The development company that brought a casino and a cruise service to Bimini will invest an additional $150 million into the island and create another 1,000 jobs, Prime Minister Perry Christie announced during the weekend.

He spoke at a ceremony on Bimini to mark the arrival of Bimini SuperFast, which made its inaugural voyage on Saturday morning, bringing in over 500 visitors to the island.

The ship recently received approval from the U.S. Coast Guard to sail after multiple failed inspections.

Christie said the investment by Resorts World/Genting Group will also result in the construction of two luxury low density hotels with a total of 600 rooms and numerous added amenities; an expanded casino; improvements to historical sites; the creation of museums; an expansion of the airport and a major housing initiative to accommodate employees and residents.

Additionally, he said employees will also benefit from internships at other overseas resorts of Resorts World.

It is expected that the company will also sponsor several fishing events on the island.

Christie said the government agreed to Resorts World's request to proceed immediately with plans for the next phase of development at Bimini.

He added that the government and Resorts World will also fund several other projects on the island, including improvements to the roads; the installation of proper street lighting and the implementation of an adequate transportation system.

Christie said the government is also preparing a master plan to guide the "orderly development and growth of North and South Bimini for the foreseeable future".

Christie's comments came three weeks after he officially opened the Resorts World Casino and christened the Bimini SuperFast cruise ship that is dedicated solely to transporting passengers between Bimini and Miami, Florida.

The Resorts World/Genting Group and RAV Bahamas formed a joint venture to bring the casino and the ship to the island.

Maiden voyage

The ship is expected to bring thousands of guests to the island weekly. Genting Group President Colin Au expressed relief that the ship was finally able to make its maiden voyage.

"This is going to be the safest ship in the Americas because it is the last one to be passed by the Coast Guard as being fit and proper to carry passengers," he said, making light of the problems associated with the ship's inspection.

Au said the ship will also help to lower the cost of cargo transportation and improve the quality of life on the island, as it will allow people to bring fresh produce from Florida on a daily basis. "But we are prepared to do more," he said.

"We are in the process of getting a private jet to bring people all the way from Mexico City and New York City directly into Bimini."

Au said the Genting Group is also going to start seaplane services into Bimini from Miami. He was one of the guests who made the 50-mile voyage from Miami to Bimini on the ship on Saturday.

Bimini SuperFast is outfitted with a casino, cabins and has several dining options. In mid-August, the ship will offer a party cruise where guests will leave Miami at 10 p.m. and return at 6 a.m. For now, only the day cruise is available.

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