Budget debate promises for Grand Bahama
Last week the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahama Hon. Perry Christie presented the 2015/2016 budget from which we look specifically at what is being set aside for Grand Bahama:
"Grand Bahama
Grand Lucaya/Sunwing
"Hutchison Whampoa has announced a $5 million investment in renovation of its Lighthouse Pointe Hotel and refurbishment of its 198 rooms, suites and associated facilities, planned for completion in November 2015 in time for the winter season.
"The Sunwing Group continues to boost arrivals and acceptance at Memories Resort in Freeport.
In addition to Sunwing Airlines winter fights from seven (7) Canadian cities in Freeport, it will also operate flights from six (6) U.S. countries this summer, with the first flight arriving from Houston this weekend. Bookings are already well ahead of last year.
"New Cruise Port
"My Government is progressing in its negotiation with Carnival Cruise Line and Freeport Harbour Company for the development of a 35 cruise port and attraction in East Grand Bahama. Heads of Agreement should be concluded in the coming months on the project which will greatly expand arrivals to Grand Bahama, create hundreds of construction and operational jobs and positively impact the local economy.
"Deep Water Cay Project
"Also, in East Grand Bahama, Deep Water Cay owners are continuing in their planning and negotiation with the Government to develop a Six Star Six Senses operated boutique resort which will be a major expansion of their current fishing and residential community.
"Freeport Container Terminal Expansion
"In the industrial sector in Grand Bahama, Mediterranean Shipping has recently confirmed that it has agreed with Hutchinson Whampoa the early startup of the $250 million expansion to the Freeport Container Terminal, which amount might be increased.
"According to the Economic Input Study which Mediterranean Shipping has now presented to Government, the annual economic impact will produce a net benefit of 600 direct and indirect jobs. Also we are in negotiation with MSC Shipping on leasing an island for the creation of an exclusive port in the Northern Bahamas for their new cruise ship fleet, in addition to calls at Nassau; the creation of a maritime training facility for Bahamians in Freeport and the hiring of Bahamians on board their ships, thus providing training and employment opportunities for hundreds of our unemployed youth.
"Review of Expiring Provisions of Hawksbill Creek Agreement
"The Committee appointed to review and make recommendations on how to address the expiring tax incentives in Freeport, Grand Bahama, is expected to complete its report with recommendations to Government within the next two weeks. My Government will coalesce 36 around strategies to propel the Island to a new stage of diverse domestic and FDI developments.
"West Grand Bahama High School
"During the new fiscal year Government will begin construction of a new high school to serve West Grand Bahama. This facility will provide both an economic and educational boost for this community."
"Grand Bahama
Grand Lucaya/Sunwing
"Hutchison Whampoa has announced a $5 million investment in renovation of its Lighthouse Pointe Hotel and refurbishment of its 198 rooms, suites and associated facilities, planned for completion in November 2015 in time for the winter season.
"The Sunwing Group continues to boost arrivals and acceptance at Memories Resort in Freeport.
In addition to Sunwing Airlines winter fights from seven (7) Canadian cities in Freeport, it will also operate flights from six (6) U.S. countries this summer, with the first flight arriving from Houston this weekend. Bookings are already well ahead of last year.
"New Cruise Port
"My Government is progressing in its negotiation with Carnival Cruise Line and Freeport Harbour Company for the development of a 35 cruise port and attraction in East Grand Bahama. Heads of Agreement should be concluded in the coming months on the project which will greatly expand arrivals to Grand Bahama, create hundreds of construction and operational jobs and positively impact the local economy.
"Deep Water Cay Project
"Also, in East Grand Bahama, Deep Water Cay owners are continuing in their planning and negotiation with the Government to develop a Six Star Six Senses operated boutique resort which will be a major expansion of their current fishing and residential community.
"Freeport Container Terminal Expansion
"In the industrial sector in Grand Bahama, Mediterranean Shipping has recently confirmed that it has agreed with Hutchinson Whampoa the early startup of the $250 million expansion to the Freeport Container Terminal, which amount might be increased.
"According to the Economic Input Study which Mediterranean Shipping has now presented to Government, the annual economic impact will produce a net benefit of 600 direct and indirect jobs. Also we are in negotiation with MSC Shipping on leasing an island for the creation of an exclusive port in the Northern Bahamas for their new cruise ship fleet, in addition to calls at Nassau; the creation of a maritime training facility for Bahamians in Freeport and the hiring of Bahamians on board their ships, thus providing training and employment opportunities for hundreds of our unemployed youth.
"Review of Expiring Provisions of Hawksbill Creek Agreement
"The Committee appointed to review and make recommendations on how to address the expiring tax incentives in Freeport, Grand Bahama, is expected to complete its report with recommendations to Government within the next two weeks. My Government will coalesce 36 around strategies to propel the Island to a new stage of diverse domestic and FDI developments.
"West Grand Bahama High School
"During the new fiscal year Government will begin construction of a new high school to serve West Grand Bahama. This facility will provide both an economic and educational boost for this community."
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