Bahamas News
Bahamas poised for digital innovation, says PM
#Nassau, November 2, 2018 – Bahamas – The Bahamas is poised for a new time of innovation and transformation, according to Dr. the Most Hon. Hubert A. Minnis, Prime Minister, as the nation adapts to today’s digital world.
He was addressing the Royal Bank of Canada Re-imagining Banking Reception held at the Grand Hyatt, Baha Mar Convention Centre on Wednesday, October 31, 2018.
Royal Bank of Canada is the oldest bank to be established in The Bahamas; with its first branch opening in 1908. And throughout its 110 years of existence, it has served as the principal banker of The Government of The Bahamas, for many years
“Royal Bank has been a significant contributor to the development and growth of the modern Bahamas,” the Prime Minister said. He noted that this includes the development and financing of major projects namely: Arawak Cay Port Development, Princess Margaret Hospital Critical Care Block, the Harry C. Moore Library, Nassau Airport Development Company and the Franklyn Wilson Graduate School of Business at the University of The Bahamas.
Earlier this year, RBC announced that its flagship youth skills and empowerment programme – Future Launch – would be coming to The Bahamas.
“RBCs are launching this program around the world, and are pleased that the program will be here in The Bahamas,” the Prime Minister said.
The community engagement initiatives by RBC dovetail with the vision and various initiatives of the Government of The Bahamas, said the Prime Minister. Toward this end, the government recently launched the Small Business Development Center, for which an amount of over $25 million has been allocated to support micro- small- and medium-sized businesses.
“One of our guiding principles is that sustainable economic growth should be driven by Bahamian investment and creativity, in tandem with strategic foreign direct investment,” the Prime Minister said. “We believe that entrepreneurs are the primary drivers behind innovation and growth,” he added.
The Prime Minister said some of the goals set by his administration are to: stimulate Bahamian ownership, create jobs, and to reduce poverty.
“In order to achieve those goals, we realized that we had to address the blockages that prevent Bahamian ownership, that stifle job creation, and that perpetuate poverty,” he said. Therefore for his government, access and opportunity are important.
“Access to the kinds of opportunities that those who have traditionally succeeded in our economy often take for granted, including: good advice, help with planning and execution, contacts and networking, and of course, critically, access to capital,” he said.
He told RBC that private enterprises and banks like it should also play a vital role in helping small businesses and entrepreneurs to gain access to capital for business development. The Prime Minister then pointed out that the Bahamian economy is growing with tourism doing “exceedingly well.” Also a number of major investments are on the horizon.
“Given its history in The Bahamas, I know that the Royal Bank of Canada will continue to be a significant player in the economic life of The Bahamas.
“I look forward to an enhanced partnership between the Government and RBC in the development of more Bahamian entrepreneurs and small businesses.
“I also look forward to enhanced opportunities for corporate citizenship by RBC, especially in the area of youth development, including for at-risk youth,” the Prime Minister said.
By Lindsay Thompson
Photo Caption: Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Hubert Minnis addresses the RBC Re-imagining Banking reception at the Grand Hyatt, Baha Mar, October 31, 2018; also mingles with RBC executives, along with Minister of Financial Services, Trade & Industry and Immigration, the Hon. Brent Symonette.
(BIS Photos/Yontalay Bowe)
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.
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