Bahamas News
Message to Downtown Property Owners – DPM Chester Cooper
#The Bahamas, March 28, 2022 –
Good afternoon, Ladies and gentlemen.
- Cabinet & Parliamentary Colleagues
- Executives of the DTP
- MOTIA Executives
- Members of the RBPF
I have invited you here this morning to seek common ground and to share with you the vison that the Davis-Cooper administration has for Downtown, Nassau. I come in peace.
Last week in the House of Assembly I voiced my displeasure about the state of Downtown, Nassau and I called it an embarrassment. And I know that many of you feel the same way. As an owner of property Downtown myself, I am intimately familiar with the challenges facing downtown as well as the progress, slow though it may be, that has been made.
Successive governments and the Downtown Nassau Partnership have worked in tandem over the years to try and transform the city center into what we now have. But the time for incremental change has come and gone.
We have seen progress in the refinishing of sidewalks, the investment in art on abandoned buildings and a focus on a police presence during the daytime hours. But the fact remains that the private sector is not redeveloping downtown rapidly, and indeed often standing in the way of progress.
For years we have had incentives for development downtown, and while that has borne some fruit, there is no question that the growth of downtown pales in comparison with the escalating number of cruise ship passengers who are brought to the Port of Nassau. Now we stand on the cusp of something new.
There is more than $200 million being invested in the new port that see it become one of the nicest, most modern ports in the region. The expansion of cruise ship berths and the loosening of restrictions on cruise ship occupancy means that we could see days with more than 20,000 cruise ship visitors brought to our shores multiple times per week. The difficulty has become getting them off the boats and to spend money downtown.
In addition that the port, we have the United States investing $300 million in a state of the art embassy that will change the landscape of Shirley Street and East Street.
In addition to that, we have a new Central Bank building that will cost well over $100 million that will begin construction soon and will further transform downtown.
In addition to that, the government of The Bahamas intends to construct a new Cabinet building downtown before the end of this term in government.
We are looking at over $700 million in investment into the downtown area in the next few years alone. Add to that The Pointe, and we would be looking at close to a billion dollars in investment. However, this will still not be enough to transform one of the busiest ports of entry in the region. Our tourism is rebounding strongly. Despite our challenges we still consider ourselves the leaders in the region.
The vibrancy of downtown should be the story our visitors tell to their friends and family when they return home. It should be a must visit destination in the Caribbean that serve as the bridge between Atlantis and Baha Mar, two of the most famous and meticulously constructed resorts in the world.
Downtown should be a memorable, authentic and safe journey stretching west to Arawak Cay, which is also being targeted for redevelopment, all the way east to Potter’s Cay Dock, also on the government’s drawing board for redevelopment. Yet it is still “on the drawing board”. Just this past weekend we had six ships in port, on a single day.
There were thousands of guests here and I often hear taxi drivers and vendors tell me how embarrassed they are to have tourists walk past Victoria Avenue going east to see the raft of abandoned buildings, overgrown spaces and desolate areas that scream for guests to speed past as opposed to enjoying the local fare.
It is the one area we get consistent complaints about.
It is poorly maintained and not adequately managed.
It was thought that moving the various waterfront ports would spur development of living spaces, a boardwalk, restaurants and shops, but that dream has stalled.
I have often heard that buildings that are neither pleasing to the eye nor functional to the city are protected as historical sites, and that may require laws being amended. I am told that outdated building covenants that limit the height of structures are also an impediment. I foreshadow that, that will require adjustment as well.
But given what we have seen with the The Pointe and with other buildings, we can clearly see that exceptions can be made in the greater move toward progress.
As far as our vagrancy issues downtown, those are being addressed by the police and through amendments to the Mental Health Act that will be coming. Harassment by those who may be mentally ill and/or have substance abuse issues is not something Bahamians or visitors desire. And we certainly do not want to tell the world that we allow people who may be a danger to themselves and others exist without help outside the gaze of a government mandated to provide order. We will get them compassionate care in a safe place. Bay Street is not that place.
I addition to a cleaner downtown, we also want downtown with spaces for small businesses and spaces for larger businesses.
The Small Business Development Centre and the Tourism Development Corporation are already being positioned to aid in this transformation. We plan to make certain that Nassau Cruise Port has a transparent process for engaging Bahamian entrepreneurs to operate and have ample opportunity to experience the coming economic growth.
We plan to establish business incubation centers east of Bay Street with shared office spaces like the Incudesk model as well as a high-end authentically Bahamian marketplace.
In the House, I announced a plan to work with the Ministry of Works, the police, the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of the Prime Minister to tackle these issues head-on. We will have a collaborative inter-ministerial approach. I also pledged to meet with you to discuss the way forward.
I want to be clear that though I seek the way forward to be one of mutually beneficial partnership, the thrust of this administration is first and foremost progress. And we are not willing to sacrifice progress pursuing partnerships that will not bear fruit. There is no chance that we allow the status quo to remain. Always, we will try to work together to move our nation forward. But governments have a responsibility to act in the national interest, even if that is not to the liking of a few.
There are multiple tools in the government’s arsenal to address compliance, but our first tool will always be diplomacy. And what is good for downtown is good for the economy of The Bahamas. Downtown is historic and its parameters well defined in the law. A raft of legislation exists in the form of concessions to aid this redevelopment. As I said, there is no need to reinvent the wheel.
We have had multiple studies on the redevelopment of downtown, and the government will also engage the public for ideas. We will implement a sustained plan that will out last me as Minister and beyond the 5-year political cycle. But consensus among property is not required for the government to lead the way forward. Our city center is no longer a hub for merchant ports. And it is no longer the epicenter of retail commerce it once was. But the fact remains that there is money to be made downtown.
For artists and artisans, for those directly in the tourism business, for existing property owners and many, many others. If you are not interested in being in business in the downtown area, this administration fully understands that. But we want to work together. Therefore, this is why I make this call to action. But disinterest cannot translate into inaction.
If we cannot figure out how to entertain and attract millions of visitors to spend on their vacations with a safe, diverse, dynamic and varied experience that changes and grows more interesting and more inviting over time, then we do not understand the business that we are in.
Downtown needs to become the calling card of The Bahamas, not continue to be a point of national shame. There is a sense of urgency in implementing the action plans outlined in our Blue Print for Change. It’s our commitment to you, as we govern on behalf of all.
As Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, I am daily confronted with the issues: maintaining the infrastructure, Cleaning Streets and sidewalks, Improved Signage, Addressing Poor Lighting, The Enhancement and enforcement of penal code as they relate to loitering, solicitation, illegal vendors, and illicit activities. The Government intends to do its part. We will apply existing laws to manage downtown and introduce new ones where necessary to have it restored, kept clean and provide a unique experience for our visitors and Bahamians.
Government will look at work with the DNP to establish a statutorily empowered PPP entity to manage downtown. We have been meeting with Cruise Line Partners to strongly emphasize the imperative to model exceptional partnerships to increase their calls on the Port of Nassau, incentivize more passengers to come off vessels, work with the TDC to enhance and support our tours and local offerings, which will largely result in increased visitor spend on shore and on Bay Street. They have given us their word.
We need you to repair your buildings and paint them. Revamp your store fronts. Ensure the removal of garbage. Adhere to signage guidelines and remedy derelict and abandoned buildings. We don’t need to wait. I urge you to act.
I would be remiss, if I did not also applaud the work of our own Tourism Sites and Facilities Department, who rose to the occasion during the reopening of our sector to ensure that Bay Street, and more specifically Pompey, Pirates and Raswon Square was ready to receive residents and visitors.
I am hopeful that will come together with greater frequency, and share ideas, innovations and make inputs to ensure our collective success.
We must propel our nation on the path to recovery, on the journey to economic restoration and to truly make it, “Better in The Bahamas” for all of us.
Bahamas News
National Reference Lab being restored and strengthened to ensure quality and reliability of health data and early warnings of health threats
By Betty Vedrine
Bahamas information Services
NASSAU, The Bahamas — The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) has new leadership. Commander Dr. Raymond King, with 38 years of RBDF service, passed the baton to Captain Floyd P. Moxey during an official ceremony held at the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Coral Harbour Base on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Captain Moxey assumed the position of ninth Commander Defence Force.
In attendance were Governor General, Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Cynthia Pratt; Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Philip Davis; Minister of National Security, the Hon. Wayne Munroe; cabinet ministers, senators, justices and senior government officials.
Prime Minister Davis thanked Commodore King for his long service and said that Commodore King has been an outstanding contributor to
the nation and wished him well in his future endeavors. He commended Commodore King for leading the nation through several crises, including Hurricane Dorian, unrest in Haiti, and the COVID-19 Pandemic.
He welcomed Captain Moxey and said that he epitomized the essence of what a public servant should be.
“Captain Moxey is, in many ways, what public service ought to look like — not glamorous, not boastful, but honest, professional, thoughtful,” said Mr. Davis. “He started out as a marine mechanic in Mangrove Cay, Andros, worked his way up across 40 years of service, mastering technical operations, legal frameworks, and the complex workings of a national security policy.” The Prime Minister said that history was also being made as for the first time ever, the new Commander will be supported by two deputies, both of whom are females.
Outgoing Commander King thanked his staff, colleagues and family for their support over the course of his career. “As I exit the highest office in this distinguished military, I do so with a sense of pride in the work that we have accomplished together,” he said, describing his leadership style as defined by professionalism, fairness, and service to the public.” Delivering a personal tribute was his wife, retired Force Chief Petty Officer Fredricka King, who serenaded him with the hit, “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman musical.
Commander Moxey noted his work began immediately with addressing the fleet, which is currently running at just 65 percent capacity — far below the 85 percent target.
“Our operations must be intelligence-driven and forward-looking,” he said. To this end, he pledged to boost patrol rotations, set up small boat stations in key locations, and ensure personnel are well-supported and mission-ready.
Plans were also announced to introduce a family support event and expand welfare programmes. An anonymous feedback system, he said, will give marines and staff a safe channel to raise concerns, reinforcing internal transparency and trust.
“To strengthen capabilities, the RBDF will pursue long-term maintenance contracts, adopt a predictive supply model, and invest in training
for pilots, mechanics, and unmanned aerial vehicle operators.” He confirmed that four new safe boats will soon be commissioned, stationed alongside coastal radar systems to expand surveillance coverage.
“The growing instability in Haiti, where gang violence and political turmoil have displaced tens of thousands, has pushed regional governments — including The Bahamas — to bolster border controls and intelligence operations.” Consequently, Commodore Moxey said the RBDF will deepen partnerships with regional allies like the Turks and Caicos Islands, focusing on intelligence sharing and formal agreements to better manage migrant activity.
He added that a new entry of 150 personnel in May will help address manpower needs.
Commodore Moxey is a distinguished Bahamian military professional and legal expert, with over four decades of experience in various agencies including the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Ministry of National Security.
Born in Mangrove Cay, Andros, he joined the RBDF in January 1982. He earned a Bachelor of Laws (LLB Hons.) in 2008 from the University of Wolverhampton and a Certificate of Legal Education from the Eugene Dupuch Law School in May 2011. Four months later, he was called to the Bahamas Bar and was subsequently seconded to the Office of the Attorney General.
In 2017, Commodore Moxey returned to the RBDF and became Staff Officer, Legal Affairs. In October 2021, he was appointed Legal Counsel to the Ministry of National Security. He is an active member of Saint Francis Xavier Cathedral. Married to Theresa Sturrup, Commodore Moxey is the proud father of three children — Marcus, Maurice and Theresa, and a proud grandparent.
The ceremony also included Medal Presentations, Three Cheers/Gun Salute for the outgoing Commander and Inaugural Salute to the incoming Commander, the Presentation of Sword and Commander Defence Force Pennant, and a March Past. The RBDF Band provided entertainment.
A reception followed on the grounds.
(BIS Photos/Letisha Henderson)
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