Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Government Supports Drives Growth and Development of Agriculture Sector
#Nassau, October 6, 2018 – Bahamas – The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI), along with similar agencies, will 
stand as the ‘saving grace’ of an agriculture sector in desperate need of capacity building, a senior executive from BAMSI said earlier this week. A critical review and analysis of the sector’s historical position and its future growth projections clearly show that an increase in trained personnel, wider access to improved research and cutting-edge technological advancements, and improvements to extension/support services to farmers and other producers are key in transforming an industry and redirecting its path toward steady growth.
The comments came on the heels of media reports that the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is suggesting the Government reduce its fiscal ties both to the industry and agencies designed to support it.
Alaasis Braynen, general manager and chief executive officer of BAMSI, said “The Bahamas government’s financial intervention to BAMSI and other such agencies is crucial to realizing the positive expansion of the industry as seen in a number of critical protocols; an increase in qualified technicians and industry experts, increased engagement in local research and technological advancements and greater access for farmers to the findings, and improved support to local producers through training, seminars, etc.
“Without such intervention and financial support by the government, with all things remaining status quo, there will be no stopping the ultimate and total collapse of the industry. This will increase the overall risk of the economy of the Bahamas due to the lack of diversification.”
He pointed out that BAMSI in particular has churned out qualified graduates who are now actively involved in the agriculture sector. Some are producers – farmers, extension officers etc., and others are situated within the value chain between production to sales. They are essential for the personnel growth within these
industries. The Research/Tutorial Farm at BAMSI focuses on producing fruits/vegetables throughout the year and introducing varieties best suited for this climate which in turn increases the yields, and from a financial perspective, creates a surge in net returns for Bahamian farmers. According to Mr. Braynen, the organization is now stretched throughout the archipelago, with offices in Eleuthera, South Andros, Mayaguana, Long Island and Exuma, to link the needs of the farmer and the help they need for best practice results.
In contrast to the work of BAMSI and other public agencies, the private sector is by necessity profit driven. “To suggest the private sector would willingly get involved in increasing the number of technically trained individuals without a selfish financial benefit is wishful thinking. To seriously believe it will sink money into improving technology/research which may not improve their bottom line or that they will fund an extension service organization of which they do not directly benefit, is an ‘Alice in Wonderland” theory,” Mr Braynen said.
While he acknowledged that agriculture’s contribution to the GDP is relatively small, he argued the sector was vital for economic diversification which must be bolstered to further reduce the risk of a singular economy.
Mr Braynen said because the financial support is being used to assist an industry which is conditionally critical, the percentage to gross farm receipts is noteworthy. “Pricing structures from financial giants like the United States or neighboring countries which are totally agrarian creates unrealistic market prices in the Bahamas. Once the foundational support is in place and economies of scale begin to take hold, not just more favourable pricing adjustments will be made but the benefits and access to healthier foods will broaden.
“Obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and other non-communicable diseases are directly killing this nation because of the food we eat. We presently know not what our bodies consume and where there is an unknown there lies the risk.”
Release: BAMSI
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.
