Blog

  • Empowering The Next Woman

    Empowering The Next Woman

    International Women’s Day is a moment set aside to recognize women across the world who are boldly walking in their purpose. This year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” perfectly reflects the quiet strength of women who pour into their work, their teams, and their industries without expecting applause. Yet through that consistent giving, they have earned something powerful: respect, influence and lasting impact.  

    Across our organization, several women are breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated spaces. Today, we shine the spotlight on some of the standout women who continue to raise the bar in the telecommunications industry: Shakera Johnson, Director of Information Security; Ginger Rolle, Technical Operations Supervisor; Charmaine Sweeting, Head of Retail Operations for New Providence; and Tattianna Armbrister, Jr. Information Security & Compliance Analyst.  

    Ginger Rolle: Leading Without Losing Her Identity  

    For Ginger Rolle, leadership has never meant blending in. Instead, it has meant showing up fully as herself.  

    As a woman in technical operations, Ginger is intentional about not trying to “be one of the boys.” She believes her strength lies in embracing her perspective and bringing balance to her team.  

    As a female leader, I focus on being myself. I add comfort to where it’s needed, and I’m firm when necessary. I also identify gaps that my teammates may not always see.”  

    Ginger describes what she calls her female energy as a strategic advantage. It allows her to spot inefficiencies, strengthen team flow, and create an environment where both performance and people matter.  

    Her message to young girls considering the field is simple but powerful:  

    Go for it. Never limit yourself. Research the field, understand the pros and cons, and focus on bettering yourself so you can be an asset wherever you go.  

    Like many women in male-dominated industries, Ginger admits that self-doubt was one of her earliest hurdles. At times, she questioned whether she truly belonged. But experience taught her an important lesson: challenges may look like roadblocks, but they are development tools.  

    “Stop second-guessing and overthinking. Challenges will come, but they help develop you not just as a professional, but as a leader and as a woman.”  

    Shakera Johnson: Turning Passion into Protection  

    Shakera Johnson

    For Shakera Johnson, cybersecurity was not part of a lifelong master plan. In her own words, the field “fell in her lap” more than 15 years ago. What started as an unexpected opportunity quickly became a calling.  

    Since then, Shakera has built a career grounded in continuous growth, impact and purpose.  

    “I was thrusted into the field and just fell in love. It became a passion of mine, so I’ve always been committed to upskilling myself and ensuring my work provides real impact.”  

    Today, as Director of Information Security, she is not only protecting digital environments but also actively working to reshape who feels welcomed in the cybersecurity space.  

    Shakera is a strong advocate for women entering technical fields, particularly cybersecurity, which remains heavily male-dominated. Her mission is clear: visibility matters.  

    “I’d like to be that role model that shows the young girl in primary school or high school that this field is for them and they can succeed.”  

    She is especially passionate about challenging the long-standing myth that highly technical careers are not suited for women.  

    “We tend to think that because the field is technical, it’s not where we should flourish. I want to challenge that mindset.”  

    Through her leadership and mentorship, Shakera is helping to grow cybersecurity awareness in The Bahamas while inspiring the next generation of cyber professionals.  

    Tattianna Armbrister: Proof That Persistence Pays Off  

    Tattianna Ambrister

    Tattianna Armbrister intentionally set her sights on the heavily male-dominated cybersecurity field and pursued it with focus and determination.  

    She spoke about the professional bond she formed with Shakera Johnson, which became a pivotal part of her journey. After two years of commitment and preparation, Tattianna secured her position and successfully completed her cross-training.  

    Her story is a powerful reminder that purpose will find you, even when distance and obstacles try to stand in the way.  

    Over time, she has continued to grow in her role and is thriving in the field. Tattianna credits much of her success to the mentor who believed in her and helped her believe in herself, Shakera Johnson.  

    Charmaine Sweeting: Experience That Shapes Excellence  

    Charmaine Sweeting has developed a deep love for the telecommunications industry over the past nine years, while dedicating more than 40 years in the insurance industry to mentoring and watching young women and men grow in their respective fields.  

    She finds true fulfillment in customer satisfaction, noting that it is one of the clearest indicators that strong service can positively transform a business.  

    Charmaine shared that if she could revisit her career journey, she would have been more adventurous in pursuing growth opportunities. Still, her advice to young women is clear and practical:  

    Learn as much as you can in whatever field you choose.  

    Her career stands as proof that consistency, curiosity and a people-first mindset create lasting impact.  

    The Bigger Picture  

    Ginger Rolle, Shakera Johnson, Tattianna Armbrister and Charmaine Sweeting each embody what Give to Gain truly means. They have invested time and energy into their craft, displaying their resilience despite the hurdles. In return, they have gained influence, credibility and the ability to open doors for others.  

    Their journeys remind us of one key truth:  

    Representation is not just about being seen. It is about making space for the women coming next.  

    As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we honor these leaders and the many women across our organization who continue to show that excellence has no gender.  

    By Daniella Dorsette, Communications Coordinator 

  • Onboard AI or Risk Being Left Behind

    Onboard AI or Risk Being Left Behind

    Do you believe that organizations in the Bahamas must intentionally align people strategy with artificial intelligence to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving workplace?

    At the recent Bahamas Business Outlook, Keshala Knowles, Group Vice President of Human Resources, delivered a timely presentation discussing the very thing many organizations are running from. “HR and AI: The Future Landscape of Work.” Knowles highlighted the shift toward strategic HR transformation, where HR leaders must now anticipate emerging workforce needs and ensure that people’s strategies align with digital transformational goals. She pointed to the growing role of AI powered workforce analytics, which now allows leaders to anticipate turnover, identify skills gaps, strengthen succession planning, and better support workforce flexibility.

    You may wonder…AI has been around for so long or why does this even matter? Well, I believe that the Bahamas leads in so many industries across the region, take Telecoms for example… so why not take a bite out of the AI industry and lead there also?

    At the heart of her presentation was a strong reminder that artificial intelligence should enhance human potential, not replace it. She explained that AI is already improving employee experience through personalized career development, hybrid work models, and more purpose driven workplace environments. However, she stressed that ethical and responsible AI use must remain a priority, with transparency and fairness built into every stage of adoption.

    When asked what inspired the topic, Knowles shared that she recently attended a Chief Human Resources Officer conference with global HR leaders from Singapore, the UAE, Switzerland, the United States, India, and Taiwan. Across markets and industries, one theme kept surfacing. The integration of HR and AI is quickly becoming a defining factor in organizational performance.

    Globally, she noted, automation is improving productivity, enhancing customer experience, increasing operational efficiency, and reducing repetitive tasks. This exposure prompted her to consider how similar progress can be thoughtfully applied within the Bahamian workforce.

    Looking ahead, Knowles described the future workforce as a “hybrid model where humans and AI work together.” In this environment, most roles will be AI assisted, routine tasks will continue to be automated, and demand for digital, data, and analytical skills will rise. At the same time, human capabilities such as judgment, innovation, strategic thinking, and ethics will become even more valuable.

    She also introduced the C.H.A.T Competency Framework as a practical guide for organizations preparing for AI adoption. The framework focuses on change management, human centered ethics, analytics and workforce planning, and technology literacy. Together, these pillars aim to help businesses build workforces that are both technologically capable and people focused.

    Knowles acknowledged that AI adoption is not without challenges. Risks such as skills polarization, which is the hollowing out of middle-skill jobs due to automation, resulting in a workforce split between high-skill, high-wage roles and low-skill, low-wage, service-oriented jobs. digital exclusion, over reliance on foreign technology, and privacy concerns must be carefully managed. This is why, she emphasized, strong human oversight remains essential.

    She pointed to global examples for context. Singapore uses AI to guide national skilling policies. Estonia has embedded AI into public services to improve efficiency and transparency. The UAE continues to drive the national AI strategy through leadership level commitment. The common lesson is that successful AI adoption starts at the top and must be built with people in mind.

    As conversations around workforce transformation continue, Knowles expressed her interest in collaborating with industry leaders and policymakers to help shape a future-ready Bahamian workforce. Her message was grounded but optimistic:

    AI is not here to replace people. It is here to amplify what people can do best.

  • Trash Talk, Team Spirit, and a Tight Finish in Grand Bahama

    Trash Talk, Team Spirit, and a Tight Finish in Grand Bahama

    When I think of camaraderie, I think of Cable Bahamians’ love for Sports Day. What kind of love, you may ask? Well, the kind that says, “Hey, let’s fly out some team members to Grand Bahama to make sure we have all the support we need and put our best foot forward from day one.”

    It wasn’t one team or two. Supporting Nassau team members were on the earliest flight to Grand Bahama, ready for action. The trash talk started before we even cleared passports and carried straight onto the field. And yet, I dare say camaraderie was at its finest.

    Though we championed our respective purple, yellow, and red teams, the Fearless and Mighty Falcons, the Sharks, and the Fiery Dragons, it was a beautiful sight to see everyone supporting each race and giving credit and praise where it was due no matter the color shirt they wore.

    When I spoke with the GB captains, they all shared hopeful remarks about ending up on top. But of course, we know the number one spot can belong to only one team.

    Falcons GB Team Captain Olivia McIntosh noted early in the competition that the team was performing strongly after securing first place in both Tug of War and the Lime and Spoon race. She expressed full confidence that the Falcons would continue to dominate across categories throughout the day.

    Captain of the Sharks, Marvin Bridgewater, was a man of few words when he declared, “The Sharks came to win. It’s Shark season.” Just like that, the Sharks backed up the talk, taking home the highest points this go round at the GB Sports Day.

    We were unable to catch up with the Dragons prior to the events, but we did connect afterward and they had plenty to say.

    “I’ve never come last a day in my life,” Dragons GB Captain Raheem Laramore noted in disappointment. He added that his expectation for Nassau is simple. Reclaim what they lost in GB. After finishing at the top last year, the question now is how do the Dragons bounce back from third place?

    Looking back at the trash talk, the Falcons and Dragons definitely brought the noise. But in the end, only one team consistently backed up the talk by placing first and second across multipleraces.


    New Providence team captain of the Sharks, Janelle Hutcheson, praised her team for their relentless fight and expressed gratitude for the strong and supportive work culture at the Cable Bahamas Group of Companies.

    Preliminary Scores

    · Sharks 364

    · Falcons 360

    · Dragons 332

    The next Sports Day is set for March 21, 2026, so be sure to come out and support your team as they fight for the winning spot this year.

    Who will it be? Dragons, Falcons, or Sharks?

    We will find out March 21.

    – Daniella Dorsette, Communications Coordinator

  • Building Stronger Connections: New Fibre Optic Cable Strengthens Eleuthera’s Network for the Future

    Building Stronger Connections: New Fibre Optic Cable Strengthens Eleuthera’s Network for the Future

    For years most of Eleuthera has relied on a fibre optic cable running from Bannerman Town to North Eleuthera, for Cable Bahamas service. While this infrastructure has served the island well, it also presented a vulnerability. If that single cable were damaged, the parts of the island south of the break could experience a service outage. This system segment is due online in the coming weeks.

    Our new subsea fibre optic cable changes that. By extending connectivity from Norman’s Cay to Cape Eleuthera leveraging existing Norman’s Cay infrastructure, we are creating a resilient network path. If one cable is compromised, the other can maintain service continuity, keeping businesses running, families connected, and essential services online.


    This project is not about expansion. It is about resilience and peace of mind.

    While this project does expand connectivity, our greater goal is to enhance our network performance for the Family Island communities.

    We Overcame with Purpose.
    Delivering resilient infrastructure requires patience, ingenuity, and determination. Procuring the fibre for this project took more than a year, beginning in late 2023 and concluding in October 2024.

    To manage costs responsibly while maintaining performance standards, the team sourced new but surplus fibre from Baltimore. This strategic decision allowed for significant savings without compromising reliability. During the procurement period, unforeseen events, including the Baltimore bridge collapse, introduced additional delays to logistics and transportation.

    Baltimore Bridge Collapsed in March 2024
    Despite these challenges, the fibre was successfully transported to Freeport and secured for deployment, reflecting careful planning and perseverance.


    Looking Ahead: Protecting the Network Long Term
    The work does not stop at subsea connectivity. To further safeguard Eleuthera’s network, Cable Bahamas is moving forward with a multi-phase on land underground trenching initiative designed to protect fibre infrastructure from environmental risks.

    Phase 1, scheduled from February to May 2026, focuses on a buried fibre installation from Tarpum Bay to Rock Sound Airport.

    Phase 2, in the second part of the year we will continue trenching in strategic sections.


    By transitioning critical connections that are currently overhead to underground, the transport network will be strengthened against storms, accidents, and other disruptions.


    A Commitment You Can Count On
    This project reflects what Cable Bahamas stands for. Thoughtful investment, resilient infrastructure, and a clear focus on the people we serve. Every trench dug and every cable laid supports a simple promise to keep Eleuthera connected, supported, and ready for the future.


    Because when it comes to connectivity, we care deeply about keeping you connected, always.

    ~The Cable Bahamas Team

  • Cable Bahamas Appoints Tracey Boucher as Vice President of Operations

    Cable Bahamas Appoints Tracey Boucher as Vice President of Operations

    We are proud to announce the promotion of Tracey Boucher to Vice President of Operations at the Cable Bahamas Group of Companies.

    Tracey’s career is a powerful example of what it looks like to lead with consistency, transparency and heart. Through years of dedication and growth, she has become one of the most respected leaders in our organization.

    Over the course of her journey, Tracey has played a critical role in shaping network evolution in The Bahamas, helping expand connectivity across the Family Islands, building high-performing engineering teams and guiding the organization through key phases of growth and integration.

    As Vice President of Engineering, Tracey elevated both culture and performance, improving employee engagement and partnering across teams to refine the customer experience. She also helped strengthen our operational standards, supporting the achievement of three ISO certifications under her leadership.

    Tracey is known for leading with empathy and accountability, while keeping both people and customers at the center of every decision. Through years of dedication and growth, she has become a well-respected leader in our organization.

    “Taking care of our employees is part of taking care of our customers,” said Tracey Boucher. “Without the people, there are no customers.”

    In her new role as Vice President of Operations, Tracey will help drive alignment, efficiency and collaboration across the organization as we continue to elevate service delivery and strengthen key anchors like ALIVFibr to improve customer satisfaction.

    Please join us in congratulating Tracey on this well-deserved achievement!

  • ALIV Expands Award Winning Network in Key Areas

    ALIV Expands Award Winning Network in Key Areas

    ALIV continues to strengthen its award-winning network across The Bahamas, rolling out key expansion projects in direct response to customer feedback and areas experiencing weak signal. From Nassau to the Family Islands, it’s our ongoing mission to ensure every community in The Bahamas has equal access opportunity to our network.

    Most recently, ALIV successfully completed network deployment at Celebration Key, servicing thousands of visitors during the island’s soft opening and now supporting its full launch as the preferred provider. The project reflects ALIV’s ongoing focus on delivering strong, reliable service in key development areas and high-traffic destinations across the country.

    Recently near the end of 2025, ALIV Business successfully completed network deployment at Celebration Key, servicing thousands of visitors during the island’s soft opening and now supporting its full launch as the preferred provider. With international travel expected to increase as the destination grows, the Celebration Key deployment expands ALIV’s roaming activity and ensures guests can depend on service from the moment they arrive. The project is another step in ALIV’s continued work to strengthen coverage in high-demand locations across The Bahamas.

    ALIV has also completed the highly anticipated Love Beach tower, following repeated reports of low coverage and dropped calls in the area. While the demand was clear, the process required persistence. 

    “There was a real need for improved service in Love Beach, but securing land and getting the project approved took longer than anticipated,” said Ricardo Cooper, Wireless Engineer at ALIV. “We worked through every step carefully to deliver a solution that met technical requirements and community expectations.” 

    One of the biggest challenges in erecting the tower was sourcing suitable property, as many residents are hesitant to host a tower structure on their lot. After years of planning, ALIV secured a viable location, allowing the project to move forward.

    Environmental and safety considerations were also critical. ALIV initially faced challenges related to the height of the structure, ensuring it supported stronger coverage while meeting aviation safety standards for passing aircrafts. Now that the tower is fully operational, residents are finally enjoying the convenience of the fastest LTE network in The Bahamas.

    Looking ahead, the team is currently building a new tower site in the Prospect Ridge area targeting surrounding communities where customers have reported dead spots and frequent drops. This development is expected to be completed in the new year.

    In addition, there are plans to build a tower on Banks Road, Eleuthera, improving service in a rural area where coverage is infamously limited. This project is set to begin in 2026.

    “We will continue to listen to our customers, expand strategically, and build with purpose,” said John Gomez, Chief ALIV Officer. “Our focus is not just reach, but sustainability; ensuring our infrastructure delivers lasting service while protecting the communities and environments we operate in.”As we continue to extend our reach, we also recognize the teams behind the work. These projects require not only technical expertise, but careful planning, collaboration and excellence. The company extends sincere appreciation to Stevonia Thompson, Deron Mackenzie, Augustin Roberts, Peter Coates, Celine Ferguson, Sanremo Wilson, Patrick Dean and Ricardo Cooper for their hard work, thoroughness and dedication throughout these expansion efforts. Their attention to detail and drive to deliver reliable service continues to make a meaningful impact for customers across the islands.

  • Leadership Worth Celebrating at Cable Bahamas

    Leadership Worth Celebrating at Cable Bahamas

    Leadership is reflected in the way we show up for our teams and the impact we create beyond our roles. At Cable Bahamas, those qualities were recently recognized at our Annual Executive Awards, where senior leaders were honoured for driving results while strengthening our culture and connection to community. These well-deserving honorees continue to set the tone of leadership across the company. 

    Culture and Community Award: Charnette Thompson 
    Charnette Thompson was recognized for going beyond her day-to-day responsibilities to strengthen our internal culture and expand community engagement. Known for bringing people together, she fosters collaboration, inclusion and connection both within the organization and across the wider community. 

    Franklyn Butler II presenting award to Charnette Thompson

     

    Heart of Leadership Award: Keshala Knowles 
    The Heart of Leadership Award was presented to Keshala Knowles for her people-focused leadership approach. She empowers teams through strong manager effectiveness, employee engagement and well-being initiatives while maintaining a consistent focus on celebrating team success. 

    Franklyn Butler II presenting award to Keshala Knowles

     

    CEO’s Recognition for Outstanding Executive Assistant: Sandia Miller 
    Sandia Miller received the CEO’s Recognition for Outstanding Executive Assistant for her exceptional service to the executive leadership team. She is a true champion of excellence, exemplifying professionalism and alignment across the Executive Administrative team.  

    Franklyn Butler II presenting award to Sandia Miller

     

    Chairman’s Award for All-Around Leader: Tracey Boucher 
    Tracey Boucher was presented with the Chairman’s Award for All-Around Leader in recognition of her sustained excellence, strategic leadership and meaningful contributions to the company’s long-term growth and culture. This award recognizes balanced and visionary leadership guided by strategic impact. 

    Tracey-Boucher getting an award

     

    Recognizing Emerging Leaders 

    Cindy Arthur, Keshala Knowles, and Hyacinth Smith were also recognized as Emerging Leaders for demonstrating strong leadership potential successfully leading key change initiatives and exemplifying effective communication and execution. 
     
    Honorees must have served as Vice President or Senior Executive for at least 18 months and rank among the top three performers in at least two award categories. 

    Keshala Knowles, Cidny Athur and Hyacinth Smith

    As a proudly Bahamian-owned company serving communities throughout The Bahamas, we place an emphasis on intentional, accountable and people-centered leadership. These award recipients reflect the values that continue to shape the culture of Cable Bahamas.  
     
    Congratulations to all honourees!  

  • ALIV opens new store at the Mall at Marathon

    ALIV opens new store at the Mall at Marathon

    ALIV has officially opened its new store at the Mall at Marathon, located just steps from the food court. The space is larger, more comfortable and designed to give customers a better hands-on experience with the full ALIV ecosystem. 

    The store replaces the former REV location, marking a fresh start for ALIV at the Mall at Marathon. The location has long been one of the busiest in the country, and the team had outgrown the previous space. The expanded footprint now gives us room to serve more customers and introduce new technology in a way we couldn’t before. 

    “We’re taking an iterative approach to this rollout, but it’s a big step in the direction we want to go,” said Keiran Chase, Director of Consumer Sales. “ALIV was founded on being the innovator, being the forward-thinking company. The design should reflect that. In the coming months, even after this design is implemented, you’ll see more technological advancements. We’re excited about the kiosks that are coming and how they’ll expand the checkout experience. Right now, this is a much more comfortable space for our patrons as well as our employees.” 

    A store built for what customers need next 

    The new location introduces several new features: 

    • More spacious layout. The wider, open floor plan gives customers room to browse and gives staff space to work more efficiently. 
    • Expanded accessory wall. A larger display area allows for a broader selection of cases, chargers, audio products, and smart home add-ons. 
    • Private consultation room. Customers who need one-on-one support can meet with a representative in a quiet, dedicated space. 
    • ALIV Business Center. A dedicated area where business customers can meet with a representative and explore tools and services for their teams. 
    • ALIVFibr Smart Home Experience. A simulated living room where visitors can test ALIV’s TV and internet products, browse TV guides, check streaming speeds, play a video game and try Ring devices as if they were using them at home.

    These additions give shoppers a clearer picture of how our products work in everyday life, not just on a retail shelf. 

    ALIV store a Mall at Marathon

    A modern look for the future of ALIV 

    The store features an updated, modern design that reflects our forward-leaning brand. This look will guide future store builds, creating a consistent experience across all locations as the company continues to grow. 

  • The Holiday Rush Is Here: And So Are Mobile Scammers

    The Holiday Rush Is Here: And So Are Mobile Scammers

    As the holiday shopping season ramps up, so does the risk of mobile-phishing attacks. Recent research shows attackers are intensifying efforts to exploit users and organizations across mobile devices, with notable implications for your personal devices and our corporate environment. 

    What’s happening? 

    • According to a report from the KnowBe4 team, mobile-phishing (also called “mishing”) campaigns surged up to four times during the 2024 holiday shopping season compared to monthly averages 
    • The surge is driven by increased mobile commerce and delivery-related notifications. Attackers impersonate trusted retail brands, logistics firms, payment processors and digital wallets, crafting messages such as “Your package is delayed, click here” to trick recipients into revealing credentials or installing malware 
    • It’s not just consumer risk: these phishing messages can serve as entry points into corporate systems when employees use personal devices for work or access corporate resources from mobile.  

    Why it matters for us 

    • Many employees carry the same device for work and personal use (BYOD scenario). A successful phishing link or malicious app on the device can bridge personal risk into our network environment. 
    • The holiday period often sees higher volumes of shopping, delivery notifications and mobile app downloads. This makes users more likely to click and less cautious. 
    • Mobile devices have unique vulnerabilities (smaller screens, less visible URL cues, app-store sideloading) which attackers exploit.  

    What you should do 

    • Verify the sender of SMS, app notification or email if it asks you to “click here” or “install this update”. Genuine e-commerce/shipping services do not pressure you with urgent links. 
    • Download apps only from official stores (App Store, Google Play) and check app permissions (why does the app need access to your contacts or screen overlay?). 
    • Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for accounts tied to payments, shopping, delivery tracking and corporate access. 
    • Avoid mixing personal shopping apps and work applications on the same mobile device where possible. If you must use the same device, consider limiting personal-shopping activity when logged into corporate resources. 
    • Keep your mobile OS and apps updated and be cautious of public Wi-Fi networks when making purchases or logging into sensitive apps. 

    Final thought 
    The holiday shopping season is a prime time for attackers. Awareness and vigilance can make a big difference. By treating our mobile devices with the same caution, we use for desktops, and following secure mobile habits, we help protect ourselves and our organization. 

    Ricardo Saunders 
    Information Security & Compliance Analyst

  • Haven’t Been to Jollification? Change Ya Ways!

    Haven’t Been to Jollification? Change Ya Ways!

    There’s one tradition Bahamians wait on to officially ring in the holiday season, and it happens at The Retreat Garden, where local flavors come alive and familiar faces greet each other like no time has passed at all. For more than 30 years, Jollification has embodied everything we love about the holiday season: creativity, community, and – of course – tings!

     

    But Jollification’s roots grow way deeper than sampling your favorite cuisines. As The Bahamas National Trust’s premier fundraiser, it supports the care and upkeep of The Retreat Garden, one of 22 national parks under BNT’s portfolio. As proud sponsors of Jollification, ALIV stepped onto the grounds this year to hear the stories behind the booths. At the center of it all was Lakeshia Anderson, Executive Director of BNT, sharing the history of the event.  

    Lakeshia Anderson, Executive Director of BNT

    “It really started with a group of volunteers who recognized the need for us to raise additional funds as a non-profit,” she explained. “It has grown exponentially since then. We have more than 100 vendors circulated throughout the property… and we’re really thankful to be able to partner with ALIV and others. Without corporate support, this event would not be possible.” 

    Walking the grounds, the sense of community was unmistakable. Everywhere you turned, someone was reconnecting with someone they hadn’t seen all year, a sight that Alegura Armbrister says is one of her favorite parts of the Festival.

    Representing the Original Margarita by Jimmy’s Wine & Spirits, their booth has been a Jollification favorite for more than 15 years. “This is the start of the Christmas season. It’s nice to see people supporting local vendors rather than just buying away and ordering online.” 

    Tina Klonaris-Robinson

    Just down the path, artist Tina Klonaris-Robinson of Good Energy Works shared how Jollification has continuously fueled her own creative journey and business. Known for her dotted paintings depicting lessons that we learn in life, Tina has set up a Jollification booth for two decades.  

    “This might be one of my last years,” she joked, “but I say that every year and I keep coming back!” For Tina, the connection with people is what makes the experience powerful “Every time they see new products… they buy at the event, they take your card, they call you back. In the weeks following, we see a lot of business because of that.  

    Then there was Kyle Higgs, a longtime attendee returning for the first time since COVID. “I am a Jollification veteran,” he said proudly. “It’s always a good time… a good opportunity to socialize and shop local also.” And before he walked off, he added the line that sums it all up: “Haven’t been to Jollification yet? Change ya ways!” 

    Throughout the weekend, it became apparent why people have been attending and participating in Jollification since its conception. 

    It celebrates community. It strengthens small businesses. It creates space for creativity to shine. Thanks to invested leadership at BNT who carry the mission close to their hearts, there’s also future plans to evolve with more entertainment and more opportunities for Bahamians to support each other. 

    For us at ALIV, supporting events like Jollification reflects who we are. When Bahamians connect something extraordinary happens! 

    That’s why It’s Good to Be ALIV.