Bahamas News

‘Nation’s Character’ Riding on its Response to Dominica Devastation

Published

9 years ago

October 1, 2017

#Bahamas, October 1, 2017 – Nassau – The quality of The Bahamas’ character as a nation and its values are riding on how the country responds to the needs of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) partners such as Dominica which was devastated by both Hurricanes Irma and Maria, Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis said Wednesday, September 27, 2017.

“We can either respond with humanitarian and Christian values, or we can close our hearts to those who are now experiencing tremendous suffering and emergency needs.

“Charity, must begin at home, but Charity never stops at the border of a country (and) is rooted in love and compassion and must extend to others beyond ourselves,” Prime Minister Minnis added.

Delivering his communication to the House of Assembly on The Bahamas’ proposed post Hurricanes Irma and Maria assistance to Dominica, Prime Minister Minnis said Dominica experienced “an apocalypse” as a result of the two Super Storms.

Homes are flattened, buildings roofless, water pipes smashed and road infrastructure destroyed. The hospital is without power and schools have disappeared beneath the rubble. Additionally, crops have been uprooted and where there was green, there is now only dust and dirt.

The majority of the country’s population of 75,000 citizens and residents are homeless, and many of the country’s mountainous communities are not accessible by road. Reports suggest that 80 per cent of the buildings have either been destroyed or severely damaged.

Dominica’s beautiful Rain Forest, which gave life to the island-nation’s tourism industry, has been flattened and its agriculture destroyed. The majority of its fishing boats have been lost and the country literally cannot feed itself.

There is no running water, most of the electrical grid has been destroyed, public health is at risk of disease from stagnant water and dead animals, and those in need of dialysis are at-risk of dying because the hospital is without power.

Thus far, 15 persons have been confirmed killed as a result of the monster Hurricanes with the death toll likely to rise.

“The desolation is beyond imagination,” Prime Minister Minnis told House Members. “I could only imagine how I would feel if The Bahamas was devastated in the same way and I had to travel overseas to ask for assistance if we were hit as hard by a monster Category 5 Hurricane.

“Imagine if 80 per cent of the buildings on New Providence were destroyed. Imagine if our electrical and telecommunications grids were destroyed. Imagine if most of the roads in New Providence were uprooted and if PMH (Princess Margaret Hospital) was without power.

“Imagine if every single government-operated school was destroyed and most police stations, clinics and government offices destroyed. Imagine if most people on Grand Bahama or New Providence became homeless overnight.

“So how should we respond to our Caribbean neighbour and CARICOM Partner? We should respond the way we would want others to respond if we were in such dire need and desperation,” Prime Minister Minnis added.

The Prime Minister said there have been many expressions of gratitude (in The Bahamas) about being spared the fury of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, two of the most powerful storms ever recorded in the Atlantic.

“If our expressions of gratitude do not translate into generosity towards those in dire need because of these killer storms, our gratitude to God is superficial at best. One cannot fully express gratitude to God, yet turn one’s heart away from a neighbour in great need.

“As Caribbean neighbours we share a similar history of overcoming colonialism and slavery. And we share a common destiny now also shaped by the reality of climate change and global warming.

“How should we respond? The Character of our nation and our values are riding on how we respond.”

By: Matt Maura (BIS)

Bahamas News

Royal Bahamas Police Force – ARRAIGNMENT NOTICE

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

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

Published

3 weeks ago

August 20, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

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

Bahamas News

CBC Supports Opportunities for Young Bahamian Basketball Players

Published

3 weeks ago

August 20, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

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.