Once the initiatives are taken, a lot of benefits can come from the Bahamian sports industry.
As Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Dr. Daniel Johnson admitted recently, the sports industry in this country can be greatly expanded. This point has been made on numerous occasions in this space. Based on Minister Johnson's resolve though, he seems prepared to pursue options available to us for growth of the industry. Hopefully, this is the case also for his colleagues.
I bring back to the forefront, the suggestion of a plan to turn the Andros Barrier Reef into a "huge money-making" product. The eastern side of Andros slopes into one of the great sea drop-offs in the world. There is the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, the granddaddy of them all. Then, there is the Red Sea Reef in Egypt, the Belize Barrier Reef, the Florida Barrier Reef and the New Caledonia Reef in the South Pacific that compare favorably with the Andros Barrier Reef.
For us, the revenue potential is enormous. In Australia, the GBR brings in around $6 billion each year and the total operation includes some 50,000 employees for the dive equipment and attire shops, hotels, restaurants and lounges etc. A business focus with the Andros Barrier Reef as the product would turn that island overnight into one of the great cities in our region. Previous governments have not had all that it takes to meet such a challenge. This is where we have to go now though, to pump up the national economy and enable Bahamians to better sustain themselves.
The thinking has to be big. The present Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) central administration assumed responsibility for an economy that is in big trouble. One of the bright young minds that make up the government is Ryan Pinder. Prime Minister Perry Christie has brought back the Ministry of Financial Services and made Pinder its chief.
This ministry is to foster opportunities for investment and employment. The Andros Barrier Reef seems an appropriate item for our Ministry of Financial Services. There is also an agricultural element given nearly 200 species of fish and coral to be found living in the reef. The 6,000 feet drop into what is called traditionally the 'Tongue of the Ocean' affords divers a great environment. That's the sports tourism aspect of the reef. So really, the Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Local Government Alfred Grey should get involved, along with Johnson and Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe.
This is where the rubber meets the road for the Christie Government decision makers. They are obligated to demonstrate that they know just how to invest in Bahamians and our resources.
(To respond to this column, kindly contact Fred Sturrup at sturrup1504@gmail.com)

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