Deborah Sands was born on November 15th, 1956 in Nassau,
Bahamas. She is the second of ten children. Her fond memories of
preparing meals with her mother the late Winifred Joseph for the
family is one of the reasons she believes sparked her interest and
passion in cooking. Ms. Sands affectionately known as “ Debbie” has
four children, eleven grand children, and two great grand children.
She was married to the late Allen Sands whom was the love of her life
and coowner of Debbie’s takeaway established in 1998 located on
Vesey St. She treasures the memories they built together in starting
the business, the good times, the laughter, and also the challenges.
She felt that they were a match made in heaven and could conquer
anything together. However, after his untimely death in 2007 Ms.
Sands mustered up her faith in God and family support to continue
the business and legacy they built together.
Ms. Sands remembers the humble beginnings of Debbie’s which started with serving ten people and has
now grown to serving thousands of hungry Bahamians weekly. The takeaway serves snacks, dinners, and
homemade pastries. The surrounding community, local businesses and people from all walks of life line up
all hours of the day to be served the delicious meals. The takeaway is especially known for its crack conch!
Her services also includes catering to large events, community functions, and charitable efforts. She is also
the first stop for many family members from out of town who boast of their eager anticipation to sink their
teeth into the well loved succulent cracked conch. Ms. Sands attributes her success to hard work, passion
for serving others, and joy in cooking.
Debbie’s takeaway was also Featured on the popular television show A Mouth Full. The host visited a few
of the local takeaways that were known for the best crack conch on the island. She told of the delicious
aroma of the crack conch as she entered the corner. Her description of the mini conch snack was that it
had more conch than fries and that the batter was flavorful and stuck on the conch. Ms. Sands was both
humbled and honored to be recognized as one of the leading takeaways on the island.
Ms. Sands is the founding member of New Birth Ministries Church and is known as “Mother Deborah”. Her
active role in the church and desire to pursue the great commission, “ Go into all the world and preach the
gospel” keeps her content and at peace. She believes that God is her source and that he provides
exceedingly and abundantly above all she could ask or think.