GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas--The government has signed an agreement with Carnival Corporation for the US $100 million dollar development of a cruise port in Freeport in hurricane-hit Grand Bahama.
And Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis said the signing was significant in the restoration and recovery of Grand Bahama following Hurricane Dorian’s devastation of that island along with Abaco earlier this month.
“A major part of reconstruction, which has become even more urgent, is the ongoing economic recovery and revitalisation of Grand Bahama,” he said on Wednesday, September 25.
“The government expected to sign a Heads of Agreement with Carnival Grand Bahama Investment Limited and the Carnival Corporation for a new cruise port a few weeks ago. Because of Hurricane Dorian the initial date for signing had to be postponed. I am pleased that we are able to have today’s [Thursday’s, September 26, – Ed.] signing to help in the restoration and recovery of Grand Bahama.”
Carnival Corporation has agreed to develop a new island destination on Grand Bahama on 329 acres of land in Sharp Rock in Freeport, which is the second largest city in the Bahamas. The cruise port will be the largest Carnival cruise port in the world.
The new cruise port will lead to significant job creation in the construction phase as well as long-term, said Minnis.
“There will be significant opportunities for business development and entrepreneurship by Bahamians. The new port will result in greater Bahamian ownership in terms of a range of business opportunities,” he added.
When completed, the new port is expected to bring millions more tourists to Grand Bahama each year. It will include aquatic facilities, food and beverage pavilions, restaurants and nightclubs, a shopping plaza, zip lines and sports facilities, miniature golf course, park areas, open air concert facilities and a transportation hub.
The government also signed an agreement with Carnival for the further development of Half Moon Cay (Little San Salvador), a private island owned by Holland America Line, which uses it as a port of call for the cruise ships it operates in the region. The expansion includes the construction of a cruise pier on the north end of Half Moon Cay, as well as supporting landside facilities at the pier site.
The capital investment will total $80 million, and will include the construction of aquatic facilities, beach restoration, restaurants and nightclubs, a shopping plaza, sports and entertainment facilities, nature trails and the development of park and/or natural reserve areas.
Both Heads of Agreements will be tabled in the House of Assembly.
“In order to rebuild Abaco and Grand Bahama, we have to spur economic development throughout the country,” said Minnis. “We must also accelerate economic projects on Grand Bahama and begin rebuilding on Abaco as soon as is possible.” ~ Caribbean360 ~
