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DPM Announces the Establishment of Investment Authority Satellite Office in GB

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The Government of The Bahamas has made the commitment to establish a satellite office of the Bahamas Investment Authority in Grand Bahama, with the focus of speeding up Investment opportunities on the island.

This announcement came from Deputy Prime Minister of The Bahamas and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Peter Turnquest, who was the guest speaker at the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon, held on Friday at Grand Lucayan resort.

Minister Turnquest told Chamber members and guests that the establishment of a satellite office of the Investment Authority will be a big step in helping with the economic revitalization of Grand Bahama.
“Hopefully, no longer will you have to submit to the Grand Bahama Port Authority, to the Government, the Ministry of Grand Bahama and submit to the Central Government in order to get things done,” said Minister Turnquest.

“We want to make the ease of investment as simple, and as efficient as possible. So we will have investment offices here on this island to deal with investment proposals for this island.”

Minister Turnquest pointed out that a part of that process does involve the Government working with its partners at the Grand Bahama Port Authority to ensure that they limit the amount of contact necessary by either party, by simplifying and streamlining the requirements, using a single window, one-stop shop kind of approach.

The Minister noted that this would prevent investors from “wasting time chasing one agency or the next.”
In taking a closer look at what it will take to revitalize the Grand Bahamian economy, the Deputy Prime Minister noted that his Government seeks to develop an Industrial Policy for Grand Bahama, which will identify potential areas of opportunities and products.
This, he said, is a priority for the Government of The Bahamas.

In fact, he said that they have received impressive investment proposals for Industrial investments for different parts of the island of Grand Bahama.

“Our plan includes strategic interventions to stabilize livelihoods, to target programs that encourage employment, skills acquisition and self-employment,” added Minister Turnquest. “To this end, we will continue to support apprenticeship programs to ensure that our young people, in particular, acquire useful skills for the future vision that we see for Grand Bahama.

“We must examine particular needs of small and medium businesses in Grand Bahama. To this end I am delighted to inform of the pending establishment of a Small Business Development Centre in Grand Bahama, attached to the University of The Bahamas, supported by the Ministry of Finance.

“Indeed, my Cabinet Colleague, the Minister for Grand Bahama, Senator Kwasi Thompson, is presently in Washington U.S. Small Business Administration about the introduction of a model in New Providence and Grand Bahama.

“In that Small Business Center, we expect that all of the resources necessary for a small and medium-sized enterprise to go from concept to obtaining a license, to operation, will be available at that center. We also would like to have that Center partner with the Joint Venture Capital Fund, which the government is committed to contributing five million dollars.”

He noted that the idea behind the Center is to ensure that Grand Bahama’s Small Business entrepreneurs have a greater chance of being successful.

The Deputy Prime Minister told members of the GB Chamber that one of the lessons learned from the destruction on Grand Bahama from Hurricane Matthew in 2016 was the fact that “haste makes waste.” With that in mind, he noted that as a resident of Grand Bahama, he clearly understands the suffering of many Grand Bahamian residents, who have found themselves in an economic decline for the past 15 years.

“Grand Bahama requires a well-thought through and carefully executed stimulus package and a master plan to address many of the issues that confronts us,” Minister Turnquest added. “I’ve been known to speak plain and maybe a little too honest, but two months in office is a little bit much to expect that a Master plan would be ready to roll out. Again, it’s important to understand that haste makes waste.”

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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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