Bahamas News
Commander Defence Force Encourages Members to Hold the Line
#Bahamas, February 14, 2018 – Nassau – The Commander Defence Force, Commodore Tellis Bethel, encouraged members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force to ‘hold the line’ in his first Commander Defence Force’s Divisions held on Friday 9th February, 2018. The ceremonial Divisions provided Commodore Bethel the 
opportunity to inform his Officers and Marines of his intent for the year, and to address challenges and concerns of the Force with solutions to overcome them. This military tradition also allowed Commodore Bethel to thank his troops for their service and accomplishments during the past year.
The timely address came on the heels of three wooden Haitian sloops landing on the southern coast of New Providence over a three-month stretch. Notwithstanding these landings the Defence Force had apprehended or assisted with the apprehensions of some 1,300 migrants last year, including the disruption of a suspected international migrant smuggling operation two months ago, which resulted in the apprehension of 14 people from five nations aboard an unsuspecting motor yacht. The Defence Force also apprehended a Haitian sloop earlier this year.
In the weeks leading up to the parade, Commodore Bethel met with Defence Force Officers and Marines at all levels highlighting the short and long term solutions for the challenges that lie ahead. During his Friday address, Commodore Bethel encouraged his troops to remain focused, and not to allow themselves to be distracted from the task at hand while they ‘hold the line’ in performing their duties.
During the sectioned meetings prior to his Divisions, Commodore Bethel reminded members that the Defence Force was at a critical stage of transition where it recently entered a new era of modernization to resolve problems of inadequate bases, port facilities, maritime assets (including ships and aircraft) and personnel, while simultaneously dealing with the constantly changing tactics of poachers, as well as migrant and drug smugglers.
As a result, the Defence Force is unfolding plans for the expansion and construction of bases in Inagua and Ragged Island, respectively, to sustain long term deployments of its ships and aircraft to provide immediate response to poaching, as well as illicit smuggling activities originating in the Southern Bahamas. Though limited in capacity, the Defence Force has already began reconnaissance flight operations out of the southern Bahamas.
Other short term goals shared by Commodore Bethel included the Prime Minister’s, Dr. the Honourable Hubert Minnis. and the Minister of National Security’s, the Honourable Marvin Dames intent for the Defence Force to develop and coordinate a national multi-law enforcement agency drone program, as well as a national multi-law enforcement agency Coastal Security program to address the problem of changing modes of operations by those engaged in criminal activities on and offshore.
High on the list of priorities is the accelerated recruitment of personnel as an initial human capital audit has revealed that the Defence Force is currently operating at a shortfall of over 500 persons, thus highlighting the added responsibilities borne by each member of the Force. In January of this year, 120 persons had commenced recruit training.
The Defence Force is also moving forward with plans to enhance its communications, detection, tracking and interdiction capabilities. Initial work has commenced on the installation of a coastal radar system. Additionally, plans are already underway for the acquisition of an island-wide ‘Motorbro’ radio communication system, along with an Automated Identification System for identifying vessels in Bahamian waters. These programs are being funded by the US State Department under its Foreign Military Sales program.
While expressing concern for the recent landing of a Haitian sloop for which a Board of Inquiry will be convened to investigate, Commodore Bethel applauded his men and women for the successes they did achieve in exercising their powers as Peace Officers, Customs Officers, Immigration Officers, Fisheries Inspectors, Port Security Officers, National Emergency Managers and much more.
Earlier this year, the Defence Force divers had assisted with recovery of remains of Bahamian occupants of an aircraft that had crashed in waters off North Andros. More recently, the Defence Force has provided support for Police operations on the streets of New Providence with significant success. In addition to capturing a go fast vessel with an estimated one and a half million dollars’ worth of marijuana, last year made the third consecutive year that the Defence Force deployed troops, ships and its Containerized Mobile Base to bring disaster relief assistance to thousands of Bahamians combined in New Providence and the Family Islands during Hurricanes Joaquin, Matthew and Irma. The Defence Force also provided relief assistance to the Commonwealth of Dominica on behalf of the Governments of The Bahamas and Jamaica.
In thanking the men and women for their dedicated service and encouraging them to hold the line, Commodore Bethel also informed them of specific goals that would be achieved to improve their conditions of service at all levels.
(For further information please contact the RBDF Public Relations Department or visit our website: www.rbdf.gov.bs, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and view our Youtube channel) -rbdf-
#GuardOurHeritage
Photo captions:
Header: Commander Defence Force, Commodore Tellis Bethel conducting an inspection of the Honor Guard during the Commander Defence Force Divisions on February 9, 2018 at HMBS Coral Harbour. Also shown is Guard Commander. Lieutenant Elizabeth Simms.
Insert 1: Commander Defence Force, Commodore Tellis Bethel and Lieutenant Edward Fritz leading a routine inspection of one of the platoons during the Commander Defence Force Divisions on February 9, 2018 at HMBS Coral Harbour.
Insert 2: Commodore Tellis Bethel conducting an inspection of the Officer Platoon during the Commander Defence Force Divisions on February 9, 2018 at HMBS Coral Harbour.
(RBDF Photos by Marine Seaman Kyle Smith)
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products concluded their 10 weeklong Twist To Win campaign with four $5,000 Mall at Marathon shopping sprees.
The campaign which was available throughout the entire Bahamas allowed consumers to enter by purchasing a 20oz bottle with a yellow cap
from the following brands: Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola No Sugar, Sprite, Fanta Orange, or Fanta Grape. Each yellow-cap had a unique alpha numeric code underneath which they submitted to the Twist To Win WhatsApp number.
With each qualifying purchase, participants residing in The Bahamas were entered to win instant prizes and into a grand prize draw to win one of four $5,000 shopping sprees at the Mall at Marathon.
Participants also enjoyed exciting instant prizes such as: Airpods, JBL Speakers, premium Coca-Cola merchandise, $500 Visa gift cards and Amazon, Spotify and Apple Music digital gift cards.
Out of 76,000 plus submissions, Brian Bethel, Ashia Demeritte, Merlin Adams, and Taraceta Neely won the coveted Mall at Marathon shopping sprees at the following select stores, Kelly’s House & Home, The Sports Center, John Bull, Brass & Leather, and BTC.
Leading up to the grand finale shopping spree, Coca-Cola hosted a Trivia Showdown with the eight finalists to determine the four winners. Finalists were tested on their knowledge of World History, Pop Culture, Caribbean Bottling Company and Coca-Cola Facts!
After a few rousing rounds of trivia, the four winners were declared after each winning their spot in the shopping spree by answering their questions correctly and choosing the “Grand Prize” Coca-Cola labeled bottles at random.
The morning of the shopping spree Coca-Cola gave the winners exclusive access to the Mall at Marathon and its participating stores before
their usual operating hours. Grand prize winners were greeted with wide smiles from Coca-Cola brand representatives and morning bites before the big event.
At the start of the thirty-minute clock the grand prize winners along with each of their Coca-Cola shopping assistants ran to the various stores collecting items in their arms and carts.
Merlin Adams, a husband and father of four was proud to have executed his game-plan at the end of the shopping spree. With toys, a new phone and materials for his home from Kelly’s, Adams felt accomplished in what he gathered.
Taraceta Neely, a winner from Eleuthera collected beautiful bags for herself and relatives from Brass and Leather and Brian Bethel bought matching athletic and outdoor wear from The Sports Center for his family.
The final winner Ashia Demeritte bought linens and household items in addition to a new phone from BTC right in time for Christmas.
Caribbean Bottling Company is proud to share the real magic of Coca-Cola with the grand prize winners and the may instant prize winners across the Twist To Win campaign. For more updates on new products, promotions, and events follow www.cbcbahamas.com.
Bahamas News
The Coca-Cola Art Project Astonishes Art Lovers at The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products displayed
their astonishing Coca-Cola Art Project (CCAP), during Baha Mar’s five-day Culinary & Arts Festival. Earlier this year, Coca-Cola partnered with The University of The Bahamas’ Visual Art and Design Department for a culturally rich art competition. UB’s art students were challenged to create pieces surrounding the theme, Bahamian music.
As a result, 20 student works of art were made, with four students declared as winners at the CCAP exhibit opening in Baha Mar’s ECCHO: Art Gallery in August. To recreate the culturally stimulating magic felt at the exhibit’s premiere, the CCAP was featured at the FUZE Art Tent during The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival.
Nine incredible pieces of art lined the walls of the Coca-Cola Art Project, four of which included the winning pieces from Jhanaisia Cole,
with ‘Gaulin Bride’; Alyssa Pinder, with ‘Shotgun Wedding’; Nelson Gray, with ‘Untitled’; and Jaela Bowe, with the piece ‘Whims of Obeah, a Folktail’. Additionally, an intimate listening room was built. It displayed students’ artistic processes, UB Visual Art and Design representatives, and a recap of the exhibit opening for audiences.
Art enthusiasts also enjoyed premium limited-edition CCAP keepsakes at the booth. Journals which featured a collage of all 20 student submissions on the front and back cover, postcards with an art piece on the cover along with the student’s name, title, dimension and materials on the back and pens designed with the CCAP’s dynamic logo.
Throughout the art festival diverse groups of people visited the art tent taking in the displays while enjoying the artistic insights from the
listening booth.
Community and culture are always at the forefront of Caribbean Bottling Community, and it was boldly showcased during The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival for the third consecutive year.
For more details on the Coca-Cola Art Project, events and new products visit www.cbcbahamas.com today!
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor delighted Jollification
attendees with bubbles from their Bottega and Bouvet Ladubay sparkling wines and Besserat de Bellefon champagne lines.
Located in the Monument Circle on The Retreat grounds, CWS transformed The Retreat Garden into a lush lounge with Besserat, Bouvet and their latest product addition, Bottega, during the two-day affair.
The festivities kicked off Friday during BNT Member’s Night. Guests enjoyed exclusive offerings from CWS’s catalogue, offered exclusively to members. Complimentary mixes or glasses on the rocks included El Tequileno tequila, Hard Truth whiskey, House of Angostura rum, Cross Keys gin, Nemiroff vodka and a slew of wines such as Fonesca Bin, Bottega and Besserat.
Guests also savored the ‘Jolly Paloma’ cocktail, an instant favorite made with El Tequileno tequila, Schweppes Grapefruit and Domaine de Paris rose wine. To end the night, guests were treated to branded limited-edition wine tumblers as keepsakes.
On Saturday and Sunday, Jollification attendees delighted in glasses or bottles of champagne and sparkling brut or rosé wines while taking
in the comfort of the chic lounge. In addition to purchasing bottles for onsite consumption, consumers were also able to purchase bottles as gifts whether for themselves or someone special.
The sophisticated “bubble lounge” lounge was decked with velvet couches, gold rimmed cocktail tables, blue and pink pillows, and a white floral branded backdrop created for capturing the perfect picture.
Caribbean Wines & Spirits, a historic partner of the Bahamas National Trust was pleased to support Jollification 2025 to kick off the festive season and share their expansive range of spirits.
To keep up to date with all CWS products and events, visit their website at www.cwsbahamas.com today.
