Bahamas News
Bahamasair opens City Ticket Office at Southwest Plaza
By LINDSAY THOMPSON
Bahamas Information Services
NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Carmichael Road area has long been dubbed “City 2000” due to the massive population shift to that fast-growing community.
In this vein, Bahamasair has decided to open its City Ticket Office (CTO) to accommodate that growing residential and commercial area.
The grand opening took place on Friday, February 2, 2024, at the new office spaces in the Southwest Plaza relocation from the Palmdale area.
Director of Aviation and Deputy Director-General of Tourism, Dr. Kenneth Romer, underscored the importance of relocating Bahamasair’s ticket office to the southwestern area of New Providence Island.
“Bahamasair continues to prove to be one of our greatest assets. I assure you of our support and that of the Deputy Prime Minister (the Hon. Chester Cooper),” he said, while also stating that the move is aligned with some of the big-ticket items reflected in the National Aviation Strategic Plan.
One is, strengthening financial resilience by innovating Bahamasair’s business model, growing existing markets, and exploring new routes to underserved and emerging markets. More so, it speaks to the airline pursuing additional sources of revenue and lessening its dependence on the public purse to fund operations.
Two, operational efficiency to which Dr. Romer noted that Bahamasair has been enhancing its strategic planning exercises to ensure a leaner and more efficient operation.
He added that the recent partnership with Qatar Airways, through a consultative exchange, would undertake a comprehensive overview of all aspects of operations and develop a business plan that will become the model for the region.
Another area is that of service excellence – people are at the center of what is being done at Bahamasair
“Nobody could do it like Bahamians and nobody does it better than Bahamasair,” said Dr. Romer who also acknowledged that, “We must explore ways to do it better and be better, by putting a greater emphasis on customer satellite satisfaction and the urgency in resolving problems that will arise. Customers must remain the priority, alongside safety.”
A final plan is enhancing human capital development. According to Dr. Romer, “Bahamasair will play an integral role in advancing our strategy to develop existing and emerging aviators, succession planning, advancing the role of women, and creating a system of mentorship that includes using retired professionals as mentors.”
Tracy Cooper, Managing Director of Bahamasair Holdings Ltd., shed light on the decision-making process in the relocation of the CTO.
“The decision to relocate the CTO from Palmdale to Carmichael Road was a very careful and deliberate consideration,” he said. “One of the key factors in the decision was to ensure that our new location would not only cater to the business community but also provide a convenient and accessible service point for our valued residents.”
Added Cooper, “In that regard, Carmichael Road often referred to as City 2000, emerged as the ideal choice – offering a host of amenities and the perfect alignment with the needs of Bahamasair.”
This he said also reflects Bahamasair’s commitment to provide its customers with top-notch service in a welcoming and accessible environment.
“We firmly that this new CTO will not only serve as the gateway to our exceptional airline services but also as a symbol of our dedication to enhancing the travel experience for everyone in The Bahamas,” Cooper added.
He thanked the team of Bahamasair, including the 15 staff members at the Carmichael location for their dedication to the airline and what it means to the country according to its slogan “We don’t just fly there, we live there…”
Also participating in the ceremony were retiree Wilfred Williams with the opening prayer; remarks by Tanya Pratt, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Bahamasair; Vote of Thanks by Samantha Lookie, Director of Commercial, Sales, and Marketing; Ribbon Cutting by Wilfred Williams – president Bahamasair Retirees Association, and Blessing of the Building by Apostle Raymond Wells. The Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Band provided entertainment.
PHOTO CAPTIONS
BIS Photos/Kemuel Stubbs
Header: Apostle Raymond Wells performing the Blessing of the Building during the Official Opening of Bahamasair’s City Ticket Office in the Southwest Plaza, Carmichael Road on Friday, February 2, 2024. Pictured are Anthony Miller, board member; Dr. Tyneil Cargill; board member; Tanya Pratt, Chairman, Board of Directors, Bahamasair; Director of Aviation and Deputy Director-General of Tourism, Dr. Kenneth Romer; and Tracy Cooper, Managing Director of Bahamasair Holdings Ltd.
Insert: Officials tour the newly opened Bahamasair’s City Ticket Office in the Southwest Plaza, Carmichael Road on Friday, February 2, 2024. Pictured are Anthony Miller, board member; Dr. Tyneil Cargill, board member; Melony Rahming, board member; Director of Aviation and Deputy Director-General of Tourism, Dr. Kenneth Romer; Tanya Pratt, Chairman, Board of Directors, Bahamasair; Dwayne Davis, Bahamasair Deputy Chair; Tracy Cooper, Managing Director of Bahamasair Holdings Ltd; and Apostle Raymond Wells.
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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