The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

A MAJOR development in San Salvador is expected to be announced “very soon” Prime Minister Perry Christie said.

Details about the deal have been withheld thus far, but Mr Christie, speaking ahead of a Cabinet meeting yesterday, said he was waiting to finalise the details before making the big announcement.

“I’m just waiting on when we are given permission to announce it so we’re waiting now on the developers,” he said, adding: “The announcement will be influenced by their preparedness to begin the work immediately after the announcement. That’s the process we’re involved with now. I expect to make the announcement very soon.”

Nearly two weeks ago, Mr Christie dropped hints about the project while speaking about the importance of focusing on Family Island development.

He said: “Over the years of my tenure as Prime Minister, I have articulated a vision of anchor resorts in the Family Islands, which had been the subject of some questioning.

“But the idea has always been to ensure that we have an economic strategy that is predicated on the understanding that we cannot continue to allow the Bahamas to develop in such a way where people are leaving island destinations and coming to Grand Bahama – with emphasis on Freeport – and to New Providence for jobs.”

On July 1, Resorts World Bimini Bay Casino became the first casino to be opened on the island of Bimini.

Officials said the resort was one of several planned investments that will help develop the Family Islands.

The resort will provide some 400 direct jobs and cause upgrades to airport facilities and the paving and upgrading of streets, lighting and landscaping on the island.