Bahamas News
Anita Doherty Our Warrior
By Deandrea Hamilton & Dana Malcolm
Editorial Staff
#TheBahamas, March 31, 2022 – It takes true determination to master one sport but in true ‘Mrs D’ fashion Anita Doherty mastered five, and then went on to become a legendary educator and pacesetting philanthropist.
Anita started out as De Gregory. Part of a fabulous close-knit clan. Later she would become Doherty (thanks to her husband) or ‘Mrs D’ as she was fondly called, revered for touching the lives of thousands of people.
“Anita Doherty committed her life to service; to teaching, to educating our youth, guiding and directing a generation that will be forever grateful.
She had the strength of character molded on the principles of hard work and determination. She was nobody’s fool, and was resolute in her convictions. These were among her qualities that quantified her leadership in the classroom, in the conduct of her civic duties and in her sports prowess.
Arguably, Anita Doherty was among the greatest Bahamian female athletes. From track and field to tennis, she had mastered. Her achievements were high and her performance stellar,” said Hon Obie Wilchcombe, Minister of Social Development and Member of Parliament for West End & Bimini.
Little known fact, Anita Louise Doherty was born in 1949 in Nassau, New Providence but she was a West End girl to the bone. Her history reports that at the age of five years old, Anita moved to the capital of Grand Bahama just as the island was coming into its own, a hayday which her family would be intricately a part of through business, sports and politics.
Wallace Groves, an American investor, around the same time little Anita moved into Grand Bahama would begin development on a lumber project which mushroomed to a multi-million dollar lumber industry and led to the population of Grand Bahama and establishment of Freeport.
While education was available in her home, Anita was afforded an education abroad. She attended Hampton, a boarding school in Jamaica. This is where her love of sports was cultivated. From 1960 to 1967 she dominated the Jamaican Hockey and Tennis scenes taking both the Under 16 and Under 18 girls tennis championship titles.
After leaving Jamaica she entered Ulster College of Physical Education in Northern Ireland where she continued her sporting career representing her college in Under 21 Netball Tournaments and Track and Field.
In 1970, Anita officially started what would be a four decades long teaching career. She entered the noblest of professions while still honing her sporting talent. She took her penchant for mastering multiple sports to the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh Scotland in 1970 where she represented The Bahamas in the Pentathlon.
At the time, she was also teaching at Hawksbill All Age School in Grand Bahama; later the Ministry of Education would shift her to Nassau and the D.W. Davis High School where she would tack on four more years.
Next stop for the tough-love-styled teacher would prove her most enduring; she spent 38-years as a Warrior. Initially as a P.E. teacher, advancing to Vice-Principal and then to Principal of the school.
“She was a fierce warrior in the truest sense of the word! A former athlete, Educator, Vice Principal and Principal of Bishop Michael Eldon School, her dedication to Education and Athletics impacted the lives of the numerous students she taught, coached and mentored during her stellar 38-year career.
As a proud warrior and Freeport Anglican High School Alumna, I have beautiful memories of my former PE teacher and Educator. I was fortunate to witness her passion for young people firsthand.
Mrs. Doherty left an indelible mark on Grand Bahama, and she will be missed,” said Hon Ginger Moxey, Minister for Grand Bahama and a 1991 graduate of Freeport Anglican High School.
For 38-years, Mrs. D would shepherd youngsters at Freeport High which became Freeport Anglican High which today is called the Bishop Michael Eldon School, an Anglican Central Education Authority run institution.
Among her students, Deandrea Hamilton, CEO of Magnetic Media. On learning of Mrs. D’s death, Deandrea penned her own tribute, which is posted at Magnetic Media Fanpage on Facebook and at MagneticMediaTV.com, the company’s website.
Anita Doherty was a wife to John Sr, a mother to John John (Jr) and two grand-children. She was a sister, auntie, cousin, friend, icon, community leader and a member and former governor of Pilot Club International.
“A legend has taken her heavenly wings. Our sincere condolences to the Doherty family, our Pilot family and countless friends and students around the world, who knew and loved our dear Pilot Anita,” said Karen Ferguson-Bain, Governor, Bahamas District Pilot International.
Doherty was recognized by the Government at a 25th Silver Anniversary Banquet in July, 1998 and by Zonta Club of Nassau Women ‘Living Legends in November, 1998. She was also inducted into the Grand Bahama Sports Hall of Fame in 2005 and The Bahamas Hall of Fame in 2011. In 2014 she was honoured by the Kamalamee Organization.
Never one to keep her talent to herself, Mrs. D has been involved in community activities as Director – YMCA Keep Fit, President – Bahamas Netball Association, Secretary – Grand Bahama Softball Association and Treasurer – InterScholastic Sports.
She served as President of The Grand Bahama Tennis & Squash Club, President of The Grand Bahama Athletic Association, Vice President of The Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations and Secretary of the COED Pilot International.
Anita Doherty ascended to the highest seat as Chief Councilor, which is equivalent to being the mayor of the City of Freeport in Grand Bahama.
She has also been a Wall of Fame honouree at Hampton Girls School, Jamaica where daily she continued to share devotions with the alma mater, just as she did with members of her family and her church.
It was that confirming evidence that until the end, Anita Doherty, was dedicated to being an inspiration and committed to helping to usher people to their fullest potential; that she was a woman of great faith in God and His handiwork.
There would be no sudden pass for Anita. It was a gradual walk, a trot maybe across that finish line of life… unresponsive at first, then fearlessly with a bit of preparation for those who loved her most, she slipped away. Gone, but always to be remembered.
Anita Doherty died on Monday March 28 at the age of 73; her funeral is announced for Freeport, Grand Bahama, Saturday April 9, 2022 at the Christ the King Pro Cathedral at 10am.
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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