Bahamas News
5th CARIFTA Triathlon, Aquathlon & Mixed Relay Championships a Huge Success
#TheBahamas, August 31, 2023 – The Bahamas hosted the 5th CARIFTA Triathlon, Aquathlon & Mixed Relay Championships at Goodman’s Bay over the weekend of August 26th and 27th, 2023. The Championships had nine different Caribbean countries compete – Barbados, Bermuda, Bahamas, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Aruba, Antigua and Grenada – across 4 age groups (11-12, 13-15, 16-19, 21& Under) in the triathlon and aquathlon events.
Overall, the 23-member Barbados team won gold for the second straight year. They amassed 180 total points and came away with 15 medals, 8 of which were gold. Bermuda took overall silver with 130 points and 8 medals. Rounding out the points table was Bahamas, Trinidad & Tobago, Aruba, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Antigua and Grenada.
Day one feature the triathlon events which saw Zahra Gaskin of Barbados and Liam McLaughlin of Trinidad & Tobago capturing gold in the 21&U female and male categories respectively. The 16-19 category witnessed Isis Gaskin of Barbados and Jamie Bedford of Bermuda taking gold medals in the female and male sprint triathlons respectively. Winners of the 13-15 age group which was the largest of the competition were Valentina Negron of
Puerto Rico in the female race and Jackson Langley of Bermuda in the male race. The last group to compete on the day were the 11-12 category with Laila McIntyre winning the female gold and in a rare occurrence, a tie between Lachlan Menzies of the Bahamas and Rory Shepherd of Bermuda sharing gold in the male event.
Day two saw competition continue with the aquathlon and mixed relay events taking place. The 21 &U saw Zahra Gaskin who is on a triathlete scholarship at Wingate University capture gold and Liam McLaughlin of Trinidad & Tobago take another gold in the male race. In the 16-19 event, Isis Gaskin Barbados took her second gold while Israel Allen of Jamaica took the male gold. For the 13-15 Barbados swept gold medals in female and male races with first time competitor Isabella Mayers and Luke McIntyre being the victors. Laila McIntyre of Barbados and Rory Shepherd of Bermuda each grabbed their second gold of the championships in the 11-12 category.
Closing the action on day 2 were the mixed relays which saw Bermuda capture gold and Barbados the silver and bronze. The double podium secured Team Barbados 2nd consecutive Championship Title.
The event saw 144 triathletes compete across the age groups on both days. This event is the premier event for the development of triathlon, aquathlon and mixed relays across the Caribbean. Barbados is expected to host the event in 2024 where team Barbados will go for a 3rd consecutive title. Full results can be found at www.odesseytiming.com.
President of the CARIFTA Triathlon Organizing Committee, Darren Treasure, said “We are extremely proud of this group of dedicated young triathletes. The Bahamas Triathlon Federation did an exception job of organizing and executing the event. With 144 athletes and equally as many spectators the Bahamas tourism and hospitality was on offer for all to enjoy. The event continues to provide motivation and development opportunities for triathletes in the Caribbean like no other. The level of competition continues to improve year after year and the relationships formed between the participants will be long lasting. We hope in the future to see more of our Caribbean neighbors participate in Barbados next year.”
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.
