Bahamas News
Ten year old blows the judges away with vegan dishes In Young Chef Junior High Culinary Contest
By KATHRYN CAMPBELL
Bahamas Information Services
#Nassau, The Bahamas, October 29, 2022 – A water leak at her station in the newly renovated kitchen at L.W. Young Junior High School did not deter 10-year-old Amina Eneas, a student of Akhepran International Academy, from grabbing the top spot in the 2022 Bahamas Young Chef Culinary Competition.
Her guava infused jasmine rice dish (topped with pigeon pattie) and lemon no-bake vegan cheesecake and triple-layered lemon walnut cookie with guava cheesecake filling on crispy banana leaf coils won first place in the New Providence District with a whopping 910 points.
The aspiring chef and doctor (surgeon or gynecologist) has advanced to the national round of the junior division set
for the week of November 7th. She beat four students for a first place finish in the New Providence District Competition.
Amina’s flour and rice vegan dishes blew away the judges. Chef Joel Johnson, one of six judges, declared, “She did a wonderful job.”
“Her bean pattie was really good: I watched you try it, taste it, messed it up, restarted it, corrected it at least twice — before she finally put it on a plate. The rice flavor was awesome; the salsa was on point. The presentation was clean, simple. This is the type of stuff that want to I see as an appetizer in a restaurant.”
Chef Johnson said he was “completely shocked” by Amina’s dessert. “The fact that you made all of these sauces was impressive. I was not expecting the flavors. When she told me it was an avocado mousse I was expecting something completely different. When I tasted it I was thoroughly impressed. Everything was unique and I think that’s what a lot of people coming into competitions tend to miss. Because you’re in a competition you want to go so big you forget that you should be nice, simple and clean.”
He also praised Amina for her presentation (plating) and the flavor in her dishes. “You have a lot of growing to do, so I can only imagine that it gets better.”
Chef Clement Williams agreed. “The flavors, texture and combination — I could not believe you were 10-years-old and so calm. You worked in water, you were at a disadvantage, everything started leaking and running from you but you stayed right there. Your poise for a 10-year-old was way beyond expectation. The dish is really good.”
After two hours in the kitchen followed by interviews with the judges, who are all professional chefs, Raquel Turnquest, Education Officer, Family and Consumer Science Unit, revealed the winners: Rishantae Spence of A.F. Adderley placed second; Deja Taylor, a student of Queen’s College, and Destiny Cleare of L.W. Young Junior High School earned a statistical tie for third place; and Ezra Pinder, a student of S.C. McPherson Junior High School finished fourth.
Amina, whose Mom coached her to success, said she felt “great” and was “happy” that the contest was over.
“I put a lot of time and work into it and practiced the two dishes until very late into the night.”
Before the 10:00 am start, Ms. Turnquest thanked the students. “We thank you very much for persevering to the end. Others started practicing but could not make it across the finish line for the semi-finals so we congratulate you for making it to this point. You are the future of culinary arts in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. We look forward to great things from each and every one of you,” she said.
She also acknowledged Krizzia Williams, who represented Robin Hood Flour and Mahatma Rice, which along with the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training, sponsored the contest now into its 30th year.
The students were required to use any of the rice and flour products to design, prepare, cook and present their dishes based on the theme “Bahamian Culinary Arts: Sustainability Across Land and Sea.”
Chief Judge Chef Gerald Rolle introduced the judges. They were: Chef Michael Adderley, Chef Addiemae Farrington, Chef Celeste Smith, Chef Joel Johnson and Chef Clement Williams.
Chef Rolle congratulated the junior students and advised them to produce the items what they have been practicing throughout the past weeks. “Be confident in what you do. This is a fun event. Ensure that the equipment is working and that you have all the ingredients that you need,” he said.
Alan Orreal, VP of Culinary Operations and Ludovic Audaux, Senior Executive Pastry Chef at Atlantis, Paradise Island, dropped by to view the students at work.
The VP said, “We’re here today to have a look at the high school students competing in the national competition. Atlantis plays a really large role in food and beverage in hospitality in the country. We feel it’s important to support, and not only be seen to be supporting — but actually provide support.
“The first impressions are really strong. The students are really engaged in what they are doing,” he said.
Chef Audaux was also impressed with the work of the budding chefs and sees a “bright” future in culinary arts in the country. He declared they like involving new talents, and that it often turns out best when those talents start developing early.
Following interviews with the students and presentations of dishes, Ms. Turnquest reminded the students that they are all winners. “You have persevered and come to this level to represent the entire island of New Providence for junior high school students. Just for you to make it to this point — understand that you are all winners. You have done an excellent job and I look forward to seeing you at the nationals.”
Chef Rolle commended the students and their coaches for the presentation of their tables. “The displays on the tables were some of the best we’ve seen in years. I love it…. You put thought and time into it. Well done!”
Photo Captions:
BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna
Header: Amina’s winning dishes.
1st insert: Amina Eneas is pictured preparing her dishes during the contest.
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.
