By Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

Grand Bahama is undergoing an economic revival backed by more than   $3 billion in real investments, according to Pineridge Member of Parliament and Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey.  The Minister’s remarks came during her Budget 2025/26 contribution in the House of Assembly on Tuesday, where she painted a vivid picture of recovery and reinvention for the island long regarded as beleaguered.

“Don’t let the noise in the market fool you,” declared Moxey, adding that Grand Bahama is no longer the forgotten stepchild of the Bahamian archipelago.  “There is over $3 billion in real investments happening now in various stages of development.”

Moxey described Grand Bahama as the fastest-growing destination in The Bahamas in terms of air arrivals, up 14.5%, and poised for exponential growth in cruise tourism with the official opening of Carnival’s Celebration Key in July.  Government projections show that by 2028, the island could host as many as 6 million annual visitors.

A Full Ledger of Progress

To fully capture “the magnitude of what’s happening,” the Minister rattled off a comprehensive and unprecedented slate of developments, signaling an economic and infrastructural transformation:

Major Projects Currently Underway:

• $827M Grand Lucayan Redevelopment – the crown jewel in Freeport’s tourism reboot.
• $700M Celebration Key – the highly anticipated Carnival cruise port at Sharp Rock.
• $665M Grand Bahama Shipyard Expansion – positioning Grand Bahama as a maritime leader.
• $348M Xanadu Beach Project – a return of the iconic resort once frequented by Howard Hughes.
• $210M Freeport Health Campus – modern healthcare facilities aimed at improving public and private care.
• $100M RCCL Harbour Cruise Port Development – bolstering Grand Bahama’s appeal to cruise lines.
• $73M Liwathon at South Riding Point – signaling energy sector stability and resilience.
• Airport Redevelopment – no financial figure provided, but declared “imminent.”
• The Bazaar and Royal Oasis Acquisition – reclaiming dormant real estate assets.
• West Sunrise Highway Reopening – improving transportation and logistics flow.
• O2 Resort and Marina – a high-end hospitality and nautical tourism facility.
• Western Atlantic University School of Medicine (Phases III/IV) – growing the island’s academic footprint.
• Water’s Cay Dock – facilitating marine access and eco-tourism.
• Sweeting’s Cay Dock – boosting transportation and fishing community resources.

Near-Completion Projects:

• Doctor’s Hospital Flagship Facility
• Xquisite Yacht operations
• University of The Bahamas (UB) North Campus
• Pine Forest Park

Real Estate Resurgence

Minister Moxey emphasized that these capital injections are also fueling a real estate boom.  “Buildings are going up or being refurbished. Real estate is on the rise.  Grand Bahama is having traffic jams,” she added to laughter in the chamber.

The private sector is confirming the momentum.  According to HG Christie, “With major developments in motion and rising investor confidence, demand for Freeport real estate is accelerating.”  Sarles Realty echoed that view, saying, “All our agents are busy in every level of the market.”

The Airport: A Missing Piece

However, amid the optimism, one glaring omission remains: a full update on the Grand Bahama International and Domestic Airport redevelopment.

While Moxey did confirm that an MOU with the Manchester Airport Group had been executed and that design revisions were in progress, she did not disclose a financial figure, nor did she give a timeline for vertical construction.

“Design adjustments were required to be made to the overall footprint of the terminal building,” said Moxey, linking the changes to the broader Grand Lucayan redevelopment.  “These adjustments are underway, and we anticipate vertical construction to begin soon.”

This leaves residents and stakeholders cautiously hopeful, especially considering that the airport is central to delivering the surge in tourism numbers and creating a strong first impression for visitors.

Grand Bahamians Returning

Beyond the steel and cement, Minister Moxey said she sees another sign of progress: the return of Grand Bahamians who once gave up on their hometown.

“We’re seeing a return of Grand Bahamians who had given up hope,” she said.  “We are building Grand Bahama not just for today but creating a sustainable economy for the long term.”

In her address, Moxey said that the economic engine is no longer sputtering but gaining steam, powered by long-awaited developments now gaining traction under the Progressive Liberal Party government.

“Grand Bahama is being rebuilt, block by block, investment by investment — and finally, the world is starting to take notice,” she said.

Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

Turks and Caicos, Juny 20, 2025 – Acting Premier Jamell Robinson last week called on the country’s top public sector leaders to embrace a culture of innovation and collaboration as government pushes forward with a new vision for service delivery.

Addressing more than 200 senior officials at the second annual Leadership Forum under the theme “Public Service Re-imagined,” Robinson underscored the pivotal role leadership must play as the administration works to digitize and improve access to government services.

“It is a true honour to stand before you today—not just as Acting Premier, but as someone who began his journey in public service,” Robinson said, adding that the event was both a professional milestone and a personal reminder of public service’s power to inspire national transformation.

A major focus of this year’s forum was the official launch of the Public Service Roadmap, a new strategic framework aimed at modernizing government operations. Robinson described the plan as “a journey built on vision, collaboration, and purpose,” praising Deputy Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams and the Roadmap Steering Committee for leading its development with transparency and dedication.

“This Roadmap was shaped by public servants and for public servants,” Robinson emphasized. “It charts a course toward the kind of service delivery our people deserve—responsive, transparent, modern, and impactful.”

Throughout the two-day conference, leaders were encouraged to engage actively—not only to absorb new ideas but to commit to driving change within their departments. Sessions included leadership insights from H.E. Anya Williams, bold perspectives from regional figures such as Amad Rashad Thompson and Hon. Franz Manderson, and practical leadership development led by Dr. Winston Sutherland.

A special panel also explored Vision 2040, with Cabinet members reinforcing that transformation must start at the highest levels but be sustained across all tiers of government.                                                                                                                    Robinson closed his remarks with a clear charge: “This is not a moment for passive listening. This is a time for active engagement. For reflection. For recommitment.”

As Turks and Caicos charts a path toward a modern public service, the conference signaled that the work ahead will be shaped by inclusive leadership, open dialogue, and a shared mission to better serve the people.

Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands – With NOAA predicting a 60% chance of an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season, top leaders in the Turks and Caicos Islands are calling for swift and coordinated action—not only from residents, but also across every arm of government and civil society.

Deputy Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams, who chairs the National Subcommittees on disaster preparedness, has issued a strong national appeal, reminding the public that hurricane readiness must be more than a personal concern—it must be a national priority, urgently embraced by all sectors of society.

“Hurricanes are unlike other disasters in that they occur within a defined season. This gives us a crucial advantage: time to prepare,” said the Deputy Governor. “But time should not be mistaken for safety. We cannot afford complacency. Preparation is not just a precaution—it is a responsibility.”

The 2025 season officially began on June 1 and runs through November 30. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), conditions are favorable for up to 19 named storms, 10 hurricanes, and as many as 5 major hurricanes—Category 3 or higher.

The Deputy Governor outlined several high-level measures now underway to strengthen the Turks and Caicos Islands’ readiness. These include:

• Upgrading hurricane shelters to ensure they are safe, well-stocked, and accessible.
• Investing in flood mitigation infrastructure, particularly in vulnerable areas.
• Improving early warning systems, ensuring alerts are timely and distributed across radio, SMS, and social media.

“These steps are critical,” Williams added, “but they will only be effective if each household also takes responsibility. Community resilience depends on personal action.”

She urged every resident to:

• Create a family emergency plan;
• Assemble a 3–5 day emergency kit;
• Secure property by trimming trees, cleaning drains, and checking insurance;
• Stay informed only through official sources;
• And most importantly, check on vulnerable neighbors.

Premier C. Washington Misick reinforced this message, cautioning that the increasing intensity and unpredictability of storms, as seen in 2024 with hurricanes Beryl and Oscar, leave little room for delay.

“These storms do not always give us the luxury of time,” said the Premier. “We must not delay in taking all necessary precautions to safeguard our families, homes, and communities. Preparation is not just a recommendation—it is a responsibility we all share.”

He called on residents and visitors alike to begin preparations immediately, emphasizing the role of community spirit, foresight, and unity in weathering whatever this season may bring.

Meanwhile, Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Arlington Musgrove, who holds responsibility for the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME), described the season as a test of national resilience.

“Preparedness is not just an individual responsibility—it is a national priority,” Musgrove stated. “The growing intensity of storms is a sobering reminder of the impacts of climate change. Last year’s early-season hurricanes showed us how quickly things can escalate. This year, we must act early and act together.”

Musgrove encouraged communities to remain proactive and engaged, citing the importance of staying updated through the TCI Meteorological Office and DDME advisories. He added that protecting lives, livelihoods and infrastructure is a shared effort requiring the vigilance of all—from citizens to government agencies and private sector partners.

The three leaders’ remarks come against the backdrop of major technological advancements by NOAA to enhance early warnings, including improved storm tracking tools and the introduction of the ROARS radar system aboard hurricane hunter aircraft. These tools aim to improve lead time and intensity forecasting, giving Caribbean nations like the TCI a better chance to prepare and respond.

In closing, Deputy Governor Williams reminded all residents that readiness is not a one-time event but an ongoing commitment.

“Whether this season brings major storms or passes quietly, let us not leave our safety to chance. Every step we take today can save lives and reduce hardship tomorrow.”

The 2025 Hurricane Season may yet prove turbulent, but with early action and united resolve, the Turks and Caicos Islands aim to face it fortified, focused, and prepared.