Bahamas News
Minister Moxey tells the First Cohort of National Youth Guard graduates their skills are invaluable
By ANDREW COAKLEY
Bahamas Information Services
#TheBahamas, April 5, 2023 – Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey told graduates of the First Cohort of the Bahamas National Youth Guard programme that she was elated that so many of them answered the call to serve the nation and make a difference within their respective communities.
“The knowledge and technical skills that you have acquired from this program will be invaluable, as you embark on your journey of service to the nation,” added Minister Moxey.
“We are revolutionizing how we involve our young people, and really target the things we know we need to get done. After having gone through Dorian and to see the pride on your faces and knowing what you’re going to accomplish in the future, I just want to thank you for your service.”
Minister Moxey was one of the speakers at the graduation ceremony for the 64 recruits of the National Youth Guard program, which was held on Friday, March 31, 2023 at the Grand Lucayan resort. Prime Minister of The Bahamas, the Hon. Philip Davis, KC, was the keynote speaker.
The Bahamas National Youth Guard Program was put into motion by Prime Minister Davis, who said the devastation by Hurricane Dorian in Grand Bahama and Abaco prompted him to devise a program that would get more young Bahamians involved in assisting residents during such natural disasters.
As such, the program’s focus is on equipping young people with the tools needed to assist the nation, with the help of private and public agencies, during national emergencies, such as natural disasters. Its core values include citizenship, active participation and patriotism.
The program was opened to Bahamians between the ages of 18-25 years, and recruits hailed from 10 islands in The Bahamas, including New Providence, Grand Bahama, Bimini, Long Island, Eleuthera, Exuma, Cat Island, Andros and Inagua.
Training in the program included technical trades, disaster preparedness, fitness, first aid, rescue, and boat piloting. All training took place in Grand Bahama at the Police College.
“In our Blueprint for Change this Davis/Cooper Administration promised the establishment of such a program (National Youth Guard Program) and I am so proud that the Ministry for Grand Bahama was able to support the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture with launching this initiative on Grand Bahama,” said Minister Moxey.
“As I look at the faces of the cadets who are graduating today, I’m amazed by the level of determination every one of you has demonstrated to complete the first phase of this comprehensive program. In these times of unprecedented disasters and emergencies, The Bahamas needs skilled, trained, quick-witted young people like you to play an active part in protecting our country, our islands and our people.”
The Grand Bahama Minister noted that the National Youth Guard program is a commendable initiative.
She pointed out that Grand Bahama has experienced more than its fair share of natural disasters, as the result of landfall of hurricanes that have severely devastated the island. These occurrences, she said, required residents to work together to quickly mobilize resources to assist the communities that were significantly impacted by these storms.
“Cadets, all of our islands need the expertise that you have acquired from this program to strengthen our ability to respond and execute strategies when needed,” added Minister Moxey. You are all nation builders, who will leave an indelible mark on The Bahamas through your commitment to service.”
Minister for Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Mario Bowleg said the graduation ceremony was the culmination of the first phase of the remarkable journey which the recruits begun several months ago, many with bright hopes and lots of expectations.
He noted that not too long ago, graduation day was just a dream. However, with a strong commitment and
dedication to put in the work necessary, he told the graduates they finally got to that place where they found themselves at a significant point in their journey.
“Launching a program of this magnitude is historic and monumental and we look forward to the impact that it will have in the short, medium and long-term future of our island nation,” said Minister Bowleg.
“Lifted from our Blueprint for Change, the National Youth Guard Program is designed to train young people with the skills needed to assist this nation during a disaster or emergency. We are indebted to each partner, stakeholder and sister agency who joined forces with us for the presentation of this program. Your support is invaluable, and we count it a privilege and a high honor to work alongside you all in service for our country and specifically for our nation’s young people.
“Hurricane Dorian, as we all know, was an eye-opening experience. And this administration is determined to move with vision and fortitude, needed to move our country forward, upward, onward, together.”
Photo Caption:
Header: Minister Ginger Moxey, speaking during graduation ceremonies to the recruits of the First Cohort of the Bahamas National Youth Guard Program on Friday, March 31, 2023.
Insert: One of the recruits from the Inaugural Cohort of the Bahamas National Youth Guard Program presented Minister for Grand Bahama, Ginger Moxey (right) with a plaque of appreciation for the Ministry’s support to the success of the program, during graduation ceremonies on Friday, March 31, 2023 at Grand Lucayan resort. Standing with Minister Moxey was Sandena Neely, Head of the Youth Division of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for Grand Bahama, Mr. Melvin Seymour.
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.
