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CLAUDIO’S BAHAMAS OPENS AT ATLANTIS PARADISE ISLAND  

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Claudio’s Bahamas, Atlantis Paradise Island

New York’s Beloved Waterfront Restaurant Makes a Splash in The Bahamas with New Atlantis Paradise Island Location

 

PARADISE ISLAND BAHAMAS – (JUNE 18, 2025) – One of the most anticipated new openings at Atlantis Paradise IslandClaudio’s Bahamas brings the legendary energy of its sister restaurant in Greenport, New York, to the heart of the Caribbean. Overlooking the Water’s Edge Lagoon at The Coral, the new eatery blends East Coast heritage with Bahamian vibrancy—serving fresh seafood, seasonal favorites, and timeless island cocktails in a soulful, nautical setting.

Guests can enjoy signature dishes from the original location, a cherished East Coast staple for over a century. Famous menu items include Calamari with preserved lemon aioli; Baked Clams topped with peppers, onions, double-smoked bacon, panko, and parmesan; and Claudio’s Lobster Roll, a fan favorite served on brioche challah with brown butter, celery, lemon aioli, and chives.

Selection of Signature Dishes – Claudio’s Bahamas

To complement the familiar favorites, Claudio’s Bahamas offers a selection of dishes unique to the location, showcasing the vibrant flavors of the islands. Signature dishes include decadent Lobster Mac n’ Cheese, featuring a creamy four-cheese blend and crispy bacon panko topping; Fish Goujons & Fries, made with Nassau grouper in a Kalik batter and served with mint tartar sauce; Crispy Wings tossed in guava goat pepper sauce; Shrimp Loaded Fries with garlic shrimp, avocado mousse, sour cream, and pico de gallo; Sticky Ribs with crispy onions and homemade sticky BBQ sauce; Veal Milanese with lemon-caper butter, parmesan, cherry tomatoes, arugula, and panko; Conch Fritters with sweet peppers, onion, and a spicy sauce; and Conch Chowder, served in a rye bread bowl with potatoes, onions, carrots, applewood smoked bacon, topped with double cream and parsley.

Claudio’s Bahamas also offers a stylish, new late-night scene, enhancing the resort’s offering of evening experiences. The beverage program features a global wine list, refreshing beers, and classic Caribbean cocktails. Highlights include a Mudslide with vodka, coffee-flavored liqueurs, sugar reduction, and milk; Sky Juice with dry gin, coconut water, heavy cream, condensed milk, and nutmeg; Captain Claudio’s Bloody Mary-one of the most famous drinks from Claudio’s Greenport, is an eye catching cocktail stacked high with stone crab, shrimp, bacon, olives, jalapenos, vodka, Worcestershire sauce, lime juice, hot sauce, and tomato juice; Frozen Miami Vice, this must-try cocktail, has vodka, strawberry and coconut slush; and Junkanoo Punch, inspired by the festive Bahamian tradition, includes rum, blackberry liquor, lemon juice, grenadine, orange juice, and pineapple juice.

Capturing the spirit of the ocean, the sophisticated nautical design features soothing blue hues, natural wood tones, and expansive, floor-to-ceiling windows. The dining room is centered around an interactive display of colorful fiberglass sailboats suspended from the ceiling. Inspired by an award-winning Bahamian Class E sailboat that competed in regattas throughout the Bahamas, each sailboat is named after classic Caribbean cocktails, like the PainkillerYellow Bird, and the Bahama Mama. Claudio’s Bahamas dining room leads to a large patio and shaded gazebo bar, offering stunning lagoon views and the perfect backdrop for sunset vistas. The restaurant is equipped with multiple large-screen TVs, ensuring guests never miss a live sporting or entertainment event. The outdoor terrace, featuring twinkle lights and a lively DJ on weekends, creates an energetic atmosphere for diners and visitors. With two semi-private dining rooms, Claudio’s Bahamas is ideal for groups of all sizes – from social events to birthday parties, family reunions, and bachelor/bachelorette celebrations.

Bar Area – Claudio’s Bahamas

“As the only resort in the region to offer unmatched culinary experiences, Atlantis Paradise Island continues to lead the way in innovation thanks to our incredible food and beverage team,” said Audrey Oswell, President and Managing Director of Atlantis Paradise Island. “We’re thrilled that Claudio’s, an iconic brand with over 150 years of history, chose Atlantis for its first international location, further solidifying our reputation as a world-class destination for dining and hospitality. This partnership brings together two storied brands that share a deep commitment to excellence in service, entertainment, and guest experience—uniting the best of the best under one roof.”

“We’re excited to introduce Claudio’s renowned East Coast legacy to the Bahamas for the very first time,” said Celeste Fierro, Managing Partner of Claudio’s. “Claudio’s Bahamas is a celebration of heritage and hospitality, where timeless nautical charm meets the vibrant soul of the islands. We can’t wait to welcome guests and invite them to experience the next chapter of Claudio’s right here in paradise.”

Claudio’s Bahamas is open all day for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night dining. Dining is available until 2 a.m., and the bar remains open until 3 a.m.

For more information about Atlantis Paradise Island and Claudio’s Bahamas, please visit atlantisparadise.com@atlantisbahamas and @claudiosbahamas.

CONTACT:

Erika Garcia-Lavyne                                          Lauren Clark

Atlantis Paradise Island                                    Chapman Communications Group

954-224-1972

erika.lavyne@atlantisparadise.com               lauren@chapmancommunicationsgroup.com

 

Bahamas News

Next U.S. Ambassador?  Walker Pledges Business-Driven Approach as U.S. Looks to Counter China in The Bahamas

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Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

 

The Bahamas, September 16, 2025 – For the first time since 2011, the United States is on the cusp of sending an ambassador to The Bahamas — and the nominee, former football star turned entrepreneur Herschel Walker, is promising to bring his business instincts to the diplomatic table.

Speaking before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee last week, Walker underscored that his background in food-service companies and small business leadership has prepared him to think practically about investment. “I know how to run a business, how to create jobs, how to make payroll. Those lessons translate into building relationships and building trust,” Walker said.

Walker, who was nominated by President Trump in December 2024, faced the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on September 11. As of now, he has not yet been confirmed; his nomination remains under review, pending a committee vote before it can move to the full Senate. If approved, he would become the first U.S. ambassador to The Bahamas since 2011.

For years, U.S. officials have stressed security and counternarcotics cooperation with The Bahamas, including through “Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos.” But in areas like infrastructure, medical care, and long-term investment, Washington has often been absent.

Hospitals and clinics remain under-resourced, and hurricane recovery has been slow in many islands. Chinese state-backed firms, by contrast, have shown up with financing packages and construction deals — a presence that has raised alarms on Capitol Hill.

“Only 50 miles off our shore, The Bahamas is too important for us to ignore,” warned Senate Foreign Relations Committee leaders during Walker’s hearing. They called China’s inroads “strategic, not charitable,” suggesting Beijing’s long game is about ports, proximity, and political leverage.

Walker positioned himself as a nontraditional but pragmatic envoy. He argued that his business career, rooted in private sector success, equips him to champion American investment in The Bahamas.

He pledged to:

  • Promote U.S. companies interested in medical and infrastructure projects.
  • Support an environment that encourages American investors to see The Bahamas as more than just a beach destination.
  • Highlight opportunities for partnerships that improve public services, healthcare, and resilience against hurricanes.

“I’ve built businesses. I know what it takes to attract investors and create opportunity. That is exactly what I intend to bring to our relationship with The Bahamas,” Walker said.

The Bahamas is not just a tourist paradise. It’s a frontline state in migration, drug interdiction, and hurricane response. More than six million U.S. visitors travel there annually, making stability and safety a U.S. domestic concern as much as a foreign policy one.

And yet, with the ambassador post vacant for 14 years, the U.S. has often looked detached — opening space for China’s ambitious Belt and Road agenda. The fear is that infrastructure deals signed today could give Beijing leverage in the region tomorrow.                                                                                                                                                                                                                Walker’s confirmation would symbolize a course correction, signaling Washington’s intent to re-engage not only in security but in the economic future of The Bahamas.                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Not everyone is convinced Herschel Walker is the right man for the job. His nomination revived controversies from his 2022 Senate run, including past allegations, public gaffes, and doubts about whether he has the diplomatic polish the post demands. Some senators and analysts questioned whether celebrity and business experience were enough for a role requiring nuance in foreign policy and geopolitics.

Critics argued that The Bahamas, sitting just 50 miles from Florida and facing intense Chinese interest, deserves a seasoned diplomat rather than a political ally.

Walker confronted those doubts head-on. “People have underestimated me all my life — in academics, athletics, and business,” he told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “And I have always proven them wrong, through discipline, determination, and by outworking everyone.”

He admitted he had never served as an ambassador but countered that his career prepared him in other ways: building businesses, managing payrolls, and connecting with people from all walks of life. He framed his business background as a strength, promising to use it to encourage U.S. investment in healthcare, infrastructure, and hurricane resilience projects in The Bahamas.

Rather than sparring with critics, Walker leaned on confidence and persistence: “I know how to build trust and find common ground. That’s what this relationship needs.”

If confirmed, Walker would have to balance his role as diplomat with expectations of being a commercial cheerleader for U.S. firms. His emphasis on entrepreneurship suggests a willingness to push U.S. businesses toward opportunities in healthcare, ports, and post-storm reconstruction — areas where Bahamians say they need the most support.

For Bahamian officials, the question will be whether Washington is prepared to back words with financing. U.S. private sector dollars, paired with aid and development partnerships, could help shift the tide against Chinese influence.

For Walker, the test will be whether his business acumen can translate into diplomatic wins — giving Bahamians alternatives to Beijing, while deepening the U.S. role in the Caribbean.

Analysis: If Walker delivers, this appointment could mark a turning point: a U.S. strategy that recognizes that in the Caribbean, investment is diplomacy.

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Bahamas News

Conflicting Reports as Grand Bahama Awaits Its New Airport: What to Believe?

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Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

 

September 16, 2025 – Grand Bahama’s wait for a modern international airport has taken another dramatic turn. Just days after reports surfaced that the $200 million redevelopment had collapsed because partners failed to secure financing, the government is now insisting the project is alive and well — with funding in the “final stages” and construction on the horizon.

Earlier This Week: Airport Deal in Dire Straits

The week began with grim headlines. Deputy Prime Minister and Aviation Minister Chester Cooper confirmed that private partners in the much-heralded consortium had not produced financing. “Regrettably, the funding had not happened,” he admitted, sparking widespread fears the deal had crumbled.

Those admissions triggered a storm of skepticism in Freeport. Back in February, the government had declared the airport deal “finalized,” naming Aerodrome Ltd., Manchester Airport Group, and BHM UK as partners. They promised demolition within 30 days, designs in 45 days, and a new terminal by year’s end. But now, more than four months later, not a single milestone has been delivered.

For residents and business leaders, the collapse narrative confirmed their worst fears: that Grand Bahama was once again being strung along with empty promises. Long-stay tourism — the kind that sustains hotels, restaurants, taxis, and shops — depends on a functioning airport. Without it, the island’s economy remains hobbled.

Today: Government Pushes Back

But late Thursday, the government issued a forceful rebuttal. “The redevelopment of Grand Bahama’s International Airport remains a central priority for this administration and is key to the island’s economic renewal,” the statement read. Officials stressed that they are “in the final stages of securing funding and concluding agreements on airport management.”

The statement went further, clarifying the role of Manchester Airport Group, the UK’s largest airport manager. MAG, it said, was never meant to provide financing but remains a core partner in shaping the airport’s development and management. Bahamian contractors, the government insisted, are part of the team tasked with delivering the facility. “Our focus is on results,” the release concluded. “Grand Bahama will have the airport it needs to grow, attract investment, and strengthen its role as a gateway to The Bahamas.”

Who Should Grand Bahama Believe?

The conflicting narratives — one of a deal in “dire straits,” the other of a project in “final stages” — have left Grand Bahama residents struggling to know what to believe. Is the airport project truly on life support, or is the government simply playing its hand close until funding details are nailed down?

Skeptics point out that this is hardly the first time the airport has been declared a priority only to see little follow-through. Promises in 2023, in February 2025, and again in summer 2025 all failed to produce visible progress. Each missed deadline has chipped away at public trust.

Supporters of the government counter that large infrastructure projects are inherently complex, with legal negotiations and financing arrangements often dragging longer than planned. They argue that the continued involvement of Manchester Airport Group is evidence the project is still credible.

The Bigger Picture

Grand Bahama’s airport troubles are intertwined with the stalled $120 million Grand Lucayan hotel sale, which also remains without visible progress 129 days after it was announced. Business leaders insist both projects must move together if the island is to see real recovery. A luxury resort without a modern airport is as unviable as an airport without hotel rooms to fill.

For now, the people of Grand Bahama are left in limbo. This week they were told the airport deal had failed. Today, they’re being told it’s moving forward. The only certainty is that, nearly a year after the latest round of promises, not a single crane has touched the sky.

As one resident put it: “We don’t need more statements. We need to see bulldozers.”

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Bahamas News

U.S. Coast Guard Trains Bahamian Partners in Water Survival Skills

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The Bahamas, September 10, 2025 – Rescue swimmers from the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Aviation Training Center in Mobile, Alabama visited Nassau to train Royal Bahamas Defense Force (RBDF) and Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) members in water survival skills as part of Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos (OPBAT) earlier this week.

“Training alongside our USCG partners ensures our personnel are best prepared for the unique challenges of joint operations” said Superintendent Wendy Pearson, Commander Drug Enforcement Unit.

The multi-day exercise, centered on the USCG’s Shallow Water Egress Training (SWET), enhanced the safety and preparedness of Bahamian partners who routinely operate aboard USCG helicopters during OPBAT missions. The exercise provided hands-on instruction for 31 participants and strengthened interoperability between U.S. and Bahamian agencies engaged in counter-drug, search and rescue, and maritime security operations throughout the region.

“We were excited and proud to have the opportunity to share our expertise with our Bahamian partners. Not only did RBDF and RBPF perform exceptionally well, they exceeded the standards we set for the event,” said Petty Officer Second Class Cole Johnson, USCG.

OPBAT is a cooperative multi-agency international operation supporting The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos Islands to stop illicit drug smuggling through the region. U.S. Embassy Nassau Chargé d’affaires Kimberly Furnish stated, “Since 1982, OPBAT has worked to stop the flow of illicit narcotics through the Caribbean, destined for the United States or other jurisdictions.  This is international cooperation at its best.”

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