The Tribune

By LAMECH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

WITH the Resorts World Bay Bimini Casino scheduled to open in 10 weeks, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe said that more than 200 jobs could become available.

Speaking to The Tribune during the docking of the Balearia Bahamas Express vessel on Saturday, which brought nearly 200 visitors from South Florida, Mr Wilchcombe said the multi-million dollar casino, along with the weekly stop over visits from the Baleria going forward, will bring Bimini closer to becoming a “complete” island capable of having a self-sustaining economy.

“That casino is going to be run by Genting, one of the renowned casino operators in the world and they will open May 1. Of course, what’s going to happen is you’re talking immediately about 250 jobs,” the minister said.

“We’ve already started the applications and the Gaming Board has already secured its facilities because we have to bring people in too, so you’re talking about another 200-250 jobs,” he added.

“Again, it’s a part of us causing for these islands to become so significant that they don’t have to worry about being able to sustain themselves and run themselves.”

“We believe that every single island in the Bahamas can become self sufficient. We’ve got to find those niches. We’ve got to find out how we can support its folks, and once you’re able to do that, trust me our country will grow.”

Last July, Prime Minister Perry Christie announced that the launch of the $24 million, 10,000 sq ft luxury boutique casino will make Bimini “the best little resort destination island in the world.”

“(Resorts World Genting’s) vast customer base, marketing clout and state-of-the art operations will have a very positive impact on Bimini Bay Resort and the local economy, creating new construction and permanent operational jobs, as well as entrepreneurial opportunities for the Bahamas,” Mr Christie said last year.

“The Public Treasury will also benefit from additional revenues, and the government will work closely with the developers to ensure that the multiplier economic effect is felt throughout the island of Bimini.”

On Saturday, Mr Wilchcombe noted that Bimini could become a model for the other islands going forward considering the economic boom they are about to experience.

“Abaco is one of the more complete islands now. There’s one or two more things that will be put in place (in Bimini) – like getting that airport where it needs to be.

“Long Island has tremendous potential. Eluethera and Grand Bahama obviously. But we have to do certain things and to do it. It then reduces the impact and the pressure on the capital city.”

The Bimini MP reasoned that if each island were to develop a thriving economy, many in Nassau would go back home and help their respective island’s economy even further.