Bahamas News
Latin American and Caribbean countries shared methods and practices to address fertilizer shortages resulting from the war in Ukraine
FAO organized a seminar on the use of biofertilizers in Brazil, Chile, Peru, and the Caribbean.
#Santiago, Chile, June 9, 2022 – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) organized a seminar to disseminate techniques and methods that can help countries cope with fertilizer shortages resulting from the war in Ukraine.
Fertilizer prices remain high and have already surpassed the record level of the 2008 crisis. In addition, there are severe global stock problems, affecting practically all Latin American and Caribbean countries, especially those highly dependent on imports from Ukraine, Belarus, and the Russian Federation.
FAO organized a seminar to respond to this situation, where experts and authorities from Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Caribbean countries shared their experiences using biofertilizers (organic fertilizers) and compost. They also discussed techniques such as crop rotation and leguminous plants to replace or complement chemical fertilizers.
“We need to innovate to address the shortage and high price of synthetic fertilizers. The diversification of plant nutrient sources is a strategy for a more resilient agriculture. In addition, biofertilizers can contribute to making agriculture more sustainable,” said Julio Berdegué, FAO’s Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean.
Berdegué highlighted that FAO also recommends a series of short-term measures to address the shortage and high price of fertilizers: prioritizing their use for agricultural purposes and improving the efficiency of their use; keeping
international trade of these inputs open; monitoring stocks, import volumes, and prices; and sharing this information through transparent platforms.
Experiences in the region
In Brazil, studies by the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) have shown that biological nitrogen fixation with bacteria has enabled the country to save US$ 14 billion annually on soybean cultivation, by completely replacing chemical nitrogen fertilizers without reducing productivity.
In Chile, the Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (INIA) has promoted the application of organic matter of animal and vegetable origin in crops and fruit trees, such as chicken and dairy manure, compost, and worm humus. These can reduce fertilization costs and increase production yields by 5 to 20 percent.
In Peru, the company BIOEM promotes the use of biofertilizers created with a mixture of fungi, bacteria, and yeasts to improve soil fertility and reduce the use of agrochemicals.
In the Caribbean, countries have used native microbes to improve fertilizer use efficiency and have made their soils healthier and more productive by increasing their organic carbon content.
Crop rotation and public policy
Crop rotation with legumes was another experience shared in the webinar: these plants fix between 72 and 350 kg of nitrogen per hectare per year, depending on the species and climate, and can improve phosphorus availability in the soil, reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers.
“Legumes fix more carbon than cereal crops such as maize or wheat, which helps combat global warming,” explained Teodardo Calles, FAO Agriculture Officer, and Legume expert.
The event Biofertilizers and other available technologies to face the Fertilizer Crisis in the Latin American and Caribbean was attended by the Vice Minister of Agricultural Affairs of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Colombia, Juan Gonzalo Botero, high authorities, researchers, and experts.
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.
