Bahamas News
Relaunch of Project in West Grand Bahama Speaks of Investor’s Confidence
#Bahamas, January 20, 2018 – Grand Bahama – Investor confidence returns to Grand Bahama: in a press conference at the Office of The Prime Minister on Tuesday, Minister of State for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Kwasi Thompson hosted investors Philip Ward and Mike Hayhurst, developers of a series of village-styled homes on marina-front lots in Deadman’s Reef that will be known as ‘Seaward Fishing Village.’
“We’re pleased to announce that they have already set out to engage local Bahamian contractors and purchase many of the materials locally,” said Minister Thompson.
“We anticipate that this will create a unique community for year-round visitors to Grand Bahama; visitors looking for a getaway with the capacity to dock their boats and enjoy sport-fishing.”
Minister Thompson noted that Grand Bahama is an ideal location for persons considering second home ownership. He said the island possesses tranquility, which gives the relaxed feeling of being far from any metropolis — but is yet only 57 miles away from the US, so almost anything one would need would be accessible.
“As Minister of State for Grand Bahama, I am particularly excited that this village will be housed in Deadman’s Reef,” added Minister Thompson. “I am pleased to see on-going development in the Eastern and Western ends of the island, outside of Freeport.
Seaward Fishing Village is not a new project. It was first started in 2003, but due to the recent global recession it had to be put on hold. The project is set to be relaunched in the very near future, and boost activity in West Grand Bahama.
“The West is a true gem and I am happy that international partners see its value and promise and choose to invest here in our island.”
Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Information and Communications, and Member of Parliament for West End and Bimini, Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe welcomed Mr. Ward and Mr. Hayhurst back to Grand Bahama, specifically, back to West Grand Bahama.
“We are happy that they decided to stick with Grand Bahama, particularly West Grand Bahama,” said Mrs. Edgecombe. “That speaks to investor confidence in our community.
“We are certain that what we have to offer in Deadman’s Reef and in the West will be ideal for those persons who will purchase homes in this new development. Without a doubt, this project will boost the boating and yachting traffic to Grand Bahama and so this project is being re-started at the right time.”
Philip Ward admitted that the project has been a difficult one for the developers, having had to begin the groundwork and then put the project on hold. However, he noted that because Grand Bahama has so much to offer, it made economic sense to complete the project.
“What I always liked about Deadman’s Reef was that I always felt I was in one of the Family Islands, which meant being out in nature, and the ocean, and being surrounded by friendly people,” said Mr. Ward. “On the other hand, when my wife comes here, she likes to go to Port Lucaya. So, that tells you that there is so much to offer here, and it has great variety.”
He noted that although West Grand Bahama offers the “back-to-nature” feel, it is also equipped with the modern amenities that many visitors from the United States are accustomed to, like infrastructure, modern technology, well-equipped hospital and clinics, food stores and great restaurants. This, he said, is a major selling point for this project and for Grand Bahama on the whole.
Seaward has a very large marina. There are underground electrical and water utilities on the project. With all of that work already in place, the next step now is to begin the actual construction of the village-styled homes, which will be done by local contractors. Ward says that things are picking up economically in the United States and he expects to see that positive impact have an effect on Grand Bahama in short order, because of its proximity to the United States.
“It wasn’t until this last year that you felt the economy changing in the United States,” said Ward. “There is optimism now that I haven’t seen in a long time. The construction in Florida, in particular, is at an all-time high.
“It takes a little while for the momentum and the optimism in the United States to reach The Bahamas, but it is going to happen. It’s happening right now. You will see more and more Americans come over here and spend money and enjoy what you have to offer.”
By: Andrew Coakley (BIS)
Photo Caption: Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator Kwasi Thompson (centre), along with Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of The Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for West End & Bimini, Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe (left) chat with Developers of Seaward Fishing Village, Philip Ward (second right) and Mike Hayhurst following a press conference in the Office of the Prime Minister, January 16, 2018 to announce plans to relaunch the project, which was started in 2003, but had to be put on hold due to global recession. The project, once completed, will attract yachting enthusiasts and sport fishermen from Florida to West Grand Bahama.
(BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)
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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