Bahamas News
One Trillion Dollars Needed for Climate Crisis; Caribbean calling for Developed Nations to Pay
By Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
#TheBahamas, August 20, 2022 – Time is running out and the Caribbean, the planet is facing an existential crisis which requires urgent action from the big Carbon emitters; that action involves cutting back and according to negotiators at the table, it is also means cutting cheques.
When four regional prime ministers hosted a finale press conference at the close of the Caribbean Regional Heads of Government Meeting in Nassau, Bahamas on Wednesday August 17, the message was clear and consistent, pointing to a compelling case being built for small islands of the Caribbean to demand hassle-free access and assurances to climate financing.
“Clearly we are at the front lines of the existential issue that climate change presents for us on a daily basis and at certain times of the year,” said Dakon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada, who added, “I think the issue of climate change has gone beyond a moral issue but a justiciable issue and I think that as islands that have borne the brunt of the proven loss and damage arising from the Green House gases that we are entitled to compensation.”
The Caribbean Regional Heads of Government Meeting in Preparation of COP27 hosted by the Commonwealth of The Bahamas was described as an idea whose time had come. The event, staged at the Baha Mar Resort was praised for amalgamating the forces of the region in a two-day caucus which will birth a document articulating the desires, even demands of a region hardest hit by a climate gone haywire.
“I don’t talk about Climate Change, I talk about the Climate Crisis because this is a crisis,” said Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, who was among the four prime ministers in the final press conference.
Mottley, globally renowned now for her unapologetic stance on the disparities and inequitable pressures small island states are made to bear, said time is running out for action to save the planet.
“This is not a case of good COP or bad COP, because whether we have a good COP or bad COP this year or next year, it’s still a death sentence and that’s the point. And the arrogance of the developed world in believing there will not be failed societies or extinct species is what literally galls us.”
Mottley reflected on the volcano eruption which caused a near 100 percent evacuation of all people of Montserrat and she remarked, “I’ve never seen a dinosaur yet, so we know that there is something called extinct species as well. And the reality is that we are playing fast and loose with our future.”
The Caribbean country leaders expressed that it is time for the “culprits” to pay up with fair compensation and non-burdensome loans.
“What we really should be seeking to raise is at least a trillion (dollars), but here’s why: It’s not just that 30 to 40 percent of that should go to climate adaptation, which only governments can spend on, but the rest of it has to go to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
Quality, free education and accessible, quality health care were cited as among the human development needs which effectively alleviate poverty.
“The developed world accepted that they are the ones who are causing the warming of the environment through their carbon emissions and they also recognized that we in the developing world and we are speaking of the Caribbean in particular are the major victims of their actions and therefore we are entitled to compensation. They agreed that they would provide us with $100 billion a year; that was 14 years ago in Copenhagen, they promised to make $100 billion dollars available to us so that we could put systems in place to mitigate against the impact of climate change. This was supposed to have been materialized in 2020, so we recognized, okay we’re in COVID and everyone has been affected so they’ve put it to 2023,” said Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica.
Skerritt candidly shared his frustrations about the unfulfilled promises of those developed nations, explaining that currently the dilemma is in mediation and by now, in a real world situation, this matter would have evolved to a court trial with the victims resoundingly winning the case.
“The reality is that we have to get the developed world to live up to the expectations, because if mediation does not work, then you go back to the judge and say well we couldn’t find agreement and therefore we have to go into open court to deliberate on this matter and let there be a decision.
The Keeping 1.5°C Alive movement reminds that it was the Paris Agreement of 2016 when the international community crafted the ambitious pledge to cool down the planet. Limiting the global average temperature to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels is the goal, but according to the World Meteorological Organization in a May 2022 report, there is a 93 percent likelihood of the planet exceeding this goal, at least once within the coming five years.
Participating in the two day meeting were representatives from: Antigua and Barbuda; Anguilla; Barbados; Belize; Bermuda; British Virgin Islands; Cayman; Cuba; Dominica; Dominican Republic; Grenada; Guyana; Haiti; Jamaica; Montserrat; St Kitts and Nevis; St Lucia; St Vincent and the Grenadines; Suriname; Trinidad and Tobago and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Meeting host, Philip Davis, Prime Minister of The Bahamas pledged, “At COP 27, our voices will be loud, our voices will be heard and I am certain we will come up with a consensus position as to what we would like to do.”
Davis in that final press event admitted to be cautiously optimistic, “My caution is how the wealthier countries, who are the culprits (if I can call them that) of where we are today are prepared to acknowledge their sins, repent and do what is right in all the circumstances.
I am pleased in what has happened here and I am hoping that one of my colleagues will pick up the challenge to host if (Caribbean Regional Heads of Government Meeting) next year, because we need to do this every year until we get the results that we need.”
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.
