Bahamas News
Leaders’ Certification Programme graduates told that ‘by action’ leaders bring and cause change
By: Robyn Adderley
Bahamas Information Services
#TheBahamas, July 5, 2022 – Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe, told 33 graduates that leaders give and expect nothing in return.
Minister Wilchcombe was the keynote speaker at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture Youth Leaders’ Certification Programme held on Saturday, July 2, in the Royal Palm Room of Grand Lucayan Resort.
The Minister said that leadership is by action and not a person’s name or their title. They bring and cause change, walk alone, stand when others sit, and leaders make a difference. The actions of a leader speaker louder than their words.
He told the graduates that it is up to them to determine what they do with and the value of their certification. They must reflect on where they are, where they have been and where they are going.
Minister Wilchcombe noted that The Bahamas, a small nation, is about to celebrate its 49th Independence and has achieved so much in a short period of time. He mentioned four Rhodes Scholars, NBA International Drafts,
international baseball players and other notable achievements that have put the country on the map.
Referencing the wealthiest man in Grand Bahama, Havard Cooper who was from the small community of Pinder’s Point. He had no college degree but had the will to lead and succeed.
Leadership is by example, said the Minister, and if in a leadership position, you cannot say something and do something else because people will follow what you do. “You must demonstrate this every day, no matter what position you are in.”
“We can’t expect our country to be better if we don’t make it better,” said the Minister and added that leaders give and expect nothing in return.
Leaders should unite to help make the change in the country, he added.
“Together, we can change our nation and make it the greatest nation in the world,” the Minister said.
Photo Caption:
Header: Participants of the Youth Leaders’ Certification Programme were on Saturday, July 2 presented with certificates during their graduation ceremony in the Royal Palm Room at the Grand Lucayan Resort. The graduates are seen with the Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe who was the keynote speaker (seated center); Norris Bain, Deputy Director of Sports in the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture; Carla Brown-Roker, Youth Programmes Coordinator, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture; Senator the Hon. Kirk Russell, Deputy Director of Urban Renewal; and Apostle Kenneth Miller, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture.
Insert: Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe, on Saturday, July 2 urged the 33 graduates of the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture Youth Leaders’ Certification Programme to be strong leaders. The ceremony was held in the Royal Palm Room of Grand Lucayan Resort.
(BIS Photos/Andrew Miller)
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.
