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TOURISM: PLP bungled Norman's Cay, Gorda Cay, Hawksnest, and Bimini Bay

Slugline: PLP bungled Norman's Cay, Gorda Cay, 
Publication: None 
Date: April 06, 2004
Section(s): International

by THE FREE NATIONAL MOVEMENT

The PLP Government continues to lack vision, to exercise poor judgment, and to make poor decisions, and to commit expensive mistakes in connection with tourism, the major economic engine in The Bahamas. Recently, the Hon. George Smith, chairman of the Bahamas Hotel Corporation criticized the FNM Government for what he found to be a "sweet deal" -- the approval given and arrangements made with reputable developers, Exuma Resort Developers Limited, associates of the world famous Amman Resorts, for the construction of a world class resort at Norman's Cay. The FNM finds Mr. Smith's comments curious at best. The FNM was pleased to assist in bringing reputable development back to Norman's Cay; an island laid waste by Carlos "Joe" Lehder's drug organization in 1979 and into the 1980s, a time when Mr. Smith served as the Member of Parliament for Rolleville (Exuma) including Norman's Cay. Lehder's presence at Norman's Cay brought disrepute to our country internationally; a legacy bequeathed but which thankfully, the FNM successfully repelled. Happily for The Bahamas, Lehder's companies having been struck from the Bahamas Company Register, its properties now belong to the Bahamian people. Approved reputable developers The development approved by the FNM on "Lehder's land," which title now vests in the Government, would bring lawful economic benefit for the Bahamian people. And the FNM Government found a reputable developer to do just that. The agreement provided for: a $25 million investment in a 40 luxury villa style resort hotel; restaurants; beach club with pool; cabanas and the usual amenities; the upgrade of the airstrip, hangers and terminal building; the construction of employee housing; and the development of a subdivision of lots for onward sale to wealthy second home purchasers. Provision was also made to reserve for Bahamians a portion of prime residential property obtained from Lehder's defunct companies. The development would have employed up to 100 Bahamians during construction, and 120 Bahamians would have been employed in the management and operation of the resort. We trust that Prime Minister Christie will make it his business to ensure that the chairman of the Hotel Corporation, and others, not stop for Norman's Cay, Exuma and for The Bahamas, a good and economically beneficial plan to bring reputable developers to a former "drug island." Gorda Cay and Hawksnest As in Norman's Cay, the FNM was also pleased to approve the acquisition of portions of Gorda Cay, and the lease of additional land by Disney Cruise Lines, so as to permit the transformation of that former "drug cay" into a reputable, quality tourist destination and employment centre for Bahamians. Today, 75 Bahamians are employed at Gorda Cay -- some by independent Bahamian entrepreneurs in water sports and hair-braiding. Further, Disney's operation on this former "drug cay" is a significant contributor to government revenue, some $100,000.00 weekly -- more than $5 million annually! Additionally, the FNM was pleased to bring reputable developers to Hawksnest on Cat Island, another resort controlled by drug traffickers during the PLPs last stint at the wheels of our ship of state, and which is today a thriving hotel, marina and second home centre for wealthy foreign persons. Today, some 15 Bahamians are employed at Hawks Nest Resort. And many other Bahamians are employed in the construction of second homes. Hawks Nest contribution to the economy of South Cat Island is enormous. Why the unnecessary hold-up? The FNM is concerned over the continued delays impacting against the further expansion of the Hawksnest Resort whose plans received preliminary approval from the FNM Government prior to the 2002 general elections. Three model residences for that development have been completed and sold. Reports are that the developers stand ready to proceed with further expansion to include: 20 additional hotel rooms and other amenities including retail commercial outlets, potable water production, second home cottages, a spa, another restaurant, the lengthening and upgrade of the airport, and the expansion of the marina and deepening of the channel. Upon completion, the project will create some 50 new jobs. This will be in addition to the 15 permanent jobs created when the Hawks Nest Resort was bought and refurbished on the FNM's watch. The people of McQueens, Devils Point, Port Howe, Zonicle Hill and Bain Town need these jobs -- and they need them badly. The delay by the PLP Government in formalising Heads of Agreement to accommodate this project is inexcusable. Bimini Bay The FNM continues to watch with interest the apparent approval of the PLP nowadays for the development at Bimini Bay, following strange machinations after May, 2002. Once the FNM determined that the original proposal for the development at Bimini Bay was too large to be environmentally sustainable, a second reduced development plan was approved. That plan, with all necessary environmental protections, was proceeding well until the change in government brought about a change in local attorney, some loud expressions of concern by "new" environmentalists in government, and then the blessing of the new Ambassador for the Environment -- a blessing which simply approves what had been in place since 2001. Perhaps soon now, the people of Bimini, free of PLP obfuscation, will benefit from the much needed economic benefits resulting from the development at Bimini Bay. The net result of PLP bungling The FNM is concerned that the PLP have no vision for tourism, and that, left in their hands, the industry is in danger of reverting to the disastrous state in which they left it in August 1992. As in the case of Financial Services and Investments, there has in Tourism on the PLP government's watch been far more talking in front of the cameras and microphones than actually delivery on promises and projections made. Poor judgements, indecision, lacking vision, and a stubborn refusal to carry through on sensible and lucrative plans and projects left in place by the productive FNM government have had the net result of bringing new tourist resort development to a virtual standstill. Those poor judgements, that indecision, and that lack of vision on the part of the PLP government have deprived thousands of Bahamians -- especially Family Islanders -- of opportunities for employment and business opportunities. Is there any wonder why more and more Bahamians are saying -- it was better while the FNM was in government. Well, better WILL come again . . .