Bahamas News
HAITI: Henfield says competitive forces, natural disasters, are among factors impacting Caribbean Tourism
#Haiti, March 4, 2018 – Port-Au-Prince – Competitive forces, under-funding, along with the ravages of destructive natural disasters such as hurricanes are two of the key factors impacting Caribbean Tourism, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Darren Henfield told a Caribbean Community Plenary Session Tuesday.
Delivering the Opening Statement for The Bahamas during the Session on Tourism after which he introduced Bahamian Minister of Tourism and Aviation, the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar (Mr. D’Aguilar made a PowerPoint Presentation to the Plenary Session on Tourism) — Mr. Henfield said, in 2017, the region’s share of global arrivals contracted and stood at 2.3% at the end of the year, compared to 2.4% in 2016.
Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis serves as Head of Government of the Caribbean Community responsible for Tourism. Mr. Henfield assumed the Chair as Head of Delegation for The Bahamas following Prime Minister Minnis’ departure Monday evening. Mr. Henfield said Caribbean Tourism “is under-funded and losing ground.”
“Under the present circumstances the tourism sector will languish at levels below its potential productivity; and in the absence of a reliable funding source, the Caribbean will continue to lurch from one crisis to the next in a hapless quest for ways to buffer the region’s image against the ravages of competitive forces and natural disasters.”
Mr. Henfield said fortunately, “the solution is within our grasp.”
“What is needed is a sustained, effective effort to generate consumer demand, excite travelers and the travel industry, and stave off the region’s rapidly growing competition. To do this will require a reliable, consumer-generated funding source to create and maintain the kind of marketing presence recommended here.”
Mr. Henfield said the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) have recommended that the Caribbean develop the means to implement (in 2018), a consumer-generated funding mechanism that would collectively raise the money for an ongoing marketing initiative.
The primary source for this funding would be a small levy on air transportation of between US$1 to US$2 per passenger traveling to the Caribbean from outside the region. It is proposed that intra-Caribbean travel would be exempt from the levy.
“The goal is to generate a sum of US$20 million annually to implement a sustained effort,” Mr. Henfield said. “A $20 million investment, in relation to the number of visitors the region hosts annually, (30.1 million stay-overs in 2017), would allow the region to begin to proactively build the Caribbean brand and to be ready to protect the brand in times of crisis, through a prepared plan.”
Funds collected will be deposited into a specially designated marketing fund account, administered by the Caribbean Coalition for Tourism.
“One-to-two U.S. dollars per passenger is an equitable amount across Caribbean destinations and will not erode the competitive position of any participating country,” Mr. Henfield said. “Most importantly, that small amount will not dissuade any consumer from taking a Caribbean vacation, but cumulatively will provide measurable benefits to every participating country.
“This does not preclude support as well, from the private sector through sponsorships, specific promotional initiatives and active engagement. A separate and related dialogue is also being advanced to the cruise sector. The Caribbean receives an estimated 30% to 35% of all cruise ship deployments worldwide.”
Mr. Henfield said the understanding is that a critical mass of countries is the goal for proceeding with a campaign, accepting that countries “which are slower to participate should not retard the progress of those that are ready to get started.”
By: Matt Maura (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.
