Bahamas News
Government and Baha Mar sign $350 million Heads of Agreement for resort’s expansion
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, March 30, 2026 – The voice of a proud mother captured the spirit of a nation Monday night, as Bendra Rolle shared heartfelt reflections on the overwhelming Bahamian support for her son, VJ Edgecombe, during the Philadelphia 76ers matchup against the Miami Heat in Miami.
“The patriotic support and scenery at my son, VJ Edgecombe’s NBA game… was overwhelming,” Rolle said in a statement issued following the game. “The arena in Miami was lit. Bimini and the Bahamas showed up and showed out.”
Her words come amid what has already been widely described as a remarkable showing of national pride, with Bahamians traveling in large
numbers to South Florida to witness the young guard’s continued rise. For Rolle, however, the moment extended far beyond basketball.
“Beyond VJ’s basketball talents, I’m so moved by his magnetic personality and personal journey to inspire and excite an entire nation—our beloved Bahamas,” she said. “I thank God for VJ’s humility and for his hunger for greatness. He never forgets how far God has brought us.”
While the Sixers did not secure the win on the night, Edgecombe delivered a solid individual performance, finishing with 13 points and five assists. He made an early impact on the game, showing confidence and poise before foul trouble disrupted his rhythm, but still managed to leave his mark in meaningful minutes.
The game itself evolved into a cultural showcase, with Bahamian flags waving throughout the arena and chants ringing out in support of Edgecombe. Much of that presence was bolstered by a coordinated travel push from Bahamasair, which helped facilitate fan travel and added to the electric atmosphere in Miami.
Rolle said the emotional weight of the moment was deeply felt by her family, as they witnessed firsthand the unity and pride of the Bahamian people.
“Thanks and love for the tears and overwhelming joy on Monday, Bahamas,” she expressed. “The Bahamian flags were love, loud, and proud. On my own behalf, VJ, and the entire family, I am ever grateful for the indescribable experience.”
Her closing words underscored what many have described as the true victory of the night—not the final score, but the powerful display of national pride and support surrounding one of The Bahamas’ rising stars.
PHOTO BY SIXERS NATION
Bahamian pride is already on full display in South Florida, with fans arriving in strong numbers ahead of tonight’s highly anticipated NBA matchup featuring VJ Edgecombe and the Philadelphia 76ers.
Helping to power that movement was Bahamasair, which rolled out a strategic promotion to facilitate travel, turning the game into a full-scale national showing.
And the celebration started early.
A “Bahamas Invades Florida” pre-party over the weekend set the tone, with Bahamian fans, DJs and supporters converging in Fort
Lauderdale to build momentum ahead of the game. The event, marketed as a major cultural gathering, has spilled into Miami, where a strong Bahamian presence is expected inside the arena tonight.
This is no ordinary road game.
The Sixers enter the matchup healthy and are favoured to win, adding to the anticipation surrounding what many expect to be a standout performance by the Biminite guard.
Edgecombe, the third overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has been electric in his rookie season — delivering high-scoring performances and quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s most exciting young talents.
But beyond the stats, it’s the moment that matters.
With South Florida just a short flight away, Bahamians have seized the opportunity to show up in force — flags, energy and all — transforming the game into something far bigger than basketball.
A national turnout.
A rising star.
And a night where the Bahamas is expected to be felt — from tip-off to final buzzer.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
The Bahamas, March 18, 2026 – Twenty days into the latest Middle East escalation, the United Nations is warning the conflict is spreading beyond its original battlefield, as the death toll rises and governments around the world issue urgent travel advisories — including The Bahamas.
In a March 17 statement, the UN Secretary-General’s office said the war must stop and called for all Security Council resolutions to be respected, noting with concern that countries in the Gulf continue to be targeted, raising fears of a wider regional confrontation.
The current round of fighting began February 28 with strikes involving the United States, Israel and Iranian-linked forces, followed by missile and drone attacks across Iraq, Lebanon and parts of the Gulf.
International monitors report more than 1,300 people killed in Iran alone, with additional casualties reported in Lebanon, Israel and Gulf states. U.S. officials confirm at least 13 American service members have died since the escalation began, while reports indicate additional senior Iranian military leaders were killed in recent strikes.
Despite the growing violence, several NATO countries including the United Kingdom, France and Germany have not joined offensive operations, instead calling for diplomacy to prevent the conflict from widening.
The Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also issued a travel advisory, warning Bahamian nationals to avoid travel to Israel, Palestine, Iran and Lebanon and to reconsider travel across much of the Gulf region due to the risk of sudden escalation, flight disruptions and security threats.
Officials say Bahamians already in the region should remain vigilant and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
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