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APS, Sustainable Energy Consortium Donates State of the Art Solar System to BTVI, Structures Curriculum for Bahamian Solar Certification

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#Bahamas, September 20, 2017 – Nassau – A consortium of solar industry experts today reached agreement with Bahamas Technical and Vocational Training Institute (BTVI) to donate a state of the art solar system and to develop a curriculum for students leading to certification in solar energy, a field projected to grow at breakneck speed without local available technical expertise to meet demand.

“We are really pleased to have someone of the background and expertise of Philip Holdom to come into BTVI and do this,” said Robert W. Robertson, Ph.D., President of the training institute with some 2,000 students on the Nassau campus.   “This is a trade school and this is exactly the kind of partnership that provides us with the ability to train those who want to advance their skills and others who want to train to fill needed positions.   There is a lot of growth in this area and we expect there will be a great response to the offering.”

According to Mr. Holdom, founder of Alternative Power Supply and co-founder of Sustainable Energy Bahamas, recent policy changes and advances in solar power systems are driving up demand.

“The new National Energy Legislation has opened up the possibility of using multiple solar technologies for the private and public sector.   Whether off-grid, grid tie or grid interactive technologies are used, there is an immediate need for people trained in renewable energy, science, math, and system programming.   Levels of certification will range from basic solar theory and installation practices (101) to intermediate and advanced courses in renewable energy design, installation and programming (201 & 301),”  said Holdom who installed his first solar systems 27 years ago in Rum Cay and Long island and is widely considered the leading solar energy expert in the country.

Holdom’s companies are now part of the consortium that includes Sustainable Energy Ltd., a Bahamian company, and together the consortium has a combined 50-year installation history in renewable energy with 370 MW of solar installs between The Bahamas and Europe.

As the movement toward solar power gains momentum, one of the most critical needs will be the training and certification of Ministry of Work inspectors and electricians, noted BTVI’s Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs Leroy Sumner.   BTVI officials and Holdom noted with concern that solar systems are too often being installed incorrectly by untrained persons and are resulting in unsafe and sometimes dangerous installations for residential or commercial customers, a real concern for BPL.

“At the end of the day, the desire is for the solar experience to be a good experience,” said BTVI Chairman and former BEC General Manager Kevin Basden, a man seeped in traditional energy supply sources and now welcoming the trend toward renewables.   “What I see is a new horizon, a whole new market, but we have to make sure we get it right.”

Getting it right, according to Sustainable Energy co-founder and CEO Zev Crystal who was not present at the September 18 meeting, means new jobs and energy independence in what may be the fastest growing energy sector in the Bahamas.

“Through this training program and the certification by BTVI, we will be able to plug youth directly into jobs because we will have skilled solar practitioners and safe installers.   We will have people who know how to install, inspect, operate, program and monitor state of the art renewable energy systems,” said Crystal.   “It is all about energy independence and job creation and this partnership with BTVI will help us to achieve that.”

For Holdom, the agreement reached today was the culmination of a 10-year campaign to bring about clear legislation, to create a renewable energy standard in the Bahamas and to find a way to train Bahamians to install, operate and maintain solar systems.

“This process will accelerate our nation towards an energy source that reduces costs, improves quality and consistency of power distribution and is much gentler on the environment,” said Holdom who will train the trainers at BTVI.

The first course is slated to start by mid-October and will provide students hands on experience including installing a low voltage solar system from start to finish, and basic knowledge of how renewable energy systems work.   Students who complete that course will be able to take more advanced courses in higher voltage systems, design, safety components and system programming.   Graduates will have Solar Certifications that enable employers to gauge knowledge and skill level.

 

 

 

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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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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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