Bahamas News
Tourism Minister tells Washington investors it is still “Better in The Bahamas”
NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS — Addressing an Investment Forum in Washington DC, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Investments and Aviation the Hon. Chester Cooper said it is “Better in The Bahamas” when it comes to doing business.
“If you’re looking to do business and to invest, The Bahamas is better than ever before,” he said as he urged potential investors to take advantage of opportunities being rolled out by the Bahamas Government.
Deputy Prime Minister thanked Bahamas Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Wendall Jones for organizing this important event.
“This is a most progressive initiative. We are taking a monumental step today to forge progressive partnerships for the prosperity of our country:
Said differently, we are here to do business. We want to do business with you.”
The deputy prime minister, who was a businessman before entering politics, shared first-hand experience of doing business in The Bahamas which he described as “an amazing place” to do so.
“I quickly grasped a few basic principles as an entrepreneur: understand your market, create something of value, then market your product. Now, I carry those principles with me in government, as minister of tourism,” he said.
According to the minister, it is not incredibly difficult to sell a vacation to The Bahamas. He confirmed that the government is committed to providing the necessary support to help ensure investment is a success, through the one-stop facilitation of the Bahamas Investment Authority.
“We have a strong brand, but God has done most of the work in positioning the Islands of The Bahamas.”
He noted that the country’s beauty is incomparable and it’s easily accessible from major tourism markets – two hours from DC and 27 minutes from Miami.
“However, we still sell it and constantly work on strengthening that product. I’m also the minister of Investments. And if you think about it, that makes sense,” he said.
Many of the reasons tourists come to The Bahamas, are the reasons that investors should consider The Bahamas, according to the minister.
He noted the dollar parity with the United States, a stable democracy, and peaceful hospitable people. And, visa-free seamless travel from the US with Pre-Clearance and TSA checks.
“We have a strong growing economy that has allowed us to build modern infrastructure throughout our archipelago,” the minister said, adding that more direct flights are being scheduled between The Bahamas and the US.
The minister touted record tourism arrival numbers: in 2023 arrival of 10 million visitors which was an increase of more than 30 percent ahead of 2019 pre-pandemic levels. Already this year the country is seeing a 15 percent growth in overall arrivals, over the 2023 record.
He then shared recent policy initiatives aimed to make The Bahamas more attractive, reducing carbon footprints and enhancing environmental resilience.
This is being achieved through the National Investment Policy, which is designed to attract investment in alternative energy, green technology, eco-tourism and carbon credits.
“We are also advancing The Bahamas as a digital society, fully embracing smart technology and the digital economy,” he said.
Another area shared by the minister is progressive legislation benchmarked against international best practice including: Digital Assets and Registered Exchange Act, the Longevity and Regenerative Therapies Act, the Climate Change Initiative Act, the Carbon Credit Trading Act, and Cannabis measures.
“All innovative pieces of legislation that demonstrate our commitment to innovation and to revolutionizing our economy that open new vistas for our country, in a secure, transparent and well-regulated way,” he said.
In health care, finance, education, financial services and tourism, he said AI applications are vast and will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Bahamian economy.
The minister said another way to invest in The Bahamas is through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) that have been critical to the success of many government projects, and they remain a key strategy as in the continued building of infrastructure.
Of note, is the keen interest of the US Exim Bank and Chairman Reta Jo Lewis in supporting and funding US companies seeking to do business in The Bahamas, he shared.
“What I am saying is that we are open for business and in the last three years we have attracted more than $10 billion in new foreign direct investments.
“This includes a $600 million ship repair facility in Grand Bahama Island, capable of accommodating the largest ships in the world, and a $600 million cruise port by Carnival Cruise lines.”
He pointed out that the Family Islands Renaissance Project aims to modernize more than a dozen airports across the country, improving connectivity, boosting tourism, and creating jobs.
“We are building new hospitals and clinics, launching wellness and rejuvenation clinics and will have one the best healthcare systems in the Caribbean in the coming years,” the minister said.
(BIS Photos/Kemuel Stubbs)
January 20th, 2024 – Nassau, Bahamas – The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) proudly announces the release of its 2023-2024 Annual Impact Report, which documents key conservation milestones achieved from January 2023 to June 2024.
Highlights from the report include: completion of the BNT’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan – a comprehensive roadmap to guide the organization’s efforts over the next five years; the declaration of Seahorse National Park in Eleuthera as the country’s 33rd national park; advancements in critical scientific research and the creation of conservation plans aimed at protecting endangered species; major infrastructure improvements in national parks, enhancing visitor access and recreational opportunities; and new strategic partnerships with
local and national organizations for collaborative national park management.
“The past 18 months have been a pivotal chapter for the BNT,” said Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle, Executive Director of The Bahamas National Trust. “With the unwavering support of our members, donors, and partners, we’ve expanded our national park system, advanced critical conservation efforts, made major infrastructure improvements in national parks, and connected thousands of Bahamians to their parks. These achievements underscore the power of collaboration and inspire us to continue building a future where people and nature thrive together.”
Looking to the future, the BNT’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan prioritizes enhanced park management, tackling climate resilience, addressing invasive species, and strengthening community partnerships to ensure the sustainability of The Bahamas’ national parks.
The Bahamas National Trust extends heartfelt thanks to its supporters for making these achievements possible, and invites everyone to explore the full 2023-2024 Impact Report on its website at https://bnt.bs/2023-2024-impact-report/.
To learn more about the BNT’s role in managing national parks, protecting wildlife, and informing environmental policy, please visit its website: www.bnt.bs, and follow its various social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Bahamas News
Exclusive Offer Unlocks $300 in Instant Savings for the Ultimate Winter Escape to The Islands of The Bahamas
The Bahamas, January 19, 2025 – From January 13 to February 28, 2025, travelers can book a 4-night (or longer) air-inclusive vacation to The Islands of The Bahamas and enjoy an exclusive $300 instant savings at participating hotels and resorts. Stays are valid from January 14 to June 30, 2025, making it the perfect time to swap snow for sand. Terms and conditions apply.
“The Bahamas has seen tremendous growth in visitors, and this offer underscores our commitment to expanding tourism as a key driver of economic growth,” said the Hon. I. Chester Cooper, The Bahamas’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation.
“By offering an exceptional value to global travelers, we’re not only inviting visitors to explore our diverse islands but also supporting local businesses and fostering sustained economic development across The Bahamas.”
Booking a 4-night (or longer) air-inclusive vacation package with participating tour operators guarantees instant $300 savings, plus the opportunity to combine this offer with other deals for even more value. Travelers can also inquire about added perks like bonus nights, spa credits, and airport transfers when booking through participating tour operators.
Latina Duncombe, Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, added, “Through our partnerships with international travel providers, we are creating opportunities for visitors to seamlessly explore the unique attractions, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural beauty that make The Bahamas truly exceptional.”
The islands of The Bahamas is the ultimate winter getaway, where adventure, luxury, and relaxation come together for an unforgettable escape from the cold. Take advantage of these major savings by visiting: Bahamas.com/300-off.
By DANIELLE ROLLON
Bahamas Information Services
FREEPORT, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas — The Government of The Bahamas is committed to improving healthcare facilities
throughout The Bahamas, with steady progress being made on the state-of-the-art Freeport Health Campus. With construction set in three phases, the Freeport Health Campus, when completed, will be a major development for Grand Bahama, providing comprehensive and essential healthcare services for all — citizens, residents, visitors, and those arriving on the new Celebration Cay.
Phase one of the project — a 60,000-square-foot clinic — is set for completion in late 2025, according to the Minister of Health and Wellness, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville. “The Freeport Health Campus is more than just a building; it is an embodiment of our collective vision for accessible, high-quality healthcare. Imagine a place where families can come together to receive a multitude of essential services, all under one roof — a hub of healing, equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by compassionate professionals dedicated to the well-being
of our community,” said Dr. Darville.
With these ongoing improvements and the upcoming completion of phase one, the Freeport Health Campus is poised to see a significant boost in healthcare services in Grand Bahama, supporting the health and well-being of the community for years to come.
(BIS Photos/ Andrew Miller)
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