“When our Grand Bahama swimmers brought home victory after victory at CARIFTA: when they stood on those podiums and carried the Bahamian Flag high, I made a promise. I told them that your efforts, your early mornings and your sacrifices deserve a home that matches your ambition,” said Prime Minister of The Bahamas, the Hon. Philip Davis.

That promise, made years ago, brought Prime Minister Davis to Grand Bahama for a groundbreaking ceremony for a world-class Aquatics Center, at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex, on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

“This facility will match international standards, it will be capable of hosting major regional and international meets and it will give Bahamian swimmers a chance to train at home in a pool that will prepare them to compete in the fastest lanes in the world,” added Prime Minister Davis, during his address at the groundbreaking ceremony.

“I know that to get to this day has taken time, and I want to thank you for your patience. There were surveys and soil tests, there were discussions with planning departments, with engineers and architects.

“We had to secure the land, design the facility to ensure that what we build here stands strong, serve long and meet the expectations of both athletes and the wider community.”

Prime Minister Davis said the proposed Aquatics Center will not be constructed for a small circle of competitive swimmers, but also for children who will learn to swim at the center, for grandparents who will use the waters for therapy, for the teachers and instructors who will conduct “learn to swim” programs and for training of life guards.

Mr. Davis, who himself was a regular swimmer and even taught swimming, noted how important it was for all Bahamian children to learn how to swim. Simply because The Bahamas is “an ocean state”, the islands are surrounded with some of the most beautiful waters on earth.  Yet, he pointed out that too many Bahamians do not know how to swim.

He recalled when Scottish actor, Sean Connery, created a foundation, of which  part of the proceeds were to provide university scholarships for Bahamian and Scottish students in the discipline of marine sciences.  Prime Minister Davis said that recently he was advised by Mr. Connery’s son that they had taken a group of 30 Bahamian students to Scotland for a semester of studies in marine science.  Because of the number of them who could not swim, said PM Davis,  the foundation fully supports the government’s learn to swim program.

“As an adjunct to that program, we started a program called ‘pools and schools’, where we’re putting swimming pools in some of the public schools in New Providence.  And there is no reason why we can’t start that same program here in Grand Bahama.

“A country built on the sea should never be a place where fear of the water holds anyone back. This center will help to change that story. Here in Grand Bahama young people will gain a skill that can save their lives, open doors to scholarships and lead them to represent The Bahamas on the regional and global stage.”

The Prime Minister spoke directly to the swimmers who were present at the groundbreaking, encouraging them to continue the disciplines of training persistently, day after day, even when tired.  He said the new Aquatics Center is being built with those swimmers in mind.

“One day you will walk into this Aquatics center for an early morning practice, the sun will just be rising, the water will be still and waiting and you will know that your country believed in you enough to build this place.

“When you travel to race abroad, you would know that you’ve trained in a facility that matches the pools overseas.  And when you come home with medals, records and personal best, you will know that your success grew from the work you did here.”

Prime Minister Davis thanked all of the partners who played a role in helping to bring the project thus far, including the Grand Bahama Port Authority, which transferred the land to the government for the facility.

“When our Grand Bahama swimmers brought home victory after victory at CARIFTA: when they stood on those podiums and carried the Bahamian Flag high, I made a promise. I told them that your efforts, your early mornings and your sacrifices deserve a home that matches your ambition,” said Prime Minister of The Bahamas, the Hon. Philip Davis. That promise, made years ago, brought Prime Minister Davis to Grand Bahama for a groundbreaking ceremony for a world-class Aquatics Center, at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex, on Thursday, February 12, 2026. “This facility will match international standards, it will be capable of hosting major regional and international meets and it will give Bahamian swimmers a chance to train at home in a pool that will prepare them to compete in the fastest lanes in the world,” added Prime Minister Davis, during his address at the groundbreaking ceremony. “I know that to get to this day has taken time, and I want to thank you for your patience. There were surveys and soil tests, there were discussions with planning departments, with engineers and architects. “We had to secure the land, design the facility to ensure that what we build here stands strong, serve long and meet the expectations of both athletes and the wider community.” Prime Minister Davis said the proposed Aquatics Center will not be constructed for a small circle of competitive swimmers, but also for children who will learn to swim at the center, for grandparents who will use the waters for therapy, for the teachers and instructors who will conduct “learn to swim” programs and for training of life guards. Mr. Davis, who himself was a regular swimmer and even taught swimming, noted how important it was for all Bahamian children to learn how to swim. Simply because The Bahamas is “an ocean state”, the islands are surrounded with some of the most beautiful waters on earth.  Yet, he pointed out that too many Bahamians do not know how to swim. He recalled when Scottish actor, Sean Connery, created a foundation, of which  part of the proceeds were to provide university scholarships for Bahamian and Scottish students in the discipline of marine sciences.  Prime Minister Davis said that recently he was advised by Mr. Connery’s son that they had taken a group of 30 Bahamian students to Scotland for a semester of studies in marine science.  Because of the number of them who could not swim, said PM Davis,  the foundation fully supports the government’s learn to swim program. “As an adjunct to that program, we started a program called ‘pools and schools’, where we’re putting swimming pools in some of the public schools in New Providence.  And there is no reason why we can’t start that same program here in Grand Bahama. “A country built on the sea should never be a place where fear of the water holds anyone back. This center will help to change that story. Here in Grand Bahama young people will gain a skill that can save their lives, open doors to scholarships and lead them to represent The Bahamas on the regional and global stage.” The Prime Minister spoke directly to the swimmers who were present at the groundbreaking, encouraging them to continue the disciplines of training persistently, day after day, even when tired.  He said the new Aquatics Center is being built with those swimmers in mind. “One day you will walk into this Aquatics center for an early morning practice, the sun will just be rising, the water will be still and waiting and you will know that your country believed in you enough to build this place. “When you travel to race abroad, you would know that you’ve trained in a facility that matches the pools overseas.  And when you come home with medals, records and personal best, you will know that your success grew from the work you did here.” Prime Minister Davis thanked all of the partners who played a role in helping to bring the project thus far, including the Grand Bahama Port Authority, which transferred the land to the government for the facility.

The 2025/2026 Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup is off to a blazing start and to celebrate the fourth annual edition of the competition, the Bahamas Goombay Punch is launching a limited-edition redesign.

In 2023, Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, launched the inaugural Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup, which measures the performance of various sailing sloops across the Best of the Best, National Family Island and the Long Island Regattas.

Upon completion of the Long Island Regatta, the team with the most points across the three events is crowned the winner.

Each year, over the six-month course of competition, the Bahamas Goombay Punch changes their can design to feature the participating sloops.

This season’s Goombay Punch Cans will display a revamp from the previous year’s sloop designs. The redesign is inspired by the “authenticity and uniqueness” of each sloop.

“We’ve added some extra flair to this year’s can designs, featuring the E-Class boats,” shared Jonathan Thronebury, Director of Marketing at CBC. “These limited-time editions bring a fresh pop compared to our previous designs, and they align perfectly with our goal to inspire pride and excitement around our National Sport. Pairing Bahamas Goombay Punch—a product uniquely Bahamian—with a sport that we cherish locally is a natural fit.”

The winner of the cup is awarded a $5,000 cash prize, and the junior sailing club of the winning island is awarded an $8,000 stipend.

The redesign will aim to highlight the craftsmanship, fine details and special features of each sloop. It is the hope that consumers will gain a deeper appreciation for the sport of sailing culture with each sip.

The six lucky sloops that will be included in the redesign are: Captain Peg – Andros, Sugar Loaf – Eleuthera, Lady Kayla – Exuma, Two Brothers – Grand Bahama, Lady Annmarie – Long Island and Redemption – Nassau.

During the first leg of competition at the Best of the Best Regatta in New Providence, ‘Ms. Agnes’, led by Alvington McKenzie of Exuma came first in the E-Class race, taking the current lead in the Goombay Punch Cup scoreboard.

CBC is excited to support and further amplify the national sport of The Bahamas with the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup. To keep up-to-date with the Goombay Punch Cup and all things Bahamas Goombay Punch, visit Caribbean Bottling Company’s website at www.cbcbahamas.com today.

The 2025/2026 Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup is off to a blazing start and to celebrate the fourth annual edition of the competition, the Bahamas Goombay Punch is launching a limited-edition redesign. In 2023, Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, launched the inaugural Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup, which measures the performance of various sailing sloops across the Best of the Best, National Family Island and the Long Island Regattas. Upon completion of the Long Island Regatta, the team with the most points across the three events is crowned the winner. Each year, over the six-month course of competition, the Bahamas Goombay Punch changes their can design to feature the participating sloops. This season’s Goombay Punch Cans will display a revamp from the previous year’s sloop designs. The redesign is inspired by the “authenticity and uniqueness” of each sloop. “We’ve added some extra flair to this year’s can designs, featuring the E-Class boats,” shared Jonathan Thronebury, Director of Marketing at CBC. “These limited-time editions bring a fresh pop compared to our previous designs, and they align perfectly with our goal to inspire pride and excitement around our National Sport. Pairing Bahamas Goombay Punch—a product uniquely Bahamian—with a sport that we cherish locally is a natural fit.” The winner of the cup is awarded a $5,000 cash prize, and the junior sailing club of the winning island is awarded an $8,000 stipend. The redesign will aim to highlight the craftsmanship, fine details and special features of each sloop. It is the hope that consumers will gain a deeper appreciation for the sport of sailing culture with each sip. The six lucky sloops that will be included in the redesign are: Captain Peg – Andros, Sugar Loaf – Eleuthera, Lady Kayla – Exuma, Two Brothers – Grand Bahama, Lady Annmarie – Long Island and Redemption – Nassau. During the first leg of competition at the Best of the Best Regatta in New Providence, ‘Ms. Agnes’, led by Alvington McKenzie of Exuma came first in the E-Class race, taking the current lead in the Goombay Punch Cup scoreboard. CBC is excited to support and further amplify the national sport of The Bahamas with the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup. To keep up-to-date with the Goombay Punch Cup and all things Bahamas Goombay Punch, visit Caribbean Bottling Company’s website at www.cbcbahamas.com today.

The Best of the Best Regatta Championship award ceremony was held on Sunday evening, December 7, 2025 at Montagu Bay upon waves of enthusiasm and fanfare that usually surrounds the popular event. 

Pictured are the champions, presented awards by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation the Hon. Chester Cooper and Minister of Works and Family Island Affairs the Hon. Clay Sweeting.  

WINNERS
Class A -- Running Tide
Class B -- Susan Chase
Class C -- Sassie Sue
Class E -- Ms. Agnes

The Best of the Best Regatta Championship award ceremony was held on Sunday evening, December 7, 2025 at Montagu Bay upon waves of enthusiasm and fanfare that usually surrounds the popular event.  Pictured are the champions, presented awards by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation the Hon. Chester Cooper and Minister of Works and Family Island Affairs the Hon. Clay Sweeting.   WINNERS Class A -- Running Tide Class B -- Susan Chase Class C -- Sassie Sue Class E -- Ms. Agnes

The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture’s Sports Division held the opening ceremony for the 2025 Northern Bahamas Volleyball Championships at the St. Georges High School Gymnasium on November 13.

High school seniors from Abaco, Bimini and Grand Bahama are competing in this year’s games slated for November 13 -15.
 Parliamentary Secretary and Member of Parliament for West Grand Bahama and Bimini Kingsley Smith encouraged the athletes to do their best and, most of all, have fun during the tournament.

“Use this opportunity to bond, make friends and have long-lasting relationships. Then one day you’re going to find each other in different places throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and sometimes you’re going to find each other studying abroad in college and university,” he said.

“So, I want you to do your best, don’t take it personal and have fun.”

The schools competing from Abaco are Patrick J. Bethel High, Forest Heights Academy and Agape Christian School; Lewis McDonald High of Bimini; and from Grand Bahama — Bishop Michael Eldon, Lucaya International School, Sunland Baptist Academy, Eight Mile Rock High, and St. Georges High.

The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture’s Sports Division held the opening ceremony for the 2025 Northern Bahamas Volleyball Championships at the St. Georges High School Gymnasium on November 13. High school seniors from Abaco, Bimini and Grand Bahama are competing in this year’s games slated for November 13 -15.   Parliamentary Secretary and Member of Parliament for West Grand Bahama and Bimini Kingsley Smith encouraged the athletes to do their best and, most of all, have fun during the tournament.   “Use this opportunity to bond, make friends and have long-lasting relationships. Then one day you’re going to find each other in different places throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and sometimes you’re going to find each other studying abroad in college and university,” he said. “So, I want you to do your best, don’t take it personal and have fun.” The schools competing from Abaco are Patrick J. Bethel High, Forest Heights Academy and Agape Christian School; Lewis McDonald High of Bimini; and from Grand Bahama — Bishop Michael Eldon, Lucaya International School, Sunland Baptist Academy, Eight Mile Rock High, and St. Georges High.