Bahamas News
Leading Ladies Celebrate International Women’s Day with BDB
Nassau Bahamas, 6 March 2024- A good governance guru, pageant queen, and financial expert joined the Bahamas Development Bank (BDB) in celebration of International Women’s Day this week. Under the theme, Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress, A. Cecile Watson, Caline Newton and Chantel O’Brian delved into the importance of investing in yourself, confidence and overcoming imposter syndrome in the workplace, and financial independence respectively.
The Bahamas Development Bank’s Managing Director, Nicholas Higgs, said, “Here at the Bahamas Development Bank, we know well that investing in women is both the right and smart thing to do for the workplace, an employee’s personal growth, and the world at large. As employees immerse themselves in presentations by leading ladies, we know that they are not just gaining tools for personal growth, they are helping lay the building blocks essential for a more equitable and prosperous society.”
Good governance is foundational to the Bahamas Development Bank’s mission of driving sustainable development. It ensures that the bank operates with transparency, accountability, and a deep commitment to ethical practices. A. Cecile Watson is a Development Bank of Jamaica director and all-around professional adept at good governance, best practices, and engineering solutions to treat business performance challenges and opportunities. Soon-to-launch is her signature offer, The Foundations of Good Governance Bootcamp, which targets new and established directors, c-suite leaders, and corporate secretaries who want to uplevel in corporate governance so they can be at their best in the boardroom.
During her presentation, Cecile underscored the importance of a woman knowing her place, holding her place, and keeping her place. She used personal experiences as a tool to reinforce the value women bring to both the workplace, country, and wider world. Cecile also gave tips and key qualities for success.
The final topic, financial independence, echoed the need for courage, resilience, and a willingness to break through the barriers that have historically held women back. Financial coach Caline Newton highlighted that financial independence is not just about having the resources to make choices, but also having the confidence to make those choices wisely and intentionally. Her BDB presentation gave a sneak peek into her brand, Live Life Free, which has empowered women and children nationally and globally to embrace their wealth, design their financial destiny, and establish a lasting financial legacy.
Miss Bahamas Universe 2021 and owner of P.S. O’Brian, Chantel O’Brian, also engaged BDB women based in both New Providence and Grand Bahama. Her lively presentation encouraged participants to enter rooms with confidence, dress for success, be intentional about the company they keep, and work toward the person they wish to be. These and other principles are featured in her free, game changing eBook, Activate Your Aura. It is packed with practical insights, empowers women leaders to exude confidence and build genuine connections.
The bank’s internal International Women’s Day activity precedes an external activity hosted in partnership with the Department of Gender Affairs and an exciting announcement regarding financing for women.
Nicholas Higgs added, “As we look to this Friday’s announcement and to the future, let us remember that the journey towards gender equality is a shared responsibility. It requires the collective effort of men and women alike. It requires a pledge to support one another, to lift each other up, and to work tirelessly towards a world where every woman has the opportunity to achieve her fullest potential.”
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.
