The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

The Bahamian investor behind a proposed Arawak Cay 'zip line' attraction yesterday encouraged the Minnis administration to provide the necessary approvals for it to proceed and expand the tourism offering.

Paul Fernander, spokesman for Buccaneers Bahamas Ltd, told Tribune Business that Zip Line Bahamas had been approved by the Christie administration's Parks and Beaches Authority. It is now awaiting documents on its lease agreement with the Government.

"As soon as we have the lease agreement signed, and we have approval as to where the towers can be placed on the beach, our Zip Line engineers can design the footing needed for the 80 feet towers in phase one. Once the engineering plans have been approved by the Ministry of Works and the Minister of the Environment, the project can begin," said Mr Fernander.

The company is seeking approval to lease Crown land on the eastern end of Arawak Cay, and a portion of the Western Esplanade beach, to develop a 'zip line thrill' attraction as well as a complex including a 'Pirate's Landing', 'Blackbeard's Cabaret', 'Nutty Pirate' and 'Buccaneer Kidd's' play area.

Mr Fernander, in a previous interview, said the project's first phase would include a pirate-themed 2,000 foot zip ride and kids play area. The second phase for Buccaneers Bahamas includes a harbour view deck, a restaurant and bar, and a nightly cultural show. The third phase calls for a 3,000 foot zip line.

"The delays in getting approval for what is new to New Providence, but so commonplace around the Caribbean and the world, make timelines impossible to set. However, based on the announcements from the Prime Minister, Minister of Tourism, Minister of Trade & Industry and the Minister of Works on the need for entrepreneurs as well as the need to speed up the process to do business in the Bahamas, I feel hopeful that this present administration will provide the incentive to hundreds of Bahamians to move forward with plans to expand the tourism offering in the Bahamas," said Mr Fernander.

He added: "Once approvals and lease agreements have been signed, work will begin. Included in the lease is a clause that allows the Government to receive a percentage of the gross on a monthly basis as opposed to the established lease agreement that persons have with the administration that allows them to pay a monthly fee. This arrangement provides for the administration to benefit from the success of Zipline Bahamas."

Mr Fernander said visitors to Nassau are constantly seeking new and exciting onshore attractions. "In addition to Zip-lining there will be rock climbing, as well as an 80-feet 'free fall' that can be experienced, or all can be purchase as a package," he added.

"With the incentives that can be offered to Bahamian entrepreneurs, Zip Line Bahamas can become the catalyst to more young - and not so young - Bahamians taking opportunities to get involved in the tourism offering here in the Bahamas."