BAHAMAS Power & Light (BPL) said disruptive works on the Eastern Road were completed over the weekend.

Drivers had to take alternative routes. The roadworks involved laying underground lines. Some residents complained about the minimal signs alerting them to detours. BPL’s senior manager of corporate communications, Arnette Ingraham, said work had been underway on weekends for the last five weeks. “This exercise allowed us to improve the reliability for our customers in the eastern area of New Providence, who experienced bouts of supply interruption a few months ago,” she said. “New underground lines were laid to address several faults previously identified and to provide redundancy (back-up) in case of future faults impacting service in that area.” She said BPL understands the need to complete repaving work and is working with partners to expedite this so that normal traffic flow can resume.

Drivers had to take alternative routes. The roadworks involved laying underground lines. Some residents complained about the minimal signs alerting them to detours.

BPL’s senior manager of corporate communications, Arnette Ingraham, said work had been underway on weekends for the last five weeks.

“This exercise allowed us to improve the reliability for our customers in the eastern area of New Providence, who experienced bouts of supply interruption a few months ago,” she said.

“New underground lines were laid to address several faults previously identified and to provide redundancy (back-up) in case of future faults impacting service in that area.”

She said BPL understands the need to complete repaving work and is working with partners to expedite this so that normal traffic flow can resume.

 

The Davis Administration remains committed to making homeownership more affordable and accessible for the people of the Bahamas. We have already implemented a range of policies that mark significant progress in this direction:

-Expanding Concessions to First-Time Homeowners: We’ve increased the exemption level for stamp duty on homes up to $300,000, up from $250,000, making homeownership more achievable for many.

-Broadening First Home-Buyer Concessions: These concessions now include purchasing land and building, as well as purchasing a house and renovating, offering more flexible options for aspiring homeowners.

-VAT Refunds on Construction: We are offering refunds on up to $40,000 in VAT on construction services and materials, provided the home is occupied within 18 months.

-Reduced VAT on Property Transfers: This reduction is aimed at easing the financial burden on property transactions.

-Eliminating VAT on Land-Transfer Between Joint Tenants: This helps Bahamians who have inherited land with siblings, easing the process of land transfer.

-Reduced Rates on Commercial Property Taxes: Implemented retroactively to last year, this measure supports the commercial property sector.

Building on these successes, we are excited to introduce our new rent-to-own program. This innovative initiative is a milestone in our journey towards creating more affordable homes for Bahamians. It offers a practical pathway to homeownership for many who might otherwise find it out of reach.

Moreover, we are delighted to announce that more affordable homes are on the way, reflecting our ongoing commitment to housing development and community enhancement.

Lastly, we welcome the Central Bank of The Bahamas’ recent decision to ease residential mortgage guidelines. This policy change is a commendable step that aligns with our efforts and will further facilitate the dream of homeownership for many.

The Davis Administration remains committed to making homeownership more affordable and accessible for the people of the Bahamas. We have already implemented a range of policies that mark significant progress in this direction: -Expanding Concessions to First-Time Homeowners: We’ve increased the exemption level for stamp duty on homes up to $300,000, up from $250,000, making homeownership more achievable for many. -Broadening First Home-Buyer Concessions: These concessions now include purchasing land and building, as well as purchasing a house and renovating, offering more flexible options for aspiring homeowners. -VAT Refunds on Construction: We are offering refunds on up to $40,000 in VAT on construction services and materials, provided the home is occupied within 18 months. -Reduced VAT on Property Transfers: This reduction is aimed at easing the financial burden on property transactions. -Eliminating VAT on Land-Transfer Between Joint Tenants: This helps Bahamians who have inherited land with siblings, easing the process of land transfer. -Reduced Rates on Commercial Property Taxes: Implemented retroactively to last year, this measure supports the commercial property sector. Building on these successes, we are excited to introduce our new rent-to-own program. This innovative initiative is a milestone in our journey towards creating more affordable homes for Bahamians. It offers a practical pathway to homeownership for many who might otherwise find it out of reach. Moreover, we are delighted to announce that more affordable homes are on the way, reflecting our ongoing commitment to housing development and community enhancement. Lastly, we welcome the Central Bank of The Bahamas’ recent decision to ease residential mortgage guidelines. This policy change is a commendable step that aligns with our efforts and will further facilitate the dream of homeownership for many.

With the Beautiful Grand Bahama project initiated by the Davis Administration in full swing across the island as the government moves ahead with its mandate to rebuild, revitalize and restore the island hardest hit by Hurricane Dorian in 2019, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Philip Davis travelled to Grand Bahama on Friday, August 18, 2023 to get a first-hand look at the island’s progress.

The Prime Minister toured East Grand Bahama, along with Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey, Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister with oversight of Disaster Risk Management the Hon. Myles Laroda, Senators Kirkland Russell and James Turner, Chairman of the Disaster Reconstruction Authority (DRA) Alex Storr, and other officials.  On the tour, he visited a number of the residents.

Following the assessment, Prime Minister Davis was pleased with the progress and pace of the reconstruction of homes in the storm-stricken areas restored through the project and the DRA, ultimately bringing relief to the residents in East Grand Bahama.

“I was pleasantly surprised at the progress that we have made since I last spoke with the team from the DRA. The Minister for Grand Bahama continues to tell me that progress is being made and, on the other hand, there was some chatter about it not being made. I’m happy that I came myself to see the progress that has been made out east,” the prime minister said.

Prime Minister Davis noted that the pace of the work has been stepped up and will continue to move steadily in East Grand Bahama.

“I am happy to say that the residents out east are very grateful for what has been happening and it is them that I listen to, to have the feeling that I do today, now that progress is being made and progress has stepped up,” he said.

The residents also expressed their desire to have the Beautiful Grand Bahama project continue in their area, and voiced their concern over their children having to be transported to Freeport during the early morning hours for schooling with the school in McLean’s Town under repair and in High Rock and Freetown in need of repair.

Prime Minister Davis sympathized with the parents and students and said with work on the school in McLean’s Town is well underway, it is expected to be completed by the end of September.

As for the schools in High Rock and Freetown, government plants to carry out repairs shortly.

“We intend to have that corrected as quickly as possible. I suspect that by the end of this year, that challenge for those children and parents would have been solved,” he said. 

He also pointed out that while he is pleased with the progress in East Grand Bahama, government will also be bringing relief to inner-city areas in Freeport and West Grand Bahama with a quicker response time.

With the Beautiful Grand Bahama project initiated by the Davis Administration in full swing across the island as the government moves ahead with its mandate to rebuild, revitalize and restore the island hardest hit by Hurricane Dorian in 2019, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Philip Davis travelled to Grand Bahama on Friday, August 18, 2023 to get a first-hand look at the island’s progress. The Prime Minister toured East Grand Bahama, along with Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey, Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister with oversight of Disaster Risk Management the Hon. Myles Laroda, Senators Kirkland Russell and James Turner, Chairman of the Disaster Reconstruction Authority (DRA) Alex Storr, and other officials.  On the tour, he visited a number of the residents. Following the assessment, Prime Minister Davis was pleased with the progress and pace of the reconstruction of homes in the storm-stricken areas restored through the project and the DRA, ultimately bringing relief to the residents in East Grand Bahama. “I was pleasantly surprised at the progress that we have made since I last spoke with the team from the DRA. The Minister for Grand Bahama continues to tell me that progress is being made and, on the other hand, there was some chatter about it not being made. I’m happy that I came myself to see the progress that has been made out east,” the prime minister said. Prime Minister Davis noted that the pace of the work has been stepped up and will continue to move steadily in East Grand Bahama. “I am happy to say that the residents out east are very grateful for what has been happening and it is them that I listen to, to have the feeling that I do today, now that progress is being made and progress has stepped up,” he said. The residents also expressed their desire to have the Beautiful Grand Bahama project continue in their area, and voiced their concern over their children having to be transported to Freeport during the early morning hours for schooling with the school in McLean’s Town under repair and in High Rock and Freetown in need of repair. Prime Minister Davis sympathized with the parents and students and said with work on the school in McLean’s Town is well underway, it is expected to be completed by the end of September. As for the schools in High Rock and Freetown, government plants to carry out repairs shortly. “We intend to have that corrected as quickly as possible. I suspect that by the end of this year, that challenge for those children and parents would have been solved,” he said.  He also pointed out that while he is pleased with the progress in East Grand Bahama, government will also be bringing relief to inner-city areas in Freeport and West Grand Bahama with a quicker response time.

Many Grand Bahamians have long been hoping for a rebirth for their island and with $1 billion worth of projects in the pipeline - some of which have started - many are closely watching developments, even if from a cautiously optimistic point of view.

Prime Minister Philip Davis recently lamented the island's economic decline, pointing out in the House of Assembly in May that while Grand Bahama contributes 12 percent of the overall gross domestic product (GDP) of The Bahamas, its economy declined by nine percent in 2022 compared to the previous year.

He noted statistics show a "prolonged decline in the Grand Bahamian economy" and signaled that the current Hawksbill Creek economic model, which was meant to attract foreign direct investment, does not work.

Davis also expressed his government's view that the governance model of the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) must change "in order to realize the promise, growth and prosperity which we all desire".

Contention over the future of Grand Bahama, and the role of the GBPA in driving growth, comes even after several key projects are being pushed both by the government and the Port Authority.

The new projects include the planned $200 million redevelopment of Grand Bahama International Airport (GBIA); Royal Caribbean International (RCI) and the ITM Group's $70 million redevelopment of the Freeport cruise port; Carnival's planned $300 million cruise port for East Grand Bahama; the Grand Bahama Shipyard's planned $350 million expansion; and a $200 million Six Senses resort and spa by the Weller Development group.

But there is some skepticism on the island after years of promises and letdowns about an economic rebound.

Frazette Gibson, chief councilor for the City of Freeport, said Grand Bahamians don't get excited about "shovels in the ground" but about ribbons being cut.

Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce President James Carey said residents, while excited about the new possibilities, are wary of grand promises that may go unfulfilled.

"I've been a resident of Grand Bahama since 1980 and I have seen a lot of projects on the drawing board, many of them never materialized," Carey said.

"Having said that, I've been very excited about all the projects that you have mentioned. There is evidence that some of them are coming to fruition or have started already, and Grand Bahama having gone through a series of devastating hurricanes over the last, almost 20 years, we're excited that there [are] some possibilities now of some economic revival in Grand Bahama."

Perhaps most critical to the island's success is the planned airport redevelopment.

Badly damaged by Dorian, GBIA is in desperate need of a facelift in order to accommodate the air traffic needed to put heads in beds and boost the flagging economy.

Earlier this year, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper announced that a deal has been inked with a consortium for the $200 million project, the first phase of which is set to wrap up by early 2025.

"One of the critical factors in getting the Grand Lucayan sold and getting the Grand Bahama economy revived is to have a world-class international airport that can accommodate US preclearance," Cooper said.

The airport project will consist of two phases which are expected to generate 1,200 construction jobs consistently over the next five years. The first phase will include construction of a new domestic terminal, US preclearance terminal, new taxiways, roads and parking lots, a flood mitigation system, renewable energy systems, and infrastructure for air freight cargo areas.

The groundbreaking was initially set to begin in the first quarter of 2023, but Grand Bahamians still wait to see visible signs of work starting.

On May 4, Cooper said "any day now, we should see some of the ground works".

He said, "The teams of the consortium are actively engaged with a lot of the time spent on the project and on island. Stakeholder consultations in relation to the designs are underway. This is critical to determine which elements will be completely demolished and/or repaired."

Some Grand Bahama residents are getting impatient.

"While we have heard of the airport project, we still have not seen any details of this project," East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson said in Parliament in June.

Another critical need for the island is a new health facility. The island's Rand Memorial Hospital was badly damaged during Hurricane Dorian and sustained heavy flooding.

There are also space issues at the facility.

In late May, the Davis administration held a groundbreaking for a $210 million Freeport Health Campus.

Prime Minister Philip Davis said the event was evidence that Grand Bahama "is no longer on the back burner".

"At this new healthcare center, wounds will be healed, medical research will be advanced, lives will be rebuilt and the Grand Bahama Health Services will be positioned to provide the highest standards of care now and into the future as a long-awaited vision is now, at last, becoming reality," Davis said.

The hospital will have a 126-bed capacity and an oncology center. It will be constructed in three phases: the first phase will encompass a 60,000-square-foot clinic; the second phase will have an in-patient surgical suite urgent care facility; and phase three will see the construction of an acute care hospital with 126 in-patient beds.

However, some people have downplayed this project, mocking the proposed health center as nothing more than a glorified clinic.

"The promised hospital, or should I say clinic, that ground was just broken for, has failed to fulfill what is really needed," said Thompson, adding residents on Grand Bahama will not get a new health facility for "years to come".

Development

On track to open in 2026, the Six Senses resort will feature 45 waterfront and canal villas. There are plans for a signature restaurant, beach venue, boathouse, and access to a new marina at the 36-acre site.

The developers, Weller Development Partners and Pegasus Capital Advisors, say the project will have a focus on sustainability and regeneration.

The project's groundbreaking is expected to occur early in 2024.

One project that is already underway is Carnival's Grand Port at the Sharp Rock site in East Grand Bahama. It will generate considerable commercial activity on Grand Bahama, the cruise line said.

"The expanded commercial activity will allow the whole island to benefit from this development. The project will be designed and maintained to showcase the natural beauty and culture of the island. It will reinvent Grand Bahama as a destination," Carnival said.

The port, which was in the works for years and is set to open in 2024, will be able to accommodate two of the largest ships in the world with a capacity of 6,000 guests each. It is expected to turn Grand Bahama into a highly sought after cruise destination.

The Grand Bahama Shipyard's planned $350 million investment in two new dry docks has been in the pipeline for years. The project was first announced by then-Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis in the summer of 2021.

The expansion was expected to begin in October of that year, and the new docks were expected to arrive at the shipyard in late 2022. However, these timelines were not met, with shipyard officials saying the COVID-19 pandemic hindered their plans.

There's also been little update on the planned sale of the Grand Lucayan resort, which closed in 2016 after hurricane damage.

The Minnis administration bought the property in 2018 with plans to sell it off to a worthwhile investor. However, the government was unable to close the deal before it was voted out of office in 2021. After the Davis administration won the 2021 election, it canceled the deal which was on the table.

A new buyer was sought, however, a subsequent deal brokered by the Davis administration fell through in 2022 and the property remains on the market.

In March, Cooper said there were three credible offers on the table for the property, but given the history of the stalled sale, he said he will withhold further information until the "money is in the bank".

The opaqueness of the Grand Lucayan's future is cause for concern.

Carey said Grand Bahama needs more hotel rooms.

"We have a lot of empty hotel rooms, the Xanadu is no more, the Bahamas Princess is no more, some smaller hotels are no more. Our Lucaya (Grand Lucayan), we are still waiting for some indication of what's really going to happen with that," he said.

The promises of rebirth for Freeport and Grand Bahama are nothing new.

What remains to be seen is if these projects will get off the drawing board and into reality to breathe life back into a beleaguered city.