Bahamas News
Press Statement from Prime Minister Philip E. Davis on the Passing of Philip Galanis
The Bahamas, October 11, 2024 – It is with a heavy heart and a deep sense of personal loss that I reflect on the passing of my dear friend, Philip Galanis. This is not just a loss for me; it is a profound loss for our Party and our entire country. On behalf of my wife, Ann Marie, and our family, I extend our deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Tonya, and their daughter. Our hearts go out to them, and we mourn with them during this incredibly difficult time.
Phil was not only a progressive warrior and a nation builder; he was a man of unshakable integrity, candid in his views, and truthful to his convictions. He spoke his mind, always believing in the power of truth and the importance of standing up for what he felt was right for our country. He never wavered in his belief in The Bahamas, even when his opinions were met with opposition. That was Phil—unflinching, steadfast, and always driven by his deep love for this country and his vision for its future.
Our friendship spanned decades, and I was fortunate to have him as a confidant, a partner in the cause for progress, and a brother in every sense of the word. We shared so much: the long nights strategizing for the good of our people, the deep conversations about the future of The Bahamas, and the laughter that made the challenges we faced together feel lighter. Phil had a rare gift—he could see things as they truly were and speak with clarity, but he also had a heart that cared deeply for others and for this nation. He always believed in lifting others up and was never afraid to offer his honest advice, even when it was tough to hear.
Professionally, Phil’s contributions were unmatched. As the founder of HLB Bahamas, he established himself as a giant in the accounting world, building a legacy that spanned decades. His service as the former Managing Partner of Ernst & Young and his extensive experience across various industries showed his brilliance and commitment to excellence. But what made him exceptional was his unwavering dedication to serving the people. His time in Parliament, his leadership as Chairman of the Bahamas Trade Commission, and his role as our Chief Negotiator in WTO talks were all driven by his belief that The Bahamas deserved the very best.
Phil was a man who held strong opinions about the way forward for The Bahamas, and he wasn’t afraid to speak them. Through his weekly column, Consider This, he challenged us to reflect, to debate, and to engage with the pressing issues of our time. His voice was one of reason, and it was also one that demanded accountability. He believed that to build a better Bahamas, we needed to be honest with ourselves about where we stood and courageous about where we wanted to go.
His passing feels like losing a pillar of strength—a voice that rang true, a friend who was always there. Phil’s life was a testament to the power of conviction, and he has left an enduring legacy that will guide us for years to come. He was a true Bahamian patriot, a man of principle, and a friend who stood with me in all seasons.
On behalf of my family, I want to say to Tonya and their daughter: you are not alone. We share this grief with you, and we will continue to stand by your side. The nation mourns with you, but we also celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that has become part of the very fabric of our country.
Phil’s spirit will live on in every effort we make to continue the work he started. We will honor his memory by remaining true to the ideals he held dear and by building the future he envisioned.
May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may we all strive to embody the strength, conviction, and love he showed to us all.
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.
