Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Ground breaking ceremony to establish a Lucayan Village at Clifton Heritage National Park
#Nassau, April 27, 2019 – Bahamas – Against the backdrop of balmy ocean breezes and crystal blue waters, ground was broken for the establishment of a Lucayan Village at the historic Clifton Heritage National Park, Southwest Road, Friday, April 26, 2019. A Lucayan Village Billboard was also unveiled.
The ceremony marked the first in a series of events that are intended to revitalize the heritage, history and culture of Lucayan, European, and African ancestors.
Among the officials at the ceremony were the Hon. Lanisha Rolle, MP and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture; His Excellency Reuben Rahming, MP and High Commissioner to CARICOM; the Hon. Shonel Ferguson, MP and Chairman, Clifton Heritage Authority; Senator Jamal Moss; Mrs. Patricia Minnis, wife of Prime Minister Minnis; Ms. Rhoda Jackson, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture; Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Commodore Tellis Bethel; students of Sandilands Primary, Gambier Primary and Windsor schools, members of the Clifton Heritage Authority and the Coalition to Save Clifton.
In her remarks, Ms. Ferguson recognized members of the Coalition who were present and thanked them for their efforts to save the property on which the Clifton Heritage National Park resides.
She said, “Bahamians felt this was important enough for them to arouse themselves and get into the consciousness of our nation and say this is worth fighting for; this is worth saving. This piece of property is costing the Bahamian people $24 million. That’s how you invest in your history when you believe in your history.”
The Chairman invited Bahamians to observe as the Lucayan Village is being built and to volunteer to help in its construction.
“As we build, we invite you to watch the work as it happens and volunteer. We will have your name recorded in the book for all ages that you helped to build the Lucayan Village. Your grandchildren and great grandchildren will know that you helped,” said Ms. Ferguson.
In 2018, at a cost of $100,000 the Authority developed a review called ‘Clifton Rising’ which will introduce new experiential tours called ‘Portals from the Past’. The excursions are intended to reflect the cultural traditions of the Lucayan Amerindians, the Loyalists, the African slaves and the free black Loyalists.
“Each platform will educate our visitors about our country’s rich, proud and diverse history. They will allow both our local and international visitors to become a part of our history through vigorous and exciting interaction and will serve as creative classrooms to educate our students,” said Ms. Ferguson.
Minister Rolle, who spoke on behalf of Dr. the Most Hon. Hubert Minnis, Prime Minister, said the launch is evidence that since its establishment in June 2004 the Authority has not wavered in its purpose to manage, maintain, preserve, promote and develop Clifton Heritage as a national park and historical heritage site.
She said the Authority is continuously committed to upholding its mission and mandate as promulgated by the Government of The Bahamas, preserving the heritage and culture in this distinguished area of The Bahamas.
The Minister said Clifton Heritage is the only national park in The Bahamas where the historical and cultural legacy reside evidencing three distinct civilizations that existed in The Bahamas namely the Lucayans, the Loyalists and the Africans.
“The Bahamas Government seeks to formalize the experience of going down what we know as memory lane and ensuring that as a people we know our past, we preserve it in this present day and concomitantly we take the necessary steps to secure the memories, spirit and artifacts of the Lucayan people for the benefit of future generations.
“May the establishment of this Lucayan Village serve as a tribute to Bahamian history, strengthening our cultural identity and with our relentless resolve and commitment to ensuring that, notwithstanding that we are in the Year of Our Lord 2019, all know and remember that the 12th century existed and the people of Lucaya left for us the inheritance of a rich heritage and the pride of a proud and grateful people,” added Minister Rolle.
She thanked the Authority and all stakeholders who have invested in the success of the initiative, preservation and development of Clifton Heritage.
By Kathryn Campbell
Released: BIS
Photo Caption: The official groundbreaking ceremony to mark the launch of ‘Lucayan Village at Clifton Heritage National Park.’ At groundbreaking, pictured from left by the new billboard: Coalition to Save Clifton President Rev. C. B. Moss; Clifton Heritage Authority Chairman Shonel Ferguson; Mrs. Patricia Minnis; Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Lanisha Rolle; and Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Commodore Tellis Bethel.
(BIS Photos/Kristaan Ingraham)
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.
