Bahamas News
United States Holds US-CARICOM Partnership Reception in Honour of Relationship
March 6, 2023 – Ahead of the 44th Regular Meeting of the Heads of Government of CARICOM, officials of the United States Embassy in Nassau held a reception in honour of the leaders of the Caribbean Community.
The U.S. -CARICOM Partnership Reception was held on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2023 at the U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission’s Residence, and hosted by Charge d’Affaires Usha Pitts.
Present were the Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Chair of CARICOM; Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon. Fred Mitchell; Her Excellency Leslia Miller-Brice, Bahamas High Commissioner to CARICOM; and Dr. Carla Natalie Barnett, Secretary General, CARICOM; the 27-member U.S. Delegation led by Brian Nichols, U.S. Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs; and John Kerry, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate. Other high level representatives from The Bahamas, the U.S. and CARICOM were also present.
“What a pleasure to be with you all tonight, as we celebrate the time-honoured relationship between the United States and the nations of CARICOM,” said Prime Minister Davis.
He extended heartfelt appreciation to the United States for its ongoing commitment to supporting the nations of CARICOM as member-states build a more secure and prosperous future for its people.
He also specifically thanked Mr. Kerry his “comrade in arms” for his continued support in the fight against Climate Change.
And, in his remarks, Mr. Kerry spoke about continued efforts to advance international cooperation among nations particularly vulnerable to the climate crisis. He also thanked Prime Minister Davis for the “extraordinary job” in hosting CARICOM.
Mr. Kerry said he has the privilege of representing US President Joe Biden and that the US is a part of the solution.
“It takes every country to be a part of this journey. We all have a vested interest to do what our citizens want us to do — deal with this issue — climate change. We are all in this together.
He was “looking forward to CARICOM becoming more important regionally and globally,” he said.
While observing that what happens in one country can have ripple effects on the entire hemisphere, the prime minister said all must work expeditiously to bridge the gaps and strengthen durable partnerships.
“My friends let me say once more, we stand to gain so much by coming together. The fabric of our societies is already interwoven. Our Caribbean sons and daughters are going on to do great things in the United States,” he said.
“It is no secret that ours is a shared history, and that our tomorrows are closely intertwined. More and more, the challenges we face are refusing to confine themselves to the boundaries of nation and region.”
According to the prime minister, together, all partners are better equipped to confront the existential threats of climate change, to pursue a people-centred approach to development, and to address social inequality in all its forms.
He also observed that unity would be the key in cultivating a just, equitable and prosperous hemisphere.
“We have already seen the power of cooperation proven by the success of CARICOM nations in lobbying for a loss and damage fund at COP27,” the prime minister said.
He pointed out that this is seen in the security partnership between the United States and The Bahamas, an enterprise that has endured since our independence in 1973.
And most recently, that partnership saw the donation of 20 new hybrid SUVs to The Bahamas – a contribution that will go a long way in assisting the crime-fighting efforts of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
On behalf of the Caribbean Community, the prime minister also acknowledged the $5.53million Pfizer vaccines in the fight against COVID-19, donated by the US in 2021, at the request of then Chair of CARICOM Dr. the Hon. Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.
“For those gifts and many others, we say thank you. And we look forward to future collaboration not only in the realm of security, but trade, health, and human rights,” he said.
Added the prime minister, “As we, the leaders of CARICOM, zealously pursue the sustainable development of our respective territories, [we] know that the continued investment of the United States will go a long way in safeguarding harmony and strengthening resilience within our region.
“Collaboration in the areas of economic diversification, clean energy transition, and climate resilience is especially welcomed.”
Moreover, having just witnessed the “immense talent” of Barbadian singer Rihanna at the Super Bowl LVII halftime show, “I think it’s safe to say that the Caribbean-American connection is an impressive one, capable of astounding not merely at level of the hemisphere, but the entire globe,” the prime minister said.
Moving forward, he said he would be delighted to see new opportunities emerge for deepening cultural and educational exchange between the Caribbean and the United States.
“The future is certainly ripe for fresh enterprises in the sectors of tourism, education, and the orange economy, so let us innovate and endeavour to strengthen the existing ties between our regions,” the prime minister said.
“I look forward to sharing in the fruits of our labour and I trust ours is a partnership that will carry on promoting peace, stability, and wellbeing in the Americas,” he concluded.
“The work of Assistant Secretary Nichols will reflect the shared partnership, continued US support for The Bahamas, and improved coordination with CARICOM, as mentioned by Charge d’Affaires Pitts in her opening remarks.”
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.
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