Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Guaranteed Loans being offered by the Government to MSMEs Impacted by Hurricane Dorian
#Nassau, October 12, 2019 – Bahamas – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest announced on Thursday, October 10, 2019, that $10 million will be taken from the Dormant Fund to help re-start the economies in Abaco and Grand Bahama.
The Deputy Prime Minister was speaking at a press conference at the Ministry to announce that the Access Accelerator, Small Business Development Centre (SBDC), through the Ministry of Finance and private financial partners, is offering government guaranteed loans to micro, small and medium-sized (MSMEs) enterprises directly affected by Hurricane Dorian.
He said, “Both Grand Bahama and Abaco represent some 18 per cent of our overall Gross Domestic Product and so it is in our interest and certainly significant for us to get them back and up and operating to as near normal as quickly as possible.”
The $10 million will facilitate grants, loan guarantees and equity capital for entrepreneurs residing and displaced from Abaco and Grand Bahama.
Attending the press conference were the partners involved in this initiative including Financial Secretary, Marlon Johnson; Chairperson of the SBDC Board of Directors, Geoffrey Andrews; Executive Director, SBDC, Davinia Grant; President, Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce, Gregory Laroda; Abaco Chamber of Commerce Representative, Krista Albury; Chairman, the Bahamas Chamber Of Commerce and Employers Confederation, Khrystle Rutherford-Ferguson; and Chairman, the Bahamas Entrepreneurial Venture Capital Fund Mike Cunningham.
Ms. Grant explained that it is the goal of the SBDC to continue serving those clients it had before the storm while creating opportunities for other existing MSMEs to bounce back even better than before.
“I need to emphasise this. We will continue to take care of our existing clients. What is being discussed today is additional resources that have allocated by our government and our partnering financial institutions to help the 2,525 active MSMEs across Abaco and Grand Bahama, employing approximately 4,000 people.”
She said the government is providing five million dollars to guarantee up to 6.7 million dollars in loans through the Clearing Banks Association. Two million will be given equity in partnerships and 1.3 million in microloans and grants.
Ms. Grant stated that businesspersons displaced will fill out an application form. That form will be looked over and an executive summary created by volunteer advisors. Those summaries and supporting documents will then be sent to the relevant banks.
The form and list of documents needed is available on www.accessaccelerator.org under the title Resources, in a tab called Dorian. She noted that it is anticipated that the process will take no more than 10 business days and disbursements for grants and microloans will be processed in four to five business days.
Mrs. Grant said displaced businesspersons who are currently in Nassau will be processed at the Edmund Moxey Centre on Baillou Hill Road.
In Grand Bahama persons can go to the BAIC building initially, until the one-stop shop is established at the CLICO building, for assistance.
In Abaco, the NIB/Inland Revenue building will be made available.
The SBDC Executive Director noted that for businesses that have been in operation for less than three years, attendance at a three-day seminar would be required for them to access these opportunities as well.
The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce will verify the authenticity of businesses seeking to access funding in order to ensure transparency and accountability.
By Llonella Gilbert
Release: BIS
PHOTO CAPTIONS
DPM Turnquest
A press conference was held to announce that the Access Accelerator, Small Business Development Centre, through the Ministry of Finance and private financial partners, is offering government guaranteed loans to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises directly affected by Hurricane Dorian. The Deputy Prime Minister and other stakeholders spoke at the press conference at the Ministry of Finance, October 10, 2019. (BIS Photo/Kemuel Stubbs)
Davinia Grant
Executive Director, Small Business Development Centre, Davinia Grant explained the process for businesspersons to take advantage of the guaranteed loans for businesses impacted by Hurricane Dorian on the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama. (BIS Photo/Kemuel Stubbs)
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.
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