Bahamas News
The Bahamas Assumes The Chairmanship of The OAS Permanent Council
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5th April, 2024
The Permanent Representative of The Bahamas to the Organization of American States, Ambassador Chet Neymour assumed the Chairmanship of the Permanent Council to the OAS in a ceremony of the changing of the Chair on April 3, 2024. The Bahamas will hold the Chairmanship until June 30, 2024, through the General Assembly in Asuncion Paraguay. Outgoing Chair, Permanent Representative of Argentina to the OAS, Ambassador Daniel Raimondi served as the Chair for three months – the position rotates every three months among Member States, in alphabetical order. The Bahamas will be supported by Vice Chair, Permanent Representative of Grenada, Ambassador Tarlie Francis.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Neymour reaffirmed The Bahamas’ commitment to multilateralism, to the OAS and the obligation of the Council to act accordingly with clear strategy and collective resolve. He further stated “while I may be the individual receiving the ceremonial gavel, I am certainly not an individual at all. Invariably, I carry with me the indomitable spirit of every Bahamian in our Commonwealth because it is they whom I represent, I am the vessel to execute the charge of the Government and people of The Bahamas.”
Following the handover ceremony, Ambassador Neymour led the first Regular Permanent Council Meeting of its Chairmanship. Opening the meeting and The Bahamas’ Chairmanship, a video from the Honourable Frederick Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs was played for Member States. In his remarks, Minister Mitchell reiterated The Bahamas’ commitment to collaboration and active engagement with Member States, and the purposes of the OAS with its 4 pillars of work of integral development, multidimensional security, human rights, and democracy. He outlined the priority areas that The Bahamas will pursue during its tenure including:
⦁ the promotion of climate action;
⦁ reform of the international financial architecture;
⦁ support concrete action in Haiti through the OAS
Ambassador Neymour followed the remarks of Minister Mitchell with his own, in which he noted that The Bahamas will be guided by the principles of collective responsibility for solving common challenges, for maintenance of the Americas as a zone of peace, nondiscrimination and reciprocity of commitments by Member States. He reconfirmed the Minister’s statement that The Bahamas looks forward to collaborating with Member States during its tenure and leading an effective General Committee of the General Assembly.
On the agenda were items relating to a resolution on the “Support for a democratic transition in Haiti,” a resolution on the “Follow-up on the situation in Nicaragua,” and the Commemoration of the Inter-American Day against Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms.
The draft resolution “support for democratic transition in Haiti” was approved by acclamation at the session. During its remarks, The Bahamas reiterated its support for a Haitian-led political process that permits free and fair elections with the full participation of civil society. The Bahamas implored for the OAS to remain seized of the situation in Haiti to find concrete ways to leverage the comparative advantages of the OAS to advance the work of ameliorating the situation in Haiti.
Some components of the resolution resolves to call on the international community to continue supporting Haiti in its democratic transition, redouble efforts to promote institutional, social and economic development of Haiti, and welcome the decision to establish a transitional council. The OAS formed a Working Group on Haiti in February 2023, the group is currently chaired by the Permanent Representative of the United States. The Bahamas is a member of the Working Group and sits on the security cluster.
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.
