Bahamas News
Labour Minister says there is ‘excellent news’ ahead for GB in terms of employment
#Freeport, July 2, 2018 – Bahamas – In spite of the fact that the Grand Lucayan Resort is still closed, Grand Bahama is the only island that has shown a decrease in the unemployment rate, since the last report from the Department of Statistics.
“Based on the last report from the Department, it was revealed that there was a decrease in the unemployment rate here in Grand Bahama,” said 
Minister of Labour, Senator the Hon. Dion Foulkes, who was in Grand Bahama on Thursday to discuss labour matters on the island.
He said generally speaking, the government and the labour department are pleased with what is taking place in Freeport, with respect to employment, adding: “We are pleased that the Industrial side of Grand Bahama is doing extremely well and that accounted for a decrease in the unemployment rate.”
The Minister pointed out that Bahama Rock increased its workforce in the past year by 10 percent and that across-the-board all of the industrial sector companies have been employing people. Incrementally, he said, that adds up to big numbers.
“Pharma Chem is about to embark on a multi-million dollar expansion of their services and this is expected to create permanent jobs. Additionally GIBC Digital, which launched its opening yesterday has already hired 25 persons and is expected to hire 25 more people. These are high-end paying jobs, and so we are very pleased about that.
“There are six other companies that we have already approved to establish an office here in Grand Bahama as a result of the Commercial Enterprise Bill. As a result of our Labor on the Blocks initiative, Clear Blue, which has a relationship with the GB Shipyard, has already trained 50 persons in hard skills for the shipyard and all 50 of them are now working at the shipyard.”
Minister Foulkes said he did not want to pre-empt announcements by the Prime Minister and by the Minister of State for Grand Bahama, but did say that there is excellent news with respect to employment in Grand Bahama in the coming months. “I would say that the government is very optimistic about Grand Bahama and what’s going to happen in Grand Bahama over the next several months,” said Minister Foulkes.
Minister Foulkes announced the appointment of John Pinder to the position of Acting Director of Labour.
“Mr. Pinder brings a wealth of experience in this area, having served as president of one of the largest unions – the BPSU in New Providence. By 
training he is an Auditor. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience on both sides of the fence, the employer side and the trade union side.
“I also want to thank Mr. Robert Farquharson, the former Director of Labour, who did an excellent job in advancing Labour Legislation, establishing the tripartite council nationally, and also strengthening the relationship between employers and employees throughout the country. He is now a senior officer in the Ministry.
Minister Foulkes also announced the appointment of Mrs. Janet Russell to the position of Assistant Director in the Department of Labour in Grand Bahama. Ms. Russell replaced Mr. Tyrone Gibson, who has since retired. “Mrs. Russell also has a lot of experience in the public service, having served in several ministries, and we are very happy to have her here in this new position in the Labour Department.
Minister Foulkes said that the Ministry of Labour intends to hold another ‘Labour on the Blocks’ in Grand Bahama sometime this year. He said that no dates have been fixed as yet, but added that it could be before the end of summer. However, when it is held it will take place in West Grand Bahama.
By Andrew Coakley (BIS)
Photo Caption: Minister of Labour, Senator the Hon. Dion Foulkes (centre) was in Grand Bahama on Thursday, June 28, 2018 to announce appointments in the Department and to give the latest statistics on employment in Grand Bahama. At left is John Pinder, who was recently appointed Acting Director of Labor. At right is Janet Russell, who was appointed to the position of Assistant Director in the Department of Labor in Grand Bahama.
(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.
