Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Ground breaking ceremony to establish a Lucayan Village at Clifton Heritage National Park
#Nassau, April 27, 2019 – Bahamas – Against the backdrop of balmy ocean breezes and crystal blue waters, ground was broken for the establishment of a Lucayan Village at the historic Clifton Heritage National Park, Southwest Road, Friday, April 26, 2019. A Lucayan Village Billboard was also unveiled.
The ceremony marked the first in a series of events that are intended to revitalize the heritage, history and culture of Lucayan, European, and African ancestors.
Among the officials at the ceremony were the Hon. Lanisha Rolle, MP and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture; His Excellency Reuben Rahming, MP and High Commissioner to CARICOM; the Hon. Shonel Ferguson, MP and Chairman, Clifton Heritage Authority; Senator Jamal Moss; Mrs. Patricia Minnis, wife of Prime Minister Minnis; Ms. Rhoda Jackson, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture; Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Commodore Tellis Bethel; students of Sandilands Primary, Gambier Primary and Windsor schools, members of the Clifton Heritage Authority and the Coalition to Save Clifton.
In her remarks, Ms. Ferguson recognized members of the Coalition who were present and thanked them for their efforts to save the property on which the Clifton Heritage National Park resides.
She said, “Bahamians felt this was important enough for them to arouse themselves and get into the consciousness of our nation and say this is worth fighting for; this is worth saving. This piece of property is costing the Bahamian people $24 million. That’s how you invest in your history when you believe in your history.”
The Chairman invited Bahamians to observe as the Lucayan Village is being built and to volunteer to help in its construction.
“As we build, we invite you to watch the work as it happens and volunteer. We will have your name recorded in the book for all ages that you helped to build the Lucayan Village. Your grandchildren and great grandchildren will know that you helped,” said Ms. Ferguson.
In 2018, at a cost of $100,000 the Authority developed a review called ‘Clifton Rising’ which will introduce new experiential tours called ‘Portals from the Past’. The excursions are intended to reflect the cultural traditions of the Lucayan Amerindians, the Loyalists, the African slaves and the free black Loyalists.
“Each platform will educate our visitors about our country’s rich, proud and diverse history. They will allow both our local and international visitors to become a part of our history through vigorous and exciting interaction and will serve as creative classrooms to educate our students,” said Ms. Ferguson.
Minister Rolle, who spoke on behalf of Dr. the Most Hon. Hubert Minnis, Prime Minister, said the launch is evidence that since its establishment in June 2004 the Authority has not wavered in its purpose to manage, maintain, preserve, promote and develop Clifton Heritage as a national park and historical heritage site.
She said the Authority is continuously committed to upholding its mission and mandate as promulgated by the Government of The Bahamas, preserving the heritage and culture in this distinguished area of The Bahamas.
The Minister said Clifton Heritage is the only national park in The Bahamas where the historical and cultural legacy reside evidencing three distinct civilizations that existed in The Bahamas namely the Lucayans, the Loyalists and the Africans.
“The Bahamas Government seeks to formalize the experience of going down what we know as memory lane and ensuring that as a people we know our past, we preserve it in this present day and concomitantly we take the necessary steps to secure the memories, spirit and artifacts of the Lucayan people for the benefit of future generations.
“May the establishment of this Lucayan Village serve as a tribute to Bahamian history, strengthening our cultural identity and with our relentless resolve and commitment to ensuring that, notwithstanding that we are in the Year of Our Lord 2019, all know and remember that the 12th century existed and the people of Lucaya left for us the inheritance of a rich heritage and the pride of a proud and grateful people,” added Minister Rolle.
She thanked the Authority and all stakeholders who have invested in the success of the initiative, preservation and development of Clifton Heritage.
By Kathryn Campbell
Released: BIS
Photo Caption: The official groundbreaking ceremony to mark the launch of ‘Lucayan Village at Clifton Heritage National Park.’ At groundbreaking, pictured from left by the new billboard: Coalition to Save Clifton President Rev. C. B. Moss; Clifton Heritage Authority Chairman Shonel Ferguson; Mrs. Patricia Minnis; Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Lanisha Rolle; and Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Commodore Tellis Bethel.
(BIS Photos/Kristaan Ingraham)
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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