Bahamas News
Bahamas Development Bank and UN Women Launch $2M Low-Interest Programme
Nassau, Bahamas, August 19, 2024 – Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) owned, led by, or of benefit to women, youth, and persons with disabilities will have access to 0 to 2 percent low-interest loans starting this month.
The Bahamas Development Bank (BDB) and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women Multi-Country Office – Caribbean (UN Women MCO Caribbean) recently signed a partnership agreement to provide the new, dynamic concessional financing to agriculture, sustainable tourism, and creative businesses.
UN Women, through project funding from the Joint Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Fund, will be investing 100,000 USD into the low-cost loan product developed by BDB.
Nicholas Higgs, BDB’s Managing Director, described the financial product as a “game-changer” for The Bahamas.
“By providing low-interest loans to MSMEs, we are empowering local businesses to thrive, innovate, and contribute significantly to our economy. This initiative not only supports economic growth but also promotes social inclusion by targeting underrepresented groups such as women, youth, and people living with disabilities. It is a pivotal step towards a more equitable and prosperous future for our nation.”
Mr. Higgs added, “Loans are useful for business growth. This new product allows businesses to scale up production, improve products, stay competitive, enter new markets or take advantage of growth opportunities.”
Loan applications will be accepted until 13 September 2024. The concessional financing allows businesses to access the 0 to 2 percent interest rate for the first two years. Financing beyond the two-year period or exceeding $100,000 will be subject to standard BDB interest rates.
The loans are made possible through blended financing, a mechanism which uses public and development funds to subsidize interest rates on traditional loans taken by the Bahamas Development Bank.
Tonni Brodber, Representative UN Women MCO Caribbean said, “For many businesses, access to loans can mean the difference between staying small or achieving significant growth, driving innovation and economic development in their communities.”
“A major focus for this fund is supporting women and young entrepreneurs in overcoming existing financing gaps to support their full and equal economic and social participation. Recognizing that women are less likely to take out loans when compared to men, closing the gap between the need for financing and the access to financing is crucial for women entrepreneurs to overcome economic challenges, enhance their financial independence, and enable women to contribute to the overall economic development and job creation in The Bahamas.”
The Bahamas Development Bank and UN Women have been in partnership through the Joint SDG Fund Building Back Equal through Innovative Financing for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Programme since 2022. It is being jointly implemented in The Bahamas and Bermuda by BDB, the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors in Bermuda, and four United Nations agencies including UN Women, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The programme is scheduled to run until 1 October 2024.
Interested applicants can visit https://bahamasdevelopmentbank.com/funding-programs/sdg-concessional-loan-fund/ or email info@bdb.gov.bs for more information.
Photo Caption:
Pictured from left to right are Bahamas Development Bank (BDB) Deputy Managing Director, Dave Munroe; BDB Managing Director, Nicholas Higgs; UN Women MCO Caribbean Representative Tonni Brodber and UN Women MCO Caribbean Private Sector Specialist Gayle Gollop.
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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