From:TheBahamasWeekly.com

Bahamas Information Services Updates
Historic Deal Signed for East Grand Bahama Cruise Port Development
By Robyn Adderley
May 4, 2017 - 9:42:19 AM

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SIGNING AGREEMENT – The Government of The Bahamas and Carnival Cruise Lines on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 held a Heads of Agreement signing ceremony for the East Grand Bahama Cruise Port Development at the Grand Lucayan. Shown in the front row from left are: Donald Arnold, CEO, Carnival Cruise Lines; Wendall Major, Secretary to the Cabinet; and Danya Wallace, Deputy Director of Legal Affairs. Shown immediately behind from left are: Sarah St. George, Vice-President, Grand Bahama Port Authority; the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie, Prime Minister of The Bahamas and Minister of Finance; the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe, Minister of Tourism; and the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister for Grand Bahama. (BIS Photo/Peter Ramsay)

Freeport, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas – The Government of The Bahamas on Tuesday, May 2, 2017, signed a Heads of Agreement with Carnival Cruise Lines for the East Grand Bahama Cruise Port Development during a signing ceremony at the Grand Lucayan.

The $100 million project is expected to be completed in two years, once the necessary agreements are in place.

Present for the signing was Prime Minister of The Bahamas and Minister of Finance, the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie, along with other Cabinet Ministers: the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe, Minister of Tourism; the Hon. Glenys Hanna Martin, Minister of Transport and Aviation; the Hon. D. Shane Gibson, Minister of Labour and National Insurance; the Hon. Allyson Maynard Gibson, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs; and the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister for Grand Bahama.

During his welcome remarks to the room filled with other government officials, Carnival Cruise Line officials, members of the Christian Council and party supporters, Minister Michael Darville said the government has implemented a ‘people first’ agenda on the island, “which has caused growth in our local economy, created entrepreneurial and employment opportunities, strengthened our social safety net, updated health and educational infrastructure, improved essential services, and solved problems that have plagued this island for decades.”

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CARNIVAL’S CEO – Donald Arnold was present for the Heads of Agreement signing for the East Grand Bahama Cruise Port Development on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at the Grand Lucayan resort. Prime Minister of The Bahamas, the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie (centre) was also present for the historic event. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

The signing of the agreement, he continued, demonstrates that the government has addressed the ongoing concern of international cruise lines visiting Grand Bahama, “who have expressed that our present cruise port is very industrial and have conveyed the need for an alternative cruise port on Grand Bahama that would provide an additional venue that will facilitate entrepreneurial opportunities.

“As a result of much negotiation with our private sector partners I stand proudly today, as Minister for Grand Bahama, with my colleagues and our partners at Carnival Cruise Lines, as we move one step closer toward the realization of a new cruise port in East Grand Bahama.”

He thanked those responsible for making the signing possible and said, “this venture is merely one way that we seek to diversify and revitalize the economy and the island of Grand Bahama.”

The Government of The Bahamas is committed to developments that will move the communities, island and country forward together.

Also addressing those gathered was Chief Executive Officer of Carnival Cruise Lines, Arnold Donald who said his company has been dreaming of this for 15 years and they have been actively working on it for the past three.

He said the new cruise port facility will be funded and operated by Carnival Cruise Lines. Although not yet named, he added the name of the port facility will be inspired by the beauty of the area.

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CARNIVAL’S EXECUTIVES were also on hand for the the Heads of Agreement signing for the East Grand Bahama Cruise Port Development on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at the Grand Lucayan Hotel. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

The planned facility will feature a one-mile stretch of beach, food, beverage and shopping outlets, a wide array of water-based amenities and other recreational facilities. The port will also feature a pier capable of accommodating two of Carnival’s largest cruise ships simultaneously and is expected to eventually host up to 1 million guests annually.

A press release issued by Carnival Cruise Lines noted that the multimillion-dollar project will provide a significant economic benefit for the country of The Bahamas, including many employment and economic opportunities throughout the development, construction and ongoing operation once completed.

CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines, Arnold Donald said, “When Ted Arison, the founder of Carnival and the modern day cruise industry, embarked on his first cruise, it was to The Bahamas. From that day until now, The Bahamas continues to be one of the most strategic and important destinations for our company.” Donald continued, “Signing this agreement today is especially meaningful to me, as we strive to further contribute to the prosperity of the people of The Bahamas through providing experiences that continue to exceed our guests’ expectations.”



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