Bahamas News
Bahamian Songstress Simmone Bowe to Headline 2024 CMEx Awards in Miami
SCOTCH PLAINS, New Jersey (November 21, 2024) – Soulful Bahamian singer and performer Simmone Bowe will headline the 2024 CMEx Leadership Awards and Fundraiser in Miami next month.
Renowned for her warm, powerful voice and captivating stage presence, Bowe will deliver an unforgettable musical experience at the event, which will be held on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel, starting at 11:30 a.m.
With a career spanning decades, the talented singer has become celebrated for her soulful and versatile artistry across genres including jazz, reggae, R&B, and gospel. Her musical roots run deep, beginning with performances in school and church productions, community choirs, and recitals before distinguished audiences, including Bahamian government leaders.
Bowe has continued to hone her craft as a worship leader, songwriter, and recording artist. She has performed alongside gospel music icons such as Donnie McClurkin, Andrae Crouch, and Ron Kenoly. Her career has taken her from intimate local stages to performances in the United States and Nigeria.
In The Bahamas, Bowe’s rich vocals have complemented bands such as Funk Creation and Jazz Etcetera, captivating audiences with her heartfelt interpretations of both classic and contemporary hits. Her versatility and dynamic performances have earned her acclaim as one of the Caribbean’s most engaging artists.
“Simmone Bowe embodies the spirit of the Caribbean with her musical warmth, power, and emotional depth,” said Bevan Springer, President of CMEx. “We are honored to have her headline the 2024 CMEx Awards, where she will not only entertain but also inspire our audience with the same passion and energy she has brought to stages worldwide.”
Attendees of the CMEx Awards, which is being powered by The Islands of the Bahamas, can expect a lively celebration of Caribbean culture and creativity as Bowe performs an eclectic set designed to uplift and unite through the power of music this holiday season.
CMEx 2024 Laureates include:
- Kashmie Ali – Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Sailrock South Caicos
- Tracy Berkeley – CEO, Bermuda Tourism Authority
- Latia Duncombe – Director General, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation
- Laura Dowrich-Phillips – Caribbean Journalist and Public Relations Manager, Experience Turks and Caicos
- Ambassador Victor Fernandes – Veteran Caribbean Broadcaster and Barbados Ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States
- Gloria and Solomon Herbert – Co-founders of Black Meetings & Tourism magazine
- Dr. Lisa Indar – Interim Executive Director, Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA)
- Eroline and Lyton Lamontagne – Owners, Fond Doux Eco Resort in St. Lucia
- Thea LaFond – 2024 Olympic Champion, Dominica
- Vanessa Ledesma – CEO, Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA)
- Marc Melville – CEO, Chukka Caribbean Adventures
- Marie McKenzie – Senior Vice President of Government and Destination Affairs, Carnival Corporation & plc
- Jennifer Nugent-Hill – Director of Government and Community Affairs, Tropical Shipping
- Simón Suárez – Vice President, Grupo Puntacana
- Ellison “Tommy” Thompson – Former Deputy Director General of Tourism, Bahamas, and Former CEO, St. Kitts Tourism Authority
- Christine Valls – Director of Sales for Latin America and the Caribbean, United Airlines
The CMEx Awards are supported by an exceptional lineup of partners, including:
- Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain, St. Lucia
- Blue Horizons Garden Resort, Grenada
- Brion City Hotel, BW Signature Collection, Curaçao
- Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Aruba
- Calabash Cove Resort & Spa, St. Lucia
- Carnival Corporation & plc
- Coco Palm Resort, St. Lucia
- Comfort Suites Paradise Island, Bahamas
- Fort Young Hotel and Dive Resort, Dominica
- Gallows Point Resort, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
- Golden Rock Dive & Nature Resort, St. Eustatius
- Ladera Resort, St. Lucia
- Little Good Harbour & The Atlantis Historic Inn, Barbados
- Montpelier Plantation & Beach, Nevis
- Mount Cinnamon Hotel & Beach Club, Grenada
- Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour, St. Kitts
- Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados, Barbados
- The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
- The Courtleigh Hotel & Suites, Jamaica
- The Hamilton Beach Villas & Spa, Nevis
- The Hartling Group, Turks and Caicos
- The Islands of The Bahamas (Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation)
- The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, Jamaica
- Tropical Shipping
- Wyndham Grand Barbados, Sam Lord’s Castle All-Inclusive Resort
- Marketplace Excellence Corporation
For tickets and more information, visit https://bit.ly/cmexawards2024.
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.
