The Progressive Liberal is living up to its campaign promises to Grand Bahamians, Prime Minister Perry Christie said.

With the announcement of a 500-room hotel project in partnership with the tourism conglomerate Sunwing, Mr Christie said his pledge to dedicate himself to the revival of the island is now coming to fruition.

He said the project is in keeping with his government’s Charter for Governance, in which it pledged to give the “highest priority” to addressing the ailing economy of Grand Bahama, particularly the vital tourism industry that has been in a serious state of decline for several years.

“This state of affairs resulted in the closure of large and small hotels, failed resort projects, massive losses to hotel owners, losses of hundreds of jobs and much lower government revenues, with a multiplier effect on businesses and households throughout Grand Bahama,” Mr Christie said.

The government also promised in its Charter to appoint a Minister dedicated to Grand Bahama, a Minister of Tourism from Grand Bahama, and two Senators from the island to ensure these plans were realised.

These promises were also fulfilled, the government said.

He said meetings were held with Hutchison Whampoa, the largest investor in Grand Bahama led by Dr John Meredith, Mark Jack and their local management team, which led to the partnership agreement.