The Tribune

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts told Eleuthera residents over the weekend that the island is poised for an economic resurgence.

Mr Roberts also urged residents on the island to take advantage of opportunities to link agricultural development with tourism opportunities as a way to boost economic activity on the island.

His comments came at a PLP mini-convention at the Ingraham Resort in Eleuthera on Saturday.

“Just over two years ago you the people of Central and South Eleuthera sent the Free National Movement packing after years of neglect, short-sightedness and petty partisan politics.

“...You were denied important economic and educational opportunities in addition to necessary infrastructural upgrades that your hard earned tax dollars paid for. Further, Central and South Eleuthera, like many Family Islands, was left a virtual ghost town with no viable economic prospects on the horizon.

“Thankfully those days are behind us and we come together to celebrate a new day and a brighter future in the evolution of Central and South Eleuthera.”

Mr Roberts noted that Prime Minister Perry Christie has announced that a heads of agreement will soon be signed for a $100m construction of a Four Season Resort in South Eleuthera, near the settlements of Greencastle and Wemyss Bight.

“This is big news for Central and South Eleuthera as phase one of this mixed use resort comprising 115 rooms, 40 cottages and a golf course will provide hundreds of jobs in both the construction and operational phases,” Mr Roberts said.

“We are moving ahead with the Cotton Bay Holdings Limited $10m development of 1,500 acres of land comprising a community of 150 luxury residences with related amenities and golf course at Cotton Bay, Eleuthera,” he added.

The chairman said the island can look forward to the French Leave Marina Village development in Governor’s Harbour; the further expansion of the Coco Di Mama by a joint venture involving Bahamas Fastferries Ltd and the opening of the Seashells hotel in the spring of 2015 under the management of Noble House.

Mr Roberts recalled that Eleuthera has a history of providing food for the country’s consumption and urged farmers on the island to continue that practice.

“With the establishment of the Bahamas Agriculture Marine Resources Scientific Institute or BAMSI, it is my expectation that you would take full advantage of economic opportunities BAMSI will provide through commercial satellite farms and modernised packing houses transformed into agri-business centres.

“This is in keeping with the government’s commitment to diversify the Bahamian economy, create a new cadre of Bahamian entrepreneurs and professionals and promote food security while reducing our huge national food import bill.”

Mr Roberts said Eleuthera will soon see increased airlift and developments, including a new hospital and school.

“Your better days are clearly ahead of you. Take advantage of all opportunities and realise your full potential as you continue to lead the transformation of Eleuthera into one of the major breadbasket centres of The Bahamas and a major centre of commerce, trade, education and entertainment through diversified tourism product offerings and entrepreneurial opportunities,” he said.

“Seize the moment Eleuthera, realise your full potential and be the self-sufficient island that God has called you to be. Feed the Bahamas once again as you did before. Link your agricultural sector with your tourism sector thereby creating more job and investment opportunities for your people.”