Bahamas News
Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort Grand Opening
#TheBahamas, February 11, 2022 – The award-winning, Luxury Included® Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort and Offshore Island welcomed its first guests last Thursday following a $55 million renovation, the first of a series of milestones in this commemorative 40th anniversary year for the Sandals Resorts brand. Situated on 15 sprawling acres, the 404-room Sandals Royal Bahamian revels in the easy-going spirit of the Bahamas to entwine all experiential touchpoints – from the pastel pink of the flamingo to the vibes of traditional Junkanoo. 
“Twenty-six years ago, my father and our founder, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, was drawn to The Bahamas by its natural beauty and charming locals, which makes it very special for us to be presenting today a fully transformed resort that celebrates this unique destination as much as his legacy,” said Sandals Resorts Executive Chairman Adam Stewart. “It has always been in our DNA to be forward thinking and lead the way in innovation, and this significant investment to enhance and evolve the Sandals Royal Bahamian experience is a testament to our commitment to our beloved guests and our valued agent community by delivering a trusted brand they can continue to sell with confidence. It’s a new day in Nassau, and a genuine honor to share this milestone with all who form part of our Sandals family.”
The opening ceremony brought together leaders and dignitaries from across the Caribbean for a commemorative ribbon cutting, including Prime Minister of The Bahamas, The Honourable Philip Davis, QC, MP; Deputy Minister & Minister of Tourism, Investment & Aviation of The Bahamas, The Honourable I. Chester Cooper, MP; Minister of Labour of The Bahamas, The Honourable Keith Bell, MP; Prime Minister of Jamaica, The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP and more.
“I am extremely delighted to see the expansion of the Sandals brand and the reopening of the Royal Bahamian
property,” said The Honourable Philip Davis, QC, MP, Prime Minister of The Bahamas. “Not only does this translate into jobs for our people but it further diversifies our tourism product and hotel inventory as we are rebounding from this pandemic. So far the numbers have been encouraging and no doubt with the Sandals Royal Bahamian property back, we expect the growth to continue. I salute Adam Stewart for continuing his father’s visionary leadership.”
The grand opening events also included the presentation of the 2021 Stewart Family Philanthropic Award to the Bahamas National Trust (BNT), whose work to protect and restore the over two million acres of land and sea under its purview will continue with the development of a primary level environmental curriculum for students and educators, funded by the Sandals Foundation – the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts. The award celebrates good stewards who embody a strong commitment to the wellbeing of the communities, families, and environments of the Caribbean.
This afternoon and into the evening, resort guests will also join the celebration at a special tribute to admire the reopened resort’s very first sunset, complete with Bahamian entertainers, music from the islands, delectable dishes, and a spectacular display of fireworks to light up the Bahamian sky.
Rashaed Esson
Staff Writer
#TheBahamas, September 29, 2023 – With moves to deepen ties, governments of The Bahamas and Qatar have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to solidify agreements in principle surrounding the development of aviation and other related services.
This is according to Chester Cooper, The Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investment and Aviation in a Facebook post.
This comes after The Bahamas Government in a press release on September 24th, revealed that Cooper, was set to meet with the head of Qatar Airways to have talks regarding “multiple mutually beneficial aviation opportunities for both countries.”
The release also said the deputy prime minister and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investment and Aviation are working on “forging strategic partnerships with several Middle Eastern countries to strengthen ties to The Bahamas and the Caribbean,” and this new signing is indicative of such efforts.
Following the September 25th signing, on September 27th, Kenneth Romer, Deputy Director General of Tourism for The Bahamas informed via Facebook some details of the agreement saying, “we have now established a framework for cooperation and formed strategic partnerships with Qatar Airways, Qatar’s Transport, Aviation and Investment Agencies and The Qatar Aeronautical Academy, that will benefit our country.”
Regarding further efforts for the improvement of The Bahamas, Cooper announced on Facebook again on Tuesday September 26th that both countries are working to make Nassau a passenger hub for Latin America and the Caribbean adding that talks are being held for Grand Bahama as a cargo hub.
Additionally, as the press release informed, Cooper is preparing for an on ground visit of Bahamasair domestic operations by Qatar Airways Technical team sometime in October.
Defence Headquarters 28 SEP ’23: HMBS P-45 under the command of Chief Petty Officer Acadia Smith
detained a group of Cuban migrants in Cistern Cay, Exuma on September 27, 2023, due to information received from a Good Samaritan vessel in the area that handed them over to the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.
Members of HMBS P-45 retrieved twenty-eight (28) Cuban nationals and transported them to HMBS Coral Harbour in New Providence. All individuals appeared to be in good health and will undergo further processing and assessment by Immigration officials.
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in guarding our heritage and
appreciates the sharing of information and intelligence provided by the boating community to affect migrants and other unlawful interdictions at sea.
(For additional information, contact the RBDF Public Relations Department or visit our official website at www.rbdf.gov.bs. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates and explore our engaging content on our YouTube channel).
RBDF
#BARBADOS (September 26, 2023) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) deeply mourns the loss of distinguished Bahamian leader and former chairman of the inter-regional body, Obediah Wilchcombe.
At the time of his passing, Mr. Wilchcombe was serving as Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting
and Leader of Government Business in the House of Assembly of the Bahamas.
“We extend our heartfelt prayers and condolences to Minister Wilchcombe’s family, as well as the government and people of the Bahamas. He was a true champion for the people of the Bahamas and the wider Caribbean region,” remarked Kenneth Bryan, CTO Chairman and Minister of Tourism and Ports of the Cayman Islands.
Chairman Bryan recalled Minister Wilchcombe held the position of CTO Chairman twice (2002-2004 and 2016-2017) while serving as Minister of Tourism for the Bahamas, and contributed significantly to the advancement of sustainable tourism development in the Caribbean.
Chairman Bryan noted that the CTO plans to honor the life and legacy of “this eminent Bahamian leader” at the organization’s upcoming business meetings and the State of the Industry Conference (SOTIC) in Turks and Caicos next month.
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