Bahamas News
Happy Birthday to Bahamasair, Celebrates 50 Years of Flying to Turks & Caicos
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, June 22, 2023 – As it marks 50 years of operation Bahamasair flew into the Turks and Caicos on June 15th on a celebratory voyage. The regional flight landed in Providenciales to the spurt of water canons welcoming it to the soon to be officially named Howard Hamilton International Airport.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Airport Authority, TCIAA hosted the event with live video showing the view from the
aircraft as it landed, giving a bird’s eye view of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Bahamian flags and colors sat alongside the TCIs as Anya Williams, Acting Governor; Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism and E Jay Saunders, Deputy Premier attended the special golden celebration.
‘We Funk’ Junkanoo group opened the festivities with a rhythmic rush; the brief ceremony was hosted by Nikeva Ariza, Corporate Affairs and Communication Manager of the Airports Authority.
Bahamasair is the official flag carrying airline of The Bahamas and has served the TCI faithfully for decades connecting the country to the world even prior to some of the larger more established international airlines.
It’s only fitting that the airline celebrated along with the Turks and Caicos which they have served so faithfully and whose residents have supported the airline with dedication.
Norman Saunders, former Chief Minister, was invited to speak at the event and had some insightful history to share with the audience.
“We welcome you and we remember your flights into the TCI with fondness,” he continued, “I was the first agent for BahamasAir in these Turks and Caicos Islands.”
He described going to Nassau for training in writing tickets, handling passengers and more.
“At the time there was only one airport that BahamasAir could land at and that was in South Caicos- and passengers had to travel from Provo out the other islands by boat believe it or not,” he revealed.
The airline began officially on June 18 1973, the same year the nation gained independence, with inter country flights
from one Bahamian island to the next. In that same year it expanded to other destinations including the Turks and Caicos.
“It wasn’t always easy flying from South Caicos to Inagua to Nassau but you were the pioneers of commercial air service into these islands and for that we will always be grateful to you,” Saunders declared.
Michelle Lee, Station Manager at Bahamasair at the Providenciales International Airport said, “This service unites families, provides a rich exchange of culture, fosters business opportunities and gives travelers access to some of the best beaches and friendliest people this side of heaven.”
In that same vein, Managing Director of Bahamasair Tracy Cooper offered, “Bahamasair takes the time to thank the people of the Turks and Caicos for your unwavering support over these years.”
A plaque was presented to Mr. Cooper on behalf of the Members and Executive of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association. A 50th Anniversary cake was also cut in commemoration of the festivities also spearheaded by Godfrey Smith, CEO of the TCIAA.
The message from all speakers was one of family and togetherness and a promise of a lasting, expanding connection.
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.
