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HAITI: Henfield says competitive forces, natural disasters, are among factors impacting Caribbean Tourism

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#Haiti, March 4, 2018 – Port-Au-Prince – Competitive forces, under-funding, along with the ravages of destructive natural disasters such as hurricanes are two of the key factors impacting Caribbean Tourism, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Darren Henfield told a Caribbean Community Plenary Session Tuesday.

Delivering the Opening Statement for The Bahamas during the Session on Tourism after which he introduced Bahamian Minister of Tourism and Aviation, the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar (Mr. D’Aguilar made a PowerPoint Presentation to the Plenary Session on Tourism) — Mr. Henfield said, in 2017, the region’s share of global arrivals contracted and stood at 2.3% at the end of the year, compared to 2.4% in 2016.

Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis serves as Head of Government of the Caribbean Community responsible for Tourism. Mr. Henfield assumed the Chair as Head of Delegation for The Bahamas following Prime Minister Minnis’ departure Monday evening.  Mr. Henfield said Caribbean Tourism “is under-funded and losing ground.”

“Under the present circumstances the tourism sector will languish at levels below its potential productivity; and in the absence of a reliable funding source, the Caribbean will continue to lurch from one crisis to the next in a hapless quest for ways to buffer the region’s image against the ravages of competitive forces and natural disasters.”

Mr. Henfield said fortunately, “the solution is within our grasp.”

“What is needed is a sustained, effective effort to generate consumer demand, excite travelers and the travel industry, and stave off the region’s rapidly growing competition.  To do this will require a reliable, consumer-generated funding source to create and maintain the kind of marketing presence recommended here.”

Mr. Henfield said the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) have recommended that the Caribbean develop the means to implement (in 2018), a consumer-generated funding mechanism that would collectively raise the money for an ongoing marketing initiative.

The primary source for this funding would be a small levy on air transportation of between US$1 to US$2 per passenger traveling to the Caribbean from outside the region.  It is proposed that intra-Caribbean travel would be exempt from the levy.

“The goal is to generate a sum of US$20 million annually to implement a sustained effort,” Mr. Henfield said.  “A $20 million investment, in relation to the number of visitors the region hosts annually, (30.1 million stay-overs in 2017), would allow the region to begin to proactively build the Caribbean brand and to be ready to protect the brand in times of crisis, through a prepared plan.”

Funds collected will be deposited into a specially designated marketing fund account, administered by the Caribbean Coalition for Tourism.

“One-to-two U.S. dollars per passenger is an equitable amount across Caribbean destinations and will not erode the competitive position of any participating country,” Mr. Henfield said.   “Most importantly, that small amount will not dissuade any consumer from taking a Caribbean vacation, but cumulatively will provide measurable benefits to every participating country.

“This does not preclude support as well, from the private sector through sponsorships, specific promotional initiatives and active engagement.  A separate and related dialogue is also being advanced to the cruise sector.  The Caribbean receives an estimated 30% to 35% of all cruise ship deployments worldwide.”

Mr. Henfield said the understanding is that a critical mass of countries is the goal for proceeding with a campaign, accepting that countries “which are slower to participate should not retard the progress of those that are ready to get started.”

By: Matt Maura (BIS)

 

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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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