Prime Minister Perry Christie along with the Member of Parliament for Cat Island Rum Cay and San Salvador Philip “Brave” Davis, the Minister of Works and Utilities Bradley Roberts and the Minister of Transport and Aviation Glenys Hanna Martin were all on hand for the opening.
The 4,500 ft Port Nelson airstrip project which was pending since 1997, was completed back in August 2003 by Knowles Construction and Development. It was built to high design standard making it capable of receiving Dash 8 aircraft.
Prime Minister Christie said that the dream has been fulfilled for the people of Rum Cay. He encouraged Bahamians to integrate themselves through linkages into what he said would be the emerging economy of Rum Cay.
“This airstrip makes a fundamental difference to the island Rum Cay is no longer an out of the way spot but will become the centerpiece of tourism in the southern islands,” he said. “Rum Cay residents are now challenged to deal with the growth of tourism.”
While addressing the huge gathering on the island, Mr. Christie announced plans for a $90 million dollar investment involving the development of some 870 acres of land into a resort project over a period of seven years.
The development will be called the Rum Cay Club and Villas consisting of a world-class hotel with 190 rooms, a casino and a 75-slip marina.
The owners of the proposed development are Montana Holding Ltd. of the United Kingdom.
Bahamian architect Monty Knowles designed the development plan.
The population of Rum Cay stands around 75 people.
Mr. Christie challenged the Rum Cay residents to find ways and means to become involved with the expanding economy.
A Heads of Agreements for the development will be signed in two weeks and construction of the first phase will begin sometime this year.
Mr. Christie also announced plans for another small scale investment for Rum Cay, which he said is still awaiting approval.
According to Mr. Christie Rum Cay has produced some famous sons and daughters including the former Governor General Sir Milo Butler and the former Anglican Archdeacon William Thompson.
Mr. Davis said that Rum Cay is no longer a forgotten island and that the opening of the airstrip brings new life to the community of Rum Cay, which for years waited for relief and hope.
“No longer will residents and visitors alike have to risk their lives by landing on a less than adequate airstrip and the people of Rum Cay will now be able to enjoy the safety and comfort of travel that is now available to Bahamians throughout The Bahamas,” he said.
Yvette Rolle-Major, The Bahama Journal
