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

Old Pal Hospitality, the umbrella group behind some of the best craft cocktail bars in The Bahamas, Bon Vivants, The Dilly Club, and, with The Island House, Yellow bell, is proud to announce that two of its bars have been recognized as Regional Top Ten Honorees for Latin America & The Caribbean by the prestigious Tales of The Cocktail Spirited Awards (TOTC).

The Dilly Club, in Atlantis’ Marina Village on Paradise Island, earned a nomination for Best NewInternational Bar, adding to its list of accolades after being dubbed the Best Caribbean Bar thisyear by The Caribbean Journal.

Bon Vivants, in Sandyport on the western end of New Providence, has secured its place as anominee for Best International Bar, its second TOTC nomination after the bar’s 2020nomination for Best New International Bar, the first time ever a Bahamian bar received a Talesnomination.

The Tales of The Cocktail Spirited Awards, akin to the cocktail industry’s Oscars, stand as abeacon of excellence within the international bar community, celebrating innovation, creativityand dedication to the craft of mixology. These reconditions underscores Old Pal’s unwaveringcommitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences and elevating the cocktail culture inThe Bahamas and the wider Caribbean.

“I am grateful and humbled to have Bon Vivants and The Dilly Club honored as Top TenRegional Honorees which reflects the passion, the talent, and the hard work of our Bon Vivantsand Dilly Club teams, and I could not be prouder of them”, said Kyle Jones, Managing Directorand Co-Founder. “I have been blown away by the support we’ve received from our guests, ourcommunity, and our friends across the region. To have two of our bars ranked among suchincredible venues in the Caribbean and Latin American is such an honor.”

These honors not only place Bon Vivants as among the top ten cocktail bars in the wide regionof Latin America and The Caribbean, and The Dilly Club as one of the top ten new bars, butmake Bon Vivants and The Dilly Club the only Bahamian bars to receive Tales nominations withBon Vivants a two-time nominee.

Old Pal Hospitality’s commitment to setting new standards of excellence in the industry hasonce again been acknowledged, reaffirming its position as a leader in the world of cocktails.

Old Pal is an umbrella group that, in addition to the operation of Bon Vivants, Yellowbell andThe Dilly Club, provides cocktail consultation, cocktail events, bar design and staff trainingservices. The organization’s goal is to elevate the cocktail industry in The Bahamas and thewider Caribbean.

For more information visit @oldpalhospitality, @bonvivantsbahamas and @thedillyclub onInstagram. More information on Tales of The Cocktail can be found at talesofthecocktail.org. 

April 19th, 2024 - For Immediate Release) Old Pal Hospitality, the umbrella group behind some of the best craft cocktail bars in The Bahamas, Bon Vivants, The Dilly Club, and, with The Island House, Yellowbell, is proud to announce that two of its bars have been recognized as Regional Top Ten Honorees for Latin America & The Caribbean by the prestigious Tales of The Cocktail Spirited Awards (TOTC). The Dilly Club, in Atlantis’ Marina Village on Paradise Island, earned a nomination for Best New International Bar, adding to its list of accolades after being dubbed the Best Caribbean Bar this year by The Caribbean Journal. Bon Vivants, in Sandyport on the western end of New Providence, has secured its place as a nominee for Best International Bar, its second TOTC nomination after the bar’s 2020 nomination for Best New International Bar, the first time ever a Bahamian bar received a Tales nomination. The Tales of The Cocktail Spirited Awards, akin to the cocktail industry’s Oscars, stand as a beacon of excellence within the international bar community, celebrating innovation, creativity and dedication to the craft of mixology. These reconditions underscores Old Pal’s unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences and elevating the cocktail culture in The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean. “I am grateful and humbled to have Bon Vivants and The Dilly Club honored as Top Ten Regional Honorees which reflects the passion, the talent, and the hard work of our Bon Vivants and Dilly Club teams, and I could not be prouder of them”, said Kyle Jones, Managing Director and Co-Founder. “I have been blown away by the support we’ve received from our guests, our community, and our friends across the region. To have two of our bars ranked among such incredible venues in the Caribbean and Latin American is such an honor.” These honors not only place Bon Vivants as among the top ten cocktail bars in the wide region of Latin America and The Caribbean, and The Dilly Club as one of the top ten new bars, but make Bon Vivants and The Dilly Club the only Bahamian bars to receive Tales nominations with Bon Vivants a two-time nominee. Old Pal Hospitality’s commitment to setting new standards of excellence in the industry has once again been acknowledged, reaffirming its position as a leader in the world of cocktails. Old Pal is an umbrella group that, in addition to the operation of Bon Vivants, Yellowbell and The Dilly Club, provides cocktail consultation, cocktail events, bar design and staff training services. The organization’s goal is to elevate the cocktail industry in The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean. For more information visit @oldpalhospitality, @bonvivantsbahamas and @thedillyclub on Instagram. More information on Tales of The Cocktail can be found at talesofthecocktail.org. 

For the first time in its history of supporting sports, BTC is excited to announce that an employee is a member of the athletic team participating in the upcoming BTC World Relays Bahamas 24.

Blake Bartlett, a newly minted member of the BTC sales team in Grand Bahama has qualified for the Bahamian 4x100m relay team. BTC has launched a new mobile campaign featuring Blake and other athletes leading up to the relays.

This is the fourth time that BTC has supported the world relays, and this time, the company is injecting $300,000 in sponsorship. BTC will also provide free Wi-Fi in the Thomas A. Robinson stadium for both days of the relays, making it easier for patrons to share every moment.

“This is a big blue letter moment in our history. Having Blake not just as a part of team BTC, but also having him represent the country on a global stage. This is a big deal for BTC, and for The Bahamas”, said Keisha Edwards, head of Commercial Operations at BTC. “Our new B-Unstoppable campaign demonstrates our unwavering commitment to supporting sports and our athletes. In addition to utilizing Blake as the headliner of our campaign, we are also featuring Olympic medallist and Abaco native, Steven Gardiner, who is also a brand ambassador for BTC. It’s a reminder to our youth that once you have a dream and a desire to be the best, that BTC will always be here to support you. Our legacy of support for athletics and culture remains unmatched, and we are happy to be the title sponsor of the upcoming relays.”

Through the newly launched B-Unstoppable campaign, customers will experience new upgrades to the MyBTC mobile app and have countless ways to win tickets to the upcoming BTC World Relays event.

Customers can also sign up for a $64.99 postpaid plan, add a 30-day prepaid plan or sign up for a super-fast and reliable fiber bundle to be eligible to win.

Existing customers paying their bills in full will also be eligible to participate in this promotion and more details will be available on BTC’s social media pages.

An excited and determined Blake Bartlett thanked BTC for its support. “I joined the company just seven months ago, and the experience has been warm and inviting thus far,” Bartlett said. “My BTC family really treats me well! I met our CEO just a few weeks ago, and it was an instant bond and connection, I couldn’t believe how personable he was. To be recognized through this campaign is priceless, and I am so thankful for the opportunity.”

As it relates to the relays, Bartlett said, “I’m confident in our the 4x100m relay team. All the teams are bursting with talent, and I know Team Bahamas will do well. My biggest goal right now is to remain healthy and positive because what we do on the track is 90% mental and 10% physical.”

Prominently featured in the new campaign is the My BTC mobile app which underwent a complete facelift earlier this year, simplifying the customer journey and making it more user friendly. These changes included account management, bill balance details and self-care features like autopay and save payment methods.

In the latest app update, customers can download their bills, search their bill and payment history, and monitor their usage details and balances more efficiently. Additionally, new self-care features were added including mobile chat, and the ability to track your tickets and orders. Also featured on the app are marketing banners promoting current offers that customers can take advantage of.

Nassau, Bahamas – April 22, 2024 - For the first time in its history of supporting sports, BTC is excited to announce that an employee is a member of the athletic team participating in the upcoming BTC World Relays Bahamas 24. Blake Bartlett, a newly minted member of the BTC sales team in Grand Bahama has qualified for the Bahamian 4x100m relay team. BTC has launched a new mobile campaign featuring Blake and other athletes leading up to the relays. This is the fourth time that BTC has supported the world relays, and this time, the company is injecting $300,000 in sponsorship. BTC will also provide free Wi-Fi in the Thomas A. Robinson stadium for both days of the relays, making it easier for patrons to share every moment. “This is a big blue letter moment in our history. Having Blake not just as a part of team BTC, but also having him represent the country on a global stage. This is a big deal for BTC, and for The Bahamas”, said Keisha Edwards, head of Commercial Operations at BTC. “Our new B-Unstoppable campaign demonstrates our unwavering commitment to supporting sports and our athletes. In addition to utilizing Blake as the headliner of our campaign, we are also featuring Olympic medallist and Abaco native, Steven Gardiner, who is also a brand ambassador for BTC. It’s a reminder to our youth that once you have a dream and a desire to be the best, that BTC will always be here to support you. Our legacy of support for athletics and culture remains unmatched, and we are happy to be the title sponsor of the upcoming relays.” Through the newly launched B-Unstoppable campaign, customers will experience new upgrades to the MyBTC mobile app and have countless ways to win tickets to the upcoming BTC World Relays event. Customers can also sign up for a $64.99 postpaid plan, add a 30-day prepaid plan or sign up for a super-fast and reliable fiber bundle to be eligible to win. Existing customers paying their bills in full will also be eligible to participate in this promotion and more details will be available on BTC’s social media pages. An excited and determined Blake Bartlett thanked BTC for its support. “I joined the company just seven months ago, and the experience has been warm and inviting thus far,” Bartlett said. “My BTC family really treats me well! I met our CEO just a few weeks ago, and it was an instant bond and connection, I couldn’t believe how personable he was. To be recognized through this campaign is priceless, and I am so thankful for the opportunity.” As it relates to the relays, Bartlett said, “I’m confident in our the 4x100m relay team. All the teams are bursting with talent, and I know Team Bahamas will do well. My biggest goal right now is to remain healthy and positive because what we do on the track is 90% mental and 10% physical.” Prominently featured in the new campaign is the My BTC mobile app which underwent a complete facelift earlier this year, simplifying the customer journey and making it more user friendly. These changes included account management, bill balance details and self-care features like autopay and save payment methods. In the latest app update, customers can download their bills, search their bill and payment history, and monitor their usage details and balances more efficiently. Additionally, new self-care features were added including mobile chat, and the ability to track your tickets and orders. Also featured on the app are marketing banners promoting current offers that customers can take advantage of.

The National Training Agency (NTA) held the commencement of its first Housekeeping, Janitorial and Custodial course at its offices on Gladstone Road and Munnings Drive on Friday, April 12, 2024.

Executive Director at the Agency, Terry Murray said, “This course was indeed pivotal, as we saw the effects and after effects of COVID in our homes, businesses and other entities.”

He explained that this meant re-approaching the way janitorial staff maintain sanitation and cleanliness throughout businesses and organizations.

Mr. Murray said, “It became incumbent on us here at the agency to tailor a programme for this specific purpose.”

He explained that over the course of eight weeks the trainees engaged in an in-depth understanding of the cleaning process, utilizing both theory and practical skills in areas such as safe working practices, basic first aid procedures and protective clothing and use of safety equipment.

The participants receiving certificates were from government agencies including the Office of the Governor-General, the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Ministry of Energy and Transport. Renrico Rolle was the only male participant and Vandeshia Collie was named best trainee and team player.  

The National Training Agency (NTA) held the commencement of its first Housekeeping, Janitorial and Custodial course at its offices on Gladstone Road and Munnings Drive on Friday, April 12, 2024. Executive Director at the Agency, Terry Murray said, “This course was indeed pivotal, as we saw the effects and after effects of COVID in our homes, businesses and other entities.” He explained that this meant re-approaching the way janitorial staff maintain sanitation and cleanliness throughout businesses and organizations. Mr. Murray said, “It became incumbent on us here at the agency to tailor a programme for this specific purpose.” He explained that over the course of eight weeks the trainees engaged in an in-depth understanding of the cleaning process, utilizing both theory and practical skills in areas such as safe working practices, basic first aid procedures and protective clothing and use of safety equipment. The participants receiving certificates were from government agencies including the Office of the Governor-General, the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Ministry of Energy and Transport. Renrico Rolle was the only male participant and Vandeshia Collie was named best trainee and team player.