Bahamas News
Bahamas earmarks $1 Million for Pilot Breakfast Program at 8 Public Schools
Rashaed Esson
Staff Writer
#TheBahamas, September 24, 2023 – A pilot programme to provide breakfast to 2,500 primary school students was, this week, announced by the Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training of The Bahamas; the plan is to test the viability and benefits of the program for possible expansion to the entire public education system.
Minister Glenys Hanna Martin labelled it the National breakfast programme; it starts in October and the first of its kind initiative is described as a collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the Office of the Prime Minister.
“In New Providence, those schools are Columbus Primary, Ridgeland Primary, Sandilands Primary and Albury Sales Primary and in the islands, the schools that are going to be testing this programme are: Rolleville Primary in Exuma; Holmes Rock Primary in Grand Bahama; Cherokee Sound Primary in Abaco and Old Bight Primary in Cat Island,” she said.
The programme, she maintained, is expected to cater to about 2,500 children for the next year; the cost to run the
pilot is estimated at $1 million.
Minister Hanna-Martin informed that the purpose of the programme would be to provide breakfast to all students, instead of a select few and to emphasize this, she pointed to the current lunch programme which she says is for targeted students and reiterates that this new programme will be the opposite and will give breakfast three days weekly: Mondays, Thursday and Fridays.
“The reason why those days were chosen is because it’s anticipated or projected that in many families, there may be deficits to access food on a weekend and so the Monday when they return and the Friday before the weekend.”
The meals, which she informed have been designed in consultation with the Ministry of Health are described as hot, nutritious balanced meals.
During a Thursday September 21 press conference held at the Office of the Prime Minister, Minister Hanna-Martin explained the pilot run would help in testing the effectiveness of the programme.
In fact, the minister said the schools were selected based on data as to potential student challenges. The target schools were those with populations below 600 and with attendance rates below 89.2 percent in the primary schools.
“Now, research has shown, globally, that breakfast programmes provide support for struggling families, fuel student health and learning, provide nutritional support for children, lead to better attendance rates and fewer missed days and higher student performance,” said Hanna-Martin.
This comes as the Government has a commitment to do whatever is required to, in this case, ensure that children have access to food while in school, to see that they attend school, the priority, she says, and that children get quality instruction for human development and securing the well-being and future of the nation.
Based on the outcomes after the period for the pilot, decisions will be made regarding expansion of the program.
Furthermore, the minister expressed that they believe the programme has great potential to have long-lasting fundamental impacts of learning and students attendance as well as quality outcomes for children and young people.
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.
