Bahamas News
GBPA at SeaTrade Cruise Global 2022: “Grand Bahama Island is Open for Business”
#TheBahamas, May 13, 2022 – The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA) and Invest Grand Bahama (IGB) were pleased to exhibit at the SeaTrade Cruise Global annual conference at the Miami Beach Convention Center late last month, heralding their message amongst the hundreds of rival destinations that, ‘Grand Bahama Island is Open for Business’.
After a three-year absence, the highly anticipated event brought together thousands of cruise executives, decision-makers, destination representatives and leading industry brands for the first in-person gathering since the start of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Throughout the four-day networking, promotional and education event, held April 25 to 28, GBPA officials met with industry executives to discuss current development projects, and prospects for new investments across Freeport’s diverse and multifaceted economic sectors. Reiterating Freeport’s presence and readiness for new investment, GBPA’s President Ian Rolle and Chief Investment Officer Derek Newbold spoke candidly with interested parties regarding key projects coming to Grand Bahama.
“We are entertaining prospects for new projects across several sectors, including Technology, Tourism & Hospitality, Trade & Logistics, and Real Estate development for commercial and touristic residential projects,” Mr. Rolle explained. “Freeport is ready and open for business.
“As we awaited the resurgence of the global cruise industry, our executives worked to position Freeport positively for new opportunities,” Mr. Rolle continued. “Freeport is already gaining traction and, by capitalizing on our strategic location, investor-friendly environment, and ease of doing business policies, these efforts are bearing fruit. With the recent ground-breaking for Carnival’s newest and largest cruise port and the soon anticipated announcements for the multimillion-dollar redevelopment of the existing cruise port at Freeport Harbour, Grand Bahama continues to attract the attention of globally recognized brands expressing keen interest in establishing a presence in Freeport, and we are ready to welcome them,” Rolle added.
SeaTrade Cruise Global is an iconic industry event and focal meeting point where stakeholders across every gamut of the cruise and hospitality sectors convene for networking and promotions to keep pace with cutting-edge industry
advancements.
According to Derek Newbold, it was important for stakeholders to gather to discuss new improvements, address pain points and highlight industry innovations that affect or impact consumers at every level. “Grand Bahama’s presence at this year’s event was critical,” he expressed. “Post-Dorian and COVID , it is essential that key market representatives are aware that Grand Bahama is rebounding at a significant pace and that we are open for business.”
Among GBPA’s primary objectives was to promote the very best of Grand Bahama for leisure, lifestyle and investments. “With the support of our partners Pelican Bay Hotel, Grand Bahama Nature Tours, Margaritaville at Sea and several others, Grand Bahama and Freeport were well represented,” Newbold continued. “We met with several senior executives from the technology, real estate development, events, entertainment and value-addition sectors. We are extremely encouraged by the growing interest in Freeport and believe that GBPA’s focus and commitment to investment attraction will continue to benefit Grand Bahama over the coming months and years.”
Discussions are already underway for 2023’s SeaTrade Cruise Global event, with increased participation and collaboration between all stakeholders.
“The Bahamas is a multifaceted destination with unique experiences from island to island. We want to showcase the very best of Freeport and Grand Bahama Island and we believe that, with the feedback and input from the partners who joined us at this year’s event, we are off to an early and exciting start,” Newbold concluded.
Photo Captions:
Header: Promoting Grand Bahama for leisure, lifestyle and investments was a key objective during SeaTrade Cruise Global 2022. Pictured from left to right are members of the Invest Grand Bahama event team Khambrel Ferguson – Principal, Leslie’s Trades, Della Bridgewater – Operations Manager, Pelican Bay Hotel, Denise Neely – General Manager, Grand Bahama Nature Tours, Derek Newbold – Chief Investment Officer, GBPA & Invest Grand Bahama, LaShawn Dames – Business Services Manager, GBPA and Trevor Simmons Jr. – Business Development & Marketing Officer, GBPA. Not Pictured: Ian Rolle – President, GBPA Group and Nasly Osorio – Sr. International Business Development Manager, Margaritaville at Sea.
1st insert: Team Invest Grand Bahama entertaining visitors at the Invest Grand Bahama Booth #642 during the 2022 SeaTrade Cruise Global event in Miami Beach, Florida.
2nd insert: “Freeport is ready and open for business,” stated GBPA President Ian Rolle (center). Rolle is pictured with Chief Investment Officer, Derek Newbold (right), during one of many meetings during SeaTrade Cruise Global 2022. The 4-day event took place last week at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami, Florida.
Release: GBPA
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.
