Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Bank donates $100,000 to Red Cross, announces concessions for staff and clients
#Nassau, September 20, 2019 – Bahamas – A hundred thousand dollars and financial concessions to contribute to Hurricane Dorian relief efforts were announced by CIBC FirstCaribbean during a presentation at the Bahamas Red Cross headquarters recently.
During the donation to the Bahamas Red Cross, CIBC FirstCaribbean Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the bank’s charitable arm the FirstCaribbean International ComTrust Foundation, Colette Delaney, named a series of initiatives the bank has undertaken to help victims of the hurricane.
Ms. Delaney said, “We have an unwavering commitment to our staff and clients in the Caribbean, and we’re determined to do all we can to facilitate them as they rebuild their lives, homes, and businesses. To this end, we’ve put together a suite of special loans, deferred payments, and other concessions aimed at helping our staff, retail and corporate clients, credit card holders, and other Bahamians who qualify to receive this special financial assistance.
“We’ve also partnered with the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, to offer immediate support to 17 students from the Abaco islands and Grand Bahama whose lives were upended by the storm, but who will still travel to the campus in Barbados to commence their studies.”
The announcement came as Ms. Delaney presented a cheque for $100,000 to aid Hurricane Dorian relief efforts to Bahamas Red Cross President Terez Curry. Ms. Delaney noted that the donation was part of a larger contribution of $150,000 made by CIBC as a whole.
“Your pain and loss here is equally ours because we’re a part of this community, and we remain deeply committed to The Bahamas. Together, we will rebuild and heal. Rest assured, Bahamas, that we’re with you and we’re with you for the long haul,” she said.
Bahamas Red Cross President Terez Curry accepted the donation with thanks. She said, “CIBC FirstCaribbean has been a corporate partner with the Red Cross over the years, and has come to our aid with donations for the many hurricanes we’ve had in previous years.
“We’ve all seen the heartbreaking devastation on the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama, in which we’ve seen lives lost, homes destroyed, and people’s daily lives completely disrupted. However, we are a resilient people, and those affected islands will be back up and running in short time.
“We are partnering with our global network of Red Cross Red Crescent Societies who are here to support and assist us in this effort. Together we are rolling out a major humanitarian effort, and it is with corporate partners and donors that we are able to carry out our mandate to alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found and to provide humanitarian aid to everyone.”
Since its inception CIBC FirstCaribbean’s ComTrust Foundation has committed to giving no less than USD$1 million annually in support of projects in the communities in which the bank operates. The bank has traditionally contributed to hurricane relief efforts regionally, more recently Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.
Release: CIBC First Caribbean International
Photo Captions:
Header: CIBC FirstCaribbean has a history of supporting the Bahamas Red Cross in hurricane relief efforts, and recently donated $100,000 to them for Hurricane Dorian relief. The funds were part of a larger contribution of $150,000 made by CIBC as a whole. L to R: CIBC FirstCaribbean Managing Director (Bahamas & TCI) Marie Rodland-Allen; Bahamas Red Cross President Terez Curry; and CIBC FirstCaribbean CEO and ComTrust Chair Colette Delaney.
Insert: Bahamas Red Cross President Terez Curry shakes the hand of CIBC FirstCaribbean Managing Director (Bahamas & TCI) Marie Rodland-Allen (center) at a recent presentation to donate $100,000 from CIBC FirstCaribbean to Hurricane Dorian Relief Efforts. To Mrs. Rodland-Allen’s left is Red Cross representative Luke Bethel and to her right is CIBC FirstCaribbean CEO and ComTrust Chair Colette Delaney.
Photo credit: Azaleta Ishmael-Newry
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.
