The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune

We have to thank Carnival for their staying power, in their new cruise Port proposal for Grand Bahama, as many investors would not have waited two plus years from signing an MOU early in 2017, with a Government to finalise and obtain approvals. Why?

This is what is the criticism of the process of obtaining approvals. This is why for two years over 1000 Grand Bahamians lost the potential of employment - were unable to live a life closer to acceptable.

Finally the Carnival Grand Port, has been approved, but I do not give too many kudos to the Minnis government on process and expediency and they should not gloat.

This project could save Grand Bahama. If as what it seems the port will hub cruise ships. In simple terms cruises will start and finish in Grand Bahama. This means that passengers will fly into Grand Bahama. More passengers arriving, the cost of operation of Grand Bahama International Airport will drop. In-land transportation - perhaps a night pre-cruise and possibly a night post cruise in a hotel. When dealing with mega ships, this could be enormous.

I hope government has insisted and will make it a provision in the Heads of Agreement, that a least e-mega ships originating from Grand Port will use Nassau as its first port of call. Imperative if you want revitaligation of Nassau, downtown, etc. That is a given.

W THOMPSON

Nassau

February 6, 2019