Bahamas News
Keeping The Flame Alive
Bahamian Project Photographers photograph the team behind the iconic Elbow Reef Lighthouse
#TheBahamas, February 11, 2022 – After a lengthy delay due to the pandemic, Bahamian Project photographers are back to capturing the iconic images that have made the Bahamian Project the most significant art & culture project in Bahamian history.The exciting third phase of the long-running project officially commenced at the end of last year when two of The Bahamas’ most experienced and respected photographic artists travelled to Abaco, on their first family island assignment.Photographers Donald Knowles and Ana-Lisa Wells were blessed with outstanding weather on their mission to Hope Town, where they photographed the team behind the Elbow Reef Lighthouse, often referred to as the Hope Town lighthouse.
Photo by Ana-Lisa Wells for the Bahamian Project
The well-known, beloved and iconic red-and-white striped Elbow Reef Lighthouse is the last manned, kerosene-fueled light station in the world. Construction on this tower began in 1862, becoming operational two years later – and it is still fully functioning today as an active aid to navigation. Images of this Bahamian treasure have been reproduced on Bahamian currency, postcards, stamps, the Bahamas passport, tourism ads, and in countless images by tourists and locals alike for over 150 years.Donald Knowles photographed the Elbow Reef Lighthouse Society – a group of five women responsible for the never-ending and often challenging maintenance and repairs on the lighthouse. Working in collaboration with the Bahamas government, the Bahamas Port Department, and related agencies, they are unanimous in their passion for keeping it manually-operated and kerosene-burning. All other lighthouses across the globe have been decommissioned or automated. These women are the sole reason that The Bahamas is home to this historically authentic monument, recognized and loved around the world.Knowles, known affectionately as “El Presidente”, is a veteran of the photographic community, with decades of experience. His photography has taken him around the world on assignments. Starting his career as a newspaper photographer, Donald has created spectacular photographs under a wide variety of conditions. He now specializes in portrait and glamour photography.Ana-Lisa Wells took behind-the-scenes photos, video and peripheral images to tell the story behind the photographic session.Wells is a fine artist, photographer, graphic designer and owner of CocoLupe Creative Services, a full service marketing & advertising company located in Nassau. She is president of the Bahamian Project, and co-founder of the highly successful art initiative, along with her husband, Duke.Both Donald and Ana-Lisa have previously photographed for the Bahamian Project collection.Heather Forde-Prosa, one of the five women of the Elbow Reef Lighthouse Society, expertly coordinated logistics on the ground in Abaco, making a smooth travel and shooting process for our photographic team.View the complete results of the highly successful Abaco photographic session on the Bahamian Project website at:www.bahamianproject.com
Photo by Duke Wells
About The Bahamian ProjectFounded in 2012, the Bahamian Project is an ongoing, fine-art photography project. It was created to document the character and preserve the legacy of Bahamians who best represent the heartbeat of Bahamian life.Conceived by photographers Duke & Lisa Wells, the initial goal of the Project was to create a permanent collection of photographs to provide recognition, foster cultural awareness and create a historical record of people whose lives represented the heart and soul of The Bahamas.The first phase consisted of a body of work featuring studio portraits taken by Mr. Wells. The 52 portraits resulting from this series were displayed at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas (NAGB) in a very successful, well attended exhibition.
Photo by Donald Knowles
For the second phase of the Project, Mr. Wells invited other Bahamas-based photographers to join in creating legacy portraits. Twenty-one photographers joined the Project and photographed another 80 people. This second series of images was displayed at the Central Bank Gallery in a well-attended exhibition that exceeded even the most optimistic expectations.
That initial goal of the Project was realized recently when all 130 portraits were donated to the newly created Bahamas National Portrait Gallery, an extension of the Bahamian Project. The online portrait gallery displays images photographed during the first two phases of the Project. Portraits documenting the “Bright Lights and Raw Gems” that define the character of the Bahamas.As The Bahamian Project now progresses to phase 3, focus has shifted from formal portraiture, towards more environmental-based images. The intention is to show the beauty of life in The Bahamas, capturing images of the people and culture of the islands, the very fabric and backdrop of Bahamian society.
These slice-of-life, environmental portraits of people are more candid and coupled with spectacular images of the island landscape, the Bahamian Project now aims to highlight the role our environment plays in the lives of the people of The Bahamas.Photographers – often accompanied by a videographer and a writer – are being sent to family islands to visually capture the stories of island life in a beautiful, positive way.The Bahamian Project will also be independently producing coffee table photo books centered around Bahamian themes.
For more information visit bahamianproject.com
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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