National

Carnival’s Grand Promise: Celebration Key Sparks Economic Hope On GB

GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – A multi-million-dollar promise is taking shape on Grand Bahama and local hands are leading the charge.

Published

11 months ago

May 14, 2025

Italia Hall

GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – A multi-million-dollar promise is taking shape on Grand Bahama and local hands are leading the charge.

Carnival’s Celebration Key is a sight many thought they’d never see, real work, real progress, real hope, and now, the project is nearing its finish line.

General Manager Amanda Felts reflects on the company’s journey, while Director of Destinations Michelle McGregor says she’s been inspired by the Bahamians she’s met.

After years of setbacks, from Hurricane Dorian to the COVID-19 pandemic, many say this moment is long overdue.

Senior Vice President of Government and Destination Affairs, Marie McKenzie, has been with the project from the very beginning.

The $500 million cruise port promises not only jobs but long-term impact, and the women leading that charge include Tamara Lightbourne, Director of Human Resources, and Learline Burrows-Moss, Controller.

The hiring boom is also bringing people back home. Vice President of Destination Operations, Juan Fernandez, shares a story that’s becoming more common.

Director of Engineering David Star tells another powerful story of a Grand Bahamian man who returned.

For many Grand Bahamians, this is the start of a new chapter and for Philcher Grant, who has been part of the project since day one, it’s personal.