Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: New Legislation Expected to be Drafted for Poachers
#Freeport, GB, January 30, 2018 – Bahamas – The Bahamas Government is vigorously dealing with poaching in the northwest Bahamas, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon. Michael Pintard said during a courtesy call at the Ministry for Grand Bahama, Friday, July 27.
As a result of poachers in the northwest and southeast Bahamas, new legislation is expected to be taken to Cabinet by the Minister for stiffer penalties. He said, “Poaching is now a fundamental issue we are now addressing vigorously.” Minister Pintard, along with executive members of his Ministry, were on island to tour various facilities and meet with staff.
Gregory Bethel, Deputy Director, Marine Resources said poaching has been an on-going issue, especially in the south eastern Bahamas, where there is the issue of Dominicans and Hondurans coming into Bahamian waters to fish.
“Fishing in The Bahamas is considered an exclusive sector for Bahamian nationals and Bahamian nationals only. So any fishing vessel fishing in our exclusive economic zone, must be 100 per cent Bahamian owned.”
He said the law requires that any foreign fishing vessel fishing within the country’s exclusive economic zone must first have a Treaty signed by the respective governments. To date, there are no such Treaties.
“As I indicated, in the south eastern Bahamas, there is an issue with larger commercial fishing vessels, mainly out of the Dominican Republic and Honduras. We have a similar issue in the north western Bahamas where we have whole lot of American sports fishermen who make the short trek over from mainly Florida and who go over their bag limits.”
The Bahamas is dealing with commercial fishing in the south and sports fishing in the north; to combat the issue, the Government depends heavily on the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.
In the last budget period, however, the Department acquired a Marine Resources Patrol Craft, which is scheduled to arrive in October. In the new 
2018/2019 budget, approval was granted for another patrol craft which is hoped will be located in the northern Bahamas. There are also small go fast marine patrol crafts located in Freeport, Treasure Cay and Marsh Harbour, Abaco and New Providence.
Mr. Bethel said, “As we continue to develop, we continue to acquire the necessary resources to help in combatting illegal fishing, both by foreigners and locals.”
The Deputy Director said he came to Grand Bahama earlier in the week to see about establishing a satellite office in McClean’s Town, east Grand Bahama. There is an office in the Government Complex at the ferry dock, where the Royal Bahamas Police Force is also located.
Reports, he said, have come in during the closed crawfish season of philandering lobster out of the Sweetings Cay/Moore’s Island areas.
“We are making every effort to try our best in combatting these issues,” he said.
By: Robyn Adderley
Release: BIS
Photo Caption: Gregory Bethel, Deputy Director of Marine Resources
(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.
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