Bahamas News
Bahamas Sees Benefits from Tourism Events
#Bahamas, March 4, 2018 – Nassau – Millions of households around the world tuned into spectacular images of The Islands of The Bahamas during four major international golf tournaments that showcased the archipelago as a premier golf destination.
The reach and marketing value of Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic, PGA’s Web.com Tour and Tiger Woods’ Hero World Challenge have skyrocketed, proving to millions that golf is indeed better in The Bahamas.
“Our support for these major golf tournaments is an investment in our tourism industry that will pay dividends for years to come,” Minister of Tourism and Aviation Dionisio D’Aguilar said. “The benefits include priceless TV exposure, visitors from all over the world and significant contribution to our economy.”
Recently released statistics from the Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic show that The Islands of The Bahamas received more than $4 million in marketing value after the event aired on the Golf Channel from January 22-28. The tournament, held at the Ocean Club Golf Course, was seen in more than 150 countries.
Marketing experts said the Golf Channel’s distribution, which included leadership graphics, audio mentions and signage, pegged marketing dollars at $1.4 million. Press and media coverage amounted to $2.2 million and digital coverage was priced at $418,153.
Live streaming of the Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic delivered 21,000 unique devices and 762,000 live minutes streamed. Round 1 of the tournament was the most watched LPGA opening in nine years and Rounds 3 and 4 were at their highest viewership since 2014.
Along with positive exposure, the destination also benefited from extra tourism dollars. The tournament resulted in more than 3,500 room nights that consisted of 108 players, caddies, tournament staff, international sponsors and volunteers.
“That’s not even including the spectators who would’ve traveled to The Bahamas just to enjoy the tournament,” said Minister D’Aguilar.
Simultaneously, the PGA’s Web.com tour in Great Exuma and Abaco also brought in large numbers. Officials estimated that the two events resulted in a marketing value of over $3 million.
Meanwhile, the Hero World Challenge held at Albany from November 27 to December 3 also stroked up high numbers. According to officials, the event hosted by golf pro Tiger Woods, caused 18.5 million viewers to tune in at an average of 71 minutes per day. The tournament, which was broadcasted on the Golf Channel and NBC, earned 0.9 cable rating and a national rating of 1.2 up 20 per cent over 2016 and the highest rated final round for the event since 2013.
Social media was also buzzing with just under 4 million impressions. The event also brought in 2,000 room nights collectively at Baha Mar, Albany and The Island House.
“What we are trying to do is tap into the world of golf. Those that play golf come from an important demographic of high net worth individuals. We need to attract those persons to our islands, and what is better than coming to The Bahamas, staying in a lovely resort and playing golf on an exceptional golf course with this wonderful setting,” Minister D’Aguilar said.
“It’s just a win-win for all.”
Release: Ministry of Tourism
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.
