Bahamas News
MOU Signed Between BDOCS and Correctional Services of Canada
#TheBahamas, March 1, 2022 – On Thursday 24th February, 2022 at 2:00 p.m., at the Ministry of National Security, John F. Kennedy Drive, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between The Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDOCS) and Correctional Services of Canada (CSC).
The objective of this MOU is to facilitate an effective pathway for information and expertise sharing, along with the provision of technical assistance and training in the field of Correctional Services.
In an effort to begin the transition of Her Majesty’s Prison from a penal institution to that of a correctional facility, the Government of The Bahamas, in August 2013, enacted new legislation, the Correctional Services Act, 2014, and repealed the Prison Acts 208 and 193.
As a result of the same, the historic name of the prison was changed from Her Majesty’s Prison to that of the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. This paradigm shift, in keeping with the new philosophical approach to corrections undertaken by democratic nations worldwide, sought to align The Bahamas with its counterparts in transitioning our institution from a sole focus on incarceration to a focus on effective rehabilitation and reintegration.
Shortly thereafter, The Bahamas Department of Correctional Services, signed the first MOU with Correctional Services of Canada. Under this agreement, many officers throughout the ranks were afforded months of intensive Corrections training in Canada.
A second MOU was signed in 2017 which allowed even more officers to take advantage of the knowledge, skills, and expertise of our partners, CSC.
Moving forward to 2022, as BDOCS continues its transition to a true rehabilitation and reintegration facility, the signing of the 2022 MOU with Correctional Services of Canada will allow the organization to begin to implement similar operational and management practices. Therein, the new structural and operational model for Corrections at BDOCS will mirror best practices from the CSC’s mode of structure and operations.
Amongst the many benefits of this continued and renewed partnership will be key training modules, certifications,
and systems that facilitate BDOCS being registered and recognized as a functional and effective correctional facility, based on international best practices.
Some of the featured trainings and systems will include:
1) Executive Management Training – for Senior Officers;
2) Professional Development Training – for Junior and Mid-level Staff;
3) Offender Correctional Programme and Assessment Tools – a programme that allows, based on inmate classification, the most effective correctional programme to be designed, implemented, and assessed for efficacy of implementation;
4) Parole Management System;
5) Inmate Classification System;
6) Facility Security; and
7) Facility Planning
Signing on behalf of the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services was Acting Commissioner of Corrections, Mr. Doan Cleare and Mrs. Anne Kelly, for Correctional Services of Canada (signed previously).
Also in attendance were the Minister of National Security, the Honorable Wayne Munroe, QC., Mrs. Cheryl Darville, Permanent Secretary, Mr. Delgardo Forbes, Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary, and other senior ministry officials.
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.
