Bahamas News
Minister Asks Students to Provide Solutions to Challenges at Launch of Sustainable Nassau Project
#Bahamas, February 3, 2018 – Nassau – Minister of Transport and Local Government, the Hon. Frankie Campbell asked students to prepare themselves to serve their communities and provide solutions to challenges. The Minister was speaking during the launch of the Sustainable Nassau Project held at the Harry C. Moore Library of the University of The Bahamas on Thursday, February 1. The event was held under the theme, ‘Empowered People, Revitalized City.”
“You have the vision, the energy and the exposure necessary to make a tremendous impact on the way we do business here in The Bahamas. Through the IDB’s work with the Office of the Prime Minister, we have invited the world-renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to lead you through a process of solving a real challenge of your choosing. I urge you to take advantage of this amazing opportunity,” said Mr. Campbell
“Despite what my generation may tell you, your impatience can in fact serve you well as you demand action and results at a faster pace than has been traditionally accepted. I implore you to be curious, innovative and inventive. Take advantage of the greatest resource you have here at the University of The Bahamas: collective knowledge and creativity, to build the modern Bahamas you want to see.”
The Minister said that in late 2017, the Ministry of Education and the Over-the-Hill project within the Office of the Prime Minister distributed over 100 tablets to the Willard Patton Pre-School in the Bain Town area. The aim of the project, he said, was to use technology to improve how education is delivered.
“Thus far the program is already delivering positive results. This represents the beginning of implementing the Smart City Solutions outlined in the Sustainable Nassau Action Plan,” said Mr. Campbell. He said that as the country moves to become a “smarter” country, it is necessary to identify the innovations that are needed to take the country there.
“Perhaps an app that provides drivers with real-time information on traffic and parking availability. Or an app that disseminates emergency alerts and critical information to mobile phones within an impacted geographic area. How about a central command center to coordinate it all? Think of the time you could save by having kiosks located throughout our islands that facilitated driver’s license renewals, and payment of traffic tickets. All of these things exist and can become a reality here in The Bahamas,” said the Minister.
He also spoke of the need for, and how it would assist in, the proper and equitable management of resources.
“Heavily central government structures have often proven themselves too slow and too bureaucratic to adapt and take advantage of these innovations. Therefore, if we are to be successful in making drastic improvements to the quality of life of our citizens and residents, we must empower people to be part of this process of change. The communities that are to be most impacted must have the greatest say and greatest ownership of the prescribed solutions to their problems. The only way to make this happen is through new, more localized, governance models.”
He said that this new model of government administration is already taking shape with legislation currently being drafted to create an agency tasked with managing the development of the Over-the-Hill Community of Nassau.
“Imagine if this model were expanded to include the entire island so as to ensure that development is managed with people at the center!” He exclaimed.
He said that the introduction of true local government here in New Providence and throughout the country would provide a framework for the delivery of high quality services to residents and businesses with effective checks and balances.
“It would allow neighborhoods and districts to decide how to budget scarce resources to best serve them and meet their needs. Increased transparency regarding revenues raised and expenditures would be accompanied by a transfer of resources and responsibilities away from central government to elected and accountable district governments. The Government of The Bahamas is committed to moving the concept of local government in New Providence from plans to reality within the next three years. To this end, the Department of Local Government is working closely with the Office of the Prime Minister to take this initiative forward.”
Photo Captions:
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Minister of Transport and Local Government, the Hon.Frankie Campbell greets President of the University of the Bahamas, Dr. Rodney Smith as Country Representative for the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Mrs. Florencia Attademo-Hirt looks on. (BIS Photo/Letisha Henderson)
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Minister of Transport and Local Government, the Hon. Frankie Campbell listens to a panelist. Also pictured l-r: Director, Code Next, Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Dr. Colin ‘Topper’ Carew; Country Representative for the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Mrs. Florencia Attademo-Hirt; Minister of Education, the Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd; President of the University of the Bahamas, Dr. Rodney Smith; and Chief, Housing & Urban Development Division, IDB, Ms. Tatiana Gallego Lizon. (BIS Photo/Letisha Henderson).
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Country Representative for the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Mrs. Florencia Attademo-Hirt presents a brochure to Minister of Transport and Local Government, the Hon. Frankie Campbell. (BIS Photo/Letisha Henderson).
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Minister of Transport and Local Government, the Hon. Frankie Campbell delivering the keynote address at the launch of the Sustainable Nassau Project. The event was held on February 1, 2018 at the Harry C. Moore Library of the University of The Bahamas. (BIS Photo/Letisha Henderson)
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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