Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Ministry of Health Striving to Implement a Cost Effective Health Information Management System
#Nassau, November 12, 2019 – Bahamas – Minister of Health the Hon. Dr. Duane Sands said the health system in The Bahamas has been paper-based for decades, but in this 21st century, the country needs to be further along.
“The vision of the Ministry of Health is to implement a cost effective Health Information Management System, inclusive of an Electronic Medical Records system to ensure timely access to and coding of information, rivaling that in place in our private sector and in leading jurisdictions,” Dr. Sands explained during the First Annual Medical Coding Symposium held at the British Colonial Hilton, Friday, November 8, 2019.
He said the Ministry of Health is engaged with the Pan American Health Organization to strengthen data management in primary care clinics.
“This project aims to transition hospital and national health records into electronic formats. Outputs expected are improved administrative efficiency, integration of data across diverse recording platforms and better portability of records.”
Dr. Sands added that to achieve the Ministry’s goals, the healthcare system requires a new cadre of health care workers who would need to be equipped with the competencies and skill sets to strengthen the management of health data and monitor and evaluate health care being provided, i.e. coders are needed.
He stated that like the complexities of the health care system, health care data collection from the various Government, Non-Government and Private Sector entities is not static. Therefore, continuous restructuring, integration, innovation and realignment to achieve goals and objectives is required.
He noted that Medical Coders are professionals with a specialty of Medical Coding and are a part of the wider field of health care administrators. “You are trained and certified to translate medical information generated by Physicians, Nurses, Therapists, Technicians and other health care providers.”
The Health Minister said, “Your knowledge and skills is essential to Statisticians, Researchers, Public Health Officials as well as Internal Auditors. You are aware of the many ramifications that poor or inaccurate coding can cause to fiscal health, a health institute or public policy as a whole.”
He told the medical coders that it is therefore essential that they use the symposium to promote and highlight the benefits that their profession can bring to the health, wellbeing and the quality of care provided in The Bahamas.
The Health Minister explained that codes create the ability to review and use data with greater specificity regarding clinical conditions and services.
He added that codes also provide payers, policy makers and providers, with better information to design and implement a pay-for-performance programme and decrease opportunities for fraud, under performance and better use for resources including investment.
By Llonella Gilbert
Release: BIS
Photo Caption: Minister of Health the Hon. Dr. Duane Sands brought remarks at the First Annual Medical Coding Symposium held at the British Colonial Hilton, Friday, November 8, 2019.
(BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna)
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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