The Tribune

By NATARIO MCKENZIE

Tribune Business Editor

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

CONSTRUCTION of a water park on that is expected to entice more cruise passengers to come off their ships is scheduled for the 2013 second quarter, according to Grand Bahama Port Authority chairman (GBPA) Ian Fair, who said the project is being spearheaded by a “seasoned operator”.

Speaking with Tribune Business at the Grand Bahama Business Outlook, Mr Fair said: “It’s not a Disney World; it’s the beginning of an adventure park that will attract the cruise ship passengers off the ships. It will obviously attract Bahamians as well.

“The company behind it is first class at what they do. We are excited about it. The first stage will be one thing, but there will be further stage as they develop it out.”

Mr Fair would not identify the company behind the project, saying it was confidential at this point, but noted: “They are a seasoned operator, well known in the business and highly regarded, so we’re going with the ‘A team’.”

Mr Fair said the project, to be located in the eastern part of Grand Bahama, would create job opportunities in the construction and operational phases. “These parks employ quite a lot of people. It will create number of jobs,” he said.

Mr Fair added that several other businesses were expanding to Grand Bahama, among them Marco’s Pizza in May this year. The arrival of that franchise to Grand Bahama, he said, would create 20 construction jobs and 50 permanent jobs.

Mr Fair added that $500,000 has been invested into the ventur, and Wendy’s also has a major remodelling initiative scheduled for this year.

Carquest, the Abaco-based car parts dealership, has also expanded to Freeport, leasing 7,500 sq feet of space on Logwood Road, creating eight permanent jobs. Carquest officially opened its Grand Bahama location yesterday.