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25 Women-Led Businesses Receive Gender-Equitable Grants during GEFA Award Ceremony held by UNFAO and The Bahamas Development Bank

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Nassau, The Bahamas, 16 October, 2024- The Sapodilla Estate was recently the elegant setting for an inspiring evening where 25 women-led businesses were awarded grants ranging from $2,000 to $7,500, as part of the United Nations SDG Building Back Equal Through Innovative Gender Equitable Finance Program. The event, held in collaboration with the Bahamas Development Bank (BDB) and the United Nations Food Agriculture Organization (UNFAO), highlighted the vital role of women entrepreneurs in shaping the future of the Bahamian economy.

The grants, funded by the UN Joint SDG Fund under the Build Back Equal Program, were awarded to women-led businesses selected from a competitive pool of over 78 applicants who took part and completed in the accelerator program facilitated by the CeLearn Division of The University of The Bahamas. These entrepreneurs represented sectors from agriculture, creative industries and  tourism, with each receiving support to scale their operations and contribute to the sustainable development goals of The Bahamas.

During the ceremony, Sumayyah Cargill, Manager of Strategic Development and Initiatives at the Bahamas Development Bank, addressed the recipients, encouraging them to leverage the grant as a stepping stone to accessing greater financing.

“We are incredibly proud of each of you for making it this far. The future of Bahamian business is bright, and we believe these grants will help you take the next steps towards growth and expansion. We hope to see many of you accessing larger funds to continue scaling your businesses,” said Cargill.

Precious Fortune Thompson, National Consultant and Project Manager UNFAO, emphasized the essential role of women in the community, stating, “Women are the backbone of Bahamian society. I was thoroughly impressed by the talent and innovation on display, particularly from our pitch competition winners. It is clear that with the right support, these businesses can thrive.This pilot program was first launched in The Bahamas and Bermuda and is a foundation for further initiatives in The Caribbean.”

Natasha Taylor of CeLearn at the University of The Bahamas also took the opportunity to inspire the recipients, urging them to continue on their educational journeys.

“Learning is a lifelong process. I encourage you to keep pushing yourselves, not just as entrepreneurs, but also as individuals committed to growth and development,” Taylor remarked.

The award ceremony saw participation from key dignitaries, including Gilbert Cassar, Chairman of the Bahamas Development Bank, and Gavin Christie, Deputy Chairman. Their presence underscored the commitment of national institutions to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and resilient economy where women-led businesses can flourish.

This award ceremony marks a significant milestone in the ongoing work of the Build Back Equal Program, which seeks to address inequalities and create opportunities for women entrepreneurs across The Bahamas. With the continued support of partners like the UNFAO and the University of The Bahamas, the Bahamas Development Bank remains committed to empowering women to drive the nation’s development forward.

Bahamas News

Coca-Cola Celebrates International Coastal Cleanup Day with Blue Lagoon Island  

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Coca-Cola's volunteers and helpers adorn a bright at the International Coastal Cleanup Day

The Bahamas, October 26, 2024 – For nearly 20 years Coca-Cola has been a proud partner of the Ocean Conservancy’s International Costal Cleanup, sponsored by Blue Lagoon Island Bahamas, which aligns perfectly with the company’s environmental mission and goals.

Caribbean Bottling Company’s (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, volunteers watched the sunrise at South Beach Poolside as they began setting up for the event’s 8:30 a.m. start on Saturday, September 21.

In addition to providing volunteers, CBC also supplied exciting promotional items, and refreshing beverages for volunteers and organizers.

Coca-Cola’s volunteers wrapping up the transformation of South Beach (Canal) during Coastal Cleanup Day.

As volunteers flooded the beach to participate in Coastal Cleanup Day, they were kept hydrated by Coca-Cola’s donation of Coca-Cola Oreo No Sugar, Sprite No Sugar, Minute Maid, Dasani Flavored Water and Dasani Water.

Teshalla Clarke, Education & Sustainability Supervisor at Blue Lagoon Island shared what Coca-Cola’s support meant to the overall success of the day.

“Words cannot begin to express how grateful Blue Lagoon Island is towards Caribbean Bottling Company/ Coca-Cola. Your corporate sponsorship allows us to engage our local communities through volunteer-ship.” Clarke expressed.

“Coca-Cola’s support has always been a force. Whether its beverages donated or volunteers that show out, your assistance is undeniable. We have developed a beautiful relation with the company, one we hope to continue for future Coastal Cleanups.” Clarke concluded.

Paulette Dormeus, Brand Manager Associate at CBC spoke about her experience at the Coastal Cleanup.

“This is my second-year volunteering at Coastal Cleanup Day, and I’m super proud that Coca-Cola can support this super important initiative.” she shared.

After transforming South Beach volunteers swarmed Coca-Cola’s trailer where they were greeted with smiles, refreshing drinks and promotional items applauding their hard work.

“It always amazes me at all the organizations that come out to clean the beach. Waking up this early on a Saturday morning is not the easiest thing to do but that’s why we’ve provided a variety of beverages to keep everyone hydrated.” Dormeus said.

To stay up to date with Caribbean Bottling Company and Coca-Cola’s community initiatives visit the website at www.cbcbahamas.com today.

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RBDF wins GOLD at 3rd Annual Dragon Boat Festival

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The Bahamas, October 25, 2024 – The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) demonstrated their exceptional spirit and teamwork at the 3rd Annual Dragon Boat Festival held at Goodman’s Bay Park in Nassau on October 13, 2024.

This exciting event drew teams from various organizations and celebrated the values of competition, group effort, and cultural pride. It also offered an exhilarating day on the water for both participants and spectators.

Dragon boat racing, a thrilling water sport with origins in ancient China, has grown to become one of the fastest-growing activities worldwide. Known for its colorful and richly decorated boats, the festival not only promotes fitness and excitement but also serves as a platform for team-building and fundraising among charities and corporations.

Throughout the day, teams representing different sectors of society competed in the races, including groups from the United States Embassy, Doctors Hospital, Royal Bahamas Police Force, Cable Bahamas, J.S. Johnson, Urban Renewal, Breezes, Baha Mar, and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. The event featured dynamic musical performances by multiple artists, concluding with an energetic Junkanoo Rush that celebrated Bahamian culture.

Having two teams participate, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force stood out during the event, with the Water Defenders and the Naval Destroyers who were able to secure gold medals for their 500m category. This victory not only highlights their athletic skills, but also their dedication to community involvement and promoting unity through sports.

Through these efforts, we strengthen community relations, positively impact lives, and contribute to the growth of thriving communities. Remaining dedicated to excellence, the RBDF upholds the highest standards in protecting and preserving the rich legacy that defines our nation.

(RBDF Photos by: Marine Seamen Rickey Sealey & Edwin Basden)

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Bahamas Goombay Punch Launches Exclusive Limited-Edition Congratulatory Cans for Winning Team Susan Chase

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, hosted a celebratory affair to launch the limited-edition Bahamas Goombay Punch Susan Chase packaging. This special edition Susan Chase design is in honor of the sloop winning the 2023/2024 Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup.

The event, attended by The Hon. Clay Sweeting Minister of Works and Family Island Affairs, captain Stefan Knowles and the skippers of the Susan Chase at the Nassau Yacht Club, was a celebration of all things sailing and Bahamas Goombay Punch.

In 2022 CBC linked the beloved national beverage, Bahamas Goombay Punch, to sailing with the creation of the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup competition.

Minister Sweeting shared his astounding approval of CBC’s incorporation of culture and business.

“Programs like the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup are crucial to preserving and advancing our rich cultural tradition of sailing. Since 2022 this collaboration between the private sector and the sailing community has not only celebrated the heritage of Regattas but also provides the necessary resources to sustain the sport.” Minister Sweeting said.

Stefan Knowles, captain of Susan Chase shared what it means to have his sloop exclusively featured on the Bahamas Goombay Punch cans.

“It is a privilege to be on the Bahamas Goombay Punch can for sailing. This just goes to show how Caribbean Bottling Company is actively pouring into our communities, making them a great corporate citizen.” said Knowles.

Since the competition’s inception, sailors across The Bahamas were judged throughout three Regattas: The Best of The Best, The National Family Island and The Long Island Regatta.

Each sailing season the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup rotates between different classes; the 2023-2024 winners took the crown in the B-Class.

In addition to earning bragging rights, the Susan Chase of Long Island also won five-thousand dollars, and an eight-thousand-dollar stipend was awarded to Long Island’s Junior Sailing Club.

“The Goombay Punch Cup has the potential to leave a legacy for Bahamians sailing. By offering financial incentives and national recognition, it encourages more sailors to participate, enhancing competition and skill development. Add to that, featuring different classes each year will create a wider platform for sailors of all levels to showcase their abilities, ensuring that the sport continues to thrive.” Minister Sweeting shared.

Knowles knows all too well about legacies. He revealed how exciting this win was for him and his family.

“Winning is truly an honor, especially because the boat is named after my mother. Susan Chase has been in my family for 61 years so my parents were very happy we won the championship and that our sloop will be on the Bahamas Goombay Punch cans.” Knowles revealed.

Both CBC and Minister Sweeting recognize that the future of sailing is in the youth. This is why CBC ensures that junior sailors are also impacted through the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup. Minister Sweeting expressed hopes that the E-Class sloops would be next to be featured on the Bahamas Goombay Punch cans, providing a major boost to young skippers.

“Highlighting sloops like the Sugar Loaf will not only encourage our young sailors who are already involved, but may also inspire future sailors to join and participate in our national sport.” declared Minster Sweeting.

The sailors of Sugar Loaf are members of the Eleuthera Sailing Academy (ESA), demonstrating how junior sailing organizations actively aid in the preservation of Bahamian culture.

As the beginning of the 2024/2025 sailing season kicks off in a few weeks, Minister Sweeting encourages all the participating sailors to lead with heart.

“I encourage you to embrace this opportunity with determination and pride. Sailing is deeply rooted in our Bahamian heritage, and each of you represents the strength and resilience of our people. As you prepare for the first leg at the Best of the Best, know that your hard work and dedication are already a testament to your passion for the sport.” he expressed.

 

Photo Captions:

Header: Members of the winning Susan Chase, along with Minister Clay Sweeting (center-left) and captain Stefan Knowles (center-right). Photo credit: Racardo Thomas; Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs

1st insert: An in-depth look at the limited-edition Susan Chase Bahamas Goombay Punch designs. Photo credit: Racardo Thomas; Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs

2nd insert:  The Nassau Yacht Club decked out in Bahamas Goombay Punch decor at the limited-edition can launch celebration. Photo credit: Racardo Thomas; Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs

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