A significant milestone was made in the development of bilateral relations between the Governments of The Bahamas and the People’s Republic of China by the signing of the Sister Province/Island Relationship Agreement between Grand Bahama Island and Hunan Province.

The signing took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.  The Hon. Ginger Moxey, Minister for Grand Bahama; the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness; Kingsley Smith, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry for Grand Bahama and Joel Lewis, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for Grand Bahama represented The Bahamas at the signing.

His Excellency Mao Weiming, Governor of Hunan Provincial People's Government; Qu Hai, Secretary General of Hunan Provincial People's Government; Cui Wei, Charge d'Affaires, Embassy of the People's Republic of China; and Yang Peiran, Interpreter represented the People’s Republic of China.

Minister Moxey explained that in February 2022, she and the former Chinese Ambassador to The Bahamas, Her Excellency Dai Qingli began discussion on the establishment of a province-island relationship between Hunan Province and Grand Bahama Island because of their “immense synergy”.

“Hunan has a vibrant creative industry and its capital city, Changsha is known as the entertainment capital of China, whilst Grand Bahama is poised to become the home of entertainment in ‘Our Bluepoint for Change’.”

She said Hunan Province boasts 11 industrial sectors and Grand Bahama is the industrial capital of The Bahamas.  Further, innovation driven development has been a new driving force for Hunan, while Grand Bahama is poised to become the home of innovation for The Bahamas.

Minister Moxey said she is confident that an exchange of knowledge, ideas and culture will happen between the residents of Hunan Province and Grand Bahama.

“There is potential for robust trade in various sectors, opportunities for tourism promotion and intercultural appreciation, exchanges to support performing arts programs on our island, foster growth within the Orange Economy, and tap into China’s innovation, technology and vast expertise.”

She said that the formal signing aligns with the mission of Sister Cities International, which is to promote peace through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation, one community at a time.

The Minister said, “Through collaborative programs and initiatives, this connection will support the government’s vision to diversity Grand Bahama’s economy to become the Home of Maritime and Logistics, Home of Events and Entertainment and Home of Innovation.”

She noted that in addition to signing the agreement, she looks forward to Grand Bahama residents benefitting from the signing of the Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding between Central South University and University of The Bahamas (UB), which will expand educational and technical cooperation between the two universities.  The northern campus of UB is located in Grand Bahama.

His Excellency Mao Weiming said although geographically far apart, China and The Bahamas are friends with mutual respect and understanding as well as sincerity.

He explained that 27 years ago, both countries established diplomatic relations and China and The Bahamas have deepened their cooperation, strengthened their friendship and carried out many activities in the field of economy, trade and people-to-people exchange.

His Excellency recalled that in August 2022, he and Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis had a video conference where they both reached a consensus to cooperate in order to usher a new chapter in the relationship between Hunan and The Bahamas.

“Today, we are here to sign a sister-to-sister relationship between Hunan and Grand Bahama.  It is [a] concrete move to implement our consensus reached before and also to embark on a new journey of friendly exchanges.”

He added, “By establishing the relationship of sister cities, I believe the two sides will develop further in terms of economic and trade cooperation, people to people exchange, as well as friendship, and we will embrace new opportunities and deliver concrete benefits for the two peoples.”

He explained that Hunan, which is the home town of Chairman Mao, the founder of the People’s Republic of China, has developed very advanced industries of manufacturing, agriculture, education, culture as well as tourism.

His Excellency said he believes that Hunan and Grand Bahama enjoy very broad room for cooperation.

He said, “More efforts should be made to conduct cooperation in the fields of agriculture, tourism, culture, education and the film industry so as to realize a connectivity between our two sides in terms of logistics and the platform cooperation; so as to deliver concrete benefits for the people and to make our due contribution to the bilateral relationship between China and The Bahamas.”

A significant milestone was made in the development of bilateral relations between the Governments of The Bahamas and the People’s Republic of China by the signing of the Sister Province/Island Relationship Agreement between Grand Bahama Island and Hunan Province. The signing took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.  The Hon. Ginger Moxey, Minister for Grand Bahama; the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness; Kingsley Smith, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry for Grand Bahama and Joel Lewis, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for Grand Bahama represented The Bahamas at the signing. His Excellency Mao Weiming, Governor of Hunan Provincial People's Government; Qu Hai, Secretary General of Hunan Provincial People's Government; Cui Wei, Charge d'Affaires, Embassy of the People's Republic of China; and Yang Peiran, Interpreter represented the People’s Republic of China. Minister Moxey explained that in February 2022, she and the former Chinese Ambassador to The Bahamas, Her Excellency Dai Qingli began discussion on the establishment of a province-island relationship between Hunan Province and Grand Bahama Island because of their “immense synergy”. “Hunan has a vibrant creative industry and its capital city, Changsha is known as the entertainment capital of China, whilst Grand Bahama is poised to become the home of entertainment in ‘Our Bluepoint for Change’.” She said Hunan Province boasts 11 industrial sectors and Grand Bahama is the industrial capital of The Bahamas.  Further, innovation driven development has been a new driving force for Hunan, while Grand Bahama is poised to become the home of innovation for The Bahamas. Minister Moxey said she is confident that an exchange of knowledge, ideas and culture will happen between the residents of Hunan Province and Grand Bahama. “There is potential for robust trade in various sectors, opportunities for tourism promotion and intercultural appreciation, exchanges to support performing arts programs on our island, foster growth within the Orange Economy, and tap into China’s innovation, technology and vast expertise.” She said that the formal signing aligns with the mission of Sister Cities International, which is to promote peace through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation, one community at a time. The Minister said, “Through collaborative programs and initiatives, this connection will support the government’s vision to diversity Grand Bahama’s economy to become the Home of Maritime and Logistics, Home of Events and Entertainment and Home of Innovation.” She noted that in addition to signing the agreement, she looks forward to Grand Bahama residents benefitting from the signing of the Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding between Central South University and University of The Bahamas (UB), which will expand educational and technical cooperation between the two universities.  The northern campus of UB is located in Grand Bahama. His Excellency Mao Weiming said although geographically far apart, China and The Bahamas are friends with mutual respect and understanding as well as sincerity. He explained that 27 years ago, both countries established diplomatic relations and China and The Bahamas have deepened their cooperation, strengthened their friendship and carried out many activities in the field of economy, trade and people-to-people exchange. His Excellency recalled that in August 2022, he and Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis had a video conference where they both reached a consensus to cooperate in order to usher a new chapter in the relationship between Hunan and The Bahamas. “Today, we are here to sign a sister-to-sister relationship between Hunan and Grand Bahama.  It is [a] concrete move to implement our consensus reached before and also to embark on a new journey of friendly exchanges.” He added, “By establishing the relationship of sister cities, I believe the two sides will develop further in terms of economic and trade cooperation, people to people exchange, as well as friendship, and we will embrace new opportunities and deliver concrete benefits for the two peoples.” He explained that Hunan, which is the home town of Chairman Mao, the founder of the People’s Republic of China, has developed very advanced industries of manufacturing, agriculture, education, culture as well as tourism. His Excellency said he believes that Hunan and Grand Bahama enjoy very broad room for cooperation. He said, “More efforts should be made to conduct cooperation in the fields of agriculture, tourism, culture, education and the film industry so as to realize a connectivity between our two sides in terms of logistics and the platform cooperation; so as to deliver concrete benefits for the people and to make our due contribution to the bilateral relationship between China and The Bahamas.”

Putting his personal touch on the mural entitled “Heal,” Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Philip Davis topped the list of many who stopped by the community project in Downtown Freeport, Grand Bahama when he visited on April 18, 2024.

The masterpiece, a creation of Bahamian artist Ben Ferguson, Jr. which got underway on April 2, is situated on the south wall of the Seventeen Centre and is part of an inter-island travelling exhibition (ITE) sponsored by The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.

The goal of the ITE Community Mural Project is to create murals that comment on the indomitable Bahamian spirit through the lens of climate crisis and speaks to healing, survival, humanity and rebirth.

Before initiating the piece, Ferguson, a Grand Bahama native, invited members of the community to join him in creating the artwork which depicts the journey of healing and the importance of destigmatizing mental health discussions post Hurricane Dorian and the Covid 19 pandemic.

Over the next two weeks, individuals from all walks of life, from bankers, to security officers, construction workers, lawyers, teachers, students, artisans, aspiring artisans and those who didn’t believe they had an artistic bone in their body, stopped by to lend a helping hand and put their stamp on the artwork.

Prime Minister Davis commended the artwork's role in sparking conversations and reiterated the government's commitment to supporting mental health initiatives.

The mural is also intended to spark discussions on the importance of preserving and sharing Bahamian history, culture and traditions with future generations as an invaluable educational tool.

Ferguson is looking forward to creating more indoor and outdoor murals to enhance spaces and captivate viewers.

He also hopes his Heal mural, which symbolizes resilience and the need for a supportive community in addressing mental health challenges, will serve as a catalyst for continued dialogue and action surrounding mental health on the island, encouraging individuals to seek help and support when needed while inspiring understanding, empathy and healing within the community.

Putting his personal touch on the mural entitled “Heal,” Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Philip Davis topped the list of many who stopped by the community project in Downtown Freeport, Grand Bahama when he visited on April 18, 2024. The masterpiece, a creation of Bahamian artist Ben Ferguson, Jr. which got underway on April 2, is situated on the south wall of the Seventeen Centre and is part of an inter-island travelling exhibition (ITE) sponsored by The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas. The goal of the ITE Community Mural Project is to create murals that comment on the indomitable Bahamian spirit through the lens of climate crisis and speaks to healing, survival, humanity and rebirth. Before initiating the piece, Ferguson, a Grand Bahama native, invited members of the community to join him in creating the artwork which depicts the journey of healing and the importance of destigmatizing mental health discussions post Hurricane Dorian and the Covid 19 pandemic. Over the next two weeks, individuals from all walks of life, from bankers, to security officers, construction workers, lawyers, teachers, students, artisans, aspiring artisans and those who didn’t believe they had an artistic bone in their body, stopped by to lend a helping hand and put their stamp on the artwork. Prime Minister Davis commended the artwork's role in sparking conversations and reiterated the government's commitment to supporting mental health initiatives. The mural is also intended to spark discussions on the importance of preserving and sharing Bahamian history, culture and traditions with future generations as an invaluable educational tool. Ferguson is looking forward to creating more indoor and outdoor murals to enhance spaces and captivate viewers. He also hopes his Heal mural, which symbolizes resilience and the need for a supportive community in addressing mental health challenges, will serve as a catalyst for continued dialogue and action surrounding mental health on the island, encouraging individuals to seek help and support when needed while inspiring understanding, empathy and healing within the community.

Governor General, Her Excellency, the Most Hon. Cynthia Pratt and Deputy Prime, and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation the Hon. Chester Cooper attended the 68th Annual National Family Island Regatta Ecumenical Service at St. Andrew's Anglican Church, George Town, Exuma on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Philip Davis applauded CG Atlantic for being an exemplary, forward-thinking investor during his address at the official opening of the insurance company’s $5.3 million Freeport Office on April 18, 2024.

He commended CG Atlantic for keeping its commitment after the groundbreaking five years ago; and remaining loyal to the people of Grand Bahama through the worst hurricane in our nation’s history and the fallout from an unprecedented global pandemic.

The 10,000-square foot building sits on 4.3 acres, has green building technology for energy and water conservation, and a community garden.

CG Atlantic, the prime minister noted, is a good representation of the determined spirit of the people of Grand Bahama.

“Despite unexpected trials, this company stood firm in its commitment to this island and I want to thank them for the confidence that is manifested by the investment here today,” he said.

“The difficulties they faced did not shake their confidence in the resilience and promise of Freeport. They have remained loyal to this island, just as they have been faithful to our region.”

Prime Minister Davis also congratulated CG Atlantic for its green and renewable energy initiatives and said his government embraces companies like CG Atlantic that are forward thinking and align with the government’s vision of the future; and that CG Atlantic’s plan to fully solarize its building is an example the government anticipates many other investors will follow.

“Sustainability is one of the core values that we hold dear and we are fully in support of CG’s plan to make this building both environmentally friendly and disaster resistant,” Prime Minister Davis said.

The prime minister noted that the hurdles CG Atlantic encountered regarding policy limitations surrounding energy generation are no longer there.

“We must explore ways for local stakeholders to adapt and address barriers to empower the people of Grand Bahama to solarize in the same way that the government (we) are investing in the solarization of our national power grid,” he said.

He further praised CG Atlantic for making an investment that will not only be good for the environment but also for business in the long run, stating -- it is a perfect example of breaking the status quo and embracing the business opportunities within renewable energy and the green economy.

He added that the government is currently making significant investment in solar microgrids and large-scale solar power generation capacity in New Providence and throughout the Family Islands, with an objective to generate cheaper, cleaner and more stable electricity for everyone.

“For this change to be universal, we must also encourage private sector stakeholders and providers to follow suit,” he said.

The opening ceremony was followed by the unveiling of the plaque and ribbon cutting ceremony.

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Philip Davis applauded CG Atlantic for being an exemplary, forward-thinking investor during his address at the official opening of the insurance company’s $5.3 million Freeport Office on April 18, 2024. He commended CG Atlantic for keeping its commitment after the groundbreaking five years ago; and remaining loyal to the people of Grand Bahama through the worst hurricane in our nation’s history and the fallout from an unprecedented global pandemic. The 10,000-square foot building sits on 4.3 acres, has green building technology for energy and water conservation, and a community garden. CG Atlantic, the prime minister noted, is a good representation of the determined spirit of the people of Grand Bahama. “Despite unexpected trials, this company stood firm in its commitment to this island and I want to thank them for the confidence that is manifested by the investment here today,” he said. “The difficulties they faced did not shake their confidence in the resilience and promise of Freeport. They have remained loyal to this island, just as they have been faithful to our region.” Prime Minister Davis also congratulated CG Atlantic for its green and renewable energy initiatives and said his government embraces companies like CG Atlantic that are forward thinking and align with the government’s vision of the future; and that CG Atlantic’s plan to fully solarize its building is an example the government anticipates many other investors will follow. “Sustainability is one of the core values that we hold dear and we are fully in support of CG’s plan to make this building both environmentally friendly and disaster resistant,” Prime Minister Davis said. The prime minister noted that the hurdles CG Atlantic encountered regarding policy limitations surrounding energy generation are no longer there. “We must explore ways for local stakeholders to adapt and address barriers to empower the people of Grand Bahama to solarize in the same way that the government (we) are investing in the solarization of our national power grid,” he said. He further praised CG Atlantic for making an investment that will not only be good for the environment but also for business in the long run, stating -- it is a perfect example of breaking the status quo and embracing the business opportunities within renewable energy and the green economy. He added that the government is currently making significant investment in solar microgrids and large-scale solar power generation capacity in New Providence and throughout the Family Islands, with an objective to generate cheaper, cleaner and more stable electricity for everyone. “For this change to be universal, we must also encourage private sector stakeholders and providers to follow suit,” he said. The opening ceremony was followed by the unveiling of the plaque and ribbon cutting ceremony.