Bahamas News
Caribbean partners already in The Bahamas to offer post hurricane support
#Bahamas, September 4, 2019 – Help for hurricane ravaged Abaco and Grand Bahama is already on the ground or in touch and the assistance comes from strategic regional bodies which have mobilized plans and people.
The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, CDEMA on Monday held a press conference in Barbados where Executive Director, Ronald Jackson addressed early concerns and shared CDEMA activities. The press conference as aired live on Facebook.
“We have deployed into The Bahamas two Rapid Needs Assessment Teams (RNAT); one each to cover the two affected islands. We are looking at a population of 76-78,000 people or a little bit less. Fifty-thousand plus of those are on Grand Bahama and 26,000 on Abaco. The team will go in and be looking to do their assessments there.”
Turks and Caicos is a part of the CDEMA Team; the group left on Saturday and includes Director of the TCI Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies, Dr. Virginia Clerveaux.
The Caribbean Public Health Agency, CARPHA on Monday explained the assistance it is offering to The Bahamas as a partner nation. A representative from CARPHA was in Nassau, Bahamas since Friday.
“CARPHA will add its expertise to the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) component of the evaluation. This includes conducting assessments of the country’s health facilities, and public health systems. Focus will also be given to environmental health concerns that could further impact human health and wellbeing. These will include water and food safety, chemical and waste management, shelter management and potential for vector borne disease outbreaks,” stated Dr. Joy St. John, CARPHA Executive Director.”
The Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation, CARILEC, which is chaired by FortisTCI CEO, Eddinton Powell is on alert and will finalise a response once Bahamas Power and Light, BPL has completed its own damage and need analysis.
“CARILEC stands ready to coordinate assistance for any of its members through the CARILEC Disaster Assistance Program (CDAP). Once the affected utility completes an assessment of the damage and makes a request for assistance, the CDAP Coordinator will send the request to CDAP member utilities and provide logistical support. FortisTCI will make a determination at that time as to the level and nature of its assistance.”
A pre-storm impact data analysis completed by Pacific Disaster Center explained some 76,000 Bahamas residents would have to face a disastrously altered existence once, monster Hurricane Dorian passed through the northwestern islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama.
While this analysis is thorough, no one could calculate the true impact of Hurricane Dorian. The storm, which formed on August 24, 2019 spewed tornadoes, ripped off roofs, toppled trailers, shredded trees and submerged any and everything it could in its 18-23-foot surge waters.
Hurricane Dorian is also a killer. Five people in Abaco were confirmed dead by Bahamas Prime Minister, Hubert Minnis on Tuesday. The injured in Abaco numbered 21, a handful of them, were critically hurt.
There are no figures from Grand Bahama as yet.
The damage is unexpected and unprecedented, but thankfully Hurricane Dorian began to pull away from The Bahamas late this afternoon at around six miles per hour. It remains a category two hurricane, with 110 mph winds and is still licking the northwestern Bahamas with tropical storm force winds and surges.
The Caribbean Community, CARICOM tweeted on Wednesday that it “stands with The Bahamas at this very difficult time.”
#magneticmedianews
#helpforthebahamas
#hurricanedorian
#caribbeanpartnerssupportbahamas
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.
