Bahamas News
Works Minister outlines Government’s agenda as it moves towards a World Class Eleuthera, Spanish Wells and Harbour Island
#Bahamas, May 02, 2018 – Nassau – Minister of Works, the Hon. Desmond Bannister announced infrastructural upgrades to improve delivery of services for Eleuthera, Spanish Wells, and Harbour Island at the 6th Eleuthera Business Outlook, April 26, 2018 at Valentine’s Resort and Marina in Harbour Island.
Mr. Bannister revealed the government’s plans to assist in ‘creating a world class Eleuthera, Harbour Island and Spanish Wells’ as the theme of the conference affirms. Minister Bannister said it is anticipated that the initiatives will foster growth and development in the tri-island community, and the private sector will take advantage of the opportunity to invest in the growth of the local economy.
It is the intention of the Ministry of Works to provide world class, reliable energy in an environmentally friendly way at the lowest cost to consumers, thereby ensuring that consumers are satisfied with the service they obtain.
Minister Bannister advised of the urgent short-term need for additional generation capacity for Harbour Island.
“Issues of reliable electrical supply have plagued Harbour Island for more than thirty years,” said Minister Bannister. “We are focused on fixing them so as to facilitate and support reliability of power supply and hence the efficiency of business operations on the Island. So I can assure you that all is not lost. Far from it. In the short term, rental generation will be brought in to shore up the shortfall for this summer.
“In the long term we will conduct a cost benefit analysis to determine the cost of upgrading the North Feeder so as to determine whether to supply generation from the Hatchet Bay Power Station. We will also look at installing solar in North Eleuthera for daytime power, and rely on traditional generation for cloudy days and nights. This option will, of course require us to run a submarine cable from the mainland to Harbour Island,” he said.
Adrian Gibson, chairman of the Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC), is currently compiling a report that will lead to changes in the way water is supplied to Family Island communities. Residents can anticipate a change in the quality of water delivered by the WSC and investment opportunities through public-private partnerships.
Proposed infrastructural projects include road reconstruction between Gregory Town and the Glass Window Bridge, within the settlement of Spanish Wells and throughout North, Central and South Eleuthera.
The following capital works by the Ministry of Works were outlined:
- Extensive improvements to the Spanish Wells administration building, the Harbour Island Administration complex redevelopment project
- Renovation and upgrade of the former Workers House Building, Governor’s Harbour
- Facilitation of numerous sections of road repair
- Construction of a new two-lane bridge to connect Spanish Wells and Russell Island
- Improvements to the island’s school and educational system. Construction works on the North Eleuthera High School are almost completed. Preliminary works are also being carried out on the Harbour Island School.
- Construction of primary and secondary new school facilities and relevant ancillary buildings at Harbour Island
- Inspection and review of the structural repairs required for the Spanish Wells administration building; with a view to effecting the required improvements, or if necessary construct a new building
- Requisite engineering studies for the Glass Window Bridge so that plans for a new bridge can commence. $2 Million has been budgeted for this.
- Improved docking facilities in Harbour Island. $1.5 million has been budgeted for this
- $14 million to build a new North Eleuthera airport
- A Project Team is being commissioned to design a new administration complex at the existing Harbour Island administration building site
Minister Bannister described the Government’s agenda for these islands as “ambitious” and urged those in attendance to consider the investment opportunities provided.
By: Kathryn Campbell (BIS)
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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