Wednesday, March 10, 2010

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Good signs seen in Grand Bahama For close to 50 years, Grand Bahama had been a strong pulse that enhanced the growth of this nation. During the early 1960s, natives of other islands (including that where Nassau, the capital sits, New Providence) were attracted to the refreshing environment of Grand Bahama. They came in great numbers. Throughout the decade of the 1960s and 1970s, the inflow of people continued. Grand Bahama thrived and was a main artery of tourism and employment for The Bahamas. Grand Bahama had character. The general atmosphere of sophistication and style made Grand Bahama, especially Freeport, the destination of choice for many. Then came the hurricanes just over five years ago. The communities were jolted. Before a partial recovery could be experienced, the world was enveloped by an economic depression that further buffeted Grand Bahama. To hear the folks in the second city tell it, put quite simply, 2009 was hardship beyond all expectations. It's 2010 and now there is a glimmer of hope. Spirits are perking up. It's not a groundswell, but there is a good feel about Grand Bahama these days. Something is about to happen. To its credit, the government is right in the mix of this building enthusiasm. Two front-page stories in The Freeport News on Monday caused some excitement. The main headline blared "260 job options for GB" and the other was about the ministries of Health and Tourism working together to spark medical tourism. It is anticipated that the construction of an $18 million government complex will begin very soon, perhaps in March. The projected time frame is 16-18 months. Of course it could very well be two years or more before completion. Some 260 people will be hired directly. They will be other offshoots. Imagine the funds being channeled into families and communities of Grand Bahama as a result. This is certainly a cause of excitement in the Grand Bahama. This project is real and there is this buoyancy among the people because they are not confronted by yet another pie-in-the-sky promise. If the ministries of Health and Tourism and the Grand Bahama Port Authority can develop a partnership that results in a vibrant medical tourism vehicle, then all the better. There are indeed some good signs to be seen in Grand Bahama these days. The government is obligated to lead the charge. Tuesday February 09, 2010