By KHRISNA VIRGIL
Tribune Staff Reporter
kvirgil@tribunemedia.net
RESIDENTS in Bimini are concerned that they are being “sidelined” from certain opportunities for staunch PLPs, according to FNM deputy Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday.
Those on the island are also questioning whether the Christie administration has done enough to ensure that major developments at Bimini are well organised.
While Mrs Butler-Turner’s criticism of the government comes on the heels of the commissioning of the new speed ferry and opening of the Resorts World Bimini Casino on Friday, she questioned the assurances that the project would be completed and create a permanent economic boost.
“There is a concern by many residents of Bimini that they are being sidelined by this Government as second class citizens on their own island,” she said. “Some, who made investments in order to take advantage of various developments on Bimini, are concerned that they are being locked out in favour of certain PLP cronies.
“Another concern is that the always incompetent and inept Christie administration has been late and disorganized in terms of the work it needed to do in order to facilitate the commencement of cruise ship service to Bimini.
“Further, in a prior Heads of Agreement, the former FNM Government agreed that a 250-room hotel should be opened prior to the grant of a casino license to Resorts World Casino. The current Government reversed this position within two weeks of taking office.
“What is the schedule for building the hotel, which will also create permanent jobs? What assurances are there that the hotel will be built and that these permanent jobs secured in a timely manner?”
The Tribune contacted PLP chairman Bradley Roberts but was urged to contact Mr Christie.
“I can only tell you to ask Mr Christie about what she is saying since the statements are so ludicrous,” he said.
Mrs Butler Turner said the government has done very little in ensuring the needs of Bimini’s residents are met.
“Family Island development should be holistic and balanced, creating as many economic opportunities as possible for Bahamians. Correspondingly, the people of Bimini require development plans which maximize local employment and business opportunities for as many Biminities as possible.
“Are there any Bahamians employed on the new Resort World cruise ship travelling from Florida to ferry tourists and casino players to Bimini? How many are there? In what capacities are they serving? If there are none or few, why is the service near commencement without a clear and detailed plan announced by the Government in terms of the employment of Bahamians on the cruise ship?” she asked.
Comments
proudloudandfnm 10 years, 9 months ago
News for ya Miss Butler-Turner. There are no plans for a hotel at Bimini Bay. Check out the model in the sales office. No hotel....
And finally all of you better take a long look at Bimini. Where would employees live if a hotel were built?
And what the hell is wrong with Bimini? Dirtiest island in the Bahamas. Biminites have no respect for their island, no pride in their communities.
Biminites have no concept of how to act in front of people. Having a lovely dinner at the grill bar a few weeks ago and group of Biminites were in there cussin and carrying on. The guy grilling the food was yelling to his boy to carry his stink c--y. Biminites need a lifetime of education and awareness courses.
Out of all the family islands I have been to Bimini is without a doubt the dirtiest and most run down. All the drugs they ran and NO ONE invested so much as 25 cents in Bimini. I was shocked at how horrible Bimini was, all of the towns, every one is filthy, run down and just plain ugly. Sad to see such a beautiful island so nasty....
BiminiHomeowner 10 years, 9 months ago
Nice to see someone in government finally standing up for Biminites, and not just making empty promises.
The_Oracle 10 years, 9 months ago
Always with the PLP/FNM discrimination, Contracts, BOTH PARTIES DO IT!!!!!!!!!!
TalRussell 10 years, 9 months ago
Long Island has had two previous names. "Yuma" and "Fernandina." Long island came by its current handle, all because a seafarer felt it had taken him much too long to sail past the island. The way Comrade Sister Loretta, keeps sailing around every effort by PM Christie's Government, hoping to "punch" holes whenever she can, even if what she says borders on the ridiculous. Who knows, maybe its her lame excuse for not paying attention to attracting new investments and jobs for her own Long Islander constituents? Careful my Comrade Long Islands, for all the sailing she's doing past your island, just may be a forth change of name in the works. What say ye to; "Slappers Island?" Never know, right. No telling what mood she'd be in on any of her "red shirts sail-by moments" pass her own constituency?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfgKO...">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfgKO...
jackflash 10 years, 9 months ago
Once again Tal does not speak to the issue at hand.
Sad, very sad Tal...
TalRussell 10 years, 9 months ago
I addressed what she claims is going on in Bimini in one word. "Ridiculous."
concernedcitizen 10 years, 9 months ago
the part that scared me the most in another article the PM says its a joint venture ,and genting is going to buy the buses etc ,for a ground transport and watersport company set up under the "hotel corporation bimini ",,then the corp will pay them back w/ reductions in taxes ,the hotel corp has always just been a place to put friends IE Baltron ,the funnel ,Bethel in between the hotels taxes and the treasury ...let people who know ground transport and watersport put up and get the business not some hand picked generals ,,next the maynard family will open flamingo tours again and travel on the govs dime promoting it ,,
quincymeatball 10 years, 9 months ago
New Aviation Tax! This is the stupidest thing that the government could have ever done-- As a private pilot, who has for the last 50 years been coming and going to just about every island in The Bahamas, who truly loves The Out Islands, now will no longer come back-- I would spend an average of 25,000.00 dollars on my several vacation per year in The Bahamas. Both this tax and the corrupt customs officials have officially turned me off-- I will not be back.
LisaBraun 10 years, 9 months ago
Bimini needs the new development, otherwise what will the Biminites do for work? There is no industry except for tourism on Bimini and Bimini tourism has been dead for the last 50 years. Genting is investing over $400 million into the resort. They will clean up the island and add jobs, services, infrastructure and amenities that the island would have never seen if it weren't for the Resorts World Bimini project. Biminites should be grateful.
ThisIsOurs 10 years, 9 months ago
Yes indeed, they will probably celebrate like the Arawaks did for the arrival of Columbus. Thankful that they are now sharing in everything the civilized world has to offer.
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