Bahamas News
One Trillion Dollars Needed for Climate Crisis; Caribbean calling for Developed Nations to Pay
By Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
#TheBahamas, August 20, 2022 – Time is running out and the Caribbean, the planet is facing an existential crisis which requires urgent action from the big Carbon emitters; that action involves cutting back and according to negotiators at the table, it is also means cutting cheques.
When four regional prime ministers hosted a finale press conference at the close of the Caribbean Regional Heads of Government Meeting in Nassau, Bahamas on Wednesday August 17, the message was clear and consistent, pointing to a compelling case being built for small islands of the Caribbean to demand hassle-free access and assurances to climate financing.
“Clearly we are at the front lines of the existential issue that climate change presents for us on a daily basis and at certain times of the year,” said Dakon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada, who added, “I think the issue of climate change has gone beyond a moral issue but a justiciable issue and I think that as islands that have borne the brunt of the proven loss and damage arising from the Green House gases that we are entitled to compensation.”
The Caribbean Regional Heads of Government Meeting in Preparation of COP27 hosted by the Commonwealth of The Bahamas was described as an idea whose time had come. The event, staged at the Baha Mar Resort was praised for amalgamating the forces of the region in a two-day caucus which will birth a document articulating the desires, even demands of a region hardest hit by a climate gone haywire.
“I don’t talk about Climate Change, I talk about the Climate Crisis because this is a crisis,” said Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, who was among the four prime ministers in the final press conference.
Mottley, globally renowned now for her unapologetic stance on the disparities and inequitable pressures small island states are made to bear, said time is running out for action to save the planet.
“This is not a case of good COP or bad COP, because whether we have a good COP or bad COP this year or next year, it’s still a death sentence and that’s the point. And the arrogance of the developed world in believing there will not be failed societies or extinct species is what literally galls us.”
Mottley reflected on the volcano eruption which caused a near 100 percent evacuation of all people of Montserrat and she remarked, “I’ve never seen a dinosaur yet, so we know that there is something called extinct species as well. And the reality is that we are playing fast and loose with our future.”
The Caribbean country leaders expressed that it is time for the “culprits” to pay up with fair compensation and non-burdensome loans.
“What we really should be seeking to raise is at least a trillion (dollars), but here’s why: It’s not just that 30 to 40 percent of that should go to climate adaptation, which only governments can spend on, but the rest of it has to go to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
Quality, free education and accessible, quality health care were cited as among the human development needs which effectively alleviate poverty.
“The developed world accepted that they are the ones who are causing the warming of the environment through their carbon emissions and they also recognized that we in the developing world and we are speaking of the Caribbean in particular are the major victims of their actions and therefore we are entitled to compensation. They agreed that they would provide us with $100 billion a year; that was 14 years ago in Copenhagen, they promised to make $100 billion dollars available to us so that we could put systems in place to mitigate against the impact of climate change. This was supposed to have been materialized in 2020, so we recognized, okay we’re in COVID and everyone has been affected so they’ve put it to 2023,” said Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica.
Skerritt candidly shared his frustrations about the unfulfilled promises of those developed nations, explaining that currently the dilemma is in mediation and by now, in a real world situation, this matter would have evolved to a court trial with the victims resoundingly winning the case.
“The reality is that we have to get the developed world to live up to the expectations, because if mediation does not work, then you go back to the judge and say well we couldn’t find agreement and therefore we have to go into open court to deliberate on this matter and let there be a decision.
The Keeping 1.5°C Alive movement reminds that it was the Paris Agreement of 2016 when the international community crafted the ambitious pledge to cool down the planet. Limiting the global average temperature to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels is the goal, but according to the World Meteorological Organization in a May 2022 report, there is a 93 percent likelihood of the planet exceeding this goal, at least once within the coming five years.
Participating in the two day meeting were representatives from: Antigua and Barbuda; Anguilla; Barbados; Belize; Bermuda; British Virgin Islands; Cayman; Cuba; Dominica; Dominican Republic; Grenada; Guyana; Haiti; Jamaica; Montserrat; St Kitts and Nevis; St Lucia; St Vincent and the Grenadines; Suriname; Trinidad and Tobago and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Meeting host, Philip Davis, Prime Minister of The Bahamas pledged, “At COP 27, our voices will be loud, our voices will be heard and I am certain we will come up with a consensus position as to what we would like to do.”
Davis in that final press event admitted to be cautiously optimistic, “My caution is how the wealthier countries, who are the culprits (if I can call them that) of where we are today are prepared to acknowledge their sins, repent and do what is right in all the circumstances.
I am pleased in what has happened here and I am hoping that one of my colleagues will pick up the challenge to host if (Caribbean Regional Heads of Government Meeting) next year, because we need to do this every year until we get the results that we need.”
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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