#Nassau, July 17, 2019 – Bahamas – Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis said his government is focusing on ensuring smaller companies have access to capital as a means of economic empowerment.
Hospitality Lifetime Achievement Award to George Myers.
He made the statement while addressing the Former Hospitality Professionals
Awards Banquet on the evening of Saturday, July 13, 2019 at Melià Nassau Beach
resort, Cable Beach.
The association honoured trailblazers
in the tourism and hospitality industry for their hard work and dedication.
“Just as
many of you worked through the tourism sector, we need to create opportunities
for more young Bahamians to take greater advantage of the tremendous
possibilities in the sector,” the Prime Minister said.
Prime
Minister Minnis serves as the quasi-cabinet member for Tourism within the
Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
“In this
capacity, I am pushing for the more small businesses and entrepreneurs to
become bigger players in the tourism sector,” he said.
During
the recent CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in St. Lucia, the chairman of
the CARICOM Commission on the Economy (CCE) stressed the need for member-states
to develop more sustainable, resilient, inclusive and equitable development.
“I noted
that this will require that government find ways to empower its people by
improving access to capital and assets.
“I told
them that The Bahamas is on the right track when it comes to providing free
education at the tertiary level, but that we must find a way for smaller
companies to access more opportunities to grow their businesses,” the Prime
Minister said.
He then added,
“So, a major focus of my government, moving forward, will be to ensure that
smaller companies have access to contracts that were previously held mostly by
larger companies.”
According to the Prime Minister, the
only way smaller companies can grow is if they are given the opportunity
to bid for larger contracts.
“This is necessary if our people are
to advance from poverty, to middle class, to wealth,” he said.
This
vision will guide government’s efforts in the redevelopment of the Fish Fry,
Junkanoo Beach and the Western Esplanade, as it moves to make the Bahamian
experience even better for visitors.
“In this
spirit, I hope that the current and a new generation of Bahamians in the
hospitality sector will exemplify the same quality of service, creativity and
dedication as our honorees,” the Prime Minister said.
He
acknowledged the work of the honorees, namely: Bessie Serette,
Hospitality Lifetime Achievement Award to Berkley Williamson
Anthony
Hepburn, Roslyn North, Reginald Smith, Florida Young, Chef Charles Smith,
Monica Flowers, Melvin Brown, Carlton Haven, Joe Mott, Dr. Pandora McKinney
Smith, Nathaniel Williams, Frederick Wallace and the late Thomas Pratt.
And, he recognized Berkley Williamson
and George Myers, who both received The Hospitality Lifetime Achievement Award
for their remarkable contributions.
“Indeed, the history of our modern tourism industry cannot be told without reference to individuals like George Myers, Berkley Williamson and so many of you,” the Prime Minister said.
By Lindsay Thompson
Release: BIS
Photo
Captions:
First insert: The Former Hospitality Professionals Awards Banquet on Saturday evening honoured trailblazers in the tourism and hospitality industry for their hard work and dedication. Pictured from left: Paulette Dean, President/Former Hospitality Professionals; George Myers, ‘The Hospitality Lifetime Achievement Award’ honouree; and Prime Minister Minnis at Melià Nassau Beach resort.
Second insert: The Former Hospitality Professionals association honoured trailblazers in the tourism and hospitality industry for their hard work and dedication. Pictured from left: Paulette Dean, President/Former Hospitality Professionals; Berkley Williamson, ‘The Hospitality Lifetime Achievement Award’ honouree; and Prime Minister Minnis at Melià Nassau Beach resort on Saturday evening.
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.
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.
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.