Bahamas News
Bahamas Striping Group raises $50M for Eleuthera & Long Island Infrastructure
Rashaed Esson
Staff Writer
#TheBahamas, May 23, 2023 – Putting an end to a cycle of “slow and unsuccessful” development in Eleuthera and Long Island Bahamas, roughly $50 million dollars in available funds raised by the Bahamas Striping Group of Companies (BSGC), in a Private Public Partnership (PPP), will be poured into enhancing the islands from roads in dire need of repairs, seawalls thirsty for construction, to sidewalks and a playgrounds in need of rehabilitation and other projects.
This accomplishment of BSGC is in line with 14 years of success thanks to the business model and a wavering quality of work, as expressed by Dominic Sturrup, Executive Chairman.
“Growth is assured when a business group’s interests are closely aligned with national interests. Determined and active nation building is a credo that is close to our hearts as a group, and our reputation for project work excellence has elevated the brand and brought success to the company,” he expressed.
BSGC has revised its funding model, and with it, funders pay for specific projects while the Government pays on the backend in installments, usually ranging from 3-5 years.
Essentials like equipment are covered by the funding and the Government is allowed to take under its wing and make paramount, other commitments while BSGC holds all liabilities, as opposed to its old business model where they were responsible for raising its own funds to execute its own projects.
BSGC has pulled into the project, Rowdy Boys Construction Company, Quick-Fix Construction Company and NuView Construction Company.
Bernard Knowles, President of Rowdy Boys Construction Company expressed gratitude for being included by BSGC, highlighting that his company has known struggle when it comes to funding.
“The Bahamas Striping Group of Companies support means a lot to me because I never left Long Island and there’s not a lot of opportunities here. I have a lot of staff that I struggle to keep so this is a way for me to also hire more people. BSGC has taken the initiative to believe in me and by getting this big project going.”
He further stated that he hopes skilled Long Islanders will want to return home since work is now available.
Elton Symonette, President of 39-year-old Quick-Fix Construction Company, mentioned that collaborating with BSGC will get jobs started. He added that Quick-Fix has its fingers crossed for a long term relationship.
He continued, “Getting things going in our community moves Eleuthera’s economy. It is also important for us to empower our people instead of going out of the country. When Eleutherans work in Eleuthera, our money stays here.”
Peter Kemp, President of Nu-View Construction Company gave shout outs to BSGC for taking the initiative to be the first to lead a partnership such as this. He further spoke to how beneficial the funding will be in allowing Eleuthera’s road improvement needs.
“I am well pleased to note that a Bahamian contractor has received the contract to do road repair for Eleuthera. This is the first time, especially for local contractors, to be able to get this amount of work subbed out to them from another contractor. This is something that you really don’t see on Family Islands.”
These contractors meet BSGC’s meet company and Ministry of Works standards.
BSGC, 26 years old, had come a long way and Sturrup made sure to highlight that success in building funding did not happen overnight.
“The first-time seeking funding, whether locally or internationally, is always tough. Once you go through the initial process however, funders get to know you, understand you and trust you to deliver on time and within budget. We motivate future investments as funders see the work done,” he maintained.
NASSAU, Bahamas — More Bahamians are accessing HIV and sexually transmitted infection-related healthcare through National Health Insurance, a trend the NHI Authority says should be viewed positively.
NHIA stressed in an August 6 statement that its 2025 figures measure healthcare utilisation, not newly diagnosed infections. They include beneficiaries screened, treated, monitored or receiving follow-up care, including people diagnosed previously.
“Increased utilisation of these services should be viewed as a positive development,” NHIA said.
The Authority pointed to “greater enrolment and use of NHI, improved access to screening and testing, continued treatment and monitoring of existing conditions, and increased willingness to seek medical care.”
The development comes amid a mixed three-year HIV picture. New diagnoses rose from 130 in 2023 to 156 in 2024, before declining to 142 in 2025.
NHIA said increased utilisation demonstrates that more beneficiaries are accessing needed healthcare and actively managing their health, reinforcing the importance of screening, early diagnosis and continued treatment.
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.
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