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BAHAMAS: DW Davis Honour Students Encouraged to be Positive Leaders

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#Bahamas, February 11, 2018 – Nassau – While speaking at the D.W. Davis Junior High School Honours Assembly on Monday, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Michael Pintard told the more than 50 Honour Roll students recognized that they were more than just the future leaders of The Bahamas: they were the leaders of today.

“The truth of the matter is that a student in grade seven through nine standing where I am standing, saying anything similar to what I am saying, has more influence on your peers than I ever could,” Minister Pintard said.  “You are influential right now.

“Every day, the things that you do and say are influencing your peers; and, so, I would like to say to all of you that leading is a choice that you must make.”

Among those taking part in the special assembly were Chairman of the Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation (AMMC) and Member of Parliament Reece Chipman, District Superintendent Dorothy Anderson, District Education Officer Franklin Lightbourne and Principal Nicolette Brown.

Minister Pintard pointed out to the honourees that they were being recognized because they had done ‘something remarkable’: “The truth of the matter is that you are setting the standard; and we are asking you not to rest on your laurels.  We are asking you to set new goals – to take us, your family, your community, to new heights.”

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Minister Pintard said that those present were proud of them and of all that they had accomplished.  To the students who did not make the Honour Roll, he encouraged them by reminding them that where they started out was not as important as where they end up.

“So, we are asking you to redouble your efforts,” he said.

Minister Pintard noted that it is better to start on a path of achievement in grade seven than try to figure it out in grade 11 and 12.  He added that, although ninth-grade students might “run things” at their current school, the next step would be to enter senior high school and be the “new kids on the block”.

“All of you must take with you the principals learned, the lessons learned, the discipline learned in this environment and to make sure that the ‘royalty’ that you are today – you continue to demonstrate that in high school, university, wherever life may take you,” Minister Pintard said.

Minister Pintard said that all those present want honourees to be pacesetters and he gave them a few anecdotal points of advice, including setting their standards high and pursuing them with vigor and discipline.  He pointed out that, even though it is great to dream, it will only remain a dream until one begins to attach a timetable to it, making it into a goal.

“In every aspect of your life, it is important to set high goals,” Minister Pintard said.

He noted that they are guaranteed to miss 100 per cent of the goals they do not set.  Minister Pintard told the students that it was important to have the right set of persons in their lives as their network.

“If you are not surrounded by the right set of people, if you are not sharing those dreams, your imagination, with the right set of people, you will find that much of the dreams you have will be strangled and they will die on the vine,” Minister Pintard suggested. “It is important to have the right crowd.”

Minister Pintard also spoke on the importance of having high standards, pointing out what position they might obtain in life is not as important as how they behave in that position.  He noted to the students present that education gives them options and choices for the their future.

“Every time you are discouraged or you are not interested in studying what is placed before you, remember you are limiting your options,” Minister Pintard said. “You are limiting your choices; so it is important to learn all you can – while you can – because it is going to open up options to you.”

Minister Pintard pointed out that, even though being academically smart is important, be smart in their morals was even more important.

“What we are saying to you is that we are proud of your accomplishments, we want you to continue to do well; but we are also saying to you that, in much the same way you are brilliant in academics, we want you to be brilliant in all areas of your life,” he said.

Minister Pintard said that the source of his strength and their strength is God and stated that every bad decision he had ever made in his life was when he “walked from under the covering of salvation.”

“When I thought I was smart enough to run things in my life, that was when my mistakes started to pile up – when I felt that maybe academics would help me solve a problem — that was truly a problem that needed God’s intervention.”

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“The message I want to leave with you is in all the things that you get, take seriously the prayers that you pray in assembly and in class, and recognize that the source of your strength, ultimately, is God,” he said.

Minister Pintard encouraged the male students to rise up and make a difference at their school, in the homes and community.  “You could be world changers,” he stated. “You have the ability to be the difference-maker.”

To the female students, he noted that they have shown that they are already showing their leadership abilities and will continue to rise up. However, he cautioned them to not let a relationship with a person without a vision for their own life or goals for their family rob them of the “beautiful future they have inside of them”.

“Decide that you are going to continue to demonstrate that God has given you gifts and you are going to manifest them in what you do every day – in school, in university, in the jobs that you will get,” he said.

“We are proud of you, we love you, and it’s been an honour to talk to you and God bless you.”

By: Eric Rose (BIS)

Photo Caption:  Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Michael Pintard with education stakeholders, and most of the more than 50 students who made Honour Roll during summer and fall semesters 2017 – at the D.W. Davis Junior High School Honours Assembly, February 5, 2018.  Pictured seated (from left): District Education Officer Franklin Lightbourne, Principal Nicolette Brown, Minister Pintard, and District Superintendent Dorothy Anderson.

(BIS Photo/Eric Rose)

 

 

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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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Bahamas News

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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Bahamas News

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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