Bahamas News
Kakona Development Poses Existential Threat to National Parks in South Abaco
Abaco, Bahamas, October 24, 2024 – The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) categorically opposes the proposed Kakona Resort Development in South Abaco by SALDCO Ltd. (the Developer), which represents an existential threat to the ecological integrity and future of two Bahamian national parks: Abaco National Park and the Cross Harbour Protected Area. As it stands, this development would not only endanger the delicate balance of these protected areas but also undermine decades of conservation work, risking irreversible damage to native wildlife and ecosystems.
With a development footprint spanning three large areas, including plans for a 225-slip marina, 400 residential units, and 90 hotel keys, the Kakona Development would alter and disrupt critical habitats that these national parks were established to protect. The BNT and its partners have been dedicated to advancing the conservation of these areas for decades, working to ensure the protection of both terrestrial and marine ecosystems that are vital to the biodiversity of South Abaco.
Abaco National Park, home to the northernmost population of the Bahama Parrot, is a globally significant conservation area. For over 30 years, the BNT has been actively managing invasive species that threaten this iconic, ground-nesting bird. The increased human activity, noise, and waste associated with this development will attract feral species like cats and raccoons, which could undo decades of conservation work and potentially lead to the extinction of the Bahama Parrot in Abaco. Furthermore, essential parrot feeding grounds outside the park boundaries would be negatively impacted by the project, compromising the parrot’s survival.
In addition to being vital to the well-being of the Bahama Parrot, the Abaco National Park also provides a refuge for other endemic birds, including the endangered Bahama Warbler, the endangered Bahama Swallow, and the Bahama Yellowthroat. The habitats these birds
depend on have already been fragmented by Hurricane Dorian and can face further collapse due to this development. The cumulative impacts of habitat loss and human disturbance in Abaco National Park present significant threats to the biodiversity of the region and heighten the risks posed by climate change.
Cross Harbour, another invaluable protected area, is equally at risk. The waters and mangroves of Cross Harbour serve as nursery grounds for a range of species critical to Bahamian fisheries, including snappers, groupers, and queen conch. It is also home to the pre-spawning site for bonefish, a cornerstone species for the local recreational fishing industry, which generates millions in economic benefits each year. Increased marine traffic, habitat degradation, and potential overuse would compromise the delicate balance of this marine ecosystem, threatening livelihoods and local industries reliant on these resources.
The BNT is alarmed by the lack of meaningful consultation with our organization by the Developer; despite the proximity of the project to the Abaco National Park, and the fact that the project proposes the construction and modification of roads through the park. The Developer’s decision to bypass critical engagement with the BNT undermines our role as the national park managers of The Bahamas. Moreover, the public consultation process has been marred by accessibility barriers, including the requirement for individuals to provide personal information to access the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which limits meaningful public participation.
Our last engagement with the Developer took place a few years ago in a meeting to discuss a version of the project’s proposal. After that meeting, the Developer began claiming the BNT had endorsed the proposal. We immediately clarified that our discussion did not, in any way, imply endorsement of the project.
The BNT reiterates that the Kakona Development, as it stands, represents overdevelopment that far outweighs any short-term economic benefits it may offer. The ecological and socio-economic costs of proceeding with this project would be devastating, with long-term impacts that could irreparably damage these protected areas and the local communities that rely on them.
We urge the government and the public to recognize the value of Abaco National Park and the Cross Harbour protected area awaiting assignment to a Protected Area Management Agency, and the essential services they provide for Bahamian biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable local economies. The BNT is prepared to work alongside all stakeholders to identify alternative approaches to development that balance economic goals with the critical need to protect the natural resources that are the lifeblood of The Bahamas.
The Environmental Impact Assessment Report can be viewed/downloaded at the following link: https://environmental.kakona.com/environmental-impact-assessment/
Let us stand together in defense of our parks, our wildlife, and our future.
To learn more about the role the BNT plays in managing terrestrial and marine national parks, protecting species that inhabit them, and informing environmental policy, please visit its website: www.bnt.bs and follow/subscribe to various social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Photo Caption: Aerial photo showing Abaco National Park and Cross Harbour Protected Area in South Abaco
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.
