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Labour Minister says there is ‘excellent news’ ahead for GB in terms of employment

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#Freeport, July 2, 2018 – Bahamas – In spite of the fact that the Grand Lucayan Resort is still closed, Grand Bahama is the only island that has shown a decrease in the unemployment rate, since the last report from the Department of Statistics.

“Based on the last report from the Department, it was revealed that there was a decrease in the unemployment rate here in Grand Bahama,” said Minister of Labour, Senator the Hon. Dion Foulkes, who was in Grand Bahama on Thursday to discuss labour matters on the island.

He said generally speaking, the government and the labour department are pleased with what is taking place in Freeport, with respect to employment, adding: “We are pleased that the Industrial side of Grand Bahama is doing extremely well and that accounted for a decrease in the unemployment rate.”

The Minister pointed out that Bahama Rock increased its workforce in the past year by 10 percent and that across-the-board all of the industrial sector companies have been employing people.  Incrementally, he said, that adds up to big numbers.

“Pharma Chem is about to embark on a multi-million dollar expansion of their services and this is expected to create permanent jobs.  Additionally GIBC Digital, which launched its opening yesterday has already hired 25 persons and is expected to hire 25 more people.  These are high-end paying jobs, and so we are very pleased about that.

“There are six other companies that we have already approved to establish an office here in Grand Bahama as a result of the Commercial Enterprise Bill.  As a result of our Labor on the Blocks initiative, Clear Blue, which has a relationship with the GB Shipyard, has already trained 50 persons in hard skills for the shipyard and all 50 of them are now working at the shipyard.”

Minister Foulkes said he did not want to pre-empt announcements by the Prime Minister and by the Minister of State for Grand Bahama, but did say that there is excellent news with respect to employment in Grand Bahama in the coming months.  “I would say that the government is very optimistic about Grand Bahama and what’s going to happen in Grand Bahama over the next several months,” said Minister Foulkes.

Minister Foulkes announced the appointment of John Pinder to the position of Acting Director of Labour.

“Mr. Pinder brings a wealth of experience in this area, having served as president of one of the largest unions – the BPSU in New Providence.  By training he is an Auditor.  He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience on both sides of the fence, the employer side and the trade union side.

“I also want to thank Mr. Robert Farquharson, the former Director of Labour, who did an excellent job in advancing Labour Legislation, establishing the tripartite council nationally, and also strengthening the relationship between employers and employees throughout the country.  He is now a senior officer in the Ministry.

Minister Foulkes also announced the appointment of Mrs. Janet Russell to the position of Assistant Director in the Department of Labour in Grand Bahama.  Ms. Russell replaced Mr. Tyrone Gibson, who has since retired.   “Mrs. Russell also has a lot of experience in the public service, having served in several ministries, and we are very happy to have her here in this new position in the Labour Department.

Minister Foulkes said that the Ministry of Labour intends to hold another ‘Labour on the Blocks’ in Grand Bahama sometime this year.  He said that no dates have been fixed as yet, but added that it could be before the end of summer. However, when it is held it will take place in West Grand Bahama.

 

By Andrew Coakley (BIS)

Photo Caption: Minister of Labour, Senator the Hon. Dion Foulkes (centre) was in Grand Bahama on Thursday, June 28, 2018 to announce appointments in the Department and to give the latest statistics on employment in Grand Bahama. At left is John Pinder, who was recently appointed Acting Director of Labor. At right is Janet Russell, who was appointed to the position of Assistant Director in the Department of Labor in Grand Bahama.

 

(BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

 

 

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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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