Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: PM unveils focus of Administration’s new investment strategy
#Bahamas, February 12, 2018 – Nassau – A major theme of the Minnis Administration’s newly-designed investment promotion strategy for the country is that The Bahamas is ‘an Archipelago of Possibilities,’ Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis told scores of the country’s key business leaders Thursday.
Addressing the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation’s Power Breakfast Thursday at Baha Mar, Prime Minister Minis said the new theme is designed to promote the diversification of investment possibilities in The Bahamas – ranging from tourism, to financial services, to technology, aquaculture, to renewable energy, nanotechnology and other emerging industries.
“Our aim is to promote a new Bahamas, open to investment, with joint partnerships with Bahamians and streamlined processes for investors, including potential investors from the Diaspora,” Prime Minister Minnis said. “I am optimistic and confident that greater prosperity is on the way for our Bahamas. Let us work together to make this a dynamic year of growth, investment and opportunity.”
Prime Minister Minnis said there is growing confidence in The Bahamas despite the long road and challenges ahead.
“There are positive prospects on the horizon. Recovery has begun.”
Prime Minister Minnis told the business leaders that his Administration’s emphasis is on a dynamic blend of domestic and foreign investment.
“We are determined in our vision to enhance economic opportunities for Bahamian businesses and entrepreneurs, including Bahamians in the Diaspora. We intend to diversify with tourism and across various sectors as suggested in the Commercial Enterprise Act.”
Prime Minister Minnis said it is his intention to undertake several investment promotion trips abroad to include Canada, the United States of America, Europe, East Asia and South America in order to boost investment opportunities in The Bahamas and growth in the Bahamian economy.
“These travels are designed to attract high-quality investments to our country. We look forward to the participation of the private sector in this initiative,” the Prime Minister added.
Prime Minister Minnis said recognizing that economic growth requires improving the ease of doing business, the Administration appointed a committee to make recommendations to improve the ease of doing business in The Bahamas, soon after coming to office on May 10, 2017. The Committee has since completed its assigned task and has made a number of recommendations to the Government, using ten categories established by the World Bank.
“These categories and the rankings for The Bahamas can be reviewed at the World Bank’s website,” the Prime Minister added. (The website address is www.worldbank.org)
The Prime Minister said there are a number of issues involved in enhancing the ease of doing business in The Bahamas and to move the economy to a more productive and dynamic one. These include streamlining the Business License process and improving the application process for various licenses and permits, including at the paper confirmation and certification levels, which Dr. Minnis says “consumes a significant amount of time and are often an inefficient burden for applicants as well as the government agencies that must sort through the volumes of documents created.”
“This process is antiquated,” Prime Minister Minnis said.
Prime Minister Minnis said the calculation of Business License Fees and the process of preparing Value Added Tax (VAT) Returns, also need to be addressed.
“To streamline the business license process, the Department of Inland Revenue is launching an initiative to make the business license approval process faster and easier by creating a single point for submission of all applications related to the opening of a business,” Prime Minister Minnis said.
“This will eliminate the need for visits to multiple agencies and will provide a source of information where all the requirements for opening a business are clearly outlined,” he added.
The Department of Inland Revenue is currently conducting a Pilot Programme. The new process is expected to be “rolled out” in the coming weeks.
By: Matt Maura (BIS)
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.
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.
-
Bahamas News1 week agoMonument Beverage Co. Caribbean Wines & Spirits Uniquely Bahamian Newest Product
-
Bahamas News1 week agoLady Kayla Crowned Goombay Punch Cup Sailing Champion of 2025/2026
-
News6 days agoFacts According to the Turks & Caicos Premier About His Constitutional Amendments
-
News7 days ago80 DAYS. $80 MILLION. – PDM Demands Answers from Government
-
News7 days ago“The Contract is The Problem, Not The Hospitals”
-
News7 days ago
Premier Lays Out Cost of Hospital Dispute
-
News4 days agoPAY FIRST. QUESTION LATER.
-
Education5 days agoDr. Candice Williams Appointed First Vice-President of Regional Higher Education Association