Bahamas News
MOTIA Grand Bahama promotes International Coastal Cleanup Day, September 21, to #SeaTheChange
From: Bahamas Information Services
September 5, 2024
GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas — The Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, in an effort to ensure a clean and pristine Bahamas for the enjoyment of all, continues its advocacy for the clean up of the country’s coastal areas. Each year, in conjunction with the Ocean Conservancy, tourism officials on Grand Bahama Island via the Ministry’s Sustainable Tourism Development Department, join with representatives from over 100 countries world-wide for a cleanup day at beaches and other shorelines.
International Coastal Cleanup Day is set for Saturday, September 21st, and tourism officials are calling on the Grand Bahama community to join the effort to #SeaTheChange by tackling ocean trash. Jermaine Johnson, MOTIA Coordinator and Manager of the GB Sustainable Tourism Development Department, urged residents to volunteer during a press conference on Wednesday, September 4th, 2024, at the Ministry’s office in the Fidelity Financial Centre on East Mall and Poinciana Drives.
“The Bahamas is always happy to participate considering we are an archipelago and coastlines are extremely important to our tourism product,” he said. “We’re looking to clean up 10-12 beaches this year. We’re also looking for support from the community, so those who want to participate can feel free to come out. We’re especially looking for support from our civic organisations — so that’s our Lions Club, our Pilot Clubs, Kiwanis, the Rotaries, etc., also lodges and greek letter fraternities; so all the sigmas and all the phis, and all the alphas and betas, we’re looking for your support as well in this year’s coastal cleanup. We want this year to be a greater success than it was last year. We want to get as much garbage out of our oceans and off our coastlines as possible,” he added.
The event is set to begin at 8am and wrap up at 10am.
Last year over 30,000 pounds of debris was collected from local beaches. It is important to note that these beach cleanups are not only keeping the island’s beaches beautiful and sanitary, but they also provide valuable data about the quantity and types of refuse that clutter coastal areas. This data is collected and sent off to the Ocean Conservancy to be used in a global report issued each year and it is all in an effort to help policymakers better understand the sources of pollution so they can develop strategies for long-term solutions and effect policy change.
EarthCare, Litter Free Bahamas, Keep Grand Bahama Clean Committee, the Royal Bahamas Police Force Urban Renewal division and local schools are also partnering with MOTIA for Grand Bahama’s observance of International Coastal Cleanup Day.
PHOTO CAPTION
#seathechange — The Ministry of Tourism’s Sustainable Tourism Development Department of Grand Bahama, joined by partners, is urging the wider community to come out to a beach near you and help keep Grand Bahama’s beaches clean and pristine, Saturday, September 21st from 8am to 10am. This effort is in support of the annual International Coastal Cleanup Day and will help in creating long-term solutions for protecting the earth’s oceans. (BIS Photos/Jamika Culmer)
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.
