Ceremonial breaking of the ground at the French Leave Marina Site
(Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera, Bahamas) – Prime Minister, the Hon. Perry G. Christie led a delegation of MP’s and other government officials to Governor’s Harbour Eleuthera, in what may be termed a “revitalization” drive for the island’s economy. It is certainly the most public attention the island has received in recent years, and positive ‘chatter’ which bodes well for the immediate future.
Specifically the group was on island for the official ground breaking ceremony at the French Leave Marina site at the northern end of the Bay at Governor’s Harbour.
Christie expressed pleasure at being in the historic and picturesque township of Governor’s Harbour in the center of the beautiful island of Eleuthera – describing the beautiful setting of the proposed resort, including that it would be overlooking the, “iconic setting of Cupids Cay”, which is adjoined to the mainland by the, “nations oldest causeway.” The island must have smiled as it listened to the sense of nostalgia in the PM as he reflected on his mother who was born and grew up in Tarpum Bay, on this island, which he aptly described as the cradle of democracy in the Bahamas.
(L-R) Eddie Lauth, Developer; Prime Minister Perry Christie; Joy Jibrilu, Director of Investments; Lance Shaner, Developer; and Mr. Baltram Bethel, Advisor.
“You represent perseverance and determination”, the Prime Minister said to Mr. Eddie Lauth, a longtime visitor to Eleuthera and investor who first proposed the idea of “French Leave” to Mr. Christie, seven years ago during his first tenure as Prime Minister (2002-2007), when a Heads of Agreement was signed.
He welcomed and thanked the investors, including Mr. Lance Shaner, CEO and founder of the Shaner Hotel Group, who has now acquired a majority equity stake in the project, for the confidence they were showing in his government and the island. The other partnering investor mentioned was Mr. Robert Poole.
According to Christie, the first two phases of the development would cost about 12 million dollars.
“Phase one will comprise the construction of 21 hotel cottages, bar and grill restaurant, pool, club house facility and two restored docks. Phase two”, he added, “will see the construction of an additional 17 cottages.” He also said that it is the intention of the developers to continue to grow the resort in manageable phases as demand warrants, under the leading Marriott brand affiliation, using designs that will reflect the authentic style of the traditional architecture of the older homes in Governor’s Harbour.
Prime Minister Perry Christie (right) introduces Eleutheran contractor, Mr. Jason Thompson (left).
He highlighted that the investors have chosen an Eleutheran contractor, Jason Thompson of Palmetto Point, and workmen for the construction of the resort.
Prime Minister Christie also noted that along with The Cove in Gregory Town, this development in Governor’s Harbour would be good for the island of Eleuthera. A third project he mentioned as upcoming was the expansion and redevelopment of the Cocodimama hotel near the Governor’s Harbour airport which is expected to go from a 12 room hotel to a 72 room resort in a joint venture between Urgo Hotels, and Bahamas Ferries Hotel Limited.
Former Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Brent Symonette, a partner in that venture, was present at the ceremony and the group later toured that facility. To the listening audience at the ceremony the Prime Minister acknowledged that Mr. Symonette was well suited, given his former position in government, to be part of the redevelopment of Eleuthera. He highlighted that Brent along with his brother Craig Symonette were the sons of a Current native, namely, the country’s first Premier Sir Roland Symonette, who was was in his own right a significant investor in central Eleuthera.
The Prime Minister spoke of hundreds of new construction and permanent jobs for the island of Eleuthera that are expected from the three projects and construction of the new mini-hospital project, which is expected to break ground in the not too distant future.
(L-R) Mr. Franklyn Wilson, Principal, Eleuthera Properties; Former government Minister, Rev. Philip Bethel; Minister of State for Legal Affairs, Damian Gomez; and Lance Shaner, Developer)
He also excitedly recognized the presence of Mr. Franklyn Wilson and Mr. Thomas Sands, shareholders in Eleuthera Properties – who were now in the process of building a golf course, and he expressed he was looking forward to that investment contributing significantly to the economy of south Eleuthera.
Mr. Christie said to Eleuthera that he was, “Happy to announce, a brighter day, and the revival of the Eleuthera economy.” He noted that his government was continuing with other initiatives to attract more investors – to undertake additional resort ventures in other parts of this beautiful island. He also said he would, “Encourage local entrepreneurs, businesses and all those who provide the many services in support of the multi-faceted tourism product throughout the length and breadth of this island to fully embrace these new economic opportunities.”
He added, “Training and improvement of management and service levels, for which Eleutherans are highly regarded, will receive the governments highest attention.”
“We will work together to make the future even more glorious than the past,” an inspiring Prime Minister Christie said as he was closing.
Investors and Government officials at the ceremony (L-R) PM Perry Christie, Developer Lance Shaner, Mrs. Shaner, Tourism Min. Obie Wilcombe, Mr. Baltram Bethel, Mrs. Lauth, Developer Eddie Lauth.
Mr. Lance T. Shaner, the investor who is currently giving confidence to the long lingering project, is Chairman at Rex Energy Corp., Founder at Penntex Resources LP, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Shaner Hotel Group LP, Chairman at Shaner Corp., and Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Shaner Capital LLC.
He spoke briefly at the ceremony, saying he was invited to visit Eleuthera 10 years ago by the Lauths and fell in love with it.
He thanked the newly elected government of Mr. Christie for their partnership saying, “We would not be here, where we are, without their support.”
“We wanted to make things happen now, so we’ve put together the proper financial structure to begin this beautiful, beautiful resort.” The executive said they would be very good neighbours and wanted to do the right thing – hoping for the success they envision leading to futher investment in Eleuthera.
The Shaner Hotel Group, according to the Chairman, has 35 resorts, primarily in the United States and operates a resort in Italy. It is affiliated primarily with the Marriott Brand.
Tourism Minister Hon. Obie Wilcombe too lauded Governor’s Harbour, while reminding the audience that the last time this part (central) of Eleuthera showed tremendous promise, was when former Member of Parliament, Rev. Philip Bethel served in the Pindling Government – saying he led the way to the discussions on Eleuthera, the people, the land, the beauty, the opportunities…
Minister of Tourism (far left), Obediah Wilchcombe, lauds the historic career of former Cabinet Minister, Rev. Philip Bethel (2nd from right)
He welcomed the Shaners saying “We’re happy that you’re here.”
“We know that foreign direct investment has always been important”, and understand that, “tourism continues to be the lifeline of our country, thats why we’ve embraced and we’ve engaged.” He lauded his leader, saying he believed in the Bahamian people, in the culture and things that make Bahamians unique in the global community.
After the ceremony, principal with Bahamas Ferries Hotel Limited, former Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Brent Symonette, escorted Prime Minister Perry Christie to the Cocodimama Resort location near the Governor’s Harbour airport, where Mr. Symonette outlined the upcoming plans for the area, including the repositioning of the public beach access road, to make room for additional units near the beach.
In a brief interview, Mr. Symonette described the vision of the expanded Cocodimama as including additional units along the beach towards the airport and claiming additional area behind the current 12 room resort, with a view to adding at least 40 units
When asked when the principals in the expansion investment would be ready to move, Mr. Symonette, had no words, just a smile, which Prime Minister Christie acknowledged as meaning that they were ready now.
Former Deputy Prime Minister, Brent Symonette (center left) describes the vision of an expanded Cocodimama to Prime Minister Perry Christie (center right) and his colleagues.
