Bahamas News
Environment State-Minister updates ‘Our Ocean’ forum on The Bahamas as SIDS leader in sustainable tourism
Bahamas Information Services
April 24, 2024
NASSAU, The Bahamas – In his remarks at the 9th Our Ocean Conference in Athens, Greece, the Hon. Zane Lightbourne, State-Minister in the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, pledged The Bahamas’ unwavering commitment to the practice of sustainability and emphasized that the nation remains dedicated to the development of innovative measures to adapt to, and mitigate harm to the oceanic environment.
He shared challenges and successes of The Bahamas as a leader in sustainable tourism as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS). The
conference was held April 15-17, 2024 on the theme “Our Ocean – An Ocean of Potential” . It marked the official launch of Sustainable Tourism in the Mediterranean.
The conference focused on these topics:
*Sustainable tourism in coastal areas and Islands
*Reduction of marine plastic and micro-plastic pollution
*Green transition in the Mediterranean Sea and
*Green Shipping
Minister Lightbourne told participants that the health of The Bahamas’ seas, oceans and marine ecosystems is threatened by:
*Unsustainable practices, such as illegal discharges into the marine environment
*Marine litter, such as discarded fishing gear and micro-plastics
*Illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing
*Unsustainable shipping and tourism activities
He said, “We must have a common response to these challenges that propel us into action both separately and collectively – and to determine the most effective sustainable initiatives that will serve as the antidote to our common, global, environmental threat.”
He noted the effects of rising ocean temperatures, the exposure of residents to threats, hurricanes and extreme coral bleaching. “The crippling impact to our coastal communities have put our country at the forefront of the climate crisis, with immediate responses needed to alleviate calamity.
“We have built resilience in these areas by implementing ecosystem-based solutions. The government has adopted a No Net Loss approach to mangroves, corals and pine forests. We have enacted a ban on selected single-use plastics that prohibits these items from import. We are training and retooling professionals across sectors to address our local, regional and international challenges.
“The Bahamas is investing millions of US dollars to the effective management of our Marine Protected Areas, which includes equipping Protected Area Managers to patrol, protect and conserve our natural environment,” he said.
State-Minister Lightbourne also outlined some of the initiatives that have been launched in The Bahamas in alignment with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #14 — Sustainable Oceans/Life Below Water.
They are:
- Mission for Mangroves
In 2022, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation launched Mission for the Mangroves which promotes mangrove stock replenishment and regeneration. Mangroves are also a protected species in country since 2021, under the Forestry Act. -
The Coral Reef Restoration Project
Launched in 2023, the project facilitates the establishment of Coral Nurseries through a network of dive operators who offer out-planting packages to visiting divers. The project aims to establish and maintain 50 Coral Nurseries across the Bahamian archipelago.
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Economic Growth/Decent Work – SDGs 8,11, 13
The Andros Community-based Tourism Cluster Project seeks to position Andros as the premier ecotourism destination within the country, fostering economic diversification within tourism. -
Nature-based services at BAMSI (Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute)
BAMSI is a tertiary institution for Marine Science that offers nationally accredited certification courses in flats-fishing and nature tourism, particularly for youth. To underscore the Government’s commitment to Sustainable Tourism, legislation has been enacted that requires flats-fishing guides in The Bahamas, to be certified and licensed. In January of this year, 40 trained and newly certified Guides graduated from BAMSI.
These projects are transformative and focus on creating a tourism sector that is environmentally sustainable, intent on preserving nature, communities, and culture.
PHOTO CAPTION
The Hon. Zane Lightbourne, State-Minister in the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources, recently led a delegation to Athens, Greece, where he addressed the 9th Our Ocean Conference.
(Photos/Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources)
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.
