The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

The Eleuthera Chamber of Commerce’s president said yesterday he was “somewhat disappointed” the island had not been included under the Family Island Development Act extension, arguing South Eleuthera, epsecially, was “just as challenged” as other locations benefiting from the duty exemptions.

Prime Minister Perry Christie, during his 2014-15 Budget communication last week, said the Family Island Development Encouragement Act, which expires on June 30, 2014, would be extended for one year.

The Act provides for duty and Excise Tax-free imports of construction materials for use in building new structures, or to work on existing buildings in the Family Islands that fall under the Act. It also gives similar tax breaks for those who import machinery to be used for farming or construction activities on these islands.

“I noted what the Government has agreed to relative to Freeport, the extension of the City of Nassau Revitilisation Act and Family Island Development Encouragement Act, but the island of Eleuthera - South Eleuthera in particular - is just as challenged or even more challenged, and has been some for some 30 years,” Thomas Sands said.

“Fair is fair. I was somewhat disappointed that that was not extend to the island of Eleuthera. I applaud the Prime Minister for all of his efforts, but I think we need to go a little further and level the playing field.”

Mr Sands said that while there were positive indicators relating to development on Eleuthera, the economy had yet to fell any real change. “There is definitely hope for the future, which is a good sign. There are some very good indicators but today the economy has not felt any real change,” Mr Sands said.

“There is a feeling of enthusiasm as well as scepticism. A lot of Eleutherans feel as though they have heard all the talk before and will believe it when they see it.”

The Eleuthera Chamber chief reiterated that in order for Family Island development projects to “take-off”, local communities need to grow simultaneously.