Bahamas News
“Sandals Royal Bahamas Joins Fight Against Period Poverty for Women’s History Month”
#TheBahamas, March 31, 2022 – The Willie Mae Pratt Centre for Girls on Fox Hill Road recently received a sizeable donation of menstrual health and hygiene supplies courtesy of Sandals Royal Bahamian. This formed part of the resort’s efforts for Women’s History Month as they endeavoured to join in the fight against period poverty as well as to give back to young women on the island.
The institution’s students and staff also received hot meals and refreshing beverages from the resort. Among the items donated were sheets, bath towels, soaps, sanitary napkins and hand sanitizers. Period Poverty speaks to the lack of access to menstrual products, menstrual health education, hygiene products as well as facilities and waste management. It is a phenomenon that affects over 500 million women worldwide.
Sandals Royal Bahamian’s Hotel Manager, Deryk Meany was on hand to provide pep talks to the young women and assured them that the resort will continue to collaborate with the centre on future initiatives.
“It is important that as we break the bias which is the theme for Women’s History Month, we start by breaking the stigma attached to menstrual health which is that it is solely a woman’s issue. It is a crucial concern in our society and I am delighted that our resort, Sandals Royal Bahamian decided to embark on this journey, advocating for an end to period poverty. This is the first of many collaborations with Willie Mae Pratt Centre for Girls. We believe in the power of community and we love what this noble institution is doing for young women here,” he shared.
The Centre’s Superintendent, Monique Greenslade commended the resort for the initiative and stated that she is elated about the future prospects.
“We are so grateful that you all saw it fitting to leave your offices to come join us here. We are taken aback and we are appreciative that you decided to take the time to visit us. You all are our newest partners and together we can make a difference in the lives of young women who come here. Together we can change lives for a safer Bahamas. I know with Sandals by our sides, greater things are going to happen,” Greenslade declared.
Also present was Executive Chef, Colin Watson who not only served special lunches to the young women but also
promised that going forward, a birthday cake would be delivered to the centre each month, to help in the observance of celebratory festivities.
The donation to Willie Mae Pratt Centre for Girls is one of three community-focused projects that the resort has undertaken so far for the month of March. They earlier donated items to the Nazareth Centre and nonprofit organization, FOAM (Families of all murder victims) through its leader, Khandi Gibson.
Sandals Royal Bahamian’s Public Relations Manager, Renee Deleon was keen to note that one of the resort’s main objectives since its reopening is to impact more lives positively.
“The resort is re-imagined in every sense. The aim is to delve deeper into the communities, to make an even greater impact and help to transform lives, positively. We are pleased, that our efforts for Women’s History Month have forged some meaningful partnerships with various entities. This is indicative of what is meant by community and we are serious about our mission to show care and concern for the ones in which we operate,” she shared.
Release: Sandals Resorts
Photo Captions:
Header: Representatives from Willie Mae Pratt Centre for Girls as well as representatives from Sandals Royal Bahamian were pictured at the Centre recently when the resort donated a few items for their women’s history month campaign to help end period poverty. They also provided the centre with lunches.
insert 1: Colin Watson, Executive Chef at Sandals Royal Bahamian stopped by Willie Mae Pratt Centre for Girls recently where he along with other members of his team provided lunches for the young women and the Centre’s team members.
insert 2: Sandals Royal Bahamian’s Hotel Manager, Deryk Meany has a chat with Monique Greenslade, superintendent at Willie Mae Pratt Centre for girls. Meany was among other representatives from Sandals who stopped by the centre recently in observance of their women’s history month campaign.
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.
