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INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES MAIN AREA OF FOCUS AT DIASPORA CONFERENCE

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KINGSTON, Jan. 13 (JIS): Investment opportunities in Jamaica will be the main area of focus, when the sixth biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference is held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, in St. James, from June 13 to 18.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Arnaldo Brown, said this emphasis will be a continuation of activities initially undertaken at the 2013 conference, and is in response to concerns which have been raised by persons in the Diaspora, mainly the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom, about the seeming lack of information about opportunities available to them.

Speaking at Monday’s (January 12) launch of the revamped Jamaica Association for the Resettlement of Returning Residents (JARRR) website, at the Jamaica Conference Centre, in downtown Kingston, Mr. Brown said based on discussions with persons residing in the three largest Diaspora communities, some have indicated that “they are not hearing about the investment opportunities in Jamaica…while others are saying that they are not hearing about the investment opportunities in (good) time.”

“This indicates that there is significant interest among Jamaicans (overseas) to invest in Jamaica…and their interest is welcome and ought to be facilitated. It is one of the reasons why we felt that the best place to begin to have a deeper dialogue about investment opportunities is in the context of the biennial conference,” the State Minister added.

Mr. Brown, who has responsibility for Diaspora Affairs, said it is against this background that the Government, through the Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Ministry, will partner with several private sector entities to stage the six-day conference.

These include: Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS), Victoria Mutual Building Society (VMBS), GraceKennedy Limited, and J. Wray & Nephew Limited.

The State Minister said these companies have “built out their network based on Diaspora engagement and locations.”

“This demonstrates the importance of members of the Jamaican community who live outside of Jamaica. We believe that they should have an opportunity to take full advantage of the many and varied investment products that are available in the country,” Mr. Brown emphasised.

Citing the success of the 2013 conference, the State Minister pointed out that the marketplace concept that was introduced at that conference, which facilitated networking among Jamaican businesses operating locally and overseas, will be expanded, adding that the concept has been fruitful.

“So, this year we are going to have (among our partners) the Jamaica Exporters’ Association (JEA), Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA), Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), Agro Investment Corporation (AIC), and the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) and, of course, Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) will be there with a one stop shop facility, where you can get everything you need done right there, and in (good) time,” he added.

The revamped website of the JARRR will cater to returning residents, other persons in the Diaspora, businesses and
other stakeholders, by providing direct linkages on products and services offered locally.
The site can be accessed at: www.ja-rrr.com.

Bahamas News

Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week  

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to once again support Basketball Smiles for their 27th year.

Upholding its corporate pillar of community outreach, CBC proudly donated $2,000, over 75 cases of Dasani, Powerade and Sprite, reusable Powerade water bottles and numerous marketing materials.

The annual sporting summer camp offers free basketball and life skills training to Junior and High School students.

Basketball Smiles’ mission of developing leadership qualities while fostering children’s academic achievement and self-esteem aligns perfectly with CBC’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth.

Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company shared why the company continues to support this program each year.

“At CBC, we believe investing in our youth is one of the greatest ways to strengthen our communities. We’re proud to support Basketball Smiles each year because it goes beyond the game. This program champions healthy lifestyles, positive values and brighter futures. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping these young athletes reach their full potential each year,” she shared.

Sam Nicholls, Basketball Smiles Camp President and Founder expressed.

“Caribbean Bottling Company is an incredible partner. We are truly grateful for their generous support, which will go a long way in making a positive impact on the lives of our campers,” Nicholls expressed.

CBC is always ready to lend its support toward initiatives and programs that uplift young Bahamians. The impact Basketball Smiles makes on the community is undeniable and is why CBC remains a historic sponsor.

For more information on sponsorship, events and new products, visit www.cbcbahamas.com today.

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Bahamas News

CWS Supports Transforming Spaces with Premium Products and Unique Cocktails

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CWS brand representative for Bottega and Excellsior wines posing with attendees enjoying glasses of Bottega Gold Prosecco at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.

NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wine and spirits distributor is thrilled to once again lend its support to Transforming Spaces (TS).

CWS is a proud historical partner of the annual art week which highlights Bahamian art and art spaces. Under this year’s theme, “Chasing Light” Transforming Spaces and Caribbean Wines & Spirits created a memorable art experience.

To mark 21 years of the upliftment and exposure of culture and Bahamian art, CWS offered award winning wines St. Francis, Rebellious, Bottega and Excellsior; premium spirits, Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka, along with the newly added Coors Light Beer from its portfolio.

To kickstart the annual art week, CWS delighted attendees with a tasting of globally renowned Bottega Wines at TS’ Poetry Jam, held at ICE Bahamas. Throughout the event, Bottega brand representatives shared tasting notes, ideal pairings, and insights into the brand’s portfolio.

During the highly anticipated Saturday and Sunday tours, CWS showcased its premium products at select art galleries.

Attendees enjoyed Rebellious and St. Francis wines at The Current: Baha Mar Art Gallery and Museum, Bottega and Excellsior wines at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, Coors Light beer at the University of The Bahamas Pro Gallery and hand-crafted Schweppes mixes featuring Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka at CAB Gallery & Studio.

Throughout the two-day tour, CWS product specialists enriched the experience by providing a deeper appreciation for their exceptional beverage portfolio.

Members of the Transforming Spaces Committee expressed their appreciation towards CWS’ support after another successful art week.

“Transforming Spaces is deeply grateful for the continued support of Caribbean Wines & Spirits over the years. Their partnership has become such an important part of the TS experience, helping us create welcoming and vibrant moments for our audiences across the tour weekend. From signature wines and cocktail bars to refreshments at gallery stops and pop-up events, their contribution brings an added sense of hospitality, celebration, and connection to the journey through Bahamian contemporary art.” — TS2026 Committee.

Caribbean Wines & Spirits is proud to partner with Transforming Spaces in supporting and elevating the voices and works of Bahamian artists and looks forward to strengthening this partnership for years to come.

To learn more about CWS’ involvement in the community, follow on social media @caribbeanwinesandspirits or visit the website at www.cwsbahamas.com today.

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Government

Government Outlines New Healthcare Vision as Interhealth Exit Accelerates Reform  

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By Magnetic Media Newsroom

 

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Turks and Caicos Islands Government says the breakdown of its relationship with InterHealth Canada presents an opportunity to reshape healthcare delivery, with plans to expand local medical services, strengthen primary care and reduce dependence on overseas treatment.

During a national briefing following InterHealth Canada’s notice terminating its hospital contract, Premier Charles Washington Misick acknowledged publicly for the first time that Government and InterHealth had been negotiating an exit from the arrangement for more than a year after what he described as an “irretrievably broken down” relationship.

Despite the contractual dispute, Misick and Health Minister Kyle Knowles stressed that healthcare services will continue uninterrupted during the transition.

“Allow us to do our job,” Knowles appealed, assuring residents that Government is actively managing the transition and safeguarding patient care.

The Premier outlined what amounts to a broader healthcare transformation built around four connected levels of care: strengthened community-based primary healthcare; expanded polyclinic services; enhanced hospital-based secondary care with greater specialist capacity; and overseas tertiary treatment only for cases that cannot be managed locally.

Among the proposals are the long-discussed establishment of intensive care units, expanded use of currently unfinished hospital space, recruitment of more resident specialist physicians and stronger contract management to oversee future healthcare agreements.

Knowles said the new polyclinic model will broaden services available outside the hospitals, including dentistry, ophthalmology, laboratory services, diagnostic imaging, gynaecology and preventative screening, helping to reduce pressure on emergency departments while improving early intervention.

Misick also acknowledged that while the hospital system significantly improved healthcare access after opening in 2010, Government believes further reform is necessary to improve affordability, sustainability and the range of services available within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The briefing marked the Government’s most comprehensive explanation to date of its plans beyond the InterHealth contract, signalling that officials now see the transition as an opportunity to redesign healthcare delivery rather than simply replace one operator with another.

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