Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: House Passes Economic Empowerment Zone Bill; Up For Debate in the Senate
#Nassau, July 30, 2018 – Bahamas – The Bahamas Government is one step closer to empowering underprivileged residents in the Over-the-Hill Community and other such areas in to improve their livelihoods. Such transformation will take place under the Economic Empowerment Zone 
Bill 2018, which was passed in the House of Assembly on Thursday, July 26, after two days of debate.
Prime Minister, Dr the Hon Hubert A Minnis, wrapped up the debate as he opened it, stating that the proposed measure will enhance and further the socio-economic development within the inner cities communities.
“It is anticipated that this piece of transformative and innovative legislation will set the stage for the improved quality of lives of residents in Over-the-Hill communities,” he said.
These include health care, education and training, access to work and opportunity, housing, safety and security, a healthy environment, the preservation of culture, and other things that enrich individuals, communities and the nation at large.
“The suite of targeted initiatives will give hope and provide opportunity to our people,” the Prime Minister said. “Our people do not want handouts; they want a helping hand. Our people do not want pity; they want purpose!”
This initiative, The Over-the-Hill Community Development Partnership Initiative, is being led out of the Office of the Prime Minister under the Over-the-Hill Unit.
“Our overriding goal is to revitalize Over-the-Hill and to provide opportunity and hope for more of our people,” the Prime Minister said.
He said that his Government is grateful for the contributions of the private sector and civil society in shaping the legislation.
“The Free National Movement made a commitment in our election Manifesto to empower more Bahamians in terms of economic and social development,” he said.
In this vein, beginning this September, qualifying young people will be able to attend BTVI free of charge. And beginning next year September, qualifying young people will be able to attend the University of The Bahamas tuition-free.
“It is the FNM that is today leading a revolution in education and training,” the Prime Minister said.
The first area to be transformed under the legislation is the Over-the-Hill Community, which holds a wealth of knowledge about the culture and history of that area of New Providence and in some aspects, the country.
“Over-the-Hill was the birthplace of a number of those who helped to advance equality, progress and social justice in our land,” the Prime Minister said.
The Over-the-Hill Community Development Partnership Initiative is built around six key pillars:
– Social Empowerment and the Preservation of Bahamian Heritage;
– Rejuvenation;
– Smart Technology;
– Green Technology;
– Youth and Elderly Empowerment; and
– Economic Empowerment.
Contracts will be issued shortly for the reconstruction of the historic Southern Recreation Grounds, Father Marshall Cooper Park and McPherson Park.
The components of the Economic Empowerment Zone Bill are also designed to encourage residential and commercial property development and investment in these zones through various tax incentives.
The Prime Minister has been sharing this initiative internationally, most recently at the United Nations High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.
He thanked the team members of the Over-the-Hill Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister for their dedication and their contributions toward the project. The Prime Minister also thanked the newly appointed Executive Manager of the Over-the-Hill Unit, Samita Ferguson, charged with managing and implementing the Initiative.
By: Lindsay Thompson (BIS)
Photo Caption: Prime Minister, Dr the Hon Hubert A Minnis pictured speaking on the Economic Empowerment Zone Bill 2018 in the House of Assembly.
(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.
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