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Prime Minister Minnis Outlines Plans for Grand Bahama

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Bahamas, June 19, 2017 – Grand Bahama – Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis during a press briefing on Saturday stated that his government is committed to the restoration of the island’s economy and increase in sustainable jobs.

Dr. Minnis, accompanied by his wife Patricia, arrived in Freeport on Saturday morning for his first official visit since becoming Prime Minister of The Bahamas on May 11, 2017.

After meeting staff members at the Office of the Prime Minister, Prime Minister Minnis held a press briefing in the conference room.

The Prime Minister thanked the people of Grand Bahama for their support and confidence shown in their team.

He explained that the Ministry for Grand Bahama has been incorporated into the Office of the Prime Minister so as to ensure a smoother and more effective way of processing investments for the island.

Turning his attention to the fiscal budget currently being debated in the House of Assembly, Prime Minister Minnis said, “Once passed, we have included in this first year, funding to create an Investment Promotions Board to assist with bringing more targeted investment and more employment to Grand Bahama.

“In addition, this year, we have also included $1 million for Small and Medium Size Business support to assist local businesses in Grand Bahama. It is hoped that the stronger these businesses become, the more jobs they can provide.”

The Prime Minister continued, “Let me also state  that my government has begun the process of replacing portions of the Grand Bahama Investments Incentives Act to ensure fairness. We intend to bring to an end the additional red tape and uncertainty which is a road block to further investment in Grand Bahama. We will extend the need to submit applications for a period of six months during which time this office will conduct consultations prior to implementing the final replacement.”

The island, Grand Bahama, can be assured, he said, that the government is working tirelessly to reduce unemployment and talks are continuing with the interested parties in the redevelopment of the Lucayan Strip. “My government is hopeful that these talks will lead to the redevelopment and reopening of this strip in the shortest period of time possible.”

During his contribution to the Budget Debate last week, the nation’s chief said he revealed their tourism plan for Grand Bahama. “My administration will also roll out a workable plan for tourism and will, in collaboration with its key stakeholders, rebuild brand identity and incentivize investment in Grand Bahama.

“One goal is to make Grand Bahama a renowned duty free shopping centre for residents and for the millions of visitors from South Florida. Work has already begun to develop new products and market the strengths of each of these three destinations of Grand Bahama:

 

1) Freeport/Lucaya – which will be positioned as a maritime, sports and wellness destination in the first instance;

2) East Grand Bahama – to be presented as an eco-tourism mecca; and

3) West Grand Bahama – as the site of a dynamic cultural village.”

The Prime Minister made it clear that it will not end here. In the long term, he added, the government will work towards making it attractive for film makers to create productions in Grand Bahama.

“There are new hospitality products Grand Bahama can take advantage of such as vacation rental homes, which are today operating outside of the regulatory environment in our country. Such products will have to be registered with the Ministry of Tourism and appropriate taxation will be applied to level the playing field and ensure their contributions to the public purse.

“A critical success factor in tourism is the more affordable delivery of goods and services, especially in the areas of food production, distribution and service. We are intent on boosting the farming and use of native fruit here in Grand Bahama.

“My administration must implement a plan on this island that will actually achieve the long sought-after goal of creating linkages between agriculture and tourism to effect a significant reduction in the food import bill of hotels and restaurants and provide additional employment.”

Press Release: BIS

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Monument Beverage Co. Caribbean Wines & Spirits Uniquely Bahamian Newest Product

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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.

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Lady Kayla Crowned Goombay Punch Cup Sailing Champion of 2025/2026

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L–R: Joss Knowles, Kianno Hutchinson, Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager at Caribbean Bottling Company and Dallas Knowles receiving a donation on behalf of the Exuma Sailing Club at the Long Island Regatta awards ceremony.

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.

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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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