By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Davis administration is once again suggesting that progress is imminent on the sale of the Grand Lucayan resort and the redevelopment of the Grand Bahama airport, with Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis saying the government is in the final stage of negotiations.

Mr Davis’ comments came during the final night of the Progressive Young Liberal Conclave at the Grand Lucayan Resort over the weekend.

Administration officials have used similar language before. In August, Mr Davis said the government was on the cusp of revealing the buyer for the Grand Lucayan hotel.

As far back as 2023, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper had pledged that “great news” on the Grand Bahama airport was “imminent”.

“I know you are ready for the Grand Lucayan and the new airport to be signed, sealed, and delivered, and I am right there with you on both counts,” Mr Davis said on Saturday. “In fact, we consider the two to be connected.

“We are taking a holistic approach to the sale of the Grand Lucayan and the redevelopment of the airport.”

He stressed the significance of the deal, noting that securing the right agreement is crucial.

“This is big — and getting it right is important. While our agreements preclude us from making any announcements during this final stage of crossing t’s and dotting i’s, what I can say is the developer is committed to embracing the culture of Grand Bahama while creating a world-class brand that enhances the tourism product of this island.”

Mr Davis also acknowledged the importance of store owners and vendors at Port Lucaya Marketplace, calling them key stakeholders in revitalising the long-struggling hotel property.

The Grand Lucayan, comprising three resorts with a total of 1,600 guest rooms, is currently operating at just one-third capacity, with the 200-room Lighthouse Pointe being the only section open and functional.

Straw vendors and merchants at Port Lucaya have faced ongoing struggles since the property’s closure in 2016 due to damage from Hurricane Matthew.

Mr Davis reassured them of the government’s commitment to their success during his address.

“We’ve heard you, we’ve felt your pain and your struggle to maintain your businesses. The development plans include enhancing opportunities for neighbouring businesses,” he said.

Acknowledging the hardships Grand Bahama residents have endured due to the stalled sale, Mr Davis said: “Now, it’s one thing if you all want to tell me this has taken longer than you’d hoped. I agree with you, and I understand the frustrations and fears. Times have been really hard here. And you don’t care about all the hard work and negotiations — you just need results.”

Mr Davis highlighted several projects led by Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey, including plans to construct new housing units in Freeport’s Garden Villas area.

“We’re readying to demolish the old apartment buildings in Garden Villas and replace them with new housing under our Rent-to-Own Initiative,” he said.

He also mentioned the development of the Afro-Caribbean Marketplace at the old International Bazaar site, which is expected to create small business opportunities for Bahamians.

He said the government’s partnership with Carnival Cruise Line will bring thousands of passengers to the island’s new cruise port this summer, generating jobs and business opportunities.

He further emphasised the expansion of the Grand Bahama Shipyard as a key economic driver, reinforcing the island’s maritime industry and positioning it as a regional and trans-Atlantic shipping hub.

“Within a handful of years, hundreds of Bahamians will have permanent jobs at the Shipyard,” he said.