Bahamas News
BASH Launches Youth ‘Build-A-Skill’ Project
By Kathryn Campbell
BIS
#TheBahamas, January 15, 2022 – Bahamas Association for Social Health (BASH) commemorates its 31st anniversary with the launch of a skills training initiative for youth.
BASH Youth ‘Build-A-Skill’ Training Programme will provide specialized training to high risk youth in soft, social and hard skills in conjunction with the Ministry of Education (MOE) the University of The Bahamas, BTVI and other stakeholders.
Terry Miller, founder of BASH, which is an adult male residential substance dependency treatment and
rehabilitation facility, said his organization will work with Urban Renewal to identify young men and women in the community who could benefit from the courses.
During a ceremony January 12, 2022 at BASH facilities in Chippingham, the Hon. Glenys Hanna Martin, Minister of Education and Technical & Vocational Training, congratulated Mr. Miller and his executive team as they celebrated the 31st anniversary, and as The Bahamas celebrates the 55th anniversary of Majority Rule (January 10th 1967).
“Any effort that brings awareness and allows people to find within themselves who they are, what they are, and move beyond whatever challenge they face is very much in line with the struggle of our people which led to 1967,” said Minister Hanna Martin.
“I stand here to support the work of this organization, Terry Miller and his leadership. I am very proud of our legacy, heritage and history.
“You have been so faithful to the cause, you have understood the journey and you have been faithful against all odds, facing every challenge, setback, disappointment. Many would have gone in a different direction but you stayed the course.”
Dr. Jacinta Higgs, veteran educator and former director of the Department of Gender and Family Affairs of the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, in a recorded speech, commended Mr. Miller for his noble venture.
She said the certification programmes in soft skills, social skills and hard skills are needed in The Bahamas.
“Coming out of and during COVID-19, we’ll need an amplification in the offerings for our young people because there are going to be so many gaps that would have occurred as a result of the lockdowns and shift to virtual learning and
teaching as a result of COVID-19.
“Soft skills are critical. Social skills will definitely be needed. The genesis of education was to socialize young people and children toward becoming productive, contributing citizens. Therefore problem solving, conflict resolution, patience, motivation, anger management, grief therapy — these are critical — especially grief because during COVID-19 thousands of families would have lost hundreds of family members. Because it happened unexpectedly, suddenly, persons were not prepared, it happened at a time when there were lockdowns: what happens [then] is the grief experience is going to be more problematic, exacerbated because we didn’t have the old traditional ways of gathering so grief could be shared.”
Dr. Higgs said the hard skills, including construction, organic farming, hydroponics, aquaponics, multi-media social media, solar panel technology, are very much aligned with some of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The goals include: encouraging young people to grow their own food, partnership with the Ministry of Health to encourage good health and well-being, and partnership with the Ministry of Education to display emphasis on survival life skills.
Mr. Miller said the youth programme is an indication of the organization’s commitment not only to the social health of the country but to the most valuable asset any nation can have – its youth.
“On this our 31st anniversary, we are a social asset that has paid the price, stood the test of time and is now ready, willing, able and eager to go the extra mile,” said Mr. Miller.
(BIS Photos/Yontalay Bowe)
Press Release: BIS
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.
