Bahamas News
Royal Bahamas Defence Force HMBS Flamingo victims saluted at 39th memorial ceremony
#Nassau, May 11, 2019 – Bahamas – The four marines who died during the sinking of HMBS Flamingo by Cuban Military jetfighters on May 10th, 1980 and others who lost their lives since then were remembered during a solemn ceremony Friday, May 10th, 2019.
Among the dignitaries attending the 39th anniversary memorial service were Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis; the Hon. Darren Henfield, Minister of Foreign Affairs; the Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd, Minister of Education; senior government officials, representatives of the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services, the departments of Customs and Immigration, and US Charge d’Affaires, Stephanie Bowers.
Lieutenant Commander Whitfield Neely the only active serving member of the HMBS Flamingo ship’s company, along with the other former marines, family of the honorees and members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) were also among the audience.
The somber ceremony took place at HMBS Coral Harbour and included a ceremony of colors, a gun salute by Defence Force Color Party and wreath laying at the monument in Flamingo Memorial Park and at the waterside.
Governor General, Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Marguerite Pindling described the period following the sinking of HMBS Flamingo as a time of “national distress” and “sadness” when The Bahamas was forced to face the realities of self-governance and the meaning of sovereignty. She said the tragic event “shocked” the country and was a “vivid” reminder of the nation’s need to be able to defend its homeland wherever and whenever necessary.
“The terror which resulted was something unexpected within the tranquil waters of our nation. Thus, as a newly independent nation we experienced one of the defining moments of our history and in our relationships in the community of nations. Ordinarily, such an incident would have caused a rift in relations between two neighbors but early following the incident it was clear that there was sheer determination to maintain good relations,” said the Governor General.
“Today, The Bahamas and the republic of Cuba continue to work together with mutual respect in the interest of our common objectives of peace and security.”
She remarked that although The Bahamas continues to face challenges to its sovereignty and security poised by nefarious criminal activities including trafficking of human beings, fire arms, illicit drugs and poaching, the men and women of the RBDF have been resolute in their efforts to maintain the safety and security of the nation.
She said the ultimate sacrifice of the four marines and the ongoing dangers encountered by crew and marines today are reminders that members of the RBDF and other security forces protect the nation by placing their lives in harm’s way.
“For this they deserve a grateful nation,” she added.
The four heroes, recognized as the first to give their lives in service to The Bahamas as members of the RBDF, were: Able Seaman Fenrick Sturrup, Marine Seaman Austin Smith, Marine Seaman David Tucker, Marine Seaman Edward Williams.
Members of HMBS Flamingo who were also honored at the service were: Sub Lieutenant Anthony Allens, Petty Officer Peterson James, Leading Mechanic Denzil Clarke, Leading Mechanic Gregory Curry, Able Mechanic Eugene Thompson, Able Seaman Trevor Sands, Able Seaman Cladwell Farrington, Marine Seaman Anthony Russell, Marine Seaman Willard Saunders and Marine Seaman John Wallace.
Members of the crew of HMBS Flamingo who have since passed away included: Acting Sub Lieutenant Wilfred Sands, Chief Petty Officer Oscar Miller, Chief Petty Officer Leo Kirby, and Senior Commander Amos Rolle, commanding officer of HMBS Flamingo at the time of the incident.
By Kathryn Campbell
Release: BIS
Photo Caption: The RBDF 39th Anniversary Memorial Service showing Governor General Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Marguerite Pindling giving remarks and laying wreath, and Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis participating in the ceremony, May 10, 2019.
(BIS Photos/Letisha Henderson)
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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