Bahamas News
Bahamian experts join Commonwealth fellows on a roadmap to combat cybercrime in Caribbean
The Bahamas, January 24, 2025 – Three Bahamian experts joined Commonwealth Caribbean Cyber Fellows this week to develop a roadmap aimed at boosting cooperation to combat online crimes and make the internet safer for all.
The roadmap emerged from two days of discussions among 15 fellows, including officials from The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security, and the Regional Security System.
The fellows, including Semetria McKinney, Head of the Computer Incident Response Team at the Office of the Prime Minister of The Bahamas, were in Port of Spain on 21 and 22 January 2025 for the inaugural meeting of the Commonwealth Caribbean Cyber Fellowship.
The roadmap lays out a framework for greater regional cooperation to prevent and combat cyber threats, including fraud, ransomware, and hacking.
Specific actions include establishing an online platform to share knowledge and tools, exchanging strategies to enhance national cybersecurity policies and infrastructure, and fostering mutual support in handling electronic evidence.
One of the fellows, Trezawnah Gordon, Senior Director of the Cyber Intelligence Policy and Incident Response Branch at Jamaica’s Ministry
of National Security, praised the roadmap as a significant step towards creating a safer digital future.
She said: “The roadmap will provide a valuable platform for fellows from across the region to share expertise, exchange ideas and develop adaptable models that countries can use to strengthen their cybersecurity.”
Another fellow, Anish Bachu, Head of the Cybersecurity Incident Response Team at Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of National Security, acknowledged the challenges posed by the small size of Caribbean countries. He pointed out that some countries have cybersecurity teams consisting of just one or two people.
Anish explained that the fellowship would help address this limitation by bringing Caribbean countries together to pool their knowledge and resources, which he said would result in swifter and more coordinated responses to cyber threats.
Elizabeth Macharia, Head of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Rule of Law Section, reflected on the dual nature of digital connectivity.
“Digital connectivity has immense potential for the development of societies,” she said. “However, it also exposes businesses and citizens to significant cyber threats that demand urgent attention.”
Dr Macharia added: “This roadmap, developed and led by the region, will equip countries to take more proactive measures rooted in domestic laws, as part of their wider efforts to create a safer digital environment for all.”
Launched in 2024, the fellowship is supported by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Jon Dean, British High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, said: “The fellowship is an important opportunity as it brings together key stakeholders in the cybersecurity space to share best practice, knowledge, and expertise.”
He continued: “Through this initiative, we are ensuring that Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean are well-positioned to tackle the growing cyber threats of tomorrow.”
The fellowship contributes to the delivery of the Commonwealth Cyber Declaration, an agreement among Commonwealth countries to promote safe cyberspace for all Commonwealth citizens.
Press Release: The Commonwealth
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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