Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey moved a resolution in the House of Assembly on Wednesday for the government to enter a $1.8 million guarantee agreement with the AFREXIM Bank to support the Afro-Caribbean Marketplace to be constructed on the former International Bazaar site in Freeport, Grand Bahama.
Moxey told Parliamentarians the initiative is about leveraging the island’s advantages, “what we are embarking on is a game changer. With trade as a hot button issue in the world, our major transshipment terminal, our proximity to the USA, Grand Bahama being the gateway to the Caribbean with the diaspora considered the sixth region of Africa, the desire for cultural immersion, the historical ties that binds us with the ever growing African market, six million visitors to soon visit the shores of Grand Bahama with Celebration Key and MSC’s new investment at Freeport Harbour.”
The minister said the completion of the project will turn Grand Bahama into a major trade and cultural hub, enhance the strategic position of The Bahamas in global maritime networks, foster economic growth, create jobs and strengthen ties between Caribbean nations and Africa.
