Minister of Financial Services and Investments, Allyson Maynard-Gibson, is promising the creation of 1300 new jobs in New Providence by the end of June.
She made the prediction on Love 97’s “Issues of the Day” Monday, hosted by Jeff Lloyd.
There has been increasing pessimism in certain sectors over the past year that job promises made by the Government would not be realised. Prime Minister Perry Christie said at his party’s November 2003 Convention that West End would see a $2.5 billon development that would transform that settlement into a first-world destination. In April 2004, Mr Christie predicted that the Cable Beach deal would be finalised.
Today, none of these projects have been realised however, Minister Maynard-Gibson assured listeners that many Bahamians were already benefitting from developments in some Family Islands. he said people are saying on islands such as Exuma, Abaco, Mayaguana and Rum Cay that there is no reason not to have two or three jobs.
Focussing on New Providence, she said, “We expect that by June of this year with the Kerzner Phase 3 development wrapping up, there’ll be 1300 new jobs created.”
She explained that based on Kerzner International’s monthly report, which shows among other things, the impact of that company’s development on the community; approximately 30 Bahamian contractors have already been employed in the Phase 3 development.
She added that more employment opportunities for Bahamians are expected from Phase 3 as well as from other developments on the island.
“Already, people are saying that they are feeling the difference. They recognise it. Whenever you are in a tight situation, of course impatience is normal, but it is our job as representatives of the people to continue to steer a steady course and that is what we have been doing.”
“We want to ensure that as a result of our developmental efforts that Bahamians can be guaranteed employment in The Bahamas.”
However, she quickly pointed out that the Government was not only interested is seeing Bahamians become employees, but was also interested in empowering Bahamians to become employers.
She said Kerzner’s Marina Village was ahead of schedule as it is now set to open in summer instead of late fall. The Marina Village is expected to be completed by the summer and the nearby Harbourside Phase 2 should be finished in the fall. Also, the cost of the two projects, which started just over a year ago, is slightly under budget.
Kerzner’s Phase 3 expansion, slated for completion in Dec. 2006, is the largest, single tourism development ever announced in The Bahamas. The investment is expected to include a new 600-room hotel, a water-theme park, a Marina Village to resemble a Bahamian village featuring 22 retail stores, two additional phases at the timeshare resort, “Harbourside at Atlantis,” four new restaurants, including a recreation of the renowned Cafe Martinique, a world-class convention centre with 200,000 square feet and the largest ballroom in the Caribbean.
The expansion was projected to create 3000 construction jobs and 4500 permanent jobs, approximately 3000 directly and 1500 indirectly.
Registrar services
Regarding the Registrar General’s Department, the investment minister said she did not want to comment of the day-to-day operation of the department but added that the sector, as a whole, had already experienced greater efficiency.
“We are on a on full steam ahead train, and we’re going to keep the public involved in every step of the way appraised of what is happening, wherever you live in The Bahamas will be able to access the services of the Registrar General’s Department in your own community.”
The department’s new computer system will allow registered agents to configure electronic documents including incorporation services, obtain a Certificate of Compliance and scan files.
By: MINDELL SMALL, The Nassau Guardian
