The multimillion-dollar Emerald Bay development is expected to drive these changes.
“In the very near future there is going to be a population shift,” Mr. Moss said. “Exumians need to prepare themselves for that and to stay abreast of the developments.”
Pointing to developments such as Crab Cay and the renovations to one of Exuma’s elite hotels The Out Island Inn, Mr. Moss said that he expects more Bahamians to flock to the island to take advantage of the expanded job opportunities such developments will create.
There are reportedly plans to create The Out Island Inn into a timeshare resort and office complex.
Local businessman and former Exuma Airport Manger Creswell Morley also believes Exuma is on the move.
He said that the renovations being carried out at The Out Island Inn will be beneficial to Exuma’s economy. The property has been closed since 1986.
“Some people are skeptical about competition, but I think the more the merrier,” Mr. Morley said. “It would give [local entrepreneurs] the opportunity to venture into other things such as expanding their businesses instead of being kept in their little surroundings.”
He is anxiously awaiting the opening of new properties like the Four Seasons Emerald Bay development.
“With the supposedly high-end clientele that the Emerald Bay Resort will be attracting, a number of these people would want to tour the island and perhaps try out the other places,” Mr. Morley said.
He said any upgrades to The Out Island Inn would complement the transformation already taking place due to the Four Seasons resort.
“In my estimation The Out Island Inn was like a five star hotel, one of the better hotels in all of the Family islands,” Mr. Morley said. ” Mr. [Nigel] Bowe had the hotel marketed in such a way that he had chartered aircraft several times a day from the United States and Europe brining in 45 to 50 persons at a time.”
The Out Island Inn included about 80 rooms with private balconies, and pools and a tennis court. The property also housed the first Scotia Bank on the island.
By Yvette Rolle -Major, The Bahama Journal
