Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: NEMA conducts community emergency response training exercises
#Nassau, July 18, 2019 – Bahamas – Bahamas – In a continued effort to build disaster resilient communities throughout the country, the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, facilitated a number of training exercises toward this end.
Over the past two months NEMA has ensured that core group of residents become certified in Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) programmes aimed at managing crises in their respective communities.
The CERT is a programme which educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their immediate surroundings and trains them in basis disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search, team organization, and disaster medical operations.
For these types of training, NEMA has partnered with the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security.
Captain Stephen Russell, Director of NEMA underscored the importance of such a partnership for The Bahamas, through NEMA.
“NEMA is extremely pleased of the partnership with the USNORTHCOM, and now FEMA in the planning and executing of the basic community emergency response training as well as the training of trainers programmes,” Capt Russell said.
The CERT teams are to augment the volunteer of fire fighting teams and swift water rescue teams that have been trained and established on a number of Family Islands.
“This is in keeping with our ongoing pursuit to ensure that our communities are prepared to response to natural or man-made, and technological hazards or disasters,” Capt Russell said.
Two separate training exercises were held at NEMA on Gladstone Road. The first, held May 27 – June 1, 2019 involved 24 participants from Social Services, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Police Fire Services, University of The Bahamas, Bahamas Red Cross, Public Hospital’s Authority/National Emergency Medical Services, Cabinet Office and NEMA staff.
The second training session was held July 1 – 5 and 15 personnel from the mentioned areas were selected to become instructors. This particular training seeks to develop individuals to become CERT programme managers and provide support training for residents in the local community.
“It is NEMA’s aim over the course of the next 3 years, to ensure that teams are developed in all of our islands that can act as first responders in support of the authorized authorities, to deal with emergencies in the local district of the islands,” Capt Russell said
He explained: “The CERT teams are to augment the volunteer of fire fighting teams and swift water rescue teams that have been trained and established on a number of islands in our ongoing pursuit to ensure that our communities are prepared to response to natural or man-made and technological hazards or disasters.”
The instructors were: Andy Burrows, Brian Kennedy and Tyler Krska from FEMA, Jena Dagett from USNORTHCOM and Gayle Outten-Moncur, NEMA.
The participants underwent up to 30 hours of training in seven CERT Basic Course covering:
- Disaster Preparedness: Addressed hazards specific to the community.
- Fire Suppression: Covered fire chemistry, hazardous materials, fire hazards and fire suppression strategies
- Medical Operations Part I: Participants practiced diagnosing and treating airway obstruction, bleeding and shock by using simple triage and rapid treatment techniques.
- Medical Operations Part II: Covered evaluating patients by doing a head to toe assessment, establishing a medical treatment area and performing basic first aid.
- Light Search and Rescue Operations: Participants learn about search and rescue planning, size-up, search techniques, rescue techniques and rescuer safety.
- Psychology and Team Organization: Covered signs and symptoms that might be experienced by the disaster victim and workers, and addresses CERT organization and management.
- Course Review and Disaster Simulation: Participants reviewed and practiced the skills that they have learned during the previous six sessions in a disaster activity.
By: Lindsay Thompson
Release: BIS
Photo Captions:
Header: The National Emergency Management Agency facilitates Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training exercises aimed at managing crises in respective communities. The training was conducted by the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and The Federal Emergency Management Agency during the months of May, June and July 2019 at NEMA on Gladstone Road. Pictured is an assimilated crash scene.
First insert: Participants learn to fight fire during Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training exercises facilitated by the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and The Federal Emergency Management Agency during the months of May, June and July 2019 at NEMA on Gladstone Road.
Second insert: An injured victim being removed from a scene during Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training exercises facilitated by the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and The Federal Emergency Management Agency during the months of May, June and July 2019 at NEMA on Gladstone Road.
(PHOTO/NEMA)
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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