One Cry, the transformative worship and prayer series founded by gospel artist Stermon Rolle, is set to celebrate the third year of its annual event, "Emmanuel: An Advent Prayer & Worship Encounter," at the Church of God Life Transformation Centre on December 1st. Doors open at 7 pm.

Established three years ago, One Cry aims to create a sacred space for individuals of all ages to unite in worship and lift their petitions to the Lord. This advent-themed event promises to be a night of breakthrough in prayer, encouraging attendees to refocus their hearts and posture themselves in God's presence.

"At One Cry, our slogan is 'One Sound with many expressions (The Sound of the Redeemed),' emphasizing that, regardless of individual worship styles, we all serve one God," says Stermon Rolle. "As His children, we have a collective responsibility to give Him the worship, praise, and adoration that He deserves."

The scripture focus for this year's event is Isaiah 9:6: "For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

The event welcomes anyone in need of prayer, with the belief that gathering together invokes the presence of God and invites answers and responses from heaven. The impressive lineup of ministers includes Pastor Oslien Jadorte, Antonia Lightbourne, A'Lethia Sweeting, DéVaughn Rolle, Sabrena Green, and the host, Stermon Rolle.

Connect with One Cry on Facebook or reach out to Stermon Rolle for more information. The event extends an invitation to church youth groups, worship teams, musicians, and individuals seeking a space to recharge this advent season. Donations are also welcomed to support the ministry's ongoing work.

Join One Cry on December 1st at 7pm for an unforgettable night of worship, prayer, and divine encounters.

Sandals, the hospitality brand synonymous with luxury and romance, this week unveiled a new guest experience that redefines the world of all-inclusives, becoming the first to invite guests to dine off-property at carefully selected fine restaurants in The Bahamas and picking up the tab for them to do so.
 
Sandals Chief Operations Officer Shawn DaCosta shared the news through a statement to media and travel industry partners.
 
“At Sandals, we are constantly searching for ways to make a great guest experience even greater, ways that create memories that build loyalty,” said DaCosta. “We know that one of the main components of any great vacation is great dining, so today we are proud to announce that we have taken the bold and we believe, industry-first, step to invite guests of Sandals Royal Bahamian to explore a culturally immersive culinary experience by enjoying an evening at one of the island’s finest restaurants including transportation, on us.”
 
The plan applies to guests in certain categories staying seven nights or more at Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau. While the luxury award-winning property features an array of 10 specialty restaurants, Sandals executives said broadening guest options reaffirms the resort brand’s commitment to the overall experience while boosting the local economy.  
 
Guests receive a $250 voucher good at any of the four restaurants initially partnering in the program. Transportation to and from the off-property restaurants is included.
 
Those restaurants include Bon Vivants, a craft cocktail and small bites bar that is always alive with the vibe of good company, conversation and great drinks in a setting so inviting that those who meet for a drink tend to stay for an evening. Its special touches include a tony interior inclusive of a rare car on display, deep chairs much easier to settle into than to rise from, and bartenders who are true mixologists.
 
The second restaurant is Cocoplum, the brainchild and kitchen of French chef Cecile Cathelin whose fresh seafood and fine meat selection, sauces and inventive dishes are served in an atmosphere that feels like part-jungle and all island vibe, a favourite for fans who call it their number one choice for combination of casual and tasty.
 
Third on the list is Island Brothers, as cozy outside as in, with an inventive menu that changes daily and some of the most interesting and delectable dishes ever to be offered in The Bahamas. At Island Brothers, the greatest difficulty is choosing what to order and leaving room for dessert, the attention to food is as dedicated as the attention to the best of ingredients.
 
And fourth choice for Sandals Royal Bahamian guests is Sapodilla. Set far back across from the beach in a winding garden with ponds, footbridges and landscaping that alone make the visit worthwhile, Sapodilla is 21st Century elegance in food and style. Example – among the china on display or perhaps what you will enjoy your Steak Diane with Bernaise sauce on, was loaned to the restaurant by the family of Sir Lynden Pindling, the country’s first prime minister following Independence. Sapodilla marries nature, elegance and a feeling of being pampered from the moment you enter the long drive till the last lingering goodbye at the door.  
  
The Nassau immersive experience could be expanded, executives said, to one or more other Sandals in 16 Luxury Included® resorts throughout the Caribbean and The Bahamas, including those in Jamacia, Barbados, Grenada, Antigua, Curaçao, and Saint Lucia.

Sandals, the hospitality brand synonymous with luxury and romance, this week unveiled a new guest experience that redefines the world of all-inclusives, becoming the first to invite guests to dine off-property at carefully selected fine restaurants in The Bahamas and picking up the tab for them to do so.   Sandals Chief Operations Officer Shawn DaCosta shared the news through a statement to media and travel industry partners.   “At Sandals, we are constantly searching for ways to make a great guest experience even greater, ways that create memories that build loyalty,” said DaCosta. “We know that one of the main components of any great vacation is great dining, so today we are proud to announce that we have taken the bold and we believe, industry-first, step to invite guests of Sandals Royal Bahamian to explore a culturally immersive culinary experience by enjoying an evening at one of the island’s finest restaurants including transportation, on us.”   The plan applies to guests in certain categories staying seven nights or more at Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau. While the luxury award-winning property features an array of 10 specialty restaurants, Sandals executives said broadening guest options reaffirms the resort brand’s commitment to the overall experience while boosting the local economy.     Guests receive a $250 voucher good at any of the four restaurants initially partnering in the program. Transportation to and from the off-property restaurants is included.   Those restaurants include Bon Vivants, a craft cocktail and small bites bar that is always alive with the vibe of good company, conversation and great drinks in a setting so inviting that those who meet for a drink tend to stay for an evening. Its special touches include a tony interior inclusive of a rare car on display, deep chairs much easier to settle into than to rise from, and bartenders who are true mixologists.   The second restaurant is Cocoplum, the brainchild and kitchen of French chef Cecile Cathelin whose fresh seafood and fine meat selection, sauces and inventive dishes are served in an atmosphere that feels like part-jungle and all island vibe, a favourite for fans who call it their number one choice for combination of casual and tasty.   Third on the list is Island Brothers, as cozy outside as in, with an inventive menu that changes daily and some of the most interesting and delectable dishes ever to be offered in The Bahamas. At Island Brothers, the greatest difficulty is choosing what to order and leaving room for dessert, the attention to food is as dedicated as the attention to the best of ingredients.   And fourth choice for Sandals Royal Bahamian guests is Sapodilla. Set far back across from the beach in a winding garden with ponds, footbridges and landscaping that alone make the visit worthwhile, Sapodilla is 21st Century elegance in food and style. Example – among the china on display or perhaps what you will enjoy your Steak Diane with Bernaise sauce on, was loaned to the restaurant by the family of Sir Lynden Pindling, the country’s first prime minister following Independence. Sapodilla marries nature, elegance and a feeling of being pampered from the moment you enter the long drive till the last lingering goodbye at the door.      The Nassau immersive experience could be expanded, executives said, to one or more other Sandals in 16 Luxury Included® resorts throughout the Caribbean and The Bahamas, including those in Jamacia, Barbados, Grenada, Antigua, Curaçao, and Saint Lucia.

“Celebration Key is a game-changer for Grand Bahama Island,” said Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey.

Addressing the hundreds of Grand Bahamians who showed up to a Carnival business meeting at the Grand Lucayan resort on Thursday, October 19, 2023, Minister Moxey noted that with over two million passengers to potentially traverse the shores of Grand Bahama annually, and 13,000 visitors daily, the opportunity the new cruise port will bring for Grand Bahamians is enormous.

The high interest by Grand Bahamians for the possibility for employment, vendor opportunities and partnership between Carnival and local contractors for the building of the port, was evident by the number of people who showed up at the Business meeting. 

Breakout sessions later in the afternoon gave Grand Bahamians a chance to meet with Carnival reps responsible for various aspects of the new Port and to ask questions concerning their areas of interest and expertise, whether it be about becoming a vendor to sell food and beverage, T-shirts, souvenirs; tour operator; or an individual seeking full time employment with Carnival Cruise Line.

Minister Moxey encouraged Grand Bahamians to take advantage of the opportunities the new cruise port, in East Grand Bahama, will bring for the island and for Grand Bahamians.

“When this $500 million project is completed, Celebration Key will have the capacity to accommodate up to two of Carnival’s Xcel class ships simultaneously and Grand Bahama will become the home of a flagship destination for cruise travel. This means that our island will welcome millions of Carnival Cruise Line passengers each year, who have travelled to our shores to immerse themselves in our Bahamian culture, our art, food, junkanoo, music and partake in authentic Grand Bahama experiences and enjoy the warmth of our people.”

The Minister noted that one of the many highlights of the cruise port project is the fact that at the core of it there has always been a focus on the Bahamian experience. She pointed out that during collaboration between the Ministry for Grand Bahama and Carnival, her Ministry constantly expressed the need for Bahamian culture to be at the center.

She said Carnival executives needed no convincing, as they were already on the same page, agreeing that fostering a deep connection between guests, and the local community, and the wonders of Grand Bahama, is essential to ensuring that every visit to Celebration Key is an enriching and unforgettable journey. 

Minister Moxey added that since the groundbreaking of Celebration Key in May 2022, Carnival representatives have engaged with residents, stakeholders, and the local media in town hall meetings and other forums, to provide updates at each phase, answer questions, and address public concerns.

“By doing so, Carnival has ensured that our community was involved in candid discussions with representatives about the company’s vision for the cruise port and more importantly, direct jobs, vendor opportunities, and spinoff opportunities for local businesses,” said Minister Moxey. 

“The Government of The Bahamas and I appreciate Carnival’s confidence in Grand Bahama Island. The Davis/Cooper-led administration envisions Grand Bahama Island as the 'Home of Events and Entertainment', the 'Home of Maritime and Logistics', and the ‘Home of Innovation’. 

“The synergy between Celebration Key, the Grand Bahama Shipyard redevelopment, the redeveloped airport, new hospital and other major development projects, is a testament to the dynamic future that lies ahead for our island.”

Minister Moxey not only encouraged residents to take advantage of the business opportunities this new port will present, but to embrace innovation and technology to run their businesses, produce their specific products with precision and on a scale that can accommodate the number of visitors passing through the port each year.

She noted that the remaining phases of construction will continue to create employment opportunities for Bahamians and Bahamian-owned businesses, which will greatly impact and contribute to the Grand Bahama economy.

“Let us prepare ourselves, because this is it. This is one of the amazing projects that will revolutionize our island, so get ready to meet the demand. Grand Bahama… Let today inspire you; enlighten you; interest you in the many opportunities that Celebration Key will bring to our island.”

“Celebration Key is a game-changer for Grand Bahama Island,” said Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey. Addressing the hundreds of Grand Bahamians who showed up to a Carnival business meeting at the Grand Lucayan resort on Thursday, October 19, 2023, Minister Moxey noted that with over two million passengers to potentially traverse the shores of Grand Bahama annually, and 13,000 visitors daily, the opportunity the new cruise port will bring for Grand Bahamians is enormous. The high interest by Grand Bahamians for the possibility for employment, vendor opportunities and partnership between Carnival and local contractors for the building of the port, was evident by the number of people who showed up at the Business meeting.  Breakout sessions later in the afternoon gave Grand Bahamians a chance to meet with Carnival reps responsible for various aspects of the new Port and to ask questions concerning their areas of interest and expertise, whether it be about becoming a vendor to sell food and beverage, T-shirts, souvenirs; tour operator; or an individual seeking full time employment with Carnival Cruise Line. Minister Moxey encouraged Grand Bahamians to take advantage of the opportunities the new cruise port, in East Grand Bahama, will bring for the island and for Grand Bahamians. “When this $500 million project is completed, Celebration Key will have the capacity to accommodate up to two of Carnival’s Xcel class ships simultaneously and Grand Bahama will become the home of a flagship destination for cruise travel. This means that our island will welcome millions of Carnival Cruise Line passengers each year, who have travelled to our shores to immerse themselves in our Bahamian culture, our art, food, junkanoo, music and partake in authentic Grand Bahama experiences and enjoy the warmth of our people.” The Minister noted that one of the many highlights of the cruise port project is the fact that at the core of it there has always been a focus on the Bahamian experience. She pointed out that during collaboration between the Ministry for Grand Bahama and Carnival, her Ministry constantly expressed the need for Bahamian culture to be at the center. She said Carnival executives needed no convincing, as they were already on the same page, agreeing that fostering a deep connection between guests, and the local community, and the wonders of Grand Bahama, is essential to ensuring that every visit to Celebration Key is an enriching and unforgettable journey.  Minister Moxey added that since the groundbreaking of Celebration Key in May 2022, Carnival representatives have engaged with residents, stakeholders, and the local media in town hall meetings and other forums, to provide updates at each phase, answer questions, and address public concerns. “By doing so, Carnival has ensured that our community was involved in candid discussions with representatives about the company’s vision for the cruise port and more importantly, direct jobs, vendor opportunities, and spinoff opportunities for local businesses,” said Minister Moxey.  “The Government of The Bahamas and I appreciate Carnival’s confidence in Grand Bahama Island. The Davis/Cooper-led administration envisions Grand Bahama Island as the 'Home of Events and Entertainment', the 'Home of Maritime and Logistics', and the ‘Home of Innovation’.  “The synergy between Celebration Key, the Grand Bahama Shipyard redevelopment, the redeveloped airport, new hospital and other major development projects, is a testament to the dynamic future that lies ahead for our island.” Minister Moxey not only encouraged residents to take advantage of the business opportunities this new port will present, but to embrace innovation and technology to run their businesses, produce their specific products with precision and on a scale that can accommodate the number of visitors passing through the port each year. She noted that the remaining phases of construction will continue to create employment opportunities for Bahamians and Bahamian-owned businesses, which will greatly impact and contribute to the Grand Bahama economy. “Let us prepare ourselves, because this is it. This is one of the amazing projects that will revolutionize our island, so get ready to meet the demand. Grand Bahama… Let today inspire you; enlighten you; interest you in the many opportunities that Celebration Key will bring to our island.”

As Carnival Cruise Line continues to work aggressively toward the 2025 opening date for its new cruise port in East Grand Bahama, executives announced Thursday that Celebration Key has been added to its 2025-2026 destination itinerary.

Carnival said it is now offering 400 cruises that will bring guests to Celebration Key, beginning July 2025.

Guests can begin booking cruises on 12 Carnival ships, sailing from eight homeports: Port Miami, Port Canaveral, Galveston, New Orleans, Baltimore, Jacksonville, Norfolk and Mobile.

"As the first port destination exclusively designed for Carnival Cruise Line guests, Celebration Key will provide the ultimate Carnival fun in the sun, immersed in the natural beauty of Grand Bahama," Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy said in a statement.

"Our guests have a wide range of ships, homeports and itineraries that visit our new exclusive destination to choose from."

On August 28, the cruise line released the trademarked name of the port as Celebration Key and said consumer research showed that the word "key" indicated that the port is part of the larger Grand Bahama Island, not a stand-alone small island as the word "cay" would have denoted.

Duffy said interest in Celebration Key is strong and thousands of guests have already signed up to be the first to experience the itineraries and features.

"The July 2025 opening will be here before we know it, and we are working closely with the Bahamian government and the local Grand Bahama community to make this the premier exclusive cruise port destination in the Caribbean," she said.

"We plan to announce further details on what guests can expect to experience while there in the near future."

Carnival Cruise Line broke ground for the new $200 million cruise port at Sharp Rock, East End, in May 2022. The project is being constructed in three phases, with employment opportunities for Grand Bahamians promised at each stage.

Phase one includes work on the reef, then road construction, landside engineering and utilities.

Phase two of the project will entail the actual construction of the port and buildings.

In its final phase, when the port becomes operational, there will be opportunity for employment in three areas through direct hiring by the cruise line or by subcontractors: retail, food and beverage employment, shore excursions and ground transportation.

Phase one of the project is now complete.

Carnival executives have held several town hall meetings, most recently in early August, to update the Grand Bahama community on their progress and to begin engaging vendors and retail operators for the port.

Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey said, "This is so exciting for the people of Grand Bahama as we watch Celebration Key come to life."

Moxey said there is a bold vision for this island becoming the premier destination for entertainment and events in the region.

"We look forward to Carnival's guests having a warm and memorable vacation when they start visiting our beautiful island in 2025," she said.

Speaking with Grand Bahama News, Leader of the Opposition and member of Parliament for Marco City Michael Pintard said Carnival's increasing presence and investments in Grand Bahama's economy is welcome news.

"The increased [number of] cruise passengers has the potential to empower entrepreneurs who service both stopover and cruise visitors," Pintard said.

He said Grand Bahamians are anxiously awaiting the completion of the new cruise port, which would complement the existing port at Freeport Harbour and believes both entry points are pathways to economic growth for Grand Bahama.

Pintard encouraged the government, the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) and the cruise lines to work with business owners and entrepreneurs to further develop tourism products and attractions.

"The increased [number of] cruise passengers will be more meaningful if an increased number of them on the cruise actually come ashore and spend," Pintard noted.

"It is crucial to improve our onshore products and services to entice potential customers. However, it is equally important that authorities help entrepreneurs access funding and guide the improvement of their business enterprises. Furthermore, help must be provided so that tourists can be guided to those locations and enterprises that are not readily accessible."

He said no one must be disadvantaged or discouraged from seeking to share the resulting economic opportunities.

Taxi driver Alexander Brown said that it is hard to wait.

"I wish that it was happening tomorrow, those cruise ships coming in the new port, but we have to wait until 2025," Brown said.

"I am happy though that Carnival is already getting passengers interested in coming to the island. This news is great and I pray that it starts the turnaround for Grand Bahama."