Bahamas News
Chinese Acrobatic Troupe celebrates Bahamian Golden Jubilee with spectacular performance at Regency Theatre in GB
By ANDREW COAKLEY, BIS
FREEPORT, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas, May 15, 2023 – The crowd that had gathered at the Regency Theatre on Monday evening (May 8, 2023) seemed quiet, reflective, and unsure. The place where they were assembled was familiar, but the show they were invited to see was not. Somewhere in the back of their minds, they knew that this gathering at the popular Grand Bahamian performing Arts Theatre was not for a normal Bahamian
play or creative arts performance.
No one knew what to expect, but a sense of excitement simmered beneath the veil of uncertainty.
But their curious apprehension would resolve into a combination of relaxation and exhilaration, as Chinese acrobats from the Hunan Province took to the stage and lit up the Regency Theater with something new and spectacular.
And Grand Bahamians showed their approval with loud cheers and constant applause!
The novel experience was made possible thanks to the efforts of Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey and Chinese Ambassador to the Bahamas Her Excellency Dai Qingli of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Through Minister Moxey’s Sister Cities initiative, the Acrobatic Gala ‘Authentic China, Splendid Hunan’ introduced Hunan cultural performance to The Bahamas.
The event was a part of the Bahamian celebration of ‘The Road to 50,’ a pre-celebration of the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary.
The Hunan acrobats performed feats that were gravity defying and at times seemed impossible, particularly to a mostly novice audience. Over two thousand years of Chinese acrobatic tradition exuded from the performers, leaving Grand Bahamians awe-struck. 
The Hunan acrobats proved to be well-trained and prepared to delight their audience. From juggling to strength acts, hoop jumping, balancing acts, contortionists, folk songs and even instrumental performances, it kept audiences spell-bond, causing the time to slip by quickly.
Minister Moxey noted that the exchange of culture and ideas is a powerful tool that transcends borders and bring people together. “It is an opportunity to learn from one another, to celebrate our differences and to embrace our shared values,” added Minister Moxey. “We are excited to share the rich cultural heritage of our island, from our vibrant music and dance traditions to our delicious cuisine and warm hospitality.”
“I would like to again express my heartfelt gratitude to the Sister Cities delegation from Hunan China for this incredible gift. Let us embrace this opportunity with open hearts and minds and work together to create a brighter and more prosperous future for our cities and by extension, our countries.”
Chinese Ambassador Her Excellency Dai Qingli said the acrobatic troupe brought to the people of The Bahamas best
wishes for the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary. She noted that The Bahamas has gone through a remarkable journey in the past decades.
“We respect and admire the Bahamian people’s patient sacrifice, quiet resolve and unyielding struggle that have sustained your country in the face of adversity,” said Ambassador Qingli. “We hope and believe that by drawing strength from your one nation and one legacy, you will open up an even brighter future for Grand Bahama and for all the Bahamian people. I’m committed and my Embassy is committed to working with the Minister and her team to make this relationship a fulfilling one for both sides.”
Members of the audience were invited on stage to be a part of the grand finale, along with the performers.
PHOTO CAPTIONS
Header: Following the show, Minister for Grand Bahama, Ginger Moxey and Chinese Ambassador to The Bahamas, Her Excellency Dai Qingli joined members of the acrobatic troupe on stage.
1st insert: Minister for Grand Bahama, Hon. Ginger Moxey welcomed the Chinese Acrobat troupe from Hunan Providence, China, who put on a spectacular show for a Grand Bahamian audience on Monday, May 8, 2023 at the Regency Theatre.
(BIS Photos/Lisa Davis)
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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