Bahamas News
Marijuana Commission Report tabled in The Bahamas House of Assembly; recommendations to legalize and decriminalize
#Nassau, The Bahamas – February 19, 2020 — (released February 5, 2020) The legalization of cannabis for medical and scientific purposes and the decriminalization of possession of one ounce or less of cannabis for personal use for people over 21 are among the main recommendations included in the preliminary report from the Bahamas National Commission on Marijuana.
Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis tabled the report in the House of Assembly on Wednesday 5 February 2020.
Other recommendations by the Commission include:
• Allow those prescribed medical cannabis to grow sufficient plants for their use;
• Tourists prescribed medical cannabis in their countries could obtain it in The Bahamas;
• Allowing the importation of regulated cannabis products for ailments;
• That the laws be amended for the immediate expungement of the criminal records of all people convicted of simple possession of cannabis;
• That Rastafarians and other religious groups who use cannabis as a sacrament be allowed to possess, cultivate and use it for sacramental purposes;
• That the cannabis industry be Bahamian owned with Bahamian ownership being at least 51%. Foreign companies could partner with Bahamians and hold up to 49% equity in the company.
“My Government will use this report to assist with changing our marijuana laws,” the Prime Minister told MPs.
Prime Minister Minnis emphasized that a nationwide comprehensive public education programme will be carried out before any laws are changed. The report will be posted on the website of the Office of the Prime Minister at www.opmbahamas.com.
The programme will be age-appropriate and target all segments of society, including a focus on school children and individuals under the age of 21, the Prime Minister noted.
In October 2018, Cabinet established the Bahamas National Commission on Marijuana with the mandate to examine the legal, social, medical and religious issues to use this plant.
Bishop Simeon Hall and retired deputy commissioner of police Quinn McCartney chair the Commission, which is comprised of a cross section of Bahamians from the public and private sectors.
On Tuesday 21 January the Commission presented its final preliminary report to the Office of the Prime Minister. The final report is expected to be released following a national survey, which the Commission is currently working on.
The survey will codify and present an analysis of the views of the Bahamian public, Prime Minister Minnis explained.
The Prime Minister has publicly stated his support for decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana and making the substance legal for medicinal, scientific or religious use.
He also supports expunging the records of Bahamians convicted of possession of small amounts of marijuana, and once reform laws are passed and through proper legal mechanisms and procedures, “the release from prison any person who may be solely incarcerated for small marijuana possession.”
Prime Minister Minnis said proposed marijuana reforms will work in parallel with the Government’s broader effort to change how people with criminal convictions are treated.
“Our criminal justice system should not just be about punishment,” said the Prime Minister. “There must be fairness, rehabilitation and mercy too.”
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.
