Bahamas News
Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize the way business is done in The Bahamas
#Bahamas, February 2, 2018 – Nassau – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Peter Turnquest said that Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionise the way business is done in The Bahamas.
During the “Understanding Blockchain Technology Applications: What You Need to Know” workshop hosted by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) at Baha Mar Convention Centre, Wednesday, January 31, 2018, the DPM added that Blockchain technology has the ability to propel the country in a really dramatic way from where it is today to being a true leader in terms of technology and the way business is done as well as the ease of doing business.
The workshop was facilitated by Chris Jagers and Natalie Smolenski from the Learning Machine Lab at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). DPM Turnquest explained that with the Assistance of the IDB, he and several colleague Ministers toured the MIT Lab last year and saw the potential that the technology has for The Bahamas.
“When a lot of people think of Blockchains, they think about cryptocurrency. That is just one aspect of it. That is something we are doing some research into to see how we will be able to capitalise on it.
“More importantly than that is the way we can use this technology to improve the quality and efficiency of our daily lives.”
He gave the illustration of the Government potentially using the technology to create electronic records that are “indisputable”, which would then lead to a system where records could be produced that individuals could carry around in the form of an electronic passport that they can take to any bank where they want to open an account.
“If we had this electronic ID card if you will, you could walk into the bank, present your ID with your access code, they could look at your records, verify who you are via your information and away you go in minutes. That is what we are talking about it.”
As it stands now, he said it takes weeks or months for Bahamians and six to eight months for foreign nationals to open a bank account, which is “a very inefficient and frustrating process.”
The DPM also noted that the Government is looking at how Blockchain technology can be useful in producing a proper land registry, employing it with companies registering with the government.
“There are a whole host of opportunities that exist as a result of this technology and we want to explore it all and take our country to the cutting edge.”
IDB Country Representative, The Bahamas Florencia Attademo-Hirt explained that emerging technologies like Blockchain have been making waves all over the world in recent years.
She said, “Very simply put, Blockchain is a digital technology able to store and transport valuable information and assets securely.
“Blockchains were first used to record transactions of digital money (cyrptocurrencies), but since those early days, there have been other uses and applications of this technology.”
Mrs. Attademo-Hirt noted that Blockchain technology has the ability to manage a large amount of data accurately allowing for it to not be tampered or altered, and could be either very transparent or confidential.
“In The Bahamas, we think we can apply blockchain to a number of areas beyond cyrptocurrencies or even the Financial Sector.”
She said one of the goals of the workshop was to convince stakeholders as well as get their feedback on the usefulness of Blockchain Technology in The Bahamas in the area of sovereign citizen security and justice, in particular the information that is being handled by the justice system. Another goal was to see if the technology could be used for education and training in the sense of keeping records and diplomas available and making them easily accessible to their owner of the records, employers and learning institutions.
Mrs. Attademo-Hirt said they really also want to establish how useful it would be for land title registration.
“We would really like you to give us your ideas even if you feel like Blockchain might not work for The Bahamas, if you feel that it is not the solution, if you are afraid of using the technology, if you fear people need to be trained in a way that they will not be able to.
“We will like to hear all of your thoughts and your feedback to make sure that whatever investment that we do moving forward using this or other technologies, it is relevant to your country, helps improves lives in your country and helps Bahamians have a better prospect for their future,” Mrs. Attademo-Hirt said.
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Captions
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Peter K. Turnquest opens “Understanding Blockchain Technology Applications: What You Need to Know” workshop hosted by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) at Baha Mar Convention Centre, Wednesday, January 31, 2018. (BIS Photo/Derek Smith)
Blockchain workshop
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Peter Turnquest; Minister of Transport and Local Government the Hon. Frankie Campbell and Inter-American Development Bank Country Representative, The Bahamas, Florencia Attademo-Hirt attend the Blockchain workshop. (BIS Photo/Derek Smith)
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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