FREEPORT, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas – The Bahamas Maritime Museum will become one of the premier attractions in Grand Bahama, said Minister of Health and Wellness, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville who was speaking on behalf of the Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey.

Owned by Gigi and Carl Allen, the facility was officially opened with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Saturday, August 6 at Port Lucaya Marketplace where Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis was the keynote speaker.

While giving a brief remarks, Mr. Allen said AllenX Exploration is currently in talks with government to open a second museum in Nassau.

Minister Darville said he met the Allens when he and Prime Minister Davis visited Grand Cay following the passage of Hurricane Dorian in September 2019.  “We were fortunate to meet Gigi and Carl in full execution of a humanitarian effort that I have not witnessed on any of the other islands.”

He said they helped the residents of Grand Cay and “executed one of the most effective recovery efforts throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. I was there. I had the opportunity to watch you in action and felt your gift of love for the people of Grand Cay.”

Adding that the government is aware of the challenges faced in the Port Lucaya Marketplace, he said, “I see this as a catalyst for greater things to come as we begin to establish more entrepreneurial opportunities for individuals who live on the island of Grand Bahama.”

Minister Darville said, “I’m excited about it. I believe it will be a strong draw, it will be incorporated in our tourism product here on the island of Grand Bahama and I believe it will attract people from around the world back to Grand Bahama and to [view] what happened by collaborative efforts from the PLP and the FNM.

“We understand the importance of governance and the continuation of governance, and yes we have our challenges, but I believe that all of us both FNM and PLP, we’re definitely committed to the growth and development of our country.”

Following the opening ceremony of the Bahamas Maritime Museum on Saturday, August 6, 2022 in Port Lucaya Marketplace, keynote speaker Prime Minister Philip Davis participated in the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Shown from left are: James Sinclair, Project Archaeologist; Dr. Michael Pateman, Curator and Co Lab Director; the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness and Acting Minister for Grand Bahama; Prime Minister Davis; Carl and Gigi Allen, owners, Allen Exploration; Former Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis; Maurice Moore, former Ambassador; Edward Barrett III, First Officer and Lead Diver, Allen Exploration; and Daniel Porter, Director of Marine Operations, Allen Exploration. (BIS Photo/Andrew Miller)

Many guests gathered in the Port Lucaya Marketplace for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the Bahamas Maritime Museum on Saturday, August 6. Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Philip Davis was the keynote speaker and Minister of Health and Wellness, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, brought remarks on behalf of the Minister for Grand Bahama. (BIS Photo/Andrew Miller)

The Bahamas Maritime Museum was officially opened on Saturday, August 6 in the Port Lucaya Marketplace with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Following the ceremony, guests were taken on a tour of the facility, among them being Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Philip Davis, the Minister of Health and Wellness, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville and former Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis, along with other parliamentarians. (BIS Photo/Andrew Miller)