Bahamas News
Social Services Minister Calls on UN to Partner with Bahamas
#Nassau, October 30, 2018 – Bahamas – The Hon. Frankie Campbell, Minister of Social Services and Urban 
Development, called on the United Nations System to partner with The Commonwealth of The Bahamas in its quest to improve protection of the rights of women and girls.
“Allow me to also recall the number of challenges highlighted throughout today’s dialogue and to invite you and the United Nations System to partner with us through the provision of technical assistance in order to bolster our efforts in the protection of the rights of women and girls,” he said.
The following areas of interest for assistance were highlighted:
-training for members of the judiciary on CEDAW;
-strengthening the organizational capacity of civil society;
-harnessing the leadership achieved by women in public life toward sustainable avenues for women’s progress;
-implementation of the National Gender Policy and National Gender-Based Violence Plan;
-dis-aggregated data collection, analysis and reporting
Minister Campbell made the appeal at the closing session of the 71st Session of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women [the Sixth Periodic State Report of The Bahamas under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women] (CEDAW), Thursday, October 25, 2018. A Bahamian delegation represented The Bahamas at UN CEDAW, which is ongoing in Geneva, Switzerland, October 22 to November 9, 2018.
He expressed profound gratitude on behalf of The Government of The Bahamas for the opportunity to present to CEDAW an overview of its efforts in the implementation of CEDAW. He emphasized that the preparatory process for the review involved an “extensive” and “diverse” set of representatives across sectors of government and civil society including representatives from the differently-abled community.
Special thanks was extended to the Most Honourable Prime Minister, Dr. Hubert Minnis; the inter-sectorial CEDAW preparatory Task Force; previous Ministers of Social Services namely the Hon. Lanisha Rolle and Melanie Griffin; Gaynell Curry and Christine Campbell, former Directors; and UN entities; toMadam Dalia Leinarte, Chairperson; and the CEDAW Committee.
“Indeed, we hope to be able to report to you, at our next review, the additional progress made toward the full 
implementation of the CEDAW in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. I also wish to reiterate my earlier invitation to you to come to The Bahamas to see, first hand, what we are doing.
“As I stated at the outset, the achievement of gender equality and the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women is a journey and not a destination. Nevertheless, I assure you that The Bahamas is fully committed to walking this important path with courage and with stamina,” said Minister Campbell.
In her concluding comments, Madam Leinarte thanked the experts for their questions and comments, and the State Party for the explanations and responses provided during the dialogue.
Release: BIS
Photo Captions:
Header: Marion Bethel, the first female Bahamian expert CEDAW Committee member, is pictured with The Bahamas 2018 delegation to UN CEDAW. Also shown (front row) from left is Frank Davis, Charge d’Affaires, Deputy Permanent Representative, Geneva; Dr. Jacinta Higgs, Director and The Hon. Frankie Campbell, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development. Other members of the delegation are pictured along with NGO representatives.
First Insert: Pictured from left: The Hon. Frankie Campbell, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development; Dr. Jacinta Higgs, Director, Gender and Family Affairs, Jewel Major, Chief Counsel, the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs; Sharmaine Sinclair, Assistant Director, Ministry of Education. Back row: Celsus Williams, Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Alicia Gibson, Assistant Counsel, Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs.
Second Insert: The Hon. Frankie Campbell, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, is pictured with staff of the Department of Gender and Family Affairs and representatives from local non-governmental organizations in attendance at UN CEDAW 2018. From left: Melvelyn Symonette, First Assistant Secretary; Virginia Campbell, Pilot Club of Nassau and civil society Bahamas; Alicia Wallace, Equality Bahamas; Minister Campbell, Noelle Nicolls, Bahamas Crisis Centre; Dr. Jacinta Higgs, Director; and Erin Green, Rights Bahamas.
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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