Bahamas News
GB Disaster Relief Foundation & SBP Bahamas donate $450,000 for home repair program
#TheBahamas, April 13, 2022 – The Grand Bahama Disaster Relief Foundation (GBDRF), a charitable organization founded by the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), and funded entirely by private donations, is launching a new home repair initiative. The program, which begins Easter Monday, April 18, 2022, will assist those in our communities who are still recovering from the long-term impacts of Hurricane Dorian.
The GBDRF and SBP are donating $450,000 to the new home repair program, which will employ local licensed contractors to restore fifty homes throughout the island. The program will be targeting the elderly, the disabled, and single mothers with children. Said Ian Rolle, GBDRF Director, “Our hearts go out to our fellow residents of Grand Bahama who are still challenged by the after-effects of the storm, as well as coping with the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic on our economy.” He continued, “SBP has really shown what it means to be our brother’s keeper. We are grateful for their partnership to provide relief efforts not only to homes in Freeport, but also in the Eastern and Western ends of Grand Bahama.”
Formed in 2019, the GBDRF has provided more than $2.6 million on local aid, and partnerships with NGOs and volunteers. GBDRF Home Pilot Program, in partnership with SBP, renovated homes on West Pioneers Way, Clark Avenue, Explorers Way, Rum Cay Place, and Hyde Park Drive areas at a cost of $622,000. GBDRF also supported the local Rotary Muck and Gut Program donating $100,000 towards materials for interior walls and roof repairs, and labor costs for forty-one homes in East Coral Estates (Pioneers Loop). 
The GBDRF Home Repair Program sourced furniture and appliances from a resort in Orlando valued at $2.5 million and funded all shipping and clearing costs amounting to $857,000. Some 300 families were supplied with stoves, refrigerators, washers, dryers, living and bedroom sets, entertainment centers, televisions, patio furniture and more. GBDRF also donated $15,000 to the Rich Halpern Home Repair Program, $3,000 to the Pastor Eddie Victor Home Repair Program, $155,000 to SBP’s Mold Remediation Program, and $15,000 to the Queens Cove Clean Up Project.
After the first lockdown, the GBDRF Feeding Program provided 800 food boxes at a cost of $70,000, and was pleased to support their distribution with Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Urban Renewal, Social Services, the Aids Foundation, the Council for the Disabled, and all the senior care homes in Grand Bahama. GBDRF further partnered with Reach Out Youth Ministries giving $1,000 per week to support their ongoing feeding program, which provided baby food and diapers to 500 mothers and children, 700 grocery bags, and food distribution to 1,500 people. The foundation donated $25,000 to the Government’s Feeding Program, $10,000 to Meals on Wheels, and distributed food and hygiene kits to 120 churches led by Pastor Eddie Victor. Additionally, $84,000 was spent to employ several individuals to work in distribution, clean up and home repair initiatives.
Describing the new home repair initiative, Andy Stofleth, SBP Executive Director – Caribbean said, “This is part of our long-term recovery effort. We’ve been here two and a half years and we’re still rebuilding. 400 families have been welcomed back into their homes through the efforts of SBP, GBDRF, GBPA and other organizations that have bonded since Dorian. Our mission is to provide fast, efficient building services to those who are vulnerable in our community, to help them get back on their feet.”
“We are thankful to SBP for their continued partnership, and the tremendous work they have done in our communities.” said Sarah St. George, GBDRF Chairman. “Those who are still in need are very much in our thoughts. We will continue to find ways to help.” Karla McIntosh, GBDRF Executive Director reiterated, “We want to be able to help the residents of Grand Bahama in any form that we can. I also wish to use this opportunity as a plea to Corporate Grand Bahama, and individuals to donate to the foundation, so that we can continue to be a blessing to others.”
For those who wish to donate, please visit our website at https://gbdisasterrelief.org/donations/.
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.
