My fellow Grand Bahamians, I am pleased to provide the 2018 Year in Review for the Government of the Bahamas in Grand Bahama. We have been charged with sustainable economic revitalization of the island and to create employment opportunities. The Prime Minister has a vision to redevelop Grand Bahama, we began by strengthening existing programs, initiatives and completing ongoing infrastructure development. Further, we developed new initiatives and programmes to create significant economic impact which empowered entrepreneurs and created employment. The Government has accomplished much in its first full calendar year in office. I invite you to journey with us through 2018 and the work of the Government of the Bahamas in Grand Bahama.

SEN.THE HON. JAMES KWASI THOMPSON

MINISTER OF STATE FOR GRAND BAHAMA

Preliminary data from the Ministry of

Tourism indicates that in 2018, Stopover

visitors to Grand Bahama firmed by 3.5%

on a year-to-date basis, a reversal from

the prior period’s 39.5% plunge. These

visitors contributed to the 7.4% expansion

in stopover arrivals nationwide. In line with

the increase in stopover activity, data from

AirDNA revealed a 50.5% expansion in

total bookings in the short-term rental

market in October, relative to the same

period of 2017. An analysis of the major

markets revealed that bookings in Grand

Bahama grew by 44.2%, amid gains in

both the entire home and hotel comparable

listings.

Additionally, Customs Revenue

Collection increased in the 2017/2018

period by $15,429,360.78 as compared

to the period prior.

This same year, The Government made

The Bahamas Technical Vocational

Institute (BTVI) tuition-free for qualifying

students. As a result of this, overall

enrollment has increased by some 70

percent in Grand Bahama and in

Information Communications

Technology (ICT) courses, the increase

was 97 percent. The Government is

also committed to making The

University of The Bahamas, including its

ICT Programs, free of charge beginning

in 2019. Grand Bahama also saw the

opening and expansion of several

businesses, contributing significantly to

economic growth on our island.

As we reflect on an eventful year, we are pleased to acknowledge and celebrate our many achievements.

Grand Bahama rang in 2018

with an Ecumenical Service of

praise and Thanksgiving on

Independence Park. A host of government

officials, clergy, members of the Grand

Bahama Christian Council and scores of

Grand Bahamians gathered to set the tone

for a new year: first honouring God for

bringing us through the previous year and

praying blessings of prosperity, safety and

peace over our nation for the new year.

The Department of Customs began the New

Year commemorating International Customs

Day. Throughout the month of January, the

department held a series of events to

celebrate its staff and bring awareness to the

public on its functions. Highlights included a

Church Service at Calvary Temple

Assemblies of God, and Awards Ceremony

honoring long-serving and outstanding

employees.

Also early in the year, we received great

news for West Grand Bahama through the

announcement of Seaward Fishing Village,

which upon completion will comprise of a

series of village-style homes on marina-front

lots in Deadman’s Reef. This multimillion

dollar project will serve as a unique

community for year-round visitors looking for

a getaway with the capacity to dock their

boats and enjoy sport-fishing in Grand

Bahama.

JA

NU

RA

RY

Omni Financial Group expanded its operations

on the island and hired approximately 10

persons. This expansion allows Omni Financial

to continue to provide services such as money

transfers and pay day loans that Grand

Bahamians rely on.

From January 21st-28th 2018, The Most

Honourable Prime Minister, Dr. Hubert A Minnis

and delegation traveled to Austin, Texas to

promote Grand Bahama as a Technology Hub.

Being one of the largest technology centers in

the United States, The Bahamian delegation had

an opportunity to present to and connect with

companies such as Google and Gearbox in

Austin. Coming out of this, tech giant Dell has

agreed to bring some 2,000 executives to The

Bahamas in 2019 for a conference to be held at

Baha Mar.

JA

NY

RA

RY

CO

NT’D

In February,

the Ministry of

Youth, Sports & Culture

celebrated the Fresh Start

Program Graduation. Seventy-six

persons graduated from the program

and represented varied fields including

bartending, Butlering, office procedures,

sales, welding and general maintenance.

Minister of Youth, Sports & Culture, The

Honourable Michael Pintard praised the

graduates for taking charge of their futures

by participating in this dynamic program.

Labour on the Blocks, which was also held in Grand Bahama in February, was designed to bring together job seekers and employers at locations which are in or close to residential communities. Approximately 1,500 persons turned out, and 1,300 were registered in the Labor Department database. Baha Mar took 600 applications for consideration. There were

also a number of companies present from the industrial sector.

FE

BR

UA

RY

Successful

participants of the first cohort of the Micro &

Small Business Grant Program were presented with

certificates and grant funding. A collaboration between the Office of the

Prime Minister Grand Bahama and Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, the program provides an opportunity for existing small business owners as well as aspiring entrepreneurs to participate in business readiness training covering topics such as basic bookkeeping, customer service and marketing. After training, participants pitch their businesses to a panel of experts for an opportunity to be awarded grant funding of up to $5,000. Those who are awarded funding are assigned a business mentor to support them in their ventures. Support agencies the Grand Bahama Port Authority, The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce, The Downtown Freeport Business Association and the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation were integral in providing this mentorship. 87 of some 197 participants received grants for their businesses resulting in a total of $371,000 being injected into the small business community. The opening of Bahama Zip at Pirate’s Cove established Grand Bahama as the only island in the commonwealth where ziplining can be experienced. Prime Minister & Mrs. Minnis joined in the festivities as this $1.4 million investment was opened to the public. Mrs. Minnis even made history as one of the first persons to experience the 30-foot zipline.

FE

BR

UA

RY

CO

NT’D

In March, Several young adults launched their very own organic food product company as a result of the Youth Apiary Program – a collaborative support from the Bahamas Development Bank, The Office of the Prime Minister Grand Bahama and IICA. These young persons received training in beekeeping, as well as management support in production, manufacturing and other key aspects of business operation. They then launched the Grand Bahama Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd. (GBBC) in February and unveiled their first line of products including organic honey, soap and beeswax products. The Ministry of Works along with NEMA and the Department of Social Services also continued efforts to provide hurricane relief assistance to persons who were affected by Hurricane Matthew. The category 5 storm affected numerous Grand Bahama residents and after extensive assessment and consultation, the Ministry of Works continues to fulfill its commitment to ­assist those in need, holding several additional check presentations in May and June. A total of 1,126 persons have received assistance to date totaling $4,314,100. Later that month, The Prime Minister once again visited Grand Bahama and toured the Pharmachem Technologies development as the

company is undergoing a $180 million expansion of its API production facility. The Prime Minister praised PCT for this

major project, through which, direct and indirect jobs were provided for Bahamians. Since the commencement of this project, Pharmachem has engaged five (5) major local contractors, creating temporary employment for up to 180 persons. The

MA

RC

H

corporation also purchased

project- related materials, supplies and

services from more than 62 local vendors and suppliers.

The Prime Minister also took part in the Grand Bahama High School Technical and Career Fair, facilitated by the Office of the Prime Minister, Grand Bahama. Approximately 2000 students from grades 9 to 12 had the unique opportunity to hold face-to-face interactions with personnel from over 30 organizations in Grand Bahama to learn about existing careers and future career trends in various fields in the private and public sectors. Bahamian delegation participated in another major Trade Mission to Washington, DC to focus on small business development. Through interactions with the DC Chamber of Commerce, several international organizations and consultation with the local Small Business Development Center, The Bahamas was well equipped to begin cultivating SBDCs here at

home. The Government’s vision is that through this initiative, micro and small business will have the tools and support needed to start-up and thrive.

MA

RC

H C

ON

T’D

In April, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s new vessel, the Grand Clasica, made its inaugural visit to Grand Bahama Island. Minister of State for Grand Bahama commemorated the occasion with the Mayors of West Palm Beach and Riviera Beach. The Office of the Prime Minister in conjunction with the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce held the second Business to Business Expo,

wherein large industrial corporations presented their inventory and purchasing needs to the small business community. The 2018 panel was comprised of Stat-oil, Pharmachem Technologies and Quality Services Ltd. This unique opportunity again provided a means of empowering small businesses to be able to supply those needs for better rates, with faster delivery.

University of the Bahamas held its ‘Sustainable Grand Bahama’ Conference, during which participants held robust dialogue about the way forward for Grand Bahama with the guiding concept being sustainability. Over 30 speakers inclusive of government officials, private sector, civil society leaders, academics and

AP

RIL

students addressed conference attendees. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance K. Peter Turnquest delivered a keynote address and a number of UB North students from the science department presented their research on climate change and, architecture students shared their work on a sustainable master plan design for UB North campus. Grand Bahama also saw the Girls in ICT Conference, hosted by URCA, in late April. URCA’s Chairman Neville Wilchcombe noted that the organization made a conscious decision to expose students in the Northern Bahamas to the fastest growing industry in the world, thereby informing them of the many new and exciting career choices in ICT related fields, and introducing them to

local and

international female experts in the

field. Grand Bahama was specifically chosen to hold

this conference in alignment with the island’s path to becoming the

Silicon Island of the Caribbean. In late April, Senator the Honourable Kwasi Thompson, Minister of State for Grand Bahama along with the Director for Investment, Candia Ferguson, represented The Bahamas Government and the Island of Grand Bahama at the Commonwealth Business Forum 2018 – a part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) in London. The Commonwealth Business Forum is an integral part of the CHOGM and brings together businesses critical to trade and investment leadership with Government to debate the issues facing their countries in 2018 and beyond. The Bahamas delegation participated in an invitation only round table discussion on Developing the Digital Economy. The global economy is undergoing a digital transformation presenting both opportunities for growth and modernization.

AP

RIL

CO

NT’D

During the Prime Minister’s Official Visit to Grand Bahama in May, he toured Goombayland, the once beloved skating rink and go-kart facility which announced it would be reopening in 2018 and initially hiring 20-25 persons. This 100% Bahamian-owned $500,000 investment was revived by the children of the former owner and officially opened in June, serving as an example of Grand Bahamian confidence in own economy. The University of the Bahamas Northern Campus

commissioned its first ever student living facility, Hawksbill Hall. The $4.5 million facility consists of 14 suites, comprising a total of 28 double occupancy rooms and 28 single occupancy rooms, as well as two

handicapped-accessible rooms. Amenities include a full-service cafeteria, a 24-hour computer lab, a student recreation room with 64-inch television, lounge and dining areas, a fitness room, and coin laundry facility. Following the Government’s announcement of plans to make University of the Bahamas free to all Bahamians, it is exciting to note that through the

Northern Campus, The University of the Bahamas can welcome and accommodate many more students from the Family Islands to study in Grand Bahama.

AP

RIL

CO

NT’D

In late May, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture and Member of Parliament for Marco City, Michael Pintard; Minister of State for Grand Bahama in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator J. Kwasi Thompson and Member of Parliament for West End and Bimini, Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe along with local corporate officials joined Darrin Rolle and the Falcons Boys’ Club members, as they officially turned the soil for the club’s Community Center. Summer also brought the return of Vacation Express. The Office of the Prime Minister Grand Bahama and the Ministry of Tourism negotiated an airlift agreement with Sunwing to provide a limited service of non-stop flights from various US cities to Grand Bahama Island. Flights from Detroit, Chicago, Nashville, Pittsburgh, Newark, Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Dallas were among

those operated by

Swift Air LLC, yielding over 7,000

passengers to the island.

Senator the Honourable Kwasi Thompson joined the graduates of the Bahama Host program to celebrate their achievements. The government remains cognizant of today’s unemployment challenges and considering this, has committed to providing the support and training necessary to make the pursuit of dynamic, long-term careers and entrepreneurship achievable. Training programs such as Bahama Host allow real-world practice and hands-on experience to prepare Bahamians for career growth and entrepreneurial pursuit.

MA

Y

environmental, health and safety support to Grand Bahama’s expanding maritime industry. The facility is designed to treat 60,000 tons of oily waste per year, which is equivalent to 500,000 barrels. This project provides employment opportunities for some 30+ Bahamians both within the facility and on the vessel.

As a direct result of one of the approved recommendations made to Cabinet by the Grand Bahama Technology Hub Steering Committee in March, The Office of the Prime Minister Grand Bahama hosted its first Venture Conference in June focused on Blockchain

In June, The Office of the Prime Minister Grand Bahama formed its Investment Unit. The unit is designed to mirror the Bahamas Investment Authority in New Providence and seeks to ensure the government and the Port Authority work together in the approval process with a view to ensure a swift and effective experience for investors in Grand Bahama, in keeping with the government’s commitment to improve the ease of doing business in Grand Bahama with a 30-day turnaround time for investment approvals. Eco-Oil joined the growing list of foreign and local direct investors showing confidence in Grand Bahama’s local economy, with its initial investment

of $10 million during construction and operation phases. During the official ground-breaking ceremony, Minister Thompson noted that Eco-Oil’s investment provides

JU

NE

and Cryptocurrencies. The government realized the importance of this growing technology and brought together local and international stakeholders to present Grand Bahama as an ideal location to establish offices and global headquarters for these new technology companies. This conference paved the way for the creation the Bahamas’ regulatory framework. Cabinet has also approved the Committee’s recommendation for the establishment of the BH1B Visa Initiative. GIBC Digital, a global technology firm, opened its office in Freeport, which will now serve as a global training headquarters. GIBC also committed to an initial investment of $2.5 million as well as the hiring and training of 50 Bahamians. Also joining the Grand Bahama community was Home Fabrics Ltd, who announced in

May that the

Bahamian-owned entity

would be opening a store in Freeport. With an

initial investment of $2 million, Home Fabrics settled into its new

location hiring 10 persons.

JU

NE

CO

NT’D

The Office of the Prime Minister Grand Bahama continued its annual Summer Job Program for high school and college students. During the official opening and orientation for the 2018 program, Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Sen. The Hon. J Kwasi Thompson and Member of Parliament for Central Grand Bahama Iram Lewis commended the 500+ students who were successful in their application process and encouraged them to take advantage of the opportunity for hands-on work experience as well as the stipends that the government would pay for their service. In keeping with its commitment to prioritize education as a key component of the technology hub initiative, the Government collaborated with BTVI in June to launch a 3-year ICT Program for high school students. Beginning in 9

th grade,

students from various schools in Grand Bahama have the opportunity to learn fundamental ICT skills such as coding and web design. With the completion of each summer, students receive a level of certification, making them already employable in the ICT field before the graduate high school. This program is not only free, but the

students receive stipends from the government each summer as they participate. Executives of Quality Services Ltd. announced that the company had been awarded portions of the contract for the Pharmachem Technologies Expansion Project. To this end, QSL hosted a job fair,

noting that Some 60 jobs would be open to Grand Bahamians for the expansion project. Pipefitters, welders (carbon and stainless steel), industrial electricians, instrumentation technicians, safety officers, helpers and quality control technicians were among those who took advantage of this opportunity for employment. Some 70 Grand Bahamians were hired as a result of this initiative.

JU

NE

An agreement was concluded between the Taxi Union and Bahamas Paradise Cruises, detailing that the taxi drivers would transport the overnight guests, and the tour buses would take the day passengers. According to the former President of the GB Taxi Union, as a result of the agreement, it is estimated that taxi drivers will receive up to $10,000 weekly, or $40,000 monthly with new business. Through this agreement, the taxis are able to build relationships with their passengers who are staying on the island overnight, and therefore, can arrange future trips which can result in a better experience for the guests and more economic activity for the driver.

JU

NE

CO

NT’D

July was a month of celebration as Grand Bahama commemorated 45 years of Independence. From East End to West, the entire month of July was filled with events of family fun and patriotism. Some notable highlights include the Beat Retreat: which featured the Royal Bahama Police Force band and the Royal Bahamas Defense Force Band in an epic showdown at Port Lucaya Marketplace. There was also National Pride Day and the Annual Flag Raising Ceremony held at the Office of the Prime Minister Grand Bahama, an Ecumenical Church Service at Calvary Temple Assemblies of God and the biggest event: Cultural Extravaganza on Independence Park. Hosts Wilbert Stubbs and cultural icon Miss Daisy entertained the crowd and welcomed other treats and performances which included: D Mac, The RBPF Police Tattoo and a dazzling firework display to bring in Independence Day.

JU

LY

In July, Grand Bahama also saw the opening of Fowlco Marine and Logistic Management. This $1.4 million investment is 100% Bahamian owned. Fowlco has already, notably employed 16 Bahamians and will provide services to the Grand Bahama community including customs brokerage, port agency & husbandry, dry dock logistics and facilitation of special projects.

JU

LY

CO

NT’D

In August, The Government announced its decision to purchase the Grand Lucayan Resort and its initial $10 million deposit on the $65 million purchase. Following the hotel’s closure in 2016 due to damages from Hurricane Matthew, the government aggressively sought to come to an agreement with an investor to restore it. However, its priority was always to ensure sustainable restoration. To this end, the decision was made to purchase the hotel. While the Prime Minister noted that it is not the government’s intention to run a hotel, it is his administration’s intent to save jobs. He said the government was only holding the hotel to preserve the island’s economy and as soon as possible, the hotel would be sold. That same month, Grand Bahama once again witnessed Bahamian-owned businesses investing further into our local economy through the opening of $2.5 million investment, Elnet Maritime Center. Elnet Maritime Ltd. had already employed some 30 persons and in the construction phase of this new Maritime Center, Elnet committed to engage some 125 additional persons including sub-contractors. Post-construction, there will be opportunities for 80-100 new jobs, which is fantastic for Grand Bahamians. Fifty 9th grade students graduated from the first session of the BTVI ICT Program. The completion of the first phase has given the participants nine

college credits. Minister Thompson noted that as the government prepares Grand Bahama island for technology ventures and businesses, it will be critical to adequately prepare our workforce to capitalize on new opportunities and compete in a local as well as global job market and that these students are on the right path.

AU

GU

ST

Caribbean tech call center, I-tel BPO, expanded its Freeport operations. The company committed to hiring an addition 100 Grand Bahamians, 25 of which have already been hired.

The Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Security, other parliamentary personnel and a host of other guests gathered in Grand Bahama

for the inauguration

and dedication of the new state-of-the-

art fire and police station named in honour of the late Sir

Albert Miller. The new $6 million fire station sits on three acres of land

and occupies 22,000 square feet of fully furnished office and living space. It also comprises a dormitory for single officers, an exercise and indoor gymnasium and a full-sized outdoor basketball court. Bahamian professional Major League Baseball player, Chavez Young, paid a courtesy call on Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Lanisha Rolle, during her visit to Grand Bahama. Chavez Young is an outfielder/designated hitter, who was drafted in the 39th round of the 2016 Major League June Amateur Draft, from Faith Baptist Academy in Georgia. He is currently signed to the Toronto Blue Jays. Chavez is set to host a camp in Grand Bahama in January 2019 featuring pro-players and coaches from the MLB.

SE

PT

EM

BE

R

Junkanoo leaders in Grand Bahama were excited to have the Minister of Culture in town on Friday, September 28, 2018 who presented them with their seed funding for this year’s Junkanoo parades. Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Lanisha Rolle said that the distribution of the funds this early in the year was historic within itself. Normally, funding for Junkanoo groups are distributed in December, during which time many of the groups would have completed their costumes and junkanoo pieces. The government is committed to ensure the preservation, success and growth of our cultural product. This year’s funding for Junkanoo totals $648,000, of which proper allocation to the approved groups in Grand Bahama was carried out.

SE

PT

EM

BE

R C

ON

T’D

In October, Minister of State for Grand Bahama participated in additional trade missions with the intent of promoting the Grand Bahama Technology Hub. Senior officials travelled to Estonia for a training exercise designed to further the introduction of e-government, and paperless, more efficient services, in Grand Bahama. The trip, from October 15-19, was sponsored by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and equipped participants with the knowledge to develop and strengthen their nation's digital government capacity and promote information technology (IT) use in the public sector. A Bahamian delegation also participated in a dual state visit to North Carolina and Georgia respectively to promote investment opportunities in Grand Bahama. In a Business Expose hosted by the Bahamas

Consulate Office in Atlanta, The Minister of Agriculture, The Honourable Michael Pintard and Minister of State from Grand Bahama Sen. The Hon Kwasi Thompson had the opportunity to present Grand Bahama to, and build relationships with, executives of multi-million dollar international companies.

OC

TO

BE

R

company’s vision to eventually power the entire island with solar energy. Through this project, The Grand Bahama Power Company has indicated future energy costs at less than 9 cents per kilowatt hour: less than many large countries worldwide including the USA (approximately 21 cents/kWh) and the UK (22 cents/kWh). The Government also shared exciting announcements at the GB Tech Summit. One of which came from the Minister of Education, who in his keynote address, advised that the Cabinet of The Bahamas has approved the application process and BTC and Cable Bahamas will cause there to be fiber-optic cables through every school in The Bahamas. The objective is for the entire system to become digitized by the coming school year. Pre-Primary and primary school students will also be given tablets starting in September.

In November the Office of the Prime Minister Grand Bahama hosted the much anticipated, 2nd Grand Bahama Technology Summit. The Summit was a reinforcement that Grand Bahama Island is open for business and has made significant strides in the past year to realize its vision of becoming a technology hub. Building upon the foundation which was set during the first Technology Summit in 2017, the second Summit served as a meeting place for both local and international stakeholders, innovators, executives and policy makers to network, share ideas and invest. In addition, this year’s Tech Summit showcased local education programs, highlighted efforts made to date and provided a unique opportunity for participation in high-intensity, cutting-edge certificate courses offered by leading technology companies partnered in the initiative. The conference was oversubscribed for registration, and attracted some of the world’s leading technology companies such as Palo Alto Networks, CISCO, CompTIA, Dell, and Red Hat. Local corporate partners such as title Sponsors ALIV and GIBC Digital were extremely active as well as The Grand Bahama Port Authority and Cloud Carib. Innovative Partner The Grand Bahama Power Company unveiled several of its initiatives which are geared toward technological advancement on the island including the impending installation of smart meters throughout the island and the $5 million Solar Sunrise Project in alignment with the

NO

VE

MB

ER

The Government of the Bahamas, through the Ministry of Education and the Office of the Prime Minister Grand Bahama, also executed a Memorandum of Understanding with CISCO, to explore the development of educational opportunities for Bahamians.

Ground was officially broken for the new Coral Vita Facilities that will house the world’s first land based Commercial Coral Farm Education and Research Center. In his remarks, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Finance Honourable Peter Turnquest noted The importance of coral reefs to the protection of our coastlines, which is in itself, reason for concern to the sustainability of our environment. The executives of Coral Vita committed to investing over $1.2 million in the first few years of operation.

The E-Procurement and Supplier Registry System was officially launched and the Deputy Prime Minister, who noted that the reform is designed to make the process of government

procurement transparent and

to ensure that there is fairness across the

system, so that everyone has an opportunity. The new, E-

Procurement and Supplier Registry, soon to become a national initiative, will not only help to equalize the playing field between small, medium and big businesses when it comes obtaining government contracts, but the government has pledged that a minimum of 20 percent of all its procurement must be won by small businesses. The Public Procurement Act

will oversee the E-Procurement and Supplier Registry system and all national procurement will be executed through the online procurement and Supplier Registry system in the near future.

NO

VE

MB

ER

CO

NT’D

The Ministry of Public Service and National Insurance hosted the 18th Northern Region Public Service Appreciation Luncheon, under the theme “The Public Service: igniting a positive change for future generations”, during which 34 long standing public service workers from various government departments were recognized for their unwavering service in the public service sector, some for more than 40 years. The Bahamas Development Bank in conjunction with the Office of the Prime Minister Grand Bahama hosted the Tourist Money Never Done workshop for 2 and a half days. The workshop was aimed at spurring greater entrepreneurial opportunities in the tourism-related business sector. Budding entrepreneurs were exposed to the latest techniques aimed at increasing their understanding of the sector. With its continuing goal of transforming Grand Bahama into “Silicon Island” and the Technology Hub of The Bahamas, the Office of the Prime Minister in Grand Bahama has joined forces with the YMCA to launch a computer coding, ICT skills development Program, which will expose 100 young people to software development and coding skills. Minister Thompson encouraged the first phase of students for the YMCA computer coding, ICT skills development program to take the

NO

VE

MB

ER

opportunity seriously and to take full advantage of it. He urged them to complete the four-year program and be anxious to put in practice all that they have learned to not only obtain employment, but to explore entrepreneurial opportunities. In an official signing ceremony, the Government entered a $1.5 million contract for repairs and remodeling of the Garnet Levarity Justice Center. The scope of repairs and renovations will include exterior repairs and upgrades, major interior repairs and upgrades, as well as mechanical, electrical and plumbing works. The Government also invested funds in repairs to and cleaning of the Freeport Post Office and Registrar’s Office respectively in 2018.

NO

VE

MB

ER

CO

NT’D

In closing, we have taken you on a journey

of 2018 and the work of your Government in

Grand Bahama. As you would have seen

and heard, we have made notable progress

in advancing many of projects. Work has

progressed on the Holmes Rock Junior High

School, the Fishing Hole Road Bridge and

Smith Point Seawall all of which are nearing

completion. Urban Renewal has provided

much social assistance including much

needed small home repairs to residents.

We will double our efforts to revitalize the

economy, create even more job

opportunities, to empower our

entrepreneurs, to strengthen stakeholder

relations and build stronger communities.

I wish to thank all Grand Bahamians,

stakeholders and investors for your

continued support.

I also wish to thank all of my Ministerial

Colleagues particularly Deputy Prime

Minister the Hon K. Peter Turnquest and

Minister Michael Pintard for their hard

work in Grand Bahama and all our

Parliamentary Colleagues.

Finally, I wish to commend all Grand

Bahamians for their overcoming spirit

which motivates me every day.

May God continue to bless Grand Bahama

Island.