Bahamas News
The Bahamas recognized as a leader in Aviation Strategy
By LINDSAY THOMPSON
Bahamas Information Services
NASSAU, The Bahamas — The Bahamas’ National Aviation Strategic Plan is expected to serve as a model for a consolidated approach to aviation best practices in the region.
This was communicated by Deputy Director-General of Tourism and Director of Aviation, Dr. Kenneth Romer, during his presentation at the Airport Conference of the Americas held August 4-7, 2024 at Baha Mar Convention Centre.
It was the first time the Conference was held in The Bahamas; over 25 countries were represented including the U.S, Canada, Mexico, Panama, Jamaica, Peru, Brazil, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Lucia, Turks and Caicos Islands, Barbados, Curacao, Cayman Islands, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Anguilla, Martinique, Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Bonaire, Costa Rica, Haiti, St. Maarten, and Ecuador.
The conference presented by the American Association of Airport Executives, the South Central Chapter AAAE, and the International Association of Airport Executives, is held in collaboration with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and the International Civil Aviation Organization.
Topics focused on knowledge exchange and best practices from airport executives, runway safety, infrastructure planning and funding, commercial air service development, air traffic management, airport privatization and commercialization, aviation safety and security, emerging technology, and human capital development.
Dr. Romer shared an Eight-point “Flight Plan” designed to meet and exceed industry best practices. They are:
Improving Airport Infrastructure and Development;
Enhancing Strategic Partnerships and Engagement;
Increasing Airlift and Improving Air Connectivity;
Enhancing Human Capital Development;
Improving Operational Efficiency, Financial Resilience, and Revenue Optimization;
Strengthening Safety and Security Systems;
Positioning The Bahamas as the Regional Leader in Sustainable Aviation and Air Transport Services; and,
Improving Innovation and Technology.
On improving airport infrastructure and development, Dr. Romer said that airlines, passengers and cargo require safe, efficient and
affordable airport infrastructure to sustain their operations.
“Through public private partnerships with airport stakeholders and government authorities, The Bahamas is developing best-in-class infrastructure for “airports of the future” based on new technologies, cultural authenticity and our commitment to sustainability and resilience,” said Dr. Romer.
He said that successful partnerships with aviation stakeholders, such as airport users and surrounding community members, is particularly important to the success of the National Aviation Strategic Plan. And, that The Bahamas is continuously engaging with its local, regional and global partners on matters including deliverables and policy execution.
“Increasing airlift and improving air connectivity are regarded as critical components to ensure the Bahamas’ economic vitality. Partnerships with airlift and aviation stakeholders such as international and domestic airlines, airport users and surrounding community members is imperative,” said the aviation director.
He added, “To increase competitiveness, minimize risk and optimize our capabilities, enhanced development of human capital is essential to ensure the optimization of industry talent as contributors to the plan.”
Dr. Romer said that the aviation industry is placing a focus on improving operational efficiencies and the implementation of policies that drive cost reduction through leaner operations, as well as new ways to leverage ancillary revenue and adaptation to fluctuating airport traffic. Additionally, the industry has developed financial planning models to support agility and accountability and drive transparency.
“The Bahamas is required to implement and conform to a safety oversight system to promote aviation safety. This is achieved by observing and assessing the compliance of aircraft operators, service providers with the applicable regulations, procedures and recommended practices.
“This mandate is further supported through safety and security audits conducted by the Civil Aviation Authority of The Bahamas to evaluate areas such as surveillance and compliance, risk assessments and safety management,” said Dr. Romer.
He observed that globally, the aviation industry is being transformed by increased attention to prioritizing sustainability goals.
“The Bahamas’ commitment to global sustainability initiatives, renewable energy discussions, greener aerospace technologies and actions to advance net zero and carbon neutrality are essential components in the success of this plan.”
Concluded Dr. Romer, “Aviation in The Bahamas is ever-changing to advance cutting-edge technology to meet the demands of ‘the new normal.’ Through ongoing collaboration, this sector will explore innovative systems and solutions to assist in operational efficiency and effectiveness.”
PHOTO CAPTION
Deputy Director-General of Tourism and Director of Aviation, Dr. Kenneth Romer, making a presentation at Airport Conference of the Americas held August 4-7, 2024 at Baha Mar Convention Centre.
(BIS Photos/Kemuel Stubbs)
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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