Bahamas News
New Security Scanning Machine installed at LPIA to enhance Travel Experience
NASSAU, The Bahamas — Against the backdrop of a peak travel Easter Season, the governments of The Bahamas and the United States commissioned a state-of-the-art Security Scanning machine, which would allow for enhanced safety measures, and seamless process of passengers through Lynden Pindling International Airport.
The Hon. Wayne Munroe, Minister of National Security.
On hand for the Commissioning and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony were the Hon. Wayne Munroe, Minister of National Security; Kimberly Furnish, Charge d’Affaires, United States Embassy, Nassau; Latia Duncombe, Director-General of Tourism; Vernice Walkine, President & CEO, Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD); Paul Bevans, Chairman of the Board, Airport Authority; and other officials. The ceremony was held Thursday, April 17, 2025 amidst the hustle and bustle of thousands of passengers who were being processed through US Departure/Terminal C at the LPIA. Deemed it a “red letter day” in airport security, Mr. Munroe said it ushered in a new era of safety and security with the state-of-the-art equipment valued at over $2.2 million.
He said that the Davis Administration is resolute in ensuring that the gateway to The Bahamas meets the highest standards while upholding international airport protocols.
Through collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, the Airport Authority, and the Transportation Security Administration, the venture was explored and undertaken.
“Toward this end, the Government of The Bahamas made this capital contribution for the purchase of the Hi-Scan system and R&S security scanner to be used at the Lynden Pindling International Airport,” Mr. Munroe said.
The successful two-week trial run at the US checkpoints ended on Wednesday, April 16, 2025; just prior to the commissioning ceremony.
This acquisition represents a significant investment by the Government of The Bahamas, reflecting a strategic initiative to modernize and align aviation security infrastructure with the latest global innovations. The upgrades will not only enhance the efficiency of screening operations but also strengthen the overall safety and reliability of the passenger experience.
“The Government of The Bahamas’ investment is not only about improving safety and efficiency of air travel but about the peace of mind of travelers. This investment is about ensuring that travelers, visitors and residents alike, who pass through our airport do so with the utmost confidence that their security is our top priority,” said the National Security minister. “Further, with the implementation of this modernized equipment, we will be able to improve travel for our visitors and residents.”
Use of the machine is the first system to allow for the early detection of explosives at security checkpoints. It features dual views, which provides the user with two detailed perspectives for conducting manual analysis, creating a fast and reliable evaluation process. Additionally, this equipment comes with an associated recheck station for continued inspection of passenger bags during searches of suspected luggage.
Mr. Bevans said that the Airport Authority entered into a contractual agreement with the Canadian company Sectus Technologies, to provide security-screening equipment for the US checkpoint at LPIA.
“Our team worked tirelessly along with the team from Sectus to establish what we see here today,” he said. “These new machines are state-of-the-art, allowing both visitors and locals to move through security screening and be processed quickly,” Mr. Bevans said. “This will definitely make traveling more enjoyable.”
Kimberly Furnish, Charge d’Affaires, United States Embassy. Pictured right is the Hon. Wayne Munroe, Minister of National Security.
Garrett McKinney, Grade I Aviation Security Officer said that Airport Authority remains fully committed to upholding the highest safety and regulatory compliance standards, in close collaboration with its partners, the Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and in alignment with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). “We also remain accountable to our national regulatory bodies—the Civil Aviation Authority of The Bahamas (CAA-B) and, by extension, the Aviation Security and Facilitation Oversight Department,” he said. President and CEO of NAD Vernice Walkine also spoke to the collaborative efforts in acquiring the security scanning equipment, which will help to enhance the overall traveling experience.
Ms. Walkine said that as LPIA continues to push toward achieving a 5-star rating, it is imperative that every stakeholder plays their role in upholding the highest standards of operations.
“Your support is vital in helping us elevate the level of service, efficiency, and security at LPIA,” said Ms Walkine. “Having access to the latest security scanning technology is not only a convenience – it is a necessity. These new additions will enhance the Airport Authority’s ability to process passengers more quickly and accurately, allowing for a smoother, safer journey for all.”
Kimberly Furnish, Chargè d’Affaires, United States Embassy, Nassau spoke to the importance of border protection and security, and the strong partnership with The Bahamas Government and the relevant stakeholders in relation to the commissioning of the security scanning machine.
PHOTO CAPTIONS
BIS Photos/Kemuel Stubbs
Header: The governments of The Bahamas and the United States held a Commissioning and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for a state-of-the-art Security Scanning machine in the US Departure/Terminal C at Lynden Pindling International Airport on Thursday April 17, 2025. The Hon. Wayne Munroe, Minister of National Security, and Kimberly Furnish, Charge d’Affaires, United States Embassy, Nassau, cut the ribbon, flanked by tourism and aviation officials.
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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