Abaco, Bahamas – The Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources has announced the delivery of a brand-new tractor for farmers on Abaco.

This critical piece of equipment was a focal point of discussion during a recent town hall meeting hosted by, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Hon. Jomo Campbell and key officials from the Ministry.

The town hall, held at the Friends of the Environment building in Marsh Harbour, provided a platform for local farmers and fishers to voice their concerns and needs. One of the most pressing issues raised by farmers was the lack of access to essential farming equipment, particularly tractors.

“We have a tractor presently at the dock in Nassau that has been earmarked for Abaco,” Minister Campbell shared. “It’s a great feeling to know that we have recognized their needs and met them.”

The arrival of the tractor is expected to significantly enhance farming operations on the island, providing much-needed support to farmers as they continue to recover from the impacts of Hurricane Dorian.

Minister Campbell added, “I can definitely say that the passion for agriculture and fisheries is still alive here in the Abacos.

“We accept the fact that there is still more work to do, but the beauty of it all is that our hardworking farmers and fishers are willing to help us along the way,” he said.

This initiative is part of the government’s broader plan to strengthen agricultural production across The Bahamas, helping reduce reliance on imported goods and promoting local food security.

The announcement underscores the Ministry’s commitment to addressing the needs of Abaco’s farming community, marking an important step forward in boosting local agriculture.

Daphne DeGregory-Mialous, co-owner of Abaco Neem Farm, said, “I thought the meeting was excellent and timely.

“We haven’t had an agricultural town hall meeting since Hurricane Dorian. So, it was very much needed.”

DeGregory-Mialous added that she’s most excited about the minister’s energy.

“The entire team seems to have a new vigor – a younger approach. They seem to be taking action. So, that’s encouraging,” she said.

Earlier this year, the Ministry donated a new tractor with equipment and a new patrol vessel to Cat Island.

Minister Campbel said he intends to continue visiting family island farmers and fishers until he’s confident that their pertinent needs are met across the archipelago.

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.