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The Bahamas Government Commemorates 51 Years of Majority Rule

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#Bahamas, January 11, 2018 – Nassau – The Government of The Bahamas commemorated 51 years of Majority Rule, Wednesday (January 10) with a Church Service at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, located on historic “Priory Grounds,” West Hill Street.

The service was attended by Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, DCMG, along with Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis, Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest, Cabinet Ministers, Leader of the Official Opposition, the Hon. Philip Davis, other Members of Parliament in addition to senior government officials.   The service’s programme reflected the call for unity and oneness in appreciation of the sacrifices made to make Majority Rule a reality for The Bahamas.

Religious leaders from various denominations joined Roman Catholic Vicar General, Father Kendrick Forbes, who served as the Chief Celebrant.  In his first Majority Rule Day National Address, Prime Minister Minnis declared that Majority Rule crosses all boundaries of party, economic class, race and gender.

“This defining moment and historic accomplishment does not belong to any one political party or segment of our people,” Prime Minister Minnis said.

“Majority Rule belongs to all Bahamians.  It crosses all boundaries of party, economic class race and gender.  We should celebrate this day as One Bahamas, as one people united in love and service to our Commonwealth.

“As we celebrate 51 years of Majority Rule, we remember the core objectives of this movement – freedom, equality and democracy for all Bahamians.”

Prime Minister Minnis said a series of “significant events” forever transformed the political and social landscape of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas leading up to Majority Rule on January 10, 1967.

These included the Burma Road Riot in 1942, which the Prime Minister said was the beginning of a new political awareness in The Bahamas and the formation of the Progressive Liberal Party as the first national political party in 1953 with William “Bill” Cartwright playing a central role in the development of party politics.

Prime Minister Minnis said Sir Etienne Dupuch’s anti-discrimination resolution in the House of Assembly in 1956, also played a critical role as it was the catalyst for dismantling racial segregation in public places.   Another significant event leading up to Majority Rule, the Prime Minister said, was the General Strike of 1958 “which resulted in much-needed changes to the country’s labour laws and electoral representation.

The Prime Minister said in the 1960s some of what he called “the worst aspects of the corrupt electoral system” were changed and universal and adult suffrage came to The Bahamas with women voting for the first time in 1962.

“So it was that in 1967 the Bahamian people finally voted out the oligarchy and opened a new era of democratic government.  We call that day Majority Rule Day.  It is a day that should be celebrated by all Bahamians because, among other things, revolutionary but peaceful changes had come to The Bahamas.

“A system that had to end one way or another ended in a peaceful and orderly manner and of that all Bahamians should be proud,” Dr. Minnis added.

The Prime Minister said Majority Rule did more than just bring an end to a “patently unfair electoral system” that prevented the majority of Bahamians from achieving true representation in the House of Assembly until  January 10, 1967.

“In the words of former Governor-General Sir Arthur Foulkes, one of those who served in the forefront of the movement for equality and social justice: ‘Majority Rule removed the last psychological shackles from the minds of many.  I shattered false notions of superiority and inferiority; it initiated the fulfillment of the promise of universal access to education; it created the foundation upon which to build a society with opportunities for all.’

“As we honour this special day in our history, we must also honour the many men and women who sacrificed and struggled to make this day possible,” Prime Minister Minnis said.

“Through their words the spoke for those who could not speak for themselves. Through their actions, they gave courage to the fearful. Through their legacy, these patriots serve as an inspiration for the nation, including for our children and young people,” Prime Minister Minnis added.

By: Matt Maura (BIS)

Photo Caption:  Prime Minister Minnis reads the Lesson at the Ecumenical Service Commemorating the 51st. Anniversary of Majority Rule at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral on January 10, 2018.

(BIS Photo/Letisha Henderson)

 

 

 

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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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