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GBPA Hosts 2nd Annual BTS Family Friday Events

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#Bahamas, August 28, 2017 – Grand Bahamas – ‘Test Your Talent’ was the theme of last Friday night’s vocalist competition at the Port Lucaya Marketplace, where more than a dozen competitors took to the stage, vying for the grand prize of $1,000 cash.   For nearly two hours residents and visitors were wowed by a spectacular display of local talent, while enjoying live performances from some of the country’s best entertainers.

The event was hosted by The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA) and its Invest Grand Bahama Small Business Bureau (IGBSBB), in partnership with ‘A Taste of Port Lucaya’, an initiative of the Office of the Prime Minister on Grand Bahama.

Derek Newbold

Derek Newbold

Sr. Manager of Business Development for GBPA and Invest Grand Bahama, Derek Newbold, notes that the vocalist competition was the 2nd in a line-up of several “Back to School Family Friday” events (BTS Friday) planned for the months of August and September.

“Our 2nd Annual BTS Friday events launched with Jazz and Poetry in the Square, held downtown #Freeport at Churchill Square.   It was a terrific evening of music and spoken word, which received exceptional feedback from both attendees and performers.    We were also very pleased with the event on Friday past; our 2nd Annual BTS Vocalist Competition hosted at the #PortLucayaMarketplace.   Participation was phenomenal and featured the amazing vocal abilities of young Bahamians.   The event was extremely well attended and the entertainment was first class.   Based on audience feedback via a Facebook survey, this event will certainly be added to our calendar of events next year for a third consecutive year,” Newbold expressed.

Port President, Ian Rolle, identified key activities of the BTS Friday events as important to driving consumer traffic and support to local businesses, via promotional activities and family friendly entertainment.

“We were excited to encourage residents to “BUY Local, SHOP at HOME”, by hosting back to school events for the second consecutive year. Understanding that entertainment and activities can be excellent drivers of consumer traffic, the BTS Friday events were created, in large part, to serve this very purpose.   Each event provides family friendly entertainment; it also focuses on driving traffic to local businesses by promoting their specials and discounts.   And lastly but most importantly, the BTS events are meant to encourage and reward residents for shopping at home for back to school via give-away items, prizes and coupons offered through the IGBSBB, in support of local businesses,” he explained.

Methice Rigby-Uptagraft

Methice Rigby-Uptagraft

Amidst the robust sound of a #Junkanoo rush-out at Count Basie square, packed to capacity with audience participation; the evening culminated with the crowning of several talented and happy vocalists.   Project coordinator for the BTS Friday events and Business Services Manager, LaShawn Dames, commented that the evening was one to be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

“The program line-up was excellent; the competition was fierce between vocalists, and the judging was intense,” she stated.   “Berlicia Saunders, Anton Stubbs and Anna-Kay Green were the official winners of 1st, 2nd and 3rd place cash prizes $1,000.00, $500.00, and $300.00 respectively. Additionally, the audience participated via Facebook voting for the ‘People’s Choice Award’, which resulted in a tie for 1st place between Donnica Pinder/Berlicia Saunders. Second place was an A cappella trio – Wilciana Toussaint, Cassidra Thompson and Wilna Toussaint; and 3rd place was another tie between sisters – Dabria Forbes and Deijah Forbes,”  commented Dames.

“I imagine that our judges Kevin Tomlinson, Olivia Dorsett and Methice Rigby-Uptagraft all had a very challenging task; but, all-in-all it was an exciting evening that was extremely well received by the public.”

Press Release: DPA News

Photo credit: DPA News

Photo Captions:

Header Photo: Winners of the 2nd Annual BTS Vocalist Competition, pictured from left to right: 3rd Place Winner of $300.00 cash prize – Anna-Kay Green; 2nd Place Winner of $500.00 cash prize – Anton Stubbs and 1st Place Winner of $1,000.00 cash prize – Berlicia Saunders.

1st Insert: Sr. Manager of Business Development for GBPA and Invest Grand Bahama, Derek Newbold, greets the gathering crowd during the 2nd Annual BTS Family Friday’s launch event – Jazz in the Square. The evening featured numerous local vocalists, including Methice Rigby-Uptagraft with the Red Alert Band; Tony Lowe and Georgina Martin, as well as spoken word artists Jason Lord, LaKrista Strachan and Jasmine McGregor.

2nd insert: The 2nd Annual BTS Family Friday events launched earlier this month with Jazz in the Square, at Churchill Square. Methice Rigby-Uptagraft, backed by the Red Alert Band, was a featured artist at the music and spoken word event, which received positive feedback from both attendees and performers. Pictured is Methice Rigby-Uptagraft with the Red Alert Band.

 

 

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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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