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Reflections on Freeport, the “Magic City” as it turns sixty

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ElcottProvidenciales, 07 Aug 2015 – The vision of developer Wallace Groves that gave birth to an economic zone on Grand Bahama that would come to be called the Magic City, Freeport, the industrial capital of The Bahamas, legally enabled by the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, turned 60 this week.

The agreement between the government of The Bahamas and Wallace Groves was signed on the 4th of August 1955 and by all accounts, the Freeport experiment was a qualified success.

Built on Pine Barren, by all accounts, Freeport is a modern and well designed city. The name Freeport was derived from the guaranteed long term tax concessions and benefits for financial, commercial and industrial enterprises by port licensees within this one of a kind economic free trade zone. At that time the advantages offered were superior to any being offered in the region.

The 1955 Act specifically stated that “no real property or rates and no real property levies (whether capital or periodic) of any kind shall be levied, charged or collected by the Government within the Port Area or upon or against any land building or structure within the Port Area.”

Additionally, “no personal property taxes or rates and no capital levies and no taxes on capital gains or capital appreciation shall be levied, charged or collected by the Government. No taxes of any kind shall be levied upon or against the earnings of the Grand Bahama Port Authority or against the earnings of a Licensee in the Port Area and outside the Colony.”

The initial vision and business model called for Freeport to be a major shipping hub, taking advantage of its proximity to the North and South American shipping lanes, and an international business center. Under the 1955 Hawksbill Creek Agreement, the Grand Bahama Port Authority established the infrastructure for World Standard Services and Facilities.

The city thrived under the 1955 tax regime and business model but was subject to the radically changing social order that was sweeping across North America and the Caribbean. This social revolution engulfed The Bahamas as it came into its own by bringing all citizens on the periphery of Bahamian society well into the Bahamian mainstream, both socially and economically; this public policy remains a work in progress.

Today, Freeport continues to offer an exceptional business climate for both domestic and foreign direct investment in the aftermath of Hurricanes Frances, Jeane and Wilma one decade ago that caused extensive infrastructural damage; the legal disputes between and the deaths of both of its principals, Sir Edward Saint George and Sir Jack Hayward; the extensions of tax concessions to east and west Grand Bahama beyond the port area; and the ongoing negotiations between the government and relevant stakeholders on the future of the tax concessions enjoyed by port licensees for sixty years.

On Wednesday 29th July 2015, the Parliament of The Bahamas extended the tax provisions for another six months to allow for a more in depth analysis of the local economy and to finalize a strategic economic plan for the island going forward.

On Freeport’s sixtieth birthday, the voices of Grand Bahamians were heard on this decidedly successful commercial experiment, its growth and development over the years, and its promising future. The recurrent themes were the lack of economic activity and job opportunities, especially for our youth.

“I believe that the magic has gone out of Freeport; the drive that the movers and shakers had for Freeport died now…I guess it died with the person who was in charge and when they died the vision died as well” said one resident.

“For the last twenty years Freeport has gone totally down. Since the storms, there was no type of replenishment for Freeport” said another Freeport resident.

“Some people doing okay; some people doing bad so I guess it depends on what you into” was another observation.

“Freeport right now…the state it in, you could see it, it picking up slowly but what needs to really happen right now we need more…basically for the youth more job opportunities” was yet another view.

One lady felt strongly about opening the former Princess Towers and Princess Country Club:
“People need work. They need to do something with that big hotel down at the Bazaar, the Princess, I mean open it up or do something ‘cause people need jobs. Young people coming out of school – they need jobs.”

One observer believed the principals made a strategic error in developing Freeport. He commented on the structure and function of the Freeport model.

“The successful business model created by Wallace Groves was transformed by the Hayward/St George shareholders, who determined that assets critical to the operation of a “Freeport” were to be either partially or completely sold off to outside interests. Under new management those entities became profit centers, thereby increasing operational costs – a disincentive to potential investors; the power company, the Freeport Harbour Company, the airport company and the Grand Bahama Development Company (are just a few examples).”

The complaints about high airport landing fees, the high cost of aviation fuel and the absence of a modern airport post Hurricane Wilma have reached the highest levels of government and will no doubt figure prominently in the current negotiations.

We thank the observers for their frankness and brutal honesty.

In the end we congratulate Freeport on its sixtieth birthday and Bahamians remain optimistic and hopeful of its return to its lofty perch as the “MAGIC CITY.”

Magnetic Media is a Telly Award winning multi-media company specializing in creating compelling and socially uplifting TV and Radio broadcast programming as a means for advertising and public relations exposure for its clients.

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Password to Paradise Radio Remotes at Beaches Turks & Caicos continue to highlight the TCI as the preferred Caribbean destination  

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — For two consecutive weeks, popular on‑air personalities set up remote studios on the sands of Grace Bay, turning Beaches Turks & Caicos into a live broadcast hub for North American listeners. Morning shows and drive‑time programmes all streamed directly from the resort, with hosts sharing first‑hand impressions of the islands’ beaches, culinary scene, and signature warm hospitality.

The broadcasts formed part of the “Password to Paradise” promotion, a multi‑station campaign that invited listeners to tune in for special on‑air codes for the chance to win all‑inclusive vacations to Beaches Turks and Caicos resort. Stations in major markets across the U.S. and Canada used the resort as their backdrop while encouraging audiences to “trade the cold for Turks and Caicos,” painting vivid pictures of turquoise waters and white‑sand shores with every break.

The “Password to Paradise” mission, already a proven radio promotion format in Canada and the U.S., took on new resonance when paired with live reports from the resort itself. Contest teasers, winner announcements, and social media reels featuring guests arriving in Turks and Caicos amplified the islands’ profile well beyond traditional print or digital advertising.

Tourism officials have welcomed the radio initiative as a timely boost to an already buoyant sector. Minister of Tourism, Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment, Hon. Zhavargo Jolly, emphasized the importance of partnerships that not only grow arrivals but also ensure that Turks and Caicos Islanders remain the primary beneficiaries of tourism’s success.

In commenting on the recent wave of live broadcasts and contests, Minister Jolly noted, “these visiting broadcasters have showcased the islands to millions of listeners across North America and underscored the “value added” to an economy that continues to expand on the strength of tourism.” He continued, “ sustained, experience‑driven campaigns like “Password to Paradise” align with the government’s broader strategy of attracting high‑value visitors while protecting the country’s natural assets and cultural heritage.”

The Turks and Caicos tourism product is widely described as a cornerstone of the national economy, as this sector continues to grow from strength to strength it will increase the number job creation for islanders.

Additionally, tourism leaders point to the long‑tail impact of being featured repeatedly across multiple radio brands, social channels and contest sites. Each on‑air mention, online clip and contest entry serves as an invitation to discover Turks and Caicos, reinforcing the islands’ reputation as a premier Caribbean destination at a time when global competition for tourists is intense.

For Beaches Turks and Caicos, the broadcasts were another opportunity to highlight its position as one of the region’s leading family‑friendly all‑inclusive resorts. DJs and hosts shared experiences from the resort’s multiple villages, expansive pools, waterpark attractions, and dining venues, giving listeners an authentic taste of the “Luxury Included” vacation concept from a guest’s point of view.

General Manager, Deryk Meany highlighted the resort’s partnership with the radio stations as he complemented a wider pattern of media collaborations that Turks and Caicos has pursued in recent years, from television features in major U.S. markets to digital campaigns showcasing the archipelago’s diverse islands. With the success of the latest “Password to Paradise” mission, industry insiders say the stage is set for more creative broadcast partnerships that leverage the power of storytelling to keep Turks and Caicos Islands firmly on the map.

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Beaches Turks & Caicos adds four new PADI Dive Instructors to the cadre of professionals in the watersports department

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks & Caicos, a PADI-certified dive resort in Providenciales, continues to invest in its watersports team by training and certifying four team members to become qualified dive instructors to its operation. The resort operates one of the most comprehensive resort diving programmes in the region, offering on-site PADI courses and daily dives for guests of varying experience levels.

These latest certifications were conducted under the supervision of PADI Course Director and Dive Shop Manager Leonard Suckrajh, who is among an elite group of PADI professionals in the Caribbean. His role as course director allows the resort to deliver instructor-level training on property, further elevating the standard of safety, education and guest experience at the resort’s dive centre.

Suckrajh expressed his satisfaction with the commitment and professionalism demonstrated by the four new instructors, Almina Browne, Cicely Clarke, Andrew Dunkley and Boat Captain Tryston Sang throughout their training and assessment. “I am extremely proud of them,” he said. “They have invested significant time and effort in developing their technical competence and instructional skills and their achievement reflects a deep commitment to delivering safe, high-quality dive experiences for our guests.”

He noted that their performance reflects a strong culture of excellence within the watersports department and aligns with the resort’s long-standing emphasis on safety and training. “At Beaches Turks and Caicos, our objective is not only to train divers, but to develop highly responsible professionals who understand that every dive is grounded in safety, teamwork and respect for the marine environment,” he added. Suckrajh, whose own progression to course director spans more than two decades in watersports and diving within the Sandals and Beaches brands, said the new instructors represent “the next generation of leaders within our dive operation.”

General Manager, Deryk Meany, commended the level of collaboration required to guide four new instructors through the rigorous PADI process. “Attaining PADI instructor status is a demanding accomplishment that cannot be realized in isolation,” Meany said. “It requires the coordinated support of the dive shop, the wider watersports team, and the broader resort operation to ensure candidates have the necessary resources, time and mentorship to succeed.”

He emphasized that strengthening the cadre of certified instructors supports the resort’s commitment to excellence in guest service. “Each additional instructor enhances our capacity to offer guests a greater range of options, a higher degree of personal attention and consistently high safety standards,” Meany continued. “This milestone reinforces our position as a leading provider of family-friendly diving experiences in the Caribbean.”

Beaches Turks and Caicos is recognized for providing a wide spectrum of PADI courses on site, from Discover Scuba Diving and Open Water certification to advanced and specialty programmes. Previous training initiatives at the resort have resulted in many team members achieving PADI instructor status, significantly increasing both certification capacity and in-water safety oversight.

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Beaches Turks & Caicos shares fine dining experiences to high school students in Providenciales  

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Students from the Clement Howell High School were recently welcomed to Beaches Turks and Caicos for an immersive fine dining and etiquette session at one of the resort’s signature à la carte restaurants. For the second consecutive year, the resort’s learning and development, public relations and food and beverage teams designed and delivered practical training that exposed students to the standards and expectations of a world‑class hospitality environment.

General Manager of Beaches Turks and Caicos, Deryk Meany, said the resort is committed to making the experience a fixture on the school calendar. “We are honoured to once again open our doors to the students of Clement Howell High School,” Meany added. “As one of the largest employers and training grounds in the Turks and Caicos Islands, we see it as our responsibility to help prepare the next generation with the skills, confidence and professional support they need to succeed in hospitality and beyond.”

He added that the partnership aligns with the values of both Beaches Resorts and the Sandals Foundation. “This programme is about more than a single day at the resort,” Meany continued. “It is about creating a consistent pathway for young people to see themselves in this industry, to understand the standards we uphold, and to recognise that there is a place for them at every level of the tourism sector.”

During the session, the resort’s learning and development and food and beverage professionals guided students through the full fine‑dining experience—from greeting and seating, to understanding multi‑course menus, cutlery placement, napkin etiquette and appropriate table conversation. Students also learned about body language, professional dress, and how to conduct themselves confidently in formal and semi‑formal settings such as interviews, scholarship dinners and official functions.

Learning and Development Manager Phildreka Mayham explained that the training was deliberately structured to blend technical knowledge with life skills. “Our goal is to demystify the fine dining environment for these students,” Mayham noted. “We want them not only to know which fork to use, but to understand that etiquette is really about respect for others, respect for themselves, and the ability to move comfortably in any social or professional space.”

She added that the programme is also a platform to introduce students to career possibilities. “Through this engagement, they get to interact directly with our team members, ask questions about different roles, and see first‑hand that hospitality offers diverse pathways—from culinary arts and service to training, management, and leadership,” Mayham shared.

For Clement Howell High School, the partnership with Beaches Turks and Caicos and the Sandals Foundation has become an important extension of the Health and Family Life Education (HFLE) curriculum. Guidance Counsellor Tanisha Graham said the experience supports the school’s broader focus on personal development and career readiness. “Our students are learning about self‑presentation, communication, and social responsibility in the classroom,” Graham noted. “Being able to step into a professional fine dining setting and put those lessons into practice is incredibly powerful for them.”

Graham emphasised the impact on students’ self‑confidence. “Many of our students are experiencing this kind of setting for the very first time,” she explained. “To see them sit up a little straighter, engage in conversation, and realise that they belong in these spaces—that is transformational. It reinforces the message that their potential is limitless.

Public Relations Manager, Orville Morgan added, “this initiative forms part of the resort’s ongoing investment in education and skills development across the Turks and Caicos Islands, complementing previous support to Clement Howell High, including enhancements to hospitality‑related clubs and programmes. The fine dining and etiquette training is expected to continue as an annual feature, with plans to refine and expand the experience based on feedback from students and teachers.”

As the second cohort of HFLE students completed their training, teachers expressed optimism that the collaboration will continue to grow and inspire even more young people to consider careers in hospitality. For Beaches Turks and Caicos, the hope is that today’s students will return in the years ahead as interns, team members, and leaders—bringing with them the confidence, poise and professionalism first nurtured at a carefully set table in one of the resort’s restaurants.

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