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BAHAMAS: The Bahamas Introduces its 11th Governor General

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#Nassau, June 29, 2019 – Bahamas – Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis in welcoming the country’s 11th Governor General extolled his virtues as a public servant, in the private sector, on the diplomatic stage and as a humanitarian.

The Hon. Cornelius Alvin Smith, 82, was officially sworn in as Governor General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas during a ceremony in Rawson Square on Friday, June 28, 2019.

This came on the heels of a Farewell Salute to Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Marguerite Pindling as Governor General.

The occasion was abuzz with pomp and pageantry as senior officials, well-wishers and family members witnessed the changing of the guard and an ushering in of a new chapter in Bahamian history.

In his remarks, the Prime Minister pointed out the attributes of His Excellency and expressed confidence in his ability as Head of State.

“Given your long and distinguished public career, your diplomatic and community service and your love of country, it was my happy task to recommend to Her Majesty, Your Excellency’s appointment as Governor General,” the Prime Minister said.

He added: “We look forward to your tenure and the role you will play in fostering national unity and a greater commitment to community service. We are confident that Your Excellency will represent our country with distinction at home and abroad.”

As the representative of the Head of State, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Governor General serves as a symbol of national unity and plays an essential constitutional role.  “Today, therefore, in the spirit of love and unity, we celebrate our enduring democratic heritage and Your Excellency’s appointment by Her Majesty” as the eleventh Governor General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, the Prime Minister said.

His Excellency was born at Snow Hill, Long Island, where he attended primary school at Glinton’s Public All Age-School. Over the many years he was an educator, customs revenue officer, served in The Cabinet and was regarded as a political strategist, having entered front line politics in the early 1970s and is a founding member of the Free National Movement.

“Your Excellency, your journey from Snow Hill, Long Island, to Mount Fitzwilliam mirrors our national journey, inclusive of the attainment of Majority Rule and Independence by a proud sovereign nation.

“Your education included training at the Bahamas Teacher’s Training College and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Miami in the United States of America,” the Prime Minister said.

He added though, that the essential and noble work of government and politics are often reflexively criticized by some.  “Despite these criticisms, you passionately believe in the need for good men and women to serve in political and public life,” the Prime Minister said. “You appreciated that majority rule, independence, national development and the promotion of a just and equal society required the active and full participation of citizens on the frontlines of politics and in the halls of government.”

From 2007 to 2012, His Excellency served as Ambassador to the United States of America. He also served as the Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS) and as Non-Resident Ambassador to Mexico, Malaysia and Columbia.  And in 2017, he was appointed as Non-Resident Ambassador to six Central American countries: Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and, Nicaragua.

“Your Excellency, you have spoken often of your commitment to and the importance of volunteerism and community service in national development.

“You have demonstrated your commitment to community service for more than half a century,” the Prime Minister said.

By Lindsay Thompson

Photo Caption: Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis.  

(BIS Photo/Letisha Henderson)

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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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