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$3 Billion in Projects Signal Grand Bahama’s Rebirth, Says Minister Moxey

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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.

Bahamas News

Monument Beverage Co. Caribbean Wines & Spirits Uniquely Bahamian Newest Product

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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.

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Bahamas News

Lady Kayla Crowned Goombay Punch Cup Sailing Champion of 2025/2026

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L–R: Joss Knowles, Kianno Hutchinson, Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager at Caribbean Bottling Company and Dallas Knowles receiving a donation on behalf of the Exuma Sailing Club at the Long Island Regatta awards ceremony.

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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Bahamas News

Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week  

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to once again support Basketball Smiles for their 27th year.

Upholding its corporate pillar of community outreach, CBC proudly donated $2,000, over 75 cases of Dasani, Powerade and Sprite, reusable Powerade water bottles and numerous marketing materials.

The annual sporting summer camp offers free basketball and life skills training to Junior and High School students.

Basketball Smiles’ mission of developing leadership qualities while fostering children’s academic achievement and self-esteem aligns perfectly with CBC’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth.

Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company shared why the company continues to support this program each year.

“At CBC, we believe investing in our youth is one of the greatest ways to strengthen our communities. We’re proud to support Basketball Smiles each year because it goes beyond the game. This program champions healthy lifestyles, positive values and brighter futures. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping these young athletes reach their full potential each year,” she shared.

Sam Nicholls, Basketball Smiles Camp President and Founder expressed.

“Caribbean Bottling Company is an incredible partner. We are truly grateful for their generous support, which will go a long way in making a positive impact on the lives of our campers,” Nicholls expressed.

CBC is always ready to lend its support toward initiatives and programs that uplift young Bahamians. The impact Basketball Smiles makes on the community is undeniable and is why CBC remains a historic sponsor.

For more information on sponsorship, events and new products, visit www.cbcbahamas.com today.

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