Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Minister Thompson says Grand Lucayan negotiations are alive and underway
#Bahamas, May 01, 2018 – Grand Bahama – “Do not believe the fake news that is out there, because the Grand Lucayan deal is very much alive and underway and we have made tremendous progress with respect to that deal,” said Minister of State for Grand Bahama, in the Office of The Prime Minister, Senator Kwasi Thompson.
The Minister’s remarks came during his opening address of the second annual Business-to-Business Expo, which was held at Pelican Bay resort on Thursday. Minister Thompson said that they are at the end of the negotiating process with the Grand Lucayan resort and what they are negotiating goes beyond just transferring ownership of a hotel from one company to the next.
“What we are doing is providing a unique destination for Grand Bahama, one that is different and set apart from the rest of The Bahamas,” said Minister Thompson. “We believe that at the end of the day, we will see up to two well-known brand names that have never been in The Bahamas before.
“This will truly provide a unique destination for Grand Bahama.”
The second annual Business-to-business Expo was held in partnership with the Office of The Prime Minister in Grand Bahama and the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce; according to Minister Thompson, it has been designed to generate much needed growth in Grand Bahama’s local economy.
Minister Thompson noted that the Business Expo serves as an avenue to bring people and businesses together, provide large corporations with local options for their purchasing needs and empower small businesses to frame their services to be able to engage with those large companies.
“The Government is confident that through this collaboration, many of the goods and services now imported from foreign vendors can now instead be delivered by Grand Bahamian businesses.”
The Business-to-business Expo was launched in 2017 with the Grand Bahama Shipyard and Buckeye having provided specific information on their procurement process and requirements. This year’s Expo presented a panel of representatives from Statoil, Pharmachem Technologies and Quality Services Limited.
In addition to the on-going mega projects within some of the companies who presented at this year’s expo, Minister Thompson said that the Government is excited that several investment projects are presently underway in Grand Bahama that will provide even greater opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Minister Thompson outlined the various other projects that are in the pipeline of development, which will all help to revive the economy of Grand Bahama: Seaward Fishing Village in Deadman’s Reef; the expansion of the Blue Marlin Cove and the much anticipated $2.8 billion Grand Palm Beach Acquisitions Limited Resort, which was once known as the Ginn project.
“This project was recently approved in principle by the government and we are now in the process of negotiating a heads of Agreement with the new owners,” said Minister Thompson.
“We’ve seen the Zipline and Water Park recently opened here in Freeport and we anticipate that a well-known skating rink and go-cart facility will be reopening its doors in Grand Bahama. The WIndriver Tobacco manufacturing company has recently commenced its operations right here in Grand Bahama, where they are manufacturing tobacco products for export.
“I recently visited the construction site of one of our major food store owners, who has embarked upon a major, multi-million dollar expansion project.”
Minister Thompson pointed out that the Government of The Bahamas remains committed to making Grand Bahama the technology hub of The Bahamas. To this end, he noted that they have made some progress in respect to making that a reality.
He said Technology companies have been taking advantage of the Commercial Enterprise Act, which was recently passed by Parliament and as such three technology companies have been given approval in principle to operate in Grand Bahama.
“In fact, one of those companies is represented here at this Expo, that is GIBC Digital Company,” said Minister Thompson. “They have already indicated that they are in the process of hiring up to fifty people here in Grand Bahama.”
Minister Thompson noted that this year’s Business-to-business Expo comes at an opportune time particularly for those who have recently participated in the Government’s Small and Micro Business Enterprise Program. The Office of the Prime Minister in Grand Bahama has provided business grants to over 40 new and existing businesses in Grand Bahama.
“We believe that this initiative sets the tone for sustainable development and diversification of our Grand Bahama economy,” said Minister Thompson. “Without a doubt, the business-to-business initiative stands to benefit all stakeholders, changing the way we do business and moving us forward to becoming stronger, and a more self-sufficient island and nation.”
By Andrew Coakley
OPENS EXPO – Minister of State for Grand Bahama, in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator Kwasi Thompson was the keynote speaker at the opening of the second annual Business-to-Business Expo, which was held at Pelican Bay resort, April 26, 2018. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)
DRUMMING UP BUSINESS – The Second annual Business-to-business Expo at Pelican Bay was designed to bring together large and small businesses in an effort to find an even playing field where both can work together to help strengthen the economy of Grand Bahama. Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator Kwasi Thompson was the keynote speaker at the opening on Thursday morning. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)
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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