Bahamas News

Nine Challenging Months Births Single Mom’s Cancer Survival Testimony

Published

5 years ago

October 30, 2021

#TheBahamas, October 30, 2021 – In a span of nine challenging months last year, Anya Adderley overcame pneumonia, COVID-19, cancer related port placement and bilateral mastectomies surgeries, two emergency room visits, hospitalization, and sixteen rounds of chemotherapy.

“Every day I wake up, I am grateful and thankful,” says breast cancer survivor, Anya Adderley. “I look for the positive in everything that comes my way. If it’s anything to do with negativity, I just don’t take it on. Last year was the trial, this year is the testimony.”

The 44-year-old’s journey through these health-related challenges began after she felt a lump in her left breast during a self-examination. Anya, who had to postpone her annual physical due to the March 2020 start of COVID-19 travel restrictions, eventually brought the lump to her sister’s attention in September who advised she get it checked, which she did during her gynecologist check-up a few weeks later.

Following her doctor’s advisory and subsequent mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy, Anya received the results noting malignancy and a Stage 2 Breast Cancer diagnosis.

“Mentally I was preparing myself for it because from the time I felt the lump and I felt it growing, I knew it would be possible for it to develop into breast cancer,” said Anya.

“I said to God, ‘I’m going to promise you two things and I ask one thing of you: whatever it is, please, just give me the strength to deal with it and I promise you: 1. I’ll never question you and 2. Never complain.’”

October 27 marked the day she received news that her place of work was ceasing operations. Anya, with just four months of health insurance available to her, had to process both difficult news items, but quickly started the process to plan the best way forward to beat breast cancer.

She said, “A lot of people treat cancer as a death sentence but I didn’t see it as that. I just saw it as something God brought me to, so I knew He would bring me through it. That was my belief that I held on to and still hold on to every day.”

Andre, Anya’s now 9-year-old son, was also the single mom’s source of motivation. Despite extreme hair and weight loss, soreness, mouth sores, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting, giving up the fight and giving into cancer, was not an option.

Anya also thanks, for their continued support, her immediate family, which includes her mom, Edna, two sisters, Sabrina and Julanda, as well as other family members, friends, St. Andrew’s Church, and her work family from its George Town and East Street and Soldier Road locations.

Declared cancer free on July 19 2021, and now going through post-double mastectomy reconstruction, Anya’s advice is for everyone to pay attention to their body, to take their health seriously, get regular check-ups and physicals.

“Try to maximize being the best person you can be. Even if it is just giving someone a friendly smile or a kind gesture. Also, never believe that it cannot happen to you. Cancer has no respect- know that it can happen to you but just live your best life.

In The Bahamas, CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Walk for the Cure has raised nearly half a million dollars for cancer care organizations in New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco and Eleuthera since inception.

The funds generated from the annual event are primarily used to assist with the purchase and maintenance of equipment used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients like Anya Adderley once was. They are also used to provide assistance, care and counselling to patients and their families as well as to raise awareness, and stress the importance of early detection, through education campaigns across the region.

During October, CIBC FirstCaribbean encourages participants to walk any desired route and virtually interact with the bank by posting photos, videos, and screenshots from their fitness apps to Facebook and Instagram using the special social media hashtags #WalkfortheCureBAH2021 and #WeStillWalkfortheCure, and tagging the bank in their posts for a chance to win prizes.

Companies and individuals are encouraged to participate in this year’s 10^th annual Walk for the Cure, purchase WFTC shirts, and donate to the Walk for the Cure account at any CIBC FirstCaribbean branch or via online banking. All proceeds from shirt purchases and donations will go to local cancer care organizations. The Walk for the Cure Account Number is 201646737 and persons can contact WalkfortheCureBAH@cibcfcib.com for more information.

Photo Captions:

Header: Andre, Anya’s son, was a source of motivation during her journey with Stage 2 Breast Cancer. As a single mom, she knew she had to live and push through to remain there for him.

Insert: Breast cancer survivor Anya Adderley’s advice is for everyone to pay attention to their body and take their health seriously. “If you’re diagnosed with it, seek motivation to fight cancer and never give up on yourself or your faith in God.”

Bahamas News

Royal Bahamas Police Force – ARRAIGNMENT NOTICE

Published

1 week ago

August 27, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

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

Published

2 weeks ago

August 20, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

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

Bahamas News

CBC Supports Opportunities for Young Bahamian Basketball Players

Published

2 weeks ago

August 20, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

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.