Connect with us

Bahamas News

National Mangrove Project Flourishes as Grand Bahama Students Plant at Dover Sound and East Grand Bahama

Published

on

Freeport, Grand Bahama – May 9, 2023 – Showcasing their commitment and dedication, students from Sir Jack Hayward Senior High, Bishop Michael Eldon, and Lucaya International schools in Grand Bahama have planted hundreds of mangroves as part of the National Mangrove Project. Two plantings were held recently at Dover Sound and East Grand Bahama, two areas where mangrove forests were devastated during the passage of Hurricane Dorian in 2019.

The National Mangrove Project, a collaborative effort between Waterkeepers Bahamas (WKB), the Forestry Unit, and the 50th Independence Secretariat, continues to underscore the pivotal role of Bahamian students in conservation efforts. Students have embraced their roles as stewards of coastal ecosystems, actively participating in mangrove propagation and outplanting. Their involvement is a source of pride for the nation and a beacon of hope for the future of our coastal ecosystems.

Since its inception in October 2023, the project has been instrumental in empowering schools across The Bahamas to establish mangrove nurseries. Students diligently care for the red mangrove propagules until they are ready for outplanting, amplifying the project’s impact on coastal restoration and environmental education. In April 2024, six months after receiving their kits, Grand Bahama students significantly contributed, furthering the project’s mission.

Andurah Daxon, Waterkeepers Bahamas Programs Coordinator, praised the students’ unwavering dedication: “These students have shown remarkable commitment and dedication. Their efforts are a testament to the power of youth engagement in environmental conservation. Through hands-on activities like mangrove propagation and planting, they actively contribute to coastal restoration and develop a profound connection to their natural surroundings, paving the way for a more sustainable future.”

The outplanting events in Grand Bahama followed a successful initiative in March when four New Providence schools participated in planting mangroves at Adelaide Pond. Seven schools have completed the process, and eight schools on Andros, The Berry Islands, Bimini, Eleuthera and Exuma are currently growing their propagules for future outplanting.

Ni’kolaus Cartwright, Bishop Michael Eldon’s Student Nursery Manager, said: “Witnessing the growth and development of our mangrove propagules has been truly inspiring. Primary, junior, and senior high school students have poured their hearts and efforts into caring for these precious seedlings. It’s all a part of our commitment to being an eco-school and maintaining a sense of pride and responsibility for our environment.”

Follow Waterkeepers Bahamas on Facebook to stay updated on the progress of school nurseries and upcoming outplanting events. Join us in celebrating the National Mangrove Project’s success and the dedication of Bahamian students to safeguarding our precious coastal ecosystems. Your support and engagement are crucial to our mission.

Photo Captions:

Header:  Students receive instructions from Waterkeepers Bahamas Mangrove Nursery Coordinator Javan Hunt at Dover Sound.

1st insert:  Year 10 students from Lucaya International School share a laugh in the mud as they plant mangroves at Dover Sound.

2nd insert:  Jack Hayward Senior High students prepare to plant in East Grand Bahama with Waterkeepers Bahamas Program Coordinator Andurah Daxon.

3rd insert:  Bishop Michael Eldon Warriors feeling proud after planting mangroves at Dover Sound.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Monument Beverage Co. Caribbean Wines & Spirits Uniquely Bahamian Newest Product

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Lady Kayla Crowned Goombay Punch Cup Sailing Champion of 2025/2026

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week  

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING