The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribuenmedia.net

Grand Bahama’s new four-star Memories Resort has more than 18,000 bookings “already in hand” to ensure an 80 per cent average occupancy level this winter, Prime Minister Perry Christie said yesterday, adding that Bahamasair will in May start a wet lease arrangement with its owners for service from up to eight US cities.

Giving the keynote address at the 23rd annual Bahamas Business Outlook, Mr Christie said that “within days” the 500-room hotel previously known as the Reef Resort will open, creating up to 1,000 new jobs.

Its operator, the Canadian group Sunwing, he said, will start flights this Thursday.

“Already existing levels of bookings have sealed the successful launch of the new Memories Grand Bahama, with more than 18,000 bookings already in hand, ensuring an 80 per cent average occupancy this winter with Grand Bahama becoming overnight a key destination accessible via new, non-stop service from six Canadian cities this winter, among them Edmonton, Winnipeg, Montreal, Ottawa, Halifax and Toronto,” said Mr Christie.

“Our joint venture with the Sunwing/Blue Diamond group extends to arrangements for a US summer service, aided by Bahamasair facilitating a wet leased 150 seat Boeing 737 aircraft that will provide twice-weekly scheduled services from up to eight US cities starting in May of this year.

“That will ensure a balance of air lift year-round as Canadian lift will shrink significantly during the summer months,” Mr Christie said, adding: “The US Bahamasair-managed services are being sold as I speak, enabling new non-stop twice weekly jet services by Bahamasair to Grand Bahama from Columbus, Ohio; Cincinnati, Ohio; Birmingham, Alabama; Memphis, Tennessee; Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina; Richmond, Virginia; Baltimore, Maryland;Newark and New Jersey.”

And, elsewhere, Mr Christie confirmed what many persons had long suspected - that the Malaysian conglomerate, Genting, and its Resorts World subsidiary are in talks with the Government about developing a Stem Cell clinic in the Bahamas.

It is unclear whether this proposed facility will be based on Bimini, but the Prime Minister added: “Resorts World and its partners are also in discussions with the Government regarding additional investment in the development of a Stem Cell and Longevity clinic, led by a number of world -enowned scientists associated with major reputable institutions.

“The additional development will also include a major marine attraction and other resort accommodations and facilities, again creating a significant number of new jobs for Bahamians.”

Back on Grand Bahama, Mr Christie said that some four weeks ago, Delta Airlines took steps to increase its weekly jet service from Atlanta to Freeport to daily frequencies.

Highlighting other developments relating to the island, Mr Christie said the current fast ferry operator, Balearia, plans to upgrade its existing 400-passenger ferry to a newer and larger 1,200 person capacity, which will “enhance the travel experience by offering amenities not currently available on the smaller vessel such as gaming, dining and cabin availability”.

Mr Christie added that the recently-opened Island Outsourcers Contact Center in Freeport, which has started with 65 Bahamian employees, is projected to increase its staff count by 200 by end-2014.

“This is the first step in the establishment of a call centre industry in Freeport. It will thrive because of our proximity to the United States, convenient eastern time zone for most markets, good infrastructure and advanced technology supported by a skilled workforce of talented young people,” said the Prime Minister.

Mr Christie also confirmed that the Government was in “direct contact” with the parties connected to the former Ginn development in West End, with a view to reviewing the project.

“As part of the strategy to create a compelling tourism product in Grand Bahama, we are currently reviewing proposals to provide major attractions which would also enhance employment and tourism receipts. These proposals are now ready for implementation,” said Mr Christie.