Bahamas News
CIBC FirstCaribbean Hosts 12th Walk for the Cure
Nassau, Bahamas, 15th October 2023 – Cancer survivors, corporate and individual supporters recently painted the country pink and purple as they ran, jogged and walked for the cure.
Bringing together hundreds of participants for a time of fitness and fellowship, CIBC FirstCaribbean’s flagship fundraiser, Walk for the Cure (WFTC), was held in New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco and Eleuthera.
The nationwide event kicked off at sunrise with warm-up activities and concluded with a mini health fair, bringing together supporters of various ages.
CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Managing Director, Dr. Jacqui Bend, thanked sponsors, participants and volunteers for their part in making the event a success.
“During Walk for the Cure, we celebrate the survivors among us, remember those who have fought a good battle and passed on, and recognize the reason for WFTC- to raise funds for the awareness, education, care and support of those fighting the deadly disease called cancer.”
The funds raised from WFTC are primarily used to assist with the purchase and maintenance of equipment used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients. They are also used to provide assistance, care and counselling to patients and their families as well as to raise awareness, and stress the importance of early detection, through education campaigns across the region.
Gandize Reckley, with the goal of claiming the “best dressed” title for the third year in a row, decided to participate in New Providence’s WFTC again in recognition of being a 16-year breast cancer survivor.
She was joined by 59-year-old Z. Eve Maycock Dorssett, a member of Just Run Bahamas and Early Birds Run Club, who has participated in WFTC since its inception, and Ranay Roberts, an employee of WFTC bronze sponsor, Oriental Cleaners, who participated for the first time this year with her 7-year-old daughter, Janay Roberts, and plans to come out again in 2024.
The Abaco WFTC event had a crowd spanning all age groups with a record number of young participants. Numerous Grand Bahama participants came dressed in creative outfits including wigs and feather boas, as Eleuthera eagerly launched its walk from the recently relocated branch at Charlow’s Plaza in Governor’s Harbour.
Last year’s walk generated $51,000 for cancer care organizations across The Bahamas including the Cancer Society
of Abaco, Cancer Society of Eleuthera and Cancer Society of Grand Bahama. Since the walk’s inception in 2011, CIBC FirstCaribbean has raised over 3.5 million dollars across the region for the fight against cancer.
Photo Captions:
Header: Walk for the Cure (WFTC) 2023 brought together hundreds of supporters over the weekend. The event took place in New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco and Eleuthera.
1st insert: Walk for the Cure (WFTC) Eleuthera participants eager to start from the recently relocated branch at Charlow’s Plaza in Governor’s Harbour.
2nd insert: Walk for the Cure (WFTC) Grand Bahama participants gather after jogging, running and walking for the cure.
3rd insert: Gandize Reckley, a 16-year breast cancer survivor, met her goal of winning “best dressed” at this year’s Walk for the Cure (WFTC) for the third year in a row.
4th insert: CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Managing Director, Dr. Jacqui Bend, hands out roses to cancer survivors at this year’s Walk for the Cure (WFTC).
5th insert: A record number of children participated in CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Walk for the Cure (WFTC) in Abaco.
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.
