NASSAU, Bahamas — Grand Bahama will soon be the home of an African-Caribbean Marketplace, which is expected to promote and distribute African and Caribbean products to the world, The Nassau Guardian reported on Tuesday, June 27, in an article written by Freeport-based reporter Barbara Waulkin.
Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey, MP for Pineridge, made the announcement during debate on the 2023/2024 budget in the House of Assembly last week.
The marketplace was one of several projects discussed when Moxey headed a recent Bahamas Trade and Investment Mission to West Africa with stops in Nigeria and Ghana.
The trip resulted in the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the government of The Bahamas.
“The purpose of the MoU is to provide a broad framework for collaboration to harmonize efforts in Africa and The Bahamas, but specifically in Grand Bahama,” Moxey said.
While she did not reveal a site for the project, Moxey said the partnership will commence with the preparation and development of an African-Caribbean Marketplace, or “International Marketplace” to be located on Grand Bahama.
“Not only will the marketplace promote and distribute African and Caribbean products, but it will also offer a taste of Africa and the Caribbean making it an appealing tourist attraction,” Moxey said.
“In the marketplace, we envision seamless connectivity for trade between Africa and the Caribbean through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with the Caribbean as the sixth region, and the added advantage of a 230-square-mile free-trade zone offering tax concessions on Grand Bahama.”
Because of the island’s proximity to the United States, the market is expected to provide strategic opportunities for value-added manufacturing, transshipment, distribution and logistics.
“This vision, however, goes beyond mere trade,” Moxey said.
“It represents the culmination of a world-class experience, showcasing the rich cultures of Africa and the Caribbean. The African-Caribbean Marketplace will become the home of ‘All Things African and Caribbean’.
“It will feature a ‘Bahamas Bazaar’ representing each inhabited island of The Bahamas.
“Grand Bahama, my island, [which] has been designated as the ‘Home of Maritime and Logistics’, the ‘Home of Events and Entertainment’ and the ‘Home of Innovation’ will take center stage, highlighting folklore, folk arts, festivals, and culturally immersive experiences year-round.”
Moxey said the vision is for the marketplace to become the gateway to the Caribbean, the signature destination for visitors from around the world to experience African and Caribbean culture.
“With its conceptual design, including an amphitheater, featuring a performance arts theater, African and Caribbean-flavored concessions, and unique architecture reflecting the authenticity of our cultures, we aim to create a space that resonates with the spirit of Africa and the Caribbean.”
See complete article in The Nassau Guardian at https://thenassauguardian.com/afri-caribbean-marketplace-coming-to-grand-bahama/
