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PM Makes Second Monthly GB Visit and Talks Revitalisation, Re-Growth, Re-Branding

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#Bahamas, September 23, 2017 – Nassau – Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis said on Friday at a press briefing, his monthly visit produced productive meetings to help revitalise the economy of the island.

During his second monthly visit to Grand Bahama, the Prime Minister stated that he made the commitment to do this so as to be intimately involved in the revitalisation, re-growth and rebranding of the island.

There is also an office in Abaco, where he will also visit monthly, along with a commitment to establish an office, although it may be temporary, in Exuma, Eleuthera and Central Andros.

Flanked by Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister in Grand Bahama, Senator Kwasi Thompson, and Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister for Information and Communication, Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe, Prime Minister Minnis said he had the opportunity to speak with businesses and potential investors who have expressed an interest in the revitalization of Grand Bahama.   He also met with the Grand Bahama Port Authority to discuss matters which will positively impact the island’s economy.

“We are committed to working with the GBPA in order to eliminate all road blocks in investment. We are dedicated to streamlining our investment process with the first step being the creation of an Investment Unit in Grand Bahama.

“Our government will review our Immigration, Customs and Exchange Control policies with a view to creating a formula to making it easier to invest and do business in Grand Bahama.”

Acknowledging the urgency of the redevelopment of the Port Lucaya strip, the Prime Minister noted that the government is working diligently to complete the best deal. He said the island’s tourism product needs to be revived.

“Therefore, our discussion with the owner and potential partners are with a view to transforming the property into the first step of an innovative and unique destination for Grand Bahama.

“The government is committed to ensuring that the existing jobs on the strips remain.   To this end, we will continue our aggressive discussions until we can unveil our plan for a new tourism product and new destination.”

Steps were made towards the creation of the Grand Bahama Investment Promotions Board, which will be responsible for marketing the island as a destination ready to do business, among other things. “This Board will send the message to the world.”

The Prime Minister was also pleased to announce that the launch of the first in a series of Entrepreneurship Programmes.   The Apiary, or honey production programme, will begin on October 26, when some 30 young people between the ages of 17 and 25 will have the opportunity to start their own honey production business.

Minister Thompson said there will be a two-day workshop which will be open to the public. Following this, applications will be received from the potential candidates: those who are unemployed, industrious and prepared to work, to learn and to be entrepreneurs.   Additional information will follow.

Addressing concern over the withdrawal of The Bahamas Celebration, Prime Minister Minnis said he met with the Principals of The Bahamas Paradise Cruises and understands the circumstances of the ship assisting the US Government in hurricane relief efforts.   “It was a priority under the circumstances,” he said.

What also came out of the discussions is the possibility of a second ship bringing additional cruise and stay passengers to the island.    This ship is scheduled to begin sailings in April 2018; however, said Prime Minister Minnis, there is a possibility that it will commence sailing before then.

Also present were Permanent Secretary Melvin Seymour and Senior Undersecretary, Harcourt Brown.

Prime Minister Minnis will be a special guest at ‘A Taste of Port Lucaya’ and he said that it is important that he attend to show his “sincerity in the success of Grand Bahama, and I would hope that others would show just as much interest as I do in Grand Bahama, because Grand Bahama cannot grow only through the confines of Grand Bahamians. It’s all one Bahamas.”

He invited all Grand Bahamians to attend and participate.

By: Robyn Adderley

Photo Caption:

PM’S PRESS BRIEFING – Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis, on Friday held a press briefing following his second monthly visit to Freeport, Grand Bahama.    Following this, he will be a special guest at A Taste of Port Lucaya, in the Port Lucaya Marketplace.   Shown from left are: Harcourt Brown, Senior Undersecretary, Office of the Prime Minister, Grand Bahama; Melvin Seymour, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister, Grand Bahama; Senator Kwasi Thompson, Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, Grand Bahama; Prime Minister Minnis; and Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister for Information and Communication, Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe.

(BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

 

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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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