From: Bahamas Information Services
Efforts are being made for the government to “fix” the Grand Lucayan and hopefully an announcement will be made soon, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, the Hon. Chester Cooper, on Saturday, December 11. Minister Cooper and his wife, Cecilia were on island for the occasion of the Bahamas Brass Band Concert, held on the Great Lawn of the Grand Lucayan Resort under the theme, “Bringing the Nations to Our Shores.”
Foreign Affairs and Public Service Minister, the Hon. Frederick Mitchell brought a few remarks congratulating the band on their continued success and wished those in attendance a Merry Christmas. Bringing brief remarks was Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey who said the band was assembled to create a music ministry in the Church of God of Prophecy in 1925 in Nassau and 1956 in Grand Bahama in the original city of Pineridge.
“The Bahama Brass Band has positively influenced and possibly changed the trajectory of the lives of hundreds of young men in our community, while traveling throughout The Bahamas and countries around the world spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ through music.
“I am excited about this Religious Tourism Initiative, which has attracted domestic and international tourists to the beautiful shores of Grand Bahama; and aligns with the Davis/Cooper Administration’s plans to create a robust economy for our island with emphasis on Culture and Entertainment, as outlined in our Blueprint for Change,” she said.
Also in attendance were Senator Kirkland Russell, General Manager of Tourism Steven Johnson, senior government officials and members of the public.
Deputy Prime Minister Cooper described the event as not only refreshing but uplifting. Arriving in Grand Bahama from Ragged Island where he opened an airport terminal, he said it was a sign of hope and restoration following the devastation of Hurricane Irma. “You’ve had your share of bad experiences with hurricanes right here in Grand Bahama. I’d like to say that this event today is a signal of hopefulness. I feel a spirit of hopefulness and renewal.”
The event, he continued, signifies that Grand Bahama is open for business in tourism and noting the event theme of “Bringing the Nations to our Shores” says there is a vision for Grand Bahama to be the Religious Tourism capital of The Bahamas.
“And it’s a signal that groups, events, weddings and all of those things Grand Bahama has been known for is coming back. And it’s a signal Grand Bahama that God has not forgotten you. We will work to strengthen our tourism product in the east and west and we will bring the charm and the heritage, we will strengthen and deepen the product here.”
He said Minister (Ginger) Moxey refers to Grand Bahama as the events and entertainment capital of The Bahamas and as the Minister of Tourism, he will do everything he can to make this happen. It was good to be at the Grand Lucayan resort, he said, and the government is working to “fix” it and hopefully an announcement will be made soon.
“We will do whatever is necessary to ensure we are back in business here at Our Lucaya,” he said. Prime Minister, the Hon. Philip Davis, has put together a secretariat to plan the 50th Independence Celebrations and according to the Deputy Prime Minister, he will make sure that the Bahamas Brass Band plays a “pivotal role” in those celebrations.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I just want to emphasize how very pleased I am that I could come to Grand Bahama today, along with the lovely Mrs. (Cecilia) Cooper, to celebrate with you your legacy and your accomplishments, and to send a very strong signal to the people of Grand Bahama of the commitment of Prime Minister Davis and the government of The Bahamas to ensure that we continue to bring the spirit and hope and renewal to the people of Grand Bahama, not just for jobs but for opportunities and for the empowerment for all Bahamians,” he said.
