Connect with us

Bahamas News

WRAP UP: CARIFTA 36 Aquatics Championships staged in Curaçao

Published

on

By Rashaed Esson 

Staff Writer

 

#TheBahamas, April 13, 2023 – The 2023 CARIFTA Aquatics Championships hosted by Curaçao this past Easter break, ended after four days of hot competition between the competing countries; The Bahamas emerged on top, dominating the meet for the fifth consecutive time with 1,113 points and 85 medals.

Making a splash from team Bahamas is Nigel Forbes of Grand Bahama who broke the 15-17 boys 200m butterfly record time of 57:85 with his 54:74.

With 37 gold, 27 silver and 21 bronze the 36-member team lived up to the hype.

“The team has been training together for four weeks and the chemistry was there,” he pointed out. “The swimmers have trained hard and executed the win. I am proud of Team Bahamas.” Coach Travano McPhee told media.

Another stand out for Team Bahamas was Saleste Gibson, from the girls 11-12 100m division. Gibson pulled off seven wins for seven gold medals in the 100m butterfly in 1:09.11; 200m freestyle in 2:20.49; 50m butterfly in 30.02; 400m freestyle in 5:06.29; 50m freestyle in 28.69; 200m individual medley (IM) in 2:43.24 and 100m freestyle in 1:03.23.

Pulling up in second place at the Swimming Championships was the Cayman Islands with 752 points and 53 medals; 25 Gold, 16 Silver and 12 Bronze.

Cayman Jullian Crooks gave an impressive performance in the 50m freestyle sprint finals swimming a record breaking time of 26.08, the fastest time by a female swimmer in the championship’s 36 year history.

Adding to Caymans’ victory is Sierrah Broadbelt, the most decorated female swimmer at this year’s CARIFTA Games amassing eight gold medals.

Also, Caymans James Allison advanced to a new time of 50.99 in the 15-17, from his 53.02 last year that had him in 5th place. He is right behind Shaun Malcolm’s 50.94 set in 2006. He is now the third fastest CARIFTA Championship performer of all time.

Trinidad and Tobago was not far behind, rounding out the top three top teams.  T&T earned 534 points -, 54 medals, 22 Gold, 26 Silver and 6 Bronze.

T&T’s Nikoli Blackman hit an A standard in the 100 free, setting a new personal best, beating his former time of 50.42, making a CARIFTA record with the Pan American time of 50.07, which of course gave him gold.

His record time automatically goes under the PAN AM time of 50.10.

Coming in fourth was Jamaica with 502.50 points and 30 medals; 1 Gold, 11 Silver and 18 Bronze, then the Barbados Swim team in 5th place with 474 points and 35 medals, 10 Gold, 10 Silver and 15 Bronze, rounding out the top 5 countries.

Antoine Destang claimed TEN medals under the St Lucia flag; 7 gold and 3 silver, and walked away with three meet records, the male 13-14 high point trophy, and the 13-14 most FINA points trophy; a definite win for his country.

Destang got his first CARIFTA gold in record time clocking 56.52 in the 13-14 100-fly, which is under the PAN AM Games B standard of 57.52.  He is the first swimmer from Eastern Caribbean to set a record time in the boys 100m butterfly.

Right behind Destang claiming Silver and Bronze were Christian Jerome of Haiti with a time of 57.30 and Daren Belfon with 59.88.

The excitement continued as Guyanese, Raekwon Noel made history as the first Guyanese boy to win a medal with the country’s best ever performance.

He won the 400m freestyle clocking 4:03.57, beating his national record of 4:11.04. He now holds the title as the sixth CARIFTA junior of all time.

With another record time is Ellie Shaw of Antigua and Barbuda who swam 1:14.28 in the 13-14 girls 100m breaststroke, making her the new record holder.

Next year, the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships will take competition to the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Stadium in Nassau, Bahamas.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

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

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

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

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week  

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING