Bahamas News
‘Mission for Mangroves’ eco-tour launched in Grand Bahama: visitors plant mangrove seedlings
#TheBahamas, December 5, 2023 – A newly launched tourism-based program will allow visitors to the shores of Grand Bahama to become a part of helping to restore the mangroves on the island, an important part of environmental sustainability.
‘Mission for Mangroves’ was officially launched in Grand Bahama on Monday, November 20, 2023. Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, the Hon. Chester Cooper, who was on island for the launch, said he was more than excited about having the opportunity to be a part of a program that was so tightly connected to the country’s tourism product.
“It is with great pleasure and unwavering commitment that we gather here today to celebrate a groundbreaking
initiative, poised to not only add another tourism experience in the Bahamas, but also to deepen our collective commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability,” Minister Cooper told those gathered at Pelican Bay Resort for the start of the program.
“Mission for Mangroves is not and should not be just an initiative, but it must herald the significance of mangroves themselves to our way of life. No mangroves, no environmentally sustainable eco-system: and without an environmentally sustainable eco-system, there would be no tourists and if there were no tourists, there is no economy, and if there is no economy, we could kiss our way of life good-bye.
“Therefore, we must herald the significance of living this mission and be sure that this is not just a pilot program, but we must be sure that all of our people are living this mission.”
The unique aspect of Mission for Mangroves is that it has been designed as a tour that tourists can participate in, as well as be a part of helping to restore the mangroves in Grand Bahama, by planting mangrove seedlings. The program is being promoted as an eco-tourism excursion. Tours will be conducted by specifically trained taxi drivers and tour guides, who were certified in Bahama Host as well as in aspects of the environment, including environment conservation and mangrove management. Certified as SOTES (Stewards of the Environment), these tour guides were trained by environmentally focused organizations in The Bahamas.
Hyped about the initiative and the potential for its future benefit to the country Minister Cooper challenged organizers to expedite the launch of the Mission for Mangroves initiative into other family islands.
“There is a great thirst for this program in all of our sixteen island destinations across our country,” Mr. Cooper noted. “When we did our research on sustainable tourism, we found that 76 percent of travelers have indicated that sustainability is important to them. Therefore, I can tell you today that our Director General of Tourism and all our executive directors are working diligently to relaunch sustainable tourism in all of our Family Island destinations.
“The mission for Mangroves clusters in Grand Bahama embodies our commitment to responsible governance and sustainability underpinned by a robust digital transformation strategy. Through this initiative we aim to empower designated stewards of the environment within the tourism sector, equipping them to deliver exceptional environmental tour experiences, centered on mangrove planting, conservation, and protection. Our objectives are clear – creating a sustainable link between tourism and coastal resilience, training and empowering our stewards of the environment, delivering customized environmental tour experiences. These experiences will not only create a destination allure but will also align with the growing demand for nature-based tourism, championing the eco-system, preservation and protecting vulnerable communities.”
Talks about sustainability and the eco-system are not new, Minister Cooper. In fact, he recalled his attendance at a World Tourism Organization forum in the Middle East, where he was asked about his thoughts on sustainability. He responded that sustainability was not a buzzword for The Bahamas, but rather a way of life. He added that it was not an option for The Bahamas, because it was how the Bahamian economy was built and, in a way, it represented what it meant to be Bahamian.
“I hope that the message that I gave to the world that day, can also be the message that our stewards can carry and the message that this initiative will send to the rest of The Bahamas, that what we’re doing here with the Mission for Mangroves is not optional and therefore we should all be stewards,” said Mr. Cooper.
“Individually and through the various entities we represent, we all must continue to be stewards of the environment. Hurricane Dorian left a profound impact on Grand Bahama, especially the significant loss of mangroves. A loss felt deeply by our community and our eco-system. But today we stand united, determined to not only restore what was lost, but to forge a path that elevates our environmental resilience, embraces responsible tourism, and addresses our climate commitment head-on.
“Our obligation to meet the nationally determined contributions to climate change impacts, is not just a commitment on paper, it’s a pledge etched in our actions. We are all aware of the fact that our Prime Minister has gone to the world stage as a champion on these matters. But I believe that there is a gap between the message that he is sending very eloquently and very strongly to the international community at the various COP seminars every year, and the regular man on the street.
“When I hear a grown man tell me that “we can’t eat climate change,” I believe that he has missed my message that with no mangroves, there will be no economy. It’s that simple. But it’s up to us in this room to send that message
clearly and to bridge the gap between the leadership our Prime Minister is having on the world stage and the regular man on the street.”
Minister Cooper noted that the Mission for Mangroves Project is a testament to the government’s adherence to the five essential pathways outlined in the Glasgow declaration for climate action in tourism: measuring impact, decarbonization, regenerating resources, fostering collaboration and ensuring sustainable finance.
He said the goal is to cultivate environmentally responsible nature-based tourism experiences that will not only support local hospitability entrepreneurs, but will also offer visitors to Grand Bahama a chance to experience firsthand the wonders of the mangroves, fostering a profound appreciation for nature’s magnificence.
“I’m happy to see that the world is finally catching up and having a greater appreciation for what has been our way of life for the last seven decades or more,” said Mr. Cooper. “This program is sustainable tourism on steroids, and I’m delighted that its starting in Grand Bahama Island. There is a close connection between the harrowing experiences that we’ve had in Grand Bahama and the need to protect our environment, but also the need to create and strengthen even more tourism product around sustainability and sustainable tourism.
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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