Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Administration ‘determined’ to ensure OTH Community thrives
#Bahamas, April 28, 2018 – Nassau – Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis Wednesday unveiled his Administration’s strategy for the revitalization of the Over-the-Hill Community in New Providence, promising to do those things necessary to ensure this Community “could continue to thrive.”
“We know that no (previous) Government has consistently invested what needed to be invested on a sustained basis to ensure that this community could continue to thrive,” Prime Minister Minnis said.
“History is replete with many announced, but unsustainable projects such as The Grants Town Renewal Project in the mid-1980s. My Government is determined to change this.”
The Prime Minister made the comments while tabling his Administration’s White Paper on the Over-the-Hill Community Development Partnership Initiative in the House of Assembly Wednesday (April 25).
The Initiative will utilize a number of wide-ranging strategies that are designed to “strike at the heart” of many of the issues facing inner-city communities and residents such as hard economic times and high incidences of crime and poverty that are exacerbated by poor infrastructure, the abandonment of the area by many traditional families and the increasing impoverishment of the environment by dilapidated housing and illegal garbage and waste disposal.
Some of the strategies include the strengthening of social support systems, improving access to support, coordinating with existing programmes to ensure that community centres are better utilized to meet key needs, working with partners (inside and outside of Government) to improve the employability of Over-the-Hill residents, improving child care options for working parents in the Over-the-Hill area and improving access to healthcare services including primary, mental and family planning services, in addition to services for those with substance abuse disorders and gambling addictions, among many others.
Other strategies call for the strengthening of Community Policing initiatives and increased surveillance of known drug dealers, gun offenders, repeat offenders and child molesters as part of the strategy to “take back our Over-the-Hill streets.”
Programmes have been developed around smart solutions to make better use of technology and alternative energy while additional plans call for an increase in existing waste collection efforts.
Focus has also been placed on improving housing in the Over-the-Hill Community and a “Water For All” Strategy to eliminate the need for standpipes and Outside Toilets by the year 2025.
The Over-the-Hill Community Development Partnership Initiative is based on six key pillars that include: social empowerment, economic empowerment, rejuvenation, smart technology, green and sustainable technology and programmes for the youth and the elderly.
Prime Minister Minnis told House Members Wednesday that critical to social empowerment is the process to become more self- reliant and to comprehensively address poverty.
The programmes contained therein will focus on poverty reduction, skills upgrading and training, supporting employment opportunities for residents, supporting community building, health and wellness programmes and crime reduction.
These efforts will include strengthening the social support systems and facilities for families within the Over-the-Hill Community.
“We will be mapping and assessing existing social support services, improving access to support, strengthen broader social assistance programmes and coordinating with existing programmes to ensure that our community centres are better utilized to meet key needs,” Prime Minister Minnis said.
“We will work with other partners inside and outside of government to improve employability of Over-the-Hill residents. One tangible programme is to facilitate the training of Over-the-Hill residents to gain drivers license.”
By: Matt Maura (BIS)
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.
