Bahamas News
Tourism Minister tells Washington investors it is still “Better in The Bahamas”
NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS — Addressing an Investment Forum in Washington DC, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Investments and Aviation the Hon. Chester Cooper said it is “Better in The Bahamas” when it comes to doing business.
“If you’re looking to do business and to invest, The Bahamas is better than ever before,” he said as he urged potential investors to take advantage of opportunities being rolled out by the Bahamas Government.
Deputy Prime Minister thanked Bahamas Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Wendall Jones for organizing this important event.
“This is a most progressive initiative. We are taking a monumental step today to forge progressive partnerships for the prosperity of our country:
Said differently, we are here to do business. We want to do business with you.”
The deputy prime minister, who was a businessman before entering politics, shared first-hand experience of doing business in The Bahamas which he described as “an amazing place” to do so.
“I quickly grasped a few basic principles as an entrepreneur: understand your market, create something of value, then market your product. Now, I carry those principles with me in government, as minister of tourism,” he said.
According to the minister, it is not incredibly difficult to sell a vacation to The Bahamas. He confirmed that the government is committed to providing the necessary support to help ensure investment is a success, through the one-stop facilitation of the Bahamas Investment Authority.
“We have a strong brand, but God has done most of the work in positioning the Islands of The Bahamas.”
He noted that the country’s beauty is incomparable and it’s easily accessible from major tourism markets – two hours from DC and 27 minutes from Miami.
“However, we still sell it and constantly work on strengthening that product. I’m also the minister of Investments. And if you think about it, that makes sense,” he said.
Many of the reasons tourists come to The Bahamas, are the reasons that investors should consider The Bahamas, according to the minister.
He noted the dollar parity with the United States, a stable democracy, and peaceful hospitable people. And, visa-free seamless travel from the US with Pre-Clearance and TSA checks.
“We have a strong growing economy that has allowed us to build modern infrastructure throughout our archipelago,” the minister said, adding that more direct flights are being scheduled between The Bahamas and the US.
The minister touted record tourism arrival numbers: in 2023 arrival of 10 million visitors which was an increase of more than 30 percent ahead of 2019 pre-pandemic levels. Already this year the country is seeing a 15 percent growth in overall arrivals, over the 2023 record.
He then shared recent policy initiatives aimed to make The Bahamas more attractive, reducing carbon footprints and enhancing environmental resilience.
This is being achieved through the National Investment Policy, which is designed to attract investment in alternative energy, green technology, eco-tourism and carbon credits.
“We are also advancing The Bahamas as a digital society, fully embracing smart technology and the digital economy,” he said.
Another area shared by the minister is progressive legislation benchmarked against international best practice including: Digital Assets and Registered Exchange Act, the Longevity and Regenerative Therapies Act, the Climate Change Initiative Act, the Carbon Credit Trading Act, and Cannabis measures.
“All innovative pieces of legislation that demonstrate our commitment to innovation and to revolutionizing our economy that open new vistas for our country, in a secure, transparent and well-regulated way,” he said.
In health care, finance, education, financial services and tourism, he said AI applications are vast and will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Bahamian economy.
The minister said another way to invest in The Bahamas is through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) that have been critical to the success of many government projects, and they remain a key strategy as in the continued building of infrastructure.
Of note, is the keen interest of the US Exim Bank and Chairman Reta Jo Lewis in supporting and funding US companies seeking to do business in The Bahamas, he shared.
“What I am saying is that we are open for business and in the last three years we have attracted more than $10 billion in new foreign direct investments.
“This includes a $600 million ship repair facility in Grand Bahama Island, capable of accommodating the largest ships in the world, and a $600 million cruise port by Carnival Cruise lines.”
He pointed out that the Family Islands Renaissance Project aims to modernize more than a dozen airports across the country, improving connectivity, boosting tourism, and creating jobs.
“We are building new hospitals and clinics, launching wellness and rejuvenation clinics and will have one the best healthcare systems in the Caribbean in the coming years,” the minister said.
(BIS Photos/Kemuel Stubbs)
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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