By PAUL G TURNQUEST
Chief Reporter
pturnquest@tribunemedia.net
The Government of the Bahamas has granted final approval for a multi-million dollar resort/residential development on Cat Island, the project’s principal has confirmed.
Cat Island native, Ezra Russell said that his three-phased “Fountain Bay Resort and Marina” is expected to begin construction “as soon as possible.”
Mr Russell said that the development, which was facilitated by a grant of 36 acres of Crown land, will inject $2.3 million in the economy of Cat Island annually.
The resort will feature 114 rental units and a clubhouse in Phase One, 37 residential homes in Phase two, and 54 marina slips in Phase Three.
“I want to thank the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Works, Philip “Brave” Davis and Prime Minister Perry Christie for believing in this project. This has been a long road. For nine years we have been fighting for final approval. If people need any proof of this government believing in Bahamians, this is proof – in the first 100 days,” Mr Russell said.
The entire project, Mr Russell estimated would be valued around $91 million – with funding coming through a consortium of investors.
“We will have the ground breaking in 90 days. The spin-offs from this project will have a tremendous impact on the local community. We will do community projects as well putting in green spaces and playgrounds.”
Having recently been ordained a pastor, Mr Russell said he plans to give back to his community by seeking to boost “religious tourism” with his development as well.
Under the previous FNM administration, Mr Russell said he was constantly frustrated in his bid to receive his Crown land. In fact, Mr Russell was one of many persons who was called to testify before a special Select Committee on the Distribution of Crown Land, which was chaired by the then Member of Parliament, now Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell.
“How the FNM acted with me was not fair. They did not believe in Bahamians. But I want to thank Mr Christie for believing that a Bahamian can do something of this magnitude, and believing in me and that the project will be fruitful for Cat Islanders,” he said.
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