By Stanley Ugagbe
In its bid to expand the economy of the country and build a sustainable future for the citizens, the Government of Bahamas has signed Heads of Agreement with Disney Island Development Ltd for a proposed Cruise Port and entertainment facility.
According to the Prime Minister, Dr Hubert Minnis who announced the development, the initiative is a projected investment of between US$250 million and US$400 million.
The Prime Minister, who noted that the project will be situated at South Eleuthera, went further to outline some of the economic opportunities the project will provide for the Bahamians.
He stated that under the Heads of Agreement, Disney Cruise Line (DCL) will ensure a minimum of 120 Bahamians are directly employed during the construction of the project.
Upon the completion of the project, DCL averred that it will create as many as 150 sustainable, permanent jobs with health benefits in for Bahamians.
The Heads of Agreement which The Bahamas’ Prime Minister described as the best decision for the citizens, conspicuously spelt that space must be provided for Bahamian vendors on the property for the sale of authentic, high quality Bahamian retail goods, services, Bahamian T-shirts, souvenir, arts and crafts.
It further, in strong terms spelt that public access to the facility would be provided for The Bahamas for non-commercial purposes and will collaborate with Government and local communities to contribute to initiatives that meet community needs.
The project which according to The Bahamas government will include “low density development and sustainable design,” mandates Disney to give utmost priority to Bahamian owners and operators to provide port adventures for DCL guests while its ships are in port, and will seek to use Bahamian entertainers.
The project which will include the integration of Bahamian cultural and artistic expression into the design of the site aims to promote development in the Family Islands according to Minnis.
In his words, Minnis said “The Government of The Bahamas is satisfied that it made the best decision in the interest of the Bahamian people, a sustainable future for the people of Central and South Eleuthera and the economic development of the country”.
He continued that “The implementation of this project supports the government’s plan of expanding the economy of our country and economic opportunities for our people by promoting development in the Family Islands.”
However, Minnis who expressed satisfaction over the development noted that construction of the project will not commence until the Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan are reviewed and approved.
