Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: PM unveils focus of Administration’s new investment strategy
#Bahamas, February 12, 2018 – Nassau – A major theme of the Minnis Administration’s newly-designed investment promotion strategy for the country is that The Bahamas is ‘an Archipelago of Possibilities,’ Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis told scores of the country’s key business leaders Thursday.
Addressing the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation’s Power Breakfast Thursday at Baha Mar, Prime Minister Minis said the new theme is designed to promote the diversification of investment possibilities in The Bahamas – ranging from tourism, to financial services, to technology, aquaculture, to renewable energy, nanotechnology and other emerging industries.
“Our aim is to promote a new Bahamas, open to investment, with joint partnerships with Bahamians and streamlined processes for investors, including potential investors from the Diaspora,” Prime Minister Minnis said. “I am optimistic and confident that greater prosperity is on the way for our Bahamas. Let us work together to make this a dynamic year of growth, investment and opportunity.”
Prime Minister Minnis said there is growing confidence in The Bahamas despite the long road and challenges ahead.
“There are positive prospects on the horizon. Recovery has begun.”
Prime Minister Minnis told the business leaders that his Administration’s emphasis is on a dynamic blend of domestic and foreign investment.
“We are determined in our vision to enhance economic opportunities for Bahamian businesses and entrepreneurs, including Bahamians in the Diaspora. We intend to diversify with tourism and across various sectors as suggested in the Commercial Enterprise Act.”
Prime Minister Minnis said it is his intention to undertake several investment promotion trips abroad to include Canada, the United States of America, Europe, East Asia and South America in order to boost investment opportunities in The Bahamas and growth in the Bahamian economy.
“These travels are designed to attract high-quality investments to our country. We look forward to the participation of the private sector in this initiative,” the Prime Minister added.
Prime Minister Minnis said recognizing that economic growth requires improving the ease of doing business, the Administration appointed a committee to make recommendations to improve the ease of doing business in The Bahamas, soon after coming to office on May 10, 2017. The Committee has since completed its assigned task and has made a number of recommendations to the Government, using ten categories established by the World Bank.
“These categories and the rankings for The Bahamas can be reviewed at the World Bank’s website,” the Prime Minister added. (The website address is www.worldbank.org)
The Prime Minister said there are a number of issues involved in enhancing the ease of doing business in The Bahamas and to move the economy to a more productive and dynamic one. These include streamlining the Business License process and improving the application process for various licenses and permits, including at the paper confirmation and certification levels, which Dr. Minnis says “consumes a significant amount of time and are often an inefficient burden for applicants as well as the government agencies that must sort through the volumes of documents created.”
“This process is antiquated,” Prime Minister Minnis said.
Prime Minister Minnis said the calculation of Business License Fees and the process of preparing Value Added Tax (VAT) Returns, also need to be addressed.
“To streamline the business license process, the Department of Inland Revenue is launching an initiative to make the business license approval process faster and easier by creating a single point for submission of all applications related to the opening of a business,” Prime Minister Minnis said.
“This will eliminate the need for visits to multiple agencies and will provide a source of information where all the requirements for opening a business are clearly outlined,” he added.
The Department of Inland Revenue is currently conducting a Pilot Programme. The new process is expected to be “rolled out” in the coming weeks.
By: Matt Maura (BIS)
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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