Bahamas News
Partnerships formed to deal with complaints of emissions from industrial plants in GB
FREEPORT, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas — The long-standing issue and litany of complaints by residents of Pinder’s Point regarding strong and possibly harmful emissions from industrial plants within the area is being addressed by the Minister for Environment and Natural Resources, the Hon. Vaughn Miller, with a promise to “bringing a permanent solution” to the problem.
Minister Miller, along with members of his Ministry were in Grand Bahama recently to form a collaborative partnership with the Ministry for Grand Bahama, the Grand Bahama Port Authority and stakeholders from the Industrial Park to discuss a vexing problem that has plagued some Grand Bahamians for years.
During a press conference on Thursday, October 3, 2024, in the Collab Unit of the Ministry for Grand Bahama, Minister Miller revealed the meetings he has had with all of the partners involved to bring about a solution and outlined some of the steps that will be taken to deal with alleged emissions from nearby industrial plants.
“We’ve come to Grand Bahama, because we’ve heard the cries of the people,” said Minister Miller, during Thursday’s press conference in Grand Bahama. “We’ve heard the complaints. We’ve come because of the complaints that we’ve been hearing from the residents, particularly of the Pinder’s Point area, and surrounding communities as to the alleged emissions and odors from industrial activities in the area.”
Residents making their complaints have referred to Buckeye, a nearby Industrial Plant, as the source of those emissions. For Minister Miller, it was important to get Buckeye in on the discussions.
“So, in partnership with Buckeye, the Ministry of Grand Bahama, the Grand Bahama Port Authority and my Ministry, the Ministry of
Environment and Natural Resources, we will be seeking to put together a number of short and long-term solutions to address the issues,” added Minister Miller. “The principal objectives will be to return to regular monitoring of the air quality, of the soil, of the ground water and other areas.
“This has been a vexing problem for successive governments who have sought to address this issue over the past thirty or more years. But there have not been any sustained efforts to bring final resolution to this issue. But that’s the reason we are here, to bring the sustained effort and because we want to bring a resolution to this matter.”
Joe Votta, Vice-President of Buckeye Caribbean Region said the company appreciated the opportunity to engage and collaborate with members of the government and all of the company’s external stakeholders on the matter. He said Buckeye will continue to dedicate its efforts to being a safe, environmentally responsible and collaborative corporate citizen in Grand Bahama.
Buckeye Bahamas took over the industrial plant in 2009. The recent complaints are being attributed to unplanned maintenance to its facility. Minister Miller stated that Buckeye may not be the only industrial plant on the island who may be guilty of harmful emissions.
“We believe that other industrial plants on the island could be guilty as well,” said Minister Miller. “It is our intention to do a complete review to identify where these emissions are coming from and let the chips fall where they may.”
Minister for Grand Bahama, Hon. Ginger Moxey admitted that the complaints from the residents of Pinder’s Point and surrounding communities have persisted for years. Therefore, she was more than happy to have the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources come in to conduct collaborative meetings with all of the agencies involved in an effort to address those concerns.
“Buckeye is here, represented, and we had a great meeting on the way forward on things we intend to do to make sure that conditions are improved,” said Minister Moxey. “So, I’m grateful to the Ministry of Environment for taking the leadership on this. It’s going to be all-hands-on-deck. We cannot work in silos and expect to get things done.
“I’m thankful to all who are involved and a part of this. We want to see results. We want to see action, not business as usual. So that we can ensure that people’s lives improve, and the area is impacted in a way that improves their lives.”
Minister Miller assured that the efforts to correct whatever issues that may exist in the communities near the industrial parks will be a continuous one. In fact, he noted that in the very near future, representatives from his Ministry will return to Grand Bahama to meet with the other stakeholders, the other corporate entities in the Industrial Park.
The purpose for this, he said, is to let them know that the health, well-being and lives of the residents living within that community is important to his government and his ministry. Once the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources has met with all of the industrial park stakeholders, they will then go to the people in those affected areas and hold very candid conversations with them about the plans to deal with the issues.
“Our intention is to bring a resolve to this vexing issue that’s been hanging around for far too long,” said Minister Miller. “We’ve heard the cries of these residents and we’re taking it very seriously.”
PHOTO CAPTION
FORMING PARTNERSHIPS – Minister for the Environment and Natural Resources, the Hon. Vaughn Miller (center) speaking to the press about a partnership between his ministry, the Ministry for Grand Bahama, the Grand Bahama Port Authority and Buckeye Bahamas to bring about a sustained solution to the decades-old problems of strong, harmful emissions in Pinder’s Point and surrounding communities, during a press conference on Thursday, October 3, 2024 in the Collab Unit of the Ministry for Grand Bahama. Also on hand for the press conference was Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey; Minister of State for the Environment and Natural Resources, Zane Lightbourne; Member of Parliament for Central Grand Bahama, Iram Lewis and Vice-President of Buckeye Caribbean Region, Joe Votta.
(BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)
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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