Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie, centre, speaks with members of the media during the tour of Camp Grantanna, Rose Island. Also pictured are Minister of Tourism the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe, right; Minister of Transport and Aviation, the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin, second right; Minister of State for Investments, the Hon. Khaalis Rolle, left; and Thomas Basden, second left. (BIS Photo/Peter Ramsay).

NASSAU, The Bahamas – Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie applauds the entrepreneurship of Bahamian businessman Thomas Basden who envisioned and will soon operate a comfortable small resort on secluded Rose Island.

The Prime Minister recently led a delegation of Cabinet Ministers and several officials to visit Mr. Basden’s ‘Camp Grantanna,’ a $10 million high-level special projects resort on three acres that will cater to groups. The resort boasts modern conveniences but in singular island remoteness – with an out-of-the-way appeal that often attracts the high-end visitor.

Mr. Basden, an elevator company proprietor, configured what had started as something for the grandchildren into a hotel with twelve air-conditioned guest rooms, beachside kitchen, docking facilities, two sources of water (filtered rain and well) and a helipad, which Mr. Basden said has received all of the certifications needed to meet FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) standards. When in operation, the resort will be powered by solar energy and generator, and will have wireless internet and conference facilities.

Mr. Christie said: “It is important that the public is made aware of opportunities that exist in the country. When I first met Mr. Basden and came to his resort and saw what he has been able to do here, I felt that it was necessary that his vision received the attention it deserves.” The Prime Minister said that the government would also support the facility with marketing and publicity.

The Prime Minister’s delegation to Rose Island also included the Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe; Minister of Transport and Aviation, the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin; Minister of State for Investments, the Hon. Khaalis Rolle, and government officials from the Ministry of Tourism and members of the local media.