Sports
History Made on the Fairway: 1st Annual Mervin Cox Grow the Game Golf Tournament a Resounding Success
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — July 28, 2025 – The sport of golf took another major step forward on Sunday July 27th
at the impressive Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Course with the successful staging of the 1st Annual Mervin Cox ‘Grow the Game’ Golf Tournament, hosted by the Turks and Caicos Islands Golf Association (TCIGA). Formerly known as the (late) Bob Graham Golf Tournament, Mervin Cox – local entrepreneur, philanthropist, businessman and golf advocate has taken over headline sponsor of this event; bringing together players, mentors, and first-time golfers in a powerful celebration of community, growth, and sport. Unlike traditional tournaments, this one was built around a unique format: a four-player scramble where one member of each team had to be a complete novice—someone new to the sport of golf. This bold and inclusive approach lies at the heart of the tournament’s mission: to grow the game of golf by offering a welcoming and supportive entry point for new players, women, and particularly among local youth.
TCIGA President Fraser Dodd emphasized the TCIGA’s long-term vision: “The Mervin Cox, Grow the Game Golf Tournament is a symbol of what golf in the Turks and Caicos can become—diverse, inclusive, and dynamic. We are committed to creating more opportunities like this that open doors for beginners Turks Islanders, and foster a stronger, more vibrant golf community.”
“This tournament wasn’t just about winning—it was about widening the circle, welcoming new players, and growing the spirit of the game
across our islands,” said Mark A. Fulford, Vice Chairman of the TCIGA. “The response from players and spectators was inspiring, and it shows just how powerful golf can be in bringing people together.”
The TCIGA extends its deepest thanks to Mervin Cox for his vision and generosity, and to all participants, volunteers, and supporters who helped bring this inaugural event to such an exciting and successful inaugural event.
Taking 1st Place with a phenomenal net score of 52.10 was the team of John Donatien, Brooks Johnson, Mervin Cox Jr., and Devonte Smith.2nd Place went to James Hamilton, Patrick Slattery, Julian Gilpin, and Sheka Kanu, with a close score of 52.19.
Jonathan Adie, Andrew MacLeod, Chris Gornall, and Anthony Sage took 3rd Place with 54.10, followed by Graham Canham, Javi Bovell,
Denise Douglas, and Michael Bovell in 4th with 55.94. The 5th Place team—Bassim Haidar, Robbie Temple, Justin Simons, and Ashley Smith—rounded out the leaderboard with a solid 57.54. Specialty awards added extra flair to the day. Godfrey Been and Kate Blain won Longest Drive among novice players, while Robbie Temple and Paula Harris took the honors among the men’s and women’s fields. In the spirit of fun and fairness, the “Most Honest Foursome” award was earned by Pat Staples, Greg Greatrex, Lucy Bullard, and Trem Quinlan.
The Mervin Cox Grow the Game Golf Tournament is now firmly positioned as an annual highlight on the Turks and Caicos Islands’ Golf and sporting calendar, with even greater ambitions ahead.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Dasani products, proudly sponsored the fifth annual, Caribbean Hoopfest.
The tournament brings together Bahamian high school basketball teams and visiting teams from the United States for a competitive
showcase at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium. Following its inaugural year at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym and last year’s event at Loyola Hall, the tournament returned to the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym this year.
During the weekend tournament, CBC kept athletes well hydrated with in-kind donations of Dasani Water, Powerade and Minute Maid Juices.
During the tournament’s final day, CBC provided additional support by offering Sprite No Sugar samples and inviting attendees to participate in its Spin the Wheel for a chance to win exciting prizes.
CBC was proud to support this incredible event, which provides young Bahamian athletes with valuable exposure to U.S. basketball scouts and coaches. This opportunity gives them the chance to earn scholarships, continue their education, and pursue their basketball careers in the United States.
Event organizer, Donald Francois shared his appreciation for CBC’s support.
“I want to express our sincere appreciation for Caribbean Bottling Company, who has been a tremendous supporter and an important part of the success of our program. Without CBC’s support, Caribbean Hoop Fest would not be able to function at the level it does today. And without Caribbean Hoop Fest, we would not have been able to provide the opportunities that have helped young Bahamian athletes gain exposure and pursue educational opportunities in the United States,” he expressed.
Since the program’s inception, several Bahamian student-athletes have been selected for scholarship opportunities, highlighting the
tournament’s growing impact on the development and advancement of young basketball talent in The Bahamas.
They are: Kelvin McDowells – Guard, Wodson Antoine – Power Forward, Justin Lafleur – Guard and Sean John – Guard.
After another successful edition of the tournament, Francois shared what he hopes he and Caribbean Bottling Company can achieve in the future.
“Our vision is bigger than basketball. We want to use the platform of Caribbean Hoop Fest to educate, develop, and create opportunities for young people and their families throughout the Bahamas. With individuals and organizations committed to our mission, we believe we can continue to grow the program and make an even greater impact,” Francois said.
For more details on community support, events and new products visit Caribbean Bottling Company at www.cbcbahamas.com today.
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.
