The development, which is to include a new “Rum Cay Club”, will cover 870-acres in the southern portion of the island, about 10 per cent of its total area. It will comprise two hotels with a total of 250 rooms, a marina with 75 slips, 100 residential lots and 100 condominium units.
There also will be a small casino, restaurant, bar, shops, and accommodation for employees. The first phase of construction is expected to be completed by 2006, and the entire project will be completed by 2011.
The government looks forward to a “productive partnership” with Montana, said Minister of Financial Services and Investments Allyson Maynard-Gibson.
Two weeks ago an airport was opened at Rum Cay in preparation for the development, allowing for regular scheduled flights, and other improvements to local infrastructure also will be part of the project.
The development is to create around 300 permanent jobs, and around 75 additional jobs at the peak of construction. British businessman John Mittens, owner of Montana Holdings, called Rum Cay a “unique island” and promised to build there “with harmony and balance”. Mr Christie said the project will be “distinctly Bahamian”, using Bahamian materials and services wherever possible, employing Bahamian entertainers, and displaying Bahamian art. Montana has also undertaken to provide on-the-job training and apprenticeship programmes to equip its Bahamian employees with the necessary skills. The project has been designed by Bahamian architect Monty Knowles of Monarch Architects.
The project will be “very sensitive” to the environment, Mr Mittens said. Montana has committed to co-operate with the BEST Commission and the Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Board, and an environmental impact assessment has already been completed and approved. As a telecommunications engineer, Mr Mittens was responsible for designing and implementing the largest fibre optic network in Europe.
He is involved in a number of telecom companies and in property development in Spain, and says he now looks forward to moving to the Bahamas with his family.
Robert Bain, The Tribune
