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)
Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
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