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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
CEO, RAV Bahamas, Gerardo Capo signs Supplemental Heads of Agreement between the Government of The Bahamas and Resorts World and its partners at the Office of The Prime Minister, Friday, November 20, 2015. Also pictured are: Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie (second left), Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe (left), and Resorts World Bimini President, Ed Farrell (right). (BIS Photo/Peter Ramsay)
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NASSAU, The Bahamas - Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie said the thriving economy of Bimini is set for another boost with the signing of the Supplemental Heads of Agreement between the Government of The Bahamas and Resorts World and its partners.
“Resorts World entities and BB Entertainment have revised their business plan from an investment of $150 million in the resort project to now $600 million,” Prime Minister Christie said during the signing of the Supplemental Heads of Agreement at his office, Friday, November 20, 2015.
BB Entertainment is a joint venture partnership between Genting (USA) Ltd., a subsidiary of Resorts World and leading Florida builder and real estate developer, Gerardo Capo’s Company, RAV Bahamas Ltd.
The Prime Minister explained that some of the main components within the supplemental agreement comprise the following:
* Firstly, a new luxury Hilton branded 300-room hotel now nearing completion. Some 200 rooms have been activated and work towards completion of the lobby, an additional 100 rooms, and connections with the casino are soon to be completed.
* Secondly, the airport expansion and other infrastructural and community works, including a new water taxi ferry station; preparation by the international planning firm EDSA in collaboration with relevant government agencies and local shareholders of a master plan for north and south Bimini; paving of King’s Highway and the government dock; the enhancement of the fountain of youth; the acquisition of local fishing boats; as well as various economic, social, cultural and educational community projects.
* Thirdly, the construction of a deep-water jetty facility capable of accommodating the Bimini Superfast Cruise ship Ferry and other cruise ships.
* Fourth, construction of employee housing comprising 448 units.
Prime Minister Christie also explained that under the Supplemental Heads of Agreement, the Government has granted the developer the following options on terms to be mutually agreed with the Government:
* Lengthening of the Bimini airport and runway to 9,000 feet and further upgrade the terminal and flight facilities.
* Development and construction of a water taxi terminal on the lagoon side of the airport.
* Development and construction of an additional hotel with a minimum of 200 rooms.
* Construction of a laundry facility for amphibian aircraft near the resort development and a resort heliport for use in cases of emergency at the resort.
Secretary to the Cabinet, Wendell Major signs Supplemental Heads of Agreement between the Government of The Bahamas and Resorts World and its partners at the Office of The Prime Minister, Friday, November 20, 2015. The Minister of Tourism the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe (right), and the Minister of State for Investments the Hon. Khaalis Rolle (left) look on during the signing. (BIS Photo/Peter Ramsay)
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“The Government and the developers have also agreed to undertake the resurfacing of additional roads in Bimini and to increase infrastructural expenditure from $10 million to $15 million with the developer making the initial capital outlay to be repaid in deductions from casino fees,” Prime Minister Christie said.
“In conformity with the master plan to guide the orderly growth and development of Bimini, the Government and the developers have agreed to the construction of housing for employees and residents as part of a planned community on terms and conditions to be mutually agreed.
He noted that at present, 525 Bahamians are employed at the resort on a permanent basis. By the end of this year when the new hotel is fully completed, an additional 100 Bahamians workers will be employed on a permanent basis.
The Prime Minister added that some 200 construction workers have been employed during phases and it is anticipated that between 50 and 60 additional construction workers will be employed in the coming weeks.
“In the area of training, Resorts World entities are implementing multi-disciplinary training on the job technical skills training and there is tremendous emphasis on that to ensure that the facilities are matched with service.
“They will also offer apprenticeship programmes both at the Miami Hilton and other Resort World properties to equip its Bahamian employees inclusive of managerial personnel with the level of technical preparation to meet world class standards.”
Also in attendance at the signing were Minister of Tourism the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe; Minister for Grand Bahama the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville; Minister of State for Finance the Hon. Michael Halkitis; Minister of State for Investments the Hon. Khaalis Rolle; Secretary to the Cabinet, Wendell Major; Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, Creswell Sturrup; and Senior Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister, Sir Baltron Bethel.
President, Resorts World Bimini, Ed Farrell, and CEO, RAV Bahamas, Gerardo Capo were also in attendance.
© Copyright 2015 by thebahamasweekly.com
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