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LaRoda makes clarion call for end to all violence as country prepares to observe 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

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2 years ago

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From: Bahamas Information Services

NASSAU, The Bahamas – Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting, the Hon. Myles K. LaRoda, Thursday made a “clarion call” for an end to all violence in-country, but in particular, violence against women and girls.

The call came in the aftermath of the discovery of the remains of a 12-year-old missing school girl (Wednesday, November 20) in bushes near Faith Avenue South, and as the Ministry, its Department of Gender and Family Affairs; the National Women’s Advisory Council, along with other female non-governmental organizations and advocacy groups, and stakeholders, prepare to observe National Women’s Week across the Commonwealth of The Bahamas (November 24-30).

Minister LaRoda said his Ministry, the Department of Gender and Family Affairs, along with its government and non-governmental partners and stakeholders must, and will, remain “resolute” in their push as it relates to “rooting out this scourge.”

The start of National Women’s Week serves as the precursor to the global observance of the United Nations’ Sixteen Days of Activism to End Violence against Women and Girls, which will be observed from November 25 (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day).  The campaign calls for global action to increase awareness, advocacy and innovations to help end violence against women and girls.

The sixteen days of activism are included in the observance of National Women’s Week and, in this regard, the Department of Gender and Family Affairs has organized the End the Violence March and Rally for Sunday, December 7, beginning at 4 p.m.  The March will commence at the South Beach Police Station and end at the Pinewood Gardens Park with a rally.  It is expected that representation from a cross-section of the country will come together in solidarity to speak out against violence against women and girls.

Gender-based violence (or GBV) is considered a serious violation of human rights and a life-threatening health, and protection issue.  Although anyone — women, girls, men and boys — can be victims of gender-based violence, women and girls are especially at risk.

GBV can include sexual, physical, mental and economic harm inflicted in public or in private. It also includes threats of violence, coercion and manipulation. This can take many forms such as intimate partner violence and sexual violence, among others.

Officials at the Department of Gender and Family Affairs (DGFA), including those at its Men’s Desk, say the consequences of gender-based violence are devastating and can have life-long repercussions for survivors. It can even lead to death.

In an effort to continue its mandate to bring further awareness to the negative impacts GBV can have, the DGFA has been working year-round with the National Women’s Advisory Council and other strategic partners and stakeholders, including the various advocacy groups, to address GBV and to ensure the implementation and strengthening of the requisite programmes and strategies to help address, prevent and mitigate Gender-based violence in-country.

Minister LaRoda, in his brief statement on the incident as it is still under active police investigation, said: “You would note that just last night (Wednesday night), we learned of the very tragic death of a female child in southern, New Providence and we were alerted to other children who have gone missing.  While details of this tragedy and the missing children case is still under investigation, we make the clarion call for an end to violence, particularly against our women and girls.”

Minister LaRoda, while applauding the work done by the DGFA, the National Women’s Advisory Council, and the many other government and non-governmental partners and stakeholders, in “getting the message out” of the debilitating effects Gender-based violence, and indeed all violence, can have on society, said the push to address GBV will take resilience.

“The violence doesn’t stop on the observance of days. We have to come to grips that ours is a society, where acts of violence including death against women and girls, do not take a vacation. But we as a community have to remain resilient. We have to continue to put the message out there. We are not going to get to Utopia based on naming days, coming up with strategies where we are going to bat 1,000 per cent.

“We, at the Ministry, including those women’s advocacy groups, government and non-governmental organizations, and private citizens who are appalled by this act cannot be deterred. Our collective resolve has to be one where we become even more resolute in our mission as it relates to rooting out this scourge.”

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Bahamas News

Royal Bahamas Police Force – ARRAIGNMENT NOTICE

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2 weeks ago

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August 27, 2026

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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

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Bahamas News

Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday

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3 weeks ago

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August 20, 2026

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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

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CBC Supports Opportunities for Young Bahamian Basketball Players

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3 weeks ago

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August 20, 2026

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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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