Bahamas News
LaRoda informs House Members of efforts to address Exuma flooding
NASSAU, The Bahamas – Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, the Hon. Myles LaRoda, Monday applauded the efforts of disaster risk managers and emergency response personnel on the ground in Exuma in the wake of the severe flooding that has impacted parts of the mainland.
Mr. LaRoda provided an update to House Members with regards to the local and national efforts to address the flooding. Areas impacted included Rolleville, Farmer’s Hill, the Forest, Barraterre, East Exuma, George Town and Roker’s Point.
State-Minister LaRoda, who is responsible for Disaster Risk Management and Emergency Response among his other duties, said the action taken by Disaster Risk Managers and Emergency Response personnel in Exuma highlighted a
key component of the country’s Comprehensive Disaster Risk Management Strategy which plans for island-communities across The Bahamas to have the capability to effectively respond to disasters, emergencies and/or Severe Weather Events until help can arrive from outside of those communities.
Some of the actions undertaken included the opening of shelters, conducting initial damage assessments, and creating run-offs for the standing floodwater in order to mitigate some of the short, medium and/or long-term negative impacts floods can have on lives, properties, infrastructure and businesses.
Personnel from the Ministry of Public Works, the Department of Local Government and the Water and Sewerage Corporation, collaborated to determine the swiftest and safest ways to reduce water levels in order to avoid some of the potential hazards associated with floodwater – a priority. Their actions included using heavy equipment to create drain-offs for the floodwater to the ocean.
Exuma’s Swift Water Rescue Team was placed on Alert in the event they were needed to conduct water rescues. Additionally, the island’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) was activated to effectively manage the situation from ground level, coordinating efforts with various agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency.
“Madame Speaker, one major aspect of the country’s Comprehensive Disaster Risk Management Strategy is to ensure that island communities across The Bahamas are able to mobilize and assist themselves in the event of a disaster or emergency until help from the outside can arrive. This is exactly what occurred in Exuma,” the State-Minister said.
(Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Philip E. Davis, K.C., toured the affected areas along with senior government officials.)
Officials at the Bahamas Department of Meteorology, reported that rainfall amounts of 8.92 inches were recorded in Exuma on Wednesday, June 7, with an additional 2.73 inches recorded on Thursday, June 8. It is estimated that an additional 12 inches of rainfall occurred in Exuma over the Friday, Saturday and Sunday period. Long Island recorded 1.10 inches of rainfall on Wednesday June 7, 4.90 inches on Thursday June 8, and an estimated 6 inches (Friday, Saturday and Sunday).
The trough responsible for the heavy rainfall over the past five days was forecasted to continue to linger over The Bahamas until Tuesday (June 13), before moving away from The Bahamas by Wednesday June 14.
State-Minister LaRoda told Parliament that Damage Assessment Teams and Emergency Response personnel from New Providence — including personnel from the Ministry of Works, Water and Sewerage, Social Services and the Ministry of Health — were dispatched to Exuma to assist with the local efforts. They have been tasked with conducting further assessments, providing the necessary aid, and initiating relief measures where necessary.
With regards to the National Response, Mr. LaRoda said the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), after contacting officials from the Ministry of Works and Utilities, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, and the Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) was able to facilitate the delivery of the following:
- Heavy duty pump from the WSC.
-
300 feet of hose for pump – MWU.
-
Two (2) heavy duty pumps from Bahamas Striping
The following were made available from NEMA’s Coral Harbour
Warehouse:
- Two pallets of tarps of various sizes to assist where necessary.
-
Four (4) dewatering pumps and hoses.
-
Six (6) Chemical backpacks – for mosquito spraying.
-
Two, 10 KW portable generators and fuel containers.
All items noted above were delivered to HMBS Lawrence Major for transport to Exuma.
Mr. LaRoda took the opportunity to “once again” caution citizens and residents who haven’t already done so, to take action in order to be better prepared for all Severe Weather Events.
“Disasters can occur at any time. Knowing your risks and vulnerabilities can help to save lives. Ensure that you understand how to interpret forecasts and alerts, and know what to do before, during, and after,” he cautioned.
“Create emergency plans for your families. These plans should include evacuation plans, especially for persons residing in coastal, low-lying, and/or flood-prone areas. Know the location of shelters and the best, quickest and safest routes to get to them. Replenish your stock of emergency supplies, and take the necessary measures to protect property and possessions.
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.
