Bahamas News
Prime Minister Davis Lauds Opening of New Family Court Complex
By ERIC ROSE
Bahamas Information Services
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his Official Remarks at the Opening of the Family Court Complex, on December 19, 2024, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis noted that, in the near future, many families will receive “fair consideration, equitable solutions, and balanced remediation of their circumstances” in the new complex.
“When we talk about strengthening the justice system, we often talk about the criminal justice system, but we must never forget the many
ways that justice can be delivered,” he said at the complex located on Bernard Road. “Certainly, for many families who find themselves navigating tragedies, disputes, and custody arrangements, there is a vested interest in expanding the capacity of our courts to see more cases and speed up the process by which they receive justice.”
Among those present included Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs the Hon. Ryan Pinder, Chief Justice, His Lordship the Honourable Sir Ian Winder, and Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley.
“The family unit is the basic building block of our society,” Prime Minister Davis added. “When families thrive, societies thrive. Conversely, when families struggle, when they are not supported, and when they are disenfranchised, that is when we see social decay and communities in decline.”
Therefore, he pointed out, The Bahamas must invest heavily in “protecting our families and facilitating justice on their behalf”.
“If this complex can help to protect a child, support a mother, or provide a fair arrangement for a father seeking to be in his child’s life – if this complex can deliver these outcomes at a faster pace thanks to our expanded capacity, then this investment will have been worth it,” he said.
Prime Minister Davis added that, across The Bahamas’ court system, his Government was making major investments to expedite justice for
all Bahamians.
“As they say: ‘justice delayed is justice denied’,” he said. “We must redouble our efforts to minimise unnecessary delays in our court systems.”
Prime Minister Davis added that “Swift Justice” had been a buzzword in The Bahamas for well over a decade, and while there had been important progress made over the years, his Government cannot let up until “every family, every victim, and every person who enters the doors of a courtroom in The Bahamas can say that justice was administered fairly and swiftly”.
“I am confident that this ambitious goal can be realized,” Prime Minister Davis said. “If we want to fulfill our potential as a nation, we must realise this goal.”
He noted that the courts had such a fundamentally important role to play in society. It was through the courts that precedents were set and case law was interpreted, which may guide decisions and define what justice looked like for years to come, he added.
“We must do all we can to ensure that the Judiciary, as a branch of government, has the resources it needs to carry out its mandate and expand access to justice,” Prime Minister Davis stated.
He added: “In opening the doors of this Family Court Complex, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles of justice and dignity. The
decisions made in these courtrooms will undoubtedly change and improve lives. We aspire to uphold the highest standards of justice. The goal is for those who come before these benches to be met by judges who are both caring and knowledgeable. Families will be supported by social workers and legal advocates who understand the gravity of their situations.”
Prime Minister Davis pointed out that having “this modern, dedicated space to hear matters of importance to families” was a huge step forward that should be celebrated.
Prime Minister Davis pointed out that he knew that there were many who advocated for the new court opening for quite a number of years.
“Your words did not fall on deaf ears,” he said. “We heard you, and this complex is a product of, not just the government’s dedication to justice, but your advocacy and agitation as well.”
“Together, we can ensure that our families – your families – are supported, empowered, and protected,” Prime Minister Davis added. “Thank you; and may God bless the families of our nation.”
PHOTO CAPTION — Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis takes part in the Official Opening of the Family Court Complex, on Bernard Road, on December 19, 2024. Among those present included Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs the Hon. Ryan Pinder, Chief Justice, His Lordship the Honourable Sir Ian Winder, and Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley.
(BIS Photos/Eric Rose. Drone Photography Courtesy of Eric Rose)
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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