Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Government’s Progress Report for Grand Bahama, One Year Later
#Bahamas, May 13, 2018 – Grand Bahama – While progress has been made in economically restoring the island of Grand Bahama, there is still a lot of work to be done, said Minister of State for Grand Bahama in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator the Hon. J. Kwasi Thompson on Thursday, May 10.
Minister Thompson was addressing the performance of the government on their first anniversary of winning the government, having defeated the Progressive Liberal Party at the polls in May 2017.
With all five seats in Grand Bahama represented by the governing Free National Movement, the island now has the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest (MP for East Grand Bahama); Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Michael Pintard (MP for Marco City); Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Work, Iram Lewis (MP for Central Grand Bahama); Parliamentary Secretary of Information and Communication in the Office of the Prime Minister, Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe (MP for West Grand Bahama and Bimini); and Chairman of the Hotel Corporation of The Bahamas, Rev. Frederick McAlpine (MP for Pineridge).
Minister Thompson said, “To describe the one year in government for Grand Bahama — we have made significant progress, however, there is a lot more work to be done. I believe that throughout this year, there has been a lot of progress on a number of fronts and in a number of areas, however, there is much more work to be done in those areas.”
He mentioned the problem of youth unemployment that the island is faced with, explaining that the government continued some of the initiatives, expanded some and created some of their own to ensure that youth unemployment was focused upon.
Listing some of the programmes, he mentioned: the MSC programme, where 17 Bahamians have been trained to work on MSC cruise ships; the summer job programme, where over 500 young people were employed, being assisted with not only funding but on the job experience as well; and the nursing programme, in which approximately 20 nurses were trained.
Additionally, the repair of the softball park, as well as the track at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex were among successes listed
According to the Department of Statistics, said Minister Thompson, from May 2017 to November 2017 unemployment in Grand Bahama went from 12.4 to 12.1. Although the numbers are not great, he added, they are going in the right direction in that 1,080 more people were employed in Grand Bahama.
Entrepreneurship was another area of focus, in which small businesses were given assistance and provided with financial advisement.
The Business to Business Workshop was started, and succeeded in bringing large and small companies together so that all participants could be informed of future and existing opportunities. The ease of doing business was another area of focus. The Minister said that a report from the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) indicates that the increase in business applications from January to present, has been more than in the previous eight years.
“That really goes to show that there is a significant increase in the confidence that investors have in Grand Bahama during this period of time.”
An Investment Unit is currently being created, he continued, and regular meetings are being held with the GBPA so that when investors come in, they are walked through the process. Turning his attention to the tourism market, Minister Thompson said there is an added cruise ship from Bahamas Paradise Cruises coming to Grand Bahama from West Palm Beach daily with the introduction of the Grand Classica, which now joins the Grand Celebration.
Sunwing will provide additional flights to the island and starting this month, through Vacation Express, flights will come from Detroit, Chicago, Nashville, Pittsburgh, Newark, Baltimore, Cincinnati and Dallas. These flights, he added, will bring an additional 16,000 air passengers according to the Ministry of Tourism.
The government has also approved in principle the Grand Palm Beach Acquisitions Company initiative, a $2.8 million investment for West End, the old Ginn Project. The government is currently negotiating a Heads of Agreement with the new owners.
“We have also continued negotiations for Grand Lucayan. This is a significant project for Grand Bahama and really is the signature project for Grand Bahama. Significant progress has been made. We genuinely had hoped that this would have been completed before this time, and did all within our power to have this deal completed.
“We’ve made progress; we’ve made significant progress on the deal. As we indicated, it’s not just about purchasing a hotel. But it is really about creating a new and unique destination for Grand Bahama. For too long, all we’ve been focused on is bringing in a new hotel and we believe that this is going to assist: we need to ensure that we have a destination, and one that is unique from the rest of The Bahamas. That is what we’ve been focused on.”
Minister Thompson added that there were a number of issues that needed to be resolved namely how many employees would be on the property and how many of them would be Bahamian. Other areas included entertainment, concessions that might be granted, subsidies, and the name brand on the property.
“I believe we are in the final stages of that negotiation process and we believe that shortly we should have a signed deal and the renovations will begin shortly. Rest assured, we are committed, all of the members of Parliament are committed that the project moves forward and ensures that we have significant employment levels at that project.”
A new initiative, the technology hub, has also been a main focus. As a result of the summit held in November, as well as creation of the Technology Hub Steering Committee, whose plans have been submitted to Cabinet, a major venture conference which will be held in June of this year. There were also trips where discussions were held with major technology companies. This, he said, resulted in a major conference that will be held in The Bahamas in 2019, bringing some 1,000 people.
The year ended on a positive note, he added, with the introduction of GIBC Digital, a company that has offices all over the world, and is currently vetting applicants to train and employ in Grand Bahama. They will be spend some $2.5 million on the project and have indicated that their overall investment will be in the area of $50 million.
Another new initiative is the Apiculture programme in which 24 young people were trained in honey production. They have established their companies and produce honey, soaps, and candles, all made from honey in Grand Bahama.
The Minister mentioned existing businesses that have expanded or will be doing so shortly, and major companies from Nassau that will expand to Grand Bahama, including a Bahamian-owned major food store which plans a multi-million dollar development on the island.
“So, there has been progress, but there is still significant work that we must do,” said Minister Thompson.
Also present for the press conference were: Minister Pintard, Mr. Lewis and Mrs. Parker-Edgecombe. Minister Turnquest was in Nassau and Rev. McAlpine was also off island.
By: Robyn Adderley (BIS)
Photo Caption:
Header: Minister of State for Grand Bahama in the Office of the Prime Minister, the Hon. Kwasi Thompson said on Thursday, May 10, 2018 that while some things have been done, there is still a lot of work the government must do in Grand Bahama. The government was elected on May 10, 2017. Shown from left are: Parliamentary Secretary of Information and Communication in the Office of the Prime Minister, Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe (MP for West Grand Bahama and Bimini); Minister Thompson; Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Michael Pintard (MP for Marco City); and Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Works, Iram Lewis (MP for Central Grand Bahama).
(BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to once again support Basketball Smiles for their 27th year.
Upholding its corporate pillar of community outreach, CBC proudly donated $2,000, over 75 cases of Dasani, Powerade and Sprite, reusable
Powerade water bottles and numerous marketing materials.
The annual sporting summer camp offers free basketball and life skills training to Junior and High School students.
Basketball Smiles’ mission of developing leadership qualities while fostering children’s academic achievement and self-esteem aligns perfectly with CBC’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth.
Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company shared why the company continues to support this program each year.
“At CBC, we believe investing in our youth is one of the greatest ways to strengthen our communities. We’re proud to support Basketball Smiles each year because it goes beyond the game. This program champions healthy lifestyles, positive values and brighter futures. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping these young athletes reach their full potential each year,” she shared.
Sam Nicholls, Basketball Smiles Camp President and Founder expressed.
“Caribbean Bottling Company is an incredible partner. We are truly grateful for their generous support, which will go a long way in making a positive impact on the lives of our campers,” Nicholls expressed.
CBC is always ready to lend its support toward initiatives and programs that uplift young Bahamians. The impact Basketball Smiles makes on the community is undeniable and is why CBC remains a historic sponsor.
For more information on sponsorship, events and new products, visit www.cbcbahamas.com today.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wine and spirits distributor is thrilled to once again lend its support to Transforming Spaces (TS).
CWS is a proud historical partner of the annual art week which highlights Bahamian art and art spaces. Under this year’s theme, “Chasing
Light” Transforming Spaces and Caribbean Wines & Spirits created a memorable art experience.
To mark 21 years of the upliftment and exposure of culture and Bahamian art, CWS offered award winning wines St. Francis, Rebellious, Bottega and Excellsior; premium spirits, Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka, along with the newly added Coors Light Beer from its portfolio.
To kickstart the annual art week, CWS delighted attendees with a tasting of globally renowned Bottega Wines at TS’ Poetry Jam, held at ICE Bahamas. Throughout the event, Bottega brand representatives shared tasting notes, ideal pairings, and insights into the brand’s portfolio.
During the highly anticipated Saturday and Sunday tours, CWS showcased its premium products at select art galleries.
Attendees enjoyed Rebellious and St. Francis wines at The Current: Baha Mar Art Gallery and Museum, Bottega and Excellsior wines at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, Coors Light beer at the University of The Bahamas Pro Gallery and hand-crafted Schweppes mixes featuring Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka at CAB Gallery & Studio.
Throughout the two-day tour, CWS product specialists enriched the experience by providing a deeper appreciation for their exceptional beverage portfolio.
Members of the Transforming Spaces Committee expressed their appreciation towards CWS’ support after another successful art week.
“Transforming Spaces is deeply grateful for the continued support of Caribbean Wines & Spirits over the years. Their partnership has become such an important part of the TS experience, helping us create welcoming and vibrant moments for our audiences across the tour weekend. From signature wines and cocktail bars to refreshments at gallery stops and pop-up events, their contribution brings an added sense of hospitality, celebration, and connection to the journey through Bahamian contemporary art.” — TS2026 Committee.
Caribbean Wines & Spirits is proud to partner with Transforming Spaces in supporting and elevating the voices and works of Bahamian artists and looks forward to strengthening this partnership for years to come.
To learn more about CWS’ involvement in the community, follow on social media @caribbeanwinesandspirits or visit the website at www.cwsbahamas.com today.
What the Attorney General must do now to protect Bahamian exports
Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
NASSAU, Bahamas — The United States’ decision to impose a 12.5 percent tariff on Bahamian exports is about more than higher costs for seafood, rum and other goods entering the American market. It is a warning that The Bahamas must move quickly to strengthen or clarify its legal framework governing forced labour and supply-chain enforcement.
The tariff, which takes effect July 24, is part of a sweeping U.S. trade action affecting 60 economies following a review by the Office of the
U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). The review concluded that the listed countries have not adequately prohibited or enforced measures against goods linked to forced labour in global supply chains.
The action follows a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that invalidated an earlier series of Trump-era tariffs imposed under emergency powers. In response, the Trump administration shifted to a different legal authority—Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974—using findings from a U.S. Trade Representative investigation into forced-labour compliance to support a new round of tariffs affecting 60 economies, including The Bahamas.
Importantly, the action does not accuse Bahamian businesses of using forced labour. Instead, it reflects the U.S. view that The Bahamas’ legal or enforcement framework does not yet meet the standard Washington expects.
That distinction matters.
The Attorney General’s Office now has the responsibility to lead the country’s legal response. That begins with determining precisely what concerns the U.S. Trade Representative identified, reviewing whether Bahamian law adequately addresses those concerns and, where necessary, recommending legislative or regulatory changes. If deficiencies exist, legal amendments and stronger enforcement could help position The Bahamas for removal from the tariff list.
The government may also seek formal discussions with U.S. officials while those reforms are undertaken, outlining a clear timetable for
compliance and demonstrating that the country is committed to meeting international labour standards.
A Nassau Guardian front-page report on July 24 drew attention to the tariff action, prompting broader questions about why The Bahamas was included among the 60 economies affected by the U.S. trade measure and what steps are now needed to restore full confidence in the country’s trade framework.
For many Bahamians, the immediate concern will be the fisheries sector, one of the country’s largest export industries. Commercial shipments of lobster, conch, fish, crawfish and other products entering the United States could become more expensive because of the additional tariff, potentially affecting exporters’ competitiveness.
The broader lesson is that international trade increasingly depends not only on quality products, but also on strong business relationships and confidence in the legal systems that govern them.
For The Bahamas, this is less a finding of wrongdoing than a reminder that international credibility is earned through modern laws, effective enforcement and trusted partnerships. The challenge now is for the Attorney General’s Office to lead a swift legal review, identify any deficiencies and chart a clear path toward compliance so Bahamian exporters are not burdened any longer than necessary.
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