Bahamas News
Three Biggest Takeaways From Commonwealth Observers Include Bahamas Campaign Finance Reform
The Bahamas, May 22, 2026 – A Commonwealth Observer Group reviewing The Bahamas’ May 12, 2026 General Election has praised Bahamian voters and the country’s democratic traditions — while also raising major concerns about campaign finance laws, media fairness and the lack of a political code of conduct.
The interim report, issued May 14 and led by former Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding, described the election as peaceful and orderly
overall, but signaled that several longstanding democratic reforms still remain unresolved in The Bahamas.
CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM
Perhaps the strongest language in the report focused on the continued absence of campaign finance legislation.
The Commonwealth warned there remains: “no statutory framework governing the registration of political parties and the regulation of political contributions and campaign expenditure.”
Observers said that absence: “continues to undermine accountability and contributes to public cynicism regarding the influence of money in politics.”
The report stressed that the relatively small size of Bahamian constituencies makes the country especially vulnerable to concerns over political influence and spending.
The Observer Group said: “The relatively small size of the Bahamian electorate in each constituency makes it especially vulnerable in this regard.”
The recommendation itself is not new — and that was part of the concern.
The Commonwealth pointed out that similar recommendations were made after the 2017 and 2021 elections.
This time, however, the language became sharper: “Ten years after this recommendation was first made by a Commonwealth Observer Group, its implementation has become more urgent.”
VOTERS AND DEMOCRATIC CONDUCT COMMENDED
Even with those concerns, the Group strongly praised Bahamian voters and election workers for maintaining calm and order throughout the election process.
In one of the strongest commendations of the report, observers stated: “We applaud the people of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas for once again exercising their franchise in a peaceful and orderly manner. The Bahamas has a proud democratic tradition, and that tradition has once again been affirmed.”
The Group also commended polling officials for: “the efficiency and professionalism with which they discharged their duties.”
Police, defence force officers, political parties and party agents were also praised for contributing to what observers described as a peaceful election environment.
The report specifically noted the: “maturity of Bahamian electoral culture.”
MEDIA FAIRNESS AND ACCESS
The Commonwealth also raised concerns about media fairness and political influence within parts of the Bahamian media environment.
While the report praised press freedom and described Bahamian private media as vibrant and active, observers said they received complaints about perceived bias and political alignment.
The report stated: “The vibrancy of private broadcasters and the country’s print media is commendable.”
But it also noted: “reports of the close relationship between the owners of private media houses and the main political parties and perceptions of biased reporting that this created.”
Observers additionally raised concerns over misinformation and the tone of discourse on social media platforms during the campaign.
The report also revisited concerns surrounding the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas, urging balanced political access and equitable election coverage.
The Commonwealth further encouraged the creation of: “an independent media association to support and regulate media professionals”
along with a media Code of Conduct designed to foster: “greater accountability and fair coverage of election campaigns.”
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR POLITICAL PARTIES
The Observer Group also renewed calls for political parties to formally establish rules governing campaign behavior and political engagement.
The report urged political parties, in consultation with civil society, to develop: “a Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates.”
According to the Commonwealth, such a Code should clearly define: “the manner in which campaigns are conducted, standards of civility in public discourse and personal attacks on opponents on social media.”
The recommendation was also made after the 2017 and 2021 elections, signaling what observers see as a continuing need to formalize standards of political behavior and campaign engagement in Bahamian democracy.
The Commonwealth Observer Group is expected to issue a final report with additional recommendations in the months ahead.
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.
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