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Schools inspected ahead of opening; Ministry of Works to pursue ‘preventive’ year-round maintenance

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By Kathryn Campbell (BIS)

 

#TheBahamas, January 11, 2-22  – The Ministry of Education and Technical & Vocational Training is anticipating a “paradigm shift” in the delivery of education as teachers, students and administrators prepare for public schools to reopen on a fully virtual basis.

“It’s quite an experience because you know this is the place where our nation’s children will come and gather, where their intellect will be stimulated, where there [is] camaraderie with fellow students, where teachers will impart.  It’s such an incredible, dynamic space. We’ve tried very hard to make it as facilitative as possible.

“The contractors have worked very hard, and the Ministry of Works — we’re very appreciative of the work being done and we look forward to a paradigm shift in the delivery of education in terms of the outputs of our children.”

The Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin made the comments as she, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis; Minister of Works and Utilities the Hon.

Alfred Sears; and Minister of State for Education and Technical & Vocational Training the Hon. Zane Lightbourne inspected several primary and junior high schools in New Providence, January 10, 2022.

Schools visited: Uriah McPhee Primary, Claridge Primary, L.W. Young, Ridgeland Primary, Yellow Elder Primary, C.W. Sawyer Primary and Sybil Strachan Primary.

The Hon. Zane Lightbourne looks forward to students returning to face-to-face learning: “I’m also looking forward to the completion of all of these projects around our Family Islands. The work doesn’t stop here, the work continues,” he said.

The Hon. Alfred Sears said his Ministry will be in consultation with Minister Hanna-Martin regarding maintenance of schools.

“There needs to be, as the Prime Minister has directed us, preventive maintenance. We cannot wait until the physical plant is collapsing and we know that the summer period is a very short time especially when we’re dealing with years of neglect and structural challenges for many of the plants.

“We will be looking and talking to colleagues [for a] proposal for a preventive maintenance program so that we can have year-round repairs, small repairs, so that we are not faced with this very short window with major structural effects, the result of neglect,” said Minister Sears.

“I also want to thank the contractors, especially some of the contractors who came in on emergency basis and have been working over the Christmas holidays, also working 24 hours in shifts; we’ve seen within the building industry this extraordinary professionalism and excellent craftsperson-ship as we have viewed some of the projects. I’m very happy due to this collaboration that the [school physical] plants are ready under these extraordinary circumstances to meet the objective that the Cabinet set and the Minister of Education has announced.

“The physical plant was not ready in September and therefore we’ve had to redouble our efforts but we’re looking forward to improving the way we address these issues of maintaining physical infrastructure through preventive maintenance.”

Minister Sears also acknowledged the architects, engineers and quantity surveyors who have also served in many instances as project managers.

The Ministry of Education has decided that all public and private schools (including preschools and daycare facilities) may open in January 2022 on a fully virtual basis, only. The decision would be revisited in short order following a further assessment in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

 

Photo Caption: Minister of Education and Technical & Vocational Training the Hon. Glenys HannaMartin inspects schools, January 10, 2022 in preparation for re-opening.

(BIS Photos/Eric Rose)

Bahamas News

Monument Beverage Co. Caribbean Wines & Spirits Uniquely Bahamian Newest Product

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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.

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Bahamas News

Lady Kayla Crowned Goombay Punch Cup Sailing Champion of 2025/2026

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L–R: Joss Knowles, Kianno Hutchinson, Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager at Caribbean Bottling Company and Dallas Knowles receiving a donation on behalf of the Exuma Sailing Club at the Long Island Regatta awards ceremony.

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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Bahamas News

Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week  

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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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