Prime Minister Perry Christie spoke very briefly yesterday about a number of projects that are set to take off in New Providence in 2005.
Appearing on the Island FM radio programme “Parliament Street” on Sunday, Mr Christie said that his government is “very excited” about initiatives in both New Providence and the Family Islands. He gave a very brief outline of the projects, which include:
Bay Street Government will immediately begin considering proposals for the relocation of the freight shipping houses to the southwestern coast of New Providence, as a key to the formation of an “integrated new Bay Street, where you are able to walk along a board walk or walk to the Hilton Hotel, and have all sorts of experiences on the way”.
As part of this project, government is looking at creating two straw markets, at both the eastern and western ends of town, and at expanding the facilities offered by the British Colonial Hilton.
Cable Beach A decision may be made this week on the proposals to develop the entire Cable Beach area, said Mr Christie. (See story in Tribune Business)
Arawak Cay Government is negotiating the creation of “a new approach to Arawak Cay” from the downtown area.
Old Fort Ground will be broken today for a new up-scale subdivision opposite Old Fort Bay.
Clifton Mr Christie said that 2005 would see the beginning of the construction of the Heritage Park at Clifton Cay, “with regular use of beaches, and a commitment to make even more beaches at Clifton, and to rebuild the historic plantation, complete with experiences of the three civilizations that impacted it – the Lucayans, the slaves and the Loyalists.
South Ocean Government is set to negotiate a Heads of Agreement to expand South Ocean Resort, “with an expanded marina presence, on the basis that the dive operation there brings in 50,000 visitors right now, as is, and we’ll be able to quadruple that with better facilities, which are in plans, possible with a Greg Norman golf course at South Ocean”. He said that negotiations for a major development adjacent to South Ocean were also under way. Mr Christie said the developments he mentioned in New Providence “will be seen in 2005 and 2006”.
Grand Bahama Two new resorts in Grand Bahama, one in Freeport and one in West End, are under negotiation. The decisions on the two proposals for Liquefied Natural Gas storage facilities would be made imminently. (See story this page) One located in Freeport, the other in Ocean Cay, near Bimini.
Eleuthera Mr Christie said that he expects in the coming weeks to develop a “master plan” for the development of the entire island of Eleuthera, both in terms of public infrastructure, and the identification of a site for a major resort.
Mayaguana The development of a large scale resort facility in Mayaguana is under consideration by the government.
Compiled by Paco Nunez, The Tribune
