Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: National Drug Council to launch ‘Say No to Bidis’ Awareness Campaign
#Nassau, May 28, 2019 – Bahamas – Officials at the Bahamas National Drug Council (BNDC), Ministry of Health, will use the 2019 observance of World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) as an opportunity to conduct a “Say No to Bidis” Awareness Campaign aimed at school-aged children.
The Bahamas will join the World Health Organization (WHO) and its other global partners in observing WNTD Friday, May 31. The day has been used as an opportunity to raise awareness to the harmful and deadly effects of tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposure, and to discourage the use of tobacco in any form. The Bahamas’ observance will be held under the theme: “Don’t Let Tobacco Take Your Breath Away.”
The “Say No to Bidis” campaign is in response to a 2013 Global School Health Survey (GSHS) spearheaded by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to provide accurate data on health behaviours and protective factors among students primarily between the ages of 13-15 years, and which indicated that 86 per cent of those that participated in the survey reported having “tried” a cigarette before the age of 14.
Dr. Novia T. Carter-Lookie, Director of the Bahamas National Drug Council, said the relatively low cost of bidis when compared to cigarettes; their flavours, the smaller size, and the fact that they are legal (as opposed to marijuana), make them more attractive to school-aged children.
Known as the “poor man’s cigarette” in The Bahamas because they can be purchased for as little as 20 cents per stick, researchers say bidis typically deliver 3-5 times as much nicotine, tar and carbon monoxide as conventional cigarettes – though smaller than cigarettes.
(Also referenced as Beedies or Beedis, Bidis are small, unfiltered cigarettes made from a hand-rolled, flavoured tobacco tied with a string. Researchers say to make them more appealing, bidis are often sold in flavours such as strawberry, grape, wild cherry, lemon lime, raspberry, mango, vanilla, cinnamon, chocolate, orange, mint and licorice, among others.)
Research, Dr. Carter-Lookie continued, further shows that adolescents (mostly of 10-15 years of age) generally indulge in smoking as a result of curiosity, adventurism, rebelliousness, attractive advertisements that influence the immature and unstable minds, and because they view it (in the case of boys) as a manly and masculine act that will lead them to happiness, fitness, wealth, power and sexual success.
Dr. Carter-Lookie said there are tremendous health hazards associated with the smoking of bidis.
“Research shows that tobacco smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, at least 250 of which are known to be harmful, including hydrogen cyanide, carbon monoxide, and ammonia. Among those 250 known harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke, at least 69 can cause cancer,” Dr. Carter-Lookie said.
“Smokers of bidis have an increased risk of heart disease as well as cancer of the mouth, lungs, stomach and liver. One bidi contains seven times more nicotine, and five times more tar than a cigarette. Bidis, in contrast to the more porous paper wrapper and filter assembly used in cigarettes, allow less opportunity for air dilution of the mainstream smoke or for volatile species such as CO (the wrapping) to diffuse outward through the wrapper. So, where do you think it goes?
“The relatively low combustibility and non-porous nature of the tendu leaves (with which bidis are wrapped), requires more frequent ad deeper puffs by the smoker to keep bidis lit and is therefore harder on the smoker’s lungs than cigarettes rolled in a paper. Let us be clear, we are not promoting cigarette smoking over the smoking of bidis, as both are dangerous to one’s health.
“With all of the above-mentioned data readily available and easy to access, why smoke when it kills you?” Dr. Carter-Lookie asked.
World No Tobacco Day has been observed by the World Health Organization and it’s global partners since 1987.
The focus of World No Tobacco Day 2019 is on “tobacco and lung health.” The campaign is intended to increase awareness on the negative impact that tobacco and tobacco products have on people’s lung health, from cancer to chronic respiratory disease, and the fundamental role lungs play for the health and well-being of all people.
By Matt Maura
Release: BIS
Photo Caption: Officials at the Bahamas National Drug Council (BNDC) go over last-minute details for the observance of World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) scheduled for Friday, May 31. The day has been used as an opportunity to raise awareness on the harmful and deadly effects of tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposure, and to discourage the use of tobacco in any form.
(BIS Photo/Matt Maura)
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.
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.
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