Eleutheran businessman, Mr. Stuart of The Bluff (center) being introduced to former Dep. Prime Minister, now investor, Brent Symonette by Prime Minister Perry Christie.

“A More Glorious Future”, is ahead of us here in Eleuthera, Prime Minister Christie declared at the official ground breaking ceremony for the French Leave project in Governor’s Harbour on Monday, November 26th, 2012.

The Prime Minister used the occasion of the restart of the project to highlight a number of initiatives currently on-going or about to begin on the island, that he said should result in an immediate increase in employment in the construction sector and related services, as well as have the potential for long term employment opportunities.

The projects highlighted are for the most part not new but are having new life breathed into them and are receiving the attention of the highest levels of government, who in the first half of the first year of their newly elected term, are determined to show that they are focused on development in Eleuthera.


Eleutheran contractor, Mr. Jason Thompson (left), with family members at his side during the groundbreaking ceremony.

The Projects:

  • French Leave – Phase 1 and 2 ($12 Million)
  • Mini Hospital – Estimations vary between $10 and $15 million  (NEW)
  • Cocodimama with Bahamas Ferries as partners – Increasing from 12 to 72 rooms
  • The new Cotton Bay – Announcements coming soon.
  • The Cove in Gregory Town – Opening soon.

The ‘chatter’ is appropriately reminding the audience of the historic place Eleuthera holds in the archipelago, the beauty of the land and people, the resourcefulness of the population who have had to endure economic difficulties in recent years, and the promise of the return of prosperous times.

French Leave’s Eddie Lauth, speaks about Governor’s Harbour with the sort of passion that one would like to see reflected in the planned development.

The Prime Minister, Perry Christie appears determined to foster economic growth here during his tenure.

The Member of Parliament for Central and South Eleuthera, Hon. Damian Gomez has been actively engaging the electorate and has not shied away, since being elected, from the promises he made during his campaign. At Monday’s ceremony he had the following brief message, “Eleuthera is officially opened for business and for private sector investment and construction.  This development marks a signal first step in our economic recovery.”  He continued, “It is hoped that this project’s success will signal a rebirth of our fortunes and the relaunching of our island as the premier destination in this part of the world.”

It all augurs well for the island, which has too long been languishing with a near stagnant population through repeated census takings, losing its youth to migration to New Providence and the US.