Bahamas News
Diamond Stubbs, 17 • Betrica Brown, 19 • Stania Webb, 19 • Fourth victim yet to be identified
Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
Six road deaths in two days leave a nation searching for answers
NASSAU, The Bahamas – A nation that only days ago celebrated graduations, scholarships and bright futures is now united in grief as six lives were lost on Bahamian roads in just two days, including four young women whose deaths have shaken the country to its core.
The names Diamond Stubbs, 17; Betrica Brown, 19; and Stania Webb, 19 have become the heartbreaking symbol of one of the
country’s deadliest road tragedies in recent memory. A fourth young woman, believed to be 18 years old, had not been publicly identified by authorities up to publication time, as families continued to mourn and await official confirmation.
The four were among eight occupants travelling in a gray Mazda when it crashed into a tree on Shirley Street shortly after 1 a.m. Sunday. Police said the 19-year-old driver reportedly struck a pothole, looked back toward his passengers and lost control before the vehicle slammed into the tree. Three young women died at the scene, while a fourth later succumbed to her injuries in hospital. Four others, including the driver, remain hospitalized as investigations continue.
The tragedy’s impact reached the House of Assembly on Monday, where Members observed a moment of silence – led by Prime Minister Philip Davis – in honour of the young women whose lives were cut tragically short.
What has resonated most across the country is not simply how they died, but who they were.
Diamond Stubbs had just graduated from Old Bight High School in Cat Island as valedictorian and head girl. She was preparing to attend Langston University in Oklahoma on scholarship and was remembered by her father as an exceptional student who earned virtually every academic award presented at graduation while inspiring other young people to pursue their dreams.
Betrica Brown, who called both Cat Island and Abaco her homes, had recently travelled to Nassau to secure her student visa. Youth and Sports Minister Mario Bowleg said she was preparing to begin college on a volleyball scholarship.
Stania Webb had already distinguished herself at Langston University, where she earned both President’s List and Honour Roll recognition
after graduating from Old Bight High School at just 16 years old. Family members remembered her as a quiet, ambitious young woman deeply committed to her Christian faith and education.
Speaking in Parliament, Prime Minister Philip Davis described the loss as heartbreaking, extending condolences to the families, classmates and loved ones whose lives have been forever changed. He urged Bahamians to keep those still hospitalized and the grieving families in their prayers. Similar expressions of sympathy came from across the political divide, churches, schools and communities throughout the country.
Some residents were also chided for sharing gruesome and graphic photos and video in the hours following the shocking car crash. Relatives said it made a difficult, heartbreaking time more unbearable.
Condolences poured in from government and Christian ministers; The Bahamas Union of Teachers; The Bahamas Christian council and other leaders from across the islands.
The national tragedy extended beyond New Providence. Also on Sunday, 26-year-old Nica Julien lost her life in a separate traffic collision in Grand Bahama. Then, on Monday, a road traffic accident claimed the life of a 30-year-old man on the highway of Abaco.
Together, the six deaths have transformed what should have been a season of celebration with graduations and independence festivities in play, into one of national mourning, leaving families, communities and an entire country searching for answers—and praying that no more names are added to the list.
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.
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.
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