Bahamas News

Former Minister of Tourism and current Member of Parliament Obie Wilchcombe has initiated legal action against a number of international media houses for character assassination, stemming from the alleged attempted $25 million extortion plot against John Travolta.

He told The Bahama Journal that legal proceedings began more than one week ago against some 35-newspaper publications and over 10 networks abroad, in attempts to reclaim damages for defamation of his character.

“This most recent episode of what can only be described as journalistic terrorism by segments of the foreign media was not the first, and sadly, is unlikely to be the last. Where sensationalism has become the grist of the media money mill, truth has become its first casualty…even within some of the most hallowed halls of Journalism,” Mr. Wilchcombe said.

“We of the Bahamas are real people. We are not playground operators, just here to collect gate receipts, put on a costume and smile for the customers. This is our home… and this is our life. We set the rules for all whom we welcome here. It is my hope that every person charged with the responsibility of protecting the integrity of Bahamian institutions will convey that message to anyone who tries to subvert them, whether from inside or out,” he said,

Police had initially reported that Mr. Wilchcombe had been detained for questioning in this matter some in January but was released from police custody.

However, his Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) colleague Pleasant Bridgewater was arraigned last week in a Nassau court in connection with this matter, as well as Rand Memorial Hospital paramedic Tarino Lightbourne.

Mr. Wilchcombe had given interviews to various media houses shortly after the death of Travolta’s son Jett,

“Today, their legacy has passed into our hands and it is up to us to honour the character of those whose courage and hard work built the foundations on which we now stand to face the world. The character of the Bahamian people is something that I do not take

lightly,” he said.

“Which is why, on my own personal account, I have instructed my attorneys to begin the process for legal action to defend my reputation against the character assassinations launched against me,” Mr. Wilchcombe said.

Speaking to hundreds of supporters who turned out for the town meeting held at the Mary Magdalene Anglican Church he said although he has been tested and tried, he is not angry nor bitter because without any test there is no testimony.

Mr. Wilchcombe said that his eyes are on the bigger picture and that he knew in 1993 when he stepped on the political stage that he entered waters infested by political sharks.

“I knew then what I have now confirmed, that I would be tested and tried, beaten and wounded. But, if you are committed to the cause for which you have been called, you must walk with faith adopting the words of the 37th psalm of David “Though I walk through the Valley of the shadow of Death – I will fear no evil because Thou art with me,” he said.

Mr. Wilchcombe expressed his gratitude to the Bahamian media for their professionalism and commitment to the highest principles of journalism

“As one who once walked among them, I looked on with pride as Bahamian journalists took the high road while some of the biggest media brands in the world chose to take the low road. So rest assured that my personal battle will be handled,” he said.

“The more important battle, however, and one that must concern all Bahamians, is the battle to protect the reputation and character of the Bahamas and its people,” he said.

Mr. Wilchcombe also called for unity within the Progressive Liberal Party during this time as a lot of negative press has come from sources within the party as well.

“PLP’s everywhere, when all these things are happening, it is not the moment to break ranks and engage in a dance of destruction. We know only too well that a house divided cannot stand. And at this moment in the life of the Bahamas, there is but one absolute imperative… and that is the imperative of unity,” Mr. Wilchcombe said.

The PLP needs a cease-fire. We must lay down the weapons that are causing mass

destruction. We must reach out and touch somebody’s hand. We are in this together and in the battle days ahead, we will need every fine warrior in the camp. There may be much about which we disagree … but the one thing I know we all agree on is that the people and the nation of the Bahamas are the most important things to all of us,” he said.

Mr. Wilchcombe also noted that this is a time for PLPs and FNMs to band together to preserve the integrity of the nation.

“Even between PLP and FNM, I can say with complete confidence that while we may disagree completely about policies and approaches, the one thing I, for one, do not doubt is the sincerity of purpose on both sides. We all want to do what is best for the Bahamas,” he said.

Source: Bahama Journal

Even though much negative attention has been placed on the Bahamas since former PLP Senator Pleasant Bridgewater was charged in connection with an alleged extortion attempt against US Actor John Travolta and his family, National Security Minister Tommy Turnquest believes that its impact on the tourism industry would be minimal.

“I don’t think there will be lower tourist arrivals [as a result of the negative press] Mr. Turnquest said Tuesday. “I think this whole case has been put in a context now from The Bahamas perspective. Obviously it’s not a good feature for us and anytime The Bahamas is reported in a negative light all of us are affected in some way. But I think that most persons and travellers recognise that these things are isolated incidents.

“For example, I spoke to US Magazine yesterday and I think they were the first to break the story on-line and they have been carrying updates on-line and it was really important to put it [the allegations] in the proper context, and they recognised that this is an isolated incident and that The Bahamas is still a beautiful place to visit with beautiful people and will not be affected by it.”

The international media is expected to clamour in Bank Lane today to cover the arraignment of Pleasant Bridgewater who was charged in Grand Bahama last Friday for abetment to extort and conspiracy to extort.

Earlier this week Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Marvin Dames revealed that Grand Bahama police have a document in their possession that is allegedly being used to extort some $25 million from actor John Travolta.

Grand Bahama paramedic Tarino Lightbourne was also arraigned earlier this week for attempted extortion of $25 million from John Travolta between January 2 and January 20.

Meanwhile, Mr. Turnquest said as international reports begin to “spiral out of control” last Friday after Bridgewater was charged, the Ministry of Tourism in Nassau, Florida and New York liased with the Police in Grand Bahama to offer briefings.

“Many news [agencies] were reporting information without the facts and what we did…we asked ASP Marvin Dames to provide regular briefings from the police without compromising the case so that persons would not speculate outside of what are the known facts and that has been done since Friday night and think it has really worked in terms of putting the whole issue into context and into the frame that we really operate in in The Bahamas.”

Asked if The Bahamas would be able to recover from the negative press once the case draws to a close, Mr. Turnquest responded: “I think so. I think the rule of law in The Bahamas has always remained paramount. Everyone is able to prove their innocence or otherwise. We will go through that process and at the end of the day we will move on.”

Source: Bahama Journal

A document signed by famed actor John Travolta instructing a paramedic/ambulance driver to take his son Jett directly to a Grand Bahama airport is the central object of an alleged extortion plot. When it was discovered that the aircraft could not accommodate Jett as a patient, he was taken to the Rand Memorial Hospital, where he succumbed.

According to Police sources, shortly after 16-year-old Jett Travolta died, the paramedic Tarino Lightbourne, met with Obie Wilchcombe, Member of Parliament for West End and Bimini and former Senator Pleasant Bridgewater.

Police say Lightbourne showed them the document, which was not filed with the authorities and suggested that it was valuable. Thereupon, Mr. Wilchcombe telephoned Travolta lawyers and informed them of the document, which he said they should be concerned about.

Travolta’s lawyer Michael McDermott was told that it was incriminating. To which Mr. McDermott responded, “In my part of the world that is extortion.”

Police say Mr. Wilchcombe then introduced Ms. Bridgewater to Mr. McDermott.

Subsequently, Travolta’s Bahamas attorney, Allyson Gibson was instructed to meet with Ms. Bridgewater, who was representing Lightbourne.

She, according to Police, told Mrs. Gibson that her client wanted $25 million for the document or that it would be turned over to the international media.

Mrs. Gibson, who is Opposition Leader in the Senate, reportedly asked her ex-Senate colleague whether she knew it was a case of extortion. Ms. Bridgewater, allegedly, felt that it was better for her to handle the matter to save the good name of the country, rather than to allow a rogue lawyer to do so.

Sometime later Ms. Bridgewater and Mr. Lightbourne were invited to meet the Travolta lawyers in Nassau where negotiations continued on the matter.

Police say the persons accused of the conspiracy to extort the funds then set a deadline of last week Tuesday for the receipt of the money. When it was not forthcoming, there were persistent calls to the lawyers from Ms. Bridgewater.

Mr. McDermott then instructed Mrs. Gibson to alert the American Ambassador and the Prime Minister.

According to a source close to Mrs. Gibson, she only telephoned Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham because Mr. Travolta wanted the matter to be resolved quickly.

The source told the Journal, “Opposition Leader Perry Christie was not informed about the matter because Mrs. Gibson did not want Mr. Christie to be dragged into the affair. She wanted to protect Mr. Christie from controversy.”

Now, the source said Mr. Travolta feels betrayed by Obie Wilchcombe.

Travolta has given Police a statement and is prepared to travel to The Bahamas for the trial of the accused persons as he wishes to clear the air on the cause of the death of his son. The Travolta American lawyers alleged that Lightbourne claimed that the document could be construed as negligence by Mr. Travolta in the death of his son.

It is said that Mr. Travolta wanted his son to be airlifted to the United States for treatment.

In a statement to the press last weekend, Ms. Bridgewater indicated that at all material times she acted in the interest of her client.

Lightbourne, 47, was arraigned in the Magistrate Court on Monday and pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit extortion.

Ms. Bridgewater is expected to be charged today.

Source: Bahama Journal

The paramedic from Grand Bahama, Tarino Lightbourne, 47, was arraigned in Court #8 before Magistrate Carolita Bethel Monday morning on extortion related charges.

The paramedic from Grand Bahama, Tarino Lightbourne, 47, was arraigned in Court #8 before Magistrate Carolita Bethel Monday morning on extortion related charges.

Lightbourne, a resident of #2 Hillary Lane Freeport, was brought to New Providence on the weekend.

He was charged with conspiracy to commit extortion, to which he pleaded not guilty.

Lightbourne was also arraigned for attempted extortion of $25 million from John Travolta between January 2 and January 20.

Magistrate Bethel asked him if he would like the matter tried in the Magistrate’s or Supreme Court to which he replied the Magistrate’s Court.

He was remanded to Her Majesty’s Prison until Wednesday at 10 a.m. for a bail hearing.

The police issued an All Points Bulletin for Lightbourne last Friday, which listed his occupation as a paramedic, and that he “is wanted in connection with Attempted Extortion.” It also noted that he is “considered dangerous and should be approached with caution.”

Lightbourne turned himself into police at about 4:30 p.m. Friday.

“He is in our custody as well. He was brought in by his attorney,” said Senior Assistant Commissioner Marvin Dames at the time.

Source: Bahama Journal

The Progressive Liberal Party is reeling over allegations that its Senate leader Allyson Gibson played a major role in uncovering the information of the alleged conspiracy to extort funds from John Travolta.

The Progressive Liberal Party is reeling over allegations that its Senate leader Allyson Gibson played a major role in uncovering the information of the alleged conspiracy to extort funds from John Travolta.

The Bahama Journal has been reliably informed that Mrs. Gibson was an attorney working with the lawyers for John Travolta informed a high ranking government official of the alleged scheme whereupon the government reportedly telephoned the police.

This information has come to the attention of Opposition Leader Perry Christie and other high-ranking PLPs, which has sent shock waves through the hierarchy of the organisation.

Another source told The Journal that Mrs. Gibson has represented the Travoltas in The Bahamas for many years and that it was necessary for Mrs. Gibson to act the way she did on behalf of her clients, as she had both a legal and fiduciary responsibility to the Travoltas.

According to Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Marvin Dames, the police in Grand Bahama are currently in possession of a document that supports attempted extortion claims made by the Travolta family.

At a media update held at Police Headquarters Monday, the Assistant Commissioner said even though some persons have been arrested and charged, the case is not closed and investigations are continuing.

“I referred to a document. There were some reports out there speaking to some photos. That is incorrect. We are talking specifically about a document that the alleged accused purported to have had in his possession and was using that document to extort a substantial sum of monies from the victim, Mr. Travolta,” Mr. Dames said.

Initially, it was reported that the attempted extortion involved pictures of Jett Travolta shortly after his death.

“This matter is still under investigation although we would have arrived at a critical stage of the investigation. I prefer not to get into the specifics of the case,” he said.

He also revealed that the actual amount of funds in the extortion attempt is $25 million and not $20 million as previously reported.

When asked if there were likely to be more arrests in this matter, Mr. Dames responded, “I am not at liberty to say at this particular time. All I can say is that our investigations continue and wherever it leads, we will go.”

Former Progressive Liberal Party Senator Pleasant Bridgewater was arrested last Thursday in connection with an alleged attempted extortion of American celebrity John Travolta and his family.

She was released on $40,000 police bail and is expected to appear in a New Providence magistrates’ court on Wednesday.

“We have incidents in the past where persons were arraigned in Nassau. The investigation did not stop when Senator Bridgewater was charged. So the investigations continued and given that fact, we thought it wasn’t important to have her arraigned right there and then and we were into the weekend as well,” Mr. Dames explained.

“We certainly did not want to keep her in custody for any protracted period of time before she was arraigned. So as under any normal circumstances, or similar circumstances, the prudent thing would be to extend bail,” he said.

Ms. Bridgewater resigned from the Senate over the weekend, and vehemently declares her innocence.

Police also reported that West End and Bimini MP Obie Wilchcombe was detained around 2 p.m. last Friday in connection with a complaint of attempted extortion made by Mr. Travolta.

Mr. Wilchcombe was questioned by police and released pending further investigations, police said.

“I wish to assure the public that there was no special treatment or consideration given to any of the principals involved in this matter. The focus of the police throughout the police inquiries, has always been to inquire into these allegations, place persons before the courts wherever the evidence led to support the charges,” he said.

Tarino Lightbourne, the Freeport paramedic, was arraigned Monday in Court #8 before Magistrate Carolita Bethel.

Contrary to reports by the international media that Mr. Wilchcombe has been re-arrested; Assistant Commissioner Dames said this information is false.

Mr. Dames said he has not heard from the Travolta family since the complaint was made through their lawyers.

“A complaint was made to us and we have a duty to investigate the nature of the complaint to determine whether the complaint is valid or not, and if valid, we prepare it and put it before the courts. That’s our job and then we follow up and when the case is called, to give evidence, that is our job,” he said.

According to the Penal Code Chapter 346, Subsection 1 – the maximum penalty for attempted extortion is five years in prison.

Source: Bahama Journal

After being charged in Grand Bahama last Friday with abetment to extort and conspiracy to extort, Progressive Liberal Party Senator Pleasant Bridgewater on Saturday announced her resignation from the Senate with immediate effect.

Ms. Bridgewater was arrested last Thursday in connection with an alleged attempted extortion of American celebrity John Travolta and his family. She was released on $40,000 police bail and is expected to appear in a New Providence magistrates’ court sometime this week to face formal charges.

Police also reported that West End and Bimini MP Obie Wilchcombe was arrested around 2 p.m. last Friday in connection with a complaint of attempted extortion made by Mr. Travolta.

Mr. Wilchcombe was questioned by police and released pending further investigations, police said.

Tarino Lightbourne, the Freeport paramedic wanted by police for questioning in connection with the same matter, remained in police custody up to Friday night after turning himself in to police on Friday.

In a statement released to the press early Saturday, Ms. Bridgewater said last week Friday was a day that would “live in [her] memory as a nightmare.”

Maintaining her innocence, she said she is satisfied that when the full story comes out she will be fully vindicated.

“In my capacity as a lawyer, I acted within the bounds of the law and within the bounds of my ethical responsibility to my profession,” Ms. Bridgewater outlined in the short press release.

“How these innocent actions can be so misconstrued, so perversely twisted to mean something other than it was and is a mystery.”

Ms. Bridgewater stated that she had spoken with official Opposition and PLP leader Perry Christie and informed him that although she is completely innocent she believes that it would not be fair to the Party to put it through such an ordeal as she fights what she termed to be “untrue and unfair charges.”

She added: “I want to thank the leader for his confidence in me and for allowing me the privilege of serving the country and the PLP.

“I want to thank the wonderful people of the Marco City Constituency for all their love, encouragement, prayers and support. I thank all people of goodwill who have sent words of encouragement. I thank my family and my counsel for all of their assistance.”

Reassuring supporters and well-wishers that she is “unbowed”, the former senator and MP asked for their continued prayers.

In a press statement of his own, released just minutes after Ms. Bridgewater’s, Mr. Christie endorsed her move.

“I have been advised by Senator Pleasant Bridgewater today [Saturday] that she has tendered her resignation to the President of the Senate with immediate effect so as to fully dedicate her resources and energies to fight the charges brought against her,” he said.

“I deeply regret this turn of events, having regard to the yeoman service Senator Bridgewater has given to our party and to our country. I understand the course of action that she has decided to take and I believe that this is the right and appropriate thing to do in these most unfortunate circumstances.”

Mr. Christie concluded the short statement by thanking Ms. Bridgewater for her service to the PLP and the country.

Acting Commissioner of Police Reginald Ferguson was referred to in a statement released by the Ministry of Tourism Saturday as stating that any trial or investigation into the matter would follow the normal processes and due diligence required by Bahamian law and would neither be accelerated nor delayed because of the persons involved.

Minister of Health, Dr. Hubert Minnis told reporters Sunday that the Ministry of Health will not tolerate breaches of confidence in reference to the arrest of EMS personnel employee Tarino Lightbourne, who recently turned himself in to police.

“There was a big problem in terms of confidentiality and privacy so those individuals were suspended and now we’re going through the legal process,” he said. “It isn’t like the private sector. The government has policies that it must follow but if an individual is charged that is something different altogether but we will be following the events and we will proceed.

“I will not tolerate these things in the Ministry of Health. We have to follow the police and see what their findings are but at present the ambulance driver and the emergency technician were suspended the following day because they were involved in a breach of confidentiality and the following day we circulated a communication to all staff that we will not tolerate breach of confidentiality.”

Dr. Minnis said many individuals choose not to visit certain institutions because there was no privacy. “…How would you feel if you attended an institution, you expect some degree of privacy and you hear your records are on the street,” he asked.

The police issued an All Points Bulletin for 47-year-old Lightbourne of #2 Madeira Lane, Royal Bahamia Estates on Friday afternoon, shortly after confirmation that Progressive Liberal Party Senator, Pleasant Bridgewater, had been taken into custody in connection with an extortion attempt of the Travolta family.

The APB listed Lightbourne’s occupation as paramedic, and states that “subject is wanted in connection with attempted extortion. Around 4:30 p.m. last Friday, Assistant Commissioner of Police Marvin Dames confirmed that Lightbourne was in police custody.

Source: Bahama Journal

The nation’s top economic engine, tourism, got a welcomed boost this week with the opening of a 40-slip marina, coffee shop and upscale restaurant at Romora Bay Club & Resort in Harbour Island.

The nation’s top economic engine, tourism, got a welcomed boost this week with the opening of a 40-slip marina, coffee shop and upscale restaurant at Romora Bay Club & Resort in Harbour Island.

News of the opening came from Bryan Bentley, a director of Bonachella Investments, the company creating a laid-back, villa-style resort on nearly six acres of prime property on one of the hottest destination islands in the region.

“When the first boat pulled in to dock at the marina, a small group ran down the dock, grabbing lines and cheering,” said Bentley. “For so many Bahamians and second home residents on Harbour Island, the sight was welcome relief from constant headlines of the downturn in visitor arrivals. For us, the event was realisation of our dual pledges, re-affirmation of our commitment to develop to appropriate size and scale on Harbour Island, an island which we love, and to exercise care in the safeguarding of the marine environment.”

The Romora Bay marina – with slips available for sale or transient visits — was built without dredging. It will not sell fuel or offer other services that could pose a risk to the delicate balance of the harbour, developers said, and liquid waste will undergo primary and secondary treatment to convert it for irrigation purposes. In addition to a sewage pump-out facility, a special tracing dye is being used to detect any discharge.

By completing the harbour marina without dredging, Bonachella avoided what is normally the greatest threat to the marine environment, according to Bentley.

“Dredging, particularly if it is not coordinated with the outgoing tide, churns up sand and silt that covers coral reefs, damaging fragile life,” he explained. “Fortunately, we were able to complete without dredging because of the depth of the seabed and the design of the docks.” Smaller boats with shallower drafts dock closest to the resort, larger vessels use outer docks sunk on pilings in deeper water. Three Bahamian companies, Islands by Design, CSB Consultants and Bahamas Marine Construction, were involved in the marina project.

According to John Davidson, Vice President of Bonachella Investments, protecting marine resources was paramount.

“That is why we elected not to dredge, not to sell fuel or offer any other marine-related services that could result in any sort of pollution or damage,” said Davidson, a conservation activist whose father was a founder of Bonefish Tarpon Unlimited, an organisation dedicated to protecting tarpon and bonefish in Florida and The Bahamas.

“Any country blessed with the marine resources The Bahamas enjoys commands and deserves respect for those resources. We believe that those persons who are interested in purchasing marina slips will share our vision of protection and those who are transient visitors will respect it.”

A condo hotel with 40 villas for sale, each placed with the resort company to manage allowing owners to earn revenue when not in residence, Romora Bay Resort & Club also recently unveiled its new restaurant, Vue, and a coffee and breakfast shop featuring Starbucks products and Bahamian treats.

Source: Bahama Journal

The Vancouver based company that has been tasked with transforming Lynden Pindling International Airport [LPIA] into a premier gateway has disposed of a substantial interest in the company.

YVR Airport Services has now entered a partnership with Citi Infrastructure Investors (CII) to jointly pursue the sourcing, funding and maximization of potential airport opportunities, according to the airport management company.

Last week, the Bahama Journal reported that YVRAS officials disclosed in a note that was posted in the Vancouver International Airport Authorit-y’s financial statements that it was in the process of disposing of a substantial interest in the company. However, there was no indication about who was interested in buying into the company.

The airport authority stated that if the transaction went through, the capital for YVRAS would be “substantially changed.”

Under the terms of the agreement, CII will also acquire 50 per cent of the shares of YVRAS and YVRAS will become CII’s exclusive platform for investing in airport assets, it was reported this week. The airport management company is relying on CII’s extensive global connections, long-term capital and an in-depth understanding of airport investment.

Officials also reported that CII is attracted to a partnership with Vancouver Airport Authority – the parent company for YVRAS – because of its innovation and operational excellence developed at its internationally recognized, award winning, North American gateway home airport of Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

In addition, YVRAS had amassed the reputation of being one of the pre-eminent managers of international airports with a successful track record in bidding on international airport assets.

“This is a new chapter in a great made-in-B.C. success story. In only 12 years, YVRAS has grown from three people and a bold idea into a major airport development company, operating 18 airports in seven countries,” said Graham Clarke, chair of Vancouver Airport Authority Board of Directors.

YVRAS, created in 1994, manages airports in seven countries, including The Bahamas, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Chile, Jamaica, Turks and Caicos and Cyprus. A few years ago, the company won the contract to redevelop LPIA which is the fourth busiest airport in the Caribbean region and handles approximately 3.2 million passengers annually. The airports in that portfolio recorded consolidated revenues of $433 million and combined passenger traffic of 29 million last year, it was reported.

“If British Columbia is to grow, then YVR must compete and win in the gateway battle for airlines and passengers - and to be the best at home, you need to be achieving out in the world,” said Larry Berg, president and chief executive officer of Vancouver Airport Authority.

“We are proud of how our subsidiary company has taken the excellence of B.C. and YVR into the international market. We see the partnership with CII as critical in taking YVRAS to the next stage of growth. We believe we have found a strong, complementary long-term partner that understands airport infrastructure and brings a lot to the table.”

Felicity Gates, co-head and partner of CII, said the company is seeking to establish a small number of best-in-class infrastructure platforms for growth and long-term investment through its alliance with the Vancouver company.

George Casey, president and chief executive officer of YVRAS called the move a welcome partnership that validates YVRAS position in the marketplace.

“CII is sponsored by one of the largest financial institutions in the world and their understanding of infrastructure and world capital markets will further support YVRAS as it matures to the next level,” he said.

The Nassau Airport Development Company Limited (NAD), in which YVRAS is heavily involved and through which it is driving the transformation of LPIA, was established to manage, operate, maintain and develop the airport under a 30-year agreement with the company.

NAD assumed responsibility for the airport on April 1, 2007.

NAD is responsible for introducing best practices, managing the development and construction of a new passenger terminal and related infrastructure estimated to be approximately US$400 million, enhancing commercial venues and improving the US Pre-Clearance facilities and services.

Source: Bahama Journal

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism has shaped a plan to make the island of Grand Bahama a major player in tourism once again, according to Minister of Tourism Neko Grant.

At the 10th Annual Grand Bahama Business Outlook held at the Our Lucaya Resort, he announced that through the Ministry’s community based tourism programmes, spearheaded by Jeritzan Outten and her team, the ministry can now deliver 35 new tours and activities to visitors to the island.

The tours will be available to visitors and residents alike, ranging from two tank reef dives to eco-tours, he said.

“The idea of community based tourism is not new, but our approach to it is innovative. We have determined that the communities on Grand Bahama Island have a vital role to play in ensuring that the overall tourism industry is sustainable,” Mr. Grant said.

He said that the Ministry of Tourism is currently finalizing assessments for the development of tourism resources in these communities and expects to be able to increase the number of destination experiences on the island by 16 from 35 to 51 activities by the third quarter of this calendar year.

Last year at a town meeting held in Freeport by the Ministry of Tourism, it was reiterated by stakeholders in the industry that tourists complained that there was nothing for them to do on the island.

Minister Grant said that the new attractions include a south Grand Bahama tour, East End Trip and excursion to the Abacos, Holmes Rock Nature Trail and Cave Tour, Lighthouse Point in Pinder’s Point; the Eight Mile Rock Boiling Hole in Hepburn Town, Grand Bahama Museum, Sculpture Points at Junkanoo Beach Club, Coastline Cruise and Shopping Tour, Coastline Cruise to Paradise Cove and Beach Party, and Rafting the Lucayan Creek.

Many of the onshore tours will include visits to native restaurants and bars for drinks and local snacks coupled with indigenous music and cultural entertainment.

“Regardless of our less than stellar performance in recent years, world tourism is on the rise,” Mr. Grant said.

Global estimates for 2007 suggest a six percent increase in the world’s tourism economy according to United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), he said.

“An expanding global tourism economy represents opportunity for Grand Bahama Island to expand its tourism performance moving forward,” continued Mr. Grant.

One of the fastest growing sectors is the cruise industry, where interest from an aging US population, an expanded cruise season, and successful introduction of new ships have combined with demand to produce record profits for some US cruise providers in the third quarter of 2007, he said.

“Despite the threat that cruise vacations pose to our core stopover visitor business, this remains an important sector, providing a source of incremental tourism revenue that has the added advantage of flowing immediately, and directly into the hands of a large cross section of independent small Bahamian business persons,” he said.

Mr. Grant also noted that if it had not been for the intervention of the ministry, Discovery Cruise Lines daily cruise ferry service would have come to a stop in the fall of 2007.

He said that for sustainable growth to take place in the tourism sector, the ministry must work assiduously to ensure that on-shore experiences exceed expectations.

“Only in this way will we be able to boost the average visitor spend from $53 to the industry standard in the region of $100 per person. This is achievable provided Grand Bahamians are prepared to invest in tourism products that complement the destination,” Mr. Grant said.

He noted that that the $100 million new cruise port that was foreshadowed in the government’s plan is being actively pursued and “drawing closer.”

“We have negotiated additional new non-stop jet service from other gateways that you will be hearing about shortly as we advance our plans to reposition and re-launch this destination in true partnership with the private sector,” Mr. Grant said.

Source: Bahama Journal

At least 4.14 million tourists came to The Bahamas last year, according to the details of a new economic report released by the Central Bank of The Bahamas, although the Ministry of Tourism has yet to release the total figures for visitor arrivals to the country in 2007.

Five million had become somewhat of a local benchmark for success in tourism once the feat was achieved a few years ago. However, in the last several years, The Bahamas has failed to hit the mark.

The Central Bank noted in its Monthly Economic and Financial Development Report for December 2007 that over an eleven month period last year visitor arrivals fell by 3.8 percent [0.18 million] to 4.14 million.

The figures reflected a contraction in the main air and sea components by 1.7 percent and 4.8 percent respectively.

“In terms of the major markets, broad based declines were noted for visitors to New Providence [1.3 percent], Grand Bahama [6.8 percent], and the Family Islands [7.4 percent],” the report said.

The weakness detected in the local tourism sector was reflected in the worldwide picture last year.

The recent United Nations World Tourism Barometer report indicated recently that although confidence has weakened, international tourism is projected to still grow this year despite a global economic slowdown, worries about a recession in the US economy, turbulence in the US housing market and spiking oil prices.

According to UNWTO, international tourist arrivals grew by an estimated six percent to reach a new record figure of 900 million. It meant that there were nearly 52 million more tourist arrivals last year over the year before, in what officials said was an astonishing achievement given that the 800 million mark was reached in 2005.

In the Caribbean region, there were 19.3 million international tourist arrivals, according to the report, which also indicated that the overall prospects for 2008 are positive.

Central Bank analysts also noted that weakness continued to hound the main driver of economic activity in The Bahamas late last year ultimately contributing to a lag in the economy.

“Initial data for the month of December [2007] suggest a slowing in the pace of economic activity, as signs of weakness in the tourism and construction sectors offset growth in consumer demand,” the report added.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism has yet to reveal the total tourist arrival figures for 2007. However according to the ministry’s preliminary data, between January and October there were just under four million visitors to The Bahamas which was 3.8 percent less than the total number of tourists here between January and October 2006.

The figures also showed that 2.3 million of those visitors who came to The Bahamas in that period arrived in New Providence, while the other 540,000 were recorded for Grand Bahama and another 1 million traveled to the Family Islands.

In the month of October alone there were over 298,000 tourist arrivals, the data showed.

The Ministry of Tourism is expected to operate with a larger marketing budget soon to raise this country’s profile and draw more visitors to The Bahamas. Director General of Tourism Vernice Walkine has welcomed the additional $12 million boost from the government.

It would supplement the ministry’s 2007-2008 advertising budget of around $5 million.

Source: Bahama Journal