Bahamas News
Government and Baha Mar sign $350 million Heads of Agreement for resort’s expansion
By LINDSAY THOMPSON
Bahamas Information Services
NASSAU, The Bahamas –– The Government of The Bahamas and Baha Mar entered into a Heads of Agreement for a $350 million expansion of the resort on Cable Beach.
It was deemed “a big day for tourism and investments” in the country, as it also marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Baha Mar.
The agreement was signed during a press conference held on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at Baha Mar’s Rosewood property.
In attendance were the Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; the Hon. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation; Secretary to the Cabinet Mrs. Nicole Campbell; Phylicia Woods-Hanna, Director of Investments; Graeme Davis, President of Baha Mar; Robert ‘Sandy’ Sands, Baha Mar Senior Vice-President; and other officials.
“Today’s signing is a clear indication of the strength and resilience of our tourism industry and economy and a reminder of the opportunities ahead,” said Prime Minister Davis. “Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Baha Mar, one that underscores the strength of our nation’s tourism industry and its incredible potential.”
He observed that the expansion of Baha Mar, with its continued investment in the development of Cable Beach, is a shining example of how the country continues to attract significant global investment.
“This project represents a commitment to the ongoing growth of our economy and the enduring confidence investors have in The Bahamas.”
From developing a new condominium-hotel complex to expanding world-class amenities, this expansion will further elevate Baha
Mar’s already outstanding reputation as a premier destination. Baha Mar plans to add a 4th luxury resort as the next phase of its continued development: the groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for 2026 with a projected opening in 2029. It will engage a workforce of about 400 at construction site, and 500 employed upon completion.
Designed by internationally recognized architect and designers Foster + Partners, the resort will be situated on 12 beachfront acres where Melia Nassau Beach resort once stood. It will feature 350 rooms and 50 luxury branded residences overlooking the turquoise waters of Cable Beach. Amenities will include four new restaurants, a 14,000 square-foot world-class spa and fitness centre, luxury retailers, pools, and additional family amenities.
The new hotel will also feature 25,000 square-feet of dedicated indoor and outdoor event space, a 10,000 square-foot ballroom, 6,000 square-foot junior ballroom, and entertainment lounges.
These initiatives will aim to enhance guest experiences and create hundreds of new jobs for Bahamians, ensuring that Baha Mar continues to be a key driver of economic success.
“This dawn of a new chapter for Baha Mar is a signal to the world that The Bahamas is open for business, ready to embrace new opportunities, and steadfast in our vision of sustainable growth.
“Baha Mar’s continued growth is a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved through true partnership,” the prime minister said.
He added that the expansion reaffirms the strength of the government’s relationship with CTF BM Holdings and its parent company, highlighting their deep-rooted commitment to the country’s development.
“Let this be a model for future projects — where collaboration, mutual respect, and shared goals can unlock extraordinary potential,” he said.
Tourism Minister Cooper called it a “transformative announcement”, and that Baha Mar has already provided a significant boost to
the local tourism product over the past seven years.
He said this speaks to the “long-term commitment” by a significant corporate citizen that the nation is poised for prosperity, and that it was “a big day for tourism and investments.”
Baha Mar’s Graeme Davis, too, underscored the importance of the expansion project to the Bahamian economy.
“Baha Mar is committed to creating spectacular experiences and this $350 million capital investment in our world-class resort collection underscores Baha Mar’s role as a catalyst for continued economic growth and job creation in The Bahamas,” Mr. Davis said, adding that Baha Mar was grateful to the government for its continued support and the collaborative partnership in bringing about this new development.
In conclusion, the prime minister said, “Friends, we are entering a brave new era. An era defined by the remarkable investments we see today and the full maximization of Bahamian potential.
“While we celebrate the expansion of Baha Mar and welcome new investments, what matters most to me is ensuring that Bahamians are not just participants, but leaders in our tourism industry,” he said.
PHOTO CAPTIONS
BIS Photos/Kemuel Stubbs
Header: The Government and Baha Mar entered into a Heads of Agreement for a $350 million expansion of the resort on Cable Beach. The agreement was signed during a press conference held on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at Rosewood, Baha Mar. Pictured from left: the Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; Phylicia Woods-Hanna, Director of Investments; Secretary to the Cabinet, Nicole Campbell; Graeme Davis, President of Baha Mar; Alistair Chisnall, Partner, GrahamThompson; Sandy Sands, Baha Mar Senior Vice-President; and the Hon. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation.
1st insert: The Government and Baha Mar entered into a Heads of Agreement for a $350 million expansion of the resort on Cable Beach. The agreement was signed during a press conference held on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at the Rosewood property. Pictured left to right: Phylicia Woods-Hanna, Director of Investments; the Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; Secretary to the Cabinet, Nicole Campbell; Graeme Davis, President of Baha Mar; Sandy Sands, Baha Mar Senior Vice-President; and the Hon. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation.
2nd insert: Government and Baha Mar officials arrive for the signing of a Heads of Agreement for a $350 million expansion of the resort on Cable Beach. The HOA was signed during a press conference, September 18, 2024 at Rosewood, Baha Mar. Pictured from left are the Hon. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation; the Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; and Graeme Davis, President of Baha Mar.
3rd insert: The Hon. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation looks at the renderings of the expansion of Baha Mar.
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.
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.
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