Bahamas News
Minister Sweeting Congratulates Participants of the ‘Best of the Best Regatta’
By BETTY VEDRINE
Bahamas Information Services
#NASSAU, The Bahamas, April 17, 2023 – Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs, the Hon. Clay Sweeting congratulated the sailors and other participants of the fifth ‘Best of the Best Regatta’ during a Closing Out and Trophy Presentation ceremony held on Sunday, 4th December 2022. 
The Regatta was held at Montagu Bay November 30 – December 4. The Closing Out and Trophy Presentation on Sunday evening was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation the Hon. Chester Cooper.
“The fifth ‘Best of the Best Regatta’ — the regatta of champions is now over; like they say all good things must come to an end!” said Mr. Sweeting.
“Over the last four days, you have courageously battled winds, waves and challenging conditions to be fittingly called the ‘Best of the Best.’ I am sure that all the sailors in every class have enjoyed their experiences. For me, an important component of regattas is [strengthening] of bonds that already exist in the Bahamian sailing community as well as the people who enjoy the cultural atmosphere. I have experienced firsthand by sailing with many of you throughout the year and at this event the camaraderie and passion for the sport. You have displayed outstanding skills during the past four days but above all, a true love for the sport of sailing.”
He said that although the event has only been staged a few times, it as made a ‘significant’ contribution to the development of sailing. “Bahamians and visitors from all walks of life enjoy this event through the entertainment, food and fun it provides. This is made possible by teamwork led by Barry Wilmott at the (Ministry’s) Regatta Desk, the Best of the Best Committee, and the staff at the Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs, who worked tirelessly and diligently to ensure a successful event. As Minister, I am so proud of my
team and you all should be proud of the work you’ve done in maintaining the standard of excellence of this event, especially after a two-year hiatus.”
He also thanked the announcers – Commodore Danny Strachan, Dwight Hart and Reverend Philip McPhee for their participation as they were featured in the broadcast seen by local and international viewers.
He said the four days featured ‘exhilarating’ races from A, B, C, and E classes. “I am particularly proud of the E-Class that consists of young people between the ages of 12 – 15 years. It demonstrates that the level of participation in regattas will only grow. You are the future of this magnificent sport and I know you will make us proud. And for our veteran classes, it is fantastic to see that the pandemic did not deter your passion for this sport and that many of you saw it as an opportunity to improve your boats — some even began building new ones. We know that because of this, the Best of the Best will only get better.”
He wrapped up by thanking the sponsors. “We also want to thank our sponsors, BTC, Caribbean Bottling, Bahamas E-Vac, the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) and the Department of Local Government, who helped to make this event a success. Congratulations to all of you and I look forward to next year’s Best of the Best Regatta!”
PHOTOS
BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna
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.
