The Tribune

By FAY SIMMONS

Tribune Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

Two Andros resorts will be seeking a combined 30 new recruits at a job fair scheduled to be held in the 2023 second half, it was revealed yesterday.

Leon Lundy, parliamentary secretary in the Prime Minister's Office, told the Andros Business Outlook conference that both Kamalame Cay and the newly renovated Andros Lighthouse Yacht Club and Marina are seeking new hires.

The Mangrove Cay, Central and South Andros MP said: “It is anticipated that a job fair will be held in the latter part of this year to fill around 30 new full-time positions at both Kamalame Cay and the Andros Lighthouse Yacht Club and Marina.t

He added hat Kamalame Cay has partnered with Blue Tide Marine to offer tours of Andros' Great Barrier Reef, expanded its farm-to-table culinary offerings and has plans build professional tennis and pickleball courts. "Kamalame Cay, which celebrates its 25th year in operation, has announced plans for world-class professional tennis and pickleball courts," Mr Lundy said.

“Kamalame Cay has also expanded its farm-to-table business with an enhanced culinary journey that offers products directly sourced from its farm. Kamalame Cay is expanding its partnership with Blue Tide Marine to offer its guests with ocean adventures along the Great Barrier Reef.”

Mr Lundy also noted that renovations to the Andros Lighthouse Yacht Club and Marina are progressing well, and the resort will feature 20 rooms and a marina that offers full provisioning including fuel supplies.

He said: “Excellent progress has been made with the renovation of Andros Lighthouse Yacht Club and Marina. When completed, we expect that it will offer 20 rooms, a refurbished pool and a rebuilt marina. The marina will offer essential services such as fuel, water and full provisioning, catering to the needs of yacht owners and boating enthusiasts.”

Mr Lundy gave an update on infrastructure upgrades for his constituency and wider island. He revealed that new bridges at Fresh Creek and Stafford Creek will cost $35m and $15m, respectively, while the docks in North Andros are expected to be completed shortly with a $2.5m investment.

He said: “Bridges in Fresh Creek and Stafford Creek are on course to be completed within the upcoming fiscal year. The cost of the upgrades to the bridge in Fresh Creek is estimated at $35m, and the one in Stafford Creek is estimated at $15m. The docks in North Andros are expected to be completed at a cost of $2.5m.

"We also expect the completion of the dock and ramp in Lisbon Creek in short order. A new airport is on the way for South Andros, and it is my hope that as the details are finalised I can share more on this in the coming months.”

Mr Lundy added that the clinic in Mangrove Cay will see $2.9million worth of upgrades and, when the new Customs and Immigration station opens this year, Mangrove Cay will serve as another international point of entry. He said: “The cost of the upgrades at the Mangrove Cay Community Clinic have been budgeted at $2.9m.

“In Mangrove Cay, the port of entry and Customs office will open within this fiscal year, making Mangrove Cay another international port that services our residents and tourists alike. We have seen upgrades in infrastructure through waterworks and new underground pipes in Mangrove Cay.”

In South Andros, Mr Lundy said a new passport office, cultural museum and BAMSI office are underway. He added that upgrades are being made at the Central Andros High School and the Lowe Sound Primary School. “In South Andros, a BAMSI office will be opened as an expansion and extension of the institute," he added.

"A new passport office is on the way in South Andros, along with a cultural museum. The multi-purpose gymnasium will be opened in this upcoming fiscal year, and it is expected to host both local and international teams and tournaments. In our schools, we see the construction of a pavilion at Central Andros High, and the continued construction upgrades at Lowe Sound Primary.”

Mr Lundy said Andros' economy expanded by 6.2 percent in 2022, mainly due to increased investments in real estate. He added that this was a good indicator of future economic growth for the island.

He said: “From 2015 to 2022, the island of Andros consistently accounted for 1 percent of the Bahamas' total GDP. However, in 2022, the island's GDP reached its highest level in an eight-year period. Andros experienced a significant economic growth of 6.2 percent in 2022, with real estate activities being the primary contributor.”

“And for those who may not know, increased real estate sales is a prominent indicator of a strengthening economy and future income growth.”