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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
 For the past fifty years now the tourism industry has served as our country’s number one industry providing good paying jobs for thousands of Bahamians. Many people were able to enjoy a high standard of living and educate their children as a result of the financial benefits that came forth from this dynamic industry. ‘The Golden Goose’ as the industry is often referred to, is today only a shell of what it used to be, but all hope is not gone!
While there may be a few tourism based establishments around the country that are holding their own and positively impacting the local economies in which they operate, far too many of the businesses that provide services to our guests are struggling to keep their lights on and doors open. As a result of this present administration’s tax, spend and waste policies, many Bahamians are finding it hard to get into and stay in business at the moment.
Most of the tourists that grace our shores come from the United States. The U.S Embassy here in the Bahamas has recently increased its frequency in regards to issuing travel warnings encouraging Americans to be aware of the high rate of crime that is currently taking place on the island of New Providence which is where the vast majority of our guests visit. The high rate of crime coupled with the occasional negative travel advisories coming from our largest trading partner is hurting the tourism industry more than many of us realize. This PLP administration must do a better job of keeping our people and guests safe if we are to avoid the total collapse of the very industry that drives the Bahamian economy.
There’s still no light at the end of the tunnel concerning the Baha Mar fiasco, and while our elected national leaders collect their cheques on time every month, the two thousand plus Bahamians that were let go in the recent Baha Mar melt down are still left with more questions than answers. The same can be said about The Ginn Sur Mer project which was supposed to be developed in West Grand Bahama. Will this or any other major touristic related project take place in West Grand Bahama in the near future noting that the Member of Parliament for West End happens to be the nation’s Minister of Tourism?
Tourism arrivals to Grand Bahama have been steadily declining over the last several years, and many of the initiatives that the Ministry of Tourism have carried out to reverse this trend are clearly not producing the desired results. Hotels on the island continue to lose money daily and can barely keep their occupancy levels above 50% year round, while the island’s only casino continues to limp along. Some may argue that the Memories All Inclusive Resort enjoys a fairly decent occupancy rate, but that doesn’t impact the wider economy of Grand Bahama because most of their guests spend the vast majority of their time and money on the property. The same can be said about guests that come to the island via cruise ships. Most vendors in the Port Lucaya Market Place or at the harbor would tell you that they are not really making it in this current environment even though they are being told that cruise ship arrivals are up.
Once elected, the DNA will work feverishly to get Baha Mar opened and Bahamians back to work. With a strong sense of focus, energy and teamwork, we will bring all stakeholders to the table and collectively develop the best formula for the successful opening of this significant development. By creating business friendly policies, and the removal of red tape in government departments, we will focus on helping more Bahamians develop small to mid-size boutique resorts throughout the family islands that can be sustained over the long term. Instead of putting all of our proverbial eggs in one basket, a DNA government will provide incentives just like the government now does with foreign investors so that Bahamians who are interested can become owners of attractions that will make our tourism product more diverse and competitive in the 21st Century.
A DNA government will ensure that the tourism sector in Grand Bahama is treated as top priority once again, and will encourage more touristic developments in the western and eastern parts of the island. In conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce and various public/private lending institutions, a DNA government will introduce a national ‘Tourism Business Idea Competition’ annually as a way to get more Bahamians engaged in the process of creating businesses that can propel the industry forward and foster greater Bahamian ownership of the same. Bahamians are creative and industrious and with the support of their government there is just no limit as to what can be achieved for the tourism industry and our country as a whole. Our tourism industry can and should be doing much better!
Nevar Smith
DNA Candidate, Marco City
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