THE BAHAMAS

The Bahamas is an independent country of around 700 islands running from the 27 degree parallel, through the Tropic of Cancer down to the 21 degree parallel. The largest but not the most populated island is Andros, around 140 miles long by 40 miles wide. Grand Bahama Island, with its capital Freeport, is the fourth largest island and is situated about 60 miles off West Palm Beach. New Providence Island which is the home to Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas, lies between Andros and Eluthera. Nassau is famous for its Paradise Beach and ‘Atlantis’ Resort, home to one of the finest aquariums in the world.

Renowned as one of the most politically stable countries in the western hemisphere. The Bahamas has enjoyed uninterrupted parliamentary democracy for 274 years since its introduction in 1792. Today, The Bahamas is part of the Commonwealth, the Queen is Head of State.

The Bahamas, a former British colony, gained its independence in 1973.

The main source of income in The Bahamas comes from Tourism. The Bahamas are a mecca for those who enjoy all kinds of watersports and outdoor activities

The Bahamas are very much on a roll again. Recognizing the fact that tourism is the number one source of hard currency, the present Government is going full steam ahead to make the Bahamas the number one resort destination in the Caribbean (properly the West Indies). Just a few indications:-

 

The Lynden Pindling International Airport located to the west of Nassau is currently undergoing a massive 4-year $409.5 million dollar expansion and renovation programme. The end result is 571,000 sq. ft. of terminal space with the ability to accommodate 50% more passengers with a total of 64 Gates, one capable of handling the Airbus 380, and an anticipated 5 million passengers annually.

Relocation of the commercial container terminal to Arawak Cay to eliminate container traffic in Nassau town centre. The Bahamas import 80% of all consumables the majority of which come by container.

The dredging of the harbour to accommodate the “Oasis of the Seas” one of the world’s largest passenger ships.

A multi-million dollar road improvement programme, now under way, which includes a four-lane dual carriageway from the airport to Cable Beach, and the resurfacing of Bay and Shirley Streets in the town centre

The 3.4 billion dollar Baha Mar Resort, nopw under construction at Cable Beach is touted to become the largest destination resort complex in the Caribbean – five hotels with some 3,000 rooms and other goodies like a 100,000 sq. ft. Harrah’s Casino – Jack Nichols championship golf course – several chef-branded restaurants and on, and on.

The huge Atlantis Resort complex on Paradise Island is expanding with 120 new time-share suites and a new state-of-the-art dolphin attraction.

Construction of the new $30 million dollar National Stadium of the Bahamas is nearing completion and work on the surrounding 450 acres as a sport’s centre is progressing rapidly.

After 19 years of negotiations the Government in May 2011 finally sold controlling interest (51%) of Bahamas Telecommunications Corporation (BTC) to Cable & Wireless Communications, one of the largest phone companies in the world. Already we are seeing big gains in service i.e. all cell phone to cell phone calls anywhere within the Bahamas can be dialed without the (242) area code, a faster and less-expensive service without using landlines.

 

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