Connect with us

Bahamas News

BAHAMAS: PM Launches Second Phase of BCB’s HD TV Platform at the Northern Service

Published

on

#Freeport, GB, July 27, 2019 – Bahamas – Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis affirmed that Bahamian journalism should maintain the best practices of the profession and fulfill its indispensable function in a democratic society as he addressed the launch the second phase of the Broadcasting Corporation’s Hi Definition (HD) Television platform at the Northern Service, today.

With the achievement of full HD digital, Prime Minister Minnis said it is essential that the journalists at ZNS continue to improve their skill sets and knowledge base in Bahamian civics, history, and international current affairs, and provide accurate and timely news and information.

He observed, “These days, the Bahamian people, like others around the world, are being assaulted and misled by fake news disseminated in lightning speed on social media. They are also misled by some who have no journalistic training, and who are quite often ill-informed.” As such, he highlighted the responsibility of the broadcasters, and others in the profession, to bring balance.

The Prime Minister, who also is Minister with responsibility for Broadcasting, was joined at the ceremony by Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest; Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator Kwasi Thompson; along with Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe; and Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Works, Iram Lewis.

Prime Minister Minnis noted that the new equipment installed at the Northern Service completes the entire digitization of ZNS.

“ZNS has come a long way, having evolved out of the Bahamas Telegraph Department,” said Dr. Minnis.  “Tonight marks 42 years since the opening of ZNS television in 1977.   I trust that the broadcasters at the Northern Service will embrace the opportunity that this upgrade provides to improve programming in terms of technical quality and content.

“Let me encourage the Northern Service here in Grand Bahama to provide enhanced local programming. These may include more live interaction with New Providence in the morning television show and enhancements in regular news updates, the evening news and television specials.

“Whatever technology is used in whatever age, it is the quality of producers, directors and journalists who make the difference in broadcast journalism.”

Prime Minister Minnis said that even as ZNS has now become fully digital, the Government of The Bahamas has embarked on a revolution in digital technology that will boost national development throughout the islands of the Bahamas.

He noted that the use of such advanced technology will reduce the cost of government, especially in a far-flung archipelago, such as The Bahamas.

“A few months ago, we signed a $30-million-dollar loan with the Inter-American Development Bank for the digital transformation of government,” said Prime Minister Minnis.

“This digital transformation initiative has three components: simplifying and digitizing government procedures; strengthening institutional capacity for a digital government; and enhancing transparency and accountability in government.

“This digital transformation program, will give rise to a single window for doing business with government in order to improve the ease of doing business for Bahamians and for international investors.  It will also support the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, which is a part of our efforts to deepen democracy.”

Prime Minister Minnis said the digital transformation of The Bahamas is rapidly gathering momentum, as the government seeks to ensure that The Bahamas utilizes the technology necessary for every island to take full advantage of the 21st Century global economy.

By Andrew Coakley

Release: BIS

Photo Captions:

BIS PHOTOS/LISA DAVIS

LAUNCHING FULL HD DIGITAL IN THE NORTH – Prime Minister, the Most Honorable Dr. Hubert Minnis was the keynote speaker, July 26, 2019.  On stage in the background is Mike Smith, Chairman of ZNS, and Darren Meadows, in charge of Production at ZNS.

PM AT MASTER CONTROL – Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis gets a chance to take over the main board of Master Control in the studios of ZNS Northern Bahamas, during a tour of the facilities on Friday, July 26, 2019 as a part of the official launch of full HD digital programming in the North.

NEW STUDIO, NEW LOOK – Prime Minister Minnis (centre), along with Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest (5th right); Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator Kwasi Thompson (3rd left) and Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, with responsibility for Information and Communication, Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe (5th left) are joined by executives of the Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas in the newly renovated studios of ZNS Northern Bahamas, during a tour of the facilities on Friday, July 26, 2019.

CUTTING THE CAKE – Prime Minister of the Bahamas and Minister with responsibility for Broadcasting, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis, gets a helping hand as he cut the cake in celebration of the launch of full HD digital ZNS Northern Bahamas, following an official ceremony on Friday, July 26, 2019 in the Harold DeGregory building. 

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

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

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

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

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week  

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING