Bahamas News
Statement from BAMSI on the Passing of its Chairman, Tennyson Wells
#Nassau, September 25, 2019 – Bahamas – The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) is saddened to announce today that its Chairman, Tennyson R. G. Wells – statesman, businessman and nationalist at heart – died early Tuesday morning.
Mr. Wells served as president of BAMSI and Chairman of the Board since early 2017, only recently stepping down in July 2019 as president, but continuing on as Chairman. Under Mr. Well’s leadership, BAMSI implemented a new operating model and production cycle that secured greater financial gains for the Institute and created a more stable and secure entity for its hundreds of employees.
During his time of service to BAMSI, Mr. Wells built a legacy of outstanding service, compassionate stewardship, fiscal responsibility and forward focus. He remained committed to streamlining the lnstitute’s financial output and maximizing its production to service a growing local market.
Supporting the staff and protecting their jobs was also a high priority for Mr. Wells. His aim was to stabilize and reorient the staff, allowing them to utilize their best strengths for the good of BAMSI.
As part of his legacy, his ultimate goal was to see Bahamians achieve, and as such, he was intent on instituting a succession plan for BAMSI. Mr. Wells put in place a strong leadership team that will continue to carry out his vision- that of fiscal responsibility, a strengthened academic focus, increased production and improved employee productivity.
Under his leadership, BAMSI implemented a Business to Business model that saw a substantial increase in sales, the start of a forecasting cycle, greater focus on research and the implementation of best agricultural practices.
As a Family Island man at heart, Mr. Wells was born in Deadman’s Cay, Long Island, he understood how important BAMSI was to the people of North Andros. Not only was BAMSI providing their children with the opportunity to gain a tertiary level education in the field of Agriculture and Marine Science right at their door step, but it also provided jobs for many Androsians and allowed the community to experience an economic boom. As BAMSI grew, so did the North Andros community, new infrastructure was put in place for the North Andros campus and an influx of students, lecturers and staff needed access to housing, retail outlets and other resources.
Based on his extensive professional and political experience, Mr. Wells was able to initiate a number of capital development projects for BAMSI, including the rebuilding of the main office in the BARTAD complex in Andros, and construction of a new packing house.
Among his more important initiatives, was the establishment of the “BAMSI Gives Back” Foundation. this was the multipronged opportunity for BAMSI to positively impact the community and its staff. Starting in the early 2019s, the Foundation was a way for the Institute to help employees connect the dots between the work they do and build a stronger, food secure community, where everyone has access to locally grown, fresh and nutritious foods. Ultimately, Mr. Wells believed the experience of donating to the less fortunate and most vulnerable in society would help build a more productive, more compassionate and engaged workforce.
Perhaps most importantly, he treasured his roots in Long Island and placed a premium on the strength and resilience of Bahamian ingenuity and creativity. He will be missed, and our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.
Signed by Donald Symonette
Release: BAMSI
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.
