Bahamas News
DPM tells Grand Bahamians to focus on the benefits new oil refinery project will have for GB
#Bahamas, February 23, 2018 – Grand Bahama – Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for East Grand Bahama, the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest said that while he’s aware of all the talk among the public about the $4 billion oil refinery project by Oban Energies, he urged Bahamians – particularly Grand Bahamians – to focus on the benefits such a project will bring to Grand Bahama.
“There’s more to the story than what you see,” Minister Turnquest told participants of the 20th Annual Grand Bahama Business Outlook, which took place on Thursday, February 22, 2018 at Grand Lucayan resort.
“You will be hearing more about that as the project proceeds. Today, as a matter of fact, the group is in East Grand Bahama beginning the final stages of their Environmental Impact Assessment. And we will continue to see activity, going forward through to the shovels in the ground.
“We have confidence that this project is going to go forward, that the funding is available, that the environmental concerns will be addressed and that at the end of the day, we will have a project that will be a catalyst for the development of Grand Bahama as a whole, east Grand Bahama in particular.”
Minister Turnquest reminded Grand Bahamians that what helped to bring about the “glory days” of Grand Bahama, when the economy was on the incline, was the industrial sector.
“So we have an opportunity and we have to see it through. Again, in the Heads of Agreement, we have requirements and everything is contingent on those requirements,” the Minister Pointed out. “As the Prime Minister has indicated, that Heads of Agreement will be Tabled and everyone will be able to see what it contains – the benefit and the risk to us as an island, as a country.”
As the Representative for Grand Bahama, Minister Turnquest said that he’s pleased that there are a number of prospective developments slated for his constituency, including the Oban Energies Oil refinery in East Grand Bahama.
He said that a number of projects have been slated for Grand Bahama, including the purchase and development of the former Ginn property in West Grand Bahama. He also mentioned the purchase and eventual refurbishment of the Grand Lucayan resort by the Wynn Group.
“The re-opening of this property is absolutely vital to the city of Freeport, particularly the Lucayan strip, which is a major contributor to the Grand Bahama economy,” added Minister Turnquest.
“I know that there was some rumor that because Mr. Wynn was not here to speak at this Business Outlook, that there was some trouble with the deal. I just got off the phone with Mr. Wynn before I came into this room and I assure you that is not the case at all. There was some miscommunication and he is actually in the Dominican Republic, opening a property there.
“But this deal is very much on track and we expect to have this wrapped up relatively soon; the brands that are associated with their proposal are very well known brands to us and they will give Grand Bahama the kind of variety of offering that we have been missing.”
Interestingly enough, Minister Turnquest said that Grand Bahama continues to attract interest with respect to the tourism industry.
“As the Minister of State said, 2018 is poised to be a very significant watershed year for us,” added Minister Turnquest. “Between the government and our partners at the Grand Bahama Port Authority, we have to lock arms on these opportunities and ensure that we provide the best opportunity for these projects to become successful.”
Drawing on a farming analogy, the Deputy Prime Minister told the audience that when one is planting, you don’t see results right away; it takes a while and in the meantime, the seed has to be watered and nurtured before it begins to spring up.
“That’s the phase where we’re at,” said Minister Turnquest. “After years of going backwards, we’re now starting to go forward and we must celebrate that.
“Prospects for the economy in 2018 are for furthering strengthening of activities, with growth estimated at 2.5 percent. Conditions in the Labor market are also consequently set to improve. These developments will be underpinned by the completion of the Baha Mar phased opening and by various foreign investment related projects, which have been foreshadowed by the Prime Minister.
“As well, we expect the growth of both the tourism sector and the national economy to be favorably impacted by stronger projected growth in the United States, our major trading partner. The increase in investor consumer confidence in the United States bodes well for continued growth in tourist related travel and investment interest in The Bahamas.”
Minister Turnquest said that the government is on track to bring the country’s financial house in order and that the Government remains on track to meet its budgetary target by year’s end.
“The Government anticipates continued growth in the economy, which will be very much associated with improvements that we expect to happen here in Grand Bahama. As was pointed out by the Minister of State for Grand Bahama, various projects are being negotiated and/or are already in progress.
“This signals a significant spike in the Grand Bahama economy and, in the words of the Honourable Prime Minister, what’s good for Grand Bahama, is good for The Bahamas.”
By: Andrew Coakley (BIS)
NASSAU, Bahamas — More Bahamians are accessing HIV and sexually transmitted infection-related healthcare through National Health Insurance, a trend the NHI Authority says should be viewed positively.
NHIA stressed in an August 6 statement that its 2025 figures measure healthcare utilisation, not newly diagnosed infections. They include beneficiaries screened, treated, monitored or receiving follow-up care, including people diagnosed previously.
“Increased utilisation of these services should be viewed as a positive development,” NHIA said.
The Authority pointed to “greater enrolment and use of NHI, improved access to screening and testing, continued treatment and monitoring of existing conditions, and increased willingness to seek medical care.”
The development comes amid a mixed three-year HIV picture. New diagnoses rose from 130 in 2023 to 156 in 2024, before declining to 142 in 2025.
NHIA said increased utilisation demonstrates that more beneficiaries are accessing needed healthcare and actively managing their health, reinforcing the importance of screening, early diagnosis and continued treatment.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor is proud to announce the launch of Monument Beverage Co., its newest 100% locally produced ready-to-drink alcoholic cocktail.
Monument, “Made to Celebrate”, perfectly encapsulates everything the brand represents. Created and distributed by CWS, Monument is
inspired by culture, crafted with excellence and bursting with innovation.
This unique beverage celebrates island living with three bold flavors, Ginger Lime, Peach Passion and Melon Fizz. All of which can be enjoyed at an ABV of five-point-two percent.
The brand’s creativity really shines through each can’s packaging. Bold colored stripes, cherished native flora and fauna and of course, national monuments can all be found on each can.
The beverage’s two year plus development is a testament to CWS’ dedication to quality and innovation. Countless hours of tastings, reformulations, focus groups and package design reviews all paid off with the creation of Monument.
Karla Wells-Lisgaris, Chief Commercial Officer of Caribbean Wines & Spirits and Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, shared what this authentically Bahamian made product launch means for the company.
“When we were conceptualizing Monument, we wanted to create a product that not only tasted like The Bahamas but would be an ode to the
nation as well. With those two thoughts in mind, I, along with a team of experts, created three incredible flavors we believe really connect with and celebrate the essence of island living,” she said.
“Additionally, being that Monument is the first product to be 100% manufactured by Caribbean Wines & Spirits, we really wanted to ensure that both the flavors and packaging honored our rich heritage. On each of the cans, you can find various monuments such as the Nassau Public Library in New Providence, the Garden of the Grove in Grand Bahama and the Hatchet Bay Silos in Eleuthera; all of which pay homage to our diverse Bahamian heritage.” Wells-Lisgaris concluded.”
The historic monuments found throughout our islands are more than places we pass every day; they are reminders of who we are, where we’ve come from and the stories that connect us as Bahamians.
Monument is perfectly formulated with quality ingredients, and each can celebrates a collection of these cultural icons from across The Bahamas.
Whether chilling solo beachside, gathered around a family table or backyard a grill with friends, make Monument your sip of choice. Monument is made to celebrate, visit www.cwsbahamas.com today for more details.
NASSAU, Bahamas —– Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to crown Lady
Kayla of Exuma as this year’s annual Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup winner.
CBC created the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup to further the advancement of sailing and Bahamian culture through monetary and social support. The competition judges the skipper’s performance across three regattas, The Best of the Best, the National Family Island and Long Island Regattas.
The winning sloop led by Kianno Hutchinson and Joss Knowles showcased their skillmanship in the E-Class category across each round of competition. In addition to winning the trophy, the skippers were awarded a $5,000 donation, an $8,000 stipend to the junior sailing club of their island and a limited-edition Lady Kayla Bahamas Goombay Punch commemorative can, which will be released soon.
Jonathan Thronebury, Marketing Director of CBC shared the significance behind The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup.
“The Bahamas Goombay Punch is more than a beloved local brand; it’s a vibrant part of our cultural fabric. Just like sailing, our national sport, it carries a rich legacy that spans generations. Recognizing this shared history, we’re proud to support initiatives that celebrate and advance Bahamian culture,” he said.
Hutchinson and Knowles shared what this win meant for them.
“I felt super proud when I realized we won. I am grateful and thankful to God, for good coaches and Joss. It was really an honor winning the
Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup,” Hutchinson expressed.
“I am very honored to have been able to compete in the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup, I think it is a great concept and idea for a competition and really adds a new motive throughout the regattas. The whole championship was super competitive, and every single race was a fight. Alvington McKenzie was extremely competitive and had us until the Long Island regatta, which made it a very fun and tough competition. Very excited to have been the winner of a super close championship,” Knowles revealed.
Lady Kayla’s owner, Dallas Knowles, shared the team’s winning strategy.
“In sailing consistency is key and our guys in Lady Kayla are some of the best in the business at staying near the top. In the end, that was enough to secure their first Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup win. We are so proud of Joss and Kianno for what they have done in Lady Kayla. Thank you to Caribbean Bottling Company for such an amazing and forward-thinking initiative,” Knowles shared.
The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup is proud to continue its impact on sailing and community building through clean and fair competition.
For more updates on the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup and Caribbean Bottling Company visit the website www.cbcbahamas.com today.
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