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Bahamas Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Lauds Junkanoo Commandos

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#Bahamas, November 3, 2017 – Nassau – Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Michael Pintard recently commended the Junkanoo Commandos for the work they have done in helping to promote and enhance the Bahamian cultural art form of Junkanoo and for the recognition and awards they accumulated while doing so.

“One of our goals is to assist Junkanooers in making sure that Junkanoo is a ongoing concern, that it is able to generate employment and income,” Minister Pintard said during a courtesy call with the award-winning group.   “In order to accomplish that, we need to work with organisations that are able to stage events, create places where Bahamians and visitors can enjoy a part of our culture – Junkanoo being the most popular expression of Bahamian culture – and we need organisations who are able to internatonalise aspects of our culture.

“The Junkanoo Commandos is one of the best possible examples of an organisation that is doing that.”

The Junkanoo Commandos is an organisation comprised of young Bahamian men and women from various New Providence Junkanoo groups, and its members have traveled nationally and internationally, showcasing the various expressions of Junkanoo and Bahamian culture for at least a decade.

CEO and Founder Angelique McKay said that one of the many things that makes her proud of the Junkanoo Commandos is that its members destroy the myth of the “tribalism” amongst the various Junkanoo groups.

“That myth is dispelled by the cohesion in our organisation because are made up of members from Valley Boys, Saxons, Roots, One Family and Genesis; and you do not tend to see the tribalism that people in the general population speaks about,” Ms. McKay said.   “Everyone moves as one unit to showcase Junkanoo, with one common goal; so I’m proud of the fact that they are in the position to dispel that myth that Junkanoo has become totally ‘tribal’ amongst the groups.”

Ms. McKay pointed out that she wanted to put the Junkanoo Commandos forth for consideration as “cultural ambassadors for The Bahamas – when it comes to cultural exchange programmes because it was something that the organisation had been doing for years.   She wanted to familiarise Minister Pintard with what the Junkanoo Commandos has done in terms of teaching the creative arts of Junkanoo, highlighting Junkanoo as a cultural expression of the people of The Bahamas.

Locally, the Junkanoo Commandos organisation has conducted national workshops throughout The Bahamas, since 2007, designed and built lead costumes for stage plays produced by Shakespeare in Paradise, introduced and judged the off-the-shoulder category in Junior Junkanoo, raised funds for various relief efforts, appeared in music videos and even donated 500 books to Stephen Dillet Primary School when the school won the primary school Junior Junkanoo Division.

Internationally, the Junkanoo Commandos lists in its accomplishments the honour of conducting Junkanoo workshops on the Isle of Wight, UK; performing at the Grand Opening of The Carnival Learning Centre there, as well as being included as part of the first-ever Junkanoo Backline National Tour of the United Kingdom, in 2008.   From there, they conducted workshops and performed in festivals throughout the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe – including the Edinburgh Jazz Festival, the Nice (France) Carnival, the Broughhaha Festival in Liverpool, and the Virginia Carib Fest.

One of the highlights of the Junkanoo Commandos history was performing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., for the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of the “I Have A Dream” Speech by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“The fact that the Junkanoo Commandos was the only international act that performed at that venue, at that historic event – in the presence of three U.S.   Presidents and we performed immediately after the (then) Prime Minister of Commonwealth of The Bahamas spoke; and the fact that that was the widest broadcast, to date of Junkanoo globally – I would say that that is the proudest moment that we would have had,” Ms. McKay said.   “We were actually a part of history and with the importance of what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., did, it makes us even prouder to have been an instrumental part in the 50th Anniversary.

Among the accolades and awards that the Junkanoo Commandos have attained, two of particular note were received this year – the U.S.-based International IndigoLife Black Life Treasure Award and, closer to home, the Cacique Award in the Creative Arts from the Ministry of Tourism.

“The Cacique Awards recognises the best in our preeminent industries, and for them to have achieved that is an outstanding accomplishment and is a testimony to the power of Junkanoo and the discipline and teamwork of the Commandos,” Minister Pintard said.

Ms. McKay said that she wanted Minister Pintard to see that the Junkanoo Commandos takes the creative arts very seriously, in that they had created a business from it, and its members move as artists.

“We are self-sustaining,” Ms. McKay pointed out. “We have created our line of products that we generate revenue from for the organisation, and (utilise) the best practices for a cultural entity, taking advantage of the fact that the ‘orange economy’ is growing.

“We are an example of the success of Junkanoo, being able to be exported as a creative art.”

“We are proud of the work that they are are doing,” Minister Pintard said. “We are honoured to be partnering with them and we encourage other groups to look at this successful programme, and model themselves after them or adopt portions of their programme.”

By: Eric Rose (BIS)

Photo caption: Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Michael Pintard pictured with senior Ministry officials and representatives of the Cacique-Award-Winning Junkanoo Commandos (JC), during a recent courtesy at his Ministry.   Shown (from left) are Permanent Secretary Nicole Campbell, JC Strategic Analyst and founding member Dr. Erecia Hepburn, Minister Pintard, JC CEO and Founder Angelique McKay, Director of Culture Rowena Sutherland, JC Administrative Coordinator Shereka Pinder, and JC Project Manager Jamal Riley.

(BIS Photo/Eric Rose)

 

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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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