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BAHAMAS: Defence Force Officer Completes Overseas Course

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#Bahamas, January 11, 2018 – Nassau – Sub Lieutenant Miska Clarke is the newest addition to the Officer’s Corp of The Royal Bahamas Defence Force after successfully completing the Officer Candidate School in New London, Connecticut. To continue its effectiveness in meeting its mandate, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force has committed not only to expanding its overall strength but its cadre of professionally skilled and trained managers to lead the military entity.

The rigorous seventeen-week Coast Guard course that Sub Lieutenant Clarke underwent was sponsored by the International Military Education Training Program (IMET), and was conducted at the United States Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut, from July 23rd through Nov 21st, 2017.  The course is designed to challenge the very fiber of the deportment of each Officer Candidate.  From the physical to the academic to the military aptitude of each Officer Candidate, everyone was held to a strict standard that was mandatory to be kept.

The Academic aspect of the course helped Sub Lieutenant Clarke appreciate a broad-spectrum perspective of the United States Coast Guard. It also exposed him to Maritime Law Enforcement, Military Etiquette, Unified Code of Military Justice, Effective Writing and Communication Skills.  Along with the academics, the three main areas the course focused on were Leadership ability, humility and being a leader that looks out for his/her subordinates.

The Nautical Science aspect included a two-week underway experiential training cruise aboard the 295 – foot sailing vessel United States Coast Guard Cutter Eagle that consisted of Bridge Watch-keeping and Navigational Law (Rules of the Road).  The Officer Candidates were required to apply their knowledge of Piloting, Maneuvering Boards, Ship Handling, Shipboard Communication, Celestial Navigation, Tides and Currents, Nautical Nomenclature and the various Compass Systems aboard the vessel. This training cruise sailed the waterways of Virginia and Baltimore.   Whilst alongside the port in Alexandria, Virginia after a few days on the seas, there were tours conducted of the Barque Square Rigged Sailing vessel USCGC Eagle.

Many dignitaries transited the ship and admired her beauty.  There was also a two day Fighting and Damage Control training at The US Naval Base in New Port, Rhode Island, that each Officer Candidate participated in.

The Leadership and Management section assesses the officer’s Leadership Abilities, Managerial and Conceptual abilities.  Evaluations are based on Personal Conduct, Military Aptitude, Situational Awareness and Leadership Positions. Sub Lieutenant Clarke was responsible for various administrative duties during his tenure at Officer Candidate School.   Additionally, he served in numerous roles, including Officer of the Day, Junior Officer of the Day, Academic Section Leader and Squad Leader.

Sub Lieutenant Clarke is a graduate of C. R. Walker Secondary School class of 2001. In 2005 he enlisted in the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.  He has served as a junior marine in several billets inclusive of Radio Operator, Assistant Armorer, Administration Assistant and Bosun Storeman aboard HMBS Nassau.  Clarke also attended and successfully completed the Gunners Mate ‘A’ School in York Town, Virginia in 2010. He also successfully completed the Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training School (NAVSCIATTS) course in Mississippi. Sub Lieutenant Clarke holds a Boat Captain’s ‘A’ License 500 tons.

RBDF Photo shows: Commodore Tellis Bethel welcoming Sub Lieutenant Miska Clarke after the young officer completed his overseas Training at the United States Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut. From left are: Lieutenant Commander Michael Hanna, Human and Resource Officer, RBDF, Sub Lieutenant Miska Clarke and Commodore Tellis Bethel,

(For further information please contact the RBDF Public Relations Department or visit our website: www.rbdf.gov.bs, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and view our Youtube channel) -rbdf

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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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