Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Minister Thompson says Grand Classica launch is timely
#UnitedStates, April 18, 2018 – West Palm Beach, FL -Minister of State for Grand Bahama in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator the Hon. J. Kwasi Thompson, says the introduction of the Classica comes when government is taking steps to revitalize the tourism industry in Grand Bahama. Minister Thompson was in West Palm Beach on Friday, April 13, for the official launch of the Grand Classica’s sail between West Palm Beach and Freeport, Grand Bahama. The Classica will be joining the Grand Celebration and will now provide daily sailings between the two ports. The Classica left West Palm Beach on Friday, and arrived at Freeport’s harbour on Saturday morning.
When congratulating Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line on the addition of the Classica to the service provided between West Palm Beach and Freeport, Grand Bahama, he said, “This venture could not be timelier as the government is focused on re-energizing our tourism and investment product in Grand Bahama. The addition of this new vessel provides an invaluable link and service to the island of Grand Bahama. The Government of Bahamas remains committed to the continued service of BPCL and its unique cruise-&-stay offering. We believe that it will further enhance the number of cruise-&-stay passengers and have a large positive economic impact for the region as a whole.”
The Minister added that government is working to get the Grand Lucayan fully opened again. “The government is concluding negotiations on the sale, renovation and full opening and re-branding of the Grand Lucayan. We are taking this opportunity to create a truly enjoyable and unique destination that your customers will enjoy. We are truly embarking upon a new era in Grand Bahama.”
The recent approval in principle of the project in West End which will revitalize the area was also mentioned. “The government recently approved in principle a project in the settlement of West End which proposes to construct, repair, revitalize, develop, and operate 246 rooms in three hotels, a banquet facility, 116 branded hotel residences, 1,000 other residences, a hotel/casino site, approximately 150,000 square feet of shops and restaurants, a spa and wellness retreat, two marinas, an 18-hole golf course including driving range.”
The island’s tourism’s numbers continue to improve, explained the Minister, and while tourism is the number one industry, the government is eager to get the message out that Grand Bahama is a 
great place to do business as well, a place suited to become an internationally recognized science, technology and innovation hub.
“We possess modern and superior infrastructure, modern roads, constant and reliable electricity supply of North-American standards, and high quality high-speed internet. We also have a wide variety of public and private schools. 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 and our government embraces their experience and expertise to advance this promising industry.
“Grand Bahama has proven to be an attractive place for manufacturing cutting-edge technology. 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 also becoming H1B visa-friendly and actively working to assist US companies, who employ foreigners through the H1B visas program. 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 adapt immigration policy to facilitate new technology businesses.”
The Minister continued, “Freeport, Grand Bahama is the digital paradise you’ve been looking for. 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.”
Explaining some of the benefits of doing business in Grand Bahama, Minister Thompson noted that Freeport is managed by the Grand Bahama Port Authority, a private city management organization, in conjunction with the national government. Additionally, business owners enjoy the benefits of a tax neutral jurisdiction, and there is no capital gains, real property or corporate income tax.
Additionally, he continued, The Freeport Container Port, a 24-hour facility serving as a major transshipment hub between the US, Latin America and Europe, has the deepest container terminal in the region.
“The government is highly enthusiastic about the unique service that BPCL will continue to provide in Grand Bahama. Your cruise line provides this open-leg provision cruising: an enjoyable, cost-effective cruise and vacation experience in one.
“For Bahamians and visitors alike, BPCL provides a fantastic service that can be tailor-made to suit each passenger. The government is pleased that Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line recognizes the value and promise that remains in Grand Bahama. I wish to extend our appreciation to BPCL CEO, Oneil Khosa. Kevin Shea Mr. David Johnson and the entire Team. BPCL is certainly a respected partner of the Bahamas that plays a significant role in our tourism industry.”
It is hoped that with the additional ship, BPCL will be able to deliver some 400,000 passengers to Grand Bahama each year, which will have a “tremendous and direct impact”.
By Robyn Adderleya
Photo captions: Minister of State for Grand Bahama in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator the Hon. J. Kwasi Thompson, on Friday participated in the activities for the inaugural sailing of the SS Neo Classica. The Grand Classica will join the Grand Celebration and now provide daily sailings between West Palm Beach and Freeport.
Photos show the ribbon cutting, and Minister Thompson (right) with Mayor of Riviera Beach, Thomas Masters, and Mayor of West Palm Beach, Jeri Muoio.
(BIS Photos)
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.
Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries
and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.
According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.
The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.
Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.
However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.
The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Dasani products, proudly sponsored the fifth annual, Caribbean Hoopfest.
The tournament brings together Bahamian high school basketball teams and visiting teams from the United States for a competitive
showcase at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium. Following its inaugural year at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym and last year’s event at Loyola Hall, the tournament returned to the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym this year.
During the weekend tournament, CBC kept athletes well hydrated with in-kind donations of Dasani Water, Powerade and Minute Maid Juices.
During the tournament’s final day, CBC provided additional support by offering Sprite No Sugar samples and inviting attendees to participate in its Spin the Wheel for a chance to win exciting prizes.
CBC was proud to support this incredible event, which provides young Bahamian athletes with valuable exposure to U.S. basketball scouts and coaches. This opportunity gives them the chance to earn scholarships, continue their education, and pursue their basketball careers in the United States.
Event organizer, Donald Francois shared his appreciation for CBC’s support.
“I want to express our sincere appreciation for Caribbean Bottling Company, who has been a tremendous supporter and an important part of the success of our program. Without CBC’s support, Caribbean Hoop Fest would not be able to function at the level it does today. And without Caribbean Hoop Fest, we would not have been able to provide the opportunities that have helped young Bahamian athletes gain exposure and pursue educational opportunities in the United States,” he expressed.
Since the program’s inception, several Bahamian student-athletes have been selected for scholarship opportunities, highlighting the
tournament’s growing impact on the development and advancement of young basketball talent in The Bahamas.
They are: Kelvin McDowells – Guard, Wodson Antoine – Power Forward, Justin Lafleur – Guard and Sean John – Guard.
After another successful edition of the tournament, Francois shared what he hopes he and Caribbean Bottling Company can achieve in the future.
“Our vision is bigger than basketball. We want to use the platform of Caribbean Hoop Fest to educate, develop, and create opportunities for young people and their families throughout the Bahamas. With individuals and organizations committed to our mission, we believe we can continue to grow the program and make an even greater impact,” Francois said.
For more details on community support, events and new products visit Caribbean Bottling Company at www.cbcbahamas.com today.
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.
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