Bahamas News
FIRST TEAM OF RBDF TROOPS DEPLOY TO HAITI FOR MULTINATIONAL SECURITY SUPPORT MISSION
Nassau, Bahamas, Defence Headquarters 18 OCT. 2024 –In a strong show of regional solidarity, Prime Minister The Honourable Philip Davis, accompanied by senior government officials, attended the official send-off of Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) officers set to be deployed to Haiti. This mission is part of a wider regional initiative aimed at stabilizing Haiti, a nation still grappling with
significant unrest.
Almost 30 years after the Bahamas first answered the call to support Haiti—when 141 Defence Force officers participated in a United Nations peacekeeping operation between 1994 and 1996—the Bahamas has once again committed to assisting. A six-member advance team from the RBDF will be joining the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM), an effort spearheaded by CARICOM in partnership with international allies such as Kenya, Jamaica, and Belize. This coordinated mission will provide critical support to help restore peace and stability in Haiti.
Prime Minister Davis, who also served as Chair of CARICOM in 2023, was joined by Acting Minister of National Security Leon Lundy, Minister of Education Glenys Hanna Martin, Deputy Commander Defence Force (DCDF) Captain Shonedel Pinder, and members of the RBDF Executive Command. Former Commander Defence Force, Commodore Clifford Scavella, who led the initial Bahamian peacekeeping mission in Haiti three decades ago, was also present, adding a historical resonance to the occasion.
This RBDF deployment is notable not only for its mission but also for the groundbreaking inclusion of the first-ever female RBDF officer to
be deployed on an international mission, a milestone moment that reflects The Bahamas’ commitment to gender equality and leadership within its armed forces. The team’s expertise spans several areas crucial to the mission’s success, including Conduct & Discipline, Command Headquarters Assistance, Operations, and Administration.
The team’s mission, shaped by on-the-ground needs, will focus on several key areas:
- Maritime Patrols: Conducting coordinated patrols to deter threats to maritime security within Haitian territorial waters.
- Port Security: Securing strategic Haitian ports to facilitate humanitarian aid, promote economic development, and bolster political stability.
- Preventing Illegal Migration: Implementing measures to curb illegal migration, protect Haitian citizens, and prevent human trafficking and unsafe sea journeys.
- Countering Illicit Trafficking: Disrupting narcotics, weapons, and contraband trafficking to safeguard regional security.
- Intelligence Cooperation: Collaborating closely with the CARICOM Joint Task Force and international partners to share intelligence and coordinate resources for a more effective mission response.
- Regional Security: Contributing to the overall safety of the Caribbean by addressing destabilizing illicit activities.
- Supporting Political Stability: Creating a secure environment to enable peaceful political processes, aligning with broader efforts to restore Haiti’s political stability.
The RBDF personnel will serve for six months in Haiti, a challenging but necessary deployment aimed at making a significant impact on the region’s security. Their participation not only enhances The Bahamas’ role in regional security but also supports broader CARICOM-led efforts.
Although Prime Minister Davis did not make any official remarks at the send-off, his presence underscored the Bahamian government’s dedication to supporting regional security and promoting peace in the Caribbean. The commitment to this mission reflects the broader leadership of The Bahamas in supporting its neighbors in times of need.
The send-off was also attended by representatives of the RBDF Chaplaincy Office and Family Support organization, acknowledging the personal sacrifices made by the deployed officers and their families. For these families, this mission brings both the weight of separation
and the pride of knowing their loved ones are contributing to a greater cause.
This deployment serves as a testament to the resilience and unity of the Bahamian people and reinforces The Bahamas’ longstanding tradition of offering a helping hand to its neighbors in times of crisis.
Under Commander Defence Force, Commodore Raymond E. King’s leadership, the Defence Force ensures personnel are equipped, trained, and prepared for maritime security, disaster relief, and peacekeeping. This extends to domestic and regional operations, fulfilling our responsibilities with professionalism and preparedness.
Written by CPO A Rahming, Able Seaman Michael Turner
Photos by Able Seaman Able Seaman Macmillan Estilien
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.
