The Progressive Liberal Party on Tuesday congratulated Kerzner International and the Government signing the Heads of Agreement for the Phase III expansion of the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island.
Chairman of the party, Mr. Raynard Rigby, in a press statement, stated that with an injection of $600 million dollars in the Bahamian economy, the party is fully satisfied that the people of The Bahamas will greatly benefit from this show of confidence.
“For us in the Progressive Liberal Party, we are not only pleased with the new 1500 construction jobs that will be created and the 2000 new permanent jobs that will come on stream in 2007; but our confidence has been heightened by the Government’s resolve to negotiate in a fashion that secures and protects the interest of the Bahamian people,” he said.
The PLP, he stated, also notes with a great deal of satisfaction that there will be some direct benefits accruing to the Bahamian people with the commencement of Phase III. He was delighted about the construction of a fire and ambulance station at no cost to the Bahamian people; the utilization of Bahamian materials, services and sub-contractors; the commitment of Kerzner International to work along with BTVI to assist in the training of Bahamians; the guarantee to employ Bahamian musicians, entertainers and artists; the commitment by Kerzner International to invest an additional $2 million on community programmes geared towards the people of The Bahamas and the potential of Bahamians to invest in up to 500,000 shares in Kerzner International.
“The continued access by Bahamians to the beaches at Athol Island and at the new golf course facilities must be heralded as important planks for the safeguard of our national interests. This is a great deal for the people of The Bahamas,” said the PLP Chairman.
According to Mr. Rigby, this Heads of Agreement was obviously negotiated with the people of this nation as its central focus and the PLP Government deserves to be commended for this achievement.
Mr. Rigby said that one must remember the criticisms that were levelled at the FNM during their negotiations with foreign investors, of which this Heads of Agreement with Kerzner International signals a new and bright turning point in The Bahamas’ relationship with foreign investors.
“All Bahamians should be justly proud to know that their interests and those of their children will be protected by this PLP Government. The PLP wishes Kerzner International all the success and welcomes its display of confidence in The Bahamas and the peoples of The Bahamas with its $1.7 Billion investment,” he said.
By Tamara McKenzie, The Nassau Guardian
