Bahamas News
Coordinator for NEMA Grand Bahama Updates the Community at Press Conference
#Freeport, GB, September 19, 2019 – Bahamas – A more efficient system to deal with the influx and distribution of the much-needed hurricane relief supplies is in place, along with many volunteers and organizations to better assist the affected residents of Grand Bahama and surrounding cays following the passing of Hurricane Dorian, said newly-appointed Coordinator for NEMA Grand Bahama, Senator the Hon. Katherine Forbes-Smith during a live press conference at NEMA headquarters in the C.A. Smith Building on Monday.
Noting that it was her sixth day since having been appointed to the position, and 16 days since Hurricane Dorian ravaged the island of Grand Bahama, Senator Smith said that as soon as the ‘all clear’ was given, teams were mobilized to search, rescue and recover.
“Emergency security, food, water and other resources were deployed as quickly as was possible once the all-clear was given, so that first responders and aid workers were not put at risk in harm’s way. Shortly thereafter, additional aid, in the form of supplies and volunteers from all over the globe started arriving to Grand Bahama. The outpouring of generosity and caring has been, and continues to be, truly remarkable. As we move forward with the relief operation, we ask that all residents of Grand Bahama remain focused on caring for the needs of our people and ultimately rebuilding our community. Now is the time that we all need to pull together as one, and be strong and supportive neighbors for each other.”
The need for an efficient warehouse and distribution system were set up immediately following Senator Smith’s appointment, to manage the influx and distribution of supplies.
“As of today, NEMA has set up a warehouse in Freeport to receive shipments of donated food, water and other supplies intended for Grand Bahama, and our goal is to establish at least two more warehouses in the coming days. It is imperative that we do our absolute best to process the supplies and aid in a very efficient manner. Supplies, such as food and water, in a warehouse do us no good unless we can quickly get them inspected, sorted and packaged for delivery or pick up.”
Assisting with this are the United States Coast Guard and the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA — all experts in logistics, warehouse management and distribution.
Also assisting with this mammoth task are dozens of volunteer organizations, NGOs, and faith-based organizations who all help with the distribution of food, water, medical care and other necessities in those communities most affected.
Senator Smith thanked all those who have given time, money and resources so generously and added, “To that point, let me also humbly mention that we will continue to need assistance and donations as we pull ourselves up and begin rebuilding Grand Bahama, rebuilding our future. It may seem premature to some to think about rebuilding, but that’s really the ultimate objective of any disaster recovery – to restore people’s lives, and livelihoods, back to normal.
“Bahamians are strong and resilient people. We know that even the largest, most destructive hurricane cannot destroy our spirit. And, thanks to so many wonderful and caring people and organizations, we are on the path to rebuilding. We as a community, and as a nation, must remain focused on serving the needs of our citizens and rebuilding our local economy. To that point, we would strongly discourage any form of price gouging as that only hinders the rebuilding effort.”
Focus is also on the removal of debris from roads and neighborhoods as well as de-mucking homes. Mold remediation on structures that have flood and water damage will also have be dealt with. Senator Smith noted that there are volunteers and organizations dealing with this.
Also, of note was the presence of a team from the Ministry of Public Works who will begin assessing damage to assist NEMA Grand Bahama prioritize rebuilding efforts.
Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator the Hon. Kwasi Thompson, was also present giving details on the operation of various government departments. The Office of the Prime Minister is now open daily from 9am to 12pm, while many government agencies have a representative present at the C.A. Smith Building.
Iram Lewis, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Public Works and Member of Parliament for Central Grand Bahama; Tammi Mitchell, Supply Officer for NEMA; Island Administrator for East Grand Bahama, Gaye Antoine-Bowe and Island Administrator for West Grand Bahama, Cristian Palacious along with representatives from the Grand Bahama Power Company; Cable Bahamas; Grand Bahama Utilities Company; the Royal Bahamas Police Force; the Royal Bahamas Defence Force; as well as the various international organizations were present for the live press conference.
In closing, the Grand Bahama native urged Bahamians to remain strong as there are many from around the world assisting residents to rebuild.
“As we move forward, we will be sharing lists of what we need most for the relief effort – and encourage cash donations to the government’s disaster relief fund or to reliable NGOs to help us with the long-term rebuilding. All of us at NEMA Grand Bahama are very optimistic about the progress we have made in just a few short days. NEMA will open two more warehouses soon to help process the growing amount of relief supplies that we are taking in, and then processing out.
“In fact, this past Saturday, in what we called ‘Operation Relief Saturday,’ volunteers and NEMA staff assembled hundreds of boxes of basic supplies – including food, water and hygiene products and then delivered them directly, door to door, in the Hawksbill and Regency Park neighborhoods.
“In addition, as you heard today, we are pleased to report that the Ministry of Public Works has arrived today and will begin the process of assessing damage to help us prioritize rebuilding efforts while we at NEMA Grand Bahama work to ensure residents have access to food, clean water and shelter.
“We are committed to providing regular updates, in full transparency, so that all of our community are aware of developments and progress we are making in rebuilding our great island of Grand Bahama. We applaud each and every one of you for your dedication, compassion, and commitment to our nation. This is not just a whole-of-government response, but a whole-of-community endeavor. Let’s rebuild Grand Bahama together and make it better than ever!”
By Robyn Adderley
Release: BIS
Photo Captions:
Header: President of the Senate and newly-appointed NEMA Grand Bahama Coordinator, the Hon. Katherine Forbes-Smith, on Monday, September 16, 2019 told a live press conference that a more efficient method of dealing with the influx and distribution of hurricane relief supplies is now in place. Also shown are Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator the Hon. Kwasi Thompson; and NEMA Supplies Manager, Tammi Mitchell.
Insert: During a live press conference, President of the Senate and NEMA Grand Bahama Coordinator, the Hon. Katherine Forbes-Smith on Monday, September 16, 2019 thanked the hundreds of volunteers assisting Grand Bahamians rebuild. Shown are representatives from the various organizations assisting, following Category 5 Hurricane Dorian. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products concluded their 10 weeklong Twist To Win campaign with four $5,000 Mall at Marathon shopping sprees.
The campaign which was available throughout the entire Bahamas allowed consumers to enter by purchasing a 20oz bottle with a yellow cap
from the following brands: Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola No Sugar, Sprite, Fanta Orange, or Fanta Grape. Each yellow-cap had a unique alpha numeric code underneath which they submitted to the Twist To Win WhatsApp number.
With each qualifying purchase, participants residing in The Bahamas were entered to win instant prizes and into a grand prize draw to win one of four $5,000 shopping sprees at the Mall at Marathon.
Participants also enjoyed exciting instant prizes such as: Airpods, JBL Speakers, premium Coca-Cola merchandise, $500 Visa gift cards and Amazon, Spotify and Apple Music digital gift cards.
Out of 76,000 plus submissions, Brian Bethel, Ashia Demeritte, Merlin Adams, and Taraceta Neely won the coveted Mall at Marathon shopping sprees at the following select stores, Kelly’s House & Home, The Sports Center, John Bull, Brass & Leather, and BTC.
Leading up to the grand finale shopping spree, Coca-Cola hosted a Trivia Showdown with the eight finalists to determine the four winners. Finalists were tested on their knowledge of World History, Pop Culture, Caribbean Bottling Company and Coca-Cola Facts!
After a few rousing rounds of trivia, the four winners were declared after each winning their spot in the shopping spree by answering their questions correctly and choosing the “Grand Prize” Coca-Cola labeled bottles at random.
The morning of the shopping spree Coca-Cola gave the winners exclusive access to the Mall at Marathon and its participating stores before
their usual operating hours. Grand prize winners were greeted with wide smiles from Coca-Cola brand representatives and morning bites before the big event.
At the start of the thirty-minute clock the grand prize winners along with each of their Coca-Cola shopping assistants ran to the various stores collecting items in their arms and carts.
Merlin Adams, a husband and father of four was proud to have executed his game-plan at the end of the shopping spree. With toys, a new phone and materials for his home from Kelly’s, Adams felt accomplished in what he gathered.
Taraceta Neely, a winner from Eleuthera collected beautiful bags for herself and relatives from Brass and Leather and Brian Bethel bought matching athletic and outdoor wear from The Sports Center for his family.
The final winner Ashia Demeritte bought linens and household items in addition to a new phone from BTC right in time for Christmas.
Caribbean Bottling Company is proud to share the real magic of Coca-Cola with the grand prize winners and the may instant prize winners across the Twist To Win campaign. For more updates on new products, promotions, and events follow www.cbcbahamas.com.
Bahamas News
The Coca-Cola Art Project Astonishes Art Lovers at The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products displayed
their astonishing Coca-Cola Art Project (CCAP), during Baha Mar’s five-day Culinary & Arts Festival. Earlier this year, Coca-Cola partnered with The University of The Bahamas’ Visual Art and Design Department for a culturally rich art competition. UB’s art students were challenged to create pieces surrounding the theme, Bahamian music.
As a result, 20 student works of art were made, with four students declared as winners at the CCAP exhibit opening in Baha Mar’s ECCHO: Art Gallery in August. To recreate the culturally stimulating magic felt at the exhibit’s premiere, the CCAP was featured at the FUZE Art Tent during The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival.
Nine incredible pieces of art lined the walls of the Coca-Cola Art Project, four of which included the winning pieces from Jhanaisia Cole,
with ‘Gaulin Bride’; Alyssa Pinder, with ‘Shotgun Wedding’; Nelson Gray, with ‘Untitled’; and Jaela Bowe, with the piece ‘Whims of Obeah, a Folktail’. Additionally, an intimate listening room was built. It displayed students’ artistic processes, UB Visual Art and Design representatives, and a recap of the exhibit opening for audiences.
Art enthusiasts also enjoyed premium limited-edition CCAP keepsakes at the booth. Journals which featured a collage of all 20 student submissions on the front and back cover, postcards with an art piece on the cover along with the student’s name, title, dimension and materials on the back and pens designed with the CCAP’s dynamic logo.
Throughout the art festival diverse groups of people visited the art tent taking in the displays while enjoying the artistic insights from the
listening booth.
Community and culture are always at the forefront of Caribbean Bottling Community, and it was boldly showcased during The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival for the third consecutive year.
For more details on the Coca-Cola Art Project, events and new products visit www.cbcbahamas.com today!
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor delighted Jollification
attendees with bubbles from their Bottega and Bouvet Ladubay sparkling wines and Besserat de Bellefon champagne lines.
Located in the Monument Circle on The Retreat grounds, CWS transformed The Retreat Garden into a lush lounge with Besserat, Bouvet and their latest product addition, Bottega, during the two-day affair.
The festivities kicked off Friday during BNT Member’s Night. Guests enjoyed exclusive offerings from CWS’s catalogue, offered exclusively to members. Complimentary mixes or glasses on the rocks included El Tequileno tequila, Hard Truth whiskey, House of Angostura rum, Cross Keys gin, Nemiroff vodka and a slew of wines such as Fonesca Bin, Bottega and Besserat.
Guests also savored the ‘Jolly Paloma’ cocktail, an instant favorite made with El Tequileno tequila, Schweppes Grapefruit and Domaine de Paris rose wine. To end the night, guests were treated to branded limited-edition wine tumblers as keepsakes.
On Saturday and Sunday, Jollification attendees delighted in glasses or bottles of champagne and sparkling brut or rosé wines while taking
in the comfort of the chic lounge. In addition to purchasing bottles for onsite consumption, consumers were also able to purchase bottles as gifts whether for themselves or someone special.
The sophisticated “bubble lounge” lounge was decked with velvet couches, gold rimmed cocktail tables, blue and pink pillows, and a white floral branded backdrop created for capturing the perfect picture.
Caribbean Wines & Spirits, a historic partner of the Bahamas National Trust was pleased to support Jollification 2025 to kick off the festive season and share their expansive range of spirits.
To keep up to date with all CWS products and events, visit their website at www.cwsbahamas.com today.
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