Bahamas News
The Government has a very clear guiding vision for a better future for Bahamians
#Bahamas, March 9, 2018 – Nassau – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest said to properly understand the Government’s fiscal consolidation strategy and the state of the public finances at the mid-point of the 2017/18 fiscal year, it is necessary to begin with a realistic and thorough assessment of the gravity of the fiscal challenges that this Government Administration inherited from the previous administration.
“Irrespective of the baseless and empty rhetoric that we have heard following the presentation of the Mid-Year Statement, our Government does have a very clear guiding vision for a better future for Bahamians, with both a stronger economy and enhanced job opportunities. We also have a plan for getting there,” the DPM said during his Contribution to the 2017/18 Mid-Year Budget Debate in the House of Assembly, Wednesday, March 7, 2018.
He said the present administration elaborated on their vision and plan in its 2017 Manifesto, in the Speech from the Throne, as well as in the May Budget Communication.
“As I made amply clear in the Budget Communication, however, we must as a priority addresses the fiscal mess that we inherited from the party opposite. We simply cannot, and will not, spend recklessly as did the previous administration without due regard for the financial resources available.
“Ours is now the task of putting order in the public finances of our nation to arrest the seemingly inexorable rise in the burden of Government debt that hangs like the proverbial albatross around the neck of Bahamian society and our economy.”
The DPM said it is imperative that the burden of debt is returned to lower and more sustainable levels in order to free up the critical resources that are necessary to fully implement the action plans within the Government’s socio-economic growth agenda as promptly and effectively as possible.
He explained that when the burden of Government Debt represented a more manageable and sustainable 30 per cent of GDP, the Government’s interest payments on the debt accounted for some 10 cents of every revenue dollar.
“Last fiscal year, with a debt burden of 57.6 per cent of GDP, interest payments chewed up almost 14.5 cents of every revenue dollar.
“Were it possible to return to a burden of debt under which interest payments again accounted for 10 per cent of revenues, our annual interest payments would be appreciably reduced.
“At the 2017/18 level of revenues, the savings would be on the order of $75 million. Those are precious financial resources indeed that could make a significant contribution to the advancement of the Government’s agenda for growth through, for example, supplementary investments in education, health or infrastructure.”
He said it needs to be stressed that much work needs to be done to get the country to the type of debt burden objective that would be preferable. However, the Government is firmly committed, through its concrete fiscal consolidation plan, to getting the country moving in that direction.
DPM Turnqest said as a first step requires the elimination of the annual Government deficit that is the direct cause of increased borrowing.
He said, “Eliminating the deficit and getting to a lower debt burden are also vital to recreating the fiscal room to manoeuvre that is prudently required to allow the country to deal with unforeseen economic and other shocks, such as hurricanes, that may present themselves in the period ahead.”
By: Llonella Gilbert (BIS)
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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