Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: ‘Culture and Youth in The Park’ – Part of Community Outreach
#Bahamas, February 15, 2018 – Nassau – Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Michael Pintard said that the “Culture and Youth in the Park” event his Ministry held, on February 10, 2018, was a part of community outreach and a way to encourage and recognize the youth and culturally-minded persons 
throughout The Bahamas.
“Essentially, we believe that it is important to interact with our young people in positive ways,” Minister Pintard said at the event, which was held on the George “Busta” Brown Park, in the Bain and Grants Town community.
“In other words, persons who are in the historic communities, like Bain Town or the Over-The-Hill community, their interaction with government should not be through the police and through Social Services and some of the agencies that suggest something else. We believe it ought to be positive engagement.
“What we are seeking to do, as part of the revitalisation programme forged by the Prime Minister (the Hon. Hubert Minnis), is to do similar types of programmes that have been done by (Ministry of) Labour, through Labour on the Blocks; through Urban Renewal — through the initiatives they have launched; and now we are bringing culture to the park as well as youth outreach — where we are interacting with young people, talking about positive choices that they can make, opportunities that exist, and organizations that they can join.”
Among those present for the opening ceremony were: Member of Parliament and Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, Travis L. Robinson, the Ministry’s Director of Culture Rowena Sutherland, Director of Youth and Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary K. Darron Turnquest, Project Co-ordinator Henry Higgins, Founder and Chair of the Eneas Street Festival Bridgette Seymour, community activist Rev. Dr. C. B. Moss, Woman Police Corporal and founder of The Bahamas International Drill Team Keva J. N. Major, Junkanoo icon and cultural businessman Quentin “Barabbas” Woodside, and government and civic stakeholders.
“Many of the groups that are here are from Bain Town: we have the International Drill Team ‘in the house’; we have the marching bands here, Barabbas and the Tribe, and Geno D will be coming through,” Minister Pintard said.
He noted that Jr. Miss Galaxy Bahamas Maleah Gabrielle Miller, marching bands, church groups, dance troupes, and a multitude of others came out to interact with the young people in the community at the park. Bahamian ‘Limbo and Fire King,’ Leroy “Sweet Boy Leroy” Butler also interacted with the children present and performed for scores of cheering “new fans.”
“You can look at the enthusiasm of the young people who are here,” he pointed out. He added that the vendors at the event were also from the community.
“We believe that when you are generating income it should be for those who are from the community, as opposed to people who are coming in, earning revenue and leaving,” Minister Pintard said.
“We are excited to be here in this community,” Minister Pintard said.
Director of Culture Rowena Sutherland said, “Culture and Youth in the Park is a part of a wider initiative that the Ministry is embarking on to support creative and cultural artists in The Bahamas; and the Ministry seeks to uplift the various neighbourhoods throughout The Bahamas.”
She added that it was a national plan the Ministry is executing, the goal being to go into every constituency and empower them by finding out what their needs are, who are their cultural and religious leaders, and to give them the structural support they need; and then, in turn, have events and to create safe spaces for the residents to enjoy.
“Saturday’s event in Bain and Grants Town was most successful,” Director Sutherland said. “Nearly all of the children in the neighbourhood came out and were very engaged – they had a positive activity to engage in.”
“We also had a lot of support from the leaders of the community in organizing the event; so that they felt that it was ‘theirs’; and it was a beautiful outpouring of community, of art, and of love,” she added.
Director Sutherland echoed Minister Pintard’s sentiments, saying that the Ministry seeks to promote the creative and cultural community and the Culture and Youth in the Park initiative will be a contributing catalyst in the development of the creative and cultural arts community. She also noted that vendors were able to sell their wares from 3 pm to 9 pm, providing for a large window of opportunity for sales that evening.
“We are going to move to Centreville,” Minister Pintard noted. “We are going to be in Englerston, Pinewood Gardens, Nassau Village — we are going to be in every community in New Providence and, of course, by extension in the Family Islands.”
By: Eric Rose (BIS)
Photo captions:
Header: Member of Parliament and Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, Travis L. Robinson speaks, on February 10, 2018, at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture’s “Culture and Youth in the Park”, held on the George “Busta” Brown Park, in the Bain and Grants Town community.
First insert: Junkanoo icon and cultural businessman Quentin “Barabbas” Woodside leads young boys in the community in various traditional beats, on February 10, 2018, at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture’s “Culture and Youth in the Park.”
Second insert: Local children scream for Bahamian ‘Limbo and Fire King,’ Leroy “Sweet Boy Leroy” Butler to go lower, on February 10, 2018, at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture’s “Culture and Youth in the Park.”
Third insert: Adults show the children how to properly jump rope and “look good doing it.”
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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