Her Excellency, the Most Hon. Cynthia Pratt, Governor General, presented a trophy to the Skipper of 'Susan Chase,' Stephen Knowles, and crew, as winner of the Governor General's Cup, Wednesday, April 24, 2024 after their Class B race triumph at the 68th Annual National Family Island Regatta in George Town, Exuma.  

Minister of Health and Wellness, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville and Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey welcomed to The Bahamas the Governor of Hunan Province of the People's Republic of China, His Excellency Mao Weiming with a luncheon at Sapodilla Restaurant, upon his arrival in Nassau, April 23, 2024. 

His Excellency was on Official Visit to The Bahamas.  On his visit he participated in a tour of the Critical Care block of Princess Margaret Hospital and affirmed the collaboration between The Bahamas and China to provide corrective eye surgery for Bahamians with visual impairment, through the Brightness Action initiative; he also signed a cooperative Sister Province/Island Relationship Agreement between Grand Bahama Island and Hunan Province, to be of benefit both parties; and he attended a ceremony to donate to the Ministry of Agriculture, tractors and agricultural machinery worth over $50,000 to improve local farming efficiency and food production. 

"Good evening, everyone.

It is a blessing to see so many familiar faces, in such a beautiful setting.

On my way here, I was reflecting on how this impressive monument came about.

Though its name calls back to Queen Victoria, whose reign began as slavery in the British Empire ended, the Queen’s Staircase was carved by enslaved persons of African descent. We may not know their names, or how many toiled to produce this masterpiece, but we can admire and honour their handiwork, which has survived some 230 years.  

The origin story of the sixty-six steps may not be news to many of you.

We Bahamians, after all, tend to know our history well.

We have a good memory – maybe even too good!

Too few of our visitors, however, leave our shores with a similar level of awareness.

This has to do with the tourism model we inherited.

Caribbean vacations have long been framed as escapes – as opportunities to ‘forget it all’. Many tourists come here, as a result, just to relax.

While it’s perfectly fine that some visitors fall in this category, it should not be true for all.

New, multi-pronged approaches will be fundamental if our tourism product is to remain compelling and competitive.

But innovation is not just better for tourists, it is also better for Bahamians. And I am not only talking in economic terms. We must guarantee that, first and foremost, our service industries serve us.

The model that crystallised as the Royal Victoria Hotel opened its doors in 1861 did not guarantee Bahamian empowerment. And later models did not sufficiently account for emerging trends, like rising interest in culinary, wellness, and ecotourism.

The new model outlined in our ‘Blueprint for Change’ takes all this into account.

It incentivises Bahamian-owned ventures, and foregrounds Bahamian culture. It also recognises the importance of heritage tourism, which is booming all around the world.

There’s no reason it shouldn’t be booming in The Bahamas, too.

Rejuvenating the Queen’s Staircase is just the start. The Water Tower and Fort Fincastle are on the way!

I commend the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board (NPIPB) for getting the ball rolling with their sizable  investment into the tangible cultural heritage of The Bahamas.

I look forward to more private sector entities playing a part in the restoration and upkeep of heritage sites throughout our shared archipelago.  

I also extend my sincere appreciation to the Antiquities Monuments and Museums Corporation (AMMC), the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Works, Atlantis, Elevation Plumbing, and all the Bahamian-owned businesses that contributed to the success of this project. Baha Mar as well.

My friends, as a nation blessed with a storied past, we stand to gain so much from a new era of heritage tourism. Here we have the sixty-six steps, but I can easily name sixty-six more historical sights on the island of New Providence alone.

Let us celebrate and safeguard them all. Let us show our pride by keeping them clean.

To close, I have heard it said that in our region, the sea is History.

But ladies and gentlemen, let it be known that so is the land.

Thank you and God bless you all." 

"Good evening, everyone. It is a blessing to see so many familiar faces, in such a beautiful setting. On my way here, I was reflecting on how this impressive monument came about. Though its name calls back to Queen Victoria, whose reign began as slavery in the British Empire ended, the Queen’s Staircase was carved by enslaved persons of African descent. We may not know their names, or how many toiled to produce this masterpiece, but we can admire and honour their handiwork, which has survived some 230 years.   The origin story of the sixty-six steps may not be news to many of you. We Bahamians, after all, tend to know our history well. We have a good memory – maybe even too good! Too few of our visitors, however, leave our shores with a similar level of awareness. This has to do with the tourism model we inherited. Caribbean vacations have long been framed as escapes – as opportunities to ‘forget it all’. Many tourists come here, as a result, just to relax. While it’s perfectly fine that some visitors fall in this category, it should not be true for all. New, multi-pronged approaches will be fundamental if our tourism product is to remain compelling and competitive. But innovation is not just better for tourists, it is also better for Bahamians. And I am not only talking in economic terms. We must guarantee that, first and foremost, our service industries serve us. The model that crystallised as the Royal Victoria Hotel opened its doors in 1861 did not guarantee Bahamian empowerment. And later models did not sufficiently account for emerging trends, like rising interest in culinary, wellness, and ecotourism. The new model outlined in our ‘Blueprint for Change’ takes all this into account. It incentivises Bahamian-owned ventures, and foregrounds Bahamian culture. It also recognises the importance of heritage tourism, which is booming all around the world. There’s no reason it shouldn’t be booming in The Bahamas, too. Rejuvenating the Queen’s Staircase is just the start. The Water Tower and Fort Fincastle are on the way! I commend the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board (NPIPB) for getting the ball rolling with their sizable  investment into the tangible cultural heritage of The Bahamas. I look forward to more private sector entities playing a part in the restoration and upkeep of heritage sites throughout our shared archipelago.   I also extend my sincere appreciation to the Antiquities Monuments and Museums Corporation (AMMC), the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Works, Atlantis, Elevation Plumbing, and all the Bahamian-owned businesses that contributed to the success of this project. Baha Mar as well. My friends, as a nation blessed with a storied past, we stand to gain so much from a new era of heritage tourism. Here we have the sixty-six steps, but I can easily name sixty-six more historical sights on the island of New Providence alone. Let us celebrate and safeguard them all. Let us show our pride by keeping them clean. To close, I have heard it said that in our region, the sea is History. But ladies and gentlemen, let it be known that so is the land. Thank you and God bless you all." 

The Honorable Michael Halkitis, Minister of Economic Affairs of The Bahamas, on April 17, 2024, signed two agreements with the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF) to move forward The Bahamas’ full membership in the organization. The signing of the Immunities Exceptions and Privileges Agreement and Share Subscription Agreement are the penultimate steps to membership before the Government formally joins the institution.

“CAF’s commitment to improving quality of life strategically aligns with the government of The Bahamas’ goals to achieve the development objectives of the country, through the application of key social and economic activities and programmes,” said Minister Halkitis upon signing the agreements. “Food Security, Climate Change, Water and Energy, Digital Transformation, and Transportation are all areas that figure importantly in the government’s development policy initiatives and strategy.”

Membership in CAF provides The Bahamas new opportunities to improve effectively the quality of life for all Bahamians. It underscores The Bahamas’ commitment to development, environmental protection and preparing for the growing impacts of climate change.

“Undoubtedly, this relationship will enhance the socio-economic and environmental development of The Bahamas,” summarized Halkitis. “The Bahamas looks forward to joining the other 21 member states in this organization with a more than 50-year history of making an impact for people in the region.”

Additional Information

The Bahamas works to protect its environmental resources while also preparing its financial markets to respond to future natural disasters. The Bahamas works to create and adopt climate financing mechanisms specific to the region’s needs and is committed to international cooperation to address the full impact of climate change and ensure the developmental rights of all. In a filing last month at the International Court of Justice, The Bahamas insisted that all countries around the world be held accountable for their climate policies, with the goal of helping prevent environmental harm, cooperate on climate action, and protect current and future generations from the impacts of climate change.

CAF is a development bank committed to improving the quality of life of all in Latin America and the Caribbean. With over $54,000,000,000 in assets and a robust credit rating, CAF promotes sustainable development and regional integration with an aim of converting the organization into a green and blue bank.

The Honorable Michael Halkitis, Minister of Economic Affairs of The Bahamas, on April 17, 2024, signed two agreements with the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF) to move forward The Bahamas’ full membership in the organization. The signing of the Immunities Exceptions and Privileges Agreement and Share Subscription Agreement are the penultimate steps to membership before the Government formally joins the institution. “CAF’s commitment to improving quality of life strategically aligns with the government of The Bahamas’ goals to achieve the development objectives of the country, through the application of key social and economic activities and programmes,” said Minister Halkitis upon signing the agreements. “Food Security, Climate Change, Water and Energy, Digital Transformation, and Transportation are all areas that figure importantly in the government’s development policy initiatives and strategy.” Membership in CAF provides The Bahamas new opportunities to improve effectively the quality of life for all Bahamians. It underscores The Bahamas’ commitment to development, environmental protection and preparing for the growing impacts of climate change. “Undoubtedly, this relationship will enhance the socio-economic and environmental development of The Bahamas,” summarized Halkitis. “The Bahamas looks forward to joining the other 21 member states in this organization with a more than 50-year history of making an impact for people in the region.” Additional Information The Bahamas works to protect its environmental resources while also preparing its financial markets to respond to future natural disasters. The Bahamas works to create and adopt climate financing mechanisms specific to the region’s needs and is committed to international cooperation to address the full impact of climate change and ensure the developmental rights of all. In a filing last month at the International Court of Justice, The Bahamas insisted that all countries around the world be held accountable for their climate policies, with the goal of helping prevent environmental harm, cooperate on climate action, and protect current and future generations from the impacts of climate change. CAF is a development bank committed to improving the quality of life of all in Latin America and the Caribbean. With over $54,000,000,000 in assets and a robust credit rating, CAF promotes sustainable development and regional integration with an aim of converting the organization into a green and blue bank.

In his remarks at the 9th Our Ocean Conference in Athens, Greece, the Hon. Zane Lightbourne, State-Minister in the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, pledged The Bahamas’ unwavering commitment to the practice of sustainability and emphasized that the nation remains dedicated to the development of innovative measures to adapt to, and mitigate harm to the oceanic environment. 

He shared challenges and successes of The Bahamas as a leader in sustainable tourism as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS). The conference was held April 15-17, 2024 on the theme “Our Ocean - An Ocean of Potential” . It marked the official launch of Sustainable Tourism in the Mediterranean.

The conference focused on these topics:
*Sustainable tourism in coastal areas and Islands
*Reduction of marine plastic and micro-plastic pollution
*Green transition in the Mediterranean Sea and
*Green Shipping

Minister Lightbourne told participants that the health of The Bahamas’ seas, oceans and marine ecosystems is threatened by:

*Unsustainable practices, such as illegal discharges into the marine environment
*Marine litter, such as discarded fishing gear and micro-plastics
*Illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing
*Unsustainable shipping and tourism activities

He said, “We must have a common response to these challenges that propel us into action both separately and collectively – and to determine the most effective sustainable initiatives that will serve as the antidote to our common, global, environmental threat.”

He noted the effects of rising ocean temperatures, the exposure of residents to threats, hurricanes and extreme coral bleaching.  “The crippling impact to our coastal communities have put our country at the forefront of the climate crisis, with immediate responses needed to alleviate calamity.

“We have built resilience in these areas by implementing ecosystem-based solutions. The government has adopted a No Net Loss approach to mangroves, corals and pine forests.  We have enacted a ban on selected single-use plastics that prohibits these items from import. We are training and retooling professionals across sectors to address our local, regional and international challenges.

“The Bahamas is investing millions of US dollars to the effective management of our Marine Protected Areas, which includes equipping Protected Area Managers to patrol, protect and conserve our natural environment,” he said.

State-Minister Lightbourne also outlined some of the initiatives that have been launched in The Bahamas in alignment with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #14 — Sustainable Oceans/Life Below Water.

They are:

1. Mission for Mangroves
In 2022, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation launched Mission for the Mangroves which promotes mangrove stock replenishment and regeneration. Mangroves are also a protected species in country since 2021, under the Forestry Act.

2. The Coral Reef Restoration Project  
Launched in 2023, the project facilitates the establishment of Coral Nurseries through a network of dive operators who offer out-planting packages to visiting divers. The project aims to establish and maintain 50 Coral Nurseries across the Bahamian archipelago.  

3. Economic Growth/Decent Work – SDGs 8,11, 13
The Andros Community-based Tourism Cluster Project seeks to position Andros as the premier ecotourism destination within the country, fostering economic diversification within tourism.  

4. Nature-based services at BAMSI (Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute)
BAMSI is a tertiary institution for Marine Science that offers nationally accredited certification courses in flats-fishing and nature tourism, particularly for youth.  To underscore the Government’s commitment to Sustainable Tourism, legislation has been enacted that requires flats-fishing guides in The Bahamas, to be certified and licensed.  In January of this year, 40 trained and newly certified Guides graduated from BAMSI.  These projects are transformative and focus on creating a tourism sector that is environmentally sustainable, intent on preserving nature, communities, and culture.

In his remarks at the 9th Our Ocean Conference in Athens, Greece, the Hon. Zane Lightbourne, State-Minister in the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, pledged The Bahamas’ unwavering commitment to the practice of sustainability and emphasized that the nation remains dedicated to the development of innovative measures to adapt to, and mitigate harm to the oceanic environment.   He shared challenges and successes of The Bahamas as a leader in sustainable tourism as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS). The conference was held April 15-17, 2024 on the theme “Our Ocean - An Ocean of Potential” . It marked the official launch of Sustainable Tourism in the Mediterranean.   The conference focused on these topics: *Sustainable tourism in coastal areas and Islands *Reduction of marine plastic and micro-plastic pollution *Green transition in the Mediterranean Sea and *Green Shipping Minister Lightbourne told participants that the health of The Bahamas’ seas, oceans and marine ecosystems is threatened by: *Unsustainable practices, such as illegal discharges into the marine environment *Marine litter, such as discarded fishing gear and micro-plastics *Illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing *Unsustainable shipping and tourism activities   He said, “We must have a common response to these challenges that propel us into action both separately and collectively – and to determine the most effective sustainable initiatives that will serve as the antidote to our common, global, environmental threat.” He noted the effects of rising ocean temperatures, the exposure of residents to threats, hurricanes and extreme coral bleaching.  “The crippling impact to our coastal communities have put our country at the forefront of the climate crisis, with immediate responses needed to alleviate calamity.   “We have built resilience in these areas by implementing ecosystem-based solutions. The government has adopted a No Net Loss approach to mangroves, corals and pine forests.  We have enacted a ban on selected single-use plastics that prohibits these items from import. We are training and retooling professionals across sectors to address our local, regional and international challenges. “The Bahamas is investing millions of US dollars to the effective management of our Marine Protected Areas, which includes equipping Protected Area Managers to patrol, protect and conserve our natural environment,” he said. State-Minister Lightbourne also outlined some of the initiatives that have been launched in The Bahamas in alignment with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #14 — Sustainable Oceans/Life Below Water. They are: 1. Mission for Mangroves In 2022, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation launched Mission for the Mangroves which promotes mangrove stock replenishment and regeneration. Mangroves are also a protected species in country since 2021, under the Forestry Act. 2. The Coral Reef Restoration Project   Launched in 2023, the project facilitates the establishment of Coral Nurseries through a network of dive operators who offer out-planting packages to visiting divers. The project aims to establish and maintain 50 Coral Nurseries across the Bahamian archipelago.   3. Economic Growth/Decent Work – SDGs 8,11, 13 The Andros Community-based Tourism Cluster Project seeks to position Andros as the premier ecotourism destination within the country, fostering economic diversification within tourism.   4. Nature-based services at BAMSI (Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute) BAMSI is a tertiary institution for Marine Science that offers nationally accredited certification courses in flats-fishing and nature tourism, particularly for youth.  To underscore the Government’s commitment to Sustainable Tourism, legislation has been enacted that requires flats-fishing guides in The Bahamas, to be certified and licensed.  In January of this year, 40 trained and newly certified Guides graduated from BAMSI.   These projects are transformative and focus on creating a tourism sector that is environmentally sustainable, intent on preserving nature, communities, and culture.