Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Workshop held for Determining National Strategy for the Development of Statistics
#Bahamas, February 23, 2018 – Nassau – The Ministry of Finance held a workshop designed to engage and seek the input of all key stakeholders before drafting the National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (NSDS, which would benefit national planning and evidence-based decision making. The workshop was held at SuperClubs Breezes, Monday, February 19, 2018.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Peter Turnquest said, “This strategy, we fully expect, will serve as the strategic plan that will provide the roadmap to establishing strategic governance, planning and monitoring of the Bahamas National Statistical System: including the Department of Statistics and the other data producing agencies across government.”
Attendees at the workshop included data producers from various government ministries, users of this information, and other stakeholders such as the business community, academia, media, civil society, and other non-government organizations, and will help to:
- Prioritize the results and recommendations from the National Statistics System (NSS) assessment; and
- Discuss and come to a consensus on matters pertaining to the NSDS strategic framework such as the vision, mission, goals, and strategic objectives.
DPM Turnquest explained that having a plan is not enough, by itself. He said there are a number of other necessary activities that must be completed if the project is to be done properly, and it is going to be done properly.
The DPM said along with the plan, this year the Government will also conduct a NSS-wide Business Processes Review focused on detailed analysis of current (as-is) processes, identification of gaps, benchmarking with existing standards and best practice, and design of future (to-be) processes to enable a seamless, integrated, effective, and efficient National Statistics System.
This will also include an assessment of the information technology functional and technical capacity to deliver the kind of National Statistics System that you will all help to shape.
He said additionally, recognizing the human resource challenges faced, the government will also conduct a Human Resource (HR) audit that is expected to identify those areas of the Department of Statistics and the National Statistics System in need of improvement, as well as their strengths, while taking into consideration the proposed new structure for the Department of Statistics and the National Statistics System.
“It will include the review of various HR policies, systems, documentations, and rules and regulations and will assess the efficiency and productivity of employees. Additionally, various aspects of the HR department in the Department of Statistics, such as employee compensation, recruitment and training, employee perks, job descriptions, performance evaluation procedures, termination procedures, etc. will also be reviewed.”
DPM Turnquest told the participants that they were all chosen for a very specific reason.
“Your unique knowledge of the underlying issues that have us in the state that we are currently in with respect to official statistics is going to be vital for identifying the short, medium and long-term goals of this project; and, for its implementation in the very near future.
“Based on the findings of the assessment, it was determined that there is limited analysis and report writing that takes place using the data produced. This has contributed to a limited use of the data that is available for planning and evidence-based decision-making.”
He said, “Moving forward, you may determine that we must have, as a goal, greater use of statistics for policy, planning and decision-making. But you must also tell us whether, in order to achieve this, we must have short term objectives such as increasing awareness about the benefits of statistics to society, increasing user satisfaction, or other effective strategies.”
By: Llonella Gilbert (BIS)
Photo Captions:
Header: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Peter Turnquest opens the National Strategy for the Development of Statistics Validation and Strategic Planning workshop at SuperClubs Breezes, Monday, February 19, 2018. (BIS Photo/Kristaan Ingraham)
Insert: Key Stakeholders attend the National Strategy for the Development of Statistics Validation and Strategic Planning workshop, Monday, February 19, 2018. (BIS Photo/Kristaan Ingraham)
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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