By LINDSAY THOMPSON
Bahamas Information Services

NASSAU, The Bahamas –– The Government of The Bahamas and Baha Mar entered into a Heads of Agreement for a $350 million expansion of the resort on Cable Beach.

It was deemed “a big day for tourism and investments” in the country, as it also marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Baha Mar.

The agreement was signed during a press conference held on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at Baha Mar’s Rosewood property.

In attendance were the Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; the Hon. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation; Secretary to the Cabinet Mrs. Nicole Campbell; Phylicia Woods-Hanna, Director of Investments; Graeme Davis, President of Baha Mar; Robert ‘Sandy’ Sands, Baha Mar Senior Vice-President; and other officials.

“Today’s signing is a clear indication of the strength and resilience of our tourism industry and economy and a reminder of the opportunities ahead,” said Prime Minister Davis. “Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Baha Mar, one that underscores the strength of our nation’s tourism industry and its incredible potential.”

He observed that the expansion of Baha Mar, with its continued investment in the development of Cable Beach, is a shining example of how the country continues to attract significant global investment.

“This project represents a commitment to the ongoing growth of our economy and the enduring confidence investors have in The Bahamas.”

From developing a new condominium-hotel complex to expanding world-class amenities, this expansion will further elevate Baha Mar’s already outstanding reputation as a premier destination.  Baha Mar plans to add a 4th luxury resort as the next phase of its continued development: the groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for 2026 with a projected opening in 2029. It will engage a workforce of about 400 at construction site, and 500 employed upon completion.

Designed by internationally recognized architect and designers Foster + Partners, the resort will be situated on 12 beachfront acres where Melia Nassau Beach resort once stood.  It will feature 350 rooms and 50 luxury branded residences overlooking the turquoise waters of Cable Beach. Amenities will include four new restaurants, a 14,000 square-foot world-class spa and fitness centre, luxury retailers, pools, and additional family amenities.

The new hotel will also feature 25,000 square-feet of dedicated indoor and outdoor event space, a 10,000 square-foot ballroom, 6,000 square-foot junior ballroom, and entertainment lounges.

These initiatives will aim to enhance guest experiences and create hundreds of new jobs for Bahamians, ensuring that Baha Mar continues to be a key driver of economic success.

“This dawn of a new chapter for Baha Mar is a signal to the world that The Bahamas is open for business, ready to embrace new opportunities, and steadfast in our vision of sustainable growth.

“Baha Mar’s continued growth is a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved through true partnership,” the prime minister said.

He added that the expansion reaffirms the strength of the government’s relationship with CTF BM Holdings and its parent company, highlighting their deep-rooted commitment to the country’s development.

“Let this be a model for future projects — where collaboration, mutual respect, and shared goals can unlock extraordinary potential,” he said.

Tourism Minister Cooper called it a “transformative announcement”, and that Baha Mar has already provided a significant boost to the local tourism product over the past seven years.

He said this speaks to the “long-term commitment” by a significant corporate citizen that the nation is poised for prosperity, and that it was “a big day for tourism and investments.”

Baha Mar’s Graeme Davis, too, underscored the importance of the expansion project to the Bahamian economy.

“Baha Mar is committed to creating spectacular experiences and this $350 million capital investment in our world-class resort collection underscores Baha Mar’s role as a catalyst for continued economic growth and job creation in The Bahamas,” Mr. Davis said, adding that Baha Mar was grateful to the government for its continued support and the collaborative partnership in bringing about this new development.

In conclusion, the prime minister said, “Friends, we are entering a brave new era.  An era defined by the remarkable investments we see today and the full maximization of Bahamian potential.

“While we celebrate the expansion of Baha Mar and welcome new investments, what matters most to me is ensuring that Bahamians are not just participants, but leaders in our tourism industry,” he said.

PHOTO CAPTIONS

BIS Photos/Kemuel Stubbs

Header: The Government and Baha Mar entered into a Heads of Agreement for a $350 million expansion of the resort on Cable Beach. The agreement was signed during a press conference held on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at Rosewood, Baha Mar.  Pictured from left: the Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; Phylicia Woods-Hanna, Director of Investments; Secretary to the Cabinet, Nicole Campbell; Graeme Davis, President of Baha Mar; Alistair Chisnall, Partner, GrahamThompson; Sandy Sands, Baha Mar Senior Vice-President; and the Hon. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation.

1st insert: The Government and Baha Mar entered into a Heads of Agreement for a $350 million expansion of the resort on Cable Beach. The agreement was signed during a press conference held on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at the Rosewood property.   Pictured left to right: Phylicia Woods-Hanna, Director of Investments; the Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; Secretary to the Cabinet, Nicole Campbell; Graeme Davis, President of Baha Mar; Sandy Sands, Baha Mar Senior Vice-President; and the Hon. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation.

2nd insert: Government and Baha Mar officials arrive for the signing of a Heads of Agreement for a $350 million expansion of the resort on Cable Beach.  The HOA was signed during a press conference, September 18, 2024 at Rosewood, Baha Mar.   Pictured from left are the Hon. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation; the Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; and Graeme Davis, President of Baha Mar.

3rd insert: The Hon. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation looks at the renderings of the expansion of Baha Mar.

The Bahamas, September 20, 2024 – The Ministry of Health & Wellness (MoHW) today commissioned ten (10) new ambulances to be deployed to various Family Islands, with an additional five (5) expected to arrive in the coming days.  The deployment will commence this October.  The emergency vehicles which are equipped with the latest medical features meet global safety standards and offer emergency medical technicians the opportunity to provide secure and efficient services during emergency transit.

Prime Minister the Honourable Philip Davis and Minister of Health & Wellness, the Honourable Michael R. Darville were present to conduct the inspection. The Prime Minister stated, “My government is seeking to strike the balance between major developments throughout the country and adequate and equitable healthcare for all.”

Procured through a loan with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), as a part of the MoHW-IDB Project Execution Unit’s Programme to support the Health System Strengthening of The Bahamas, the ambulances were purchased for $1.4 million dollars from Spain-based manufacturer, Technove.

Minister Darville, emphasized the importance of this initiative and the Ministry’s dedication to providing quality healthcare for all Bahamians stating, “The commissioning of these emergency vehicles is a central step in enhancing our healthcare infrastructure and ensuring that all Bahamians throughout the islands have access to emergency medical services.”

This initiative is a part of a wider collaborative effort to transform the healthcare sector by providing modern, integrated, people centered services throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas so that the pathway to health is improved for all Bahamians.

By LLONELLA GILBERT
Bahamas Information Services

NASSAU, The Bahamas — The EducationUSA Bahamas Advising Center was officially opened at The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) on Thursday, September 5, 2024, to help students throughout the country have personalized access to free, accurate, current and comprehensive information about US tertiary institutions.

Minister of Education & Technical and Vocational Training the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin thanked the US government for opening up the Center to help residents achieve the goal of going to a tertiary institution in the US.

The Education Minister said during a recent trip to Cuba, she learned that high school is called “pre-university”.

She noted that many students in The Bahamas believe that after high school, they should go out and work.

She said, “While there is nothing wrong with that, the secondary school experience should be seen as a launching pad for something more, further and greater.  We want our young people to see themselves in that way.

“We want to encourage our young people, all of them going through high school, that they are in pre-university.  It is just the launching pad for more that is out there for them.”

The Minister added that students should not only see their individual potential, but also come back home after going to a tertiary institution abroad to help build national capacity.

President, BTVI, Dr. Linda Davis; US Chargé d’Affaires, Kimberly Furnish; EducationUSA Regional Manager for North America, Central America and the Caribbean, Giselle Dubinsky; Public Affairs Officer/US Embassy, Suemayah Abu-Douleh also attended the opening.

Dr. Davis said the use of the Center is not limited to BTVI students.  “Bahamians and residents throughout The Bahamas wishing to study in the US should consider EducationUSA at BTVI as their official source of information.”

She explained that in 2019, BTVI and the US Embassy signed a Memorandum of Understanding, agreeing to establish the Center on BTVI’s main campus.

“The Center was operationalized in 2023 and today we celebrate its inauguration.  BTVI is pleased to finally reach this milestone and join the global network of over 400 EducationUSA Advising Centers, tasked with facilitating much needed guidance and support for students wishing to matriculate to a US institution.”

The US Chargé d’Affaires said EducationUSA aims to make opportunities to study at US tertiary institutions more accessible to students by providing them with the guidance and resources they need to pursue their academic dreams in the US.

She also explained that part of the mission of the Center is to ensure that students choose tertiary institutions that are accredited.

“The Center will serve as a hub for students, parents and educators seeking information about US higher education.  Our advisor Breann Marshall is here to assist every step of the way from selecting the right institution to understanding the VISA requirements.”

PHOTO CAPTION

BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna

Header : Ribbon Cutting

The EducationUSA Bahamas Advising Center was officially opened at The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) on Thursday, September 5, 2024, to help students throughout the country obtain personalized access to free, accurate, current and comprehensive information about US tertiary institutions.  US Chargé d’Affaires, Kimberly Furnish and Minister of Education & Technical and Vocational Training the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin performed the ceremonial ribbon-cutting.

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Advisor, The EducationUSA Bahamas Advising Center, Breann Marshall (centre) shows Minister of Education & Technical and Vocational Training the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin and US Chargé d’Affaires, Kimberly Furnish around the Center.