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Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister Underscores Need for GB Economy to be Strong

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#Bahamas, October 26, 2017 – Nassau – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest says the government is convinced that the health and strength of Grand Bahama’s economy is vital to the nation’s overall growth and development.

“I can’t stress that enough because people don’t necessarily understand how important Grand Bahama is to the entire health of this country, because it is still the second largest economy in the country, never mind that Abaco is gaining on our heels every day and other islands like Exuma are holding their own,” added Minister Turnquest, who was the guest speaker at the 12th Annual Northern Conference of The Bahamas Association of Compliance Officers, which was held at Pelican Bay Resort, October 25, 2017.

“If (Grand Bahama’s economy) fails, it will cause enormous pressure on the rest of the country,” added Minister Turnquest.   “So, I can’t understate how important it is for us to get Grand Bahama right.”

In his address to Compliance Officers, Minister Turnquest said his government feels it has an obligation to do what it can to ensure that Grand Bahama succeeds.   He said that is just the first step in delivering on the commitments the government has made to the people of Grand Bahama and for the people of The Bahamas.

“The economic transformation of Grand Bahama requires growth,” said Minister Thompson.   “According to the IMF World outlook, The Bahamas is forecasted to grow by 1.8 percent in 2017 and by 2.5 percent in 2018.   However, that growth will not happen and be sustained if the government does not do its part to facilitate economic transformation.

“And again, getting Grand Bahama’s economy going is a key, critical component to achieving those goals. In fact, the country cannot progress without undertaking reforms that lead to better business conditions.   These reforms are critical to achieve better living standards, moderate inflation, low inflationary concerns and high growth rates.”

The Finance Minister noted that The Bahamas fell in its rankings on the “ease of doing business” ladder since last year and to a large extent that fall was not because of something the Bahamian government did, but rather what they did not do.

“In other words, if we continue to stand still, thinking that we are doing okay, we are going to fall further and further behind because the rest of the world is moving forward,” Minister Thompson pointed out.   “For example, Jamaica has made tremendous strides in its utilization of technology in order to facilitate and make the ease of doing business much better. And they have leap-frogged ahead of us.

“We have an obligation and we have a commitment to make the improvements, to make the changes that we need to make in order to ensure that we keep pace, at a minimum. But I challenge my people every day to make a quantum leap to ensure that we get ahead.”

By: Andrew Coakley (BIS)

OPENS BACO CONFERENCE – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Hon. K. Peter Turnquest was the guest speaker to open the 12th Annual Northern Conference of The Bahamas Association of Compliance Officers (BACO) one-day conference, which was held on October 25, 2017 at Pelican Bay Resort.

(BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

 

 

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BNT Releases 2023-2024 Impact Report Highlighting Conservation Achievements  

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January 20th, 2024 – Nassau, Bahamas – The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) proudly announces the release of its 2023-2024 Annual Impact Report, which documents key conservation milestones achieved from January 2023 to June 2024.

Highlights from the report include: completion of the BNT’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan  – a comprehensive roadmap to guide the organization’s efforts over the next five years; the declaration of Seahorse National Park in Eleuthera as the country’s 33rd national park; advancements in critical scientific research and the creation of conservation plans aimed at protecting endangered species; major infrastructure improvements in national parks, enhancing visitor access and recreational opportunities; and new strategic partnerships with local and national organizations for collaborative national park management.

“The past 18 months have been a pivotal chapter for the BNT,” said Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle, Executive Director of The Bahamas National Trust. “With the unwavering support of our members, donors, and partners, we’ve expanded our national park system, advanced critical conservation efforts, made major infrastructure improvements in national parks, and connected thousands of Bahamians to their parks. These achievements underscore the power of collaboration and inspire us to continue building a future where people and nature thrive together.”

Looking to the future, the BNT’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan prioritizes enhanced park management, tackling climate resilience, addressing invasive species, and strengthening community partnerships to ensure the sustainability of The Bahamas’ national parks.

The Bahamas National Trust extends heartfelt thanks to its supporters for making these achievements possible, and invites everyone to explore the full 2023-2024 Impact Report on its website at https://bnt.bs/2023-2024-impact-report/.

To learn more about the BNT’s role in managing national parks, protecting wildlife, and informing environmental policy, please visit its website: www.bnt.bs, and follow its various social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

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Exclusive Offer Unlocks $300 in Instant Savings for the Ultimate Winter Escape to The Islands of The Bahamas

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The Bahamas, January 19, 2025 – From January 13 to February 28, 2025, travelers can book a 4-night (or longer) air-inclusive vacation to The Islands of The Bahamas and enjoy an exclusive $300 instant savings at participating hotels and resorts. Stays are valid from January 14 to June 30, 2025, making it the perfect time to swap snow for sand. Terms and conditions apply.

“The Bahamas has seen tremendous growth in visitors, and this offer underscores our commitment to expanding tourism as a key driver of economic growth,” said the Hon. I. Chester Cooper, The Bahamas’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. “By offering an exceptional value to global travelers, we’re not only inviting visitors to explore our diverse islands but also supporting local businesses and fostering sustained economic development across The Bahamas.”

Booking a 4-night (or longer) air-inclusive vacation package with participating tour operators guarantees instant $300 savings, plus the opportunity to combine this offer with other deals for even more value. Travelers can also inquire about added perks like bonus nights, spa credits, and airport transfers when booking through participating tour operators.

Latina Duncombe, Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, added, “Through our partnerships with international travel providers, we are creating opportunities for visitors to seamlessly explore the unique attractions, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural beauty that make The Bahamas truly exceptional.”

The islands of The Bahamas is the ultimate winter getaway, where adventure, luxury, and relaxation come together for an unforgettable escape from the cold. Take advantage of these major savings by visiting: Bahamas.com/300-off.

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Freeport Health Campus development, progressing steadily

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By DANIELLE ROLLON

Bahamas Information Services

 

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas — The Government of The Bahamas is committed to improving healthcare facilities throughout The Bahamas, with steady progress being made on the state-of-the-art Freeport Health Campus.  With construction set in three phases, the Freeport Health Campus, when completed, will be a major development for Grand Bahama, providing comprehensive and essential healthcare services for all — citizens, residents, visitors, and those arriving on the new Celebration Cay.

Phase one of the project — a 60,000-square-foot clinic — is set for completion in late 2025, according to the Minister of Health and Wellness, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville.  “The Freeport Health Campus is more than just a building; it is an embodiment of our collective vision for accessible, high-quality healthcare. Imagine a place where families can come together to receive a multitude of essential services, all under one roof — a hub of healing, equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by compassionate professionals dedicated to the well-being of our community,” said Dr. Darville.

With these ongoing improvements and the upcoming completion of phase one, the Freeport Health Campus is poised to see a significant boost in healthcare services in Grand Bahama, supporting the health and well-being of the community for years to come.

(BIS Photos/ Andrew Miller)

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