The Bahamas, March 25, 2025 – Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to announce the opening of the 2025 Carleton Williams Scholarship. This year the scholarship is open to all sixth-grade students attending public schools with a 3.0 GPA or above in Grand Bahama.

The scholarship rotates annually between primary students at Garvin Tynes Primary in New Providence and  . The winning scholar is awarded a scholarship to a local private school for the full six years of high school, subject to a minimum GPA requirement.

This year’s scholarship application will close on Sunday, May 11^th, 2025. Their applications will be reviewed by a panel, followed by an interview with the finalists.

The award which launched in 2016 was created to honor Carleton Williams CBE on his retirement as Chairman of the Board for Caribbean Bottling Company. Since then, this scholarship has impacted the lives of 10 students and their families.                                                                                                                                                                                                           The 2025 recipient will join CBC’s vibrant scholarship community, consisting of: Selena Cartwright, 2024; Timothy Kemp, 2023; Leonardo Sands, 2022; Maliyah Edgecombe, 2021; Angela Sands, 2020; Gabriel Hall, 2019; Kennedi Knowles and Anajah Culmer, 2018; Kailena Pinder, 2017 and 2016 inaugural scholarship winners, D’Ron & T’Ron Strapp on their academic journey.

Maliyah Edgecombe, a tenth-grade student at Bishop Michael Eldon Highschool and the 2021 recipient shared how this scholarship affected her life.

“This scholarship has made a great impact on my life. It has not only given me financial support but motivation to pursue in my academic and career goals.”

With CBC’s support, Edgecombe can explore her talents and passions. She is a member of various clubs and organizations such as: Key Club, The Governor General Youth Award (GGYA), Student Christian Movement (SCM), tennis, Georgia School of Dance (ballet, jazz and drama) and she plays clarinet in her church’s band.

Edgecombe recalled the moment her dreams became reality when she was informed that she had been chosen as the 2021 Carleton Williams Scholarship recipient.

“When I was informed that I was chosen for this scholarship, I experienced a roller coaster of emotions; gratitude, excitement and relief! I was elated to know that I was chosen from a myriad of students.” she expressed.

Upon the opening of this year’s scholarship, Edgecombe shared her support to the hundreds of students who will be applying or considering it.

“I would like to encourage those who are applying for the scholarship that no matter the outcome, the effort you put into applying for this scholarship is already a step toward your future. Keep pushing forward, remember that hard work pays off and never stop believing in yourself!”

Application closes May 11^th. For all those interested in applying or know someone who would benefit from this award visit www.cbcbahamas.com for complete details and to access the application.

Photo Caption: New Providence scholarship recipients posing during the 2024 Carleton Williams Scholarship workshop. (L-R) Angela Sands, 2020 recipient; Selena Cartwright, 2024 recipient, Zakiyah Neely and Karla Wells-Lisgaris, CBC’s Commercial Officer.

Nassau, BAHAMAS — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor hosted a spectacular showcase to celebrate the evolution of its portfolio while highlighting their innovative products.

The event was held at The Bahamas National Trust’s Retreat Garden as an opportunity to educate customers on how the company has grown its product listing since 2020.

Karla Wells-Lisgaris, Commercial Officer of Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, and sister company to CWS shared her thoughts during the event.

“CWS was birthed with the goal of offering Bahamians premium wines and spirits. Over the years we have grown to be an alcohol beverage provider known for our quality products and excellent service.  As we grow each year striving to continuously satisfy our clients and consumers, we are proud at the expansion of our portfolio.”

The showcase was a testament to CWS’s steady growth and strategic planning.  The company that started with only one brand, House of Angostura and 14 Stock Keeping Units (SKU) has now grown to over 40 brands and 350 SKUs.

Waylon McHardy, General Manager for Caribbean Wines & Spirits shared what inspired the tradeshow that took place in “grand style”.

“We decided to celebrate our growth by showcasing our evolution along with the incredible products offered in our portfolio.  As a team we’re elated by the expansion of our portfolio, appreciative of our loyal customers and proud of our Team Members across the organization who continue to embrace a customer-centric mindset, which also calls for celebration.” McHardy expressed.

The event categorized its wines and spirits into two sections, the ‘Americas’ and ‘Europe’.  Each product had a brand ambassador at their respective stations offering consumers a better understanding of the product’s origins and taste.

While CWS is known for providing quality products, a few key brands wowed guests that night.  Fan-favorites were: ABK6 Cognac, Hard Truth Toasted Coconut Rum Cream, El Tequileno, Caposaldo Moscato and Fonseca Bin No. 27 Port.

Another highlight of the night was the introduction of two new products in CWS’ inventory; El Tequileno an award-winning tequila and ABK6 a single estate cognac.

McHardy revealed that tequila is the fastest-growing category in the beverage industry globally. Aiming to always compete and provide a variety of products, CWS secured El Tequileno, a multi–International Spirits Challenge (ISC) and Spirits Business Awards winner for tequila; which can now be purchased and enjoyed locally.

Cognac, a highly popular spirit within the country presented a gap in CWS’ portfolio, which was filled with the introduction of ABK6.  This “innovative” product, made with diligence and integrity in each step  makes for a delightful taste on the pallet.

Guests savored a variety of hand-crafted cocktails at the El Tequileno Tequila and Nemiroff Vodka stations which heightened their taste buds.

The night was a celebratory affair without a doubt, however McHardy shared the overall goal of the event.

“We want customers to leave feeling valued and appreciated with a deeper understanding of our organization’s mission, which is to serve as a business partner for our customers while seeking to meet the needs of our consumers.” McHardy disclosed.

As the year progresses, consumers can enjoy products at the company’s growing monthly Block Parties and samplings.  Also be on the lookout for a fun summer calendar that will include multiple islands in The Bahamas.

To keep up to date on exciting events and new products visit CWS’ website at www.cwsbahamas.com and follow-on social media at @caribbeanwinesandspirits.

By DANIELLE ROLLON

Bahamas Information Services

GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas —The iconic Queen Victoria cruise ship made its inaugural voyage to Grand Bahama on Saturday, March 15, 2025 as part of its South American discovery adventure.

The Queen Victoria ship is one of the four Queens making up the Cunard fleet.

The vessel has 17 decks with amenities including the largest ballroom at sea, exquisite fine dining, five-star entertainment nightly in the Royal Court Theatre and more.

On this extended voyage, the ship is carrying over 1,850 guests and a crew of 950, and will complete a journey spanning just over 90-days before returning to the United Kingdom on March 28, 2025.

To mark the significance of the occasion, Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey, Deputy Chief Operating Officer at Freeport Harbor Charles Rolle, and officials of the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation (MOTIA) participated in a special plaque exchange ceremony during a brief welcome reception aboard the vessel.

Captain Martyn Sharples said the ship’s call to Grand Bahama is a result of last-minute changes to the voyage itinerary.

He also noted that Cunard engages in extended voyages each year and plans to further expand its presence in the region.  The Queen Victoria is scheduled to complete multiple extended voyages, including world cruises and additional Caribbean itineraries. This ensures that Grand Bahama remains a key destination in an exciting new era of luxury cruising.

“Grand Bahama is doing very well. We have two new cruise ports coming to the island, and I think this is indicative of what’s to come,” said Moxey.

“It’s a good thing for our island and we expect to have many more of these visits,” she added.

Mr. Rolle said it is always a pleasure to be able to accommodate vessels like the Queen Victoria at Freeport Harbor, especially given the significant impact cruise ships have on our community.

PHOTO CAPTION

MS QUEEN VICTORIA — The Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation (MOTIA) welcomed the Queen Victoria cruise ship to Grand Bahama when it called at the Freeport Harbour on March 15, 2025 with over 1,850 guests and 950 crew members onboard.  The occasion was marked with a plaque exchange ceremony between Captain Martyn Sharples, Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey, Deputy Chief Operating Officer at Freeport Harbor, Charles Rolle, and officials of MOTIA to commemorate the cruise ship’s inaugural voyage to the island.

(BIS Photo/Andrew Miller)