Bahamas News

Tech Summit Set for November in Grand Bahama

Published

9 years ago

October 17, 2017

#Bahamas, October 17, 2017 – Grand Bahama – Minister of State for Grand Bahama in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator Kwasi Thompson says the concept of The Bahamas as a Technology Hub is not a new idea, however making Grand Bahama the center of that technology hub just makes sense.

The Minister’s remarks came during a press conference at Pelican Bay resort on Monday, October 16, 2017 to announce a Technology Conference in Grand Bahama November 9-10, 2017 at the Grand Lucayan.

“The technology industry can become a third pillar of our economy,” said Minister Thompson. “And that can begin right here in Grand Bahama. For years, we in Grand Bahama have been searching for industries which can diversify our economy and today is a very important step in that process.”

The Minister of State for Grand Bahama noted that the information and communication technology industry has also caught the eye of other Caribbean countries. He referenced an article in Caribbean Journal that stated “the culmination of the Caribbean and technology is really ideal” and it ranked The Bahamas as one of 13 top locations for potential Tech Hubs.

“The Bahamas is really well positioned by our proximity to the United States,” Minister Thompson pointed out. “We have the infrastructure through our fiber optic cable. We also have the skilled Bahamians – some at home and some abroad to make it all possible.

“But why Grand Bahama? But as I put it, why not Grand Bahama?

“I believe we are really the most in need of economic reform, as tourism is not enough. We therefore should be willing to make the necessary changes and modifications to make this a reality.”

In giving credence to his call for Grand Bahama to become the Tech Hub for the entire Bahamas, Minister Thompson pointed out the fact that Grand Bahama is located closer to the United States than Nassau – has better infrastructure than most of the other islands, and access to acres of cheap, available land.

“We are also well-positioned with the Grand Bahama Shipyard and the Freeport Container Port,” added Minister Thompson. “Both of these facilities are leaders in the region, and even in the world…, and can facilitate technology subsidiary businesses. Technology manufacturing businesses can take advantage of concessions we already have in the Hawksbill Creek Agreement.

“So Grand Bahama is ready for a shift in industry focus, and technology is the natural evolution from our industrial nature. We need an economic system upgrade.”

He continued, “It will require a focused plan, the support of local stakeholders, community involvement and a government with the will to make it happen.

“We will require changes in our legislation, special tax incentives, business license exemptions and even concessions that will attract data centers and major technology manufacturers. We need to have important conversations on internet exchange points to be able to attract and protect company data.

“We must create an environment with local entrepreneurs and innovators, where they can flourish alongside companies from abroad.

“If you are a major international tech company, we want you in Grand Bahama. If you are a Bahamian and you want to set up a Tech company, we want you in Grand Bahama. This Tech Summit in Grand Bahama is a call to all industry stakeholders locally and internationally, so that we can continue this dialogue in Grand Bahama on how we will shape the policy for Grand Bahama.”

By: Andrew Coakley (BIS)

ANNOUNCING SUMMIT – Minister of State for Grand Bahama in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator Kwasi Thompson was the keynote speaker during a press conference at Pelican Bay resort, October 16, 2017, to announce dates and plans for the upcoming Technology Summit, to be held in Grand Bahama November 9-10, 2017. (BIS Photo/Andrew Miller)

Bahamas News

Royal Bahamas Police Force – ARRAIGNMENT NOTICE

Published

1 week 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

2 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

2 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.