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Grand Bahama gets big promotional plug during world cruise and maritime conference

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#Nassau, April 14, 2019 – Bahamas – Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator the Hon. Kwasi Thompson, said that the new proposed Carnival Cruise Port, slated for development in East Grand Bahama, was announced to over 11,000 people within the cruise industry, during a recent conference in Miami, Florida, April 8-10, 2019.  It was during one of the opening sessions of the Seatrade Cruise Global 2019 conference that President of Carnival Cruise Line Christine Duffy told the over 11,000 participants at the conference about her company’s major development in Freeport, Grand Bahama.

Minister Thompson said Ms. Duffy announced that for the first time in the company’s history, Carnival will be investing significantly in one of the largest port investments to date in Freeport.  She also spoke about the major impact the development was going to have on Freeport and its citizens.

“What was very exciting for us is that Grand Bahama was mentioned on the world stage for cruise line development and for the cruise port.”

Minister Thompson, along with Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister Harcourt Brown and Felix Brown from the Investment Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister, all attended the conference in Miami, Florida.

Grand Bahama Shipyard was an active participant in the conference, as was FOWLCO (A Grand Bahama marine logistics company).

Minister Thompson said that attending the conference was in keeping with the government’s commitment to establish Grand Bahama as a maritime centre.  “I was also very pleased that we had continuing discussions with executives from the cruise line and from the maritime industry,” he added. “The real purpose of attending was for us to continue to promote Grand Bahama as a maritime center.

“We are uniquely suited in Grand Bahama to promote ourselves, not just because of the capabilities of the Grand Bahama Shipyard, but because of the GB Container Port, because of the new developments that are coming on stream with respect to the additional cruise port that’s coming with Carnival, and also because of the redevelopment of our Freeport Harbour, by Royal Caribbean and ITM Group.”

Minister Thompson also pointed out that the second ‘plus’ for the Office of the Prime Minister’s attendance at the sea trade conference was that it allowed him, as Minister for Grand Bahama, to speak at a significant conference segment hosted by Grand Bahama Shipyard.

Over 100 people attended that particular function — executives from the cruise lines and maritime industries, as well as customers, partners and subcontractors with the Shipyard.  “Again, that event and the opportunity to speak there, gave us another opportunity to promote Grand Bahama as a maritime center.

“We were also promoting Grand Bahama as a place where industry that supports the shipyard could be built.  So we spoke to those individuals who outfit the cabins while the ships are on dry dock – including those who repair engines and even those who are sub-contractors for those ships while they are on dry dock.  We want to promote Grand Bahama as a place where those industries can set up and do business with the shipyard.”

Also attending the conference were representatives of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, the Grand Bahama Port Authority, and the Bahamas Maritime Authority.

By Andrew Coakley

Release: BIS

Header: Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator Kwasi Thompson (fourth from left), joined by representatives of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and the Bahamas Maritime Authority at Seatrade Cruise Global 2019 Conference in Miami, Florida, April 8-10, 2019.

Insert: Grand Bahama Shipyard was one of major players with a booth, at Seatrade Cruise Global 2019 Conference in Miami, Florida, April 8-10, 2019.  Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator Kwasi Thompson and Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister Harcourt Brown stopped by the GB Shipyard booth along with representatives from the Grand Bahama Port Authority.   Minister Thompson is pictured third from left; Mr. Brown, second from left; Vice-Chairman of the Grand Bahama Port Authority Sarah St. George, centre.

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Monument Beverage Co. Caribbean Wines & Spirits Uniquely Bahamian Newest Product

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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.

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Lady Kayla Crowned Goombay Punch Cup Sailing Champion of 2025/2026

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L–R: Joss Knowles, Kianno Hutchinson, Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager at Caribbean Bottling Company and Dallas Knowles receiving a donation on behalf of the Exuma Sailing Club at the Long Island Regatta awards ceremony.

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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Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week  

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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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