Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Consultations begin towards development of plan for persons with disabilities
#Nassau, February 19, 2019 – Bahamas – Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell began consultations towards the development of a comprehensive plan for the community of persons living with disabilities. The plan is expected to include legislation.
Minister Campbell recently held separate discussions with Mrs. Sheila Culmer, a noted disability rights advocate and trailblazer, and former President of the Bahamas National Council for Disability (BNCD), and officials of the Physically Challenged Children’s Committee at the Ministry’s headquarters, located at Aventura Plaza, Bethel Avenue and John F. Kennedy Drive.
The Social Services Minister was joined in the meeting with Mrs. Culmer by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, Sherrylee Smith; Kim Sawyer, Deputy Director, Department of Social Services; Lorraine Duvalier, Assistant Director, Department of Social Services, with responsibility for the Senior Citizens Division, Disability Affairs Division, Research and Planning and Health Social Services; Gillian Bethell, Assistant Director, Disability Affairs Division and Maria Kelley, Executive Secretary, Secretariat of the National Commission for Persons with Disability.
Minister Campbell said discussions will be held with the approximately 17 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that are involved in advocacy for persons with disabilities in The Bahamas in order to meet the objective of inclusion in the comprehensive plan.
“We will be meeting with all of our NGOs, individually and/or collectively, as this will enable us to come up with a comprehensive plan which will include the legislation.
“Mrs. Culmer has been a long-time advocate for the community of persons with disabilities in The Bahamas. She has been involved, and in the trenches. She has played a major role in the introduction of the decal that is used for parking in spaces allocated to persons with disabilities. As we contemplate legislation, all of the stakeholders will have some input because the legislation must speak to all persons with or without disabilities and so this meeting was just moving in that direction.”
Minister Campbell then met with officials of the Physically Challenged Children’s Committee (PCCC) headed by Chairman Terrance Bain. The Minister was joined by Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, Michael Foulkes; Permanent Secretary Sherrylee Smith; Deputy Director Sawyer, Assistant Director Bethell and Executive Secretary Kelley.
Chairman Bain headed the delegation from the PCCC and was accompanied by Committee Members, Robin Hayes, and Rosemary Sands. The PCCC was established in 1954 under the banner of the Crippled Children’s Committee.
“Beginning in 1954, the Committee has been assisting persons with disabilities particularly as it relates to mobility,” Minister Campbell said. “As we advance in our discussions relative to the community of persons with disabilities and the need for legislative support and protection, it is only fitting that they are a part of the discussion. We value every partnership, notwithstanding the size of the NGO.
By Matt Maura (BIS)
Photo Caption: Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell held discussions with Mrs. Sheila Culmer on Friday (February 15, 2019) as part of the consultative process towards the development of a comprehensive plan for the community of persons living with disabilities that is expected to include legislation. Minister Campbell said he will meet with representatives of the approximately 17 non-government organizations that serve as advocates for the community of persons with disabilities. Pictured (from left) are: Maria Kelley, Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities; Kim Sawyer, Deputy Director, Department of Social Services and Head of Department, Department of Rehabilitative and Welfare Services’ Sherrylee Smith, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development; Minister Campbell; Gillian Bethell, Assistant Director, Disabilities Affairs Division, Department of Social Services; Mrs. Culmer; and Lorraine Duvalier, Assistant Director, Department of Social Services with responsibility for Senior Citizens Division, Disability Affairs Division, Research and Planning and Health Social Services.
(BIS Photo/Matt Mauara)
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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