Bahamas News
Baha Gala: Nature-inspired creations by Designer extraordinaire, Tenisha Carey
By Shanieka Smith
Features Writer
#TheBahamas, April 26, 2022 – They say an original is worth more than a copy, Tenisha Carey can attest. Fifteen years ago Carey became tired of seeing everyone in the same jewelry designs. So, she decided to use her
gifted hands to craft unique styles of jewelry, first for herself, but that blossomed into The Baha Gala, the home of intriguing handcrafted jewelry.
Baha Gala was established in 2003 and took off in 2008, sharing the love of Bahamas’ culture, nature, and beauty through its designs.
As owner and designer, Carey is committed to exposing the creativity and beauty of the natural materials found in The Bahamas: shells, sand, seeds, corals, turquoise, semi precious stones, freshwater pearls, and even the Bahamian coin, one of her best sellers.
“I design everything,” said Carey after listing some of the items she handcrafted. Necklaces, earrings, belts, bracelets, tiaras, and comb clips are some of the pieces she named. She expressed that these items can all be personalised to customer’s likings.
She expressed that, “I not just wanted to purchase designs that people can purchase from the shelf, I also wanted persons to personalise and to become their own designers.” Baha Gala goes as far as to offer customers the opportunity to purchase customised items within their budget. The cost for the pieces at Baha Gala starts at ten dollars and the pieces are diverse, they are for everyone; children, men, women.
The store is located at the RayVin Mall in Freeport, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas and has a presence on Facebook and a website; which Tenisha explains is where many people place their orders. Some walk into the store to collect already customised pieces, others get their special design in the mail. She has shipped as far away as the continent of Africa.
Besides nature, Carey is deeply inspired and supported by her mother and husband – her mom has similar passions, and her husband assists with some of the handy work. 
When it comes to a work of art, many see the art and not the work. For Baha Gala, it has so far been a success. Carey said she designs for both Bahama and Atlantis, ships worldwide, and is in talks with cruise lines like Royal Caribbean. However, she shared that the journey has not been the easiest.
“I always tell persons if you’re going to choose a craft or anything to go into, you have to truly love it. Jewelry design is tedious… it’s been a slow growth but I knew it was going somewhere,” she expressed.
She added, “when I told my dream to the first three or four persons, if I had listened to what they said, I would not have done this.” She encouraged others to pursue their passion anyway and advised that you cannot fail if you do not try and if you do fail, do it again differently.
Carey, the passionate creator of authentic pieces from Baha Gala is also a Communications major, song writer, published author, marketer, clothing and interior designer, and model. She does a little bit of everything.
NASSAU, Bahamas — More Bahamians are accessing HIV and sexually transmitted infection-related healthcare through National Health Insurance, a trend the NHI Authority says should be viewed positively.
NHIA stressed in an August 6 statement that its 2025 figures measure healthcare utilisation, not newly diagnosed infections. They include beneficiaries screened, treated, monitored or receiving follow-up care, including people diagnosed previously.
“Increased utilisation of these services should be viewed as a positive development,” NHIA said.
The Authority pointed to “greater enrolment and use of NHI, improved access to screening and testing, continued treatment and monitoring of existing conditions, and increased willingness to seek medical care.”
The development comes amid a mixed three-year HIV picture. New diagnoses rose from 130 in 2023 to 156 in 2024, before declining to 142 in 2025.
NHIA said increased utilisation demonstrates that more beneficiaries are accessing needed healthcare and actively managing their health, reinforcing the importance of screening, early diagnosis and continued treatment.
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.
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