Bahamas News
Carnival Corporation Signs MOU to Assist Restoration of Grand Bahama’s Rand Memorial Hospital
#Nassau, November 8, 2019 – Bahamas – Carnival Corporation & PLC signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Health and the Public Hospitals Authority to assist with funding flood damage repairs as well as basic restoration efforts to the Rand Memorial Hospital, Grand Bahama. The MOU was signed at the Ministry of Health, Thursday, November 7, 2019.
Minister of Health, the Hon. Dr. Duane Sands explained that at the Rand, one of the major healthcare facilities here in The Bahamas, there was a significant problem with black water flooding, so much so that about 70 per cent of the square footage of the hospital was put out of commission.
In the meantime, he noted that acute care services for the most part are provided in the field hospital right across the street.
Dr. Sands said Carnival Corporation, which has been “an integral part of our tourism product and that has found The Bahamas to be their home,” recognized the challenge with the Rand Memorial Hospital and health services in Grand Bahama in general, so they decided to partner with the Ministry of Health and the Public Hospitals Authority to help remediate the challenges at the Rand.
“So together with at least one other organization, Direct Relief, the Carnival Corporation has committed to remediating the damage to the Rand Memorial Hospital to get it back up and running and also to re-equip the hospital.”
The Minister said it is hoped that the work will be completed by the end of March 2020, which is the end of Samaritan’s Purse International Relief Organization’s engagement. The Organization has been delivering healthcare services on the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama since the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.
Senior Vice-President, Carnival Corporation, Capt. Michael Kaczmarek stated that the Government requested two things from the company: re-starting their business back on the island of Grand Bahama and to The Bahamas, as well some help with the hospital.
Capt. Kaczmarek said that Carnival took a look at the hospital and realized that it had taken substantial flooding damage; shortly after that they offered the government help to stabilize the situation and do some basic remediation for the hospital.
“We have a long relationship with The Bahamas and we feel as partners that it just makes sense for us to be able to help out in these areas where we can.”
The Senior Vice-President explained that the actual cost of the work is uncertain at this time, but it is substantial, and there is also time pressure because of the potential for mould.
He also noted that while a few specialists will be coming from Puerto Rico where they are doing similar work, most of the work should be completed by volunteers from Grand Bahama shipyard.
Also in attendance at MOU signing were Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Marco Rolle; Managing Director, PHA, Catherine Weech; Vice-President, Global Ports and Caribbean Government Relations, Carnival Corporation, Marie McKenzie; and Acting Director of Nursing, Gina Dean.
By Llonella Gilbert
Release: BIS
Photo Caption:
Header: Carnival Corporation & PLC signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Health and the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA), November 7, 2019 at the Ministry of Health to fund and support flood damage repairs, and basic restoration efforts, to Rand Memorial Hospital. Signing were Vice-President, Global Ports and Caribbean Government Relations, Carnival Corporation, Marie McKenzie and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Marco Rolle. Looking on is Managing Director, PHA, Catherine Weech.
Insert: Minister of Health the Hon. Dr. Duane Sands (standing centre) led press conference with officials from the Ministry of Health and the PHA, along with executives of Carnival Corporation & PLC after the MOU signing.
(BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)
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.
