Bahamas News
Government held Ground Breaking Ceremony for Coconut Grove Advanced Health Care Centre
By LINDSAY THOMPSON
Bahamas Information Services
NASSAU, The Bahamas – Making good on his administration’s pledge to have healthcare accessible in all communities, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Philip Davis broke ground for the Coconut Grove Advanced Health Centre.
Despite rainy and windy conditions on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, the day was deemed a “big comeback” after Hurricane Matthew had derailed ongoing repairs to the Coconut Grove Clinic in 2016.
Prime Minister Davis delivered the keynote address for the Ground Breaking Ceremony at the site on Grasmerd Bend, Baillou Hill Road, just opposite the National Insurance Board.
“It’s good to be here. I know the weather might not look too good today, but believe me when I say that every day we draw closer to a brighter, healthier future for The Bahamas is a good day,” he said. “Today is a comeback. A big comeback.”
For nearly 45 years the old Coconut Grove Clinic provided essential maternal and child health services, general care and health education to all who passed through its doors. But after it sustained damage from Hurricane Matthew, services were transferred to the nearby Baillou Hill Road and Fleming Street clinics.
The new facility will restore services to those residents in the surrounding areas of St. Barnabas, Englerston, and Bain and Grants Town.
The prime minister observed that the reality is that extreme weather events are threatening lives and the systems which preserve them.
“My administration was determined not to let this clinic – and many other clinics throughout our islands – fall through the cracks again. We
are working, every day, across every island, to improve the lives of Bahamians,” he said.
Underscoring that health is an important component of his administration’s Blueprint for Change, the prime minister further noted that expanding health infrastructure, maximizing access to health services, and driving positive health outcomes are among the top priorities.
“In breaking ground on the Coconut Grove Advanced Health Care Centre, we are making progress on each of these fronts. Accessible healthcare will soon be at your doorstep,” he said.
The Coconut Grove Advanced Health Centre will be built to Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) certification, making it not just sustainable and handicap accessible, but climate resilient. It will be a 14,500-square-foot facility built on the four-acre site at just over $10.5 million. Construction is mobilized and is expected to be completed in approximately 15 months.
The Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness, said that the facility will serve as a community clinic providing primary and urgent care services, taking some of the strain off the Princess Margaret Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department.
“It is designed to reduce waiting time, improve access to care and give residents a welcoming environment that supports prevention, early detection, and long term wellness,” he said.
Professionals involved in the project include: project architect, Livingstone Forbes; structural and civil engineers, Island Dimensions Development Company; mechanical and electrical engineers, Chris Symonette and Associates; general contractor, A & M Construction Company Ltd.; and the ministry’s quantity surveyor Veritas Consultants Ltd.
(BIS Photos/Mark Ford)
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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