The Tribune

THE Government’s promise of improved airport facilities represents “a dream come true” for Long Island, its MP yesterday branding it as key to sparking an economic revival.

With Dr Hubert Minnis, the Prime Minister, having assured the long-standing complaint will be addressed, Adrian Gibson told Tribune Business: “The reality is this is a dream come true for the people of Long Island. Our economy has been dying, and with an airport that would immediately lead to spin-off jobs as well as a driver for local and foreign investors and new business. We would see people returning to the island.”

Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) representatives told Tribune Business last November they had approved a feasibility study for upgrades to Long Island’s main airport, and Mr Gibson yesterday said the study had been submitted to the relevant branches of government.

He added that improved airport facilities have been a “long time coming”, saying it was anticipated that financing for its construction will be contained in the upcoming 2018-2019 Budget. “During the campaign we spoke about a back to the island campaign. Family islands such as Long Island are the future of the Bahamas,” said Mr Gibson.

He added that infrastructure improvements, such as an airport and water mains, could yield significant economic benefits that will cause persons to return to Long Island and high school leavers to stay.

“We have seen a brain drain for quite some time where persons leave and never return except for regatta.

“Improving the island’s positioning as a tourism destination can help the economy and allow local entrepreneurs to emerge,” said Mr Gibson.

He told Tribune Business that the Government is still looking at solutions for Long Island’s banking issues. Back in January, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) announced the closure of its Andros Town and Long Island branches with effect from March 30 and April 13, respectively.

While Scotiabank has a branch on Long Island, it is only open two days a week with limited services.

Mr Gibson said RBC has pushed its closure date back to June, and said: “It gives our government room to help facilitate another financial institution in there. We have been talking to the Bank of the Bahamas, and there are also some other groupings that have expressed some interest in Long Island.

“I’m hoping we would be able to encourage and facilitate a banking entity coming into Long Island. The island simply cannot be left without having banking facilities.”