Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Over 200 New Public School Teachers Officially Welcomed at Orientation
#Nassau, August 23, 2018 – Bahamas – Some two hundred-plus teachers have joined the public school system and were officially welcomed to 
the Department of Education during an Orientation Exercise at Uriah McPhee Primary School, Kemp Road.
From Wednesday, August 22 thru Thursday, August 23, the newly-appointed teachers will participate in workshop sessions and panel discussions on topics such as, A Mindset Reset – Profile of a Novice Teacher, From Policy to Pedagogy… Best Practices in your Professional Profile, The Voice of the Novice Teacher, Curriculum Development and Instruction, Important Management & Protocol Practices, Human Resource Matters, and Health, Wellness and Financial Matters.
Director of Education, Marcellus Taylor, told the new teachers that their impact on the nation’s youth is “significant” particularly since there is a “major” positive correlation between an effective teacher and high student achievement. He applauded them for taking up the mantle to prepare the children for the future.
Mr. Taylor said the Ministry of Education (MOE) is adamant about obtaining its Wildly Important Goal (WIG), to increase the high school graduation rate from 50 percent to 85 percent.
“The future of our country hinges on the development of our young people. They are looking to us as models for their own lives. For many, the teacher’s influence is key to shaping the course of their lives. With that factor in mind, we must be mindful to maintain a disposition that is generally good, regardless of our human imperfections,” said the Director.
He encouraged them to continue to seek out opportunities to increase their knowledge base.
“We must have teachers who recognize the importance of and participate in lifelong learning. Please also be mindful that there is much to benefit from seeking wise counsel from those who have gone on before you. Senior teachers and administrators have amassed a wealth of knowledge and a new teacher would benefit much from tapping into this reservoir, while at the same time assisting the MOE in fulfilling its vision of creating “nation builders who are globally competitive.” Teachers, we are counting on you to help us accomplish this vision.”
Lorraine Armbrister, Permanent Secretary, who presented on behalf of the Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd, Minister of Education, referred to several initiatives that the MOE is embarking on to assist in accomplishing WIG.
Among them is the increase in the Ministry’s scholarship funds for teachers to obtain Master’s and Ph.D. degrees.
“You are entering this field at an exciting time. You will have more chances to take advantage of a variety of lifelong learning opportunities, and I encourage you to avail yourselves of these opportunities,” said Mrs. Armbrister.
Providing a solid foundation to ensure academic success at the pre-primary level is another strategy the Ministry is incorporating to increase the graduation rate of students.
“Many of you today will be joining us as pre-primary teachers. Please be aware that pre-primary education is a priority area of the MOE.
“By 2022, the Ministry hopes to increase the percentage of three and four-year-old pre-school attendance from the current 30 percent to 75 percent. To this end, there will be an expansion of the 22 government pre-schools in New Providence with the addition of a pre-school at Thelma Gibson Primary, and a planned expansion onto Buttonwood Pre-school. The goal is to expand the growth of government pre-schools while working with private-public partnerships. Meantime, the Ministry plans to increase the number of pre-school spaces by 1000 annually.”
Furthermore, the MOE has also embarked on a programme to improve literacy and numeracy skills at the primary level, and is offering additional remediation classes that will allow students who fail to satisfy the BJC graduation requirements in grade 9 to sit the subjects in grades 10 through 12.
Mrs. Armbrister told the educators that the MOE is counting on all of them to play their part in creating a learning environment that will enable students to reach their full potential. She encouraged them to remain dedicated to their calling to inspire the next generation to succeed.
The theme for the Orientation is “Understanding the Whole Picture, Imagining the Finished Product”.
By Kathryn Campbell
Release: BIS
Photo Captions:
BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna
Header: Belinda Wilson, President, Bahamas Union of Teachers, is pictured at the Orientation Exercise for new teachers.
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Marcellus Taylor, Director, MOE, welcomes newly-appointed teachers at the Orientation ceremony.
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Permanent Secretary, Lorraine Armbrister, gives remarks on behalf of the Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd, Minister of Education.
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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