Bahamas News
GB Police to Acquire More Officers and Vehicles to Continue Crime Fight in Northern Bahamas
#Freeport, GB – January 15, 2019 – Bahamas – Minister of National Security, the Hon. Marvin Dames said provisions have been made for the addition of 30 new officers for Grand Bahama during this fiscal period.
“It is our hope that those individuals, once identified, will commence training sometime during the end of next month,” he added. “This is consistent with our manpower audit and our Government’s efforts to address the severe manpower shortage within the constable ranks of the police force.”
The Minister’s remarks came during the Royal Bahamas Police Force Annual Church Service and Parade, which was held at Calvary Temple Assemblies of God on Sunday, January 13, 2019.
The service was well-attended by rank and file members of the armed forces, including police, defence force, immigration, customs and prison officers.
In giving the keynote address Minister Dames told law enforcement officers and others in attendance that in addition to the new officers expected to be added to the ranks, the police force is looking forward to the opening of the new ultra-modern 14,000 square-foot police station in Eight Mile Rock, which is scheduled to open at the end of this quarter.
He continued: “The Cabinet allocated $5.9 million dollars for a new police fleet, of which you would have already received nearly 30 new police vehicles and motorcycles in 2018. In the first quarter of this year the island is expected to receive more new vehicles and motorcycles which will increase officers’ visibility and improve response times to the residents of Grand Bahama.”
The National Security Minister noted that in a world of technological advances, his government is fully committed to modernizing the Royal Bahamas Police Force to ensure that it keeps pace and remains on the cutting edge of policing in this 21st century.
As a result, he pointed out that within the first quarter of this year drone technology will be a reality in The Bahamas and Grand Bahama, and the Northern Bahamas will figure prominently in use of this equipment.
“The program will be a multi-law enforcement agency initiative,” added Minister Dames. “This new crime fighting strategy is just one of the new operational exercises designed to keep Grand Bahama, by extension the entire Bahamas, safer.
“Some of the other technologies that will be introduced this fiscal period include shot spotter (gunshot detection technology), CCTV expansion, and bodycams. Our official contract signing for shot spotter is scheduled for next week. As a matter of note, Grand Bahama can expect to see all of these technologies in strategic areas on this island during 2019. That is a promise that your government is expected to deliver on!”
Minister Dames told law enforcement officers that the government understands that in the dynamic and constantly changing field of law enforcement, training and education are essential.
What’s more, he noted that the Bahamian police force is filled with many talented officers who have the capacity to, one day, lead the organization and that succession planning is a key component of any progressive organization.
Towards this end, Minister Dames said that a Memorandum of Understanding will be signed shortly with the University of The Bahamas and the Ministry of National Security, in partnership with City University of New York/John Jay College of Criminal Justice, one of the top schools for criminal justice in the United States.
The MOU will facilitate two professional certification programs inclusive of Law Enforcement Management and Law Enforcement Leadership,” added Minister Dames. “This new Management and Leadership Program is geared towards mid-level and senior law enforcement officers across the country.
“Specific courses of study will include Management, Finance and Budgeting, and Human Resources. The goal is that over the next three to five years, each law enforcement agency will have a cadre of competent officers from which a new generation of leaders can be selected.
“Officers we are now moving into an era of merit-based promotion. This is exciting because what it means, therefore, is that every officer in uniform regardless of rank — if he or she remains true to their calling and driven to be the best that they can be, they can achieve almost anything they put their minds to including, becoming Commissioner of Police, Commodore of the Defence force or Commissioner of Corrections. You no longer have to concern yourself with being the boss’s ‘boy or girl’, the primary requirement will be service to country.”
By Andrew Coakley
Photo Captions:
Header: Minister of National Security, the Hon. Marvin Dames addressed officers during the Royal Bahamas Police Force Annual Church Service, which took place on Sunday, January 13, 2019 at Calvary Temple Assemblies of God.
Insert: The Royal Bahamas Police Force Annual Church Service and Parade, held at Calvary Temple Assemblies of God on Sunday, January 13, 2019, was well-attended by the rank and file of law enforcement. Also present were Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Peter Turnquest and Mrs. Turnquest; Minister of National Security, the Hon. Marvin Dames; and Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator the Hon. Kwasi Thompson and Mrs. Thompson.
(BIS Photos/Andrew Miller)
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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