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Grand Bahama Port Authority Supports Dedication of the Evangeline Jervis Hurricane Shelter

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Freeport, Grand Bahama – June 10, 2024 – The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), led by Acting  Chairman Sarah St. George, proudly joined the Freeport Seventh-Day Adventist Church for the dedication of the Evangeline Jervis Hurricane Shelter. This event marks a significant milestone in enhancing the island’s resilience and preparedness for future storms, occurring almost a week into the start of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane season.

The Evangeline Jervis Hurricane Shelter is the first and only dedicated purpose-built hurricane shelter in The Bahamas. The 4,200 sq ft multi-purpose facility, located at Beachway and Gambier Drive, can accommodate 300 people during a storm. It features restrooms, showers, an industrial kitchen, a water well, and a generator. The shelter was constructed at a cost of over $500,000, funded through donations from the government, local and international private donors, and NGOs.

Sarah St. George delivered heartfelt remarks during the ceremony, emphasizing the remarkable resilience of Grand Bahamians and the contributions of the GBPA and the Grand Bahama Disaster Relief Foundation (GBDRF) to hurricane recovery efforts.

“Today, we honor the legacy of Sister Evangeline and Sister Alicia Jervis Garland, whose dedication to feeding and clothing the needy has inspired this project,” said St. George. “Our $25,000 donation was used to purchase and install a state-of-the-art generator, ensuring the shelter’s resilience during storms. Additionally, another $21,000 was contributed by the Hayward and St. George families.”

The project has seen its estimated $855,000 cost reduced by nearly 25% through discounts and volunteer work, with expenditures currently at $520,000. The final phase includes the installation of air conditioning, a fire safety system, and furnishings such as cots, chairs, tables, and kitchenware, requiring an additional $100,000.

“Today’s event prompted me to reflect on GBPA’s lessons in resilience,” added St. George. “In 2016, we established the GB Disaster Relief Foundation to address the humanitarian crisis after Hurricane Matthew. This foundation played a crucial role during Hurricane Dorian in 2019, providing essential supplies and support to the vulnerable, including the elderly, disabled, and single mothers.”

During Hurricane Dorian, the foundation provided generators, food, water, and tools island-wide for months. They also assisted 120 churches from East to West with the help of Pastor Eddie Victor. The foundation partnered with SBP and Rotary Muck and Gut to repair 350 homes across the island, spending close to $2 million on rebuilds and furnishings.

“While we continued to rebuild from Dorian, Covid-19 struck, compounding our emergency response with hurricane recovery amid a global pandemic,” St. George remarked. “During COVID, our foundation donated $100,000 to various feeding programs while GBPA extended support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through the RISE program, with Partners which provided $4 million in grants to 400 businesses.”

St. George emphasized the GBPA’s unwavering commitment to the community, stating, “100% of the funds collected by the Grand Bahama Port Authority go back into our community. No dividends have ever been paid to shareholders out of the GBPA. Our executives, managers, dedicated employees, and shareholders have always gone the extra mile to support Grand Bahamians. We love this community and this is our home. We are happy to serve, and we do it to the best of our ability.”

The GBPA’s efforts during crises, including hurricane preparedness and recovery, highlight the organization’s dedication to serving and supporting the community. St. George concluded, “Freeport is about growing our community together. The name Evangeline means ‘Good News Shining,’ and in that spirit, you can count on us at GBPA to help you get this magnificent shelter finished.”

Photos:

Header: Rupert Hayward, Director of the Grand Bahama Port Authority, received a token of appreciation prior to touring the new Evangeline Jervis Hurricane Shelter in Grand Bahama. The Evangeline Jervis Hurricane Shelter is the first and only dedicated purpose-built hurricane shelter in The Bahamas. The Hayward and St. George families also contributed an additional $21,000 to the shelter.

Insert: Executives of the Grand Bahama Port Authority in attendance at the dedication of the Evangeline Jervis Hurricane Shelter, demonstrating their steadfast commitment to the well-being and resilience of Grand Bahama.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week  

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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.

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