NASAAU, BAHAMAS– Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to announce the opening of the 2025 Carleton Williams Scholarship. This year the scholarship is open to all sixth-grade students attending public schools with a 3.0 GPA or above in Grand
Bahama.
The scholarship rotates annually between primary students at Garvin Tynes Primary in New
Providence and all sixth graders attending public schools in Grand Bahama. The winning scholar
is awarded a scholarship to a local private school for the full six years of high school, subject to
a minimum GPA requirement.
This year’s scholarship application will close on Sunday, May 11 th , 2025. Their applications will
be reviewed by a panel, followed by an interview with the finalists.
The award which launched in 2016 was created to honor Carleton Williams CBE on his
retirement as Chairman of the Board for Caribbean Bottling Company. Since then, this
scholarship has impacted the lives of 10 students and their families.
New Providence scholarship recipients posing during the 2024 Carleton Williams Scholarship workshop. (L-R) Angela Sands, 2020 recipient; Selena Cartwright, 2024 recipient, Zakiyah Neely and Karla Wells-Lisgaris, CBC’s Commercial Officer.
The 2025 recipient will join CBC’s vibrant scholarship community, consisting of: Selena
Cartwright, 2024; 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.
Maliyah Edgecombe, a tenth-grade student at Bishop Michael Eldon Highschool and the 2021
recipient shared how this scholarship affected her life.
“This scholarship has made a great impact on my life. It has not only given me financial support
but motivation to pursue in my academic and career goals.”
With CBC’s support, Edgecombe can explore her talents and passions. She is a member of
various clubs and organizations such as: Key Club, The Governor General Youth Award (GGYA),
Student Christian Movement (SCM), tennis, Georgia School of Dance (ballet, jazz and drama)
and she plays clarinet in her church’s band.
Edgecombe recalled the moment her dreams became reality when she was informed that she
had been chosen as the 2021 Carleton Williams Scholarship recipient.
“When I was informed that I was chosen for this scholarship, I experienced a roller coaster of
emotions; gratitude, excitement and relief! I was elated to know that I was chosen from a
myriad of students.” she expressed.
Upon the opening of this year’s scholarship, Edgecombe shared her support to the hundreds of
students who will be applying or considering it.
“I would like to encourage those who are applying for the scholarship that no matter the
outcome, the effort you put into applying for this scholarship is already a step toward your
future. Keep pushing forward, remember that hard work pays off and never stop believing in
yourself!”
Application closes May 11 th . For all those interested in applying or know someone who would
benefit from this award visit www.cbcbahamas.com for complete details and to access the
application.
