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Last Updated: May 26, 2017 - 7:50:05 PM |
NASSAU, The Bahamas -- During her Speech from the Throne on May 24, 2017, Governor General Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, DCMG, said that her Government recognized the value of tourism to the economy, while being keenly aware of the fierceness of the competition in the global and regional tourism marketplace.
"My Government will collaborate with all the major tourism industry stakeholders to enhance the tourism product onshore, to develop throughout our islands," Her Excellency said, during the Official Opening of the Parliament, in Parliament Square.
Her Excellency added that her government’s primary goal in communications, sales and airlift strategies will be to ensure a return on investment in all that they do, as well as work aggressively towards expanding the digital footprint by using data-driven metrics in all efforts.
"My government will give greater priority to initiatives to enliven and bring excitement to downtown Nassau. My Government will execute plans for the continued refurbishment of Festival place," Her Excellency said. "My Government will aggressively pursue additional airlift.
"My Government will strengthen the sales and marketing team in our network of Bahamas Tourist Offices across the United States, Canada and Europe."
Her Excellency noted that her Government would also capitalize on the marketing power of social media by engaging freelance bloggers to generate content and publicity about the Family Islands.
Turning her focus towards the Northern Bahamas, Her Excellency said that her Government will launch the rebound of the island of Grand Bahama, in accordance with the template of a master strategic plan designed for Grand Bahama. Accordingly, she said, her Government will establish a signature identity in the tourism marketplace for the island.
"My Government will collaborate with strategic international partners to bring world class tournaments and competitions to Grand Bahama," she said.
Her Excellency said the Government will stimulate the local business environment, and strengthen the Fresh Start and Jump Start initiatives established during its last term in office.
Continuing with she added that her Government will establish a "one-stop-shop" to improve the ease of doing business.
"My Government will grant tax inducements or incentives to Bahamians comparable to or in line with those given to foreign investors," she pointed out. "My Government will review and give consideration to the ownership of taxi licence plates by persons who have been leasing those plates for many years.
"My Government will enact legislation to ensure that there are standards applied to import products that Bahamians consume as well as to products manufactured here."
Her Excellency said that she realized that a healthy and strong Grand Bahamian economy is vital to the growth and development of the entire Bahamas. Consequently, the Government will establish an Investment Promotion Board to promote Grand Bahama as a place for doing business and for recreation.
"My Government will repeal and replace the Grand Bahama (Port Area) Investment Incentives Act 2016 to ensure that all licensees receive equal treatment under the law," she said. "My Government will focus on the development of Freeport as an offshore technology hub."
Her Excellency said the Government would also promote Grand Bahama as a primary location for local and international film and television industries, and would create incentives to establish a financial services centre in Grand Bahama.
Her Excellency said that her Government is committed to the exploration and development of the untapped resources of the Family Islands. Consequently, she added, it would promote diversification in tourism and banking and promote more Bahamian ownership of these industries.
"My Government will, where practicable, ensure the purchase of locally manufactured goods and services and other supplies," she said. "My Government will renew the Family Island Incentives Act to promote growth in agriculture and manufacturing and support diversification in growth of agricultural produce among Family Islands and encourage and enhance inter island trade."
The Governor General continued by pointing out that her Government will provide for a portion of the revenue collected by the District Councils to be used to address local needs.
"My Government will establish a committee to look into the implementation of local government in New Providence," she said.
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