Government signs memorandum of understanding for $250 million development on Long Island

VICE-Premier and Minister of Tourism Chester Cooper.

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune journalist

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

The Davis administration yesterday signed a principal agreement with Azul Destinations Ltd and Calypso Cove Destinations Ltd for the development of an upscale resort and cruise port for South Long Island, which is estimated to cost approximately $250 millions of dollars.

Speaking at a signing ceremony at the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper said the multi-million dollar project will include a 200-room hotel, mega yacht marina facilities, indoor swimming pools, casinos, a cruise port, a cruise pier and an 18-hole golf course, among other amenities.

Mr Cooper also expressed optimism that the project will attract more investment to the island, serving as a major economic boost.

“We are happy to say that the project will employ thousands of Bahamians and independent Bahamian businesses, so it’s good for jobs, but also good for entrepreneurship and empowerment of Bahamians,” he said. he adds.

Carlos Torres de Navarra, director of Azul Destinations, explained how officials thought about the development they waited for eight months to be approved.

“We all had an idea of ​​a destination near what is the cruise capital of the world, and that’s the state of Florida and when we saw this property, we did our assessment, we noticed that of From an environmental point of view, what was most important for us was that there were no roadblocks and we started the site validation process,” he said.

However, Mr Navarra said it was not the development site he fell in love with, but rather the island itself and its people.

“I think I speak for all of us from a developer perspective, we think we’re going to have an incredible opportunity for the people of Long Island in terms of employment, in terms of economic development for the whole island as well as for the neighboring islands,” he said.

“And more importantly, the Bahamian product will be something that I think will be emphasized and I think from our perspective our focus will be to sell and promote a Bahamian product.”

Some 300 people are expected to be employed during the construction phase of the project which will take place over a two-year period.

Officials also hope to innovate by the end of next year.

In the meantime, Mr. Cooper said his department would continue to work on expansion plans for Long Island Airport which he said will be a key requirement for the development.

“Later this year or early next year, we will have the RFP for the airport. Needless to say, we have many investors who want to participate in this process,” he said.

“It’s critical to the development of Long Island. The government is committed to doing this as soon as possible.

Since taking office last year, the Davis administration has already approved some $5 billion in investment projects for the Bahamas.

“There is more to come,” said the Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation. “There is no stopping, no slowing down. We see a constant demand for new developments and investments in the Bahamas and I am very pleased that this is happening for Long Island.