Both emerging and developed economies could achieve sustainable growth in the face of market uncertainty if they focus on growth factors and learn from mistakes made during the recent financial crisis, according to a top analyst at Julius Baer.

Chief economist at the Swiss bank Janwillem Acket told attendees at the Julius Baer Investment Conference Wednesday that developed countries needed to learn from the recent financial crisis and focus on their strengths.

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The Bahamas Speed Week Revival got off to a roaring start yesterday morning on Arawak Cay, Nassau. Famed Formula One racing car driver Sir Stirling Moss led the way, as a diverse pack of three dozen iconic race cars blasted their way around Arawak Cay for three ceremonial laps to mark the opening of the event.

From legendary Detroit models, such as the 1965 Corvette Stingray and 1992 Dodge Viper V10, to elegant classics such as the legendary Porsche 911 and the gorgeous, handmade 1954 Jaguar XK140 Roadster, there were plenty of beautiful racing machines to admire.

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The US is facing “a tough economic reality,” but there are still plenty of opportunities for investors to profit in the global market, according to a leading analyst.

Speaking at the Julius Baer Investment Conference held at Atlantis Paradise Island yesterday, president and co-director of research at Manning & Napier Associates Jeffrey Coons warned attendees that there would be slow growth and more volatility in the global markets for some time, but advised investors to take a long-term approach.

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Construction is well underway on Stage Two of the Lynden Pindling International Airport’s $409.5 million redevelopment, announced Stuart Steeves, president and chief executive officer of the Nassau Airport Development Co (NAD) Wednesday.

“Stage Two construction is now 36 per cent complete and there are 201 workers on site with 66 per cent Bahamian labour today,” Steeves confirmed at a press briefing and site tour. “Overall, the project is 60 per cent complete and progressing on schedule and on budget.”

The redevelopment of LPIA aims to update the airport facilities to world-class standards and expand the airport’s terminal capacity. The work is being carried out in three stages.

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The sale of Atlantis Paradise Island and associated Bahamian properties will “relieve Kerzner of a substantial amount of debt” and better position it for long-term growth, according to company owner and president Sir Sol Kerzner.

Kerzner International announced today that it would transfer ownership of the mega-resort to one of its corporate lenders, Canadian investment group Brookfield Asset Management. Under the multi-million dollar deal the company will also give up ownership of the One and Only Ocean Club on Paradise Island as part of the debt restructuring plan, but it will continue to manage and operate both resorts.

Based in Toronto, Brookfield owns and operates over $69 billion worth of property assets around the world. Following today’s deal, the company will convert its $175-million loan to Kerzner into equity.

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The new buyer of Atlantis luxury resort shares Kerzner International’s commitment to continue future capital expenditure and maintenance of the resort at levels sustained over the years, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham announced in Parliament Tuesday.

Kerzner International proposes to transfer its ownership of the Atlantis Resort and Paradise Island properties, including the One and Only Ocean Club, to Brookfield Asset Management, a publicly traded Canadian company with some $159 billion in assets.

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Kerzner International intends to transfer its ownership of the Atlantis Resorts and Paradise Island properties including the One and Only Ocean Club to a Canadian company with some $159 billion in assets, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham announced Tuesday.

Atlantis is Kerzner’s flagship brand, including Atlantis, Paradise Island, a 2,317 room unique, ocean-themed destination, as well as The Cove Atlantis and The Reef Atlantis.

The Prime Minister said that Brookfield Asset Management, a publicly traded company with some $159 billion in assets, has many years of operating experience and more than $69 billion of property assets, which gives them “special expertise” in real estate.

The Atlantis Resort property, however, will continue to be managed and operated by Kerzner International.

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Island nation extends its long maritime history by once again being elected to the Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The appointment was announced at the 27th Session of the IMO Assembly in London.

NASSAU, The Bahamas–The Bahamas was successful in its bid for election to the Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) under Category C, at the 27th Session of the IMO Assembly in London November 21-30, 2011, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced.

Category C is open to those 20 states that have special interests in maritime transport or navigation and whose election to the council will ensure the representation of all major geographic areas of the world.

The Bahamas exemplifies the highest credentials in each of these areas, according to the IMO.

Paul Farquharson, Bahamas high commission and permanent representative to the IMO headed a Bahamian delegation to the IMO Assembly. He was accompanied by Ian Fair, chairman of The Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA); Peter Goulandris, vice chairman, BMA; and commodore Davy Rolle, BMA director and chief executive officer.

The Bahamas served on the council from 1991 to 1995 and again from 1999 to the present, and has actively participated in the work of the council during these periods.

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Nov. 28/11 (By Deirdra Funcheon) – Hate flying? Lost your yacht in the recession? But sure as hell would love a decent Rum Runner and a handmade straw hat?

You are so in luck, because a new boat called the Bahamas Express Ferry is about to start high-speed service from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas.

A massive, colorful ferry with the teal 1980s color scheme has been docked near 17th Street for a few weeks now.

It is operated by a company called Balearia, which offers a similar service in Spain, connecting the mainland with four islands, including Ibiza.

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This is an excerpt from Broward-Palm Beach New Times as it appeared on November 29, 2011. For updates or to read the current version of this post in its entirety, please click here.

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Nov. 28/11 (PR Newswire) – Celebrated marine wildlife artist and conservationist Guy Harvey today announced plans to open the Guy Harvey Outpost Club & Marina, Rum Cay this summer, upon completion of initial renovations and rebranding of Rum Cay’s popular Sumner Point Marina & Villas.

Following the reopening of the Bimini Big Game Club last year, the Guy Harvey Outpost organization has turned to the Southern Bahamas for its latest undertaking. Roughly 50 miles southeast of Georgetown in the Exumas, Rum Cay is 10 miles south of Conception Island, which is part of the Bahamas National Land and Sea Park sanctuary, and figures prominently in Harvey’s interest. “In addition to the fantastic diving there, we intend to work with government in expanding the coral and shark research work of the Guy Harvey Research Institute which is a cornerstone of our Outpost program in the Bahamas,” noted Harvey who holds a Ph.D in marine fisheries management.

“Rum Cay has always interested us because of its unquestionable natural beauty and its top-of-class sporting activities, including extreme sports that appeal to a new generation of Guy Harvey friends and fans,” emphasizes Mark Ellert, president of Outpost and who leads the company’s search for new opportunities and markets.

This is an excerpt from MarketWatch as it appeared on November 29, 2011. For updates or to read the current version of this post in its entirety, please click here.

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