Bahamas News
PM Davis Lauds the ‘enduring friendship’ between The Bahamas and China, at Lunar New Year Celebration
By ERIC ROSE
Bahamas Information Services
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the ‘China’s Lunar New Year 2025 Ceremony,’ held at the Margaritaville Beach Resort – Nassau, on January 23, 2025, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis noted that the Year of the Snake focused on an animal that was a symbol of wisdom, resilience, and transformation in their culture.
“The snake is known for its ability to shed its skin, representing the process of letting go of the old and embracing the new,” he said. “This reminds us to face challenges with foresight and creativity while seizing opportunities for growth and transformation.”
“The traditions of the Lunar New Year, from family reunions to vibrant cultural displays, highlight the richness of Chinese heritage and its global significance in fostering harmony and prosperity,” he added.
Among those present included Governor-General Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Cynthia Pratt; Cabinet Ministers and Parliamentarians; members of the Judiciary, the Diplomatic and Honorary Consular Corps; Mrs. Ann Marie Davis of the Office of the Spouse of the Prime Minister; Senior Public Servants; and members of the Chinese and Bahamian communities.
“Tonight, I would also like to celebrate the enduring friendship between The Bahamas and China,” Prime Minister Davis said. “As we welcome the new year, 2025 marks the 28th anniversary of diplomatic relations between us. Over these years, our partnership has grown stronger, grounded in mutual respect and collaboration.”
He added: “Thanks to the commitment of the Embassy of China in The Bahamas, our Government received additional support, both bilaterally and multilaterally, to promote The Bahamas’ overall development, and more specifically, with its advocacy for food resilience and security, climate adaptation, and the development of our blue economy.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that some of the projects attached to that support included the following:
China’s handover of materials and band equipment to The Bahamas’ Ministry of National Security; the strengthening of sister-city relations between Grand Bahama Island and Hunan Province; the refurbishment of the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium; capacity-building exercises in the areas of media, agriculture, tourism, and culture; the donation of supply tool kits to farmers in North Andros; technical assistance programmes to aid in the further development of Bahamian professionals and students; and
collaboration with the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC) to establish a demonstration farm at the Gladstone Road Agricultural Centre (GRAC).
“I encourage all Bahamians to visit the farm – this demonstration farm at GRAC – to witness the positive results of China’s support to our food resilience and security efforts,” he said.
“Of course, the Chinese Embassy and the People’s Republic of China have provided support in many ways to our nation over the years, which is a testament to the length and depth of our ties as we partner on numerous developmental projects,” Prime Minister Davis added.
To the People’s Republic of China’s Ambassador to The Bahamas Her Excellency Yan Jiarong, Prime Minister Davis said that, on behalf of the Government and people of The Bahamas, he extended “our sincerest appreciation for the support received from your office and from the Government and people of China”.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership to realize beneficial outcomes in areas of mutual interest,” he said. “As you progress in your
distinguished tenure, which just started a little while ago, we anticipate the year ahead will be marked by further remarkable achievements and memorable experiences.
Prime Minister Davis added: “We also look forward to deepening and strengthening our bonds of friendship and cooperation. The Bahamas remains steadfast in its commitment to the One-China policy, reflecting our respect for China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We value this principle as a cornerstone of our bilateral relationship and remain intent on working with China to advance shared priorities both within our nations and on the global stage.”
To those present, Prime Minister Davis encouraged them to raise their glasses in a toast, as they all welcomed the Lunar New Year with “hope, with determination, and with a shared vision for a better tomorrow”.
“As the snake teaches us to adapt and renew, may our partnership continue to flourish and bring prosperity to our peoples,” he said.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of The Bahamas, I extend my warmest wishes to the Government and people of China for a year filled with health, happiness, and success,” Prime Minister Davis added.
“Happy Lunar New Year.”
PHOTO CAPTION
Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis brings remarks at the China’s Lunar New Year 2025 Ceremony, held at the Margaritaville Beach Resort – Nassau, on January 23, 2025. Among those present included Governor-General Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Cynthia Pratt; Cabinet Ministers and Parliamentarians; members of the Judiciary, the Diplomatic and Honorary Consular Corps; Mrs. Ann Marie Davis of the Office of the Spouse of the Prime Minister; Senior Public Servants; and members of the Chinese and Bahamian communities.
(BIS Photos/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.
