Bahamas News
Davis Unveils One Of The Largest Cabinets in Modern Bahamian History
The Bahamas, May 22, 2026 – Just days after securing a commanding re-election victory, Prime Minister Philip Davis has unveiled what appears to be one of the largest Cabinets in modern Bahamian political history — fueling debate over government spending, parliamentary independence and the concentration of executive power.
The new administration now includes 29 members of Cabinet, counting the Prime Minister himself, following the swearing in of 21 Cabinet
Ministers and eight Ministers of State.
The appointments come after the Progressive Liberal Party secured 33 seats in the country’s expanded 41-seat Parliament.
Critics are already pointing to the math.
Had all Cabinet appointees been selected strictly from elected Members of Parliament, only four PLP MPs would have remained outside government. Instead, several Senate appointments were used to fill ministerial posts, slightly widening the governing bench but still leaving a comparatively slim independent backbench on the government side of the House.
That reality matters constitutionally and politically because Cabinet Ministers are members of the Executive branch and are bound by collective responsibility and confidentiality rules once sworn into office.
In Westminster parliamentary systems like The Bahamas, backbench MPs traditionally provide an additional layer of scrutiny, debate and independent thought — even within the governing party.
Some observers now question whether a Cabinet of this size reduces the room for dissent or independent legislative oversight inside government ranks.
Others are raising concerns about costs at a time when Bahamians continue facing affordability pressures, rising utility bills and broader economic uncertainty.
The expansion also follows recent changes to constituency boundaries which increased the House of Assembly from 39 to 41 seats — meaning additional MPs, additional parliamentary costs and now a larger executive structure.
Historically, Bahamian Cabinets have fluctuated in size depending on administrations and political strategy, but governments traditionally operated with significantly smaller executive teams than the one now assembled.
The Davis administration, however, argues the country’s development agenda requires expanded leadership portfolios and specialized oversight.
Among the changes are re-engineered ministries and at least one newly created portfolio.
The full Cabinet includes:
Senior Leadership
- Hon. Philip Edward “Brave” Davis — Prime Minister
- Hon. Isaac Chester Cooper — Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Education
Cabinet Ministers
- Hon. Michael Halkatis — Finance
- Hon. Wayne Munroe — Attorney General & Legal Affairs
- Hon. Frederick Mitchell — Foreign Affairs
- Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin — Tourism
- Hon. Michael Darville — Health
- Hon. Clay Sweeting — Works & Family Island Affairs
- Hon. Keith Bell — Housing & Land Reform
- Hon. Jo-Beth Coleby-Davis — Energy, Utility & Aviation
- Hon. Ginger Moxey — Grand Bahama
- Hon. Mario Bowleg — Youth & Sports
- Hon. Jomo Campbell — Agriculture & Marine Resources
- Hon. Pia Glover-Rolle — Labour, Public Service & National Insurance
- Hon. Zane Lightbourne — Environment & Natural Resources
- Hon. Myles Laroda — National Security
- Hon. Leon Lundy — Transport
- Hon. Lisa Tammy Rahming — Urban Renewal & Community Relations
- Hon. Leslia Miller-Brice — Culture, Arts & Heritage
- Hon. Jerome Fitzgerald — Economic Affairs
- Hon. Barbara Cartwright — Social Services
- Hon. Sebastian Bastian — Innovation & National Development
Ministers of State
- Hon. Omar Rolle — Social Services
- Hon. Wayde Watson — Innovation & National Development
- Hon. Leonardo Lightbourne — Agriculture & Marine Resources
- Hon. Kirk Cornish — Office of the Prime Minister
- Hon. McKell Bonaby — Office of the Prime Minister
- Hon. Darren Pickstock — Immigration / Foreign Affairs
- Hon. Owen Wells — Health & Wellness
The appointments are expected to shape the PLP’s second consecutive term, making the Davis administration the first Bahamian government in nearly 30 years to secure back-to-back election victories.
But the size of the executive team is likely to remain part of the national conversation — particularly as Bahamians await details on government spending priorities, ministerial budgets and the overall cost of governance under the new administration.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
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.
