Bahamas News
C&W Communications Reaffirms Commitment to The Bahamas
#Miami, FL, September 4, 2019 – USA) – C&W Communications (C&W), a Liberty Latin America company, through its Cable & Wireless Charitable Foundation (Foundation), today announced that it has earmarked US$500,000 toward immediate and longer-term relief and restoration efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, a Category 5 hurricane that devastated parts of The Bahamas. The Foundation has also put out an appeal to help raise additional funds to support the recovery efforts given the significant damage reported on the islands.
This past weekend, the north-western Bahamian islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama were ravaged by the strongest hurricane to ever make landfall in The Bahamas. Hurricane Dorian brought catastrophic damage leaving many homeless and without basic supplies of food, water and shelter.
As the government and people of The Bahamas come to terms with the devastating news of the loss of life and widespread destruction to homes and property, C&W Communications CEO, Inge Smidts, expressed sympathies to the Government and people of The Bahamas, who have been directly and indirectly affected by this natural disaster.
Smidts, who is the Chair of the Foundation is appealing to the public to join the efforts by supporting a fundraising campaign. “We are urging our customers, employees and business partners to help us support the people of The Bahamas in this very challenging time. The donations will go towards the immediate relief effort and long-term rebuilding programs.”
Anyone wishing to donate can visit : https://www.cwc.com/live/corporate-responsibility/cable-wireless-foundation/support-hurricane-dorian-relief.html to make a contribution.
Regarding the impact of the hurricane on C&W’s operations, Smidts said, “We are following up with our teams in Abaco and Grand Bahama to ensure their safety as well as the safety of everyone on the islands. There are island-wide power outages on both islands and as such, communications are slow to come in.” Giving an update on the company’s preparations to provide support, Smidts shared, “We already have a team in place supported by our parent company, Liberty Latin America, who has been mobilizing efforts to provide relief to Abaco and Grand Bahama immediately following the “all-clear”. Members of our team will fly out to Abaco and Grand Bahama to personally check on our team members in those islands, provide care packages, conduct assessments and determine what further assistance is required.”
Smidts further stated, “We are certainly not out of the woods yet, as Hurricane Dorian is slowly trekking towards Florida. Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our employees and customers is always our top priority.” She urged everyone in the path of the hurricane to “stay safe, keep in touch with friends, family and neighbors and most of all, heed the warnings issued by the Disaster Management Authorities.”
Notwithstanding the extensive damage on the islands, BTC’s mobile services in some areas of Abaco, Grand Bahama, Berry Islands and Bimini have been compromised. However, some fixed landlines services are available on those islands. In New Providence, mobile and landline services are challenged. Due to the loss of commercial power and excessive flooding, BTC customers in the company’s Fiber-to-the-Home and recently upgraded MSAN areas may be experiencing landline and internet outages if their home is not equipped with backup power.
Smidts ended by saying, “Our teams are working around the clock to restore services as quickly as possible as we know how important it is for families and friends to connect with each other especially during these trying times. Together we will recover and rebuild. We stand with the people and Government of The Bahamas.”
Release: CWC
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.
