If Exumians do not take advantage of the "linkages" available with the tourism developments on Exuma, other Bahamians are ready and willing to come in and take advantage of them instead, according to Prime Minister Perry Christie.
Mr. Christie made the remark at the Cabinet office late yesterday afternoon as he presided over the signing of the heads of agreement between the Bahamas government and EGI Ltd. for the $110 million Grand Isles Villa "condo-tel" in Emerald Bay, Exuma.
"It is so important for the future of Exuma for local Exumians to see that this (development) is just a wonderful array of opportunities for them to take advantage of," Mr. Christie said.
"Whether it's cleaning contracts, servicing yachts (or) owning a particular store, there are an abundance of (opportunities to take advantage of)."
The development will include 76 luxury condos when completed, which will sell for between $735,000 and $5.1 million. All but one of the buyers of these condos have agreed to allow EGI to rent the units out when the owners are not present, at rates ranging from $1,200 to $2,900 per villa per night – thus the term condo-tel.
Mr. Christie noted the price tag of the units will attract the kind of upscale tourists that the Bahamas is looking for.
The developers of Grand Isle Villas, which has already begun construction near the Four Seasons in Emerald Bay, Exuma, already have their eyes on additional developments in the Bahamas, according to EGI President James Clabaugh.
"We are committed to the Bahamas, and we hope to stay here for many years and both do additional projects in Emerald Bay as well as potentially Eleuthera, and potentially Roker's Point (Exuma)," Mr. Clabaugh said.
He did not elaborate, focusing instead on the Grand Isles condo-tel, which is scheduled to be completed in 18 months.
He said the project had made considerable progress in three years.
"We think it's the best thing that we've ever done," Mr. Clabaugh said.
Financial Services and Investments Minister Vincent Peet revealed that EGI has already spent $36 million, and 48 permanent employees have already been hired at Grand Isles.
Among other things the developers have agreed to, Minister Peet noted their commitment to purchasing marine, agricultural and other products from Bahamians where available, and to reserve the operation of any retail stores for Bahamians only.
"Beyond the boundaries of the project, these developers have established their presence in the local community in meaningful ways," Minister Peet said.
"The adoption of the Roker's Point Primary School has included the construction of a playground with new recreational and sports equipment, and the contribution of new-learning materials."
EGI Senior Vice President Pamela McCullough, who seemed excited about EGI having adopted the school, explained that EGI is training Bahamians in Exuma to do the work needed at the resort.
"Our commitment is not only to the Bahamas; it is to Exuma. We love Exuma and we love the community; that's why we have taken to heart the training of the schoolchildren, giving them tools to utilize a better education," she said.
"And I think that's it."
The prime minister noted that the government welcomed the views of EGI on matters like improving the airport, roads and law and order on Exuma.
By: Quincy Parker, The Bahama Journal
