Bahamas News
WRAP UP: CARIFTA 36 Aquatics Championships staged in Curaçao
By Rashaed Esson
Staff Writer
#TheBahamas, April 13, 2023 – The 2023 CARIFTA Aquatics Championships hosted by Curaçao this past Easter break, ended after four days of hot competition between the competing countries; The Bahamas emerged on top, dominating the meet for the fifth consecutive time with 1,113 points and 85 medals.
Making a splash from team Bahamas is Nigel Forbes of Grand Bahama who broke the 15-17 boys 200m butterfly record time of 57:85 with his 54:74. 
With 37 gold, 27 silver and 21 bronze the 36-member team lived up to the hype.
“The team has been training together for four weeks and the chemistry was there,” he pointed out. “The swimmers have trained hard and executed the win. I am proud of Team Bahamas.” Coach Travano McPhee told media.
Another stand out for Team Bahamas was Saleste Gibson, from the girls 11-12 100m division. Gibson pulled off seven wins for seven gold medals in the 100m butterfly in 1:09.11; 200m freestyle in 2:20.49; 50m butterfly in 30.02; 400m freestyle in 5:06.29; 50m freestyle in 28.69; 200m individual medley (IM) in 2:43.24 and 100m freestyle in 1:03.23.
Pulling up in second place at the Swimming Championships was the Cayman Islands with 752 points and 53 medals; 25 Gold, 16 Silver and 12 Bronze.
Cayman Jullian Crooks gave an impressive performance in the 50m freestyle sprint finals swimming a record breaking time of 26.08, the fastest time by a female swimmer in the championship’s 36 year history.
Adding to Caymans’ victory is Sierrah Broadbelt, the most decorated female swimmer at this year’s CARIFTA Games amassing eight gold medals.
Also, Caymans James Allison advanced to a new time of 50.99 in the 15-17, from his 53.02 last year that had him in 5th place. He is right behind Shaun Malcolm’s 50.94 set in 2006. He is now the third fastest CARIFTA Championship performer of all time.
Trinidad and Tobago was not far behind, rounding out the top three top teams. T&T earned 534 points -, 54 medals, 22 Gold, 26 Silver and 6 Bronze.
T&T’s Nikoli Blackman hit an A standard in the 100 free, setting a new personal best, beating his former time of 50.42, making a CARIFTA record with the Pan American time of 50.07, which of course gave him gold.
His record time automatically goes under the PAN AM time of 50.10.
Coming in fourth was Jamaica with 502.50 points and 30 medals; 1 Gold, 11 Silver and 18 Bronze, then the Barbados Swim team in 5th place with 474 points and 35 medals, 10 Gold, 10 Silver and 15 Bronze, rounding out the top 5 countries.
Antoine Destang claimed TEN medals under the St Lucia flag; 7 gold and 3 silver, and walked away with three meet records, the male 13-14 high point trophy, and the 13-14 most FINA points trophy; a definite win for his country.
Destang got his first CARIFTA gold in record time clocking 56.52 in the 13-14 100-fly, which is under the PAN AM
Games B standard of 57.52. He is the first swimmer from Eastern Caribbean to set a record time in the boys 100m butterfly.
Right behind Destang claiming Silver and Bronze were Christian Jerome of Haiti with a time of 57.30 and Daren Belfon with 59.88.
The excitement continued as Guyanese, Raekwon Noel made history as the first Guyanese boy to win a medal with the country’s best ever performance.
He won the 400m freestyle clocking 4:03.57, beating his national record of 4:11.04. He now holds the title as the sixth CARIFTA junior of all time.
With another record time is Ellie Shaw of Antigua and Barbuda who swam 1:14.28 in the 13-14 girls 100m breaststroke, making her the new record holder.
Next year, the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships will take competition to the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Stadium in Nassau, Bahamas.
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.
