Bahamas News
PM Davis Lauds the ‘enduring friendship’ between The Bahamas and China, at Lunar New Year Celebration
By ERIC ROSE
Bahamas Information Services
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the ‘China’s Lunar New Year 2025 Ceremony,’ held at the Margaritaville Beach Resort – Nassau, on January 23, 2025, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis noted that the Year of the Snake focused on an animal that was a symbol of wisdom, resilience, and transformation in their culture.
“The snake is known for its ability to shed its skin, representing the process of letting go of the old and embracing the new,” he said. “This reminds us to face challenges with foresight and creativity while seizing opportunities for growth and transformation.”
“The traditions of the Lunar New Year, from family reunions to vibrant cultural displays, highlight the richness of Chinese heritage and its global significance in fostering harmony and prosperity,” he added.
Among those present included Governor-General Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Cynthia Pratt; Cabinet Ministers and Parliamentarians; members of the Judiciary, the Diplomatic and Honorary Consular Corps; Mrs. Ann Marie Davis of the Office of the Spouse of the Prime Minister; Senior Public Servants; and members of the Chinese and Bahamian communities.
“Tonight, I would also like to celebrate the enduring friendship between The Bahamas and China,” Prime Minister Davis said. “As we welcome the new year, 2025 marks the 28th anniversary of diplomatic relations between us. Over these years, our partnership has grown stronger, grounded in mutual respect and collaboration.”
He added: “Thanks to the commitment of the Embassy of China in The Bahamas, our Government received additional support, both bilaterally and multilaterally, to promote The Bahamas’ overall development, and more specifically, with its advocacy for food resilience and security, climate adaptation, and the development of our blue economy.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that some of the projects attached to that support included the following:
China’s handover of materials and band equipment to The Bahamas’ Ministry of National Security; the strengthening of sister-city relations between Grand Bahama Island and Hunan Province; the refurbishment of the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium; capacity-building exercises in the areas of media, agriculture, tourism, and culture; the donation of supply tool kits to farmers in North Andros; technical assistance programmes to aid in the further development of Bahamian professionals and students; and
collaboration with the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC) to establish a demonstration farm at the Gladstone Road Agricultural Centre (GRAC).
“I encourage all Bahamians to visit the farm – this demonstration farm at GRAC – to witness the positive results of China’s support to our food resilience and security efforts,” he said.
“Of course, the Chinese Embassy and the People’s Republic of China have provided support in many ways to our nation over the years, which is a testament to the length and depth of our ties as we partner on numerous developmental projects,” Prime Minister Davis added.
To the People’s Republic of China’s Ambassador to The Bahamas Her Excellency Yan Jiarong, Prime Minister Davis said that, on behalf of the Government and people of The Bahamas, he extended “our sincerest appreciation for the support received from your office and from the Government and people of China”.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership to realize beneficial outcomes in areas of mutual interest,” he said. “As you progress in your
distinguished tenure, which just started a little while ago, we anticipate the year ahead will be marked by further remarkable achievements and memorable experiences.
Prime Minister Davis added: “We also look forward to deepening and strengthening our bonds of friendship and cooperation. The Bahamas remains steadfast in its commitment to the One-China policy, reflecting our respect for China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We value this principle as a cornerstone of our bilateral relationship and remain intent on working with China to advance shared priorities both within our nations and on the global stage.”
To those present, Prime Minister Davis encouraged them to raise their glasses in a toast, as they all welcomed the Lunar New Year with “hope, with determination, and with a shared vision for a better tomorrow”.
“As the snake teaches us to adapt and renew, may our partnership continue to flourish and bring prosperity to our peoples,” he said.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of The Bahamas, I extend my warmest wishes to the Government and people of China for a year filled with health, happiness, and success,” Prime Minister Davis added.
“Happy Lunar New Year.”
PHOTO CAPTION
Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis brings remarks at the China’s Lunar New Year 2025 Ceremony, held at the Margaritaville Beach Resort – Nassau, on January 23, 2025. Among those present included Governor-General Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Cynthia Pratt; Cabinet Ministers and Parliamentarians; members of the Judiciary, the Diplomatic and Honorary Consular Corps; Mrs. Ann Marie Davis of the Office of the Spouse of the Prime Minister; Senior Public Servants; and members of the Chinese and Bahamian communities.
(BIS Photos/Eric Rose)
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.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to once again support Basketball Smiles for their 27th year.
Upholding its corporate pillar of community outreach, CBC proudly donated $2,000, over 75 cases of Dasani, Powerade and Sprite, reusable
Powerade water bottles and numerous marketing materials.
The annual sporting summer camp offers free basketball and life skills training to Junior and High School students.
Basketball Smiles’ mission of developing leadership qualities while fostering children’s academic achievement and self-esteem aligns perfectly with CBC’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth.
Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company shared why the company continues to support this program each year.
“At CBC, we believe investing in our youth is one of the greatest ways to strengthen our communities. We’re proud to support Basketball Smiles each year because it goes beyond the game. This program champions healthy lifestyles, positive values and brighter futures. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping these young athletes reach their full potential each year,” she shared.
Sam Nicholls, Basketball Smiles Camp President and Founder expressed.
“Caribbean Bottling Company is an incredible partner. We are truly grateful for their generous support, which will go a long way in making a positive impact on the lives of our campers,” Nicholls expressed.
CBC is always ready to lend its support toward initiatives and programs that uplift young Bahamians. The impact Basketball Smiles makes on the community is undeniable and is why CBC remains a historic sponsor.
For more information on sponsorship, events and new products, visit www.cbcbahamas.com today.
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