Bahamas News
Spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr. Lives on in Bimini as Painting Unveiled
#Bahamas, February 14, 2018 – Bimini – What started out as quiet visits to the shores of Bimini by the late Freedom Fighter Dr. Martin Luther King, not only introduced Biminites to a giant of a man, who would go on to capture the Nobel Peace Prize and the hearts of many, but connected two nations – The Bahamas and the United States of America.
Parliamentary Secretary for Communications and Information in the Office of the Prime Minister, Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe said Dr. King’s legacy has transcended both time and location. The Parliamentary Secretary’s comments came during the official unveiling of a painting commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s solitary visits to Bimini. The short ceremony took place in the departure lounge of the Bimini International Airport on Friday, February 9, 2018.
Island Administrators, Chief Councilors and Ministry of Tourism officials attended the ceremony which also hosted special guests, Andrew Young, former United States Ambassador to the United Nations and former Mayor of Atlanta; and artist, Steve Skipper of Atlanta, Georgia.
“Today demonstrates that the friendship between the United States and the Bahamas continues along the right path and is one of mutual respect and understanding,” said Mrs. Edgecombe.
She stated that the Government of The Bahamas and, by extension, Biminites appreciate that “after some 50 years of Dr. King delivering his final speech, his legacy continues to echo throughout the world, mobilizing even today the fight for justice and equality at all levels and in all arenas.”
The painting, by Steve Skipper, took over 1,000 hours of easel work to complete. It features the green groves of Bimini with the image of Dr. King in the clouds, lost in thought and seemingly looking down over the small island.
Dr. Martin Luther King spent much time in Bimini where he went to retreat and ‘get away,’ and Bimini was the place where he sat and wrote his “I Have a Dream” speech. While in Bimini, many times Dr. King was hosted by a son of the soil of Bimini and a renowned bone fisherman Ansil Saunders.
“In your gifting of this painting to the island of Bimini, we graciously accept with a pledge to always tell the story of the man, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a voice for all generations and a legacy on which all of humanity can build,” added Mrs. Edgecombe, Member Parliament for West Grand Bahama and Bimini.
Andrew Young said that when Dr. King made his first trip to Bimini he was looking for a place where he could be quiet, but he also wanted to be in the midst of nature. He noted that one of Dr. King’s friends in Miami had suggested Bimini.
“I don’t think he had been to Bimini before,” said Mr. Young. “But once he got here, he realized that it was the perfect place for what he wanted to do. He wrote every day and thought and prayed.”
Mr. Young noted that ironically, when Dr. King’s troubles in his life really began he had been in Bimini at the time, enjoying the fishing, the silence and becoming more acquainted with the people of Bimini.
“When he wrote that speech about having been to the mountain top and that he had seen the Promised Land, I think he was talking about Bimini.”
Andrew Young continued, he believed that Dr. King would be very pleased with the growth and development of Bimini, and with the honour which they were bestowing upon him with the painting in the Bimini airport.
Artist, Steve Skipper said that while the original painting will reside in Bimini, replicas of it will be donated to museums in Washington, Atlanta and other parts of the United States and a copy will also be presented to Mr. Ansil Saunders.
By: Andrew Coakley (BIS)
Photo captions:
Header: Parliamentary Secretary Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe (second from left); Former United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Andrew Young (right); Artist, Steve Skipper (second from right) and retired NFL Miami Dolphins player, businessman and restaurateur, Bob Baumhower are pictured during a special ceremony to unveil a painting honouring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and his time spent in Bimini. The official ceremony took place at Bimini International Airport on Friday, February 9, 2018. (BIS Photo/Andrew Coakley)
Insert: Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe was the keynote speaker during an Official Unveiling Ceremony of a painting of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Bimini International Airport in South Bimini on Friday, February 9, 2018. (BIS Photo/Andrew Coakley)
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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