PORT LUCAYA MARKETPLACE RE-OPENS

The Port Lucaya Marketplace has always been a staple feature of tourism on the island of Grand Bahama.

For many who visit the island, they are welcomed by bright colors and smiling faces that create the friendly environment for which the island is known. 

As a result of the devastation of Hurricane Matthew, Port Lucaya Marketplace and its vendors suffered damages which forced the establishment to close operations.

With a sense of urgency, the senior management team at the Marketplace quickly stepped into action to construct a unique strategy, utilizing its employees to re-vamp and hasten the process of restoration in Port Lucaya.

Scieska Jones, Safety and Public Relations Manager, Port Lucaya Marketplace, said that “Since the passing of Hurricane Matthew, there were major damages to various buildings”

As management of the Marketplace knew that help would be needed to get the location ready again, Jones added that, “Initially we requested the assistance of 20 persons to help with the extensive clean-up, but some 41 persons, mostly vendors, showed up asking for jobs and they were all hired”.

Since the all-clear was given, workers congregated at the establishment between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., in anticipation of the re-opening of the Marketplace.

Several business owners, Nick Vikatos of Zorbas Greek Cuisine and Noel Clarke of Fish Tail Tavern (Sparky’s) and Agave stated that they are already prepped and ready to open for business.

In addition to these and other restaurants, there are several new establishments like “Kalypzo Restaurant and Bar”, “Edge”, “Zsa Zsa Mojito Bar”, La Parilla Restaurant Bar and Lounge”, and “Nik Knacks” that are preparing for a fall season launch once the Marketplace re-opens.

Visitors and local patrons of the Marketplace can also look forward to enjoying the delicacies of Pier One Restaurant, which has temporarily relocated from the Freeport Harbor to Luciano’s, next to the Port Lucaya Marina. 

In a recent statement, Peter Hunt, owner of Port Lucaya Marketplace, advised that “Over the next four (4) weeks, the normal entertainment during the evening will commence with live bands on Friday and Saturday nights; daytime adjustments will be made to accommodate tourist arrivals.”
He added that, “All major renovations will commence at the end of January 2017, which will allow for a total re- decoration of the Marketplace.

The Port Lucaya Marketplace re-opened on Friday, October 28th, 2016 and will continue to service the majority of tourists that arrive on the island of Grand Bahama.

The Marketplace will also facilitate the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and New Year’s celebrations, keeping in line with its annual holiday traditions.