I am happy to be here at this beautiful sprawling hillside resort property overlooking the picturesque Elizabeth Harbour and crystal blue waters of The Exumas.
One of the unique features of February Point is that it is within hailing distance of the historic and quaint community of George Town and this gives this development an added dimension; it is as private as any development could wish for but at the same time it has a connection to a real bustling and thriving Bahamian community.
Today, we share in the celebration of February Point’s milestone achievement in completing the initial stage of its re-development into a 5-star luxury residential community and marina resort.
I am delighted to see the progress that has been made at this site in such a short period of time. It was just a little over two years ago in February 2013 when Mr. John McGarvey presented his vision to the Government of a modernized resort and marina, offering a high-end touristic product and quality service. As many of you would know, February Point is not a new concept, since as far back as the 1960’s there have been some interests in this site, one of the most beautiful on mainland Exuma. Several persons built substantial homes in various locations on February Point and there were a few other amenities such as a restaurant and docking facilities.
February Point has now come a long way and we are witnessing the first phase of an exciting integrated and planned development.
We are witnesses today to a state-of-the-art newly constructed Welcome Centre, Restaurant, Bistro Bar and Spa. The small boat marina is 90% completed. Construction has begun on the 20-unit condominium complex. And plans have been completed to begin construction of six (6) penthouses and four (4) estate homes.
Some persons present would be aware of John’s accomplishments in commercial and residential development and of course, the construction industry. Results of his expertise can be seen in Southwest Florida where he has developed and constructed all types of buildings and complexes including luxury residential communities.
And now Mr. Garvey is here on Exuma. Along with a group of investors, he has embarked on a mission to make an impressionable mark on Exuma Island through the creation of an ultra luxury resort that will transform the landscape of Georgetown.
In addition to a $40 million project investment, February Point will donate a minimum of 150 acres of land in Flamingo Bay to Government and will contribute $250,000.00 for a joint venture Master Plan with Government for the transformation of Georgetown into a mini city with a state-of-the-art Government Administrative Complex, a primary and a high school, an Industrial Park, Community Sports and Recreational Centres, a hydroponic botanical farm, residential subdivision, and a commercial retail and entertainment district.
The quaint towns of The Exumas are moving along in the direction of my Government’s objective to build a prosperous Bahamas for all Bahamians.
The Exumas are experiencing an economic boom evolving from a community dependent on the agro marine industry into a middle-income major touristic destination combining resort development, second home ownership and yachting.
This February Point investment, along with other existing foreign investment developments, brings a myriad of entrepreneurial opportunities for Exumians and for Bahamians generally.
As a result of collaboration with The Exuma Chamber of Commerce, foreign investors and Government, the entrepreneurial spirit of Exumians will flourish through vertical linkages with resort projects.
Along with the usual hospitality positions and retail and services businesses, a plethora of professions will be available to Bahamians. Exuma should expect to experience a growth in professional services: teachers, architects, engineers, decorators, lawyers, doctors, financial advisors, accountants, surveyors, appraisers and environmentalists will be needed to ensure a high end product for those wishing to purchase and live here at February Point.
Small business opportunities will exist in areas such as the marina services, retail sales, farming, ferry transportation, boat tours, fishing excursions, water sports, arts and craft, entertainment, spa and wellness, and an array of other entrepreneurial opportunities.
There will also be a demand for scientific and other specialized technical skills whereby qualified Bahamians will be needed to manage and operate power generating solar, wind and gas plants; and waste treatment facilities.
Urban planners and project managers will be needed to assist Government in the orderly development of The Exumas.
Exumians, we are privileged for the confidence placed in The Bahamas by the February Point foreign investors.
I take this opportunity of expressing our appreciation to the February Point Partners group of investors led by Mr. John McGarvey, for their willingness to invest in the development of Georgetown and their positive engagement within the community. I would be remiss not to say thank you to Mr. Burton Rodgers for his involvement in this project.
We have already begun to experience a positive impact from the resort project, not only through job creation but through its financial contributions to the National Emergency Management Agency Hurricane Joaquin Relief Efforts, rebuilding of the Straw Market, the Cancer Society of Exuma, the National Family Island Regatta, local sporting clubs and through the training of two (2) resident Exumians in swimming pool construction.
I am advised there are plans to donate computer systems to the primary and high schools extending from Moss Town to Little Exuma. These types of contributions are examples of the investor’s commitments to the destination and to the people of Exuma and serve as a perfect avenue to share my Government’s plans for infrastructural improvements on mainland Exuma.
You would be aware of plans underway for redevelopment of the Exuma International Airport. Government is presently having discussions with a specific group of foreign investors on a possible public private partnership arrangement for reconstruction and management of the airport at Moss Town.
In light of the population growth, it is now a matter of urgency for my Government to cause the mini hospital to become operational and every effort is being expended in this regard. Expansion of the Queen’s Highway and construction of connecting roadways are imminent. Government is also in the process of evaluating options for location of a public dock. These infrastructural developments are a critical support to the community.
Before concluding, I wish to give an update on two other recently approved foreign investment projects that will complement the offerings of February Point Resort.
Some two (2) weeks ago, Government concluded a Heads of Agreement with the developer of the Children’s Bay Cay and Williams Cay project. This $250 million eco-friendly ultra luxurious resort and golf club will result in significant benefits for Barraterre and the nearby settlements.
An average number of 400 Bahamians will be employed over the build out 5-year period for construction works, which will begin in the second half of this year.
Resort operations on a recurrent basis will require a minimum of 200 Bahamians.
You would, also have heard of the proposed Stocking Island development, across from Elizabeth Harbour, where the $300 million Stocking Island Club project will be located. Set for completion in late 2017, this ultra luxury resort will employ approximately 250 Bahamians for construction works over its 3-year build out. The same number of Bahamians will be employed for resort operations.
The emerging opportunities for employment in a wide range of professions will certainly serve as a magnet for resettlement of Exumians.
My fellow Bahamians, Government will ensure sustainable development practices are adhered to by foreign investors for the safety of marine, land and air environs. More importantly, the interest of Bahamians, our country’s most precious natural resource, will be protected by the Government of The Bahamas.
Moreover, we are reminded that our pristine environment is a deciding factor for foreign investors. You can be assured, therefore that the Government working in partnership with developers such as the ones here at February Point they will pay special attention to environmental matters and will treat the environment with care for protection of their investment.
Another chapter in the rich history of The Exumas is being written. A new day dawns; an incomparable renaissance is underway.A place of breathtaking beauty, fascination and wonder: The Exumas, are the authentic jewel of The Bahamas. I appeal to Exumians and all who live and invest here, to embrace the opportunities now unfolding to make Exuma not only a major destination, but one of the most desirable places in which to live, play and work.
Thank you.
Source: Bahamas Information Services
