Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Minister Thompson says Grand Lucayan negotiations are alive and underway
#Bahamas, May 01, 2018 – Grand Bahama – “Do not believe the fake news that is out there, because the Grand Lucayan deal is very much alive and underway and we have made tremendous progress with respect to that deal,” said Minister of State for Grand Bahama, in the Office of The Prime Minister, Senator Kwasi Thompson.
The Minister’s remarks came during his opening address of the second annual Business-to-Business Expo, which was held at Pelican Bay resort on Thursday. Minister Thompson said that they are at the end of the negotiating process with the Grand Lucayan resort and what they are negotiating goes beyond just transferring ownership of a hotel from one company to the next.
“What we are doing is providing a unique destination for Grand Bahama, one that is different and set apart from the rest of The Bahamas,” said Minister Thompson. “We believe that at the end of the day, we will see up to two well-known brand names that have never been in The Bahamas before.
“This will truly provide a unique destination for Grand Bahama.”
The second annual Business-to-business Expo was held in partnership with the Office of The Prime Minister in Grand Bahama and the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce; according to Minister Thompson, it has been designed to generate much needed growth in Grand Bahama’s local economy.
Minister Thompson noted that the Business Expo serves as an avenue to bring people and businesses together, provide large corporations with local options for their purchasing needs and empower small businesses to frame their services to be able to engage with those large companies.
“The Government is confident that through this collaboration, many of the goods and services now imported from foreign vendors can now instead be delivered by Grand Bahamian businesses.”
The Business-to-business Expo was launched in 2017 with the Grand Bahama Shipyard and Buckeye having provided specific information on their procurement process and requirements. This year’s Expo presented a panel of representatives from Statoil, Pharmachem Technologies and Quality Services Limited.
In addition to the on-going mega projects within some of the companies who presented at this year’s expo, Minister Thompson said that the Government is excited that several investment projects are presently underway in Grand Bahama that will provide even greater opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Minister Thompson outlined the various other projects that are in the pipeline of development, which will all help to revive the economy of Grand Bahama: Seaward Fishing Village in Deadman’s Reef; the expansion of the Blue Marlin Cove and the much anticipated $2.8 billion Grand Palm Beach Acquisitions Limited Resort, which was once known as the Ginn project.
“This project was recently approved in principle by the government and we are now in the process of negotiating a heads of Agreement with the new owners,” said Minister Thompson.
“We’ve seen the Zipline and Water Park recently opened here in Freeport and we anticipate that a well-known skating rink and go-cart facility will be reopening its doors in Grand Bahama. The WIndriver Tobacco manufacturing company has recently commenced its operations right here in Grand Bahama, where they are manufacturing tobacco products for export.
“I recently visited the construction site of one of our major food store owners, who has embarked upon a major, multi-million dollar expansion project.”
Minister Thompson pointed out that the Government of The Bahamas remains committed to making Grand Bahama the technology hub of The Bahamas. To this end, he noted that they have made some progress in respect to making that a reality.
He said Technology companies have been taking advantage of the Commercial Enterprise Act, which was recently passed by Parliament and as such three technology companies have been given approval in principle to operate in Grand Bahama.
“In fact, one of those companies is represented here at this Expo, that is GIBC Digital Company,” said Minister Thompson. “They have already indicated that they are in the process of hiring up to fifty people here in Grand Bahama.”
Minister Thompson noted that this year’s Business-to-business Expo comes at an opportune time particularly for those who have recently participated in the Government’s Small and Micro Business Enterprise Program. The Office of the Prime Minister in Grand Bahama has provided business grants to over 40 new and existing businesses in Grand Bahama.
“We believe that this initiative sets the tone for sustainable development and diversification of our Grand Bahama economy,” said Minister Thompson. “Without a doubt, the business-to-business initiative stands to benefit all stakeholders, changing the way we do business and moving us forward to becoming stronger, and a more self-sufficient island and nation.”
By Andrew Coakley
OPENS EXPO – Minister of State for Grand Bahama, in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator Kwasi Thompson was the keynote speaker at the opening of the second annual Business-to-Business Expo, which was held at Pelican Bay resort, April 26, 2018. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)
DRUMMING UP BUSINESS – The Second annual Business-to-business Expo at Pelican Bay was designed to bring together large and small businesses in an effort to find an even playing field where both can work together to help strengthen the economy of Grand Bahama. Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator Kwasi Thompson was the keynote speaker at the opening on Thursday morning. (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.
-
Education1 week agoDepartment of Education Concludes Four-Day TCI National Standards Secondary School Curriculum Implementation Training
-
Independent writer6 days agoFifty Years of Ministerial Government: Honouring Our Past, Embracing Our Present and Preparing for Our Destiny
-
News1 week agoUNDER 40 DAYS: COMMITTEE FORMED—BUT WHO IS ON IT?
-
Health5 days agoKnow the Possible Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer
-
News1 week agoInvest TCI Brings Entrepreneurs and Bankers to the Table
-
News3 days agoLiberty Business launches in Turks and Caicos Islands
-
Education3 days agoTCI Schools Invited to Participate in 2026 National Student Council Election