Bahamas News

Solutions needed to address detrimental impact of ‘Skittle-D’ Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, says Environment and Natural Resources Minister

Published

3 years ago

April 23, 2023

#TheBahamas, April 23, 2023 – The government has created a task Force to tackle the issue of Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (Skittle-D), a highly lethal coral disease which is threatening the health of coral ecosystems in The Bahamas.

The Department of Environmental Protection and Planning (DEPP) under the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MENR) along with the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS) hosted a conclave Tuesday, April 18, 2023 to address the disease.

Researchers and representatives of NGOs and government agencies met at Breezes Resort, Cable Beach, to participate in the one-day event. Phedra Rahming-Turnquest, permanent secretary, and Dr. Lester Gittens, director of Marine Resources were present.

DEPP Director, Dr. Rhianna Neely-Murphy led the conclave. She said as one of the agencies in The Bahamas tasked with environmental protection and planning, DEPP takes its job “very seriously”.

“We saw it very important to participate in this initiative with PIMS, other stakeholders in the room and who will be joining us. Everyone has a role to play and we need to hear the voices of everyone. We have researchers, NGOs and government agencies. This afternoon we will have in the room — the private sector, people who take tourists on tours and interact with coral species on a daily basis. They have a voice and we need to take into consideration what they are seeing and some of the plans they may potentially have. They are dependent on these corals for their livelihood as well and we need to take all of their points into consideration,” said Dr. Neely-Murphy.

Today’s exchanges are designed to promote coral reef research, coral reef protection and coral reef restoration. Findings and recommendations from the conclave will be used to create a policy document.

The Hon. Vaughn Miller, Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources, underscored the importance of corals to The Bahamas.

He said, “Endowed with the world’s third largest barrier reef, corals are inseparably a part of The Bahamian culture; coral reefs are a major fabric of our lives. They are ecologically important, and play a vital role in supporting the economy and livelihoods that depend on them. They act as natural barriers, protecting coastlines from erosion and storm surge during severe weather events. When corals suffer, so does our culture. When corals die, so does an important part of our fabric.”

Minister Miller told participants that the time has come for the nation to move beyond treatment and to become more pro-active with solutions to address the detrimental impact of Skittle-D.

Said the Minister, “Our marine environment, if left unchecked, can accelerate coral destruction.

“Skittle-D disease is spreading quickly. Scientists have already confirmed the presence of Skittle-D on Andros, Grand Bahama, New Providence, Eleuthera, San Salvador, Long Island, Abaco, Exuma and the Cays, Cat Island and the Berry Islands.

“Treatment has been approved through PIMS, the main organizers of today’s conclave, with mixed results. We need to position the country to be ahead of the problem.”

According to Minister Miller, the Task Force will undertake the following:

-develop and implement strategies to prevent the spread of Skittle-D;-help to understand how reef condition varies over space, time and under different threat regimes;-explore how protection and restoration can reduce or even reverse the decline of coral reefs;-and seek to prevent permanent loss and damage of the country’s culturally and economically important reef building system.

Topics for the day’s agenda included: an Overview of Skittle D and The Bahamas Skittle D Task Force and Government Priorities, Who is Doing What: an opportunity for government agencies and partners to share their work focused on Skittle D, What Can Be Done and What Can We Do More Of, among others.

PHOTO CAPTIONS

Header: Dr. Rhianna Neely-Murphy, Director, Department of Environmental Protection and Planning, speaks at the conclave to address the Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (Skittle-D).

Insert: Representatives of NGOs are shown at the conclave on the Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease hosted by the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources and the Perry Institute for Marine Science.

(Photos by Samantha Black/Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources)

Bahamas News

Royal Bahamas Police Force – ARRAIGNMENT NOTICE

Published

4 days ago

August 27, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

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

Published

2 weeks ago

August 20, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

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

Bahamas News

CBC Supports Opportunities for Young Bahamian Basketball Players

Published

2 weeks ago

August 20, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

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.