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Caribbean partners already in The Bahamas to offer post hurricane support

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#Bahamas, September 4, 2019 – Help for hurricane ravaged Abaco and Grand Bahama is already on the ground or in touch and the assistance comes from strategic regional bodies which have mobilized plans and people.

The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, CDEMA on Monday held a press conference in Barbados where Executive Director, Ronald Jackson addressed early concerns and shared CDEMA activities.  The press conference as aired live on Facebook.

“We have deployed into The Bahamas two Rapid Needs Assessment Teams (RNAT); one each to cover the two affected islands.  We are looking at a population of 76-78,000 people or a little bit less.  Fifty-thousand plus of those are on Grand Bahama and 26,000 on Abaco. The team will go in and be looking to do their assessments there.”

Turks and Caicos is a part of the CDEMA Team; the group left on Saturday and includes Director of the TCI Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies, Dr. Virginia Clerveaux.

The Caribbean Public Health Agency, CARPHA on Monday explained the assistance it is offering to The Bahamas as a partner nation.  A representative from CARPHA was in Nassau, Bahamas since Friday.

“CARPHA will add its expertise to the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) component of the evaluation.  This includes conducting assessments of the country’s health facilities, and public health systems.   Focus will also be given to environmental health concerns that could further impact human health and wellbeing. These will include water and food safety, chemical and waste management, shelter management and potential for vector borne disease outbreaks,” stated Dr. Joy St. John, CARPHA Executive Director.”

The Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation, CARILEC, which is chaired by FortisTCI CEO, Eddinton Powell is on alert and will finalise a response once Bahamas Power and Light, BPL has completed its own damage and need analysis.

“CARILEC stands ready to coordinate assistance for any of its members through the CARILEC Disaster Assistance Program (CDAP). Once the affected utility completes an assessment of the damage and makes a request for assistance, the CDAP Coordinator will send the request to CDAP member utilities and provide logistical support. FortisTCI will make a determination at that time as to the level and nature of its assistance.”

A pre-storm impact data analysis completed by Pacific Disaster Center explained some 76,000 Bahamas residents would have to face a disastrously altered existence once, monster Hurricane Dorian passed through the northwestern islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama.

While this analysis is thorough, no one could calculate the true impact of Hurricane Dorian.  The storm, which formed on August 24, 2019 spewed tornadoes, ripped off roofs, toppled trailers, shredded trees and submerged any and everything it could in its 18-23-foot surge waters.

Hurricane Dorian is also a killer.  Five people in Abaco were confirmed dead by Bahamas Prime Minister, Hubert Minnis on Tuesday.  The injured in Abaco numbered 21, a handful of them, were critically hurt.

There are no figures from Grand Bahama as yet.

The damage is unexpected and unprecedented, but thankfully Hurricane Dorian began to pull away from The Bahamas late this afternoon at around six miles per hour.  It remains a category two hurricane, with 110 mph winds and is still licking the northwestern Bahamas with tropical storm force winds and surges.

 The Caribbean Community, CARICOM tweeted on Wednesday that it “stands with The Bahamas at this very difficult time.”

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Coca-Cola Celebrates International Coastal Cleanup Day with Blue Lagoon Island  

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Coca-Cola's volunteers and helpers adorn a bright at the International Coastal Cleanup Day

The Bahamas, October 26, 2024 – For nearly 20 years Coca-Cola has been a proud partner of the Ocean Conservancy’s International Costal Cleanup, sponsored by Blue Lagoon Island Bahamas, which aligns perfectly with the company’s environmental mission and goals.

Caribbean Bottling Company’s (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, volunteers watched the sunrise at South Beach Poolside as they began setting up for the event’s 8:30 a.m. start on Saturday, September 21.

In addition to providing volunteers, CBC also supplied exciting promotional items, and refreshing beverages for volunteers and organizers.

Coca-Cola’s volunteers wrapping up the transformation of South Beach (Canal) during Coastal Cleanup Day.

As volunteers flooded the beach to participate in Coastal Cleanup Day, they were kept hydrated by Coca-Cola’s donation of Coca-Cola Oreo No Sugar, Sprite No Sugar, Minute Maid, Dasani Flavored Water and Dasani Water.

Teshalla Clarke, Education & Sustainability Supervisor at Blue Lagoon Island shared what Coca-Cola’s support meant to the overall success of the day.

“Words cannot begin to express how grateful Blue Lagoon Island is towards Caribbean Bottling Company/ Coca-Cola. Your corporate sponsorship allows us to engage our local communities through volunteer-ship.” Clarke expressed.

“Coca-Cola’s support has always been a force. Whether its beverages donated or volunteers that show out, your assistance is undeniable. We have developed a beautiful relation with the company, one we hope to continue for future Coastal Cleanups.” Clarke concluded.

Paulette Dormeus, Brand Manager Associate at CBC spoke about her experience at the Coastal Cleanup.

“This is my second-year volunteering at Coastal Cleanup Day, and I’m super proud that Coca-Cola can support this super important initiative.” she shared.

After transforming South Beach volunteers swarmed Coca-Cola’s trailer where they were greeted with smiles, refreshing drinks and promotional items applauding their hard work.

“It always amazes me at all the organizations that come out to clean the beach. Waking up this early on a Saturday morning is not the easiest thing to do but that’s why we’ve provided a variety of beverages to keep everyone hydrated.” Dormeus said.

To stay up to date with Caribbean Bottling Company and Coca-Cola’s community initiatives visit the website at www.cbcbahamas.com today.

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RBDF wins GOLD at 3rd Annual Dragon Boat Festival

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The Bahamas, October 25, 2024 – The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) demonstrated their exceptional spirit and teamwork at the 3rd Annual Dragon Boat Festival held at Goodman’s Bay Park in Nassau on October 13, 2024.

This exciting event drew teams from various organizations and celebrated the values of competition, group effort, and cultural pride. It also offered an exhilarating day on the water for both participants and spectators.

Dragon boat racing, a thrilling water sport with origins in ancient China, has grown to become one of the fastest-growing activities worldwide. Known for its colorful and richly decorated boats, the festival not only promotes fitness and excitement but also serves as a platform for team-building and fundraising among charities and corporations.

Throughout the day, teams representing different sectors of society competed in the races, including groups from the United States Embassy, Doctors Hospital, Royal Bahamas Police Force, Cable Bahamas, J.S. Johnson, Urban Renewal, Breezes, Baha Mar, and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. The event featured dynamic musical performances by multiple artists, concluding with an energetic Junkanoo Rush that celebrated Bahamian culture.

Having two teams participate, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force stood out during the event, with the Water Defenders and the Naval Destroyers who were able to secure gold medals for their 500m category. This victory not only highlights their athletic skills, but also their dedication to community involvement and promoting unity through sports.

Through these efforts, we strengthen community relations, positively impact lives, and contribute to the growth of thriving communities. Remaining dedicated to excellence, the RBDF upholds the highest standards in protecting and preserving the rich legacy that defines our nation.

(RBDF Photos by: Marine Seamen Rickey Sealey & Edwin Basden)

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Bahamas Goombay Punch Launches Exclusive Limited-Edition Congratulatory Cans for Winning Team Susan Chase

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, hosted a celebratory affair to launch the limited-edition Bahamas Goombay Punch Susan Chase packaging. This special edition Susan Chase design is in honor of the sloop winning the 2023/2024 Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup.

The event, attended by The Hon. Clay Sweeting Minister of Works and Family Island Affairs, captain Stefan Knowles and the skippers of the Susan Chase at the Nassau Yacht Club, was a celebration of all things sailing and Bahamas Goombay Punch.

In 2022 CBC linked the beloved national beverage, Bahamas Goombay Punch, to sailing with the creation of the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup competition.

Minister Sweeting shared his astounding approval of CBC’s incorporation of culture and business.

“Programs like the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup are crucial to preserving and advancing our rich cultural tradition of sailing. Since 2022 this collaboration between the private sector and the sailing community has not only celebrated the heritage of Regattas but also provides the necessary resources to sustain the sport.” Minister Sweeting said.

Stefan Knowles, captain of Susan Chase shared what it means to have his sloop exclusively featured on the Bahamas Goombay Punch cans.

“It is a privilege to be on the Bahamas Goombay Punch can for sailing. This just goes to show how Caribbean Bottling Company is actively pouring into our communities, making them a great corporate citizen.” said Knowles.

Since the competition’s inception, sailors across The Bahamas were judged throughout three Regattas: The Best of The Best, The National Family Island and The Long Island Regatta.

Each sailing season the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup rotates between different classes; the 2023-2024 winners took the crown in the B-Class.

In addition to earning bragging rights, the Susan Chase of Long Island also won five-thousand dollars, and an eight-thousand-dollar stipend was awarded to Long Island’s Junior Sailing Club.

“The Goombay Punch Cup has the potential to leave a legacy for Bahamians sailing. By offering financial incentives and national recognition, it encourages more sailors to participate, enhancing competition and skill development. Add to that, featuring different classes each year will create a wider platform for sailors of all levels to showcase their abilities, ensuring that the sport continues to thrive.” Minister Sweeting shared.

Knowles knows all too well about legacies. He revealed how exciting this win was for him and his family.

“Winning is truly an honor, especially because the boat is named after my mother. Susan Chase has been in my family for 61 years so my parents were very happy we won the championship and that our sloop will be on the Bahamas Goombay Punch cans.” Knowles revealed.

Both CBC and Minister Sweeting recognize that the future of sailing is in the youth. This is why CBC ensures that junior sailors are also impacted through the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup. Minister Sweeting expressed hopes that the E-Class sloops would be next to be featured on the Bahamas Goombay Punch cans, providing a major boost to young skippers.

“Highlighting sloops like the Sugar Loaf will not only encourage our young sailors who are already involved, but may also inspire future sailors to join and participate in our national sport.” declared Minster Sweeting.

The sailors of Sugar Loaf are members of the Eleuthera Sailing Academy (ESA), demonstrating how junior sailing organizations actively aid in the preservation of Bahamian culture.

As the beginning of the 2024/2025 sailing season kicks off in a few weeks, Minister Sweeting encourages all the participating sailors to lead with heart.

“I encourage you to embrace this opportunity with determination and pride. Sailing is deeply rooted in our Bahamian heritage, and each of you represents the strength and resilience of our people. As you prepare for the first leg at the Best of the Best, know that your hard work and dedication are already a testament to your passion for the sport.” he expressed.

 

Photo Captions:

Header: Members of the winning Susan Chase, along with Minister Clay Sweeting (center-left) and captain Stefan Knowles (center-right). Photo credit: Racardo Thomas; Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs

1st insert: An in-depth look at the limited-edition Susan Chase Bahamas Goombay Punch designs. Photo credit: Racardo Thomas; Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs

2nd insert:  The Nassau Yacht Club decked out in Bahamas Goombay Punch decor at the limited-edition can launch celebration. Photo credit: Racardo Thomas; Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs

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