New ministry devoted to protecting the environment
One of the wonders of The Bahamas is its pristine natural beauty, and the country is determined to preserve its environment as its economic development continues. The creation of the new Ministry of the Environment demonstrates The Bahamas’ commitment to environmental preservation.
The Hon. Earl Deveaux, Minister of Environment
The new ministry was established thanks to the work of Dr. Earl Deveaux, recently chosen the country’s first Minister of the Environment. Dr. Deveaux, a native of The Bahamas, has served in many key government positions, including as Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries and, beginning in 2007, as Minister of Public Works.
In 2000, Dr. Deveaux began the process of transforming The Bahamas’ leading environmental organization – Bahamas Environment, Science and Technology Commission (BEST), founded in 1994 – into a full-fledged ministry.
Major “green” initiatives
As minister of agriculture and fisheries, Dr. Deveaux was instrumental in establishing significant new policies aimed at protecting the environment. He carried on this commitment in creating the new ministry while also promoting a number of innovative “green” projects.
The Bahamas became the first country in the world to declare the Nassau Grouper a protected species, and the country has also created the first five of a network of marine protected areas. “These two measures are significant by world standards and obviously important for our country. We have signaled the preservation of what we think is the second most important asset in The Bahamas after our people: the environment,” Dr. Deveaux explains.
Responsible development
The new Ministry of the Environment will have the authority to make sure that new development in The Bahamas does not have adverse environmental effects. “We need to be infinitely more creative in the way that we manage development,” Dr. Deveaux says, adding that the government does not want to impede development, just to make sure that it is responsible.
The ministry will also make sure that The Bahamas complies with more than 18 international protocols and various international conventions involving the environment that the country has signed, including the Convention on Trade and Endangered Species. The ministry will also oversee water management, waste management, forestry issues and the coastal environment, among others.
One key project for the new ministry will be to set up a nationwide coastal defense system to control erosion, for example during hurricanes. It will also establish a coastal-zone management system to ensure the protection of mangrove swamps, sand dunes, and estuaries.
Dr. Deveaux believes that protecting the environment is the only way The Bahamas can ensure its future. He says, “The environment is our single greatest gift from God. The extent to which we protect our environment, marine and otherwise, is the extent to which we will be able to make our lifestyles comfortable and worthwhile.”
The Hotel Corporation of The Bahamas
“What we promote, we deliver.”
Sir Baltron B. Bethel, Managing Director
The Hotel Corporation of The Bahamas is helping to bring the right kind of development to the islands. Sir Baltron B. Bethel, Managing Director, cites three upcoming projects – two on Eleuthera and one on Andros – as emblematic of the kinds of initiatives the Hotel Corporation favors.
“The Hotel Corporation’s Board established the criteria for these projects. They will be upscale boutique resorts that are both ecologically and culturally sensitive. They will blend into their environment and will harmonize with local communities,” Sir Baltron says. The first of the projects should be launched within the next six months. Rather than opting for mega-resorts, Hotel Corporation aims to encourage unique, smaller, less intrusive resort developments in the Family Islands.
On Mayaguana, one of the least developed of the Family Islands, Boston-based I-Group and Hotel Corporation are partnering to bring cutting-edge infrastructure – including a new airport and power plant – to the island. Development opportunities for investors include the creation of medium-sized hotels and boutique resorts as well as residential properties and light industry. Infrastructure components are proceeding on schedule. “Mayaguana offers tax-free incentives and infrastructure that will be sustainable over the long term,” Sir Baltron explains.
Hotel Corporation makes land available to developers with specific development plans, although it does not normally retain ownership in the properties. It favors long-term agreements with equity partners and projects that will provide employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for locals. “We want to foster prosperity and then move on to the next project,” Sir Baltron says. He adds that the Corporation particularly wishes to attract high-quality, internationally known brands.
P.O. Box N-9520
Nassau – The Bahamas
Tel.: 242 356 4571
Fax: 242 356 4846
bbethel@hcbahamas.com
www.bahamashotelcorp.com
Attractive Incentives
Government incentives for hotel investors include a 20-year tax holiday, exemption from and reduced property taxes, together with waivers of customs duties on imported goods used for construction and equipment purposes.
The Bahamas offers a number of competitive advantages, including its proximity to the United States, its varied topography and rich culture, its exceptional natural beauty, and its thriving, stable economy. “The Bahamas keeps getting better, and we are more than open for business. We are seeing continuing interest in new projects, especially in high-end properties,” Sir Baltron explains.
In addition, The Bahamas has earned a reputation for following through on its promises. “Every government we have had in The Bahamas has been pro-investment. What we promote, we deliver,” Sir Baltron concludes.
Baha Mar
“we’re creating a new island paradise.”
Don Robinson, President of Baha Mar Resorts Ltd.
Baha Mar, the Caribbean’s largest single-phase destination resort is coming to The Bahamas. By 2012, Baha Mar is set to create a master-planned hotel, casino, residential and leisure community that will provide the ultimate luxurious vacation retreat in the Caribbean. Baha Mar will feature an unmatched array of top-shelf offerings and amenities, including five hotels, the Caribbean’s largest casino, three full-service spas, high-spec condos and villas, a Jack Nicklaus 18-hole signature golf course – the only championship-quality course in Nassau – as well as an upscale retail village housing shops, chef-branded restaurants and entertainment venues. Baha Mar Resorts President Don Robinson explains, “This project isn’t just a resort on the beach; it will have many more amenities.
We are creating something special, which will be at a different level than any other resort in the Caribbean in terms of luxury, amenities and facilities.” Baha Mar will capture the essence and spirit of The Bahamas, with architectural elements fusing together the region’s Colonial, European and African influences. Lush natural landscapes and waterscapes and a 50-foot-high circular waterwall are expected to captivate guests. Baha Mar is using the latest cutting-edge technology and a world-class development and design team, including some of the best and most famous interior design firms operating in the hotel and leisure industry. At a projected USD 2.5 billion, this 1,000-acre resort will have a significant impact on the local economy by creating an estimated 10,000 jobs. It will provide almost 5 acres of meeting space, 20 acres of beaches and pools, and 5 hotels that will offer approximately 3,000 rooms, providing guests with flexibility and choices at a variety of price points.
Baha Mar will be the only resort to feature four Starwood hotel brands. The distinct St. Regis Baha Mar will offer 200 five-star rooms, 101 residential condos and villas, significant meeting space, and the world-famous RemèdeTM Spa. With a contemporary and sophisticated style, the W Baha Mar will house 200 rooms,108 residential condos, the renowned Bliss Spa and a fitness centre. The 700-room and 97-condo Westin Baha Mar will feature a balance of understated grace and elegance and will be home to the largest spa in the Caribbean. Meanwhile, the 694-room Sheraton Cable Beach Resort is an island retreat, and offers more than 25,000 square feet of meeting facilities.
At the center of the resort will be a 1,000-room luxury casino hotel, housing a 100,000-square-foot casino that will provide a Las Vegas experience under the Bahamian sun. Robinson believes that Baha Mar will offer an unbeatable selection of features in a top destination. The Bahamas is easy to reach for visitors from the East Coast – with upgrades to its international airport in the pipeline – and already has a reputation for service and value. “This will be a unique place in the hemisphere where people will be able to enjoy the best of the Caribbean with the flair of Las Vegas. They will be able to relax, enjoy the beach, and play golf, as well as shop, gamble and enjoy the finest restaurants and entertainment venues all in one day and in one location,” he says. “We are the place for New Yorkers.”
