Bahamas News
Caribbean Wines & Spirits Displays Portfolio Evolution and Innovation with a Spectacular Showcase
Nassau, BAHAMAS — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor hosted a spectacular showcase to celebrate the evolution of its portfolio while highlighting their innovative products.
The event was held at The Bahamas National Trust’s Retreat Garden as an opportunity to educate customers on how the company has
grown its product listing since 2020.
Karla Wells-Lisgaris, Commercial Officer of Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, and sister company to CWS shared her thoughts during the event.
“CWS was birthed with the goal of offering Bahamians premium wines and spirits. Over the years we have grown to be an alcohol beverage provider known for our quality products and excellent service. As we grow each year striving to continuously satisfy our clients and consumers, we are proud at the expansion of our portfolio.”
The showcase was a testament to CWS’s steady growth and strategic planning. The company that started with only one brand, House of Angostura and 14 Stock Keeping Units (SKU) has now grown to over 40 brands and 350 SKUs.
Waylon McHardy, General Manager for Caribbean Wines & Spirits shared what inspired the tradeshow that took place in “grand style”.
“We decided to celebrate our growth by showcasing our evolution along with the incredible products offered in our portfolio. As a team
we’re elated by the expansion of our portfolio, appreciative of our loyal customers and proud of our Team Members across the organization who continue to embrace a customer-centric mindset, which also calls for celebration.” McHardy expressed.
The event categorized its wines and spirits into two sections, the ‘Americas’ and ‘Europe’. Each product had a brand ambassador at their respective stations offering consumers a better understanding of the product’s origins and taste.
While CWS is known for providing quality products, a few key brands wowed guests that night. Fan-favorites were: ABK6 Cognac, Hard Truth Toasted Coconut Rum Cream, El Tequileno, Caposaldo Moscato and Fonseca Bin No. 27 Port.
Another highlight of the night was the introduction of two new products in CWS’ inventory; El Tequileno an award-winning tequila and ABK6 a single estate cognac.
McHardy revealed that tequila is the fastest-growing category in the beverage industry globally. Aiming to always compete and provide a
variety of products, CWS secured El Tequileno, a multi–International Spirits Challenge (ISC) and Spirits Business Awards winner for tequila; which can now be purchased and enjoyed locally.
Cognac, a highly popular spirit within the country presented a gap in CWS’ portfolio, which was filled with the introduction of ABK6. This “innovative” product, made with diligence and integrity in each step makes for a delightful taste on the pallet.
Guests savored a variety of hand-crafted cocktails at the El Tequileno Tequila and Nemiroff Vodka stations which heightened their taste buds.
The night was a celebratory affair without a doubt, however McHardy shared the overall goal of the event.
“We want customers to leave feeling valued and appreciated with a deeper understanding of our organization’s mission, which is to serve as a business partner for our customers while seeking to meet the needs of our consumers.” McHardy disclosed.
As the year progresses, consumers can enjoy products at the company’s growing monthly Block Parties and samplings. Also be on the
lookout for a fun summer calendar that will include multiple islands in The Bahamas.
To keep up to date on exciting events and new products visit CWS’ website at www.cwsbahamas.com and follow-on social media at @caribbeanwinesandspirits.
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.
-
Bahamas News1 week agoMonument Beverage Co. Caribbean Wines & Spirits Uniquely Bahamian Newest Product
-
Bahamas News1 week agoLady Kayla Crowned Goombay Punch Cup Sailing Champion of 2025/2026
-
News1 week agoFacts According to the Turks & Caicos Premier About His Constitutional Amendments
-
News1 week ago80 DAYS. $80 MILLION. – PDM Demands Answers from Government
-
News1 week ago“The Contract is The Problem, Not The Hospitals”
-
News1 week ago
Premier Lays Out Cost of Hospital Dispute
-
News5 days agoPAY FIRST. QUESTION LATER.
-
Education6 days agoDr. Candice Williams Appointed First Vice-President of Regional Higher Education Association