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BAHAMAS: ‘Our Future Success Must Be In Innovation and Technology’

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#Bahamas, November 10, 2017 – Grand Bahama – Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator Kwasi Thompson says that Grand Bahama remains high on the government’s agenda, and the launch of the first ever Technology Summit on GB is evidence of such a commitment.

During his welcome remarks at the first Tech Summit at Grand Lucayan resort on Thursday, November 9, 2017, Minister Thompson said that one of the promises in the Free National Movement’s Manifesto was to make Grand Bahama a Technology Hub, similar to Silicon Valley.   Minister Thompson admitted that when the idea for hosting a Technology Summit first came about, he had no idea what a Technology Hub was or what it meant.

“However, I believed in our Prime Minister’s vision for Grand Bahama,” said Minister Thompson.   “It didn’t take me long to realize that the technology industry is the way forward for our country and that Grand Bahama is ideally-suited for its development.

“While our past success has been in industry, our future success must be in innovation and technology.   We recognize the importance of tourism in Grand Bahama, but I believe that today is a new day for Grand Bahama.   Today, I believe that we can re-brand Grand Bahama.   Today we cease to be the capital for industry; now Grand Bahama will be a place for industry and innovation.”

Minister Thompson asked those attending the summit’s official opening how can Grand Bahama get to the point of becoming a Technology Hub?

“How do we let the world know that we are open for business?  This is why we are here today:  Our government must shape the right policies and provide the right incentives and remove all obstacles in order to nurture and grow the tech industry.”

The Minister of State for Grand Bahama confessed that the idea for a Tech Summit started as a small conference for industry stakeholders to shape policy. However, he noted that the more they talked about it and the more word about a proposed small tech conference got out, the more Grand Bahamians began to believe in the idea.

“So today… we have over 450 people registered for this first ever Technology Summit,” said Minister Thompson.  “We have people from the United States, Canada and as far away as Africa.

“Back then, when we were planning just a small summit, we joked about the possibility of getting some people from Silicon Valley to come and talk with us here in Freeport.   We even joked about getting some people from Google and Microsoft.   But during this conference you will hear from people from Silicon Valley, from Google, Microsoft, Hewlett Packard and others.

“Say what you will about the state of the economy of our island, the leaders and the giants in the technology world, have not just come to The Bahamas, they have come to Grand Bahama.”

Minister Thompson noted that in addition to inviting tech companies to come to Grand Bahama, the Government of The Bahamas must also provide opportunities for tech business entrepreneurs.   In order to achieve that, a part of the two-day Tech Summit will be what is called a ‘Blue Marlin Challenge,’ where Bahamian tech business entrepreneurs will make their business pitch to representatives from Google, Microsoft and to Silicon Valley experts.

Those who are successful will be awarded a $10,000 prize from the government to assist with the startup of their proposed business.

“This is only just the start,” added the Minister.   “Our Grant Program will also continue next month… with our micro and small business economic empowerment program.    Our sponsors will be providing the winner of the Blue Marlin Challenge, courtesy of the Grand Bahama Port Authority, [with] one-year business license exemption.

“So, who knows, after these pitches have been made, maybe Google or Microsoft will partner with a Bahamian to make their business idea a reality in Grand Bahama.   It is a new beginning for Grand Bahama — and this is just the beginning!”   Minister Thompson called on all technology companies, or those interested in starting a tech company, to set up shop in Grand Bahama.

By: Andrew Coakley (BIS)

Photo Caption:  Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator Kwasi Thompson welcomed delegates to the first ever Grand Bahama Technology Summit, which opened on Thursday, November 9, 2017 at Grand Lucayan resort. Minister Thompson and his office were the force behind making the Tech Summit a reality. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

 

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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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