Despite a global recession and the wrath of Hurricane Irene, the developers behind a $220 million golfing community on Cat Island are reaffirming their commitment to a project set to transform the island.
Heath Shelton, the president of Cat Island Partners Ltd., told Guardian Business that investors behind the 1,904-acre oceanfront resort have invested more than $60 million thus far, and confidence is at an all-time high.
Cat Island Golf and Beach Resort is teed up to be the first ever Professional Golf Association (PGA) village outside of the U.S.
"Cat Island Partners has taken its construction efforts to the absolute limits of approvals granted to date," Shelton said. "These limits are from the actual approval standpoint, the logical point for ongoing construction progress, and also from an investment confidence standpoint. The partners involved have invested over $60 million personally in the project to date without any outside financing. This is a very strong personal commitment to the people of Cat Island."
The statement follows recent marks made by Obie Wilchcombe, the minister of tourism, who expressed similar confidence in the high-profile development.
He said Cat Island requires an anchor project, such as the Cat Island Golf and Beach Resort, to create linkages and stimulate economic growth.
"We want to make it happen," he added.
While the development first broke ground in 2009, and received necessary approvals from the Bahamas Investment Authority, Cat Island Partners is now awaiting actual building permits so structures can rise from the ground.
"We are working closely with the current administration to ensure that any final obstacles to moving forward are removed, including, but not limited to, environmental concerns, airlift concerns, adequate electrical power and water resources. We have continuously adjusted our plans at great cost to overcome each of the challenges faced," according to Shelton.
The village will include two 18-hole championship golf courses, a five-star hotel and a variety of residential properties. A tennis center, casino, apartment complex and full-service beach club have also been considered for the development.

Cat Island Partners is targeting a mid-2014 opening for the golf course.
Indeed, all brought to bear, the president of Cat Island Partners noted that it will create more jobs than the current working population of the island. The construction process, from beginning to end, is also expected to create hundreds of opportunities.
A possible expansion of the airport and other spin-off businesses are also being eyed as opportunities by both the local and international community.
The development is expected to bring considerable prestige to the obscure island. The PGA of America's commitment to lend its brand is seen as a possible feather in the cap of The Bahamas.
"The PGA of America not only brings global recognition in terms of the golf traveler, but it provides a differentiating reason to travel to Cat Island," Shelton noted. "Supporting thousands of professionals and amateurs, the PGA partner will provide a marketplace for eager visitors wanting to experience one of the best golf courses in the world in an incredible island setting."
The president said the PGA echoed the continued confidence of investors.
Cat Island Golf and Beach Resort is just one of several major projects in the sights of the Progressive Liberal Party for the Family Islands. Recently, Prime Minister Perry Christie announced an agreement between world-class casino operator Gentling Malaysia and RAV Bahamas to construct the $24 million Resorts World Bimini Bay.
And this week, Christie travelled to the Cove Eleuthera Resort to meet the American developer behind a $30 million expansion and revitalization.
Shelton told Guardian Business that the company looks forward to playing a similar leading role on Cat Island.
"Cat Island Partners recognizes the importance of this project to the island," he added. "it is a generational project that will be ongoing for some years to come. Its impact will change the opportunities on the island forever and could make Cat Island a world destination resort."

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