The Bahamas is famous for its duty-free prices on elegant emerald and gold jewellery, crystal, fine bone china and porcelain, name brand perfumes and liquors.

The tax freedom of the Bahamas, with no income, property or estate taxes, offers potential tax savings for foreign investors, thus making it an intelligent, money saving strategy, as well as a beautiful place to live. Foreigners may buy homes and land with the same rights as Bahamians. It really is a tropical paradise!

Investment

Much of the new economic activity is the result of a major investment by Hutchinson Port Holdings (HPH), a subsidiary of $30-billion Hutchinson Whampoa of Hong Kong and the world's largest port operator. HPH has purchased 50% of Freeport Harbour Company and built a $130 million transhipment container port, the largest in the Western hemisphere.

HPH has also purchased 50% of Freeport International Airport and started a $6 million upgrade of facilities. Money is being injected into the Bahamas all the time and the island is flourishing as a result....

Environment

The Island recently affirmed its dedication to the environment by establishing its own Ecotourism Association, whose mission is to 'educate and promote the natural, cultural and historical features of Grand Bahama Island' Members include the Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board, Chamber of Commerce, and Bahamas National Trust.

The natural attractions on Grand Bahama Island are its best kept secret. To begin with there are three national parks: The Lucayan National Park, is the only place in the Bahamas where visitors can see all six of the islands' ecosystems - a collection of plants and wildlife that offers an unparalleled view into the complex interaction of native land and sea.

Also within the park is one of the world's longest under water cave systems - a sprawling network of tunnels resulting from the island's unique limestone geology.

The Rand Nature Centre, with its resident flamingo colony, and reef-enveloped Peterson Quay National Park are equally thrilling in their beauty.

Both the Lucayan National Park and Rand Nature Centre are easily accessible, and Peterson Quay National Park can be reached by boat.

Birdwatchers and plant lovers in particular will enjoy Grand Bahama: the island has 18 of the 28 species of birds endemic to the Islands of the Bahamas, including the striking Abaco parrot.

The Hydroflora Gardens, is a research centre where plants are grown without soil and the Garden of the Groves are excellent natural excursions right inside Lucaya.

And then there is the sea..... As part of one of the largest reef systems on Earth, the reefs of the Grand Bahama Island are spectacular in both geographical scope and biological diversity. Among the island's underwater treasures are the Hawksbill turtle, seahorses, dolphins, Caribbean reef sharks, and hundreds of species of both coral and fish.