Bahamas News
Bahamas Striping Group raises $50M for Eleuthera & Long Island Infrastructure
Rashaed Esson
Staff Writer
#TheBahamas, May 23, 2023 – Putting an end to a cycle of “slow and unsuccessful” development in Eleuthera and Long Island Bahamas, roughly $50 million dollars in available funds raised by the Bahamas Striping Group of Companies (BSGC), in a Private Public Partnership (PPP), will be poured into enhancing the islands from roads in dire need of repairs, seawalls thirsty for construction, to sidewalks and a playgrounds in need of rehabilitation and other projects.
This accomplishment of BSGC is in line with 14 years of success thanks to the business model and a wavering quality of work, as expressed by Dominic Sturrup, Executive Chairman.
“Growth is assured when a business group’s interests are closely aligned with national interests. Determined and active nation building is a credo that is close to our hearts as a group, and our reputation for project work excellence has elevated the brand and brought success to the company,” he expressed.
BSGC has revised its funding model, and with it, funders pay for specific projects while the Government pays on the backend in installments, usually ranging from 3-5 years.
Essentials like equipment are covered by the funding and the Government is allowed to take under its wing and make paramount, other commitments while BSGC holds all liabilities, as opposed to its old business model where they were responsible for raising its own funds to execute its own projects.
BSGC has pulled into the project, Rowdy Boys Construction Company, Quick-Fix Construction Company and NuView Construction Company.
Bernard Knowles, President of Rowdy Boys Construction Company expressed gratitude for being included by BSGC, highlighting that his company has known struggle when it comes to funding.
“The Bahamas Striping Group of Companies support means a lot to me because I never left Long Island and there’s not a lot of opportunities here. I have a lot of staff that I struggle to keep so this is a way for me to also hire more people. BSGC has taken the initiative to believe in me and by getting this big project going.”
He further stated that he hopes skilled Long Islanders will want to return home since work is now available.
Elton Symonette, President of 39-year-old Quick-Fix Construction Company, mentioned that collaborating with BSGC will get jobs started. He added that Quick-Fix has its fingers crossed for a long term relationship.
He continued, “Getting things going in our community moves Eleuthera’s economy. It is also important for us to empower our people instead of going out of the country. When Eleutherans work in Eleuthera, our money stays here.”
Peter Kemp, President of Nu-View Construction Company gave shout outs to BSGC for taking the initiative to be the first to lead a partnership such as this. He further spoke to how beneficial the funding will be in allowing Eleuthera’s road improvement needs.
“I am well pleased to note that a Bahamian contractor has received the contract to do road repair for Eleuthera. This is the first time, especially for local contractors, to be able to get this amount of work subbed out to them from another contractor. This is something that you really don’t see on Family Islands.”
These contractors meet BSGC’s meet company and Ministry of Works standards.
BSGC, 26 years old, had come a long way and Sturrup made sure to highlight that success in building funding did not happen overnight.
“The first-time seeking funding, whether locally or internationally, is always tough. Once you go through the initial process however, funders get to know you, understand you and trust you to deliver on time and within budget. We motivate future investments as funders see the work done,” he maintained.
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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