Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: House Passes Economic Empowerment Zone Bill; Up For Debate in the Senate
#Nassau, July 30, 2018 – Bahamas – The Bahamas Government is one step closer to empowering underprivileged residents in the Over-the-Hill Community and other such areas in to improve their livelihoods. Such transformation will take place under the Economic Empowerment Zone 
Bill 2018, which was passed in the House of Assembly on Thursday, July 26, after two days of debate.
Prime Minister, Dr the Hon Hubert A Minnis, wrapped up the debate as he opened it, stating that the proposed measure will enhance and further the socio-economic development within the inner cities communities.
“It is anticipated that this piece of transformative and innovative legislation will set the stage for the improved quality of lives of residents in Over-the-Hill communities,” he said.
These include health care, education and training, access to work and opportunity, housing, safety and security, a healthy environment, the preservation of culture, and other things that enrich individuals, communities and the nation at large.
“The suite of targeted initiatives will give hope and provide opportunity to our people,” the Prime Minister said. “Our people do not want handouts; they want a helping hand. Our people do not want pity; they want purpose!”
This initiative, The Over-the-Hill Community Development Partnership Initiative, is being led out of the Office of the Prime Minister under the Over-the-Hill Unit.
“Our overriding goal is to revitalize Over-the-Hill and to provide opportunity and hope for more of our people,” the Prime Minister said.
He said that his Government is grateful for the contributions of the private sector and civil society in shaping the legislation.
“The Free National Movement made a commitment in our election Manifesto to empower more Bahamians in terms of economic and social development,” he said.
In this vein, beginning this September, qualifying young people will be able to attend BTVI free of charge. And beginning next year September, qualifying young people will be able to attend the University of The Bahamas tuition-free.
“It is the FNM that is today leading a revolution in education and training,” the Prime Minister said.
The first area to be transformed under the legislation is the Over-the-Hill Community, which holds a wealth of knowledge about the culture and history of that area of New Providence and in some aspects, the country.
“Over-the-Hill was the birthplace of a number of those who helped to advance equality, progress and social justice in our land,” the Prime Minister said.
The Over-the-Hill Community Development Partnership Initiative is built around six key pillars:
– Social Empowerment and the Preservation of Bahamian Heritage;
– Rejuvenation;
– Smart Technology;
– Green Technology;
– Youth and Elderly Empowerment; and
– Economic Empowerment.
Contracts will be issued shortly for the reconstruction of the historic Southern Recreation Grounds, Father Marshall Cooper Park and McPherson Park.
The components of the Economic Empowerment Zone Bill are also designed to encourage residential and commercial property development and investment in these zones through various tax incentives.
The Prime Minister has been sharing this initiative internationally, most recently at the United Nations High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.
He thanked the team members of the Over-the-Hill Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister for their dedication and their contributions toward the project. The Prime Minister also thanked the newly appointed Executive Manager of the Over-the-Hill Unit, Samita Ferguson, charged with managing and implementing the Initiative.
By: Lindsay Thompson (BIS)
Photo Caption: Prime Minister, Dr the Hon Hubert A Minnis pictured speaking on the Economic Empowerment Zone Bill 2018 in the House of Assembly.
(BIS Photos/Yontalay Bowe)
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products concluded their 10 weeklong Twist To Win campaign with four $5,000 Mall at Marathon shopping sprees.
The campaign which was available throughout the entire Bahamas allowed consumers to enter by purchasing a 20oz bottle with a yellow cap
from the following brands: Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola No Sugar, Sprite, Fanta Orange, or Fanta Grape. Each yellow-cap had a unique alpha numeric code underneath which they submitted to the Twist To Win WhatsApp number.
With each qualifying purchase, participants residing in The Bahamas were entered to win instant prizes and into a grand prize draw to win one of four $5,000 shopping sprees at the Mall at Marathon.
Participants also enjoyed exciting instant prizes such as: Airpods, JBL Speakers, premium Coca-Cola merchandise, $500 Visa gift cards and Amazon, Spotify and Apple Music digital gift cards.
Out of 76,000 plus submissions, Brian Bethel, Ashia Demeritte, Merlin Adams, and Taraceta Neely won the coveted Mall at Marathon shopping sprees at the following select stores, Kelly’s House & Home, The Sports Center, John Bull, Brass & Leather, and BTC.
Leading up to the grand finale shopping spree, Coca-Cola hosted a Trivia Showdown with the eight finalists to determine the four winners. Finalists were tested on their knowledge of World History, Pop Culture, Caribbean Bottling Company and Coca-Cola Facts!
After a few rousing rounds of trivia, the four winners were declared after each winning their spot in the shopping spree by answering their questions correctly and choosing the “Grand Prize” Coca-Cola labeled bottles at random.
The morning of the shopping spree Coca-Cola gave the winners exclusive access to the Mall at Marathon and its participating stores before
their usual operating hours. Grand prize winners were greeted with wide smiles from Coca-Cola brand representatives and morning bites before the big event.
At the start of the thirty-minute clock the grand prize winners along with each of their Coca-Cola shopping assistants ran to the various stores collecting items in their arms and carts.
Merlin Adams, a husband and father of four was proud to have executed his game-plan at the end of the shopping spree. With toys, a new phone and materials for his home from Kelly’s, Adams felt accomplished in what he gathered.
Taraceta Neely, a winner from Eleuthera collected beautiful bags for herself and relatives from Brass and Leather and Brian Bethel bought matching athletic and outdoor wear from The Sports Center for his family.
The final winner Ashia Demeritte bought linens and household items in addition to a new phone from BTC right in time for Christmas.
Caribbean Bottling Company is proud to share the real magic of Coca-Cola with the grand prize winners and the may instant prize winners across the Twist To Win campaign. For more updates on new products, promotions, and events follow www.cbcbahamas.com.
Bahamas News
The Coca-Cola Art Project Astonishes Art Lovers at The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products displayed
their astonishing Coca-Cola Art Project (CCAP), during Baha Mar’s five-day Culinary & Arts Festival. Earlier this year, Coca-Cola partnered with The University of The Bahamas’ Visual Art and Design Department for a culturally rich art competition. UB’s art students were challenged to create pieces surrounding the theme, Bahamian music.
As a result, 20 student works of art were made, with four students declared as winners at the CCAP exhibit opening in Baha Mar’s ECCHO: Art Gallery in August. To recreate the culturally stimulating magic felt at the exhibit’s premiere, the CCAP was featured at the FUZE Art Tent during The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival.
Nine incredible pieces of art lined the walls of the Coca-Cola Art Project, four of which included the winning pieces from Jhanaisia Cole,
with ‘Gaulin Bride’; Alyssa Pinder, with ‘Shotgun Wedding’; Nelson Gray, with ‘Untitled’; and Jaela Bowe, with the piece ‘Whims of Obeah, a Folktail’. Additionally, an intimate listening room was built. It displayed students’ artistic processes, UB Visual Art and Design representatives, and a recap of the exhibit opening for audiences.
Art enthusiasts also enjoyed premium limited-edition CCAP keepsakes at the booth. Journals which featured a collage of all 20 student submissions on the front and back cover, postcards with an art piece on the cover along with the student’s name, title, dimension and materials on the back and pens designed with the CCAP’s dynamic logo.
Throughout the art festival diverse groups of people visited the art tent taking in the displays while enjoying the artistic insights from the
listening booth.
Community and culture are always at the forefront of Caribbean Bottling Community, and it was boldly showcased during The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival for the third consecutive year.
For more details on the Coca-Cola Art Project, events and new products visit www.cbcbahamas.com today!
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor delighted Jollification
attendees with bubbles from their Bottega and Bouvet Ladubay sparkling wines and Besserat de Bellefon champagne lines.
Located in the Monument Circle on The Retreat grounds, CWS transformed The Retreat Garden into a lush lounge with Besserat, Bouvet and their latest product addition, Bottega, during the two-day affair.
The festivities kicked off Friday during BNT Member’s Night. Guests enjoyed exclusive offerings from CWS’s catalogue, offered exclusively to members. Complimentary mixes or glasses on the rocks included El Tequileno tequila, Hard Truth whiskey, House of Angostura rum, Cross Keys gin, Nemiroff vodka and a slew of wines such as Fonesca Bin, Bottega and Besserat.
Guests also savored the ‘Jolly Paloma’ cocktail, an instant favorite made with El Tequileno tequila, Schweppes Grapefruit and Domaine de Paris rose wine. To end the night, guests were treated to branded limited-edition wine tumblers as keepsakes.
On Saturday and Sunday, Jollification attendees delighted in glasses or bottles of champagne and sparkling brut or rosé wines while taking
in the comfort of the chic lounge. In addition to purchasing bottles for onsite consumption, consumers were also able to purchase bottles as gifts whether for themselves or someone special.
The sophisticated “bubble lounge” lounge was decked with velvet couches, gold rimmed cocktail tables, blue and pink pillows, and a white floral branded backdrop created for capturing the perfect picture.
Caribbean Wines & Spirits, a historic partner of the Bahamas National Trust was pleased to support Jollification 2025 to kick off the festive season and share their expansive range of spirits.
To keep up to date with all CWS products and events, visit their website at www.cwsbahamas.com today.
