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BAHAMAS: Ground breaking ceremony to establish a Lucayan Village at Clifton Heritage National Park

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#Nassau, April 27, 2019 – Bahamas – Against the backdrop of balmy ocean breezes and crystal blue waters, ground was broken for the establishment of a Lucayan Village at the historic Clifton Heritage National Park, Southwest Road, Friday, April 26, 2019.   A Lucayan Village Billboard was also unveiled.

The ceremony marked the first in a series of events that are intended to revitalize the heritage, history and culture of Lucayan, European, and African ancestors.

Among the officials at the ceremony were the Hon. Lanisha Rolle, MP and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture; His Excellency Reuben Rahming, MP and High Commissioner to CARICOM; the Hon. Shonel Ferguson, MP and Chairman, Clifton Heritage Authority; Senator Jamal Moss; Mrs. Patricia Minnis, wife of Prime Minister Minnis; Ms. Rhoda Jackson, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture; Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Commodore Tellis Bethel; students of Sandilands Primary, Gambier Primary and Windsor schools, members of the Clifton Heritage Authority and the Coalition to Save Clifton.

In her remarks, Ms. Ferguson recognized members of the Coalition who were present and thanked them for their efforts to save the property on which the Clifton Heritage National Park resides.  

She said, “Bahamians felt this was important enough for them to arouse themselves and get into the consciousness of our nation and say this is worth fighting for; this is worth saving. This piece of property is costing the Bahamian people $24 million.  That’s how you invest in your history when you believe in your history.”

The Chairman invited Bahamians to observe as the Lucayan Village is being built and to volunteer to help in its construction.

“As we build, we invite you to watch the work as it happens and volunteer. We will have your name recorded in the book for all ages that you helped to build the Lucayan Village.  Your grandchildren and great grandchildren will know that you helped,” said Ms. Ferguson.

In 2018, at a cost of $100,000 the Authority developed a review called ‘Clifton Rising’ which will introduce new experiential tours called ‘Portals from the Past’. The excursions are intended to reflect the cultural traditions of the Lucayan Amerindians, the Loyalists, the African slaves and the free black Loyalists.

“Each platform will educate our visitors about our country’s rich, proud and diverse history. They will allow both our local and international visitors to become a part of our history through vigorous and exciting interaction and will serve as creative classrooms to educate our students,” said Ms. Ferguson.

Minister Rolle, who spoke on behalf of Dr. the Most Hon. Hubert Minnis, Prime Minister, said the launch is evidence that since its establishment in June 2004 the Authority has not wavered in its purpose to manage, maintain, preserve, promote and develop Clifton Heritage as a national park and historical heritage site.

She said the Authority is continuously committed to upholding its mission and mandate as promulgated by the Government of The Bahamas, preserving the heritage and culture in this distinguished area of The Bahamas.

The Minister said Clifton Heritage is the only national park in The Bahamas where the historical and cultural legacy reside evidencing three distinct civilizations that existed in The Bahamas namely the Lucayans, the Loyalists and the Africans.

“The Bahamas Government seeks to formalize the experience of going down what we know as memory lane and ensuring that as a people we know our past, we preserve it in this present day and concomitantly we take the necessary steps to secure the memories, spirit and artifacts of the Lucayan people for the benefit of future generations.

“May the establishment of this Lucayan Village serve as a tribute to Bahamian history, strengthening our cultural identity and with our relentless resolve and commitment to ensuring that, notwithstanding that we are in the Year of Our Lord 2019, all know and remember that the 12th century existed and the people of Lucaya left for us the inheritance of a rich heritage and the pride of a proud and grateful people,” added Minister Rolle.

She thanked the Authority and all stakeholders who have invested in the success of the initiative, preservation and development of Clifton Heritage.

By Kathryn Campbell

Released: BIS

Photo Caption: The official groundbreaking ceremony to mark the launch of ‘Lucayan Village at Clifton Heritage National Park.’  At groundbreaking, pictured from left by the new billboard: Coalition to Save Clifton President Rev. C. B. Moss; Clifton Heritage Authority Chairman Shonel Ferguson; Mrs. Patricia Minnis; Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Lanisha Rolle; and Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Commodore Tellis Bethel.   

(BIS Photos/Kristaan Ingraham)

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Nassau Cruise Port Marks Sixth Anniversary with Exciting New Additions for Visitors and The community

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[Nassau, Bahamas, October 8, 2025] Nassau Cruise Port (NCP) proudly celebrates its sixth corporate anniversary by unveiling a series of transformative additions that further enhance the guest and community experience. The anniversary comes at a pivotal moment in the growth of the port, with the opening of a new swimming pool, an expanded marina, and a state-of-the-art ferry terminal that will support transfers to the Royal Beach Club, which is currently under construction on Paradise Island.

Since its $300 million redevelopment, Nassau Cruise Port – the largest transit cruise port in the world – has welcomed millions of visitors and become one of the most vibrant cruise destinations in the world. This anniversary not only reflects its commitment to delivering world-class facilities, but also its dedication to creating meaningful connections between visitors and the Bahamian community.

“This milestone represents much more than the passage of time,” said Mike Maura, Jr., CEO and Director of Nassau Cruise Port. “It reflects our promise to continually elevate the guest experience, contribute to the local economy, and provide opportunities for Bahamians. During our first year (2019) of operating the Nassau Cruise Port, Nassau welcomed approximately. 3.85 million cruise guests, and 2025 will see well over 6 million cruise visitors visit Nassau. Our focus on driving cruise tourism and the $350 million investment in our downtown waterfront is a testament to our vision of making Nassau a premier cruise and leisure destination.”

The new pool offers a refreshing retreat for visitors enjoying Nassau’s waterfront, while the expanded marina will accommodate additional yachts, boosting tourism and local commerce. The ferry terminal expansion enhances passenger flow and supports convenient, seamless transfers to the Royal Beach Club, strengthening Nassau’s position as a hub for Caribbean cruising and leisure.

As part of its anniversary celebrations, NCP will host a series of internal and external activities to celebrate its team and to highlight its ongoing investments in the Bahamian economy, including job creation, local vendor opportunities, and cultural showcases at the port.

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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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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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