Bahamas News
FIRST TEAM OF RBDF TROOPS DEPLOY TO HAITI FOR MULTINATIONAL SECURITY SUPPORT MISSION
Nassau, Bahamas, Defence Headquarters 18 OCT. 2024 –In a strong show of regional solidarity, Prime Minister The Honourable Philip Davis, accompanied by senior government officials, attended the official send-off of Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) officers set to be deployed to Haiti. This mission is part of a wider regional initiative aimed at stabilizing Haiti, a nation still grappling with
significant unrest.
Almost 30 years after the Bahamas first answered the call to support Haiti—when 141 Defence Force officers participated in a United Nations peacekeeping operation between 1994 and 1996—the Bahamas has once again committed to assisting. A six-member advance team from the RBDF will be joining the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM), an effort spearheaded by CARICOM in partnership with international allies such as Kenya, Jamaica, and Belize. This coordinated mission will provide critical support to help restore peace and stability in Haiti.
Prime Minister Davis, who also served as Chair of CARICOM in 2023, was joined by Acting Minister of National Security Leon Lundy, Minister of Education Glenys Hanna Martin, Deputy Commander Defence Force (DCDF) Captain Shonedel Pinder, and members of the RBDF Executive Command. Former Commander Defence Force, Commodore Clifford Scavella, who led the initial Bahamian peacekeeping mission in Haiti three decades ago, was also present, adding a historical resonance to the occasion.
This RBDF deployment is notable not only for its mission but also for the groundbreaking inclusion of the first-ever female RBDF officer to
be deployed on an international mission, a milestone moment that reflects The Bahamas’ commitment to gender equality and leadership within its armed forces. The team’s expertise spans several areas crucial to the mission’s success, including Conduct & Discipline, Command Headquarters Assistance, Operations, and Administration.
The team’s mission, shaped by on-the-ground needs, will focus on several key areas:
- Maritime Patrols: Conducting coordinated patrols to deter threats to maritime security within Haitian territorial waters.
- Port Security: Securing strategic Haitian ports to facilitate humanitarian aid, promote economic development, and bolster political stability.
- Preventing Illegal Migration: Implementing measures to curb illegal migration, protect Haitian citizens, and prevent human trafficking and unsafe sea journeys.
- Countering Illicit Trafficking: Disrupting narcotics, weapons, and contraband trafficking to safeguard regional security.
- Intelligence Cooperation: Collaborating closely with the CARICOM Joint Task Force and international partners to share intelligence and coordinate resources for a more effective mission response.
- Regional Security: Contributing to the overall safety of the Caribbean by addressing destabilizing illicit activities.
- Supporting Political Stability: Creating a secure environment to enable peaceful political processes, aligning with broader efforts to restore Haiti’s political stability.
The RBDF personnel will serve for six months in Haiti, a challenging but necessary deployment aimed at making a significant impact on the region’s security. Their participation not only enhances The Bahamas’ role in regional security but also supports broader CARICOM-led efforts.
Although Prime Minister Davis did not make any official remarks at the send-off, his presence underscored the Bahamian government’s dedication to supporting regional security and promoting peace in the Caribbean. The commitment to this mission reflects the broader leadership of The Bahamas in supporting its neighbors in times of need.
The send-off was also attended by representatives of the RBDF Chaplaincy Office and Family Support organization, acknowledging the personal sacrifices made by the deployed officers and their families. For these families, this mission brings both the weight of separation
and the pride of knowing their loved ones are contributing to a greater cause.
This deployment serves as a testament to the resilience and unity of the Bahamian people and reinforces The Bahamas’ longstanding tradition of offering a helping hand to its neighbors in times of crisis.
Under Commander Defence Force, Commodore Raymond E. King’s leadership, the Defence Force ensures personnel are equipped, trained, and prepared for maritime security, disaster relief, and peacekeeping. This extends to domestic and regional operations, fulfilling our responsibilities with professionalism and preparedness.
Written by CPO A Rahming, Able Seaman Michael Turner
Photos by Able Seaman Able Seaman Macmillan Estilien
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products concluded their 10 weeklong Twist To Win campaign with four $5,000 Mall at Marathon shopping sprees.
The campaign which was available throughout the entire Bahamas allowed consumers to enter by purchasing a 20oz bottle with a yellow cap
from the following brands: Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola No Sugar, Sprite, Fanta Orange, or Fanta Grape. Each yellow-cap had a unique alpha numeric code underneath which they submitted to the Twist To Win WhatsApp number.
With each qualifying purchase, participants residing in The Bahamas were entered to win instant prizes and into a grand prize draw to win one of four $5,000 shopping sprees at the Mall at Marathon.
Participants also enjoyed exciting instant prizes such as: Airpods, JBL Speakers, premium Coca-Cola merchandise, $500 Visa gift cards and Amazon, Spotify and Apple Music digital gift cards.
Out of 76,000 plus submissions, Brian Bethel, Ashia Demeritte, Merlin Adams, and Taraceta Neely won the coveted Mall at Marathon shopping sprees at the following select stores, Kelly’s House & Home, The Sports Center, John Bull, Brass & Leather, and BTC.
Leading up to the grand finale shopping spree, Coca-Cola hosted a Trivia Showdown with the eight finalists to determine the four winners. Finalists were tested on their knowledge of World History, Pop Culture, Caribbean Bottling Company and Coca-Cola Facts!
After a few rousing rounds of trivia, the four winners were declared after each winning their spot in the shopping spree by answering their questions correctly and choosing the “Grand Prize” Coca-Cola labeled bottles at random.
The morning of the shopping spree Coca-Cola gave the winners exclusive access to the Mall at Marathon and its participating stores before
their usual operating hours. Grand prize winners were greeted with wide smiles from Coca-Cola brand representatives and morning bites before the big event.
At the start of the thirty-minute clock the grand prize winners along with each of their Coca-Cola shopping assistants ran to the various stores collecting items in their arms and carts.
Merlin Adams, a husband and father of four was proud to have executed his game-plan at the end of the shopping spree. With toys, a new phone and materials for his home from Kelly’s, Adams felt accomplished in what he gathered.
Taraceta Neely, a winner from Eleuthera collected beautiful bags for herself and relatives from Brass and Leather and Brian Bethel bought matching athletic and outdoor wear from The Sports Center for his family.
The final winner Ashia Demeritte bought linens and household items in addition to a new phone from BTC right in time for Christmas.
Caribbean Bottling Company is proud to share the real magic of Coca-Cola with the grand prize winners and the may instant prize winners across the Twist To Win campaign. For more updates on new products, promotions, and events follow www.cbcbahamas.com.
Bahamas News
The Coca-Cola Art Project Astonishes Art Lovers at The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products displayed
their astonishing Coca-Cola Art Project (CCAP), during Baha Mar’s five-day Culinary & Arts Festival. Earlier this year, Coca-Cola partnered with The University of The Bahamas’ Visual Art and Design Department for a culturally rich art competition. UB’s art students were challenged to create pieces surrounding the theme, Bahamian music.
As a result, 20 student works of art were made, with four students declared as winners at the CCAP exhibit opening in Baha Mar’s ECCHO: Art Gallery in August. To recreate the culturally stimulating magic felt at the exhibit’s premiere, the CCAP was featured at the FUZE Art Tent during The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival.
Nine incredible pieces of art lined the walls of the Coca-Cola Art Project, four of which included the winning pieces from Jhanaisia Cole,
with ‘Gaulin Bride’; Alyssa Pinder, with ‘Shotgun Wedding’; Nelson Gray, with ‘Untitled’; and Jaela Bowe, with the piece ‘Whims of Obeah, a Folktail’. Additionally, an intimate listening room was built. It displayed students’ artistic processes, UB Visual Art and Design representatives, and a recap of the exhibit opening for audiences.
Art enthusiasts also enjoyed premium limited-edition CCAP keepsakes at the booth. Journals which featured a collage of all 20 student submissions on the front and back cover, postcards with an art piece on the cover along with the student’s name, title, dimension and materials on the back and pens designed with the CCAP’s dynamic logo.
Throughout the art festival diverse groups of people visited the art tent taking in the displays while enjoying the artistic insights from the
listening booth.
Community and culture are always at the forefront of Caribbean Bottling Community, and it was boldly showcased during The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival for the third consecutive year.
For more details on the Coca-Cola Art Project, events and new products visit www.cbcbahamas.com today!
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor delighted Jollification
attendees with bubbles from their Bottega and Bouvet Ladubay sparkling wines and Besserat de Bellefon champagne lines.
Located in the Monument Circle on The Retreat grounds, CWS transformed The Retreat Garden into a lush lounge with Besserat, Bouvet and their latest product addition, Bottega, during the two-day affair.
The festivities kicked off Friday during BNT Member’s Night. Guests enjoyed exclusive offerings from CWS’s catalogue, offered exclusively to members. Complimentary mixes or glasses on the rocks included El Tequileno tequila, Hard Truth whiskey, House of Angostura rum, Cross Keys gin, Nemiroff vodka and a slew of wines such as Fonesca Bin, Bottega and Besserat.
Guests also savored the ‘Jolly Paloma’ cocktail, an instant favorite made with El Tequileno tequila, Schweppes Grapefruit and Domaine de Paris rose wine. To end the night, guests were treated to branded limited-edition wine tumblers as keepsakes.
On Saturday and Sunday, Jollification attendees delighted in glasses or bottles of champagne and sparkling brut or rosé wines while taking
in the comfort of the chic lounge. In addition to purchasing bottles for onsite consumption, consumers were also able to purchase bottles as gifts whether for themselves or someone special.
The sophisticated “bubble lounge” lounge was decked with velvet couches, gold rimmed cocktail tables, blue and pink pillows, and a white floral branded backdrop created for capturing the perfect picture.
Caribbean Wines & Spirits, a historic partner of the Bahamas National Trust was pleased to support Jollification 2025 to kick off the festive season and share their expansive range of spirits.
To keep up to date with all CWS products and events, visit their website at www.cwsbahamas.com today.
