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Ambassador, Cuban Delegation Meet Top Bahamian Businesses at Palm Cay Captain’s Table

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Nassau, 06 Sept 2015 – The cucumber mojitos were served on linen-draped trays and the white-gloved waiters quietly whisked plates to and fro, but make no mistake about it. The real meat of a recent evening at Palm Cay Club & Marina was serious business as Cuba and The Bahamas began talks about how they could work together to create a dual-destination product to attract a tourist market that is expected to explode as Cuba prepares to open its doors to millions.

The event, the first in a series called The Captain’s Table aimed at bringing business and civic leaders together with a noteworthy guest of honour, was held September 2. It was the first day of the Cuban delegation’s visit to The Bahamas and the private setting was designed for exploratory overtures.

“We wanted to create an opportunity for business representatives and a few top hoteliers and tour operators to meet
with an impressive delegation from Cuba in an environment that afforded all parties the chance to talk openly about their interests and to see where those interests might overlap,” said organizer Diane Phillips. “The members’ lounge at Palm Cay was perfect. The privacy allowed people to speak freely and to find common ground on which they could work together. As a dual destination, The Bahamas and Cuba will be a winning combination. And the Cuban delegation saw that immediately – it was not an either-or, but a let’s work it out so we can work together to make this happen.”

The delegation, led by Cuban Ambassador Ernesto Guzman, included the General Director, and other top-ranking persons from the Ministry of Tourism of Cuba and from Havanatur, along with Yoslaidy Clemente Lopez of the Cuban Embassy in The Bahamas.

“The opportunity offered by the Captain’s Table to facilitate the exchange between Cuban and Bahamian business men and companies involved in the tourism industry was unique for both sides,” said the Ambassador. “The evening allowed us to get to know the existing potential in our countries for the development and expansion of an industry that can catapult other areas of interest such as agriculture, health and education among others. I think that the Cuban and Bahamians people will benefit of any project intelligently developed by our countries in an unforeseeable way.”

Guests knew in advance that there would be no politicians, no media and no more than 18 at the single table to allow for free flow of conversation and exchange of ideas. According to Palm Cay General Manager Richard Browning, the Captain’s Table concept struck a chord.

“We see the Captain’s Table as a great initiative for like-minded business people in The Bahamas to meet in a relaxed environment, an attractive setting that offers intimacy and encourages openness,” said Browning. “This Cuban visit has clearly proven that there is a desire for this type of get together.”

Among those at the dinner were Gowon Bowe, Chairman, Bahamas Chamber of Commerce; John Conway, General Manager, One&Only Ocean Club; Ed Fields, Sr Vice President, Atlantis; Paolo Garzaroli, Graycliff (and Historic Charles Towne); Gary Williams, Sandals consultant representing Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart; Youlanda Deveaux, Regional Vice President, Caribbean and Central America, Mandara Spa Bahamas Ltd, Steiner Resort Division; Simone Morgan-Gomez, Partner, Callenders law firm; Chris Ryan, Chief Financial Officer, NAD; Richard Browning, General Manager, Palm Cay Development, John Gomez, Cable Bahamas, A.J. Saunders, Majestic Tours and the Cuban delegation, including Richard Boadi, Sales Manager, Havanatur Bahamas. Attorney Morgan Gomez, who is bilingual, was among several who spoke Spanish.

“One of the things that made the evening so magical was the openness,” said Ms. Deveaux. “I know for our part we are very interested in exploring the luxury spa experience in Cuba. There were hoteliers who were quite frank about being interested in putting their brand in Cuba as soon as they reasonably can. Just about everyone present saw opportunities not only for them to invest in what will be the new hotspot for Caribbean tourism because it has been off limits to Americans for so long, but to work with key players in Cuba to present a marketing strategy that will appeal to those who think a trip to both places is a better choice than a visit to either one on its own.”

Palm Cay is a nearly 70-acre development on New Providence’s southeastern coast and includes an array of single family residences, townhomes and condominiums along with the island’s largest marina in terms of boat slips, a multi-storey restaurant and clubhouse with members’ lounge, swimming pools, tennis and 1,200 feet of pristine white sand beach.

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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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