Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Department of Housing Poised to Allow Sale of Service Lots in Sunset Close
#Bahamas, April 11, 2018 – Nassau – The Ministry of Housing and the Environment “has in hand” the Title documents that will allow them to begin selling Service Lots located in Sunset Close Subdivision as part of the Department of Housing’s new thrust. The number of Service Lots in Sunset Close Subdivision – located off Carmichael Road behind the Carmichael Road Post Office – amounts to ten. Another 10 lots will be made available in the Lionel Davis Subdivision in Fox Hill.
The new thrust is part of the Minnis Administration’s “ambitious housing programme” that will be rolled out in the coming months aimed at providing potential first-time homeowners with “a significant opportunity for homeownership.”
Press Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Mr. Anthony Newbold, said Tuesday (during his afternoon Press Briefing held at the Cecil V. Wallace Whitfield Centre) that Ministry officials are also reviewing the engineering plans for the proposed Carmichael Village Subdivision that will consist of 301 lots.
The Carmichael Village Subdivision will be located in the area adjacent to Dignity Gardens. Subdivisions are also being planned for San Salvador and Eleuthera as the Government continues its process towards providing affordable housing for its citizens.
Administration officials say access to affordable housing is “critical for social and economic development.”
The Department of Housing has shifted its focus from the construction of houses to the sale of service lots. Through this programme, the Government will provide low-cost lots to potential first-time homeowners. The lots will be supplied with all of the necessary utilities.
Buyers will be responsible for constructing their own homes utilizing their own architects, or pre-existing housing plans offered by the Government. The potential homeowners will have two years within which to construct their homes.
“Because the lots will be inexpensive, we expect scores of first-time homeowners to take advantage of this programme. We look forward to many Bahamians taking advantage of this significant opportunity for home-ownership.”
The announcement on the service lots was one of several relating to the Ministry of Housing and Environment the Press Secretary made during his Press Briefing.
Mr. Newbold said a multi-sectoral committee made up of persons from the public and private sectors will begin to evaluate proposals for the management of the New Providence Landfill. The closing date for those proposals was Monday, April 9 (2018).
The Press Secretary further said officials at the Ministry have identified a number of staff who are expected to begin “prosecutorial training” with a view to reviving the Environmental Court.
“The idea is to revive the Environmental Court which has been dormant over the past five years, with a view to addressing the environmental abuses that have been going on whether it is pollution or just plain dumping.”
Press Secretary Newbold said the Ministry is also conducting an assessment of the historic Gambier Village Community “where the plan is to mount a massive cleanup of the area.”
“Speaking about abusing the environment, and if you look in your respective dailies, you will see Notices from the Port Department and the Department of Environmental Health (DEHS) for the removal of litter and ships/vessels from Arawak Cay, and also to vacate portions of the Cay for which some people may have had licenses or approval to operate from.
“The idea is to begin the process of cleaning up the area and stop it from being an eyesore/environmental health hazard. Thirty days is the time given for all concerned to clean up their act or have whatever property that is left there, disposed of or confiscated,” Press Secretary Newbold said.
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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