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Call for Unity at Flag Raising Ceremony in Grand Bahama

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#Freeport, GB, July, 6, 2019 – Bahamas – As the country celebrates its 46th Anniversary of Independence, Acting Prime Minister the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest asked Bahamians to put aside those things that divide us, if only for this time.

Minister Turnquest was addressing the Flag Raising Ceremony on Friday, July 5, at the Harold DeGregory Complex in Freeport.

Ceremonies were simultaneously held in West Grand Bahama, East Grand Bahama and Sweeting’s Cay: Flags were hoisted at 10:00 a.m.

Also in attendance were Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon. Michael Pintard who brought Independence greetings; Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator the Hon. J. Kwasi Thompson; President of the Grand Bahama Christian Council, Rev. Dr. Robert Lockhart; Henry St. George of the Grand Bahama Port Authority; other senior government officials and a cross-section of the general public.

Minister Turnquest said, “If only for this week, we want to put aside those things that divide us. Our Flag represents us as a people and our aspirations. The unity, the togetherness, the strength, the resources and the resourcefulness of us as a people, and we must cherish, we must promote and we must pass on those traditions that are so unique to us.”

Describing himself as a patriotic, proud Bahamian, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance said that he is proud to be Acting Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for East Grand Bahama, and added that he is most proud to be a Bahamian.

Minister Turnquest noted the great sacrifice given when offering oneself for frontline politics. “I can tell you, they are significant. And a lot of times, you leave in the evening wondering just what it is that I have volunteered for.  Sacrificing time, family and personal progress, even subjecting yourself to sometimes unfair criticisms… things you cannot change, the colour of your skin, where you’re from, how you speak.

“It is very unfortunate, because it is my belief that in so doing, we as a people we are holding back progress and [the benefit of] the very best talents and skills that are available to us, to push us forward and to achieve all that this country can be and all that our people deserve.”

As the nation celebrates its 46th Independence, it is his hope and prayer, he continued, that the country and people can “grow beyond where we are. Grow beyond and let go of some of the hurt, some of the disappointments that we have experienced as a people, that are holding us back.” 

He said 46 years of success and growth is being celebrated, and while there is still much to be done, “there is no doubt that there is much dissatisfaction throughout the nation, and most particularly here in Grand Bahama, of where we are today and the fact that we could be so much further. I believe, however, that we have so much more to celebrate than we have to lament.”

Recognizing the presence of young people in the audience, the Deputy Prime Minister said the ceremony and celebrations are just as much about the young people as it is about the leaders and adults. He said, “It is just as much about them, and passing on those values that we hold so dear, as it is about us today.”

Other events for Independence celebrations include a church service on Sunday, July 7 at 3:00 p.m. at Life Community Church in Caravel Beach and on Monday, July 8 – when the Governor General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Cornelius A. Smith; Prime Minister of The Bahamas, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis; along with other Cabinet Ministers and senior government officials will converge on Independence Park at 8:00 p.m.

By Robyn Adderley

Release: BIS

Heading: Acting Prime Minister, the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest, addressed ceremonies to mark 46th Independence Celebrations under the theme, “United We Stand Bahamas, Together We Can” on Friday, July 5, 2019 at the Harold DeGregory Complex, Freeport. 

Insert: National Flag Raising Ceremonies were held in Grand Bahama, on Friday, July 5, officially kicking off the Independence celebrations.  The theme for the 46th anniversary is, “United We Stand Bahamas, Together We Can.”  

(BIS Photo/Andrew Miller)

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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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