Bahamas News
International Women’s Day Celebrated with Wreath-laying Ceremony at Prince George Wharf
By: Betty Vedrine
Bahamas Information Services
#TheBahamas, March 11, 2022 – The country’s First Lady, Mrs. Ann Marie Davis is appealing to the government for more statues to commemorate the contributions made by women in the country. In her role as head of the Office of the Spouse of the Prime Minister, Mrs. Davis was delivering the keynote address during a wreath-laying ceremony held on Prince George Wharf on Tuesday, 8th March.
The wreath was laid at the bronze statue of the Bahamian Mother and Child, located at the eastern end of the wharf. The statue was commissioned in 1974 by former Parliamentarian, Mr. Oscar Johnson (Cat Island MP, 1968-1976). The statute depicts a barefoot young black female holding a naked baby.
Mrs. Davis said that although many persons may be unaware of the statue’s existence and the story behind why it was commissioned, it serves as a critical element in celebrating the important role that women play in the development of the country.
“This statue celebrates the qualities that many Bahamian possess: resilience, dedication, love and strength,” she said. “The statue, which was commissioned a year after the country gained its Independence, also commemorates the important role that women play as nurturers, freedom fighters and key partners in our nation.”
She said it symbolizes the many virtues of women and is a perfect relic to celebrate on International Women’s day as it showcases, via its reflection of natural grace and beauty, the many roles that women have to play in daily life.
She also encouraged the government to continue to empower women through policy and legislation. She also called on Bahamian women to make their voices heard by pushing for more opportunities in Parliament. Currently, the female vote is about 51 percent of the country’s electorate. It is time for the parliament to reflect that number.
Mrs. Davis reflected on the roles other women including suffragettes, played in building up the nation and paid a special tribute to former Deputy Prime Minister, Mrs. Cynthia “Mother” Pratt for her contributions to the country.
“I also wish to take a moment and pay tribute to Mrs. Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt for her dedication and for making it her life’s work to empower the Bahamian people,”said Mrs. Davis. “She should be memorialized for her courage, hard work and commitment to her country.”
The ceremony ended with the laying of a purple and white wreath at the base of the statue of the Bahamian Mother and Child.
Photo Captions:
Header: Spouse of the Prime Minister, Mrs. Ann Marie Davis laid a wreath at the base of the bronze statue of the Bahamian Mother and Child located on the eastern side of Prince George Wharf. The ceremony was held to commemorate International Women’s Day on Tuesday, 8th March. Also pictured: First Female Speaker of the House of Assembly and daughter of the late Oscar Johnson, Italia Johnson. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)
Insert: Mrs. Ann Marie Davis delivering the keynote address during a ceremony commemorating International Women’s Day. The event was held on Tuesday, 8th March at Prince George Wharf.
(BIS Photo/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.
