Bahamas News
School in Staniel Cay Renamed in Honour of Late Educator Aurelia Miller
By LLONELLA GILBERT
Bahamas Information Services
STANIEL CAY, The Exumas, The Bahamas — Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis said, Friday, that the following day would be World Teachers’ Day, so it was truly fitting to gather together to honour a legacy — one that shaped the Exuma community in ways that are deep, lasting, and immeasurable.
“Mrs. Aurelia Miller was a woman of exceptional character who devoted over 40 years of her life to the education of the children of Staniel Cay,” the Prime Minister said at the Aurelia Miller Comprehensive School Naming Ceremony on Staniel Cay, October 4, 2024.
“Think about that for a moment. Over four decades of service — through the highs and lows, through challenges that many of us could not imagine.
“It wasn’t just a job to her. It was a calling.”
He said they are at the school today as beneficiaries of that calling, and as witnesses to the profound impact that a single dedicated individual can have on the lives of so many.
Also attending the naming were Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation the Hon. Chester Cooper; Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin; Minister of Public Works & Family Island Affairs the Hon. Clay Glennford Sweeting; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training, Lorraine Armbrister; Wife of the Deputy Prime Minister, Mrs. Cecilia Cooper; Family Island and School Administrators and family members of the honouree.
The Prime Minister noted that In 1922, when this school was established, it was Aurelia Miller who stepped forward to teach. She stood before her students with passion and determination.
He said Ms. Miller did not have modern facilities or resources. She taught in a church, under circumstances that were, by all accounts, humble and often difficult.
“Yet, what she lacked in material, she more than made up for in spirit.”
The Prime Minister explained that her love for education and for the children of this community was unyielding. “She gave of herself fully, even when her health faltered, even when the world might have expected her to rest. Aurelia Miller pressed on.”
He said she continued serving as an educator because she understood that education is not just the key to personal success—it is the key to community upliftment and national progress.
“And so, her story becomes our inspiration. It is a reminder to all of us, young and old alike, that we can leave an enduring mark on this
world through service and dedication. Mrs. Miller didn’t have grand resources, but she had a grand heart. She didn’t seek fame or recognition, yet today, we stand here to ensure that her name is permanently etched into the history of Staniel Cay and The Bahamas.”
The Prime Minister said, “As we rename this institution to the Aurelia Miller Comprehensive School, we are not just changing a sign, we are passing on a story and legacy that will inspire many others.”
He added, “We remind each student who walks through these doors that they are walking in the footsteps of greatness. We remind each teacher who stands before their classroom that they are part of something larger —something meaningful. They are part of a tradition of perseverance and excellence, a tradition started by Aurelia Miller.”
The Prime Minister told the students to remember they are the future. “You hold the promise of this community in your hands. Let Mrs. Miller’s legacy inspire you to dream big, to work hard, and to always, always believe in the power of education. It is through education that you will chart your own course, and through that journey, you will help to uplift others, just as she did.”
He told educators to never forget the profound influence they have. “Just as Mrs. Miller impacted lives decades ago, you have the power to shape the minds and futures of those before you. In this school, named in her honour, let every lesson taught and every challenge overcome be a tribute to her life’s work.”
(BIS Photos/Kemuel)
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.
