The Tribune

By Fay Simmons

Tribune Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

The Prime Minister says the Family Islands must "not be left out" as he pointed to "major" investments in those locations and the $1.5bn project pipeline for Grand Bahama.

Speaking at the Bahamas Business Outlook conference, Philip Davis said a key part of the country’s economic growth is diversification across the Family Islands. He especially drew attention to eco-tourism investments that are being made on San Salvador, Exuma, Long Island, Bimini, Abaco and Cat Island.

“Central to making progress is growing our economy. Economic diversification across our islands can be a powerful tool to drive multi-sectorial growth," Mr Davis said.

“This is where our reform of our national investment strategy is critical in supporting and promoting domestic investments and Bahamian ownership of the economy, while also directing foreign direct investment opportunities to the islands that are the best fit.

“Already, we have seen major eco-tourism and other investments on islands like San Salvador, Exuma, Long Island, Bimini, Abaco, and Cat Island, and more than $1.5bn in new investments in Grand Bahama alone. As a Cat Islander, I know how beautiful but difficult life on a Family Island can be. If we want to promote equal opportunity, Grand Bahama and the Family Islands must not be left out.”

Ian Rolle, the Grand Bahama Port Authority's (GBPA) president, said: “We are pleased that we have well over $1.5bn, almost $2bn worth of projects now for Grand Bahama. In fact, the Prime Minister said today, he reiterated what we've been saying for a while about the number of projects in the pipeline that will help transform the economy of Grand Bahama.”

When asked if Grand Bahama International Airport's current condition could delay or deter upcoming investments, Mr Rolle said that although it is a "very important asset" it will not hinder the investments slated for the island.

He said: “I mean, when you look at some of our Family islands, you know, for instance, I visit a number of the islands, but in particular, Exuma. There's a huge influx of tourism on the island of Exuma and that airport is nothing near the quality of airport that we even have in Grand Bahama right now. So the airport is a very important asset but it's not going to stop the level of activity that's planned for Grand Bahama from happening.”