Bahamas News
Henfield: Bahamas taking on more leadership role in region
#Haiti, March 4, 2018 – Port-au-Prince -The Bahamas’ role in the region is rapidly moving towards one of “more leadership” because of the country’s ability to rapidly respond in times of natural disasters such as Hurricanes, Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon. Darren Henfield said Tuesday.
Minister Henfield introduced to the Conference the agenda item on Tourism and other issues discussed by Heads of Government on Day Two, which included Air Transportation Issues and Blacklisting and Derisking.
Minister Henfield, who took over the Chair as Head of Delegation for The Bahamas following Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis’ departure for New Providence Monday night, said Prime Minister Minnis’ position as the Head of Government of the Caribbean Community responsible for tourism, also carried tremendous significance.
“It is important that the Prime Minister is playing a role in the quasi-Cabinet, responsible for Tourism,” Minister Henfield said.
Citing the Minnis Administration’s decision to assist Dominica in the aftermath of hurricane devastation last year, the Foreign Affairs Minister said The Bahamas’ ability to respond to natural disasters such as the one in Dominica improves the country’s position regionally.
“We have a very good Defence Force and utilities to be able to respond in times of natural disaster and I think that always improves your influence and the way the other countries look at you,” Minister Henfield said.
“We sent the HMBS Lawrence Major to Dominica with Defence Force personnel onboard. We had medical doctors on board; we also had firefighters from the Royal Bahamas Police Force onboard to assist Dominica during their time of need.
“When you put your money where your mouth is in responding, (countries tend to look up to you.) Now raising the issue of money, you know it is tight all across the region, but you do what you can to assist where you can. In fact, that is the very nature of this body of states called CARICOM and the Caribbean Community, to be responsive to each other’s needs.”
Minister Henfield and Minister of Tourism and Aviation, the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar, both addressed Tuesday’s Plenary Session on Tourism. Mr. Henfield delivered The Bahamas’ Opening Statement while Mr. D’Aguilar made a PowerPoint Presentation.
“The Paper was very well received this morning. The technocrats from the Caribbean Tourism Office (CTO) and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) were here and the presentation was very well received; they were all asking for it and we intend to lay it on the table here and give it to them,” Minister Henfield said.
“We also intend to send out the presentation in which everybody is raving about the commercial that was shown here this morning encapsulating the entire Caribbean region and what it offers, and so I think we are on the right path.”
By: Matt Maura (BIS)
Photo Caption: The Hon Darren Henfield, Minister of Foreign Affairs, leads The Bahamas’ Delegation on the second day of the 29th Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of the Caribbean Community in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on 27 February. Minister Henfield introduced to the Conference the agenda item on Tourism and other issues discussed by Heads of Government on Day Two included Air Transportation Issues and Blacklisting and Derisking. (L-R) front: H.E. Reuben Rahming, Bahamas Ambassador to CARICOM; Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar, Minister of Tourism and Aviation; Hon. Darren Henfield, Minister of Foreign Affairs; back: H.E. Jeffrey Williams, Bahamas Ambassador to Haiti; Mr. Don Saunders, M.P.; Mr. Joshua Sears, Senior Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister; and Hon. Frankie Campbell, Minister of Transport and Local Government.
(BIS Photo)
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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