Bahamas News
Women United Applauded for Success of First Empowerment Summit
#NASSAU, The Bahamas – February 26, 2020 — Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell, applauded Women United and its Political Subcommittee for the success of the body’s first Women’s Empowerment Summit.
Sponsored by the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development through its Department of Gender and Family Affairs, the Summit was held Monday evening (February 24) at the St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church Parish Hall.
The Summit brought together females from across socio-economic, religious, professional and political backgrounds to, as Women United’s Political Subcommittee Chair Mrs. Sharmie Farrington-Austin, said: “begin in earnest, this most important discussion on gender equality in politics”.
Minister Campbell said, “I really felt that the spirit of the Suffrages were alive because I saw and heard persons whom I know have different views, different philosophies, different backgrounds, but they all had this commonality of purpose, this love of country, this understanding and appreciation for the role of women in loving this country; for the needed contribution of women for the development of this country.”
“I heard commitment. I heard passion. I felt a spirit of unity and oneness. I saw and felt no barriers tonight. It was women prepared, willing and able to put their best forward, to put forward their all for the development and advancement of this Bahamas. If that spirit continues, I am satisfied and pleased to know that we all have to walk around in dark, dark, dark shades because our future politically, our future of governance, is very, very bright,” Minister Campbell added.
Mrs. Prodesta Moore, Chair, Women United, applauded the collaboration between the Organization, its Political Subcommittee, the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, and the Department of Gender and Family Affairs.
“Women United seeks to bring women together to collectively contribute to the advancement of women, the growth of the nation, and the betterment of The Bahamas wholly. Women United’s mission is: ‘to involve women of all walks of life in positive, progressive and uplifting programmes, initiatives and efforts that will continuously advance he people of The Bahamas and move the nation forward’.
“We continue to foster relationships with the Department of Gender and Family Affairs on mutual issues (as) we seek to bring about a greater awareness of the need for women inclusion which is consistent with the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal No. 5.”
Mrs. Farrington-Austin said members of the Political Subcommittee were “humbled” by the opportunity to organize the Summit.
“There is no question that, as we approach our 60th year of the Women’s Suffrage Movement Anniversary in 2022, the year 2020 must be the year that we begin in earnest this most important discussion on gender equality in politics. We must not only talk, but must resolve to take action,” Mrs. Farrington-Austin said.
“We have come a long way since women obtained the Right to Vote in 1962, but the struggle continues and there is much more work to be done. This Summit provided a platform for existing and emerging political women, young and old, to address issues affecting women,” Mrs. Farrington-Austin added.
The Summit was addressed by Minister Campbell, in addition to Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Lanisha Rolle, and speakers from across the political divide and professions.
BIS PRESS RELEASE BY MATT MAURA
NASSAU, Bahamas — More Bahamians are accessing HIV and sexually transmitted infection-related healthcare through National Health Insurance, a trend the NHI Authority says should be viewed positively.
NHIA stressed in an August 6 statement that its 2025 figures measure healthcare utilisation, not newly diagnosed infections. They include beneficiaries screened, treated, monitored or receiving follow-up care, including people diagnosed previously.
“Increased utilisation of these services should be viewed as a positive development,” NHIA said.
The Authority pointed to “greater enrolment and use of NHI, improved access to screening and testing, continued treatment and monitoring of existing conditions, and increased willingness to seek medical care.”
The development comes amid a mixed three-year HIV picture. New diagnoses rose from 130 in 2023 to 156 in 2024, before declining to 142 in 2025.
NHIA said increased utilisation demonstrates that more beneficiaries are accessing needed healthcare and actively managing their health, reinforcing the importance of screening, early diagnosis and continued treatment.
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.
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