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CCCCC Secures US$6.73M for Climate Resilience Projects in The Bahamas, St.Kitts and Nevis

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April 17, 2025 – The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) has announced the Green Climate Fund’s (GCF) approval of three critical climate resilience projects for St. Kitts and Nevis and The Bahamas. The projects, collectively securing nearly US$6.73M in funding, will support national adaptation planning and climate-smart agricultural initiatives to strengthen regional resilience against climate change impacts.

St. Kitts and Nevis secured an approved funding allocation of US$732,616.00 to develop the St. Kitts and Nevis Climate Smart Agriculture Project (SKN CSA-P) through the GCF’s Project Preparation Facility (PPF). The PPF grant proposal received formal approval on 14 February 2025.

The PPF grant will be used to fully develop the SKN CSA Project through several critical studies, such as a Feasibility Study, Environmental and Social Action Plan, and Gender Assessment and Action Plan. Designed to advance sustainable agricultural practices, the SKN CSA-P aims to strengthen food security, enhance climate resilience, and mitigate environmental degradation across the twin-island nation.

The twin-island Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis is poised to strengthen its national adaptation efforts through strategic investments in institutional capacity-building, policy development, and climate risk assessments—critical components for fostering long-term climate resilience. Formally approved on 10 March 2025, this initiative will be driven by the Building Resilience Through National Adaptation Planning in St. Kitts and Nevis (SKN-NAP) Project, which has successfully secured US$2,998,365.00 in funding.

Spearheaded by Ryan Phillip, Project Development Specialist at the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), the SKN-NAP project will enhance the country’s ability to anticipate, plan for, and respond to climate challenges. By integrating climate risk considerations into national policies and strengthening institutional frameworks, this initiative will lay the groundwork for a more resilient and climate-adaptive future for St. Kitts and Nevis.

Phillip shared, “The development of a National Adaptation Plan for St. Kitts and Nevis marks a pivotal milestone in the country’s efforts to build resilience against the impacts of climate change. This initiative will establish a clear roadmap for strengthening adaptive capacity and addressing climate vulnerabilities through targeted interventions. Through this process, St. Kitts and Nevis will be better equipped to anticipate, plan for, and respond to climate challenges. Additionally, it will enhance the country’s ability to attract much-needed financial resources to implement large-scale climate-adaptation initiatives in key sectors such as health, tourism, and agriculture. I am grateful to have spearheaded the development of this proposal and deeply appreciate the support of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) throughout this process and their ongoing commitment to supporting Small Island Developing States (SIDS).”

The Bahamas also secured US$2,999,997.00 in funding through the approval of the Advancing National Adaptation Planning in The Bahamas (BAH-NAP) Project. Formally approved on 18 February 2025, this transformative initiative is designed to enhance the country’s long-term climate resilience by embedding climate adaptation strategies into national policies and planning frameworks.

Dr. Donneil Cain, Former Lead Project Development Specialist at the CCCCC, led the development of this project, which will strengthen institutional capacity, improve risk management, and ensure that The Bahamas is better equipped to address climate vulnerabilities and future environmental challenges. By mainstreaming climate resilience into national development strategies, the project will foster sustainable growth while safeguarding critical sectors from the impacts of climate change.

This approval underscores the Caribbean’s steadfast dedication to proactive climate action and resilience-building. Continuing to build on the momentum of the recently held GCF Regional Dialogue, the CCCCC reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting Caribbean nations in their climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. The CCCCC will continue to collaborate closely with regional governments, international partners, and key stakeholders to mobilise critical resources, drive innovative solutions, and implement strategic interventions that empower vulnerable communities to navigate and thrive amid growing climate challenges.

Bahamas News

More Bahamians Accessing HIV, STI Care Through NHI

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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.

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Monument Beverage Co. Caribbean Wines & Spirits Uniquely Bahamian Newest Product

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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.

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Lady Kayla Crowned Goombay Punch Cup Sailing Champion of 2025/2026

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L–R: Joss Knowles, Kianno Hutchinson, Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager at Caribbean Bottling Company and Dallas Knowles receiving a donation on behalf of the Exuma Sailing Club at the Long Island Regatta awards ceremony.

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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