Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Minister Dames Explains why Bill is not a ‘Spy Bill’
#Bahamas, April 30, 2018 – Nassau – While giving his contribution to the Interception of Communications Bill 2017, Minister of National Security the Hon. Marvin Dames termed it a comprehensive contemporary law to fight “sophisticated technologically savvy criminals and dismantle their criminal networks.”
“From the outset, let me dispel this ridiculousness of the Interception of Communications Bill being referred to as a ‘Spy Bill’,” Minister Dames said in the House of Assembly, on April 25, 2018. “For all within hearing distance of my voice, it is not and I will explain in my Contribution this morning.
“The word ‘spy’ connotes breaking the law and impinging upon the constitutional rights of an individual. The mere fact that we are in honourable House debating this very important Bill, represents an urgent need to send a clear message that this Government, is committed to adhering to the Constitution of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas and the rule of law and in no case assuming the posture of politics of disrespect and arrogance.”
Minister Dames pointed out that a responsible Government does not come to Parliament to inform its citizens and pass legislation only to ignore the very legislation it was responsible for bringing to Parliament.
“This does not make sense,” he stated. “The entire absurdity of the Interception of Communication Bill being referred to as a ‘Spy Bill’ needs to be put to a perpetual rest.”
Minister Dames said that the Interception of Communication Bill was timely and pertinent to The Bahamas’ national security and well-being as a nation. He added that the foremost aim of the Bill was to thwart any and all national security threats to Bahamian citizens, residents and visitors.
“This Bill is a vital tool to assist in our crime fighting strategies, particularly in combating drug, human, and gun trafficking, gang violence, cyber crimes and other forms of transnational organised crimes,” Minister Dames said. “Without legislation such as this one, law enforcement agencies will be severely handicapped and disadvantaged in their attempts to detect, collect, analyse, investigate and prosecute associated crimes in a world where technology related platforms have become the preferred means of communications across the globe especially for organised crime organisations.
“Therefore, the question, we must now ask ourselves, ‘Who do we prefer to have the upper hand, organised crime groups or the men and women in law enforcement who have taken an oath to protect us all?’.”
Minister Dames noted that the Bill sought to provide a single legal framework within which the interception of all communications on public and private systems would be authorized inclusive of public telecommunication operators and Internet providers. The Bill, he added, provides for the interception of communication carried wholly or partly by wireless telegraphy and also covers all mail handling systems including parcel and courier services.
“This Bill further provides for the use of certain devices for listening to private conversations,” he said. The Bill, once passed, will come into operation on a day decided by the National Security Minister and it will be publicly announced.”
Minister Dames noted that the word communication, as defined in Section 2 of the Bill, included anything transmitted by means of a postal service, including a postal article; anything comprising speech, music, sounds, visual images or data of any description; and signals serving either for [impart] of anything between persons, between a person and a thing or between things or for the actuation or control of any apparatus.
Intercept or Interception, as defined in the same section of the Bill Section, he added, included aural or other acquisition of the contents of any communication through the use of any means, including an interception device, so as to make some or all of the contents of a communication available to a person other than the sender or recipient or intended recipient of that communication; monitoring of a communication by means of a monitoring device; viewing, examining or inspecting of the contents of any communication and diverting of any communication from its intended destination to any other destination.
Minister Dames stated that, in the last two decades, information and communication technologies (ICTs) have continued to advance, thus highlighting the critical need for the collection of data to be used as a fuel to protect and enhance national security interests.
“The smartphone, which can be referred to as one’s most personal computer, is owned by approximately 2.5 billion of the world’s population, according to Statista, a leading provider of consumer data,” he said. “The Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan fact tank, found in a recent study an estimated 95 percent of all Americans owned cellphones; nearly three quarters of American adults own desktops or laptops; half of the adult population own tablets and around one in five own e-readers.
“I suspect that the use of ICTs in The Bahamas is widespread,” he added. “With this ever increasing use of communication gadgets and its rapid evolution, it is imperative that legislation allow law enforcement to keep pace with changing technology and prevent criminals from abusing communication devices to commit offences.”
That, Minister Dames said, was the crux of the Bill: the necessity for law enforcement to address dangers posed by criminals using advanced technologies such as newer encrypted forms of Internet-based communications,inclusive of computers, Ipads, smartphones and other similar instruments.
“I can speak of personal experiences in which police acting on intelligence pursued criminal networks in this country and in doing so, it was not uncommon for criminal groups to have had multiple disposable prepaid phones which they were able to quickly discard so as to evade detection,” Minister Dames said. “This ‘modus operandi’ is nothing new and will only increase in occurrences.”
“As such, we have to equip our law enforcement agencies with the applicable legislative tools to remain relevant and collect the necessary investigative information by way of modern platforms for the sole purpose of protecting the local as well national security interests of the people they have sworn to protect,” he added.
By Eric Rose
NASSAU, Bahamas — More Bahamians are accessing HIV and sexually transmitted infection-related healthcare through National Health Insurance, a trend the NHI Authority says should be viewed positively.
NHIA stressed in an August 6 statement that its 2025 figures measure healthcare utilisation, not newly diagnosed infections. They include beneficiaries screened, treated, monitored or receiving follow-up care, including people diagnosed previously.
“Increased utilisation of these services should be viewed as a positive development,” NHIA said.
The Authority pointed to “greater enrolment and use of NHI, improved access to screening and testing, continued treatment and monitoring of existing conditions, and increased willingness to seek medical care.”
The development comes amid a mixed three-year HIV picture. New diagnoses rose from 130 in 2023 to 156 in 2024, before declining to 142 in 2025.
NHIA said increased utilisation demonstrates that more beneficiaries are accessing needed healthcare and actively managing their health, reinforcing the importance of screening, early diagnosis and continued treatment.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor is proud to announce the launch of Monument Beverage Co., its newest 100% locally produced ready-to-drink alcoholic cocktail.
Monument, “Made to Celebrate”, perfectly encapsulates everything the brand represents. Created and distributed by CWS, Monument is
inspired by culture, crafted with excellence and bursting with innovation.
This unique beverage celebrates island living with three bold flavors, Ginger Lime, Peach Passion and Melon Fizz. All of which can be enjoyed at an ABV of five-point-two percent.
The brand’s creativity really shines through each can’s packaging. Bold colored stripes, cherished native flora and fauna and of course, national monuments can all be found on each can.
The beverage’s two year plus development is a testament to CWS’ dedication to quality and innovation. Countless hours of tastings, reformulations, focus groups and package design reviews all paid off with the creation of Monument.
Karla Wells-Lisgaris, Chief Commercial Officer of Caribbean Wines & Spirits and Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, shared what this authentically Bahamian made product launch means for the company.
“When we were conceptualizing Monument, we wanted to create a product that not only tasted like The Bahamas but would be an ode to the
nation as well. With those two thoughts in mind, I, along with a team of experts, created three incredible flavors we believe really connect with and celebrate the essence of island living,” she said.
“Additionally, being that Monument is the first product to be 100% manufactured by Caribbean Wines & Spirits, we really wanted to ensure that both the flavors and packaging honored our rich heritage. On each of the cans, you can find various monuments such as the Nassau Public Library in New Providence, the Garden of the Grove in Grand Bahama and the Hatchet Bay Silos in Eleuthera; all of which pay homage to our diverse Bahamian heritage.” Wells-Lisgaris concluded.”
The historic monuments found throughout our islands are more than places we pass every day; they are reminders of who we are, where we’ve come from and the stories that connect us as Bahamians.
Monument is perfectly formulated with quality ingredients, and each can celebrates a collection of these cultural icons from across The Bahamas.
Whether chilling solo beachside, gathered around a family table or backyard a grill with friends, make Monument your sip of choice. Monument is made to celebrate, visit www.cwsbahamas.com today for more details.
NASSAU, Bahamas —– Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to crown Lady
Kayla of Exuma as this year’s annual Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup winner.
CBC created the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup to further the advancement of sailing and Bahamian culture through monetary and social support. The competition judges the skipper’s performance across three regattas, The Best of the Best, the National Family Island and Long Island Regattas.
The winning sloop led by Kianno Hutchinson and Joss Knowles showcased their skillmanship in the E-Class category across each round of competition. In addition to winning the trophy, the skippers were awarded a $5,000 donation, an $8,000 stipend to the junior sailing club of their island and a limited-edition Lady Kayla Bahamas Goombay Punch commemorative can, which will be released soon.
Jonathan Thronebury, Marketing Director of CBC shared the significance behind The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup.
“The Bahamas Goombay Punch is more than a beloved local brand; it’s a vibrant part of our cultural fabric. Just like sailing, our national sport, it carries a rich legacy that spans generations. Recognizing this shared history, we’re proud to support initiatives that celebrate and advance Bahamian culture,” he said.
Hutchinson and Knowles shared what this win meant for them.
“I felt super proud when I realized we won. I am grateful and thankful to God, for good coaches and Joss. It was really an honor winning the
Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup,” Hutchinson expressed.
“I am very honored to have been able to compete in the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup, I think it is a great concept and idea for a competition and really adds a new motive throughout the regattas. The whole championship was super competitive, and every single race was a fight. Alvington McKenzie was extremely competitive and had us until the Long Island regatta, which made it a very fun and tough competition. Very excited to have been the winner of a super close championship,” Knowles revealed.
Lady Kayla’s owner, Dallas Knowles, shared the team’s winning strategy.
“In sailing consistency is key and our guys in Lady Kayla are some of the best in the business at staying near the top. In the end, that was enough to secure their first Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup win. We are so proud of Joss and Kianno for what they have done in Lady Kayla. Thank you to Caribbean Bottling Company for such an amazing and forward-thinking initiative,” Knowles shared.
The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup is proud to continue its impact on sailing and community building through clean and fair competition.
For more updates on the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup and Caribbean Bottling Company visit the website www.cbcbahamas.com today.
