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National Mangrove Project Takes Root: Bahamian Schools Partner to Foster Environmental Awareness and Sustainable Coastal Protection

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Freeport, Grand Bahama – November 6, 2023 – A groundbreaking initiative, the National Mangrove Project, has been officially launched, ushering in a new era of conservation and environmental awareness in The Bahamas. This collaborative venture between Waterkeepers Bahamas (WKB), the Forestry Unit, and the 50th Independence Secretariat has taken root in Bahamian schools with the support of the Ministry of Education, where students embrace their role as stewards of their coastal ecosystems, promoting healthy oceans and natural defense barriers.

The National Mangrove Project focuses on instilling the importance of mangroves and sustainable coastal protection within the younger generation. The project empowers schools across The Bahamas to establish mangrove nurseries, where they pot red mangrove propagules, tending to them through regular watering and vigilant care, all in preparation for upcoming outplantings.

“Our National Mangrove Project is a testament to the power of education, collaboration, and grassroots action. Through nurturing mangroves in our schools, we are nurturing the future stewards of our coastal environments,” said Rashema Ingraham, Executive Director of Waterkeepers Bahamas.

Participating schools receive all the necessary resources for this endeavour, including propagules, soil, and other essential supplies. In addition, printed manuals and video tutorials provide comprehensive guidance, ensuring that teachers and students are well-prepared for success.

Seven schools have received their mangrove kits and are diligently tending to their classroom nurseries. Four schools in New Providence (C.I. Gibson, Windsor Academy, C.R. Walker, Anatol Rodgers) and three in Grand Bahama (Bishop Michael Eldon, Jack Hayward, Lucaya International) have enthusiastically embraced this initiative, which combines education with hands-on environmental stewardship. Schools in Andros, Bimini, Exuma and Eleuthera will also receive kits. This approach allows students to connect directly with mangroves and the significance of restoration projects led by non-governmental organizations like the Bahamas Mangrove Alliance (BMA).

The BMA, a collaboration comprising Waterkeepers Bahamas (WKB), Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS), and Bonefish and Tarpon Trust (BTT), has set a monumental goal of planting one million mangroves. Students’ participation in the National Mangrove Project is poised to significantly contribute to this objective, enhancing the project’s capacity to protect and restore Bahamian coastlines.

The National Mangrove Project embodies the spirit of Bahamian independence, emphasizing the nation’s reliance on natural resources for coastal protection and sustainable livelihoods. By engaging students, this initiative nurtures the environment and cultivates a sense of responsibility and a deep appreciation for mangroves’ vital role in coastal preservation.

Her Excellency Ambassador Leslia Miller-Brice, chair of the Bahamas 50th Independence Secretariat, said, “As we celebrate our 50th year of independence, the National Mangrove Project serves as a profound reminder of our nation’s duty to protect and preserve the resources that have sustained us for half a century. Together with our partners, we are nurturing a legacy of environmental responsibility that will endure for generations.”

Follow Waterkeepers Bahamas on Facebook to stay connected and informed about the progress of the school nurseries. Join us in celebrating the National Mangrove Project’s success and the future guardians of our precious coastal ecosystems.

Photo Captions: 

Header: The green thumbs of C R Walker Senior High School prepare their red mangrove propagules for potting.

1st insert: Lucaya International School (GB) students joined the National project and are adding propagules to their mangrove nursery.

2nd insert: Members of Bishop Michael Eldon’s Eco-School Club receive their mangrove potting kit.

3rd insert: C. I. Gibson Senior High School Administration and students are excited about receiving their mangrove kit from WKB Executive Director Rashema Ingraham.

4th insert: Windsor Academy (Albany) students embark on a mangrove potting adventure.

5th insert: Students at Jack Hayward Senior High School are ready to pot!

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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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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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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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