Bahamas News
Colonial Masters, CARICOM is coming as Reparations Committee established
By Sherrica Thompson
Staff Writer
March 2, 2023 – The issue of reparations continues to loom large for Caribbean nations; as such, CARICOM has established a Reparations committee to take on all its former colonial enslavers.
The disclosure was made by the incoming Chairman of CARICOM and Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit while responding to questions about support for reparations for Haiti at the closing of the 44TH Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government meeting held in the Bahamas recently.
The questioned pointed to France as also being responsible for the Humanitarian crisis in the republic.
“CARICOM has taken a decision to establish a mechanism to engage our former colonial countries on the question of reparation, and each country was mandated to also establish a national reparation committee to engage on this subject,” he said.
This Committee will be instrumental for the region as it will provide a united front for Caribbean countries as they seek compensation and justice for the atrocities and exploitations that Caribbean people faced during slavery for over 400 years. 
While indicating that he does not believe the region should just accept ‘apologies’ for the atrocities faced during slavery, Prime Minister Skerit said CARICOM has been engaging in discussions on the issue of reparations and will continue to do so.
“The discussion on reparations, including reparations for the Haitian people, is all part of the discussions that we’re having at the Caribbean Community level. There’s no doubt we believe as Caribbean people that some kind of recompense needs to be provided to us.
“We’ll continue to engage at the regional level but also at the national levels as well and engage the former colonial masters on the issue and the question of reparations for our countries,” Skerit stated.
Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Motley, also chimed in on the discussion, with: “We do take note of the fact that the Netherlands has started the ball, is it adequate, is it appropriate? All of that may be the subject of many discussions and agreement and disagreement but suffice to say that a least the ball has started to roll with respect to the Netherlands statement.
Adding, “I think they need to go further, and I think that our engagement with Europe has to be at a level where… we place these matters for mature consideration recognising that we are the victims now of a double jeopardy.”
Motley committed the Caribbean Community to a subcommittee meeting “ shortly”; to be held to discuss the burgeoning issue in detail.
Earlier this month, the Trevelyan family, a former sugar plantation owner in Grenada, announced that it wants to set a world trend by paying reparations in a sum of £100,000, or approximately 120,478.00 USD, to the people of Grenada.
It demonstrated a small, yet positive step and precedent toward claiming financial reparations.
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.
