Bahamas News
Domestic Commercial Banks to Help in Educating the Public on the Benefits of Digital Banking
By LLONELLA GILBERT
Bahamas Information Services
NASSAU, The Bahamas — The Chair of the Clearing Bank Association, Denise Turnquest said the Association and The Central Bank of The Bahamas have agreed to create an educational campaign to prepare consumers and businesses to become more comfortable with digital banking.
“What we have determined is that whilst the world is increasingly using digital banking, there are some among us who are resisting embracing it, and who have concerns – usually those concerns are around elderly family members or elderly persons who are not tech savvy within our communities,” Ms. Turnquest said at the Live Digital Campaign Launch held at The Central Bank of The Bahamas on Monday, May 27, 2024.
The campaign branded as ‘Live Fast, Pay Digital’ is aimed at promoting what is called ‘faster, safer, greener’ ways to pay and get paid, including the expanded use of digital platforms.
The Clearing Banks Association is composed of the following domestic commercial banks: The Bank of The Bahamas, CIBC Caribbean, Citibank, Commonwealth Bank, Fidelity Bank & Trust, RBC Bahamas and Scotiabank Bahamas.
Ms. Turnquest explained that the banks have heavily invested millions of dollars in their digital banking capabilities with their objective being to deliver first-class products and services.
“We want to make sure that here in The Bahamas, we are keeping pace with the best that is available worldwide.”
She added that the Clearing Banks are also investing heavily in cyber security.
“We are investing not only in cyber security, but in testing the resilience of our cyber security individually and as a unit – meaning the banking system to ensure that all of our systems are safe from theft or damage, and by extension that the public’s money is safe.”
Ms. Turnquest explained that digital payment is any payment that does not involve paper or cash. This includes credit cards, debit cards, online banking, digital wallets, apple pay and other cell phone apps.
She said the main benefit of paying digitally is that it is faster; when customers pay online, they have access to their money right away. It is also safe and people are operating in a secure electronic environment.
“Therefore, you are avoiding things like pilferage. When you operate a cash business, you do not even know what you lose to your employees.
“We unfortunately live in a high crime environment and therefore there are huge investments required for security for cash intensive businesses.”
Mrs. Turnquest noted that The Central Bank, the Clearing Bank Association and the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce & Employers Confederation have partnered to ensure that the public and businesses are educated on the use of digital banking through a series of activities and messaging across a variety of platforms.
“This campaign will include radio shows, TV appearances, meetings, commercials, town hall meetings and a tech expo planned for later this year where you will all be invited to come and learn firsthand from tech providers and digital banking providers on how to use their systems.”
She also noted that the banks are also investing heavily in ATMS and the ability for people to get access to cash without having to see a teller. “So, you can rest assured that we will leave no one behind.
“I think there is a commitment from all of our parties: The Central Bank, the Clearing Banks Association and the Chamber of Commerce. We will do all that we can within our power to allay any concerns you may have today and ensure that everyone is able to get on the digital journey in a well-educated and supported way.”
PHOTO CAPTION
Chair, the Clearing Bank Association, Denise Turnquest spoke at the Live Digital Campaign Launch held at The Central Bank of The Bahamas on Monday, May 27, 2024. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)
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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