Bahamas News
DPM tells Grand Bahamians to focus on the benefits new oil refinery project will have for GB
#Bahamas, February 23, 2018 – Grand Bahama – Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for East Grand Bahama, the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest said that while he’s aware of all the talk among the public about the $4 billion oil refinery project by Oban Energies, he urged Bahamians – particularly Grand Bahamians – to focus on the benefits such a project will bring to Grand Bahama.
“There’s more to the story than what you see,” Minister Turnquest told participants of the 20th Annual Grand Bahama Business Outlook, which took place on Thursday, February 22, 2018 at Grand Lucayan resort.
“You will be hearing more about that as the project proceeds. Today, as a matter of fact, the group is in East Grand Bahama beginning the final stages of their Environmental Impact Assessment. And we will continue to see activity, going forward through to the shovels in the ground.
“We have confidence that this project is going to go forward, that the funding is available, that the environmental concerns will be addressed and that at the end of the day, we will have a project that will be a catalyst for the development of Grand Bahama as a whole, east Grand Bahama in particular.”
Minister Turnquest reminded Grand Bahamians that what helped to bring about the “glory days” of Grand Bahama, when the economy was on the incline, was the industrial sector.
“So we have an opportunity and we have to see it through. Again, in the Heads of Agreement, we have requirements and everything is contingent on those requirements,” the Minister Pointed out. “As the Prime Minister has indicated, that Heads of Agreement will be Tabled and everyone will be able to see what it contains – the benefit and the risk to us as an island, as a country.”
As the Representative for Grand Bahama, Minister Turnquest said that he’s pleased that there are a number of prospective developments slated for his constituency, including the Oban Energies Oil refinery in East Grand Bahama.
He said that a number of projects have been slated for Grand Bahama, including the purchase and development of the former Ginn property in West Grand Bahama. He also mentioned the purchase and eventual refurbishment of the Grand Lucayan resort by the Wynn Group.
“The re-opening of this property is absolutely vital to the city of Freeport, particularly the Lucayan strip, which is a major contributor to the Grand Bahama economy,” added Minister Turnquest.
“I know that there was some rumor that because Mr. Wynn was not here to speak at this Business Outlook, that there was some trouble with the deal. I just got off the phone with Mr. Wynn before I came into this room and I assure you that is not the case at all. There was some miscommunication and he is actually in the Dominican Republic, opening a property there.
“But this deal is very much on track and we expect to have this wrapped up relatively soon; the brands that are associated with their proposal are very well known brands to us and they will give Grand Bahama the kind of variety of offering that we have been missing.”
Interestingly enough, Minister Turnquest said that Grand Bahama continues to attract interest with respect to the tourism industry.
“As the Minister of State said, 2018 is poised to be a very significant watershed year for us,” added Minister Turnquest. “Between the government and our partners at the Grand Bahama Port Authority, we have to lock arms on these opportunities and ensure that we provide the best opportunity for these projects to become successful.”
Drawing on a farming analogy, the Deputy Prime Minister told the audience that when one is planting, you don’t see results right away; it takes a while and in the meantime, the seed has to be watered and nurtured before it begins to spring up.
“That’s the phase where we’re at,” said Minister Turnquest. “After years of going backwards, we’re now starting to go forward and we must celebrate that.
“Prospects for the economy in 2018 are for furthering strengthening of activities, with growth estimated at 2.5 percent. Conditions in the Labor market are also consequently set to improve. These developments will be underpinned by the completion of the Baha Mar phased opening and by various foreign investment related projects, which have been foreshadowed by the Prime Minister.
“As well, we expect the growth of both the tourism sector and the national economy to be favorably impacted by stronger projected growth in the United States, our major trading partner. The increase in investor consumer confidence in the United States bodes well for continued growth in tourist related travel and investment interest in The Bahamas.”
Minister Turnquest said that the government is on track to bring the country’s financial house in order and that the Government remains on track to meet its budgetary target by year’s end.
“The Government anticipates continued growth in the economy, which will be very much associated with improvements that we expect to happen here in Grand Bahama. As was pointed out by the Minister of State for Grand Bahama, various projects are being negotiated and/or are already in progress.
“This signals a significant spike in the Grand Bahama economy and, in the words of the Honourable Prime Minister, what’s good for Grand Bahama, is good for The Bahamas.”
By: Andrew Coakley (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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