Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Former Parliamentarian Earl Vincente Thompson, Sr. Laid to Rest
#Nassau, October 6, 2018 – Bahamas – Governor General Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, Parliamentarians, Archbishop of Nassau t
he Most Reverend Patrick Christopher Pinder and senior government officials joined family and friends at the State-Recognized Funeral for the late former Parliamentarian Earl Vincente Thompson, Sr. at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, October 5, 2018. The service was officiated by Father Glen C. Nixon and Interment followed at St. Augustine’s Monastery, Fox Hill.
During his Homily, Father Nixon described Mr. Thompson who passed away at the age of 84, as a devout Catholic who kept an eagle eye on everything. He said, “It was no secret that Earl, this son of the soil was Catholic to the bone. He often boasted of the monks and their work with him and how they taught him the eulogy.
“Earl Sr. drew his strength from his faith in Jesus who is the bread of life and the resurrection. He never forgot the duty of a Catholic parent and so he passed onto his children his legacy of faith and fortitude.”
Father Nixon explained that sometimes Thompson’s passion for the faith made him too confrontational, but all who took the time to know him soon learned that while he may be tough, his heart was in the right place; his bark was worse than his bite. He said the late former Parliamentarian is still living even though he has been cut down by death.
“He is alive in Jesus Christ who is the bread of life and the resurrection. He is alive in the hearts and memories of his loved ones; he is alive in the tapestry that tells the story of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral and the community of Chippingham. He is alive in the Knights of Columbus where he was not simply a leader but one who fed the hungry. He is alive in the hearts of fellow Junkanooers such as Sting and the Pigs.”
Father Nixon said, “Among his accomplishments Earl Sr. worked very hard to contribute to a culture of life and love in our land. A man of prayer, Earl would frequently be the last person in church praying for his family, his church, for his beloved country, for himself and for peace in the 
world.”
Mr. Thompson held several executive positions in the Progressive Liberal Party before being elected Member of Parliament for the Fort Charlotte Constituency in 1972. During his one term in office, he served as the first Chairman of the National Insurance Board that was established in 1974. In 1980, he joined the Free National Movement, where he held several executive positions, and remained a member until his death.
Mr. Thompson was a member of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral all of his life and served his church in several areas including the Ushers Board, Senior Choir and Parish Council. He is the founding Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 10415, which was founded in The Bahamas in 1991.
He served as a member of the Board of Governors of St. Augustine’s College for many years, followed by President of the Alumni Association, and President of the Parent Teacher Association. He was a member of Lodge Saint Michael Scottish Masons, and is considered an Icon in the Chippingham Community where he lived all of his life.
He is survived by his wife Venencia (nee Nixon), four children: Clinton, Earl Jr., Marici & Jacinta and numerous other relatives.
Release: BIS
Photo Caption: Photos from the State-Recognized Funeral for the late former Parliamentarian Earl Vincente Thompson, Sr. held at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, October 5, 2018. The service was officiated by Father Glen C. Nixon and Interment followed at St. Augustine’s Monastery, Fox Hill.
(BIS Photos/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.
