Bahamas News
$3 Billion in Projects Signal Grand Bahama’s Rebirth, Says Minister Moxey
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.
The Bahamas, August 27, 2026 – The Royal Bahamas Police Force wishes to inform members of the public that several individuals are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at 12:00 noon.
The individuals and charges are as follows:
An 18-year-old female is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
Three (3) counts of Murder
Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
Three (3) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm
Two (2) counts of Possession of Ammunition
Armed Robbery
Abetment to Armed Robbery
Stealing
Receiving
The charges stem from three separate shooting incidents and an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, 21st August 2026, and Saturday, 22nd August 2026.
The first shooting occurred in the area of Soldier Road and Baillou Hill Road, resulting in the death of a 51-year-old male.
The second shooting occurred in the area of Joe Farrington Road, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old male.
The third shooting occurred in the area of Gladstone Road, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old male.
The armed robbery occurred at a business establishment in the area of Carmichael Road and Baillou Hill Road.
A 21-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on one charge of:
- Murder
The charge stems from a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, in the area of Samson Street, Nassau Village, which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old male.
A 32-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
- Murder
- Attempted Murder
These charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, 24th December 2025, in the area of Graham Drive, Yellow Elder, which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old male.
RBPF, PACD
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.
Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries
and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.
According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.
The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.
Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.
However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.
The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Dasani products, proudly sponsored the fifth annual, Caribbean Hoopfest.
The tournament brings together Bahamian high school basketball teams and visiting teams from the United States for a competitive
showcase at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium. Following its inaugural year at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym and last year’s event at Loyola Hall, the tournament returned to the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym this year.
During the weekend tournament, CBC kept athletes well hydrated with in-kind donations of Dasani Water, Powerade and Minute Maid Juices.
During the tournament’s final day, CBC provided additional support by offering Sprite No Sugar samples and inviting attendees to participate in its Spin the Wheel for a chance to win exciting prizes.
CBC was proud to support this incredible event, which provides young Bahamian athletes with valuable exposure to U.S. basketball scouts and coaches. This opportunity gives them the chance to earn scholarships, continue their education, and pursue their basketball careers in the United States.
Event organizer, Donald Francois shared his appreciation for CBC’s support.
“I want to express our sincere appreciation for Caribbean Bottling Company, who has been a tremendous supporter and an important part of the success of our program. Without CBC’s support, Caribbean Hoop Fest would not be able to function at the level it does today. And without Caribbean Hoop Fest, we would not have been able to provide the opportunities that have helped young Bahamian athletes gain exposure and pursue educational opportunities in the United States,” he expressed.
Since the program’s inception, several Bahamian student-athletes have been selected for scholarship opportunities, highlighting the
tournament’s growing impact on the development and advancement of young basketball talent in The Bahamas.
They are: Kelvin McDowells – Guard, Wodson Antoine – Power Forward, Justin Lafleur – Guard and Sean John – Guard.
After another successful edition of the tournament, Francois shared what he hopes he and Caribbean Bottling Company can achieve in the future.
“Our vision is bigger than basketball. We want to use the platform of Caribbean Hoop Fest to educate, develop, and create opportunities for young people and their families throughout the Bahamas. With individuals and organizations committed to our mission, we believe we can continue to grow the program and make an even greater impact,” Francois said.
For more details on community support, events and new products visit Caribbean Bottling Company at www.cbcbahamas.com today.
