Bahamas News
Bahamas Welcomes 67th CARPHA Annual Health Research Conference
By Lindsay Thompson, BIS
#TheBahamas, May 2, 2023 – The Bahamas welcomed more than 200 delegates to the 67th Caribbean Public Health Agency’s (CARPHA) Annual Health Research Conference at the Official Opening Ceremony, Atlantis, Paradise Island, April 27, 2023.
The two-day conference, under the theme, ‘Caribbean Health and Tourism: Pathways to Recovery and Resilience,’ has in this instance resumed ‘in-person’ forum since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prime Minister the Hon. Philip Davis, KC, gave a keynote address (recorded, as he is out of the country), titled: ‘Health is Wealth: The Role of Wellness in the National Development of The Bahamas’. The opening ceremony was also addressed by Dr. Joy St. John, Executive Director, CARPHA; and the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness, who delivered welcome remarks.
Dr. Darville said: “After months of joint team planning, coordinating and preparation meetings, it is my privilege to welcome you to the 67th Caribbean Public Health Agency’s (CARPHA) Annual Health Research Conference, hosted here in Nassau, Bahamas, at the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort.”
He observed that the COVID-19 pandemic has allowed for the appreciation of technological advancements that permitted people to remain connected across closed borders, and recognize that we have the capabilities to adjust as necessary to ensure that partnerships continue.
“These technological advancements speak to our abilities to pivot and employ progressive modalities to ensure that the important work of health research and of health data and information sharing remains uninterrupted,” he said.
Most countries represented at CARPHA, have in common the challenges and opportunities of the impacts of health and tourism on their respective economies.
It is further recognized that any successful initiative to promote health and wellness among both locals and visitors in a manner that secures and protects continued economic growth, must incorporate a multi-sectoral approach.
In this vein, Dr. Darville said that Caribbean governments should strive to ensure that both residents and visitors have equitable access to healthcare services, safe food and water resources and proper environmental and sanitation standards.
“Member states can have the finest tourist, agricultural or financial products to offer, but if our people are unwell or if their basic health needs are compromised then the expected progress for nations will not be realized,” he said.
He implored the health professionals, researchers, policymakers, lecturers, students and other participants, that as they communicate, connect and collaborate throughout this 67th Annual Research Conference, “to remember that it is the mandate of the health community to use evidence-based research to promote the health and wellness of the people of this region and to provide policy recommendations and program activities that would help in guiding a country’s development and sustainability.”
Dr. Darville thanked CARPHA for its continued dedicated service to the region, specifically for the leadership of Dr. Joy St. John.
“Through the implementation of health and wellness programs, access to health and laboratory resources, training opportunities, strategic and technical advice, CARPHA remains a strong voice in the response to regional public health matters.”
The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is the new single regional public health agency for the Caribbean. It was legally established in July 2011 by an Inter-Governmental Agency signed by (CARICOM), the Caribbean Community Member States, and began operation in January 2013. The Agency rationalizes public health arrangements in the region by combining the functions of five Caribbean Regional Health Institutes (RHIs) into a single agency.
The CARPHA Annual Health Research Conference is a platform for showcasing ongoing research to help Caribbean people better understand the intricate linkages between tourism and health.
As an advocate for Caribbean Research, although CARPHA has thematic areas of focus annually, the research committee accepts all research, which adds value to the further development of policy initiatives. This is also a space for networking and gaining insight into the topics of the featured lectures, or of businesses that exhibit.
CARPHA will continue its tradition of awarding Caribbean excellence in health research at the conference. A special banquet will be held to honour awardees on Friday, April 28, 2023.
PHOTO CAPTIONS
BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna
Header: The Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness addressing the Official Opening Ceremony of the Caribbean Public Health Agency’s (CARPHA) Annual Health Research Conference in the Imperial Ballroom of Atlantis Resort, Thursday, April 27, 2023 and Dr. Joy St. John, Executive Director of Caribbean Public Health Agency, addressing the Official Opening Ceremony of the Caribbean Public Health Agency’s Annual Health Research Conference in the Imperial Ballroom of Atlantis Resort, Thursday, April 27, 2023.
Insert: Colour Guard of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force paraded the National Flag of The Bahamas, CARICOM, and CARPHA during the Official Opening Ceremony of the Caribbean Public Health Agency’s Annual Health Research Conference in the Imperial Ballroom of Atlantis Resort, Thursday, April 27, 2023.
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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