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 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.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to once again support Basketball Smiles for their 27th year.
Upholding its corporate pillar of community outreach, CBC proudly donated $2,000, over 75 cases of Dasani, Powerade and Sprite, reusable
Powerade water bottles and numerous marketing materials.
The annual sporting summer camp offers free basketball and life skills training to Junior and High School students.
Basketball Smiles’ mission of developing leadership qualities while fostering children’s academic achievement and self-esteem aligns perfectly with CBC’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth.
Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company shared why the company continues to support this program each year.
“At CBC, we believe investing in our youth is one of the greatest ways to strengthen our communities. We’re proud to support Basketball Smiles each year because it goes beyond the game. This program champions healthy lifestyles, positive values and brighter futures. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping these young athletes reach their full potential each year,” she shared.
Sam Nicholls, Basketball Smiles Camp President and Founder expressed.
“Caribbean Bottling Company is an incredible partner. We are truly grateful for their generous support, which will go a long way in making a positive impact on the lives of our campers,” Nicholls expressed.
CBC is always ready to lend its support toward initiatives and programs that uplift young Bahamians. The impact Basketball Smiles makes on the community is undeniable and is why CBC remains a historic sponsor.
For more information on sponsorship, events and new products, visit www.cbcbahamas.com today.
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