Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Tourism Safety workshop labelled, ‘great meeting of the minds’
#Nassau, October 19, 2018 – Bahamas – Officials at The Bahamas’ Ministry of Tourism and Aviation hosted tourism industry stakeholders and 
members of the country’s law enforcement agencies to an inaugural one-day Tourism Safety and Security Workshop (Wednesday, October 17) that was labelled “a great meeting of the minds.”
An end result of the workshop was to form a committee comprising all key security personnel within the industry to address visitor safety and security issues throughout The Bahamas. Minister of Tourism and Aviation, the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar called the plan ‘a most noteworthy goal.’
“Ladies and gentlemen, attendees to this inaugural workshop, this is a space where you can speak your mind without judgment. Your contribution will be highly appreciated and taken into account. There is much at stake. Our country’s chief livelihood is under serious threat. Your deliberations today at this inaugural visitor safety and security workshop hold the key to charting the way forward to a sustainable solution to secure the viability of our nation’s number one industry.
“This workshop has set a most noteworthy goal. Your plan is to, by the end of this workshop, form a committee comprising all key security personnel within the industry. Such a committee would allow you to quickly share intelligence on crime and share best practices in combating crime.”
Mr. D’Aguilar said the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation and key industry stakeholders expend tens of millions of dollars annually promoting The Bahamas abroad.
“With our alluring advertisement, each year, we are successful in persuading six million plus travellers to bypass competing tourist destinations and come to The Islands of The Bahamas. We assure our visitors that, here, in these islands is where they need to come and spend their vacation because we in The Bahamas can offer them a thoroughly satisfying vacation experience.
“Today, in spite of the best efforts of all tourism industry stakeholders, our tourism product confronts a vile threat, which, if not effectively addressed, will sabotage our entire tourism enterprise.”
Minister D’Aguilar told participants that he was confident they have the capability to develop the tactics, concepts and strategies needed to address issues related to visitor safety and security.
“Those who are criminally minded are limited only by their imagination. But, keep in mind that criminals do not have a monopoly on imagination. In your work as safety and security agents, you no doubt spend a great deal of time reviewing in your mind your own solutions to security issues.
“Well, today is the great meeting of the minds. Now is your time to bring to the table all those ideas, tactics, concepts and strategies that you’ve been incubating. Make your contribution to the think tank today. From your collective contribution, we will craft a blue print to secure the safety and security of our guests,” Minister D’Aguilar added.
By: Matt Maura
Release: BIS
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.
-
Education3 days agoDepartment of Education Concludes Four-Day TCI National Standards Secondary School Curriculum Implementation Training
-
News3 days agoUNDER 40 DAYS: COMMITTEE FORMED—BUT WHO IS ON IT?
-
Independent writer22 hours agoFifty Years of Ministerial Government: Honouring Our Past, Embracing Our Present and Preparing for Our Destiny