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PM Vows to ‘Transform’ Ragged Island Into Model for Sustainable Community

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#Bahamas, September 16, 2017 – Nassau – Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis has vowed to transform Ragged Island into a model for sustainable community by rebuilding it into the first “fully green island in the region.”

The Prime Minister, in the House of Assembly, September 13, 2017 said the Government of The Bahamas will accomplish this objective through the use renewable energy and smart technologies from solar energy, to sustainable water purification systems.

Ragged Island sustained the brunt of the destruction caused by Hurricane Irma in The Bahamas. Most of the homes there were destroyed or severely damaged.   Power lines are down.   Utilities are non-functioning. Public buildings, including the government-operated school, the clinic and other public facilities are severely damaged or destroyed.

Prime Minister Minnis said Ragged Island can emerge from the destruction and devastation caused by Hurricane Irma as a new model for sustainable communities throughout the region and The Bahamas.

“Out of the devastation and the destruction, a new Ragged Island will emerge including stronger building codes, improved zoning, and strategies to mitigate against Climate Change and rising sea levels,” Prime Minister Minnis pledged.

“I assure the wonderful people of Ragged Island that their island will be rebuilt.   We will work with private institutions, international agencies and foreign partners to create a more sustainable island-community at Ragged Island.

“We know by faith and the experience of history that out of tragedy, can often come new life.   (That) Despair can be transformed into hope.”

Prime Minister Minnis said Hurricane Irma “destroyed” Ragged Island.   Dr. Minnis further said the fact that the country was spared the loss of life of “Bahamian brothers and sisters, especially from Ragged Island,” was but for the Grace of God, and the result of taking emergency action to “evacuate the residents of our most south-eastern islands.”

“This is the first time in the modern history of The Bahamas that an entire island has witnessed the wholesale destruction of its infrastructure, both public and private,” Prime Minister Minnis said.

“Most homes are destroyed or severely damaged.   Power lines are down.   Utilities are non-functioning. Public buildings, including the government-operated school, the clinic and other public facilities are severely damaged or destroyed.   The numbers of dead animals pose a serious health risk.

“One civil servant, who has visited our islands after various hurricanes, including in 1992 after Hurricane Andrew, expressed that this is the worst destruction he has seen in The Bahamas after a major hurricane,” Prime Minister Minnis added.

Hurricane Andrew was a Category 5 Storm that struck The Bahamas and the States of Florida and Louisiana, United States of America, in mid-August, 1992.   Effects of the Hurricane were felt in other U.S. States such as Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi.

At its conclusion, Andrew was responsible for the destruction of more than 65,000 houses while damaging 124,000 others. Sixty-five persons lost their lives as a result of the Hurricane, which left a $26.5 billion bill in its wake.

Prime Minister Minnis said Ragged Island will have to be rebuilt through a combination of public and private efforts.

The Prime Minister said a number of Ragged Islanders from throughout The Bahamas have already offered their assistance with regards to recovery and rebuilding.

“I wish to offer a general note of gratitude to all of those who assisted the country in preparation for, and in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Irma,” Prime Minister Minnis said.

“We are fortunate to have been spared greater harm and damage, so let us give thanks to the Lord of Life for our many blessings.”

By: Matt Maura (BIS)

PHOTO CAPTION:  Prime Minister Minnis discussing the impact of Hurricane Irma and the resolve to re-build, in the House of Assembly, September 13, 2017.

(BIS Photo/Peter Ramsay)

 

 

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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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CWS Supports Transforming Spaces with Premium Products and Unique Cocktails

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CWS brand representative for Bottega and Excellsior wines posing with attendees enjoying glasses of Bottega Gold Prosecco at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.

NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wine and spirits distributor is thrilled to once again lend its support to Transforming Spaces (TS).

CWS is a proud historical partner of the annual art week which highlights Bahamian art and art spaces. Under this year’s theme, “Chasing Light” Transforming Spaces and Caribbean Wines & Spirits created a memorable art experience.

To mark 21 years of the upliftment and exposure of culture and Bahamian art, CWS offered award winning wines St. Francis, Rebellious, Bottega and Excellsior; premium spirits, Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka, along with the newly added Coors Light Beer from its portfolio.

To kickstart the annual art week, CWS delighted attendees with a tasting of globally renowned Bottega Wines at TS’ Poetry Jam, held at ICE Bahamas. Throughout the event, Bottega brand representatives shared tasting notes, ideal pairings, and insights into the brand’s portfolio.

During the highly anticipated Saturday and Sunday tours, CWS showcased its premium products at select art galleries.

Attendees enjoyed Rebellious and St. Francis wines at The Current: Baha Mar Art Gallery and Museum, Bottega and Excellsior wines at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, Coors Light beer at the University of The Bahamas Pro Gallery and hand-crafted Schweppes mixes featuring Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka at CAB Gallery & Studio.

Throughout the two-day tour, CWS product specialists enriched the experience by providing a deeper appreciation for their exceptional beverage portfolio.

Members of the Transforming Spaces Committee expressed their appreciation towards CWS’ support after another successful art week.

“Transforming Spaces is deeply grateful for the continued support of Caribbean Wines & Spirits over the years. Their partnership has become such an important part of the TS experience, helping us create welcoming and vibrant moments for our audiences across the tour weekend. From signature wines and cocktail bars to refreshments at gallery stops and pop-up events, their contribution brings an added sense of hospitality, celebration, and connection to the journey through Bahamian contemporary art.” — TS2026 Committee.

Caribbean Wines & Spirits is proud to partner with Transforming Spaces in supporting and elevating the voices and works of Bahamian artists and looks forward to strengthening this partnership for years to come.

To learn more about CWS’ involvement in the community, follow on social media @caribbeanwinesandspirits or visit the website at www.cwsbahamas.com today.

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