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Bahamas Christian Council uproar over UB hosting LGBTQ Forum

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Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

#TheBahamas, October 9, 2023 – The  Bahamas Christian Council is moving against LGBTQ efforts by the University of The Bahamas as it decided to host a Pride week forum on its campus this week.

Members of the Council turned up outside the University Campus gates on Sunday October 1st, gathering for a press conference where they protested against the decisions of the university.

Delton Fernander, Christian Council President Bishop, was very vocal about the nature of the University’s efforts to support the LGBTQ community, maintaining that it’s “an affront” to their “national values on the campus of a publicly funded institute of higher learning.”

He explicitly speaks to the use of the people’s tax dollars to fund what he expresses is an act against morality under the beliefs of The Bahamas.

“We do not believe that the university which is funded by our tax dollars should be the platform to advance a lifestyle and agenda that are in contradiction to our nation’s constitution and the values, standards and morals of our country and its people.”

Additionally,  the President  adamantly maintained that the event cannot be given the chance to be held on the university grounds as long as the institution is funded by taxpayer dollars, and he continues to expound again referring to the violation of the values of the people as stipulated in the law of the land, the constitution.

It is known, as indicated by Fernander, that the event is not under the University despite being held on the campus. It’s revealed that an outside, “special interest group” which wasn’t named, is behind the planning of the event, which the Council says is “an expressed immoral agenda, to stage” what to them is  “intended to attack the very moral tenets” of The Bahamas.

He also informed that the event is not part of a course offered at the institution. Considering this, he urged the University to refrain from hosting the forum.

“I believe that right now as a University that they should make the decision, since they’ve removed themselves from the event, since the event is not being endorsed by the University, well then let’s not have it, [on our campus].

Fernander spoke of two fliers for the event, one of which carries the university’s logo and stated, “In celebration of the 4th Annual Pride Week the School of Social Sciences hosts Forward, Upward, Onward, Together, Road to Inclusion”.

The other, does not hold the name of the school or the School of Social Sciences. It was released, according to reports, after the Christian Council advised the media on Friday of its plans to hold a press conference on Sunday to address the matter.

The colors associated with the LGBTQ community were present on the fliers as well as the listed speakers identified as LGBTQ+ activists which only contributed to the anger of the Council as they, without break, rallied against the plans, praying and continuously speaking against the LGBTQ agenda as seen in a video taken by the Magnetic Media team.

The Bishop passionately pointed to concerns about the minds of the younger generation, in relation to the event and events like this.

He said, “This week, I believe there is a sense of anxiety in our country because we are concerned that we are playing not only on the younger minds, but now we are playing on the young leaders of tomorrow that we want to be prepared to lead our country in a better way,” evoking strong waves of agreeing responses from the other members of the council.

Allyson Maynard Gibson KC, who chairs the UB board, in responding to questions regarding the concerns of the Christian Council, according to reports, said, “University of The Bahamas was established by University of The Bahamas Act 2016, which establishes a Board of Trustees ‘ … which shall … be free from undue influence from political, religious or other external bodies and shall protect the institution from such influence.’

“Forums such as this are the places where, as a part of UB’s national development mandate, our national spirit will be enriched and developed, as people with differing views engage in civil discourse and our students and citizens develop a better understanding of different viewpoints,” she added.

The day scheduled for the forum was Thursday October 5th at 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Michael Eldon Building, UB.  The keynote speaker, the flyer said, was Dr. Kreimild Saunders, assistant professor of sociology at UB. Dr. Richard Adderley, chair of Social Sciences was listed to bring welcome remarks.

The event’s moderator, Alexus D’Marco, PRIDE coordinator and human rights defender and the panel members were named as: Alicia Wallace, Tribune journalist and feminist activist; Erin Green, radio host and LGBTQ+ activist; and Helen Klonaris, adjunct UB professor of English Studies, novelist and LGBTQ+ activist.

The University showed no signs that it would cancel or postpone the event and indeed the lecture, billed under the headline:  Forward, Upward, Onward, Together:  Road to Inclusion was held on Thursday October 5.

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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Bahamas News

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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Bahamas News

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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