The Tribune

Resorts World Bimini (RWB) says it has this year to-date paid more than $600,000 to vendors on the island for goods and services, ranging from entertainment to housing, food and beverage, transportation and event coordination.

Lisa Saunders, Bimini Blue Water Resort’s assistant manager, said the developer has had a positive impact on the business, with a number of its employees housed there.

“We had some employees that have stayed here for a couple of weeks, and it definitely impacted our business by increasing room revenue,” she said.

Fabian Stuart, owner of Stuart’s Conch Stand, said his business has seen a marked increase in sales since the launch of Bimini SuperFast’s service to the island.

“During this time of the year it used to be real slow, but because of the SuperFast I am now getting more business through the week, and much more on the weekends,” Mr Stuart said.

“The impact has been so great, I’m looking at expanding my business as soon as I get approval from government.”

Dana Leibovitz, Resorts World Bimini’s president, added: “We’ve been working hand in hand with Bimini-based businesses to help fuel their economy from the first day the resort became Resorts World Bimini.

“There is ample opportunity for entrepreneurs on the island to create businesses, which we will help support, and existing businesses will continue to benefit from our presence.”