The government is planning to invest up to $9 million in infrastructure projects in Abaco, as officials place a renewed focus on Family Island development. During a press conference yesterday, the Ministry of Works and Urban Development announced that islands other than New Providence will become more of a priority in 2013 and beyond in an effort to create more balance, diversify the economy and shift the intense spotlight away from the country's capital.

"There is a glimmer of hope for the future and going forward I intend to persuade my colleagues that major infrastructural work will be targeted for Family Islands as opposed to New Providence, so we don't expect to have much heavy infrastructural works ongoing in New Providence," said Philip Brave Davis, the minister of works and urban development. "Our emphasis will be on Family Island development and infrastructural work going forward." The government announced yesterday that $1.3 million will be invested to repair five miles of road in Central Abaco.

Bill Simmons Construction will be undertaking the project. Between 10 and 15 jobs will be created over the four-month period to complete the revamp. In addition to the Central Abaco road project, Davis mentioned that road improvements will also take place in Green Turtle Cay, along with improvements to the dock in North Abaco and the Marsh Harbor Airport. He said the Green Turtle Cay initiative will likely be the next contract to be rewarded.

As far as the infrastructure endeavors planned for the other Family Islands, the Davis said the islands next in line will be selected based on economic promise. "It is safe to say that the investments will be targeted in those areas where the internal rate of return will have more economical impact in communities," Davis said. "Where the economical impact will be more rewarding for a particular community, that is where we'll start.

That will be one of the principles that will guide us in deciding on the parities of the Family Islands. "The truth of the matter is that there is priority list of works that is before Cabinet at the moment. Cabinet will make a decision on where we will go and start, hopefully we should have that resolved in the next two weeks and from that list of priorities we will then move on." Work on the Central Abaco road is expected to begin as early as next week. The government insists that no businesses should be hindered during the construction period.

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