Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Government taking deliberate steps to cushion impact of fiscal measures on the poorest households
#Nassau, June 8, 2018 – Bahamas – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest said in light of the fiscal measures, which call for a shared sacrifice from all, the government is taking deliberate steps to cushion the impact on the poorest households. The 7.5 per cent cost savings on breadbasket items will directly impact the most vulnerable Bahamians in a tangible way, DPM Turnquest said during his Contribution to open the 2018/19 Budget Debate in the House of Assembly, Wednesday, June 6, 2018.
“Unfortunately, there has been a lot of sarcasm around the breadbasket with the inclusion of items like corned beef. This is somewhat understandable in the context of our healthy lifestyle push.
“But this exercise is not about corned beef. The breadbasket contains substantive items that many Bahamians want to consume and are financially constrained to consume. So let us not scorn those Bahamians whose lifestyles are based on the breadbasket.
“This government did not invent or create the longstanding breadbasket list. Rice, soup, cheese, evaporated milk, and yes, corned beef, are the basics that Bahamians, particularly poorer families, rely on for their survival.”
He said the 7.5 per cent savings that the government is implementing by removing VAT from the breadbasket, as promised will make a difference.
“Just think of the relief for a family when it comes to the cost of buying baby food; these targeted measures will make a difference for those families trying to sustain themselves with the basics.”
The DPM said importantly, the Consumer Protection Commission and the Price Control Commission have an important role to play in ensuring the various tax exemptions are passed on to the consumers, particularly with these price-controlled items. The Finance Minister said he could appreciate that for some Bahamians, these savings might seem meager and unimportant, but this government has committed to prioritising the vulnerable and the neglected.
“Yes, we will re-shape the breadbasket over time, in concert with a public education exercise, but our immediate actions are designed to provide some cushion as the country goes through this period of shared sacrifice. We will not continue the past practice of neglect and we will not allow vulnerable Bahamians to be left behind or run over by the substantive changes that are now taking place.”
He said the same principle applies with the VAT savings on utilities.
DPM Turnquest said social progress goes hand in hand with increased economic freedom; and this requires that Bahamians have more opportunities to create their own jobs and to be more competitive in the private sector. He said although the government is the primary employer today, it is laying the groundwork to flip this around. “In a healthy, vibrant economy, it is the private sector – entrepreneurs, small businesses and mature industries – that drive innovation and job creation.
“So, we have included in the Budget $2.6 million worth of investment in scholarships at BTVI so that the cost of skills training and certification is not a barrier for Bahamians seeking to increase their competitiveness.”
The DPM said the government has included in the Budget $5 million to launch a Small Business Development Initiative that will support small and 
medium-sized businesses, providing them with the incentives and assistance needed to survive and thrive.
“Under this programme, Bahamian entrepreneurs will have access to direct financing; we will also provide support for market research and financial management, and other business support.
“In other words, the government is investing the people’s money to foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, and to increase the competitiveness of the Bahamian labour force. We want Bahamians to have access to more fulfilling jobs, better paying jobs, and opportunities that will create social progress.”
He said, “To tie it all together, this Budget is a transformational budget because it establishes a new era of fiscal responsibility. We are drawing a line under the mountain of payment arrears and unpaid bills left to accumulate shamelessly by previous governments.”
DPM Turnquest said, “We are implementing proper and right budgeting for all known spending commitments so that no further arrears build up in the future.”
By: Llonella Gilbert (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.
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