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Message of Condolence from the Minister of Health, Dr. the Hon. Duane Sands on the passing of Dr. Cecil Bethel

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#Bahamas, January 19, 2018 – Nassau – Today we mourn the passing of our dear esteemed colleague, friend, mentor and a giant of the health profession.  Dr. Cecil W.M. Bethel, a Caribbean and British-trained Physician, was educated at the University of the West Indies, The Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh, Scotland, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Glasgow, Scotland.

Dr. Bethel was the first Bahamian to graduate from the University of the West Indies (UWI London) 1957.  He completed his internship at the Public Hospital in Georgetown, Guyana, between 1958 and 1959, and served as a medical officer at The Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) in Nassau from 1959 to 1962.

He served as Supernumerary Registrar at the University College Hospital in London from 1962 to 1964, Senior Registrar in Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) from 1964 to 1965, and Consultant Physician, Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) from 1965 to 1968.

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Dr. Bethel was the first Medical Chief of Staff at the Princess Margaret Hospital from 1968 to 1972 and also served during that period as Senior Consultant Physician and Head of the Department of Medicine.  He resigned as Medical Chief of Staff in 1972 but maintained the post of Senior Consultant Physician and Head of the department of medicine until 1988 when he retired from The Bahamas Government Service after 30 years of service.  He has been in private practice from 1988 to 2014.

Dr. Bethel’s contributions to the growth and development of the medical profession are legendary.  He was a member of The Joint Committee: The Bahamas Medical Cecil-BethelCouncil/The Medical Association of The Bahamas and a member of the committee to review and draft the Medical Act.  He demonstrated the highest standard of medical practice and ethical principles for physicians to follow.  He always made sure everyone was treated with dignity, fairness and support.

Dr. Bethel was a charter president of the Medical Association of The Bahamas, a trustee of the Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation, a past Director of Education of The Bahamas Heart Association, and Medical Advisor to The Bahamas Diabetic Association. He served as a member of the Board of the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) from 1999 to 2001.

All of these accomplishments do not adequately describe the measure of the man.  Cecil Bethel was the consummate gentleman.  He was soft-spoken but firm and demonstrated by example – the life approach of a dedicated and compassionate doctor and human being.  This approach fostered a sense of trust, comfort and respect in the presence of this Bahamian pioneer and leader… sentiments shared by patients, colleagues and the hundreds of persons proud to have learned from his example.

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Dr. Bethel was made a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) by Her Majesty The Queen in 1989.  He received The Bahamas Silver Jubilee Anniversary Gold Coin Award and the University of the West Indies “Distinguished Graduate” Award in 1998, and Medical Alumni Award in 2001.

The medical community is saddened by the loss of this health hero and we will always remember him with great fondness.  He was a life well lived and Bahamians are healthier and richer because of his many contributions to healthcare.

We wish to express our heartfelt condolences to his wife, children and family members.

May his soul rest in peace.

 

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Bahamas News

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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