The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

The Abaco business community is eager to learn the status of various investment projects on the island, its Chamber president yesterday saying it wanted reassurance that developers were still keen on doing business there.

    Dennis Lightbourne, the Abaco Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation head, said the issue of an investment roadmap for Abaco would be the focal point of the organisation’s annual general meeting (AGM) later this month.

  “Specifically we have asked minister [of state for investments Khaalis] Rolle to come and talk to the Abaco business community and let us know what is going on in the investment world of the Bahamas in general, and Abaco in particular,” Mr Lightbourne said.

“We have over 130 businesses here that are members, and I’m hoping that that will be a forum for them to speak directly with the minister and find out what the Government’s plans are for Abaco. That’s the best way we can positively  address this whole situation.

  “People want to know what is going on with developments on the islands. They are so important to us. People just want to be assured that the developments are still strongly supporting our economy and continuing to doing business here.”    

During his Budget debate presentation in May, Prime Minister Perry Christie acknowledged major developments in the Abacos such as the Baker’s Bay project, the Abaco Club at Winding Bay, Matt Lowe’s Cay/Aman Resorts as well as Grand and Baker’s Cay.

    “The ultra-exclusive Baker’s Bay is proceeding with a $105 million capital expansion that will ultimately be a $2 billion investment project with 900 employees at full build out,” the Prime Minister said.

“To ensure additional employment for Abaconians, the developers are also embarking upon a skills training programme in conjunction with the Government.”

Addressing the  Abaco Club development, he added: “The Abaco Club at Winding Bay recently joined with Southworth Development Company as the new owners of the resort, and have committed to a $348 million expansion.”

The Prime Minister said MLCSD Ltd had acquired the 50-acre Matt Lowe’s Cay for construction of a high-end Aman Resort property, with  200 permanent jobs expected when operational.

As for Grand and Baker’s Cays, he added that Seneca Industries (Bahamas) Ltd had acquired them for an eco-friendly resort and marina.