The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business 
Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

THE list of potential operators for the Grand Lucayan’s Treasure Bay casino has grown to “six or seven”, while one of the two interested Bahamian groups was also mulling the construction of another gaming complex nearby.

Obie Wilchcombe, minister of tourism, said yesterday that the Government hoped to make a decision on a new operator in another two weeks.

“We’re nearly there, we’re at six or seven now,” he said. “It continues to grow, there’s interest and, of course, we have two Bahamians in the mix, one who is seeking to build his own casino in the nearby area.

“We’re talking to him as well. We’re waiting for all of his details because he is talking about something plus what we’re talking. There’s an interest developing in Grand Bahama. We have some very good parties who have all sought to become the operators.”

“It has to be done within the next four to five weeks because the present operators have until the end of June.

“I think the deadline is this week, and when the dealing is through we will look at all the applicants and we will determine an operator,” said Mr Wilchcombe.

“My effort is to ensure that we can become a gaming destination. We have to market it right and get the right people. We have a lot of work to do but we are very optimistic.”

Treasure Bay has operated the casino, which employs about 200 staff, since 2009. Prime Minister Perry Christie confirmed to Parliament back in February that the deal to renovate the Reef Village at the Grand Lucayan had been finalised.

Mr Christie said the agreement between the Government, Hutchison Wampoa and Sunwing Travel Group was signed to convert the 400-room Reef Village into a five-star Blue Diamond Resort.