Bahamas News
Government moving on pledge to achieve 30 percent conversion to renewable energy by 2030
By: Kathryn Campbell
Bahamas Information Services
#TheBahamas, June 9, 2022 – The government is forging ahead to achieve energy sector reform in the country with 30 per cent conversion to renewable energy, or ‘solar power,’ by 2030.
Long Cay
The initiative would reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuel energy sources, which are very costly, contribute to high cost of living in The Bahamas and elsewhere, and add to adverse climate change globally.
To begin the process of conversion to solar power, Technical Assessments for the installation of Solar Photovoltaic Systems are underway in North Andros, Inagua, Mayaguana, Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay, Marsh Harbour and Abaco to assist the country in its transformation to clean renewables.
Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis in his recent Budget Communication highlighted the importance of the solar power initiative, noting that “it has long been a major complaint of businesses that a key challenge to the Ease of Doing Business over the years has been the very high costs of electricity, the unreliable supply of electricity, and the limited inclusion of solar technologies in our energy mix, even despite our abundant potential for solar power and the tools at our disposal to solve this problem.”
The prime minister in his Fiscal Year 2022/2023 Budget Communication, May 25, 2022 recalled the execution of an $80 million loan on August 5th, 2020 with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for the “Reconstruction with Resilience in the Energy Sector in The Bahamas.”
The objective of the loan was to support the government with the rehabilitation of critical energy infrastructure and restoration of electricity service in islands heavily-affected by Hurricane Dorian, while facilitating the integration of Renewable Energy (RE).
The specific objectives were to:
(i) Support the rehabilitation of the electricity transmission and distribution system and installation of new and resilient RE capacity in Abaco and East Grand Bahama;
(ii) Promote the adoption of solar PV technologies in the Family Islands; and
(iii) Contribute to the improvement of the regulatory framework for RE technologies and the mechanisms for its deployment.
The Prime Minister advised that there has been “very little” progress since 2020, and that “since coming into office my administration has moved quickly to rectify this and to capitalize on this missed opportunity by strengthening the Project Execution Unit (PEU) in the Ministry of Finance to ensure timely delivery, value for money and to co-ordinate activities with other relevant stakeholders on this project. The result has been substantial progress on this project in the past few months.”
The immediate focus is the introduction and implementation of new models to develop resilient solar PV installations in The Bahamas.
“To accomplish this an assessment of energy systems in New Providence and the Family Islands will need to be done. This work will start in the southeastern islands, namely Inagua, Mayaguana, Acklins, Crooked Island and Long Cay.
“This year we will deploy in those islands, public decentralized solar PV plants; rooftop systems and innovative microgrids with storage capacity; and grid modernization technologies to improve the reliability and resiliency of the power network on these islands.
North Andros
“Additionally, pilot installations of Solar Photovoltaic Systems on public buildings in Andros will also be carried out. Thereafter, the installations of Solar Photovoltaic Systems with be extended to the Central and Northern Bahamas.
“A key aspect of this project is to ensure Bahamian participation and ownership in this industry. What this means, is that going forward, we are committed that all future maintenance, installation, site works or the like, will be conducted by Bahamians.”
In the first cohort of this initiative, the Government has committed to have a minimum of 25 Bahamians, trained and certified to operate in this sector.
“We will also commit and ensure that government funding agencies make resources available to those individuals who have successfully completed this course, in order to support them in opening their own business in this sector. We will also encourage the inclusion of green technology in all new major construction, and eventually provide the opportunity to offer similar services around the region,” he said.
At a Local Government Practitioners Conference, May 25, at SuperClubs Breezes, Prime Minister Davis informed that he has “direct superintendence of this energy and economic development project,” and assessments are being led by members of the Project Execution Unit/Reconstruction with Resilience in the Energy Sector in The Bahamas Program, within the Ministry of Finance.
He said, “This transformative initiative is contained in my Government’s Economic Plan and Blueprint to provide renewable and solar energy for the country thereby reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuel by 30 percent by 2030.”
He admonished Local Government practitioners that they are on the frontline in leading this transformation, and that he and the minister are counting on their “strong leadership in making this a success.”
On March 30, 2022 the government, led by Minister of Economic Affairs, Senator the Hon. Michael Halkitis, signed a $9 million contract funded by the European Union in partnership with the IDB to assist in the expanded use of clean, renewable energy, and promote post-hurricane reconstruction ‘with resilience’ in The Bahamas.
Marsh Harbour, Abaco
During the signing held at the Ministry of Finance, Senator Halkitis said, “It is worth noting that a high priority of this administration is to reduce the use of fossil fuel by creating an environment for renewable energy, where interested persons or entrepreneurs can participate in, among other things, the application of solar energy for the advancement of industry that is propelled by clean energy. Today, the EU and IDB are providing financial assistance of approximately $9 million, in grant funds, to assist in transforming a plan for renewable energy into reality.”
He said that the support comes at a very timely moment given the current geopolitical circumstances impacting fuel prices and the rise in the costs of goods and services. He also alluded to the current energy investment initiative that is at present being funded by the IDB at a cost of $80 million.
“This project, in summary, entails the installation of renewable energy capacity in East End Grand Bahama and Abaco. The Family islands are also expected to receive support from the energy investment project as solar systems will be constructed on these islands to reduce reliance on traditional energy.”
Photo Caption: Technical Assessments are taking place in Family Islands for the installation of Solar Photovoltaic Systems as part of the country’s energy sector reform for 30 percent reliance on renewable energy (solar power) by 2030.
(BIS Photos/Ulric Woodside).
Long Cay – Photos 1 and 2
North Andros – 3
Marsh Harbour, Abaco – 093103 and 092514
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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