Bahamas News
Perry Institute Spotlights Bahamian Fisheries & Coral Reef Science to the World
#TheBahamas, December 5, 2023 – Hosted by the Ministry of Environment, the 76th annual Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI 76) gathering propels regional collaborations and ignites scientific innovation
Established to address the multi-faceted challenges facing Caribbean marine environments, the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS) took center stage to proudly feature Bahamian science and scientists at the 76th Annual
Conference of the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI 76).
The region’s premier fisheries conference is an annual meeting hosted by a different nation each year and is a melting pot of global stakeholders, researchers, and marine enthusiasts, collectively striving to etch a brighter, sustainable future for marine environments. This month, it took place at Atlantis Paradise Island, welcomed by The Bahamas Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources.
PIMS research assistant Meghyn Fountain said: “In a time when our oceans’ health is at a crossroads, GCFI 76 stood as a beacon of hope, catalyzing vital global discussions on overfishing, habitat degradation, and climate change impacts. This forum inspired influential strategies for fisheries conservation in The Bahamas and beyond. We’re really grateful to The Bahamas’ Minister of Environmental and Natural Resources, Vaughn Miller, for his pivotal role in realizing this conference
PIMS is an undeniable force in Caribbean ocean conservation. As the largest marine science organization in the country, the NGO’s expertly skilled scientists proudly featured The Bahamas across all elements of GCFI 76 and its hundreds of regional delegates.
Dr. Krista Sherman, a fellow Bahamian and senior fisheries scientist at the Perry Institute, said: “Our fisheries research, advocacy and communication efforts at PIMS are designed to promote recovery and advance sustainable management for resilient fisheries and marine habitats. With GCFI 76 taking place in Nassau, we leveraged a unique opportunity not only to highlight some of this important work but also to engage with national and regional partners to scale-up efforts for the protection of fishery resources and marine ecosystems throughout The Bahamas and Caribbean.”
Dedicated to safeguarding the marine treasures of The Bahamas, PIMS has worked over many years with Government, fishers, and many NGO partners to pioneer species management plans for both the Nassau grouper, integral to Bahamian culture and commerce, and Antillogorgia elisabethae, a soft coral sought after for its medicinal properties. Alongside these targeted efforts, PIMS executes regular stock assessments for vital fishery species, using a suite of methodologies to assess the condition of marine habitats.
Will Greene, GIS and photogrammetry specialist at the Perry Institute said: “GCFI 76 was an incredible opportunity for the brightest minds in Caribbean marine conservation – fishers, scientists and policymakers alike – to come together, share ideas and research, and collaborate to respond to the challenges facing fisheries and marine ecosystems in our region. It was especially exciting to showcase the innovative technological solutions to ecosystem monitoring we have been developing at PIMS and to learn from others, with the hope that our collective community can do a better job of understanding how our ecosystems are changing. Collaboration couldn’t be more important in this pivotal moment for our oceans and planet.”
Representing The Bahamas, PIMS diverse team presented research on the status of queen conch populations and suitable habitats, the innovative use of drone technology to monitor mangrove health, as well as socio-economic evaluations of fishing behaviors in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of working with local fishers in fostering a sustainable stone crab fishery.
Dr. Karlisa Callwood, PIMS’ Director of Community Engagement said: “Throughout the challenges society faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, community relationships with the sea and its resources came evermore to light. We have analyzed subsistence fishing behavior and seafood consumption in The Bahamas during these trying times. Understanding these patterns is vital, not only from a fisheries management perspective but also for strengthening the resilience and adaptability of our communities. The sea has long been a cornerstone of Bahamian life, and its role during crises underscores the importance of sustainable practices and community education.”
Dr. Craig Dahlgren, PIMS Executive Director said: “At the Perry Institute, we are led by science and believe firmly in the power of collaboration and knowledge-sharing to effect global change. As a majority-Bahamian organization, we were excited to sponsor this year’s conference, especially to support bringing together fishers across the region. As marine scientists, fishers and communities who depend on the sea are our most important partners. I could not be more proud of the entire PIMS team for the incredible science our organization produced and presented at GCFI 76.”
To explore the pioneering initiatives of The Perry Institute for Marine Science, head to https://www.perryinstitute.org/.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products concluded their 10 weeklong Twist To Win campaign with four $5,000 Mall at Marathon shopping sprees.
The campaign which was available throughout the entire Bahamas allowed consumers to enter by purchasing a 20oz bottle with a yellow cap
from the following brands: Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola No Sugar, Sprite, Fanta Orange, or Fanta Grape. Each yellow-cap had a unique alpha numeric code underneath which they submitted to the Twist To Win WhatsApp number.
With each qualifying purchase, participants residing in The Bahamas were entered to win instant prizes and into a grand prize draw to win one of four $5,000 shopping sprees at the Mall at Marathon.
Participants also enjoyed exciting instant prizes such as: Airpods, JBL Speakers, premium Coca-Cola merchandise, $500 Visa gift cards and Amazon, Spotify and Apple Music digital gift cards.
Out of 76,000 plus submissions, Brian Bethel, Ashia Demeritte, Merlin Adams, and Taraceta Neely won the coveted Mall at Marathon shopping sprees at the following select stores, Kelly’s House & Home, The Sports Center, John Bull, Brass & Leather, and BTC.
Leading up to the grand finale shopping spree, Coca-Cola hosted a Trivia Showdown with the eight finalists to determine the four winners. Finalists were tested on their knowledge of World History, Pop Culture, Caribbean Bottling Company and Coca-Cola Facts!
After a few rousing rounds of trivia, the four winners were declared after each winning their spot in the shopping spree by answering their questions correctly and choosing the “Grand Prize” Coca-Cola labeled bottles at random.
The morning of the shopping spree Coca-Cola gave the winners exclusive access to the Mall at Marathon and its participating stores before
their usual operating hours. Grand prize winners were greeted with wide smiles from Coca-Cola brand representatives and morning bites before the big event.
At the start of the thirty-minute clock the grand prize winners along with each of their Coca-Cola shopping assistants ran to the various stores collecting items in their arms and carts.
Merlin Adams, a husband and father of four was proud to have executed his game-plan at the end of the shopping spree. With toys, a new phone and materials for his home from Kelly’s, Adams felt accomplished in what he gathered.
Taraceta Neely, a winner from Eleuthera collected beautiful bags for herself and relatives from Brass and Leather and Brian Bethel bought matching athletic and outdoor wear from The Sports Center for his family.
The final winner Ashia Demeritte bought linens and household items in addition to a new phone from BTC right in time for Christmas.
Caribbean Bottling Company is proud to share the real magic of Coca-Cola with the grand prize winners and the may instant prize winners across the Twist To Win campaign. For more updates on new products, promotions, and events follow www.cbcbahamas.com.
Bahamas News
The Coca-Cola Art Project Astonishes Art Lovers at The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products displayed
their astonishing Coca-Cola Art Project (CCAP), during Baha Mar’s five-day Culinary & Arts Festival. Earlier this year, Coca-Cola partnered with The University of The Bahamas’ Visual Art and Design Department for a culturally rich art competition. UB’s art students were challenged to create pieces surrounding the theme, Bahamian music.
As a result, 20 student works of art were made, with four students declared as winners at the CCAP exhibit opening in Baha Mar’s ECCHO: Art Gallery in August. To recreate the culturally stimulating magic felt at the exhibit’s premiere, the CCAP was featured at the FUZE Art Tent during The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival.
Nine incredible pieces of art lined the walls of the Coca-Cola Art Project, four of which included the winning pieces from Jhanaisia Cole,
with ‘Gaulin Bride’; Alyssa Pinder, with ‘Shotgun Wedding’; Nelson Gray, with ‘Untitled’; and Jaela Bowe, with the piece ‘Whims of Obeah, a Folktail’. Additionally, an intimate listening room was built. It displayed students’ artistic processes, UB Visual Art and Design representatives, and a recap of the exhibit opening for audiences.
Art enthusiasts also enjoyed premium limited-edition CCAP keepsakes at the booth. Journals which featured a collage of all 20 student submissions on the front and back cover, postcards with an art piece on the cover along with the student’s name, title, dimension and materials on the back and pens designed with the CCAP’s dynamic logo.
Throughout the art festival diverse groups of people visited the art tent taking in the displays while enjoying the artistic insights from the
listening booth.
Community and culture are always at the forefront of Caribbean Bottling Community, and it was boldly showcased during The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival for the third consecutive year.
For more details on the Coca-Cola Art Project, events and new products visit www.cbcbahamas.com today!
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor delighted Jollification
attendees with bubbles from their Bottega and Bouvet Ladubay sparkling wines and Besserat de Bellefon champagne lines.
Located in the Monument Circle on The Retreat grounds, CWS transformed The Retreat Garden into a lush lounge with Besserat, Bouvet and their latest product addition, Bottega, during the two-day affair.
The festivities kicked off Friday during BNT Member’s Night. Guests enjoyed exclusive offerings from CWS’s catalogue, offered exclusively to members. Complimentary mixes or glasses on the rocks included El Tequileno tequila, Hard Truth whiskey, House of Angostura rum, Cross Keys gin, Nemiroff vodka and a slew of wines such as Fonesca Bin, Bottega and Besserat.
Guests also savored the ‘Jolly Paloma’ cocktail, an instant favorite made with El Tequileno tequila, Schweppes Grapefruit and Domaine de Paris rose wine. To end the night, guests were treated to branded limited-edition wine tumblers as keepsakes.
On Saturday and Sunday, Jollification attendees delighted in glasses or bottles of champagne and sparkling brut or rosé wines while taking
in the comfort of the chic lounge. In addition to purchasing bottles for onsite consumption, consumers were also able to purchase bottles as gifts whether for themselves or someone special.
The sophisticated “bubble lounge” lounge was decked with velvet couches, gold rimmed cocktail tables, blue and pink pillows, and a white floral branded backdrop created for capturing the perfect picture.
Caribbean Wines & Spirits, a historic partner of the Bahamas National Trust was pleased to support Jollification 2025 to kick off the festive season and share their expansive range of spirits.
To keep up to date with all CWS products and events, visit their website at www.cwsbahamas.com today.
