Job creation, sustainability and attracting investors top a laundry list of priorities for the Ministry of Grand Bahama that will be tackled within the Progressive Liberal Party's (PLP) first 100 days in office.
Dr. Michael Darville, member of Parliament for Pine Ridge, has been appointed to head up this new ministry.
Darville revealed to Guardian Business at the Speech from the Throne ceremony yesterday that his ministry was aggressively discussed during his party's election campaign, all in an effort to bring much-needed economic restoration to the island of Grand Bahama.
"Through the creation of this ministry, we are trying to create jobs, ensure sustainability and attract investors. We plan to work hand in hand with the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) to ensure that all government enterprises get what they deserve to start the process for growth in Grand Bahama," he explained.

Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes delivered his speech at the opening of Parliament. He stated that the creation of the Ministry of Grand Bahama, along with the restoration of the Ministry of Financial Services, has been given urgent priority as part of the PLP's aggressive action plan.
"Urgent priority will be given to the implementation of the action plan outlined in the charter for the first 100 days of my government. The implementation of this 'first 100 days' plan is, I am pleased to report, already in stride, as witness the implementation of two of the action items within the very first week of my government coming to office, namely, the creation of the Ministry for Grand Bahama and the restoration of the Ministry of Financial Services," he shared.
Darville told Guardian Business that he is now in the process of building this ministry from the ground up, which he confirmed has 11 branches associated with it.
"Through legislation, we're trying to develop a solid foundation. From this foundation, we will begin to develop different aspect of the ministries like a close relation with GBPA, the promotion of tourism and the industrial centers in Grand Bahama," the Pineridge MP said.
He further noted that there will be a duty-free concession implemented for West and East Grand Bahama. Medical and educational infrastructure will also be expanded on the island.
Darville said his ministry's budget is still being developed, as they figure the direction it will go in and how much it will cost to operate.
"It's a very large mandate. We are looking to establish the ministry with our first 100 days in office," Darville added.

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