Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Caribbean Focusing on Resilience at CDM10 Conference
#Bahamas, December 5, 2017 – Nassau – The 10th Caribbean Conference on Comprehensive Disaster Management opened just days after the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season ended, with stark reminders of how vulnerable the region is to catastrophic disasters. The Hurricane Season ended on November 30, with countries in the region still recovering from Hurricanes Irma and Maria, which tore at the very fabric of economies, communities and the environment.
The Conference is held under the theme: “CDM: The Road to Resilience Check Point 2017 – Building Resilience through Partnerships,” at Meliá Nassau Beach resort, December 4-9, 2017. It is facilitated by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), and the involvement of its 18 Participating States.
Participants in attendance are from: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos Islands and the Virgin Islands.
Participating in the Opening Ceremony were the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Band, Bishop Delton Fernander, President, Bahamas Christian Council, and Jahmal Grant of the National Dance School of The Bahamas. Observers at the Conference are disaster management practitioners from Latin America, Caribbean States, the Pacific, and international partners.
Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis, Prime Minister of The Bahamas in his keynote address, said that small-island developing states in the region are at great risk of climate change, and “we must develop new mindsets and protocols in this era of super storms.” He thanked the various ministries of the government, the staff of NEMA, CDEMA Coordinating Unit, private sector partners, the media, and all the other agencies working to ensure the success of the conference.
Captain Stephen Russell, Director of NEMA, noted the timing of the conference in the wake of major hurricanes: “We meet here in Nassau, at a time when the region is recovering from major, catastrophic storms namely Hurricanes Irma and Maria, which caused unprecedented destruction to The Commonwealth of Dominica, Ragged Island in The Bahamas, and also The Turks and Caicos Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, The British Virgin Islands, and elsewhere in the region,” he said.
This conference, he continued, stands as the keystone for the region’s thrust to building disaster resilient communities.
“This year, the theme, “CDM: The Road to Resilience Check Point 2017 — Building Resilience through Partnerships,” means we must be cognizant of the fact that as a region of Small Island Developing States we need the support of each other, especially during vulnerable times,” Capt Russell said.
He also noted the Youth Session in the context of the conference and said that the future of region is its young people.
“We must continue to encourage our young people in becoming disaster aware. I note that their sessions will focus on the role of Adolescents in Disaster Mitigation and Resilient Communities, Strengthened Livelihoods and Partnerships.”
Executive Director of CDEMA, Ronald Jackson said that this year represented a key milestone for the CDM Agenda and “sends a clear signal that the CDM Community remains committed to the agenda despite the numerous challenges we have faced along the way.”
The Conference will focus on topics such as: The Recommitment to Regional Integration for Disaster Risk Management and the CDM Agenda; Institutional Strengthening; National Level Experiences, Perspectives and Lessons Learned from Hurricanes Irma and Maria; Building Knowledge and Capacity, among other issues. The Youth Debate will focus on the role of adolescents in disaster mitigation.
By: Lindsay Thompson (BIS)
Photo captions:
Header: Ronald Jackson, Executive Director, Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency at the 10th Caribbean Conference on Comprehensive Disaster Management, at Meliá Nassau Beach resort. (BIS Photo/Kristaan Ingraham)
1st insert: Representatives and participants of the 18 Participating States at the 10th Caribbean Conference on Comprehensive Disaster Management, at Meliá Nassau Beach resort, December 4, 2017. (BIS Photo/Kristaan Ingraham)
2nd insert: Captain Stephen Russell, Director of the National Emergency Management Agency presenting on: “In the Eye of the Storm – National Level Experiences, Perspectives and Lessons Learned from Hurricanes Irma and Maria.” at the 10th Caribbean Conference on Comprehensive Disaster Management. (BIS Photo/Kristaan Ingraham)
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.
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.
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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