The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

MORE than 200 new jobs are expected to be created in Bimini with the opening of a new casino in Bimini Bay, Prime Minister Perry Christie said on Saturday.

Mr Christie toured the casino site this weekend along with Minister of Tourism and Member of Parliament for West End and Bimini Obie Wilchcombe.

Mr Christie said the casino, which is expected to open in March 2013, will bring opportunities and jobs for the island of Bimini.

“The resort has just parented with Genting Group, which is one of the world’s leading resort and casino companies. This is going to be a meaningful casino and therefore it is going to have a meaningful impact. By that I mean it will directly cost the employment of at least 200 people-some of whom will be on the floor of the casino and some will be entrepreneurs who are taking advantage of new opportunities,” he said.

Mr Christie also said because of the new jobs and opportunities and the commitment of the developers the government is considering major expansions on Bimini.

He said: “Expanding the new ferry and landing site where more people can come into Bimini. We are giving consideration to the extension of the runway where more flights can come in and also expansion of the apron on the runway where more planes can be housed and so it is really very very significant.


“As a result of this expansion we are talking about even more jobs being created. The developers are also interested in working with the community. Not only to ensure the community has the training and access to training programs that will make them fit and proper employees but also to give people with entrepreneurial instinct the opportunity to set up businesses for themselves - the government is very interested in that. I do not want Biminites looking through the window at developments, I want them in the room.”