Impressed with though not surprised by the progress of the Kerzner International’s phase III development on Paradise Island, Opposition Leader Hubert Ingraham and a contingent of Free National Movement members were taken on a tour of the site yesterday.
Following the tour, lead by Kerzner chairman Sol Kerzner, Mr. Ingraham responded to a barrage of press questions about various national issues ranging from the economy to the controversial liquefied natural gas [LNG] projects.
On the public sector Mr. Ingraham said the number of jobs would be shaved down if he had his way.
“Iﾒd like to shrink the public sector and create more jobs in the private sector so that we could have the money to do all those public services that the Bahamian people require rather than just providing jobs in the public sector,” Mr. Ingraham said while commenting on the number of jobs Kerzner International has created since introducing its development.
But some anchor projects are already advertising for skilled labourers prompting the concern whether more foreign workers would be needed to fill many of those positions.
To that Mr. Ingraham said: “There is no undue concern about that at the moment. This bird is in the hand. This bird is being delivered. I hear lots of talk about other birds that are to come. In the meantime, we have got the manpower for this job and additional ones.”
Stressing a point government officials have reiterated on numerous occasions, Mr. Ingraham said it is important the country accelerate the technical and vocational training programme for Bahamians, which would in turn reduce the need for expatriates in such jobs.
An estimated 1,800 workers are employed on the Phase III construction site, out of which some 80 percent are Bahamians.
Kerznerﾒs Phase III expansion will feature two new towers: a 600-room all suite hotel tower and a condo hotel tower that officials say feature one Royal suite, two Presidential suites, 10 Regal suites, a Club Lounge and 26 Grand suites and take advantage of nearby prime beach property.
Phase III will also feature a new waterslide attraction, a dolphin facility, a ballroom that is expected to be the largest in the Caribbean, and a new spa and sports centre.
Government officials attended a topping off ceremony for Phase III two weeks ago.
Seemingly voicing the views of his colleagues, Mr. Ingraham admitted he is impressed with all he has seen thus far, but is not surprised.
He said he simply wanted to bring a group over to the project to show them what the FNM facilitated and accommodated in The Bahamas, while “the others” were accusing the party of simply selling the country to foreigners.
The FNM government secured the Kerzner investment, the largest private sector employer in the country.
“Thirteen years ago when Sol Kerzner came to The Bahamas and promised to double the room capacity, elevate this destination and over a 20-year period create 5,000 jobs, few people believed him,” the FNM leader said.
“But we who were in the government, we believed him and we proceeded notwithstanding the opposition to what we were doing. Today, look at what has happened over here ﾖ nearly 1,400 Bahamian construction workers making good pay. When this construction is finished by the next year, there will be some nearly 10,000 Bahamian employees. And that would represent just over five percent of the total Bahamian workforce and when you multiply the indirect benefits that accrue to this economy from this development, you will see that we were not far sighted 13 years agoﾅ. I sort of expected this to happenﾅ. And so we are very happy to see the results of our good and farsighted policies.”
He added that over time, he expects Kerzner to undertake five phases on Paradise Island.
An equally delighted Mr. Kerzner said he looks forward to opening Phase III early next year.
He said he is confident that it will be a great success, another significant impetus to the local tourism product.
“We are very encouraged by the huge potential of the tourism industry,” he said.
The project is on schedule for an April 2007 completion, according to company officials, leading to a total staff count of approximately 10,000 when Phase III opens.
Joining Mr. Ingraham on the tour were current Members of Parliament and FNM Senators including Montagu MP, Brent Symonette; High Rock MP, Kenneth Russell; North Eleuthera MP, Alvin Smith; South Abaco MP, Robert Sweeting and Senator Tommy Turnquest.
Also present were a host of the partyﾒs new prospective candidates and supporters like [allegedly corrupt attorney] Branville McCartney, Raymond Rolle, Phenton Neymour, Charles Maynard, Reece Dean ﾖ Chipman, Brensil Rolle, Johnley Ferguson, Loretta Butler ﾖ Turner, Johnley Ferguson, Sandra Knowles, Dr Hubert Minnis and Elma Campbell.
Former parliamentarians [alleged mafia chief] Frank Watson, Earl Deveaux and Arthur and Dion Folkes were also on hand.
By: Macushla N. Pinder, The Bahama Journal
