Connect with us

Bahamas News

GBPA Hosts Successful Capital Arena and Prepares to Announce Cohort II Winners

Published

on

#Freeport, GB – April 13, 2019 – Bahamas – Friday 5th April marked the closing of two intense days of battle between Judges and Gladiators of GBPAs Capital Arena Initiative, a grant funding program created by The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA) in January 2017, as a small business development initiative of its Invest Grand Bahama Small Business Bureau (IGBSBB).

Now in its second year, Cohort II launched in early January, opened to existing business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. The deadline for submission of proposals was February 28th, 2019. As explained by Ian Rolle, President of GBPA, entries for Cohort II were double that of last year.

“I am advised that this year we received nearly 100 submissions, which featured several unique, innovative and sustainable business ideas,” cited Rolle. “Personally, the number of millennials that submitted, and the types of businesses they introduced were very impressive. If we can provide opportunities for this generation of entrepreneurs, I believe they can help chart a bright future for Freeport.” Rolle continued. 

Only 18 Gladiators (semi-finalists) advanced to Round II Judging for ‘In-Persons Presentations’, where they faced a panel of 4 Judges, each knowledgeable in key areas including Technology, Innovation, Finance, Entrepreneurship, Operations and overall Business Strategy.

“The quality of business proposals from this Cohort was significantly stronger than last year’s,” expressed Derek Newbold, Sr. Manager of Business Development for GBPA.


“Not only did our Judges have the awesome task of reviewing the various plans, but scoring them according to the submission criteria, which filtered our 18 Semi-Finalists for Round II Pitching. The diversity of plans submitted was impressive and challenged us to examine proposals more creatively during the scoring process, which I can confidently say we did. In fact, some plans if presented 5-7 years ago would not have even made it. However, through the use and application of technology, so much more is possible and can be accommodated within Freeport’s economic landscape; and it was this type of innovation we wanted to embrace.” Newbold stated.

Finalist from Cohort II can secure up to $15,000.00 in grant funding to start or grow their businesses. They will also receive Entrepreneurial Training as designed by the University of The Bahamas exclusively for Capital Arena finalists and paired with a mentor to complete the program. Filming of Capital Arena episodes was staged at Canal House of the Pelican Bay Resort, with set designs provided by the Home Design Center. Seasons I and II will air sometime this year, featuring participants from both Cohorts.

“Considering the amazing opportunities coming on stream for Grand Bahama, Cohort II clearly demonstrated that Grand Bahamians are ready to embrace a new era of opportunity and success, especially the younger generation,” expressed Dean Seymour, GBPA Chief Financial Officer and Capital Arena Judge. “Whether your business idea is a start-up or an expansion; now is the time to move on it,” Seymour added.

Cohort III will launch this Winter, giving existing business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs new opportunities for business success. GBPA Business Services Manager and Project Director for Capital Arena, LaShawn Dames encouraged individuals interested in submitting a proposal to prepare early. 

“Preparation is key,” she said. “Candidates that prepare well perform the best during presentations; these become our Gladiators.  They know their business models, understand their market, competition and how to differentiate themselves. With all the free business planning resources now available, either through GBPA’s IGBSBB, the Chamber of Commerce, BAIC and others, submissions are now stronger and more competitive. That said, if you want to compete in Capital Arena or any other business plan competition, you must come prepared.“

Winning Gladiators from Cohort II will be announced during a press conference later this month. 

Press Release: Grand Bahama Port Authority

Photo Captions:

Header: Friday 5th April marked the closing of two intense days of battle between Judges and Gladiators of GBPAs Capital Arena Initiative. Candidates faced a panel of 4 Judges, each knowledgeable in key areas of Technology, Innovation, Finance, Entrepreneurship, Operations and overall Business Strategy. Pictured from Left to Right: Ian Rolle – GBPA President; Deann Seymour- Chief Financial Officer; LaShawn Dames – Business Services Manager; Nicole Colebrooke – Customer Relations Manager and Derek Newbold – Sr. Manager of Business Development.

Insert: 18 Semi-finalists made ‘In-Person Presentations’ pitching their case for funding, to start or grow their businesses. Pictured: Gladiator Hillary Huyler Jr. delivering his business proposal to Capital Arena Judges last week.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Monument Beverage Co. Caribbean Wines & Spirits Uniquely Bahamian Newest Product

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Lady Kayla Crowned Goombay Punch Cup Sailing Champion of 2025/2026

Published

on

L–R: Joss Knowles, Kianno Hutchinson, Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager at Caribbean Bottling Company and Dallas Knowles receiving a donation on behalf of the Exuma Sailing Club at the Long Island Regatta awards ceremony.

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.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week  

Published

on

NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to once again support Basketball Smiles for their 27th year.

Upholding its corporate pillar of community outreach, CBC proudly donated $2,000, over 75 cases of Dasani, Powerade and Sprite, reusable Powerade water bottles and numerous marketing materials.

The annual sporting summer camp offers free basketball and life skills training to Junior and High School students.

Basketball Smiles’ mission of developing leadership qualities while fostering children’s academic achievement and self-esteem aligns perfectly with CBC’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth.

Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company shared why the company continues to support this program each year.

“At CBC, we believe investing in our youth is one of the greatest ways to strengthen our communities. We’re proud to support Basketball Smiles each year because it goes beyond the game. This program champions healthy lifestyles, positive values and brighter futures. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping these young athletes reach their full potential each year,” she shared.

Sam Nicholls, Basketball Smiles Camp President and Founder expressed.

“Caribbean Bottling Company is an incredible partner. We are truly grateful for their generous support, which will go a long way in making a positive impact on the lives of our campers,” Nicholls expressed.

CBC is always ready to lend its support toward initiatives and programs that uplift young Bahamians. The impact Basketball Smiles makes on the community is undeniable and is why CBC remains a historic sponsor.

For more information on sponsorship, events and new products, visit www.cbcbahamas.com today.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING