Bahamas News

New Study Released on Addressing Murder in The Bahamas

Published

9 years ago

October 21, 2017

#Bahamas, October 21, 2017 – Nassau – Director of the National Anti-Drug Secretariat (NADS) within the Ministry of National Security, and Superintendent of Police Dr. Chaswell A. Hanna on October 18, 2017 announced the launch of a new study on murders entitled, “Solutions to the Murder Problem,” under the auspices of NADS in partnership with the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the University of The Bahamas.

“This study had three main objectives,” Dr. Hanna said at the launch, held at the Churchill Building. “Firstly, Chapters 1 through 6 presented a descriptive analysis of murder incidents that occurred within The Commonwealth of The Bahamas between 2010 and 2015 – 719 murders. During this study period, a host of variables including incidence, victims, suspects, motives, detection and conviction were collected and analyzed from case files and local criminal justice databases.”

Secondly, Dr. Hanna said, Chapters 7 and 8 presented a comprehensive review of literature on the issue of homicide prevention and ways by which detection rates may be improved.

“Best practices and innovative preventative programs devised and/or adopted by law enforcement agencies throughout the world were also shared and examined,” Dr. Hanna said. “Careful attention was given to the results of scholarly evaluations of such programs to determine the extent of their effectiveness.”

Finally, he noted, Chapter 9 presents a new Murder Reduction Strategy for The Bahamas based on the findings of this study.

“This strategic plan proposes the introduction of several new police initiatives, policy adjustments, constitutional amendments and community-based programs to reduce murder and other violent crimes,” he pointed out. “The strategy gives evidence-based solutions to policy makers which they can use to guide decisions.”

Dr. Hanna said the some of the “more interesting” findings included the following: The Bahamas’ murder rate ranks 13th out of a survey of 142 nations; murders are heavily concentrated in communities which fall below the average household income line; and that persons involved in criminal activity are more likely to be murdered than persons who are not involved in criminal activity.

The study also found that 19% of murder victims were on bail; 39% of persons charged with murder were on bail; when compared to the United States, local detection rates tended to be higher; and that there are over 200 murder cases still pending trial for the study period.

Juries, Dr. Hanna said, returned a guilty verdict in 76% of the cases presented to them for deliberation, and most sentences for murder convictions included 31-40 years imprisonment.

“Recommendations offered in the Murder Reduction Strategy are based on the findings of this study and associated research and may not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or positions of the Ministry of National Security or the Royal Bahamas Police Force,” Dr. Hanna pointed out.

He noted that the Murder Reduction Strategy is comprised of the following seven key action points: Punish the Most Violent Offenders; Stop Illegal Guns Entering The Bahamas; Create a DNA Forensic Laboratory; Dismantle Criminal Gangs; Dissuade Youths from Using Drugs; Increase Economic Opportunities for at-Risk Youth; and Increase Educational Achievement.

“While some of these recommendations may raise some eyebrows, presenting them provides a space for policy makers to take a fresh look to this national issue,” Dr. Hanna said. “Finally, we are happy that this study adds to the relatively small, but growing, body of local research, which can be furthered explored by other researchers at the University of The Bahamas.”

Dr. Hanna stated that the following Friday, October 20, 2017, he would be presenting the details of the Strategy at the University of the Bahamas’ Harry C. Moore Library at 12:30pm. This event, he noted, would be free and open to the general public.

“A free copy of the study can be downloaded at our website www.bahamas.gov.bs/nads and the University of The Bahamas’ website,” he added.

By: Eric Rose

Photo captions: NASSAU, The Bahamas – Director of the National Anti-Drug Secretariat (NADS) within the Ministry of National Security and Superintendent of Police Dr. Chaswell A. Hanna (centre) speaks, on October 18, 2017, during the announcement of the launch of a new study on murders entitled “Solutions to the Murder Problem.” The study – a printed copy of which he is holding – was under the auspices of NADS in partnership with the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the University of The Bahamas. Also pictured are Chief Superintendent Solomon Cash (left) and NADS Supply Reduction Officer David Ramsey.

(BIS Photo/Eric Rose)

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.