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Bahamas Becomes First International US TSA PreCheck at LPIA

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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)

 

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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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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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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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