Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: PM’s Remarks at Austin Technology Council/Texas Association of Business
#UnitedStates, January 24, 2018 – Austin, TX – Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, Good morning, I am delighted to be here with you this morning The Bahamas, like Canada and Mexico, is among the closest geographic neighbors of the United States. To offer you some geographical perspective, the Bahamas’ archipelago extends southwest from Southern Florida in the United States to northern Cuba.
Our far-flung archipelago, with approximately 21 major islands and many hundreds of cays and islands, extends from north to south, approximately the same geographic length from the northern to the southern end of Britain. To put it another way, The Bahamas extends from north to south, the same distance as from Puerto Rico to Trinidad and Tobago off the coast of South America.
We are just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, less than half hour’s journey by air from our capital, Nassau. This proximity is partly responsible for the longstanding good neighbour relationship which exists between our two countries. There are long and well-established ties between The Bahamas and the United States. The Bahamas is among the oldest parliamentary democracies in the Western Hemisphere. We have a stable government, a well-established and respected legal system with The Privy Council in London as the highest court of last resort.
Our English-speaking population of nearly 400,000 people is proud, patriotic and peaceful. Our economy has historically been based on tourism and while tourism will always be the main driver of our economy, we also appreciate the need for economic diversification. With this in mind, late last year we passed legislation known as the Commercial Enterprises Act.
The intent of this Act is to offer incentives to investors who establish businesses in The Bahamas that would help us in our diversification drive while also creating higher paying jobs and long-term job security. Under this legislation, investors in captive insurance, reinsurance, arbitration, wealth management, computer programming, maritime trade, nanotechnology, biomedical industries, data storage, call centers, software design and writing will be given a number of concessions and incentives if they were to locate in The Bahamas.
Ladies and Gentlemen: My government has embarked upon a major mission to establish The Bahamas, particularly Grand Bahama Island, as a world-renowned technology hub. Grand Bahama is the second most populous island in The Bahamas, with excellent modern infrastructure. The capital, Freeport, is in short flying distance from Florida, and enjoys US Immigration and Customs Pre-Clearance.
This past November, through our first ever Grand Bahama Technology Summit, we started on the path to realize this goal. We had the opportunity to host some of the finest minds in technology locally and from international tech giants. Grand Bahama is uniquely suited to become an internationally recognized Science, Technology and Innovation hub. We invite you consider Grand Bahama as you plan your next start up or the expansion of your international enterprise. Grand Bahama and The Bahamas possess modern and superior infrastructure, modern roads, constant and reliable electricity supply of North-American standards, fully digital telecommunications and high quality high-speed internet.
We also have a wide variety of public and private schools, both elementary and secondary, as well as the University of The Bahamas. We realize that an integral component of the continued growth of our economy is by developing human capacity through education. I am pleased that our schools and university are committed to maintaining modern and strong curriculum standards to prepare our people for a growing job market.
Bahamians are also among the most technologically savvy people in the Caribbean. Our recent Technology Summit highlighted several Bahamians who are at the cutting edge of innovation and technology.
Ladies and Gentlemen: Grand Bahama has proven to be an attractive place for manufacturing cutting-edge technology. Corporation has identified Grand Bahama as the ideal location to configure and assemble the Ocean Medallion concierge system. This interactive technology is expected to change the cruise experience and we are proud to house its development center in the Grand Bahama.
The Bahamas is currently finalizing programs for blockchain-based solutions, fin-tech and crypto-currency companies and intend to promote blockchain as a sub-industry within ICT. We are currently engaged in discussions on how we can fast-track work permits and ensure that companies who employ US and foreign talent can retain these employees in The Bahamas. We remain open to tailor-making packages specific to a company’s needs, allowing them to retain their talent without increasing cost.
Legislation has been passed in our Commercial Enterprise Act which will streamline business applications and immigration processes in order to facilitate new technology businesses.
Freeport, Grand Bahamahas great promise as a digital center. Our nation’s second city has superb communications infrastructure so you are always connected. Freeport has two major ISPs with independent terrestrial, subterranean, sub-sea and wireless networks. The city also boasts diverse network paths, self-healing metro, inter-island and international networks. Home connectivity in Freeport is measured up to 100 megabit per second, having providing business services via copper and fibre, with speeds exceeding 1 gigabit per second.
Freeport is one of the most unique areas of the entire Bahamas, being that it is managed by the Grand Bahama Port Authority, a private city management organization, in conjunction with the national government. In the early development of the City of Freeport, The Grand Bahama Port Authority created the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, which established Freeport (The “Port Area”) as a free trade zone.
Under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, business owners enjoy the benefits of a tax neutral jurisdiction. There is no capital gains, real property or corporate income tax. Freeport is especially suited for development, as the pre-planned city has not yet nearly met its capacity. Undeveloped, unpolluted land and buildings are just waiting to be utilized in the City of Freeport.
Additionally, Freeport houses the island’s highly reliable power company. My government prioritizes maintaining close relations with our service providers. I am pleased to say that Grand Power Company has expressed its preparedness to be flexible in rates particularly for new technology companies. Additionally, The Freeport Container Port boasts the deepest container terminal in the region. The 24-hour a day facility serves as a major transshipment hub between the US, Latin America, Europe.
Freeport proudly boasts advanced building codes – some of the strongest in the Western Hemisphere – and a communications infrastructure that has withstood major hurricanes. Data Centers established in Freeport have not been impacted in any hurricane season. The Bahamas enjoys economic and monetary stability. We have a skilled workforce at competitive rates. We have world-class infrastructure. We have a progressive immigration policy designed to attract talented professionals from across the globe. The Bahamas offers modern educational and health facilities, a wealth of cultural events, and pristine beaches which all adds up to luxury living at its finest.
On behalf of the Government and the entire people of our great nation, I sincerely thank you for your time. I look forward to future partnerships as we embark on this new beginning for The Bahamas. It is not just Better in The Bahamas in terms of the visitor experience for tourists. The Bahamas is also an excellent place for investment, and we continue to get even better.
Thank you and good morning.
The Rick Fox Political Timeline
“Are You Thinking About Politics?”
Fox publicly acknowledged growing calls for him to enter Bahamian politics, saying he had been hearing from women, youth, business owners and everyday Bahamians who were “ready for something different.”
October 19, 2025
“Then Jump, Man.”
Fox revealed a conversation with NBA legend Michael Jordan, who encouraged him to enter politics after asking whether he believed he could help young Bahamians.
November 24, 2025
“The Bahamas Must Be First”
Fox officially announced his intention to run in the 2026 General Election, promising transparency, affordability, opportunity and a modern Bahamian economy.
February 4, 2026
“Officially Picked”
The Free National Movement formally ratified Fox as its candidate for Garden Hills, instantly making him one of the most talked-about figures in the election cycle.
March 20, 2026
“From Courtside to Campaign Stage”
Fox mounted the national campaign stage for the first time at the FNM’s major campaign launch at Baha Mar Resort in Nassau.
March 30, 2026
“I’m Giving The Salary Back”
Fox announced he would not take a parliamentary salary if elected, saying the funds should instead go back into helping the people of
Garden Hills.
April 14, 2026
“Nomination Eve Goes Viral”
A heated confrontation involving Fox and PLP supporters outside the Parliamentary Registration Department exploded across social media after video captured the tense exchange.
April 16, 2026
“Pick Rick” Officially Launches
Nomination Day cemented Fox’s candidacy and formally launched the now-famous “Pick Rick” campaign branding.
April 19, 2026
“Vote and Win”
Jamiah Burrows won a vehicle through Fox’s civic participation challenge, part of a campaign effort encouraging voter engagement and turnout.
April 20, 2026
“The Wealthiest Candidate”
Financial disclosures revealed Fox as the wealthiest candidate in the 2026 election cycle, with reported assets exceeding $469 million, ending speculation about his financial standing.
April 25, 2026
“The Garden Hills Blueprint”
Fox unveiled detailed policy graphics outlining plans for:
- youth development,
- healthcare access,
- infrastructure upgrades,
- environmental restoration,
- entrepreneurship,
- and a proposed $10 million investment fund for Garden Hills.
May 4, 2026
“The Numbers Don’t Lie”
Fox’s campaign highlighted more than:
- 20 community clean-ups,
- 16 streets and locations served,
- and 13 solar lights installed across Garden Hills during the campaign.
May 6, 2026
“Shaq Steps In”
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal publicly endorsed Fox, helping elevate international attention surrounding the campaign.
May 8, 2026
“Buju Backs Rick”
Jamaican reggae icon Buju Banton threw his support behind Fox ahead of Election Day.
May 10, 2026
“Vanessa Williams Endorses”
Fox’s former wife, actress and singer Vanessa Williams publicly endorsed his campaign.
May 11, 2026
“Magic Joins the Campaign”
NBA icon Magic Johnson became the latest major celebrity to endorse Fox just one day before Bahamians went to the polls.
May 12, 2026
“Election Day”
Fox contested the Garden Hills constituency seat against PLP incumbent Mario Bowleg in one of the country’s most closely watched races.
May 13, 2026
“Grace in Defeat”
Fox publicly conceded the race and congratulated Bowleg on his victory in Garden Hills.
May 18, 2026
“We Pick Rick”
Despite losing at the polls, Fox officially entered Parliament after being appointed to the Senate by the FNM — with the party itself declaring:
“We Pick Rick.”
The appointment made Fox one of the most internationally recognized figures ever to serve in the Bahamian Senate.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
Bahamas News
First Woman to Lead Tourism Ministry: Glenys Hanna-Martin Takes On Bahamas’ Leading Industry
The Bahamas, May 22, 2026 – Veteran parliamentarian Glenys Hanna-Martin has made history, becoming the first woman to lead the Ministry of Tourism in The Bahamas — assuming responsibility for the country’s most important economic engine 62 years after tourism first gained Cabinet-level representation.
Tourism received its first Cabinet minister on January 7, 1964, when Sir Stafford Sands was appointed Minister of Finance and Tourism,
helping shape what would become the dominant pillar of the Bahamian economy.
Now, six decades later, Hanna-Martin steps into the role as the nation’s first female Tourism Minister.
The longtime Englerston Member of Parliament moves into the powerful portfolio following years overseeing education and after building one of the most enduring political careers in modern Bahamian history.
Hanna-Martin is widely regarded as the country’s longest-serving female MP, having represented Englerston continuously since 2002.
Her appointment comes at a critical moment for the tourism sector, which continues to drive employment, foreign exchange earnings, hotel development, cruise expansion and airlift growth across the archipelago.
The scale of the industry she now oversees is staggering.
According to tourism and government data, The Bahamas welcomed a record 12.5 million visitors in 2025, including roughly 10.8 million cruise passengers and 1.7 million air arrivals.
Tourism is estimated to generate roughly 70 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product and employs more than half of the Bahamian workforce either directly or indirectly.
The industry also continues to fuel massive hotel and resort expansion projects across Nassau, Grand Bahama and the Family Islands, while
helping sustain airlift partnerships, cruise port investments and vacation rental growth.
The Ministry of Tourism is widely viewed as one of the most influential assignments in any Bahamian Cabinet because of its direct connection to the nation’s economic stability and international image.
And while regional competition intensifies across the Caribbean, The Bahamas remains one of the world’s most recognized island tourism brands.
Hanna-Martin now inherits responsibility for protecting and expanding that position.
Her political career has already included several barrier-breaking milestones, including becoming the first female chairman of a major political party in The Bahamas and the first female Minister of Transport and Aviation.
Now, she adds another first to her legacy.
For many observers, the significance of the moment extends well beyond symbolism.
Tourism is not simply another ministry.
It is the heartbeat of the Bahamian economy.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
Bahamas News
“Politician-1” Frenzy Intensifies After Plane Crash Survivor Allegedly Misses US Court Appearance
The Bahamas, May 22, 2026 – Questions and speculation intensified across The Bahamas Thursday night after Eyewitness News reported that Jonathan Eric Gardiner — the Election Day plane crash survivor now accused in a major international cocaine trafficking conspiracy — was allegedly a no-show for a scheduled US court appearance.
The latest development adds yet another dramatic twist to a case that has already pushed the country into political and social fever pitch.
Gardiner first appeared in federal court in Orlando on May 15 following his arrest on a New York federal warrant tied to a DEA investigation into alleged cocaine trafficking operations running through The Bahamas into the United States.
But the case exploded nationally after US federal affidavits repeatedly referenced an unnamed Bahamian political figure identified only as: “Politician-1.”
The filings allege meetings connected to a proposed cocaine shipment and references to political protection for trafficking operations.
No politician has been publicly identified by US prosecutors.
Still, the mystery has consumed the Bahamian public.
Talk shows, social media timelines, Parliament corridors and street corners have erupted with demands for answers, including headlines declaring: “TELL US WHO IS POLITICIAN 1.”
Public speculation has centered heavily around West End MP Kingsley Smith, who has denied any involvement in drug trafficking or cartel activity.
The controversy became so intense this week that Smith was reportedly heckled inside Parliament while taking his official oath of office.
Adding to the surreal nature of the case are reports carried by The Tribune that some passengers aboard the doomed flight were ordinary Bahamians trying to return home to vote after missing another flight connection on Election Day.
What began as a dramatic survival story involving 11 rescued passengers floating in waters off Florida has now transformed into a sprawling scandal involving alleged drug trafficking, political intrigue, DEA affidavits and mounting national anxiety.
The Tribune has also reported alleged links between Gardiner and construction-related business dealings, while US court documents reportedly describe cash-filled envelopes labeled for “Politician-1” in language investigators viewed as consistent with narcotics payment structures.
For many Bahamians, the story now feels almost unbelievable: an Election Day plane crash, an accused drug kingpin, references to Parliament, public outrage and now questions surrounding an alleged missed US court appearance.
And with official answers still limited, the fever surrounding “Politician-1” appears only to be growing.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
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