Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: PM Minnis: State-of-the-Art Coastal Radar to Strengthen Country’s Borders
Mathew Town, Inagua, April 19, 2019 – Bahamas – The handover of the country’s first state-of-the-art coastal radar system marks an essential step in the Government’s strategy to strengthen the borders of The Bahamas, Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis said on Wednesday.
The Kelvin Hughes Long-Range Coastal Radar, valued at over $2 million, will enhance the monitoring and provide better protection against illegal migration, illicit drugs, gun trafficking, poaching, human trafficking and other threats to national security, said the Prime Minister.
Great Inagua is the first island in The Bahamas to receive this state-of-the-art radar system. A second radar will be installed on New Providence. And there are plans for two more radar systems.
Additionally, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) continues to decentralize its operations, which is a core element of the Government’s national defence strategy.
“The RBDF base here in Inagua will be expanded. And a new base will be constructed at Ragged Island,” said the Prime Minister. “Both bases will be equipped with various detection and tracking technologies.”
Last week, Cabinet approved a proposal to implement a Bahamas Unmanned Aerial System that will be managed by the RBDF.
This drone program includes immediate surveillance capabilities, as well as training in drones, the purchasing of drones and the development of a drone academy and workshop.
“This new capability will enhance national security and may be utilized by all of the uniformed branches to combat crime, illegal migration and other national security threats.
The Kelvin Hughes Long-Range Coastal Radar was made available to The Bahamas by the Government of the United States of America through the US Embassy in The Bahamas.
The Prime Minister thanked the US Embassy, for helping The Bahamas to secure this vital technology, and the US Department of Defense Officials for their assistance in this critical project.
“It is a tremendous challenge to monitor the approximately 100,000 square miles of our extensive maritime domain,” noted Prime Minister Minnis.
The installation of technically-advanced long-range coastal radars is an essential component in enhancing the monitoring and better protection of the borders of the country’s far-flung island-chain, he said.
“Combatting crime and the protection of our border from multiple threats are two of the most important functions of a government,” said the Prime Minister.
“We are making progress on both fronts, but we still have much work to do to better secure the Bahamian people and our borders.”
Government agencies must use every instrument at its means to make the Bahamian people feel safer and more secure, which includes innovative and advanced technology, Prime Minister Minnis added.
Prime Minister Minnis expressed the enormous gratitude of the Government, and his personal gratitude, to the leaders and officers of all of the uniformed branches for their dedication to serving and protecting the citizens, residents and visitors to The Bahamas.
“By making our borders more secure, especially from gun trafficking and illicit drugs, we will make our streets, homes and businesses safer and more secure,” said the Prime Minister.
Release: Office of the Prime Minister
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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