Bahamas News
Prime Minister Davis says he was in Botswana representing ‘not just The Bahamas but the spirit of unity and cooperation that transcends oceans’
GABORONE, Botswana – During his Official Remarks at the Joint Press Conference with President Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana, on March 18, 2024, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis said that it filled him “with immense joy and a deep sense of privilege” to be there among friends in the Republic of Botswana, representing “not just The Bahamas but the spirit of unity and cooperation that transcends oceans.”
“I am here not solely in my capacity as Prime Minister, but as someone who deeply believes in the power of connection and the beauty of exchange,” Prime Minister Davis said during the event held in the Mass Media Complex, in Gaborone. “I want to thank His Excellency Dr. Masisi and the People of the Republic of Botswana for their hospitality. Your invitation is a bridge being built between
our nations, a gesture that signifies hope and the promise of mutual growth.”
He added: “In Botswana, there’s a saying, ‘Motho ke motho ka batho,’ – let me translate – ‘I am because we are’. This proverb resonates deeply with the Bahamian spirit, where community and shared progress form the cornerstone of our identity. As today begins my official visit, I am reminded that this philosophy underpins our aspirations for being here: to strengthen the bonds that unite us and explore new territories of collaboration for the prosperity of our people.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that the two nations’ shared journey towards sustainable development, embracing technology, and addressing climate change was more than just a meeting of minds, as it was “a partnership of hearts, aiming to secure a brighter future for both our nations.”
“We are here to listen, learn, and engage in dialogue that I believe will lead to paths of shared success and opportunities that our children will inherit and thank us for,” he said.
Prime Minister Davis added that, recalling the visit of His Excellency to The Bahamas the year before, he was reminded of the “seeds of friendship” that were sown.
“That visit was a cornerstone moment, paving the way for the Memorandum of Understanding that has since blossomed into avenues of cooperation across diverse sectors,” he stated. “During those precious moments of exchange, we realized the vast potential that lies in our partnership, a realization that today’s discussions will undoubtedly deepen.”
“My brother Masisi, your leadership has significantly influenced Botswana, navigating it through challenges with a focus on stability and progressive reforms,” Prime Minister Davis added. “Balancing economic diversification with technological and environmental advancements, your tenure has shown a commitment to sustainable growth, resulting in an enhanced effort for Botswana’s global standing.”
Prime Minister Davis revealed that the bilateral meeting earlier that morning was fruitful and indicative of the vast potential the countries have for collaboration. It was clear, he added, that The Bahamas and Botswana were on a path of “significant partnership, ready to explore and harness opportunities for our mutual benefit.”
“I am excited to announce that The Bahamas is prepared to open doors for the people of Botswana to come and learn our approach, for example, to tourism and hospitality,” he said. “This exchange will undoubtedly enrich both our countries, fostering growth and innovation.”
Prime Minister Davis added that, furthermore, The Bahamas remained committed to assisting the Central Bank of Botswana in the development of its digital currency. That venture, he added, spoke to their shared vision of embracing technology for economic advancement.
“I believe, for example, that the island of Grand Bahama is poised to play an integral role in trade between the United States and Africa, bridging continents and cultures,” Prime Minister Davis noted. “Similarly, we are also eager to explore programs akin to those we have with Ghana, focusing on the exchange of technical medical nurses and allied health professionals, which will enrich The Bahamas’ healthcare system with invaluable expertise and compassion.”
“Building on our signed Memorandum of Understanding, which has already opened doors to numerous opportunities for educational
exchange, we are thrilled to further expand our partnership,” he added. “The Government of The Bahamas is pleased to announce that our Bahamas [Ministry of ] Agriculture and Marine Resources will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources.”
That collaboration will pave the way for groundbreaking research and development in both countries, Prime Minister Davis stated, leveraging their rich natural resources for sustainable progress.
“To His Excellency President Masisi and all the gracious people of Botswana, your warmth and generosity touch us deeply,” he said. “We embark on these talks with the hope and determination to foster a relationship that, like the mighty baobab, will grow strong and enduring, offering shade and shelter to our generations yet to come.”
“I look forward to the days ahead and I am optimistic about the seeds of cooperation we are about to sow,” Prime Minister Davis added. “Together, let us cultivate a garden of prosperity that will stand as a testament to the strength of our partnership.
“I want to thank you all for the warm welcome. Let’s make history together.”
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.
