PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE GRAND BAHAMA PORT AUTHORITY, LIMITED

Tuesday, March 18, 2025 – Grand Bahama, The Bahamas – The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) is proud to announce the launch of Tech Edge 2.0, a paid remote internship program, connecting eligible Bahamian candidates—both locally and abroad—with global career-building opportunities in the fields of cybersecurity, mobile app development, data science, and artificial intelligence (AI). According to GBPA executives, this initiative is a significant step in positioning Grand Bahama as a leader in the digital economy while providing Bahamians with valuable experience in high-demand tech fields.

“Tech Edge 2.0 is more than an internship program—it is a pipeline to professional success”, commented Derek Newbold, Chief Investment Officer for GBPA and Invest Grand Bahama. “With nearly 200 Bahamians already registered, including Bahamians residing in Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and across the islands of The Bahamas, this program is bridging the gap between education and employment, equipping participants with job-ready skills and fostering a new generation of innovators ready to contribute to the advancement of technology and innovation in The Bahamas.”                                                                                                                                                                                                          Currently, there are 10 internship placements available, with additional spaces being added as more companies join the program. GBPA, through its Tech Edge 2.0 program, has partnered with four leading international technology firms, including Prophaze (California, USA), Cognetik Labs, Cybermindr, and Digital5 Solutions, to provide paid remote internship training and employment opportunities. All are start-up companies and emerging titans across cybersecurity, API security, and AI-driven threat detection fields. They also cover software development, IT infrastructure, and cloud computing.

Pleased with the evolution of the Tech Edge Program, which initially launched in 2023, President of GBPA, Ian Rolle, noted that he is highly optimistic about the program’s success to date and its proven potential to help drive Grand Bahama as the Tech and Innovation Hub of the nation. “These partnerships are unlocking global opportunities for Bahamians and proving that Grand Bahama is serious about technology. Further, it offers Bahamians direct access to the international job market—without having to leave home.” Rolle stated. “This program is about ensuring that our people are equipped with top-tier training to develop the requisite skills and career pathways to thrive in the digital economy,” Rolle continued.

The Tech Edge 2.0 Internship Program is open to eligible Bahamians worldwide who hold a college degree or are currently pursuing one in a technology-related field, have a strong interest in cybersecurity, AI, mobile app development, data science, or IT infrastructure, and are eager to gain real-world experience and work remotely with cutting-edge tech companies.

Ian Rolle

Applications for Tech Edge 2.0 are now open and will close on March 21, 2025. Interested candidates can apply online at www.techedgebahamas.com, where they will find step-by-step guidance on the application process.                                                                                                                                            GBPA’s project coordinator for Tech Edge 2.0, Jecholiah Braynen, described the initiative as a long-term investment in The Bahamas’ tech workforce and economic growth. “Through our partnership with Quess Corp, a multinational business service provider, based in India, GBPA is building the requisite skills within the Bahamian workforce and equipping them with job-ready skills and experience. This program creates opportunities to drive economic growth, establish new career opportunities, and attract tech companies to the Bahamas by creating a sustainable ecosystem where Bahamians can thrive in the tech industry,” she emphasized. “This is just the beginning. As Tech Edge grows, so will the number of available opportunities.”

Bahamians interested in expanding their career opportunities are encouraged to apply today and become part of The Bahamas’ digital transformation.

For more information, visit www.techedgebahamas.com for updates, success stories, and insights into the tech industry.

Nassau, BAHAMAS — The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup has garnered a lot of chatter for the year, with many have sharing their strong opinions on the limited-edition Bahamas Goombay Punch cans, which highlight the six sloops competing in the 3^rd Annual Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup.

The limited time designs was created to display the fine details and unique features of each sloop, while giving the sailors the recognition they deserve for their contribution to the country’s national sport, Sailing.

While the cans shine beautifully in the stores, at your desks at work or on your dinner table Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola products want to give the consumers a deeper look into each boat and its team.

The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup was created to amplify the sport of sailing through monetary and social support. In upholding that, captain Leander Pinder of ‘Patton Pride’ and Stefan Knowles of ‘Sassie Sue’ shed intimate details about their sloops.

How did your sloop’s name come to be?

Both men shared how the name for their sloops is rooted deeply in honoring their family. Sailing and Regattas are synonymous with family life and all members young and old, men and women can be seen participating.

Pinder: “I want to carry on my family name on Patton – my grandparents, my uncle, aunt and of course my mother.”

Knowles: “My mother’s name is Sue, and she is considered to be a sassy woman, hence the name.”

Who are the members of your sloop?

Sailors of ‘Patton Pride’: Dwight Fly Rolle, Prince Patton, Keshone Rolle, Shannon Rolle Leander, Magic Pinder.

Sailors of ‘Sassie Sue’: Stefan Knowles Captain and Owner, Vardo Turnquest Bowman, Anthony Knowles Pryman, Garret Knowles Main Sheet Man, Meko Knowles Pryman, Donnie Bastian Pryman, Kahden Huyler Pryman and Roger Fox Pryman.

What’s the history of your sloop?

Pinder: “For my love of the sport of sailing, five years ago Mr. Mark Knowles built this boat. I told him I wanted a fast boat, one that could beat the best of the best and that’s what he created.”

Knowles: “I previously sailed Whitty K for over 10 years and decided it was time to build my own C class. I had a boat in the original E class (14ft long) that my Dad built for me in 1998. The class was discontinued around 2003. Fast forward to July 2022, Sassie Sue was born”

What are some structural features that make your boat special?

Pinder: “She’s special by way of her width and depth and the slick entrance.”

Knowles: “It is built from some of the strongest, most durable and lightest wood available.”

What does the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup mean to you?

Pinder: “I think the Goombay Punch Cup is a good promotion for the Patton Pride to be known worldwide and of course I am in the tourism business and whenever I take my guests out on a tour the number one beverage, they request is Goombay Punch.”

Nassau, BAHAMAS — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, stands in a unique position with 51% of its women being in positions of leadership.

As a leading beverage manufacturer and distributor in The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos, CBC is proud to honor and highlight the women leading in non-traditional roles throughout the company. Here we will explore career journeys, passions and trailblazing in unconventional roles of five key women leaders within the company.

Cynthia Fox, Production Manager; Sapphire Davis, Quality Control Coordinator; Asia Pinder Health, Safety & Environment Manager at the New Providence office, Joyann Stuart, Branch Manager for Grand Bahama and Leandra Brooks Assistant General Manager for Turks & Caicos.

• Working in a male-dominant environment

Fox: “The experience has been a blend of overcoming challenges and seizing opportunity. I’ve grown by demonstrating competence, festering collaboration and maintaining self-confidence. In doing this, you demonstrate that effective management is not about gender, but about skill and vision.”

Brooks: “I’ve always had a positive work relationship with males in every organization I’ve worked. However, working in a predominately male dominated field has its challenges, especially where some men may feel intimidated when it comes to directions provided by a woman. I was taught as a child to advocate for myself, and I apply that to my life.”

Stuart: “In a world where male dominance was regarded as the only way to go, it was very scary, however, I believe that women can succeed and be considered an equal in any environment.  I accepted my role in a predominately male field as an opportunity to advance the cause for all women. To prove that we are capable and deserve the very same advantage as our male counterparts once we put in the work.”

• Best aspects of your job

Davis: “The Production Process – I enjoy witnessing the transformation of raw materials into a finished product. Seeing each stage of the process come together—from initial testing to final quality checks—gives me a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, knowing that I play a key role in ensuring the product meets high standards before reaching the market.”

Pinder: “I love the fact that I am a key asset for CBC’s growth. I have learnt so much in regard to my position as an HSE Manager, it not only had an effect on my professional life, but I have grown so much personally. My hidden strengths have evolved over the years.

Brooks: “Learning new things. As a woman I’ve never thought that I’d be driving a forklift or freight liner among others. Working here has pushed me out of my comfort zone accomplishing things.

• Advice to women in non-traditional roles

Fox: “Believe in your abilities, embrace continuous learning and growth, find allies and mentors, challenge stereotypes, but don’t let them define you, stay resilient and be your authentic self”

Davis: “My advice is to believe in your abilities, be confident in your knowledge, and never be afraid to take up space. Seek mentorship and most importantly, remember that your voice and contributions are valuable—inspire the next generation of women.”

Brooks: “Number one, never be afraid or intimidated. If you’re faced with a conflict always stand your ground, in a respectful way of course. Some men will try to intimidate you, never back down or be afraid to speak up. And always remember, if you were chosen for the job, that means you have as much to offer as your male counterparts. It’s up to you to put in the work and show why you were the best candidate for the position.”

Stuart: “The advice I would give women interested in working in untraditional fields is to accept the challenge. Bring your femininity and be your authentic self. Establish yourself as a fierce contender and work with integrity, grit and tenacity.”

• Women who have impacted your career

Davis: “Several women have played a significant role in shaping my career. Many being mentors to professors who have provided guidance and encouragement. I have been fortunate to learn from strong female leaders like my Manager, Ms. Charmin Lotmore and the Production Manager Ms. Cynthia Fox, who demonstrate confidence, determination, and excellence in their roles daily.”

Pinder: “I would not single out one person as a role model, but I will say I have an admiration of various character traits from the women of my family. I am surrounded by women who exemplify strength, courage and wisdom, so it’s very hard for me to single one out.”

Stuart: “I am extremely grateful for several women; however, honorable mention goes to Ms. Gaitor who was a part of the hiring process when I joined the Coca Cola team. My appreciation is to my grandmother, the late Beulah Morley who raised me to be a strong, independent, and God-fearing woman. She reminded me to never allow anyone to overshadow my value as a woman.

To learn more about CBC’s employee highlights, philanthropic work or new products visit their website at www.cbcbahamas.com or follow-on social media at @caribbeanbottling .