The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

A public-private partnership arrangement is to be implemented for the development of 900 acres near George Town, the Prime Minister revealing that the Government had decided to make an “intervention” for the purposes of securing future Bahamian involvement.

While highlighting developments on that island, Perry Christie told the 23rd annual Bahamas Business Outlook conference: “Also on Exuma, a group comprising American investors are developing a small resort on Stocking Island.

“The same group [John McGarvey] has purchased the February Point Resort with a view to carrying out a $40 million expansion. A Heads of Agreement is to be negotiated with respect to the resort and its expansion.

“A public/private sector partnership arrangement is to be implemented for the development of surrounding lands adjacent to the George Town community, in accordance with a Master Plan to be agreed by the Government after public consultation.”

Elaborating on the issue Mr Christie said: “There has been a major effort to purchase around 900 acres of land with a view to bringing development near and around the precincts of George Town.

“The Government decided that it is too sensitive to the future of Exumians for a development or a group of developers to be allowed and enabled to have such a strategic placement without there being some security for future generations of Bahamians and their involvement.

“My government decided in an intervention to move in immediately by way of a joint venture for the purposes of protecting and involving Bahamians, so that at some stage or the other the Government would be able to pass on to those Bahamians who wish to be involved in this exercise.”

Mr Christie described the move as “forward thinking” and one which would have a major impact on the island.

Addressing other developments on Exuma, Mr Christie said: “Resort and upscale private island construction is continuing in the Exuma Cays. The Norman’s Cay residential and resort project is in the advance stage of planning by its Turkish developer.

“A resort project at Leaf Cay, which will also contain the nation’s first overwater bungalows, has only recently been approved. All of these projects will lead to significant new job creations.”

Mr Christie added that expanded marketing and airlift arrangements between Sandals and the Ministry of Tourism has benefited the resort and other properties in Exuma as well, resulting in a 15 per cent growth in stopover visitors.

He noted that Sandals will further upgrade its Greg Norman Golf Course at Emerald Bay.