The Sandyport project is one of the island’s newest attractions with a collection of waterfront shops and dining areas with a local flair.
Prime Minister Christie’s remarks came as he officially opened the $48 million shopping complex at Sandyport, which he praised as a testimony to the confidence that investors have in the country.
“It is a wonderful development because it testifies and produces the incontrovertible evidence that Bahamians are able to design…a wonderful integrated development such as this.”
The prime minister said that the West Bay Street shopping centre is the latest in numerous multimillion-dollar projects to come.
“What you see here today, we have plans that amount to billions, where people who are the largest developers in the world are now focusing on our country and presenting plans that are being acted upon in different islands to bring about this integrated development,” he said.
Prime Minister Christie pointed out that there are much more investments like Sandyport to come on stream in the country. He said that while the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States had an adverse impact on the Bahamian tourist industry many persons continue to look to resorts like Sandy Port as a safe and secure haven.
“The people who live in second homes in Abaco kept on coming because they were not going to hotels, they were going home and that is the new relationship resorts are now about to establish with a second home destination,” Mr. Christie said. “We are committed to developing it; we are committed to flustering all that is required.”
Chief Executive Officer of Sandyport Hugh Buckner said it took him more than 17 years to see his vision become a reality.
With more than 1,000 residents, 350 homes, a small hotel and a number of businesses, the government views Sandyport as one of New Providence’s prime developments.
Mr. Buckner pointed out that his development has a multimillion-dollar impact on the Bahamian economy.
“Altogether on this development, $350 million is being spent as direct investment,” he said. “There is a multiplier effect, which is around $500 million that is being put into the economy here.”
The Old Towne, located at the heart of the luxury Sandyport Marina Village, entails a mall, which opened earlier in the year.
So far, there are 35 shops and other facilities opened in the mall, including the Cozy Corner Pub; The Miracles Day Spa and Beauty Salon; Floral Bouquet; Mrs. B’s Candle Factory; Fantasy Boutique; The Home Store; a school; a Walk in Clinic at Sandyport and the Mount Horeb Baptist Church.
On Friday, Mr. Buckner rededicated the original plaque for the development, which was unveiled by former Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling 17 years ago.
Sir Lynden’s widow, Lady Marguerite Pindling, was on hand for the unveiling.
The majority of shoppers and visitors are expected to come from the Cable Beach area, along with persons who live in nearby communities, Mr. Buckner said.
He believes the mall will become the major feature in the west for both tourists and locals.
ﾠMr. Buckner called on Prime Minister Christie to grant the development its own Post
By Yvette Rolle -Major, The Bahama Journal
