Passerine group signs Heads of Agreement Tuesday
By MINDELL SMALL,Guardian Staff Reporter mindell@nasguard.com
Passerine at Abaco Limited was given the green light Tuesday to begin construction of an exclusive resort and residential community at Great Guana Cay in the Abacos.
The approval came after many months of debate over the potential negative environmental impact that residents felt the development would have brought to the Northern Abaco Cay, 140 miles north of Nassau.
A Heads of Agreement between the Bahamas government and the Passerine Group was signed at the Cabinet Office Tuesday morning.
Prime Minister Perry Christie signed on behalf of the government while Michael Meldman, CEO of Discovery Land Company and Joey Arenson, also of Discovery Land Company, signed on behalf of Passerine at Abaco Limited. Discovery Land is the lead development partner of the Passerine group.
With an initial investment of approximately $20 million, the Passerine Partners are proposing to build the resort/residential complex, which they say will include a 75-room luxury-villa style hotel and associated amenities, a first-class 240-slip marina, an 18-hole, 585-acre championship golf course, 350 residential lots and numerous other luxury facilities.
It is estimated that more than $500 million would be invested in Great Guana Cay over a 10-year period, following the construction of the facility.
Environmental worries addressed
Before praising the developers for their undertaking, Mr Christie responded to the environmental concerns expressed by residents when the development was first proposed.
In mid-December, just two weeks before construction of the project was initially scheduled to begin, Abaco residents urged Bahamians everywhere to join them in their fight to "save" the island.
At that time, an Abaco based non-profit environmental and preservation group, "Save Guana Cay" wrote letters to the press, saying the development would destroy the reef and eco-system surrounding Abaco.
Among other things, they argued that harmful chemicals from the pesticides, used to maintain golf courses, would slowly kill the barrier reef - the world's third largest.
The Prime Minister said he took those views into consideration and added, "We are not prepared to compromise on our commitment to protecting the pristine environment of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas."
He also said he expected the developers, with their wealth of experience and good corporate philosophy, to ensure that environmental best practices are adhered to throughout the construction of the facility.
"It is not an invasion or massive explosion, but it is something that will be phased and kind, so as not to have any undue interruption with the setting, and the quality of life, and the laid-back atmosphere of the island."
Mr Christie further noted that after the government discussed the environmental issues with Abaco residents, the developers committed themselves to setting up a Foundation that would be funded to protect the island's eco-wilderness. The Foundation would reportedly be a permanent eco-wilderness feature on the island.
"And we have indicated to the developers that we are moving forward in establishing at The College of The Bahamas what will eventually be a major department of the College, specialising in marine sciences and marine biology," he added.
Wide consultations
Additionally, in keeping with his belief that a government should engage in wide consultations before making major decisions, Mr Christie said he ensured that the opposition was involved in the negotiation process, particularly the two Abaco constituency representatives, former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham and Robert Sweeting, the Member of Parliament for South Abaco.
Regarding the upgrading of airports on Abaco to facilitate additional airlift, the Prime Minister said he was expecting a report to be presented to him this week from the Kelsey Edwards airport planning firm out of New England, which had been commissioned by the government to inspect and recommend improvements to that island's airports.
Furthermore, the developers have committed to employing 200 Bahamians in construction, and a similar number on a permanent basis. Some of these employees would reportedly be included in an on-the-job training and apprenticeship programme, involving travel to the developers' overseas projects in U.S., Hawaii and Mexico.
The project would also provide opportunities for Bahamians to participate in the economic expansion of the country through various entrepreneurial ventures. Some of these would include retail operators, professional services, water sports operators and local entertainers.
Completion set for 2010
Minister of Financial Services and Investment, Allyson Maynard-Gibson said the government expects the project to be completed by 2010.
"This development promotes the second-home mandate of the government, and a lot of attention has been paid to the environmental sensitivity of the area," she said.
Mr Melbourne said the secret to the company's success has been embracing the environment. He added that no amount of money could replace the beauty of Great Guana Cay.
"It's our goal with this property, not just to be the best project in the Abacos or in The Bahamas, but to create one of the best communities in the world. And we're confident that we have the resources, the support and the expertise to do that."
The CEO also said the company had expressed interest in developing Great Guana Cay for several years but was faced with a few challenges.
"We're honoured to be here, we couldn't be more happy, we couldn't be more thrilled and we're ready to go," he said.
