Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Doctor Praised for Giving Back
#Bahamas, April 30, 2018 – Grand Bahama – After 22 years of serving lunch to the elderly, Dr. Malik Kavala was praised for giving back to the community by Minister of State for Grand Bahama in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator the Hon. J. Kwasi Thompson. The lunch for senior citizens from all over the island was held on Thursday, April 26, at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church. With the air filled with worship and humour, each person giving tribute did so giving God thanks for all he has done.
Dr. Kavala came to The Bahamas, some 30 years ago and was employed by the government to help build the health care service. Minister Thompson thanked the doctor, who now runs a private clinic, and added that his service in the Eight Mile Rock Clinic enabled him to be known throughout the island. He gives back through his annual luncheon honouring the senior citizens, and added that they (senior citizens) ought to be recognized for their contributions and accomplishments.
Minister Thompson also thanked Dr. Kavala on behalf of the Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis, as well as all of his parliamentary collegues. “I wish to commend Dr. Kavala and Mrs. Kavala for their commitment to the community, commitment to the senior community in particular.”
He said he hopes that Dr. Kavala continues to serve as an inspiration to the business community. “There have been so many who have come and started businesses and made millions and millions of dollars coming to The Bahamas. But I want to say and point out that he has been an inspiration and an example of a good business partner and a good business person. He set up a business in the community but not just doing business in the community, but giving back to the community.
“I wish that there were more businesses who would follow his example. I strongly encourage other businesses of the community and other attendees today to continue to support these efforts. Unity is an integral part of this island as a whole. We will only achieve what we need to achieve if we do it together.”
Also present was Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, Vaughn Miller, who brought remarks on behalf of his Minister, the Hon. Lanisha T. Rolle. He said the Department of Social Services is mandated to ensure that all Bahamians have a right to a good quality of life. The vision statement, he added, speaks to creating a society for all ages through empowerment, protection, inclusion, cultural sensitivity and team social building using all social partners. “Today was evidence of what can be accomplished by utilizing social partners.”
Also present were Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, and MP for West Grand Bahama and Bimini, Pakesia Parker Edgecombe; Permanent Secretary of OPM Grand Bahama, Harcourt Brown; and other government officials.
MCs for the event were David Wallace and Will Stubbs and entertainment was provided by the Cooling Waters.
By: Robyn Adderley (BIS)
Photo captions:
Header: When speaking on Thursday during the annual luncheon for senior citizens in Eight Mile Rock, everyone thanked Dr. Malik and Mrs. Kavala for hosting the event for the past 22 years. Shown from left are: Dr. Kavala; Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, and MP for West Grand Bahama, Pakesia Parker Edgecombe; Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, Vaughn Miller; Shirley Chisolm; Georgina Bartlette; Mrs. Kavala; and Minister of State for Grand Bahama in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator the Hon. J. Kwasi Thompson. Seated is Ottice Lettice. Chisolm, Bartlette and Lettice, gave tributes on behalf of the senior citizens.
First insert: Minister of State for Grand Bahama in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator the Hon. J. Kwasi Thompson on Thursday thanked Dr. Malik Kavala for his annual luncheon for senior citizens. He said too often, businesses don’t give back to the community.
Second insert: Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, Vaughn Miller, attended Dr. Malik Kavala’s 22nd annual Senior Citizens Luncheon on Thursday, April 26. Mr. Miller thanked and saluted for Dr. Kavala for giving back to the community.
FROM EAST TO WEST – Senior citizens from east to west Grand Bahama were treated to lunch by local practitioner, Dr. Malik Kavala. Dr. Kavala has been hosting the luncheon for the past 22 years, and said this was the final luncheon.
(BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)
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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