Bahamas News
Bahamas Lobbies US Congress and Senate for Hurricane Restoration and Mitigation Assistance
#TheBahamas, June 17, 2022 – On Monday and Tuesday, June 12th and 13th 2022, a Bahamian ministerial delegation comprising Minister of Works & Utilities Alfred M. Sears, QC, Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Public Service, Frederick Mitchell, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Ryan Pinder, Ambassador Wendall Jones and their respective technical and support staff met with various US Government officials in Washington, D.C. The purpose of these meetings was to lobby for financial assistance from the United States Government to support Hurricane Dorian restoration projects in Abaco and Grand Bahama as well as infrastructural improvement around the AUTEC Base in Andros.
Attending these meetings were United States Senators, Congresspersons and their respective Staff members including:-
- Senator Brian Schatz (D – HI), Member of Appropriations Subcommittees on Defense, and Military Construction; Member of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on State Department and USAID Management
- Senator Marco Rubio (R – FL), Vice Chairman of Select Committee on Intelligence, Member of Appropriations Subcommittees on Military Construction and State and Foreign Operations; Ranking Member on Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere
- Senator Jon Tester (D – MT), Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense; Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction
- Congressman Mike Waltz (R – FL), Member of the House Armed Services Committee
- Congressman John Rutherford (R – FL), Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction
- Congresswoman Kathy Castor (D – FL), Chair of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis
- Congresswoman Lois Frankel (D – FL), Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations
- Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D – CA), Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations
- Senator Bill Hagerty (R – TN), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on State Department and USAID Management; Member of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere; Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Military Construction and State and Foreign Operations
- Congressman Ken Calvert (R – CA), Ranking Member of Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense
- Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D – MN), Chair of the AppropriationsSubcommittee on Defense
- Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D – FL), Chair of theAppropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction
- Congressman Gregory Meeks (D – NY), Chair of the House Foreign AffairsCommittee
- Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D – CA), Chair of the House Financial Services Committee
This trip was made pursuant to a Cabinet decision that the Government, in partnership with a local Bahamian foundation, engaged the US law firm of Holland & Knight to lobby the United States Government for financial assistance to support hurricane restoration and mitigation in The Bahamas.
The delegation thanks the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas for his commitment and continued support of this engagement.
The Government of the Bahamas expresses gratitude to Holland & Knight and its partner Jim Davis for coordinating this initiative, and also to the talented team from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bahamas Embassy in
Washington, in particular Ms. Farrah Styles, Leshia Deveaux and Jade Williams, for facilitating the work of the delegation.
The Government also thanks the members of the US Senate and Congress and their staff for meeting with our delegation and for their expressions of support for The Bahamas.
The Bahamas remains committed to its partnership with the United States through its bilateral agreements, inter-locking borders and shared values.
The delegation returned to The Bahamas on Wednesday, June 14, 2022.
Release: Bahamas Information Services/ Ministry of Works and Utilities
Photo Captions:
Header: Pictured from left to right: Ambassador Wendall Jones, Minister Frederick Mitchell, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Minister Alfred Sears and Attorney General Ryan Pinder.
1st insert: Pictured left to right: Ambassador Wendall Jones, Congressman Gregory Meeks, Jim Davis, Minister Alfred Sears and Attorney General Leo Ryan Pinder.
2nd insert: Pictured left to right: Minister Alfred Sears, Minister Frederick Mitchell, Senator Bill Hagerty, Attorney General Leo Ryan Pinder and Ambassador Wendall Jones.
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.
