Bahamas News
Bahamians played significant role in Commonwealth Youth Forum at CHOGM
#England, May 01, 2018 – London – For the voices of young people to be heard at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting bodes well for the future of the 53-member nations and by extension, the world.
During the meetings, five Bahamian young people joined an estimated 500 delegates who participated in the Eighth Commonwealth Youth Forum held on the margins of CHOGM from April 16-18. There are about 1.8 billion young people between the ages of 10 and 24 – the largest youth population ever, according to latest United Nations Population Fund statistics.
The 2018 Youth Forum’s theme of “Powering Our Common Future” reflects the CHOGM theme of “Towards a Common Future” and illustrates the powerful potential of young people across the Commonwealth in devising solutions to complex global challenges as well as their ability to bring forward meaningful recommendations to the Heads of Government meeting.
According to Bahamian participants, who are no strangers to the Commonwealth Youth Forum, the future is really in their hands and that of their peers.
Attorney Tamar Moss, president of The Bahamas National Youth Council, said that The Bahamas had a significant role to play in the General Assembly of the Commonwealth Youth Council. She pointed out that the purpose of the Bahamas National Youth Council participation in the Commonwealth Youth Forum is to make policy recommendations that are beneficial to the Commonwealth and nationally.
“So that the Commonwealth charter is more nationalized and more personable, so that we all as citizens of the commonwealth of The Bahamas can benefit from the policy recommendations that we have all agreed on as 53 member states.”
According to Moss, it was a very rewarding experience for them as they could appreciate policies the Government decides to put in place and why. And, at the end of the day, they want to see certain things pledged come to fruition.
“For example, we want to see a sustainable Bahamas; we want to see a fair Bahamas that not only promotes equality but equity. And of course a secure Bahamas in which our physical borders are protected and our economy is protected and secured,” she said.
Andril Aranha, CEO of Aroma Bahamas, general secretary of the Bahamas National Youth Council, is also on the Commonwealth Youth Council. He plays a vital role in the Council’s election process with a team that represents The Americas. The young CEO first attended the 2015 CHOGM in Malta as representative of the Commonwealth Youth Entrepreneurship Network. He said what he noticed mostly, was that succession planning is very important in preparing young people for growth and development.
Shaquille Knowles, Chairperson of the Caribbean Regional Youth Council, and member of the International Task Force of the Commonwealth Youth Forum was, for almost a year, instrumental in the planning of the youth programme in conjunction with the Commonwealth Secretariat.
And according to Knowles, it was a “wonderful experience” sitting at a roundtable discussion with UK Prime Minster the Hon. Theresa May and especially Prince Harry who was appointed Commonwealth Youth Ambassador by Her Majesty The Queen, just days before she relinquished her position as Head of the Commonwealth.
“We spoke about what are the ideals of the young people in the Commonwealth, what are our issues and how best we can speak on those amongst our peers,” said Knowles.
He noted that some of the shared issues were youth unemployment and the lack of youth representation on various decision-making organizations. “We want a say. We want a seat at the table and we to be respected like everyone else at the table.”
The young people representing The Bahamas at the Commonwealth Youth Forum pledged to make a difference in the further development of the country. Also present were Robin Thompson and Rashad Ritchie.
By Lindsay Thompson
Photo Caption: Prime Minister Dr. the Hon Hubert A. Minnis met some of The Bahamas’ youth who participated in the Commonwealth Youth Forum during a meeting reception with the Bahamian Diaspora, following the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London. The meeting, followed by a reception, was held at the Royal Overseas League at Park Place, St. James Street, April 21, 2018. Pictured from left: Attorney Tamar Moss, president of the Bahamas National Youth Council; Prime Minister Minnis; Shaquille Knowles, Chairperson of the Caribbean Regional Youth Council and member of the International Task Force of the Commonwealth Youth Forum; and Andri Aranha, CEO of Aroma Bahamas, Secretary General of the Bahamas National Youth Council, and member of the Commonwealth Youth Council.
(BIS Photo/Yontalay Bowe)
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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