The Bahamas National Trust (BNT), in partnership with Commonwealth Brewery Limited (CBL), is thrilled to announce the return of the prestigious Wine & Art Festival. The annual event, now in its 31st year, will take place on Saturday, October 14 and Sunday October 15 at The Retreat Garden on Village Road. A BNT members-only night will be held on Friday, October 13.

The Wine & Art Festival is a one-of-a-kind event, combining culture, creativity, and conservation. This year's festival will feature over 40 artists and vendors, selling original art pieces, creative crafts, and local products. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample over 60 wines, courtesy of CBL and 700 Wines and Spirits, and enjoy diverse culinary delights from food vendors and celebrity chefs from The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, all while enjoying live musical performances.

Additionally, the event will feature an exclusive Moët and Chandon Champagne Lounge serving glasses of cold, luxury champagne and unlimited champagne cocktails from 5pm to 7pm; and a Heineken Beer Garden Afterparty with unlimited Heineken and select local beers, mixed drinks, and a live DJ from 7pm until.

One of several annual events hosted by the BNT, Wine & Art is a celebration of The Bahamas’ natural and cultural heritage and an important fundraiser for the organisation. All proceeds from the event directly support the management of Bahamian national parks - of which there are currently 33, covering more than two million acres of land and sea.

In addition to supporting the environment, Wine & Art also supports the creative community and local small businesses. The event provides a platform for young and upcoming artists, as well as experienced artists to showcase and sell their work and reach new audiences.

Kimberly Knowles, BNT Events Coordinator, said: “Wine & Art is more than a festival - it’s a celebration of art, culture, wine, and food. It’s also a vital part of the BNT’s conservation efforts and showcases our commitment to the community. Each ticket sold, and each glass raised contributes to our mission to protect our beautiful national parks, ensuring that our natural wonders can be enjoyed for generations to come.

“Over three decades Wine & Art has grown to be a highly anticipated annual event, attracting local and international attendees and providing a platform for Bahamian talent. People look forward to exploring the creativity of local artists and vendors; savoring the variety of wines, champagnes, and culinary delights; and experiencing a truly unique festival in support of the environment.”

Wine & Art 2023 is sponsored by Commonwealth Brewery Limited; The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism; Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty; Aliv;; Auto Mall; Sand Dollar; CBS; The Current Art Gallery; Atlantis; Nassau Paradise Island Promotional Board; Caribbean Bottling Company; Bahamas Waste; Bahamia Rental; Expressions Entertainment; Suncash; AML Foods; and Bahamas Ferries.

To learn more about Wine & Art 2023 and for ticket information, visit the official event website at bntevents.com.

To learn more about the role the BNT plays in managing terrestrial and marine national parks, conserving wildlife, and informing environmental policy, please visit its website: www.bnt.bs and follow/subscribe to its various social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

The Bahamas National Trust (BNT), in partnership with Commonwealth Brewery Limited (CBL), is thrilled to announce the return of the prestigious Wine & Art Festival. The annual event, now in its 31st year, will take place on Saturday, October 14 and Sunday October 15 at The Retreat Garden on Village Road. A BNT members-only night will be held on Friday, October 13. The Wine & Art Festival is a one-of-a-kind event, combining culture, creativity, and conservation. This year's festival will feature over 40 artists and vendors, selling original art pieces, creative crafts, and local products. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample over 60 wines, courtesy of CBL and 700 Wines and Spirits, and enjoy diverse culinary delights from food vendors and celebrity chefs from The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, all while enjoying live musical performances. Additionally, the event will feature an exclusive Moët and Chandon Champagne Lounge serving glasses of cold, luxury champagne and unlimited champagne cocktails from 5pm to 7pm; and a Heineken Beer Garden Afterparty with unlimited Heineken and select local beers, mixed drinks, and a live DJ from 7pm until. One of several annual events hosted by the BNT, Wine & Art is a celebration of The Bahamas’ natural and cultural heritage and an important fundraiser for the organisation. All proceeds from the event directly support the management of Bahamian national parks - of which there are currently 33, covering more than two million acres of land and sea. In addition to supporting the environment, Wine & Art also supports the creative community and local small businesses. The event provides a platform for young and upcoming artists, as well as experienced artists to showcase and sell their work and reach new audiences. Kimberly Knowles, BNT Events Coordinator, said: “Wine & Art is more than a festival - it’s a celebration of art, culture, wine, and food. It’s also a vital part of the BNT’s conservation efforts and showcases our commitment to the community. Each ticket sold, and each glass raised contributes to our mission to protect our beautiful national parks, ensuring that our natural wonders can be enjoyed for generations to come. “Over three decades Wine & Art has grown to be a highly anticipated annual event, attracting local and international attendees and providing a platform for Bahamian talent. People look forward to exploring the creativity of local artists and vendors; savoring the variety of wines, champagnes, and culinary delights; and experiencing a truly unique festival in support of the environment.” Wine & Art 2023 is sponsored by Commonwealth Brewery Limited; The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism; Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty; Aliv;; Auto Mall; Sand Dollar; CBS; The Current Art Gallery; Atlantis; Nassau Paradise Island Promotional Board; Caribbean Bottling Company; Bahamas Waste; Bahamia Rental; Expressions Entertainment; Suncash; AML Foods; and Bahamas Ferries. To learn more about Wine & Art 2023 and for ticket information, visit the official event website at bntevents.com. To learn more about the role the BNT plays in managing terrestrial and marine national parks, conserving wildlife, and informing environmental policy, please visit its website: www.bnt.bs and follow/subscribe to its various social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

 

Colina is a gold sponsor of The Bahamas National Youth Choir’s (BNYC) gala dinner concert in honour of Cleophas Adderley, and in commemoration of its 40th anniversary.

“Colina is Bahamian, and we are vested in The Bahamas and in the health, wellness, education and development of young persons in our country,” said Maxine V. Seymour, Director, Corporate Communications, Colina. “We are thrilled to participate in this event as a gold sponsor, and we are looking forward to the evening.”

The National Youth Choir is slated to hold a series of events leading up to its anniversary including courtesy calls on the Prime Minister and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture and a monument laying ceremony at the gravesite of choir founder and former director the late Cleophas Adderley.

“The Bahamas National Youth Choir relies heavily on private and corporate sponsors to fund its work, especially their world renowned concerts and international tours. Over the years, especially post COVID, securing funding for the BYNC has become more difficult,” said Mr. Robert Pinder, President, BNYC Alumni Association.

“This choir is so esteemed and has made an invaluable contribution to our country over the years, in terms of developing and positively influencing people,” said Maxine V. Seymour, Director, Corporate Communications, Colina. “They are tourism ambassadors who market The Bahamas globally by their display of unmatched talent.”

“We are proud of the choir and what they continue to do,” said Seymour.

Celebrations to mark the choir’s 40th anniversary start on October 1 and conclude with a grand celebratory concert themed “An Evening with our Stars” on Saturday, October 7 at the Grand Hyatt Ballroom at Baha Mar. Performers include Lady E, Sonovia Pierre, Wendy Lewis, Naomi Taylor, Patrice Murell, Charisa Smith, Candace Bostwick and Allyson Mason. The concert will also feature a line-up of former and current choir members.

About Bahamas National Youth Choir
The Bahamas National Youth Choir was founded in 1983 as a part of the celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of Bahamian independence. It is a charitable national cultural entity subsidized by The Bahamas Government and the private sector. Through the medium of the arts, the Choir provides opportunities for self-growth, development and training, as it continues to create responsible and confident citizens while building an enduring national cultural institution; Hundreds of young persons have passed through the Choir's program since its inception. The Choir has sung in twenty languages, produced nine commercial recordings, travelled to seventeen countries on four continents, researched and documented much of the folk music of The Bahamas.

About Colina Insurance Limited (Colina)
Colina is a diversified financial services company, offering comprehensive life and health insurance solutions. Colina is wholly-owned by Colina Holdings Bahamas Limited (CHBL). CHBL is a Bahamian Company, built on a firm foundation of trust, integrity and responsibility. Colina has evolved over the past century to become The Bahamas’ largest life and health insurer, with a solid reputation for providing insurance and related financial services products that help clients prepare for life’s unexpected events.

Colina is a gold sponsor of The Bahamas National Youth Choir’s (BNYC) gala dinner concert in honour of Cleophas Adderley, and in commemoration of its 40th anniversary. “Colina is Bahamian, and we are vested in The Bahamas and in the health, wellness, education and development of young persons in our country,” said Maxine V. Seymour, Director, Corporate Communications, Colina. “We are thrilled to participate in this event as a gold sponsor, and we are looking forward to the evening.” The National Youth Choir is slated to hold a series of events leading up to its anniversary including courtesy calls on the Prime Minister and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture and a monument laying ceremony at the gravesite of choir founder and former director the late Cleophas Adderley. “The Bahamas National Youth Choir relies heavily on private and corporate sponsors to fund its work, especially their world renowned concerts and international tours. Over the years, especially post COVID, securing funding for the BYNC has become more difficult,” said Mr. Robert Pinder, President, BNYC Alumni Association. “This choir is so esteemed and has made an invaluable contribution to our country over the years, in terms of developing and positively influencing people,” said Maxine V. Seymour, Director, Corporate Communications, Colina. “They are tourism ambassadors who market The Bahamas globally by their display of unmatched talent.” “We are proud of the choir and what they continue to do,” said Seymour. Celebrations to mark the choir’s 40th anniversary start on October 1 and conclude with a grand celebratory concert themed “An Evening with our Stars” on Saturday, October 7 at the Grand Hyatt Ballroom at Baha Mar. Performers include Lady E, Sonovia Pierre, Wendy Lewis, Naomi Taylor, Patrice Murell, Charisa Smith, Candace Bostwick and Allyson Mason. The concert will also feature a line-up of former and current choir members. About Bahamas National Youth Choir The Bahamas National Youth Choir was founded in 1983 as a part of the celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of Bahamian independence. It is a charitable national cultural entity subsidized by The Bahamas Government and the private sector. Through the medium of the arts, the Choir provides opportunities for self-growth, development and training, as it continues to create responsible and confident citizens while building an enduring national cultural institution; Hundreds of young persons have passed through the Choir's program since its inception. The Choir has sung in twenty languages, produced nine commercial recordings, travelled to seventeen countries on four continents, researched and documented much of the folk music of The Bahamas. About Colina Insurance Limited (Colina) Colina is a diversified financial services company, offering comprehensive life and health insurance solutions. Colina is wholly-owned by Colina Holdings Bahamas Limited (CHBL). CHBL is a Bahamian Company, built on a firm foundation of trust, integrity and responsibility. Colina has evolved over the past century to become The Bahamas’ largest life and health insurer, with a solid reputation for providing insurance and related financial services products that help clients prepare for life’s unexpected events.

 

Two businessmen with diverse backgrounds and a mutual vision to broaden the visitor experience by adding more Bahamian history and culture have launched a new tour company. Called Bahamas Eco-Glide Adventures, the outdoor venture takes up to 11 guests at a time on a guided tour of Fort Charlotte, including an inside look at the dungeon and moat, a trip back in time and on to a taste of today’s culture with light bites at a restaurant at Fish Fry and a stop at the beach.

Founded by Bahamian real estate legend Mario Carey and 10-year veteran of the electric scooter business, Scott Cartwright, Bahamas Eco-glide Adventures has attracted dozens since its launch on August 1.

“We know that visitors want to experience the real culture and learn more about the history of a place they are visiting,” said Cartwright, managing partner. “When I was scouting locations, I went up to Fort Charlotte where the view over the harbour was amazing. I timed it to see the re-enactment with the canons being fired which was incredible and when I looked around, there were only four people there. I thought, this is a crying shame. This is our history.”

Cartwright, who could see the potential, approached the Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation and immediately won full cooperation of its executive director Dr. Christopher Curry. Together, they mapped out a route that would give the Eco-glide tour guests a special experience. With Carey’s network, the tour also won support from Goldwyn, operator of the ultra-luxury condo and resort on West Bay Street opposite the Office of the Prime Minister.

For Carey, the new business is part of an expanding career, identifying gaps in a tourism-driven economy as well as needs in an environment vulnerable to climate change. In the past two years, Carey has urged development of a disaster relief headquarters in New Providence that would serve the entire region on a swift-action basis and he’s pleaded for stronger laws and enforcement to end marine resource depletion by foreign vessels. He was one of a handful invited to a think tank for new ideas to boost and broaden the Bahamian economy.

“There are a lot of tours out there, some very information, some a bit dated,” he said. “And I believe everyone means well, but I could see a gap in the market of attractions where you could combine a memorable glimpse into pieces of the best of all aspects – our history, the beach, light bites at Fish Fry, -- for a cultural immersion experience that a cruise passenger could fit into an hour of activity and a hotel guest could take longer.”

Both Carey and Cartwright are convinced that locals will gravitate toward the tour for special events and occasions or just for the experience of it.

“We have a girls’ day out on Saturday for all the sales staff from a high-end jewelry store,” said Cartwright, who ran the Segway (Eco-glide) tours on Blue Lagoon Island for a decade. “People enjoyed it so much, even a 98-year-old man has done the tour. Most of us locals haven’t visited our forts since we were on a field trip in school and that could have been a long time ago. You appreciate our history even more as an adult.”

The tour starts on Marcus Bethel Way behind Xavier’s Lower School and the road traffic inspection station. Riders are equipped with headsets so tour guides, one in front and one at the rear, can be in constant communication and share information about The Bahamas on the ride. There are two tours scheduled daily for cruise guests and others for hotel guests and locals can be scheduled separately.

Regular cost of the one-hour tour starts at $99.00. Through September, local residents can experience the roll and stroll through history and culture at half-price, including use of the Eco-glide, safety gear, tour headset, admission to Fort Charlotte, beach stop and ‘Lite Bite’ lunch and beverage at the Fish Fry.

“Tourism has changed,” explained Cartwright. “Twenty years ago, visitors were happy to sit on the beach with a margarita, maybe do a little luxury shopping or pick up a souvenir. Today’s tourist wants authenticity, history, interaction with the local population, and that’s what we want to give them, the real thing through a ride and glide on an electric Eco-glide with the sun on their face, the wind at their back and a whole lot of fun and history along the way.”

Two businessmen with diverse backgrounds and a mutual vision to broaden the visitor experience by adding more Bahamian history and culture have launched a new tour company. Called Bahamas Eco-Glide Adventures, the outdoor venture takes up to 11 guests at a time on a guided tour of Fort Charlotte, including an inside look at the dungeon and moat, a trip back in time and on to a taste of today’s culture with light bites at a restaurant at Fish Fry and a stop at the beach. Founded by Bahamian real estate legend Mario Carey and 10-year veteran of the electric scooter business, Scott Cartwright, Bahamas Eco-glide Adventures has attracted dozens since its launch on August 1. “We know that visitors want to experience the real culture and learn more about the history of a place they are visiting,” said Cartwright, managing partner. “When I was scouting locations, I went up to Fort Charlotte where the view over the harbour was amazing. I timed it to see the re-enactment with the canons being fired which was incredible and when I looked around, there were only four people there. I thought, this is a crying shame. This is our history.” Cartwright, who could see the potential, approached the Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation and immediately won full cooperation of its executive director Dr. Christopher Curry. Together, they mapped out a route that would give the Eco-glide tour guests a special experience. With Carey’s network, the tour also won support from Goldwyn, operator of the ultra-luxury condo and resort on West Bay Street opposite the Office of the Prime Minister. For Carey, the new business is part of an expanding career, identifying gaps in a tourism-driven economy as well as needs in an environment vulnerable to climate change. In the past two years, Carey has urged development of a disaster relief headquarters in New Providence that would serve the entire region on a swift-action basis and he’s pleaded for stronger laws and enforcement to end marine resource depletion by foreign vessels. He was one of a handful invited to a think tank for new ideas to boost and broaden the Bahamian economy. “There are a lot of tours out there, some very information, some a bit dated,” he said. “And I believe everyone means well, but I could see a gap in the market of attractions where you could combine a memorable glimpse into pieces of the best of all aspects – our history, the beach, light bites at Fish Fry, -- for a cultural immersion experience that a cruise passenger could fit into an hour of activity and a hotel guest could take longer.” Both Carey and Cartwright are convinced that locals will gravitate toward the tour for special events and occasions or just for the experience of it. “We have a girls’ day out on Saturday for all the sales staff from a high-end jewelry store,” said Cartwright, who ran the Segway (Eco-glide) tours on Blue Lagoon Island for a decade. “People enjoyed it so much, even a 98-year-old man has done the tour. Most of us locals haven’t visited our forts since we were on a field trip in school and that could have been a long time ago. You appreciate our history even more as an adult.” The tour starts on Marcus Bethel Way behind Xavier’s Lower School and the road traffic inspection station. Riders are equipped with headsets so tour guides, one in front and one at the rear, can be in constant communication and share information about The Bahamas on the ride. There are two tours scheduled daily for cruise guests and others for hotel guests and locals can be scheduled separately. Regular cost of the one-hour tour starts at $99.00. Through September, local residents can experience the roll and stroll through history and culture at half-price, including use of the Eco-glide, safety gear, tour headset, admission to Fort Charlotte, beach stop and ‘Lite Bite’ lunch and beverage at the Fish Fry. “Tourism has changed,” explained Cartwright. “Twenty years ago, visitors were happy to sit on the beach with a margarita, maybe do a little luxury shopping or pick up a souvenir. Today’s tourist wants authenticity, history, interaction with the local population, and that’s what we want to give them, the real thing through a ride and glide on an electric Eco-glide with the sun on their face, the wind at their back and a whole lot of fun and history along the way.”

Parliamentarians led by Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis visited churches in Fox Hill on historic Fox Hill Day, August 8, 2023 which comprised parliamentarian combined choir performances, conducted by Ruby Ann Darling, and cheque presentations to each church visited: St. Paul's Baptist Church, Macedonia Baptist Church, Mt. Carey Baptist Church, and St. Mark's Native Baptist Church.   Also leading was Member of Parliament for Fox Hill and Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Public Service, the Hon. Frederick Mitchell.  Leader of the Opposition the Hon. Michael Pintard and members of the Opposition participated.