Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Prime Minister National Address
#TheBahamas, August 19, 2021 –
National Address
Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis
Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
General Election
Thursday, 19 August 2021
My Fellow Bahamians:
Good morning.
We live in a vibrant parliamentary democracy, secured by our Founders for the promotion of the common good and the general welfare. Our rich democratic heritage includes free and fair elections through which the people choose their representatives.
Earlier today Parliament was dissolved.
It is time for you, the people, to choose who you will elect to form the next Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
For the past year and a half, we have battled the COVID-19 pandemic together. This is the worst public health crisis in our modern history. This deadly virus has killed millions of people around the world, and made hundreds of millions of others sick. Here at home many of our loved ones have died or fallen ill.
You have worked with my Government and the public health team, abiding by the rules and doing your best to help to protect lives and livelihoods. I thank you for partnering with us on this difficult journey.
Dear Fellow-Bahamians
On Wednesday August 11, I announced in the House of Assembly that the United States of America donated 397,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine to The Bahamas. We received 128,000 of those doses the following day. The Bahamas received earlier today, 38,400 doses of the one-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine. These doses are in addition to the AstraZeneca vaccines we received over the past few months.
In total, including doses received and those arriving in the coming weeks, The Bahamas was able to secure well in excess of 550,000 doses of the lifesaving vaccines. We can now vaccinate ourselves out of the emergency phase of the pandemic. This does not mean the pandemic will quickly go away.
Indeed, the pandemic will continue for some time around the world, with the risk of other variants.
We will, for a time, still have to abide by commonsense public health measures such as wearing masks.
My Government has provided for public consultation a draft of new legislation to replace the Emergency Orders.
The Emergency Orders will end on Saturday, November 13, 2021.
Although there has been progress in securing vaccines, we still face challenging times in the short term due to the current surge in cases. Much of the world is battling increased cases due to the delta variant.
My Government is spending more than seven million dollars on public health resources to help battle this wave. This includes creating more beds and spaces to treat those who are ill as well as bringing on more health care and medical personnel.
My sympathies and prayers go out to all who have lost loved ones to this terrible virus.
Let us all remember to keep abiding by the public health measures to definitively defeat this surge.
Dr. Merceline Dahl-Regis chairs our National Covid-19 Vaccine Consultative Committee. This past Sunday, August 15th, Dr. Dahl-Regis indicated that the country hoped to fully vaccinate 60,000 Bahamians over the next six weeks. I am encouraged by the high number of people coming forward to get vaccinated.
With our new supply and you doing your part taking the shots, we are beginning the process to end the emergency phase of the pandemic.
Our goal is for The Bahamas to be one of the most vaccinated small-island developing countries in the world.
Dear Fellow Bahamians
As a result of our country reaching the goal of securing the vaccines we need, it is now time for the Bahamian people to choose who they want to lead them as we move toward vaccinating every Bahamian who wishes to be vaccinated.
Your next Government will have key decisions to make in enacting post pandemic public health legislation.
Your next Government will have to make other key decisions to build on the robust economic growth started on our watch.
Your next Government will have to make important decisions on rebuilding and renewing a post-COVID-19 Bahamas.
A new mandate is needed to ensure that a Government is in place to do this difficult work over the long term as we are reaching a critical turning point in the pandemic.
I have advised the Governor General to issue the writs of election which will be held on Thursday the 16th September 2021. We have a long tradition of peaceful elections. Let us continue that proud tradition. We must discuss the issues rigorously and peacefully, contrasting our various visions for the country.
In our democratic tradition the people rule.
Your collective wisdom will decide our way forward.
Your collective wisdom will decide our shared future.
All political parties should conduct their campaigns in keeping with public health guidelines.
May God continue to bless and guide our Bahamas.
Thank you for listening.
Good morning.
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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