Bahamas News
Bahamas Learns of Royal Caribbean Investment Plan for Paradise Island, Shares to be offered
By Rashaed Esson
Staff Writer
#TheBahamas, March 16, 2023 – Royal Caribbean International is offering Bahamians a 49 per cent piece of a new investment planned for Paradise Island; it will not only mean a new amenity for the country but equity up for grabs says Michael Bayley, RCI’s CEO.
The beach club, announced with a 2025 opening date is expected to create hundreds of jobs for Bahamians during its construction. It will be in collaboration with the Bahamian Government as well as a public-private partnership, hence the 49 per cent cut that will be available to the Bahamian population.
Additionally, local business and entrepreneurs will have an added venue for enhancing visitors’ experience in the destination which attracts upwards of 30,000 cruise passengers a week. 
The Royal Caribbean Cruise Line beach club is set to have amazing 21st century private cabanas, and gorgeous swimming pools in addition to a genuine experience of the unique Bahamian culture.
Micheal Bayley, the President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, in a statement, highlighted a successful partnership with The Bahamas. He also shared his vision for the beach club and The Bahamas’ Tourism Industry.
“The Bahamas has been a phenomenal partner since the very start, when they became our first port of call more than 50 years ago. As we continue to bring millions of visitors to experience attractions throughout Nassau each year, The Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island is the next bold adventure in Royal Caribbean’s commitment to both increasing tourism in The Bahamas and delivering memorable vacations to our guests,” he stated.
Still the idea of this new development has been met with consternation.
In an effort to allay fears, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper said: “The government is satisfied that it has addressed previous objections to the project by ensuring much greater Bahamian participation at all phases of the construction and in the ongoing operations.”
Strong agitation is coming from political watchers who remind that the Philip Davis administration promised RCL would not qualify for Crown Land, from Save the Bays who decries the environmental impact and loss of more Crown Land to a foreign entity and Paradise Islands most expansive resident, Atlantis Resort which called the approval, “premature.”
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.
-
News1 week agoPolice say DNA confirmed identity of headless body
-
News1 week agoCarnival cruise port is open to others Cruise ships — Management
-
Caribbean News1 week agoSmart City Project a Testament to Innovation, Progressive – Dr. Morris Dixon
-
News3 days agoInvest TCI Hosts Successful Second Annual General Meeting at the Ritz Carlton
-
Finance1 week agoUK holds steady on interest rates
-
News1 week agoGrand Turk drops in Rank for Cruising, Port profits down; Still Optimism High after major meeting with Carnival
-
Caribbean News2 days agoJamaica declares DENGUE OUTBREAK; control measures amped up
-
News1 week agoEnvironmental Health Officers participate in Legionella Training