BIS Photo/Andrew Miller)

CONGRATULATIONS – Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator Kwasi Thompson (left) and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Michael Pintard present potential business owner, Gabrielle McIntosh of 700 Gems Marketing, with her certificate of completion of phases one and two of Grand Bahama’s Micro & Small Business Economic Empowerment Program at a press conference, January 4, 2018. (BIS Photo/Andrew Miller)

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.