Bahamas News
Creative and Performing Arts School (CAPAS) set to open September 2025
By ERIC ROSE
Bahamas Information Services
NASSAU, The Bahamas – Minister of Education and Technical & Vocational Training the Hon. Glenys Hanna Martin said that apart from being an outlet for Bahamian cultural expression and growth, the Creative and Performing Arts School (CAPAS), set to open in September 2025, had incredible potential for the economic reality of individuals and the entire nation.
“This is a most liberating moment, I believe, for our people, for our country,” she said at a press conference announcing the latest updates for CAPAS, held at the Island House Cinema, on March 24, 2025.
“It was something that had been promised,” she added. “We did a launch (of the official consultation) January last year, and some didn’t believe it would happen; but here we are.”
Also speaking at the event were Minister of Labour and the Public Service the Hon. Pia Glover-Rolle; CAPAS Project leader Ian Poitier, who gave in-depth information on CAPAS; and via video, Sam Glynne of United Talent Agency (UTA).
Mr. Poitier announced UTA as a major new international partnership, and a leading global talent, entertainment, and sports company.
According to a release, that collaboration was poised to “significantly enhance CAPAS’s film, television, and performing arts programmes, positioning The Bahamas as a rising hub for creative production in the region”.
Also, spearheaded by The Government of The Bahamas, CAPAS will be the first institution in The Caribbean to provide comprehensive training in the creative, performing and production arts, especially for television, film and the stage, to include commercial and music video production.
“We are so excited to work with UTA, one of the world’s most influential entertainment companies, to elevate our creative and performing arts programmes,” Mr. Poitier said in the release. “UTA’s experience and expertise will help to unlock the enormous creative and cultural potential of The Bahamas and the region.”
As part of its commitment to the long-term success of the program, UTA will support the establishment of an Advisory Board which will include industry veterans, ensuring that CAPAS’s curriculum remains up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the entertainment sector, the release stated. Additionally, UTA will help promote The Bahamas as a home for international productions, and launch initiatives to increase CAPAS’s visibility on the international stage.
CAPAS students will also benefit from unique opportunities, such as visiting UTA’s offices in Beverly Hills and gaining exposure to high-profile productions across the U.S. and Europe. UTA will further help to secure internships and placements, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world experience in the entertainment industry, according to the release.
Mr. Poitier also announced that CAPAS will operate out of the former Phil’s Food Service building on Gladstone Road, and the site will feature studio performing and practicing spaces. He added that that institute was slated to open with an initial enrolment of 20 performing arts students and 40 production students. Auditions will open in May for the autumn term, for students at least 18 years old.
Minister of Education Glenys Hanna-Martin pointed out that CAPAS would also help to address the low number of teachers in the public school sector who focus on the creative arts.
“We found that there was no emphasis on the creative arts,” Minister Hanna Martin said. “All of the research is showing how important the creative arts is for young people as they develop.”
She added: “We have become very focused on the academics, which is okay, but we are more than that. And, so, we entered into an agreement with the Shirley Hall Bass Foundation, which is now training teachers so that we can begin offerings in dance, in drama, etc., and to do it in a skilled way. So, teachers are being trained in this regard. We would want to work with CAPAS to develop the skillset of teachers even more.”
“We envision that the creative arts is important – [as is generally known] – but for those students who are particularly interested in this as a career, they would feed into CAPAS as a tertiary institution,” Minister Hanna Martin said.
Minister Glover-Rolle noted that there were a number of Cabinet Ministers and Parliamentarians, including herself and Minister Hanna Martin who had personal experiences with being in the creative arts and the Orange Economy, who are now helping to put passion behind ensuring that CAPAS comes to fruition.
“This institute will also bring a positive impact to what we call the social fibre of our country,” she stated. “Yes, the economic boost, and yes the opportunity for sustainable careers – not ‘jobs’.”
“While this is arts-based, it speaks to almost every demographic of our society,” she added.
Minister Glover-Rolle pointed out that, as a Labour Department, they were also tasked with addressing the gaps in The Bahamas’ labour market regarding the ‘productions’ line of work, for those who may want to pursue that avenue.
“So the Orange Economy, as promised by our administration, is getting focus and I think that this is dynamic focus; and, of course, The Bahamas is leading the way because this will not only be the premier institute for the creative arts in The Bahamas, but around the region as we intend to attract students from The Bahamas and the Caribbean,” she added.
PHOTO CAPTION
Minister of Education and Technical & Vocational Training the Hon. Glenys Hanna Martin (centre) and Minister of Labour and the Public Service the Hon. Pia Glover-Rolle joined Project Lead for the Creative and Performing Arts School (CAPAS), Ian Poitier in announcing updates and a new partnership with United Talent Agency (UTA), at a press conference held at the Island House Cinema, on March 24, 2025. Also speaking at the event via video was Sam Glynne of UTA. (BIS Photos/Eric Rose)
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.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wine and spirits distributor is thrilled to once again lend its support to Transforming Spaces (TS).
CWS is a proud historical partner of the annual art week which highlights Bahamian art and art spaces. Under this year’s theme, “Chasing
Light” Transforming Spaces and Caribbean Wines & Spirits created a memorable art experience.
To mark 21 years of the upliftment and exposure of culture and Bahamian art, CWS offered award winning wines St. Francis, Rebellious, Bottega and Excellsior; premium spirits, Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka, along with the newly added Coors Light Beer from its portfolio.
To kickstart the annual art week, CWS delighted attendees with a tasting of globally renowned Bottega Wines at TS’ Poetry Jam, held at ICE Bahamas. Throughout the event, Bottega brand representatives shared tasting notes, ideal pairings, and insights into the brand’s portfolio.
During the highly anticipated Saturday and Sunday tours, CWS showcased its premium products at select art galleries.
Attendees enjoyed Rebellious and St. Francis wines at The Current: Baha Mar Art Gallery and Museum, Bottega and Excellsior wines at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, Coors Light beer at the University of The Bahamas Pro Gallery and hand-crafted Schweppes mixes featuring Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka at CAB Gallery & Studio.
Throughout the two-day tour, CWS product specialists enriched the experience by providing a deeper appreciation for their exceptional beverage portfolio.
Members of the Transforming Spaces Committee expressed their appreciation towards CWS’ support after another successful art week.
“Transforming Spaces is deeply grateful for the continued support of Caribbean Wines & Spirits over the years. Their partnership has become such an important part of the TS experience, helping us create welcoming and vibrant moments for our audiences across the tour weekend. From signature wines and cocktail bars to refreshments at gallery stops and pop-up events, their contribution brings an added sense of hospitality, celebration, and connection to the journey through Bahamian contemporary art.” — TS2026 Committee.
Caribbean Wines & Spirits is proud to partner with Transforming Spaces in supporting and elevating the voices and works of Bahamian artists and looks forward to strengthening this partnership for years to come.
To learn more about CWS’ involvement in the community, follow on social media @caribbeanwinesandspirits or visit the website at www.cwsbahamas.com today.
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