A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Monday at the newly renovated British Colonial Hotel on Bay Street. The hotel has been closed since February of 2022. Bahamian government officials along with Chinese Ambassador to The Bahamas, Dai Qingli and the principals of the British Colonial Hotel were in attendance.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, the Hon. Chester Cooper told attendees, “its a great day for heritage, a great day for downtown. It’s a magnificent day for property values. It’s a great day for tourism and as I’ve mentioned for all Bahamians this is an important occasion.”
Also addressing the gathering was Her Excellency, Dai Qingli. She said, “this hotel evokes emotions and memories for so many Bahamians. I can sense the genuine joy and thankfulness among so many Bahamian friends that British Colonial is now restored to its full glory.”
Prime Minister, the Hon. Philip Davis defended the country’s economic outlook with the investment by the Chinese. He said, “they see potential, not only in what we are doing today but also in the future we are charting ahead. Major investments such as the upgrading of the British Colonial Hotel bring jobs and other opportunities for Bahamians. With record numbers of tourists arriving on our shores we also definitely need more rooms to accommodate them.”
The hotel has approximately 288 rooms, meeting spaces, pools and beach access.
(BIS Photos/Kemuel Stubbs)
