Bahamas News
Bahamas must distinguish its tourism product from that of other nations
#Freeport, GB, June 3, 2019 – Bahamas – Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar told Grand Bahamian graduates of the Bahamahost program that The Bahamas has to find a way to distinguish itself from other destinations offering the same product to the same markets.
During graduation ceremonies on Thursday, May 30, 2019, in the ballroom of Grand Lucayan resort, Minister D’Aguilar told the 247 graduates that being able to have The Bahamas stand alone as a first class tourism destination will require them to implement all that they have learned in the Bahamahost program.
“We in the Bahamas boast of beautiful beaches, turquoise seas and year round sunshine,” said Minister D’Aguilar. “The truth is, we have the right to boast. Fifty-four shades of blue and the many great wonders of The Bahamas, cannot be compared to any other land on the planet. We are the magical islands of The Bahamas.
“Our reality check, however, is that every other country in the region boasts – as we do – of having the friendliest people, the same brilliant sunshine, magical waters, and majestic beaches. We in The Bahamas do not have a monopoly on sun, sand and sea.
“Like us, many of the countries in our region have capitalized on these same natural resources to build a tourism-based economy, and these same destinations in our region are giving us stiff competition.”
The Tourism Minister said that what they are realizing at the Ministry of Tourism more each day is that once the gift of the Bahamas is unwrapped by every visitor and they get the full experience of the visit, the value of the gift that’s presented sometimes leaves much to be desired.
He said The Bahamas of the 21st Century must daily rise to meet the ever-changing needs of our customers.
“So, here is the key question of the evening: If the tourist destinations of our region all have sun, sand and sea in abundance, how can we in The Bahamas possibly compete and outpace our competitors,” the Minister asked, challenging the graduates.
He submitted that in order to accomplish that task there are two lanes that must be navigated successfully.
Firstly, he offered that successful tourism must be about the delivery of ‘superb, outstanding, extraordinary, stupendous service.’
“Ladies and gentlemen, I put it to you that the delivery of quality service is a critical area in which we in The Bahamas can compete hands down. How do we attain this lofty reputation for world-class service? Through commitment.
“It takes each of us to make a commitment to deliver quality service on our jobs, each day, to every customer, every time, be they tourist or local.”
Minister D’Aguilar noted that today’s travelers are no longer looking to park themselves in a lounge chair on a beach and chill out in the sun for their entire vacation. He said millennial travelers are a totally different breed, seeking one of a kind, off the beaten path, transformative experiences.
This change in traveler demand, according to the Minister, has placed the Family Islands center stage.
“Today’s visitors are looking for the kind of vacation experiences that are offered right here in Grand Bahama, an island with a great city, with family island charm.”
A second suggestion the Minister made on how The Bahamas can distinguish its tourism product from other destinations is that of ‘entrepreneurship.’
“What are those areas of the Grand Bahama tourism sector that can accommodate new businesses? What entrepreneurial opportunities out there that might add value to the visitor experience? When people travel, they want to take home some memento to remind them of their trip. They’re not looking for the mass-produced, cookie-cutter souvenirs. They’re seeking authentic products, with excellent craftsmanship. Offering authentic products and services must be the goal then.
“Graduates, I invite you to look around you. Observe what is in your environment, your culture, your heritage that you can capitalize on, to create and meet the demand of your visitors.
“Graduates of Bahamahost, you have acquired the skills and the know-how, to develop your personal brand and to deliver outstanding customer service. You are now equipped to take the quality of service that you deliver to the next level.”
Minister D’Aguliar noted that for over 40 years, the tourism industry-training program has maintained a high level of commitment to covering the Islands of The Bahamas with its signature training program, Bahamahost. He pointed out that the program has survived and thrived, preparing at least three generations of tourism and hospitality professionals throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
The program, he said, has always sought to cultivate a healthy, national identity, where every citizen promotes and contributes to communal values.
“Graduates, your successful completion of this over 40-hour training program is evidence that you understand the national goal of the Bahamahost Program and that you are fully prepared to return to your work place to give an even higher level of quality service.”
By Andrew Coakley
Release: BIS
Photo Captions:
Header: Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar told Grand Bahamian graduates of the Bahamahost Program that one of the ways to make The Bahamas’s tourism product stand out from that of other Caribbean countries is to be passionate about it. The Tourism Minister was the keynote speaker during graduation ceremonies for participants of the program on Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Grand Lucayan resort.
1st inerst: Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar, along with Director of Tourism in Grand Bahama, Karen Seymour, enjoy the entertainment that was a part of the graduation ceremony for Bahamahost in Grand Bahama at the Grand Lucayan Ballroom on Thursday, May 30, 2019.
2nd insert: Individuals from each squad of this year’s Bahamahost graduating class who were the top performers of their respective squads, were presented with the Lionel Elliot Awards during graduation ceremonies in Grand Bahama, on Thursday, May 30, 2019. Making the presentations were (in second row) Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar (centre); Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe (second left); Director at the Ministry of Tourism in Grand Bahama, Karen Seymour (right); Ian Ferguson, Director of Training & Education, Ministry of Tourism (second right); and Sandra Russell, General Manager, Human Resources and Training (third right).
BIS Photos/Andrew Miller
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.
NASSAU, Bahamas — More Bahamians are accessing HIV and sexually transmitted infection-related healthcare through National Health Insurance, a trend the NHI Authority says should be viewed positively.
NHIA stressed in an August 6 statement that its 2025 figures measure healthcare utilisation, not newly diagnosed infections. They include beneficiaries screened, treated, monitored or receiving follow-up care, including people diagnosed previously.
“Increased utilisation of these services should be viewed as a positive development,” NHIA said.
The Authority pointed to “greater enrolment and use of NHI, improved access to screening and testing, continued treatment and monitoring of existing conditions, and increased willingness to seek medical care.”
The development comes amid a mixed three-year HIV picture. New diagnoses rose from 130 in 2023 to 156 in 2024, before declining to 142 in 2025.
NHIA said increased utilisation demonstrates that more beneficiaries are accessing needed healthcare and actively managing their health, reinforcing the importance of screening, early diagnosis and continued treatment.
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