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BAHAMAS: LOI Signed for Purchase of the Grand Lucayan Resort

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#Freeport, GB, March 29, 2019 – Bahamas – “We have done what we said we would do – in the face of much criticism the Government of The Bahamas purchased the Grand Lucayan Resort for $65 million dollars and we said that we would hold it for the shortest period of time and sell it for $65 million dollars – and we have done exactly that.”

Those were the sentiments of Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar, during an official press conference on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 in the Office of the Prime Minister, as a part of the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) for the purchase of the Grand Lucayan resort.

On hand for the signing of the LOI and the major announcement were Tourism Minister D’Aguilar; Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator Kwasi Thompson; Chairman of Lucayan Renewal Holdings Limited, Michael Scott; President of the Senate, Katherine Forbes-Smith; Vice-President of Government Relations/Americas for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Russell Benford; and Chief Executive Officer of ITM, Mauricio Hamui.

The LOI was signed between Lucayan Renewal Holdings and ITM/Royal Caribbean joint venture. The deal is expected to transform the Grand Lucayan resort and its surrounding areas, as well as develop the harbor in Freeport into a destination product using water-based adventure theme parks. Both ITM and Royal Caribbean have worked on successful projects in the past.

“I am pleased to announce to the people of Grand Bahama and to the entire Bahamas that the much-anticipated sale of the 217-acre Grand Lucayan resort has finally been agreed upon,” added Minister D’Aguilar.

“The development that will roll out in Grand Bahama over the next 24-36 months will go far in restoring the island’s economy to its former glory days.”

Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator Kwasi Thompson noted that the signing of the LOI confirms the government’s agreement to enter into exclusive negotiations with Royal Caribbean International and the ITM Group for the purchase of the Grand Lucayan resort and the redevelopment of Freeport Harbor into a cruise port of choice.

“The $195 million investment earmarked for the first phase of the project over a twenty-four month period will include the purchase price of $65 million and the creation of approximately 2,000 jobs,” said Minister Thompson.

“Discussions leading to a Heads of Agreement, subject to the approval of the National Economic Council, will begin immediately on matters related to Bahamian employment requirements and Bahamian participation in specific areas.

“However, it is anticipated that Bahamians will have significant ownership participation in restaurants, retail stores, transportation and water sports.”

Minister Thompson noted that the joint venture project between RCI/ITM will not only combine the redevelopment of Freeport Harbor as a cruise port of choice, but will also transform the Grand Lucayan resort into a theme park, featuring water-based family entertainment, with dining, gaming and entertainment options and five-star hotel accommodations.

He noted that significant demand for both airlift and sealift to the destination is being created, including the unleashing of much-needed economic opportunities.

“The redevelopment of Freeport Harbor is anticipated to include significant increase in cruise ship arrivals, bringing an additional approximately two million passengers annually, with the addition of multiple cruise lines calling on Grand Bahama,” added Minister Thompson.

Since placing the Grand Lucayan on the market, there were over 62 expressions of interest from local and global firms. By February 14 of this year, eleven letters of offer were received and evaluated by the Board of the Lucayan Renewal Holdings Ltd.

According to Minister Thompson, on Friday, March 22, the Board, in carrying out its predetermined exit strategy, unanimously approved a resolution to recommend to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, the sale of the Grand Lucayan to RCL/ITM.

The Minister noted that when considering all of the bids for the resort, one of the major components that went into their final decision was finding the company or entity that would create a unique destination for Grand Bahama.  “For us, it was more than just about trying to sell the hotel,” added Minister Thompson. “We knew we needed to do more, and creating a unique destination was at the forefront. The joint venture with Royal Caribbean and ITM fit that bill.”

Russell Benford, vice-president of Government Relations/Americas for Royal Caribbean said that coming to The Bahamas seemed like a perfect fit, considering the fact that the company was created with the Caribbean as its major destination.  “This is an incredible project and I want to thank the Bahamian Government for giving us this opportunity in Grand Bahama,” said Benford.  “We are honored to have been chosen from some really great people and companies around the world for this project.

“We understand what Grand Lucayan means to the Government of The Bahamas and to the people of Grand Bahama and so you have our commitment that we will do this project right and we will do right by the government and the people of The Bahamas.

“We build spectacular world class products and we will bring that same excellence and dedication here to this project in Grand Bahama.”

By Andrew Coakley

Release: BIS

Photo Captions:

Header: Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar (seated third left), along with Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator Kwasi Thompson (seated second left), was joined by Michael Scott (seated centre), chairman of Lucayan Renewal Holdings Ltd.; Russell Benford (seated, third right), vice-president of Government Relations/Americas for Royal Caribbean; Mauricio Hamui (seated second right), chief executive officer of ITM, along with Board Members of Lucayan Renewal Holdings (standing) for LOI signing for the purchase of the Grand Lucayan resort, in the Office of the Prime Minister on Wednesday, March 27, 2019.

1st Insert: Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator the Hon. Kwasi Thompson, speaking during a press conference and official signing of Letter of Intent for the Purchase of the Grand Lucayan on Wednesday, March 27, 2019.   Looking on is President of the Senate, the Hon. Katherine Forbes-Smith.

2nd Insert: Mr. Russell Benford (centre), vice-president of Government Relations/Americas for Royal Caribbean, says the company is excited about the project in Grand Bahama and promised to bring excellence and dedication to the restoration and redevelopment of the Grand Lucayan resort, as well as redevelopment of the Cruise Port in Freeport.  At right is Mr. Mauricio Hamui, chief executive officer, ITM, and at left is Mr. Michael Scott, chairman of Lucayan Renewal Holdings Limited.

BIS Photos/Lisa Davis

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Twist To Win Ends in a Grand Style with Four $5,000 Mall at Marathon Shopping Sprees  

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Twist To Win grand finale winners (l-r) Brian Bethel, Taraceta Neely, Ashia Demeritte and Merlin Adams posing along with their winnings from the shopping spree.

NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products concluded their 10 weeklong Twist To Win campaign with four $5,000 Mall at Marathon shopping sprees.

The campaign which was available throughout the entire Bahamas allowed consumers to enter by purchasing a 20oz bottle with a yellow cap from the following brands: Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola No Sugar, Sprite, Fanta Orange, or Fanta Grape. Each yellow-cap had a unique alpha numeric code underneath which they submitted to the Twist To Win WhatsApp number.

With each qualifying purchase, participants residing in The Bahamas were entered to win instant prizes and into a grand prize draw to win one of four $5,000 shopping sprees at the Mall at Marathon.

Participants also enjoyed exciting instant prizes such as: Airpods, JBL Speakers, premium Coca-Cola merchandise, $500 Visa gift cards and Amazon, Spotify and Apple Music digital gift cards.

Out of 76,000 plus submissions, Brian Bethel, Ashia Demeritte, Merlin Adams, and Taraceta Neely won the coveted Mall at Marathon shopping sprees at the following select stores, Kelly’s House & Home, The Sports Center, John Bull, Brass & Leather, and BTC.

Leading up to the grand finale shopping spree, Coca-Cola hosted a Trivia Showdown with the eight finalists to determine the four winners. Finalists were tested on their knowledge of World History, Pop Culture, Caribbean Bottling Company and Coca-Cola Facts!

After a few rousing rounds of trivia, the four winners were declared after each winning their spot in the shopping spree by answering their questions correctly and choosing the “Grand Prize” Coca-Cola labeled bottles at random.

The morning of the shopping spree Coca-Cola gave the winners exclusive access to the Mall at Marathon and its participating stores before their usual operating hours. Grand prize winners were greeted with wide smiles from Coca-Cola brand representatives and morning bites before the big event.

At the start of the thirty-minute clock the grand prize winners along with each of their Coca-Cola shopping assistants ran to the various stores collecting items in their arms and carts.

Merlin Adams, a husband and father of four was proud to have executed his game-plan at the end of the shopping spree. With toys, a new phone and materials for his home from Kelly’s, Adams felt accomplished in what he gathered.

Taraceta Neely, a winner from Eleuthera collected beautiful bags for herself and relatives from Brass and Leather and Brian Bethel bought matching athletic and outdoor wear from The Sports Center for his family.

The final winner Ashia Demeritte bought linens and household items in addition to a new phone from BTC right in time for Christmas.

Caribbean Bottling Company is proud to share the real magic of Coca-Cola with the grand prize winners and the may instant prize winners across the Twist To Win campaign. For more updates on new products, promotions, and events follow www.cbcbahamas.com.

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 The Coca-Cola Art Project Astonishes Art Lovers at The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival  

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products displayed their astonishing Coca-Cola Art Project (CCAP), during Baha Mar’s five-day Culinary & Arts Festival.                                                                                                                                                                              Earlier this year, Coca-Cola partnered with The University of The Bahamas’ Visual Art and Design Department for a culturally rich art competition. UB’s art students were challenged to create pieces surrounding the theme, Bahamian music.

As a result, 20 student works of art were made, with four students declared as winners at the CCAP exhibit opening in Baha Mar’s ECCHO: Art Gallery in August. To recreate the culturally stimulating magic felt at the exhibit’s premiere, the CCAP was featured at the FUZE Art Tent during The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival.

Nine incredible pieces of art lined the walls of the Coca-Cola Art Project, four of which included the winning pieces from Jhanaisia Cole, with ‘Gaulin Bride’; Alyssa Pinder, with ‘Shotgun Wedding’; Nelson Gray, with ‘Untitled’; and Jaela Bowe, with the piece ‘Whims of Obeah, a Folktail’.                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Additionally, an intimate listening room was built. It displayed students’ artistic processes, UB Visual Art and Design representatives, and a recap of the exhibit opening for audiences.

Art enthusiasts also enjoyed premium limited-edition CCAP keepsakes at the booth. Journals which featured a collage of all 20 student submissions on the front and back cover, postcards with an art piece on the cover along with the student’s name, title, dimension and materials on the back and pens designed with the CCAP’s dynamic logo.

Throughout the art festival diverse groups of people visited the art tent taking in the displays while enjoying the artistic insights from the listening booth.

Community and culture are always at the forefront of Caribbean Bottling Community, and it was boldly showcased during The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival for the third consecutive year.

For more details on the Coca-Cola Art Project, events and new products visit www.cbcbahamas.com today!

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CWS Brings a Galore of Bubbles at Annual Jollification Festival  

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Caribbean Wines & Spirits team members smiling behind one of the company’s two bars at Jollification

NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor delighted Jollification attendees with bubbles from their Bottega and Bouvet Ladubay sparkling wines and Besserat de Bellefon champagne lines.

Located in the Monument Circle on The Retreat grounds, CWS transformed The Retreat Garden into a lush lounge with Besserat, Bouvet and their latest product addition, Bottega, during the two-day affair.

The festivities kicked off Friday during BNT Member’s Night. Guests enjoyed exclusive offerings from CWS’s catalogue, offered exclusively to members.  Complimentary mixes or glasses on the rocks included El Tequileno tequila, Hard Truth whiskey, House of Angostura rum, Cross Keys gin, Nemiroff vodka and a slew of wines such as Fonesca Bin, Bottega and Besserat.

Guests also savored the ‘Jolly Paloma’ cocktail, an instant favorite made with El Tequileno tequila, Schweppes Grapefruit and Domaine de Paris rose wine.  To end the night, guests were treated to branded limited-edition wine tumblers as keepsakes.

On Saturday and Sunday, Jollification attendees delighted in glasses or bottles of champagne and sparkling brut or rosé wines while taking in the comfort of the chic lounge.  In addition to purchasing bottles for onsite consumption, consumers were also able to purchase bottles as gifts whether for themselves or someone special.

The sophisticated “bubble lounge” lounge was decked with velvet couches, gold rimmed cocktail tables, blue and pink pillows, and a white floral branded backdrop created for capturing the perfect picture.

Caribbean Wines & Spirits, a historic partner of the Bahamas National Trust was pleased to support Jollification 2025 to kick off the festive season and share their expansive range of spirits.

To keep up to date with all CWS products and events, visit their website at www.cwsbahamas.com today.

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