Bahamas News
Ministry of Health and Wellness hosts climate change town meetings in Grand Bahama
By LEDEDRA MARCHE
Bahamas Information Services
#GrandBahama, The Bahamas, October 29, 2022 – The Ministry of Health and Wellness hosted two-days of town hall meetings on Grand Bahama this week in its quest to develop a more climate-resilient health system for The Bahamas.
The first was held for residents in West Grand Bahama on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Eight Mile Rock, and the second was staged on Wednesday, October 26, at the City of Life for residents in East and Central Grand Bahama and came hot on the heels of the two meetings held in Abaco.
As both islands were devastatingly impacted by Hurricane Dorian in 2019, the climate change and health project team thought it necessary to begin its series of town hall meetings in those communities to gather information through surveys and listen to the concerns of the residents.
As part of its climate change and health study, the ministry launched its Knowledge Attitude and Practice (KAP) Survey on Monday, October 3, 2022 as a means of identifying the knowledge, attitude and behavioral gaps that exist.
Senior Medical Officer and Project Coordinator Dr. Calae Philippe stressed the importance of community engagement and hearing from the people about the solutions they have for their own communities.
The goal of the team is to work with the residents and make those solutions become reality.
“Phase I is what we call the qualitative; we’re counting numbers, we want to know what do people believe about climate change and what they do in terms of climate change,” Dr. Philippe said.
Phase II is a concentration on focus groups where experts conduct in-depth discussion with vulnerable groups, and
Phase III deals with data analysis: “Looking at the analysis from the data, what people tell us from Abaco, Grand Bahama and New Providence; and then sharing with people what we’ve learned from them and what they think are the next steps,” she said.
“We are going to be onboarding a consultant who will be developing a curriculum from the information that we gain from people to test out an educational program which will involve healthcare providers and community leaders — to come up with ideas or programs to reduce greenhouse gases or programs to adapt.”
That, Dr. Philippe revealed, will allow the team to write its next iteration of the green climate readiness proposal to request additional monies, and so present those programs as climate action and put them into practice.
The team will be in New Providence at the Mall At Marathon on Friday, October 28, 2022 and encourages residents to participate in the KAP Survey.
Dr. Philippe pointed out that while Nassau was not hit by Hurricane Dorian, there are those who were impacted who now reside in the capital after relocating from Grand Bahama or Abaco three years ago.
Photo Captions:
Header: Senior Medical Officer and Project Coordinator Dr. Calae Philippe leads the climate change and health project team as they host two town hall meetings in Grand Bahama, October 26-27, 2022.
Insert: Residents in Grand Bahama gathered at the City of Life on Wednesday, October 26th to attend the Ministry of Health and Wellness town hall meeting, as part of its climate change and health study.
BIS Photos/Lisa Davis
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.
