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BAHAMAS: Minister Pintard tells artisans that there are many creative options for the use of the conch shell

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Freeport, GB, May 14, 2019 – Bahamas – Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon. Michael Pintard told Grand Bahamian artisans that the options for products using the conch shell are endless and that his Ministry, through BAIC, is prepared to work with them in discovering many of those options.

“We live in a global village and the reality is the Bahamas needs to be fully integrated,” said Minister Pintard. “The Government, through its e-government, e-commerce business is now seeking to set up all areas of government, so that we are integrated with the global community online.

“I believe that there are tremendous opportunities in the cooperative movement if you work together.

“For those of you who have ever visited Baha Mar, you will see what Antonius Roberts and other artists have done, utilizing conch shells to provide tremendous ambiance in the environment. Parliamentary Secretary Iram Lewis made recommendations of a wide range of products that can be created. In Junkanoo, the conch shell has been fashioned into amazing instruments.  “So, the options are limited only by your imagination and creativity.”

Minister Pintard was the keynote speaker during closing ceremonies of the Conch Shell Carving Workshop, which was held at the Grand Bahama Arts & Craft centre on May 9, 2019.  The 10-day workshop attracted a number of creative artisans from West End to East End of Grand Bahama, who put on full display their creative genius, creating a number of products using the conch shell.

The Minister got an opportunity to preview all of the works that were created, following the closing ceremonies.

During his address, Minister Pintard told the workshop participants that since he initially opened the program in Grand Bahama, interesting developments have taken place: the team from BAIC is poised to work more closely with the artisans more quickly than they had originally anticipated.  “Since we left, and after having conversation with the trainer [of the workshop], we are committed to purchasing the industrial machine that you will need for creating your products,” said Minister Pintard. “We have allocated the funds already in this year’s budget to purchase the machine.

“It is my hope that when we launch the second half of this course in the summer, we will be able to go to the next level, using additional technology, to allow you to continue to do the work that you’re doing.”

Further, Minister Pintard pointed out that the Department of Cooperatives is anxious to meet with the Grand Bahamian artists.  As a result, he added that they are arranging to have members from the Department of Cooperatives fly to Freeport and make a presentation, so that the artists can decide who would be interested in forming joint companies or cooperatives in order to leverage their strengths.

By Andrew Coakley

Release: BIS

Photo Captions:

GOOD NEWS FOR GB ARTISANS – Minister of Agriculture and marine Resources, the Hon. Michael Pintard, during the closing out ceremonies for the Conch Shell Carving Workshop in Freeport, Grand Bahama, delivered some good news for the creative individuals who took part in the 10-day workshop. The closing out ceremonies took place on Thursday night (May 9, 2019), during which participants were presented with their certificates.  (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

CHECK IT OUT – Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon. Michael Pintard got an opportunity to view products made out of conch shell by Grand Bahamian artisans, following closing ceremonies of the Conch Shell Carving Workshop, which was held at the Grand Bahama Arts & Craft Center in Freeport.  (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

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

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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.

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

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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.

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Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week  

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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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