Bahamas News
PM Davis terms Grand Lucayan Redevelopment HOA Signing Ceremony a ‘Pivotal Day for the People of Grand Bahama
By Eric Rose
Bahamas Information Service
FREEPORT, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas – During his Official Remarks at the Grand Lucayan Redevelopment Heads of Agreement Signing Ceremony, on May 15, 2025, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis said that the day would long be remembered as “pivotal for the people of Grand Bahama”.
“It’s time to turn the page on hardship, to leave heartbreak behind,” he said. “It’s a time for renewal, a time for new opportunities, a time for new beginnings.”
Among the many special guests and senior government officials present at the ceremony, held at the Grand Lucayan Convention Centre,
were Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation the Hon. Chester Cooper; Minister of Education and Technical & Vocational Training the Hon. Glenys Hanna Martin; Minister for Grand Bahama the Hon. Ginger Moxey and several Cabinet Ministers; members of the Diplomatic Corps, clergy and uniformed branches; various stakeholders and Grand Bahama residents.
The prime minister said, “As many of you know, I had the pleasure of living in Grand Bahama very early in my career, which gave me the opportunity to form lifelong friendships and a strong connection to this very special place. It also gave me the opportunity to understand the potential of Grand Bahama to create a fulfilling life.”
After speaking about his personal ties to Grand Bahama, Prime Minister Davis pointed out that leadership is about “what you leave behind”.
“I intend to leave behind real results for the people of Grand Bahama – jobs, infrastructure, healthcare, opportunity, and most of all, dignity,” he stated.
“That’s what matters. That’s what lasts.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that the Grand Lucayan redevelopment was “very ambitious, and rightly so”.
He said: “At the heart of this redevelopment is an integrated resort village that will create jobs, restore confidence, and give Grand Bahama the momentum it deserves. That means three new hotel buildings, a full-scale cruise resort, a revitalized 25,000-square-foot casino, a Greg Norman-designed golf course, over-the-water cabanas, beach clubs, family attractions, water parks, retail spaces, restaurants, music venues, and a 16-slip mega-yacht marina. This is no small undertaking.”
“This is an $827 million investment – and perhaps much more – the kind of scale that has the power to shift the local economy, create opportunity at every level, and change lives for the better,” Prime Minister Davis added. “More than 1,300 jobs will be created during construction, and 1,750 permanent jobs when the development is fully up and running.”
Prime Minister Davis stated that thousands of Bahamians will have an opportunity to earn, to grow, and to build a future for themselves and their families, right there at home.
He said: “We’ve said clearly: Bahamians must be at the centre of this. At least 80% of these jobs must go to our people. That’s not just a condition — it’s a conviction. Because we know the skill is here. The talent is here. The work ethic is here. What’s been missing is opportunity; but no longer.”
“You see, we’re not here to make promises, Prime Minister Davis continued. “We’re here to make progress – enduring progress. The kind of progress that can lift up entire communities on Grand Bahama.”
Prime Minister Davis said that what they were building of the Grand Lucayan was not a stand-alone project: it was part of a “wider, more connected vision for Grand Bahama”.
He said: “A vision that recognises that true development doesn’t happen in silos. It happens when the key pieces fit together – when
infrastructure supports industry, when tourism supports small business development, when investment supports people’s ability to live, and work, and thrive – right here at home.”
Prime Minister Davis stated that was why his government was focused on delivering a broader transformation. “We are moving ahead with a new, modern airport that matches the scale of Grand Bahama’s ambitions,” he announced. “We’re also supporting the Carnival port development, a critical piece in making Grand Bahama a leading cruise destination again. Thousands of passengers, new spending in the local economy, and fresh opportunities for Bahamian entrepreneurs across transport, food, crafts, and tour services.”
Prime Minister Davis pointed out that the Grand Bahama Shipyard was also a part of that strategy.
“Already one of the most important industrial assets in the country, the Grand Bahama Shipyard is receiving attention and investment to ensure it continues to grow as a hub for technical jobs, skilled trades, and export-led services,” he said. “This is what a modern economy looks like. It’s not built on one pillar — it’s built on a strong foundation that supports tourism, transport, manufacturing, and innovation.”
Prime Minister Davis added: “And don’t forget – we are building a new hospital, because the people of this island deserve modern, reliable healthcare, without having to fly to Nassau for basic services. We are investing in roads and water systems. We are helping small businesses. We are pushing for more training, more job readiness, and more chances for young people to stay and succeed right here, which is being led by your own Minister of Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey. And, yes, we are starting up new developments like this one, because we know that jobs are the foundation for any economy, a path to dignity and self-reliance.
“That is the kind of holistic vision Grand Bahama deserves. And that is the vision we are delivering.”
Prime Minister Davis thanked Mr. Steve Sirang, CEO of Concord Wilshire Capital, and the entire development team.
“You brought your heart, proposal, and a sense of belief in Grand Bahama’s future, and you’ve committed to working alongside us to make that future real,” he said. “I thank you for that.”
Prime Minister Davis added: “I’d also like to thank Curt Hollingsworth, our Consul General out of Miami who introduced Steve to Grand Bahama, and later to me. To the Deputy Prime Minister, you have been central in our redevelopment of Grand Bahama and it’s your tireless efforts towards, what I call, the launching pad that have helped get us to where we are today.”
He continued by thanking Minister Moxey.
“Your determination to see this island rise again has never wavered, and it shows in the outcome we celebrate today, along with Parliamentary Secretary Kingsley Smith,” Prime Minister Davis said. “There’s no doubt that Grand Bahama is in good hands and its future is bright.”
He continued: “And to the Director of Investments Phylicia Woods Hanna – words can hardly express our appreciation for the amount of
hours spent, the tireless effort made, to pull this across the line. We thank you.” He also thanked Attorney General Ryan Pinder; Chairman of Lucayan Renewal Holdings Ltd., Julian Russell and its board members; and all the public officers across government who worked behind the scenes.
“We are building a better future for our country and this island,” Prime Minister Davis stated.
He added: “My friends: Let us remind ourselves, no one project can fix everything. Making sure the economy includes everyone who wants to be included is going to take a lot of hard work.
“We all need to pull in the same direction; so allow me to invite you on board. No matter where you stand politically – I ask you to join in building a better Grand Bahama.”
Prime Minister Davis continued: “This is a moment that should unite all Bahamians.
“A moment when Grand Bahamians can stop waiting and start building. A moment for those who kept going, who kept believing – to see that their faith was not in vain. Let us move forward together – with great purpose, with gratitude, and with the people at the centre of it all.
“Let this moment be the turning point. The moment Grand Bahama turned the page and started its most auspicious chapter.
“Friends: Let’s get to work, and let us work together. May God bless Grand Bahama; and may God bless the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.”
PHOTO CAPTION
Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis speaks, during his Official Remarks at the Grand Lucayan Redevelopment Heads of Agreement Signing Ceremony, on May 15, 2025. Among the many special guests and senior government officials present at the ceremony held at the Grand Lucayan Convention Centre were Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation the Hon. Chester Cooper; Minister of Education and Technical & Vocational Training the Hon. Glenys Hanna Martin; Minister for Grand Bahama the Hon. Ginger Moxey and several Cabinet Ministers; members of the Diplomatic Corps, clergy and uniformed branches; various stakeholders and Grand Bahama residents. (BIS Photos/Eric Rose. Drone Photography Courtesy of Eric Rose)
NASSAU, Bahamas — More Bahamians are accessing HIV and sexually transmitted infection-related healthcare through National Health Insurance, a trend the NHI Authority says should be viewed positively.
NHIA stressed in an August 6 statement that its 2025 figures measure healthcare utilisation, not newly diagnosed infections. They include beneficiaries screened, treated, monitored or receiving follow-up care, including people diagnosed previously.
“Increased utilisation of these services should be viewed as a positive development,” NHIA said.
The Authority pointed to “greater enrolment and use of NHI, improved access to screening and testing, continued treatment and monitoring of existing conditions, and increased willingness to seek medical care.”
The development comes amid a mixed three-year HIV picture. New diagnoses rose from 130 in 2023 to 156 in 2024, before declining to 142 in 2025.
NHIA said increased utilisation demonstrates that more beneficiaries are accessing needed healthcare and actively managing their health, reinforcing the importance of screening, early diagnosis and continued treatment.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor is proud to announce the launch of Monument Beverage Co., its newest 100% locally produced ready-to-drink alcoholic cocktail.
Monument, “Made to Celebrate”, perfectly encapsulates everything the brand represents. Created and distributed by CWS, Monument is
inspired by culture, crafted with excellence and bursting with innovation.
This unique beverage celebrates island living with three bold flavors, Ginger Lime, Peach Passion and Melon Fizz. All of which can be enjoyed at an ABV of five-point-two percent.
The brand’s creativity really shines through each can’s packaging. Bold colored stripes, cherished native flora and fauna and of course, national monuments can all be found on each can.
The beverage’s two year plus development is a testament to CWS’ dedication to quality and innovation. Countless hours of tastings, reformulations, focus groups and package design reviews all paid off with the creation of Monument.
Karla Wells-Lisgaris, Chief Commercial Officer of Caribbean Wines & Spirits and Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, shared what this authentically Bahamian made product launch means for the company.
“When we were conceptualizing Monument, we wanted to create a product that not only tasted like The Bahamas but would be an ode to the
nation as well. With those two thoughts in mind, I, along with a team of experts, created three incredible flavors we believe really connect with and celebrate the essence of island living,” she said.
“Additionally, being that Monument is the first product to be 100% manufactured by Caribbean Wines & Spirits, we really wanted to ensure that both the flavors and packaging honored our rich heritage. On each of the cans, you can find various monuments such as the Nassau Public Library in New Providence, the Garden of the Grove in Grand Bahama and the Hatchet Bay Silos in Eleuthera; all of which pay homage to our diverse Bahamian heritage.” Wells-Lisgaris concluded.”
The historic monuments found throughout our islands are more than places we pass every day; they are reminders of who we are, where we’ve come from and the stories that connect us as Bahamians.
Monument is perfectly formulated with quality ingredients, and each can celebrates a collection of these cultural icons from across The Bahamas.
Whether chilling solo beachside, gathered around a family table or backyard a grill with friends, make Monument your sip of choice. Monument is made to celebrate, visit www.cwsbahamas.com today for more details.
NASSAU, Bahamas —– Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to crown Lady
Kayla of Exuma as this year’s annual Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup winner.
CBC created the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup to further the advancement of sailing and Bahamian culture through monetary and social support. The competition judges the skipper’s performance across three regattas, The Best of the Best, the National Family Island and Long Island Regattas.
The winning sloop led by Kianno Hutchinson and Joss Knowles showcased their skillmanship in the E-Class category across each round of competition. In addition to winning the trophy, the skippers were awarded a $5,000 donation, an $8,000 stipend to the junior sailing club of their island and a limited-edition Lady Kayla Bahamas Goombay Punch commemorative can, which will be released soon.
Jonathan Thronebury, Marketing Director of CBC shared the significance behind The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup.
“The Bahamas Goombay Punch is more than a beloved local brand; it’s a vibrant part of our cultural fabric. Just like sailing, our national sport, it carries a rich legacy that spans generations. Recognizing this shared history, we’re proud to support initiatives that celebrate and advance Bahamian culture,” he said.
Hutchinson and Knowles shared what this win meant for them.
“I felt super proud when I realized we won. I am grateful and thankful to God, for good coaches and Joss. It was really an honor winning the
Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup,” Hutchinson expressed.
“I am very honored to have been able to compete in the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup, I think it is a great concept and idea for a competition and really adds a new motive throughout the regattas. The whole championship was super competitive, and every single race was a fight. Alvington McKenzie was extremely competitive and had us until the Long Island regatta, which made it a very fun and tough competition. Very excited to have been the winner of a super close championship,” Knowles revealed.
Lady Kayla’s owner, Dallas Knowles, shared the team’s winning strategy.
“In sailing consistency is key and our guys in Lady Kayla are some of the best in the business at staying near the top. In the end, that was enough to secure their first Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup win. We are so proud of Joss and Kianno for what they have done in Lady Kayla. Thank you to Caribbean Bottling Company for such an amazing and forward-thinking initiative,” Knowles shared.
The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup is proud to continue its impact on sailing and community building through clean and fair competition.
For more updates on the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup and Caribbean Bottling Company visit the website www.cbcbahamas.com today.
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