Esteemed colleagues,
President Sommer and other Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) representatives,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon.
It’s great to join you today in celebration as we break ground for a new pier here at Great Stirrup Cay. This pier is just the latest chapter in a beautiful story between the Government of The Bahamas and Norwegian Cruise Lines.
For almost fifty years, NCL has invested in The Bahamas, supporting the development of world-class infrastructure, facilities, and experiences.
Friends, today we reaffirm our mutual commitment to world-class hospitality, sustainable development, and economic empowerment.
Together with forthcoming facilities and state-of-the-art amenities, the pier at Great Stirrup Cay will usher in a new and dazzling destination for NCL guests, as well as numerous economic opportunities for Bahamians.
With an 80% Bahamian worker mandate for construction, we guarantee that this investment into the Berry Islands not only invigorates our tourism landscape, but also empowers our people.
Naturally, as we celebrate today, we remain mindful that any development comes with the utmost social and environmental responsibility.
Our country is famed for its arresting landscapes. Sun, sand, sea is what many know us for, though few understand the depths to which we rely on, and care for, these stunning land and seascapes.
Our environment not only serves us, however; it also serves the world.
The Bahamas is home to roughly 40% of known seagrass meadows on Earth, and is thus responsible for sequestering millions of metric tonnes of carbon annually.
We play a vital role in mitigating what has become an increasingly precarious climate crisis.
At global forums, I have been a vocal advocate for the unique needs of small island developing states, be they in the Caribbean, Asia, or Africa.
As a nation with 80% of its land mass within five feet of sea level, The Bahamas has no choice but to make its voice heard in the midst of a climate emergency.
It is important for us to partner with private entities that recognise the importance of climate action, and so I welcome and commend NCL’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
I trust that, in this latest phase, NCL’s ecological ethos will drive ever more exciting sustainable innovations throughout its developments, operations, and outreach.
My friends, I remain grateful for your enduring confidence in The Bahamas as a premier destination for Norwegian Cruise Lines.
I look forward to witnessing the completion of this latest phase, which will yet again testify to the strength and scope of our winning partnership.
Let us carry on honouring Bahamian heritage, sustaining the environments which sustain us, and engineering tourism excellence.
Thank you and may God bless you all.