Bahamas News
Initiatives undertaken are proof of Bahamas’ commitment to addressing climate change, health matters amongst women
By: Matt Maura
Bahamas Information Services
#TheBahamas, March 16, 2022 – Minister of State in the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Lisa T. Rahming, told a hybrid audience attending the Sixty-Sixth Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW66) Meeting that The Bahamas is serious about addressing Climate Change and health matters.
Mrs. Rahming said the country has undertaken a number of initiatives to support this claim, among them, support for the training of women in climate change and health, the elevation of women to key roles in climate change, the environment, disaster risk reduction and gender, the latter of which includes her ministry’s “foresight and the bold initiative in selecting a climate change and health specialist to lead its gender machinery.”
Mrs. Rahming took the opportunity to renew The Bahamas’ commitment to the advancement of women, while also calling for the United Nations to “stand with us and speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.”
State-Minister Rahming made her comments while delivering The Bahamas’ Statement at the CSW66 Ministerial Round Table Monday (March 14, 2022). CSW66 has been scheduled for March 14-25 at United Nations Headquarters, New York, USA. The Meeting is being held under the theme: “Women’s voice and agency: good practices towards achieving women’s full, equal and meaningful participation and decision-making in the context of climate change, environmental and disaster risk reduction policies and programmes.”
Mrs. Rahming was accompanied to New York by Mr. Joel Lewis, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Services an Urban Development; Dr. Calae Philippe, Director, Department of Gender and Family Affairs; Ms. Kim Sawyer, Acting Director, Department of Social Services; Mrs. Angelique Nairn-Dennis, Director, Urban Renewal Commission; Dr. Sheena Archer-Moss, Consultant, Urban Renewal Foundation; Mrs. Lilliemae Longley, Operations Manager, Urban Renewal Commission, and Ms. Elaine Sands, Gender Expert, Department of Gender and Family Affairs.
“The Bahamas is serious about addressing climate change and health matters. The Bahamas supported the training of women in climate change and health. Women hold key, critical roles in climate change, the environment, disaster risk reduction and gender,” Mrs. Rahming said.
“Women in our Family Islands are not receiving or experiencing the similar opportunities and status as women in the capital, therefore, we must invest additional funding and human resources to establish strategic, local, and regional gender machinery offices in our Family Islands.”
State-Minister Rahming said The Bahamas recently conducted a mapping and analysis of the country’s gender equality commitments.
“My Ministry took the foresight and the bold initiative to choose a climate change and health specialist to lead its gender machinery. It provided access to climate financing to conduct assessments of our shelters and to engage in gender analysis and assessments.”
The State-Minister told her audience that if the use of per capita GDP remains the measurement of wealth and “we are continually denied non-reimbursable funding, it may be difficult to reach the most vulnerable women and girls.”
“We must work together with our international partners to generate funding for research, training, and new economic opportunities to empower women and girls. The Bahamas looks forward to the finalization of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI),” Mrs. Rahming said.
“We ask the United Nations to stand with us and speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. If we fail, the whole world fails to achieve human rights for all. We still have the opportunity to attain the Sustainable Development Goals if we accelerate the research, training, human resources, and financial support to the most vulnerable regions. The Bahamas renews its commitment to the advancement of women,” Mrs. Rahming concluded.
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.
