The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said Grand Bahama's unemployment rate is trending in the right direction, noting a slight decrease from 12.4 percent to 12.1 percent in 2017.

He believes 2018 will be a "great year" for Grand Bahama and forecasted the island should soon see a significant increase in employment when hotels reopen on the Lucaya Strip.

"The results of the recent labour force survey of the Department of Statistics for Grand Bahama for May 2017 to November 2017 does indicate some progress. We saw in Grand Bahama a slight decrease in unemployment from 12.4 to 12.1 percent," he said in Grand Bahama last weekend.

"There are still too many unemployed, but the rate is tending in the right direction. It should be noted that was an increase in employed person in Grand Bahama."

According to the prime minister, when compared with the previous employment figure of 26,160, the recent statistics report indicated the numbers increased to 27,240 employed persons on Grand Bahama.

"We still need more job growth, but it still suggests that 1,080 more persons are working which means the numbers are definitely moving in the right direction."

Dr Minnis indicated Grand Bahama continues to be a major focus of his government and said his administration will continue to work towards the complete restoration of the island.

He believes Grand Bahama is key to the country's success.

"I recognise Grand Bahama as the headwind blocking The Bahamas from taking off, and it is essential that we concentrate on removing the headwind for The Bahamas to lift. And therefore, I have a personal interest in Grand Bahama, the Family Islands, the inner city, the poor, land, and, of course, just recently I announced that all first-time businesses will be exempted from business licence fees (for 2018)."

Dr Minnis asked the Grand Bahama Port Authority to follow the government's suit in granting exemption of business licence fees.

"I also announced that all business with a gross of less than $100,000 be exempted from business licence fees. And I have been traveling to Grand Bahama for a very long time. And I know that the port loves Bahamians just as much as the government, and therefore I am certain the port will match the government," he said.

He said that opening of the Bahama Zip Line at Pirate's Cove Water Park strongly suggests investor confidence is improving. He commended the all-Bahamian investors.

Dr Minnis stated that his government is working diligently to complete the sale of the Grand Lucayan property.

Late last year, the Minnis administration had negotiated the completion of a letter of intent for the sale of hotel property, which had employed about 1,000 Bahamians before closing in October 2016 after it sustained damage during Hurricane Matthew.

He believes that after the property is reopened the economy of Grand Bahama will improve significantly, and bring increased employment and related businesses.

Dr Minnis also noted that negotiations with Bahamas Paradise have resulted in the return of the Grand Celebration cruise ship and the introduction of a second vessel, Grand Classica, that will bring additional stopover visitors in April.

Additionally, he stated that negotiations with Sunwing have also resulted in the return of Vacation Express, which will introduce eight nonstop flights to Grand Bahama from US cities, starting in May. This service, he said, is expected to bring 16,800 visitors by air to the island.

"I believe this year will be a good and excellent year for Grand Bahama," Dr Minnis said.