Bahamas News
Bahamas Fresh Water Resource Addressed at 12th UNESCO International Hydrological Meeting
#Bahamas, September 20, 2017 – Nassau – Fresh water is a “limited” and “critically” important resource to The Bahamas, however, its sustainability is threatened by climate conditions and changes, combined with the added pressure of an increasing population said the Education Minister, the Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd.
Minister Lloyd presented the keynote address at the official opening of the 12th United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) International Hydrological Programme (IHP) and Meeting of National Committees and Focal Points, September 18, 2017 at the British Colonial Hilton.
“Since the quantified freshwater resources of The Bahamas are best described as ‘limited,’ the provision of water supply is heavily sustained by means of seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO). SWRO is unfortunately a heavily energy-dependent means for the provision of fresh water.
Being the single source of natural fresh water for The Bahamas, the fresh groundwater resources have been identified for consideration as a strategic national resource,” he said.
The Meeting aims to agree on resolutions for implantation of the International Hydrological Programme in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) in the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals, and to discuss ways to achieve water security for Small Island Developing States.
Over 60 international delegates representing the Caribbean, South and Central America – inclusive of observers of the Centers, under the auspices of UNESCO, UNESCO representatives on water, other partners, and prominent scientists — are in The Bahamas for the meeting.
Among those in attendance were: the Hon. Romauld Ferreira, Minister of the Environment and Housing; the Hon. Frankie Campbell, Minister of Transport and Local Government and senior Government officials. E. P. Roberts Primary School Choir and the Government High School Band provided entertainment for the event.
Years 2015 thru 2017 — activities within the framework of IHP at the National Level for The Bahamas are:
-UNESCO Groundwater Resources under the Pressures of Humanity and Climate Change (GRAPHIC): North Andros Water Resource Area (a proposed UNESCO-IHP Project Site)
-UNESCO Ecohydrology: Lake Victoria, Exuma (a proposed UNESCO-IHP Project Site)
Minister Lloyd remarked that the GRAPHIC project is identified as being very “relative” to The Bahamas and that it can serve towards promoting and advancing sustainable groundwater management in The Bahamas and the Caribbean.
“In The Bahamas, we are an archipelagic state challenged with water resources, climate variation effects and effective renewable energy options. Sustainable use of all our natural resources must be a key consideration built within all of our development plans.”
Minister Lloyd said it is proposed that the UNESCO GRAPHIC program assists in the assessment and monitoring of the dynamic conditions of the Andros Island freshwater lens.
The long term goals of the effort would be to understand the dynamic geometry of the lens, identify areas of greatest sustainability for both resource protection and freshwater development, and to forecast the impacts of changing climate conditions, sea-level rise, and storm surge on the freshwater lens stability and longevity.
In welcome remarks, Chairman, Bahamas NATCOM, Desmond Edwards, said The Bahamas is an archipelagic state challenged with water resources, climate variation effects, and effective renewable energy options. Sustainable use of all our natural resources must be a key consideration built within all or our development plans.
He stated that the recent impact of Hurricane Irma on The Bahamas brings into focus the question of restoring and maintaining potable water for residents of the southern islands.
“It is, therefore, timely that your deliberations on hydrological matters will include strategies of achieving water security which are now more than ever of immediate concern to our nation. This is an urgent consideration of The Bahamas Government as it embarks upon the tasks to rebuild and or restore damaged infrastructure on our family of islands.”
UNESCO’s IHP was founded in 1975 and implemented in 6-year programmatic time intervals. It is now in its eighth phase to be implemented during the period 2014-2021.
Important achievements in water and ecosystem management have been addressed in LAC. In the future, UNESCO-IHP plans to address Natural Risks & Disasters in LAC.
The UNESCO-IHP Phase #8 Strategic Plan Theme Areas are:
-Water-related Disasters and Hydrological Change
-Groundwater in a Changing Environment
-Address Water Security and Quality
-Water and Human Settlements of the Future
-Ecohydrology, Engineering Harmony for a Sustainable World
-Water Education, Key for Water Security
By: Kathryn Campbell (BIS)
Press Release: BIS
PHOTO CAPTIONS
Header photo: The Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd, the Minister of Education, is shown in the front row with delegates and Cabinet colleagues (4th from left) including the Environment and Housing Minister, the Hon. Romauld Ferreira (3rd from left); the Hon. Frankie Campbell, Minister of Transport and Local Government (5th from left); and Chairperson of Bahamas NATCOM and Desmond Edwards (7th from left). Also pictured are John Bowleg, IHP (Bahamas) Focal Point and delegates attending the meeting.
Insert 1: The Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd, Minister of Education presents the keynote address.
Insert 2: Delegates.
Insert 3: Chairperson of Bahamas NATCOM, Desmond Edwards gives the official welcome.
BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna
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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