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Prime Minister Davis said government intends to set a new gold standard for worker welfare and rights – at groundbreaking for GB Shipyard Expansion

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By LEDEDRA MARCHEBahamas Information ServicesGRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas – In keeping with the government’s philosophy on progress and fairness in the workplace, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Philip Davis echoed his stance on the welfare of casual and contract workers and proposed a new system throughout The Bahamas.The prime minister made his remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony for the $600 million expansion at Grand Bahama Shipyard on Friday, October 27, 2023.The Transformation Project includes the addition of two new floating dry docks with the highest lifting capacity — the largest in the Western hemisphere — expected to breathe new life into Grand Bahama, creating hundreds more new jobs and positioning the island to become the maritime centre of The Americas upon its completion in 2025.“The expansion project of the Grand Bahama Shipyard, in collaboration with the Royal Caribbean Group and Carnival Corporation, is about more than just bricks and mortar. It represents our resolute ambition to be a world leader in ship repair, creating numerous opportunities for the people of Grand Bahama,” Prime Minister Davis said.
“Our primary goal is to catalyze quality career paths for Grand Bahamians. That involves bringing in new jobs, and also re-thinking our approach to employment within this arena.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that over the years, the issue of casual labour has not escaped government’s attention.
 “Many of these hardworking individuals, while playing a critical role in our industries, have not enjoyed the benefits, security, and stability that permanent workers do,” he said.
 “They have faced challenges, ranging from lack of insurance to the inability to secure job letters. They have struggled to secure credit, obtain loans, or access other financial services that many would consider a fundamental benefit of employment.”
 The prime minister said that a regrettable reality is that casual labour, as it has been carried out, has curbed prospects of economic security – impeding dreams of property investment, entrepreneurship, and further education, while further pointing out that the issue is not unique to Grand Bahama, and the shipyard has seen its share of challenges in this regard.
As government makes progress on the implementation of the ILO Decent Work Programme, Prime Minister Davis said it recognizes the gaps in the legislation when it comes to casual work and he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to bridging that gap.
 “My administration will do whatever it takes to ensure these hardworking individuals are afforded the dignity and financial security they rightfully deserve. With the completion of this redevelopment, we anticipate an increase in the pool of permanent workers. This means more stability and security for our Bahamian workforce,” he said.
“We also propose a new system for contract workers. We envision a process where, after a designated period or based on their performance, these workers transition to full-time roles with all the attendant benefits. The government is driving this change, and we encourage you to draw on our Public Service Professional Engagement programme for inspiration. The program is intended to create permanent opportunities for participants at the end of a one-year period. We suggest a similar model that creates a career path to a permanent job for contract and casual workers.”
Building on the partnership with the Grand Bahama Shipyard, Royal Caribbean Group and Carnival Corporation, Prime Minister Davis said government intends to set a new gold standard for worker welfare and rights.
 “An essential aspect of any collaboration is mutual respect and a shared commitment to the welfare of the people at its core. We’re not just investing in bricks, metal, and advanced technology; we’re investing in the dreams, hopes, and the future of every Grand Bahamian. With this expansion, we reinforce our promise to prioritize the welfare of every individual, especially those who have historically been in the shadows,” he said.
PHOTO CAPTION
WORKER WELFARE – Prime Minister Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Philip Davis was on Grand Bahama on Friday, October 27 for the groundbreaking ceremony for the $600 million Grand Bahama Shipyard Transformation project. Accompanying Prime Minister Davis were Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, the Hon. Chester Cooper; Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey; Senators Kirkland Russell and Randy Rolle; representatives from the Grand Bahama Shipyard, Royal Caribbean Group, Carnival Corporation and the Grand Bahama Port Authority.    (BIS Photos/Lisa Davis)

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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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