Bahamas News
PM: “We are embarked on a dynamic new era of innovation and transformation in The Bahamas”
#Freeport, GB, November 15, 2018 – Bahamas – Officially opening the 2nd Grand Bahama Technology Summit on Wednesday, November 14, Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Hubert Minnis shared how government is using technology to improve many aspects of national life.
The three-day summit is now in session at the Grand Lucayan resort under the theme, ‘The Future is Now.’
The Prime Minister announced that the mission and commitment of The Bahamas to become a regional leader in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) recently resulted in our becoming a Council member of the United Nation’s International Telecommunication Union (ITU) during a conference held in Dubai a week ago. The ITU is the world’s highest body with ICT policymaking in three sectors: Radio Communication, Telecommunication Standards, and Telecommunication Development. This seat, he said, will be beneficial to the region and The Bahamas, as ways to improve the lives of residents are sought.
The Prime Minister said, “My government has prioritized the preparation of The Bahamas to take greater advantage of technology as we are engaged in a new era of innovation and transformation in our economic, social and national development.
“Accordingly, this year’s theme, ‘The Future Is Now,’ addresses the development of our human capacity in meeting the demands of this sector, including opportunities for Bahamian empowerment and ownership.”
The goal, said the Prime Minister, is to develop successful programs in educational institutions and develop partnerships with international organizations. An example of this is the tuition-free program offered at the Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute (BTVI) for qualified students. In Grand Bahama, the overall enrollment at BTVI has increased by 70 percent, and in ICT courses, the increase is 97 percent.
Prime Minister Minnis encouraged Bahamians to take advantage of the opportunity as they can receive an Associate’s Degree or Certificates in Business Office Technology, Information Technology Management, and Software and Network Engineering, free of charge to all Bahamians who qualify.
“My government is also committed to making the University of The Bahamas, including its ICT Programs, free of charge beginning 2019. Under our administration every Bahamian who qualifies will have the opportunity for free tertiary education, including ICT qualifications.”
The Prime Minister also shared information on the Over-the-Hill Community Development Partnership Initiative, which calls for establishment and strengthening of Smart Technology in communities, schools, homes and public spaces. Benefitting from the project already is Willard Patton Pre-School.
“This is in keeping with my government’s ongoing efforts for education reform through the use of technology and experience-based-education.
“Further, we have established an Over-the-Hill community web-portal app to coordinate and share information on programs offered by community groups.
“I look forward to The Minister of Education’s presentation on the government’s recent launch of the fiber optic technology upgrade throughout the government-operated school system. This upgrade will ensure that each school is a fully computerized smart school. Also, each school will be provided with tablets to facilitate this digital initiative.”
These efforts will connect the major communities throughout the archipelago.
“During my tenure as Minister of Health, we made advances in telemedicine, which helped to improve health care for citizens and residents who were able to connect remotely to our major hospitals in New Providence and Grand Bahama.”
Smart technology through the use of drones is being used in National Security, providing law enforcement with enhanced surveillance and reconnaissance capability.
“Shot Spotter Technology (SST) will revolutionize crime fighting in The Bahamas. This technology will provide police officers in patrol cars and police control room with real time data on the precise location of a gunshot that was fired.
“These advancements in technology demonstrate my government’s commitment to utilizing technology-based innovations to maintain safety and security.
“Good data is instrumental for decision-making and good governance.”
Prime Minister Minnis continued, “Ladies and Gentlemen: The Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit or PMDU was established earlier this year. It supports government ministries and agencies in driving the implementation of key objectives through data-driven decision-making.
“As we embrace the multi-faceted uses of technology for the advancement of Bahamians, steps must also be taken to position our country as a technology centre of our region.
“At this year’s summit, we will also advance discussions on the framework and regulatory procedures to encourage and support crypto currency assets and related instruments.
“Companies that utilize blockchain technology as a basis for their new products and services, represent the genesis of a new wave of innovation.
“There is no reason why these new blockchain technology companies that have their eyes on global markets cannot have their base of operations here in The Bahamas.
“A recent release by The Central Bank of The Bahamas on crypto assets stated that we must: ‘enhance the sector’s competitiveness without compromising the integrity and international reputation of The Bahamas, or undermining the financial safety of Bahamian households’.”
The immigration policy of the country is currently being revamped, he said, to attract new business and is currently considering draft legislation for a special BH1B Visa, as recommended by the Grand Bahama Technology Steering Committee.
“Our E-government transformation has begun. Government must work for its citizens in new and innovative ways.
“We will also advance discussions on how we can increase and integrate our online services in order to provide more efficient and effective service to Bahamians and residents. These include: providing a single online window facility through which multiple services can be accessed; interoperability for transporting data securely between relevant agencies and clients; data ownership; and retraining for citizens and public officers.”
In closing, the Prime Minister said, “Paramount to our success is strengthened partnerships with you, our domestic, international and regional partners and stakeholders. We are especially pleased that next year, Dell, one of the most recognized technology leaders in the world, will host one of its technology conferences in New Providence.
“These are the types of relationships, based in technology, that validate our drive and determination to reap multiple benefits. We are embarked on a dynamic new era of innovation and transformation in The Bahamas. We are pro-actively embracing the vast benefits of technology to boost growth and productivity, as well as employment and entrepreneurship.”
By Robyn Adderley
Release: BIS
Photo Caption: Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Dr. the Most Hon. Hubert Minnis officially opened the 2nd Grand Bahama Technology Summit on Wednesday, November 14, 2018 at Grand Lucayan Resort. Members of the Cabinet, senior government officials, leaders in the technology world and students were all present for the event.
(BIS Photo/Andrew Miller)
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.
