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‘Bahamas Can Regain Shipping Registry Prominence with 2 Key Measures, We must ask ourselves why we are sliding instead of climbing’

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Bahamas, August 8, 2017 – Nassau – A maritime attorney with a leading law firm says The Bahamas is only steps away from regaining its position as one of the world’s most respected and sought after shipping registries.

Syneisha Bootle, AA., LLB (Hons.), LLM (Dist.) maritime specialist with Callenders & Co., the country’s oldest law firm with a century-old history with shipping, said the country is poised to regain its position among the world’s fastest growing ship registries, but it must take two steps – update maritime legislation including a half century old insurance act and enact new legislation with strict enforcement provisions.

“We have the talent, we have the resources to put The Bahamas back on the map in maritime law,” said Bootle, who holds an advanced degree in maritime law. “However, we must enact legislation enabling us to act on the many conventions and treaties we have signed. Without enforcement legislation, the signatures on the treaties are merely well-intentioned promises.”

In the 1990s, The Bahamas enjoyed the position of being the fastest growing ship registry in the world and at one time was the third largest, boasting of high standards that would distinguish it from being a flag of convenience.

Bootle is worried that the country has fallen to seventh place in an era when opportunities are greater than they have ever been.

“It is gratifying to know that companies like Chevron, Exxon International, Maersk Line, Cunard Lines, Texaco, Holland-America Cruises, Finnlines, Teekay Shipping, Lauritzen Reefers, Smit International, the East Asiatic Company and MSC are listed on the official Bahamas Maritime Authority register and have chosen to fly the Bahamian flag. However, with the record number of new cruise ships under commission and the growth being experienced by the shipping industry as a whole, we must ask ourselves why we are sliding instead of climbing relative to other registries,” said Bootle.

“We have the capacity. We have the infrastructure with a well-equipped and provisioned maritime authority with offices in London, Hong Kong, Greece and New York with an agency office in Tokyo.  We have the political stability, the strong and stable banking and financial sector requirements. We simply need to update and modernize our maritime legislation and to take a stricter stand on enforcement which requires legislation so that the treaties we have signed become law.”

Bootle’s dissertation focused on the modernization of the Marine Insurance Act. The Marine Insurance Act that is more than 50 years old, she noted, and was modeled after the 1908 United Kingdom act. “Today, that Act is in urgent need of updating,” says Bootle. “Along with the Marine Insurance Act, there are several pieces of legislation that need updating or must be created if we are going to be competitive in the ship registry space.”

She commends the government for recognizing the value of yacht registration and enacting legislation to introduce the separate registry in 2011.

Now, she says, it is time to re-focus on the registry for commercial vessels, re-affirming the high standards it represented when the Bahamas Maritime Authority was launched in 1995.

According to the government’s reports, The Bahamas has more than some 1500 ships on its registry. Panama, the world’s largest registry, reports 8,200 ships accounting for 23% of all vessels, though its requirements to register including the age of the ship are less stringent than those of The Bahamas.

“We never wanted to be a flag of convenience and I am pleased that, in principle, we are maintaining that standard. But without signing onto treaties like the London Convention that sets strict penalties for dumping at sea and without updating our maritime legislation to support the treaties we have signed on to, I fear our reputation will be at stake. We want this country to grow and play a prominent role in an arena that is profitable, productive and invites many opportunities for people and companies that service the ships we register. These are relatively easy fixes and we should act on them without delay.”

Release: DPA news

Photo caption:  Syneisha Bootle, AA., LLB (Hons.), LLM (Dist.) maritime specialist with Callenders & Co., the country’s oldest law firm with a century-old history with shipping, said the country is poised to regain its position as among the world’s fastest growing ship registries, but it must take two steps.

(Photo by Bahamas Visual Services.)

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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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