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PM: Rebuilding Grand Bahama’s systems for real growth

Fri, Jan 30th 2026, 11:49 AM
Politics

The Government of the Bahamas has signaled a decisive break from the outdated systems in Grand Bahama, outlining concrete actions to fix long- standing challenges in energy, infrastructure, tourism, ports and governance to enable fair sustainable growth for the island.

Speaking during a live press briefing at the Ministry for Grand Bahama on Tuesday, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Philip Davis made clear that the Davis administration is pursuing a fundamental shift in Grand Bahama’s economic direction.

“I was not prepared to accept the status quo. Not in energy, not in governance and not in an economy that placed unnecessary burdens on Bahamian families and businesses,” the Prime Minister said.

Addressing long-standing energy concerns, Prime Minister Davis began his address by announcing the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Emera, marking a critical move toward public control of Grand Bahama Power.

“This MOU reflects a shared commitment to explore a new path forward for energy in Grand Bahama. When completed, this would mark the first time the Government of The Bahamas could control the power company since the Hawksbill Creek Agreement was signed. This is important because it will result in universal electricity rates across The Bahamas, ending a long-standing disparity between Grand Bahama and the rest of the country,” he explained.

Prime Minister Davis emphasised that the move is aimed at achieving universal electricity rates across The Bahamas, ending a long-standing disparity between Grand Bahama and the rest of the country, while easing economic pressures on households and businesses and strengthening national energy planning.

Turning to infrastructure, Prime Minister Davis confirmed that Phase One of the Grand Bahama International Airport Redevelopment is now underway.

“The Government has mobilised Polycon, the construction company carrying out works for the Grand Bahama International Airport, and Polycon has engaged Bahamas Hot Mix to commence on-site preparation works. This marks an important transition from planning into physical activity on the ground, and it reflects our commitment to moving this project forward in a responsible and orderly way.”

Phase One represents a capital investment of more than $100 million and includes a new modern terminal capable of handling 500,000 passengers annually, expandable to one million. The redevelopment features U.S. and international pre-clearance, a terminal footprint of approximately 100,000 square feet, new taxiways, expanded apron space, upgraded roadways and parking, and climate-resilient flood mitigation.

With tourism rebounding strongly on Grand Bahama, the Prime Minister described the airport redevelopment as a key anchor for the island’s economic relaunch—supporting tourism growth, expanding cargo capacity, attracting investment, and strengthening environmental resilience.

Prime Minister Davis also announced a major investment by MSC Cruises, signed on January 26, 2026, describing it as a game-changer for Freeport and Grand Bahama.

The US$450 million investment includes US$400 million for the Billy Cay cruise port and related infrastructure, and US$50 million for a beach club and refurbishment of the existing retail village. The development will feature new cruise berths, a welcome plaza, retail and food and beverage outlets, entertainment spaces, transportation staging areas, and supporting amenities designed to increase visitor spending, expand opportunities for local businesses, and strengthen Freeport as a major shipping and logistics hub.

“This is the direction we are taking. Grand Bahama as a Brand. Grand Bahama as a serious port economy.  Grand Bahama as a place where visitors arrive and spend, where Bahamian entrepreneurs build, and where communities benefit," The Prime Minister added.

Addressing the Grand Lucayan Resort, Prime Minister Davis reaffirmed the Government’s deliberate approach.

 “We are making steady progress. It is a complex transaction. It requires careful sequencing. It requires proper approvals, coordination, and structured execution. That is exactly how we are approaching it,” he stated.

The Government of the Bahamas has signaled a decisive break from the outdated systems in Grand Bahama, outlining concrete actions to fix long- standing challenges in energy, infrastructure, tourism, ports and governance to enable fair sustainable growth for the island.
Speaking during a live press briefing at the Ministry for Grand Bahama on Tuesday, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Philip Davis made clear that the Davis administration is pursuing a fundamental shift in Grand Bahama’s economic direction.
“I was not prepared to accept the status quo. Not in energy, not in governance and not in an economy that placed unnecessary burdens on Bahamian families and businesses,” the Prime Minister said.
Addressing long-standing energy concerns, Prime Minister Davis began his address by announcing the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Emera, marking a critical move toward public control of Grand Bahama Power.
“This MOU reflects a shared commitment to explore a new path forward for energy in Grand Bahama. When completed, this would mark the first time the Government of The Bahamas could control the power company since the Hawksbill Creek Agreement was signed. This is important because it will result in universal electricity rates across The Bahamas, ending a long-standing disparity between Grand Bahama and the rest of the country,” he explained.
Prime Minister Davis emphasised that the move is aimed at achieving universal electricity rates across The Bahamas, ending a long-standing disparity between Grand Bahama and the rest of the country, while easing economic pressures on households and businesses and strengthening national energy planning.
Turning to infrastructure, Prime Minister Davis confirmed that Phase One of the Grand Bahama International Airport Redevelopment is now underway.
“The Government has mobilised Polycon, the construction company carrying out works for the Grand Bahama International Airport, and Polycon has engaged Bahamas Hot Mix to commence on-site preparation works. This marks an important transition from planning into physical activity on the ground, and it reflects our commitment to moving this project forward in a responsible and orderly way.”
Phase One represents a capital investment of more than $100 million and includes a new modern terminal capable of handling 500,000 passengers annually, expandable to one million. The redevelopment features U.S. and international pre-clearance, a terminal footprint of approximately 100,000 square feet, new taxiways, expanded apron space, upgraded roadways and parking, and climate-resilient flood mitigation.
With tourism rebounding strongly on Grand Bahama, the Prime Minister described the airport redevelopment as a key anchor for the island’s economic relaunch—supporting tourism growth, expanding cargo capacity, attracting investment, and strengthening environmental resilience.
Prime Minister Davis also announced a major investment by MSC Cruises, signed on January 26, 2026, describing it as a game-changer for Freeport and Grand Bahama.
The US$450 million investment includes US$400 million for the Billy Cay cruise port and related infrastructure, and US$50 million for a beach club and refurbishment of the existing retail village. The development will feature new cruise berths, a welcome plaza, retail and food and beverage outlets, entertainment spaces, transportation staging areas, and supporting amenities designed to increase visitor spending, expand opportunities for local businesses, and strengthen Freeport as a major shipping and logistics hub.
“This is the direction we are taking. Grand Bahama as a Brand. Grand Bahama as a serious port economy.  Grand Bahama as a place where visitors arrive and spend, where Bahamian entrepreneurs build, and where communities benefit," The Prime Minister added.
Addressing the Grand Lucayan Resort, Prime Minister Davis reaffirmed the Government’s deliberate approach.
 “We are making steady progress. It is a complex transaction. It requires careful sequencing. It requires proper approvals, coordination, and structured execution. That is exactly how we are approaching it,” he stated.
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