Bahamas News
Bahamas to host SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket booster landings
By LINDSAY THOMPSON
Bahamas Information Services
NASSAU, The Bahamas — The Bahamas will be the focus of a history-making event when the first international rocket landing will take place near Exuma, announced Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation the Hon. Chester Cooper.
He made the revelation during a press conference on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 in the ballroom of the British Colonial.
Due to the historic significance of the event, high level officials at the press conference included Cabinet Ministers, Charge d’Affaires United
States Embassy, Nassau, Kimberly Furnish; Commodore Raymond King, Commander, Royal Bahamas Defence Force; Bahamasair Navigation Services Authority; the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection; the Civil Aviation Authority and Port Department; and representatives of the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation.
Deputy Prime Minister Cooper said the event is in keeping with the Davis Administration’s Blueprint for Change “to Recover, Rebuild and Revolutionize”.
He noted that on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at about 6:08pm, The Bahamas will take a revolutionary leap into space tourism as the first international destination to host SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket booster landings outside of the United States, more specifically off the coast of The Exumas.
“This rocket landing will secure The Bahamas’ place in the global space industry and redefine new possibilities for economic growth and scientific exploration and innovation,” he said.
The event marks a major milestone for space exploration and establishes The Bahamas as a key player in the rapidly growing space tourism sector.
More specifically, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket will launch from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. About eight minutes after liftoff, Falcon 9’s first stage will land on SpaceX’s autonomous drone ship, which will ensure environmental safety and protection. The drone ship will be stationed off the coast of The Exumas in the Atlantic Ocean.
The ministry engaged Bahamian-American Aisha Bowe, a former NASA rocket scientist and STEMBoard Founder & CEO, who worked closely with SpaceX over the past few years to establish protocols for The Bahamas. The activity is being regulated and monitored by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas (CAAB).
Said Astronaut Bowe who attended the press conference via Zoom: “Seeing The Bahamas emerge as a key player in the future of space tourism fills me with immense pride. This event is not just about watching a rocket land, it’s about inspiring the next generation of Bahamians to see themselves as future engineers, astronauts, and space leaders.”
It is expected that The Bahamas will take center stage and for this landing to be viewed millions of times.
“Safety is a priority. We are proud to have Bahamian aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe, a former NASA scientist, as our official aerospace consultant. The entire process adheres to environmental safety best practices while placing The Bahamas at the forefront of space exploration,” said DPM Cooper.
He underscored the impact such an event would have on the country’s overall tourism product.
“This historic collaboration with SpaceX further reinforces our commitment to innovation and our dedication to expanding tourism offerings. This groundbreaking launch also writes another chapter in the annals of Bahamian history. We are seizing our space in this vibrant space industry.”
He added, “We are proud to be the first international destination to host such a groundbreaking event, which will undoubtedly draw attention to the beauty and versatility of our islands while contributing to the development of space tourism in our beloved destination.”
The Memorandum of Cooperation recently signed between CAAB and the FAA, which took effect on 15 January 2025, agreed to establish and maintain a framework for the oversight and regulation of aerospace activity. The Cabinet of The Bahamas has approved 19 more landings throughout 2025, subject to regulatory approval.
DPM Cooper envisioned that space tourism allows people to experience aspects of space exploration firsthand, whether through rocket launches or landings, or space-related attractions. And, that The Bahamas is now at the center of this movement.
“With 20 landings scheduled this year, visitors will not only enjoy our pristine shores but witness history in real time. No other place on Earth offers this combination of paradise and space exploration,” he said.
He observed that rocket booster landings will generate fresh economic activity attracting more travelers, securing more heads in beds, boosting local businesses and introducing new experiences for example, yacht excursions to watch rocket landings.
Additionally, SpaceX is committed to establishing a space-themed exhibit in The Bahamas, featuring authentic space hardware and a SpaceX spacesuit — the only one of its kind outside the United States.
“It is yet another way we are putting our country on the map, drawing global attention and expanding what the world knows about The Bahamas beyond its natural beauty,” he said.
SpaceX will donate $1million to the University of The Bahamas, deemed an investment in Bahamians.
“We are not just spectators in this industry — we are participants, shaping its future to strengthen science and technology education,” said Deputy Prime Minister Cooper.
“We are proud to be the first international destination to host such a groundbreaking event. We are not just hosting rocket landings; we are creating a legacy. We envision Bahamian students pursuing careers in aerospace, Bahamian engineers working on cutting-edge technology, and Bahamian scientists contributing to global innovation, and the advancement of mankind. This is the beginning of a significant partnership with SpaceX,” he said.
PHOTO CAPTION
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation the Hon. Chester Cooper announces first international rocket landing in The Bahamas, during a press conference on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 in the ballroom of the British Colonial hotel.
(BIS Photos/Kemuel Stubbs)
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.
NASSAU, Bahamas — More Bahamians are accessing HIV and sexually transmitted infection-related healthcare through National Health Insurance, a trend the NHI Authority says should be viewed positively.
NHIA stressed in an August 6 statement that its 2025 figures measure healthcare utilisation, not newly diagnosed infections. They include beneficiaries screened, treated, monitored or receiving follow-up care, including people diagnosed previously.
“Increased utilisation of these services should be viewed as a positive development,” NHIA said.
The Authority pointed to “greater enrolment and use of NHI, improved access to screening and testing, continued treatment and monitoring of existing conditions, and increased willingness to seek medical care.”
The development comes amid a mixed three-year HIV picture. New diagnoses rose from 130 in 2023 to 156 in 2024, before declining to 142 in 2025.
NHIA said increased utilisation demonstrates that more beneficiaries are accessing needed healthcare and actively managing their health, reinforcing the importance of screening, early diagnosis and continued treatment.
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