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Grand Bahama hosts hundreds of tourists on Wednesday

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By: Andrew Coakley

Bahamas Information Services

 

#TheBahamas, March 31, 2022 – Grand Bahamian tourism economy got a huge booster shot of optimism and hope on Wednesday, March 30, 2022, when close to one thousand visitors from two major cruise ships visited the island, partaking in various tourism attractions.

Four cruise ships had docked in the Freeport Harbour Wednesday morning – the Norwegian Sky, the Norwegian Pearl, the Grand Classica and Ocean Voyager — and hundreds of passengers filed out of the belly of those mega vessels and filled a number of tour buses, headed for attractions in West End and in the Port Lucaya Marketplace.

“This is a wonderful time for Grand Bahama,” said Senator James Turner, who was on hand to welcome some of the visitors to the Port Lucaya Marketplace on Wednesday afternoon. “This is the time that reminds us of what once was and what we have to reclaim.

“We’ve been saying for a long time in Grand Bahama that we all ought to participate in the prosperity of the islands of The Bahamas. Today is wonderful. Four cruise ships in the port, we see buses going back and forth, picking up and dropping off tourists, we see the vendors here in the marketplace negotiating, we see hundreds of visitors walking around and we see our tourism officials smiling.”

Three hundred of the visitors were bused to Crystal Bay Beach, where they took part in the “swim with the pigs” experience. The attraction has been around since 2013 and has grown to become popular not only for cruise passengers, but also for those staying in Airbnb and even by local residents. The tourist site not only gives visitors an opportunity to swim with and feed trained pigs, but there are kayaks available, a restaurant that serves strictly Bahamian dishes and drinks, a gift shop and cabanas set up along the beach shore.

Steven Johnson, General Manager at Bahamas Ministry of Tourism in Grand Bahama could not hide his excitement as he pulled onto the Crystal Bay Beach to welcome the visitors to the tourist attraction. He noted that things are starting to happen for Grand Bahama in terms of its tourism economy and the four cruise ships in port on Wednesday was just the beginning.

“Grand Bahama is primed for what is about to come,” said Mr. Johnson. “We’re excited about today and about the future. We were in Colombia about two weeks ago and we’re looking at a program out of Colombia. It’s not confirmed yet, but we’re working on it.

“Grand Bahama has turned into an all-age party city. People are coming here, whether corporately or for leisure, to celebrate and have parties in Grand Bahama. We’re excited about the opportunities that are coming.”

The tourism executive said there is the opportunity to bring in fraternal tourism, religious tourism and other major groups. He noted that some of the attractions that have always been big sellers for Grand Bahama are up and running again.

Specifically, he noted that diving in Grand Bahama has become extremely popular with visitors.

“We have two of the top diving exploration spots in the region at Tiger Beach just outside of West End and Shark Junction,” said Johnson.

“There are lots of activity at those spots. In fact, we have people coming in to make movies at those sites. Actually, I recently signed about 15-20 different releases, giving approval for movie companies to bring in equipment to make their movies.

“There’s something about diving here in Grand Bahama, particularly shark diving that you cannot get anywhere else in the Bahamas. So Grand Bahama has suddenly become a big diving hotspot. So, we’re excited about the possibilities for Grand Bahama’s tourism.”

The influx of visitors to the island comes a week after Minister for Tourism, Hon. Chester Cooper, bemoaned the empty, ghost-like feeling in Port Lucaya Market Place, during his visit to the island and tour of the market place.

During the time, the Tourism Minister, along with the Minister for Grand Bahama, Hon. Ginger Moxey, vowed to hold talks with the major cruise lines to find a way to bring visitors off the ships, away from the harbor and into the Port Lucaya Marketplace and to other tourist destinations on the island.

“This is a red-letter day for Grand Bahama and it is certainly the beginning of a new day for the people of our island,” said Senator James Turner.

While he expressed gratitude for the influx of visitors to Grand Bahama and the economic opportunities for local businesses, Steven Johnson acknowledged that for many Grand Bahamians it has been difficult economically, having gone through the devastation of Hurricane Dorian and then the effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

“But we say to them, hold on, hang on because the Magic City is almost on its way back,” Johnson added.

 

Photo Captions:

Header: Hundreds of tourists flocked into the Port Lucaya Marketplace for some shopping and dining on Wednesday, March 30, 2022.  The visitors were from two Norwegian cruise ships that called on Freeport on  Wednesday morning. The initiative was part of an effort by the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Grand Bahama to get more cruise ship visitors into the market place.

1st insert: Straw vendors in the Port Lucaya Market place were excited on Wednesday morning, when bus loads of tourists swarmed the Market place to browse, shop and dine before returning to their cruise ship in the Freeport Harbor.

insert 2: Senator James Turner was elated to see the number of tourists that came from the cruise ships into Port Lucaya and at other touristic sites on the island of Grand Bahama on Wednesday, March 30, 2022. Senator Turner said it was the beginning of what’s to come for Grand Bahama. In the background is Steven Johnson, General Manager of Tourism in Grand Bahama.

 

BIS Photos/Lisa Davis

 

Bahamas News

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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Bahamas News

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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Bahamas News

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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