Bahamas News
Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize the way business is done in The Bahamas
#Bahamas, February 2, 2018 – Nassau – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Peter Turnquest said that Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionise the way business is done in The Bahamas.
During the “Understanding Blockchain Technology Applications: What You Need to Know” workshop hosted by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) at Baha Mar Convention Centre, Wednesday, January 31, 2018, the DPM added that Blockchain technology has the ability to propel the country in a really dramatic way from where it is today to being a true leader in terms of technology and the way business is done as well as the ease of doing business.
The workshop was facilitated by Chris Jagers and Natalie Smolenski from the Learning Machine Lab at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). DPM Turnquest explained that with the Assistance of the IDB, he and several colleague Ministers toured the MIT Lab last year and saw the potential that the technology has for The Bahamas.
“When a lot of people think of Blockchains, they think about cryptocurrency. That is just one aspect of it. That is something we are doing some research into to see how we will be able to capitalise on it.
“More importantly than that is the way we can use this technology to improve the quality and efficiency of our daily lives.”
He gave the illustration of the Government potentially using the technology to create electronic records that are “indisputable”, which would then lead to a system where records could be produced that individuals could carry around in the form of an electronic passport that they can take to any bank where they want to open an account.
“If we had this electronic ID card if you will, you could walk into the bank, present your ID with your access code, they could look at your records, verify who you are via your information and away you go in minutes. That is what we are talking about it.”
As it stands now, he said it takes weeks or months for Bahamians and six to eight months for foreign nationals to open a bank account, which is “a very inefficient and frustrating process.”
The DPM also noted that the Government is looking at how Blockchain technology can be useful in producing a proper land registry, employing it with companies registering with the government.
“There are a whole host of opportunities that exist as a result of this technology and we want to explore it all and take our country to the cutting edge.”
IDB Country Representative, The Bahamas Florencia Attademo-Hirt explained that emerging technologies like Blockchain have been making waves all over the world in recent years.
She said, “Very simply put, Blockchain is a digital technology able to store and transport valuable information and assets securely.
“Blockchains were first used to record transactions of digital money (cyrptocurrencies), but since those early days, there have been other uses and applications of this technology.”
Mrs. Attademo-Hirt noted that Blockchain technology has the ability to manage a large amount of data accurately allowing for it to not be tampered or altered, and could be either very transparent or confidential.
“In The Bahamas, we think we can apply blockchain to a number of areas beyond cyrptocurrencies or even the Financial Sector.”
She said one of the goals of the workshop was to convince stakeholders as well as get their feedback on the usefulness of Blockchain Technology in The Bahamas in the area of sovereign citizen security and justice, in particular the information that is being handled by the justice system. Another goal was to see if the technology could be used for education and training in the sense of keeping records and diplomas available and making them easily accessible to their owner of the records, employers and learning institutions.
Mrs. Attademo-Hirt said they really also want to establish how useful it would be for land title registration.
“We would really like you to give us your ideas even if you feel like Blockchain might not work for The Bahamas, if you feel that it is not the solution, if you are afraid of using the technology, if you fear people need to be trained in a way that they will not be able to.
“We will like to hear all of your thoughts and your feedback to make sure that whatever investment that we do moving forward using this or other technologies, it is relevant to your country, helps improves lives in your country and helps Bahamians have a better prospect for their future,” Mrs. Attademo-Hirt said.
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Captions
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Peter K. Turnquest opens “Understanding Blockchain Technology Applications: What You Need to Know” workshop hosted by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) at Baha Mar Convention Centre, Wednesday, January 31, 2018. (BIS Photo/Derek Smith)
Blockchain workshop
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Peter Turnquest; Minister of Transport and Local Government the Hon. Frankie Campbell and Inter-American Development Bank Country Representative, The Bahamas, Florencia Attademo-Hirt attend the Blockchain workshop. (BIS Photo/Derek Smith)
NASSAU, Bahamas — More Bahamians are accessing HIV and sexually transmitted infection-related healthcare through National Health Insurance, a trend the NHI Authority says should be viewed positively.
NHIA stressed in an August 6 statement that its 2025 figures measure healthcare utilisation, not newly diagnosed infections. They include beneficiaries screened, treated, monitored or receiving follow-up care, including people diagnosed previously.
“Increased utilisation of these services should be viewed as a positive development,” NHIA said.
The Authority pointed to “greater enrolment and use of NHI, improved access to screening and testing, continued treatment and monitoring of existing conditions, and increased willingness to seek medical care.”
The development comes amid a mixed three-year HIV picture. New diagnoses rose from 130 in 2023 to 156 in 2024, before declining to 142 in 2025.
NHIA said increased utilisation demonstrates that more beneficiaries are accessing needed healthcare and actively managing their health, reinforcing the importance of screening, early diagnosis and continued treatment.
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.
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