From:TheBahamasWeekly.com
PM Minnis Outlines Plans to Revitalize Family Island Economies
By Matt Maura
Sep 25, 2017 - 8:50:11 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Minnis Administration is committed to providing Crown Land grants to Bahamians – especially descendants of the various Family Islands -- for a variety of economic projects including tourism, niche agriculture, aquaculture and other areas as incentives for the sustainable economic development of the Family Islands.
This includes providing incentives for the development of small, environmentally friendly boutique hotels, bonefish lodges and other small, quality resorts through marketing and promotional support.
A major objective of the plan is to empower descendants of the various Family Islands to return to their place of birth as part of an overarching plan to revitalize and rejuvenate Family Island economies.
“The key to the sustainable economic growth of The Bahamas includes (the) untapped potential of the Family Islands,” Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis said Monday.
“We want to help empower descendants of these islands to return to their place of birth to revive, rejuvenate and invest in their communities.”
Delivering the keynote address at the Official Opening Ceremony of the Department of Local Government’s Leadership Training Conference, which opened Monday evening (September 25, 2017) at Melia Nassau Beach resort, Cable Beach, Prime Minister Minnis said, for its part, the government has a responsibility to ensure that the Family Islands are platforms for development by investing in infrastructure such as airports, health centres, roads, potable water and other public facilities and amenities.
“Local Government should also be strengthened to help make crucial decisions related to the overall economic growth, development and governance of our islands. Toward this end, we hope to explore possibilities for you as Local Government officials, to raise capital for specific, pre-approved, strategic projects for advancing your island’s economic development,” Prime Minister Minnis added.
Prime Minister Minnis said the development of heritage sites and related activities, will help to “preserve and protect” the natural environment and create cultural sites that can be showcased for Bahamians and tourists alike.
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