#Freeport, GB, September 26, 2010 – Bahamas – The Government today signed two separate heads of agreements with Carnival for the $100 million-dollar development of a cruise port in Sharp Rock, Freeport, and an $80 million-dollar expansion of Half Moon Cay.
Prime
Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis noted the significance of the Freeport
signing in the restoration and recovery of Grand Bahama following Hurricane
Dorian.
“A
major part of reconstruction, which has become even more urgent, is the ongoing
economic recovery and revitalization of Grand Bahama,” said Prime Minister
Minnis
“The
Government expected to sign a Heads of Agreement with Carnival Grand Bahama Investment Limited and the Carnival Corporation for a new cruise port a few weeks
ago. Because of Hurricane Dorian the initial date for signing had to be
postponed. I am pleased that we are able to have today’s signing to help in the
restoration and recovery of Grand Bahama.”
The
Carnival Corporation has agreed to develop a new island destination on Grand
Bahama on 329 acres of land in Sharp Rock. The cruise port will be the largest
Carnival Cruise Port in the world.
The
new cruise port will lead to significant job creation in the construction phase
as well as long-term, said Prime Minister Minnis.
“There
will be significant opportunities for business development and entrepreneurship
by Bahamians. The new port will result
in greater Bahamian ownership in terms of a range of business opportunities,”
said the Prime Minister.
When
completed, the new port is expected to bring millions more tourists to Grand
Bahama each year.
The
port includes aquatic facilities, food and beverage pavilions, restaurants and
nightclubs, a shopping plaza, zip lines and sports facilities, miniature golf
course, park areas, open air concert facilities and a transportation hub.
The
Government also signed an agreement with Carnival for the further development
of Holland America Line’s Half Moon Cay (Little San Salvador). The expansion
includes the construction of a cruise pier on the north end of Half Moon Cay,
as well as supporting landside facilities at the pier site.
The
capital investment will total $80 million, and will include the construction of
aquatic facilities, beach restoration, restaurants and nightclubs, a shopping
plaza, sports and entertainment facilities, nature trails and the development
of park and/or natural reserve areas.
Both
heads of agreements will be tabled in the House of Assembly.
“In order to rebuild Abaco
and Grand Bahama, we have to spur economic development throughout the country,”
said Prime Minister Minnis.
“We must also accelerate
economic projects on Grand Bahama and begin rebuilding on Abaco as soon as is
possible.”
Release: Office of the Prime Minister
Commonwealth of The Bahamas