Bahamas News
U.S. and The Bahamas Renew the Air Transport Preclearance Agreement
By LLONELLA GILBERT
Bahamas Information Services
NASSAU, The Bahamas – Official Signing of the Air Transport Preclearance Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Commonwealth of The Bahamas took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, February 5, 2024.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon. Frederick Mitchell explained that this is a renewal of an agreement signed between the two countries in April 1974, which eases the flow of people between The Bahamas and the U.S. It also
creates a high level of security for the two countries.
In 1974, it was signed by the then Minister of External Affairs the Hon. Paul Adderley and U.S. Ambassador to The Bahamas Ronald Spiers.
Minister Mitchell said, “As we sign this Agreement, the government and people of The Bahamas renew their commitment to strengthening our relations, security and ease of access for both countries.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner, Diane Sabatino signed on behalf of the United States.
Assistant Commissioner Sabatino explained that the Agreement predates the existence of the Department of Homeland Security as well as U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
“This renewed agreement marks the opportunity for us to consider expanded opportunities to further reinforce the partnerships that we have with you in The Bahamas, and look for ways to enhance economic prosperity while ensuring safe travel between The Bahamas and the U.S.”
She noted that preclearance opens an additional gateway into the U.S. and it really maximizes the use of aircraft and gate utilization. Further, it leads to streamlining of passenger processing.
“This new agreement represents a modernized operational framework to be more flexible, to be more nimble and increase the partnership between the two countries.”
Charge d’Affaires, Embassy of the United States of America, Usha Pitts said the main point of the Preclearance Agreement is that Americans can go through preclearance in The Bahamas as if they are boarding a domestic flight.
“When they return to the U.S., they can just get onto their connecting flight and get on with their day. They do not have to wait in long lines at international terminals.
“For Bahamians they enjoy this benefit as well, but even better, it allows the U.S. to grant Bahamians U.S. Visa-free travel, which is a benefit that very few countries enjoy.”
The Charge d’Affaires said there are only six countries in the world that have this kind of Preclearance Agreement.
Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation Permanent Secretary, Reginald Saunders noted that this new preclearance agreement reaffirms the commitment of The Bahamas and the U.S. to further strengthening their relationship and mutual border integrity, and supersedes the existing Air Transport Preclearance Agreement signed in 1974 and amended in 2010. 
He explained that apart from preclearance of all U.S. bound passengers, the new agreement also provides for the additional manpower of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers during peak times at the Lynden Pindling International Airport.
“With the new benchmark of nine million visitors to our country in 2023, this updated agreement will help in improving the travel experience of all U.S. bound passengers from The Bahamas.
“Moreover, as our early projections of tourists’ arrivals in 2024 continue to look impressive, having a stress-free travel experience also bodes well for both air carriers and tourism.”
PS Saunders said officials at the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation continue to negotiate with various airlines and stakeholders to increase airlift to The Bahamas which in turn increases the number of travellers.
He said, “We are also pleased that U.S. Customs and Border Protection is considering the addition of The Bahamas to the global entry list. This measure will greatly reduce the wait time at LPIA by allowing pre-approved passengers expedient clearance to bypass lines and access global processing technology.”
PHOTO CAPTION
Official Signing of the Air Transport Preclearance Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and The Commonwealth of The Bahamas took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, February 5, 2024. The Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon. Frederick Mitchell signed on behalf of The Bahamas and U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner, Diane Sabatino signed on behalf of the United States. Also pictured seated are Charge d’Affaires, Embassy of the United States of America, Usha Pitts and Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jamahl Strachan.
(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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