04072026 BUSINESS

US investor unveils $650m Eleuthera ‘game changer’

BY NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A US developer is pledging to “create a life-altering, forever game changing experience” for visitors and Governor’s Harbour residents alike via a resort, marina and boutique casino destination featuring a combined $650m in investment and real estate sales.

Jeff Jacobs, chairman and chief executive of Jacobs Investments, in a December 2025 presentation setting out “our Eleuthera vacation vision” for the J Resort Eleuthera, disclosed more details on his plans by revealing that it will cover 600 acres in central Eleuthera “stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean Sea”.

Personal income tax is ‘not politically feasible’

BY NEIL HARTNELL

Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Government will miss this year’s $75.5m Budget surplus target, an international rating agency is warning, while affirming The Bahamas’ ‘BB-’ longterm creditworthiness and an outlook signalling that no adverse events such as a downgrade will occur within the next 12 months, Fitch Ratings, in its April 2, 2026, full-year report on The Bahamas’ sovereign credit rating, blamed the Middle East conflict’s oil price shock and “uncertainty” surrounding a possible tourism slowdown for its prediction that the Davis administration will produce a deficit of equal magnitude to its projected surplus - 0.5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) - for the 2025-2026 Budget year that closes at end-June.

The rating agency also appeared to confirm what many in the Bahamian business community have long suspected - that the Government is mulling whether to replace Business Licence fees by extending corporate income tax, which is presently only imposed on entities that are part of

EXPANSION

J Resort’s 600 acres ‘stretch from Atlantic to Caribbean’ Golf course ‘put on hold’ amid ‘master developer’ strategy

‘Still some wood to chop’ before approvals; EIA underway

‘It’s been a long haul’ but Grand Lucayan’s sale poised to close

BY NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE long-touted Grand Lucayan deal could be sealed as early as this week, Tribune Business was told yesterday, with all contracts between the Government, Concord Wilshire and the latter’s key partners said to have finally been agreed and now only awaiting exchange and sign-off.

Amid growing scepticism that the resort’s sale to Miami-headquartered Concord Wilshire would ever close, given that it is now almost 11 months since last May’s Heads of Agreement signing,

well-placed sources familiar with the deal confirmed it is now poised for signing and execution following complex negotiations that Prime Minister Philip Davis KC has pushed to conclude ahead of the May 12 general election.

One contact, speaking on condition of anonymity, told this newspaper that it had been vital to lock-in both Mediterranean Shipping Company’s (MSC) cruise arm and Disney Cruise Line as partners in the Grand Lucayan’s redevelopment given that Grand Bahama’s stopover leisure tourism market is virtually non-existent. The two

And, apart from the resort itself, the development will feature “five resort-related neighbourhoods” containing more than 350 total vacation residential properties.

These residences, according to the presentation obtained by Tribune Business, are forecast to generate more than $450m in combined real estate sales - a sum equivalent to 69 percent of the total $650m financing package. Mr Jacobs, in a signed statement, said he has already invested some $40m in real estate purchases to assemble land required for his vision, and more acquisitions are set to follow.

“Our current $40m in acquisitions, combined

CONSULTATION - See

cruise lines will, in effect, provide the resort with its initial customer base and ensure its early financial survival until stopover tourism is rebuilt.

“The hotel has to have income,” the source said. “Freeport is a zero tourism destination. That’s why it took a long time to get this done. It’s no good building the hotel without support. In three years they will have their own people coming.

“Twenty restaurants are planned. It’s going to be really transformative, not just another entertainment destination. The Prime Minister has been pushing this really hard. It’s a big accomplishment for Freeport. Without the hotel, the city would be rudderless. It’s been a long haul, an 18-month slog but, finally, they are all agreed.”

Rating agency sounds alert on ‘unclear PPP pressures’

BY NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Opposition’s chairman yesterday accused the Government of “accounting in the dark” after an international credit rating agency voiced concern over the “unclear pressures and liabilities” imposed on Bahamian taxpayers by so-called public-private

partnership (PPP) projects.

Dr Duane Sands told Tribune Business that the issues flagged by Fitch Ratings, in its April 2 country report on The Bahamas, are “not a surprise” as the rating agency warned about “liabilities and budgetary costs” stemming from infrastructure projects that the

Boating

fee

reforms

‘could not have been better timed’

BY NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

SENIOR tourism and resort executives say the boating fee reforms “could not have been better timed” as they stand to help The Bahamas regain its US proximity competitive advantage amid the fuel price spike sparked by the Middle East conflict.

Kerry Fountain, the Bahama Out Island Promotion Board’s executive director, told Tribune Business that the April 1 introduction of the two new boating fee categories - the 30-day and six-month cruising permits - will allow The Bahamas to “speak directly to different types” of visitors, namely the “weekend warriors” and “winter snowbirds”, respectively.

And Molly McIntosh, the Bluff House Beach Resort and Marina's top executive, predicted the changes, which also cut the anchorage fees paid by boats in the two new permit categories, will have a “huge” effect on boosting business for her property during the fall 2026 and winter seasons. She had been “worried” the Government would wait until after the upcoming May 12 general election to make amendments vital to reversing what some marinas had blamed for an up to 50 percent drop in business

volumes for the 20252026 winter season, but added that the reforms will foster a “positive attitude” and encourage boaters to believe The Bahamas wants and values their business.

Mr Fountain, meanwhile, acknowledging that the resort, marina and wider Bahamian boating economy had wanted the changes to be made much earlier, nevertheless praised and congratulated the Government for delivering on the Prime Minister’s mid-year Budget pledge to amend the Customs Management Regulations prior to the start of the 2026 summer boating season.

“The amendments couldn’t have come at a better time,” the Promotion Board chief told this newspaper, suggesting the reduced fees will make The Bahamas more affordable just as fuel costs for visiting boaters surge as a result of

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Fitch predicts Budget surplus miss but affirms credit rating

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multinational groups with in excess of 750m euros’ annual turnover to comply with the G-20/OECD initiative - to other sectors and firms in the domestic economy.

However, Fitch added that expanding corporate income tax to the personal variety “is not politically feasible” in The Bahamas even though several observers such as Gowon Bowe, head of the Coalition for Responsible Taxation when VAT was introduced, have argued it will be a fairer and more progressive option that the current consumption-based system since it will be tied to a person’s ability to pay.

Fitch’s analysis largely balanced The Bahamas’ positives, such as energy reform and fiscal consolidation progress thus far, with concerns that the 50 percent debt-to-GDP ratio target will not be achieved by 2030-2031 without further austerity measures, to confirm the country’s ‘BB-’ rating. It also maintained a ‘stable’ outlook on The Bahamas to indicate that no rating downgrade - or upgrade - is likely within the next 12 months.

“Government finances continue to improve, with the deficit shrinking to 0.5 percent of GDP in the fiscal year ended June 2025, the smallest since 2001 and a fraction of the pre-pandemic average of 3.7 percent,” Fitch said of The Bahamas. “The Government budgeted for the first-ever surplus of 0.5 percent of GDP in fiscal year 2025-2026. “However, Fitch assumes a modest deficit of 0.5 percent given uncertainty, the oil price shock and a tourism slowdown. In December 2025, the Government locked in the [Bahamas Power & Light] fuel price at $70 per barrel for one year through a hedging arrangement, minimising risks from the price spike. We expect consolidation to gradually move the balance into surplus in the medium term.” This means a deficit of around $75.5m is expected for the current 2025-2026 fiscal year, meaning the Government may undershoot its surplus predictions by just over $150m if the Fitch report proves accurate. “Fiscal consolidation has mainly reflected revenue out-performance, which grew 10.7 percent in fiscal year 2024-2025 despite cuts to VAT on unprepared

foods,” Fitch added. “The new domestic minimum top-up tax will contribute an estimated $130m (0.8 percent of GDP) going forward. Improved tax administration, digitisation and reduction of fiscal leakages, particularly from previously unaccounted-for activity in the cruise industry, have led to increased revenue buoyancy with respect to economic growth.

“The replacement of the Business Licence fee with a potential corporate income tax, which is under consideration, may drive growth, although a broad personal income tax, as recommended by the IMF, is not politically feasible.” However, there have been arguments that The Bahamas, if it expands corporate income tax to most businesses, should impose a personal income tax on high earners and senior executives. This would prevent corporate income tax evasion through paying out profits as salaries.

Many firms have also indicated they would prefer a corporate income tax, which is levied on profits, to replace the turnover-based Business Licence fee and the distortions caused by the latter, which can see companies pay more in taxes than they earn in profits or be taxed into a loss. High turnover, low margin businesses also end up having to pay more than low turnover,

state-owned enterprises (SOEs),” Fitch reiterated.

high margin businesses due to how the Business Licence fee is structured. Fitch, meanwhile, echoed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and others by warning that the 50 percent debt-to-GDP target ratio will not be achieved by 2030-2031 without further fiscal consolidation measures. “General government gross debt (GGGD) increased marginally to 75.3 percent of GDP in fiscal year 2024-2025,” the rating agency added. “However, Fitch expects it to resume its gradual decline, shrinking to 71.8 percent by fiscal year 2026-2027.

“This marks an improvement from a peak of 89.5 percent in fiscal year 20192020 but is still considerably higher than the ‘BB’-median [of similarly rated countries] of 52 percent in 2025. Without faster fiscal consolidation or stronger economic growth than Fitch’s baseline assumes, The Bahamas will struggle to meet its main debt anchor of 50 percent of GDP by fiscal year 2030-2031.”

Explaining the rationale for its rating, Fitch added: “The ratings reflect the Commonwealth of The Bahamas’ high GDP per capita and strong governance, as reflected in recent progress on structural fiscal consolidation. These strengths are offset by low potential growth, heavy reliance on

tourism and the country’s exposure to climate-related shocks. The ratings are also constrained by high interest and debt burdens relative to peers, although these are improving from ongoing fiscal consolidation efforts.”

Suggesting that economic growth is starting to “taper” off following the postCOVID reflation, Fitch said: “The Bahamas economy continues to grow, expanding by 2.8 percent in 2025.

While this expansion reflects a slowdown from an upward revision to 3.4 percent in 2024 and the 8.7 percent average in 2021-2024, it is well-above estimated potential of around 1.5 percent and the pre-pandemic average of 1 percent.

“Fitch forecasts growth will slow further to 2.2 percent in 2026, given a slowdown in the tourism industry. Short-term risks are skewed to the downside in light of the global energy price shock and its potential effect on tourism through higher costs, particularly fuel for airlines and cruises, and weakened demand from tourists if the US economy slows materially. The Bahamas could benefit from mitigating factors, including its proximity to the US, its leading position as a cruise destination and its safety.”

As for the economy’s main driver, Fitch added:

“The Bahamas is one of the most tourism-dependent

economies, with the sector directly accounting for 40 percent of GDP. Tourism arrivals have grown to an all-time high, expanding 11.5 percent in 2025 to 12.5m. The main driver is a continuous expansion of the cruise industry, which benefits from the proximity to the US and The Bahamas’ archipelago geography.

“Growth, however, has tapered as the post-pandemic rebound has come to an end and capacity constraints, including a reduced room count, cap upward momentum. Fitch expects growth to continue at a slower rate, although the economy remains highly exposed to US. economic cycles.

“Like many Caribbean economies, potential growth is hindered by long-standing structural constraints, including difficulties in doing business, high costs, labour market inefficiencies and demographic challenges such as emigration and aging. An ambitious energy reform is under development and may contribute to some modest offset to these constraints by lowering high energy costs and improving the electric grid over the short-term. The IMF estimates these reforms may contribute an additional 0.5 percentage points to GDP by 2035.”

Free National Move-

ment (FNM) has frequently argued are structured as “off-the-books loans” to keep them from adding to the Government’s annual deficit and national debt.

Fitch also disclosed that the $280m that the Davis administration plans to borrow to acquire Grand Bahama Power Company, with $200m earmarked for the purchase price itself and a further $80m to cover working capital and capital works costs, will “nearly

double” the amount of stateowned enterprise (SOE) debt that the Government guarantees from a sum presently equal to 1.9 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) to close to 4 percent. The Government has yet to lay out its rationale for acquiring GB Power, beyond promising to cut tariff rates and reduce energy costs for Grand Bahama businesses and households, but without laying out a road map for how this will be achieved without plunging the utility into potential losses. “The Bahamas is exposed to contingent liabilities from

“Although SOE debt has declined from a peak of 13.7 percent of GDP in 2018, it is still high at 9 percent, and direct transfers have increased. Of the total SOE debt, the Government explicitly guarantees 1.9 percent of GDP, which may nearly double if a plan to purchase the Grand Bahama Power Company proceeds.”

And, echoing the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) concerns over the Government’s potential liabilities stemming from so-called PPP deals, Fitch added: “The Government is also exposed to spending pressures and liabilities from public-private partnerships (PPPs), although the scope

is unclear. These include traditional PPPs, which could become a contingent liability, and non-revenue generating infrastructure projects that pose off-balance-sheet liabilities and budgetary costs.”

The Opposition has previously argued that these structures could be keeping several hundred million dollars of loan liabilities off the Government’s balance sheet, but which will ultimately become the Bahamian taxpayer’s responsibility for repaying. One financial observer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “That’s something that needs to be remedied. They are offthe-books loans. There is massive exposure.”

Michael Halkitis, minister of economic affairs, did not respond to Tribune Business inquiries seeking the Government’s comment on the Fitch report before press time last night. Dr Sands, though, told this newspaper that the rating agency’s findings are “not a surprise” as he pledged that the Free National Movement (FNM), if elected to government office at the May 12 general election will “be honest with the Bahamian people about how their money is spent”.

“I think they have articulated much of what has been said: That this is accounting in the dark,” the Opposition chairman asserted of Fitch’s comments on the PPPs. “It is the gymnastics that this government has used, for want of a better word.”

Pledging to clean up these unknown liabilities, Dr Sands added: “We’ve done it before and, sadly, I think we’re going to have to end up doing it again. In the early stage of the 2017-2021 [Minnis] administration, we sought to identify all the red ink and tried as best as possible to make vendors whole and put in place a legislative framework to avoid this happening again.

“That framework fell on deaf ears with this administration, and they have flouted the rules about procurement, about reporting, how you manage loans, how you manage SOE guarantees. First of all, we will be honest with people about how their tax money is being spent, and we will ensure the Freedom of Information Act is brought to life with funding and tools to make a difference.

“Most important, we will follow the laws as it relates to procurement and fiscal responsibility. We have said over and over that a PPP may be a good thing, but when we don’t know what the interest rate is, it could be ursury. We don’t know if it’s 8 percent, 12 percent, 6 percent. They haven’t said.

An FNM administration will make it known how the funds of the people of The Bahamas are being spent, what types of arrangements are being made and, when we hypothecate any money, we will make it known for how long, to which group, and on what terms”.

The IMF called for “stronger governance” of PPPs in its statement on

the latest Article IV consultation with The Bahamas. It added that while such structures can help meet this nation’s infrastructure investment needs by unlocking private capital, they must also create “public value without creating hidden fiscal liabilities”.

“The increased use of public-private partnerships (PPPs) to develop infrastructure should go hand in hand with stronger PPP governance,” the IMF urged.

“PPPs can be useful for meeting the country’s investment needs, including in energy, roads and climate-resilient infrastructure. Ensuring that PPPs deliver public value without creating hidden fiscal liabilities requires clear legal frameworks, transparent procurement, proactive fiscal risk management, and proper budgeting, accounting and reporting standards. An immediate priority should be to improve fiscal reporting and enhance the overall institutional framework for PPPs.”

PPPs are typically designed to reduce the financial stress on cash-strapped governments by contracting the private sector to provide the funding, development and expertise to construct much-needed infrastructure or run public services.

The Government’s cash flow pressures are eased by requiring the private sector to finance the up-front capital costs, with the latter earning a return on investment - and paying back any lender - from the revenue streams generated by infrastructure assets they develop or services provided.

The Opposition has previously argued, though, that several projects touted by the Davis administration as PPPs do not fit this model or meet this criteria. In particular, several sources have pointed to the sudden appearance in the Government’s 2025-2026 Budget, under ‘public debt servicing - interest and other charges - of a $33.93m, ten-year loan due to PPP Investments & Construction Company. Tribune Business records confirm this is the company that secured a deal with the last Christie administration to construct the Eight Mile Rock government administrative complex in Grand Bahama. The agreement was signed off on May 9, 2017, one day before the general election that brought the Minnis administration and FNM to office.

The arrangement was touted as a PPP, and this newspaper’s archives show PPP Investments & Construction Company sought to raise the necessary financing via a $25m bond placement. A further $9m was obtained from Sygnus Capital, the Jamaican investment house, and the deal was structured as a lease-toown where the Government would pay back the company and lenders via rental payments.

However, it has now appeared in the Government’s books as a “loan” that has to be repaid by Bahamian taxpayers. Some

$2.308m is due to be paid in 2025-2026, with payments of $2.094m and $1.874m due in 2026-2027 and 2027-2028, respectively. Opposition sources suggested this represents a “smoking gun” showing that many projects touted by the Government as PPPs are really “off-thebooks” loans designed to keep borrowings, spending and debt from showing up in the public finances for as long as possible.

Other projects cited by the Opposition as an example of these concerns are the $160m Eleuthera and Exuma roadworks deals with the Bahamas Striping Group of Companies. It recently emerged that the $100m loan that will enable Bahamas Striping to complete these 200 miles of roadworks has been structured as an “accounts receivables factoring” arrangement.

Bahamas Striping, in a statement asserting that the Exuma roadworks are 97 percent complete, disclosed for the first time how the $100m financing it received last year from the Africa Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has been put together.

It explained that the receivable factoring facility will ensure that the road projects proceed without delay by smoothing the timing of payments, thus helping to maintain stable cash flow and uninterrupted service delivery without increasing costs or risks to the Bahamian tax-paying public from unexpected hold-ups

And Bahamas Striping added that the Afreximbank loan enables it to reliably fund the work of key Bahamian sub-contractors, including Quick Fix and Nu View, which have been awarded multi-million dollar portions of the roadworks contracts. Accounts receivables factoring occurs when a company sells unpaid invoices, representing monies owed to it, to a thirdparty in exchange for cash. A relatively common commercial financing technique, it improves a company’s cash flow and means they are not hanging around to receive due payments.

However, in this particular case, the major accounts receivables that Bahamas Striping will be waiting on are payments from the Government on their roadworks contracts. Financial specialists spoken to by Tribune Business said the release, and the financing structure as described, strongly suggest that the receivables exchanged by Bahamas Striping in return for the loan are those government contract payments. They added that, in effect, the Government will now be paying the Africa Export-Import Bank instead of Bahamas Striping for the roadworks contract. And they argued that this represents an ‘off-the-books’ loan, designed to keep liabilities off the Government’s balance sheet and from adding to the $12bn-plus national debt.

Casino ‘size of a restaurant’ to generate ‘must see vibe’

with our proposed future acquisitions, will take us to approximately 600 acres stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean Sea in and around the town of Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera, Bahamas,” Mr Jacobs wrote.

“Our vision includes a phased hospitality investment of over $200m, as well as third party residential real estate sales exceeding $450m. This combined $650m-plus investment and real estate sales effort will result in the largest tourist-oriented development in the history of central Eleuthera.

He added: “The major components of J Resort Eleuthera include five resort-related neighbourhoods with over 350 vacation residences, each oriented to the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Also included are a public outdoor sculpture garden focusing on artists of the region, a boutique hotel and a mega yacht marina providing dockage for the largest yachts cruising off Florida and the Bahamas.

“The development will also include several waterfront restaurants, a boutique casino, an 18-hole seato-sea golf course, and a dedicated community pathway providing continuous circulation throughout Governor’s Harbour, accessing the world-famous French Leave Beach via walking, bicycling and golf carting. Beach access for Bahamians, and the development of community pathways on Queens Highway, Alexander Boulevard and Banks Road were also described

as central to the J Resort destination. While Tribune Business exclusively disclosed the existence of Mr Jacobs’ proposal for Governor’s Harbour in February this year, this is the first time details of the planned investment, including the scale of land development and real estate sales, have been revealed.

However, Mr Jacobs, in an e-mailed response to Tribune Business inquiries, told this newspaper that thinking behind the proposed Governor’s Harbour development has “evolved” since the December 2025 presentation was crafted. In particular, he revealed that plans for an 18-hole golf course on a 177-acre site located near the settlement’s airport have been “put on hold for a variety of economic, environmental and competitive reasons”.

And Mr Jacobs, who has a track record in real estate development related to the hospitality, gaming and resort industries in the US, said he also plans on adopting “a master developer approach” to Governor’s Harbour by setting aside three to four sites within the 600 acres for other investors/developers to create their own boutique resorts - the type of hotel development that has proven most successful in the Family Islands.

Asserting that he is a long-term investor, not one seeking to make a quick buck by swiftly entering and then exiting a project, Mr Jacobs also voiced interest in partnering with others to deliver “consistent, reliable power” to central Eleuthera. He added that he was already in talks with Kimley

Horn, a US-based utility and engineering company with global reach, on developing “a self-contained power solution” for the island.

And, seeking to reassure Governor’s Harbour residents over the scale and density of his proposal, Mr Jacobs said the proposed casino will be “the size of a restaurant” and far smaller than those at Atlantis and Baha Mar. The US gaming developer added that the J Resort casino will be modelled as “a James Bondstyle gaming salon” to give wealthy, high-spending visitors an extra incentive to visit Governor’s Harbour and give the destination a “must see” vibe.

Mr Jacobs disclosed that the proposal “still has some wood to chop” before starting the process of applying for, and obtaining, the necessary government and regulatory approvals for the project to move forward.

However, Janeen Bullard, principal of JSS Consulting, has been hired and started the work required to prepare an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and consultation with the Governor’s Harbour community over the development is set to begin this summer.

Through Jacobs Investments, and its Jacobs Entertainment subsidiary, Mr Jacobs owns and operates resorts and casinos in US destinations such as Reno and other Nevada cities, plus Colorado and Louisiana. While Governor’s Harbour and Eleuthera will seemingly be their first major investment outside the US, the developer said planning studies had begun from five years ago and are constantly being updated.

“Large scale, complex projects, evolve and have a

life of their own,” Mr Jacobs told Tribune Business. “For example, in reviewing our December 2025 development slides that you sent me, I see where our thought process has evolved a bit in several areas.

“They include the initial 177-acre parcel that we acquired near the Governor’s Harbour airport, [which] was intended to be developed as a golf course. I have put the golf course on hold for a variety of economic, environmental and competitive reasons.”

Mr Jacobs, affirming that he intends to be involved for the long haul, said his ambitions also extend to facilitating investments by others. “Additionally, I now believe that the visitation future in Governor’s Harbour is greater than a development effort resulting in one boutique resort hotel and associated neighbourhoods,” he said.

“I am taking more of a master developer approach. That is, I believe that we will be able to create sites for three to four boutique resort/residential projects that can be developed by others in addition to our J Resort development project. This effectively provides Governor’s Harbour a pipeline of boutique resort properties with associated construction and full-time operational jobs over the next 20-30 years.”

The December 2025 presentation shows J Resort and its marina will be located immediately adjacent to the existing French Leave hotel on the latter’s northern/eastern side. Mr Jacobs’ 600-acre site does not include the former Club Med property, but within the ‘community pathway’ will be located residential real estate communities called Eleuthera Club & Estates, South Blufftop Residences, J Resort Residences and Governor’s Harbour Villas, as well as areas for potential future development.

Tribune Business reported previously how residents, as well as environmental activists, feared Mr Jacobs’ proposal - especially for a casino, regardless of its

size - is simply too large for the Governor’s Harbour area while also being out of “tone” with the community’s history and character. They are also concerned that Eleuthera’s infrastructure, especially its already-challenged electricity and water utilities, will simply be unable to cope with the additional demands exerted by such a development, while its scale will also exert undue pressure on the environment and require potentially hundreds of workers to be imported from Nassau and/ or overseas because the island’s own workforce is unable to meet the labour requirements. Mr Jacobs, though, is seeking to reassure that his proposal will be nothing like a Nassau mega resort, or so-called Family Island ‘anchor properties’ that have largely failed or proven huge loss-makers. He added that J Resort’s marina would help open up Governor’s Harbour to high net worth visitors arriving on mega yachts for the first time.

“We envision creating a world class marina for some of the largest yachts in the Caribbean to visit,” Mr Jacobs told Tribune Business. “This opens central Eleuthera up to new, high net worth visitors for the first time. Governor’s Harbour obviously has access to deep water, and this asset can now once again be used to the advantage of central Eleuthera.

“It is my hope that the marina, J Resort, gaming salon, beach club and residences will all help to give Governor’s Harbour a ‘must see’ vibe. Regarding our gaming component, it is designed as a resort amenity the size of a restaurant. We are not building a casino resort like Atlantis or Baha Mar. We are building a boutique resort with a James Bond-style gaming salon as an amenity, giving folks with a lot of dollars another reason to visit Governor’s Harbour.

“Regarding permitting efforts, we still have some wood to chop before that effort is underway. I

anticipate that I will meet with the local community this summer for what may be the first of several public meetings. We welcome community feedback and often pick up great ideas in these sessions,” he added.

“Our EIA work is ongoing and headed up locally by Janeen Bullard. Our current priorities now are to figure out how to help the community down the road to energy and water generation and distribution reliability, as well as first-class circulation for cars, pedestrians, bicyclists and golf carts.

“When all is said and done, we do not want to ‘do a project’ in Governor’s Harbour. We want to carefully create a life altering, forever game changing experience for the residents of, and visitors to, Governor’s Harbour.”

Emphasising his credentials as a long-term investor, Mr Jacobs highlighted his companies’ redevelopment of Cleveland’s riverfront as well as their latest efforts aimed at “the rebirth of downtown Reno” in Nevada.

“As a former elected official I am drawn to projects that, while very long-term in nature, have the greatest potential to bring positive/ life altering change to the communities within which they are located,” he explained. “Our first development project started 40 years ago, when I decided to recreate the riverfront of my hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, into a wonderful live,work,play destination.

“It took 25 years to turn a former area of industrial wasteland into a national destination, attracting over two million visitors per year…. My current development effort is the rebirth of downtown Reno, Nevada. Next month marks our tenth anniversary of working on this development effort. It will also be a time of celebration, as we open the front doors of our 720room J Resort.

“We spent ten years and $500m master planning, designing, building and acquiring 81 parcels of land for phase one of this project. When completed in another ten years we will have invested over $1bn, with third party developers on our perimeter investing another $1bn,” Mr Jacobs added.

“I share this background with you to give you a glimpse into our development DNA. We make long-term development commitments to communities with projects that have the potential to contribute to their economic and social fabric for hundreds of years.”

Cruise line tie-up to solve ‘zero tourism destination’

No date was provided for when any signing and/ or formal contract exchange will take place, although one source suggested it would likely occur after tomorrow because this is when Parliament will be formally dissolved ahead of the upcoming May 12 general election. Latrae Rahming, communications director in the Prime Minister’s Office, declined to comment when contacted by this newspaper yesterday and said any announcement on the Grand Lucayan will have to come from Mr Davis himself.

Tribune Business understands that the deal between Concord Wilshire and its partners is structured such that MSC is acquiring land at the Grand Lucayan for its water-based adventure park, whereas Disney will be leasing the property it will use.

The Miami-based developer has previously confirmed the project will include “two major cruise line destination resorts”.

Tribune Business revealed recently that the Grand Lucayan’s electricity supply has been turned off for a second time, with the resort now lacking both power and water due to unpaid billing arrears amid the wait for its sale to close. Part of the reason the deal has taken so long to negotiate and close is that Concord Wilshire has been locked in talks with both Disney Cruise Line and MSC’s (MSC) cruise arm.

The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce just last week called for “timely and transparent” details on the fate of Concord Wilshire’s proposed Grand Lucayan acquisition given the developer’s failure to meet its own self-imposed

deadline to unveil the project’s demolition and construction schedule.

Concord Wilshire, in a February 23, 2026, statement that joined the Government in rejecting assertions that its proposed $800m-plus investment deal had collapsed, pledged that “within the next two weeks” it will officially announce the beginning of development and construction work at the resort, including the “start date for site demolition and preparatory works”.

That deadline, though, has come and gone, having expired in early March, with some observers growing increasingly sceptical that the Government is simply stringing it out, and keeping the Concord Wilshire deal alive, for election purposes and will then switch to alternatives if the Davis administration is re-elected to office following a general election that most expect to be called during the first half of May.

“Last month, both the Government and Concord Wilshire indicated that the project was progressing and that further details, including construction timelines, would be shared within two weeks of a release from Concord Wilshire on February 23, 2026. That timeline has since passed without update,” the GB Chamber said.

“Given the scale and significance of this development to Grand Bahama’s economy, employment and investor confidence, timely and transparent communication is essential. The business community relies on clear, consistent information to plan, invest and operate effectively. Prolonged uncertainty, particularly around projects of this magnitude,

LEGAL NOTICE

ALYTH LIMITED

(In Voluntary Liquidation)

Creditors having debts or claims against the above-named Company are required to send particulars thereof to the undersigned c/o Ronald Atkinson & Co., Marron House, Virginia and Augusta Streets, P.O. Box N-8326, Nassau, Bahamas on or before the 21st day of April 2026. In default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made by the Liquidator.

Dated the 2nd day of April 2026.

Bennet R. Atkinson Liquidator

Legal Notice

Tosca Investment Fund Ltd.

Registration No. 1500655 (IBC)

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT (No.45 of 2000)

In Voluntary Liquidation

Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, No.45 of 2000, the dissolution of Tosca Investment Fund Ltd. has been completed, a Certificate of Dissolution has been issued and the Company has therefore been struck off the Register. The date of completion of the Dissolution was the 17th day of March, 2026.

Crowe Bahamas Liquidator

impacts not only confidence but economic momentum.

“This principle extends beyond any single development. As a Chamber, our focus remains clear: Supporting businesses and working together to grow Grand Bahama. Achieving this requires open communication, alignment and visible progress across all major initiatives that influence the island’s economic future, and we cannot risk the continued stalling of key projects that are critical to that progress.”

But Concord Wilshire has always signalled that it will function as a master developer, entering into contracts with different operating partners to manage and run separate parts of its project. A Hilton-branded hotel will act as the revived Grand Lucayan’s anchor, while Tribune Business has previously reported that renowned Australian golfer,

Greg Norman’s, company was being tapped to manage the upgraded golf courses. Other brand and operating partners will be hired to oversee assets such as the different hotels, the casino and marina.

Tribune Business previously reported that the conveyances, transferring title and ownership of the Grand Lucayan from the Government’s special purpose vehicle (SPV), Lucayan Renewal Holdings, to Concord Wilshire’s own Bahamian-domiciled entity, were completed prior to the much-touted Heads of Agreement signing in May 2025.

It is also thought that the resort’s acquisition has been structured as a so-called “take-down purchase”, meaning the $120m sales price will be paid in installments by Concord Wilshire. As the developer demolishes each

new part of the existing Grand Lucayan, a new portion of the purchase price will be paid to the Government. The $120m has not been paid yet, while the transition and hand-over to the developer has been a protracted affair. This newspaper understands that there has been some reluctance by the Government to grant all the tax breaks and other investment incentives that the buyer is seeking. Concord Wilshire is thought to be arguing that it needs significant concessions given that it is trying to revive a stopover tourism market that sources say is “100 percent dead”, but the Government’s concern is understood to be that it would have to give the same tax breaks to other major investors such as Atlantis and Baha Mar, which have “most favoured nation” clauses in their own Heads

of Agreement that state they are to be treated no less favourably than other resort investors.

The Government is thought to have been subsidising the Grand Lucayan’s operations by between $1.2m to $1.5m per month ever since it acquired the resort from CK Property Holdings, Hutchison Whampoa’s real estate arm, six-and-a-half years ago. Some $17.882m was used for this purpose during the 2022-2023 Budget year and, during the first nine months of the following fiscal period, $16.632m out of the $17m allocated was spent on subsidising the Grand Lucayan. A further $17m was estimated for the 20242025 fiscal year, with some $15.888m already spent during the nine months to end-March 2025. This pace placed the resort on track to require a $21m-plus subsidy for the full 2024-2025 fiscal year, meaning it would overshoot its Budget allocation by $4m.

Fee cuts, shorter stay permits to regain proximity advantage

the US and Israeli assault on Iran. This, in turn, may help this nation rebuild its long-standing proximity advantage from being the closest islands to the US.

“The islands particularly close to southern Florida - Bimini, the Berry Islands, Grand Bahama and, to some extent, Abaco - because a lot of people are still in their planning, they are able to go back and re-evaluate and see that getting to The Bahamas by private boat is more affordable than what it was a couple of days ago,” Mr Fountain said of the likely impact on visiting boaters.

“If you look at what’s happening geopolitically, and the cost of fuel in Florida where I am, it was $2.69 [when the Middle East conflict started]. Today, you are hard-pressed to find something less than $4.29 per gallon. You are seeing the same thing in The Bahamas. Now that we are making it

more affordable in boating fees, it couldn’t have come at a better time given the cost of what it takes to fuel up a tank and a marina tank.”

Many Bahamians marinas and resorts had hoped the boating fee reforms would be unveiled prior to the Spring boat shows in Florida as these events would have provided the ideal platform to promote the reforms to the market - especially those who had become disillusioned with The Bahamas as a result of the increases announced as part of the 2025-2026 Budget. The Customs memorandum advising officers of the changes was dated March 29 - the same day that the Palm Beach Boat Show closed.

“All in all, do we wish the amendments were made earlier so we could have taken advantage of press opportunities to get it out to the public? Of course we do,” Mr Fountain said. “Do we wish it could have happened in time for Palm

Beach and the other boat shows? Of course we do.

“But, like the old folks say, better late than never. I continue to stay positive, and thank the Government for listening, doing the research and taking the necessary positive action. The timing could not have been better given what is going on geopolitically. It puts us in a very God blessed competitive advantage. We’re the closest islands to southeast Florida. Our primary boating market is only 52 miles away at the nearest point. Fifty-two miles away.

“With the right boating fees structure, with the right boating incentives, and the backdrop of higher fuel costs, it makes us much more competitive,” Mr Fountain added. “We have this saying in the business: ‘Why would you want to boat beyond us’ given our competitive advantage and the price of fuel? Why you would want to boat beyond us is beyond us.”

Mr Fountain told Tribune Business that he has

“always been an advocate or lobbyist for, if we’re the closest, then we should be more affordable to get to. The structure of the fees, not only now is the costare the costs - competitive but we are speaking to different types of boaters and that’s very important”.

He explained that the 30-day cruising permit will appeal to boaters wishing to visit islands such as Bimini or Grand Bahama for a one-off weekend, while the six-month variety will facilitate winter residents who do not have to pay for the higher cost of an annual pass.

“We’re speaking to ‘weekend warriors’ who own a boat, live in south Florida and, one weekend in the summer, want to cross the gulfstream to visit Bimini or west Grand Bahama,” Mr Fountain explained. “You can now buy a 30-day pass; you don’t have to pay for a year.

“Then you have the boating population of Abaco and Exuma. They are winter residents, snowbirds, who can now buy a six-month pass and don’t have to buy a 12-month pass or two-year pass. We are not only reducing the cost but providing the right type of timeframe to the right type of boater. That there is critical. We are pleased with where we are at, especially seeing the 30-day weekend warrior pass and the six-month snowbird pass. That was critical.”

The reforms to the Customs Management regulations, the product of more than three months of negotiations between the private sector and Ministry of Finance, create two new classes of cruising permit fees - one for short-term stays of 30 days or less, and the other covering six months or less. The 30-day fees for vessels less than 50 feet in length are between 50-70 percent lower than those associated with the pre-existing one-year permit.

The Government has now also revised the anchorage fees to incorporate the two new cruising

permit categories, with the charges based on length of vessel and stay.For example, foreign pleasure vessels less than 30 feet in length - and cleared into The Bahamas on a 30-day cruising permit - will pay a $50 anchorage fee. That is just 25 percent, or one-quarter, of the $200 that boats with a 12-month permit, and less than 50 feet in length, will pay. The reductions are even greater the larger the vessel is, with boats 100 feet or more in length paying a $200 anchorage fee on a 30-day permit - a sum that is less than one-seventh of the $1,500 paid for a 12-month stay.

Meanwhile Ms McIntosh, at the Bluff House Beach Resort and Marina, told Tribune Business that she expects the impact from the reforms to be “huge if nothing else”. She added: “Our business wasn’t cremated by it. We still have a pretty good marina. But it’s [the changes] made the boaters extremely happy and we expect it to increase our business at some point later in the year. Later in the summer, and fall and early winter, it will act as a boost.

“We’re pretty busy right now and through the summer, but we know it will increase it through the fall and winter. We are as busy as a one-legged paper hangar. It’s not just business; it’s the attitude of people towards The Bahamas. It shows that the Government appreciates the yachts and is trying to get the boats here, and they are happy they made some concessions for that.”

Ms McIntosh disclosed that she had been promoting the Bluff House from the Ministry of Tourism booth at the Palm Beach Boat Show, “and every fourth person who came to the booth was asking what we were going to do about the fees. We had quite a few complaints and comments about that”.

“We really felt it in winter of the past year, November, December and January,” she added of the business falloff following the Budget’s new and increased boating fees. “We took a hit, but that’s normally a slow time of year here on Abaco. You could see the difference, and there was definitely an effect from the boating fees.

People have told us that.

“I think it was down 30 percent. It sounds like a

lot, but because it was a time of year when we’re not very busy, 30 percent of not much is not much. It didn’t have a huge effect on our business and bottom line, but it did on other places. Other properties I know were really hurting and will be glad for these concessions for everyone concerned.”

Ms McIntosh added that the one free re-entry provided to vessels on a sixmonth cruising permit, and the increase from one to two for those on an annual permit, will provide such boaters with “more protection” from bad weather and other conditions that may force them to relocate from The Bahamas, then have to pay for another annual permit to come back in.

“There are things that could have been better, but it’s an improvement and we have to give and take,” Ms McIntosh added. “I’m pretty happy. I was worried they would not do anything before the election, and do it afterwards, but thankfully they got it done. I was afraid they would use that as an excuse, but am thrilled they did it.

“It will not make everyone perfectly happy, but it shows The Bahamas does care, does value our boating community, that they can come in and go back, and while we do have to protect The Bahamas it shows we want boaters to come in. That’s going to make a difference; the positive attitude that makes them come back. We love our boating community, they are supporters of us in hurricanes, and fun people that come and spend money here. I don’t like the fact they felt unloved.”

Mr Fountain, meanwhile, said the Out Island Promotion Board is offering visiting boaters a $300 “dock and stay credit” towards their fuel and others costs if they reside at a member property in Bimini, and dock their boat at its marina, for three nights. For other Family Islands, the length of stay required to qualify is four nights.

He praised Simon Wilson, the Ministry of Finance’s financial secretary, and Ralph Munroe, the Customs comptroller, for “spearheading” the boating fee reforms and associated negotiations on the Government side.

Zest Fest promotes wellness in fight chronicagainst disease

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

IN The Bahamas, where non-communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes and heart disease remain a growing concern, the need for greater awareness and preventative health efforts is clear. The recently held Zest Festival was designed with that reality in mind, offering a space where wellness could be experienced in a way that felt both approachable and engaging.

Even without being there, the energy of Zest Festival is easy to imagine. Set against the open backdrop of the Nassau Cruise Port, the event brought together fitness, food, music and wellness in a way that felt both intentional and inviting, offering a space where health was not presented as a chore, but as a lifestyle to be explored.

Presented by CG Atlantic, the festival formed part of a wider effort to shift how people think about health, moving the conversation beyond treatment and into prevention, accessibility and everyday choices.

For the company, the concept behind Zest Festival is rooted in something deeper than a one-day experience.

“Zest Festival is a natural extension of our commitment to promoting healthier, more resilient communities. As an insurance provider, we do not just respond to risk; we actively support initiatives that help reduce it. Encouraging healthier lifestyles is one of the most effective ways to do that,” explained Janay Hanna, corporate wellness manager at CG Atlantic. She added that the event creates an opportunity to connect with people

beyond policies and paper work, meet ing them where they are in a setting that feels vibrant, social and engaging.

“Through Zest Festival, we are able to engage the public in a more dynamic and accessible way, bringing wellness out of tradi tional spaces and into an environ ment that is vibrant, social and inspiring. It allows us to connect with people not just as policyholders, but as individuals and families, encouraging small, positive lifestyle shifts that can have long-term benefits.”

Those shifts are particularly important in a country like The Bahamas, where non-communicable diseases continue to affect many families. The festival, she noted, plays a role in encouraging prevention rather than reaction.

“Events like Zest Festival play a critical role in shifting the focus from treatment to prevention. In The Bahamas, where non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease continue to impact many families, creating opportunities for awareness and early intervention is essential,” she said.

“What makes Zest Festival impactful is that it meets people where they are. It introduces healthier choices in a way that feels approachable rather than overwhelming, whether that is through fitness activities, nutritious food options or access to health information.”

Throughout the day, patrons could move between high-energy fitness sessions, relaxed lounge areas, a kids' corner and a variety of food vendors, creating an experience that reflected a more balanced approach to well-being.

That balance, according to Hanna, is key.

“At Zest Festival, we take a well-rounded approach to wellness, recognising that overall health extends beyond physical activity to include mental, emotional and environmental well-being. Hosting the event in an open, natural environment allows attendees to step away from their daily routines and simply feel good, whether that is through being outdoors, inhaling fresh air or enjoying the overall atmosphere,” she said.

“The festival also creates a space where people can relax, connect and recharge. It is about reminding people that wellness is not just about exercise, it is also about how you feel,

Hannah Foster-Middleton

However, she noted that awareness alone is not enough, pointing to access and consistency as ongoing challenges, and highlighting the importance of creating spaces that make healthier living feel attainable.

Looking ahead, CG Atlantic sees Zest Festival as part of something bigger, not just a standalone event, but a touchpoint within a broader wellness ecosystem.

how you connect and how you care for yourself in a broader sense.”

The response from the public, she added, has reinforced the need for more experiences like this.

“The feedback has been incredibly encouraging. People are looking for more opportunities where health and wellness are not only prioritised but also made enjoyable and accessible. There is a strong interest in practical, easy-to-implement wellness tips, along with interactive experiences

“Stronger through change: How physiotherapy and resistance training empower women in perimenopause”

There’s a quiet shift that happens in a woman’s body during perimenopause. It doesn’t arrive all at once, and it doesn’t always announce itself loudly—but it’s there. Energy fluctuates, sleep can become unpredictable, and the body starts responding differently to the same routines that once felt effortless.

One of the most important—and often overlooked—changes happening beneath the surface is a gradual decline in muscle mass and bone density.

This is where resistance training steps in, not as a trend or a fitness fad, but as a powerful, practical tool for long-term health.

Let’s start with bone density. As estrogen levels begin to fluctuate and eventually decline during perimenopause, bones become more vulnerable.

This can lead to a condition called Osteoporosis, where bones become weaker and more prone to fractures. The tricky part is that bone loss is silent—you don’t feel it happening. Resistance training, however, speaks directly to your bones.

When you lift weights, use resistance bands, or even work with your own body weight, you create stress through the skeletal system. In response, your body adapts by strengthening those bones. It’s a “use it or lose it” system. The more you safely and consistently load your bones, the more you signal your body to maintain—and even improve—bone density. And this isn’t about becoming a bodybuilder. It’s about staying strong enough to live your life fully.

Because beyond bone health, resistance training is deeply tied to something even more valuable: independence. We don’t often think about it in our 40s or early 50s, but the habits you build now directly influence how you move, function, and live decades from now. Strength is what allows you to carry groceries without strain, get up off the floor with ease, climb stairs confidently, and maintain balance as you age. Loss of strength is one of the biggest contributors to loss of independence later in life. Falls, fractures, and reduced mobility don’t just happen—they’re often the result of years of declining muscle and bone strength. Resistance training helps interrupt that trajectory. It improves muscle mass, yes—but also coordination, joint stability, and balance.

These are the quiet protectors of your future self. When your muscles are strong, they support your joints better. When your body is used to moving under load, it becomes more resilient to everyday stresses.

There’s also a metabolic piece that often gets overlooked. As muscle mass declines, so does your resting metabolism. That means your body burns fewer calories at rest, making it easier to gain weight and harder to lose it. Resistance training helps preserve lean muscle, which keeps your metabolism more active and supports overall energy levels.

And let’s not ignore the mental side of things.

Perimenopause can feel like a time of unpredictability—physically and emotionally. Resistance training offers something

that allow them to try something new.”

That growing interest reflects what appears to be a broader shift in how Bahamians approach their health.

“We are definitely seeing a shift. More people are becoming aware of the long-term impact of their lifestyle choices and are actively seeking ways to improve their health. There is growing interest in fitness, nutrition and overall well-being across different age groups,” Hanna said.

“Zest Festival serves as a powerful touchpoint, bringing many of our wellness initiatives to life in one space. While it is a key event, it is just one of many ways we engage the public around health and wellness throughout the year,” she said.

“Our vision is for it to become a staple in The Bahamas, a trusted and recognisable space where individuals and families can consistently access resources, inspiration and support for living healthier lives, backed by a strong network of partners year-round.”

grounding. There’s a sense of progress, of capability, of reconnecting with your body in a positive way. Lifting something a little heavier than you did last week, or completing a workout you once found challenging, builds confidence that extends far beyond the gym. The good news? You don’t need hours a day to see benefits. Two to three sessions per week can make a meaningful difference. Simple exercises like squats, lunges, push-ups, and rows—done with proper technique and gradually increased resistance—are enough to stimulate both muscle and bone. Consistency matters far more than intensity in the beginning. If you’re new to it, start small. Bodyweight exercises count. Resistance bands are a great entry point.

And if you’re unsure where to begin, working with a physiotherapist or trained professional can help you build a routine that feels safe and effective.

The key is to start. Because resistance training isn’t just about how you look—it’s about how you live. It’s about protecting your bones before they become fragile, maintaining your strength before it begins to decline, and investing in a future where you remain capable, confident, and independent.

Perimenopause is not a signal to slow down. If anything, it’s a reminder to get stronger—for the years ahead.

• For questions and comments, call Hannah Foster-Middleton at 356 4806, e-mail genesisphysiotherapy@gmail.com, or visit www.physiotherapybahamas.com.

Lakeisha Rolle-Deveaux changing the financial landscape for future generations

BY CARA HUNT Tribune Features Writer cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

AS a Certified Financial Education Instructor, Lakeisha Rolle-Deveaux has been on a mission to teach young people practical strategies for building generational wealth since 2019.

She recently made history when she became the first Black woman to receive the Financial Literacy Trailblazer Award at the Money Box Academy’s Gala and Awards Celebration in Raeford, North Carolina.

Money Box Academy Inc aims to empower individuals, communities, families, and entrepreneurs through financial literacy, economic empowerment, and entrepreneurship to build prosperous futures.

These are all objectives that Ms Rolle-Deveauxhas enforced throughout her career. She is the founder of The Financial Academy and the Author of “Financial Wisdom for Tweens and Teens.”

“I have always enjoyed giving advice and analysing

scenarios,” she said. “I also discovered that I had the gift of teaching and this is how my passion for education grew, both among youths as I began speaking at youth events, and people that were a bit older than me as I began providing financial consultations. It was a great way to blend my career in financial services with my gift of teaching and sharing financial education.”

Over the past six years, The Financial Academy has impacted the lives of more than 3,000 individuals through its transformative financial education conferences, camps and workshops.

In 2023, The Financial Academy hosted its inaugural financial literacy conference at the University of The Bahamas under the theme “B.L.O.O.M.”.

Over the past three years, more than 600 students have participated in its annual financial education workshops.

In 2025, The Financial Academy achieved its goal of offering free financial literacy sessions for more

than 200 students in New Providence following the successful introduction of its six-week “BLOOM Financial Literacy School Tour,” which provided students with practical money advice from saving to stock selection to starting a business for students across eight participating schools.

Since July 2024, Ms Rolle-Deveaux has worked closely with the US Embassy in Nassau in her capacity as a State Department Alumna, providing workshops for nearly 200 youth in New Providence through its “IMPACT 200: Business Skills for Beginners Youth Entrepreneurship Program” along with providing funding for top performers to kick-start their business ideas.

The Financial Literacy Trailblazer Award recognises a pioneering leader who is dedicated to empowering both youth and adults through innovative programming and advocacy that has created lasting change.

During the event, she was as a member of the

Financial Resilience Panel, alongside well-respected financial literacy experts including Anthony O’Neal (financial author, speaker and educator), Rachel Hanible (best selling author and speaker), and Kishanna Heyward (real estate expert and entrepreneur) as they shared wisdom, real-world strategies, and encouragement for individuals, families, and business owners navigating today’s financial landscape.

In her acceptance speech, Ms Rolle-Deveaux expressed her gratitude to Crystal McLean and Money Box Academy for recognising her contribution to financial education as she aims to break cycles of financial illiteracy and poverty through The Financial Academy’s affordable, innovative and engaging sessions.

To learn more about The Financial Academy’s school and community programs, visit their social media pages at The Financial Academy or website at www.thefinancialacademy.com.

MARINE FORECAST

Brides and grooms

get a front row look at what it takes to plan the

perfect day

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

BRIDES, grooms and event planners were given more than just inspiration on Sunday. They were given a closer look at what it truly takes to plan and execute a wedding.

Inside the Grand Ballroom at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar Convention Centre, the 36th annual Bahamas Bridal Show unfolded as both a showcase and an eye opening experience, bringing together hundreds of attendees and more than 40 vendors in one space.

From early on, the energy inside the ballroom reflected a mix of excitement and curiosity. Attendees moved steadily from booth to booth, engaging vendors, asking questions and taking notes, not just on what looked appealing, but on what it would actually take to bring their ideas to life.

For many, the experience highlighted just how detailed the planning process can be. Beyond the visual elements that often define weddings, such as décor, florals and fashion, there were also conversations around budgeting, coordination and the behind the scenes work required to pull everything together seamlessly.

The range of vendors on display reinforced that reality. Professionals in decoration, photography, floral design and make up shared the space with those offering services in insurance, real estate, travel, catering, loans, wines and spirits, stationery and formalwear. Together, they created a comprehensive picture of what goes into planning not just weddings, but a wide range of special events.

The show, now in its 36th year, continues to expand beyond its original focus, reflecting a broader approach to celebrations. While weddings remain at its core, the event now caters to anyone planning a meaningful occasion, whether large or small.

Throughout the afternoon, the atmosphere balanced practical planning with a sense of enjoyment. Guests sampled food and champagne while moving through the exhibits, creating a social and interactive environment that allowed for both business and leisure.

One of the standout features of the day was the signature fashion show, which drew strong attention from the audience. The presentation brought together a range of gowns, tuxedos and formalwear, offering attendees a visual sense

of how their own events could come together. The showcase carried a theatrical quality, with each segment building on the next, giving guests an opportunity

to see current styles and imagine how those looks could translate into their own celebrations.

Audience participation also played a role in shaping the overall experience.

Attendees were invited to take part in interactive demonstrations and games inspired by traditional wedding moments. These lightheartedsegmentsaddeda

sense of fun, while also keeping the audience engaged throughout the programme.

In addition to the exhibits and entertainment, the event also offered attendees access to special show incentives and giveaways.

As the afternoon progressed, anticipation built around prize opportunities, with several guests leaving with services and experiences that will directly support their future events.

Two couples: Danielle Richards & Christon Stuart (no confirmed wedding date yet) and Jasmine Johnson & Austin McKinney were the grand prize winners.

The steady flow of people throughout the ballroom reflected the continued interest in having a central space where planning can begin or take shape. For many attendees, the ability to meet vendors face to face provided a level of clarity that is often difficult to achieve through online searches alone.

By the end of the event, the Bahamas Bridal Show once again delivered a well rounded experience. It was not only a place to gather ideas, but a space where the reality of planning was made clearer, giving brides, grooms and planners a better understanding of what it takes to bring their vision together.