The government broke ground on its $39 million North Abaco Port Project in Coopers Town, Abaco yesterday.
China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), an award-winning international engineering firm, is the lead contractor on the project, which is being funded by the government and the Export-Import Bank of China.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis said within two years Abaco will have a first-class facility that will benefit her residents.
"There was concern or agitation among some of you that this day would not dawn," Davis said.
"However, as promised, we are here and breaking ground to build the North Abaco Port.
"Coopers Town, specifically, and by extension all of Abaco, from Treasure Cay northwards, including Green Turtle Cay and other offshore cays, will reap the benefit of this investment and seize other opportunities resulting there from."
Around $3 million will be issued in subcontracted work to Bahamian contractors over the course of the project.
Davis said Bahamians represent 70 percent of the workforce on the project while Chinese workers represent 30 percent.
CHEC Bahamas has engaged a local firm, Caribbean Coastal Services Limited, to review and approve CHEC's designs for the port to ensure it meet all local and relevant laws and codes.
CHEC Americas Division Regional Director Zhongdong Tang
"We are very enthusiastic about launching this project as our first initiative in The Bahamas," he said.
"The port will increase trading opportunities locally, regionally and internationally, especially for those based here in Coopers Town."
Tang said between September 2013 and June 2014, CHEC spent over $1.3 million on the project.
North Abaco MP Renardo Curry said there has been a consistent push to create employment for the people of Abaco and yesterday was a big step in the right direction.
He thanked the Christie administration and former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, who attended the ceremony, for their efforts in getting the project to this stage.
The groundbreaking ceremony also involved a basketball game between a local Abaco team and some CHEC staff.
Last month CHEC donated food supplies and other items to over 100 people who were left homeless after a devastating fire destroyed over 50 homes in Marsh Harbour, Abaco.
Company officials said they are committed to providing more assistance to the less fortunate and those affected by natural disasters in The Bahamas.

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