Bahamas News
Prime Minister Davis says despite global events his government can ‘stand in the gap’ and ease the burdens of the Bahamian people
By ERIC ROSE
Bahamas Information Services
#NASSAU, The Bahamas, November 4, 2022 – While making his Contribution on the Minimum Wage Increase 2022 in the House of Assembly, on November 2, 2022, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis noted that, although his Government cannot prevent global events from having a local impact, it can “stand in the gap” and ease the burdens of the Bahamian people.
“It has been clear for a long time, to anyone paying attention, that the minimum wage was far too low,” Prime Minister Davis said. “When we came to office, we immediately started planning and negotiating to raise the minimum wage.
“We did not hesitate,” he added. “And we did not let the fiscal and economic crises we inherited stand in our way.”
Prime Minister Davis pointed out that, with the passage of that Bill, the minimum wage would increase from $210 to $260 per week. In the public sector, he added, the raise was retroactive, going back to the past July. In the private sector, the increase would begin in January, with the extra months allowing businesses to plan and prepare.
“Fifty dollars more each week will not eliminate the economic strain on families; but it is something — $200 more a month towards food, or school fees, or rent, or peace of mind,” he said.
“It is progress on the path to a livable wage,” Prime Minister Davis added. “It’s been a long time since the minimum wage was last raised — seven years ago, in fact, in 2015.”
He noted that his Government was “very careful” to negotiate a minimum wage that would not slow down job growth; and were “very mindful” of pressures facing Bahamian businesses.
“Similarly, when we added diapers and more food items to our price control list, we are signaling to businesses that we expect the savings from reduced customs duties to be passed on to Bahamians,” Prime Minister Davis said. “Business owners will still make a profit, just a little less than they would otherwise.”
“We have listened to their concerns, and we have been flexible about some of the details,” he added. “We will continue to review the impact of price controls on both consumers and businesses.
“But the bottom line is, the costs of this global inflation crisis must be a shared burden, not one that falls primarily on Bahamian families working to get by.”
Prime Minister Davis said that the new price controls on medications were in effect, pharmacies would remain open, and his Government expected pharmacies to come into full compliance “in the coming days”.
“In raising the minimum wage and expanding price controls, my Government is holding firm in protecting the interests of the Bahamian people,” he said.
Prime Minister Davis said that his Government believed that the increase in the minimum wage would provide some measure of relief for working Bahamians, while a growing economy would allow businesses to adjust successfully.
He said: “The minimum wage increase is part of a larger set of policies intended to relieve cost-of-living pressures, including: reduced or eliminated customs duties on key items such as food, solar supplies, and building supplies; additional price control inspectors; free WiFi in parks across the country; an emphasis on affordable housing; and an historic investment in home-grown food.”
Prime Minister Davis added that, at the heart of all of his Government’s policies was the belief that every Bahamian deserved economic dignity and security.
“That is why we prioritized public service promotions and regularisations, and labour agreements with unions, including teachers and nurses,” he said. “That’s why we’ve provided relief grants to those who were particularly hit hard by the lockdowns.
“That’s why we’re investing in small businesses, and in expanding education and training,” he added. “That’s why we’re diversifying the economy, to broaden and deepen opportunities.”
Prime Minister Davis pointed out that his Government’s goal for the Bahamian economy went beyond recovery.
“I don’t want to turn back the clock – because, let’s be honest – there’s never been a time when our economy created enough opportunities for Bahamian advancement and ownership,” he said. “Returning to the past economy isn’t the goal.
“Creating a new, more inclusive economy is the goal.”
“Many Bahamians have achieved remarkable success, but thousands more can and should join them,” Prime Minister Davis added. “It is my fervent prayer that we all find common ground in a shared commitment to lifting up Bahamians and building a stronger and more resilient Bahamas.”
(BIS Photo/Ulric Woodside)
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.
