Bahamas News
BNT Celebrates Success of Wine & Art 2024
Nassau, Bahamas – This October, The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) celebrated its most successful Wine & Art Festival yet – helping fulfill its mission of managing the national parks of The Bahamas.
Over three days, hundreds of patrons showed up at The Retreat Garden in support of the wine, art, and cultural event, which focuses on providing a platform for local artists and vendors while raising money for the conservation efforts of the BNT.
“With the numbers still rolling in, we can definitely say this has been our most successful Wine & Art Festival, with record-breaking numbers in terms of both turnout and funds raised,” said BNT Events Coordinator Kimberly Knowles.
Wine & Art 2024 featured an array of wines and champagnes from around the world, courtesy of title sponsor Commonwealth Brewery Limited (CBL); art and crafts from more than 40 local vendors; delicious food and culinary demonstrations; and dynamic live music and entertainment from the likes of Essence Band, Sacha the Duchess, Expressions Band, Black Swan Band, and more.
Knowles said: “We’re always trying to figure out how we can make Wine & Art better for both the community that supports it and the
vendors that participate. This year we were stoked to offer a full roster of performers who captivated the crowds. Combined with all of the art, wine, food, and general festive atmosphere, we were proud to deliver an incredible experience that we truly believe not only met but exceeded expectations.”
The prestigious Wine & Art Festival is a unique celebration of culture, creativity, and conservation, serving as the BNT’s only unrestricted annual fundraiser. In addition to supporting the environment, it also contributes to the local “orange” or creative economy. Over three decades, it has become a community staple event and the official “kickstarter” of the BNT’s fall event season.
“We’re thankful to CBL as our partner, and to all our sponsors, whose belief in the BNT’s mission and commitment to community initiatives makes Wine & Art an extraordinary event. We’re also grateful to our staff and all the participating artists, vendors, and attendees. Together, we celebrate Wine & Art 2024 as a win for conservation, and for Bahamians who benefit from these national parks which are theirs to enjoy,” Knowles added.
A CBL representative said: “We’re proud to partner with the BNT to host this prestigious event year after year. Wine & Art gives CBL an opportunity to fulfill our social responsibility and aligns perfectly with our commitment of ‘brewing a better world.’ Knowing the hard work and passion that went into it from both of our teams and seeing the results makes this success even more worthwhile. We’re inspired to continue in our support of the BNT and community events like Wine & Art.”
Wine & Art 2024 was sponsored by Commonwealth Brewery Limited; The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism; Aliv; Auto Mall with Hyundai; Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board; SunCash; the Nassau Cruise Port; Bahamas Waste; Expressions Entertainment; Bahamia Rental; and others.
To learn more about the BNT’s role in managing national parks, protecting wildlife, and informing environmental policy, please visit its website: www.bnt.bs, and follow its various social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
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.
