[ad_1]
Commonwealth of the Bahamas
Comment
The Honourable Ginger Moxey MP, Minister of Grand Bahama
Grand Lucayan Hotel Sale Update
Grand Lucayan Hotel Manor House Press Conference, May 11, 2022
Your Excellency Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investment and Aviation,
Mr. Julian Russell, Chairman of Lucayan Renewal Holdings Mr. Russell Urban, CEO of Electra Hospitality Dear media friends,
ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning…
Today is a big day…a big day in Grand Bahama!
When the Davis/Cooper government was elected we promised to pay special attention to the issues facing the people and economy of Grand Bahama. Today it is Grand Lucayan, tomorrow it is Carnival Cruise Port, and soon the airport and new hospital.
We understand that the people of Grand Bahama have endured a lot, have suffered a lot, and they just want results. In other words, less talk and more action.
This administration understands the task – we need to meet the island’s urgent needs, rebuild the economy, and do everything we can to usher in a “new day” for Grand Bahama.
Earlier this year, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investment and Aviation, the Honourable I. Chester Cooper, announced that we are committed to finding the right buyer for Grand Lucayan Resort, ensuring that the potential buyer has a clear vision for the property, sufficient financial resources, and a shared vision for the development of tourism on our islands.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am pleased to report that the Davis/Cooper Administration has accomplished its mission! In Electra, we have found the right buyer, who has the right vision, has the right resources, and who we believe is the best fit for Grand Bahama!
You may have heard me mention a few times the new department of the Grand Bahama Ministry, “Partnerships: Partnerships for Development”. The department works with NGOs, businesses, other government agencies and the community at large to help address the basic needs of residents and promote growth and development in Grand Bahama.
As outlined in Our Blueprint for Change, our government is committed to providing greater equity and opportunity for Bahamians in the tourism industry. I am particularly excited about Electra’s shared passion and commitment to social responsibility. And, as the Deputy Prime Minister noted, Mr. Russell Urban and his team have committed $5 million to support tourism products and Bahamian entrepreneurs in partnership with Collab and the Tourism Development Corporation.
The new owner has also pledged to donate furniture from the property to residents throughout Grand Bahama, and my department will lead that distribution effort.
It warms my heart that Electra understands this! They recognize the role of corporate citizenship and the need to take a holistic approach to improving the communities in which they do business, and realize how important this property is to the people and economy of Grand Bahama. To some, it’s just a resort… to us, it carries memories of the glory days and boom and bust. But it also carries hope for the future; bringing many opportunities to our people and ultimately a clear vision to make Grand Bahama the premier destination in the Bahamas.
In “Our Blueprint for Change”, Grand Bahama is envisioned to be the “Home of Events and Entertainment”. Today’s announcement is in line with that vision. With our focus on group business, executive retreats and education, world class events, 3 branded hotels, 4-5 star facilities, world class golf courses, casino and marina operations, fine dining experiences, and spillovers throughout the region including the Port Lucaya market and its impact on numerous suppliers… we are heading in the right direction!
Today, I want to especially thank the outstanding Board of Directors of Lucayan Renewal Holdings, including Chairman Julian Russell, Vice Chairman Cassietta Pelecanos, and Directors Carla Cleare, Merrit Storr, Ernie Cambridge, Stuart Bowe and Ed Rahming.
I also want to say a big “thank you” to our Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investment and Aviation, Mr. I. Chester Cooper, for skillfully negotiating this matter and “getting a better deal for the people of Grand Bahama.”
And of course, thanks to our Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honorable Philip Davis, who has charted the course for the new government to restore, rebuild and reform Grand Bahama.
I am excited about the future and the future of Grand Bahama. Russell, I look forward to continuing to work with you and your team as we move our island forward and revitalize our economy.
Ladies and Gentlemen, today we are very pleased to announce Electra Hospitality as the new buyer of Grand Lucayan Resort and we welcome them as a stakeholder, neighbor and partner in the soon to be completely transformed Grand Bahama Island!
[ad_2]
Source link
