Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Kwasi Thompson, Minister of State for Finance New Crowdfunding Regulations
#TheBahamas, July 10, 2021 – Good afternoon. I am pleased to be here today to celebrate the ground-breaking transformation taking place with our financial landscape here in The Bahamas. From the start of our tenure, this administration has made it a priority to uplift Bahamian micro-, small, and medium-sized enterprises, also known as MSMEs. At every step of the way, we have focused on creating new opportunities for growth and support of this critical sector of our economy and society.
Since we launched the Access Accelerator Small Business Development Center in 2018, this Administration has since injected over $60 Million into small businesses across the country in the form of grants and loan-guarantees. By any reasonable metric, this administration has done more to support Bahamian Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses than any administration prior. It is a track record that we are immensely proud of.
Today, we make another revolutionary step in the development of entrepreneurial and small business opportunities in The Bahamas.
The Economic Recovery Committee, established by the Prime Minister, provided a number of recommendations to support more and more Bahamians getting into business so that we can have more dynamic and inclusive economic growth. One of those recommendations was that the government: “Implement legislation to facilitate and support crowd sourcing and junior stock markets to expand access to capital by Bahamian businesses.”
I am pleased to report that the government has heeded that recommendation. As such the Cabinet of The Bahamas recently approved new regulations from the Securities Commission that establishes a legal framework to allow MSMEs to participate in what is commonly referred to as “crowdfunding”. These regulations have been gazetted, released to the public and are now in effect.
Crowdfunding is a modern form of business financing that allows small businesses to raise money from many small investors, typically using online platforms. These reforms represent a gamechanger for business ownership and entrepreneurship in our country.
With these new and innovative crowdfunding regulations, we are furthering the potential of MSMEs to raise more investment money on the private capital market. We are breaking down the walls that were once only able to be traversed by big corporate players. A new wave of possibilities for Bahamian ownership and entrepreneurship is here.
Crowdfunding is a relatively inexpensive way to raise capital for a start-up when compared to traditional means such as bank loans or initial public offerings. Over the last decade or so, crowdfunding has gained popularity in the start-up world. Particularly after the 2008 financial crisis, the cost of borrowing funds from banks became exorbitantly expensive. Pair that with the complexities and costs of debuting a public offering, entrepreneurs were left with little options to source the capital they needed to make their ideas reality.
This is where crowdfunding has been incredibly useful. Entrepreneurs can avoid the expensive and often onerous processes involved with traditional fundraising and secure debt-free capital by selling a stake in their businesses, but yet while maintaining control of their companies. Through the advent of financial technology, or “Fintech”, crowdfunding has become even simpler. Online platforms can be developed to host businesses and investors alike and orchestrate crowdfunding with the click of button.
The new rules are now in effect and they represent a game changer. Eligible entrepreneurs can raise up to $5 million to put towards the development of their start-ups or existing small businesses. And better, the platforms allow them to raise this money from citizens and residents across the country who are interested in investing in promising businesses.
This administration is streamlining the bureaucracy. We are undertaking real structural reform. We are allowing Bahamian entrepreneurs and small businesses to have the same kind of opportunity to raise capital like the big businesses currently do.
For example, interested individuals will not be required to file the typical prospectus with the Commission as would be needed for a public offering. Instead, they would file a streamlined ‘Crowdfund Offering Document’ or “COD” prior to conducting a crowdfund distribution. This is a significantly less expensive process when compared to the minimum $20,000 prospectus. . This is just one way that we are breaking down the barriers for Bahamian entrepreneurs and small businesses to raise capital in The Bahamas.
The new crowdfund rules provide an appropriate balance between access to capital for entrepreneurs and, of course, provisions to ensure protection for potential investors. The rules also seek to minimize systemic and jurisdiction risks.
These innovative regulations have already created space for the establishment of the nation’s first licensed equity crowdfunding platform, which goes by the name Arawak X. I understand as well that The Bahamas International Stock Exchange (or BISX) has also been approved to establish its own similar platform to raise funding for Bahamian Small Businesses. We expect to see even more innovators come forth as a result of the new framework highlighted today.
I thank the Securities Commission, the Economic Recovery Committee, and everyone who worked tirelessly to outline and implement the new crowdfunding rules. I am so excited to see the creative ventures that will grow as a result of this work. Thank you.
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.
