Bahamas News
61 Graduate from NTA Mandatory Workforce Preparatory (Soft Skills) Program
Minister Bell suggests NTA expand to offer adult re-tooling
By Stirling Strachan (BIS)
#TheBahamas, February 11, 2022 – “These sixty-one graduates, 45 of whom are from New Providence, eight from Exuma, seven from Grand Bahama and one from the Island of Abaco, were successful in completing four weeks of the Mandatory Workforce Preparatory Program (soft skills) which provides trainees with the attributes required by employers in the workplace. These attributes are related to positive attitudes, motivated behavior, effective communication skills and excellent customer service delivery,” said Minister of Labour and Immigration the Hon. Keith Bell.
Minister Bell’s comments came during a graduation ceremony held Thursday, February 3, by the National Training Agency (NTA), which falls under his portfolio.
Also in attendance at the ceremony were Mrs. Ann Marie Davis of the Office of the Spouse of the Prime Minister, who offered encouragement to the graduates; and Terry Murray, Executive Director of the National Training Agency.
Minister Bell remarked, “We are determined to equip our young adults to be productive in the workforce; whether as employees, entrepreneurs, artisans or any other area that they many wish to pursue in accordance with their abilities.”
For example, upon completion of the four-week ‘soft skills’ program the trainees embark on a 10-week practical skills program in their selected disciplines. Expert, competent and accredited training providers deliver skills training which include Technological, Hotel/Tourism Industry, Office Management, and Retail proficiencies.
The Minister said, “With such valued training in mind I see the National Training Agency as a critical component, not only to the government and the private sector or the labour force and our social development, but certainly to everything that is happening in our country.
“In its creation, the NTA was a novel, innovative idea, but now it must extend itself even further to keep pace with
what we believe will happen regarding the growth and expansion of our nation’s economy, in the not too distant future.
To date the NTA has done work we can all be proud of,” Minister Bell said; as at present more than 6,800 persons have been trained with approximately 52 percent of them securing employment.
“These are excellent results however, there is much more work to be done and we will do it!
“We must prepare our people for the opportunities that will present themselves. And as such, the NTA must think about broadening its focus, especially in the area of adult training, retooling and retraining.
“To this end, we have begun to tackle the challenge of low productivity and lackluster performance in many of our workplaces, by teaming up with one of the most prestigious global organizations that provides high level training for all levels of leadership, management and team building.
“The vision of the National Training Agency is to create a workforce that is transformative, highly productive, service oriented, globally competitive, and responsive to the dynamics of the Bahamian economy.
“As you may be aware the agency was launched in July 2013 under the auspices of the Ministry of Labour and
National Insurance, and eight years later in July of 2021, the agency launched its 17th cohort. As with previous cohorts, the program was inundated with prospective candidates who wished to enroll from not only New Providence but also, many of our Family Islands inclusive of Abaco, Grand Bahama and Exuma.
“Graduates you represent Cohort 17 and I as Minister of Labour and Immigration, I am extremely proud of your achievements. I believe that this is only the beginning of your growth and development. I encourage you to continue to strive to reach your full potential.”
In 2016 NTA was awarded the status of ILM (Institute of Leadership and Management) Centre — the top tier training organization of the City & Guilds group, which is headquartered in London.
Minister Bell said, “As Minister of Labour and Immigration I pledge my full support to the work of the NTA, and will do whatever I can to assist in its invaluable work.”
(BIS Photos/Ulric Woodside)
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.
