Bahamas News
Grand Bahama Utility Company Announces application for Rate Adjustment that seeks to address pressure for residents and preserve potability
#Freeport, GB, The Bahamas, April 13, 2023 – The Grand Bahama Utility Company (GBUC) announces that they have made official application to the Regulatory Committee of the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) for a rate adjustment to be effective May 1, 2023, where 40% of customers see no increase.
According to GBUC Chief Operating Officer Philcher Grant-Adderley, it has been a long road to recovery since the catastrophic effects of Hurricane Dorian. “There is no denying that Dorian had a long-lasting impact – not only on our infrastructure, but most critically, on our freshwater lens. Our biggest wellfield, W6, was inundated with over 20 feet of seawater for three days and the consequences to the fresh water supply were devastating. In total, GBUC has
suffered over $15M in losses as a result of Hurricane Dorian recovery efforts.”
Mrs. Grant-Adderley continued, “We added 75 new wells and were able to restore potability to 70% of the island by July 2020. After comprehensive hydrological and geotechnical surveys with local teams, the international scientific community, and NGOs, it was determined that the rate of recovery of the W6 aquifer would most likely not return to potable standard in this generation. We made the decision to invest in a $5 million, 3-million-gallon per day, mobile Reverse Osmosis (RO) system that enabled us to return full potability to the Island in December 2021.”
Grant-Adderley added that it has been a very costly exercise for GBUC as RO systems are extremely expensive to run, adding an additional $2.5 million to the utility’s annual operating costs from its commissioning in 2021. That, coupled with the approximately $2 million in uninsurable losses associated with Hurricane Dorian including over half million dollars in costs to operate the free water depots for residents and 25% discounts given to residents for water usage, has taken a significant financial toll on the utility.
“It is never a decision that a company takes lightly when discussing possible rate adjustments for customers”, said Grant- Adderley. “We know that it is not an easy message to deliver or to hear. That is why despite the incredible financial loss to the utility we have absorbed these additional costs and deferred this rate adjustment application for as long as we could. However, to continue to do so would not only be fiduciarily irresponsible but makes it impossible for us to make the additional capital investments we need to restore island pressure and maintain potability.
The COO further stated that the utility has proposed a rate adjustment with the least possible customer impact while balancing the increased cost of doing business. In the application proposal 40% of customers will see no increase in their bills, while the remaining GBUC customers will on average experience an increase of approximately $8 in their monthly bills.
Grant-Adderley added that as part of the rate case application, GBUC has budgeted over $6.5 million for capital improvement plans. This is inclusive of the construction of an additional 1.5 million gallon a day mobile reverse osmosis system which will increase island potable water capacity, further improve water quality, and address the lower pressure being experienced by residents because of the diminished freshwater lens. Other projects include a multiyear asset management program where GBUC will strategically upgrade aging infrastructure with an island wide pipe and valve change out program, a robust leak detection program, using satellite technology to reduce non-revenue water, continuation of an island wide meter change out program to smart metering and the implementation
of automation of the utility’s critical systems.
Olethea Gardiner-Miller, GBUC wellfield officer, wished to remind customers that they are 100% in control of their usage. “Customers control their consumption and that’s one of the most important takeaways from the Utility,” said Gardiner-Miller. “Our rate proposal addresses key components and consumer behaviors we want to encourage. The first being to encourage environmentally conscious customers, hence no rate increase for the lower usage customers, about 40% of our base. The second being that Hurricane Dorian has significantly damaged our freshwater lens and we must learn the new normal of consuming less or we run the risk of destroying what’s left of the aquifer for us and future generations.”
The full application proposal and breakdown of rates, along with conservation tips are available on the company website www.grandbahamautility.com and information will be shared on all social media platforms. Our Utility Relations team is ready to serve customers and can assist with affordable payment plans to help bring accounts in good standing and can be contacted via phone at 350-9009 or email utilityrelations@grandbahamautility.com.
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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