Bahamas News
Prime Minister Davis Calls police graduation ceremony an ‘extraordinary’ day
#TheBahamas, June 29, 2023 – Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis said, on June 22, 2023, that the Graduation and Passing Out Ceremony held in Rawson Square was an “extraordinary day for the 229 new recruits of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
“To you, the new A, B, C, & D full-fledged recruits, and A, B, C, & D reserve squads, I say congratulations! It is a sincere honour to share this special moment with you,” Prime Minister Davis said. “I also wish to recognise the 18 officers from Turks and Caicos who are with us today. As neighbouring nations, The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos
have a long history of trade, collaboration, and, more recently, joint security operations.”
Among those present from The Bahamas were Governor General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Cornelius A. Smith; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation the Hon. Chester Cooper, and other Cabinet Ministers; senior Government Officials; heads of the Uniformed Branches; two former Prime Ministers; family members and well-wishers.
Prime Minister Davis also acknowledged the presence of his “esteemed colleagues”, the Hon. Charles Washington Misick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), and Her Excellency the Acting Governor of Turks and Caicos, Anya Williams; wishing them both a “very warm Bahamian welcome”. Also present from TCI were Deputy Police Commissioner Rodney Adams, and other officials.
Prime Minister Davis said: “The Government of TCI is a vital partner of ours. We are always pleased to work alongside TCI to ensure our people’s shared safety and well-being. I look forward to a sustained partnership between The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos as we work to counter crime and create a more secure and prosperous region for all.”
“Today, my friends is a significant day,” he added. “Today represents the accumulation of so many hours of hard work and intensive training. Today is the summit of a very steep slope, the peak you have sought for so long. From up here, the view is surely stunning. Enjoy it, my friends; you have earned it.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that, as The Bahamas readied itself to celebrate 50 years as an independent nation, the theme “One Nation. Our Legacy. Our Future” was a fitting one for that very occasion.
“Without law enforcement, it goes without saying we would not have a rule of law,” he pointed out. “We would not be able to guarantee the rights and freedoms we all enjoy as citizens. Our legacy and our future as a stable and prosperous country in the Caribbean might very well be placed in jeopardy without the work of you police officers.”
“I say this to stress the importance of the charge you now carry on your shoulders,” Prime Minister Davis added. “In your work, you will not only be creating safer communities. You will also be shaping the future of our country.”
Prime Minister Davis said that he encouraged the recruits to pursue that solemn remit “with all your strength”.
“I challenge you to remain unwavering in your quest for excellence; and I trust that you will be sensitive, steadfast, and sincere in the execution of your duties,” he said.
“Recruits: today represents the first of many peaks,” Prime Minister Davis added. “You will encounter countless
others over the course of your career. But you will not be able to do it alone.”
He told them to “lean” on their fellow officers and vice versa.
“Work together, bound by a shared sense of duty and profound respect for national service, and you will scale more mountains than you can imagine,” Prime Minister Davis said.
“As the saying goes, if you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together. So, go together, and go with all you’ve got,” he added.
Prime Minister Davis noted that along the way, however, they should not forget to take in their surroundings, to share in the success of their fellow recruits, and to hold each other to the highest standard.
“Bring out the best in each other, and execute your charge with the integrity, loyalty, and courage that characterises your Police Forces,” he said.
Prime Minister Davis said that people miss out on “so much joy” when they all do not celebrate their achievements; so they should “savour the mountains you climb”.
“Survey your surroundings, then determine where your resolve can take you next,” he said. “And as you forge ahead, never forget that education and training can take you farther than you ever imagined.”
Prime Minister Davis added: “Become a life-long learner, and you will find yourself better equipped to carry out your charge. Your faith and endurance may be tested. And as you progress in your career, long hours and unforeseen obstacles may wear away at you. But in those trying times, reflect on what made you choose to become a police officer. Remember your reason why, and never let it go.”
He pointed out that, as new recruits, they had joined an organisation with an almost 200-year-long legacy. He noted that, since 1980, the RBPF, for example, has carried out its mandate of maintaining law and order, preserving the peace, preventing crime, apprehending offenders, and enforcing laws.
“It is now up to you to accomplish these functions,” Prime Minister Davis said. “With your new skills and training, you now form a part of the privileged few who work each day to create a better, safer Bahamas and TCI.”
He added: “In the recent past, we have heard of violent break-ins, brutal murders, and savage assaults. The scourge of crime is certainly a concern for my administration, and it is one we are working to address to the best of our ability.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that his Government had undertaken heavy recruiting over the past 18 months, which had paid dividends in an overall crime reduction of 30% from 2022 to 2023, and a 16% decrease in homicides over the same period.
“We have also secured 100 new trucks and 50 new motorcycles for the police force, expanded CCTV coverage in public parks, and introduced technology and equipment upgrades in the form of body cameras, electronic
monitoring devices, drones and much more,” he said.
“In the coming year, we will also be renovating multiple police stations and law enforcement facilities to better serve our service men and women,” Prime Minister Davis added.
He noted that, in the ongoing fight against crime, however, the country would need more than just new equipment.
Prime Minister Davis said: “We will need each one of you to do your part. The single mother alone at night needs you. The young boy on the brink of joining a gang needs you. The visitors to our shores need you. We all need you, our police officers.”
“So, as you embark on a fruitful and fulfilling career as a public officer, I trust that you will carry out your duties with the utmost care and urgency,” he added. “I trust that you will give back to your country, which has already given so much to you. And I trust that wherever the future takes you, you will greet the days ahead with a proud and steadfast smile.
“You are a police officer, and that capacity is no small honour.”
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.
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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