Bahamas News
At hotel’s re-opening, PM Davis says that the British Colonial name signals ‘grand tradition’ of tourism
By ERIC ROSE
Bahamas Information Services
#NASSAU, The Bahamas, December 19, 2023 – Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis said, on December 18, 2023 that there was no doubt “irony” in the fact that, as The Bahamas celebrated 50
years of Independence, there was also celebration of the re-opening of the ‘British Colonial Hotel.’
“But the meaning within the imperial legacy of that name has changed,” Prime Minister Davis said, during the hotel’s re-opening, in downtown Nassau. “It now signals the grand tradition of what tourism was automatically once assumed to be: travel to unknown places, in the hope of pursuing adventure, luxury, style, and comfort.”
“I know that these aspirations are similarly shared by the 21st-century owners of this property,” he added. “There is an even richer vein of history that sits underneath this hotel.”
Prime Minister Davis noted the hotel’s site, that was rich in heritage, had witnessed the transformation of Nassau from its early days as Charles Town to the “vibrant city it is today”.
“The land on which this hotel stands was once the Old Fort of Nassau,” he pointed out. “Sitting right at the entrance to the naturally deep-water harbour, it played a significant role in our island’s history.”
Prime Minister Davis added: “Would-be invaders would think twice at the sight of that imposing structure. After the
fort’s demolition in 1873, this area evolved. It reflected the growth in commerce, in religious significance (with the nearby Cathedral), and as the visible seat of our parliamentary democracy. After the property was purchased in 1900 by Henry M. Flagler, the original Colonial Hotel opened in 1901, and, as they say, the rest is history.”
Prime Minister Davis said that he offered that glimpse of history because he wanted those present to appreciate how landmark developments such as that one, were more than just offerings of investment, more than just additions to tourism.
“This is not to diminish either of those,” he stated.
“Major investments such as the upgrading of the British Colonial Hotel bring jobs and other opportunities for Bahamians,” Prime Minister Davis noted. “With record numbers of tourists arriving on our shores, we also desperately need more rooms to accommodate them.”
He continued: “Let me offer an example. The introduction of new direct flights from Seattle with Alaska Airlines and from Los Angeles with Jet Blue marks a significant milestone in our tourism journey. These new routes signify our expanding reach and the growing interest in the unique allure of The Bahamas.
“We are not just connecting destinations; we are weaving together the stories and experiences of people from diverse cultures.”
Prime Minister Davis stated that, as they witnessed growth from those new markets, the reopening of the British Colonial Hotel came at a “crucial” time.
“But there is also the broader context of national development,” he pointed out. “Therefore, this partnership with China Construction America (CCA) in the restoration of the British Colonial Hotel is not just a collaboration, but a significant contribution to the economic development of The Bahamas.”
“CCA’s commitment and expertise have helped restore this iconic building into a modern landmark, while simultaneously respecting its rich heritage,” Prime Minister Davis added. “This partnership symbolizes a bridge between nations, fostering economic growth and cultural exchange.”
Prime Minister Davis said that CCA’s investment was also an expression of continued confidence in the Bahamian economy.
“They see potential not only in what we are doing today, but also in the future that we are charting,” he said. “We are grateful for that confidence and thank them as we look forward to an even stronger partnership in the years ahead.”
“My congratulations to everyone who has led or contributed to making today possible,” Prime Minister Davis added. “Let’s all celebrate the revived, refurbished, renewed, British Colonial Hotel.”
PHOTO CAPTION
Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis speaks at the Official Ceremony for the Re-Opening the British Colonial Hotel, on December 18, 2023. Also conveying remarks were Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Invvestments and Aviation (MOTIA) the Hon. Chester Cooper; Chinese Ambassador to The Bahamas H.E. Dai Qingli; President of the Bahamas Hotel & Tourism Association Robert Sands; Vice-President of China State Construction Engineering Corporation Xingdi Peng; and General Manager of the British Colonial Dan McDermott. The Very Reverend Harry Bain, Dean and Rector of Christ Church Cathedral, gave the invocation.
(BIS Photos/Kemuel Stubbs)
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.
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