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PM Davis Highlights Accomplishments of and Opportunities for Bahamians in Canada

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By ERIC ROSE

Bahamas Information Services

 

#TORONTO, Canada, April 23, 2023 – After welcoming attendees to an event for the Bahamian Diaspora, in Toronto, Canada, on April 15, 2023, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis said that had the honour of meeting two “outstanding” business owners, that day: Kaylandra Edgecombe and Zhorrah Grant.

“Their success stories are truly inspiring, and I am incredibly proud of each of them,” Prime Minister Davis said.

He noted that Ms. Edgecombe was the owner of the Old Nassau Bahamian Restaurant.  Ms. Grant was the owner of Hair Granted Beauty Supply, Canada’s largest Black-owned beauty supply retailer, and it also sells Bahamian-made brands.

“I also had the pleasure of meeting Jamsin Dorsett, who is the President of the Association of Bahamians in Canada,” he added.  “They are all shining examples of the Bahamian spirit, lifting up not just themselves, but all Bahamians.”

Among those present for the event were Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Public Service the Hon. Fred Mitchell; Parliamentary Secretary of Tourism, Investments and Aviation (MOTIA) John Pinder; Director General of Tourism Latia Duncombe; Bahamas High Commissioner to Canada (Ottawa) His Excellency V. Alfred Gray; Consul General Al Dillette; Bahamas non-resident Ambassador to Brazil His Excellency Dexter Johnson; and other government officials and stakeholders.

Prime Minister Davis pointed out that his Government remained focused on tackling cost of living in The Bahamas, education, crime, and national development.

“We are also committed to exploring remote work opportunities for Bahamians abroad and living in Canada, allowing them to work on behalf of the Government of The Bahamas,” he said.  “We do not frown upon those who leave the Bahamas to live in Canada; instead, we see them as ambassadors of our great nation.”

“I am delighted to announce the opening of a new Consulate General Office in Toronto, further strengthening the relationship between our two countries and providing a valuable resource for Bahamians living here in Canada,” Prime Minister Davis said.  “This is a testament to our commitment to support our Bahamian community abroad and to foster stronger ties with our Canadian friends.”

He stated that, in addition, he was eager to hear the stories of those in attendance that night about living in Canada and their ideas on how they can build a better country.

“Your experiences and perspectives are invaluable, as they offer a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by Bahamians living abroad,” Prime Minister Davis said.  “By sharing your thoughts and insights, we can work together to develop innovative solutions and strengthen the bonds that unite us as a nation.”

“And, as we approach the monumental milestone of 50 years of Independence, we invite you to join us in the festivities that will take place across our beautiful archipelago,” he added.  “We encourage you to celebrate our rich history, vibrant culture, and unwavering spirit, whether you are here in Canada or back home in The Bahamas.”

Prime Minister Davis pointed out that his Government recognised the tremendous contributions of Bahamians living and working abroad. He said that his Government was “immensely proud” of their achievements and the positive representation of The Bahamas that they provided.

“I would like to extend a special invitation to all to return to The Bahamas and get involved in our nation-building efforts,” he said.  “Your skills, knowledge, and experiences are invaluable assets that can help to drive our country’s progress and prosperity.

“The Bahamas is not just defined by its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters, but also by the resilience and determination of its people.”

Prime Minister Davis said that, as they looked forward to the next 50 years, he encouraged them to work together to create an “even more vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous Bahamas for future generations to inherit”.

“In closing, I would like to express my gratitude for your unwavering support and dedication to our beloved country,” Prime Minister Davis said.

“May the spirit of unity, love, and camaraderie that has brought us together tonight continue to guide us as we move forward, hand in hand, towards a more prosperous and brighter future for The Bahamas.”

 

PHOTO CAPTION

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis joins Bahamians of the Diaspora in Canada, during an event in the honour, in Toronto, Canada, on April 15, 2023.  Among those present for the event were Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Public Service the Hon. Fred Mitchell; Parliamentary Secretary of Tourism, Investments and Aviation (MOTIA) John Pinder; Director General of Tourism Latia Duncombe; Bahamas High Commissioner to Canada (Ottawa) His Excellency V. Alfred Gray; Consul General Al Dillette; Bahamas non-resident Ambassador to Brazil His Excellency Dexter Johnson; and other government officials and stakeholders.  (BIS Photos/Eric Rose)

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Monument Beverage Co. Caribbean Wines & Spirits Uniquely Bahamian Newest Product

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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.

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Lady Kayla Crowned Goombay Punch Cup Sailing Champion of 2025/2026

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L–R: Joss Knowles, Kianno Hutchinson, Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager at Caribbean Bottling Company and Dallas Knowles receiving a donation on behalf of the Exuma Sailing Club at the Long Island Regatta awards ceremony.

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.

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Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week  

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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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