NASSAU, The Bahamas — Prime Minister Philip Davis said the government is making “steady progress” on the Grand Lucayan redevelopment, describing the project as complex and requiring “careful sequencing, proper approvals, coordination, and structured execution.”
“We are making steady progress,” Davis said. “That is exactly how we are approaching it.”
Acknowledging public concern about timelines, Davis emphasised that the government is moving forward methodically. “I understand the anxiety people feel. I understand the frustration when the pace feels longer than anyone wants. We will ignore the noise. We will keep doing what serious governments do: protect workers, protect the public interest, move the project forward step by step, in a way that is credible and sustainable,” he said.
The Prime Minister also provided an update on the Grand Bahama International Airport redevelopment. He noted that the government has mobilised Polycon, the construction company handling the project, and Polycon has engaged Bahamas Hot Mix to begin on-site preparation works.
“This marks an important transition from planning into physical activity on the ground,” Davis said.
Phase One of the airport redevelopment has a capital expenditure of more than $100 million. It will deliver a terminal capable of handling up to 500,000 passengers annually, with the ability to expand to one million. The facility will include U.S. and international pre-clearance, expanded taxiways, apron space, upgraded roadways and parking, and environmental and flood mitigation measures.
The Prime Minister noted that tourism growth in Grand Bahama has accelerated alongside these projects. Air arrivals in 2025 increased by more than 30 percent over 2024 and exceeded pre-pandemic 2019 levels by a similar margin. Sea arrivals rose more than 90 percent compared to 2024 and more than 100 percent over 2019.
“Grand Bahama is demonstrating real momentum,” Davis said.
Davis also highlighted MSC Cruises’ investment at Freeport Harbour. The company will develop a new cruise pier complex at the Billy Cay property, alongside upgrades to the existing port and Retail Village. The total estimated capital expenditure is US$450 million, with US$400 million allocated to port infrastructure and US$50 million allocated to a Beach Club and Retail Village refurbishment.
“The project is designed as a multi-user facility to support operational flexibility, increase cruise passenger volumes, and expand economic opportunities for transportation, hospitality, culture, and small business,” Davis said.
MSC has already invested in upgrades and new equipment at the Freeport Container Port to improve efficiency and capacity. The company is also negotiating potential acquisitions with Hutchison Ports, which include operations in Freeport, where MSC is the principal user.
Davis framed these investments as part of a strategy to position Grand Bahama as a logistics hub integrated into international shipping networks.
“Global operators are positioning Grand Bahama as a long-term logistics platform capable of supporting sustained industrial and economic growth,” he said.
The Prime Minister said these projects are part of a broader investment pipeline on the island, including Grand Lucayan, the Grand Bahama Shipyard, Carnival Cruise investments, airport upgrades, energy infrastructure, health projects, logistics, and education initiatives.
“This administration intends to deliver infrastructure, investment, and opportunities that support long-term growth across Grand Bahama,” Davis said.
