Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Campbell: Social Services on Full Alert
#Nassau, September 2, 2019 – Bahamas – Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell said Sunday that officials at the Department of Social Services have been placed on full alert to ensure that those Bahamians needing assistance in the aftermath of the devastation expected to be caused by the monster Hurricane Dorian, receive that assistance in a timely fashion.
Minister Campbell said DOSS officials in the Northern Bahamas, in particular, have been on full alert over the past forty-eight hours and counting. He said the team in Grand Bahama has been bolstered by the addition of 30 Recruits from the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
Minister Campbell said reports from Abaco are that all of the shelters are open and functioning, and are furnished with generators “with the understanding that those generators will not be used during the storm but rather afterwards to ensure that there won’t be any toxins that would cause any additional danger.”
“Our objective is to ensure that our people are safe, and that their basic human needs – food, shelter and clothing — are met and then we will carry on down the line,” Minister Campbell said. “Our staff has been mobilized and will put in the hours needed to ensure that those persons who sought shelter and will need assistance, get the assistance they need.”
Minister Campbell said the ministry has received offers of technical, financial and other assistance from its regional and international partners – including several regional and international women’s organizations with which the ministry has formed strong partnerships.
He said the responses will be channeled through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
“Fortunately we have been able to develop a number of relationships at the regional and international levels, so much so, that we now have persons contacting us during our time of need, expressing their concern, offering their prayers, and also offering tangible assistance,” Minister Campbell said.
“We will connect them with NEMA so as not to operate in silos, but to ensure that to the extent we are able, there is one route through which all assistance to The Bahamas is received and that is NEMA. If there is one agency channeling, managing and receiving those regional and international donations, it reduces the bureaucracy. It reduces the time; it reduces delay (and) it expedites the assistance being brought to the persons who really need it without any unnecessary delays,” Minister Campbell added.
Minister Campbell applauded the “yeoman’s effort” of staff at the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, the Department of Social Services and its other Departments, Division and Units, thus far. He said their work is just beginning.
“The mere threat of a storm propels my ministry into action. We are responsible for before, during and after a disastrous event such as a hurricane. We are a part of the inspection team for shelters to ensure that there are sufficient numbers of shelters, to ensure that there are teams in place to man the shelters and to ensure that all of the other necessary resources are in place prior to the storm.
“During the storm, our persons are there manning the shelters ensuring that all goes well, while keeping account of persons who are there, and communicating with headquarters if there is need for adjustment and also working as an Emergency Support Function of NEMA in the National Emergency Operations Centre. And then after the storm, we are there not only to assist with persons who need assistance on the road to recovery or normalcy, but to also play a key role in initial damage assessment.
“I want to thank each and every one of our team members for the yeoman’s effort they have put in so far, and for the effort it will take to ensure the road to recovery and normalcy for our affected citizens,” Minister Campbell added.
By Matt Maura
Release: BIS
Photo Captions:
Header: Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell addressing members of the media Sunday (September 1) at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Gladstone Road. Shelters in New Providence receiving persons are Kendal G.L. Isaacs Gym and Epworth Hall (Ebenezer Methodist Church). Shelters are open in Bimini for persons needing assistance.
Insert: Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell checks up on members of the Social Services team pulling duty at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), Gladstone Road, Sunday. Seated (from left) are: Mrs. Gillian Bethel, Assistant Director, Department of Social Services, and Mrs. Janice McKenzie, Senior Welfare Officer, Department of Social Services. Also pictured (standing), is Ms. Melvelyn Symonette, First Assistant Secretary, Department of Gender and Family Affairs, Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development.
(BIS Photo/Matt Maura)
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.
