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Ministers declare 2022 NACAC Championships in GB a success

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By ANDREW COAKLEY

Bahamas Information Services

 

#FREEPORT, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas, August 24, 2022 – “We did it Grand Bahama!”

Those were the sentiments of Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey, during the closing ceremonies of the Anita Doherty North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) Open Track and Field Championships, on Sunday night at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex.

“Thank you so much for being a part of history and we’ve proven that if the opportunity presents itself again, we will be able to pull it off again,” Minister Moxey said, as fireworks erupted into the night sky, signaling the end of the three-day international meet.

What was meant to be the official closing out ceremony easily turned into a celebration, with athletes and fans alike enjoying the fireworks and Junkanoo rushout, featuring an impromptu performance by both Youth, Sports and Culture Minister, the Hon. Mario Bowleg and Minister Moxey.

Asked how she would describe the end of the three-day meet, Minister Moxey simply called it “a success!”  She said it was an amazing feeling to see Grand Bahama successfully pull off an international meet at the magnitude of NACAC.

“It feels like Grand Bahama is on the right track,” Minister Moxey said, while dancing with the Junkanoo music. “It feels like it is a new day for Grand Bahama with events and entertainment, which we have outlined in our Blueprint for Change, which talked about what we envisioned Grand Bahama could become. So I am excited about today because it’s only the beginning and it will only get better.

“I never doubted that we could pull this off. I know the potential for Grand Bahama Island. I know what we can do. I know that events and the orange economy is something where all Bahamians can benefit. So, it doesn’t matter how much money you have and it doesn’t matter the level of your resources, because anyone can make money in the orange economy when it comes to events and entertainment.  So, I just wanted to focus on that for our people, to give everyone a chance of survival.”

Minister Moxey said the successful hosting of the fourth edition of NACAC speaks to what Grand Bahama could do once given the opportunity. She pointed out the economic benefit of the meet, noting that Grand Bahamians across the board were able to benefit financially. From the hotels to taxi cab drivers, tour operators, straw vendors, restaurants and food vendors – all had an opportunity to make money from the three-day event.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Mario Bowleg noted that the success of the 2022 NACAC was something officials had anticipated when the decision was made to host the meet on Grand Bahama.

“There were a few hiccups, but that’s life. We always have troubles and trials in life, but it’s what you do when you fall. You get back up and keep moving,” said Minister Bowleg. “At the end of the day, the main success was that we brought the economic boost that we felt Grand Bahama needed. The injection in the arm to get this island back up and running and bring the magic back to the Magic City.

“That’s what it’s all about. This administration wants to spread the wealth and make sure that the events we have in The Bahamas go to the Family Islands that can host them – and Grand Bahama is one of them. Grand Bahama is one island that we must get back up and running.”

The Youth, Sports and Culture Minister said that the 2022 NACAC is just the beginning for Grand Bahama. He said that there are a lot of things in the pipeline that the Government has on the horizon and Grand Bahama will be a part of those opportunities.

“This is the most medals we would have won at this level, so we want to enjoy this moment and celebrate Team Bahamas and if we get the opportunity to do it again, we will do it again in Grand Bahama,” said Minister Bowleg

“We don’t want hosting this kind of sporting event to be a one-time thing for Grand Bahama. We have so much more sporting events like this for Grand Bahama. In fact I have a surprise for Grand Bahama in March of next year. We have another big sporting event coming. Stay tuned.”

 

BIS Photos/Andrew Miller

Photo Caption: 

Header: Minister for Grand Bahama, theHon. Ginger Moxey (second from left) celebrates during a race at the Anita Doherty North American, Central American and Caribbean Association (NACAC) Open Track and Field Championships on Sunday, August 21, 2022.  Standing with Minister Moxey enjoying the Meet were Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Mario Bowleg (left); President of NACAC, Mike Sands (third from left) and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Grand Bahama, Mr. Melvin Seymour (right)

1st insert: Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey poses for a photo with Silver medalist in the women’s 100m, Tynia Gaitor, who also ran the anchor leg for Team Bahamas in the women’s 4 x 100m.

2nd insert: Silver ladies

3rd insert: The Bahamian team won silver in the women’s 4 x 100m relay on the final day of competition of the Anita Doherty NACAC Open Track and Field Championships at the GB Sports Complex.  Making up the team were (from left) Devynne Charlton, Printassia Johnson, Anthonique Strachan and Tynia Gaither.

4th insert: Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Mario Bowleg and Minister for Grand Bahama, Hon. Ginger Moxey poses for a photo with Jamaican track star Shericka Jackson, who won the gold medal in the women’s 100m.

Bahamas News

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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Bahamas News

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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Bahamas News

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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