...it appears that Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham has very little to say about Grand Bahama

Is Grand Bahama being ignored by PM?
thenassauguardian editorial


They say looks can be deceiving, and from all indications it appears that Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham has very little to say about Grand Bahama.

That was made clear during the Prime Minister’s national press conference, which was held in Nassau on Sunday. The intent was to first brief the press on his recent trip to China and what came out of the visit, in terms of how it could benefit The Bahamas.

The press conference was also to answer any questions the media may have concerning issues related to The Bahamas. With that in mind members of the media who do not live in Nassau were invited to call in and ask questions about their respective islands.

It was interesting to listen to the prime minister talk on and on about Baha Mar, about road works in Nassau, about the straw market, even about his plan to run for office again in the next general election. The prime minister spoke in length about activities and development plans in Exuma.

However, when questions about Grand Bahama came up, the prime minister was very short and concise in his answers. In reply to questions about Hutchison Whampoa, Royal Oasis, and the proposed new cruise port, the prime minister had very little information to offer.

He said that he had to have a meeting with all of the people concerned in all of those areas, and then get back to the press with answers.

While one can respect the fact that the prime minister was willing to admit he didn’t know and had to seek out the information, it proved the point that when it comes to Grand Bahama, the prime minister either knew very little about what is going on, or chose not to say publicly what he knows of what is taking place in Grand Bahama.

With six representatives, three of whom are Cabinet ministers from Grand Bahama, the prime minister should have more insight into what is really taking place in Grand Bahama.

Besides that, the people of Grand Bahama deserve more than just a one-sentence answer to issues that they face and are concerned about.

Perhaps the prime minister is so well acquainted with Grand Bahamians’ laid-back and lackadaisical attitude, that he may feel it not necessary to go into any details.

But the truth is, Grand Bahamians would like to know when things are going to turnaround in their economy; they would like to know what will be done with the Royal Oasis Hotel that has been sitting there for years; they would like to know when and how many more visitors can be enticed to come to Grand Bahama; they would like to know what’s going on with Ginn and they would certainly like to know the status of the proposed sale of the Port Authority.

Yes, Grand Bahamians would like some answers to questions that have been plaguing them for years.

Instead, during a national press conference, which was a prime opportunity for Grand Bahamians to get some answers, the prime minister chose to be vague and short in his replies about questions concerning Grand Bahama.

Whether he knew it or not, the prime minister’s responses sent a strong message to the people of Grand Bahama.

11/16/2010

thenassauguardian editorial

Bahamas Blog International

Chinese Investments in The Bahamas

Optimism About Chinese Investments in The Bahamas and Their Significant Impact on Jobs For Bahamians

Chinese Investments Pour In to The Bahamas

By Candia Dames

candiadames@hotmail.com

19/08/2004

Bahamians will feel the benefits of Prime Minister Perry Christie’s visit to The People’s Republic of China for decades to come, according to Minister of Financial Services and Investments Allyson Maynard Gibson.

Minister Gibson also told the Bahama Journal Tuesday night that Chinese President Hu Jintao has accepted an invitation from Prime Minister Christie to make a state visit to The Bahamas, although she did not indicate when.

She said the benefits that will result from Mr. Christie’s visit to China will extend well beyond the $30 million stadium Chinese officials have committed to funding in The Bahamas.

Minister Gibson added that the COSCO Shipping Company, which intends to be the largest shipping company in the world by 2010, has recently registered three of its ships under the Bahamian flag.

The company’s president has also proposed the expansion of the dry dock ship repair facility in Freeport, which would enable that operation to accommodate the largest cruise ships in the world, the Minister reported.

This would create a significant number of jobs for Bahamians, she said.

“We have every confidence that with Hutchison Whampoa, COSCO and CITIC in The Bahamas, more Chinese companies and investments will follow because of the confidence indicated by those companies in the government and people of the Bahamas,” Minister Gibson said.

The Bahamas is also expected to benefit in the area of tourism from stronger relations with the Chinese government.

Both the president and premier have committed to encouraging more Chinese companies to invest in The Bahamas and establish joint ventures with Bahamians, according to Minister Gibson.

She also said that the Chinese premier intends to designate The Bahamas a preferred travel destination for Chinese people.

As a result, Prime Minister Perry Christie is reportedly encouraging direct flights between China and The Bahamas.

Efforts are also being made to form a partnership with the Chinese so that more souvenirs can be produced in The Bahamas, said Minister Gibson, who added that the intention is to ensure that at least 50 cents of each dollar earned from tourism remains in the country.

“We already have four million visitors from the United States and Europe to support a significant souvenir and handicraft industry originated by Bahamians,” she pointed out.

“But now add to that the potential growth in the tourism sector from the Chinese market which we know will be coming on stream.  Imagine what that would mean, not only in jobs, directly in the tourism industry, but also growth in entrepreneurship and jobs created from that as well.”

She said a Chinese firm, known as NUTEC, is also working with the government to provide equipment that would be used in the scanning of containers.  Minister Gibson said this equipment would improve revenue collection.

She added that it would also help in the fight against illegal drugs and weapons as well as other banned goods.

In addition, Minister Gibson reported that government officials are in discussion with the Chinese to form partnerships between them and the College of The Bahamas in the areas of math, science and technology.