Bahamas News
Prime Minister discusses Budget with Exuma residents
#GEORGE TOWN, Exuma, June 29, 2018 – Bahamas – Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis continued his trek across the islands to 
discuss with residents the 2018/19 National Budget and the Value Added Tax increase to 12 percent.
A Town Hall Meeting was held at St. Andrew’s Community Centre overlooking Elizabeth Harbour, where scores of residents turned up on Wednesday, June 27, to hear of the provisions aimed towards making life better. Exuma is one of the fastest growing economies in The Bahamas. The Prime Minister spoke passionately about future plans for the country, particularly the poor, vulnerable and young people.
“It is very important to understand and appreciate the Budget as it relates to the future development of The Bahamas,” the Prime Minister said. “It is the function of a government to leave behind a better country.”
According to the Prime Minister, several things are of particular importance to him as it relates to the Budget: He used his own childhood as an example of living in poverty within the larger discussion of how the Budget aims at decreasing the poverty level, and increasing opportunities for the middle class, for a better way of life. Another area he said that is “dear and personal” to him is for Family Island residents to have the same opportunities as residents in New Providence.
Between intermittent applause of approval from those in attendance, the Prime Minister went on to list more provisions within the Budget such as education, health care and home ownership. He said starting September 2019, qualifying students would receive free education to attend at the University of The Bahamas (UB). Similar arrangements are being made at the Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute (BTVI).
Already the top 4 students who graduated from UB with a degree in Economics will be contracted by the Government to work at the Ministry of Finance, and granted scholarships to obtain Masters Degrees abroad. They would be subsequently hired by the Government in line with a 10-year vision plan to improve the Public Service.
Regarding the increase in VAT, the Prime Minister said that it was a hard decision to make, but the aim is to grow the economy. “As Prime Minister you must make difficult decisions. I would prefer to lose an election than lose a country,” he said.
The government considered raising VAT from 7.5 percent to 10 percent but determined that was not enough to deal with fiscal pressures it encountered, the Prime Minister told Exuma. The government considered raising VAT to 15 percent but determined that would have inflicted “too 
much hardship” on Bahamians, so it settled on 12 percent, which it determined is necessary to save future generations of Bahamians.
A significant portion of the new VAT revenues will be redirected into the economy through the payment of arrears to various creditors, among other things, he explained. “I don’t ever want to see what is happening in Barbados happen here,” he said. “I never want to pick up the phone and call an international lending agency… you have to be in control of your own country.”
“We should not lose sight of the fact that the government has been mindful, in the development of its plan to provide tax relief to the most vulnerable in our society,” the Prime Minister said. He noted that among those measures are the elimination of VAT on breadbasket items, medicines, residential property insurance, as well as on electricity and water for a large number of households.
The Prime Minister previously visited South, Central and North Andros on Monday, June 25, to discuss the provisions of the Budget.
By: Lindsay Thompson (BIS)
Photo Captions: Prime Minister Hubert Minnis addressed the residents of Exuma on the 2018/2019 National Budget in a Town Hall Meeting at St. Andrew’s Community Centre on Wednesday, June 27, 2018.
(BIS Photos/Yontalay Bowe)
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.
