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Ministry of Agriculture Launches  Digital Application Services Via MyGateway Platform

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By: BETTY VEDRINE, BIS

 

NASSAU, The Bahamas — Persons wishing to do business with the Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs, will now be able to do so via the government’s MyGateway.gov.bs portal. On Monday, 19th June, the Ministry officially launched the services and  marked a major milestone in its quest to elevate the country’s third largest industry.

In what is being hailed a ‘game changer’ for the farming and fishing industries, access to digital services will now be a reality for customers.  The Ministry officially launched the first-ever online services application via MyGateway.gov.bs during a ceremony held at the Digital Transformation Unit at Airport Industrial Park, June 19, 2023.  The project was facilitated via a partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs and the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs, the Hon. Clay Sweeting said he was proud to see the plan come into fruition.

“Ladies and gentlemen, today is a very important day and if you couldn’t tell already, I am so proud to see the fruits of many months of planning and coordination between teams in the Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs and in the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

I commend all teams involved as we jointly launch these 12 services, which are now available online via MyGateway.gov.bs.” said Mr. Sweeting. “Today, June 19th, is a sign that having a vision and persistence pays off.  Two industries, vital to our nation’s survival, have weathered time and circumstances and now, this administration has made it easier for customers, specifically those in Agriculture and Marine Resources, to apply online for the various services offered by the ministry and departments.  As the minister responsible and as a primary objective of my ministry in this digital age, I have prioritized the needs of our clients to access our services online, whether they themselves are on land or at sea.”

He said the day marked a transition in the way business is conducted at the ministry by utilising technology to improve and reduce the cost of and promote the ease of doing business with the government.

“For the first time in this nation’s history, customers of this ministry can now apply and pay for the following services online at MyGateway.gov.bs.

In the Ministry of Agriculture: Market at Gladstone Road – Vendor Application, and Agriculture Farm Land Lease Application

In the Department of Agriculture, applications for: Farmer’s Registration – New & Renewal Dog Registration & License – New, Renewal, & Transfer, and CITES Plants Permit (including Orchids)

In the Department of Marine Resources: Bonefishing Duty-Free Permit, Aquaculture (Culture Fishery Resource) Duty-Free Permit, and
Commercial Fishing Vessel/Equipment Duty-Free Permits.

“These online services,” he said “represent as you can see, the empowerment of the Bahamian people whereby the Farmer’s Markets on Gladstone Road will see new vendors join and legacy vendors continue. The lease provisions for land to farm on, being available here, give more farmers around the islands a convenient way to apply.”

He said that the Farmer’s Registration Certificate, gives farmers of crops, bee-keeping, livestock, or horticulture, access to a number of concessions and incentives.  There are also provisions for the registration of dogs. The Minister said that although many persons may be unaware of it, the registration of dogs (3 months or older) is required by law.

The Minister also outlined other services that would be accessible via the applications.

“The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Plants (including orchids), can be imported and/or exported, and the permit to do either is also our responsibility,” said Mr. Sweeting. “The facilitation of a permit to import vessels and fishing gear to grow the bone fishing sector, which has carved out a vibrant niche in the sports fishing arena for the Bahamas is among today’s launched services. The ability to apply for a permit to import equipment and breeding/seedstock for fish farming, which is a steadily growing sector. The Importation of commercial fishing vessels and equipment is also possible with duty-free permits.

Mr. Sweeting noted that prior to the twelve new services, the Ministry already had eighteen services available on the MyGateway portal. These additional services, he pointed out, increases the ministry’s digital footprint and consequently places the ministry in a leading position in the government’s digital agenda.

Additionally, he said that Cabinet approval has also been received to proceed with the digitalization of the work flows within the ministry in order to improve overall efficiency to better serve customers. The result, he explained, would be the creation of a ‘paperless’ work environment employing electronic records, work flows and digitized file cabinets.

“MyGateway is an intuitive platform, designed to meet the unique digital needs of our agencies. It is a platform that allows customers of the government the easy completion of application forms for services, and uploading of supporting documents,” said the Minister.

“We are excited to reveal new suites of innovation, to better serve you and to leave our footprints and voice across these islands and seas. If you find that you have a need for any of these services, our appeal to you is to utilize the online portal to apply. The staff in the Ministry and Departments are trained and ready to serve you! MyGateway is equipped with an amazing help desk so that our clients can also have the technical support they need.”

 

PHOTO CAPTION

Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs, the Hon. Clay Sweeting speaks during the official launch of the ministry’s new services accessible on the government’s ‘MyGateway’ portal, June 19, 2023.  (BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna).

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Bahamas News

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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