NASSAU — How do you make a splash in the Bahamas? By calling in a live Junkanoo Band, of course, which is exactly what Warwick Hotels and Resorts did to mark the grand opening of Warwick Paradise Island – Bahamas.

In a lavish ceremony fit for dignitaries and party revellers alike, the resort made its official debut following a US$50 million transformation into a four-star, adults-only, all-inclusive property.

More than 300 guests, including Bahamas government and parliament officials, attended the resort’s official grand opening on March 31. A soft opening took place on Oct. 28, 2016, after which key projects were finalized prior to its grand opening ceremony last month.

The evening’s program was held on the 10,000 square-foot Warwick Sunset Terrace and began with a musical performance by the Royal Bahamas Police Force. Richard Chiu, President of Warwick Hotels and Resorts, opened the ceremony by complimenting the outstanding service provided by the resort’s Bahamian staff, which he said is often cited in guest comments.

The Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie, Prime Minister of the Bahamas gave the keynote address in which he detailed the number of Bahamians employed by the resort and reiterated Chiu’s sentiments regarding the resort’s commitment to train employees to provide levels of service synonymous with the Warwick brand.

Following the formal speeches, Prime Minister Christie and Ann Chiu, wife of Richard Chiu, officially opened the resort with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Guests were treated to a Caribbean Tasting Reception highlighted by seafood dishes, sushi, various cuts of meats, side dishes, hors d’ oeuvres, and desserts. Entertainment on the Warwick Sunset Terrace was provided by Ira Storr and the Spank Band, a Junkanoo Band, and Action Limbo King. The festivities continued in the resort’s Junkanoo Beat entertainment room with dancing to live music by VIP Band.

Situated along Nassau Harbour just 30 minutes from Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport, Warwick Paradise Island – Bahamas features 250 rooms on 12 floors, five dining options, two bars, a fully equipped fitness centre, entertainment, an onsite gift shop and a tour desk offering sightseeing options to nearby attractions. Amber Spa, an onsite, full-service spa and salon, offers a menu of services for an additional charge.

For more information go to warwickhotels.com/paradise-island-bahamas.

Ann Chiu (left) and The Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie, Prime Minister of the Bahamas, cut the ribbon officially opening Warwick Paradise Island – Bahamas while Lenora Symonette, wife of Lorenzo “TC” Symonette, Hotel Manager, Warwick Paradise Island – Bahamas, holds the ribbon.

From Left to Right: orenzo “TC” Symonette, Hotel Manager, Warwick Paradise Island – Bahamas; G.Paul LeBlanc, Special Assistant to the President, Warwick Hotels and Resorts; Hon. Philip Davis, Deputy Prime Minister of the Bahamas; Ann Chiu, wife of Richard Chiu; The Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie, Prime Minister of the Bahamas; Richard Chiu, President, Warwick Hotels and Resorts; Hon. Obediah Wilchcombe, Minister of Tourism of the Bahamas; Warren Chiu, Vice President, Warwick Hotels and Resorts; Amanda Kim Chiu, wife of Warren Chiu; and Richard Pan, son-in-law of Richard Chiu.