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CARICOM Disaster Recovery Mechanism activated

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Kingston, Jamaica, October 10, 2016 – Jamaica has activated the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) disaster recovery assistance mechanism for Haiti and the Bahamas which were impacted by Hurricane Matthew.  This was announced by Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, during Friday’s (October 7) sitting of the Senate at Gordon House.  Senator Johnson Smith said the engagement will entail teams of Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) soldiers being dispatched to both countries to assist with damage assessments, among other activities.

The JDF’s inputs are being coordinated by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), which was instrumental in formulating the CARICOM disaster recovery assistance mechanism.  Additionally, Senator Johnson Smith, who is Leader of Government Business in the Upper House, said the JDF’s grounds will be used to facilitate the landing and refueling of aircraft and other vessels from countries providing assistance to the affected territories.  These engagements are in keeping with Jamaica’s role in the CARICOM disaster recovery assistance regime, where it is the coordinating body with responsibility for Haiti, the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands.

Meanwhile, Senator Johnson said the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has activated the ‘Help Haiti’ bank account, which the agency manages on behalf of the Government of Jamaica.  She said the account, which has been established at the National Commercial Bank (NCB) in 2010, is now accepting cash deposits to assist with the provision of assistance to affected Haitians.

The Minister noted that while ODPEM was accepting provisions such as tarpaulins, bottled water and non-perishable foods, they were appealing for financial support,  “which they are able to channel into the purchase of what is needed as the needs lists are compiled.”  She said this would greatly assist in offsetting shipping, storage and delivery costs for relief provisions being sourced.   The account number, which has been posted on ODPEM’s website, is 21-2387304.

Senator Johnson Smith said that as part of the support being provided, arrangements are being made for Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, to speak with Bahamas Prime Minister, Perry Christie, and President Raúl Castro of Cuba, which was also affected, to also determine the level of assistance that can be provided.  In expressing concern for the affected territories, Senator Johnson Smith said,  “we in Jamaica certainly give thanks for having been spared the devastating effects of Hurricane Matthew.”

In his remarks, Senate President, Hon. Tom Tavares-Finson, said several entities have made arrangements to facilitate the provision of assistance to the affected countries.  He noted that Jamaica was “very lucky” to have escaped the hurricane’s onslaught and underscored that,  “we should demonstrate our appreciation of that luck by our generosity towards the various agencies that are seeking to assist.”  The President also urged members of the Senate to participate to the best of their ability and to also encourage others to do the same.

For his part, Leader of Opposition Business in the Upper House, Senator Mark Golding, encouraged members to spare a thought for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which was also affected, to see how best they too can be assisted.  He contended that the magnitude of Hurricane Matthew underscored the importance of disaster preparation, planning and management over the short, medium and long terms.  “We should ensure that we revisit our processes and all aspects of our disaster response mechanisms, so that we do not find ourselves wanting,”  Senator Golding added.

 

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Bahamas News

Monument Supports Hands for Hunger With Paradise Plates Debut  

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ leading wine and spirits distributor, proudly supported Paradise Plates, Hands for Hunger annual fundraiser with a flavorful offering of its newest product, Monument Beverage Co.

Monument, which launched this July and is available across six major islands, made its Paradise Plates debut. Guests enjoyed three bold flavors: Peach Passion, Ginger-Lime and Melon Fizz as they socialized throughout the evening.

Monument brand ambassadors engaged guests with knowledge on the ready-to-drink beverage’s unique taste and look. Many attendees were delighted to learn that Monument is 100% Bahamian-made and owned and enjoyed seeing the various national landmarks on the packaging.

The booth was adorned with vibrant brand colors, striped arches, tropical florals and a photo worthy backdrop featuring Monument cans filled with florals cascading down the wall.

At the end of the event, the entire Monument inventory had finished, making Monument’s Paradise Plates debut a huge success.

For more details on Caribbean Wines & Spirits, new products and specials, visit www.cwsbahamas.com today.

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Bahamas News

Schweppes ‘the Art of Mixology’ Dazzles at Paradise Plates with Nemiroff Vodka

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Schweppes, in collaboration with Nemiroff Vodka dazzled guests with handcrafted cocktails during Paradise Plates, Hands for Hunger’s annual fundraiser held at Atlantis’ Imperial Ballroom.

The evenings’ theme, 70’s: Paradise Disco, inspired bold and delicious sips from Schweppes and Nemiroff.  The beautiful disco themed Schweppes booth, adorned with LED signs, lush greenery and hanging black and gold metallic orbs shined throughout the room.

Schweppes’ brand representatives and mixologists dressed in chic 70’s speakeasy attire engaged attendees throughout the night. Guests enjoyed receiving knowledge of each product and experiencing the vibrant energy of brand representatives.

Nemiroff Vodka, which is locally distributed by Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor; offered a unique variety of vodkas which made the perfect blend with Schweppes. Guests enjoyed, Nemiroff’s Honey Pepper, De Luxe, Burning Pear, Wild Cranberry, and Bold Orange vodkas throughout the night.

Fan favorite cocktails of the night were: the Wild Cranberry Tonic and the Bold Orange Fizz.

Following a positive response at Paradise Plates, CWS is offering Nemiroff and Schweppes specials at local liquor stores for the entire month. With the purchase of any 1-liter Nemiroff vodka, enjoy a complimentary three-pack of Schweppes mixers, to recreate the magic of Schweppes and Nemiroff.

Cara Douglas-Adderley, Senior Marketing Director for Caribbean Bottling (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products and CWS shared the inspiration behind the Schweppes and Nemiroff promotion.

“We are thrilled to have paired Schweppes and Nemiroff for Paradise Plates this year, creating a premium cocktail experience for guests. After receiving such positive feedback, we wanted to extend that experience to consumers at home. Throughout October, consumers can visit their favorite watering hole, buy any 1-liter Nemiroff bottle and receive a free three-pack of Schweppes.”

Caribbean Bottling Company is proud to offer Schweppes, Coca-Cola’s premier mixer in collaboration with Caribbean Wines & Spirits and Nemiroff Vodka at Paradise Plates in support of Hands for Hunger’s mission.

For more information on CBC’s philanthropic work, new products and specials, visits www.cbcbahamas.com today.

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Beaches Turks & Caicos gives Enid Capron Primary a pre-term facelift

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks and Caicos has refreshed the grounds of Enid Capron Primary School in Five Cays, Providenciales, ahead of the new school year, with a landscaping team from the resort, pruning and cutting back overgrown branches to give the campus a cleaner, safer look.

The project focused on the school’s exterior plantings, where tangled growth had begun to encroach on walkways and outdoor learning areas. The team spent time trimming hedges, thinning dense shrubs and removing deadwood to improve sightlines and airflow around the buildings.

Assistant Landscaping Manager, Kemar Jones said the work at Enid Capron is a regular priority for the department, which views community giving as a core part of its mandate. He noted that supporting local schools, particularly through hands-on environmental work, has long been a focus area for his team.

Jones, said the effort reflects the group’s wider commitment to the islands. “As a team, our goal is to give back to our communities and especially providing support for the environment and education,” Jones noted. “The team is always ready to share our skills with making the school environment more comfortable for our students and teachers.”

General Manager Deryk Meany framed the project as part of Beaches’ broader approach to working alongside the community beyond the resort gates. “At Beaches Turks and Caicos, we operate as a team not only within the confines of the resort but also with our communities,” Meany added. “Being able to share our varied skills is always our main focus. Providing a comfortable learning environment allows for a greater relationship with our educational collaborators.”

He added that the resort seeks opportunities to support range of school-based initiatives, from environmental and leadership clubs to creative programmes.

Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture Hon. Rachel Taylor described the landscaping mission as a continuation of a long-standing relationship between the Ministry and Beaches Turks and Caicos. “This mission from our major private sector supporter, Beaches Turks and Caicos is a long standing activity,” Taylor said. “At Enid Capron Primary School, we are treated as family. Once we reach out to the resort, they have always responded in a positive way.”

Hon. Taylor said the support is particularly valuable in the areas of education and community development, where consistent private-sector engagement can amplify government efforts.

Nelene Swann, vice principal at Enid Capron Primary welcomed the refreshed grounds as a boost to morale before classes resume. “This is what true collaboration looks like,” she noted. “This is more than a facelift for the school. The team from Beaches Turks and Caicos has shown true commitment in adding to this learning environment for our students and teachers.”

She said the improved landscaping contributes to a more comfortable and inviting campus for all stakeholders. “This is a good way to start the new school year. This facelift will certainly make the facilities here at the school more appealing to our students, teachers and parents.

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