Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Prime Minister Continues to Outline Plans for Rebuilding Post Hurricane Dorian
#Nassau, November 4, 2019 – Bahamas – Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis has foreshadowed the creation of a Disaster Reconstruction Authority aimed at a smoother rebuilding process post Hurricane Dorian.
This, he revealed at a Press Conference held at the Office of the Prime Minister on Sunday, November 3, 2019. Also present were Captain Stephen Russell, Director of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA; and John Michael Clarke, Co-chair of the Reconstruction Committee.
The Prime Minister was fresh from Abaco where he held a series of town hall meetings on Green Turtle Cay, Guana Cay, Man-O-War Cay and Elbow Cay.
He was accompanied by Abaco Members of Parliament — Foreign Affairs Minister Darren Henfield and Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister James Albury — also Minister of State in the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness Management and Reconstruction Iram Lewis; and representatives of the Department of Inland Revenue and Bahamas Customs.
“I plan to hold regular town hall meetings throughout communities affected by Hurricane Dorian, in Abaco and Grand Bahama, as we continue recovery and reconstruction,” the Prime Minister said.
“I will resume my regular schedule of town hall meetings throughout the country to update residents on national developments,” he added.
Addressing the reconstruction process, the Prime Minister said the Disaster Reconstruction Authority Bill 2019, which was already tabled in the House of Assembly, will remove the red tape too often associated with government processes and should enable the reconstruction process to proceed as efficiently and quickly as possible. This Bill is up for debate in the House of Assembly the week of November 4.
The Government is also looking into creating The Bahamas National Recovery and Reconstruction Trust Fund.
“This Trust Fund will be an independent and non-political body to help fund home and building repairs,” the Prime Minister said.
He explained that the proposed Trust Fund will provide the most vulnerable residents affected by natural disasters with up to a $10,000 grant per household to assist families by providing building supplies, labor or some combination of both.
A committee of subject matter experts will help to operationalize the Fund’s efforts and to connect public and private stakeholders.
The Government will provide the initial funds to start-up the Trust.
“However, this private independent trust will be responsible for collecting and distributing funds for recovery efforts to ensure transparency and full accountability,” the Prime Minister said. “We will provide more details about the Trust as it develops.”
The Prime Minister reiterated that the previously announced VAT Relief Policy applies to Abaco, the Abaco Cays and Grand Bahama until June 2020.
“Under this new policy, individuals and businesses in the areas impacted directly by Hurricane Dorian will be exempt from the payment of Value Added Tax on a range of items related to reconstruction, rehabilitation and everyday consumption,” he said.
The Government also plans to establish a $1.5 million-dollar loan and grant program to assist farmers, fishermen and those in the boating industry in the Special Economic Recovery Zones of Abaco and Grand Bahama,” the Prime Minister said.
“We are making other progress on the ground across Abaco and Grand Bahama,” said the Prime Minister.
To advance its clean-up program and Debris Management Plan for Abaco and Grand Bahama, the Ministry of Housing and the Environment has formalized a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
Under the MOU, the UNDP will assist with monitoring, evaluation and technical assistance.
By Lindsay Thompson
Release: BIS
Photo Captions: Prime Minister Minnis held a Press Conference at the Office of the Prime Minister on Sunday, November 3, 2019. He continued his updates on the recovery process on Abaco and its cays and East End, Grand Bahama – the areas impacted by Hurricane Dorian in September 2019. Pictured from left are Captain Stephen Russell, Director of the National Emergency Management Agency; Prime Minister Minnis; and John Michael Clarke, Co-chair of the Reconstruction Committee.
(BIS Photo/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.
