Bahamas News
Bahamas poised for digital innovation, says PM
#Nassau, November 2, 2018 – Bahamas – The Bahamas is poised for a new time of innovation and transformation, according to Dr. the Most Hon. Hubert A. Minnis, Prime Minister, as the nation adapts to today’s digital world.
He was addressing the Royal Bank of Canada Re-imagining Banking Reception held at the Grand Hyatt, Baha Mar Convention Centre on Wednesday, October 31, 2018.
Royal Bank of Canada is the oldest bank to be established in The Bahamas; with its first branch opening in 1908. And throughout its 110 years of existence, it has served as the principal banker of The Government of The Bahamas, for many years
“Royal Bank has been a significant contributor to the development and growth of the modern Bahamas,” the Prime Minister said. He noted that this includes the development and financing of major projects namely: Arawak Cay Port Development, Princess Margaret Hospital Critical Care Block, the Harry C. Moore Library, Nassau Airport Development Company and the Franklyn Wilson Graduate School of Business at the University of The Bahamas.
Earlier this year, RBC announced that its flagship youth skills and empowerment programme – Future Launch – would be coming to The Bahamas.
“RBCs are launching this program around the world, and are pleased that the program will be here in The Bahamas,” the Prime Minister said.
The community engagement initiatives by RBC dovetail with the vision and various initiatives of the Government of The Bahamas, said the Prime Minister. Toward this end, the government recently launched the Small Business Development Center, for which an amount of over $25 million has been allocated to support micro- small- and medium-sized businesses.
“One of our guiding principles is that sustainable economic growth should be driven by Bahamian investment and creativity, in tandem with strategic foreign direct investment,” the Prime Minister said. “We believe that entrepreneurs are the primary drivers behind innovation and growth,” he added.
The Prime Minister said some of the goals set by his administration are to: stimulate Bahamian ownership, create jobs, and to reduce poverty.
“In order to achieve those goals, we realized that we had to address the blockages that prevent Bahamian ownership, that stifle job creation, and that perpetuate poverty,” he said. Therefore for his government, access and opportunity are important.
“Access to the kinds of opportunities that those who have traditionally succeeded in our economy often take for granted, including: good advice, help with planning and execution, contacts and networking, and of course, critically, access to capital,” he said.
He told RBC that private enterprises and banks like it should also play a vital role in helping small businesses and entrepreneurs to gain access to capital for business development. The Prime Minister then pointed out that the Bahamian economy is growing with tourism doing “exceedingly well.” Also a number of major investments are on the horizon.
“Given its history in The Bahamas, I know that the Royal Bank of Canada will continue to be a significant player in the economic life of The Bahamas.
“I look forward to an enhanced partnership between the Government and RBC in the development of more Bahamian entrepreneurs and small businesses.
“I also look forward to enhanced opportunities for corporate citizenship by RBC, especially in the area of youth development, including for at-risk youth,” the Prime Minister said.
By Lindsay Thompson
Photo Caption: Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Hubert Minnis addresses the RBC Re-imagining Banking reception at the Grand Hyatt, Baha Mar, October 31, 2018; also mingles with RBC executives, along with Minister of Financial Services, Trade & Industry and Immigration, the Hon. Brent Symonette.
(BIS Photos/Yontalay Bowe)
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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