Bahamas News

Commander Defence Force Encourages Members to Hold the Line

Published

9 years ago

February 14, 2018

#Bahamas, February 14, 2018 – Nassau – The Commander Defence Force, Commodore Tellis Bethel, encouraged members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force to ‘hold the line’ in his first Commander Defence Force’s Divisions held on Friday 9th February, 2018. The ceremonial Divisions provided Commodore Bethel the opportunity to inform his Officers and Marines of his intent for the year, and to address challenges and concerns of the Force with solutions to overcome them. This military tradition also allowed Commodore Bethel to thank his troops for their service and accomplishments during the past year.

The timely address came on the heels of three wooden Haitian sloops landing on the southern coast of New Providence over a three-month stretch. Notwithstanding these landings the Defence Force had apprehended or assisted with the apprehensions of some 1,300 migrants last year, including the disruption of a suspected international migrant smuggling operation two months ago, which resulted in the apprehension of 14 people from five nations aboard an unsuspecting motor yacht. The Defence Force also apprehended a Haitian sloop earlier this year.

In the weeks leading up to the parade, Commodore Bethel met with Defence Force Officers and Marines at all levels highlighting the short and long term solutions for the challenges that lie ahead. During his Friday address, Commodore Bethel encouraged his troops to remain focused, and not to allow themselves to be distracted from the task at hand while they ‘hold the line’ in performing their duties.

During the sectioned meetings prior to his Divisions, Commodore Bethel reminded members that the Defence Force was at a critical stage of transition where it recently entered a new era of modernization to resolve problems of inadequate bases, port facilities, maritime assets (including ships and aircraft) and personnel, while simultaneously dealing with the constantly changing tactics of poachers, as well as migrant and drug smugglers.

As a result, the Defence Force is unfolding plans for the expansion and construction of bases in Inagua and Ragged Island, respectively, to sustain long term deployments of its ships and aircraft to provide immediate response to poaching, as well as illicit smuggling activities originating in the Southern Bahamas. Though limited in capacity, the Defence Force has already began reconnaissance flight operations out of the southern Bahamas.

Other short term goals shared by Commodore Bethel included the Prime Minister’s, Dr. the Honourable Hubert Minnis. and the Minister of National Security’s, the Honourable Marvin Dames intent for the Defence Force to develop and coordinate a national multi-law enforcement agency drone program, as well as a national multi-law enforcement agency Coastal Security program to address the problem of changing modes of operations by those engaged in criminal activities on and offshore.

High on the list of priorities is the accelerated recruitment of personnel as an initial human capital audit has revealed that the Defence Force is currently operating at a shortfall of over 500 persons, thus highlighting the added responsibilities borne by each member of the Force. In January of this year, 120 persons had commenced recruit training.

The Defence Force is also moving forward with plans to enhance its communications, detection, tracking and interdiction capabilities. Initial work has commenced on the installation of a coastal radar system. Additionally, plans are already underway for the acquisition of an island-wide ‘Motorbro’ radio communication system, along with an Automated Identification System for identifying vessels in Bahamian waters. These programs are being funded by the US State Department under its Foreign Military Sales program.

While expressing concern for the recent landing of a Haitian sloop for which a Board of Inquiry will be convened to investigate, Commodore Bethel applauded his men and women for the successes they did achieve in exercising their powers as Peace Officers, Customs Officers, Immigration Officers, Fisheries Inspectors, Port Security Officers, National Emergency Managers and much more.

Earlier this year, the Defence Force divers had assisted with recovery of remains of Bahamian occupants of an aircraft that had crashed in waters off North Andros. More recently, the Defence Force has provided support for Police operations on the streets of New Providence with significant success. In addition to capturing a go fast vessel with an estimated one and a half million dollars’ worth of marijuana, last year made the third consecutive year that the Defence Force deployed troops, ships and its Containerized Mobile Base to bring disaster relief assistance to thousands of Bahamians combined in New Providence and the Family Islands during Hurricanes Joaquin, Matthew and Irma. The Defence Force also provided relief assistance to the Commonwealth of Dominica on behalf of the Governments of The Bahamas and Jamaica.

In thanking the men and women for their dedicated service and encouraging them to hold the line, Commodore Bethel also informed them of specific goals that would be achieved to improve their conditions of service at all levels.

(For further information please contact the RBDF Public Relations Department or visit our website: www.rbdf.gov.bs, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and view our Youtube channel) -rbdf-

#GuardOurHeritage

Photo captions:

Header: Commander Defence Force, Commodore Tellis Bethel conducting an inspection of the Honor Guard during the Commander Defence Force Divisions on February 9, 2018 at HMBS Coral Harbour. Also shown is Guard Commander. Lieutenant Elizabeth Simms.

Insert 1: Commander Defence Force, Commodore Tellis Bethel and Lieutenant Edward Fritz leading a routine inspection of one of the platoons during the Commander Defence Force Divisions on February 9, 2018 at HMBS Coral Harbour.

Insert 2: Commodore Tellis Bethel conducting an inspection of the Officer Platoon during the Commander Defence Force Divisions on February 9, 2018 at HMBS Coral Harbour.

(RBDF Photos by Marine Seaman Kyle Smith)

Bahamas News

Royal Bahamas Police Force – ARRAIGNMENT NOTICE

Published

1 week ago

August 27, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

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

Published

2 weeks ago

August 20, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

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

Bahamas News

CBC Supports Opportunities for Young Bahamian Basketball Players

Published

2 weeks ago

August 20, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

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.