ST. GEORGE’S GRENADA – The Bahamas is joining a coalition of Caribbean Small Island Developing States, that committed to restoring landscapes and securing a resilient agricultural future, by tackling land degradation and drought. The Bahamas is one of six new countries scheduled to benefit from the Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) multi-country soil management initiative for Integrated Landscape Restoration and climate-resilient food systems (SOILCARE), Phase II, implemented by the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM).

SOILCARE Phase I has been helping adopt policies, measures and best practices and support review of legal and institutional frameworks to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality LDN and Climate Resilience.

As PISLM prepares to launch Phase II of its flagship regional project, adding six new countries, two consultation sessions were completed on 3^rd and 4^th June by PISLM’s Sustainable Land Management Specialist Dr. Ronen Francis.

Project updates were present to the Permanent Secretary responsible for UNCCD IN the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. David Davis, Director of Agriculture – Dr Jason Sands and Danielle Hanek- Director of Forestry Unit of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the Bahamas.

This project will seek to assist the country in upgrading its National Soil Laboratories through provision of modern equipment, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and training of technicians. It will also help the Bahamas, to develop Digital Soil Maps, develop their national drought risk plans, including improved drought management, Cat Island. It will also support a youth agri-business programme that will foster youth-led innovation and align with the CARICOM 25×25 vision.

This project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Allocated funding is$17.9 million USD and $26.5 million USD in co-financing, by regional Governments, including the Bahamas.

Photo Caption:

Photo 1 Permanent Secretary responsible for UNCCD in the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. David Davis, Director of Agriculture – Dr Jason Sands Daniell, Ms. Danielle Hanek- Director of Forestry Unit of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the Bahamas and Dr. Ronen Francis-PISLM.

Brasília, Brazil – Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis has announced the signing of a landmark cooperation agreement with Brazil and the country’s entry into the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, following his participation in the Brazil–Caribbean Summit held in Brasília on June 14. The summit brought together leaders from CARICOM, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and key regional bodies to address pressing development challenges and renew economic and diplomatic ties with South America’s largest economy.

In a statement posted to Facebook on Saturday, Prime Minister Davis highlighted the significance of these developments for the Bahamian people: “We signed a key agreement with Brazil to work together on food security, education, disaster management, and climate resilience. The Bahamas also joined the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty — unlocking new resources to fight poverty and tackle inequality.”

The Brazil–Caribbean Summit, hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, marks a revitalization of Brazil’s engagement with the Caribbean after years of declining trade and limited collaboration. Trade between Brazil and the Caribbean region has dropped from $6 billion in 2010 to $4 billion in 2024, with most economic activity concentrated in Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Dominican Republic. This summit aimed to reverse that trend by fostering stronger cooperation on sustainable development goals, energy transitions, and disaster preparedness.

A key communique issued at the close of the summit underscored the joint commitment of participating nations to clean and inclusive energy transitions. “We recognize the urgent need to promote clean, sustainable, fair, affordable and inclusive energy transitions…with a view to contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as the target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century,” the statement read. The leaders also called for increased financing mechanisms and international support to ensure developing nations can pursue these goals effectively.

The Bahamas’ inclusion in the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty represents a significant step forward in its efforts to build resilience and reduce socio-economic disparities. The Alliance, launched under Brazil’s G20 presidency and officially adopted by G20 nations in July 2024, is focused on achieving the first two Sustainable Development Goals — the eradication of poverty (SDG 1) and hunger (SDG 2) — while also addressing inequalities (SDG 10). Since its inception, the Alliance has expanded successful national programs and fostered international cooperation through high-level summits and a champions council to guide its implementation.

Brazil has seen notable benefits from spearheading the initiative, including increased global recognition and strong support from leaders such as World Bank President Ajay Banga. The country has also used the platform to scale up its own social programs and promote the human right to nutritious food and dignified living conditions.

For The Bahamas, Davis emphasized that these partnerships will bring practical advantages: “For us, partnerships like these mean greater access to expertise and innovation — lowering costs for families, strengthening our resilience, and driving national development.”

The summit also addressed wider regional concerns, including the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Haiti. Leaders expressed “deep concern” over the multidimensional challenges facing the Haitian people and affirmed their commitment to supporting the country’s path to stability.                                                                                                                                                                        The participation of CARICOM leaders such as Guyanese President Irfaan Ali further underscored the importance of regional collaboration in meeting shared challenges. Discussions included scaling up investment for energy transition and disaster management infrastructure, areas of increasing urgency for climate-vulnerable Caribbean nations.

With its new commitments, The Bahamas joins a growing coalition of nations aligning development efforts with global best practices and collaborative frameworks. As climate risks intensify and inequality persists, these initiatives mark a shift toward proactive, cooperative strategies designed to safeguard the well-being of future generations.

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.