Bahamas News
Bahamas DPM Turnquest Welcomes ICT Delegates; Supports Regional Single ICT Space
#Bahamas, November 29, 2017 – Nassau – During ICT Week’s 20th Meeting of the General Conference of Ministers of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), and 35th Meeting of the Executive Council at Atlantis on Tuesday morning, November 28, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Peter Turnquest welcomed the delegates and affirmed the CARICOM mandate of February of this year for organizations like the Caribbean Telecommunications Union to look more comprehensively on how the region could effectively embrace Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) as a foundation for national development and regional interaction.
Expressing support for the embrace of technology to fuel national and regional development, Mr. Turnquest explained that the government as a relatively new administration, committed to transparency and seeing a need for a different approach to economic expansion — “understood the rapidly evolving global environment, influenced and driven in large measure by the technological revolution that is impacting every aspect of national, regional and global development.” He said: “We knew that the different approach to national development, and a more significant regional and global participation required a commitment to embrace technology as fundamental to this new approach.”
As such, said the Deputy Prime Minister, “The Government of The Bahamas is convinced that embracing ICTs and making them the foundation of every project and initiative we undertake as a nation, will serve as the catalyst for our economic resurgence and social development, creating a self-sustaining machine for future growth.
“This commitment to embracing ICTs is evident in the ongoing transformation of the Public Service. We are strengthening the ICT structure and capacity within the public service to further expand the use of technology to provide improved levels of customer service efficiency, transparency and accountability. We are employing technology to establish the new digital workflow that will redefine the way the Government does business with the public.
“We are undergoing major technological advancements in the Ministry of Finance and its agencies, including Bahamas Customs and the Department of Inland Revenue. We are currently rolling out a new electronic Vehicle and Driver’s licensing process. We are working to ensure that, despite the challenges and obstacles, we can systematically employ technology throughout the public service and through policy, inspire and encourage the private sector to continue its evolution as well.”
Mr. Turnquest said that the Government of The Bahamas is committed to economic expansion through ICTs and has designated the island of Grand Bahama, “the centre for technology investment and development,” and, therefore, “we envisage the creation of diverse investment and career opportunities through the effective utilization of ICTs.”
DPM Turnquest pointed out: “This commitment is reinforced by the recent passage of the Commercial Enterprise Legislation that is designed to attract a broad range of new business opportunities for The Bahamas, embracing Information Communication Technologies as the foundation of this new business development and economic expansion thrust.”
The aforementioned initiatives, together with the commitment to technological transformation, highlights, he said, “The Bahamas’ endorsement of the CTU’s Single ICT space. We believe that the creation of such a platform could have far reaching positive implications for regional development through trade and cooperation.”
Mr. Turnquest continued, “We also endorse the Caribbean Spectrum Planning and Management Project, the ICT Collaboration Forum, and its many other collaborative ICT development initiatives that augur well for national and regional growth and development.
“Ministers, we must see our roles as pivotal to the creation of the new technologically integrated Caribbean Region that provides the strength for small states to effectively compete in the new global environment.
“Finally, we would like to thank the CTU and all of you Ministers for joining us here in The Bahamas for this week of meetings, workshops and seminars. We do hope that the deliberations are productive and meaningful to all member states. Please do not leave without embracing the opportunity to sample our culture. Get a taste of the Bahamian islands and be sure to return for both business and pleasure. Thank you.”
Photo Captions:
Header: The Hon. Peter Turnquest, Deputy Prime & Minister of Finance, gives welcome remarks at the Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s 35th Executive Council and 20th General Conference of Ministers during ICT Week at Atlantis Paradise Island. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)
Insert: Deputy Prime & Minister of Finance, the Hon. Peter Turnquest takes a moment with Bernadette Lewis, CTU Secretary General during the Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s 35th Executive Council and 20th General Conference of Ministers, Atlantis Paradise Island. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)
NASSAU, Bahamas — More Bahamians are accessing HIV and sexually transmitted infection-related healthcare through National Health Insurance, a trend the NHI Authority says should be viewed positively.
NHIA stressed in an August 6 statement that its 2025 figures measure healthcare utilisation, not newly diagnosed infections. They include beneficiaries screened, treated, monitored or receiving follow-up care, including people diagnosed previously.
“Increased utilisation of these services should be viewed as a positive development,” NHIA said.
The Authority pointed to “greater enrolment and use of NHI, improved access to screening and testing, continued treatment and monitoring of existing conditions, and increased willingness to seek medical care.”
The development comes amid a mixed three-year HIV picture. New diagnoses rose from 130 in 2023 to 156 in 2024, before declining to 142 in 2025.
NHIA said increased utilisation demonstrates that more beneficiaries are accessing needed healthcare and actively managing their health, reinforcing the importance of screening, early diagnosis and continued treatment.
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.
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.
-
Bahamas News1 week agoMonument Beverage Co. Caribbean Wines & Spirits Uniquely Bahamian Newest Product
-
News1 week agoFacts According to the Turks & Caicos Premier About His Constitutional Amendments
-
Bahamas News1 week agoLady Kayla Crowned Goombay Punch Cup Sailing Champion of 2025/2026
-
News1 week ago80 DAYS. $80 MILLION. – PDM Demands Answers from Government
-
News1 week ago“The Contract is The Problem, Not The Hospitals”
-
News1 week ago
Premier Lays Out Cost of Hospital Dispute
-
News6 days agoPAY FIRST. QUESTION LATER.
-
Education7 days agoDr. Candice Williams Appointed First Vice-President of Regional Higher Education Association