Bahamas News
The Islands of The Bahamas recognize Chef José Andrés for monumental support after Hurricane Dorian
#FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, February 26, 2020 – The Islands Of The Bahamas used the international stage of the recent Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One (SOBEWFF®), to say thank you to Chef José Andrés. The legendary Chef and his team were responsible for providing some 3.2 million meals to victims of Hurricane Dorian, which struck the island nation in September of 2019 and caused massive destruction and devastation to Great Abaco, and Grand Bahama.
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation presented the humanitarian with a portrait of himself, by world renowned Bahamian artist, Jamaal Rolle, on Thursday night at the SOBEWFF® event, Feeding the World presented by Open Table and hosted by Chef Andrés.
“Our country is forever in your debt for your limitless love, kindness, thoughtfulness and support demonstrated in the massive outreach you organized to feed thousands affected by the storm,” The Ministry’s Executive Director of Marketing, Mrs. Bridgette King, said while presenting the gift to Chef Andrés.
The well-attended walk-around tasting event was one of a number of events at SOBEWFF® that featured a lineup of more than 100 events. Activities stretched from Miami-Dade and Broward to Palm Beach counties and showcased culinary talent from around the world as well as foremost wine and spirits selections to choose from.
One of the highlights of the weekend of events was the Goya Foods Grand Tasting Village featuring Grand Tasting Tents and Publix Culinary Demonstrations sponsored by Sub-Zero Group Southeast.
A culinary team from The Bahamas was a part of the Grand Tasting Village and received rave reviews from attendees. Thousands enjoyed the tastings of Bahamian native cuisine, including Conch Fritters and Bean ‘n Rice with Lobster and Conch. Also served at the Bahamas booth were the alcoholic beverages, Guava Bomb and Passion Fruit. The Bahamian team also provided tastings of one of The Bahamas’ signature alcoholic beverages, Kalik Beer. The culinary team’s sponsors for the event included Bahamasair and Baha Mar Resorts.
The Festival celebrated its 19th edition and all net proceeds benefit the Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Florida International University.
Bahamas Culinary team and local Bahamas Tourism marketing team, that represented the country at the recent 2020 Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival, presented by Capital One. L-R: Jamal Small, Heron Cove Resident Chef; Kevyn Pratt, Baha Mar – Royal Blu Executive Chef & Caribbean Journal Chef of the Year; DeAnne Gibson, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Manager Culinary Tourism; Melanie Marshall, BMOT Culinary Department; Tevin Kemp, Baha Mar Carna Sous Chef; Derrick Blackmon, Baha Mar Grand Hyatt Jazz Bar; Sanique Culmer, Marketing Manager, Bahamas Tourist Office Florida, and Adrian Kemp, Sr. Marketing Representative, BTO, Florida.
Photo credit Bahamas Tourist Office
“The Bahamas is gratified to have been allowed the opportunity to be a part of this prestigious event,” said Betty Bethel, Director of Sales, Bahamas Tourist Office Florida. “This grand and extensive food venue gave us the opportunity to show our gratitude to a giant of a man who served our country well in our time of need. It also allowed for us to promote our country and get the word out to the tens of thousands in attendance at the festival that, The Bahamas is open for business.”
For more information on The Islands Of The Bahamas, visit www.bahamas.com.
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.
