Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Water Corporation Breaks Ground for Potable Water in Cat Island
#Bahamas, March 16, 2021 – Very soon Cat Island residents will no longer have to harvest rain water or obtain this valuable commodity from private wells, standpipes or water tanks in well fields.
The Water & Sewerage Corporation (WSC) broke ground, Monday, which will bring potable water to Cat Island for the first time. “Oh Cat Island, it’s your time.
This is your historic undertaking today,” said WSC Executive Chairman Adrian Gibson.
“The purpose of this project is to provide you with a safe, sustainable, reliable supply of potable water that meets World Health Organization water standards by all parameters. It will be delivered directly into your homes, on demand any time that you want. You don’t have to worry about drawing water from your well or about rationing water from your tanks,” he told the residents.
“We know that wells, stand pipes and all others are subject to changing weather patterns, drought, sea water infiltration, interrupted water supply and poor water quality — especially when it’s a hurricane; we intend to change that.”
The ceremony was held on the grounds of the District Council Office in New Bight. Among those in attendance: Bennett Minnis; board member; Elwood Donaldson, general manager; Cyprian Gibson, assistant general manager, Family Island Division; Donnie Newbold, chief operator; Dale Gelin, administrator; Chris Wilson, Island Site Development Bahamas, Local Government representatives and local community leaders.
Approximately 12 miles of pipe will be installed in the work which is scheduled to be undertaken in two lots within 12 months at a cost of more than $3 million. They are:
Lot #1: Wilson Bay and Bennet Harbour settlements (120 service connections)
350-feet of 6-inch pipe
10,400 feet of 4-inch pipe
6,100 feet of 2-inch pipe
Lot #2: Douds and Moss Town ending at Old Bight (175 service connections)
3,500 feet of 6-inch pipe
32,500 feet of 4-inch pipe
9,500 feet of 2-inch pipe
The Corporation is presently executing a Water Supply Improvement project which is funded through a $28.3 million from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and $13.3 million counterpart funding from the Bahamas Government. This initiative includes two projects in New Providence and six Family Islands.
“We are here to fulfill a commitment to deliver potable water to you the people of Cat Island. It’s the first ever installation of water mains on the entire island and it is anticipated that these works would spark a boost to your economic outlook and a population growth on the island.
“Cat Island, we are here to lay some 780,000 inches/65,000 feet of pipe and we expect that once done it would reduce the amount of tankering that you now see on this island and it would be the start — step at a time — to getting the whole of Cat Island potable water. Today we want to reduce and eventually end your days of toting water from the well.”
Moreover, the Chairman indicated that although the initial project work will only include a fraction of the island, the WSC is committed to expanding the system and providing the entire island with water as far as possible and as future budgets would allow.
He appealed to Island Site Development Bahamas to give local contractors consideration and to also hire as many local residents as possible on this central island.
He highlighted plans which are underway for the construction of two new reverse osmosis plants for Bennett’s Harbour in the north and Douds in the south. He said the construction of these plants will be executed under a separate contract.
Mr. Gibson recognized Mr. Newbold, referred to as a one-man-band, for his commitment to providing service in Cat Island, including delivery of water to residents.
He thanked Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Works the Hon. Desmond Bannister for their unwavering support of the Corporation; the CDB for continuous support of projects throughout The Bahamas and the staff of WSC, the Family Islands Division, external engineers and engineers and technicians of the project management unit.
Mr. Gibson assured residents throughout all Family Islands of a safe and reliable water supply. He said the Government is keenly aware of the needs of the Family Islands and is currently formulating plans to address them.
To date, major infrastructural projects have been completed in Long Island, Eleuthera, Spanish Wells, Russell Islands, South Andros, San Salvador, Ragged Island, Abaco, Inagua, Crooked Island, New Providence, Moore’s Island, Harbour Island, North Andros and now Cat Island.
By Kathryn Campbell (BIS)
Photo Captions: Scenes from the ground breaking ceremony at the District Council Office grounds in New Bight, Cat Island, March 15, 2021. WSC Executive Chairman Adrian Gibson gives remarks at the ground breaking ceremony to bring potable water to Cat Island and, at centre, leads the shovel ground-breaking. General Manager, WSC, Elwood Donaldson is also pictured speaking at the ceremonies.
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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