Bahamas News
Caught in the Net, Not Accused of Wrongdoing
What the Attorney General must do now to protect Bahamian exports
Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
NASSAU, Bahamas — The United States’ decision to impose a 12.5 percent tariff on Bahamian exports is about more than higher costs for seafood, rum and other goods entering the American market. It is a warning that The Bahamas must move quickly to strengthen or clarify its legal framework governing forced labour and supply-chain enforcement.
The tariff, which takes effect July 24, is part of a sweeping U.S. trade action affecting 60 economies following a review by the Office of the
U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). The review concluded that the listed countries have not adequately prohibited or enforced measures against goods linked to forced labour in global supply chains.
The action follows a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that invalidated an earlier series of Trump-era tariffs imposed under emergency powers. In response, the Trump administration shifted to a different legal authority—Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974—using findings from a U.S. Trade Representative investigation into forced-labour compliance to support a new round of tariffs affecting 60 economies, including The Bahamas.
Importantly, the action does not accuse Bahamian businesses of using forced labour. Instead, it reflects the U.S. view that The Bahamas’ legal or enforcement framework does not yet meet the standard Washington expects.
That distinction matters.
The Attorney General’s Office now has the responsibility to lead the country’s legal response. That begins with determining precisely what concerns the U.S. Trade Representative identified, reviewing whether Bahamian law adequately addresses those concerns and, where necessary, recommending legislative or regulatory changes. If deficiencies exist, legal amendments and stronger enforcement could help position The Bahamas for removal from the tariff list.
The government may also seek formal discussions with U.S. officials while those reforms are undertaken, outlining a clear timetable for
compliance and demonstrating that the country is committed to meeting international labour standards.
A Nassau Guardian front-page report on July 24 drew attention to the tariff action, prompting broader questions about why The Bahamas was included among the 60 economies affected by the U.S. trade measure and what steps are now needed to restore full confidence in the country’s trade framework.
For many Bahamians, the immediate concern will be the fisheries sector, one of the country’s largest export industries. Commercial shipments of lobster, conch, fish, crawfish and other products entering the United States could become more expensive because of the additional tariff, potentially affecting exporters’ competitiveness.
The broader lesson is that international trade increasingly depends not only on quality products, but also on strong business relationships and confidence in the legal systems that govern them.
For The Bahamas, this is less a finding of wrongdoing than a reminder that international credibility is earned through modern laws, effective enforcement and trusted partnerships. The challenge now is for the Attorney General’s Office to lead a swift legal review, identify any deficiencies and chart a clear path toward compliance so Bahamian exporters are not burdened any longer than necessary.
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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