Bahamas News
Newly Formed Agricultural Development Organization Gifts $300,000 to Bahamas Feeding Network
#TheBahamas, February 4, 2022 – During a press conference to announce the newly formed Agricultural Development Organization (ADO), executives presented a $300,000 donation to the Bahamas Feeding Network (BFN) to be used for funding of its food parcel initiative. On hand at the Assemblies of God church to make the presentation were executives from BFN and ADO.
“It gives me great pleasure to present this donation to my good friend Rev. Lester Ferguson to aid in Bahamas Feeding Network’s continued work,” said executive chairman and former executive director of BFN, Philip Smith. “As you know, the Bahamas Feeding Network was a huge part of my life for the past 13 years and it was during that time I saw, firsthand, the gap in our being able to feed ourselves. We realize that food sustainability through agriculture won’t happen immediately so we have to continue to assist organizations like BFN in their efforts.”
The funds were provided to the Agricultural Development Organization as part of a $1.1M donation previously gifted by FTX Digital Markets, the world’s second largest cryptocurrency exchange headquartered in The Bahamas, with the intent of it being used to ‘directly support individuals and initiatives to raise awareness and provide resources to address food insecurity throughout The Bahamas’.
“The Bahamas Feeding Network is thankful to the Agricultural Development Organization for this significant
donation to help us fight hunger,” said Rev. Lester Ferguson, executive director, Bahamas Feeding Network. “ADO’s contribution today is a wonderful example of the important role that community partners across all sectors can play in helping to address issues of hunger and malnutrition. While our nation’s economic activity is beginning to pick up, there are still many families who face unemployment, homelessness and hunger. Many families and many of our network feeding center partners will benefit from this generous gift. On behalf of our Chairman, Felix Stubbs, thank you for making a huge impact today; we look forward to our continued partnership.”
With nearly 90 percent of food being imported into the country at an estimated annual price tag of $1.4 billion, food security and sustainability has been in the spotlight with both major governing party administrations standing firmly behind the newly implemented policy which encourages hotels, restaurants and food stores to source 40 percent of all food locally.
On what’s next for the Organization whose mission is to make ‘self-sustaining food supply a reality for The Bahamas’, Smith shared.
“We are currently in the research stages and are getting a better idea of some of the challenges that farmers face. We believe any problems the farmers have can be categorized into one of the 15 committees we’ve formed. For example, we understand that funding is a major impediment for those in agriculture so the Capital for Farmers Committee was established to create finance solutions. There is approximately $700,000 in funding that came from FTX to assist farmers and we look forward to monitoring the impact the agricultural sector will have on the economy.”
Members of the Agricultural Development Organization’s Steering Committee include Philip Smith and Co-Chairs Micheal Bayley, President, Royal Caribbean International; Karen Casey, President, Sysco Bahamas; Ryan Salame, CEO, FTX Digital Markets and Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, Founder, Bedford Baker Group. Special Committees members include Michelle Lodge, Peter Andrews, Buck Ross, Clayton Smith, Shawn Smith, Tyrone Fowler, Dwayne Deveaux, Patricia Minnis, Cleare Hepburn, Pastor Eileen Johnson, Cleola Pinder, Caron Shepherd, Rupert Roberts, Clifton Fernander, Leonardo Lightbourne, Dion Smith, Pastor Dave Burrows, Pastor Pat Paul, Ashley Cooper, Shomekahn Cargill, Olga Munroe, Lillian Quant, Ricardo Richardson, Tanya Rahming, Keisha Ellis, Diane Phillips, Patrice Bullard, Dr. Patricia Johnson, Claire Hepburn, Prince Rahming and Tangela Albury.
Photo Caption: Executives of the newly formed Agricultural Development Organization (ADO) present a $300,000 donation to the Bahamas Feeding Network (BFN) to be used for funding of its food parcel initiative. Pictured l-r: Peter Andrews, ADO committee member; Nekia Brice, ADO general manager; Karen Casey, ADO co-chair; Philip Smith, ADO executive chairman and Rev. Lester Ferguson, Bahamas Feeding Network executive director and Diane Phillips, ADO committee member.
(Photo by Donald Knowles for DPA.)
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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