Bimini Bay Resort is proud to announce the launch of its new Web site www.biminibayresort.com. The domain is the same but the content is completely refreshed and updated. With the added growth of the resort, Bimini has special tabs dedicated to meetings & conventions, destination weddings and the first Spa Chakra in the Caribbean. Make sure to check it out!

[BIMINI] Ansil Saunders remembers when names such as Rockefeller, Mellon and Ford appeared on the rolls at the local stops in Bimini. As a child, he performed in little dance shows to entertain the visiting tourists and fishing enthusiasts. Local businesses thrived on the visitors. But over the years, the fishing tournaments left the island, taking the tourists with them. Bimini remained an attraction on a smaller scale, but many locals thought the island’s glory days were behind it.

“It’s hard to get something back once you’ve lost it,” said Saunders, a lifelong Bimini resident. “We needed something to bring the people back.”

When developer Gerardo Capo came along several years ago and started construction on Bimini Bay Resort & Casino, the soft-spoken Saunders said he knew it was exactly what the island needed. “People want the best for their money, and Bimini Bay is first class,” he said. “The resort has put us back on the map. It has brought the people back to Bimini.”

The resort capitalizes on Bimini’s natural allure with its white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Many resort accommodations are already built with a golf course, spa and shopping village all on the way. Today, at the age of 75, Saunders said he’s seeing Bimini come to life in a way he hasn’t seen for decades.

Saunders is a well-known guide among bonefishing enthusiasts having conducted trips for a variety of clientele throughout the years including the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He’s also an artistic boat builder, creating custom-crafted vessels out of fiberglass, bronze and wood indigenous to the Bahamas. Each of the made-to-order boats takes about six months to complete and costs about $40,000. Three of his boats are currently stationed at Bimini Bay Resort, and he’s got orders for a few more that will be headed to the marina.

“I’ve never had orders for my boats like I do today since the resort came along. Orders are definitely moving up,” Saunders said.

His bonefish tours are also filling up. Saunders keeps a logbook that he asks all his visitors to sign. The pages are filled with names and comments from throughout the world. Today, Saunders said the book is filling up more quickly than in year’s past. It only has one page left before it’s time to start a new book.

“There’s just something about Bimini. People can’t quite put their fingers on it. I can’t. But we all know there’s just something about this place that’s special,” Saunders said. “The resort is introducing Bimini to all kinds of new people. It’s long overdue. You just have to love it here.”

NASSAU, Bahamas (BIS Press Release)– The government has increased its budgetary allocation to the Royal Bahamas Police Force by $4.5 million and to the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation by $9.3 million, and is looking into proposals to outfit the Royal Bahamas Defence Force with its fleet requirements over the next six years, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Rt. Hon. Hubert Ingraham announced this week.

“Maintaining public order is a primary objective of my government,” the Prime Minister affirmed during his presentation of the government’s 2008/2009 budget communication.

“We regard it as a singular determination to reduce crime and the fear of crime in our society. Indeed, all our efforts to bolster economic growth and development in our nation will be undermined if crime is or appears to be out-of-control.”

For this reason, Mr. Ingraham added, his government has sought to ensure that the Royal Bahamas Police Force, which stands on the frontline of our efforts to maintain public order, is adequately funded at all times.

“We believe that the total combined recurrent and capital allocation in this 2008/2009 budget of some $126.4 million is adequate to meet the spending needs of the police force in its efforts to fight crime,” the Prime Minister said.

When the government assumed office in May of last year, the Police Force’ recurrent budget was $108.4 million. The government immediately increased that amount by $9 million and is now providing an additional amount of $4.5 million to bring the total recurrent budget for the police up to $121.9 million.

The government also provided a significant increase in allocation to the Royal Bahamas Defence Force when it practically doubled the capital allocation of the Force from $6.8 million to $12.9 million in its 2007/2008 budget.

“We expect the capital needs of the Defence Force to increase significantly in future years as they seek to further enhance their fleet,” Mr. Ingraham pointed out. “Having ordered two aircraft and a number of sea craft this year for the Defence Force, we directed that proposals be sought from international suppliers to supply the Defence Force with its fleet needs up to and including the year 2014.”

As the government continues to ensure that adequate funding is provided to the agencies charged with maintaining law and order and border protection, it has also made provision for increased funding toward the growth of the country’s principal industry.

“The current global economic environment and significant competitiveness in the tourism sector require that we both increase resources available to tourism as well as spend our funds strategically,” the Prime Minister advised. “We are providing an additional $9.3 million for the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation in recurrent expenditure,”

The increase in funding brings the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation’s budgetary allocation to $91 million.

“We believe that this increase combined with strategic spending by the Ministry will go a long way in helping to increase the promotion of tourism over the next twelve months,” Mr. Ingraham said.

Editor's Comment: Supporting our underpaid police is a good and proper thing (next time give them more money); throwing more money at the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation is like importing sand to the beach.

NASSAU, Bahamas (BIS) – Homeowners will enjoy substantial benefits under the government’s 2008/2009 budget through the exemption of stamp taxes and the reduction and elimination of duty on a variety of building materials, appliances and fixtures.

“First-time homeowners will benefit from an increase in the ceiling for exemption from real property taxes, from $250,000 to $500,000, for the first five years,” Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Rt. Hon. Hubert Ingraham announced during government’s 2008/2009 budget communication delivered to parliament Wednesday.

In addition to this benefit, the government’s new fiscal budget provides stamp tax exemption for those purchasing a lot zoned for residential development upon which he/she proposes to construct a primary dwelling place and applicants purchasing a newly constructed dwelling place.

Applicants purchasing a dwelling unfit for occupation with the intention of occupying the dwelling upon completion of its renovation and applicants purchasing an existing dwelling to serve as their primary residence will also be eligible for stamp tax exemption.

Homeowners will also become eligible in the budget for exemption from stamp tax on the transfer of a mortgage of a dwelling place from one financial institution to another, and exemption from stamp tax where the applicant seeks to consolidate debts by mortgaging a dwelling home up to a value of $500,000.

“We are eliminating the $35,000 ceiling on real property tax for owner-occupied properties and will reduce the rate of tax to ¾ of 1% down from 1% on properties valued in excess of $5 million,” Prime Minister Ingraham added.

As part of its support for home ownership among middle-income families, the government will also introduce a Resolution for authority to issue a $75 million Mortgage Corporation Housing Bond, the largest Parliamentary request for a Housing Bond since the establishment of the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation 23 years ago.

In addition to property tax benefits, homeowners wishing to “go green”, purchasing energy-saving appliances and fixtures will also realise savings through the reduction and/or elimination of duty on those items.

“We will make duty free the import of energy-saving light bulbs, solar lamps, batteries, converters and wind engines,” Mr. Ingraham announced.

In the 2008/2009 budget, the government will also reduce import duties on energy-saving home appliances from 35% to 15%, reduce the import duty rates on energy-efficient windows, low-flow shower heads and low-flow toilets to 15% and significantly reduce the import duty on hybrid vehicles, from between 45% and 65% to 25%.

Customs duty on building materials for home construction will also be reduced.

“We will reduce import duties on a number of building materials, thereby lowering the cost of building a home or renovating an existing one, including plywood, oriented strand board, insulation, wooden hurricane shutters, aluminium and wood doors, wooden windows, and cement board,” the Prime Minister announced.

Mr. Ingraham also announced additional cost saving measures for consumers in The Bahamas via the removal of stamp tax on computer items.

“We will exempt personal computers, printers and software from the current stamp tax, thereby making them completely duty-free,” the Prime Minister said.

NASSAU, Bahamas (BIS Press Release): From marked increases in Social Service allocations to tax eliminations on food items, to pay raises for public officers and teachers to tax suspensions on fuel imports for the Bahamas Electricity Corporation, the Bahamas government’s 2008/2009 budget is tilted toward providing relief and assistance to low income Bahamians and those continuing to be adversely affected by the rising cost of living in the country.

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Hubert Ingraham announced the government’s plans to provide relief to Bahamians during the 2008/2009 Budget Communication delivered to parliament Wednesday.

“This budget has been crafted to take into account the international economic turbulence and uncertainty impacting so harshly on our own people,” Ingraham said.

“In particular, this budget embraces my government’s social philosophy, its commitment and its determination to cushion the harshness of the impact of the international turbulence upon our citizens, most particularly low income families who invariably are impacted first and most acutely,” he added.

Along with its budgetary increase to the Department of Social Services in the last fiscal year, the government over a two-year period has increased assistance to the poor by $13 million.

When the government came to office just over a year ago, the allocation for the Department of Social Services was $26.4 million. In the 2007/08 budget, it increased that department’s budget allocation to $31.8 million, an increase of $5.4 million or 20.5%. Some $3 million of the department’s budget was specifically earmarked for poverty alleviation.

One year later, it has provided a further increase in the Department of Social Services’ budget allocation amounting to some $7 million or 22%.

“The increase in budgetary allocation for the Department of Social Services will permit meaningful increases in all areas of relief to the poor, including food, uniform, rental and burial assistance, payments in respect of foster care, the student lunch scheme and the work programme,” Ingraham explained.

“I note that the last increase in these benefits to the poor was granted in 2000 during our last term in office,” he said.

In addition to increases for assistance to the poor, the 2008/2009 budget makes provision for a $750 raise for all public officers and a $1,250 raise for teachers in the public school system.

One of the critical cost increases impacting persons worldwide and here at home is on food items, with the prime minister pointing out that present global economic uncertainty is giving rise to what appears to be “unstoppable increases in the cost of living driven by the continued rise in energy and food prices internationally.”

This year’s budget addresses the cost of food items by introducing and duty and stamp tax elimination on a wide range of food items.

“Having reduced the stamp tax on food items from 4% to 2% during our last stint in office we are now moving to eliminate the 2% Stamp Tax on some 160 food items,” Ingraham said.

The 2008/2009 budget also provides for the elimination of import duties on a number of citrus fruits, as well as frozen vegetables, cereals, oatmeal, and breads.

Regarding the rising cost of energy in the Bahamas, Ingraham announced that the government in its 2008/2009 budget is granting a two-year suspension of Customs Duty of 10% and Stamp Duty of 7% on Bahamas Electricity Corporation’s (BEC) fuel imports as a positive measure to address the rising cost of the utility surcharge, which currently includes the 7% stamp tax.

“This is expected to enable BEC to function without further increasing the costs of electricity,” he explained.

The prime minister acknowledged that the tax cuts in this year’s budget, inclusive of new and significant concessions being granted to first-time homeowners will impact revenue.

“Some of these revenue measures will admittedly result in revenue losses for the government,” he noted, “but that will be money that will stay in the pockets of consumers and homeowners and thereby provide much-needed relief in the period ahead.”

Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon recently wed at a surprise ceremony on the picture-perfect island of Eleuthera, adding to the growing list of stars that have planned their perfect day in The Bahamas. With ideal weather year round, breathtaking beaches, lavish hotels and amenities, not to mention privacy, this tropical paradise has long been a favorite locale for celebrities to walk down the aisle in style.

Always the trendsetter, supermodel Cindy Crawford said “I do” to hubby Rande Gerber in May 1998 at the swanky Ocean Club on Paradise Island. Since then, A-list couples have continued to flock to the 700 Islands Of The Bahamas including current NFL commentator Deion Sanders, who was married on Nassau Paradise Island, Richard De Niro, son of Oscar winning actor Robert De Niro, who also said his vows on Nassau Paradise Island and Solange Knowles, younger sister of pop icon Beyonce, who wed on Grand Bahama Island. Also married in The Bahamas was Google co-founder Sergey Brin to bio-tech specialist Anne Wojcicki. The sweethearts said their nuptials in May of 2007 on Musha Cay Island on a private property owned by magician David Copperfield.

You don’t have to be rich and famous to get married in The Bahamas. Whether planning a large wedding with hundreds of guests or an intimate ceremony with just close friends and family in attendance, The Bahamas can fit the needs of all personalities, themes, and budgets. With endless hotel and resort options, restaurant choices and activities for the young and young at heart, this chic destination makes planning a wedding effortless. What’s more, possibly the most distinct feature of The Bahamas is the ability for newlyweds to cut the cake on one island and then leave their guests behind to escape to their honeymoon on yet another secluded island in The Bahamas!

The Bahamas is as culturally diverse as it is vibrantly beautiful, from the carefree Out Islands to exciting Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island. With world-class diving and fishing, gorgeous turquoise water and miles of picture perfect beaches, the 700 islands of The Bahamas offer visitors the opportunity to do everything or nothing at all.

Source: BMT Press Release "The Bahamas Continues to be a Hot Spot for Celebrity Nuptials"

BIMINI - The National Association of Realtors reported in April 2008 that “12 percent of all existing home sales in 2007 were not primary residences; they were instead vacation homes.” Due to rising condominium and loan fees, this market condition has proven that optional rental program vacation home investments are more desirable and allows projects like Bimini Bay Resort and Marina to continue enjoying growth in a market that is otherwise experiencing a large downturn.

As the first quarter of 2008 nears an end, Bimini Bay has a number of closings on homes, condominiums and slips in the new Mega Yacht Marina. The resort community is also moving forward with an additional section of condominiums as overseas real estate continues to position itself as a wise investment for long term profit and enjoyment.

“We are working with a niche market where our clients are comfortable purchasing more than one home and continue to see appreciation in vacation destinations such as the Bahamas,” stated Jonathan Spektor, director of sales and marketing for Bimini Bay Resort and Marina real estate. This type of clientele will contribute to economic growth and drive a rise in second home purchases.”

According to the 2007 Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey, In terms of location, “last year nearly 20 percent of vacation homes were purchased at resorts; if this trend holds up, it will also mean that about 600,000 second homes will be sold this year.”
“These types of results are positive indicators for developers like Bimini Bay Resort,” continued Spektor. “Along with residents from the Northeast, many people from Europe and Canada are also finding that now is the time to invest in real estate as the vacation home market forecasts a promising future.”

Bimini Bay Resort currently offers a variety of second home options: Condominiums begin at $300,000 while oceanfront estate lots are available from $1,200,000. Bimini Bay also offers investment opportunities on its private island with lot sizes ranging from approximately 9,483 sq. ft. to 16,244 sq. ft. and prices beginning at $770,000. Marina slips are also available for sale ranging from 40 ft. - 200 ft. in length. For more information, please visit www.biminibayresort.com or call 305-513-0506

Grand Bahama – Thanks to two very generous corporate sponsors the residents at the Grand Bahama Children’s Home received an extra Easter gift this holiday. Last week the children at the home were treated to an Easter egg hunt courtesy of the staff at Old Bahama Bay by Ginn sur Mer with transportation to West End provided by Forbes Travel Agency.

“We are very grateful for the experience. The drive out to Old Bahama Bay gave the children an opportunity to see some of the new development going on in the West End district,” said Mrs. Patrice Mack, Home Administrator. “The kids also enjoyed all the treats that were prepared and the staff was ready and eager to receive us.”

Anneka Ferguson, Assistant Director, Guest Activities, Old Bahama Bay by Ginn sur Mer, was instrumental in organizing the event along with the staff from the home. “We are always pleased to help the community but helping these kids is even more special,” she added. “Today was truly delightful for the kids and us!” Ferguson coordinated the Easter egg hunt along with Sarah Kirkby of the GBCH Committee and Caron Smith, Assistant Administrator of the home.

Once on property the kids were treated to an Easter Egg Hunt which all of the children ages 2 – 12 were able to participate in. The Administrators and staff chaperones happily assisted the younger children search for the hidden Easter eggs and joined in the fun. When the hunt was complete, the children had their faces painted, enjoyed ice-cold lemonade and had their fill of delicious home-made cookies, compliments of Old Bahama Bay. The afternoon ended with a surprise visit by the Easter Bunny who delighted the children with candies and playful antics and entertainment, he also posed for photos with the children.

“The Children’s home was in need of a location to hold their annual Easter egg hunt,” commented Mr. Van Bergen, Vice President & General Manager, Ginn sur Mer, “Old Bahama Bay was more than happy to invite the children to the West End to enjoy their Easter traditions and see our beautiful resort. It’s a gorgeous location with plenty of beautiful lawns, gardens, and beaches – perfect for an Easter egg hunt today. And we are so pleased to be a part of this special day for the children.”

The Home, Committee and children wanted to extend their special thanks to Old Bahama Bay and Forbes Travel Agency, “it was a great trip and a unique opportunity for us – not everyone get’s to Easter egg hunt at a five star location,” noted Caron Smith “We have had such a great day and the kids are so happy!”

BIMINI, Bahamas – The month of April may be known to fool many, but Bimini Bay Resort is serious about this offer. Those looking for a last-minute April Bahamas getaway may take advantage of 40 percent in savings for travel valid through May 7th, 2008.

Bimini Bay Resort is offering an exclusive special at $245 per room per night, representing 40 percent off for a last-minute April getaway. Travelers have the choice of either a two-bedroom luxury suite (sleeps six) or a one-bedroom, two-story treehouse (sleeps four), including full kitchens and stunning water views. This offer also includes breakfast daily at the resort’s signature restaurant Casa Lyon overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Situated just 48 miles off the coast of South Florida, this Bahamian getaway is just a short jaunt overseas and can be reached in 15 minutes by air from Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport.

Bimini Bay Resort offers an array of first-class amenities for its guests including an infinity-edge pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, two restaurants, massage services, two full-service marinas, business center, fitness center and a trolley system to assist guests in getting around the resort. A retreat to Bimini is not only convenient but also unforgettable with unrivaled fishing, beautiful white sandy beaches and some of the best diving and snorkeling in the Caribbean. Other activities may include a visit to historical sites and the local market for a taste of the traditions of Bimini.

Gulfstream Air, operated by Continental Airlines, offers convenient daily service from Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport. Bimini Island Air (BIA) offers daily flights from Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport and adds more flights based on demand. To book this package, call the resort at (242) 347-2900 or visit www.biminibayresort.com; booking code is April Special.

BIMINI -- The island of Bimini is a haven for rejuvenation and relaxation and Bimini Bay Resort and Marina is enhancing the experience with the summer opening of Spa Chakra®, operated by globally renowned luxury spa operator Spa Chakra, Inc. Exclusively offering Guerlain products and practicing the well-known Guerlain Méthode, Spa Chakra Bimini will be the first location to debut in the Caribbean; currently Spa Chakra, Inc. operates several luxury spa brands, including locations at The Waldorf=Astoria New York and Conrad Miami, among others.

The decision to expand Spa Chakra—the worldwide network’s signature brand—to the Caribbean market was a venture that CEO of Spa Chakra, Inc., Mike Canizales has been looking forward to. As part of Bimini Bay Resort’s multi-million-dollar retail marketplace investment, Spa Chakra will occupy an intimate space of 3,020 square feet within Fisherman’s Village, the resort’s new marketplace with upscale retail and dining outlets. "Spa Chakra Bimini extends our tradition of operating in the world's great cities and sublime resorts,” states Canizales. “We look forward to providing transformational health programs, spa treatments, and packages at this idyllic location.”

Spa Chakra’s design inspiration is derived from a combination of European and Indochinese influences. The cozy two-story oasis will feature six treatment rooms that include hydrotherapy and Vichy shower facilities, all adorned with mosaic and imported tiles and walnut wooden flooring plus a full-service salon providing luxury spa manicures and pedicures. Self-contained waterfalls and indirect lighting will provide a soothing environment and all treatments incorporate the exclusive skincare, beauty, and fragrance collections of Guerlain Paris.
While clients enjoy the amenities of the spa, they will undergo personalized, integrative well-being transformations that focus on delivering targeted results with the combination of more than 60 health and skin therapies. Clients can take advantage of the following special services and techniques offered by Spa Chakra Bimini:

• Upon arrival, each client makes his or her Guerlain aromatherapy selection to infuse the therapeutic experience

• Clients may take advantage of "In-Room Checkout" so that they need not return to reception to close their accounts

• Complimentary post-treatment makeup refreshers follow all treatments

• Thanks to an expansive global network, all guests can enjoy a therapeutic continuum, enabling transfers of their client history to any location

• Most treatment rooms are equipped with private bathrooms ensuite to conduct post-treatment refreshers, instead of a communal locker room environment.

• Spa Chakra does not use electronic equipment-—the entire approach is delivered via the exclusive Méthode and products

Along with its dedicated location, Spa Chakra will offer poolside, beachside and in-room massages for guests of Bimini Bay Resort. Travelers can look forward to visiting Bimini to experience ultimate relaxation while lodging in the resort’s upscale suites, providing all the comforts of home and 360-degree views of emerald clear Bimini waters. Rates begin at $250/night for a one-bedroom luxury suite. For more information and to book your Bimini spa getaway, visit www.biminibayresort.com or call (242) 347-2900.