ST. GEORGE’S GRENADA – The Bahamas is joining a coalition of Caribbean Small Island Developing States, that committed to restoring landscapes and securing a resilient agricultural future, by tackling land degradation and drought. The Bahamas is one of six new countries scheduled to benefit from the Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) multi-country soil management initiative for Integrated Landscape Restoration and climate-resilient food systems (SOILCARE), Phase II, implemented by the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM).

SOILCARE Phase I has been helping adopt policies, measures and best practices and support review of legal and institutional frameworks to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality LDN and Climate Resilience.

As PISLM prepares to launch Phase II of its flagship regional project, adding six new countries, two consultation sessions were completed on 3^rd and 4^th June by PISLM’s Sustainable Land Management Specialist Dr. Ronen Francis.

Project updates were present to the Permanent Secretary responsible for UNCCD IN the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. David Davis, Director of Agriculture – Dr Jason Sands and Danielle Hanek- Director of Forestry Unit of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the Bahamas.

This project will seek to assist the country in upgrading its National Soil Laboratories through provision of modern equipment, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and training of technicians. It will also help the Bahamas, to develop Digital Soil Maps, develop their national drought risk plans, including improved drought management, Cat Island. It will also support a youth agri-business programme that will foster youth-led innovation and align with the CARICOM 25×25 vision.

This project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Allocated funding is$17.9 million USD and $26.5 million USD in co-financing, by regional Governments, including the Bahamas.

Photo Caption:

Photo 1 Permanent Secretary responsible for UNCCD in the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. David Davis, Director of Agriculture – Dr Jason Sands Daniell, Ms. Danielle Hanek- Director of Forestry Unit of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the Bahamas and Dr. Ronen Francis-PISLM.

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.