Bahamas News
Reading Garden opened at L.W. Young Junior High School
By: Kathryn Campbell
Bahamas Information Services
#TheBahamas, March 31, 2022 – Students at L.W. Young Junior High School now have a beautiful, tranquil space where they can delve into books and explore the world.
The Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin, Minister of Education and Technical & Vocational Training, officially opened the
Reading Garden located on the school’s Bernard Road campus recently.
Bridgette Seymour, vice-principal and coordinator of the event said the school began a rebranding phase during the pandemic with a mandate to “change the landscape.”
“I believe that when you change the landscape of the environment it changes the mindset. If we can get the mindset of our children, teachers, support staff and administrators to change we would have positive changes in this school. That was the background behind all of this.”
In addition to the contribution of teachers and students, Ms. Seymour acknowledged the work of the hygiene technicians in helping to decorate the school’s entrance, create murals, plant flowers, paint trees, design and build seats and more for the garden.
“Some of them went beyond the call of duty coming in on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. We changed the landscape and rebranded the school.
“We got a donation of 1,000 tires. We painted them, mixed cement and filled the tires. We used the tires and palettes to create seats around the school.
Ms. Seymour said the occasion was also an opportunity to thank corporate sponsors who have contributed to the project.
In remarks, the Hon. Fred Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs recollected his eighth grade Reading Club experience as a student at St. Augustine’s College.
“Once a week in the afternoons after school we met to read a book and discuss what took place in the book,” said
Minister Mitchell.
He fondly remembered reading “The Dubliners” by James Joyce and while in university “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston and “Put on More Speed: A Bahamian Journey to Majority Rule & Sovereignty” by Sir Clement Maynard.
“It is still a profound adventure for me to pick up a book and read. It improves your knowledge of the world, it improves your vocabulary and your social sense of being because after all we’re social creatures.
“I encourage you to read and inwardly digest. You can learn a lot by reading and I commend it to you,” he added.
Minister Hanna-Martin, whose first degree is in English Literature, also shared books that she has read including “The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway.
“Reading books is important because it’s inspiring in a lot of ways,” she said.
“I want to encourage you to read. Some of you will one day write books and we hope more Bahamians write books. We don’t have the kind of library of books in this country written by Bahamians that I would like to see.
“I would like to encourage you young people who are interested in that to feel empowered. Prepare your mind as you move through life to record your story,” said Minister Hanna-Martin.
BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna
PHOTO CAPTIONS:
Header: A view of the school’s newly renovated Reading Garden.
insert: The Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin, Minister of Education and Technical & Vocational Training officially opens the Reading Garden at L.W. Young Junior High School. The Hon. Fred Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Public Service, is also shown.
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.
