Bahamas News
Spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr. Lives on in Bimini as Painting Unveiled
#Bahamas, February 14, 2018 – Bimini – What started out as quiet visits to the shores of Bimini by the late Freedom Fighter Dr. Martin Luther King, not only introduced Biminites to a giant of a man, who would go on to capture the Nobel Peace Prize and the hearts of many, but connected two nations – The Bahamas and the United States of America.
Parliamentary Secretary for Communications and Information in the Office of the Prime Minister, Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe said Dr. King’s legacy has transcended both time and location. The Parliamentary Secretary’s comments came during the official unveiling of a painting commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s solitary visits to Bimini. The short ceremony took place in the departure lounge of the Bimini International Airport on Friday, February 9, 2018.
Island Administrators, Chief Councilors and Ministry of Tourism officials attended the ceremony which also hosted special guests, Andrew Young, former United States Ambassador to the United Nations and former Mayor of Atlanta; and artist, Steve Skipper of Atlanta, Georgia.
“Today demonstrates that the friendship between the United States and the Bahamas continues along the right path and is one of mutual respect and understanding,” said Mrs. Edgecombe.
She stated that the Government of The Bahamas and, by extension, Biminites appreciate that “after some 50 years of Dr. King delivering his final speech, his legacy continues to echo throughout the world, mobilizing even today the fight for justice and equality at all levels and in all arenas.”
The painting, by Steve Skipper, took over 1,000 hours of easel work to complete. It features the green groves of Bimini with the image of Dr. King in the clouds, lost in thought and seemingly looking down over the small island.
Dr. Martin Luther King spent much time in Bimini where he went to retreat and ‘get away,’ and Bimini was the place where he sat and wrote his “I Have a Dream” speech. While in Bimini, many times Dr. King was hosted by a son of the soil of Bimini and a renowned bone fisherman Ansil Saunders.
“In your gifting of this painting to the island of Bimini, we graciously accept with a pledge to always tell the story of the man, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a voice for all generations and a legacy on which all of humanity can build,” added Mrs. Edgecombe, Member Parliament for West Grand Bahama and Bimini.
Andrew Young said that when Dr. King made his first trip to Bimini he was looking for a place where he could be quiet, but he also wanted to be in the midst of nature. He noted that one of Dr. King’s friends in Miami had suggested Bimini.
“I don’t think he had been to Bimini before,” said Mr. Young. “But once he got here, he realized that it was the perfect place for what he wanted to do. He wrote every day and thought and prayed.”
Mr. Young noted that ironically, when Dr. King’s troubles in his life really began he had been in Bimini at the time, enjoying the fishing, the silence and becoming more acquainted with the people of Bimini.
“When he wrote that speech about having been to the mountain top and that he had seen the Promised Land, I think he was talking about Bimini.”
Andrew Young continued, he believed that Dr. King would be very pleased with the growth and development of Bimini, and with the honour which they were bestowing upon him with the painting in the Bimini airport.
Artist, Steve Skipper said that while the original painting will reside in Bimini, replicas of it will be donated to museums in Washington, Atlanta and other parts of the United States and a copy will also be presented to Mr. Ansil Saunders.
By: Andrew Coakley (BIS)
Photo captions:
Header: Parliamentary Secretary Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe (second from left); Former United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Andrew Young (right); Artist, Steve Skipper (second from right) and retired NFL Miami Dolphins player, businessman and restaurateur, Bob Baumhower are pictured during a special ceremony to unveil a painting honouring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and his time spent in Bimini. The official ceremony took place at Bimini International Airport on Friday, February 9, 2018. (BIS Photo/Andrew Coakley)
Insert: Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe was the keynote speaker during an Official Unveiling Ceremony of a painting of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Bimini International Airport in South Bimini on Friday, February 9, 2018. (BIS Photo/Andrew Coakley)
NASSAU, Bahamas — More Bahamians are accessing HIV and sexually transmitted infection-related healthcare through National Health Insurance, a trend the NHI Authority says should be viewed positively.
NHIA stressed in an August 6 statement that its 2025 figures measure healthcare utilisation, not newly diagnosed infections. They include beneficiaries screened, treated, monitored or receiving follow-up care, including people diagnosed previously.
“Increased utilisation of these services should be viewed as a positive development,” NHIA said.
The Authority pointed to “greater enrolment and use of NHI, improved access to screening and testing, continued treatment and monitoring of existing conditions, and increased willingness to seek medical care.”
The development comes amid a mixed three-year HIV picture. New diagnoses rose from 130 in 2023 to 156 in 2024, before declining to 142 in 2025.
NHIA said increased utilisation demonstrates that more beneficiaries are accessing needed healthcare and actively managing their health, reinforcing the importance of screening, early diagnosis and continued treatment.
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.
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