As Government continues to build momentum to energize Grand Bahama’s tourism sector and inspire entrepreneurs, 132 creatives made up the latest cohort of grant recipients under the government’s Empower Grand Bahama Programme.

The initiative, launched under the Ministry for Grand Bahama, is designed to support small businesses operating in orange economy, also known as the creative industry.

Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey congratulated the newest recipients of the Empower Grand Bahama Small Business Grant at a special ceremony held at the Grand Lucayan Resort.

“It is so wonderful to finally arrive at this moment here today,” she said.

“The Programme’s goal is to assist entrepreneurs in developing and diversifying their touristic products and services with an emphasis on offering unique, authentic Bahamian experience for visitors to Grand Bahama Island.”

The Programme, which received over 500 applicants, focused on creative entrepreneurs and tourism product enhancement.

The 132 grants represent a cross-section of businesses in the creative space operated by artisans, tour operators, food and drink vendors and experience providers whose products and services will add to the eclectic mix of restaurants, fascinating eco-adventures and pristine beaches that visitors to Grand Bahama already experience.

Minister Moxey, while noting that the ongoing collaboration between the Ministry for Grand Bahama and the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation to promote Grand Bahama in international markets has resulted in increased visitor arrivals to the island, said that the tide is shifting and residents have a golden opportunity to change the trajectory of their business endeavours.

She also stressed, however, that the product offerings must be improved upon by creating a more memorable and meaningful experience for the destination.

“With the support and micro grant funding from the Empower Grand Bahama Programme, orange economy creators have access to resources that will assist in developing unique experiences, services and authentic products that are culturally Bahamian and attractive to tourists,” Minister Moxey said.

As the island makes ready for the completion of Carnival Cruise Line’s new port, Celebration Key, and the projected 13,000-plus cruise passengers and 3,000 cruise members daily, Minister Moxey pointed out that it is imperative that Grand Bahama continues to build authentic experiences.

To-date, the Programme has already distributed grants to entrepreneurs operating in the Downtown Farmer's Market and at the newly renovated Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation's Arts and Craft Centre.

Minister Moxey said she recognizes the importance of small business grant programs to offer resources beyond financial assistance, but to also support entrepreneurs in building successful and sustainable ventures that will contribute to the economic development of communities, the island and the nation.

“In addition to providing funding for product development, the Empower Grand Bahama Programme is also focused on supporting entrepreneurs to foster sustainable growth in their businesses. So as a part of the follow-up process, project and investment officers from the Ministry for Grand Bahama will monitor the progress of grant recipients,” Minister Moxey said.

The officers will encourage good business practices, ensure that startups and existing businesses are properly licensed and advise on tracking finances, marketing and adopting environmentally sustainable business methods.

As Government continues to build momentum to energize Grand Bahama’s tourism sector and inspire entrepreneurs, 132 creatives made up the latest cohort of grant recipients under the government’s Empower Grand Bahama Programme. The initiative, launched under the Ministry for Grand Bahama, is designed to support small businesses operating in orange economy, also known as the creative industry. Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey congratulated the newest recipients of the Empower Grand Bahama Small Business Grant at a special ceremony held at the Grand Lucayan Resort. “It is so wonderful to finally arrive at this moment here today,” she said. “The Programme’s goal is to assist entrepreneurs in developing and diversifying their touristic products and services with an emphasis on offering unique, authentic Bahamian experience for visitors to Grand Bahama Island.” The Programme, which received over 500 applicants, focused on creative entrepreneurs and tourism product enhancement. The 132 grants represent a cross-section of businesses in the creative space operated by artisans, tour operators, food and drink vendors and experience providers whose products and services will add to the eclectic mix of restaurants, fascinating eco-adventures and pristine beaches that visitors to Grand Bahama already experience. Minister Moxey, while noting that the ongoing collaboration between the Ministry for Grand Bahama and the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation to promote Grand Bahama in international markets has resulted in increased visitor arrivals to the island, said that the tide is shifting and residents have a golden opportunity to change the trajectory of their business endeavours. She also stressed, however, that the product offerings must be improved upon by creating a more memorable and meaningful experience for the destination. “With the support and micro grant funding from the Empower Grand Bahama Programme, orange economy creators have access to resources that will assist in developing unique experiences, services and authentic products that are culturally Bahamian and attractive to tourists,” Minister Moxey said. As the island makes ready for the completion of Carnival Cruise Line’s new port, Celebration Key, and the projected 13,000-plus cruise passengers and 3,000 cruise members daily, Minister Moxey pointed out that it is imperative that Grand Bahama continues to build authentic experiences. To-date, the Programme has already distributed grants to entrepreneurs operating in the Downtown Farmer's Market and at the newly renovated Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation's Arts and Craft Centre. Minister Moxey said she recognizes the importance of small business grant programs to offer resources beyond financial assistance, but to also support entrepreneurs in building successful and sustainable ventures that will contribute to the economic development of communities, the island and the nation. “In addition to providing funding for product development, the Empower Grand Bahama Programme is also focused on supporting entrepreneurs to foster sustainable growth in their businesses. So as a part of the follow-up process, project and investment officers from the Ministry for Grand Bahama will monitor the progress of grant recipients,” Minister Moxey said. The officers will encourage good business practices, ensure that startups and existing businesses are properly licensed and advise on tracking finances, marketing and adopting environmentally sustainable business methods.

 

Good Morning.

And Welcome, Ladies and Gentlemen, to our Golden Jubilee Independence Award of Supreme Honour – an award with a grand title to reflect the grand achievements of our recipients this morning.

Fifty years ago, the founders of our nation realised their dream of an Independent Bahamas. In doing so, they opened the door to an even bigger dream – a vision of a proud and prosperous people, defined not by their colonial past, but by the ingenuity and resilience used to craft their future.

While we may take our present-day successes for granted, we must not forget that The Bahamas we know today was not a guarantee. In fact, at the time some opposing voices warned that our embrace of Independence would lead to a drastic drop in our quality of life and prospects. They did not think that we were sufficiently able to govern ourselves.

Over the fifty years since Independence, there have certainly been challenges. But there have also been great opportunities, and a glorious national awakening.

Perfection in human societies is impossible,  but even our imperfect progress has seen us rise, excel, and have the world mark the manner of our bearing.

Even so, none of it was inevitable. We should never take the rise of our country for granted. Imagine a small island nation with the 3rd highest GDP per capita in the western hemisphere, with talent bursting at its seams, and a culture and quality of life that many other nations aspire to achieve.

The odds were stacked against us, but we’ve proven time and time again, that betting against The Bahamas is a losing bet.

But what exactly is it about us that is so exceptional that we have been able to accomplish as much as we have in just 50 years?

It is you, the Bahamian people, who have led the way.

Our journey over the past five decades has been one of remarkable achievement, spanning sports, science, business, education, politics, art, music, philanthropy, and media. In just about every field imaginable, nationally or internationally, Bahamians are excelling.

Bahamian men and women, young and old, from all walks of life, have shaped our national identity and propelled The Bahamas to its esteemed place on the world stage.

So, while the year may be coming to an end, our Golden Jubilee is not yet done. And before it is done, we are recognising and celebrating the contributions of our national heroes and heroines – our nation builders, our people – who made this nation what it is today.

A special thank you to the Independence Honours Advisory Committee Chair, Sean McWeeney, and the members of the committee. Thanks also to those who supported the work of the Committee: Head of the Secretariat Mr. Peter Deveaux Isaacs and the many researchers and members of staff. All your efforts combined have made this ceremony possible.

We pay special tribute this morning to the late Ed Bethel, who was a member of the Honours Advisory Committee, and is now himself, an honouree. His legacy continues to shine.

This morning, it was important to us not only to recognise those who are blessed enough to be here in person, but also to honour the contributions of those who are no longer with us. 

Today we remember and celebrate them all. 

We applaud each of 102 honourees as national standard bearers, champions, and examples of what we should all aspire to be.

These awards are separate from those conferred by the National Honours Society, created in this landmark year of the 50th anniversary of Independence, to mark the landmark achievements of those being recognised.

This is an award for the people, by the people. It reflects our collective gratitude for the shoulders on which we all stand.

We are forever grateful for the contributions of our honourees. With the granting of this honour, your names and the names of your departed loved ones will forever be remembered when we acknowledge the contributions of those who have defined Bahamian excellence.

It is now up to the rest of us to live up to their legacies, build on the foundation they left us, and take this nation forward for the next 50 years. We should do so with the same courage, dedication, and passion that they embodied.

Congratulations to you all and thank you, once again, for giving so freely of yourselves to this nation.

May God bless you all and may He continue to bless our beloved Bahamas.

Good Morning. And Welcome, Ladies and Gentlemen, to our Golden Jubilee Independence Award of Supreme Honour – an award with a grand title to reflect the grand achievements of our recipients this morning. Fifty years ago, the founders of our nation realised their dream of an Independent Bahamas. In doing so, they opened the door to an even bigger dream – a vision of a proud and prosperous people, defined not by their colonial past, but by the ingenuity and resilience used to craft their future. While we may take our present-day successes for granted, we must not forget that The Bahamas we know today was not a guarantee. In fact, at the time some opposing voices warned that our embrace of Independence would lead to a drastic drop in our quality of life and prospects. They did not think that we were sufficiently able to govern ourselves. Over the fifty years since Independence, there have certainly been challenges. But there have also been great opportunities, and a glorious national awakening. Perfection in human societies is impossible,  but even our imperfect progress has seen us rise, excel, and have the world mark the manner of our bearing. Even so, none of it was inevitable. We should never take the rise of our country for granted. Imagine a small island nation with the 3rd highest GDP per capita in the western hemisphere, with talent bursting at its seams, and a culture and quality of life that many other nations aspire to achieve. The odds were stacked against us, but we’ve proven time and time again, that betting against The Bahamas is a losing bet. But what exactly is it about us that is so exceptional that we have been able to accomplish as much as we have in just 50 years? It is you, the Bahamian people, who have led the way. Our journey over the past five decades has been one of remarkable achievement, spanning sports, science, business, education, politics, art, music, philanthropy, and media. In just about every field imaginable, nationally or internationally, Bahamians are excelling. Bahamian men and women, young and old, from all walks of life, have shaped our national identity and propelled The Bahamas to its esteemed place on the world stage. So, while the year may be coming to an end, our Golden Jubilee is not yet done. And before it is done, we are recognising and celebrating the contributions of our national heroes and heroines – our nation builders, our people – who made this nation what it is today. A special thank you to the Independence Honours Advisory Committee Chair, Sean McWeeney, and the members of the committee. Thanks also to those who supported the work of the Committee: Head of the Secretariat Mr. Peter Deveaux Isaacs and the many researchers and members of staff. All your efforts combined have made this ceremony possible. We pay special tribute this morning to the late Ed Bethel, who was a member of the Honours Advisory Committee, and is now himself, an honouree. His legacy continues to shine. This morning, it was important to us not only to recognise those who are blessed enough to be here in person, but also to honour the contributions of those who are no longer with us.  Today we remember and celebrate them all.  We applaud each of 102 honourees as national standard bearers, champions, and examples of what we should all aspire to be. These awards are separate from those conferred by the National Honours Society, created in this landmark year of the 50th anniversary of Independence, to mark the landmark achievements of those being recognised. This is an award for the people, by the people. It reflects our collective gratitude for the shoulders on which we all stand. We are forever grateful for the contributions of our honourees. With the granting of this honour, your names and the names of your departed loved ones will forever be remembered when we acknowledge the contributions of those who have defined Bahamian excellence. It is now up to the rest of us to live up to their legacies, build on the foundation they left us, and take this nation forward for the next 50 years. We should do so with the same courage, dedication, and passion that they embodied. Congratulations to you all and thank you, once again, for giving so freely of yourselves to this nation. May God bless you all and may He continue to bless our beloved Bahamas.

PLP candidate Kingsley Smith wins West Grand Bahama and Bimini by-election

 

8.30pm UPDATE: UNOFFICIAL TOTALS

Lincoln Bain, Coalition of Independents, 307 - 8.16% of the votes

Bishop Ricardo Grant, FNM, 1,276 - 33.89% of the votes

DaQuan Swain, Independent, 28 - 0.74% of the votes

Terneille Burrows, Independent, 4 - 0.11% of the votes

Kingsley Smith, PLP, 2,150 - 57.11% of the votes

 

8.15pm UPDATE:

By-Election results – Polling Division 1:

Lincoln Bain, Coalition of Independents, 14

Bishop Ricardo Grant, FNM, 37

DaQuan Swain, Independent, 1

Terneille Burrows, Independent, 0

Kingsley Smith, PLP, 198

 

By-Election results – Polling Division 9:

Lincoln Bain, Coalition of Independents, 2

Bishop Ricardo Grant, FNM, 123

DaQuan Swain, Independent, 0

Terneille Burrows, Independent, 0

Kingsley Smith, PLP, 161

 

8.10pm UPDATE: Prime Minister Philip 'Brave' Davis, speaking at PLP HQ, says: “We wanted to win to honour the memory of Obie” and he congratulates Kingsley Smith “on a job well done”.

 

8.05pm UPDATE: By-Election results – Polling Division 5A:

 

Lincoln Bain, Coalition of Independents, 18

Bishop Ricardo Grant, FNM, 54

DaQuan Swain, Independent, 0

Terneille Burrows, Independent, 1

Kingsley Smith, PLP, 114

7.55pm: Prime Minister Philip 'Brave' Davis and Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis at the PLP headquarters – after PLP candidate Kingsley Smith was declared the winner of the West Grand Bahama and Bimini by-election. Photo: Dante Carrer

 

By-Election results – Polling Division 3:

Lincoln Bain, Coalition of Independents, 11

Bishop Ricardo Grant, FNM, 50

DaQuan Swain, Independent, 2

Terneille Burrows, Independent, 0

Kingsley Smith, PLP, 188

 

7.50pm UPDATE: The PLP's Kingsley Smith has been declared the winner, but results from individual polling divisions are still coming in:

 

By-Election results – Polling Division 2:

Lincoln Bain, Coalition of Independents, 13

Bishop Ricardo Grant, FNM, 151

DaQuan Swain, Independent, 0

Terneille Burrows, Independent, 0

Kingsley Smith, PLP, 268

 

7.40pm: PLP candidate Kingsley Smith has been declared the winner of the West Grand Bahama and Bimini by-election.

 

7.30pm UPDATE: By-Election results – Polling Division 11A:

 

Lincoln Bain, Coalition of Independents, 8

Bishop Ricardo Grant, FNM, 79

DaQuan Swain, Independent, 0

Terneille Burrows, Independent, 0

Kingsley Smith, PLP, 75

 

7.20pm UPDATE: By-Election results – Polling Division 4A:

 

Lincoln Bain, Coalition of Independents, 26

Bishop Ricardo Grant, FNM, 61

DaQuan Swain, Independent, 1

Terneille Burrows, Independent, 0

Kingsley Smith, PLP, 69

 

By-Election results – Polling Division 11:

 

Lincoln Bain, Coalition of Independents, 7

Bishop Ricardo Grant, FNM, 75

DaQuan Swain, Independent, 1

Terneille Burrows, Independent, 0

Kingsley Smith, PLP, 82

 

By-Election results – Polling Division 13:

 

Lincoln Bain, Coalition of Independents, 26

Bishop Ricardo Grant, FNM, 74

DaQuan Swain, Independent, 3

Terneille Burrows, Independent, 1

Kingsley Smith, PLP, 101

 

7.10pm UPDATE: By-Election results – Polling Division 7:

 

Lincoln Bain, Coalition of Independents, 33

Bishop Ricardo Grant, FNM, 73

DaQuan Swain, Independent, 4

Terneille Burrows, Independent, 0

Kingsley Smith, PLP, 123

 

By-Election results – Polling Division 8:

 

Lincoln Bain, Coalition of Independents, 16

Bishop Ricardo Grant, FNM, 67

DaQuan Swain, Independent, 0

Terneille Burrows, Independent, 0

Kingsley Smith, PLP, 129

 

7.00pm UPDATE: By-Election results – Polling Division 6:

 

Lincoln Bain, Coalition of Independents, 32

Bishop Ricardo Grant, FNM, 49

DaQuan Swain, Independent, 3

Terneille Burrows, Independent, 0

Kingsley Smith, PLP, 128

 

6.55pm UPDATE: By-Election results – Polling Division 5:

 

Lincoln Bain, Coalition of Independents, 14

Bishop Ricardo Grant, FNM, 41

DaQuan Swain, Independent, 0

Terneille Burrows, Independent, 1

Kingsley Smith, PLP, 70

 

By-Election results – Polling Division 12:

 

Lincoln Bain, Coalition of Independents, 14

Bishop Ricardo Grant, FNM, 118

DaQuan Swain, Independent, 4

Terneille Burrows, Independent, 0

Kingsley Smith, PLP, 116

 

6.50pm UDPATE: By-Election results – Polling Division 14:

 

Lincoln Bain, Coalition of Independents, 44

Bishop Ricardo Grant, FNM, 97

DaQuan Swain, Independent, 4

Terneille Burrows, Independent, 0

Kingsley Smith, PLP, 111

 

6.50pm UPDATE: By-Election results – Polling Division 8A:

 

Lincoln Bain, Coalition of Independents, 3

Bishop Ricardo Grant, FNM, 17

DaQuan Swain, Independent, 1

Terneille Burrows, Independent, 1

Kingsley Smith, PLP, 26

 

6.40pm UPDATE: Results are coming in. From Polling Division No.4:

 

Lincoln Bain, Coalition of Independents, 22

Bishop Ricardo Grant, FNM, 40

DaQuan Swain, Independent, 4

Terneille Burrows, Independent, 0

Kingsley Smith, PLP, 68

 

3.00pm UPDATE: Voter says, ‘I’m out here to put my vote in for who I feel can do a better job’.

Mrs. Ruby Ann Darling, Deputy to the Governor General, received Mr. Basil J. Moss, president of the Acklins Trade and Development Association, and members, in a courtesy call at the Office of the Governor General on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. 

Pictured from left: Philippa Charlton, Ida Collie, B.J. Moss, Mrs. Ruby Ann Darling, Beryl Ferguson and Cardie Cox.