Mr Christie believes the new casino will contribute to the zest and excitement of Grand Bahama, and significantly improve the island’s nightlife.
“I welcome the opportunity to be here today to publicly congratulate Isle of Capri Casinos and their partner and landlord Hutchison Lucaya Ltd for responding so well to the challenge to take this destination to the next level,” he said.
Although the resort had done much to reassert Grand Bahama’s status in the region’s competitive tourism industry, operating without a casino since 2000, Mr Christie said that nightlife had been most in need of improvement.
Isle of Capri, which operates casinos in the United States, started operations at the Lucaya resort with a soft opening last December of a 15,000 sq ft casino facility. This is the company’s first venture outside the US.
Mr Bernie Goldstein, chairman of the board and CEO of Isle of Capri Inc., was very instrumental in the development of riverboat gaming in the US. He owns casinos in Mississippi, Louisiana, Colorado, Iowa and Missouri, as well as the Harness Race Track in Pompano, Florida.
He believes that Isle Capri will augur well for the Bahamas and Grand Bahama.
“I feel that we are going to be able to generate tourism a little bit more by being a partner with you and helping the economy of the Bahamas,” said Mr Goldstein.
Mr Christie said thorough investigations have revealed that Isle of Capri Casino Inc is a “fit and proper” corporation worthy of doing business in the Bahamas.
“I stand proud to say when you are able to sit here it means you have character. That your corporate and individual character and antecedents have been thoroughly investigated,” he said.
Prime Minister Christie said leisure and entertainment is as big and vibrant an industry as any in the USA, noting that it is probably the second or third largest industry in America.
He noted that earlier this week a group representing one of most significant casino enterprises in the world expressed an interest in coming to the Bahamas.
He stressed that the resort/casino development in Lucaya would signal to others the attractiveness of Grand Bahama as a venue for sporting events and entertainment promotions.
Mr Christie said people are searching for a safe, secure and dynamic destination such as the Bahamas and Freeport to visit and invest in. “Grand Bahama’s resurgence is only just beginning,” he said.
“I say to Isle of Capri Casinos today something I expect Hutchison Lucaya already knows – any ideas or ambitions you may have now or may develop in the future for this destination will receive a receptive ear and enthusiastic support from my government.”
Mr Christie noted that the island’s success to date has been a testimony to the pragmatic and harmonious relationship that exists between the public and private sectors in the country.
“I believe this is your first venture outside the US mainland and you may have approached it with caution, if not trepidation. Put that behind you. You are on safe ground and in good company,” he stressed.
He told investors of the various potential opportunities of promotional events, such as the Grand Bahama Jazz and Blues Festival that generated some 900 room nights and a $400,000 visitor spend on its first outing.
The NCAA Junkanoo Jam Shoot Out, said Mr Christie, generated 700 room nights last year. He noted that 10 golfing events are on calendar, including the prestigious Caribbean Golf Classic that should attract 300 players.
“The significance and value of these events is that they help bring business to the destination during the traditionally slow months. “But there other opportunities out there, new concepts and new trends driven by changing consumer interests and tastes. There are opportunities I expect our Bahamian people to uncover and develop,” said Mr Christie.
He revealed that a group of young investors from Jamaica have expressed interest in investing $4million to develop a multi-entertainment facility for cruise ship passengers on Woodes Roger Wharf.
“They say cruise ship passengers come here, walk around and go back onboard with their money. They said they are willing to invest $4 million in that facility and here is a tremendous opportunity for them, if permitted to come to the Bahamas and earn millions, because they have a captive market.”
He urged Bahamians to consider such opportunities in Exuma, Eleuthera and Grand Bahama.
The prime minister also revealed that the transient tourism potential for Grand Bahama in the short to mid-term is near $1billion in spend.
Additionally, he noted that non-transient business brought second home-owners from abroad and even within the Bahamas. In closing, Mr Christie commended Hutchison and the Starwood Hotels for bringing a high level of expertise and flair to the Lucaya resort. He welcomed Isle of Capri to the family and assured them of government’s support to ensure their success in the venture.
By Denise Maycock, The Tribune
