By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

MICHAEL Jordan, National Basketball Association legend, yesterday sang the praises of The Bahamas, a destination he has visited for the past 15 years, during a media tour of the luxury Baker’s Bay Golf and Ocean Club in Abaco.

The six-time NBA champion told the media that he loved this country and was impressed by the hospitality and the improvements that continue to take place each year that he returns.

Mr Jordan, who is also an avid golfer, was at Baker’s Bay where he spoke briefly with Prime Minister Perry Christie as he, several of his Cabinet ministers and other officials toured the development.

There are 48 complete high-end residences at the private resort community with an additional 35 currently under construction.

Baker’s Bay is a three-mile long bay on the island of Great Guana Cay.

“I’m always here (and) I spend a lot of time here,” Mr Jordan said. “I’ve been here 15 years at least and I love it. The people are always very nice to me (and) the hospitality is growing and improving each and every time I come back.

“I look for reasons to come back. I love it. I absolutely love it here. Someone told me about it and I’ve been here twice in the last three weeks. I like the low key (environment) and being able to let my hair down.”

Speaking during the tour, Mr Christie commended CEO and Chairman of Baker’s Bay Michael Meldman for his commitment to ensuring that the project progressed and on the high number of Bahamians he employs.

He said: “Discovery Land Company has prioritised employing and contracting Bahamians both in construction and operations. In fact Bahamians make up 94 per cent of all construction jobs and the vast majority of full time operational jobs. Employment is projected to expand from the current 796 construction and operational jobs to 911 by year end.”

Thirty-four Bahamian construction companies have been contracted with 27 of them being from Abaco.

Mr Christie said the government has also made a decision to limit the number of essential specialised work permit holders for the project. The property will maintain training and apprentice programmes to train Bahamians to ensure there are levels of proficiency.

In addition, Baker’s Bay is in the process of constructing a Bahamas Electricity Corporation Power Substation. It is at the developer’s cost and will supply the needs of Great Guana Cay.

Baker’s Bay officials plan to construct 90 additional residences in 2016 and 2017.