Bahamas News
China donates more medical supplies to Bahamas for COVID-19 fight
#TheBahamas, November 3, 2021 – The Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas accepted medical equipment from the People’s Republic of China for its continued fight against the COVID-19 virus. A Handover Certificate was signed transferring the medical equipment to the Ministry of Health and Wellness during a Handover Ceremony on Friday, October 29, 2021 at the ministry on Meeting Street.
On hand for the ceremony were the Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister, Commonwealth of The Bahamas; Her Excellency Dai Qingli, Ambassador, People’s Republic of China to The Bahamas; the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness; Colin Higgs, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Wellness; Mary Walker, Hospital Administrator; Catherine Weech, Managing Director, Public Hospitals Authority; Dr. Pearl McMillan, Chief Medical Officer; Charlene Bain, Administrator Community Health Services; Gina Dean, Director of Nursing, and other officials from both governments.
Prime Minister Davis underscored the importance of receiving the “much-needed” medical equipment, as The Bahamas continues to fight against the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The donation includes 10 high flow oxygen machines, 30 patient monitors, and 10 portable ventilators to assist patients with respiratory and other COVID-19 related issues.
The prime minister said he is sure the equipment “will be put to good use by the Princess Margaret and Rand Memorial Hospitals to save lives.
“The Ministry of Health, and The Public Hospitals Authority will be immediately incorporating this equipment into daily operations to assist with the treatment of patients.”
He added, “The COVID-19 virus has already taken a huge toll on the physical and economic health of our nation. Our healthcare resources have been stretched thin in the face of this unprecedented public health crisis.
“Every additional resource we can bring in assists with managing the strain placed on our public health infrastructure and medical professionals.”
According to the prime minister, the latest set of equipment is critical because the sooner it is put to use, rebuilding of the economy and a return to normalcy can begin.
Friday’s donation is the seventh batch of medical supplies and equipment offered by the Chinese Government to The Bahamas since the COVID-19 pandemic started.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for increased collaboration and sharing of resources between countries,” the prime minister said.
Diplomatic relations were established between both counties, May 23, 1997. The Bahamas is also a recipient of economic cooperation, trade, investment, cultural exchanges, and bilateral support.
“We are all living this human experience together. We share many of the same goals and face many of the same challenges. COVID-19 is no exception. We must stand together if we wish to succeed. This donation is emblematic of that fact,” the prime minister said.
He thanked China for its continued support, acts of goodwill, and commitment to maintaining strong relations between both countries.
“Your assistance will go a long way towards helping us to save the lives of our citizens, and, ultimately, win our fight against COVID-19,” the prime minister said.
By Lindsay Thompson
Release: BIS
Photo Caption: The People’s Republic of China donated medical supplies to The Bahamas during a handover ceremony at the ministry on Meeting Street on Friday, October 29, 2021. Pictured L-R are: Her Excellency Dai Qingli, Ambassador, People’s Republic of China to The Bahamas; the Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister, Commonwealth of The Bahamas; and the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness.
Insert: The Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister, Commonwealth of The Bahamas; Her Excellency Dai Qingli, Ambassador, People’s Republic of China to The Bahamas; and the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness view medical equipment donated by the Chinese Government to The Bahamas during a handover ceremony on Friday, October 29, 2021 at the ministry on Meeting Street.
(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.
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