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Celebration Key Cruise Port to be 'game-changer' for Grand Bahama

Fri, Oct 20th 2023, 09:59 AM
Business Entertainment Politics

“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.”
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