Bahamas News
Grand Bahama celebrates the nation’s 52nd Anniversary
By Shakara Trott
Bahamas Information Services
GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas – From Tin Tubs to Jacuzzis. From Kerosene Lamps to Chandeliers. From Hand Pumps to Running
Water.
As the nation reflects on its journey, these nostalgic comparisons remind Bahamians of just how far we’ve come. On the eve of July 10th, the Grand Independence Central Lawn was transformed into a vibrant hub of celebration as scores of Bahamians, families, dignitaries, and special guests gathered to commemorate the country’s 52nd Anniversary of Independence.
The evening featured a cultural showcase brimming with national pride—from lively food trucks to breathtaking fireworks—bringing the community together in a unified celebration of heritage, resilience, and hope for the future.
Dignitaries made a grand entrance, chauffeured onto the grounds in red-carpet, Vogue-style fashion, and introduced by the evening’s Master of Ceremonies, Wilbert Stubbs.
The festivities began with an ecumenical service led by the Grand Bahama Christian Council. Bishop Barry Morris and Bishop John C. Wallace opened with a call to worship and invocation, followed by an uplifting session of praise led by Calvary Temple’s worship team.
In a stirring keynote address, Archdeacon Earl Hepburn reflected on the spiritual foundation of the Bahamian journey. “No matter how
much effort is put in, if God is not at the center, the foundation will falter,” he said, reminding attendees that the nation’s progress must always be rooted in faith.
As the evening progressed, the atmosphere shifted to high-energy entertainment with performances by DECISION, Top Tier Band, RYCON, Sharade, The Bmes, Bahamas Dance Theatre Troupe, Wilfred Solomon, Nishie L.S., DMAC, and KB—offering a rich tapestry of Bahamian culture in music and dance.
Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey, carried out the traditional Inspection of the Guard, setting the stage for the ceremonial highlight of the evening.
Finally, just prior to midnight, and as Independence Day, July 10, rolled in, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and Royal Bahamas Police Force raised the National Flag, and sounds of the National Anthem filled the air.
With fireworks lighting up the sky, The Bahamas proudly turned 52—marking more than half a century of independence, growth, and national pride.
PHOTO CAPTION: Independence Park was abuzz with excitement as the nation celebrated its 52nd anniversary. The event drew hundreds of attendees who came to mark this significant milestone in the country’s history. Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey is pictured as she greeted uniformed branch officers, dignitaries, and members of the community at the celebration.
(BIS Photos/Andrew Miller)
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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