The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

While there are some indicators that the Eleuthera economy is headed in the right direction, the island’s Chamber of Commerce chief says many residents have adopted a “believe it when I see it” attitude to development promises.

Thomas Sands said that while he believes the island’s economy is headed in the right direction, it needs to be supported.

“We live in an economy where a lot of people are sceptical. Eleuthera has heard a lot of announcements in the past. They have seen soil move and not understand why things didn’t happen, and as a result many of them have adopted an attitude of ‘when I see it I will believe it’,” said Mr Sands during a press conference to announce this year’s Eleuthera Business Outlook.

“The south has heard the announcement of the Four Seasons Resort and the signing of the Heads of Agreement, but they are still sceptical, very sceptical, because they can’t see the activity on the ground.”

Mr Sands added: “There are indicators that we are moving in the right direction. It’s very difficult for the average man on the street to feel it and understand what is taking place but generally, given the mix of development taking place throughout the island as a whole with the increased airlift and visitors, I think the destination is moving in a positive direction.”

Mr Sands said that over the last year, with Eleuthera’s inclusion under the Family Islands Encouragement Act, there has been increased interest from local and foreign investors.

“One of the things that we are hoping for is that the Government would continue to include Eleuthera under the Act to allow individuals, especially Bahamians, time to position themselves to find financing so that they can take advantage of the opportunity,” he added.