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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
NORTH WATER CAY VISIT - Minister for Grand Bahama, Dr. the Hon. Michael Darville, along with a delegation visited North Water Cay on Friday to inspect the infrastructural upgrades. Shown from left are: Debra Cox-Strachan, Administrator; Senator the Hon. Tanisha Tynes; Minister Darville; the Hon. Peter Turnquest, Deputy Leader of the Free National Movement and Member of Parliament for East Grand Bahama; and Melvin Seymour, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Grand Bahama. Standing are members of the delegation and residents of North Water Cay. (BIS Photo: Vandyke Hepburn)
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NORTH WATER CAY, GRAND BAHAMA - The Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, toured the infrastructural upgrades of North Water Cay on Friday.
While on the cay, the Minister and his delegation visited the teacher's residence, the water tank, the generator room and the New Ebenezer Baptist Church. An inspection of the newly constructed dock, also known as the Batelco Landing Site.
Also present during the tour were: Senator Tanisha Tynes and Mr. Peter Turnquest, Member of Parliament for East Grand Bahama;
Mr. Melvin Seymour, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Grand Bahama; senior government officials; and Administrator Debra Cox-Strachan.
Following the visit, Minister Darville said "Over the years, the population of North Water Cay has diminished steadily, as many residents have left, in order to make a living for themselves and their family in Freeport. Nevertheless, Water Cay plays an active role in our tourism industry, as it attracts approximately 600 stopover visitors a year from around the world, because of its serenity, beautiful waters, lavish ecosystem and abundant fishing grounds.
"Though Water Cay has much potential, the poor condition of the roads and the deteriorating docking facility, is said to have hindered socioeconomic development, and has been a concern of residents for years."
As a result of this, a contract was awarded to Smith's Construction to complete major infrastructural upgrades: November 5, 2013 was the first phase of the contract for $18,500 for the excavation and restoration of 420 linear feet of roadway; March 21, 2014 was the second phase of work in the amount $48,600 for the reconstruction of the government docking facility at Batelco's landing site.
Representatives from the Ministry of Works on Grand Bahama completed the inspection of both phases and are satisfied with the quality of work, thus far.
"The government is cognizant that there are other infrastructural works that need to be done on this and other cays, and we are working feverishly to ensure that this happens. In the upcoming months, phase three of the project will be completed which includes the installation of an 11,000 gallon water tank and the refurbishing of the teacher's residence as a hurricane shelter."
Minister Darville encouraged local and foreign investors, along with descendants of North Water Cay, to return home and invest as there is great potential for boutique hotels, along with small and medium hotels to thrive.
Also giving brief remarks was Deputy Leader of the Free National Movement and Member of Parliament for East Grand Bahama the Hon. Peter Turnquest who thanked the Minister for the visit and said he, and the residents of North Water Cay, look forward to the completion of the upgrades to the infrastructure.
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