Bahamas News
Bahamas Becomes First International US TSA PreCheck at LPIA
By: Lindsay Thompson
Bahamas Information Services
#TheBahamas, March 3, 2022 – The Bahamas has become the first international destination outside the United States to have a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck at its main airport.
This happened on Thursday, February 24, 2022 during a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the opening of a TSA PreCheck lane at the Lynden Pindling International Airport.
Among the dignitaries and invited guests were the Hon. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, Chargé d’Affaires Usha Pitts, United States Embassy, Nassau; and TSA Regional Director Karen Hanlon.
The deputy prime minister in his remarks deemed it a “Red Letter Day” for relations between both countries.
“This is a big deal for our country and our friendship and partnership with the USA. This is the first of its kind anywhere outside of the USA. We can now boast of sun, sand, sea, warmth of our people and TSA PreCheck.”
The idea of the expedited screening programme was conceptualized through a 90-day pilot project from August 2, 2021 to November 4, 2021.
The US Department of Homeland Security through its agency, The Transport Security Administration (TSA), in collaboration with the Government of The Bahamas initiated the programme for the establishment of a TSA PreCheck at the LPIA.
TSA PreCheck was established through the 2013 Memorandum of Cooperation between the Government of the United States of America and The Commonwealth of The Bahamas on matters relative to Civil Aviation Security.
The TSA PreCheck is touted as “a Trusted Traveler Programme” that allows members of select frequent flyer programmes, members of Global Entry, Nexus, Sentri and US Military, and cadets to receive accelerated and more seamless security screening for domestic and international flights.
And, following the success of the pilot programme, the United States Department of Homeland Security through its TSA agency and the government of The Bahamas agreed to fully incorporate this programme at LPIA on a permanent basis.
“This considerable milestone speaks positively to the benefits of two countries working together to reinforce and prioritize matters of mutual global aviation security, safety and travelers’ efficiencies,” the deputy prime minister said.
He added, “We recognize that both our countries enjoy a long-standing relationship in reciprocity that sees mutual commercial, national security and economic benefits, due to our proximity and the fact that we share a border.”
The deputy prime minister also noted that the growth in tourism numbers, reflect a 94 percent of stopover visitors in 2021 originated from the United States.
“These numbers do not only speak to the pent-up demand for our destination, but more so, speak clearly about the strength of The United States as our key source market partner, during this most critical period in our economic rebound and recovery.”
Moreover, he mentioned that the country’s post-COVID-19 pandemic stopover arrivals outlook remains optimistic not only for Nassau/New Providence but for the Islands which comprise diverse cultures. He assured that the government, through the tourism ministry remains committed to delivering safe, efficient and memorable experiences for visitors from arrival to departure.
“That is why this initiative is so important, and we are most confident, that this Trusted Traveler Programme, currently available at more than 200 airports across the United States, will continue to improve operational efficiency and create a safer and more enhanced passenger experience,” the deputy prime minister said.
This also provides the LPIA with “an even greater competitive advantage, especially when coupled with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Preclearance facility,” said Vernice Walkine, President & CEO, Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD).
Photo Captions:
Header:A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the opening of a US Department of Homeland Security Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck was held at the Lynden Pindling International Airport, held Thursday, February 24, 2022. Pictured from left to right: Peter Rutherford Sr., Acting General Manager, Airport Authority; Dr Kenneth Romer, Deputy Director General, MOTIA; Dwayne Murray, TSA Representative, International Operations; Karen Hanlon, TSA Regional Director International Operations; Chargé d’ Affaires Usha Pitts, United States Embassy, Nassau; the Hon. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation; Senator the Hon. Randy Rolle, Global Relations Consultant/Sr. Advisor, MOTIA; Reginald Saunders, Permanent Secretary, MOTIA; Vernice Walkine, President & CEO, Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD); and Paul Bevans, Chairman of the Board, Airport Authority.
Insert:Pictured left to right: Karen Hanlon, TSA Regional Director International Operations; Chargé d’Affaires Usha Pitts, United States Embassy, Nassau; the Hon. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation; Reginald Saunders, Permanent Secretary, MOTIA; and Paul Bevans, Chairman of the Board, Airport Authority.
(BIS Photos/Kemuel Stubbs)
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products concluded their 10 weeklong Twist To Win campaign with four $5,000 Mall at Marathon shopping sprees.
The campaign which was available throughout the entire Bahamas allowed consumers to enter by purchasing a 20oz bottle with a yellow cap
from the following brands: Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola No Sugar, Sprite, Fanta Orange, or Fanta Grape. Each yellow-cap had a unique alpha numeric code underneath which they submitted to the Twist To Win WhatsApp number.
With each qualifying purchase, participants residing in The Bahamas were entered to win instant prizes and into a grand prize draw to win one of four $5,000 shopping sprees at the Mall at Marathon.
Participants also enjoyed exciting instant prizes such as: Airpods, JBL Speakers, premium Coca-Cola merchandise, $500 Visa gift cards and Amazon, Spotify and Apple Music digital gift cards.
Out of 76,000 plus submissions, Brian Bethel, Ashia Demeritte, Merlin Adams, and Taraceta Neely won the coveted Mall at Marathon shopping sprees at the following select stores, Kelly’s House & Home, The Sports Center, John Bull, Brass & Leather, and BTC.
Leading up to the grand finale shopping spree, Coca-Cola hosted a Trivia Showdown with the eight finalists to determine the four winners. Finalists were tested on their knowledge of World History, Pop Culture, Caribbean Bottling Company and Coca-Cola Facts!
After a few rousing rounds of trivia, the four winners were declared after each winning their spot in the shopping spree by answering their questions correctly and choosing the “Grand Prize” Coca-Cola labeled bottles at random.
The morning of the shopping spree Coca-Cola gave the winners exclusive access to the Mall at Marathon and its participating stores before
their usual operating hours. Grand prize winners were greeted with wide smiles from Coca-Cola brand representatives and morning bites before the big event.
At the start of the thirty-minute clock the grand prize winners along with each of their Coca-Cola shopping assistants ran to the various stores collecting items in their arms and carts.
Merlin Adams, a husband and father of four was proud to have executed his game-plan at the end of the shopping spree. With toys, a new phone and materials for his home from Kelly’s, Adams felt accomplished in what he gathered.
Taraceta Neely, a winner from Eleuthera collected beautiful bags for herself and relatives from Brass and Leather and Brian Bethel bought matching athletic and outdoor wear from The Sports Center for his family.
The final winner Ashia Demeritte bought linens and household items in addition to a new phone from BTC right in time for Christmas.
Caribbean Bottling Company is proud to share the real magic of Coca-Cola with the grand prize winners and the may instant prize winners across the Twist To Win campaign. For more updates on new products, promotions, and events follow www.cbcbahamas.com.
Bahamas News
The Coca-Cola Art Project Astonishes Art Lovers at The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products displayed
their astonishing Coca-Cola Art Project (CCAP), during Baha Mar’s five-day Culinary & Arts Festival. Earlier this year, Coca-Cola partnered with The University of The Bahamas’ Visual Art and Design Department for a culturally rich art competition. UB’s art students were challenged to create pieces surrounding the theme, Bahamian music.
As a result, 20 student works of art were made, with four students declared as winners at the CCAP exhibit opening in Baha Mar’s ECCHO: Art Gallery in August. To recreate the culturally stimulating magic felt at the exhibit’s premiere, the CCAP was featured at the FUZE Art Tent during The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival.
Nine incredible pieces of art lined the walls of the Coca-Cola Art Project, four of which included the winning pieces from Jhanaisia Cole,
with ‘Gaulin Bride’; Alyssa Pinder, with ‘Shotgun Wedding’; Nelson Gray, with ‘Untitled’; and Jaela Bowe, with the piece ‘Whims of Obeah, a Folktail’. Additionally, an intimate listening room was built. It displayed students’ artistic processes, UB Visual Art and Design representatives, and a recap of the exhibit opening for audiences.
Art enthusiasts also enjoyed premium limited-edition CCAP keepsakes at the booth. Journals which featured a collage of all 20 student submissions on the front and back cover, postcards with an art piece on the cover along with the student’s name, title, dimension and materials on the back and pens designed with the CCAP’s dynamic logo.
Throughout the art festival diverse groups of people visited the art tent taking in the displays while enjoying the artistic insights from the
listening booth.
Community and culture are always at the forefront of Caribbean Bottling Community, and it was boldly showcased during The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival for the third consecutive year.
For more details on the Coca-Cola Art Project, events and new products visit www.cbcbahamas.com today!
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor delighted Jollification
attendees with bubbles from their Bottega and Bouvet Ladubay sparkling wines and Besserat de Bellefon champagne lines.
Located in the Monument Circle on The Retreat grounds, CWS transformed The Retreat Garden into a lush lounge with Besserat, Bouvet and their latest product addition, Bottega, during the two-day affair.
The festivities kicked off Friday during BNT Member’s Night. Guests enjoyed exclusive offerings from CWS’s catalogue, offered exclusively to members. Complimentary mixes or glasses on the rocks included El Tequileno tequila, Hard Truth whiskey, House of Angostura rum, Cross Keys gin, Nemiroff vodka and a slew of wines such as Fonesca Bin, Bottega and Besserat.
Guests also savored the ‘Jolly Paloma’ cocktail, an instant favorite made with El Tequileno tequila, Schweppes Grapefruit and Domaine de Paris rose wine. To end the night, guests were treated to branded limited-edition wine tumblers as keepsakes.
On Saturday and Sunday, Jollification attendees delighted in glasses or bottles of champagne and sparkling brut or rosé wines while taking
in the comfort of the chic lounge. In addition to purchasing bottles for onsite consumption, consumers were also able to purchase bottles as gifts whether for themselves or someone special.
The sophisticated “bubble lounge” lounge was decked with velvet couches, gold rimmed cocktail tables, blue and pink pillows, and a white floral branded backdrop created for capturing the perfect picture.
Caribbean Wines & Spirits, a historic partner of the Bahamas National Trust was pleased to support Jollification 2025 to kick off the festive season and share their expansive range of spirits.
To keep up to date with all CWS products and events, visit their website at www.cwsbahamas.com today.
