A group of taxi, ferry, and golf cart operators in Bimini fear that the formation of a new transportation company will cut into their businesses and are calling on the government to offer them some sort of protection.

On Friday Prime Minister Perry Christie announced the formation of the Bahamas Hotel Corporation Tourism Services (Bimini) Ltd. by the Hotel Corporation to operate Resorts World Bimini Bay transportation and water sports activities.

Christie added, however, that the creation of the entity will not be to the full exclusion of existing public transportation franchise holders.

But some operators said they have yet to see evidence that they will be included in any aspect of the public/private partnership.

Lorrick Roberts, owner of Dolphin Golf Cart Rental and Bimini Tram, said he is concerned that his business will be significantly reduced once the transportation company begins to operate.

"This could potentially kill our business," he told The Nassau Guardian yesterday. Bimini is expected to get a tourism boost once the newly-christened cruise ship that will travel between Bimini and Miami, Florida, is authorized to begin sailing.

Bimini Superfast has the capacity to transport up to 3,000 people daily.

In addition to the cruise services, Bimini will also benefit from the opening of a new Resorts World Casino, which is expected to inject millions of dollars into the small island economy.

The casino, located at Bimini Bay, was officially opened on Friday. Roberts said he doubts that any of that money will come his way.

He said initially the local Bimini board invited public transportation franchise holders to a meeting to announce the developments in Bimini and to invite the operators to offer their services.

However, Roberts said on Wednesday he received news about the Hotel Corporation's agreement. "It's going to hurt our business because the people who come to Bimini Bay are the people who we deal with," Roberts said.

"Those guests represent the biggest clients, so if that takes that business, then they are taking all."

Former Bimini Member of Parliament George Weech, who will head the newly-formed transportation operation, told The Guardian yesterday that he is not in a position to answer any questions regarding the issue.

He refused to say whether local operators would be given an opportunity to be included in the transportation company.

Manager of M and M Transportation Company Jason Williams said he does not believe that local operators will benefit from the tourism boost.

"I can't say off the top if we'll be affected but I can say that there doesn't seem to be any gains for the small man," Williams said.

He added that a lot of people from Bimini are happy about the opening of the casino and the coming boat services.

However, he said until he has the opportunity to read the "fine print" he will reserve his judgement regarding the new developments. Hyram Rolle, owner of Bimini Water, Taxi and Bus Service, offered similar comments.

"Most of my customers come in from the airport," he said.

"So while it's not affecting us right now, in years to come it will affect us. "We don't know whats going on.

Right now, no one has told us anything. I think it's a bunch of foolishness."

Taxi driver Chris Ferguson said he left New Providence because he was fed up with bus companies taking the business from local taxi drivers.

"I'm trying to figure out where this will leave the cab drivers. If it's going to happen like that then we're going down the drain."

Christie said once the new transportation company gets off the ground, residents in Bimini will be offered shares in a newly-formed company as a result of a public-private partnership between the government, RAV Bahamas and Genting.

"The people of Bimini will be offered shares in this company, which will operate according to the standards of equipment and service required by Resorts World," said the prime minister on Friday.

"Arrangements are being concluded under which the developer will meet costs of equipment and transfer ownership to Bahamas Hotel Corporation Tourism Services (Bimini) Ltd.

The costs will be recovered in an agreed schedule of repayments."

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