Bahamas News
Grand Bahama underwater; “we need whatever assistance people can get to us”
#Grand Bahama, The Bahamas – September 2, 2019 – Most of Grand Bahama Island is underwater and every hurricane shelter has been compromised by the overwhelming storm surge of Category five Hurricane Dorian, which began pounding the island since late Sunday night.
Magnetic Media has friends in Grand Bahama; many friends and family members and the reports emanating from this second city of The Bahamas were not only frightening but emotionally taxing.
“Hey Dee, this is the worse I’ve ever seen this in my entire life. Grand Bahama is basically underwater. Right about now, our EOC (Emergency Operations Center) is compromised we had to evacuate to the second floor. All of our shelters have been compromised and as we stand now, it is about 12:58 and the water has travelled as far as Castaways and we still have more to go.”
The voice-note, sent via WhatsApp, got to me shortly after 4 pm today. Tammi Mitchell, who has been working ferocious hurricanes since 1999 as a part of the disaster coordination team for Grand Bahama, time-stamped her message at 12:58 pm.
“We need whatever assistance people can get to us. Please whatever people can do to assist us in the aftermath we are going to be calling out, anything people can bring. This entire island has suffered.”
The images from cell phone video recordings in Grand Bahama being shared on social media were gut-wrenching. Homes severely flooded, public areas water-logged, people walking on walls in order to escape the murky water which was up to five feet, others scrimmaging through their homes to find essentials as they planned to evacuate. There were residents on their roof tops, car tops and everyone praying for a miracle.
Despite warnings that there would be no way to offer rescue assistance, help came. On jet skis which were loaned to the Royal Bahamas Police Force with life jackets in order to get people out of the most dangerously compromised areas.
There were heavy-duty equipment operators who moved through the high tide which now swamped the streets. The residential community of Arden Forest is in the eastern end of Grand Bahama and one driver is seen honking in order to get people’s attention and to get people out to safety.
Safe haven would be near impossible to find on this island which had been smashed in Hurricanes France, Jeanne, Wilma and Matthew. Now, Hurricane Dorian, described as the strongest in modern history was crashing his surge waters into the nearby school which had been named a shelter for people in communities like Arden Forest.
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force was also mobilized to bring rescue and post hurricane assistance.
Commodore Tellis Bethel informed that his troops are ready with relief supplies, a unit to provided food and technical assistance and rescue operations which includes Abaco.
Already, there are people in the Turks and Caicos Islands waiting for the green light as the plan is to come in like a different kind of flood to help Grand Bahama and The Bahamas in this time of crisis.
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.
