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BAHAMAS: Campbell attends major regional symposium on shock-responsive social protection in the Caribbean

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#Providenciales, June 27, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell, departed New Providence Wednesday (June 26) for Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, ahead of the first Regional Symposium on Shock-Responsive Social Protection in the Caribbean.

Minister Campbell received an invitation from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) to attend the symposium.  He was accompanied to the Turks and Caicos Islands by the Director of the Department of Social Services, Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, Mrs. Lillian Quant-Forbes. The Bahamian delegation will also comprise Mrs. Cheryl Darville, Under Secretary, Cabinet Office, and Captain Stephen Russell, Director of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

Hosted by the United Nations World Food Programme, in collaboration with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, and the Government of Turks and Caicos Islands, the symposium will be held Thursday, June 27, and will bring together ministers, senior government officials and representatives of regional and international organizations to explore issues, options and best practices for building regional resilience in the face of existing hazards.

It further aims to introduce innovative perspectives and approaches in the realms of disaster risk reduction, public policy, social protection and climate risk financing and also aims to inform future line of actions for a more integrated developmental and humanitarian ecosystem in the Caribbean.

The symposium is part of WFP’s Caribbean Emergency Preparedness and Response programme, in support of CDEMA and Participating States to minimize the impact of shocks on vulnerable populations by strengthening systems and technical capacities for a more effective, cost-efficient and predictable response to emergencies.

It is also a part of the process towards building a safer, more resilient, and sustainable Caribbean by strengthening the linkages between Disaster Risk Management & Social Protection in order to protect lives and livelihoods and assist crisis-affected people with greater efficiency, efficacy and equity.

An end result is to mainstream social protection within regional and national disaster management plans, frameworks and strategies, with respect to five technical areas for preparedness and collaboration. These include data management, targeting, delivery mechanisms, coordination and financing.

Participating islands/countries include The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Lucia, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Maarten, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“We are in the Hurricane Zone and so it is expected that, as a country, we are always prepared,” Minister Campbell said. “As the Minister of Social Services and Urban Development with responsibility for shelter management during a disastrous event/emergency; social assistance in the aftermath of one; and as the Minister responsible for the elderly and the indigent, I accepted CDEMA’s invitation to attend as this is a timely and significant event which I believe can help us to augment and enhance the efforts that we make on an annual basis.

“I am quite satisfied that we will find some benchmarks and best practices that we can bring back home and utilize if necessary.”

Minister Campbell said the Ministry’s participation in the symposium speaks to how tightly social services and urban development has been interwoven and integrated into every aspect of Bahamian society.

“I always say that social services is involved in one facet or the other of the Bahamian society from the womb to the tomb. My invitation from CDEMA to attend the symposium, in addition to the Director’s attendance at the symposium, further illustrates that,” Minister Campbell added.

A United Nations World Food Programme-commissioned regional study in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) 4 indicates that social protection can ensure adequate coverage and level of support in the event of an emergency; provide a quicker, more predictable, sustainable and efficient transfer of assistance; ensure that crisis-affected people and households are not pushed further into chronic poverty, and increase the overall confidence of affected people in the response.

The Report further went on to say that though the recognition of Social Protection as a primary strategy to reduce vulnerabilities and risks is widely accepted, its utilization as a frontline instrument contributing to emergency responses and recovery efforts in Small Islands Development States has so far consisted of ad-hoc measures, with limited disaster response integration and preparedness investments needed to bring it at scale when appropriate and required.  Officials say the symposium is a first step in that direction.

By Matt Maura

Release: BIS

Photo Caption: Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell, and Director of the Department of Social Services, Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development Mrs. Lillian Quant-Forbes at the Lynden Pindling International Airport, Wednesday (June 26, 2019) prior to boarding a flight for Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, where they will attend the first Regional Symposium-Shock Responsive Social Protection in the Caribbean event scheduled for June 27.  The Bahamian delegation will also include Mrs. Cheryl Darville, Under Secretary, Cabinet Office, and Captain Stephen Russell, Director, National Emergency Management Agency.   

(BIS Photo/Matt Maura)

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Bahamas News

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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