Bahamas News

BAHAMAS: Meet the Country’s First Female Senate Chaplain

Published

9 years ago

February 11, 2018

#Bahamas, February 11, 2018 – Nassau – She is a woman of “firsts.” It’s been almost four years since Rev. Dr. Eileen Johnson was installed the “first” female senior pastor of Lighthouse Fellowship Church of God “City on the Hill,” in Pinewood Gardens, achieving her first major feat. Today, she is the “first” female chaplain in the Senate.

“They said they wanted a female chaplain. I thought it an honor,” said Pastor Johnson. “Society may have a gender problem, but God does not. He will anoint and appoint men and women, yielded vessels, those who are available to him to serve. That is whom God would raise.

“Who would have thought in the year 2000 a woman would be standing and opening the prayer and scripture in a democratic society [in the Senate]. We’re progressing; who knows we may have a female prime minister. People are no longer looking at gender. They’re looking at availability, integrity, professionalism; people who would lead fearlessly and in the fear of God.”

Of her appointment, Pastor Johnson remarked, “it sends a message that once you prepare yourself, educated or not, if you’re a person of prayer and believe, God will use you and nothing can stop you.

“When the hand of God is on your life He will allow your name to be called. Promotion comes from Him. We don’t have to manipulate or orchestrate. All we have to do is serve God, keep our hands clean and our hearts pure. Keep praying and pray the Word.”

Six months into the new post, Pastor Johnson has been well-received in the Upper Chamber.

“I didn’t sign up for it; I didn’t ask anybody for it. I knew my name was under consideration. From among a whole lot of female pastors in this island He selected me. He could have chosen anybody else, but he chose a little, old, girl from Brougham Street. It is an honor and I am grateful.”

Pastor Johnson is led by the Holy Spirit in her intercessions in the Senate. As far as possible she offers a comprehensive prayer aided by scriptures and psalms for inspiration.

“I go as I’m led. I pray for God’s guidance in their thoughts and deliberations that they would be consistent with His will and purpose. I ask the Lord to let there be camaraderie, peace in the midst of their discussions. I briefly touch on the nation; things that are relevant, that are going on at the time. I pray against murder and pull down crime,” she said.

Pastor Johnson is the granddaughter of the late Bishop Peter H. Patton, a founding bishop of the Church of God in The Bahamas. She has been in ministry for over 30 years as a worship leader, choir director and youth minister, which eventually led to her ascension as the “first” female national youth director for the Church of God.

“Life has been a rollercoaster but I thank God for every experience,” said Pastor Johnson.

She leads a congregation of 80-100 members, predominately young people. She participates in praise and worship conferences both locally and internationally.

“I’m training leaders, not just instructing them, but giving them hands on experiences and chances.”

She is married to Dr. James Johnson and is the mother of three sons, and grandmother of one.

“To God be the glory that He thought it fitting to select me to be a female of firsts in a male dominated world.”

By: Kathryn Campbell (BIS)

Photo Caption: Senate Chaplain, Rev. Dr. Eileen Johnson. (BIS Photo/Letisha Henderson)

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.