Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Energy Conference opens at Baha Mar
#Bahamas, January 30, 2018 – Nassau – Diversification of fuels, a comprehensive regulatory framework, the introduction of renewable energy sources, a new generating plant and green island project are among the strides the Bahamas Government has made in the energy sector. The Hon. Desmond, Minister of Works, underscored that notwithstanding the country’s challenges it has and continues to make “incremental” advances in this area.
Minister Bannister addressed the opening of the 18th Annual Platts Caribbean Energy Conference, Thursday, January 25th, 2018 at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. The two-day event focuses on key issues facing the Caribbean energy sector.
Topics include: Market Structure and Stakeholder Alignment, Financing for Small Countries, Regional Demand, Fuel Conversion Viability, Renewable Energy, Managing Distributed Generation and Integrated Resource Plans. A panel discussion and case studies also comprise the conference agenda. There is a diverse range of speakers on the agenda including Darnell Osborne, Chairman, Board of Directors, Bahamas Power and Light.
In his welcome, Minister Bannister noted the following as the “fundamental” importance of the conference: the renewal of contacts industry-wide, the discussion and analysis of critical issues of mutual interest, and the sharing of innovative ideas with colleagues from diverse backgrounds from around the world.
Minister Bannister said The Bahamas is currently ensuring the security of its energy supply through the diversification of fuels even as it continues to modernize the energy infrastructure. In this regard, he said a proposal is in place to remove the price volatility with a generation mix that is 100% based on fossil fuel.
“With the introduction of tri-fuel generation (liquid natural gas, diesel and heavy fuel oil), The Bahamas will have the flexibility of selecting its fuel based on any number of reasons including price.
“We also continue to focus on the development of a comprehensive governance/regulatory framework to effectively support the advancement of the energy sector to be effectively able to facilitate energy conservation and efficiency through the introduction of renewable energy sources such as solar, ocean energy, biofuels, waste to energy and where possible, wind.”
He said it is anticipated that a new state-of -the-art generating plant will soon be constructed with the best in class efficiencies for single cycle power generation. He told the audience that the new facility will improve the generation capacity, modernize the plant, and provide newer technologies together with higher levels of energy conservation and improved efficiencies when compared to existing assets.
Minister Bannister remarked that cost effective, progressive ideas for creating and installing renewable energy resources are “critical” to The Bahamas.
“Every year we face the threat of hurricanes that may impact the vibrancy of life in our many islands. Finding a niche in the spectrum of opportunity will be of great value to our country.
“We have the perfect environment to foster small scale renewable generation in our many Family Islands, and we embrace this emerging technology to assist in the further development and modernization of our energy infrastructure as we seek to improve our conservation and efficiency capabilities.”
He told the delegates that the nation’s challenges provide great opportunity for those who are able to propose innovative, enterprising and dynamic ideas for solutions and he is certain officials will be pleased to engage in meaningful discussion with them. As an archipelago, practical energy solutions must be provided to numerous islands, all diverse, and each in differing stages of development.
“There is no magic formula that that provides an answer to every need. We will, therefore, listen with interest to the various presenters, and consider many of the ideas that you propose as we seek to make decisions that will impact the lifestyles of our residents for decades to come.”
S&P Global Platts is the leading independent provider of information, benchmark prices and analytics for the energy and commodities markets.
By: Kathryn Campbell
Photo caption: The Hon. Desmond Bannister, Minister of Works, addresses the opening session of the 18th Annual Platts Caribbean Energy Conference. (Photo/Courtesy BPL)
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.
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