The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

FAMILY Island business operators should be granted concessions which will allow them to upgrade their operations and satisfy the modern market according to a top private sector executive, who also said that many of the out islands lacked the “critical mass” to sustain businesses.

Thomas Sands, president of the Eleuthera Chamber of Commerce, said that businesses on the family islands face serious cost challenges in getting the necessary equipment they need to upgrade their operations. Speaking at a press conference to announce the upcoming inaugural Eleuthera Business Outlook Mr Sands said: “If I can import the modern equipment at a reduced cost, that helps me to get a step forward. We aren’t looking for the government to give us concessions on consumables, we are asking that we be provided with what we need to get the equipment, materials and so forth into the islands at prices close to which we buy them in the US. That would allow business to upgrade and be able to satisfy the modern market that is coming and expects the services. It would also help businesses to reduce their energy cost by allowing them to get more energy efficient equipment. Part of the challenge is that it’s costly to get the right equipment needed to help existing business. We’re not asking for anything free but just that the tariff be removed for that specific purpose.”

Mr Sands further said that the Eleuthera economy remains “challenged”, and that the island is beginning to see some positive activity. “The Eleuthera economy like every where else is still challenged but over the last few months we have begun to see some positive activity. This is something that’s going to take some time to get where we want to be but when up see the signs beginning to happen you must seize the movement. There are some areas that are the centre of where this traction is beginning and there are other areas like South Eleuthera that are still seriously challenged,” Mr Sands said. The Eleuthera Business Outlook , part of the Business Outlook series organised by The Counsellors Ltd is being held at the Leon Levy Preserve, Governor’s Harbour on April 25 under the theme “Positioning Eleuthera for Revitilisation through Engagement and Productivity”. Prime Minister Perry Christie is expected to give the keynote address.