Bahamas News
Pelican Point residents have come a long way since Dorian, says Minister Moxey
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2024
By ANDREW COAKLEY
Bahamas Information Services
PELICAN POINT, Grand Bahama – As hundreds of Grand Bahamians flocked to the famous site of the Pelican Point Coconut Festival on Monday, April 1, 2024, Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey reminded them that it was fitting to acknowledge the progress Pelican Point residents have made in rebuilding their community following the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian in 2019.
“So, let us take this opportunity to thank the Almighty God and celebrate together as fellow islanders, neighbors and friends united in our love for Grand Bahama and our shared Bahamian heritage,” said Minister Moxey during the official opening of the 24th edition of the Coconut Festival.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, the Coconut Festival Committee, my team at the Ministry for Grand Bahama, especially the Beautiful Grand Bahama team, who restored this site after it was devastated by Hurricane Dorian. And to all those who have worked tirelessly to make this event possible. Your dedication and passion has brought us together today in this joyous celebration.”
Minister Moxey said that her Ministry was more than happy to be a sponsor of this year’s Coconut Festival, as it aligns with the Ministry’s vision for Grand Bahama’s bcoming the home of entertainment.
She pointed out that festivals like the Coconut Fest serve as a tribute to the legacy of Bahamian ancestors passed down through generations. Such festivals, she added, become a recognition of the country’s rich Bahamian heritage and culture through music and great, great food.
The annual Coconut Festival attracts thousands of Bahamians and visitors to the quaint community of Pelican Point, where the coconut becomes the main attraction and is featured in every meal, dessert and drink served on festival grounds.
“Once again, I welcome you all to the annual Pelican Point Coconut Festival,” said Minister Moxey. “Enjoy the coconut delights, games, music and entertainment and every aspect of our culture. May this day be filled with laughter, love and the spirit of our beautiful island.
“So, on this day, Monday, April 1, 2024, Easter Monday, in the beautiful settlement of Pelican Point I hereby declare Coconut Festival 2024 officially opened.”
Also bringing remarks at the festival was leader of the Official Opposition, the Hon. Michael Pintard, who spoke on behalf of Kwasi Thompson, the Member of Parliament for East Grand Bahama. Pintard noted that festivals have been an important part of the Ministry of Tourism and the Bahamas’ product development and promotion of the country for decades.
He noted that the Coconut Fest is the result of the ingenuity and creativity of the people of east Grand Bahama.
“I would like to single out the committee for this Festival, led by Cathy Laing and others who in 1998, had a vision to take one of the local, iconic fruits of the island – the coconut – and popularize it by making sure that drinks and meals were developed based on this particular product. Of course they infused into the cuisine the culture of the Bahamas.”
Pintard said that the Orange Economy in The Bahamas is exploding, and he congratulated all of those who contribute to it.
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.
-
News1 week agoStarlink Gets 15-Year TCI Licence; Commission Reveals Fees, Future Flow and Digicel Partnerships
-
News1 week agoBuilding a Stronger Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force through Change and Capacity Building
-
Independent writer1 week agoA Second Chance Through Service: Is the TCI Regiment an Untapped Tool for Rehabilitation?
-
News1 week agoGovernment Restates Commitment to TCI’s Telecommunications Evolution
-
News1 week agoFlow Strengthens Network Leadership in TCI
-
News1 week agoGOLDEN MESSAGE: REMEMBER, REPENT, RETURN