Regarding it as a “happy day” for him, Mr. Christie said that the Progressive Liberal Party administration is seeking to restore Eleuthera to its “glory days” of economic prosperity.
“Our job is to manage the investment opportunities and to ensure that we preserve a part of our country for Bahamians,” he said. “That’s the challenge for us.
“Unfortunately, over the last several years, the economy of the mainland of Eleuthera has drastically declined,” Mr. Christie said. “I am pleased that through the initiatives taken by my Government, we shall ensure that Eleuthera returns to its former tourism glory days and that the future will be brighter than its past.”
The Agreement was signed between the Government and the principals of the recently-formed company, Governor’s Harbour Resort and Marina Ltd, at the Cabinet Office.
Also present were Minister of Financial Services and Investments, Allyson Maynard-Gibson, Member of Parliament for South Eleuthera Oswald Ingraham, and other Cabinet Ministers and Government officials. Apologies were extended by the Prime Minister on behalf of North Eleuthera Member of Parliament Alvin Smith, who had a prior engagement.
‘Six-star’ project
The “six star” project will include a mix of hotel condos, villas, residential, marina and spa facilities at the former Club Med site with its French taste. (SEE BUSINESS SECTION, PAGE 1)
The Prime Minister spoke glowingly of the project, that will “blend in with the distinctive architecture and breathtaking landscape stretching from the spectacular world-class pink sand beach on the Atlantic side of the island and extending over one of the highest vistas in The Bahamas down along rolling hills to the magnificent views of Governor’s Harbour, stretching from the mainland and connected by a beautiful causeway to Cupid’s Cay, with its quaint buildings and excellent docking facilities.”
Eleuthera, a Greek word for “Freedom”, is arguably one of the most striking of the 700 islands and cays that make up The Bahamas archipelago. The island was at one time the leading tourism resort destination in the Family Islands, both in quality and quantity of facilities and guests.
No Cuba fear
On the question of Cuba emerging as a major tourism competitor after the Castro regime, the prime minister noted that investments in The Bahamas have taken a paradigm shift.
“They are in the islands creating investments, what we call mixed and balanced investments – small boutique hotels surrounded by villas condominiums and second homes,” he said
After the terrorist attacks on the U.S. on Sept. 11, 2001, The Bahamas Government conducted research into the situation at Abaco, which indicated that people who had second homes continued to travel, whereas those who booked hotels, did not travel.
“As long as people decided to make The Bahamas their home, that mix gives a new definition of sustained resort investment,” Mr. Christie said. “That is what you are doing, Mr. Lauth.”
Club Med purchased
Eddie Lauth III is a principal in the Governor’s Harbour Resort and Marina Ltd, which was formed last year. He said that after extensive research not only of Eleuthera but other Family Islands, they decided to purchase the old Club Med for the proposed facility.
Said the prime minister: “I have always been one to embrace those of you who come into our country, who make significant investments and who in your other lives are capable of making additional contributions to The Bahamas.”
Movie spin-off
The Prime Minister also encouraged Eddie Lauth to commend to his partners, that whilst they are here in The Bahamas, to make an additional contribution in educating and training at the College of the Bahamas.
At the time of Tuesday’s announcement, the Ministry of Tourism was engaged with the movie industry in filming a movie in Governor’s Harbour and Palmetto Point benefitting the local economy with all of the hotel rooms booked out.
“The spin-off effect from the publicity to be generated from the movie would be very significant,” the Prime Minister said.
He also announced that next week, the international planning firm EDAW would be working with local professionals on Eleuthera to devise a master plan, which will result in long-term strategies for orderly growth and development of the island.
“Consultations will take place with residents and related investors to ensure that the outcome is one which will bring continuing benefits to Eleutherans and the Bahamian economy,” he said.
Additional projects
Progress also continues on the proposed Salsa Beach plans for a “world class resort” at Half Sound near Tarpum Bay and at Hatchet Bay, the Mr. Christie noted.
“As a result of their extensive professional planning, we are confident that a Heads of Agreement will shortly be concluded that will mark the commencement of the largest resort project ever to be undertaken on the Island of Eleuthera,” he said. “I am confident that Eleuthera will take full advantage of these new economic opportunities, both in the areas of employment and entrepreneurship, which will ensure not only the development of viable resorts but also integration with local communities.”
He said that he was particularly pleased that in accordance with the foremost environmental guidelines, the developers will construct a breakwater and marina, repair the adjacent hurricane-damaged adjacent dock as well as provide restaurant and marine sporting facilities, which will enhance the experience of guests at the resort, visitors to the island and residents.
Historical sites
And, he was also pleased that the developers agreed to work in conjunction with the Antiquities, Monuments & Museums Corporation to restore several historical sites on Cupid’s Cay.
Eleuthera is home to the site where the first parliament met and the consular office of the United States of America was located.
Furthermore, when residents of Eleuthera were looking for an economic base, they provided wood to the prestigious Harvard University.
By Lindsay Thompson, The Nassau Guardian
