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BNT to Host Fundraiser for Seahorse National Park in Eleuthera  

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Non-profit seeking corporate and community support to close financing gap for country’s newest national park

May 12, 2025 – Nassau, Bahamas – The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) is seeking to close the financing gap for the initial development of the country’s newest national park by hosting a fundraiser in Eleuthera on May 28.

Officially declared on September 7, 2023 after nearly a decade of outreach and petitioning, Seahorse National Park (SNP) at Sweetings Pond and Hatchet Bay Caves in Eleuthera protects what is believed to be the densest population of seahorses in the world. It also protects the historic Hatchet Bay Cave – one of the longest cave systems in The Bahamas.

This latest addition to The Bahamas’ national park system has the potential to become a world-renowned national park and a blueprint for sustainable recreation and tourism. To date, advancement activities have been funded through the success of the BNT’s 2024 Pig Roast event, which raised $162,000 towards the $500,000 estimated to be needed to facilitate the park’s initial development.

These activities have included purchasing and installing a mobile structure to act as the BNT’s temporary park office; clearing pathways and areas for trails and parking; and installing gates.

The next steps, according to BNT Director of Parks Ellsworth Weir, are to purchase and install solar panels, install running water, and pave the parking area.

“We’ve made a lot of headway since last year and you can definitely see the progress,” said Weir. “There’s been a lot of work done, but we just need to get to the finish line. Right now it all comes down to funding. That’s where this fundraiser comes in.”

The Seahorse National Park Fundraiser will be a cocktail event held in Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera at the Buccaneer Club on May 28, 2025. Tickets are $125 per person and can be purchased online at www.bntevents.com or in person at the Buccaneer Club. Attendees will enjoy live music, a silent auction with incredible prizes, an open bar, and hors d’oeuvres.

The public can participate in the special auction by bidding on incredible items like Bahamian artwork, handcrafted seahorse jewelry, island tours, luxury escapes, and more. Tickets do not need to be purchased to bid. Auction items can be viewed and bid on at https://www.32auctions.com/snpfundraiser.

BNT Executive Director Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle said: “With this special event, we’re calling on the community to help us realize the potential of Seahorse National Park and build a lasting conservation legacy that benefits Eleutherans especially, but Bahamians as a whole. This remarkable natural gem is poised to bring unmatched value to local communities, and it deserves our commitment and protection. We’ve no doubt that with public and corporate support, we’ll achieve our vision for Seahorse National Park and be that much closer to reopening it for public use and enjoyment.”

Since its declaration, Seahorse National Park has been temporarily closed to the public to allow the BNT to conduct critical scientific assessments, monitoring, infrastructure development, and strategic planning to guide the sustainable management of the park and its resources. The organization hopes to soon reopen access to the public. This fundraiser will play an important role in making that happen.

Seahorse National Park spans 548 acres and has many unique natural features that are popular attractions. Once it’s reopened, the BNT plans to work alongside the Bahamas Agricultural & Industrial Corporation (BAIC), local farmers, and other stakeholders – including a developing Park Advisory Committee – to implement programs and infrastructure that will benefit both locals and visitors, such as an area for a local farmers market and a floating dock.

The BNT remains committed to taking a science-based, sustainable approach for the development of Seahorse National Park and the preservation of its natural beauty and resources, and invites the public to support this endeavor through the upcoming Seahorse National Park Fundraiser. To learn more about this event, visit https://bntevents.com/.

To learn more about the BNT’s role in managing national parks, protecting wildlife, and informing environmental policy, please visit its website: www.bnt.bs and follow its various social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Bahamas News

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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Bahamas News

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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Bahamas News

Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week  

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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.

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