I am delighted to have been invited by the Chairman of Resorts World, Tan Sri Lim to be in Las Vegas along with the Minister of Tourism for the Ground-breaking Ceremony for what will be an iconic Resorts World hotel, casino and entertainment centre.This fascinating hospitality project, of very distinct design is being built at a cost of some $4 billion, and will when it opens in 2017 become one of the foremost attractions in the gaming, entertainment and convention capital of the United States.

My presence here today as Prime Minister of The Bahamas, speaks to the growing relationship and partnership which exists between The Bahamas and Resorts World and the Genting Group, one of the world’s leading resort, gaming and cruise ship conglomerate, led by its visionary Chairman Tan Sri Lim. They have made significant investments in The Bahamas in the Resorts World Resort & Casino on the fabled island of Bimini, one of our closest offshore Islands to the United States. The idyllic island of Bimini with its distinctive native culture and charm, is world renowned for its fishing, boating and warm hospitality. It has drawn to its beautiful shores, notable figures like Ponce de Leon in his quest to locate the Fountain of Youth, Ernest Hemingway, writer and angler, Martin Luther King Jr. where he was inspired to write his “I have a Dream” speech and the Reverend Adam Clayton Powell the noted U.S. African American Congressman from New York.

At its charming resort in Bimini, Resorts World has invested some $500 million in expanding the residential resort and marina complex to include a new casino and newly opened Hilton branded hotel, a deep water docking facility to accommodate the Bimini Superfast, a luxury cruise ship ferry that crosses the Gulf Stream from South Florida to Bimini in three hours, plus other amenities. Resorts World has entered into Public/Private sector partnership with the Government of The Bahamas with respect to airport and other infrastructural upgrades which have taken place in Bimini.

Resorts World has extensive cruise line interests including Star Cruise Lines in Asia/Pacific region, Norwegian Cruise Lines and recent acquisition of Crystal Cruise Lines. Norwegian is playing an increasing role with its new ships in establishing The Bahamas as the largest cruise destination from the United States. We hope to be able also in the near future to attract their luxury Crystal cruise ships to The Bahamas.

During my quick one day visit in Las Vegas I have also had useful discussion with Resorts World Chairman regarding further measures to enhance and grow their development in Bimini which has become one of our leading Family Island resorts.

The iconic mega project which Resorts World is undertaking in Las Vegas will complement their investments in The Bahamas in that they will be able to market to millions of patrons in Las Vegas, a compelling different experience at their resort in Bimini and to cruise the Bahamian waters on their cruise ships.

I congratulate Resorts World on this milestone development in the huge North American market which bodes well for the economic benefits which will accrue both to Las Vegas and The Bahamas.