Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: An Educational Legacy – The Jane and Marcus Bethel $100,000 Scholarship Established at UB
#Nassau, July 07, 2018 – Bahamas – Growing up “liberty is through education,” was the adage which resonated through the home of the late Marcus Bethel, founder of Bethel Brothers Morticians, renowned visionary, entrepreneur and patriarch, with seven children Justice Rubie M. Nottage (Ret.), Dr. Pamela F. Etuk, Dr. Marcus R. C. Bethel, Dr. Paulette A. Bethel, Michael Bethel, Marion Bethel Sears and Owen M. Bethel. He and his wife, the late Jane Fitzroy Bethel (nee Butler) believed in the transformative power of education. Though the couple did not have the opportunity to graduate from high school, they instilled in their progeny the value of a sound education.
“My father ensured that all of his young girls would be educated, there were four of us out of seven and he said to each one of us, ‘I may not be able to leave properties and land for you but if you have a good education, no man can take that away from you’,” recalls the oldest Bethel daughter, Retired Justice Ruby M. Nottage. “Holding his hand very strongly was my mother…together they saw this vision of educating their children.” An astounding decision for that time, Jane and Marcus Bethel allowed their first two daughters to go to boarding school at the ages of seven and nine.
Surrounded by family, friends and University of The Bahamas senior administrators, faculty and staff on Wednesday, 4th July 2018, the Bethel family founded the Jane and Marcus Bethel Scholarship Award in memory of their beloved parents. On behalf of the family, former parliamentarian Dr. Marcus Bethel and his wife Chantal donated $100,000 to the University for the establishment of entry level scholarships for needy students and awards for student travel abroad experiences. Awardees are required to maintain a GPA of 3.00 and be full time students with 12 or more credits.
While celebrating his birthday, Dr. Bethel expressed profound support for UB, reflecting on the many family ties to the institution over the years including the leadership of former Attorney General, Minister of Education and College Council Chairman Mr. Alfred Sears – husband of Dr. Bethel’s sister Marion – and Retired Justice Nottage’s contributions as a former member of the College Council and current law faculty member.
“Our family is connected in many ways to the University of The Bahamas and we as a family are all proud of the University, where it came from and where it is going. I want to commend President Smith and Provost Davis whom we worked with for the past few months on this scholarship. We want to congratulate you and the staff for the tremendous work you are doing. I’m amazed and so proud to hear that so many students in Grand Bahama and throughout The Bahamas who are eager to get into the University of The Bahamas; eager to achieve a degree that will be internationally recognized. Our giving is part of the process to help move this forward,” express Dr. Bethel.
University President Dr. Rodney D. Smith shared his gratitude on behalf of the institution and touted the impact the donation would have on the 
expansion of learning experiences for UB students.
“By creating the Jane and Marcus Bethel Award, the Bethel family communicates a public, permanent and powerful message – that they believe in extending access to excellent tertiary education to an increasing number of students. This is truly nation building. At the University of The Bahamas, we believe that investment in study abroad experiences is essential to creating students who have a broader world view, which in turn can make them better nation builders. Education is so much more than a classroom and campus experience – it is global,” said President Smith.
Proud spokesperson for the family, Mrs. Nottage, said in closing, “A culture of giving is very needed in this society, we must be able to give and give freely not counting the cost and not expecting anything in return.”
Release: BIS
Photo Caption:
- Event moderator Justice Ruby M. Nottage (Retired).
- Friends and family gathered in honour and celebration of the late Jane and Marcus Bethel.
- Dr. Marcus Bethel, his wife Chantal and sons presented the $100,000 cheque to UB President Dr. Rodney D. Smith.
- University of The Bahamas President Dr. Rodney D. Smith and Provost Linda Davis signs MOU with Bethel family.
- Former parliamentarian Dr. Marcus Bethel.
Mr. Owen Bethel son of the late Marcus Bethel.
Bethel family with Dr. Smith and Dr. 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.
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