NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The 9th Annual Long Island Business Outlook is scheduled for Thursday, November 16, at the Clarence Town Community Centre.
The hybrid event will be hosted both in person and online via Zoom under the theme "Forward, Upward, Onward, Together," discussing "a Bold Vision for Long Island".
Delivering the keynote address will be the I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Minister of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation, and Member of Parliament for the Exuma and Ragged Island constituency.
Another presenter, Thomas Dean, Partner, Dupuch and Turnquest Counsel and Attorneys-at-Law, and Principal, Azul Destinations, the Calypso Cove project developer, will provide an update on the multi-million development, which is expected to have a significant impact on the island's economy.
Thomas Dean, Principal, Azul Destinations
According to Dean, significant progress has been made regarding the transformative development.
"I would like to express our sincere gratitude for the unwavering support of the government of The Bahamas," Dean stated.
"Various officials, including Mrs. Phylicia Hanna from the Bahamas Investment Authority and Dr Rhianna Neely-Murphy at the Department of Environmental Planning & Protection (DEPP), have been instrumental in ensuring that our project receives the attention it deserves to maintain its momentum. Notably, the DEPP recently reviewed our Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and other environmental documentation, with no objections raised."
He further explained: "This clearance has allowed us to schedule a public consultation on Long Island for November 14th, the next step toward securing the Certificate of Environmental Compliance (CEC). The CEC will, in turn, enable us to obtain the necessary permits for project construction. We want to express our heartfelt appreciation for your Government's support in this critical environmental aspect of the project, which is unparalleled in the cruise industry, even on a global scale."
Regarding additional financial support for the project, Dean noted that the impending issuance of the CEC plays a pivotal role in finalizing the financing structure with the company's partners.
"We are currently engaged in investor meetings to conclude the secondary level of financing. We are greatly encouraged by these discussions, which highlight a strong interest in The Bahamas and the infrastructure to support the growing tourism sector."
Dean explained that with the strong credit and environmental clearances received so far, the development remains on track for a summer 2026 opening, although, there is still substantial work ahead, including an outreach program to foster continued Bahamian interest in the project, with the aim of creating job opportunities during and after construction.
Nina Pesavento, President, Diamond Crystal Properties Limited
Additional speakers at the Outlook include Rory Major, General Manager Mobility Sales and Loyalty, ALIV Business, Toni Seymour, Chief Operations Officer, Bahamas Power, and Light, Ayla Isaacs, Project Manager – Project Management Unit, Water and Sewerage Corporation, Dennis Deveaux, Chief Financial Officer, Doctors Hospital Health System, Nina Pesavento, President, Diamond Crystal Properties Limited, Geoff Fulton, Chairman, Maritek Bahamas Limited, Sarah Swainson, Private Charters and Business Development, Makers Air, Brett Lashley, Deputy Manager (Customer Experience) Currency Department, Central Bank of The Bahamas, Jevon Butler, Chief Sales Officer, Kanoo, Kerry Fountain, Executive Director, Bahamas Out Islands Promotion Board and Ian Knowles, Chief Councillor, Long Island.
To register for the Long Island Business Outlook, visit tclevents.com or contact Margaret Albury at 322.1000 and malbury@tclbahamas.com or Tuesday White at 814-8795 or tuesdaywhite@gmail.com.
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