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Minister Moxey says investor confidence in Grand Bahama is strong

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FREEPORT, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas — Addressing some important initiatives and developments that are shaping the future of Grand Bahama, Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey said she was pleased to report that on-going investments on the island demonstrates strong investor confidence in the potential of the Grand Bahamian economy.

Her update also provided insight and information on various opportunities which she anticipates will have a positive impact on the lives of residents of the island.

“The recent developments and investments that have taken place on the island are a testament to the commitment to investments to creating a thriving business environment on Grand Bahama,” said Minister Moxey, during the Office of the Prime Minister’s Weekly Press Briefing, in the conference room of the Ministry of Grand Bahama on Thursday, May 18, 2023.

Minister Moxey pointed to projects like the proposed redevelopment of the Grand Bahama International Airport, the new owners of the former Equinor Terminal, a number of new Resorts expected to come online, as well as a number of local investor companies.

“The Carnival Cruise Port is proceeding very well,” said Minister Moxey. “We get monthly updates on the project and I’m excited about the development taking place there. It’s pretty much on schedule. The Investment of O2 in the Lucayan area is proceeding very well. The land has been cleared and infrastructure is in place. That’s going to create additional opportunities for our people in terms of employment. The Sixth Sense Resort is also on the way and they’re committed to building this in the Discovery Bay area. It will enhance the island’s tourism offering.

“The consistent airline arrivals are encouraging. We have some more work to do, but with the restoration of the new airport, that is expected to increase the numbers. I’m pleased that we are almost there at pre-Dorian, pre-pandemic numbers.

“Equinor was sold to Levithon and it is exciting what’s going to be happening there within two months, during which time there will be some three hundred people on that site with lots of construction for the redevelopment of that industry.”

Minister Moxey said the projects represent diverse assets in the island’s tourism, health care infrastructure and renewable energy sectors. She said she’s committed to creating an environment that supports and encourages such investments in the island’s economy.

“I am committed to working tirelessly to ensure that our island thrives,” she added. “I also want to ensure that our people thrive as well.  So, the question is ‘how do we lift our people up along with the projects and investments? How do we create entrepreneurial opportunities for our people?’

“Together, let us embrace these opportunities and build strong partnerships, as we continue to recover, rebuild and revolutionize Grand Bahama.”

In addition to direct foreign investment, Minister Moxey revealed that the government is taking the initiative to promote the positive opportunities which are available in Grand Bahama. The Minister pointed to several promotion trips and missions which the government have embarked upon recently in North Carolina, Charlotte, Ottawa and Canada, touting the investment opportunities that exist in The Bahamas, Grand Bahama in particular.

“But we’ve been focusing on innovation,” added Minister Moxey. “In our Blueprint for Change we promised that the Digital 700 would herald transformational opportunities, including new jobs, new services, new industries, and new markets. We’ve also committed to focusing on attracting investment and industry across all sectors. To equip and engage with our embassies, consulates, and the diaspora to assist with promotions. To partner with international organizations for business cultural tourism, educational and humanitarian exchanges. And to advance the Bahamas as a digital society inclusive of smart technology.

“That’s business tourism, agri-tourism, edu-tourism, heritage and film tourism, executive education and smart cities. We formed a partnership in Ottawa with what is called Hub 350 in the development of our own Innovation Hub.”

Minister Moxey spoke of an upcoming trade and investment mission that is in collaboration with the Caribbean Export Development Agency. It will be held in Ghana and in Lagos, Nigeria. Minister Moxey, who will be travelling with other Government officials on these missions, will be presenting the significant opportunities that Grand Bahama possesses. It will allow the Government of the Bahamas to forge strong trade ties and explore potential investments between Ghana, Nigeria, and The Bahamas.

According to Minister Moxey, this relationship opportunity with Africa is very important for The Bahamas.

“The opportunities in Grand Bahama are endless,” added Minister Moxey. “We are strategically located so close to the state of Florida; we have a major trans-shipment terminal; we have distribution and logistics capabilities; we have a free trade zone in this area, so we’re very attractive for investments. We have identified Grand Bahama Island as the home of maritime and logistics, which it has been for a very long time, but it is also the home of entertainment and the home of innovation.

“As a result, we are supposed to be innovating. We’re supposed to be piloting a lot of these projects that will take The Bahamas to the next level. I believe the opportunities in Grand Bahama have not been tapped into the way they should be.”

(BIS Photo)

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Bahamas Officials in Botswana

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Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

 

#Bahamas#Botswana, March 18th, 2024 – Prime Minister of The Bahamas Philip Davis is now in Botswana from March 18 to the 22, invited by Botswana’s president  Mokgweetsi Masisi, and both nations, according to The Bahamas Office of the Prime Minister, are expected to sign agreements for trade, education, tourism, investment, banking and climate change in efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties. The Bahamian officials accompanying Davis are the Minister of Foreign Affairs; Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training; Minister of Economic Affairs; Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture and Parliamentary Secretary of Tourism, Investment and Aviation.

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RBDF Operation Strengthens Maritime Security Amidst Regional Turmoil

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Defence Headquarters, 17 MAR. ’24: A joint operation between the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) led to the apprehension of 50 Haitian migrants approximately 5 nautical miles west of Bell Island on Saturday, March 16th.

The operation was initiated following the initial sighting of a sailing vessel, believed to be of Haitian origin, 8 miles southwest of Staniel Cay in the Exumas. RBDF swiftly deployed air and surface assets stationed at Matthew Town Inagua, supported by Police officials in Staniel Cay who verified the sighting. The migrants were intercepted by RBDF personnel stationed at the Land and Sea Park, Wardrick Wells Exuma, and subsequently handed over to the safe boat crew. They are currently under apprehension pending further investigation, with the imminent arrival of HMBS Rolly Gray.

In response to the ongoing instability in Haiti, Commodore Raymond King has announced the implementation of a strategic blockade in the southern Bahamas. This initiative includes the deployment of six surface vessels, one aircraft, and 120 highly skilled RBDF personnel. Patrol operations will be concentrated in critical areas such as the northern coast of Haiti, the Old Bahama Channel, and the Windward Passage, with the aim of deterring unauthorized entry attempts and preserving maritime security in the region.

The effectiveness of these decisive measures is evident, with recent apprehensions totaling 247 individuals by the RBDF. Commodore Raymond E. King emphasizes the commitment to bolstering maritime security through collaborative efforts with regional partners and local law enforcement agencies.

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains committed to safeguarding the nation’s borders and territorial integrity, working collaboratively with regional partners.

(For further information please contact the RBDF Public Relations Department or visit our website: www.rbdf.gov.bs, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and view our Youtube channel)

-rbdf-

#GuardOurHeritage

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CIBC CARIBBEAN and Bahamas Girl Guides Association host inaugural Delaney Leadership Seminar

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Nassau, Bahamas, February 28, 2024 – Enthusiastic girl guides, ranger guides, and girls representing schools across The Bahamas recently gathered at the first ever Delaney Leadership Seminar.

The seminar, named in honor of CIBC FirstCaribbean’s (now CIBC Caribbean) first female chief executive officer, Ms. Colette Delaney, empowered the next generation of female leaders through focused sessions on leadership development, cultivating a leadership mindset, and the importance of building strong, supportive friendships. 

The event featured a series of team building exercises, interactive discussions, and a keynote address by Dr. Jacqui Bend, CIBC Caribbean’s Managing Director. Dr. Bend shared insights on the essence of leadership, guiding principles, and emphasized the role of young women in shaping a vibrant future for The Bahamas and beyond.

“It was a privilege to witness the incredible energy and budding potential of the young leaders that participated. Leadership is not just about guiding others; it’s about inspiring action and fostering an environment where everyone can thrive. The Delaney Leadership Seminar is a testament to CIBC Caribbean’s commitment to nurturing young, bright minds and equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to lead with purpose and passion,” said Dr. Bend.

Held under the theme, Our World, Our Bahamas, Our Thriving Future, the seminar underscored the importance of lifelong learning, perseverance, empathy, and collaboration in leadership, among other guiding principles. Dr. Bend highlighted the strides already being made by the participants and encouraged them to continue exploring their potential and envisioning their roles in creating positive change within their communities and the wider world.

Delina Rolle, a tenth-grade participant and aspiring lawyer from Preston H. Albury High School in Eleuthera, shared, “This seminar has been a life-changing experience for me. Hearing Dr. Bend’s success story and her tips were inspiring for me as a young girl trying to be a leader. I am happy I was selected by my school’s administration to attend and connect with so many amazing girls who share my dreams of making a difference.”

The Delaney Leadership Seminar has set a new benchmark for youth leadership programs in The Bahamas. The event concluded with a commitment from both CIBC Caribbean and the Bahamas Girl Guides Association (BGGA) to continue their support for youth leadership initiatives. 

In 2022, CIBC FirstCaribbean donated to the BGGA to assist in completing the interior of its $1.5 million, West Bay Street headquarters, which will feature meeting rooms, office spaces, training areas, accommodations for girl guides visiting from other countries and other essential working areas.

It was at that time that Dr. Bend affirmed the bank’s commitment to support organizations that mirror the bank’s promise to assist women and girls in the communities it serves. Prior to that, the bank donated several native trees to BGGA, which were planted at its campsite, Camp Discovery, in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Housing’s Forestry Unit.

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