Bahamas News
Bahamas Development Bank and Disney Cruise Line Implement Solution on $2M Cruise Line Insurance Challenge
Nicholas Higgs
Nassau Bahamas, 26 May 2024 – Vendors across The Bahamas have been unable to offer direct services to cruise lines for decades due to the high cost of appropriate insurance coverage and lack of access to it. Following extensive discussions with Disney Cruise Line (DCL), the Bahamas Development Bank (BDB) has launched an innovative insurance solution which fosters a mutually beneficial relationship for all stakeholders and enhances the vitality of local businesses while enriching the cultural offerings of cruise lines like DCL.
This insurance solution empowers Bahamian vendors represented by the National Eco-Tour Operators Co-operative (NETO Co-op) to confidently offer handmade crafts, captivating island tours, and an array of unique experiences.
Bahamas Development Bank Managing Director, Nicholas Higgs, said, “BDB is proud to work with Disney Cruise Line and NETO Co-op on this groundbreaking achievement and promote business innovation, expansion, and local culture. Our efforts in connecting vendors with crucial liability insurance and development assistance is pivotal in ensuring that they have an opportunity to not only participate but thrive in business. This is a true reflection of BDB’s commitment to fostering economic growth and celebrating the rich culture of islands across The Bahamas.”
H. Rudy Sawyer
BDB drafted solutions, liaised with potential partners, and met with potential Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point vendors to discuss the way forward for them and others facing similar insurance coverage challenges. Following these activities, BDB and NETO Co-Op are set to sign a memorandum of understanding.
NETO Co-op President, H. Rudy Sawyer, highlighted that the organization is excited for its partnership with the Bahamas Development Bank, “the premier financial institute in the country mandated to support the development of the small business sector.”
NETO Co-op was formed by a group of small business tour operators who were providing nature, culture, and heritage tours, but were faced with a huge cost in getting the global liability insurance required to offer their experiences to guests visiting by cruise ships. The limited liability co-operative now offers a discounted rate of at least 65 percent to members and continually provides training, joint marketing, and any other positive initiatives centered around improvement.
Joey Gaskins Jr.
“Our membership includes the ideal clients of BDB, and funding and business development are critical components to our members. Together with the Bahamas Development Bank we can expand to other islands, like Eleuthera where DCL’s newest destination calls home, so that more small and medium sized businesses focused on nature and culture tours, and the orange economy, can be successful,” said Sawyer.
Disney Cruise Line Regional Public Affairs Director, Joey Gaskins Jr., added, “As we prepare for the opening of Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, we recognized that the question of global liability insurance would be a challenge for small business on Eleuthera. Searching for an affordable global liability insurance solution has been an ongoing challenge for cruise lines. We are delighted that with DCL’s support, BDB and NETO Co-Op have managed to solve this problem and make way for not only Eleuthera-based vendors, but those on every island in The Bahamas.”
NASSAU, Bahamas — More Bahamians are accessing HIV and sexually transmitted infection-related healthcare through National Health Insurance, a trend the NHI Authority says should be viewed positively.
NHIA stressed in an August 6 statement that its 2025 figures measure healthcare utilisation, not newly diagnosed infections. They include beneficiaries screened, treated, monitored or receiving follow-up care, including people diagnosed previously.
“Increased utilisation of these services should be viewed as a positive development,” NHIA said.
The Authority pointed to “greater enrolment and use of NHI, improved access to screening and testing, continued treatment and monitoring of existing conditions, and increased willingness to seek medical care.”
The development comes amid a mixed three-year HIV picture. New diagnoses rose from 130 in 2023 to 156 in 2024, before declining to 142 in 2025.
NHIA said increased utilisation demonstrates that more beneficiaries are accessing needed healthcare and actively managing their health, reinforcing the importance of screening, early diagnosis and continued treatment.
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.
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