Bahamas News
Proudly Accelerating Empowerment and Leadership: The Women of Caribbean Bottling Company
Nassau, BAHAMAS — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, stands in a unique position with 51% of its women being in positions of leadership.
As a leading beverage manufacturer and distributor in The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos, CBC is proud to honor and highlight the women leading in non-traditional roles throughout the company. Here we will explore career journeys, passions and trailblazing in unconventional roles of five key women leaders within the company.
Cynthia Fox, Production Manager; Sapphire Davis, Quality Control Coordinator; Asia Pinder Health, Safety & Environment Manager at the New Providence office, Joyann Stuart, Branch Manager for Grand Bahama and Leandra Brooks Assistant General Manager for Turks & Caicos.
- Working in a male-dominant environment
Fox: “The experience has been a blend of overcoming challenges and seizing opportunity. I’ve grown by demonstrating competence, festering collaboration and maintaining self-confidence. In doing this, you demonstrate that effective management is not about gender, but about skill and vision.”
Brooks: “I’ve always had a positive work relationship with males in every organization I’ve worked. However, working in a predominately male dominated field has its challenges, especially where some men may feel intimidated when it comes to directions provided by a woman. I was taught as a child to advocate for myself, and I apply that to my life.”
Stuart: “In a world where male dominance was regarded as the only way to go, it was very scary, however, I believe that women can succeed
and be considered an equal in any environment. I accepted my role in a predominately male field as an opportunity to advance the cause for all women. To prove that we are capable and deserve the very same advantage as our male counterparts once we put in the work.”
- Best aspects of your job
Davis: “The Production Process – I enjoy witnessing the transformation of raw materials into a finished product. Seeing each stage of the process come together—from initial testing to final quality checks—gives me a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, knowing that I play a key role in ensuring the product meets high standards before reaching the market.”
Pinder: “I love the fact that I am a key asset for CBC’s growth. I have learnt so much in regard to my position as an HSE Manager, it not only had an effect on my professional life, but I have grown so much personally. My hidden strengths have evolved over the years.
Brooks: “Learning new things. As a woman I’ve never thought that I’d be driving a forklift or freight liner among others. Working here has pushed me out of my comfort zone accomplishing things.
- Advice to women in non-traditional roles
Fox: “Believe in your abilities, embrace continuous learning and growth, find allies and mentors, challenge stereotypes, but don’t let them define you, stay resilient and be your authentic self”
Davis: “My advice is to believe in your abilities, be confident in your knowledge, and never be afraid to take up space. Seek mentorship and most importantly, remember that your voice and contributions are valuable—inspire the next generation of women.”
Brooks: “Number one, never be afraid or intimidated. If you’re faced with a conflict always stand your ground, in a respectful way of course. Some men will try to intimidate you, never back down or be afraid to speak up. And always remember, if you were chosen for the job, that means you have as much to offer as your male counterparts. It’s up to you to put in the work and show why you were the best candidate for the position.”
Stuart: “The advice I would give women interested in working in untraditional fields is to accept the challenge. Bring your femininity and be your authentic self. Establish yourself as a fierce contender and work with integrity, grit and tenacity.”
- Women who have impacted your career
Davis: “Several women have played a significant role in shaping my career. Many being mentors to professors who have provided guidance and encouragement. I have been fortunate to learn from strong female leaders like my Manager, Ms. Charmin Lotmore and the Production Manager Ms. Cynthia Fox, who demonstrate confidence, determination, and excellence in their roles daily.”
Pinder: “I would not single out one person as a role model, but I will say I have an admiration of various character traits from the women of my family. I am surrounded by women who exemplify strength, courage and wisdom, so it’s very hard for me to single one out.”
Stuart: “I am extremely grateful for several women; however, honorable mention goes to Ms. Gaitor who was a part of the hiring process when I joined the Coca Cola team. My appreciation is to my grandmother, the late Beulah Morley who raised me to be a strong, independent, and God-fearing woman. She reminded me to never allow anyone to overshadow my value as a woman.
To learn more about CBC’s employee highlights, philanthropic work or new products visit their website at www.cbcbahamas.com or follow-on social media at @caribbeanbottling .
May 29, 2026 – Two years after The Bahamas made history as the first Caribbean nation to host the African Export-Import Bank’s Annual
Meetings, thousands of delegates are expected to gather in Egypt next month for AAM2026.
The 33rd Afreximbank Annual Meetings will be held from June 21-24 in El Alamein, Egypt, under the theme: “Intra-African Trade and Industrialisation: Pathway to Economic Sovereignty.”
The event is regarded as one of Africa’s most important gatherings on trade, investment, finance and economic development, bringing together heads of state, policymakers, business leaders, development finance institutions and international partners.
For Caribbean nations, the meetings hold special significance.
In 2024, The Bahamas welcomed thousands of delegates to Nassau for the landmark event, marking the first time the annual meetings were staged outside the African continent and placing the Caribbean at the center of growing discussions on Africa-Caribbean trade and investment.
Since then, Afreximbank has continued to expand its engagement in the region, promoting stronger commercial ties between Africa and
Caribbean countries and exploring opportunities in trade finance, infrastructure development, logistics, investment and private sector growth.
Organizers say this year’s discussions will focus on strengthening intra-African trade, advancing industrialization, building regional value chains and increasing economic resilience amid global uncertainty.
The meetings are also expected to provide a platform for new partnerships, investment opportunities and development initiatives that could have implications beyond Africa, including for Caribbean nations seeking to deepen economic cooperation with the continent.
As leaders prepare to convene in Egypt, the Caribbean’s growing relationship with Afreximbank remains a key part of the institution’s broader vision of expanding trade and investment connections across the Global South.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
The Bahamas, May 29, 2026 – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to expand, with United
Nations officials now warning that the disease has spread across multiple eastern provinces and become the third-largest Ebola outbreak on record.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), as of May 26 the outbreak had reached 13 health zones in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. More than 1,000 suspected cases have been reported, including 121 confirmed infections and 17 deaths. Six healthcare workers are among those who have died.
The United Nations says humanitarian teams remain actively engaged in treatment, surveillance, community outreach and disease containment efforts. However, the response is being complicated by insecurity, population movement and restrictions affecting the delivery of supplies and personnel.
While the outbreak remains confined to Africa, authorities in The Bahamas recently activated emergency health protocols after two men who had spent time in the Democratic Republic of the Congo arrived at Lynden Pindling International Airport aboard a British Airways flight.
The Ministry of Health confirmed the travelers were isolated after presenting low-grade fevers upon arrival on May 22. Officials later
reported that the fevers subsided and neither individual displayed symptoms consistent with Ebola Virus Disease.
The two men, identified as a British national residing in Australia and a French national, were transferred to the Modular Unit at Princess Margaret Hospital for continued monitoring.
Health officials emphasized that there are currently no confirmed Ebola cases in The Bahamas and assessed the risk to the public as low.
Still, the growing outbreak overseas has prompted increased vigilance. Health Minister Dr. Michael Darville said the government is reviewing whether additional travel measures may be necessary for countries affected by the outbreak.
The United Nations this week announced up to US$60 million in emergency funding to support the Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring countries, warning that rapid action remains critical to preventing further spread.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
The Bahamas, May 29, 2026 – One of the biggest questions surrounding the Jonathan Gardiner case appears to have been answered.
Weeks after reports surfaced that the Bahamian businessman failed to appear for an expected court hearing in Orlando, newly disclosed court records show the hearing never took place because Gardiner elected to have the matter heard in New York, where federal prosecutors are pursuing the case against him.
According to reporting by the Nassau Guardian, U.S. Magistrate Judge Nathan Hill ruled on May 19 that Gardiner was the person named in the federal arrest warrant and ordered that he be transferred to the Southern District of New York.
“…I find that Jonathan Eric Gardiner is the person named in the warrant for arrest…,” Hill wrote.
The judge noted that no preliminary hearing was conducted in Florida because Gardiner chose to have that hearing held in the district where the prosecution is pending.
That district is New York.
Hill ordered that Gardiner “be held to answer in the district court in which the prosecution is pending” and directed the U.S. Marshal’s Office to transport him to the Southern District of New York.
No date for a New York court appearance was disclosed in the order.
The development helps explain confusion that followed reports of a missed Orlando court date and marks the latest chapter in a case that has captured public attention in both The Bahamas and the United States.
Gardiner first came to the attention of U.S. authorities after surviving an Election Day plane crash off the Florida coast. Federal prosecutors
have accused him of participating in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy, allegations he is expected to contest in court.
The matter has attracted even greater scrutiny because federal court documents reference an unnamed “Politician 1”, fueling widespread public speculation about the identity of the individual and whether additional disclosures could emerge as the case progresses.
Meanwhile, a separate investigation has uncovered troubling findings about the aircraft involved in the crash.
According to reporting by The Tribune, investigators say the Panamanian-registered aircraft that ditched into waters off Florida on May 12 did not possess a valid certificate of airworthiness and should not have been operating at the time of the flight.
That revelation has added another layer of intrigue to an already extraordinary case involving a dramatic ocean rescue, a federal drug conspiracy prosecution, political speculation and now questions about how an allegedly unairworthy aircraft was carrying passengers between Bahamian islands.
For now, attention shifts to New York, where Gardiner’s next court appearance is expected to provide the first substantive hearing in a case many continue to watch closely.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
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