Signing Ceremony
Purchase of the Grand Bahama International
Airport
The Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
Thursday, 29 April 2021 Freeport, Grand Bahama 12:00 Noon
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Good afternoon.
Thank you Minister D’Aguilar for your introduction.
Let me also publicly thank him and Minister Kwasi Thompson for all of the hard and good work they have done and continue to do on behalf of the people of Grand Bahama and Bahamians throughout the Commonwealth.
I am happy to be back in Grand Bahama after last week’s recommissioning of the Rand Memorial Hospital.
Grand Bahamians have experienced the severe impact of hurricanes.
These storms have increased in frequency and strength over the past decade.
On September 2, 2019, Hurricane Dorian caused tremendous heartbreak and destruction throughout Grand Bahama.
Despite storms and the devastating effects of COVID-19 on life and livelihoods, the march to recovery and the economic revival of Grand Bahama continues.
I firmly believe that every crisis brings new opportunity.
I am pleased to announce today that we are delivering on our commitment to purchase the Grand Bahama International Airport.
Through the Airport Authority, The Bahamas owns 29 other airports, all at various stages of development.
While this Airport in Grand Bahama was almost completely destroyed by Dorian, our commitment is steadfast in the rebuilding of the Grand Bahama International Airport as a world-class facility.
We will develop a modern facility that is designed and built to be resilient and meet the weather conditions that are experienced during the frequent storms that affect Grand Bahama.
This new facility will also enable the return of U.S. Preclearance.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Grand Bahama’s economy does well when residents have access to modern infrastructure and facilities.
Your economy does well when we facilitate its major industries , including: manufacturing, shipping, financial services, and of course, tourism
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