Connect with us

Bahamas News

TCI: Generous support pouring in for Autism Classroom, more needed to rescue the site

Published

on

#TurksandCaicos, January 12, 2018 – Providenciales – The outpouring of financial and moral support for the mission to raise a year’s worth of operational funds for the Hope Foundation for Autism Awareness special classroom is described as generous by the founders, as the organization moves steadily toward its ultimate goal.

Maxcia Rigby, Director of the Hope Foundation today said to Magnetic Media, “I think it’s going well, we have raised over a thousand dollars on the link and there is more to come from people who have pledged to support at the end of the month.”

The story of the financial shortfall of the classroom broke just over a week ago and an appeal for assistance has attracted comments and reviews from thousands of people both in the Turks and Caicos and abroad.

“We’ve also gotten a few more contacts internationally and this will open the door for more support and possibly someone adopting us.”

It takes $60,000 a year to run the Autism classroom, which is located at the Mills Institute in Juba Sound, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.   Almando and Maxcia Rigby, who started the Hope Foundation when they were confronted with autism in their second son, Isreal have taken what could have remained a personal challenge and made it a national blessing.

“When Isreal was diagnosed with autism at the age of three we didn’t know what to do.   As a mother I felt confused and depressed.   My whole pregnancy played out in my mind.  I figured I did something wrong.   However also as a mother I couldn’t stay in this state very long.  I realized that my son needed me.  I needed to find out how I could help him and surely there were others like me who knew what to do.  I sought out information on the world wide web and I started thinking, what if I shared everything I knew with others.   How could I just help my son, what about other children and families right here in TCI affected by this? I had my family and friends who were supporting me, what about people who didn’t have this?  Hope could be that for them!   About a year after Isreal’s diagnosis, we started Hope.”

A generous heart was the impetus for this organisation launching in the first place, and more generous support is what will keep it going.  Magnetic Media’s observation of this amazing family and their devotion to their cause is what led to the idea that anyone could ‘Pay a Day’ to save the classroom.  For $160.00 USD, a person or family could pay for a day of operations at the school; the goal is to get 365 like-minded people to come forward with cash.

Hope’s Director is grateful for the campaign and shared that there have been major strides for the special education room, including an integration of students into ​mainstream ​school.

“We started the year with eight children; seven boys and one girl, including my son Isreal and two teachers.  That week I took my vacation from work to be at the room but it was a challenge even with the three of us there.  The teachers worked tirelessly and eventually they settled down.  Parents and children loved the room and by the following term we started to introduce interactions with Mills Institute.  The children started attending devotions, sports events, presented at the Christmas concert and even the Spelling BEE!  In 2016 one of our students got 1st place in the K2 Spelling Bee and another got 2nd place in the grade one Spelling Bee!  Our teachers work so hard and our students have grown so much in this room.  We had two students who transitioned to mainstream school and one who is taking Math classes without an aide.”

It would be a tragedy to allow this service to our children and families living, coping and overcoming the hurdles of Autism to have to close down.   Due to the overwhelming requests, there is now an online way to support; follow this link and share this story so that we together, can save the all-important  Hope Autism​ ​Classroom.

#MagneticMediaNews

#HopeFoundation

#PayaDayforHope

 

Bahamas News

Monument Beverage Co. Caribbean Wines & Spirits Uniquely Bahamian Newest Product

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Lady Kayla Crowned Goombay Punch Cup Sailing Champion of 2025/2026

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week  

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING