Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Dames: Reliance on Technology and Multilateral Partnerships Will Grow in Protecting the Country
#Mathew Town, Inagua, April 24, 2019 – Bahamas – During the The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and United States Northern Command (Northcom) Radar Commissioning Ceremony in Mathew Town, Inagua, on April 17, 2019, Minister of National Security the Hon. Marvin Dames pointed out that, for The Bahamas, increasing regional and international threats meant decentralization of the RBDF for the sustainment of security operations and humanitarian assistance.
“Decentralization of both the operational and administrative components of the Defence Force commenced in three phases in the northern, central and southern Bahamas for effective interdiction at strategic locations,” Minister Dames said. “All three phases are operating concurrently.”
He added: “The first phase included the acquisition of patrol crafts and dredging of harbours. The second phase focused on the expansion of existing and the construction of new bases. Specifically, focus will be given to the expansion of the Inagua base and the construction of a Ragged Island base, where most of the security threats originate. The third phase is the acquisition of detection and tracking technologies.”
Among those present for the Commissioning Ceremony were: Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest; Minister of Education the Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd; Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon. Darren Henfield; Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of National Security Mr. Eugene Poitier; Heads of National Law Enforcement Agencies (HONLEA), including Commissioner of Police Anthony Ferguson, Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Commodore Tellis Bethel, Commissioner of the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services Charles Muphy, and Comptroller of Customs Dr. Geannine Moss; Senator the Hon. Renard Henfield; MICAL Member of Parliament Miriam Emmanuel; U.S. Embassy Charge d’Affaires Stephanie Bowers; North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and Northcom Commander General Terrence O’Shaughnessy; RBDF Principal Officer Administration Captain Clyde Sawyer; RBDF Chaplain Rev. Prince Bodie; senior uniformed officers and Government officials; and various stakeholders.
Minister Dames said that the Government was appreciative to the Government of the United States, particularly the Department of Defense (DOD), for the donation of a $2.1 million Long-Range Coastal Radar, as an added dimension to the augmentation of The Bahamas’ multi-layered programme.
“To ensure that the entire base at Inagua is brought up to standard and to complement this new technology, contracts were signed totaling $573,000 with three construction companies on the island for the rebuilding of new units,” he noted. “The new structures will include a sick bay, detention centre and a mechanical building. The total proposed projected capitalization and development including the decentralization programme over the next three budget cycles is expected to cost approximately $133 million.”
Minister Dames pointed out that, as it relates to the installation of the Kelvin Coastal Radar, it fell into the framework for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, commonly referred to as the C 4 I S R.
“This coastal radar will serve to enhance the Defence Force’s efficiencies and effectiveness of its interdiction efforts,” Minister Dames said. “Note that the agency will not operate in silos but, as necessary, in conjunction with Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos known as OPBAT.
“This longstanding, multilateral counter-drug operation between the United States, The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands focuses on narcotics interdiction and other forms of trans-organized crimes.”
Minister Dames stated that past experiences had proven that no single asset or equipment could adequately combat the threats and challenges of the day.
“Hence, today’s installation is part of a broader multi-layered security programme asset, equipment acquisition, and collaboration,” he said. “At this time, let me take this opportunity to thank the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) for the donation of the Over-The-Horizon Tracking System at the Coral Harbour Base and aboard patrol and aircraft which preceded this donation.”
Minister Dames pointed out that the technologies, as part of the multi-layered approach, would also incorporate the use of a multi-agency drone technology programme.
“The Government of The Bahamas is in the process of finalizing a $17 million contract with a vendor for the acquisitions of short and medium range drones to assist with interdiction and surveillance efforts under a multi-agency drone programme,” he stated. “Under the Heads of National Law Enforcement Agencies (HONLEA), this programme symbolizes the continued need for local law enforcement institutions to eliminate silos and make concerted efforts to improve communication and collaboration. The drone programme will be led by Royal Bahamas Defence Force.”
Minister Dames said that keeping one’s country safe is challenging for any nation, regardless of its size; and that the task is mammoth, and it is only expected to become more complex and multi-faceted.
“Therefore, law enforcement agencies are expected to become more team oriented, flexible and resilient in their defences, while being capable to respond to any call for assistance with speed and agility. In addition, the reliance on technology will only continue to grow and so will multilateral partnerships,” he said.
Minister Dames noted that the day was a testament to both, and persons could be rest assured that the Government of The Bahamas was committed to advancing the security of the country, through regional partnerships and technological investments as they were paramount for enhancing security.
“Again, I would like to thank our regional partner the United States of America, in particular the Department of Defense, the Department of State, U.S. Northern Command and NORAD led by General O’Shaughnessy, and the U.S. Embassy in The Bahamas led by Chargé d’Affaires Ms. Stephanie Bowers, all of whom play a key role in the security of our region.”
“The world is watching and today the commissioning of this long-range coastal radar system on the island of Great Inagua reflects a pivotal milestone in the history of the country,” Minister Dames added. “I am extremely pleased that we all can be a part of this momentous historical event.”
By Eric Rose
Release: BIS
Photo Caption: Minister of National Security the Hon. Marvin Dames addresses the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and United States Northern Command (Northcom) Radar Commissioning Ceremony in Matthew Town, Inagua, on April 17, 2019.
(BIS Photo / Eric Rose)
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.
