Bahamas News
Bahamas Health Minister touts RMH Upgrades in Freeport; upgrades on schedule
By Lededra Marche
BIS
#Freeport, Grand Bahama, December 16, 2022 – Prep work is underway on the Rand Memorial Hospital grounds for the installation of two large hurricane-rated modular units which are expected to be erected shortly.
Minister of Health and Wellness, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville making the revelation during the Annual Christmas visit of Governor-General, His Excellency, the Most Hon. Sir Cornelius A. Smith at Grand Bahama Health Services on December 9, 2022.
The two units will help to alleviate many of the challenges being faced at the Accident and Emergency Department.
“We have been listening, we have been watching social media. We have heard the cries of the residents of Grand Bahama and as we look at the entrance of the accident and Emergency — it has been a difficult time — in order to provide the essential services that have been disrupted as a result of the COVID protocols,” Dr. Darville said.
“I am so happy that we moved swiftly and we purchased these hurricane-resistant modules to bring relief to those who are in desperate need of emergency care and to be able to provide better quality service for the residents of Grand Bahama who truly deserve better.”
The units will facilitate and support the rehabilitative services presently being accommodated at the Sir Charles Hayward Library and house 18 additional beds for the Emergency Room in order to rectify the backlog that currently exists in that department.
As a result, Minister Darville said, the waiting area of the A&E and Urgent Care will be able to return to normal function to ensure that our patients and their families get the quality of care they truly deserve.
Dr. Darville further revealed that an appointment scheduling system was implemented at the Freeport Community Clinic in the IAT Building and at the Pierce Plaza location in early October has resulted in improved patient care in the delivery of outpatient-specialty services.
Additionally, the Non-communicable Diseases and General Practice Clinic remains operational, inclusive of walk-ins, however, the appointment systems is designed to improve the delivery of the specialty clinics at both facilities.
Construction work for the renovation of the morgue at the Rand Memorial Hospital is also on the way, Minister Darville added.
“This essential upgrade will allow for us to be efficient in providing the essential services and to conduct the necessary autopsies while improving the working environment for our staff and more particularly for the residents of Grand Bahama who have to come to our institution to view or to identify the remains of their loved ones,” he said.
“I’m excited because we are also expanding space at our corridor expansion where doctors on-call and switch board operators will have access to accommodation that is so badly needed at this facility.”
Dr. Darville noted that all of the projects mentioned are on schedule and the work is expected to be completed in early 2023.
He also commended the hospital management team for the reinstatement and utilization of the main lobby of the hospital to support the provision of waiting spaces and to provide access to the Out-Patient Pharmacy.
The hospital food service department is improving, he noted, while pointing out the addition of new chefs, which, he believes, will boost the morale of both the patients and staff while feasting on great tasting food.
Photo Caption: Minister of Health and Wellness, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, announces that preparation work is underway on the grounds of the Rand Memorial Hospital for two hurricane-rated modular units to be used to facilitate rehabilitative services and the Emergency Room. (BIS Photo/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.
