Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Oban Energies Commits to Environmental Preservation, Education, Research, Housing
#Bahamas, February 23, 2018 – Nassau – Officials of Oban Energies said Monday that the company will continue to engage the East Grand Bahama community in meaningful ways as it proceeds towards the completion of the approval process and commencement of their $4 billion investment in East Grand Bahama.
This includes continued support of training and education, the environment, community projects, and the local supplier and local employment programmes established by the company.
It also includes investment in the area of research. As per the Heads of Agreement, Oban Energies will also provide an amount equal to $150,000 to an accredited research institute as may be mutually selected by the Government and the Developer (Oban). The payment shall be made 12 months after the commencement of construction of the Terminal and/or Oil Refinery.
The company will also contribute $100,000 per annum to be used for community projects and the development of East Grand Bahama. A Community Advisory Board will be established to determine the use of the funds.
Executives of Oban Energies and officials from the Government of The Bahamas signed the Heads of Agreement for the proposed $4 billion project Monday, February 19, 2018 at the Office of the Prime Minister, Cecil V. Wallace-Whitfield Centre, Cable Beach, paving the way for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.
The EIA, already underway, will ensure that the project proceeds in an environmentally safe and sustainable manner.
Peter Krieger, Non-Executive Chairman of Oban Energies, LLC said the environmental studies will be led by a local consulting firm “that has a personal desire and passion to protect the environment.”
“Of course none of this would be beneficial unless we respect and preserve the environment. Our desire to preserve the environment is critical and aligned to our integrity.
“In this regard a significant investment has already been made to understand and mitigate environmental impacts.”
Mr. Krieger said the company will also launch a housing programme that will not only provide habitation for workers during the construction period, but also provide long-term housing for up to 200 Bahamian residents — post construction. The local supplier programme, Mr. Krieger said, will ensure that there is a direct financial investment into the local community and will commit the company’s suppliers to use local talent.
“Our employment programme will preserve 80% of jobs for local people. These jobs will be long-term, sustainable and underpinned by training programmes.” He explained — training and education include a commitment to invest into local universities, and provide on-the-job programmes of instruction such as vocational apprenticeships and management trainee initiatives.
“Our housing programme,” he said, “will not only house workers during the construction period, but will also provide long-term housing for up to 200 residents post construction. These homes are reserved exclusively for local residents. Local housing creates local communities and we will support these communities by committing to invest in local community projects,” Mr. Krieger added.
Mr. Krieger said the company, its shareholders, management team and strategic partners, have worked “extremely hard” over the past two years to make the project a reality and to ensure that the local community receives direct benefits.
“During this time, our company policy has been to engage and deliver benefits to the local community and we have achieved this through the engagement of local suppliers, partners and advisors.
“As we move this project to the next stage, I hereby make a commitment to continue our local supplier and local employment programmes, and I further commit to implement a programme for housing and to develop the skills of our workforce,” Mr. Krieger said.
Phase 1 of the Project requires a $1.5 billion investment for development, construction, and start-up operations. The Project will provide storage tankage for crude oils, residual fuel oils, middle and light distillates, specialty vegetable oils and heavy oils, and will consider all other bulk liquid storage requests and will launch with an initial capacity of four million barrels, with plans to expand capacity to 20 million barrels by year four of facility operation.
By: Matt Maura (BIS)
Photo Caption: Peter Krieger, Non-Executive Chairman of Oban Energies, addressing members of the media following Monday’s (February 19, 2018) signing of the Heads of Agreement between the Government of The Bahamas and Oban Energies, LLC at the Office of the Prime Minister, Cecil V. Wallace-Whitfield Centre, Cable Beach.
(Photo/Yontalay Bowe, OPM Media Services)
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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