Minister for Grand Bahama Highlights Investment Opportunities and Diplomatic Efforts

Minister Moxey Delivers Keynote Address at Diplomatic Week

Minister for Grand Bahama, Hon. Ginger Moxey, emphasized the alignment of this year’s theme for Diplomatic Week – “climate, trade and cultural diplomacy” – with key priorities of the government’s ongoing efforts to recover, rebuild, and revolutionize Grand Bahama Island and The Bahamas.

During her keynote address at the opening of Diplomatic Week at Grand Lucayan resort, November 5, 2024, Minister Moxey highlighted the prospects for Grand Bahama, which she said will take the second city in an upward trajectory, with over two billion dollars in investments. These investments include the $665M Grand Bahama Shipyard project, $600M Celebration Key Cruise Port, $80M RCCL/MSC/ITM Cruise Port, $100M Liwathon (South Riding Point) Terminal, and the $210M Freeport Health Campus.

To support these investments, the government has launched the “WelComing Home” initiative, which encourages the Grand Bahama diaspora and those looking for an island that combines the city and island appeal to return home.

Innovation and Sustainability

For Grand Bahama Island specifically, Minister Moxey revealed that the government is focused on innovation and sustainability through collaborations, with Diplomatic Week 2024 centering around key planks in the fulfillment of many of the commitments made in “the Blueprint for Change.”

The administration has also embarked on an initiative called Innovate242, where Minister Moxey serves as Cabinet Co-Chair, along with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation. “Innovate242 is created to establish The Bahamas as the center of innovation for the Caribbean, and for Grand Bahama Island to become the ‘Center for Sustainability,'” explained Minister Moxey. “Its four pillars include digital nomads, tech campuses, incubators, and an innovation fund.”

International Partnerships

Minister Moxey emphasized the importance of international partnerships, particularly with organizations like Sister Cities International. In the aftermath of Dorian, Sister Cities partnered to send much-needed relief to Grand Bahama. To date, 10 Sister City relationships have been established with The Bahamas, opening doors to opportunities in business, tourism, cultural, educational, and humanitarian exchanges.

Afro-Caribbean Marketplace and Logistics Center

On the trade and culture front, Minister Moxey told delegates that her Ministry will align both trade and culture with the development of an Afro-Caribbean Marketplace and Logistics Center, representing 54 African countries, 20 Caribbean countries, and 16 islands of The Bahamas. This center will not only serve as a tourist attraction but also a catalyst for extensive trade between Africa and the Caribbean.

To accomplish this goal, the government signed a Project Preparation Facility for the Afro-Caribbean Marketplace with Afreximbank in June of this year, at the historical 31st Afreximbank AGM held in Nassau. Minister Moxey emphasized the importance of this project, stating, “Today, we are fully engaged in this phase of the project, having recently held meetings with Afreximbank, Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX), the African Union, Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), including creative industry and cultural ministers from Africa and the Caribbean.”

Conclusion

Minister Moxey concluded her address by emphasizing the importance of strengthening relationships, celebrating shared values, and exploring new avenues for collaboration on the global stage. She hoped that the hospitality and vibrant spirit of the residents of Grand Bahama would inspire productive discussions and fruitful partnerships that would foster positive change, not only for The Bahamas but also for the wider region and the world.

FAQs

Q: What is the theme of Diplomatic Week 2024?
A: The theme of Diplomatic Week 2024 is “climate, trade, and cultural diplomacy.”

Q: What are the key priorities of the government’s ongoing efforts to recover, rebuild, and revolutionize Grand Bahama Island and The Bahamas?
A: The key priorities include investments, innovation, sustainability, and international partnerships.

Q: What is the “WelComing Home” initiative?
A: The “WelComing Home” initiative is a government-led effort to encourage the Grand Bahama diaspora and those looking for an island that combines the city and island appeal to return home.

Q: What is Innovate242?
A: Innovate242 is an initiative aimed at establishing The Bahamas as the center of innovation for the Caribbean, with Grand Bahama Island becoming the “Center for Sustainability.”