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Dame Janet Bostwick  Receives CARICOM Triennial Award for Women; Second for The Bahamas

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 NASSAU, The Bahamas –Her first exposure to the plight of women happened in the 1950s and this sparked her unrelenting fight for the empowerment of women in The Bahamas, regionally, and globally.

For her significant contributions to the advancement of gender equality and women’s empowerment, the Rt. Hon. Dame Janet Bostwick, 83, was honoured with the prestigious 13th CARICOM Triennial Award for Women.

The honour was bestowed on her at the Official Opening Ceremony of the 44th Regular Meeting of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, CARICOM, at Atlantis, Paradise Island, February 15, 2023.

The Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of The Bahamas and Chair of CARICOM, presented a framed Citation and award to her before a packed Grand Ballroom.

Dame Janet, an attorney and champion for women’s causes, became the second Bahamian woman to receive such an honour.  Marion Bethel, attorney, poet, essayist, filmmaker, human and gender rights activist, and writer was honoured in 2014.

In response to receiving The 13th CARICOM Triennial Award for Women, Dame Janet underscored the importance of women fighting for justice, equality and other areas such as the impact of climate change.

She said that the region is “so proud” that a woman, the Hon. Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, is leading the charge for women against climate change.

“We do not have the luxury ladies of focusing our attention primarily on achieving gender equity or equality.  With the real threat of climate change, we must fight now for our very lives, and the continued existence of our nations.  Women, who are always the most vulnerable, should lead this fight.”

Dame Janet Gwennett Bostwick, DBE, née Musgrove, was born 30 October 1939 in Nassau, The Bahamas to Nick and Lois Musgrove.

An attorney at law, she is revered as a pioneer among women in The Bahamas and is well known, admired and respected for the many years she championed the cause for the empowerment and improvement of the status of women at home and in the region.

Dame Janet has the distinction of having achieved many “firsts” in her career. Most notably: first woman in The Bahamas to hold the post of Secretary General of The Bahamas Public Services Union; to prosecute in the courts; to be elected as President of The Bahamas Bar Association and Chairman of the Bar Council; first woman to serve as a Member of Parliament following her election to the House of Assembly in 1982; the first woman appointed Attorney General in The Bahamas and the region in November 1994; the first woman appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1995. She was also the first woman to act in the post of Prime Minister.

Dame Janet’s activism on women’s issues spans from the mid-1960s, when she was an executive member of The Bahamas Public Services Union, through her entire political career. Over the many years, she represented The Bahamas at the Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM), Commission on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), chaired the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR), as well as headed The Bahamas delegation at the Fourth World Women’s Conference in Beijing, China in September 1995.

Dame Janet shared that she was exposed to the plight of women while working at the Supreme Court in the 1950s, but was deeply sensitized to the extremities of violence against women when she attended an international conference in the early 1990s.

“It was then that I knew that I had to be a part of that group, which sought change and global recognition of men and women, as equal partners in every respect,“ Dame Janet said.

She continued: “I heard the cries of those women in 1957. And if you listen, you hear the cries of mothers now. They cry for food security. They need food for their children. They cry for cessation of violence, they cry for better education and for better and affordable health services.  And yes, they cry for equal rights with their land.

Dame Janet urged all to be careful not to be distracted from the cause for the rights of women.

“It is a battle that is still too far from victory. And it is a battle, which in my humble opinion is not receiving the acknowledgment attention and action that is required to ensure that the injustice is eliminated. It is a battle that has been relegated to a position of lesser importance, and it’s been choked by the clamor of others.”

She added: “This is tragic. Every one of us who ever existed came into existence through woman. We cannot afford to give precedent to the rights of others if we do not so successfully address and eliminate the inequities that exist throughout our diaspora, and indeed throughout the world, in respect of the rights of us, women.  I submit that for this, we need no redefinition of woman. There is much to be done.”

Dame Janet thanked all who were instrumental in nominating her for the award.

Since the introduction of the Triennial Award in 1983 several highly esteemed and outstanding women of the Caribbean have been bestowed the honour of the award for their dedication and determination in broadening the parameters of existence for women, and improving their economic, social, political, cultural and legal status.

Other Caribbean women awarded are: In 1984, Ms. Nesta Patrick of Trinidad and Tobago; 1987, the late, Her Excellency, Dame Nita Barrow of Barbados; 1990, Dr. Peggy Antrobus, national of Grenada and Citizen of St. Vincent and the Grenadines; 1993, Ms. Magda Pollard of Guyana; 1996, Dr. Lucille Mair of Jamaica; 1999, Professor Joycelin Massiah, national of Guyana and Citizen of Barbados; 2002, Professor Rhoda Reddock of Trinidad and Tobago; in 2005 Justice Desiree Bernard of Guyana; 2008, Professor Barbara Evelyn Bailey of Jamaica; 2011, Professor V. Eudine Barriteau of Barbados; 2014, Ms. Marion Bethel of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas; 2017, Ms. Shirley Pryce of Jamaica.

 

PHOTO CAPTION: The Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of The Bahamas, and Chair of CARICOM, presented Dame Janet Bostwick with the prestigious 13th CARICOM Triennial Award for Women during the Official Opening Ceremony of the 44th Regular Meeting of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, CARICOM, at Atlantis, Paradise Island, on February 15, 2023.

(BIS Photos/Kemuel Stubbs)

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Coca-Cola Celebrates International Coastal Cleanup Day with Blue Lagoon Island  

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Coca-Cola's volunteers and helpers adorn a bright at the International Coastal Cleanup Day

The Bahamas, October 26, 2024 – For nearly 20 years Coca-Cola has been a proud partner of the Ocean Conservancy’s International Costal Cleanup, sponsored by Blue Lagoon Island Bahamas, which aligns perfectly with the company’s environmental mission and goals.

Caribbean Bottling Company’s (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, volunteers watched the sunrise at South Beach Poolside as they began setting up for the event’s 8:30 a.m. start on Saturday, September 21.

In addition to providing volunteers, CBC also supplied exciting promotional items, and refreshing beverages for volunteers and organizers.

Coca-Cola’s volunteers wrapping up the transformation of South Beach (Canal) during Coastal Cleanup Day.

As volunteers flooded the beach to participate in Coastal Cleanup Day, they were kept hydrated by Coca-Cola’s donation of Coca-Cola Oreo No Sugar, Sprite No Sugar, Minute Maid, Dasani Flavored Water and Dasani Water.

Teshalla Clarke, Education & Sustainability Supervisor at Blue Lagoon Island shared what Coca-Cola’s support meant to the overall success of the day.

“Words cannot begin to express how grateful Blue Lagoon Island is towards Caribbean Bottling Company/ Coca-Cola. Your corporate sponsorship allows us to engage our local communities through volunteer-ship.” Clarke expressed.

“Coca-Cola’s support has always been a force. Whether its beverages donated or volunteers that show out, your assistance is undeniable. We have developed a beautiful relation with the company, one we hope to continue for future Coastal Cleanups.” Clarke concluded.

Paulette Dormeus, Brand Manager Associate at CBC spoke about her experience at the Coastal Cleanup.

“This is my second-year volunteering at Coastal Cleanup Day, and I’m super proud that Coca-Cola can support this super important initiative.” she shared.

After transforming South Beach volunteers swarmed Coca-Cola’s trailer where they were greeted with smiles, refreshing drinks and promotional items applauding their hard work.

“It always amazes me at all the organizations that come out to clean the beach. Waking up this early on a Saturday morning is not the easiest thing to do but that’s why we’ve provided a variety of beverages to keep everyone hydrated.” Dormeus said.

To stay up to date with Caribbean Bottling Company and Coca-Cola’s community initiatives visit the website at www.cbcbahamas.com today.

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RBDF wins GOLD at 3rd Annual Dragon Boat Festival

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The Bahamas, October 25, 2024 – The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) demonstrated their exceptional spirit and teamwork at the 3rd Annual Dragon Boat Festival held at Goodman’s Bay Park in Nassau on October 13, 2024.

This exciting event drew teams from various organizations and celebrated the values of competition, group effort, and cultural pride. It also offered an exhilarating day on the water for both participants and spectators.

Dragon boat racing, a thrilling water sport with origins in ancient China, has grown to become one of the fastest-growing activities worldwide. Known for its colorful and richly decorated boats, the festival not only promotes fitness and excitement but also serves as a platform for team-building and fundraising among charities and corporations.

Throughout the day, teams representing different sectors of society competed in the races, including groups from the United States Embassy, Doctors Hospital, Royal Bahamas Police Force, Cable Bahamas, J.S. Johnson, Urban Renewal, Breezes, Baha Mar, and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. The event featured dynamic musical performances by multiple artists, concluding with an energetic Junkanoo Rush that celebrated Bahamian culture.

Having two teams participate, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force stood out during the event, with the Water Defenders and the Naval Destroyers who were able to secure gold medals for their 500m category. This victory not only highlights their athletic skills, but also their dedication to community involvement and promoting unity through sports.

Through these efforts, we strengthen community relations, positively impact lives, and contribute to the growth of thriving communities. Remaining dedicated to excellence, the RBDF upholds the highest standards in protecting and preserving the rich legacy that defines our nation.

(RBDF Photos by: Marine Seamen Rickey Sealey & Edwin Basden)

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Bahamas Goombay Punch Launches Exclusive Limited-Edition Congratulatory Cans for Winning Team Susan Chase

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, hosted a celebratory affair to launch the limited-edition Bahamas Goombay Punch Susan Chase packaging. This special edition Susan Chase design is in honor of the sloop winning the 2023/2024 Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup.

The event, attended by The Hon. Clay Sweeting Minister of Works and Family Island Affairs, captain Stefan Knowles and the skippers of the Susan Chase at the Nassau Yacht Club, was a celebration of all things sailing and Bahamas Goombay Punch.

In 2022 CBC linked the beloved national beverage, Bahamas Goombay Punch, to sailing with the creation of the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup competition.

Minister Sweeting shared his astounding approval of CBC’s incorporation of culture and business.

“Programs like the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup are crucial to preserving and advancing our rich cultural tradition of sailing. Since 2022 this collaboration between the private sector and the sailing community has not only celebrated the heritage of Regattas but also provides the necessary resources to sustain the sport.” Minister Sweeting said.

Stefan Knowles, captain of Susan Chase shared what it means to have his sloop exclusively featured on the Bahamas Goombay Punch cans.

“It is a privilege to be on the Bahamas Goombay Punch can for sailing. This just goes to show how Caribbean Bottling Company is actively pouring into our communities, making them a great corporate citizen.” said Knowles.

Since the competition’s inception, sailors across The Bahamas were judged throughout three Regattas: The Best of The Best, The National Family Island and The Long Island Regatta.

Each sailing season the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup rotates between different classes; the 2023-2024 winners took the crown in the B-Class.

In addition to earning bragging rights, the Susan Chase of Long Island also won five-thousand dollars, and an eight-thousand-dollar stipend was awarded to Long Island’s Junior Sailing Club.

“The Goombay Punch Cup has the potential to leave a legacy for Bahamians sailing. By offering financial incentives and national recognition, it encourages more sailors to participate, enhancing competition and skill development. Add to that, featuring different classes each year will create a wider platform for sailors of all levels to showcase their abilities, ensuring that the sport continues to thrive.” Minister Sweeting shared.

Knowles knows all too well about legacies. He revealed how exciting this win was for him and his family.

“Winning is truly an honor, especially because the boat is named after my mother. Susan Chase has been in my family for 61 years so my parents were very happy we won the championship and that our sloop will be on the Bahamas Goombay Punch cans.” Knowles revealed.

Both CBC and Minister Sweeting recognize that the future of sailing is in the youth. This is why CBC ensures that junior sailors are also impacted through the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup. Minister Sweeting expressed hopes that the E-Class sloops would be next to be featured on the Bahamas Goombay Punch cans, providing a major boost to young skippers.

“Highlighting sloops like the Sugar Loaf will not only encourage our young sailors who are already involved, but may also inspire future sailors to join and participate in our national sport.” declared Minster Sweeting.

The sailors of Sugar Loaf are members of the Eleuthera Sailing Academy (ESA), demonstrating how junior sailing organizations actively aid in the preservation of Bahamian culture.

As the beginning of the 2024/2025 sailing season kicks off in a few weeks, Minister Sweeting encourages all the participating sailors to lead with heart.

“I encourage you to embrace this opportunity with determination and pride. Sailing is deeply rooted in our Bahamian heritage, and each of you represents the strength and resilience of our people. As you prepare for the first leg at the Best of the Best, know that your hard work and dedication are already a testament to your passion for the sport.” he expressed.

 

Photo Captions:

Header: Members of the winning Susan Chase, along with Minister Clay Sweeting (center-left) and captain Stefan Knowles (center-right). Photo credit: Racardo Thomas; Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs

1st insert: An in-depth look at the limited-edition Susan Chase Bahamas Goombay Punch designs. Photo credit: Racardo Thomas; Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs

2nd insert:  The Nassau Yacht Club decked out in Bahamas Goombay Punch decor at the limited-edition can launch celebration. Photo credit: Racardo Thomas; Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs

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