Bahamas News
MOU signed to advance the diagnosis and treatment of gynecological cancer in The Bahamas
#Nassau, April 27, 2019 – Bahamas – The University of West Indies (UWI) School of Clinical Medicine and Research (SCMR) The Bahamas, in conjunction with the University of Miami (UM), Leonard Miller School of Medicine, and the International Gynecological Cancer Society (IGCS) announced a healthcare partnership that is hoped to reverse the “unacceptable” rate of ovarian cancer in The Bahamas.
Dr. Robin Roberts, Director, UWI SCMR announced the official launch of a fellowship training programme between the faculty of Medical Sciences of UWI in The Bahamas at the Princess Margaret Hospital, and the University of Miami during a press conference Thursday, April 25, 2019.
Among those present for the formal announcement of the Memorandum of Understanding was Mary Eiken, CEO, IGCS; Dr. Michael Paidas, Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics, UM; Dr. Brian Slomovitz, Director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology; Dr. Matthew Schlumbrecht, Director for the Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship; Dr. Raleigh Butler, Consultant, Coordinator Gynecologic Oncology Fellowships, UWI SCMR; Dr. Darron Halliday and Dr. Geremias Rangel.
Dr. Roberts said the two-year programme will allow specialists in obstetrics and gynecology to further advance in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers arising in the reproductive organs of women and to become designated gynecological cancer experts.
“Every month in The Bahamas, on average, we bury at least one woman who dies from cancer of the cervix. This should not happen today. In the modern practice of medicine no woman should die from cervical cancer. It’s a totally preventable disease.
“We know too that cancer of the ovary is deadly. We diagnose on average one per month in The Bahamas; almost 75% die from their disease. We know that we can detect this long before it occurs because up to 40% of our women inherit the gene that causes this ovarian cancer. We can prevent these deaths too if we have a genetic screening programme for relatives of women who are diagnosed with this disease,” said Dr. Roberts.
Dr. Roberts described the partnership as a “red letter” day in health in The Bahamas. He said the Fellowship was launched in July 2018 and aims to “reduce” and “eradicate” the burden of female reproductive cancers in “low resource” countries including The Bahamas.
“I would be remiss not to inform that this collaboration between our PMH departments, the Oncology Unit at PMH, the UWI and UM commenced some time ago with the highlight being the discovery of the breast cancer gene mutations in Bahamian women. The research revealed that The Bahamas has the highest occurrence of breast cancer genes in the world,” said Dr. Roberts.
“The collaborative research between our institutions is ongoing; but more importantly this rich collegial environment we have created, fosters direct patient consultation in the daily management and care of our patients and for the transfer of patients between us which lends for continuing and coordinated cancer care.”
In addition to The Bahamas, gynecologists will be stationed and trained in Florida, Canada, Ireland, the University of Miami in Florida, and throughout the Caribbean.
The programme is funded by the International Gynecological Cancer Society and the University of Miami.
Dr. Geremias Rangel, a native of Guyana, is the first Fellow. Dr. Saida Bowe, is the first Bahamian Fellow in the programme and is posted at University of Miami.
Mrs. Eiken said through the partnership, the burden of the disease can be reduced in the region through awareness, highly trained surgical skills, screening, vaccination and other ways.
She said the International Gynecological Cancer Society will provide not only resources and funding but also some of the infrastructure and educational exchanges that will happen as part of the fellowship training and examination to cause a certificate to be issued to the trainee.
Cases will be tracked and information logged in a system.
An oversight committee will monitor the progress of the Fellows ensuring that they are progressing along a designated path to completion.
By Kathryn Campbell
Release: BIS
Photo Captions:
Header: A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the University of West Indies School of Clinical Medicine and Research, The Bahamas; University of Miami Leonard Miller School of Medicine; and the International Gynecological Cancer Society to provide collaborative training to advancethe diagnosis and treatment of gynecological cancer in The Bahamas. The MOU was signed April 25, 2019 at the UWI School of Clinical Medicine and Research, located on the compound of Princess Margaret Hospital. (BIS Photo/Derek Smith)
Insert: Dr. Robin Roberts.
(BIS Photo/Derek Smith)
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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