The Tribune

By Fay Simmons

Tribune Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

The Prime Minister has pledged to launch a lease-to-own initiative involving Crown Land to entice Cat Islanders to return home.

Speaking at the Cat Island Business Outlook conference, Philip Davis KC said the Government would make the land available to Cat Islanders for use by first-time homeowners and for the construction of second homes and other approved projects,

He added: “With these upgrades and developments underway for Cat Island, it is my hope that Cat Islanders who have left the island will consider returning home. To further encourage Cat Islanders to return we intend to make Crown Land available on a lease-to-own basis for the construction of a second home or put their first home once they decide to remain or other approved developments.

“We have a bank of Crown Land here on the island, and such an initiative is one I have always promoted. Now that the Bahamian people have enabled me to make this happen, I will do so.”

Mr Davis said that although recent census results revealed the Cat Island population has grown since 2010, that of both San Salvador and Rum Cay has decreased. He asserted that improving infrastructure on these islands will attract persons back and increase economic activity.

The Prime Minister said: “The results of the 2022 national census put the Cat Island population at 1,602, an approximately 5.3 percent increase from the 2010 census year. Conversely, the population in San Salvador decreased by just over 12 percent and decreased by just over 9 percent on Rum Cay. Job opportunities and services on New Providence continue to draw Bahamians away from the Family Islands.

“A catalyst for arresting this 'urban pull' dynamic familiar to economists and policymakers in many contexts is infrastructure that can improve the quality of life for our Family Islanders, and support and encourage new economic activity. Adequate infrastructure is essential to facilitating investment, both foreign and domestic, and we are making necessary improvements in this regard.”

The Cat Island, San Salvador and Rum Cay MP said that in addition to the construction of New Bight International Airport and renovations to the Arthur's Town airport, the island is scheduled to receive 50 miles of paved roads, 90 miles of water installations, rain drainage and a seawall.

He added: “We broke ground in March on our new multi-million dollar state-of-the art International airport at New Bight and, as I previously indicated, New Bight airport is key to attracting investment, revitalising old industries and incentivising new ones.

"Upgrades to the airport at Arthurs Town will include a $10m runway rehabilitation, a remodelled terminal building, new solar runway lights, an airport beacon, an apron flood lighting system and a police station adjacent to the airport.

“A public-private sector partnership (PPP) will be utilised to carry on 50 miles of road paving, and 90 miles of water installations will be carried out by the Water and Sewerage Corporation which will result in the provision of potable water throughout Cat Island. Public works projects are carried out, and also include road drainage and the installation of a seawall.”

While stating the importance of quality healthcare in attracting long-term investments, the Prime Minister said Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) financing will be used to upgrade Family Island clinics, and the Old Bight and Orange Creek clinic upgrades - which were suspended in 2017 - will restart.

He said: “In respect to infrastructure, adequate health care infrastructure is also critical for one's quality of life. And it's also essential for stable investments. Investment in healthcare infrastructure that ensures Family Island clinics are properly equipped is a priority and we are making steady progress in this regard.

“Upon our election to office, Cabinet approval was sought and granted to re-engage the contractors to complete the work on these clinics. Financing through the Inter-American Development Bank will be utilised to carry out much needed healthcare infrastructure upgrades throughout our Family Islands.”

Mr Davis revealed that in addition to receiving new vehicles and ambulances for medical staff, fibre optics will be installed to digitise healthcare records throughout The Bahamas. He added that an extension to the Arthurs Town Comprehensive School is also on the agenda for Cat Island.

“These upgrades include the construction of a new clinic in Stephenson, the purchase of vehicles for medical, nursing, allied healthcare and support services, and the purchase of ambulances for deployment in Family Islands, including Cat Island and San Salvador ,is on the way as well," he said.

“Additional upgrades include the installation of fibre optic connections to clinics throughout The Bahamas, the procurement of digital technology for electronic health records and procurement of new medical equipment including ultrasound, electrocardiogram and portable X ray machines, laboratory and dental equipment and defibrillators.”

“A four-classroom extension to the Arthurs Town Comprehensive School will also be constructed to accommodate additional students.”