The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE Tribune Business Reporter nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net THE FAMILY Islands continue to face a lack of critical mass to support businesses, the Eleuthera Chamber of Commerce president telling Tribune Business yesterday that Bahamian insvestors should be afforded the same concessions as their foreign counterparts. Thomas Sands, also a prominent entrepreneur on Eleuthera, said: "If we were able to access the same benefits that others do then maybe we could go a bit further. We should be able to access the same, no matter what we are developing. We should have the same exact benefits. "I'm not against foreigners getting concessions. I think it is positive if they are bringing capital into the country for investment. We want that capital, but we also want to build up those who are here, those who may want to migrate from the city." Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, during the opening of the Free National Movement's (FNM) constituency headquarters in Central and South Eleuthera, introduced a Heritage Tourism initiative to be implemented under his next administration. The Prime Minister said the initiative will help to upgrade some of the infrastructure needed to enhance various heritage sites, and facilitate heritage tours by offering small grants and micro-loans. In response, Mr Sands, who is chief executive of Eleuthera Adventure Tours, a tour operator, told Tribune Business: "It would be very important to see what this initiative entails in detail, and how in reality those of us in the tour business would be able to access this facility. "I have found on many occasions that initiatives are mentioned, but it's almost impossible to figure out how you access them in a meaningful way to grow your business. I think the decision is positive for the island of Eleuthera, but there are some concerns that arise." Mr Sands added: "There is still the larger issues of critical mass. We operate Eleuthera Adventure Tours, and our primary market is Princess Cruise Lines and Princess Cays. That is a market that is seasonal. "The challenge in the Family Islands is having the critical mass to support businesses. We could develop the tourism infrastructure here, but if no one is coming to see it then what is the point. We need to get to some of the critical issues that will help businesses to be successful in the Family Islands." Mr Sands said a discussion was required on the strategy and support mechanisms for domestic investment in the Family Islands. He added: "What is lacking in the discussion is the strategy and the mechanism to support domestic investment in the Family Islands, domestic development of these businesses and development of the critical mass to support these businesses. "We need to develop heritage tourism and all aspects of tourism, but we need to also support the businesses that are here, support them in their expansion, encourage persons to come back and invest. It's great that heritage tourism is being discussed, but I think an important part of the discussion has not yet taken place. We need to develop it with a strategy in mind and a systematic approach."