Bahamas News
Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation to Catalyze Business Resilience in Grand Bahama
#TheBahamas, February 11, 2022 – University of The Bahamas (UB) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) have formalized a partnership aimed at sparking innovation and entrepreneurship in Grand Bahama and developing capacity in digital technology for small business persons.
Officials of UB and the IDB have signed a technical cooperation agreement, commencing a three-year project for which the IDB is contributing a $500k grant and the University is matching that commitment. As a result, a Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and business incubator will be established at University of The Bahamas-North
(UB-North) in Grand Bahama where entrepreneurs will be trained, mentored and facilitated in using digital technology to increase their resilience.
IDB Country Representative Mrs. Daniela Carrera-Marquis said during the official announcement on Friday 4th February that many more Bahamian businesses will have the opportunity to develop the skills and ideas to thrive in a global digital arena.
“This partnership with University of The Bahamas aligns perfectly with our Vision 2025 and this vision for the IDB including Latin America and the Caribbean aims to support a more resilient recovery by focusing on five priority areas all of which are actually touched in this partnership that we are establishing with the University – regional integration, support for small and medium enterprises, promotion of the digital economy and prioritization of gender and climate change response.
“This technology focused project has the potential to impact all of these areas and we are very proud to support this endeavor. The contribution of $500k further cements our commitment to drive innovation for inclusion while improving the social, economic and environmental conditions for the most vulnerable,” she said.
Campus President of UB-North Dr. Ian Strachan explained that participants in the programme will be empowered to confidently start businesses or to expand the reach, versatility and resilience of their existing businesses.
“The boot camps, incubators and courses offered will make available to our citizens, at a crucial moment of high unemployment, much needed opportunities to retool; to gain valuable skills that will allow them to participate in the fast changing global economy.
“They will allow them to become more marketable, more competitive and to be masters of their own fate through entrepreneurship. The skills gap and lack of diversity are key weaknesses of the Bahamian economy and this initiative seeks to tackle these head on,” Dr. Strachan said.
The goal is to establish UB-North as the STEM Campus of the UB System, drawing students from across the archipelago, the region and the world to centres of academic excellence, he added. A business incubator will also be created along with programmes in Entrepreneurship, Computer Science, Operations Management, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Marine Science, Environmental Science, and Sustainable Innovation.
The lingering effects of Hurricane Dorian as well as other devastating storms and the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated the economic sluggishness of Grand Bahama, the country’s industrial mecca. However, the technical agreement is a part of a larger effort to stimulate an economic transformation.
Chair of the UB Board of Trustees Mrs. Allyson Maynard-Gibson also heralded the impending transformation.
Through the project, 600 participants will be trained and equipped with enhanced digital skills, 300 persons will be directly assisted with starting their own businesses, 25 new courses in digital entrepreneurship and innovation will be offered at UB-North and an annual Grand Bahama Tech Expo will be hosted.
“The partnership that we celebrate today, created by a half million dollar grant from the IDB and matching commitment from UB will transform UB-North, Grand Bahama and The Bahamas. The Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at UB-North will stimulate micro-, small- and medium-sized business ownership and increase the capacity of Bahamians to soar in the digital realm, ensuring our competitiveness nationally and internationally,” she said.
UB President Dr. Rodney D. Smith thanked the IDB for a longstanding partnership with the University and acknowledged that creating a robust environment for entrepreneurship has been a longstanding goal.
“I must thank the IDB for this current project on behalf of the university and for the people of Grand Bahama. We at the university have long envisioned a business and entrepreneurship incubator at the UB-North campus, as a part of that campus’ growth and for the benefit of Grand Bahama. The creation of the Centre of Entrepreneurship and Innovation is our vision realized – it will become the birthplace of innovation,” he said.
Senator the Honourable Kirk Russell heralded the government’s commitment to making the island an epicenter for innovation.
“For the Grand Bahama community, this signing further demonstrates the commitment to transform challenges into innovation. By introducing an environment where the nation’s brightest minds can embrace emerging technologies, the government demonstrates its commitment to remaining focused on the challenges ahead. COVID-19 and the economic fallout have taught us as a nation that paying attention and seeking opportunities to expand our thinking about what is ahead is critical to survival,” he said.
University leaders affirmed the institution’s critical role in the transformation that Grand Bahama is destined to experience.
Photo Caption:
Header: Among the persons who attended the announcement were members of the UB Board of Trustees. Seated: from left are Senator Hon. Kirk Russell; IDB Representative Mr. Tyran Thompson; IDB County Representative Mrs Daniela Carrera-Marquis (online); Chair of the UB Board of Trustees Mrs. Allyson Maynard Gibson; UB President Dr. Rodney D. Smith; Campus President of UB-North Dr. Ian Strachan; and Vice-Chair of the UB Board of Trustees Mr. Peter Whitehead. Standing: Trustee Mr. Barry Rassin; Staff Trustee Mr. Melvert Clarke; Student Trustee Mr. Mackenson Charles; Faculty Trustee Professor Bridget Hogg; Trustee Rev. Dr. Keith Russell; Trustee Mr. Marcus Laing; Trustee Dr. Gadville McDonald and Trustee Mr. Henry St. George.
Insert: Announcement of a $500k grant from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to University of The Bahamas (UB) to spark entrepreneurship and innovation in Grand Bahama. From left are: Vice-Chair of the UB Board of Trustees Mr. Peter Whitehead; Senator Hon. Kirk Russell; IDB Representative Mr. Tyran Thompson; IDB County Representative Mrs Daniela Carrera-Marquis (online); Chair of the UB Board of Trustees Mrs. Allyson Maynard Gibson; UB President Dr. Rodney D. Smith and Campus President of UB-North Dr. Ian Strachan.
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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