Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: MOH Joins PM to receive additional COVID-19 vaccines for National Programme
#TheBahamas, August 3, 2021 – The Minister of Health the Hon. Renward Wells accompanied Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis in receiving another batch of vaccines as the government continues to roll out its national vaccination programme against the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The vaccines, obtained through the COVAX Facility with the assistance of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), arrived at Jet Nassau on Tuesday, August 3, 2021.
Also on hand for the arrival were Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Pearl McMillian; Dr. Eldonna Boisson PAHO/WHO Representative, The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands; Nurse Ruth Bastian, Managing Director, Immunization Centre; and Supt. Larry Bodie, Bahamas Customs.
The Bahamas received 33,600 doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, which represents the third tranche of pre-paid vaccines through the COVAX Facility.
From this tranche, the government will return 5,000 doses of vaccines that it received from Antigua and Barbuda as part of an exchange in late June.
Meanwhile, PAHO is continuing to advise taking the vaccine, which is one of the measures being used in fighting the COVID-19 virus.
“At this time, vaccines alone cannot get us out of this pandemic. Public health and social measures are also vital to end this pandemic and hasten economic recovery,” said Dr. Eldonna Boisson PAHO/WHO Representative, The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands.
“We must continue to use these measures that we know work to
reduce the spread of the virus and all its variants — physical distancing, use of masks, hand washing/sanitizing, cleaning surfaces, not touching our faces, and avoiding crowded and closed spaces.
“We do not yet have sufficient vaccination coverage to interrupt spread of the virus. We therefore cannot stop these measures too quickly or else we risk losing the gains that have been made so far,” she added.
To date, globally there have been more than 198 million COVID-19 cases and more than 4.2 million deaths. This is a 56% increase from four months ago. About 40% of the cases and half of the deaths in the world have occurred in the Americas. And more than 3.8 billion vaccine doses have been given globally, according to PAHO.
“While this is good news, unfortunately there is huge inequity in vaccine distribution, which is fueling the pandemic,” Dr. Boisson said.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister encouraged Bahamians and residents to make their appointments on this website: vax.gov.bs
And, as part of the national vaccine programme, more appointments can be facilitated for second doses and first time doses.
“For those waiting to make an appointment for a second dose of the vaccine, I encourage you to book your appointment as soon as possible,” The Prime Minister urged.
“If you haven’t received your first dose yet, please book an appointment online or visit one of the walk-up centers as they become available.”
As of 31 July 2021, total doses administered stood at 106,898. The number of people who have received one dose, 61,803 and; people fully vaccinated, 46,793, according to The Bahamas COVID-19 weekly vaccination progress chart.
Release: BIS
By: Lindsay Thompson
Photo Captions:
Header: The Minister of Health the Hon. Renward Wells accompanied Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis in receiving another batch of vaccines as the government continues to roll out its national vaccination programme against the COVID-19 Pandemic. The vaccines, obtained through the COVAX Facility with the assistance of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), arrived at Jet Nassau on Tuesday, August 3, 2021. Pictured from left are: Nurse Ruth Bastian, Managing Director, Immunization Centre; Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Pearl McMillan; Minister Wells; Prime Minister Minnis; Dr. Eldonna Boisson PAHO/WHO Representative, The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands; and Supt. Larry Bodie, Bahamas Customs.
1st insert: Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis receiving the third tranche of vaccines as the government continues to roll out its national vaccination programme against the COVID-19 Pandemic. The vaccines, obtained through the COVAX Facility with the assistance of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), arrived at Jet Nassau on Tuesday, August 3, 2021. Pictured is Prime Minister Minnis, along with Dr. Eldonna Boisson PAHO/WHO Representative, The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands.
2nd insert: Dr. Eldonna Boisson PAHO/WHO Representative, The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands speaking at a ceremony marking the arrival of the third tranche of vaccines, as the government continues to roll out its national vaccination programme gains the COVID-19 Pandemic. The vaccines, obtained through the COVAX Facility with the assistance of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), arrived at Jet Nassau on Tuesday, August 3, 2021.
3rd insert: Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis (right) speaking at a ceremony marking the arrival of the third tranche of vaccines, as the government continues to roll out its national vaccination programme against the COVID-19 Pandemic. The vaccines, obtained through the COVAX Facility with the assistance of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), arrived at Jet Nassau on Tuesday, August 3, 2021. Pictured next to Prime Minister Minnis is the Hon. Renward Wells, Minister of Health.
(BIS Photos/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.
