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Bahamas Realty 2016 Top Producer Monica Knowles Sees Shift in Luxury Market

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Nassau, Bahamas, February 13, 2017 – High net worth individuals searching for homes in The Bahamas are no longer just looking for the grandest great room, poshest entry and largest property – they are seeking a ‘place to play’, says Monica Knowles.  As Bahamas Realty’s top producer for 2016, Knowles knows the luxury market.

Among the successes that earned her the top achiever award was the sale of a $7.5 million home in Ocean Club Estates. That listing and others in the seven-figure range reaffirmed Knowles’ appreciation of the subtle changes in what the well-to-do want when it comes to a home in the sun.

“There was a popular book called ‘The Rich are Different.’ I would say what the rich want is different. More importantly, it is different today from what it was only a decade ago,” said the 34-year-old pro who has tracked the changes in her nearly 10-year career.

“A decade ago, high net worth clients would ask about security and who their neighbours were, hoping they would have distance between them. They wanted to know how many bedrooms and baths in the house. They would ask about a great room, the height of ceilings, how many people the formal dining room could seat. It was about size and show,” said Knowles.

That same buyer today is more likely to want to know about amenities and activities – boating, golf, tennis, fitness centre, spa, jogging trails, cycling, how easy it is to get to places, to charter a boat or where to keep a yacht they own.

“The high net worth client today wants an all-around package,” said Knowles. “They want a sense of privacy but they also want a place to play. It is almost an upscale playground mentality for the discerning. They truly appreciate the beauty of the islands and they are interested in what activities they can enjoy immediately.”

The immediate use of amenities is one of the reasons Ocean Club Estates has remained so desirable, said Knowles.  “Unlike some communities where you have to apply for club membership, Ocean Club Estates buyers are instantly and automatically entitled to enjoy the amenities of the club and of Atlantis so they have lots of dining options, all the sports and water sports, casino, spa, luxury shopping,” she noted. “They are part of a community that is built on the principle that you can be safe and have an awful lot of fun, living the dream.”

While Knowles analyzes what today’s clients want, her clients speak highly of her.  “Monica’s knowledge about real estate is multi-faceted and she is most certainly able to do more than the average agent,” said Harry Crosby, an American who recently purchased on Paradise Island and was so pleased with her handling of his transaction that he posted a letter singing her praise.

Knowles, whose father is of Long Island heritage and mom from South America, said understanding different cultures was critical, but all buyers share key requirements.  “People want to know that their assets are safe,” she said. “They want personal and property security. That is first for every buyer. Because of our location and our stable government, we will continue to attract people as a safe haven.”

If what people are shopping for has changed, so has the way they search.  “When I first started in this business, I wanted to reach people online so I created my own personal website,” said Knowles. “That was novel and innovative back then. It is a bit more common today but it worked because I was able to connect personally with people all over the world. Now that we are beginning to see a rebound from the recession of 2008 and 2009, and given the fact that The Bahamas continues to tick all the boxes of what the luxury market seeks, we have every reason to believe that the future holds great promise.”

 

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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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Bahamas News

CWS Supports Transforming Spaces with Premium Products and Unique Cocktails

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CWS brand representative for Bottega and Excellsior wines posing with attendees enjoying glasses of Bottega Gold Prosecco at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.

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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Government

Government Outlines New Healthcare Vision as Interhealth Exit Accelerates Reform  

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By Magnetic Media Newsroom

 

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Turks and Caicos Islands Government says the breakdown of its relationship with InterHealth Canada presents an opportunity to reshape healthcare delivery, with plans to expand local medical services, strengthen primary care and reduce dependence on overseas treatment.

During a national briefing following InterHealth Canada’s notice terminating its hospital contract, Premier Charles Washington Misick acknowledged publicly for the first time that Government and InterHealth had been negotiating an exit from the arrangement for more than a year after what he described as an “irretrievably broken down” relationship.

Despite the contractual dispute, Misick and Health Minister Kyle Knowles stressed that healthcare services will continue uninterrupted during the transition.

“Allow us to do our job,” Knowles appealed, assuring residents that Government is actively managing the transition and safeguarding patient care.

The Premier outlined what amounts to a broader healthcare transformation built around four connected levels of care: strengthened community-based primary healthcare; expanded polyclinic services; enhanced hospital-based secondary care with greater specialist capacity; and overseas tertiary treatment only for cases that cannot be managed locally.

Among the proposals are the long-discussed establishment of intensive care units, expanded use of currently unfinished hospital space, recruitment of more resident specialist physicians and stronger contract management to oversee future healthcare agreements.

Knowles said the new polyclinic model will broaden services available outside the hospitals, including dentistry, ophthalmology, laboratory services, diagnostic imaging, gynaecology and preventative screening, helping to reduce pressure on emergency departments while improving early intervention.

Misick also acknowledged that while the hospital system significantly improved healthcare access after opening in 2010, Government believes further reform is necessary to improve affordability, sustainability and the range of services available within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The briefing marked the Government’s most comprehensive explanation to date of its plans beyond the InterHealth contract, signalling that officials now see the transition as an opportunity to redesign healthcare delivery rather than simply replace one operator with another.

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