Bahamas News

Minister Moxey says Grand Bahama has come a long way in 18 months

Published

3 years ago

March 7, 2023

Deandrea Hamilton

By ANDREW COAKLEY

Bahamas Information Services

NASSAU, The Bahamas — Minister for Grand Bahama, Ginger Moxey told Parliamentarians that a new hospital with an Oncology Center, in Grand Baham, is on its way with ground to be broken in the coming weeks.

Making her presentation to the mid-year Budget in the House of Assembly on Monday, March 6, 2023, the Grand Bahama Minister updated the House on a number of achievements and government accomplishments as Grand Bahama island continues to recover from back-to-back crises and setbacks.

Minister Moxey noted that she recently toured the facility of the Equinor terminal at South Riding Point that has been purchased by Liwathon. She was happy to announce that all of the employees of that oil storage and distribution company have been retained by the new owners, and plans for the $75 – $90 million redevelopment are well on the way.

“For the Carnival Grand Port, the ‘clear and grub’ has been completed; dredge is in progress at 55%; with completion expected 1st May 2023,” said Minister Moxey. “The pier design and build Request For Proposal is pending award this month; the landside contractor Request for Information or Request for Quote is opened and published.

“The process for determining the site engineer and general manager is currently in progress; final reviews of Food & Beverage vendors are in progress, and should be awarded in Mid-March; and the masterplan is being finalized for early summer.

“Also, the Grand Bahama Shipyard is well on its way to having its two new dry-docks that should be operational towards the end of 2025 and 2026. Water’s Cay Dock design work and scope has been completed and work should begin once the tender process is completed. The Member of West Grand Bahama and Bimini is happy today, as the Administrator’s Complex and Magistrate’s Court in Eight Mile Rock is complete, and currently being outfitted.”

Other accomplishments on Grand Bahama by the government, include advancing the construction of the Holmes Rock Primary School to its final stages, with a scheduled date for completion in August 2023. The school is expected

to be filled with students in September of this year.

Minister Moxey pointed out that the design work for a new Police Station in West End is currently in progress and the long-awaited renovation to the Eight Mile Rock Gymnasium is now mobilized.

“And, we are working closely with the Members of Central and South Eleuthera, North Andros and the Berry Islands, and Southern Shores on the Grand Bahama Arts & Craft Center, Farmer’s Market Downtown, and Sunset Village Fish Fry Eight Mile Rock.”

Minister Moxey said the residents of Grand Bahama continue to push through the lingering effects of Hurricane Dorian and a worldwide pandemic, with great fortitude. She said she’s reminded daily of the hardships the people of Grand Bahama have endured, yet they continue to display unwavering strength.

She noted that the policies implemented by the Davis administration are working and the country is headed in the right direction. The Grand Bahama Minister said it was a policy shift that created a new unit called COLLAB, under which “Beautiful Grand Bahama” was formed. That project, according to Minister Moxey did more than just restore the physical beauty of Grand Bahama, but it was the catalyst to the restoration of many Grand Bahamians in their personal, financial lives.

“The $5.8 million variation in Head 74 of the budget represents 350 individuals who had not worked since Dorian, who did not know where the next meal would come from or how they would feed their families,” Minister Moxey told Parliament. “This $5.8 million represents immediate relief. It represents compassionate leadership; leadership with a heart, or better yet, a passion for the people.”

The Grand Bahama Minister informed Parliament of government activities in east Grand Bahama, to bring about restoration there, after devastation by Hurricane Dorian in 2019.

“I am truly encouraged by the economic activity that has been generated on Grand Bahama and the nation at large, as a result of the strategic policy initiatives that have been implemented by this administration, demonstrating that we are indeed open for business,” said Minister Moxey.

“Airlift has increased; cruise ships are coming in… and yes we need more, but they are coming. With the Carnival Grand Port moving full steam ahead, we will see even more in the future. Downtown Freeport is once again alive, with the opening of Solomon’s food store. Junkanoo, festivals, sporting and other events have returned with a bang. Construction is on the rise. There’s definitely a buzz in the air.

“The island is still navigating the road to recovery, and admittedly, many residents are slowly progressing through the rebuilding phase; however, no one can deny that we are so, so much better off than we were 18 months ago.”

Bahamas News

Royal Bahamas Police Force – ARRAIGNMENT NOTICE

Published

1 week ago

August 27, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

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

Published

2 weeks ago

August 20, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

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

Bahamas News

CBC Supports Opportunities for Young Bahamian Basketball Players

Published

2 weeks ago

August 20, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

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.