Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: CIBC’s regional Retail Spirit Award winner
#Bahamas, February 28, 2018 – Nassau – Sally Laing received the shock and honour of a lifetime when she won CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Retail Spirit Award – beating out nominees all throughout The Bahamas and the entire Caribbean.
“I’m still in shock and awe because it was really unexpected. I was unaware my team and colleagues were working behind the scenes to nominate me, so I feel very happy and privileged,” the Freeport Branch Manager said.
Laing has been a CIBC FirstCaribbean employee her entire life. Her career with the bank started as a current accounts helper in 1982. She spent 18 years in Nassau before accepting the position of Branch Manager in Freeport, Grand Bahama.
“I love working at CIBC FirstCaribbean, I love my colleagues, and I love our clients. The retail branches are the face of the bank, and we interact daily with the majority of our clients so it’s important that we display a positive, exciting attitude towards them and that we’re always helpful; and also that we make our employees happy. The two go hand in hand.”
The regional Retail Spirit Award falls under the bank’s Managing Director’s Annual Awards for Retail and Business Banking, and is bestowed upon the nominee who best embodies CIBC FirstCaribbean’s core values: responsiveness, customer excellence, client-centricity, trust, teamwork, and accountability – all of which support their retail mission and vision “to be the leading financial service provider in the region.”
“Sally consistently offers an ‘open door’ policy to all,” said Inger Johnson, District Manager. “Her positive attitude and warm demeanour allow the staff to feel comfortable being open and honest; hence, she is considered a trusted player within the team. She is genuine in her dealings with others and always welcoming of ideas to improve the overall business.
“Sally’s a go-to person. She’s a guru when it comes to the operation of the business, and people lean on her expertise and support. Her overall way of being – her demeanour, her positive attitude and her willingness – is why she is considered worthy of this nomination.”
Laing credits former managing director Walter Wells as a major contributor to her achievement.
“I had a great leader in him. He was like my hero because he guided me a lot, and I appreciate all that he taught me. Some of the qualities I display in my work are qualities he had. He was a great influence in my life.”
Release: CIBC First Caribbean
Photo Caption: CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Sally Laing can’t get over her win for her stunning performance as a Retail Branch Manager – being dubbed the best in the entire region! “I’m still in shock and awe because it was really unexpected,” she said. District Manager Inger Johnson said, “The Retail Spirit Award is asking for somebody that has the best spirit – the most welcoming, most accommodating kind of personality. Sally perfectly fit that category.”
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.
