By DANA SMITH

Tribune Staff Reporter

dsmith@tribunemedia.net

PROMINENT United States film-maker Tyler Perry is “prepared to work” with the Bahamas in an effort to boost the country’s tourism industry and economy, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe said yesterday.

Mr Wilchcombe said he and Prime Minister Perry Christie met with the noted actor and director last week where Mr Perry “affirmed his friendship” with the Bahamas.

“He wants to work with us in ensuring that we can build a very sound, stable, and sustainable economy; and so, there will be subsequent meetings,” Mr Wilchcombe said.

“It was a very good meeting and obviously we are considering how best to use Mr Perry and how we can incorporate him in our marketing efforts, going forward.”

Mr Perry, who owns his own private cay in Exuma and has filmed in the country, is “prepared to do more” in the Bahamas which could prove beneficial to the country, the tourism minister explained.

“The Bahamas is now faced with having to grow our economy, rapidly, grow the tourism-based economy, rapidly – we have to grow our numbers, particularly we have to get a new markets in America – we got to go back,” Mr Wilchcombe said.

“For example, the ministry closed the office in Atlanta. We’re re-opening that because what you find in Atlanta, the African-Americans are doing extremely well and we want to get more boost from that area, more businesspersons from that area.

“So, we want people like Mr Perry to serve as a spokesman for our country... to encourage others to consider investing in the Bahamas, but also for tourists to come to spend time here to enjoy our nation.

“He is prepared to work with us and what he said, anything that he can, he is prepared to do to help the Bahamas. He considers us a second home.”

Mr Perry also gave updates to Mr Christie and Mr Wilchcombe on the status of his private cay.

“He informed us that his cay and the work that he has done there is near completion. He’s spent millions of dollars creating a getaway spot for himself that he can share with his friends,” Mr Wilchcombe said.

Mr Perry has built villas on the cay for his friends to stay in and is soon to have some “named people” visit to celebrate a “major birthday party,” Mr Wilchcombe added.

“He loves the country. He says that when he comes he has a sense that people see him as a part of them and he says he has a tremendous time here and loves the Bahamas and so he feels a part of this country.”