Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Amazing mural unveiled as Abaco Sunny Waters launched
#Abaco, 21 December, 2019 – The Bahamas – Children of several Abaco communities have teamed up with The Goodness Tour, Water Mission, The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) to transform a damaged water tank in Marsh Harbour into an amazing piece of artwork.
“This mural behind us is a mere reflection of the work behind the scenes every single day,” said Benjamin Swatez, International Artist and Co-Founder, The Goodness Tour during the unveiling.
“It’s about the Abaco Sunny Waters and this initiative to build back bigger and to be able to not only show the people here in Abaco, in all of The Bahamas, and the entire world, that you can take something that most people would consider a curse and transform it into an opportunity to truly rise up as one human voice, and one human heart.”
Abaco Sunny Waters is a solarization project between WSC, The Goodness Tour, Water Mission and UNICEF to transform 11 water systems in Abaco, the mainland and the cays that have suffered damage as a result of Hurricane Dorian.
Adrian Gibson, Executive Chairman, WSC, and MP for Long Island said the agreement, signed between stakeholders December 12, will result in the supply and installation of a state-of-the-art solar facility that will power both well fields and a new pumping station in Marsh Harbour.
Swatez and his team have been providing psychosocial support to children in Hurricane shelters in New Providence and schools in Abaco through music therapy, film making and more.
“We’ve had the great honour through being able to make music; painting and photography with children here. There is so much talent, there’s so much brilliance. They are fantastic. We’re truly honored to be able to provide a little bit of psychosocial support through creativity, just a tribute to what all of you are doing so well,” said Swatez.
He explained that the mural depicts the culture of Abaco and what’s important to the people of Abaco.
Incorporated into the mural is a very aggressive Cuban fresh water crocodile that was found in an archaeological discovery in a blue hole. The crocodile is used as a symbol, not only of the past, but also of Hurricane Dorian.
The work of art also shows the WSC turning a spigot from which flows fresh drinking water falling upon the aggression of the crocodile, or the storm and bringing life back to the islands.
Swatez said the mural depicts the blue hole, the people that have explored it and how the relationship with the sun and the water, the solar power, and the watershed comes together and creates a beautiful symbiotic relationship similar to what locals and internationals formed in Abaco and throughout The Bahamas.
“This mural is not complete is because the most important element, according to us, is this village. All these beautiful children from around Abaco today children are going to paint the colors of love into the house, into Abaco and bring that love into this beautiful island through the next generation.”
Swatez said it is an honour be able to share the beautiful culture of the islands in a moment in time simultaneously sending ripples around the world.
Following the ceremony the students donned tee shirts and gathered around the water tank to add finishing touches to the mural.
By Kathryn Campbell
Photo Caption: Children from throughout the island of Abaco help to turn a damaged water tank into a work of art.
(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.
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