Bahamas News
Fidelity Bank tops list of major corporate sponsors supporting the Bahamas Feeding Network’s inaugural golf tournament
Beck Group, Royal Caribbean, Commonwealth Bank, Aventus Ventures, Four Seasons Ocean Club, Insurance Management and more join cause
#TheBahamas, September 5, 2022 – Days after ‘Tee Off for Hunger,’ the Inaugural Bahamas Feeding Network Golf Tournament, was announced, many of the country’s top companies have jumped on board to sponsor the fund-raiser with an ambitious goal of providing more than 50,000 meals to help in the fight against hunger.
Fidelity Bank, with a $15,000 donation, is the title sponsor with Aventus Ventures and Commonwealth Bank becoming the most recent to support the cause as platinum sponsors of the tournament slated for Ocean Club Golf Course, Paradise Island, on September 25.
Deltec, Simplified Lending, J.S. Johnson, Lombard Odier & Cie, and the New Providence Ecology Park are gold sponsors, while the green sponsors include Paradise Games and Jimmy’s Wines and Spirits.
The Beck Group, Royal Caribbean International and The Ocean Club, along with numerous other businesses, have collectively donated tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes.
“On a monthly basis, the Bahamas Feeding Network requires $120,000 to provide over 70,000 meals to Bahamians in need. And given that the organization is run almost entirely by dedicated volunteers, it’s extremely efficient in its use of donations, allocating just a small percentage towards administration costs,” explained BFN’s Chairman Felix Stubbs.
Mario Carey, who is the tournament’s host, said the Bahamas Feeding Network’s efforts have never been more important.
“We want to bring awareness and remind people that we do have an issue with hunger in The Bahamas,” he said.
“You know, we always heard about people halfway across the world who are struggling with hunger.
“But the reality is that hunger is at our doorsteps here in The Bahamas. Every day there are thousands of Bahamians who don’t know where the next meal is coming from.”
Citing recent hurricanes, the COVID pandemic, and record inflation, Carey said the outlook is grim for many Bahamians.
“This golf tournament is just one way of raising money for the cause and bringing awareness to this social issue,” he said.
Founded in 2013, the Bahamas Feeding Network currently distributes food through a network of nearly 100 churches, soup kitchens and feeding centres. Each recipient is responsible to report back to BFN who parcels went to and how many members of family or recipients were fed, keeping track of distribution and ongoing needs.
And while the Bahamas Feeding Network’s ceaseless work is enough to draw attention to its cause, the tournament, which will be a two man-scramble, Carey hopes the impressive prizes up for grabs will put it over the top.
Player prizes include a Royal Caribbean Alaskan cruise for two; a two-night stay at the Grand Hyatt at Baha Mar; golf and lunch at Albany; and golf lessons with Mike Simms at Atlantis, among many others.
At the 12th hole, players also have a chance to win a new Mercedes vehicle, courtesy of Insurance Management and Tyreflex, by sinking a hole-in-one.
Those interested in playing can sign up at https://bahamasfeedingnetwork.org/golf.html.
A silent auction, which is now live on Bahamas Local, features a Royal Caribbean Mediterranean cruise; Dallas Cowboys Field level seats and two rounds of golf at Trinity Forest Golf Club, courtesy of the Beck Group; two days at the 2023 US Open Golf Championship at Los Angeles Country Club, also courtesy of the Beck Group; a two-night stay at Four Seasons Ocean Club Resort; along with numerous other top-tier experiences, including dining experiences at Sapodilla, Graycliff and Café Matisse.
Interested individuals can bid at https://auction.bahamaslocal.com.
Raffle prizes include gift certificates to numerous Nassau businesses, including Kelly’s, A. Baker and Sons and Bristol Cellars.
Carey urged the public to support the tournament and the Bahamas Feeding Network in its ongoing efforts to combat hunger across the country.
“The need is there and it’s not going away,” said Carey.
“And the Bahamas Feeding Network is looking for as much support as it can get to continue its important work.
“We encourage anybody who has an interest in playing in a fun golf tournament to sign up because there are a lot of great prizes.
“And if you’re not a player, please consider lending your support by participating in the auction or raffle.”
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.
