Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Minister Pintard says it’s time to bring home elite sporting coaches
#Bahamas, May 01, 2018 – Grand Bahama– Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Michael Pintard said it is in the country’s collective economic interest to bring outstanding, international renowned Bahamian coaches back home, whether on full time or a part-time basis, in order to attract Bahamian elite athletes and their friends to come and train in The Bahamas.
He said that the Bahamas has a commitment from the IAAF to put in place a High Performance Academy for sprinters and jumpers.
“But that would only happen to the extent that we have physiotherapists, massage therapists, nutritionists, elite coaches who are available, and outstanding facilities, to make sure that we succeed,” said Minister Pintard.
“The government is committed to working in this regard and we will do our part and we appeal to the private sector to work partner with us.”
The Sports Minister’s remarks came during a ceremony for the dedication of a mural, featuring the Golden Knights, on Monday, April 23 at the roundabout of Jubilee Way and Coral Road. All four of the Golden Knights – Chris Brown, Michael Mathieu, Demetrius Pinder and Ramon Miller – who won the gold medal in the men’s 4 x 400 meter relay at the Olympic Games in 2012, were in Grand Bahama for the special ceremony.
The unique, 3-D artwork, which sits in one of the busiest roundabouts on the island, was created by Artist Jacki Boss.
In paying special tribute to the Golden Knights and all of the Bahamian athletes who have helped to put The Bahamas in the world’s spotlight, Minister Pintard also pointed out the significant role coaches play in causing The Bahamas to experience such sporting success.
He said the time has come to bring back home many of those Bahamian coaches who are coaching overseas and are anxious to return home to continue doing what they love. He noted that at just about every major competition he has attended, he has noticed that there are Bahamian coaches grooming athletes from other countries to compete in those major events.
“Many of them are prepared to accept less salary than where they are located, in order to come home. The government, in and of itself, does not have the capacity to pay all of those salaries, but public, private partnerships may provide the key — “but it has to be a deliberate, strategic effort by the public and the private sector.”
He noted, “I am appreciative that many of our athletes have been so nationalistic in their focus that they have been prepared, despite many inducements offered around the world to remain committed to the colours that matter most – the colours of our Bahamian flag. These are the colours that really matter.
“So, we want to say ‘thank you’ to them for sacrificing personal comforts, because of their nationalism.”
By Andrew Coakley
PHOTO CAPTIONS
GOOD TO SEE YOU – Member of Parliament for Pineridge, the Hon. Frederick McApline (right) shakes hands with Michael Mathieu, one of the Golden Knights, as they arrived for a special dedication ceremony of a mural dedicated to the Knights’ accomplishment at the 2012 Olympic Games. Also on hand to greet the special guests was Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Michael Pintard. (BIS Photo/Andrew Coakley)
MAKE IT OFFICIAL – Golden Knight Demetrius Pinder prepares to cut the ribbon to officially dedicate a mural (in background) that was painted by Jacki Boss to honor the Golden Knights, during a special ceremony on Monday, April 23, 2018. On hand for the special event were (from right) Ian Rolle (GBPA President); Frederick McAlpine (MP for Pineridge); Iram Lewis (Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Works); the Hon. Michael Pintard (Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture); Ramon Miller (Golden Knight), Chris Brown (Golden Knight) Sarah St. George (Acting Chairman/GBPA); Demetrius Pinder (Golden Knight); Michael Mathieu (Golden Knight); Henry St. George (Vice-President/GBPA); Fred Sturrup, Jacki Boss (Artist) and Troy McIntosh (Manager of City Maintenance, GBPA). (BIS Photo/Andrew Coakley)
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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