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)
USA, April 23, 2026 – A Bahamian man has been extradited to the United States to face serious drug charges stemming from alleged offences committed several years ago.
Lernis Cornish Jr. was handed over to U.S. authorities on April 17, 2026, following extradition proceedings in The Bahamas. The case was heard before Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley, who ordered that Cornish be surrendered to American officials. Cornish did not challenge the order.
He has since been transferred to Florida, where he is expected to face trial in connection with alleged drug-related activity dating
back23 to 2020.
According to reports, Cornish is accused of possession of cocaine with intent to supply and conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to supply. Related U.S. law enforcement notices also indicate that the matter is being pursued in Collier County, Florida, where authorities have listed charges including trafficking in cocaine and conspiracy to traffic cocaine, involving quantities of 400 grams or more.
The case now falls under the jurisdiction of the Florida court system, where prosecutors are expected to advance the matter through pre-trial proceedings ahead of any potential trial.
Extradition from The Bahamas to the United States is governed by bilateral treaty arrangements, allowing individuals accused of serious offences to be transferred to face justice in the requesting country once a Bahamian court is satisfied that legal requirements have been met.
Cornish’s extradition marks the continuation of a multi-year case, moving it from preliminary proceedings in The Bahamas into the U.S. judicial system, where the allegations will now be tested in court.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
The Bahamas, April 14, 2026 – With the 2026 Bahamian general election set for May 12, the country’s major political parties have now formally placed their plans before the electorate, offering competing visions for governance, growth and relief.
The governing Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), led by Philip Davis, launched its “Blueprint for Progress 2026” on April 8, 2026, outlining a
46-page plan focused on long-term development and systems reform. The document places heavy emphasis on energy transition, digital government, workforce training and food security, positioning the party as one seeking continuity following its first term. The full plan is publicly available online through official PLP platforms for voters to review.
Just days later, on Sunday, April 12, the opposition Free National Movement (FNM), under Michael Pintard, unveiled its 2026 Manifesto at a major event in Nassau. Spanning 54 pages, the document centers on cost-of-living relief, tax reform, healthcare expansion and housing, offering what the party describes as a more immediate response to economic pressures facing Bahamian families. The FNM has also made its manifesto accessible online.
Beyond the two major parties, the Coalition of Independents (COI) had already entered the policy space earlier, formally unveiling its long-range Vision 2030 framework on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the Fusion Superplex in Nassau during a packed national launch led by party leader Lincoln Bain. That framework has since been complemented by a 100-day action plan released in late March/early April 2026, adding a short-term policy layer to its long-range proposals.
These policy rollouts come as the country prepares for a pivotal vote, with the Parliamentary Registration Department confirming a voters’ register of approximately 203,000 eligible voters, one of the largest in the nation’s history. Key dates are now set, with Nomination Day on April 16, followed by advance polls on April 30, ahead of General Election Day on May 12.
With platforms now in the public domain and the timeline locked in, the focus shifts squarely to the electorate—who must now weigh the promises, examine the plans and decide the country’s direction at the polls.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
The Bahamas, April 14, 2026 – At its core, the $65 million water security project is designed to strengthen the reliability, safety and resilience of the water supply across The Bahamas.
If implemented as planned, the investment is expected to improve water quality, reduce contamination risks and support public health,
while increasing supply reliability and limiting service disruptions during droughts or system failures. The project also aims to expand and upgrade infrastructure, including wellfields, pumping stations and storage capacity, and to protect freshwater resources from saltwater intrusion—an increasing threat for low-lying islands. In practical terms, that could mean cleaner, more consistent and more dependable access to water for residents across the country.
The project was first conceptualised in 2019 under the previous administration, when a proposal was submitted to the Green Climate Fund to strengthen the resilience of the country’s water systems. That early work came just months before Hurricane Dorian exposed the vulnerability of national infrastructure, including critical water and sanitation systems, particularly in the northern Bahamas.
The initial phase focused on developing the concept, identifying priority areas and engaging regional and international partners, including the Caribbean Development Bank, to support the design and preparation of a full funding proposal.
Following the change in government in 2021, the project advanced into its most technical and demanding stages. The current administration oversaw the completion of key requirements, including feasibility studies, environmental and social assessments, and detailed financing negotiations with international partners—steps necessary to move the proposal from concept to approval.
That multi-year process has now culminated in approval of a $65 million financing package, combining grant funding with concessional loans to support long-term upgrades to the country’s water infrastructure.
While the project brings significant international support, it is not entirely free money. The package is structured as a blended financing arrangement, combining grant funding with concessional loans—meaning a portion of the funding will ultimately need to be repaid. Based on information released by the Caribbean Development Bank, approximately $25 million of the total package is tied to loan financing, with the remaining portion provided as grant support.
Concessional loans typically carry more favourable terms than commercial borrowing, including lower interest rates and longer repayment
periods. However, they still represent debt obligations that will be borne over time.
Notably, detailed terms of the loan components—including interest rates, repayment schedules and any associated conditions—were not disclosed in the initial announcement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister (Bahamas). Those details are expected to be outlined in formal financing agreements, but have not yet been made public.
For Bahamians, the project represents both investment and obligation. While the grant funding provides a significant boost to infrastructure development, the loan component adds to the country’s long-term financial commitments—making transparency around terms and implementation timelines especially important.
While the approval marks a significant milestone, the timeline for delivery remains a critical factor. Based on information available from project partners, implementation is not expected to begin immediately. The initiative is anticipated to move into its execution phase later in 2026, following finalisation of financing agreements and completion of preparatory requirements.
From there, the project is projected to unfold over several years, with estimates suggesting a multi-year implementation period of up to seven years to fully deliver the planned upgrades to water infrastructure across The Bahamas.
This means that while the funding has now been approved, the benefits will be realised gradually rather than all at once. A definitive completion date has not been publicly outlined, and detailed timelines tied to specific islands or phases of work have yet to be disclosed.
For Bahamians, the question now shifts from approval to execution—when funds are drawn down, when construction begins, and how consistently the project moves from plan to delivery.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
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