Bahamas News
Elnet Maritime Breaks Ground for New Center in Grand Bahama
#Freeport, GB, August 29, 2018 – Bahamas – Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator Kwasi Thompson, said both foreign and local investors continue to display confidence in the Grand Bahamian economy by starting new businesses or expanding existing ones.
Minister Thompson, who was the keynote speaker at the groundbreaking ceremony for Elnet Maritime Center on Monday, August 27, 2018, noted that CEO of Elnet Maritime Ltd., Elbert Hepburn is a real example of what the spirit of Grand Bahama represents.
“The government has seen restored investor interest among foreign investors, as well as among Bahamians, right here in Grand Bahama,” added Minister Thompson. “In fact, over the past year or so, there have been a number of new businesses started in Grand Bahama, as well as expansion of existing businesses.
“If there is anyone who says that Grand Bahama is dead, I tell them to open their eyes and they will see,” added Minister Thompson. “I am in no way suggesting that business is booming. I am in no way saying that we are doing all that we can and should do, but what I am saying is that there are Bahamians and other investors who are pushing their way through in Grand Bahama and they ought to be commended for contributing to the kind of economy that we would like to see.”
He noted that by virtue of Grand Bahama’s deep waters, its climate and proximity to the United States and its open geographical path to the rest of the world, Grand Bahama has proven perfect for the maritime industry. “While we also seek to expand other industries such as tourism, technology and others, we want to continue to capitalize on maritime and ensure that Grand Bahama maintains its status as a major maritime and industrial hub in the region,” he said.
During the construction phase of Elnet’s new Maritime Center, Elnet intends to engage some 125 people through self-contractors. Post construction, there will be opportunities for 80 to 100 new jobs in Grand Bahama.
Minister Thompson said he was excited to see Bahamian-owned businesses investing further into the local economy. Minister Thompson said Elnet Maritime, which has been around for over 10 years, is a testament to what Bahamians can achieve through hard work, faith, innovation and dedication, and that innovation and entrepreneurship are key to Grand Bahama’s economy.
Since taking office, Minister Thompson pointed out that the government has committed to creating an environment that is conducive to the creation and growth of small businesses by way of providing funding, training programs and mentorship from other professions.
“The government has allocated 25 million dollars over the next few years – five million dollars this year. I’m sure that a great portion of that five million dollars, when it comes to small businesses development, will be spent right here in Grand Bahama.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest also congratulated the CEO of Elnet, and the principals on the success of the business over the past 10 years.
“We know, based upon the history of this company and based upon your vision for Elnet, that this new endeavor will be very successful, and will continue to contribute to this island in a significant way,” said Minister Turnquest. “This expansion, I believe, demonstrates to Grand Bahama and to The Bahamas that there is life here in Grand Bahama. As a government we have intense discussions at least once a week about the future of Grand Bahama and what should be our response as a government and what initiative we should take to help develop this island.”
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that the step by the government to purchase the Grand Lucayan Resort was one of those initiatives or steps the government has taken to help develop the island’s economy, and that it was a demonstration of the government’s commitment to the economy of Grand Bahama and ensuring opportunities for the people of Grand Bahama and throughout The Bahamas.
“The story of Grand Bahama is in the success of entrepreneurship,” said Minister Turnquest. “Bahamians, like Mr. Hepburn and others who have made the decision to invest in their own country. Every day we fight to ensure that Grand Bahama gets the resources and attention that it needs. But, in order for the government to be successful, we need the private sector to step up and take its rightful place.
“Through the small business development center that we are developing here, through the Bahamas Development Bank, through BAIC and all of the other entrepreneurial initiatives that we have, as well as the commitment of the government to put its money where its mouth is, there is opportunity, capital and even training for genuine, well-thought out businesses.”
By Andrew Coakley
Release: BIS
PHOTO CAPTIONS
BIS Photos/Andrew Miller
DPM BRINGS REMARKS – Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest was among those bringing remarks during groundbreaking ceremony for Elnet Maritime Center on Monday, August 27, 2018.
SHOWING CONFIDENCE – Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator Kwasi Thompson, said expansion of Elnet Maritime is evidence of the confidence Bahamian investors have in the Grand Bahamian economy.
BREAKING GROUND – Deputy Prime Minister, K. Peter Turnquest and Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator Kwasi Thompson (second and third from right), were among those preparing to till the soil as a part of groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Elnet Maritime Center, located on Queen’s Highway, Freeport, Grand Bahama. CEO of Elnet, Elbert Hepburn is center (fifth from left).
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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