GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas — Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, the Hon. Chester Cooper and Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey, joined executives of AML Foods Limited to mark a major milestone in Grand Bahama’s economic recovery with the official groundbreaking of a $10.5 million distribution centre.
The new facility represents a significant domestic investment and signals renewed confidence in the island’s long-term development and commercial future.
Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Cooper emphasized the importance of sustained investment in rebuilding Grand Bahama.
“The revitalization of Freeport and Grand Bahama does not happen through one headline or one announcement. It happens through consistent investment, job creation and the steady strengthening of the systems that support daily life making Grand Bahama an even better place to live, work and play,” said Cooper.
The distribution centre will be constructed on the former Solomon’s site, which was severely damaged by Hurricane Dorian. Once completed, the facility will strengthen national supply chains and improve the efficiency and reliability of essential goods distribution to Grand Bahama, New Providence, Eleuthera and Exuma.
The project is expected to create approximately 20 permanent jobs and support long-term economic growth, while generating immediate construction activity.
Minister Moxey highlighted the importance of locally driven investment in strengthening the island’s economy and positioning Grand Bahama as a key logistics and commercial hub.
AML Foods, a Bahamian-owned company with a 50-year history, has grown into a diversified enterprise valued at more than $200 million. Its decision to reinvest in Freeport underscores confidence in the island’s continued recovery and development.
Gavin Watchorn, CEO and President of AML Foods Limited, noted that the company remains a major employer on the island.
AML Foods currently employs more than 265 Grand Bahamians across its Grand Bahama operations, including Solomon’s, Cost Right and Domino’s Pizza.
The development reflects a strong public-private partnership between AML Foods, the Government of The Bahamas and the Grand Bahama Port Authority. Officials noted that the project transforms a site once impacted by disaster into a symbol of resilience, recovery and progress.
The distribution centre forms part of a broader strategy to rebuild Grand Bahama through consistent domestic investment, strengthened infrastructure, support for Bahamian businesses and improved quality of life for residents.
The official groundbreaking was held on January 22, 2026. Preparatory works are currently underway, with crews actively cleaning the site, landscaping the property and preparing the land for construction.
