Bahamas News
Prime Minister Davis says despite global events his government can ‘stand in the gap’ and ease the burdens of the Bahamian people
By ERIC ROSE
Bahamas Information Services
#NASSAU, The Bahamas, November 4, 2022 – While making his Contribution on the Minimum Wage Increase 2022 in the House of Assembly, on November 2, 2022, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis noted that, although his Government cannot prevent global events from having a local impact, it can “stand in the gap” and ease the burdens of the Bahamian people.
“It has been clear for a long time, to anyone paying attention, that the minimum wage was far too low,” Prime Minister Davis said. “When we came to office, we immediately started planning and negotiating to raise the minimum wage.
“We did not hesitate,” he added. “And we did not let the fiscal and economic crises we inherited stand in our way.”
Prime Minister Davis pointed out that, with the passage of that Bill, the minimum wage would increase from $210 to $260 per week. In the public sector, he added, the raise was retroactive, going back to the past July. In the private sector, the increase would begin in January, with the extra months allowing businesses to plan and prepare.
“Fifty dollars more each week will not eliminate the economic strain on families; but it is something — $200 more a month towards food, or school fees, or rent, or peace of mind,” he said.
“It is progress on the path to a livable wage,” Prime Minister Davis added. “It’s been a long time since the minimum wage was last raised — seven years ago, in fact, in 2015.”
He noted that his Government was “very careful” to negotiate a minimum wage that would not slow down job growth; and were “very mindful” of pressures facing Bahamian businesses.
“Similarly, when we added diapers and more food items to our price control list, we are signaling to businesses that we expect the savings from reduced customs duties to be passed on to Bahamians,” Prime Minister Davis said. “Business owners will still make a profit, just a little less than they would otherwise.”
“We have listened to their concerns, and we have been flexible about some of the details,” he added. “We will continue to review the impact of price controls on both consumers and businesses.
“But the bottom line is, the costs of this global inflation crisis must be a shared burden, not one that falls primarily on Bahamian families working to get by.”
Prime Minister Davis said that the new price controls on medications were in effect, pharmacies would remain open, and his Government expected pharmacies to come into full compliance “in the coming days”.
“In raising the minimum wage and expanding price controls, my Government is holding firm in protecting the interests of the Bahamian people,” he said.
Prime Minister Davis said that his Government believed that the increase in the minimum wage would provide some measure of relief for working Bahamians, while a growing economy would allow businesses to adjust successfully.
He said: “The minimum wage increase is part of a larger set of policies intended to relieve cost-of-living pressures, including: reduced or eliminated customs duties on key items such as food, solar supplies, and building supplies; additional price control inspectors; free WiFi in parks across the country; an emphasis on affordable housing; and an historic investment in home-grown food.”
Prime Minister Davis added that, at the heart of all of his Government’s policies was the belief that every Bahamian deserved economic dignity and security.
“That is why we prioritized public service promotions and regularisations, and labour agreements with unions, including teachers and nurses,” he said. “That’s why we’ve provided relief grants to those who were particularly hit hard by the lockdowns.
“That’s why we’re investing in small businesses, and in expanding education and training,” he added. “That’s why we’re diversifying the economy, to broaden and deepen opportunities.”
Prime Minister Davis pointed out that his Government’s goal for the Bahamian economy went beyond recovery.
“I don’t want to turn back the clock – because, let’s be honest – there’s never been a time when our economy created enough opportunities for Bahamian advancement and ownership,” he said. “Returning to the past economy isn’t the goal.
“Creating a new, more inclusive economy is the goal.”
“Many Bahamians have achieved remarkable success, but thousands more can and should join them,” Prime Minister Davis added. “It is my fervent prayer that we all find common ground in a shared commitment to lifting up Bahamians and building a stronger and more resilient Bahamas.”
(BIS Photo/Ulric Woodside)
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products concluded their 10 weeklong Twist To Win campaign with four $5,000 Mall at Marathon shopping sprees.
The campaign which was available throughout the entire Bahamas allowed consumers to enter by purchasing a 20oz bottle with a yellow cap
from the following brands: Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola No Sugar, Sprite, Fanta Orange, or Fanta Grape. Each yellow-cap had a unique alpha numeric code underneath which they submitted to the Twist To Win WhatsApp number.
With each qualifying purchase, participants residing in The Bahamas were entered to win instant prizes and into a grand prize draw to win one of four $5,000 shopping sprees at the Mall at Marathon.
Participants also enjoyed exciting instant prizes such as: Airpods, JBL Speakers, premium Coca-Cola merchandise, $500 Visa gift cards and Amazon, Spotify and Apple Music digital gift cards.
Out of 76,000 plus submissions, Brian Bethel, Ashia Demeritte, Merlin Adams, and Taraceta Neely won the coveted Mall at Marathon shopping sprees at the following select stores, Kelly’s House & Home, The Sports Center, John Bull, Brass & Leather, and BTC.
Leading up to the grand finale shopping spree, Coca-Cola hosted a Trivia Showdown with the eight finalists to determine the four winners. Finalists were tested on their knowledge of World History, Pop Culture, Caribbean Bottling Company and Coca-Cola Facts!
After a few rousing rounds of trivia, the four winners were declared after each winning their spot in the shopping spree by answering their questions correctly and choosing the “Grand Prize” Coca-Cola labeled bottles at random.
The morning of the shopping spree Coca-Cola gave the winners exclusive access to the Mall at Marathon and its participating stores before
their usual operating hours. Grand prize winners were greeted with wide smiles from Coca-Cola brand representatives and morning bites before the big event.
At the start of the thirty-minute clock the grand prize winners along with each of their Coca-Cola shopping assistants ran to the various stores collecting items in their arms and carts.
Merlin Adams, a husband and father of four was proud to have executed his game-plan at the end of the shopping spree. With toys, a new phone and materials for his home from Kelly’s, Adams felt accomplished in what he gathered.
Taraceta Neely, a winner from Eleuthera collected beautiful bags for herself and relatives from Brass and Leather and Brian Bethel bought matching athletic and outdoor wear from The Sports Center for his family.
The final winner Ashia Demeritte bought linens and household items in addition to a new phone from BTC right in time for Christmas.
Caribbean Bottling Company is proud to share the real magic of Coca-Cola with the grand prize winners and the may instant prize winners across the Twist To Win campaign. For more updates on new products, promotions, and events follow www.cbcbahamas.com.
Bahamas News
The Coca-Cola Art Project Astonishes Art Lovers at The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products displayed
their astonishing Coca-Cola Art Project (CCAP), during Baha Mar’s five-day Culinary & Arts Festival. Earlier this year, Coca-Cola partnered with The University of The Bahamas’ Visual Art and Design Department for a culturally rich art competition. UB’s art students were challenged to create pieces surrounding the theme, Bahamian music.
As a result, 20 student works of art were made, with four students declared as winners at the CCAP exhibit opening in Baha Mar’s ECCHO: Art Gallery in August. To recreate the culturally stimulating magic felt at the exhibit’s premiere, the CCAP was featured at the FUZE Art Tent during The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival.
Nine incredible pieces of art lined the walls of the Coca-Cola Art Project, four of which included the winning pieces from Jhanaisia Cole,
with ‘Gaulin Bride’; Alyssa Pinder, with ‘Shotgun Wedding’; Nelson Gray, with ‘Untitled’; and Jaela Bowe, with the piece ‘Whims of Obeah, a Folktail’. Additionally, an intimate listening room was built. It displayed students’ artistic processes, UB Visual Art and Design representatives, and a recap of the exhibit opening for audiences.
Art enthusiasts also enjoyed premium limited-edition CCAP keepsakes at the booth. Journals which featured a collage of all 20 student submissions on the front and back cover, postcards with an art piece on the cover along with the student’s name, title, dimension and materials on the back and pens designed with the CCAP’s dynamic logo.
Throughout the art festival diverse groups of people visited the art tent taking in the displays while enjoying the artistic insights from the
listening booth.
Community and culture are always at the forefront of Caribbean Bottling Community, and it was boldly showcased during The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival for the third consecutive year.
For more details on the Coca-Cola Art Project, events and new products visit www.cbcbahamas.com today!
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor delighted Jollification
attendees with bubbles from their Bottega and Bouvet Ladubay sparkling wines and Besserat de Bellefon champagne lines.
Located in the Monument Circle on The Retreat grounds, CWS transformed The Retreat Garden into a lush lounge with Besserat, Bouvet and their latest product addition, Bottega, during the two-day affair.
The festivities kicked off Friday during BNT Member’s Night. Guests enjoyed exclusive offerings from CWS’s catalogue, offered exclusively to members. Complimentary mixes or glasses on the rocks included El Tequileno tequila, Hard Truth whiskey, House of Angostura rum, Cross Keys gin, Nemiroff vodka and a slew of wines such as Fonesca Bin, Bottega and Besserat.
Guests also savored the ‘Jolly Paloma’ cocktail, an instant favorite made with El Tequileno tequila, Schweppes Grapefruit and Domaine de Paris rose wine. To end the night, guests were treated to branded limited-edition wine tumblers as keepsakes.
On Saturday and Sunday, Jollification attendees delighted in glasses or bottles of champagne and sparkling brut or rosé wines while taking
in the comfort of the chic lounge. In addition to purchasing bottles for onsite consumption, consumers were also able to purchase bottles as gifts whether for themselves or someone special.
The sophisticated “bubble lounge” lounge was decked with velvet couches, gold rimmed cocktail tables, blue and pink pillows, and a white floral branded backdrop created for capturing the perfect picture.
Caribbean Wines & Spirits, a historic partner of the Bahamas National Trust was pleased to support Jollification 2025 to kick off the festive season and share their expansive range of spirits.
To keep up to date with all CWS products and events, visit their website at www.cwsbahamas.com today.
