Bahamas News
Government of Japan Gives $500,000 Grant to the Bahamas National Trust
#Bahamas, February 19, 2018 – Nassau -The Government of Japan through the Japan Special Fund Poverty Reduction Programme (JPO) has given the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) a US$500,000 non-reimbursable grant for a community-based conch management project in the Family Islands.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Peter Turnquest thanked the JPO, as well as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), which was instrumental in helping The Bahamas receive the grant.
The financial assistance will help to address the conservation of conch, a marine animal that is categorised as essential to the social and economic welfare and fishing sector of the country, DPM Turnquest said during the project signing ceremony at the BNT, Thursday, February 15, 2018. He added that more importantly conch is an enduring symbol of the Bahamian cultural identity.
“Certainly many other places around enjoy conch, but I dare say that there are few if any countries for which the conch is so revered, so treasured and so lustily consumed.”
He said the support for the initiative is timely and no doubt the results from the project will add value or enhance current information on conch harvesting and conservation.
“I do believe that the stakeholders involved in advancing this initiative will ensure that appropriate measures are proposed to the Government in respect to sustainability of conch fisheries in The Bahamas.”
He noted that conch is one of several endangered species to which there exist restrictions on export.
“Notwithstanding the restrictions, which are necessary for sustainability, I do believe the persistent communication inclusive of an awareness campaign through various mediums to relevant stakeholders is paramount to among other things preventing overfishing of juvenile conch and the application of illegal fishing practices.”
DPM Turnquest said that he anticipates the project will do a little more research into the by-products of conch fishing.
“I hope we will be able to help Bahamians identify the true potential of this product to see how we can move from a raw material stage, to some kind of medium, to final product stage where we know the value addeds.”
The IDB Country Representative for The Bahamas, Maria Florencia Attademo-Hirt explained that this is the first grant given in the Caribbean from the JPO. She said the IDB affirms that the Bahamian endeavour to protect the conch must be supported.
She added the project will focus on two Family Island communities: East End and West End, Grand Bahama: “We all know that Grand Bahama is going through rough times, but we also know that Grand Bahama has incredible potential and will go back to being the incredible power that it was before.”
Director, Science and Policy, BNT, Shelley Cant-Woodside said the Project has three core components: to improve conch fishermen’s livelihoods, establish community based management of a marine protected area, and create a domestic market for responsibly fished conch.
It is anticipated that the Project will be able to be replicated throughout The Bahamas with modifications made for each community.
By: Llonella Gilbert (BIS)
Photo Captions:
Header: Community-based conch management project signing took place at the Bahamas National Trust, Thursday, February 15, 2018. Seated from left: President, BNT, Janet Johnson; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Peter Turnquest; IDB Country Representative for The Bahamas, Maria Florencia Attademo-Hirt; IDB, Executive Director Office for Croatia, Portugal, Korea, Slovenia, the UK, Tatsuya Sugiura; and Representative from the Embassy of Japan, Hideki Shinozaki. Standing from left: Executive Director, BNT, Eric Carey; Minister of the Environment and Housing the Hon. Romauld Ferreira; and Executive Director for the Caribbean, IDB, Jerry Christopher Butler; and Honorary Consul of Japan, Robert Sands. (BIS Photo/Derek Smith)
Insert: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Peter Turnquest brings remarks at the Community-based conch management project grant signing at the Bahamas National Trust, Thursday, February 15, 2018. (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.
-
News1 week agoSaunders Tells Caribbean Media: Be Seen, Be Heard – But What About TCI
-
Bahamas News6 days agoRoyal Bahamas Police Force – ARRAIGNMENT NOTICE
-
Health3 days agoIs It Bad To Sleep in a Bra?
-
News13 hours agoGovernment Restates Commitment to TCI’s Telecommunications Evolution
-
News22 hours agoTomorrow’s Communities Start with Today’s Young Leaders: Why Youth Engagement Matters