Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: New geography curriculum on the way for high schools
#Nassau, November 17, 2018 – Bahamas – The Ministry of Education (MOE) is revising the geography curriculum used in public high schools throughout The Bahamas.
Perlene Baker, Education Officer, Social Science Senior High Schools, MOE, announced the new initiative at the opening ceremony of the 8th Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Day celebrations and School Competition, Wednesday, November 14, 2018 at the Harry C. Moore Library at the University of The Bahamas (UB).
Ms. Baker explained that a GIS platform is included in the document for the new curriculum that will change the dynamics of how geography is taught. She said presently software is being used to provide knowledge for what is taking place in this era while The Bahamas continues to use old, ordinance survey maps. The new curriculum will upgrade the Ministry to 21st century standards. Ms. Baker also noted that there is an “urgent” need for 21st century training in GIS.
The focus of the week-long celebrations is to improve GIS literacy and to encourage institutions to integrate the technology in the existing curriculum.
Students from public and private high schools in New Providence and the Family Islands demonstrated their knowledge and skills of geographic information education during the GIS competition.
Representing Doris Johnson Senior High School, Central Eleuthera High School, C. R. Walker Senior High School, Huntley Christie High School and Queen’s College, the students made group presentations that depicted the use of technology as disaster managers.
Their exhibits, which were on display, featured GIS maps including information on the projected path of a hurricane, people affected by Hurricane Geo in San Salvador, flight durations from Southern Islands to New Providence, Long Island flood zone areas, power supply areas, surge assessment, shelters and emergency services.
Carolann Albury, Director, Bahamas National Geographic Information Systems Centre (BNGIS) said tools like GIS technology are needed to better position the country to increase its potential for informed decision making for a better quality of life.
“Education is key to all of this. From a technological perspective we recognize the importance for geo-spatial technologies and the need to integrate the technology to improve government’s efficiency. Knowing what, why and where things are and how they are interrelated or connected, having access to accurate and reliable data and information in a timely manner, are prerequisites to planning, research and analysis.
“These capabilities can influence change, influence policy decisions, can help to build a stronger nation, can help us be better stewards of our beautiful country and its resources. Everyone has a role to play. Embracing the technology is a must, procrastination is not an option.
Dr. Erin Hughey, Director, Disaster Services, Pacific Disaster Centre, USA, reflected on the importance of learning not only technology, but the science behind the technology, and understanding of the importance of authoritative data and of a nationwide system that ensures interoperability between the islands. She said GIS technology is a cross-cutting science that needs to be applied in every ministry, every element across all governments.
She challenged the students to look at how they may be able to use the technology to ask innovative questions that perhaps generations have not been able to ask because they did not have the data and information.
The Hon. Romauld Ferreira, Minister of the Environment and Housing, told the students that the work of preserving The Bahamas for future generations is their responsibility. He said, “I am looking to you to be a part of the solution to help to manage our country. We cannot do any kind of reflective management of our natural resources unless we know what is there. This is a basic and fundamental tenet. Once we know what is there and we apply the right information to have access to what we need to know, we can better manage our natural resources.”
The competition was a collaborative effort of UB, Pacific Disaster Center of the United States and BNGIS.
The week of activities also includes Curriculum Development training for stakeholders by representatives of Pacific Disaster Center of the United States.
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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