Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: World Teachers’ Day (October 5) Proclamation and Message from Minister of Education, the Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd.
#Nassau, October 5, 2018 – Bahamas –
MESSAGE
FROM
THE HON. JEFFREY LLOYD, MINISTER OF EDUCATION
FOR
WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY, 2018
ON
FRIDAY, 5TH OCTOBER, 2018
It is an honor for me to have this opportunity to commemorate World Teachers’ Day 2018 with our venerated educators from around the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. I wish to first applaud all of the hard-working teachers on this extraordinary day that was set aside especially so that we can highlight you as our most vital contingent of nation builders.
World Teachers’ Day is recognized by over 100 countries as a day to not only celebrate our educators, but also to place the spotlight on their concerns and the current issues related to education. It was officially established in 1994 by UNESCO to be observed on October 5th each year, the anniversary of the 1966 signing of the Recommendation Concerning the Status of Teachers worldwide. This recommendation outlines standards regarding both the initial and continuing education of teachers and their general employment. Today also commemorates the 70th Anniversary of the UNESCO Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which recognizes education as a basic human entitlement.
The theme for World Teachers’ Day 2018, “The Right to Education Means the Right to a Qualified Teacher”, ties directly into the philosophy of the Ministry of Education, for we profoundly emphasize the importance of training and re-training our teachers to meet an ever-evolving world. In fact, teacher competence is one of our main priorities, for we are cognizant of the fact that trained and qualified teachers are fundamental to the right to education.
On this World Teachers’ Day, the Ministry of Education joins with the Bahamas Union of Teachers, the Bahamas Educators Managerial Union, the Bahamian community, as well as more than 100 countries worldwide, to pay homage to our educators. Together we honor and salute you for all that you do for the edification of the youth of our country. Teachers, you are a distinguished group of committed individuals who can never be 
celebrated enough. Today we recognize the sacrifices you make for our country, and we express gratitude to you for taking on the challenge of educating and nurturing our youth. On behalf of the Ministry of Education and the entire Commonwealth of The Bahamas, I extend a heartfelt thank-you to each and every one of you for your hard work and sacrifices, which are immeasurable. You are the exemplification of selflessness, humility, dedication, perseverance, innovation, motivation creativity, passion, inspiration, and leadership. The Ministry of Education is appreciative of all that you do to realize our children’s right to a quality education and to prepare them for a better future.
Today, on this momentous occasion of World Teacher’s Day 2018, I wish all teachers from the four corners of the Bahamian archipelago a resounding Happy World Teachers’ Day and a safe and productive school year!
Release: 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.
