Bahamas News
Remarks by Minister of Foreign Affairs at OAS General Assembly in Washington, DC
#Washington,DC, June 8, 2018 – United States of America –
Mr. President
Colleague Foreign Ministers,
Mr. Secretary General and Assistant Secretary General,
Ambassadors and other diplomatic representatives,
Other distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen
Good afternoon,
Introduction
Mr. President,
The Bahamas also stands in solidarity with the people of Guatemala and assures them of our prayers and thoughts during this time of hardship.
Over a century ago in 1889, 18 American States, nurturing the growing sense of Pan-Americanism, gathered in Washington DC to bring to fruition the vision of a more integrated and cooperative hemisphere through a Pan American Union.
The dialogue that was sparked at that time amongst sovereign States of the Americas and continues today, was focused on mechanisms for peace, pacific settlement of disputes, respect for human rights and democracy, improving economic prosperity and fostering communication amongst States.
Evolution of the OAS
Mr. President,
Despite the individual and unique characteristics that define the countries of the Americas, The Bahamas continues to believe that this organization has a critical role to play in world, hemispheric and regional affairs.
As with any institution, however, change is required over time in order to maintain relevance.
Over the past 70 years, this Organization has weathered many economic and political storms but and has steadily grown in membership from the original 18 to incorporate Caribbean Member States and eventually the 35 independent States of the Hemisphere.
While we hold firm to the tenets upon which this Organization was founded, there now exists a rich diversity within our membership which must be reflected in all facets of the Organization – in its agenda, in the mandates given to the Secretariat and its composition. In doing so, we move towards an organization focused on meeting the real needs of its membership, whether developed or developing.
Development work at the OAS
Mr. President,
For many of the small member States like The Bahamas, the OAS is one of the few global institutions where there is broad accessibility to technical assistance, particularly for development projects. Compared to other multilateral bodies, the OAS maintains comparative advantages and provides value-added in the areas of capacity building, technical cooperation and support for human development. In this regard, The Bahamas will continue to support the Organization’s work on Scholarships and its Training Programme and the Inter American Education Agenda, which we played a role in crafting as Chair of the Inter American Committee on Education. In light of the increasing vulnerability of the region to natural disasters, The Bahamas is also pleased with our agreement to mandate the OAS strengthens its disaster response mechanisms. Similarly, we are pleased to support the mandate on Non-Communicable Diseases.
It is our considered view that the OAS will always have a primary responsibility for hemispheric agenda setting across the Inter-American system and an improved OAS must focus on developing strategic and synergistic partnerships between PAHO, IDB, and IICA and other institutions.
Multidimensional Criteria for Poverty and Development
Mr. President,
The Bahamas joins others in lauding the adoption of the Resolution on ‘Incorporating Multidimensional Criteria for Measuring Poverty and Development’ which also references critical issues for the CARICOM region such as derisking and the loss of correspondent banking relations and, more broadly, vulnerability to the effects of climate change.
We note that there is growing acknowledgement of the inadequacy of the current income-predicated methodology used by many International Financial Institutions (IFIS) to assess development level and need and to make decisions regarding concessional lending and access to aid. We commend reforms underway in this direction, such as the IDB’s introduction of their macro development vulnerability index, which has introduced vulnerability assessments into their lending decision making criteria as a model for other such institutions.
OAS Budgetary Matters
Mr. President,
Every organization, including the OAS, requires adequate funding in order to function. The Organization cannot continue to merely live from one fiscal crisis to the next.
Despite all of the good that the OAS has done, and the immense potential the Organization has to support Member State efforts, the Organization remains underfunded relative to the mandates that we continue to impose upon it.
While each Member State, large and small, developed and developing, must have some skin in the game, there must be balanced and due consideration for country peculiarities and external factors that arise from time to time that can impact the ability to meet financial obligations.
The time is also ripe for meaningful institutional reform to the Organization, including implementation of International Public-Sector Accounting Standards, relevant improvements to the IT infrastructure of the Organization and enhancing the efficacy of the Permanent Council for monitoring and oversight of the Secretariat.
Towards a 21st Century OAS
Mr. President,
The OAS that we all want is one that is staffed with competent and diverse professionals, undergirded by modern infrastructure, governed by best practices for accounting, fiscal controls and human resources management, and that is at the vanguard of helping Member States with the challenges of perfecting democracy, upholding human rights, guaranteeing citizen security and bolstering sustainable development.
The Bahamas believes that this Organization is the vehicle through which our hemisphere can be greater than the sum of its parts. It falls to us as Member States to ensure that the OAS continues to evolve to meet the challenges of the 21st century and to ultimately ensure the Americas becomes the most democratic, peaceful, egalitarian and prosperous region of the world.
I thank you.
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 News3 days agoLady Kayla Crowned Goombay Punch Cup Sailing Champion of 2025/2026
-
Bahamas News7 days agoCaribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week
-
Bahamas News3 days agoMonument Beverage Co. Caribbean Wines & Spirits Uniquely Bahamian Newest Product
-
Bahamas News7 days agoCWS Supports Transforming Spaces with Premium Products and Unique Cocktails
-
News5 days agoMinister of Tourism, Hon. Zhavargo Jolly Leads Community Connect Meetings in Grand Turk and Salt Cay
-
News17 hours agoFacts According to the Turks & Caicos Premier About His Constitutional Amendments
-
News1 day ago80 DAYS. $80 MILLION. – PDM Demands Answers from Government
-
News24 hours ago
Premier Lays Out Cost of Hospital Dispute