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MOHW to launch Wellness Programme to combat NCDs and premature death

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By LINDSAY THOMPSON
Bahamas Information Services
#NASSAU, The Bahamas, March 7, 2023  – The Ministry of Health and Wellness will launch its flagship wellness programme, which will play a major role in the fight against non-communicable diseases (NCDs), premature morbidity and death.
The Minister of Health and Wellness the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville made the announcement in his Mid-Year Budget Communication in the House of Assembly on Thursday, March 2, 2023.
He said over the last 17 months, there have been both challenges and strides in the delivery of healthcare throughout the country, particularly in a post COVID-19 environment.
“Like other countries around the world, The Bahamas is currently facing a post COVID-19 health crisis and that is in the increase incidence of chronic non-communicable diseases — mainly middle aged and elderly Bahamians needing extensive in-hospital care,” Dr. Darville said.
He added, “This increased demand for in-hospital care is putting excess strain on my ministry’s resources, and the delivery of both secondary and tertiary healthcare services is proving to be very challenging.”
He then explained that many of these unstable patients require recurrent hospitalization because of non-compliance with medication, diet and sometimes lack primary healthcare follow-up. And, in many cases resulting in re-admission sometimes weeks after being discharged from hospital.
“This is becoming a vicious cycle because these chronic patients continue to occupy the bulk of precious hospital beds making it extremely difficult to admit surgical, medical, obstetric and gynecological patients who in most cases, have been on waiting lists for years to have lifesaving, non-urgent surgical procedures completed,” Dr. Darville said.He noted though, that he was pleased to report that his ministry is working “diligently” to correct this problem at the primary healthcare level with aggressive patient education, community nursing, and strong wellness programs to meet the patient at the community level.“Along with the use of digital monitoring devices that would detect uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension in the community, we are aiming to have more patients stabilized at the primary healthcare level preventing unnecessary hospitalization,” he said.Dr. Darville reported that his ministry is moving swiftly to improve the physical environment of the Princess Margaret Hospital, the Rand Memorial Hospital, the clinics, and is continuing to recruit additional medical specialists, nurses and trailed allied healthcare professionals to augment staff where necessary.
“All of this being done in an environment where our healthcare workers are being recruited from abroad,” he said.Dr. Darville said he was pleased to report that his ministry is on target to accomplish a majority of the deliverables outlined in this year’s budget.“My ministry received no significant budget cuts or noticed any major increases in projected expenditure,” he said. “In other words, we are on target to meeting our deliverables at the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Public Hospitals Authority, the Department of Public Health and National Health Insurance.”
(BIS Photo/Ulric Woodside)

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Bahamas News

Royal Bahamas Police Force – ARRAIGNMENT NOTICE

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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

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Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday

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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

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CBC Supports Opportunities for Young Bahamian Basketball Players

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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.

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