Bahamas News
Prime Minister Davis tackles Climate Finance and Haiti at Canada-CARICOM Summit
Prime Minister Davis, Minister Mitchell, and Delegation join with delegations from The Caribbean Community in renewed strategic partnership with Canada
#Ottawa, Canada, October 18, 2023 – On the Invitation of The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, Prime Minister Phillip Davis, accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Frederick Mitchell, joined Heads of State and Government from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at a summit with Canada to fortify the long-standing and significant relationship between the country and the Caribbean region and to discuss pressing issues of mutual importance.
The Canada-CARICOM Summit, which was co-chaired by Prime Minister Trudeau and Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit,
Prime Minister of Dominica and sitting Chair of CARICOM, commenced in Ottawa on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, and will conclude Thursday, October 19, 2023. The Summit focuses on four main themes: Climate Change and Resilience, Access to Finance, Regional Security, and Trade and Investment Relations.
On the first day of the Summit, Prime Minister Davis and the Bahamian Delegation continued the country’s leadership in the global conversation on Climate Change. The Summit is the latest in a progression of interventions in which The Bahamas has advocated for a rethinking of Global Climate Finance and urgent access to Loss and Damage funding for Small Island Developing States (SIDs).
The Prime Minister and delegation built upon his statement at the UNFCCC Caribbean Heads of Government meeting in Grenada last month and the recent OAS Declaration of Nassau, Inter-American Climate Change Action Plan, and OAS Declaration of The Bahamas on Climate Finance in The Americas. The Prime Minister highlighted the region’s fatigue with the Global North’s unmet commitments on Climate Change and underscored the need for a new mechanism to enforce these commitments. He urged Canada to support the region in insisting that developed nations honor their financial and carbon emission commitments.
He furthermore underscored the link between climate change and cost-of-living, noting that the crisis has impacted
global energy usage and cost, food security and prices, and the cost of borrowing in climate-vulnerable nations like The Bahamas. He warned his colleagues not to delay action, as it will cost the people more in the long run.
The first day also focused heavily on the rapidly deteriorating situation in Haiti, where Canada has been a prominent international partner to CARICOM in addressing the unrest. The Bahamian delegation joined CARICOM in reiterating support for Haiti and advocating for a Haitian-led solution. The Bahamas also reaffirmed support to the CARICOM Eminent Persons Group which will be returning to Haiti at the end of this month in its mandates to map a path to free fair elections and a longer-term solution for stability.
The second day of discussions will be led by Bahamian High Commissioner to Canada, His Excellency V. Alfred Gray and is expected to focus on Trade and Investment between the regions and Canada and deepening the existing friendship.
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.
