The Tribune

By FAY SIMMONS

TRIBUNE Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

MEDITERRANEAN Shipping Company’s (MSC) cruise arm is taking its total investment in The Bahamas to near $1.5bn with yesterday’s ground-breaking for its Sandy Cay destination near Bimini, the Prime Minister said.

Philip Davis KC said more than 1,500 direct jobs are expected to be created by the shipping giant’s expansion projects. The new destination, which is expected to open in 2028, represents the next phase of MSC’s growth in The Bahamas and will complement its existing Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, while it continues to invest in Grand Bahama.

Mr Davis stressed, however, that the nearly $1.5bn figure represents MSC group’s overall investment in The Bahamas across its various projects, rather than the cost of Sandy Cay alone. “That is not a passing interest. That is a long-term partnership with the Bahamian people,” he said during the ground-breaking ceremony.

He said MSC’s Bahamas portfolio includes Ocean Cay, Sandy Cay, its involvement in the redevelopment of the Grand Lucayan and Freeport Harbour, as well as its shareholding in the Grand Bahama Shipyard.

The Sandy Cay project itself is expected to generate more than 600 construction jobs, according to Glenys Hanna Martin, minister of tourism, while opening further opportunities in hospitality, marine services, transportation, environmental management and other areas.

Mr Davis said the Government will measure the success of the project by its impact on Bahamian families rather than simply the scale of the physical development.

“This project will create jobs in construction, will create jobs in hospitality and marine services, in transportation and environmental management,” said Mr Davis. “It will open doors for Bahamian entrepreneurs to supply goods, deliver services, share culture and shape the guest experience.”

He challenged MSC and the wider tourism industry to ensure Bahamians are not only employed but have opportunities for advancement. “Bahamians must be trained as was promised. Bahamians must be hired as promised, and Bahamians must be promoted as promised at every level,” said Mr Davis.

He specifically pointed to opportunities for boat operators, fishermen, farmers, straw vendors, young graduates and other Bahamian entrepreneurs who could participate in the economic activity generated by the development.

Mr Davis also told students attending the ceremony that Sandy Cay should represent an opportunity to build careers rather than simply secure employment. “There’ll be room for marine scientists and engineers, for chefs and managers, entrepreneurs and conservationists,” he said. “The future of this industry must be Bahamian, and it could be yours.”

Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC’s executive chairman, said Sandy Cay forms part of a much broader long-term strategy for the company in The Bahamas, where MSC has maintained a presence for almost 25 years.

Mr Vago highlighted the group’s involvement in the Freeport Container Port and Grand Bahama Shipyard, alongside its cruise and destination investments. He said the newer portfolio of projects represented more than $1bn in additional investment, while generating significant economic activity for Bahamian businesses.

“As a family company, we invest in the long-term. We're not in the short-term,” said Mr Vago. He added that the wider investment programme will create opportunities for small enterprises, family businesses and local entrepreneurs, including suppliers, transport operators, food producers, tour guides, artisans, service providers and environmental partners.

Mr Vago also challenged Bahamian entrepreneurs and young people to identify ways they could participate in the new opportunities being created. “What problem can I solve? What can I contribute? What service is missing, and how can I be part of the opportunities that these developments bring to The Bahamas?” he asked.

He suggested that opportunities could emerge around marine experiences, food concepts, cultural enterprises, technology platforms and environmental solutions.

Sandy Cay is being developed as a high-end destination for guests of MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys, with five beaches planned to offer different experiences ranging from water sports and social activities to wellness, relaxation and quieter natural surroundings.

Gianluca Suprani, president of CTL Maritime, an arm of MSC, said the development will provide a different experience from Ocean Cay, with an emphasis on space, privacy and the natural environment.

He said Sandy Cay will include dining facilities, private retreats and hospitality offerings, with the company targeting an exceptionally high-end destination in the Caribbean. At the same time, MSC is continuing to expand Ocean Cay, which Mr Suprani described as its “Ocean Cay 3.0” phase.

The work includes new restaurants and bars, enhanced family areas, an adults-only retreat, additional cabanas, a new marine conservation experience through the MSC Foundation and an expanded pier capable of accommodating two ships simultaneously.

Mr Suprani said the expansion will also have a significant employment impact at Ocean Cay, with the island’s workforce expected to double once it is fully operational and the current works are completed.

He said MSC is continuing to invest in training, employee well-being and career development while strengthening Bahamian leadership and local capabilities through CTL Maritime Bahamas.

Mrs Hanna Martin said the Government expects the Sandy Cay investment to translate into greater empowerment for Bahamians and described the cruise and maritime sectors as offering a wide range of opportunities for the local economy.

She said the project’s more than 600 construction jobs will provide new opportunities for Bahamians in the construction sector. The tourism minister also called on MSC to maintain its commitment to fair treatment, training and upward mobility for its employees.

“We expect, and I am advised we are seeing this already on Ocean Cay, fair treatment of your team, continued investment in their progress and upward mobility,” said Mrs Hanna Martin.

Mr Davis also placed Sandy Cay within the broader transformation of Ocean Cay, which was previously an industrial site used for sand extraction before MSC acquired and redeveloped it. He said the company had cleared debris, restored the land and replanted the island before opening Ocean Cay as a marine reserve in 2019.

“An island that once exported our sand now exports something far more valuable: The Bahamian experience,” said Mr Davis. He said Sandy Cay should maintain the same balance between tourism development and environmental conservation.

“Guests will come to Sandy Cay for one reason, above all: The natural beauty of The Bahamas, our water, our sand, our marine life,” said Mr Davis. “But that beauty is not a backdrop. It is our economy, it is our heritage, and it is our responsibility to generations that will come after us.”

The Sandy Cay development is expected to open in 2028.