Bahamas News
Grand Bahama Port Authority Supports Dedication of the Evangeline Jervis Hurricane Shelter
Freeport, Grand Bahama – June 10, 2024 – The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), led by Acting Chairman Sarah St. George, proudly joined the Freeport Seventh-Day Adventist Church for the dedication of the Evangeline Jervis Hurricane Shelter. This event marks a significant milestone in enhancing the island’s resilience and preparedness for future storms, occurring almost a week into the start of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane season.
The Evangeline Jervis Hurricane Shelter is the first and only dedicated purpose-built hurricane shelter in The Bahamas. The 4,200 sq ft multi-purpose facility, located at Beachway and Gambier Drive, can accommodate 300 people during a storm. It features restrooms, showers, an industrial kitchen, a water well, and a generator. The shelter was constructed at a cost of over $500,000, funded through donations from the government, local and international private donors, and NGOs.
Sarah St. George delivered heartfelt remarks during the ceremony, emphasizing the remarkable resilience of Grand Bahamians and the contributions of the GBPA and the Grand Bahama Disaster Relief Foundation (GBDRF) to hurricane recovery efforts.
“Today, we honor the legacy of Sister Evangeline and Sister Alicia Jervis Garland, whose dedication to feeding and clothing the needy
has inspired this project,” said St. George. “Our $25,000 donation was used to purchase and install a state-of-the-art generator, ensuring the shelter’s resilience during storms. Additionally, another $21,000 was contributed by the Hayward and St. George families.”
The project has seen its estimated $855,000 cost reduced by nearly 25% through discounts and volunteer work, with expenditures currently at $520,000. The final phase includes the installation of air conditioning, a fire safety system, and furnishings such as cots, chairs, tables, and kitchenware, requiring an additional $100,000.
“Today’s event prompted me to reflect on GBPA’s lessons in resilience,” added St. George. “In 2016, we established the GB Disaster Relief Foundation to address the humanitarian crisis after Hurricane Matthew. This foundation played a crucial role during Hurricane Dorian in 2019, providing essential supplies and support to the vulnerable, including the elderly, disabled, and single mothers.”
During Hurricane Dorian, the foundation provided generators, food, water, and tools island-wide for months. They also assisted 120 churches from East to West with the help of Pastor Eddie Victor. The foundation partnered with SBP and Rotary Muck and Gut to repair 350 homes across the island, spending close to $2 million on rebuilds and furnishings.
“While we continued to rebuild from Dorian, Covid-19 struck, compounding our emergency response with hurricane recovery amid a global pandemic,” St. George remarked. “During COVID, our foundation donated $100,000 to various feeding programs while GBPA extended support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through the RISE program, with Partners which provided $4 million in grants to 400 businesses.”
St. George emphasized the GBPA’s unwavering commitment to the community, stating, “100% of the funds collected by the Grand Bahama Port Authority go back into our community. No dividends have ever been paid to shareholders out of the GBPA. Our executives, managers, dedicated employees, and shareholders have always gone the extra mile to support Grand Bahamians. We love this community and this is our home. We are happy to serve, and we do it to the best of our ability.”
The GBPA’s efforts during crises, including hurricane preparedness and recovery, highlight the organization’s dedication to serving and supporting the community. St. George concluded, “Freeport is about growing our community together. The name Evangeline means ‘Good News Shining,’ and in that spirit, you can count on us at GBPA to help you get this magnificent shelter finished.”
Photos:
Header: Rupert Hayward, Director of the Grand Bahama Port Authority, received a token of appreciation prior to touring the new Evangeline Jervis Hurricane Shelter in Grand Bahama. The Evangeline Jervis Hurricane Shelter is the first and only dedicated purpose-built hurricane shelter in The Bahamas. The Hayward and St. George families also contributed an additional $21,000 to the shelter.
Insert: Executives of the Grand Bahama Port Authority in attendance at the dedication of the Evangeline Jervis Hurricane Shelter, demonstrating their steadfast commitment to the well-being and resilience of Grand Bahama.
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.
