Bahamas News
Save The Bays, West End Eco-Fishing Camp Association, 4Ocean Lead Massive Volunteer Clean-up, Haul 1,160 pounds debris in a day
Bahamas, April 5, 2017 – Grand Bahama – Volunteers from Save The Bays, West End Eco-Fishing Camp Association (WEEFCA) and 4Ocean stooped, scooped, piled, packed and hauled away 1,160 pounds of debris from the beaches and mangroves of West End, Grand Bahama April 1, which exceeded their projected amount of 1,000 pounds, and when they were done, they said it would take 10 more days just like that one to restore the area to the pristine nature it once enjoyed.
“The West End clean-up was rewarding and sad at the same time,” said Joe Darville, chairman of the environmental advocacy group Save The Bays, which organized the event. “It was rewarding to know that so many people who cared came together for a worthy cause and that, together, young and old from 7 to 75, we were able to pull out so much trash. But it was sad to see how many thousands of plastic bags and how much other debris remains.”
Nearly 70 persons, including three from Florida-based 4Ocean, participated in the clean-up. “We saw clothing, shoes, kitchen and household goods, all sorts of things that had been swept away during the hurricane,” said Waterkeeper Bahamas Director Rashema Ingraham. “But it was the plastic bags that were most disheartening, thousands of them. They were on every branch, every tree. People just do not realize how they hurt the mangroves. If mangroves could talk, they would be pleading with people to take more care. They are being strangled by plastic.”
One young volunteer from the Save The Bays Youth Environmental Ambassador program said he pulled out at least 40 bags and when Ms. Ingraham asked him how many more he thought were there, he answered without hesitation, ”a million.”
Clean-up volunteers Keith and Linda Cooper, WEEFCA Directors, know too well what hurricanes and careless behavior can do to the mangroves they show visitors daily. “The Coopers have opened the eyes of so many people to the importance of mangroves as nurseries for young conch, crawfish, fish and other marine species,” said Mr. Darville. “In addition, they provide a natural barrier helping to keep those on shore safer during a storm. They also act as a filter and the soil they capture over time can form a cay or island.”
Save The Bays presented the Coopers with a trophy and an award as part of the mangrove awareness and clean-up campaign. “We are so grateful to have caring people like the Coopers who despite having lost nearly everything themselves during Hurricane Matthew, went out and helped others whose homes and businesses were devastated by the brutal storm,” said Mr. Darville. “And then on a daily basis, they open the eyes of visitors to the fragile ecology of West End, once the lifeblood and heartbeat of Grand Bahama, now more often and more accurately referred to as quaint, which is to say quiet. The Coopers have helped keep West End alive in the hearts and minds of all Bahamians.”
The weekend clean-up was one of many of Save The Bays education and awareness efforts. The organization with more than 20,000 Facebook friends has nearly 7,000 signatures on its petition calling for comprehensive environmental protection legislation, an end to unregulated development, a strong freedom of information act and other environmental measures.
#SaveTheBayscleanupWestEnd
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor is proud to announce the launch of Monument Beverage Co., its newest 100% locally produced ready-to-drink alcoholic cocktail.
Monument, “Made to Celebrate”, perfectly encapsulates everything the brand represents. Created and distributed by CWS, Monument is
inspired by culture, crafted with excellence and bursting with innovation.
This unique beverage celebrates island living with three bold flavors, Ginger Lime, Peach Passion and Melon Fizz. All of which can be enjoyed at an ABV of five-point-two percent.
The brand’s creativity really shines through each can’s packaging. Bold colored stripes, cherished native flora and fauna and of course, national monuments can all be found on each can.
The beverage’s two year plus development is a testament to CWS’ dedication to quality and innovation. Countless hours of tastings, reformulations, focus groups and package design reviews all paid off with the creation of Monument.
Karla Wells-Lisgaris, Chief Commercial Officer of Caribbean Wines & Spirits and Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, shared what this authentically Bahamian made product launch means for the company.
“When we were conceptualizing Monument, we wanted to create a product that not only tasted like The Bahamas but would be an ode to the
nation as well. With those two thoughts in mind, I, along with a team of experts, created three incredible flavors we believe really connect with and celebrate the essence of island living,” she said.
“Additionally, being that Monument is the first product to be 100% manufactured by Caribbean Wines & Spirits, we really wanted to ensure that both the flavors and packaging honored our rich heritage. On each of the cans, you can find various monuments such as the Nassau Public Library in New Providence, the Garden of the Grove in Grand Bahama and the Hatchet Bay Silos in Eleuthera; all of which pay homage to our diverse Bahamian heritage.” Wells-Lisgaris concluded.”
The historic monuments found throughout our islands are more than places we pass every day; they are reminders of who we are, where we’ve come from and the stories that connect us as Bahamians.
Monument is perfectly formulated with quality ingredients, and each can celebrates a collection of these cultural icons from across The Bahamas.
Whether chilling solo beachside, gathered around a family table or backyard a grill with friends, make Monument your sip of choice. Monument is made to celebrate, visit www.cwsbahamas.com today for more details.
NASSAU, Bahamas —– Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to crown Lady
Kayla of Exuma as this year’s annual Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup winner.
CBC created the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup to further the advancement of sailing and Bahamian culture through monetary and social support. The competition judges the skipper’s performance across three regattas, The Best of the Best, the National Family Island and Long Island Regattas.
The winning sloop led by Kianno Hutchinson and Joss Knowles showcased their skillmanship in the E-Class category across each round of competition. In addition to winning the trophy, the skippers were awarded a $5,000 donation, an $8,000 stipend to the junior sailing club of their island and a limited-edition Lady Kayla Bahamas Goombay Punch commemorative can, which will be released soon.
Jonathan Thronebury, Marketing Director of CBC shared the significance behind The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup.
“The Bahamas Goombay Punch is more than a beloved local brand; it’s a vibrant part of our cultural fabric. Just like sailing, our national sport, it carries a rich legacy that spans generations. Recognizing this shared history, we’re proud to support initiatives that celebrate and advance Bahamian culture,” he said.
Hutchinson and Knowles shared what this win meant for them.
“I felt super proud when I realized we won. I am grateful and thankful to God, for good coaches and Joss. It was really an honor winning the
Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup,” Hutchinson expressed.
“I am very honored to have been able to compete in the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup, I think it is a great concept and idea for a competition and really adds a new motive throughout the regattas. The whole championship was super competitive, and every single race was a fight. Alvington McKenzie was extremely competitive and had us until the Long Island regatta, which made it a very fun and tough competition. Very excited to have been the winner of a super close championship,” Knowles revealed.
Lady Kayla’s owner, Dallas Knowles, shared the team’s winning strategy.
“In sailing consistency is key and our guys in Lady Kayla are some of the best in the business at staying near the top. In the end, that was enough to secure their first Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup win. We are so proud of Joss and Kianno for what they have done in Lady Kayla. Thank you to Caribbean Bottling Company for such an amazing and forward-thinking initiative,” Knowles shared.
The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup is proud to continue its impact on sailing and community building through clean and fair competition.
For more updates on the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup and Caribbean Bottling Company visit the website www.cbcbahamas.com today.
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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