The Tribune

By DANA SMITH

Tribune Staff Reporter

dsmith@tribunemedia.net

BIMINI is set for yet another series of Resorts World investments, this time with a three-year $150 million project that will see the construction of two hotels and the creation of some 1,000 jobs.

Prime Minister Perry Christie was in Bimini Saturday afternoon for the announcement. He was speaking at Resorts World Bimini after the inaugural trip of the Resorts World Bimini SuperFast trip from the port of Miami.

He noted that as the result of a prior partnership between Resorts World and the government, work in Bimini is set to begin. This includes an upgrading of Bimini’s streets and airport and other infrastructural work to “improve the general appearance” of Bimini.

Yet, Mr Christie said, ”all of this is just the beginning as there are even greater things to come.”

”I am pleased to confirm,” said Mr Christie, the announcement of Genting Americas President, Mr Au, “that my government has this week agreed to the request of Resorts World to proceed immediately with plans for the next phase of a $150 million of further developments at Bimini, designed to create a most attractive, charming, compelling mixed resort mecca, which will blend in with and incorporate the traditional characteristics and flavour of Bimini. This further capital investment of $150 million in the Bahamian economy will be completed within three years.”

This investment will include the construction of two luxury, low density hotels with a total of 600 rooms and “numerous added amenities.”

Also included, Mr Christie said, an expanded casino, the creation of some 1,000 jobs, and improvements to historical sites and the creation of museums in Bimini.

Further expansion of the airport and public infrastructure, sponsorship of fishing and other events, and a “major housing initiative” to accommodate employees and residents, is also included in the plan.

Lastly, there will be internships for Biminites at other overseas resorts of Resorts World, Mr Christie said.

The government wants to ensure, with the cooperation of the developers, that Biminites “will not be looking through the window of development, but they will be in the room,” he said.

“Put very, very simply, this could only work and have its full impact on our country if the people of Bimini are given the untold opportunities that are now being presented to them,” Mr Christie said. “And to the extent that they are unfamiliar or unaware of it, the government must assume the obligation of having personnel on the island to be able to lead the way for them and to ensure that whatever we have done, they will understand that they are the principal beneficiaries of it.”

The prime minister said a “concern” he has and will be “paying very close attention to” is the arrival of foreign investments that could leave Bahamians out.

“Because of the magnificence and the scope and the impact of this investment, any number of possible potential investors are lining up now to come into Bimini,” he said.

“We must, therefore, be very careful – and I now sound this note – very careful with respect to the foreign investment that we now approve for this island because there must be reservation for the future interests of young Biminites who as a result of this investment will have access to the capital to marry with their ideas and opportunities so they to can be more than employees but owners and entrepreneurs.”

The prime minister also hinted at yet another, similar project set to take place on another Family Island. Although he did not name the island in his official speech, he suggested to reporters that island is San Salvador.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

The government has “made decisions” based on investors who are believing “in increasing numbers” that the Bahamas is the right country to invest in, Mr Christie said.

“And my colleagues on Thursday, a few days ago, agreed for the beginnings of a major investment on another island similar to Bimini that gives us great excitement.

“So I want you to continue to promote the Bahamas as a safe and beautiful place to invest in. Because the people of the Bahamas will have this wonderful opportunity to move to different stages of development, where not only are our people employed and we have dramatically impacted the employment levels in our country, but they will become owners of subsidiary businesses that will come about as a result of the need to service resorts such as yours.”