National

Grand Bahama 2025: A Year Of Promise And Progress

GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – Grand Bahama has weathered a long and painful economic journey for decades, crippled by hurricanes, stalled projects, and slow recovery efforts. But in 2025, many residents say they finally began to feel something they hadn’t felt in years: hope.

Published

3 hours ago

December 28, 2025

Italia Hall

One of the first signs of renewed optimism came early in the year when residents believed progress would finally begin on the Grand Bahama International Airport. Initial excitement quickly faded as plans stalled once again. Then, in October, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper announced that the Saudi Fund for Development had agreed to finance the long-awaited rebuild. Despite the breakthrough, no major updates have been released since.

Local business leaders stressed just how urgently the island needs a functional airport. Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce President Dillon Knowles noted that the current domestic terminal, now being used for both domestic and international flights, is only a temporary solution and remains far from meeting U.S. preclearance requirements.

Another major development this year was the long-delayed sale of the Grand Lucayan Resort. After years of false starts and failed negotiations, the Davis administration finalized a $120 million deal with U.S.-based Concord Wilshire in May. The announcement drew emotional reactions from residents who said they had waited far too long for meaningful change and economic revival.

Meanwhile, the deep-rooted dispute between the government and the Grand Bahama Port Authority continued, mostly behind closed doors. In September, a high-level arbitration panel began reviewing the government’s claim that the Port owes more than $300 million. The Port Authority denies the allegation. A ruling is expected to significantly influence the future of Freeport and its unique governance structure.

But among the stops and starts, 2025 also delivered real progress.

In July, thousands gathered to watch the Carnival Vista become the first cruise ship to dock at Celebration Key, Carnival’s new multimillion-dollar destination. Carnival President Christine Duffy praised the moment as a landmark investment in Grand Bahama. The project has already created new jobs, prompting many Bahamians to return home after years of seeking work abroad.

And the momentum continued into the end of the year. In November, the Grand Bahama Shipyard welcomed its massive new floating dry dock, “East End.” A second, even larger dock is expected to arrive next year. Once fully operational, the facility is projected to become the world’s largest and most advanced cruise ship repair operation, solidifying Grand Bahama as a global leader in maritime services.

Despite lingering delays and ongoing disputes, 2025 gave Grand Bahama something it has been craving: movement. New projects, major investments, and long-awaited milestones have revived a sense of possibility and community pride.

As residents look ahead to 2026, many hope this long-overdue momentum finally continues.