Bahamas News
Government to break ground for new GB airport in early 2023
#GrandBahama, The Bahamas, January 8, 2023 – Government is in the final phase of negotiations with the selected bidder for a new international airport for Grand Bahama with a groundbreaking scheduled for the first quarter of 2023.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, the Hon. Chester Cooper making the
announcement Monday, January 2, 2023 at the rededication of the Domestic Terminal of the Grand Bahama International Airport.
“I am happy to tell you that we have selected the winning bidder for the new airport development, which includes a consortium of Bahamians and a world-class international airport operator. We are currently in the final phase of negotiations and we will be in a position to make an announcement very soon,” Minister Cooper said.
The terminal was destroyed by Hurricane Dorian in 2019.
DPM Cooper flew into the nation’s second city on Monday for the official reopening and rededication ceremony.
United Orca Construction Company was awarded the $1.2million contract to perform the airport renovations.
Representatives from the Freeport Airport Development Company (FADC), Ministry of Tourism, Bahamas Customs, Ministry for Grand Bahama and the Grand Bahama Port Authority.
Minister Cooper said the refurbished terminal will serve as a sign of what is to come for the island.
“Since coming to office, we have worked assiduously to put Grand Bahama on a path for rebound after Dorian and after COVID and after many years of a depressed economy,” he said.
Grand Bahama has a great product, Minister Cooper said, while pointing out, however, that its entryways and accommodations need to be in place to truly make the island shine as one of the country’s finest destinations.
Since the formation of the FADC, government has made significant progress on the redevelopment of the
international airport and has set in place covenants to have Phase I completed by early 2025.
The minister of tourism said the government has worked tirelessly to increase cruise and aircraft arrivals to Grand Bahama and airlift and cruise arrivals have dramatically increased over the past year.
“We believe that 2023 is going to be a great year,” Minister Cooper said, while revealing that international seat capacity for Grand Bahama had increased by 80 percent in November 2022, compared to the same time period in 2019.
International direct flights have been added to Grand Bahama from Charlotte via American Airlines; Ft. Lauderdale via Bahamasair and Silver Airways; Miami via American Airlines; Orlando and Raleigh/Durham via Bahamasair; and Montreal and Toronto via Sunwing.
New airlift from Atlanta, Tampa, and Italy is also projected for Grand Bahama.
Cruise arrivals have also seen a more than150 percent increase in comparison to 2019.
“I bore you with the details because I want you to appreciate that the recovery is real. We have the evidence and we see no sign of slowing down. We have new developments and we’re working every day to tell the world about Grand Bahama and to direct them here as one of our 15 magnificent island destinations,” Minister Cooper said.
Armed with evidence of a tourism and investment rebound, the minister pointed out that the goal is for that rebound to be consistent with what residents in Grand Bahama see on the ground and vendors feel in their pockets.
“We are sensitive to your needs and the fact that your expectations have been dashed before,” he said. “I come with the evidence to tell you that we continue to work to ensure that we deliver for you. You deserve the very best and we
will spare no effort to see that you have just that.”
Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey, while bringing remarks, said the airport is a key component in the recovery and rebuilding of Grand Bahama’s economy and a gateway to the island for residents and visitors.
She added that the refurbishment of the terminal is a step in the right direction, illustrates progress and is another win for the nation’s second city.
“We should be celebrating small wins. We should celebrate every win because for a very long time there was little to brag about,” Minister Moxey said.
The delegation was given a tour of the refurbished facility following the brief ceremony.
Captions:
Header: The renovated Domestic Terminal at the Grand Bahama International Airport is now open for business following the rededication ceremony on Monday, January 2, 2023. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, the Hon. Chester Cooper travelled to Grand Bahama for the event. Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey and representatives from the Freeport Airport Development Company (FADC), Ministry of Tourism, Bahamas Customs, Ministry for Grand Bahama and the Grand Bahama Port Authority were also in attendance.
1st insert: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, the Hon. Chester Cooper said on Monday, January 2, 2023 the renovated Domestic Terminal and the Grand Bahama International Airport is a sign of what is to come for the island.
2nd insert: President of the Grand Bahama Christian Council Rev. Kenneth Lewis performing the blessing on the refurbished Domestic Terminal and the Grand Bahama International Airport during the rededication ceremony on Monday, January 2, 2023.
3rd insert: Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey said the refurbishment and reopening of the Domestic Terminal and the Grand Bahama International Airport on Monday, January 2, 2023 signifies another win for Grand Bahama.
BIS Photos/Andrew Miller
Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
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