Bahamas News
Reducing food import, 25 percent by 2025 – the focus of 17th Caribbean Week of Agriculture forum
#TheBahamas, October 23, 2023 – The 17th Caribbean Week of Agriculture officially wrapped up after a week of activities. The event was held at SuperClubs Breezes Resort and Spa. It officially opened October 10. Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Philip Davis and Minister of Agriculture & Marine Resources, the Hon. Jomo Campbell
addressed the conclave which featured delegates from throughout the Caribbean.
Prime Minister Davis welcomed the delegates and said that meetings such as these provided a great opportunity for The Bahamas in its quest to reach food security.
“Food security is a very important focus for my government as we try to find ways to be more self-sustainable. So I welcome forums such as these, which provide an opportunity for discussions to be held on how we can find innovative and creative ways to meet this objective,” said Mr. Davis.
Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon. Jomo Campbell also welcomed the delegates and said that he was ‘honored’ to address the gathering.
“Welcome to my brothers and sisters throughout the Caribbean to discuss a central issue to us all — food security,” said Minister Campbell. “Your presence signals that you are committed to making our region more food secure and have intentions on building upon our successes while also coming up with new strategies on how to achieve this loftier goal.”
Minister said that it was ‘significant’ that the conference was being held during the country’s 50th independence anniversary and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of CARICOM.
“There’s no denying that we face numerous challenges. Climate change continues to be a crucial threat to the world’s agriculture sector and unpredictable financial conditions are often passed down to consumers, however, the theme for this year’s Caribbean week of Agriculture, ‘Accelerating Vision 25 by 2025’ cultivates hope that we can and will
overcome these obstacles together. I believe that a common goal that we must share is a sustainable strategy to empower our farmers to grow more food. Through our efforts, it is possible to make real and steady progress to reduce our imports by 25 percent by 2025.”
He said that ‘Vision 25 by 2025′ sets forth a comprehensive roadmap for transforming Caribbean Agriculture into a thriving, innovative and resilient industry. “It envisions a future where our food systems are not only able to withstand external shocks but also contribute to economic growth, social development and environmental sustainability of our nations.”
He said that one of the key pillars of Vision 25 by 2025 is the promotion of sustainable farming practices. “There’s no denying that we’re seeing more severe storms and more extreme high temperatures. And so we must prepare today for tomorrow’s threats. We are in need of new, out-of-the-box thinking and solutions. It will take unprecedented efforts on our part. But together, we can brainstorm sustainable strategies to transform our food systems. We can utilize strategies such as precision agriculture techniques, remote sensing technologies and data analytics so that we can optimize resource utilization and improve crop yield, all while minimizing environmental impact. Embracing these innovations will not only increase our productivity but also position our farmers as leaders in the global marketplace.”
The Minister said, however, that in order to meet the objectives of Vision 25, the pressing issue of reducing dependence on imports is critical.
“The Bahamas’ import bill continues to hover around 90 percent — a challenge shared by many Caribbean countries, however, by diversifying our agricultural production and promoting the cultivation of nutritious, locally-grown crops, we can enhance our food security, improve public health and stimulate economic growth within our region.”
Mr. Campbell said that the youth should also be provided with opportunities to contribute to and improve the nation with diverse and fresh perspectives to assist in meeting objectives.
“The Caribbean holds immense potential in agriculture. This is why it is crucial that we harness this potential and explore innovative ways to ensure sustainable growth in our sector,” he said. “This week provides us with a unique opportunity to collaborate, share knowledge and best practices that will contribute to the advancement of agriculture in our region.”
On Thursday, a panel discussion on Cannabis was held. Speakers included the Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, Hon. Jomo Campbell; Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour, St. Vincent and Grenadines, Hon. Sabato Caesar; Mr. Deon Gibson, Consultant in the Department of Agriculture; and Ms. Daenia Ashpole.
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.
