The Tribune

Music, ice-cold Sands beer and big cash prizes marked the finale of Sands Beer’s Pop & Redeem Reloaded campaign on Saturday, October 3, with Nassau resident Demetrie Duncombe claiming the $10,000 grand prize.

Held at the Bahamian Brewery grounds in Freeport, the home of Sands beer, the Finale Beerfest brought the popular promotion to Grand Bahama for the first time.

Sands Brand Manager Joel Smith described the event as a success, highlighting the turnout, entertainment and excitement surrounding the prize announcements.

“The event was definitely well attended. It was a success,” he said. “Johny Cake’s performance was definitely one of the highlights of the night. The energy was great. A lot of the patrons and customers had a great time.”

Johny Cake and the Deep South Island Boys Band performed, while DJs Tiko T, Big Pun, DJ Slanks and DJ Future kept the crowd entertained.

Attendee Julian, who was experiencing a Sands event for the first time, said he was enjoying the evening. His friend Ken praised the turnout, performances and “icy cold” beer.

However, the biggest cheers came with the announcement of the winners.

Duncombe, a self-proclaimed major Sands supporter, entered the promotion with an estimated 200 to 300 tickets and was confident his loyalty would pay off. He even submitted a video showcasing his impressive collection.

“I could safely say that I is the biggest single supporter of Sands Beer in The Bahamas,” he said, adding that he was well known in Jimmy’s liquor stores throughout Nassau.

His preferred choice is Sands Light, although he will drink regular Sands if his favourite is unavailable.

Duncombe said he appreciated the brewery’s commitment to rewarding its customers through promotions such as Pop & Redeem Reloaded.

“What I like about what y’all really do is y’all is always give back,” he said. “Sands, they have to be, without a doubt, the best company in The Bahamas.”

It was not his first win this year. Smith confirmed that Duncombe had also won the brewery’s Memorial Day weekend giveaway.

“He deserves it because, boy, he put in plenty tickets,” Smith said.

Duncombe was not at the Freeport event but kept his telephone close, waiting for the call. When his name was announced, he answered live, sharing his reaction with the crowd.

“When I got the call I was so happy. It was the third best phone call I got in my life. The first two were when my daughters were born, of course!” he said.

“I have their back and they have mine with all these good prizes. I spent the money, and my reward has come. I am actually making money buying Sands beer!”

The other winners were Crystal Cooper, who received $2,000; Adrian Cooper and Uleth Williams, who each won $1,000; and Stacia Charlton and Desirea Sands, who each received $500.

Smith said the cash prizes reserved for Grand Bahama attendees made the celebration particularly special.

“It was a pleasure to pull this off for Freeport and bring the event home where the beer is actually made – in Grand Bahama,” he said.

With music, entertainment and prizes, the finale gave Sands customers plenty to celebrate.

“I’m really excited about the event and I’m excited to see what next year brings,” Smith added.