Connect with us

Bahamas News

Bahamas to host SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket booster landings

Published

on

By LINDSAY THOMPSON

Bahamas Information Services

 

NASSAU, The Bahamas — The Bahamas will be the focus of a history-making event when the first international rocket landing will take place near Exuma, announced Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation the Hon. Chester Cooper.

He made the revelation during a press conference on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 in the ballroom of the British Colonial.

Due to the historic significance of the event, high level officials at the press conference included Cabinet Ministers, Charge d’Affaires United States Embassy, Nassau, Kimberly Furnish; Commodore Raymond King, Commander, Royal Bahamas Defence Force; Bahamasair Navigation Services Authority; the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection; the Civil Aviation Authority and Port Department; and representatives of the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation.

Deputy Prime Minister Cooper said the event is in keeping with the Davis Administration’s Blueprint for Change “to Recover, Rebuild and Revolutionize”.

He noted that on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at about 6:08pm, The Bahamas will take a revolutionary leap into space tourism as the first international destination to host SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket booster landings outside of the United States, more specifically off the coast of The Exumas.

“This rocket landing will secure The Bahamas’ place in the global space industry and redefine new possibilities for economic growth and scientific exploration and innovation,” he said.

The event marks a major milestone for space exploration and establishes The Bahamas as a key player in the rapidly growing space tourism sector.
More specifically, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket will launch from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.  About eight minutes after liftoff, Falcon 9’s first stage will land on SpaceX’s autonomous  drone ship, which will ensure environmental safety and protection. The drone ship will be stationed off the coast of The Exumas in the Atlantic Ocean.

The ministry engaged Bahamian-American Aisha Bowe, a former NASA rocket scientist and STEMBoard Founder & CEO, who worked closely with SpaceX over the past few years to establish protocols for The Bahamas.  The activity is being regulated and monitored by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas (CAAB).

Said Astronaut Bowe who attended the press conference via Zoom: “Seeing The Bahamas emerge as a key player in the future of space tourism fills me with immense pride. This event is not just about watching a rocket land, it’s about inspiring the next generation of Bahamians to see themselves as future engineers, astronauts, and space leaders.”

It is expected that The Bahamas will take center stage and for this landing to be viewed millions of times.

“Safety is a priority.  We are proud to have Bahamian aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe, a former NASA scientist, as our official aerospace consultant. The entire process adheres to environmental safety best practices while placing The Bahamas at the forefront of space exploration,” said DPM Cooper.

He underscored the impact such an event would have on the country’s overall tourism product.

“This historic collaboration with SpaceX further reinforces our commitment to innovation and our dedication to expanding tourism offerings.  This groundbreaking launch also writes another chapter in the annals of Bahamian history.  We are seizing our space in this vibrant space industry.”

He added, “We are proud to be the first international destination to host such a groundbreaking event, which will undoubtedly draw attention to the beauty and versatility of our islands while contributing to the development of space tourism in our beloved destination.”

The Memorandum of Cooperation recently signed between CAAB and the FAA, which took effect on 15 January 2025, agreed to establish and maintain a framework for the oversight and regulation of aerospace activity. The Cabinet of The Bahamas has approved 19 more landings throughout 2025, subject to regulatory approval.

DPM Cooper envisioned that space tourism allows people to experience aspects of space exploration firsthand, whether through rocket launches or landings, or space-related attractions. And, that The Bahamas is now at the center of this movement.

“With 20 landings scheduled this year, visitors will not only enjoy our pristine shores but witness history in real time. No other place on Earth offers this combination of paradise and space exploration,” he said.

He observed that rocket booster landings will generate fresh economic activity attracting more travelers, securing more heads in beds, boosting local businesses and introducing new experiences for example, yacht excursions to watch rocket landings.

Additionally, SpaceX is committed to establishing a space-themed exhibit in The Bahamas, featuring authentic space hardware and a SpaceX spacesuit — the only one of its kind outside the United States.

“It is yet another way we are putting our country on the map, drawing global attention and expanding what the world knows about The Bahamas beyond its natural beauty,” he said.

SpaceX will donate $1million to the University of The Bahamas, deemed an investment in Bahamians.

“We are not just spectators in this industry — we are participants, shaping its future to strengthen science and technology education,” said Deputy Prime Minister Cooper.

“We are proud to be the first international destination to host such a groundbreaking event. We are not just hosting rocket landings; we are creating a legacy.  We envision Bahamian students pursuing careers in aerospace, Bahamian engineers working on cutting-edge technology, and Bahamian scientists contributing to global innovation, and the advancement of mankind.  This is the beginning of a significant partnership with SpaceX,” he said.

PHOTO CAPTION

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation the Hon. Chester Cooper announces first international rocket landing in The Bahamas, during a press conference on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 in the ballroom of the British Colonial hotel.

(BIS Photos/Kemuel Stubbs)

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Twist To Win Ends in a Grand Style with Four $5,000 Mall at Marathon Shopping Sprees  

Published

on

Twist To Win grand finale winners (l-r) Brian Bethel, Taraceta Neely, Ashia Demeritte and Merlin Adams posing along with their winnings from the shopping spree.

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.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

 The Coca-Cola Art Project Astonishes Art Lovers at The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival  

Published

on

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!

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

CWS Brings a Galore of Bubbles at Annual Jollification Festival  

Published

on

Caribbean Wines & Spirits team members smiling behind one of the company’s two bars at Jollification

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.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING