Bahamas News
Bahamas Health makes major announcements; Bimini clear & deaths found not to be Covid related
#NASSAU, The Bahamas — July 14, 2020 – Dr. Merceline Dahl-Regis, COVID-19 Task Force Coordinator and Special Adviser to the Prime Minister explained that an external review conducted by local and international health officials confirmed that the deaths of two individuals previously confirmed to have COVID-19, were not due to the virus.
“The Ministry of Health has amended its COVID-19 dashboard to reflect ‘Non-COVID’ related deaths,” Dr, Dahl-Regis stated during a COVID-19 Update Press Conference, at the Ministry of Health, Tuesday, July 14, 2020.
“This new feature will serve to classify a patient who was diagnosed with COVID-19, but whose death was not caused by the virus.
“The Ministry of Health again offers its heartfelt condolences to all who have lost family members and loved ones to COVID-19.”
She said Health Officials are happy to report that the island of Bimini has been given the all-clear as it relates to COVID-19.
Dr. Dahl-Regis stated that the residents of Bimini should be congratulated for their dedicated commitment and sacrifices to prevent the community spread of COVID-19.
“After experiencing a two-week lockdown, Bimini has had no reported cases for 59 days.
She noted however that after 63 days of reporting no cases, Grand Bahama has had eight new confirmed cases in the space of six days.
COVID-19 Task Force Coordinator said for the majority of these new cases, there is a related travel history, according to the data collected so far by the Surveillance Unit.
She again stressed that with the full re-opening of international borders on the 1st of July, all travellers – domestic and international – are required to complete an electronic Health Visa prior to departing for The Bahamas or a Family Island. The Visa can be found at travel.gov.bs.
Dr. Dahl-Regis explained that Health Visa applications take up to 72 hours to process and should be completed with adequate lead time.
She said international travellers must present a COVID-19 RT-PCR Test with a negative result to enter The Bahamas. The test must be taken no more than 10 days prior to the date of travel. Test results must be uploaded in the Health Visa portal and presented upon arrival.
Dr. Dahl-Regis noted that any person presenting a test older than 10 days will not be allowed entry into The Bahamas. Children under the age of 10 are not required to take a test.
“An automated response will be provided once the application is completed. Individuals approved to travel will receive a green color-coded response, as proof of approval. This confirmation must be presented upon arrival in The Bahamas.”
She said it is recommended that all travellers interested in visiting The Bahamas review requirements applicable to each member of their traveling party at www.bahamas.com/travelupdates before booking a trip. The travel requirements for Bahamians and residents returning home after being away for a period of 72 hours or less, will be amended.
Dr. Dahl-Regis said Bahamians and residents traveling for a period of 72 hours or less will be required to quarantine for 14 days unless they produce a COVID-19 RT-PCR Test with a negative result upon arrival.
“We acknowledge that travellers have experienced difficulties upon arrival at LPIA.
“We are working on strengthening coordination between the ministries of health and tourism, and the departments of immigration and customs to address this matter.” She added, “Government officials are on high alert for cases of suspected forgery, tampering and/or altering of required documents. And are prepared to take action if necessary.”
Press Release, Bahamas Information Services by By Llonella Gilbert
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.
