By Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
Grand Bahama is undergoing an economic revival backed by more than $3 billion in real investments, according to Pineridge Member of Parliament and Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey. The Minister’s remarks came during her Budget 2025/26 contribution in the House of Assembly on Tuesday, where she painted a vivid picture of recovery and reinvention for the island long regarded as beleaguered.
“Don’t let the noise in the market fool you,” declared Moxey, adding that Grand Bahama is no longer the forgotten stepchild of the Bahamian archipelago. “There is over $3 billion in real investments happening now in various stages of development.”
Moxey described Grand Bahama as the fastest-growing destination in The Bahamas in terms of air arrivals, up 14.5%, and poised for exponential growth in cruise tourism with the official opening of Carnival’s Celebration Key in July. Government projections show that by 2028, the island could host as many as 6 million annual visitors.
A Full Ledger of Progress
To fully capture “the magnitude of what’s happening,” the Minister rattled off a comprehensive and unprecedented slate of developments, signaling an economic and infrastructural transformation:
Major Projects Currently Underway:
- $827M Grand Lucayan Redevelopment – the crown jewel in Freeport’s tourism reboot.
- $700M Celebration Key – the highly anticipated Carnival cruise port at Sharp Rock.
- $665M Grand Bahama Shipyard Expansion – positioning Grand Bahama as a maritime leader.
- $348M Xanadu Beach Project – a return of the iconic resort once frequented by Howard Hughes.
- $210M Freeport Health Campus – modern healthcare facilities aimed at improving public and private care.
- $100M RCCL Harbour Cruise Port Development – bolstering Grand Bahama’s appeal to cruise lines.
- $73M Liwathon at South Riding Point – signaling energy sector stability and resilience.
- Airport Redevelopment – no financial figure provided, but declared “imminent.”
- The Bazaar and Royal Oasis Acquisition – reclaiming dormant real estate assets.
- West Sunrise Highway Reopening – improving transportation and logistics flow.
- O2 Resort and Marina – a high-end hospitality and nautical tourism facility.
- Western Atlantic University School of Medicine (Phases III/IV) – growing the island’s academic footprint.

- Water’s Cay Dock – facilitating marine access and eco-tourism.
- Sweeting’s Cay Dock – boosting transportation and fishing community resources.
Near-Completion Projects:
- Doctor’s Hospital Flagship Facility
- Xquisite Yacht operations
- University of The Bahamas (UB) North Campus
- Pine Forest Park
Real Estate Resurgence
Minister Moxey emphasized that these capital injections are also fueling a real estate boom. “Buildings are going up or being refurbished. Real estate is on the rise. Grand Bahama is having traffic jams,” she added to laughter in the chamber.
The private sector is confirming the momentum. According to HG Christie, “With major developments in motion and rising investor confidence, demand for Freeport real estate is accelerating.” Sarles Realty echoed that view, saying, “All our agents are busy in every level of the market.”
The Airport: A Missing Piece
However, amid the optimism, one glaring omission remains: a full update on the Grand Bahama International and Domestic Airport redevelopment.
While Moxey did confirm that an MOU with the Manchester Airport Group had been executed and that design revisions were in progress, she did not disclose a financial figure, nor did she give a timeline for vertical construction.
“Design adjustments were required to be made to the overall footprint of the terminal building,” said Moxey, linking the changes to the broader Grand Lucayan redevelopment. “These adjustments are underway, and we anticipate vertical construction to begin soon.”
This leaves residents and stakeholders cautiously hopeful, especially considering that the airport is central to delivering the surge in tourism numbers and creating a strong first impression for visitors.
Grand Bahamians Returning
Beyond the steel and cement, Minister Moxey said she sees another sign of progress: the return of Grand Bahamians who once gave up on their hometown.
“We’re seeing a return of Grand Bahamians who had given up hope,” she said. “We are building Grand Bahama not just for today but creating a sustainable economy for the long term.”
In her address, Moxey said that the economic engine is no longer sputtering but gaining steam, powered by long-awaited developments now gaining traction under the Progressive Liberal Party government.
“Grand Bahama is being rebuilt, block by block, investment by investment — and finally, the world is starting to take notice,” she said.