Each year Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, offers the Carleton Williams Scholarship to sixth graders with a 3.0 GPA or above. Applicants are chosen in rotation between Grand Bahama and Garvin Tynes Primary School in New Providence. The winning scholar is awarded a full scholarship to a local private school for the full six years of high school, subject to a minimum GPA requirement.

CBC looks forward to the wave of bright young applicants they meet each scholarship season. Though typically only one student is chosen for the six-year scholarship, each applicant is a testament to the desire for education amongst young Bahamians, and the importance of upholding a strong corporate civic presence, a duty CBC takes seriously.

All sixth-grade students at Garvin Tynes Primary School in New Providence are eligible and encouraged to apply to this year’s application, which closes on Sunday, May 5, 2024. Visit www.cbcbahamas.com for complete details and to access the application. This year’s star scholar will join past winners: Timothy Kemp, 2023; Leonardo Sands, 2022; Maliyah Edgecombe, 2021; Angela Sands, 2020; Gabriel Hall, 2019; Kennedi Knowles and Anajah Culmer, 2018; Kailena Pinder, 2017 and 2016 inaugural scholarship winners, D’Ron & T’Ron Strapp on their academic journey.

What started in 2016 as a way to honor Carleton Williams CBE, on his retirement as Chairman of the Board for Caribbean Bottling Company has left a lasting impact on the awardees.

Angela Sands, a graduate of Garvin Tynes Primary School and the 2020 award recipient is an example of the impression this scholarship has made on the student’s lives.

Sands, who is currently in the 10th grade at St. John’s College in New Providence, said earning this scholarship was an answered prayer.

“Not everyone gets an opportunity like this was all I could think about while giving thanks and glory to God. I was really excited and very happy because I knew how much this scholarship would help me achieve my goals.” Sands said.

Philippa Bain, former teacher and now Vice Principal at Garvin Tynes Primary School said the Carleton Williams Scholarship is ingrained into the culture of the school. “Both our students and parents recognize how this scholarship is an opportunity to obtain a higher education, that’s why it is highly coveted. Many

students along with their parents are developing their portfolios from as early as grade four so that they can stand out amongst candidates.” Bain revealed.

Sands credits her mother’s support which inspired her to apply for the scholarship.

“I believed in my dreams, but it was really my mommy who made me realize my potential. She really opened my eyes and that motivated me to apply,” she said beaming as she spoke.

“I really wanted to achieve something and hit my goals so I went for it, I just applied.” Sands concluded.

Once she was notified that she was accepted for the scholarship her life made a 180 degree turn.

“I’m involved in many community activities and I’m very interested in art so this scholarship has given my mommy and I a lot more money and free time to explore those things. Now I’ve been able to join more clubs, participate in more seminars and explore my interests.” she said.

Like the wizard of a businessman her scholarship honors, Sands also wants to own and operate a “thriving and efficient business where my employees trust me to grow.”

Entrepreneurship is a major goal for the 10th grader, however before she makes that leap into business Sands has her sights on university first, where she is currently interested in Psychology and Health & Wellness.

While holding onto her dreams and ambitions Sands said that her primary goal in life is to evolve into the best version of herself spiritually, academically, physically, artistically and mentally, which she believes she can do through the support of the Carleton Williams Scholarship.

For all those interested in applying or know of someone who would benefit from this award visit www.cbcbahamas.com for complete details and to access the application.

Check Out Caribbean Bottling Co (Bahamas) Ltd on BahamasLocal.com

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) and Officer in Charge of Grand Bahama and the Northern Bahamas District, Ms. Shanta Knowles led a team of police officers and representatives from various government agencies on a community walkabout in Eight Mile Rock on Friday, April 12, 2024. 

Continuing to carry out her goal to walk through every community in Grand Bahama, ACP Knowles said the reason for the initiative is to meet the people in the various communities in Grand Bahama and to talk with those residents to hear their concerns, with a view of “going back to their offices” to find the best way to address those issues.  “This is an initiative by the Commissioner of Police, who has mandated that we go into the various communities to meet residents and to hear their concerns,” ASP Knowles told the media before the start of the walkabout in Eight Mile Rock.  

Thus far, ASP Knowles has conducted community walkabouts in Pinder’s Point and communities in East Grand Bahama.  Accompanying ACP Knowles on Friday’s community walkabout were representatives of Immigration, the Department of Social Services, and Urban Renewal.  Leading the Assistant Superintendent through the communities of Eight Mile Rock, namely Seagrape, Pinedale, Martin Town, Russell Town and Jones Town, was Assistant Superintendent of Police, Caudel Capron, officer in charge of the Eight Mile Rock Police Station. “From what I’ve heard thus far, there have been positive reviews of the work that officers are doing here in the Eight Mile Rock community,” said ASP Knowles.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) and Officer in Charge of Grand Bahama and the Northern Bahamas District, Ms. Shanta Knowles led a team of police officers and representatives from various government agencies on a community walkabout in Eight Mile Rock on Friday, April 12, 2024.   Continuing to carry out her goal to walk through every community in Grand Bahama, ACP Knowles said the reason for the initiative is to meet the people in the various communities in Grand Bahama and to talk with those residents to hear their concerns, with a view of “going back to their offices” to find the best way to address those issues.  “This is an initiative by the Commissioner of Police, who has mandated that we go into the various communities to meet residents and to hear their concerns,” ASP Knowles told the media before the start of the walkabout in Eight Mile Rock.   Thus far, ASP Knowles has conducted community walkabouts in Pinder’s Point and communities in East Grand Bahama.  Accompanying ACP Knowles on Friday’s community walkabout were representatives of Immigration, the Department of Social Services, and Urban Renewal.  Leading the Assistant Superintendent through the communities of Eight Mile Rock, namely Seagrape, Pinedale, Martin Town, Russell Town and Jones Town, was Assistant Superintendent of Police, Caudel Capron, officer in charge of the Eight Mile Rock Police Station. “From what I’ve heard thus far, there have been positive reviews of the work that officers are doing here in the Eight Mile Rock community,” said ASP Knowles.

China Construction America donated 51 furniture sets to the Domestic Violence Unit of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.  The handover took place at the Chinese Embassy, Shirley Street, April 3, 2024. 

In attendance were: Representative of the Office of the Spouse of the Prime Minister, Mrs. Ann Marie Davis and the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, HE Dai Qingli.

Making the presentation was China Construction America International V-P, Mr. Nico Ju; and receiving the donation on behalf of the Royal Bahamas Police Force was Assistant Commissioner of Police/Human Resources - Domestic Violence Unit, WPO Mrs. Janette McKenzie. 

China Construction America donated 51 furniture sets to the Domestic Violence Unit of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.  The handover took place at the Chinese Embassy, Shirley Street, April 3, 2024.  In attendance were: Representative of the Office of the Spouse of the Prime Minister, Mrs. Ann Marie Davis and the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, HE Dai Qingli. Making the presentation was China Construction America International V-P, Mr. Nico Ju; and receiving the donation on behalf of the Royal Bahamas Police Force was Assistant Commissioner of Police/Human Resources - Domestic Violence Unit, WPO Mrs. Janette McKenzie. 

RF Bank & Trust, formerly Royal Fidelity, has renewed its partnership with the Bahamas Golf Federation (BGF) and the Junior Division in support of their golf activities for the year 2024.

Through the partnership, the bank has pledged BSD 25 thousand to BGF in support of the 2024 Bahamas Junior Golf initiatives. The sponsorship is aimed at supporting junior golf development in the country, reinforcing RF’s dedication to nurturing young talent.

“We are very delighted to renew our partnership with the Bahamas Golf Federation (BGF) and the Junior Golfers as title sponsors for the 2024 RF Junior Nationals and the 2024 calendar events of the Junior Golf team,” stated David Van Onselen, VP of Business Development and Advisory Services at RF Bank & Trust.

“This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our continuous journey to uplift and inspire the next generation of golfing talents and elevating the standards of golf in The Bahamas."

RF Bank & Trust continues to focus on investing in communities and providing avenues for the nation’s youth to be involved in meaningful activities that create an appreciation for sport as well as all the spin off benefits of discipline and social aptitude. The bank is committed to youth empowerment through sport with the importance of providing Bahamian youth with the opportunity to participate in a sport that promotes integrity, tenacity and determination.

“RF’s support signifies not only their commitment to the sport but also their understanding of its significance in fostering talent. This partnership is a beacon of hope for the golfing community, and we look forward to collectively achieving new heights in the promotion of the game. Thank you, RF, for being a pivotal force in shaping the future of golf in The Bahamas." Commented Gina Role, BGF Junior Division Chair.

In 2023, RF sponsored the BGF calendar of events and amateur players. Notably, Richard Gibson Jr. received support to travel and compete in the US Mid-Amateur Championship as the first Bahamian to ever be invited to play in the tournament. RF, a stalwart corporate supporter of golf initiatives, is committed to elevating golf in The Bahamas and believes the values the sport instills directly aligns with their own corporate values.

RF Bank & Trust, formerly Royal Fidelity, has renewed its partnership with the Bahamas Golf Federation (BGF) and the Junior Division in support of their golf activities for the year 2024. Through the partnership, the bank has pledged BSD 25 thousand to BGF in support of the 2024 Bahamas Junior Golf initiatives. The sponsorship is aimed at supporting junior golf development in the country, reinforcing RF’s dedication to nurturing young talent. “We are very delighted to renew our partnership with the Bahamas Golf Federation (BGF) and the Junior Golfers as title sponsors for the 2024 RF Junior Nationals and the 2024 calendar events of the Junior Golf team,” stated David Van Onselen, VP of Business Development and Advisory Services at RF Bank & Trust. “This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our continuous journey to uplift and inspire the next generation of golfing talents and elevating the standards of golf in The Bahamas." RF Bank & Trust continues to focus on investing in communities and providing avenues for the nation’s youth to be involved in meaningful activities that create an appreciation for sport as well as all the spin off benefits of discipline and social aptitude. The bank is committed to youth empowerment through sport with the importance of providing Bahamian youth with the opportunity to participate in a sport that promotes integrity, tenacity and determination. “RF’s support signifies not only their commitment to the sport but also their understanding of its significance in fostering talent. This partnership is a beacon of hope for the golfing community, and we look forward to collectively achieving new heights in the promotion of the game. Thank you, RF, for being a pivotal force in shaping the future of golf in The Bahamas." Commented Gina Role, BGF Junior Division Chair. In 2023, RF sponsored the BGF calendar of events and amateur players. Notably, Richard Gibson Jr. received support to travel and compete in the US Mid-Amateur Championship as the first Bahamian to ever be invited to play in the tournament. RF, a stalwart corporate supporter of golf initiatives, is committed to elevating golf in The Bahamas and believes the values the sport instills directly aligns with their own corporate values.