Duncan Town, Ragged Island - Construction of a dock and reconstruction of roads here will usher in enhanced economic activity for this outlying Family Island, Public Works and Transport Minister the Hon. Neko C. Grant asserted.

He made that observation during a $9.2 million contract signing ceremony for those works, Monday, November 30.

In attendance were the Hon. Earl Deveaux, Minister of the Environment; the Hon. Tommy Turnquest, Minister of National Security; the Hon. Lawrence Cartwright, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources; Senator Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, Minister of Tourism and Aviation and Senator David Thompson.

Ministry of Works officials included Permanent Secretary Colin Higgs, Acting Director Gordon Major, Undersecretary Nicole Campbell, and engineer Robert Garraway.

Also present was Oscar Munroe, Deputy Administrator for Exuma Cays and Ragged Island, local government officials, residents and a team from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.

Along with the dock, the $9,212,916 contract includes the construction of a pier with ramp and a breakwater structure.

A $3,339,340 contract was signed for the reconstruction of five miles of road from Duncan Town Airport to the new dock at Gun Point, and replacement and upgrade of the entire water distribution system in Duncan Town.

The projects are being co-financed by the Government of the Bahamas and the 9th European Development Fund.

The contracts have been awarded to Knowles Construction and Development Company. Both projects are expected to be completed within 12 months.

?This project will facilitate the transport of goods and people to and from the island and the expansion of the fisheries sector thereby strengthening the local economy,? Minister Grant said.

The Gun Point location was selected because it will require less dredging works and less maintenance than at the present Duncan Town site, he explained

He anticipated completion of the projects in the allotted time frame and production of ?high, quality work in which the residents of Ragged Island can take pride.?

Minister Deveaux said the eco-system of Ragged Island is one of the most ?productive? in the Bahama chain and produces and supports a range of fishes.

?Had we dredged the channel through the mangroves we would have destroyed the central component of the nursery system for all the marine species that live and support us,? said Mr. Deveaux.

He said a ?significant? opportunity will open as a result of new developments for people between Cuba, Turks and Caicos, Inagua and the Southern Bahamas to visit Ragged Island for refreshment and shelter.

Minister Turnquest said with the Defence Force operating out of Gun Point will greatly assist with national security defences.

?Ragged Island has a wonderful opportunity to play an integral part in our national security strategy in the decentralization of the Defence Force. We are giving operation to our vision of securing The Bahamas,? he said.

About 50 persons will be employed on the projects.