Bahamas News
Ministry of Social Services launches first GBV Prevention Family Island Coordination Council in Abaco
By LEDEDRA MARCHE
Bahamas Information Services
#ABACO, The Bahamas, April 3, 2023 – The Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, Department of Gender and Family Affairs launched its pilot Gender-Based Violence Prevention Family Island Coordination Council in Dundas Town, Abaco, on Thursday, March 30, 2023.
The launch was staged at the Friendship Tabernacle Church in line with the 50th Anniversary of Independence celebration of The Bahamas under the theme, “Family Islands U.N.I.T.E. for a Safer Bahamas.”
The mission of the council is to develop effective and comprehensive systems, programmes and services for the management and elimination of gender-based violence in The Bahamas.
Chairperson of the Gender-Based Violence Task Force, Retired Justice Rubie Nottage, who was on hand for the official pilot launch, Thursday, said gender-based violence is a topic that has wrapped her heart for years and she commended the 10 new council members making up the first of the Family Island councils for their willingness to serve.
She noted that The Department of Gender and Family Affairs was more recently created in the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development and pointed out that violence not only occurs to women in our society, but men and children.
“I am delighted today that I am able to stand and hear the first action being taken in the Family Islands, principally stirred on by Mrs. (Elaine) Sands, in Abaco for what I call a pilot project on gender-based values. I congratulate you. I am so proud to be here to see the fruits at this time,” she said.
Ret. Justice Nottage said the implementation of the strategies proposed is yet to come but it will arise with people like the council members at the forefront showing how it can be done.
Permanent Secretary Joel Lewis, who spoke on behalf the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, revealed that the Family Island coordination initiative is not a one-off and is intended to touch the entire Bahamas as government seeks to induce an effective action plan to prevent violence and abuse in our country.
“We must work towards transforming attitudes and behaviours and create safe spaces for our survivors of abuse to report incidents, to access life-saving support as rapidly as possible,” he said.
In giving the charge to the council members, he said, “You are the support system for your communities; you are to liaise with schools, faith-based organizations, law enforcement agencies, health services, the Crisis Centre that’s now here and other government and non-government organizations.”
Member of Parliament for North Abaco, Kirk Cornish and other dignitaries were also in attendance for the historic occasion.
PHOTO CAPTIONS
Header: Member of the newly-formed council, Assistant Superintendent of Police Geniece Barr addressed the gathering during the Gender-Based Violence Prevention Coordination Council launch ceremony in Dundas Town, Abaco on Thursday, March 30, 2023.
Insert: Chairperson of the Gender-Based Violence Task Force, Retired Justice Rubie Nottage, while in Abaco for the launch ceremony, commended the 10 new council members in Abaco making up the first of what is intended to be a number of Family Island Gender-Based Violence Prevention Coordination Councils for their willingness to serve.
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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