Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, the Hon. Chester Cooper shared his thoughts on the redevelopment of the Grand Lucayan Hotel located on this island of Grand Bahama on Wednesday.
Speaking with reporters outside of the House Of Assembly the Minister said that airlift to Grand Bahama is 11.6% ahead of last year, leading all of the destinations in The Bahamas currently.
The government purchased the Grand Lucayan Hotel property from Hutchinson Whampoa in August 2018 to avoid its permanent closure. According to Cooper the hotel cost taxpayers $1.2 million per month to operate. He said, “there would have still been substantial fixed costs that would persist. For example, you have to keep the air condition on and if you didn’t do that the place would become quickly mold infested and deteriorate rapidly.”
During the House proceedings former Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis expressed optimism about the agreement signing and pending redevelopment of the Grand Lucayan. He said, “it would please me and please the average Bahamian, if not all, if this were to materialize for Grand Bahama and be good for the Bahamian people.”
The Member of Parliament for Central Grand Bahama, the Hon. Iram Lewis also shared high hopes for the project. “We want this to be a very successful venture for the island of Grand Bahama. We want this to really kickstart our economy,” he said.
When asked details about the investor in the property the Deputy Prime Minister said it would be confirmed at 2 o’ clock on the day of the head of agreement signing.
